Another David and Goliath

I resisted as long as possible, but I finally watched "Kings".  I knew it was created by one of the top writers and co-executive producers of "Heroes" (which we all know I love) and I really didn't want another hour long show to keep up with.  However, today I went to Hulu.com and watched the pilot episode.

It was pretty good for a pilot.  Very long, because they released it as a movie to kick off the show.  I was astonished at the sets and all the cash I could see that had gone into this pilot.  Check out the "Heroes" pilot.  It was also an ambitious show, but you could see the tight purse strings on the pilot.  I really like Chris Egan who plays David.  He is one of many actors NBC has hired from other countries to play Americans.  I wonder why?  Does Australia and England have superior television actors?  Anyway, his scenes were very moving and I love his portrayal of David so far, very midwestern.  So far, the other actors are also impressive.  The show is filled with "where have I seen this guy before" actors.  Eamonn Walker as Reverend Samuels is also a powerful presence on the screen.  I look forward to seeing more of him.

I'm not so sure about the premise of the show.  Usually when someone rips off the David and Goliath story, they're not so blunt about it.  This show is the re-telling of the Biblical story in a modern time.  I'll have to re-read the Biblical account to see how closely they stick with the story.  Some nods I've noticed beyond the basic plot line and character names:  David's harp is an antique piano, the Court Historian records history as the King sees fit in a very poetic and Biblical language, and they even manage to throw in the controversial topic of Jonathan's sexuality.

The show reminds me of another NBC show, "The West Wing":  well written, political, and visually dramatic.  I don't think this show will last as long as that one did.  We'll see if NBC gives the show another year, but I'm afraid the curse of the peacock has killed yet another show.  It'll be fun while it lasts, though.  Check it out.