FOT Forum

FOT Community => General Discussion => Topic started by: Regular Joe on March 16, 2009, 12:46:41 AM

Title: Kings
Post by: Regular Joe on March 16, 2009, 12:46:41 AM
Holy shit do I want to hear what you have to say about this show. I have my opinions forming now and I'm ready to talk about it, but I'll reserve them so I don't taint what is sure to be the longest thread on any FOT board ever.

The only bit I'll say now is that Ian McShane's face wants a mustache on it so bad it's trying to grow a new one out of skin.






*Humble apologies if there is already a Kings thread that I missed. If so, why don't we have a war about it.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: erechoveraker on March 16, 2009, 01:00:20 AM
I watched the first like oh, 2 minutes, and couldn't go any further. Just the whole Luke Skywalker slash young Clark Kent setup choreographed itself too hard to stomach. That and when they showed the commercial with quotes right before it started, the one that said like "the bravest show on network television" or whatever, I finally read where it was quoted from, the National Enquirer.  ::)

Sadly I won't be able to add to the lulz this thread should be able to produce, because I just can't get on board with this show. I will be reading along for the laughs though, don't let me down FOT.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: orator on March 16, 2009, 04:37:10 AM
That and when they showed the commercial with quotes right before it started, the one that said like "the bravest show on network television" or whatever, I finally read where it was quoted from, the National Enquirer.  ::)

 I'd say it's pretty brave in the sense that it's a high concept show on network tv. That's probably not what they meant, though...

 I haven't watched it so I don't know if it's any good at all, but I give 'em props for trying something different.

The only bit I'll say now is that Ian McShane's face wants a mustache on it so bad it's trying to grow a new one out of skin.

 If I ever watch this, I know it's going to be weird not hearing "them cocksuckers" leaving his lips every five seconds.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Sarah on March 16, 2009, 07:12:32 AM
I am sure this is going to be GREAT, and I look forward to watching it today.  I cannot imagine any world where this show would not be magnificent. 
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Chris L on March 16, 2009, 09:02:23 AM
I am sure this is going to be GREAT, and I look forward to watching it today.  I cannot imagine any world where this show would not be magnificent. 

Not even a world where America is ruled by... some guy? 
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: redsplitwig on March 16, 2009, 09:12:22 AM
If you missed it, it's on Hulu.
http://www.hulu.com/kings
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: erika on March 16, 2009, 09:30:52 AM
I adore Ian McShane but I don't know if I can handle his lack of facial hair.

But I'll check this out when I get a chance. It seems like it might have potential but is probably one of those shows where you have to watch one or two episodes before getting into it.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: iAmBaronVonTito on March 16, 2009, 11:56:13 AM
If you missed it, it's on Hulu.


i had no interest in watching this show if i had to sit through commercials.  thankfully, i'll be watching it tonite online.  i, also, anticipate that this thread will be full of laughs.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: buffcoat on March 16, 2009, 02:52:04 PM
I only know Ian McShane from "Scoop."
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Emily on March 16, 2009, 02:55:35 PM
They filmed on my block! And in the bar across the street.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Sarah on March 16, 2009, 02:59:50 PM
I only know Ian McShane from "Scoop."

What, no Lovejoy?!
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: mcphee from the forum on March 16, 2009, 03:04:26 PM
Will it get incredibly awkward in here if I mention that I work on Kings?
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: erechoveraker on March 16, 2009, 03:06:36 PM
Only for you.  ;D


In what capacity?
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: MattJohnson on March 16, 2009, 04:35:22 PM
I feared the worst going in last night, but ended up roundly enjoying it. I feel like it kind of has a built-in referendum on itself—the scene at the end definitely seems like anyone who was on the "digging it" side of things would probably find it to be a strong conclusion, and anyone who wasn't feeling it would never watch another second of it after that scene. It's like the show is challenging you to come down on one side or the other. Perhaps I'm overstating things, but I personally was aware during that scene that normally I would be laughing and turning the channel at something like that, but the show had won my loyalty by that point. (Sorry for being so vague; I didn't want to spoil anything)
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: stephen on March 16, 2009, 06:51:21 PM
They filmed on my block! And in the bar across the street.

You live in Gilboa?
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Regular Joe on March 16, 2009, 09:02:15 PM
Only for you.  ;D


In what capacity?

Butterfly wrangler.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Wes on March 16, 2009, 09:15:04 PM
The only bit I'll say now is that Ian McShane's face wants a mustache on it so bad it's trying to grow a new one out of skin.

You're not kidding. Watch the scene where McShane confronts the kid about the war/being seen with his daughter in public. I am 99% positive that he spontaneously grows a John Waters moustache in mid-scene. I was blown away by this.

I feel like it kind of has a built-in referendum on itself—the scene at the end definitely seems like anyone who was on the "digging it" side of things would probably find it to be a strong conclusion, and anyone who wasn't feeling it would never watch another second of it after that scene. It's like the show is challenging you to come down on one side or the other. Perhaps I'm overstating things, but I personally was aware during that scene that normally I would be laughing and turning the channel at something like that, but the show had won my loyalty by that point. (Sorry for being so vague; I didn't want to spoil anything)

I get what you're saying here. I actually was laughing when that scene went down, and yet I'm totally going to watch this show forever or it is canceled, whichever comes first. I'm still going to need some time to put a reaction to this into words. The best I can think of for now is that this shouldn't be on NBC, but on NBS with Studio 60 and that hour long drama about the United Nations. I will be very disappointed if everybody here doesn't watch it and talk about it in this thread.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: oilcantim on March 16, 2009, 11:50:52 PM
I can't tell yet if this is going to be a guilty pleasure or something I genuinely love, but I'm already looking forward to the next episode (you know, when the butterflies start eating people's faces.)

You got me again, Ian McShane!
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Sarah on March 17, 2009, 06:29:31 AM
I didn't realize it was based on the Bible!  And very glad I was to find that out, because at first I was really bothered by how familiar it all seemed.  Now I can just sit back and enjoy the ride. 

I wish the woman who plays the princess were a better actress, though.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Regular Joe on March 17, 2009, 08:39:48 AM
I didn't realize it was based on the Bible!  And very glad I was to find that out, because at first I was really bothered by how familiar it all seemed.

Wow, I didn't know that either. I have been struggling since it came on with this feeling that they were trying to make some kind of modern American Shakespeare and either failing miserably it, or succeeding with such fervor that I didn't catch it. Now I can definitely see that it's the BIBLE they are doing their damndest to re-envision in American English, not Shakespeare.

To those of you that didn't watch it, this is the show your grandchildren will ask you about.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Sarah on March 17, 2009, 08:55:11 AM
Doesn't it make you like it more, knowing it's based on Samuel?  I can forgive it a lot now.  Particularly because it supports my contention that the Bible is one big soap opera.

I hope NBC doesn't cancel it.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Wes on March 17, 2009, 09:48:23 AM
It is strange how none of the many ads that I saw for it hinted at the biblical angle, but once the episode started, it was impossible to miss how aggressively up front they were with the Saul/David stuff, straight from the anointing with motor oil scene at the beginning and on-the-nose names like "David Shepherd." Yes, for those who haven't watched yet, a guy named David Shepherd gets anointed with motor oil. And fights a tank. A tank named Goliath. Why are you not watching this, again?

Anyway, I need this thing to be a hit so the network will buy my pitch for a show where Jesus and the Apostles are recast as space pirates.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: mcphee from the forum on March 17, 2009, 11:27:03 AM
It's getting an angry response from a very vocal subset of the gay community
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: mcphee from the forum on March 17, 2009, 11:31:33 AM
Anyway, I need this thing to be a hit so the network will buy my pitch for a show where Jesus and the Apostles are recast as space pirates.

It should be a Thunderbirds-style puppet show. The Apostlenauts!
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Sarah on March 17, 2009, 03:51:23 PM
The funny thing is I was very aware of all the biblical allusions but, not being up on the Good Book, I just thought they were annoying attempts at adding weight and pomp to the story.  Once I knew the series was directly inspired by Samuel, I forgave all.

Now, of course, I have to read both Samuels and possibly both Kings.  Not looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Emily on March 17, 2009, 05:10:07 PM
They filmed on my block! And in the bar across the street.

You live in Gilboa?

No! 
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Sarah on March 19, 2009, 07:49:19 AM
Ian McShane was on The Daily Show the other night.  After I got over the shock of seeing him smile and laugh so much, I was interested to note how strenuously he (and Stewart) avoided any mention of the biblical inspiration for the show.  I get it--I mean, many on hearing about it might get an entirely wrong idea of the program, unless it was carefully explained that it's Bible as soap opera, which then might throw some into an outraged tizzy--but it was funny watching Swearengen skirt one of the most important aspects of the series.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: KickTheBobo on March 19, 2009, 09:25:27 AM
It's getting an angry response from a very vocal subset of the gay community

the Village People?
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: mcphee from the forum on March 19, 2009, 10:21:15 AM
Ian McShane was on The Daily Show the other night.  After I got over the shock of seeing him smile and laugh so much, I was interested to note how strenuously he (and Stewart) avoided any mention of the biblical inspiration for the show.  I get it--I mean, many on hearing about it might get an entirely wrong idea of the program, unless it was carefully explained that it's Bible as soap opera, which then might throw some into an outraged tizzy--but it was funny watching Swearengen skirt one of the most important aspects of the series.

I thought this was strange too. And he didn't contradict the "What if America was ruled by a monarchy" line that Stewart said, which is not at all what the show is about (and I've always been a little disappointed that NBC has positioned it like this, because I think the real premise of the show is more interesting).
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: mcphee from the forum on March 19, 2009, 10:21:40 AM
It's getting an angry response from a very vocal subset of the gay community

the Village People?

Rob Halford, believe it or not.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Sarah on March 24, 2009, 03:48:44 PM
So did Silas want to get rid of David because of the butterflies last week? 
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Sarah on March 28, 2009, 07:04:55 PM
Just so you know, I think I might be the new David: this afternoon I was mobbed by a flock of seagulls that put last Sunday's pigeons to shame.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Regular Joe on March 29, 2009, 01:11:07 PM
I kinda keep forgetting to watch this even though I was so intrigued at first. Sorry Kings! I'll catch up with you soon.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: mcphee from the forum on March 29, 2009, 02:21:59 PM
So did Silas want to get rid of David because of the butterflies last week? 

yes. the recap didn't do a very good job of recapping this. Rev. Samuels told Silas, in the pilot, that he had fallen out of God's favor. Then Silas saw the butterflies land on David. Hence: Royal rage!
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Emily on April 07, 2009, 10:44:40 PM
I have been watching this and I just realized its the NY version of the OC.

Bet you can't even tell which photo is from which show!

(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/hippocatgeek/OC_Cast_2006_03-1.jpg)(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/hippocatgeek/NUP_133210_0725-1.jpg)


Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Sarah on April 07, 2009, 11:49:48 PM
I have been watching this and I just realized its the NY Gilboa version of the OC.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Sarah on June 13, 2009, 12:55:18 PM
6/13/09, 8 p.m. EDT, NBC.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: daveB from Oakland on June 14, 2009, 02:51:34 PM
I just finished epi 2:"Prosperity", and I think I'm in for the long haul.

I didn't realize it was based on the Bible!

Yeah, that kind of went over my head also. But like the Bible:
1.) The use of poetic language lends a lot more gravity and interest to events that might otherwise seem clichéd or mundane.

2.) It doesn't merely ask that you suspend disbelief ... it COMMANDS that you do so.


Just so you know, I think I might be the new David: this afternoon I was mobbed by a flock of seagulls that put last Sunday's pigeons to shame.

Did you run? Did you run so far away?
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Sarah on June 15, 2009, 07:48:24 AM
After the long break, I wondered whether I would still enjoy Kings.  I'm happy to report I do.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: iAmBaronVonTito on June 15, 2009, 11:55:31 AM
i still havent seen this show.  hulu?
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: daveB from Oakland on June 15, 2009, 12:08:58 PM
Yep, it's all on Hulu.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: colonel panic on June 15, 2009, 01:01:57 PM
Finally. The new one just posted (Episode 6). And I'm officially outing myself as a fan.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Sarah on June 15, 2009, 01:08:58 PM
I have to confess I'm a little tired of David's perpetual look of anguish, though. 
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: MattJohnson on June 20, 2009, 02:43:37 AM
It was kind of a bummer to realize that I've been enjoying what's been airing during "summer burn-off" or whatever it's called more than the regular season. Between Pushing Daisies, Kings and Better Off Ted (starting next week), most of the television I watch is being disposed of right now.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Sarah on June 20, 2009, 07:30:15 AM
I thought Better Off Ted had been renewed.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: MattJohnson on June 20, 2009, 02:22:39 PM
I though Better Off Ted had been renewed.

Much to my surprise, it was. But they're dumping the rest of season 1 now in the summer.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Sarah on June 20, 2009, 02:50:56 PM
Ah, gotcha.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: MattJohnson on June 21, 2009, 02:37:45 AM
Golly, I think that was the best episode since the pilot. Really showcased what Kings does well, and the creator (/writer of this episode) seems to be the only one capable of managing consistently to nail the show's brand of dialogue. And my praise does not come easily to something with Akiva Goldsman's name attached.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Regular Joe on June 21, 2009, 12:33:37 PM
I really only started this thread because I thought this show was going to be pompous garbage I could love from the bottom of the pile. After catching up over this past week, it turns out the show is indeed very pompous, but it's definitely not garbage. I love how each episode takes a deeper look at slices of Gilboa, almost like The Wire. King Silas is one of my absolute favorite characters ever.

Back when I first understood that the show was based on the bible, I developed a grudge against it and fell off watching it. I'm glad to see now that it never tried to make me worship anything, at least no more than any other dramatic show that brings God into things.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Sarah on June 21, 2009, 12:53:51 PM
And less than many.  It's Bible as mythology, not religion.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: buffcoat on June 22, 2009, 09:39:10 AM
Back when I first understood that the show was based on the bible, I developed a grudge against it and fell off watching it. I'm glad to see now that it never tried to make me worship anything, at least no more than any other dramatic show that brings God into things.


Smells like a setup to me, RJ.  Be careful!
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Regular Joe on June 22, 2009, 02:06:52 PM
Back when I first understood that the show was based on the bible, I developed a grudge against it and fell off watching it. I'm glad to see now that it never tried to make me worship anything, at least no more than any other dramatic show that brings God into things.


Smells like a setup to me, RJ.  Be careful!

Well, it somehow already got me to start capitalizing God when I would normally leave it lower case in utter defiance of Him and All His Works. What kind of pyramid scheme are you running here, Kings?
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Sarah on June 22, 2009, 02:09:27 PM
In the context of the show, it's only proper to use a cap, since "God" is the name of just another character.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: mostlymeat on June 22, 2009, 06:33:26 PM
I love the Kings, too! Switchin' to Glide!
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: fonpr on June 22, 2009, 09:14:43 PM
Back when I first understood that the show was based on the bible, I developed a grudge against it and fell off watching it. I'm glad to see now that it never tried to make me worship anything, at least no more than any other dramatic show that brings God into things.


Smells like a setup to me, RJ.  Be careful!

Well, it somehow already got me to start capitalizing God when I would normally leave it lower case in utter defiance of Him and All His Works. What kind of pyramid scheme are you running here, Kings?


You might consider cleansing your palette after each episode by listening to a Reasonable Doubts podcast.


Fun, smart and enlightening.  It will definitely help you lose the capital "Gee".



Signed,
A concerned FOT
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: colonel panic on June 24, 2009, 03:56:48 PM
The latest episode was so good. I watched it with head phones on and it scared me a little in a good way.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: MattJohnson on July 12, 2009, 04:12:08 PM
This is a weird thing for which to commend a show, but I think the episode last night had the best* use of the (other) f-word I can remember seeing in fiction.

*Perhaps not the best way to put it; more like the most dramatic/shocking
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: mcphee from the forum on July 26, 2009, 05:16:58 PM
so what did you people think of the finale?















you people
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: MattJohnson on July 27, 2009, 02:29:12 PM
so what did you people think of the finale?

I liked it, and while I'm still bummed that the show's over, I think the second season would have been a lot less interesting based on how this one ended. Though I admit I may just be telling myself that as a coping mechanism. Basically, I was impressed with how far they progressed the master plot in the first season.

Oh, and the scene with Silas talking to God in the rain should have been great (there was a scene earlier in the season that was similar, and was great) but this one really did not work.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: colonel panic on July 28, 2009, 11:36:01 AM
wait, that was the finale?

the one where David goes to Perth (or wherever)?

and that's it? no more?

 :-\
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Sarah on July 28, 2009, 02:12:51 PM
Just finished watching it.  And, I agree, todbot--it sure didn't feel like a series finale.  Perfectly good last show of a season, but as the conclusion to the series? 

Anyway, I also agree MattJohnson, that the scene of Silas talking to God during the thunderstorm didn't work as well as it could have. This was mainly because Silas got all petulant, and Ian McShane seemed embarrassed by it.  All in all, Silas has devolved into total jerkdom from being flawed but still showing signs of the greatness that made G choose him.

You know what I didn't get during the last couple or three episodes?  The reverend's decision to help Jack and the uncle.  I got that he was disappointed with Silas, but I really found it hard to believe that he'd throw his lot in with William and Jack, even if only to help David.  I was pleased that he got to be God at the end, though, or, rather, I would have been if the show were continuing, since I would have been sorry to see the last of Kareem Sayid. 

A pity this show isn't coming back.  It had many faults, but at least it was a little different from the norm.  If nothing else, the language was more interesting to hear.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: colonel panic on July 28, 2009, 02:59:28 PM
They really rushed the plot in the last few episodes.

I'm so unsatisfied.

But I did start watching "Spaced" on hulu so my toddler-like attention span has just moved to the next shiny thing. It's all just fodder for running on the treadmill, I guess.

Title: Re: Kings
Post by: MattJohnson on July 28, 2009, 05:22:24 PM
I was pleased that he got to be God at the end, though, or, rather, I would have been if the show were continuing, since I would have been sorry to see the last of Kareem Sayid. 

I felt the same way when he was killed. To be honest, I thought more of the main characters were going to die in this episode, which perhaps was silly of me in retrospect. But when he died I was really disappointed that he wouldn't have been in the show anymore, only to see him go from being struck down to becoming more powerful than you could possibly imagine.
Title: Re: Kings
Post by: Sarah on July 28, 2009, 05:33:10 PM
Wasn't Silas a pissy little baby at the end there?  It pained me to have to dislike Swearengen.