The Kingdom - Series One and Two

Includes one each of: The Kingdom Series 1 (KLF-DV-3044) and The Kingdom: Series 2 (KLF-DV-3093) Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/SERIES & SEQUELS UPC: 741952315391 Manufacturer No: KLF-DV3153 Product Description

Two thirds of a trilogy

This set contains the first two seasons of "The Kingdom". Lars Von Triers made "The Kingdom" with the intention that it would be a trilogy of mini-series, but unfortunately, after the second season, both Ernst-Hugo Jaregard (Dr. Helmer) and Kirsten Rolffes (Mrs. Drusse), that is, the two main actors, died, putting a stop to Season Three (and to be perfectly honest, I wouldn't like to see a season without these actors). As a result of this, few of the story lines introduced in Season 1 are resolved in Season 2, and the ending comprises a number of cliff-hangers that Von Triers, presumably, intended to resolve in Season 3. Having said that, "The Kingdom" is an excellent series, and is one of the best TV series that I have ever seen.

"The Kingdom" is set in Denmark's top hospital, which is run by a group of arrogant doctors, who operate a secret society from the hospital's basement, and is haunted by an assortment of ghosts. Season one of "The Kingdom", which was later remade for American television as "Kingdom Hospital", centres around Mrs. Drusse (a Miss Marple-like old lady) and her quest to put to rest the ghost of a young girl who died at The Kingdom many years earlier. Sub-plots include Prof. Bondo's quest to obtain a rare sarcoma; a bizarre pregnancy; and Dr. Helmer's (possibly the most arrogant doctor to ever appear on television) attempts to avoid a malpractice lawsuit.

Season 2 starts off immediately following the end of Season 1. Highlights of this series include Dr. Hook turning into a patient-hating psychopath after a rather unpleasant incident (I found Hook to be smug and self-righteous in Season 1, so really enjoyed this change of character); the revelation of Aage Kruger's true nature; ambulance racing; and a greater presence of Bulder (a hospital orderly) and Mogge (a medical student). There is also a greater focus on the occult in this season, and I found this season to be both sillier and scarier than the previous season.

In my opinion Season 1 is the better of the two seasons, I found the first two episodes of Season 2 to be a bit tedious (I didn't like the sub-plot about Prof. Moesgaard seeking psychiatric help or the one about Judith and her baby, at all). However, the final two episodes more than make up for them, and by the end, I really did want to see more.

Fans of series such as "Twin Peaks" and "Kingdom Hospital" will definitely enjoy "The Kingdom", but don't go in expecting a satisfactory conclusion or you'll be disappointed.
April 6, 2008

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