This show does have its faults. The biggest one is how modern speech is intermingled with Shakespearean dialogue... it gives the show gravitas, but it cuts back on the realism. There are some unlikely events, but since this is a retelling of a Bible story in a modern setting, I don't mind it, and as a sci-fi enthusiast I even like it. The show does take things very seriously, with two unlikely security guards providing comic relief that quite frankly, isn't very funny. There is a lot about the world that we don't know, and there is little exposition, which will drive alternate universe fans up a wall. Additionally, if you jump into the series mid-stream, it may take you a few minutes of viewing to become acclimated.
If you can get past those faults, you'll find some of the best there is on TV right now, especially network TV. Sub plots that seem to have nothing to do with one another cleverly weave together throughout the hour to come to surprising twists at the end. Though the characters are mostly archetypes, they are very interesting, and you want to know more about them-- especially Silas and how he became king. The way religion is portrayed and how it affects things is very reminiscent of the new Battlestar Galactica; the multi-ethnic cast reminiscent of Star Trek, politics will have you waxing nostalgic for The West Wing, and best of all, it's not another cop, lawyer or doctor show. It's not insipid reality TV or a recycled sitcom. This is truly original, intelligent programming.
Unfortunately, due to the worst viral marketing campaign I have ever seen, I don't think we'll get another season, so get this show and watch it on your own. NBC did very little to promote this series, but is going out of its way to push another cheap cop drama on us. The show, the story, the actors, and we, the viewers, deserve better. If we're lucky, maybe a cable channel will pick it up and we'll get some more brilliance. NBC should not have been given the chance to kill this critically-acclaimed show. It deserves to be on HBO-- and in your DVD collection.