Winter is Coming.
Though it is of the fantasy variety, Game of Thrones is still a show that deserves some genre attention from we horror fanatics. It's based on a successful fantasy book series called A Song of Ice and Fire, and author George R.R. Martin sums up the series like this:
"Set in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, where "summers span decades and winters can last a lifetime," Game of Thrones chronicles the violent dynastic struggles among the kingdom's seven noble families for control of the Iron Throne; as the series opens, additional threats from the snow and ice covered region north of Westeros and from the eastern continent across a narrow sea are simultaneously beginning to rise."
It sounds kinda bland to me, but 4 episodes in and it's safe to say that Game of Thrones is pure bliss to watch. Aside from "The Others" shown at the beginning of episode 1, and the dire wolves, it's been mostly "fantasy free" thus far, but it still has tons to offer for viewers of all tastes. The offerings consist of sex, nudity, violence, profanity, rape, murder and incest. Oh, it's crazy full of that stuff. Definitely an adult show, though we're adults so we say more please.
After garnering 4.3 million viewers for its premiere episode, HBO renewed the series for its 2nd season, one day after. One day. That should tell you quite a bit.
Not having read the books, we know very little of what's to come, though the things we do know are pretty massive spoilers, so we're going to stay generic on those topics. Here's what we love the most so far about Game of Thrones:
Sean Bean/Lord Eddard Stark- How can you not love Sean Bean, especially in a role like this. Eddard Stark is the main character of the show for the most part, and so far he's been endearing and quietly fierce. I'm thinking he will get less quiet pretty soon. There's one spoiler about him we wish we hadn't read, so we urge you not to go poking around online about the books, unless you want to be spoiled. Trust us, you don't.
Arya- The youngest Stark Daughter, Arya wants to play with swords rather than dolls, and she's got a feisty spirit. She's one of the strongest characters in the show thus far, and we can't wait to see what she develops into.
Jon Snow- Eddard Stark's bastard son, his surname is Snow as is the surname of all Bastards in the North. He's destined for great things we think, and the fact that his mother's identity is such a mystery makes him compelling to say the least. He's a bad ass in waiting, we just know he is.
Tyrion/Peter Dinklage- Make all the jokes about small stature that you will, but this actor is massive on talent. Maybe the only Lannister that doesn't deserve a painful death, from his "bitch slap" scene on, you will love him. My personal favorite character thus far. I hope he plays a major role throughout the whole thing.
Emilia Clarke/Danerys- If after looking upon this girl's beauty you aren't instantly captivated, you're gay. It's fine if you are, I'm just saying that you're gay. She's freakishly gorgeous, and plays the role of Danerys with a subtle power... she's just great to watch. I love British chicks.
The Dire Wolves- Grey Wind, Lady, Nymeria, Summer, Shaggydog, and Ghost -all adopted by the Stark children- are the Stark family Symbol. So far, they have proven pretty awesome, and they get even more awesome down the road. I mean, they grow to be as big as horses, so that has to be awesome. Plus, other spoilery things. Good stuff.
The Eggs- What are the eggs that Danerys was given as a wedding gift? Petrified dragon's eggs, that's what. We do wonder how long they'll stay petrified though...
The Others/White Walkers- We've only seen them once so far, but wow, we need to see them again.
From the Wiki: "The Others, known amongst the wildlings as White Walkers, are a race of creatures that have been recorded to exist north of the Wall. Before the events of A Song of Ice and Fire, the Others had not been seen on Westeros since the end of The Long Night over 8,000 years previous. In the Seven Kingdoms, the Others came to be regarded as an extinct race or simply a fairy tale. Events in A Song of Ice and Fire have proven this belief to be untrue. The Others appear as tall, gaunt humanoids with chalk white skin and eyes of blue so deep it burns like fire. They wear reflective armor that shifts in color with every step, and wield thin crystal swords that seem to give off a bluish hue. They ride corpses of dead animals. Creatures killed by the Others reanimate as undead zombies called wights."
So seriously, while everyone is fighting and politicking between themselves south of The Wall, The White Walkers are probably going to be a big problem for them all soon enough...
There's plenty more that's good about the show so far, but to list it all would be crazy. It's a great show, sure to give genre fans something to look forward to on Sunday night for the next 6 weeks. Get on board now, and be happy that you did.
*TV Guide has put together a great Guide to Game of Thrones here.
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