House of David? House of dullness, sadly

Do you try and find a few things to be thankful for each day?

Well, here's one to add to your list. I have watched the first two episodes of Amazon Prime's House of David so that you don't have to...

Just in case you are in any doubt as to what it is all about, here is the publicity blurb: "House of David Season One tells the story of the ascent of biblical icon, David, who eventually becomes the most famous king of Israel. The once-mighty King Saul falls victim to his own pride. At the direction of God, the prophet Samuel anoints an outcast teenager as the new king. As one leader falls, another must rise."

And, surely, with such great source material - the inspired Word of God not to mention the rattling good story that the Davidic narrative is - it would be hard to go wrong, wouldn't it? Think again, my friend, think again.

'Creative liberties'

Perhaps the first warning sign is that before we have even seen an opening shot in episode one, a message flashes up on screen: "Some of the events depicted in this series may not accurately represent all historical and biblical facts or figures. While we have made efforts to portray certain aspects of history authentically, creative liberties have been taken for storytelling purposes." Hmm...

An example of this is the presence of David's mother, who is not mentioned by name in Scripture. But, here she is, based on a Jewish legend which has named her Nitzevet, playing a key role at the start of the series. Then we have a youthful David meeting Philistine King Achish in a chance encounter in a plundered village before Samuel has even anointed him. (The Philistines are, incidentally, from a British point of view irritatingly pronounced as Phyllis-teens).

Mention of Samuel brings us to a second problem with the series, which, for want of a better word, might be described as "Tolkienisation." There is a distinct Lord of the Rings feel to some aspects of the drama, with Samuel in particular going "the full Gandalf," as we might say, with his appearance, staff and accompanying lightning effects when denouncing Saul, and Amalekite King Agag having more than a touch of the Orcs about him.

Then there is the quoting of Scripture out of context... "Be strong and courageous" is mentioned a few times, but without the key completing clause, "for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1v9). At one point, David muses dreamily, "deep calls to deep" (Psalm 42v7) but this seems to be in an endeavour to connect himself with his more spiritual side and is far removed from its original context.

Start Trek and the Turkish Detective

Perhaps the biggest problem, however, is the series' sheer dullness. None of the characters are portrayed with any particular depth, and neither David nor indeed any of the other leading figures are given much warmth or likeability. Scene skips to rather boring scene, and there is little to detain in the sense of compulsive drama. The most interesting thing at times was trying to remember what other TV shows some of the actors had been in; I watch comparatively little but still managed to notice three - one each from Star Trek, the Turkish Detective and Prime Target.

Rated at 15, some may find some of the violence on the strong side.

Is there anything positive to be said about the series? Well, maybe it could get people talking about David, and might even generate some kind of interest in the Old Testament. Perhaps if you have a restless 15-year-old adolescent in your house you might be able to get them to watch an episode and could discuss with them why the original Biblical story is much more compelling. And, conceivably, some extracts could be used in a youth group series on the Biblical life of David.

So, be thankful - I have almost certainly saved you two hours of your life by watching this so you don't have to. But here's a tip: why not spend those two hours you now have reading the original, and much more gripping and inspiring, story of David in the Old Testament?