With the finale, episode ten, of “Game of Thrones” in the books, we can finally offer a cautious verdict on the inaugural year of the (hopefully long) series. It was good. At times, it was very, very good. Though, of course, it took some time for non-readers of the series to figure out the tone of the show and the proper way to enjoy the ride. Along those lines, the first few episodes were a bit rocky, as names and houses were thrown at an audience with very little chance of retention. Thankfully, by episode five, the show had found its footing and anyone still around as the credits rolled on tonight’s finale is likely hooked for life. I’m not sure if this will spur a new wave of readers to the series prior to season two in spring of 2012, though I certainly hope it will.
On more than one occasion this season I found myself cornered by non-readers demanding to know just what they’d gotten themselves into. “Game of Thrones” is addictive and ambitious, and we’re fortunate a channel exists (HBO) where $50m can be gambled on a narrative series worthy of Tolkien.
The show most name-checked as a comparison for “Game of Thrones” this season was “The Wire”, though “Sopranos” was a close second. I agree with the stamp, as brutality and ruthlessness are apparent in all three, but I’d opine an even more similar pedigree can be found with “Battlestar Galactica”, if only based on the complexity of the rooting interests involved. “The Wire” certainly made you “cheer” for the “bad” guy and see the hypocrisy of the “good” guy, but characters largely stayed true to their characterizations (and character flaws) to the bitter end. Admittedly, “BSG” had some of that, but also offered complex choices and unclear ethical decisions, precisely as “Game of Thrones” does, twisting and turning audience allegiance into a pretzel.
This is a series that doesn’t obey the rules of the “heroic journey,” instead opting to place to viewer in logical pickles that cause emotional tension. How would you handle your husband being executed and your daughter being held as captive? Most shows make a habit of presenting clear foils, so you know where you stand, but “Game of Thrones” continually throws you off kilter by providing narrative balance. Not everyone is all bad, and not everyone is all good, so as the series continues you’ll eventually accept the characters with a clear understanding of their flaws.
For me, three pivotal moments stand out from season one. The conversation between King Robert and Cersei. The great miscalculation by Ned Stark, and of course the last Daenerys scene of the finale. Great dialogue abounded too, “In the game of thrones you win or you die,” and “What do we tell death? Not today,” were big fun. I enjoyed almost all of the actors, though of course Peter Dinklage stood out, as did Emilia Clarke.
Season one also did well to establish the broad strokes of each important house. The dragon Targaryens, the wolf Starks, the lion Lannisters, and the stag Baratheons. The Night’s Watch also received a full representation, they of no house. The differing religions of the North and South were touched upon, as were various contenders for the throne. Season one had much to accomplish, foundation to lay and it acquitted itself well in doing so. Most importantly, the mood was set. “Winter is coming” is more than just the mantra of House Stark, it’s a warning to everyone that they’ve allowed the lengthy peaceful summer to dull their resolve and toughness.
George R.R. Martin’s opus is still being built, so no one can know how it all turns out, though the fifth book of the series, due out in July, should offer some clues as to the direction of the story. Most pleasing of all is that there are still important characters to be introduced, battles and shockers on the horizon.
Season one of “Game of Thrones” is over, long live “Game of Thrones”.
You can connect with Laremy on Twitter at @Laremy.
