Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones

 

For starters, there's the source material: "A Game of Thrones," a 700-plus-page novel by George R.R. Martin that's the shortest in his "A Song of Ice and Fire" series. Production on the show's 10 episodes ran for seven months in Northern Ireland and Malta. There are 17 actors listed in the opening credits, and at least that many more have good-sized roles in the series. The marketing has been nearly ubiquitous in recent weeks.

From the first couple of episodes, I recognize that just might. With a narrative that jumps right into the action, we are introduced to the seven kingdoms of the west, and things - both human and supernatural - that threaten their peace. In the far north, beyond the wall that protects the kingdoms, walkers Wight - reanimated corpses - old fairy tales are moving. Meanwhile, King Robert Baratheon (Mark

Addy) travel to Winterfell to ask your trusted friend Eddard Stark (Sean Bean) to rule at his side, while in the south, the last remaining heir of the previous dynasty, Viserys Targaryen , Daenerys sells her sister bought an army and regain his crown.

That's the primary story, but the show also spends significant time in two other locales. Ned's illegitimate son, Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) leaves to join the forsaken men who guard the Wall, a massive, miles-long barrier separating the north of Westeros from a frozen wilderness beyond that's home to "wildlings" (barbaric men) and, as seen in the opening scenes of the premiere, maybe something more sinister. He's accompanied on the early part of his journey by Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), the dwarf brother of Cersei and Jaime, who's an outcast in his own way but also possibly the smartest (and definitely the funniest) character in the series.
That said, the concept of heroes and villains is not really relevant here. Regardless of your environment, Game of Thrones is ultimately a story of humanity. The story is based on the actors' ambition, greed and lust, giving Game of Thrones realism that helps you rise above the usual costume historical dramas. Each character has a dark side and the cross, intentions or alliances are clear giving a nice background unpredictable quality. It is clear from the outset that each of the large cast of characters has a journey to pursue, but if they come to the end of the season is unknown.