What was the problem with "Kings"?

What was the problem with Kings? Why did a show that has a compelling storyline, excellent actors, and strong writing fail to catch fire? How come I am watching new episodes of this excellent drama in the summer months because NBC did not see fit to send it off during the prime TV season? I think the answers to those questions can be found in three simple places, title, times, and timidity.

The title of this series “Kings” is not a clear descriptor of the show itself. While the show follows the exploits of King Silas and his family it has only briefly shown us another King (who Silas deposed well before the chronology of this series) and hinted strongly that the character of David would one day become a King. The show is a modern day retelling of the story of King David (of biblical fame) and in the opening episode David slays Goliath (actually he blew up the super powered Goliath tank). “Divine Right” would have been a better title for this series, as Silas seems to have been anointed by God to rule and does not forget to tell everyone that on a regular basis. David, however, seems to be the one that Gods favor is tending towards as the series progresses.

The times are also completely wrong for this series. Kings is not depicted as a warning of what happens when power is collected into the hands of one man. In fact, not one character on this show is agitating for more representation in government. Everyone in this show is perfectly fine with the reality of power concentrated in the hands of one man. In a country that prides itself on its democracy (even if it takes 238 days to elect a senator) it seems like the creators of this show were blinded to democratic ideals and values.

Additionally, the timidity of the network in advertising this series was the final, actually first, nail in the coffin. NBC advertised this show significantly before it aired, but they did not tell anyone what the show was about. Since the title is so generic and does not describe the show in any way NBC needed to inform viewers as to the content of this series. Kings was completely off my radar until the premise of the show was mentioned on a TV podcast that I listen to on a regular basis. Most network TV viewers are not as gung-ho about locating new good television to watch as I am so this series was doomed from the start.