I'm not entirely sure how often a show begins in the spring, heading into the summer, with tremendous momentum that grabs hold of viewers almost instantly. One of those "must-see" hit creations that has everyone talking. These shows are generally reserved for the Fall, because as every good network executive knows people do not watch television over the summer.
But then again HBO seems to do what it wants, and Game of Thrones is an exception to the idea that these hits are only released in September.
Many people have tried to explain this medieval, arthurian based show with hints of fantasy, but well founded in reality. The tale does take place on a different world, it is not Earth but some planet awfully similar to ours in the time of the middle ages. But it does not rely on wizardry to advance the plot, although it has themes of the fantastic it is a refreshing slice of life rather than an magical journey.
In a realm with seven kingdoms there is political gesturing, as one king rules over them all strategic alliances are made through politically charged marriages and the honour code of knights. The characters are flawed, from wealthy families to adulterous lords and kings, savage tribes to honest and hard working lords. And the loyal yet shunned bastard children of nobility. There is a wealth of characters to side with, to hate, and to inspire.
And there is the menacing unknown in the form of the coming change in season. This world rarely sees a true winter however when it comes it casts darkness over the realm for weeks to years on end. With the darkness comes the threat of savages that live beyond the borders of these kingdoms attacking, as well as talk of a mystical walking undead called the white walkers appearing. The inevitability of the coming winter helps to advance the plot, making character interactions that much more interesting since there is ultimately that fall back that everyone must always acknowledge. As much as the bickering and backroom deals take place they all happen with the understanding that the world is on the verge of darkness that no one can escape.
Game of Thrones is actually the first novel from a successful series of novels by George R. R. Martin called A Song of Ice and Fire. and it is for this reason that the storyline does not seem flimsy and patched together. There is clearly a deep back story that connects the plot from week to week with plenty of depth. Viewers are left to wonder what they don't know, and are excited to learn about these characters as the story progresses.
Since it is an HBO program, it is also as raw and unabashedly graphic as they come.
There is gore, it is sudden and it is extreme. It works, however, it does not seem tacked on but rather a part of the story. That still doesn't change just how intense it can be. I'll admit the nudity at times is unnecessary and seems a little tacked on, but most of the time it flows with the plot. One thing is certain - viewers get a lot of both each and every week.
As is the case with any show or movie based on a novel concerns arise that key features will be left out, however speaking with a number of people who read the novel series they assure me this is a great adaptation. I think I'll have to get the books and read them over the summer because waiting each week has proven difficult as is, I'm not sure I can follow this story with the seasons breaks and all. It's become too captivating, and all in a matter of six weeks.
I purposely left out a lot of the plot but the reason for that is because the twists and turns found every week are a lot of fun to watch, and I just did not want to act as a spoiler here. Pick this show up from the very start, do not jump in halfway through. It presently has won the ratings every Sunday it has been on in the US. Just as The Walking Dead was the show this past fall, Game of Thrones is the one to check out this spring/early summer.
This one is definitely worth adding to your schedule of regularly viewed shows.
