"Kings" is set in an alternate-reality version of today; that is, the societies depicted have technology, architecture, and fashion indistinguishable from modern Western nations, but the states themselves (Gilboa and Gath) are fictional. The storyline takes its basic shape from the Biblical story of the rise of King David, echoing many of the names and narrative functions of characters from the ancient text. This is not a retelling: it's a reuse of structure. However, I don't think anything was made of this potential."Kings" is a good-looking show: most of its elements, taken individually, are very competently executed. Sets, costumes, and photography are all lovely, and the performances are convincing and sincere. However, compared to its source material, "Kings" is astonishingly tame and bland. Fatally, when the character of the King is so very toned down, it's not clear what the point is. Even regarded on its own terms, the stakes seem so very small and soap-operaesque. The battle sequences in the pilot episode are a microcosm of this: ludicrous in their tiny scale and nonsensical action. Armies are represented by half-a-dozen guys per side, deployed a couple of hundred metres apart. Imagine a low-budget 1970s BBC historical drama, but with state-of-the-art visuals.The theme of leadership going bad and questions of holding and losing the mandate to rule are timeless and powerful. It's astonishing to me how little "Kings" managed to do with this.

i first watched the show based on my favourite actor mr.mcshane and his uncanny method acting that not only gives u the feel of realism but portrays the kind of depth and passion in characters that u would never know had "that much" depth and passion lol . the show takes the culture and perspective of a medieval period piece with a biblical background set in modern day, as if another version of our world that in so many ways is similar but shows a more solidified belief in catholicism with the notion that kings are actually chosen by god and can in ways communicate also ,,, the kingdom style of government is very interesting and yet also very probable lol ,,if there was anyone ,,,and i mean anyone that could portrait the king of this biblical yet thrivelous world its ian mcshane ! ,,, it seems almost as if he carries his own personal dialogue writer or writes his own lines just by the way he twists and adds tweaks to make what he says and means usually the opposite ,, but still pulled off in that likable way that makes u think wow ,,, hes god lol ,,, the level of intellect and thought that every character mcshane plays is off the charts making him hands down the best actor iv ever seen ,,, the show itself ,,,can be complex to the less focused but is very easy to follow wen the interest is there ,,, the combination of character depth followed by my favourite cliché of absolutely no clichés amazes me ,,, the show takes u deep into the conflict of the countries facing war and even wen ur only given scenes of surface value your still getting the info u need to keep following ,,, the plot organization is done extremely well ,, and once again king silas (ian mcshane) gives u that wonder of who he really is, good or bad , both ,, or maybe even innocent , maybe even the devil himself..as if he can be a story in his self ,,as for the show, intelligent ,, authentic,, draws u in with the side stories and that constant curiosity of the fanatical notion behind the signs of god who he himself is setting a plot story u have to really pay attention to find ,,, awesome show ,,, ian mcshane is television gold watch anything hes in aha ,,,, if u wanna see him play a even more exciting interesting character watch DEADWOOD ! ,,, pce

From start to finish, The entire cast, the story, the script and the plot. I was gripped from the opening to the ending. I love "Damages" and I loved this equally.I was so impressed by this series that I will be looking up the writers to see what else has come from the same pen.Its writing at it's best. Can it get any better than this? Once you get used to the diction you are hooked.A welcome surprise to see Macaulay Culkin return to our screens. Ian McShane is AWESOME!. I must look up his last series. What a presence! I hope who ever reads this enjoys this show as much as I did. Well done to everyone involved.

This was a great series and I have no idea why networks are pulling shows before they even get started. Kings was original and captivating. The acting was good and the script well written. NBC had canceled this show before it could even get it's feet off of the ground. I don't know where they are getting their information from but maybe it is time they look into a new form of receiving viewer input.It has been said that this series was based on the Bible story of David and Goliath. Sure that is possible but if you aren't a believer you wouldn't even notice. The modern day stance on a monarchy is truly unique. Especially if it isn't set in the UK. If you get a chance, check this series out.