New NBC prime-time show has ‘potential’
March 17, 2009
This is no fairy tale, but it does involve a king and the kingdom he rules.
There has been much hype about NBC’s new prime-time show “Kings,” especially since its executive producer, Michael Green, was also the executive producer of “Heroes.” For a while now, NBC has been promoting this show, with probable hopes of gaining more viewers during Sweeps Month.
The show is based off the biblical story of David and Goliath. For those who are not very religious-minded or have never read the story; do not fear. Although the show’s premise deals with religion and God is mentioned several times throughout the show, the comments are not condescending or forced in any way.
The kingdom of Gilboa has recently erected its new capital in a city called Shiloh. The ruler of the land is King Silas Benjamin (Ian McShane). Benjamin said he received his power from God, but his adversaries beg to differ. Although the king is well respected by his people, their kingdom has been plagued with a long-time war with the neighboring land of Gath.
The other main character in the show is a regular nobody by the name of David Shepherd (Chris Egan). While fighting in the war against Gath alongside his brother, Shepherd decides to go against direct orders in order to rescue a few hostages. Once he succeeds, he finds out that he unknowingly rescued the king’s son.
The king feels he must repay the humble man; however, Shepherd wants nothing more than to spend time with the king’s feisty daughter Michelle. Soon after Shepherd makes some rash decisions, King Benjamin realizes that he can use the man as a spokesperson.
As with any drama, “Kings” is filled with conflict, lust, greed and lies. The two-hour-long pilot episode was enticing but not as intense as the hype would lead you to believe. The ending was not very surprising, but it provided the extra push that some viewers may have needed when deciding whether to tune in next week.
Disappointments aside, there is no doubt that “Kings” has the potential to captivate its audience. After a couple episodes, this show is sure to have viewers begging for another episode.
“Kings” airs on NBC on Sundays at 7 p.m.