Kings is a television drama series on NBC based on the Biblical story of King David in a kingdom that culturally and technologically appears to be the present-day United States. The world this story is set in looks very much like our own. The show is laced with biblical allusions to the story of David and Saul from the books of I & II Samuel and I & II Kings. In the pilot episode a war is weighing on nation of Gilboa. In an intense battle all hope is rest on a single soldier named David who defies orders to lead a daring raid to save the King's son and destroy an enemy tank, the Goliath.
"Kings" is a show about religion. God himself is a character in the show and plays an active role not only in the choices the characters make but also in the drama described by fate or destiny. What I find interesting in this biblical interpretation is who the "God" actually is is questionable. God is named but never specifically explained that it’s the biblical Christian God. Why do you think they chose to not specifically identify the God of Kings?
The story of King David comes to life with current day issues and events hidden behind biblical names and places. Those who read, understand, and are interested in the subject matter of the Bible are stereotypically in “high culture” specifically with regards to reading comprehension. Kings transforms this “high culture” story and genre into a “pop culture” television drama. On every level from theme to topic and story Kings has reinvented the biblical story of David to appeal to a greater audience.
What I like most about kings is that the show borrows these wonderful ancient stories to pose contemporary questions. These questions regard faith, ethics, morality, power, and freedom to name a few are both subtle and obvious. Anyone who’s read these biblical stories and the exploits of Saul, David, and Solomon knows it would be difficult for this series to run out of material. Unfortunately, Kings was not able to generate enough viewership during its short run and was very recently cancelled.
This is nothing new. Almost every plot is a story of good and evil. 'Kings' seems to be a failed attempt to piggyback a well known bible story. This watered down storyline doesn't seem to be about religion or ethics, it seems more about copying a riveting story that is no longer under copyright (aka The Bible). I have not seen 'Kings' and so I do not know if it encourages gospel living or if it encourages violence, all that I know is that this television show was created by a network which desired to make a profit. This show was not created for missionary work, it was created to get ratings. Bible stories are not unlike many present day plots seen on television, including action, adventure and violence. This is not the first time that someone has attempted to recreate or make a profit from an old story.
ReplyDeletewhile i think that modern day media can do a lot of good to use religion in a positive way, i also believe in the underlying reason the media, specifically entertainment, does anything- that is to make money. i havent ever seen the show either, but had they done it the right way i think the show would still be on. people dont hear God in the media and immediately turn away, they turn away when its not sincere. and i think that may have been the case with Kings- taking a historical event that has great religious significance and tried to make a dramatic television series out of it. but again, having never seen the show i cant say for sure. but i do feel that the reason for maintaining a "vague" god was to appeal to as many people as possible. if the show was sincere in its efforts to portray the story the way it was meant to be told, the producers wouldnt have cared if they made the god a Christian god.
ReplyDeleteIt's my belief that, though of course the show came into existence in order to make money, that another reason the parallels with the Bible are involved is because everyone has a certain amount of the Light of Christ within them. Both the producers and the creators of this show know, likely subconciously, that these Bible stories are good, teach lessons, and are true. Viewers can feel that, too.
ReplyDeleteHowever, because they don't have the full Spirit, it is easy to add in more violence, language, etc., to play to a "modern" society that supposedly embraces those things and needs them to be entertained. Certain doctrinal points I am sure are also twisted (if nothing else, the vague God-figure is an example). But overall, I think it's very intriguing that some people, even though they may not be Christian or devout, would still find an allure to the stories of the Bible.
I appreciate shows like Kings, 7th Heaven and Touched By An Angel. Although they do not mention much doctrine or specifics about God, at least it is a lot closer than most TV. But I always think it is interesting that they never mention Jesus Christ. Even on 7th Heaven where the dad is a Christian preacher, there is never one mention of the Savior. When the oldest son switches over to Judaism, there is no discussion of the Savior. It could have mad the plot much more interesting and I think the show missed out on some real drama. But I do understand they are trying to be inclusive as they can be and not alienate any viewers. But I think they lose out on some much more real plots than generic discussions of God.
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