Game Of Thrones Review: What Is So Great About It?

One Iron Throne. Seven kingdoms and noble families who will do anything to claim it. Will any of them be able to ascend the throne? What are they willing to lose? Unknown to them, an enemy more ancient and powerful than any of them is rising. Will there ever be an end to the bloody battles for the throne?

1. Quick Review

Based on George RR Martin’s books, Game of Thrones is the dream of every fantasy lover. But the botched-up final season brought its amazing run to a screeching halt.

2. Series Info

Game Of Thrones "The Game Begins" Preview (HBO)

3.Is It Worth Watching?

Epic storylines, shocking twists, jaw-dropping action sequences, Game Of Thrones is everything you can ask for, and more.

I. Plot

In Westeros, the Iron Throne is the seat of all power, and whoever sits on it is the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. The major contenders for the Throne are three noble families- the Starks, the Lannisters, and the Baratheons.

The three families will stop at nothing to claim the Iron Throne. Much backstabbing, blood-shedding and beheading are done by these families to get to the throne.

Meanwhile, the last member of a banished noble clan is gathering an army to reclaim her rightful place as the ruler of Westeros. With the help of three mythical dragons, Daenerys Targaryen begins to conquer the cities of Essos and gains a loyal army who will have her back in the war for the throne of Westeros.

In the north of the continent of Westeros, a massive ice wall marks the end of the civilized world. The dangerous White Walkers and human wildlings live beyond the wall, which is guarded a military group called Night’s Watch. An ancient organization, the Night’s Watch had sworn to protect the Seven Kingdoms from the delinquents and savages behind the Wall.

As civil war breaks out over the Iron Throne, all the people get drawn into a massive battle that is filled with murder, illicit affairs and shocking deaths. At the end of it all, the unlikeliest person gets to sit on the throne.

II. Detailed Analysis

George RR Martin has created a world of its own with the Game of Thrones books. A world that is so expansive and rich in detail that it can exist as a standalone universe. Several languages were invented to suit the medieval settings of the Game of Thrones world and make it seem more real.

The story in the books is amazing, but the adaptation for the tv series took a few liberties and made it just perfect. The show involves every character in the progression of the story and gives them unique backstories. Throughout the show, every character evolves with every passing and their character arcs are engaging and sometimes shocking.

Every character, other than the ones who are dead. Which is quite a few. It is a running gag among the fans that if the viewers get slightly attached to a character on the series, it is a death toll for them since George RR Martin has a habit of killing off beloved characters. This is one of the many features that makes Game of Thrones such a popular show- it knows how to keep the viewers on their toes and looking forward to more.

Apart from the deaths, the shocks come in the form of gore and lineage reveals. Incest plays a very big role in the Game of Thrones; no relationship is too profane for the people in Westeros. As a result, the lineage reveals make for interesting storylines for the characters.

But most important of all is the story. It is so intricately connected that one has to wonder at the author’s imagination. There is magic, mythical creatures, ancient villains, dicey characters and bloody battles. The production team superbly executes the battles and wars- the sets convey every bit of importance the wars will have later in the story. 

Till the sixth season, Game of Thrones was a king among tv shows. Even with a slightly flawed season seven, the show remained to be one of the greatest tv series ever. It was in the last season that Game of Thrones failed miserably. The whole season was too rushed, several characters had very unpredictable developments (mostly bad) and the story became utterly unbelievable.

But nothing can beat the disappointment of the final reveal of who ultimately ascended the Iron Throne. The writers of the show had built up an amazing story in the seven seasons but the ending did not do justice to the story or the viewers

III. Characters

Although Game of Thrones has a brilliant story, it is nothing without its characters. The cast has done an excellent job bringing to life the complex characters in George RR Martin’s books.

Not much can be said without giving away crucial plot points of the story.

While every character has their moment, a personal favorite is Daenerys Targaryen. She has one of the most intriguing developments in the series- from an unsure woman ordered around by the men around her to a worthy contender of the Iron Throne, she came a long way.

Of course, Tyrion Lannister deserves mention. Peter Dinklage’s portrayal of the Lannister sibling has won him four Primetime Emmy Awards. Tyrion is also said to be George RR Martin’s finest creation and his favorite character.

IV.Music

The theme music of the series is as legendary as the series itself. It fits the tone of the show perfectly and creates the suspense that will keep the viewers on edge. The composer Ramin Djawadi has been nominated for a Grammy three times for the Game of Thrones theme. 

4.Grade

5. Final Thoughts

Despite the very disappointing final season, Game of Thrones is a show that excels in storytelling, execution and acting. The intense violence and sexual nature of the show make it a pretty difficult show to digest.

Nevertheless, for anyone who considers themselves to be fans of the fantasy genre, Game of Thrones is a must-watch. But it is best not to keep very high hopes for a good ending.