Why do I like Game of Thrones?

The question was posed to me recently by a friend of mine.  She had just finished watching the first episode, and wondered for the life of her why she should continue to watch the show.

Admittedly, the show starts off very slow.  In fact I myself was in a similar state originally, watching the slow pacing of the first episode and wondering where it was all leading to.  Let me start by saying – this show isn’t for everyone.  Although I rejoice in the brilliantly threaded storyline and the excellent acting (and brilliant casting), it certainly isn’t going to appeal to all audiences.

If, however, you have any interest in general fantasy, history or well written dramatic series, I suspect you’ll get some enjoyment out of the series.  There is a little something for everyone, and the series has thus far established that it isn’t going to shy away from awkward scenes.  In fact, you could argue that it might seem to launch headlong into scenes of violence and sex (as some other shows do) – but that’s not really what it is all about.

So why is it unique?

I’ve stated in a prior article that this show sets the bar higher for other dramatic series, and I’ll explain why.

Excellent Dialogue

For one thing, the writing stays true to the original book, which is filled with great dialog.  We get to hear, almost word-for-word some excellent exchanges between characters throughout the series, for example, between Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister; and later Lord Baelish and Lord Varys.

There are few throw away lines throughout the series, and much of what is said is outweighed, often, by what is unsaid – by the expressions and actions of each character.

Tyrion: “..a mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone”

 

Character Development

Each character brings something to the table throughout the series, even if it isn’t quite obvious in the early episodes.  The real genius of the production is the use of tone and visual expression which helps guide our understanding of the world the show is set in, and the history and back story surrounding each character.

For example, when Jaime Lannister discusses his assassination of the former King Aerys, his telling of the King’s final words (the words he’d been repeating for hours: “burn them all”) gives us almost all we need to know about the former ruler, and a bit about Jaime’s conscience – considering his actions in the first episode!

 

Attention to Detail

The show is set in an amazing contrast of locations – from ice to forests to the grand scale of King’s Landing.  Most of the locations were filmed in Ireland or Malta, but the sheer size, scale and detail involved is a massive undertaking.  Each set is well decorated, and each character wears clothing and weapons which would be accurate for a medieval timeframe.

From the links of chain mail to the incredible range of props to the massive array of physical locations (such as Mdina in Malta) the effort and cost involved in creating an authentic world is not to be taken for granted.  Most shows would have baulked at the expense of location shooting in such varied places, or would have used computer rendering and stayed inside the studio for much of the series.

 

Twists and Turns

“I’ll bet I know where this is leading to” are thoughts that routinely enter my head when I watch a typical TV show or movie.

Not this Show

Most of the time I’m right as such shows and films tad to be formulaic – Game of Thrones though, seems to defy the accepted laws of a TV series, and treats characters without any particular favouritism.  Honestly though, some of the plot goes exactly where you think it will, and it is quite satisfying.

As the series progresses, you start to see a larger plot unfold and just when you think you know how everything is going to turn out…. well.. you’ll have to see for yourself.

 

Location, location, location

One thing I love about a well written series is the use of concurrent storylines.  You know how it goes, a story arc begins with one character which you can imagine in your mind’s eye will come back later in the series.  Well this show has many threads, very many are not woven into the season finale, and leave us with many, many unanswered questions – and plenty of food for season 2.

In Game of Thrones, we are exposed to a number of very different physical locations, which drive the plot very well.

Some notable locations:

• Winterfell
• King’s Landing
• Castle Black/The Wall
• Vaes Dotherak
• Pentos
• Vale of Arryn

The Vast Array of Characters

When you have such a varied and detailed array of characters, there’s a lot going on.  Below is a bit of a cheat sheet, showing the relationship between the main families who you’ll meet during season one of “Game of Thrones”.

…and this is why I like “Game of Thrones”.  Enough said..