RIP ER

Last Thursday was the very last episode of ER. I have seen 15 years worth of episodes, like every single one, and even though it became sorta repetitive, I still loved it. The farewell was good, mostly because there was a future, prospects. Things happened that we were reminded of the first season, the first show even. Mark's daughter Rachel came back. Remember when she was a bitch? Also, Peter's son Reese was in it. He looked strange though. Like his face hadn't changed but he has gotten older. Anyway, it was good to see everyone. And of course Dr. Carter, who built a huge facility, not much unlike County General itself in honor of the baby he lost. The show ended and I cried, like I knew I would, and I know there won't be any other show like it, but I think it came to its natural conclusion. I will miss it, but I'm hopeful they'll be another great show that will fill the void that ER has left.

WHY AREN'T YOU WATCHING KINGS?

A few months ago I was able to watch the pilot episode of this show. I had no idea what it was about and while at work, popped it into the DVD player. I sorta payed attention to it and after it was over thought it was just okay. I doubted I'd watch the series. Then about a month before the show started I watched the pilot again, this time on TV with no distractions. It was, in one word, AMAZING.

When it finally premiered it did so to dismal ratings. I understood why, people had no idea what it was. Well, if you were one of those people, let me tell you what it is.

It's a show that subtlety and not so subtlety references the Bible. A show that takes place in what seems to be present day NY, but is actually in some alternate reality or the future. You can draw your own conclusions but it seems there was a civil war and America was divided and fighting and the king was able to bring his people together and build a city out of ruins.

The show follows a lot of very complicated, well rounded characters who deliver smart and interesting dialogue. The king is played by Ian McShane who was the best thing about Deadwood, and there were a lot of good things about that show. He's perfect for the role. The rest of the characters, including our hero David, have flaws but are also heroic, and that's why I find the show absolutely captivating.

Basically David is one of seven brothers who live with their mother in some corn fields. Their father died in the war and now David and his brother Eli are fighting a new war, against a province called Gath, whom their father faught against as well. David finds out that a platoon has been attacked and prisoners taken. It's very similar to WWI and II where the front line is actually in trenches a hundred yards away from you. David hatches a one man plan to go over and get the hostages, which he does. He then faces down a tank (called a Goliath, get it????) and becomes a hero. We find out later as his brother Eli is dying that he wasn't facing it down, that he was giving up and nobody knows. Anyway, he becomes this hero that goes to the capital city of Shiloh and gets the ear of the king. The king is ruthless but loving, smart and wants the best for his country. Unfortunately his sinister brother-in-law has financed his rise to power and wants him to continue the very lucrative war. What's a king to do? There are about 120801283082048 more sub plots that I won't get into like David falling for the princess (natch) and the prince being a closet gay.

Anyway, if you haven't seen it or you don't get it, watch it. And I mean really watch it. Don't be making anything while you do it, reading something, you have to give it your undivided attention. I tried to watch one episode playing a game on my iPhone. Didn't go well.

I believe the episodes are On Demand and also available on www.nbc.com/kings. Please, I implore you, if you like smart and edgy, with dialogue and political drama, much akin to The West Wing, then you should definitely check it out. It's almost like The West Wing and Battlestar Galactica had a baby. But don't get scared, no space or anything.