As we’ve discussed around here before, part of the biblical text that makes it most enduring is how it is reread and refashioned in different contexts. For millennia, culture has taken and retold these stories. Perhaps the most recent example of how Biblical stories are updated is found in the newest dramatic series on NBC, Kings.
Kings retells the story of the David narrative in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel. It is set in the nation of Gilboa, a modern nation replete with cell phones, modern aircraft, and skyscrapers. Gilboa is ruled by King Silas, a man who has been a successful soldier in the past, but now is trying to lead his nation toward a time of peace. But that is complicated by the nation of Gath. Gilboa has been locked in a bitter war with Gath for several years. Recently arriving in his court is a young soldier, David Shepherd, who has recently become a national hero.
David single handedly faced down an enemy supertank (the Goliath, natch) and rescued several soldiers. One of the soldier he rescued turned out to be the crowned prince of Gilboa, Silas’ eldest son Jack. In appreciation for his impressive service, Silas reassigns David to his court in the capital city of Shiloh. Once there, David meets such impressive people as Michelle (the alluring daughter of King Silas), the Rev. Samuals, and General Abner. (Corresponding to Saul’s daughter Michal, the prophet Samuel, and ummm General Abner). I’ve only seen the first episode so far, but it’s like catnip for a Old Testament geek like myself. The details are pretty impressive . For example, David refuses to wear the flak jacket before taking on the tank (It wasn’t a good fit) and when the Reverend Samuels tells Silas God has rejected him and chosen another, Silas grasps his shoulder (though he doesn’t actually tear it). Not everything works. God’s divine favor resting on Silas is depicted by several butterflys that land on his head. Strange. Also, Silas insinuates strongly that Jonathon is gay, which adds a distracting edge to his impending friendship with David.
But the strongest reason I look forward to this series (they’ve already completed around 13 episodes or so) is that it deals forcefully with the reality of God in the lives of people. I expected that the characters would mention God very obliquely, if at all. But the main characters of David, Silas, and Samuals each speak explicitly to the central role that God plays in each of their lives.
David and Saul are two of the most fascinating characters in the Old Testament. Few other people in the Bible were as capable of such incredible acts of butchery and destruction as these two. But one of them was hand-picked to be the first king of Israel, and the other was a man after God’s own heart. They are compelling figures in any age and time.
Each of the first two episodes are available online at NBC. Watch the rest of the season on (naturally) Sunday evenings.
6 comments:
I have not seen the show yet, but as you are no doubt aware, the David/Jonathan friendship is one of the earliest texts to have had a "queer" reading of it undertaken by literary critics. It is seen by some as a prototypical "queer" relationship (i.e., not _necessarily_ gay, but, non-heteronormative). All that is to say, the depiction of Jonathan, while it may not work for most people, is not completely out of left field. For whatever it's worth...
There have been some contemporary interpreters of this text that have read it from a nonheteronormative ideological perspective, but they are unpersuasive. The relationship between the two men is “nonheteronormative” only from a contemporary western perspective. David and Jonathan’s friendship no doubt expressed itself in physical ways that would make a modern Western man uncomfortable. But as you know better than I, male affection is expressed in quite different ways around the globe. Speaking as one whose been kissed full on the lips by a bearded Russian believer in St. Petersburg, I assure you that not all Christian men greet one another with a holy handshake!
What makes it distracting in Kings is that it is the only ideological reading the creators give the story. For example, Silas isn’t portrayed as railing against post-colonial oppression (as some have read the text) neither is Michal portrayed as asserting a feminist agenda (as others have interpreted the text). This insinuation of Jack’s predilections is the only ideological spin the creators give the plot and thus distracting. So why this particular storyline? I think it’s included to generate conversation from people who otherwise might not watch show. And judging from my review (as well as your comment) it works!
I haven't seen it yet...but my youth pastor likes it.
Brother Taran,
Thank you for this review. I have seen this advertised, but had no idea it was a retelling of the story of King David. I'll have to add it to LOST and The Office... on second thought, why am I thanking you? ;^)
BTW, I have done MANY things that would seem "nonheteronormative" (nice word) overseas. Just last week I had a 15 minute conversation with a friend while holding hands and touching cheeks the entire time. The Americans I was with thought it was hilarious and took multiple pictures. Other fun stuff I've become accustomed to is walking hand in hand with men (even interdigitating at times), kissing on the cheeks, rubbing noses, being fed by a man, feeding another man, sitting REALLY close together, holding someone's face in my hands, having my face held in someone else's hands, and rubbing someone's cheek (beard included) as a negotiation tactic!
Peace to you brother,
From the Middle East
In the future, please include an MPAA rating.
FTME,
Amazing stuff. I'm not a hugger, so your adaptability to the middle eastern culture is impressive (and God given, no doubt).
O Bobby. I'm glad I was not drinking any liquid when I read your comment.
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