Title: Game of Thrones (2011 – present, TV series)

Creator: David Benioff, D. B. Weiss (based on George R. R. Martin’s novels)

Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Action, Serial

Rating: 4 stars

5 years after it started, I have finally decided to jump on the bandwagon. I have never been particularly interested in fantasy historical fiction (in both books and films) primarily because I often found their plots too complex for my taste.

But it’s hard not to get caught up in the drama of this show, fall in love with the characters, and become attached to good-hearted characters, who we know may or may not have their heads slain off at the end.

Commentary

I feel that one of the things that has acted as the ‘hook’ throughout this series (at least in Season 1), is the uncertainty as to who are the main characters. Surely, I can point out that Daenerys (or Khaleesi) and members of the Stark family (Catelyn, Bran, Arya, Robb, etc.) are the heroes of the series, while the Lannisters and their minions are the villains. But, just when things were getting convoluted, we have Drogo and… Ned Stark killed. I wouldn’t say I’m surprised to see them both have their eventful deaths, and my initial reaction was, obviously, “what the heck?!”

But every time a character dies, another character(s) grows stronger. Khaleesi is my favorite heroine so far in the series (how can she not be?), and she’s the one character whose growth in confidence has been the most noticeable. From being her brother’s slave, to being married off to the leader of the Dothraki tribe whom she has not previously been acquainted with, to being the most courageous female leader by the end of Season 1.

As for the Stark family, clearly Ned’s death has sparked a closer connection among them, and though this is a weakness for the family now that they’re more desperate to get Sansa and Arya back, they also have their own bargain to trade for (Jaime).

I love the fact that the reason behind all these schemes, wars, killings, whatnot, are rooted to such stupid reasons, e.g. Jaime pushing Bran from the tower to avoid him spreading the news of his incestuous relationship with Cersei, and hence the bastard children. That one thing spread faster than a virus to all the consequent events that followed. It can be for the most emotionally-driven and dramatic reasons, but it’s such a direct reflection of how we often act today.

Note: I’m aware that I’m oblivious to probably MOST things that have happened since Season 1, but I have not seen nor read anything related to Game of Thrones beyond Season 1, and don’t plan to until I’m nearly caught up with all the seasons.

Conclusion

I’m already on Season 2. I don’t think I will stop watching it soon, because I won’t be ‘settled’ with the series until I’m satisfied with it, and I think it’s pretty clear that the show is not going to let me be anywhere near ‘satisfied’ with this show until the producers themselves end the game.

By the way, is it me, or does Joffrey Baratheon resemble Draco Malfoy like, a lot? They both act like maniacal despots (oh wait, Joffrey is actually a despot now), yet they have nothing better to threaten people with other than their father or “mother”.