17 Apr 2009
Please watch Kings, because I have the Fear.
The new form of the modern American serial has become a favourite genre of mine.
Take The Wire and Deadwood; arguably the two best stories told this decade. Far exceeding what’s being done in cinemas.
And now there is Kings. That’s the promo trailer at the top.
It’s the tale of King David in a modern setting. Think Titus. Think Romeo and Juliet.
If you loved watching Ian McShane orate in Deadwood, you want to watch this show. Because he is brilliant as King Saul.
Why am I begging you?
Because it’s on network television, and these guys are notoriously fickle. They seem determined to cancel any show I find decent.
Take the curse of Rome. We spend two seasons getting to love Kevin McKidd and Ray Stevenson on a high-quality cable show. Then they migrate to network TV.
McKidd’s debut Journeyman lasts just a few episodes before being dumped, and now he’s on Grey’s Anatomy. C’mon, that’s just mean!
And Stevenson? Well his pilot, the zombie comedy Babylon Fields, didn’t even get picked up. But it’s well worth searching out, if you can find it. ;)
Do you see now? Kings, tell your friends! Because something this good can’t last unless it rates through the roof; and I want to keep watching.
