Kings 2009

 “And that's when they came, I felt a shadow above me. I looked up and saw a great swarm of butterflies and they circled around me like leaves in the storm. Floating, soft landing upon my head like a crown. A living crown, God's signal to begin.”

-Silas Benjamin

I hesitate to put these words on paper. Not because I'm adverse to doing so, the opposite is actually true. Though, Kings has occupied such a respected, and unencumbered space in my head since its original airing on NBC in 2009, that I do not think I have a proper perspective on the show. Though then again, the truth is the truth and far be it for me to stop it from coming out.
I am being a little hyperbolic there, but in all seriousness, Kings is one of the best TV shows. NBC had ever produced. That was probably its downfall. It cost them too much money to keep going. The show was canceled after 12 episodes. Though without exaggeration, these 12 episodes redefined what The phrase ‘biblical epic’ meant.
This show, which is a contemporary retelling of the biblical story of King David, was a lightning rod for its time. From its stellar cast to enthralling set design and direction, Kings still boggles my mind 15 years later. Its greatest strength is that it tells us a story about people, and not ancient statues. David has as many flaws as you or I do, and these flaws are not hidden behind masks or swept under the rug.

“I give my life to protect this family, I expect to lose it doing the same.”
Thomasina

“Why? We are all a bunch of conniving cowards hoarding over a dying carcass.”
Jack Benjamin

“At your worst. Yes… at your best, you bring Heaven closer to Earth.”
Thomasina

This may come as a surprise. Kings is much closer to Game Of Thrones, in its style and substance then you might expect. Albeit, a Game of Thrones that has a moral center, and is not focused on the denigration of the human experience. Though, The Chosen, Kings is not. It may be clearer to say that Kings is the story of David and Saul (Silas in this retelling) with all their human flaws in tow. A story of humanity at its best, and sometimes it's worst. Kings is a show built on the nature and flaws of humanity, though it never forgets that this story has a spiritual core. Rest assured, God's provenance is there throughout. It is the show's driving force.
Skill is the name of the game here when it comes to performance. Chris Egan as David is a model of loyalty and honor. A sense of honor that never falls into the trap in action. David is loyal to Silas because Silas is worthy of that loyalty. This is certainly aided by the fact that Ian McShane plays Silas with presence and power befitting his kingly station. When it comes down to it, these two actors portray their biblical counterparts so well, that their humanity comes alive in a whole new way.
That is the power and uniqueness of Kings. Creator Michael Green and his team are able to take a story we know so well, and express it in a way that conveys the humanity that lies behind power and honor. Without losing its God-centered core, Kings powerfully reinterprets the lives and flaws of two of history 's most iconic Kings.

Rated TV-14, for violence, sexual situations, brief nudity and language. Note: TV-14 is the TV equivalent of PG-13

I found the 12 episodes of Kings to be powerful, thought provoking and visually enthralling. I hope in some way you do too.

Fun fact #1: The first three episodes of the series are directed by Francis Lawrence who would go on to direct 4 Hunger Games films. I think this series is one of the major contributing factors for him getting directing duties on The Hunger Games films.

Fun fact #2: For all you video game fans out there. Francis Lawrence and Michael Green are teaming up again to direct and adapt a Bioshock movie for Netflix. I can't wait for that one.