I seem to have spent a goodly portion of the last two decades watching Ian McShane, whether he was playing an amiable antiques dealer in the BBC dramedy Lovejoy, a demonic whoremaster in HBO’s horse opera Deadwood or a deranged paterfamilias in the recent Broadway revival of Harold Pinter’s The Homecoming. Actually, it’s safe to say that I’ll watch the routinely awesome British thesp in pretty much anything. The main problem with Kings—which finds McShane portraying, with his usual reptilian brilliance, the monarch of an imaginary but America-like country named Gilboa—is that I’m sure what kind of "thing" I’m watching him in.
The two-hour series premiere, which was directed by I Am Legend helmer Francis Lawrence, had a God-ish bent. The plot was inspired by the story of David and Goliath with McShane’s young co-star Christopher Egan playing a soldier named David who blows up an enemy country’s “Goliath” tank while rescuing the king’s son. Eamon Walker from Oz, meanwhile, essays a priest who seems to represent the conscience of the morally dubious McShane. But you wouldn’t say Kings was a religious show. Nor is it really a political satire, despite the presence of a somewhat Dick Cheney-esque character—played by Dylan Baker—who is desperate for Gilboa to remain at war for financial reasons. Maybe what Kings creator—and Heroes writer—Michael Green was shooting for is a sort of alternative reality Sopranos and, certainly, this premiere had both fatalities and familial intrigue. But one wonders if network restrictions might put off fans of David Chase’s far bloodier, far more foul-mouthed mob drama or, indeed, those of the equally adult entertainment that was Deadwood.
So, Popwatchers, am I just being dim? Have you figured out what kind of show Kings is supposed to be? Or, if not, will you be sticking around to find out?
Yeah, it’s a Battlestar Galactica-style take on the alternate universe, with a storyline loosely based on the Biblical story of David and Goliath. That’s not to say the show is religious, or takes a religious approach. In fact, it does not. All the characters have light and dark (in different proportions) – the King is dark and more than a little danagerous, the Prince and heir apparent is gay, persenting liely problems for ascending the throne, and opening the door for a golden boy, David. It’s a slightly soapy drama, with a pretty stunning cast of great actors.
I watched the premiere and I was entertained throughout the two hours. I was pretty intrigued by the concept and the way it played out in tonight’s episode, so I think I’ll be tuning back in next week.
SLIDERS* It’s a Sliders episode turn into a series. So that’s the only reason why I watch it because of it’s sci-fi’ish feel to it.
This story line seems to follow what will be a remake of the Saul, David story from the bible.
Yeah, this is worth watching. Decent characters, well portrayed, with a interesting story. I set my DVR to record the series.
Being a big David/Jonathan fanboy (waiting for Michael Green’s promise that Jack isn’t just a scheming queen and that the Biblical love story plays out) I know exactly what story this is. But I don’t think that’s what you’re asking. You seem to be asking “Into what compartment can I place this show so as to know what I should expect and how to evaluate it?” Which is kind of sad, wouldn’t you say?
I loved the series premiere. I’m defintely hoping for at least 12 million viewers from last night. That would be enough for it to stick around for a while. I can’t believe Chris Egan became well versed in acting from Eragon to Kings. He was very, very entertaining to watch
Tim—what you just described, is exactly what’s in the Bible, and what religion is about: the light and dark and how you deal with it. Or don’t.
It seems to have something grander in mind than simple soap–family drama at a mythic level against a fascinating backdrop. I loved it, so its certain to get cancelled.
Wow, what an excellent pilot. Strong writing, interesting characters, and a story that plays itself on both a personal/family backdrop as well as a national one.
As to your question Mr. Collis, this was a pilot to a series, and a very strong one at that. Wherever it wants to lead, they’ve made a fan tonight, and I will certainly follow.
This is a show that is loosely based on the Book of Samuel in the Old Testament. Although I have not seen it yet, its been tivo’ed, I am looking forward to a show that has a biblical tilt to it….even a little. Ian McShane is a fantastic actor and I am hoping he is as great as he has been in other roles.
firstoff the priest doesnt represent his conciesne it represents samuel secondly I loved the show and will definitly stik around
You said:
The main problem with Kings— … —is that I’m sure what kind of “thing” I’m watching him in.
I think you clearly meant “I’m NOT sure”.
I loved it. In large part because it’s so different from other TV shows. I’m just bored to tears by the endless array of reality series and cookie-cutter procedurals.
I thought the show was amazing, an updated version of the book of Kings…innovative and just good drama…that book is great for TV not just in purely religious bent but just for great storytelling!