Kings

March 16, 2009 by Drinky_McGee

0 votes

3 comments

The first episode of the new NBC show Kings premiered last night, and I watched it. For anyone who didn’t, the show is set in some sort of alternate universe. The technology and such appears to be current, but instead of countries there are kingdoms, apparently locked in endless wars. One of the kings of one of the kingdoms is played by Ian McShane, which is the reason I decided to watch to begin with.

I was a bit torn by the show. McShane’s character is SO MUCH like Al Swearengen (from Deadwood) that it made me somewhat uneasy. From his “visions” to his flowery explanation of the chicken/egg conundrum to his frequent use of “liable” as in “you’re liable to” to his flashes of anger and wry humor, this is Al out of the saloon and in the throne. Part of me was happy about it. Like everyone else who saw Deadwood, I miss Al. But part of me is imagining David Milch gnashing his teeth and demanding a writing credit. This characterization comes close to plagiarism.

The supporting cast is competent enough, even if they are essentially place holders biding time until McShane is back on the screen. There are touches of the Shakespearean, with the comic royal guards and the heir plotting against the king. All in all, I’ve put this show on probation. They’ve given me enough to watch next week, but not to make any further commitment.

Did anyone else watch? Any other opinions?

Forum: TV & Radio

Follow this thread

3 comments

lisa_citymouse : RE: Kings More..

lisa_citymouse, March 16, 2009

0 votes

I agree with you about the show and McShane’s character. But I have to say any chance to see Ian McShane I will take fervently — for he is THE MAN. Even if it means watching a show that I’m not all “Yay, rah!” about.

Did I mention I love Ian McShane? Cause I really, really do. :)

Drinky_McGee : RE: Kings More..