We're all for tolerance and respect, but at least one religious group needs to take a deep breath and realize that even gods are fair game in popular entertainment.

The Nevada-based Universal Society of Hinduism is railing against Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. for an offhand remark in this week's episode, in which Skye (Chloe Bennet) insinuates that the Hindu god Vishnu might be an alien. As fans of the comics and movies know, the Norse gods of Asgard - including Thor - are a race of human-like, superpowered aliens in the Marvel universe, so it makes sense they might not be alone.

This doesn't sit well with Universal Society of Hinduism president Rajan Zed, who is calling upon ABC to post information about Vishnu and Hinduism on its website. "Television and Hollywood should be more conscious while handling faith-related subjects, as television and cinema were very mighty mediums and these could create stereotypes in the minds of some audiences," Zed said in a statement, as reported by TheWrap.com.

Thing is, the Universal Society of Hinduism is pretty much just this one guy, who regularly seeks media attention when Hindu gods pop up in entertainment (particularly video games - my own inbox contains half a dozen press releases from the society, protesting the depiction of Vishnu, Kali and other Hindu deities in games).

From Jesus Christ being portrayed as an insecure party hound in A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas to South Park setting its sights on Islam, Mormonism and just about every other major religion, movies and TV shows regularly take swipes at faith.

It's not out of disrespect - at least, not usually - but often just a reminder that we needn't take ourselves too seriously. In this world, or in the next.

NAPOLEONIC WAR?: A short series about a short emperor? It looks like the long-in-gestation miniseries based on the life of Napoleon Bonaparte is gaining momentum. Steven Spielberg revealed at this year's Cannes Film Festival that he's planning to turn an unproduced 1961 Stanley Kubrick script about Napoleon into a miniseries, and now Baz Luhrmann (The Great Gatsby) is being eyed to direct the series, which would find its home on HBO. Seems like a great fit on all counts, but they'd better hurry - Rupert Sanders (Snow White and the Huntsmen) has signed on to direct an upcoming feature film about Napoleon's life.

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THROW THEM A BONE: Fans of Family Guy aren't about to roll over and play dead. After creator Seth MacFarlane killed off the beloved Griffin family pet Brian in Sunday's episode, fans of the show have taken to the Internet to howl in disapproval, with more than 130,000 signatures on an online petition at BriansAnnouncement.com demanding that the character be brought back.

But let's be real, it's very unlikely Brian's death is permanent.

Aside from Brian being one of the most popular characters on the show, the Griffins' replacement dog, Vinnie, is voiced by Sopranos actor Tony Sirico, but Sirico has only been signed on for six episodes. As well, Brian seems to appear in the description of at least a couple of future episodes. This is most likely just a stunt to revive interest in a series that's now well past its prime.

steve.tilley@sunmedia.ca