Recently, I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at NBC’s 2-hour premier of “Kings“–a new television series that begins on March 15th. “Kings” is not only epic in feel and style, but its storyline takes up an epic of Biblical proportions: a retelling of the life of King David. The series begins with the classic “David and Goliath” standoff and reaches forward toward the soap-opera-like life of David (and company) that follows this event, with writer/producer Michael Green (of “Heroes”) giving this ancient story a post-apocalyptic, futuristic, urban feel.
This show will surely rival “Battlestar Galactica” in terms of its layered, religious themes. Though, as “Battlestar” plays with polytheism vs. monotheism, and religious innovation beyond most of our imaginations, “Kings” is sticking pretty closely to the Old Testament stories since, according to Green, the story of David provides enough material to shape at least several seasons of excellent television.
So not only did I love what I saw–I left the premier wishing to watch it again, and determining that I was committed to the entire first season already–but the cast is fantastic both on screen and in person, too. Though I’m saving my official review of the premiere for the week it airs, I thought I’d comment briefly on the panel following the premier screening, led by Michael Green, which included Susanna Thompson (Queen Rose Benjamin), Allison Miller (Michelle Benjamin), Eamonn Walker (Reverend Ephram Samuels), and a hilarious Dylan Baker (William Cross, King Silas’ brother-in-law).
The upshot of the discussion–in addition to many, many laughs provided by Baker who, incidentally, plays the villain in the series–was that viewers interesting in themes of faith, divine right, religious monarchy, miracles, etc., etc., are going to be served up a veritable feast with this new series. Green is not at all shy about reveling in the kind of drama his show’s religious roots has to offer and I’m betting viewers are going to be pleased–whether they are looking for romance, war, fantasy, or courtly (and therefore highly political) drama. Plus, we found out Macaulay Culkin is joining the cast mid-season.
More soon on “Kings.”
posted February 24, 2009 at 10:49 am
I greatly appreciate your preview of this series. I was rather ambivalent about it – having lost interest years ago in miniseries. However, knowing that the story arch of King David makes up this summer’s OT cycle in the common lectionary, I am quite a it more intrigued. I will likely record the shows for later reference and group viewing. I hope they live up to your ecpectations.
By the way, for those who are anticipating the David story this summer, I also recommend the oratorio “King David” composed by Alan menken and Tim Rice, commissioned by Disney (following the success of another studio’s success with “the Prince of Egypt”). It has been perfomed only a few times and is available on CD, though it is difficult to find. The music is tremendous and I hope Disney will encourage a larger performance, and perhaps even a film using this work.
posted February 25, 2009 at 11:33 am
Check out the website for this show at nbc.com/Kings/ They have created all sorts of very clever ways to augment the story. It is very much as if Saul and David and Jonathan were our contemporaries. What makes it all the more fun is they are using both faux-news as well as faux-entertainment sites. If the show is half as well done as the website it may be a classic!
posted August 25, 2009 at 1:23 am
WOW !! What a show. My Husband and I keep wanting more every week. The funny thing is, I just found out reading this article that it is about King David of the Bible. The cast is exceptional and the storyline is very unpredictable. Let’s keep this show on forever !!