Kings "Prosperity" 3/22/2009

[appleye1]

Another good episode. I really like this show, and actually wanted to watch it before watching the Amazing Race (which was fortunate since TAR was delayed tonight.) Of course the more I like something the greater the chance it will die a quick death.

Major chills when David was saved from sniper's bullet.

[jschuur]

I delayed watching the second half of last Sunday's double episode until earlier today because I thought the show got off to a slow start and I couldn't muster the interest to finish it. Once some of the layers of intrigue became more apparent in episode two though, I couldn't wait to see tonight's. This show has me hooked now.

If you're still confused about some of the back story, I found this fan wiki entry on Gilboa (http://www.kingswiki.com/index.php/Gilboa) useful.

Any guesses what Michelle's secret might be?

There's a glimmer of hope that NBC hasn't been discouraged by the abysmal pilot ratings from last weekend. NBC's Ben Silverman is 'proud of the show (http://www.thrfeed.com/2009/03/ben-silverman-on-obama-leno-and-kings-.html)' and wants to continue taking chances like they did with it.

[atrac]

VERY pleased with this show. It's now one of my must see series! I, too, got chills when David was saved from the sniper. NICE!!!!!

I was also quite surprised and thrilled to see Brian Cox in this!

[Graymalkin]

I know I complained bitterly about the improbabilities of hereditary kings in a modern world and the vague backstory of Gilboa and Shiloh and Gath and all that. I'm not sure why this show annoyed me so much when there are plenty of other, even more fantastic shows that I've liked. So I decided to relax, sit back, use a really big crane to suspend my disbelief, and treat it like a fantasy soap opera.

And by doing that, I enjoyed last night's episode. :D

I think I'll keep the SP for now. I just hope that the producers and writers know where they're going with this storyline, although I know network TV too well for that to be more than wishful thinking.

[Rob Helmerichs]

I'm lovin' it. This is just wonderful stuff. The Biblical allegory storytelling style wrapped in modern imagery really works for me (although I can see where it would be offsetting to some people...maybe a lot).

And it's just gorgeous...maybe the best-looking show on television, certainly right up there with Lost.

Plus it's on NBC, the only network I trust to regularly air their Sunday night shows on time. Aside from ABC. And Fox.

[cheesesteak]

This was a fantastic episode. I'd watch Ian McShane read a grocery list.

[mrmike]

This was a fantastic episode. I'd watch Ian McShane read a grocery list.

+1

The slightly stylized delivery and phrasing in this venue (and in Deadwood, for that matter) works particularly well for him, but even in Lovejoy he was a joy to watch and listen to.

[ElJay]

I liked this a lot. I do hope it ventures beyond war dealings, whether it be on the battlefield or in the treaty room.

Gath seriously needs to update their official vehicle. An old S-Class? Really?! I suppose in this world we're supposed to equate that with a Rolls Royce. :o

[Bob Coxner]

For those unfamiliar with Lovejoy. It's a younger McShane at his best.

http://www.amazon.com/Lovejoy-Complete-Season-Ian-McShane/dp/B000NJXG8Q/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1237860789&sr=8-1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lovejoy

[MickeS]

I'm lovin' it. This is just wonderful stuff. The Biblical allegory storytelling style wrapped in modern imagery really works for me (although I can see where it would be offsetting to some people...maybe a lot).

I think of it as a "Lord of the rings" type fantasy set in modern times. A world like ours, but not quite. :)

I agree that this was a great continuation of the good start in the first episode. Hopefully they will branch out to more non-war political dealings too.

[BobB]

Major chills when David was saved from sniper's bullet.

None whatsoever here, it was telegraphed from a mile away. As we saw in the "butterfly crown" scene, this world has an active deity and (s)he has big plans for our little David. There was never a moment's doubt that he would remain unharmed. And did you notice how the bird that took the bullet for him came back to life and flew away after he picked it up? VERY big plans indeed!

I'm enjoying this show enough to keep the SP, but it's just a comic book with decent acting. And, of course, Ian McShane.

[TIVO_GUY_HERE]

Man I wish people would watch good shows. The ratings for this stunk. Are we here on TCF, only ones with good taste??

[BobB]

Man I wish people would watch good shows. The ratings for this stunk. Are we here on TCF, only ones with good taste??

Hey, even out here look how many people are taking part in this thread compared to, say, the one for Lost. (And no Lost spoilers here, please - I'm still in the middle of Season 2).

[SeanC]

I'm loving what I've seen so far. I'll be very unhappy when they cancel it (I don't have any information on this, just going by what people are saying about the ratings).

[appleye1]

None whatsoever here, it was telegraphed from a mile away.Well, of course it was expected, since David is a major character, and this is only the third hour of the show. I don't think anyone is saying it wasn't expected, only that it was a "wow" moment. The sequence was very well written.

[Dancar]

Some found the first episode a bit disjointed & confusing. It looked to me that there was maybe 2 1/2 hours of material cut to fit the time slot. This episode was much better.

It reminds me a bit of the version of Romeo & Juliet with Leonardo Dicaprio - the one set in a modern looking city where they weild guns instead of swords, and Shakespeare's narration is read by TV newscasters. I almost expect the characters of Kings to speak in King James or Elizabethean English, but they don't.

Question for those more familiar with NYC than I: CGI-altered skyline of Shiloh includes a tall building - less tall than Silas's "Tower of Babel" - which looks to me like a solitary World Trade Tower. Is that what it is, or is this an actual building that has a similar profile?

[Graymalkin]

Unity Tower is supposedly based on the Freedom Tower that's now going up at the WTC site.

[Ment]

Any guesses what Michelle's secret might be?


Likely some romantic indiscretion involving her and cousin Andrew. Embarrassing the court, causing his banishment and a penitent daughters secret betrothal to an son of an neutral monarch for the promise to not alter the balance of power between Gilboa and Gath. It makes sense given how poorly Rose views Michelle's choice of David as her next love interest if that history was the back-story. Once Michelle is married then Andrew could return.

The King taking the knife to his B.I.L....'Al Swearengen'! :up:

[3D]

Who is the actress that plays David's mom? She looks just like Brett Butler (albeit heavier than I've seen her in the past), but Butler's IMDB page doesn't list Kings, and I couldnt' find it under "Kings" IMDB listing.

[Steveknj]

+1

The slightly stylized delivery and phrasing in this venue (and in Deadwood, for that matter) works particularly well for him, but even in Lovejoy he was a joy to watch and listen to.

I'm liking, not loving this show. Iam McShane is terrific, and I noticed a bit of the old Deadwood syncapation in his cadence. It's definitely NOT a must see right away show, but one I'll watch along with a host of others that I'll get to through the week (actually there are probably only 4 MUST SEES for me right now, TAR, Survivor, Lost and 24). I just think the acting is a bit over the top. Kind of reminds me of Jericho in that respect. I'm having a bit of trouble with the mogul controlling the King storyline. If I was the King, I'd have had my hitman kill him right away. Perhaps this has something to do with the original Bible story (was there some rich family member controlling the King? I don't remember my bible stories that well).

[Steveknj]

Some found the first episode a bit disjointed & confusing. It looked to me that there was maybe 2 1/2 hours of material cut to fit the time slot. This episode was much better.

It reminds me a bit of the version of Romeo & Juliet with Leonardo Dicaprio - the one set in a modern looking city where they weild guns instead of swords, and Shakespeare's narration is read by TV newscasters. I almost expect the characters of Kings to speak in King James or Elizabethean English, but they don't.

Question for those more familiar with NYC than I: CGI-altered skyline of Shiloh includes a tall building - less tall than Silas's "Tower of Babel" - which looks to me like a solitary World Trade Tower. Is that what it is, or is this an actual building that has a similar profile?


If you listen to the King when he narrates things to his court reporter (or is it the press, not quite sure), it sounds very Elizabethean.

[speedcouch]

Likely some romantic indiscretion involving her and cousin Andrew. Embarrassing the court, causing his banishment and a penitent daughters secret betrothal to an son of an neutral monarch for the promise to not alter the balance of power between Gilboa and Gath. It makes sense given how poorly Rose views Michelle's choice of David as her next love interest if that history was the back-story. Once Michelle is married then Andrew could return.

Knowing this now has some biblical theme, I took her "vow" to possibly be a vow of chastity or something (like headed for a nunnery). Or else she's already 'bethrothed" to someone else.

Cheryl

[emandbri]

Any guesses what Michelle's secret might be?




I thought her secret was that she and possibly her brother are the old king's children.

[Ment]

I thought her secret was that she and possibly her brother are the old king's children.

Doubtful given how much time has passed between the Unification War and the current events. Could be that the Silas mistress is the mad king's daughter tho.

[emandbri]

Who is the actress that plays David's mom? She looks just like Brett Butler (albeit heavier than I've seen her in the past), but Butler's IMDB page doesn't list Kings, and I couldnt' find it under "Kings" IMDB listing.

I did a google search and she is played by Becky Ann Baker.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0048250/

[moot]

Iam McShane is terrific, and I noticed a bit of the old Deadwood syncapation in his cadence.

I had that same thought. Right now the only difference I see between his Kings and Deadwood characters is that in Deadwood he ran things from behind the scenes, whereas in Kings he's officially in charge. Both were manipulative, devious, and had a commanding presence.

That's not to say I don't love it. In my opinion, he made Deadwood. I hadn't had enough of him by the time it ended, so I'm glad to see this modern Al Swearengen.

The other characters in the show are still a bit iffy to me, and if it were just about them, I might not enjoy the show as much. But throw McShane in a scene and it really raises to another level.

[Rob Helmerichs]

But Silas is a kinder, gentler Al.

No c***s***ers here! :D

[3D]

I did a google search and she is played by Becky Ann Baker.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0048250/

Thanks. I thought I recognized her from somewhere; she was Sam's mom on Freaks and Geeks.

[Aniketos]

Thanks. I thought I recognized her from somewhere; she was Sam's mom on Freaks and Geeks.

Ding ding ding. I wasn't trying to place here, but now it just clicked.

[stevefal]

I had a wait and see attitude after the 2 hour first show, but the last one will keep me watching...at least for a few weeks more.

[IndyJones1023]

I'm out. Too boring. Too forced.