Game of Thrones, based on George R. R. Martin's award winning series "A Song Of Ice And Fire", is coming to the conclusion of it's second series next week and is one of the most successful shows of recent years. Nominated for 13 Emmy's for it's first season alone, the show has impressed critics and viewers alike. Viewership frequently approaches 4 million for each episode premiere (an outstanding number on cable television) it looks set to run for the full span of the 7 books with ease.
So what's the secret to the show's success? Most say it lies in the raw sexuality and violence of the show, which is currently unmatched by anything on American television. Most notable is it's frequent use of the method of "sexposition" which is when a character gives away vital information and backstory ("juxtaposition") whilst having sex with a lowly prostitute. For some reason (can't tell why) this engages the viewers on a new level that most shows don't. There is always something to look at in game of Thrones, whether it be the outstanding Maltese or Icelandic scenery, the plethora of in-your-face breasts or the spray of blood as another red-shirt bites the dust. It's impossible to look away.
What of the storyline? There is war in the seven kingdoms and everyone and their dog is trying to get their hands (and paws) on the Iron Throne. The story revolves around the 4 main families in the land of Westeros; the noble Stark northeners, the royal but proud Baratheons, the rich and powerhungry Lannisters and the vengeful, hell-bent Targaryens. The game of thrones has begun and it has spiralled out of any one man's control. The show rapidly splits into following many different story lines all running at once. Currently we have the stories of Robb Stark's war in the North, John Snow's travails North of The Wall, Daenerys Targaryen's exploits in the city of Quarth, Theonn Greyjoy's fight to prove his mettle in Winterfell, Bronn Stark' fight for his life in the same city, Tyrion Lannister defending his home of King's Landing, also following Queen Cersei and Sansa Stark inside said walls, and finally Arya Stark as she makes her way through Westoros. And these are just the main characters, not to speak of the tonnes of smaller roles that flit between episodes. It is a testament to the writers (of which Martin himself is a part of) that they manage to tell the stories they do in their 10, 1 hour episodes a season.
The acting is magnificent, Sean Bean may have departed after the first season but Peter Dinklage has filled his shoes considerably and his charcter Tyrion is an enigma, not quite a hero, not quite a villian, and you can tell he doesn't know which he is himself.. The supporting cast is magnificant, with particularly strong performances from Lena Headly and Maisie Williams.
If you aren't watching yet then I strongly recommend you start, and if you're going to then start from the very start or else you'll get very confused, very fast. But at least try, even if you've never entered the genre before, I promise you, you won't regret the spectacle.
Winter is coming.
Over and out.
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