Kings and Liberty Mutual

Has anyone seen the new NBC drama Kings? It's a re-telling of the biblical story of King David, but set in a modern day kingdom. David Shepherd, a young citizen of the monarchy of Gilboa, becomes a hero by destroying an enemy tank named Goliath and rescuing the king's son and heir to the kingdom. I've only seen the first episode, but it looks really good. However, one thing that most people are not aware of is this show is really just a front for manipulating people's morals and ethics.

As I was looking around for more information on the show, I came across this...

Kings Gambit

The show is sponsored by the insurance company Liberty Mutual, who apparently has decided to take their message of personal responsibility to a whole new level. In return for millions of dollars paid to the production company, Liberty Mutual has the right to approve or disapprove the scripts as well as "clean up the dialogue." Their purpose is to change viewer's behavior into becoming more moral and responsible people, while at the same time buying more homeowner and car insurance.

Huh...

I'm really not sure how I feel about this yet. On the one hand, it's patently obvious that people have been manipulated for decades through the medium of movie and television entertainment, but on the other hand it has never seemed to be this subtle and the fact that it's being done through a retelling of a religious tale is troubling. We're all used to seeing product placements popping up during our favorite shows, but this time it's much more than just "buy this, now!" This time we're being urged to modify our morals. And yes, I realize that Liberty Mutual is focusing on a positive aspect...what's wrong with trying to be a better person? Absolutely nothing. However, I have a big distrust for any kind of manipulation of the masses, be it positive or negative. It smacks way too much of Big Brother and I will never be comfortable with it.

Another thing I find very interesting is that they have chosen to modernize King David's story, from his humble shepherd origins to his slaying of the giant Goliath to becoming King of Israel and bringing that nation to its glory. Well, that's the sanitized version, which is what most people are familiar with. Why? Because David won and we've all been exposed to the iconic images such as Michelangelo's magnificent statue David. But in reality, the historical David betrayed his king, plunged his country into civil war, sided with the Philistines (Goliath's people), betrayed his former allies after they help him become king, assassinated trusted advisors and family members and massacred entire populations of neighboring cities – women and children included – simply because they might prove a threat to him in the future. One has to wonder if Liberty Mutual's David will share the bloodthirsty traits of his historical counterpart.

My bet is no. After all, that wouldn't be very responsible, would it?

--->Susan