Ep 1. Goliath

In "Kings" Season 1 Episode 1, titled "Goliath," we are introduced to the world of Gilboa, a fictional kingdom that bears a striking resemblance to modern-day America. The show revolves around David Shepherd (played by Christopher Egan), a young soldier who becomes a national hero after he saves the life of the king's son, Jack Benjamin (Sebastian Stan), in the midst of battle.

The episode begins with a prologue that sets the stage for the story. It is revealed that Gilboa is a monarchy with a long history of war and conflict, but that King Silas Benjamin (Ian McShane) has managed to establish peace and stability through a combination of military prowess and political savvy. The king is a respected figure, loved by his people and feared by his enemies.

The opening scene takes place in a battlefield, where David and his squad are fighting in a foreign land. David is shown to be a brave and competent soldier, but he also has a sense of morality that sets him apart from his fellow soldiers. When a wounded enemy soldier pleads for mercy, David hesitates before ultimately deciding to spare his life, much to the disdain of his commanding officer.

After the battle, David and his squad are sent back to Gilboa, where they are greeted as heroes. Their arrival coincides with a celebration in honor of Jack Benjamin's birthday, and their presence adds to the festivities. David is immediately drawn to Jack's sister, Princess Michelle (Allison Miller), and the two share a flirtatious exchange.

As the party progresses, tension arises between King Silas and his brother-in-law, Reverend Ephram Samuels (Eamonn Walker). Samuels is a powerful religious leader who has a large following in Gilboa, and he doesn't approve of the king's excessive luxury and indulgence. Silas, in turn, resents Samuels' interference in his governance and dismisses his concerns as religious fanaticism.

The conflict between the king and the reverend comes to a head when a large statue of Goliath, the biblical giant, is unveiled in the city square. The statue is meant to symbolize Gilboa's strength and might, but Samuels sees it as a sign of pride and arrogance. He stages a protest, urging his followers to rally against the statue and the king's leadership.

David, who has been observing the events unfold, is horrified to witness Samuels being brutally beaten by the king's men. He decides to take action and confronts Silas, insisting that violence is not the answer to the problem. Silas is impressed by David's bravery and integrity, and he takes him under his wing as his personal bodyguard.

This move doesn't sit well with Silas' loyal advisor, William Cross (Dylan Baker), who sees David as a threat to his own power and influence. Cross plants seeds of doubt in the king's mind, warning him that David's loyalty may be in question. Silas, torn between his fondness for David and his need for security, starts to question his own judgment.

As the episode comes to a close, we are left with a sense of uncertainty and tension. David, despite his best efforts, is still an outsider in a world of political intrigue and backstabbing. The conflict between Silas and Samuels is far from over, and the fate of Gilboa hangs in the balance.

Overall, "Kings" Season 1 Episode 1 sets up an intriguing world full of complex characters and rival factions. The show manages to blend elements of fantasy and political drama in a way that feels both fresh and familiar. The performances are strong across the board, particularly from McShane and Egan. While there are a few slow moments, the episode does a good job of building momentum and leaving the audience wanting more.