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KINGS -- Pictured: (l-r) Wes Studi as General Linus Abner, Marlyne Afflack as Thomasina, Dylan Baker as William Cross, Chris Egan as David Shepherd, Sebastian Stan as Jack Benjamin, Allison Miller as Michelle Benjamin, Susanna Thompson as Queen Rose Benjamin, Ian McShane as King Silas Benjamin, -- NBC Photo: Andrew Eccles

Most people who do not believe in God feel that way because of the way the idea of God was introduced to them. Many Christian preachers choose to use the furnaces of hell to scare people to God. Sadly, these lost sheep would rather burn than be coerced into believing in the idea of an all powerful deity.

Gifted orators find clever ways of imparting what they know about heaven without threats or ultimatums. Though we may never know his true intentions, Mel Gibson’s take on Jesus’ crucifixion in The Passion of the Christ got many people thinking. The Disney-produced The Prince of Egypt also did well for its intended audience.

Still on Christian-based productions, SABC3 brings you a thrilling series called Kings. Yes, there are chapters and chapters in the Bible under the book of Kings. Out of all the characters, who include the mighty Saul and brilliant Solomon, the producers of Kings chose to focus on David. Yes, even the non-Bible reading lot knows about a small boy killing a muscular giant called Goliath with nothing but a sling. If you are honest like me you will testify that at some point in your life you have tried to explore the effectiveness of the sling in your backyard – with disappointing results.

Back to the TV series. Before you picture desert landscapes, camels and people in robes, this show is far from that. It’s a modern-day drama about a hero who rises to become the king of his nation. Starring as David in this fast-paced series is Christopher Egan. He is unknowingly (well, at first) thrust into the limelight and marked for rapid political ascension. However, the line between his allies and enemies blurs as the decision-makers in the kingdom go to great lengths to see him fail.

Fans of Ian McShane (Scoop, Agent Cody Banks and Death Race) will be happy to know that the man dubbed as the perfect villain will be on this show too – as current King Silas Benjamin. Expect exceptional performances from him.

The first episode, aptly titled Goliath, sees King Benjamin address escalating tensions with a neighbouring country. Meanwhile, a young soldier (David) inspires the nation after a bold rescue mission in which he unknowingly retrieves the king’s son from an enemy camp. You already know where this is going right?

To all Christians out there, there is really no need to pull out your Bibles for this one, just enjoy the inspiring story retold for our time.

l Kings premieres on November 10 at 9.30pm on SABC3.

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