It’s grim times in TVlandia for those who don’t have cable. If you’re hankering for some quality drama, check out “Kings.” The show has, unfortunately, been cancelled, but the final six or so episodes will be running starting this Sunday on NBC. You can catch up on the earlier ones online (and you should watch it from the beginning).
“Kings” is a show that is so perfectly to my taste it is almost a parody of my taste: an alternate-universe drama, heavy on the politics, based on the Hebrew Bible, done in Shakespearean style, starring the incomparable Ian McShane. Mr. Improbable didn’t even believe me when I told him about it.
If you’ve seen it, I’d be curious to hear what you think, so leave me a comment. I’ll blog more about the show later. I think some aspects of it work and some don’t, but it’s one of those artistic endeavors in which the failed elements are as intriguing as the successes.
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6 Comments to '“Kings” – the best show you’re not watching'
June 12, 2009
I watched the first two episodes on Hulu, and I did enjoy it.
Except…the only black person on the show is the spiritual advisor? Really? Don’t people realize how trite a stereotype the “magical negro” is by now?
June 12, 2009
Oh, but there’s also King Benjamin’s assistant! And his mistress is a woman of color, too. So people of color get to be represented by a preacher, a servant, and a concubine. I don’t know what they could possibly have to complain about.
Yeah. I wouldn’t exactly chalk this up in the “successful elements” column. Nor even in the “interesting failures,” because it’s the same old tired cliches we always see.
June 12, 2009
I like what you say about “Shakespearean style.” That captures an element that I have fumbled to try to communicate when I tell people about the show. And thanks for the heads-up on the NBC site: I thought Hulu was the only option.
June 12, 2009
[...] Robin Abrahams makes me aware that you can also catch full episodes on NBC’s site until September 20. Thanks, [...]
June 15, 2009
Do you know the “Lovejoy” series, with McShane (much younger) as a gifted, slightly shady antiques dealer? Broad Brit comedy, nothing like “Kings” or “Deadwood,” but my husband and I found it irresistible.
June 18, 2009
I do want to watch that show, Jan. I think it would be very strange to hear McShane in his native accent after seeing him play an American in two shows!
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