They Cancelled This Show in 2015
…but I Just Found Out
When NBC cancelled A.D. The Bible Continues, I had no idea it was a thing, but now, three years later, I’m heartbroken. Now I have watched all 12 episodes of A.D. Kingdom and Empire (it got renamed for it’s Netflix Release) and I am very sad that the Roma Downey and Mark Burnett produced adaptation of the book of Acts is not continuing.
So this is my eulogy for “A.D. Kingdom and Empire” AKA “A.D. The Bible Continues” and my contribution to the googleverse in hopes of a reboot some day soon, and a motivational essay to read the book of Acts again this week. If you live in the Philadelphia area, come live it with us in Circle of Hope.
The Holy Spirit is No Joke
In Acts 5 we find the troubling story of Ananias (Peter De Jersey) and Sapphira (Indra Ové) who held back some of the money they got from selling their house but said that they gave it all to the newly born church. In A.D. Kingdom and Empire blood comes out of their eyes and they die for lying to the Holy Spirit in a very scary scene. How could any TV producer skip such a gruesome moment in history? Acts 5:11 says “Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.”
Um… yeah! Great fear seized me when I first heard this story, too. If I’m honest, there’s still a tinge of fear in me as I reflect on it now. The Holy Spirit is no joke. God was trying to do something that required the utmost seriousness. The new movement was not for spiritual tourists who could move on to what’s next after the high wore off. This movement could not peter out (poor Peter!). If the Church of Jesus’ first followers didn’t survive, thrive and bust out of the confines of Jerusalem, God’s plan would not have happened. Desperate times call for desperate measures, it seems — even the confounding sudden death of two would-be-followers. The way this story is portrayed in the show brings the immediacy and the meagerness of the movement to light in a compelling way. Peter (Adam Levy) gets why they are dying but he is freaked out, too. I love the confusion that streaks through the faces of the main characters. They are not yet saints, wise in their remote spaces in history. They are living, failing, God-trusting people just like us. In a later episode of the show, the Holy Spirit almost kills Simon Magus (Stephen Walters) who tries to pay Peter for the Holy Spirit but Peter begs God in the thundercloud to spare the foolish new disciple. It didn’t happen just like that in Acts, but it made for good TV, and it communicated the live-wire wildness of the moment.
The Resurrection Had Political Consequences
Four of the main characters of the show are Pontius Pilate (Vincent Regan), his wife Claudia (Joanne Whalley), Caiaphas (Richard Coyle), the high priest, and his wife, Leah (Jodhi May). They are not just the evil ones, they are real people with real pressures of their own. Each are tempted to believe in Jesus’ resurrection, especially Claudia and Caiaphas. The political intrigue is not historically accurate, but it could have been! How would the Jesus movement know that Pilate’s wife had dreams about Jesus (as in Matthew 27:19) if she did not one day become a Christian and tell them her story?
From Wikipedia: “In the 3rd century, Origen suggested in his Homilies on Matthew that the wife of Pilate had become a Christian,or at least that God sent her the dream mentioned by Matthew so that she would convert. This interpretation was shared by several theologians of Antiquity and the Middle Ages. The apocryphal Letter of Pilate to Herod, dating from around the 3rd–4th century, names Pilate’s wife as Procla and connects to the story of Matthew 27:19.”
The show writers had a lot of opportunities to incorporate other legends and speculations from the early church but didn’t do so, however, they did take the opportunity to highlight the political consequences of the resurrection. Jesus disrupted the political potentates of his day, and he continues to do so. The power to kill is the source of all political power. When you boil it down, that’s it. The state’s ability to kill and the permission the people give it to kill is the only real ultimatum. Violence is the source of state power. Read the first two chapters of William Cavanaugh’s book “Migrations of the Holy” if you need to be convinced of this. There are other places to find this argument too. But, for now, it suffices to say that the foundation of any governmental power is death. And if Jesus rose form the dead then he is not subject to any power. Pilate and Caiaphas, and Claudia and Leah, as portrayed in the show, are obviously threatened by this. How we respond to Jesus’ anarchic resurrection will dictate how we relate to government. Are we subjects of the Kingdom or the empire(s)?
They Don’t Know What They’re Doing Either (But the Women Knew Better)
After Jesus’ death, the disciples have no idea what to do. Only Mary, Jesus’ mother (Greta Scacchi), remembers what Jesus said. She is stone-faced and sad after watching her son die but she refuses to give up as many of the men are doing. She is waiting for the third day. Mary Magdalene (played by Chipo Chung), who is the first apostle of the resurrection in the Bible, also gets her proper place in the show. She sees Jesus, and we get to see her as one of the most important characters in the show (because she IS one of the most important people in history). The men defer to her, she makes converts, and she’s always part of the dialogue about what they need to do. Twelve disciples would be too many characters for drama so only a few disciples are dramatized. It’s unclear what happened to the rest of the twelve in the show, but Mary Magdalene takes one of their places.
They muddle through the amazing things that happen. From the resurrection, to Pentecost, to persecution, to new believers who aren’t Jewish, they are stumbling through an incredibly disorienting ordeal. Can you imagine what it would be like? I can, but not so well as they creators of this show have done for us!
It is helpful to read through scripture with our imaginations. What was it like? What were the smells? What did you see? How did you feel? Art like this show, all the many, many paintings, and the other films that were made about these stories from the Bible help us feel our way into the story even more. John, the Beloved disciple, may always be a slow to speak, dark skinned African man (Babou Ceesay) in my imagination. And I am forever grateful for that.
I need to feel my way through these stories and find myself in them because reading the Bible at a distance just doesn’t work. The point of reading the Bible is to relate to Jesus and find myself in his story. Art helps me do that. It will help you, too, especially when the artists assume that these people in the Bible were a lot like us. We don’t know what we’re doing a lot of the time either.
Those Baptisms Though
The formula for baptism in the show is backwards into the water for like a three second count — in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This is a good ritual! I love that they stay underwater for as long as they do because it is really symbolic of the death they are dying with Christ. When we baptize people in Circle of Hope we do it three times, bowing forward in submission to Christ. Some folks I have baptized are pretty scared about going under, and I assure them that is the point. We are going through death with Christ and coming out on the other side with him. Staying under, though? Holding your breath for a moment until you get pulled up? That is pretty cool.
Paul wrote in Romans 6:3-5
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.”
This show gets that. These early Christians were serious about what Paul said even before he wrote it. Paul codified the ritual in Romans but it meant something before he said that. It meant death and resurrection, and you can SEE that in the show, even if it isn’t said. That is what ritual is all about. It is an enacted truth that often goes deeper and truer than words ever can.
Paul Really Was a Badass from the Start
When Saul has his Damascus Road encounter with Jesus in the show I was unimpressed. Unfortunately I’m not a huge fan of how they portray Jesus in the show at all. But the aftermath of the encounter was awesome. Saul’s agony and redemption mediated by someone who isn’t sure of what they saw (it was an Angel — who is also totally badass). Then Saul comes back to the disciples in Jerusalem and demands forgiveness.
Peter and Saul have a one-on-one conversation. Saul is under tons of suspicion. He is trying to make Peter and the disciples trust him but Peter is slow to do so. Saul says to Peter,
“This is all a bit ridiculous, surely. I know what I’ve done, Peter, but listening to you all downstairs it’s like you had forgot that Jesus taught you forgiveness. I mean you lived with him — you know his message — so, so, sorry but I’m confused.” Saul of Tarsus got swagger! And that is why God chose him! I love how Emmett J Scanlan gets that across in his Irish brogue. Saul’s confidence, his arrogance even, was what God needed! You might have something in you that doesn’t seem like a gift. You might have done things that are hard to forgive. You too are chosen by God for a purpose. And a lot of what you see as useless, God can use. You might not receive such a direct address from Jesus as Saul did, but if you listen you will know.
In Conclusion, Bring it Back For Season Two!
I could go on and on about this show (and I already have), but please, Mark Burnett and Roma Downey of Lightworkers Entertainment, please bring back this show! I hear you’re working on an end times story instead. No thanks. I want more of these characters and the imaginative plot twists that your writers have supplied already. What if the stories of all these unsung heroes really did weave together in this way? Some of my Christian counterpoints are up in arms that you did not “stick to the Bible.” To them I say “p’sha.” You got it. No, it was not exact, but you got it. If they demand some fastidious recreation of only what is in the text 1) it’s bad TV, bad drama, bad art and 2) they are just way too uptight. Jesus likes this show, mkay? Well, I guess he’ll tell us whether or not he does some day, but I really, really like this show, mkay? So can we get a Season Two of A.D Kingdom and Empire? Lord, hear our prayer.
And if you made it this far, you must like to read. So keep reading. Read the book of Acts. Imagine, pray and listen right through the whole epic story. We’re living the 29th Chapter.
[contact-form-7 id=”1358″ title=”Ben Contact Form”]
Today, if you hear his voice 
pls be continue for the series……..
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Please release Season 2 & continue til the end. We loved it & recommended it to our friends & family & then found out Season 2 was cancelled. So disappointed!
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Yes please bring back season 2!!
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My husband and I just finished watching season one. It was awesome! Please bring it back!!!
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I would like to see very much the season2 .
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Season 2 and 3 and more is a must…
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Saw A.D. on Netflix – all of season 1 this weekend ….. well done !! Please produce season 2 (and so forth) — truly needed and wanted by many people 👍🏻❤️
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the show has giving me a reason to
love the Bible all over again I would be greatful if there wasv a season two
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I love this show A.D. Its was easy and believable, the characters, actresses and actors where marvelous to watch and believe. Every scene was natural and with great actors. I was so proud to share this with my friends and family. I told everyone in my family, five households to watch it on Netflix. So please complete the reason for Christ’s real resurrection and birth of the church in Season 2, 3, and 4. It’s a beautiful depiction of the times, people, apostles and the one and only Jerusalem. Marvelous!
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I just finished the first season! Please bring this back! It’s teaching me a lot about the Bible it’s wonderful show
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AD has strengthened me and my family ,the values it generates is so wonderful and it’s a blessing that were able to watch it , a million thanks to director and the team
I wish god hear our prayer and bring it back.
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I also enjoyed this series, but have learnt now not to watch any more series until checking if there is an ending, i got caught out this time as time after time i watched series that have been cancelled, never again.
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I agree with everyone who posted anything about A.d. kingdom. Just pray for God to bless Netflix to pick up this show l just watched the last episode April 28 2019 . can’t believe NBC don’t pick it up for more season s.
God please let Netflix make more season in Jesus name amen
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PLEASE BRING BACK AD KINGDOM AND EMPIRE! IT’S SO INSPIRING AND TOUCHING!!! I’m sure so many lives can be touched by this amazing series. We NEED to promote this so more people can watch it. I personally didn’t know about this until a week ago and just finished season 1. IM HEARTBROKEN KNOWING THERE’S NO SEASON 2! Let’s unite to get back AD KINGDOM AND EMPIRE!!!
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WE NEED SEASON 2! PLEASEEEEEEE!
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Please bring season 2 soon! My husband and I loved it. It’s obvious that the last episode ending was to continue with this amazing saga. Don’t delay please!!
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This really needs to continue, if someone has the cash please do continue this series. Hey Netflix what do you think? I think it a good idea to get going or may be PureFlix.
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Yes! Agreed. I think that Netflix makes a wonderful platform for this type of series as well. This is a message for the masses, not just to His congregation. Make Season 2.
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I am from India and I just finished watching Episode 12. It is an awesome show. Watched it back to back since it is very addictive. It would be nice to know more about the struggles of Early Christians. I request Netfix to ensure that they have Season 2.
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Yes please bring it back
It’s so inspiring we need season 2 please
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#bringbackAD
#bringbackAD
#bringbackAD
#bringbackAD
#bringbackAD
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Yes, please make season 2. I’ve watched season 1 repeatedly. It’s a great way to learn and connect to the beginning of the story after Jesus up rose to Heaven. I declare with faith that this show will have such a positive impact in the viewers. Please make season 2.
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I am blown away by the interest in this post. Spread the hashtag #bringbackAD across the internet, y’all!
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Please continue with A.D.’Kingdom Empire. It was an awesome series.
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I was just on the third episode and I liked it so far. However I am a little curious about the scenes that are not written in the Bible. Where they may have got those scenes or dialogues? Are they like fanfic or based on true story as well? You know, like some parts that didn’t make it to the cut of the Bible.
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I think these ar fanfics, but they got the Spirit of it right by my lights
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Why would Netflex engage in any contractual agreement with “The Powers That Be” to only have 12 eposodes for the A.D.Kingdome and drop it’s viewers in mid stream. This doesn’t make sense. Why not offer none of them rather than leave the viewers hanging. We could pick up our Bibles, but the producers of the show had a great way of showing us the history of this time. This is no way to treat your paying viewers! Please either do not show us anything rather than drop us off wanting more
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Please bring back season 2 of “AD Kingdom & Empire”
I watched the whole first season, 12 episodes at one go overnight without sleep.
It was so moving and increased my faith.
The birth of Christianity is well depicted in the show.
Heavenly Father, please remove all blocks for the production of season 2. May this series proclaim to the world who Jesus really is and what Christianity is all about!!!
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A.D. Kingdom & Empire is by far…THE BEST series I have ever watched. I have toured all the holy land in Israel and believe me, this program brought back all the glory of walking in Jesus’ footsteps. Glory be to God. In Jesus name, please bring this series back to life.
I hope and pray we have the pleasure to continue watching many more seasons!
Thank you.
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I was so intrigued by this show! I was scrolling through Netflix running out of series to watch and thought what the heck let’s see if this show will catch my attention. And that it did. I binged watched all episodes in a day and half. And was so ready for Season 2…..and there wasn’t one!!!
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In just finished episode 12 of season one A.D. Kingdom and Empire. I absolutely loved it. It is some of the best acting I have seen in a long time and the actor who played Jesus is one of if not the best portrayals of the Savior I have ever seen. I love the way the story is told, and though it is not 100% to scripture, it gets the story told in a way that many times during the 12 episodes, I had cold chills running up and down my body. I truly believe it is an anointed work and I am craving more, more, more of it. Please, please, please, we need a season 2. I study the word of God in one way or another everyday and this series helped me so much. It is powerful and the world needs more of it. Please Lord, I pray our enemy is bound from interfering with with this soul changing series. I am going to watch it all over again in the hopes I will receive more enlightenment the second time than I received the first time. The Bible miniseries was good but it did not impact me like A.D. Kingdom and Empire. Thank you Roma and Mark, please find away to give the world more of this!
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I just finished season 1 on Netflix. Lover it… started looking for season two, only to find that there was not one… how sad. I truly hope that this story will continue.someday. I hope that the actors will still be available to continue their roles as well.
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This absolutely must continue and be seen through to a better ending. I am heartbroken and will pray that someone revives it to see it through! The mist important story ever told so let’s visually tell it. Do beautifully and emotionally creates, why not finish it toneveryones satisfaction. They are disappointing a ton of people out there. Acting was excellent – first rate program. Thank you, but I want more!!
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PLEASE BRING THIS BACK, It has done WONDERS in assisting visuals and helping my Bible reading with the true characters of the Bible. Maybe it’s not 100% but the Bible doesn’t tell us 100% of ALL that happened. Only what is necessary for our faith and understanding in God and Jesus Christ. But wow, this puts the URGENCY back in the NEED to share the gospel! I have watched 7 episodes since I discovered it on Netflix this month… And am taking my time watching the last ones… But I have shared it word of mouth to EVERYONE in my family and everyone I know at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. I think there was a gap in TV viewers and Netflix between 2015 and 2017. But since 2018, a lot of people just use Netflix and vitual TV type Apps. Everyone I talk to DIDNT KNOW it existed!!!! When I tell them it’s on Netflix, they’re like OH!!! I’ll go check it out ASAP! The story didn’t end in Acts… Some of the most pertinent information, instructions and application of the gospel happen after the last episode! How much of an impact this would have on our millennials and our world today to have the visuals in such a realistic and cultirally relative way!!! It’s stirred up a revivial in me, and a growth I’ve not experienced in my faith before. The Gospel is crucial and the film’s that have been made about Jesus life I have much gratitude for. But nothing has been done to focus on the AFTER in what they did and what WE ARE TO DO in the visual Industry available to us. This is the first I’ve ever heard of and is meets our world where it is. PLEASE make a season 2!!! I’ve seen end time movies and series… We know what’s coming… But to see and hear what the early church taught US and what ACTUALLY happened even 90% accurate is such an amazing blessing. Being Kingdom minded is hard in the world we live in. But this series… Makes it so much easier and my desire to SHARE the truth has grown so much. All those I shared this series with I KNOW will feel the same.
Please, please consider…
~In His service
Raylynn Nichole
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Season 2,3,4…… PLEASE!!!
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Please put season 2 out soon
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Please put out season 2 asap..can not believe that i am left sitting on the couch wondering what the just happened..love the show and cant believe that it ended leaving everyone wandering ??.i mean they keep new season of lucifer coming..BUT STOP IN THE middle of the bible..please show faith and finish this please
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#ADseason2 please! my husband, my 9 year old daughter and I just finished watching AD Season 1 and we’re all sad knowing there will be no more season 2. Can you imagine a 9 year old girl at this era got so interested about bible story?😊 so please pretty please release season 2 please…
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Just found there will be no more AD and am completely devastated! I’d gladly contribute, as I’m sure others would, to production costs for the rest of the story. To have the first leaders of the church come to life through a story rarely told was truly inspirational and deepened my faith. I was actually surprised after watching and researching the Bible that they really didn’t embellish that much. Great work. Sad that our society today should dictate the life of this important series.
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I just discovered this show, and finished the entire season in 2 days. I find it to be good entertainment. I like the characters and the imaginative plot twists that their writers have supplied . Just like you , I wonder what if the stories of all these unsung heroes really did weave together in this way? Overall some Christian counterpoints are upset they did not “stick to the Bible.” To them I say, I’d rather have this available for people to watch than what’s currently on mainstream. Roma and Mark, You got it. No, it was not exact, but you got it. This could definitely evolve into something greater. I especially liked how the angels were portrayed. They are warriors in the Lord’s army, you get it ! I want to see Saul’s journey and the centurions, I mean all of them…I’d love to watch Season Two of A.D Kingdom and Empire. Please even if you need to play it on a different platform, get it out. Make a way! We will watch it.
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❤
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Oh my ! I LOVE THIS!…theres neess to be more! I mean if this horrible show Lucifer has another new season why cant this go on longer?! Please try and push for another season. It was beautifly illustrated .
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Please bring this back. How can you start something and not see it through yo the end.
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Would someone plz notify me when season 2 comes to netflix??
Highly Appreciated!
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Adding to the chorus of praise here! Please, bring on another season. Great job!
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Yes please! Someone start a petition!!! Lol!
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Absolutely amazing season 1. It helped so much work my understanding of the Bible. I didn’t want it to end. Watched on Netflix in NZ. Thanks to God for this amazing story. Please allow us to watch season 2. Amazing!!! 💖💖💖
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Absolutely amazing season 1. It helped so much with my understanding of the Bible. I didn’t want it to end. Watched on Netflix in NZ. Thanks to God for this amazing story. Please allow us to watch season 2. Amazing!!! 💖💖💖
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it was so helpful in understanding the Bible.
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It brought the scripture alive. You can really appreciate what the early christians went through. And Paul. I really, really, really want to see more of his story. I have a new appreciation of Paul (if that were possible). Such amazing grace.
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I have cancelled netflix until I get season 2 lol
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Please bring Season 2!!!
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Would Love a Season 2!!! Please bring it back
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PLEASE BRING A.D. KINGDOM AND EMPIRE BACK, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. The best series I’ve ever watched.
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