This past Sunday, NBC aired the first episode of their new series Kings. It tells the tale of the kingdom of Gilboa, pulled together from beaten and broken territories after the Unification War and built over the course of a generation into one of the most powerful and prosperous kingdoms in the land.
But all is not well–there are tensions escalating to the north and dissent within the halls of government. Even the royal family has agendas and secrets that may threaten the kingdom. Among the rustlings of change, a new face emerges, fresh from the front lines with a nearly unbelievable faith in his king. Will this new David become the leader of the people? Or will his mere presence seal the fate of King Silas?
Sounds like a good period piece, doesn’t it? It is–except that the “period” in question is more or less right now. This is the modern world we’re dealing with, complete with tanks, HDTV and a world-wide news network watching the move of everyone around any royal family.
Don’t let the modern trappings fool you, this show is full of all the classic intrigue, myth, and heroics that you’d expect from any classical story of a king and his kingdom. The show creators have spared no expense in making this world lush, both visually and culturally. It has a depth and an historic sweep that few shows I’ve ever seen have been able to touch.
Perhaps most importantly, the writing and acting are top notch. Ian McShane as King Silas delivers what would almost be corny dialog with a panache and regality that’s easy to buy into. Chris Egan as David Shepherd glides though the battlefield and halls of government with a genuine honesty and naivite that, in less capable hands, would be downright unbelievable. Every bit of the cast is just as talented.
Without a doubt, this premire is the best two hours of television I’ve seen in a while. If the quality sticks, the story it tells in its first season will be epic and on par with any of the literary classics on similar subjects–part King Arthur, part MacBeth, and, perhaps, part Bonfire of the Vanities, Kings is something special that should be seen. (Watch a Clip)
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