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The amount of hype generated by Game of Thrones, Sky Atlantic’s new fantasy series, has been almost astronomical. Few shows manage to generate such levels of excitement and anticipation throughout their entire run, and yet Game of Thrones seems to have had fans salivating for several months already, before finally premiering this week.
The ten-part series is based on the first novel in George R. R. Martin’s epic yet gritty saga, A Song of Ice and Fire. The popularity of these books has meant that the series already had an established fan base and significant online presence before the show was even officially picked up. Being a fan of the books myself, like many others I have been keenly following the progress of the series for over two years. As such, every update, every new casting or every teaser trailer release has caused a steady build up of excitement and expectation – all of which culminated in the long awaited debut of the show on Monday.
With the weight of geeky expectation so great, the series is under tremendous pressure to deliver. However, if the first instalment – ‘Winter is Coming’ is anything to go by, there is every reason to look forward to the series ahead.
We begin in the cold, dark and relentlessly grim North and the house of Ned Stark (Sean Bean), Lord of Winterfell. Not long after personally carrying out the execution of a young man, he is greeted by news of the death of Jon Arryn, his former mentor and Hand of the King. Now he is about to be visited by the King, Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy) and his Queen Cersei (Lena Heady), whose imminent arrival signals that his life and that of his family is about to change forever. Meanwhile, Viserys Targaryen (Harry Lloyd), exiled descendent of the deceased and deposed king is plotting his return to Baratheon’s throne, is plotting his return to power. Morally bankrupt, he doesn’t mind how he does it – even if it involves handing over his sister to the savage tribal war lord, Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa).
While the most pernickety of Martin’s fan base will no doubt find fault in minor details, few would disagree that the series appears to be a faithful adaption. Crucially, the show has captured the brutal essence of Martin’s world – with liberal use of nudity and blood splatter. And yet, this is as much about the scenery as the brothels or the decapitation. Visually stunning, the show could hold its own aesthetically with the best Hollywood has to offer.
Furthermore, the show is aided by a very strong cast, led by the likes of Sean Bean, Lena Heady and Peter Dinklage. In fact, the cast is full to the brim of solid (primarily British) acting talent – with the likes of Roger Allem, Donald Sumpter and Ian Glen all appearing in supporting roles. Bean is perfectly cast as the melancholic Ned Stark, while the little that we see of Dinklage as Tyrion Lanniester suggests he will wonderfully watchable as the character gains prominence.
However, the outstanding performances of the first episode came from perhaps less profile cast members. Mark Addy (who some may know purely as the guy from the Tesco adverts) is clearly relishing the role of the Robert Baratheon – without falling into the trap of a Henry VIII pastiche. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau provides charm and slime in equal measure as the Queen’s twin brother, Jamie Lannister. Most notably, Harry Lloyd turns in a delightfully menacing performance as the exiled would-be King, Viserys Targaryen.
My only major criticism of the beginning of Game of Thrones was that it felt a little crammed. The episode introduced us to an array of new characters, setting in motion several strands of storyline in motion. With so much exposition, the show might have benefited from a feature length opening.
Notwithstanding, after only sixty minutes my appetite for Game of Thrones has been thoroughly whetted. And, with the news that a second series has been picked up following solid viewing figures – there really is much to look forward to from this series.
Game of Thrones airs on Mondays at 9pm on Sky Atlantic
I don't know what to think of this. I was really excited for the TV series (and deliberately didn't read the books so that I wouldn't be disappointed if the series was less than faithful) but I agree it felt very crammed. I also found the presentations of characters (apart from Ned Stark) slightly one-sided - with the "evil" ones clearly separated from the "good" - and it was easy to predict who would come out on each side. I hope as the story unfolds this will become less obvious and things will become more complex.
1: It becomes much, much more complex. A lot of 'bad' characters in the later books become much more readable and understandable. And honestly? Read the books they are unbelievably brilliant
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