KINGS: A Mission to Save the Kingdom
March 22, 2009 by Mattie B.
Move over Silas, there’s a new King in town. Please allow me to officially welcome King Mattie B to Team GMMR. Mattie B. will be taking over the reigns (get it reign, reigns…no? ok) on providing the weekly review of NBC’s newest drama, KINGS. I had hoped to take on this show myself but with THE AMAZING RACE and BROTHER & SISTERS, my Sunday nights are already pretty busy. I’ll be chiming and contributing to the discussion along with all you in the comments.
KINGS premiered last week to mixed reviews and less than stellar ratings, but having seen the first four episodes I’m encouraging you to stick with it. It’s far from perfect but it’s risky and different enough that my the end of the fourth episode I found myself completely enthralled by the story.
If you missed last week’s premiere you can watch it below. When you’re done read Mattie’s take on the first episode. Be sure to watch a new episode of KINGS at 8pm tonight on NBC and then come back tomorrow to read Mattie’s take and share your opinion on this new show.
Please be sure to kindly welcome Matt to GMMR.
Watch last week’s premiere of KINGS right here on GMMR.
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Last Sunday, for those of you who missed it (which, given the ratings, is the majority), was the premiere of “Kings” on NBC. The story is set in the fictional kingdom of Gilboa, which is ruled by King Silas (played impeccably by Ian McShane of “Deadwood” fame). The recently unified Gilboa is at war with is neighbor, Gath. The war, while a burden on its people is deepy rooted in a powerful political game. But when a young soldier named David Shepherd crosses into the enemy’s war zone to free fellow soldier’s being held hostage he becomes a national hero. When it’s revealed that one of the hostages rescued is the son of King Silas, young David Shepherd is thrust into the middle of a different kind of war, one that brings his great gifts at a great price.
The show-runners I think did a very good job of setting up this alternate universe, complete with a military and socialites and a cool looking city. Granted the city is really just NYC with a few extra buildings CGI’d in, and apparently there are just no commoners on the street near the palace, but that is forgivable because you can see they gave serious thought to how this society should function.
KINGS has a multi-layered plots that involve various characters in the most interesting ways. Subplots include an illegitimate heir to the thrown, a crown prince with a secret, and a plot by the King’s brother-in-law to stay in power whatever the cost. As with any good soap opera each plot is interwoven into the main plot, and we can already see these things having ramifications on the main characters.
The actors are doing very well with the material they have been given, especially Silas and Jack. Specifically I thought the scene with Jack confronting his fathers on the step of that pretty glass building was really interesting to watch. You can see fear, shock, shame, and a touch of hatred all play across Jack’s face as Silas tells him exactly how a King should act. I know that some people have commented that they think Jack is just a stereotypical villain, but I think anyone would be a little twisted after being put under that kind of pressure. I’m giving his character some time to develop.
I’m giving all the characters a chance, actually, because I think they were all victims of my one complaint of the premiere: lack of subtlety. The imagery with David was rather heavy-handed, especially the final scene of the episode. I got so excited when the butterfly landed on his finger and a few were flying overhead, as I thought “Oh, they’re hinting that he’s the destined king!” Then the hinting stopped and the brick with the crude ransom note was thrown through the scene. That small degree of subtlety could have had everyone blogging the next week about the significance of a flying bug, but now all we can say is “So, how about that piano.” I think David’s character suffered from this lack of subtlety the most, because he became a huge farm-bred-pure-but-not-perfect cliche. Every scene he was in, especially with the princess, made me want to fast forward to the next Silas scene. I am willing to forgive them these missteps, though, because it was the premiere and they were eager to set up the show for the rest of the season. If it continues though, you’ll hear about it.
I wasn’t knocked off my feet by the premier, but I’m very intrigued to see where it goes next. I get the distinct impression this is a series that has to warm up a little bit before it becomes fantastic. I’m actually on a personal crusade to make sure this show lasts for a couple months, because something this new and original and complex needs time to grow and develop an audience. So please watch tonight’s episode and lets try and get those numbers up! And if that doesn’t work lets think of what random yet slightly amusing item we can send to NBC en masse. My vote is on origami butterflies.
Did you like KINGS? What’s working for you and where do you think the show needs help? Did you watch or are you abstaining from voicing you opinion because you were one of the millions watching Desperate Housewives and The Amazing Race? Leave a comment and let me know.
Mattie B lives near Washington, DC. He wishes his parents were as cool as Sydney Bristow’s.
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I watched it and absolutely LOVED…yes it was not very subtle. But it needs the space to grow just like you’re saying. I think that of course all the Silas scenes were incredible (Ian McShane is GOD). Sebastian Stan (Jack) did an incredible job portraying all those emotions just in his face (thank god no “dawson” crying).
It was just very epic & movie-like the way the pilot was shot. Yes there were instances where the CGI was so obvious but they were able to draw me away to focus back on the characters.
I was able to get be drawn in without ever having read the bible story. Awesome overall…can’t wait for tonight and yes I’m all for sending origami butterflies. I am ready to like you, fight to keep this show on for longer!!!
I’ve watched the premiere twice now; as I was distracted the first time and didn’t think I’ve given it a fair shot. I loved it during the second viewing. It was original and poignant; and I loved the dialogue; David’s scene by his brother’s bedside and on the battleground afterwards were so moving. “Be Brave Now”…. gave me shivers.
Man, I LOVED this show. As soon as I finished the pilot, I set up my series recording. I suppose it’s not real subtle, but I still feel like it’s awesome in all of its Biblical-mafia-Shakespearean glory. This last episode was great too–I think they’re gearing up for an epic season. Best new show I’ve seen in a long time.
What I love most about this show is that it dares to be different, as opposed to using the tired old formulas and repackaging them for mass consumption. It’s the same way I felt about 24 when that show first premiered. Kings is an EPIC show, in the true sense of the word, and I appreciate the earnest, mostly successful attempt to engage its audience, as opposed to pandering to it. Despite the myriad questionable decisions of TPTB over at NBC, Kings follows in the tradition of Friday Night Lights and 30 Rock. I can only hope that they give it similar space to grow and find its audience.
The show isn’t a home run. I feel like the producers have bit off more than they could chew. In addition to the complex mythology of the fictional kingdoms and monarchy, the events had to be portrayed as second nature to the characters while making sure the audience knew what was going on. They were not quite successful there. And yes, it wasn’t subtle, but too much subtlety would have flown right over most of the audience’s collective head.
I did like KINGS. It feels like modern Shakespeare to me. Not perfect, but I will keep watching it for now. Looking forward to seeing where they can take it and the unique ways they intertwine the modern with such a grand old tale.
Everyone keeps mentioning the Epic-ness of the show, which I love but somehow have failed to mention in two reviews. I like that there are countries fighting here, not siblings. And I agree with Marc that I hope NBC gives KINGS a chance to gain an audience. I don’t understand how all these people that see it aren’t telling everyone they know and critical acclaim isn’t building.
Sunday is such a bad match for it I think. It’s way too different than everything else that’s on, all of which has been on for years. Extreme Makeover Home Edition, The Amazing Race, and the Fox comedies have all been on for a serious amount of time, and it’s not easy for such a new and edgy show to just jump in here. I really think Thursdays would have been a better match.
Kings was incredible. I had the lowest of expectations. A show based on a biblical story? No way ti could be good. I checked it out only because some friends were raving abut it. I was top notch and I have to say it is about time. The writing, direction, acting, cinematography, musical score… and the list goes on. I found little to be disappointed in. Some of the negative viewpoints I heard were pointed towards what was described to me (before watching the show) as Elizabethan banter. One gentleman even humanized the show for me, saying it couldn’t make up its mind if it wanted to live in current day America or the Elizabethan era.
Contrastingly, I found that particular aspect refreshing. For one, it allows the show to have its own personality. As a viewer, I was not sure if the show was taking pace on our earth, so it is easy to allow it some freedoms in its comparison to current political persona that I would not normally. It also leaves you with a sense of anticipation. The culture is a little like ours in America… but not quite. It is a monarchy with a communistic bent. This does not allow you to anticipate what will happen next. It takes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to live in a world where anything goes.
I was on the edge of my seat and I very much look forward to seeing how this plays out. I will be terribly disappointed if the show is canceled.
I am not a science-fiction fan. No. Yet, I was drawn into the reimagining of Battlestar Gallactica in much the same way. I am not a huge fan of biblical retellings, and this show has me deeply hooked.
I didn’t originally catch the season premiere of Kings, but caught the second episode, and fell in love! I’ve since caught up on all aired episodes, and can’t wait for more! I used to be a big “Heroes” fan, but have recently found it to be resembling a soap opera story line. Kings is a great new idea, and different from anything else on T.V. these days. I would hate to see it go! Sign me up to save this series!