‘Brisco County’ Is a Family-Oriented Series

In regard to the article “Fox Tops Tally of Violence on Major TV Networks” (Part A, Dec. 18), it was incorrect for your headline to say that Sen. Byron L. Dorgan’s “study . . . lists ‘Brisco County’ as bloodiest series.”

In fact, the press release from the Democratic senator from North Dakota made no mention of blood, and, in the 20 hours of “Brisco County” produced so far, blood has appeared only once, in one scene, in one episode.

More important, the senator’s study seems terribly misleading. It appears his researchers simply tallied the number of so-called “violent acts” (not clearly defined in either the senator’s press release or your article) in each show, then totaled them, without any regard for the context in which they occurred. For instance, during the survey week, our “Brisco” episode featured a boxing match. The senator’s researchers must have counted every last punch, jab and parry for us to supersede “Beverly Hills Cop” and appear at the top of his survey list.

Those who have viewed the action in “Brisco County” in the context of the overall program--a tongue-in-cheek, comedic, action Western--include “TV Guide,” which ranked the show right behind “Roseanne” in their fall survey of the best family shows on television. “Family Life” magazine put us at the top of its list of quality programs on network television for children.

As a writer and producer, I take great pride in “Brisco County” and am very concerned about its content. My wife is a teacher, and I am a father of two. I carefully evaluate each and every scene within the framework of my own moral standards. Simply put, those standards do not allow material in the show that is not suitable for my 4-year-old son to view.

*

In addition, I, along with all the writers, work hard at creating a strong moral context for the action that does occur in the show.

I read all the viewer letters sent in to the show, the studio, the network and even the Fox affiliates. The overwhelming majority praise “Brisco County” for being a show that the entire family can watch together.

After 15 original airings, I have not received one single letter criticizing the show on the grounds of violence or violent content.