Anyone who loved George R.R. Martin’s novels will definitely love HBO’s Game of Thrones Season 1. It featured a medieval fantasy setting which David Benioff and D.B. Weiss created for HBO.
The Game of Thrones storyline for the television series is based on the novel written by George R.R. Martin’s best selling fantasy series entitled, A Song of Ice and Fire.
The entire Game of Thrones production was taken in various location including Northern Ireland, Malta, Iceland New Zealand and Croatia. The cast for Game of Thrones includes mainly Bristish and Irish actors, contrary to other popular series which usually feature American actors. This makes for a refreshing change for many fans.
The Game of Thrones first season’s debut took place last April 17, 2011 and Game of Thrones Season 2 is set to debut this year on April 1. Game of Thrones fans have been anticipating its return for the second installment of the season because of its overwhelming storyline that left fans hanging and wanting for more.
Despite the entire story being based on the novels Ice & Fire novel by George R R Martin, the riveting character portrayal and the depth of the story has not suffered in the screen portrayal of the Game of Thrones. The impressive budget has allowed the production to avoid using computer generated imagery (CGI) and instead use real and epic locations from around the world for relevant scenes.
It has also allowed for the Game of Thrones Series to recruit a very high caliber of actors including some of the most celebrated British actors like Sean Bean, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, James Cosmo and Ian McElhinney. All of whom have been in countless Hollywood blockbusters from Braveheart, Troy, Narnia, 300, Lord of the Rings, Goldeneye and many more.
Game of Thrones – Plot Summary
The multiple story lines presented in the novels have been followed closely in the Game of Thrones television series. The television series, as with the novel, puts its setting on the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, where seasons last for years even decades.It tells of the story of aggressive power clashes between different dynasties and noble families to gain control of the Iron Throne — perhaps the most coveted ‘throne’ in the kingdom which was vacated with the demise of the King Robert Baratheon. In the initial episodes of the Game of Thrones series, several threats from the snow and ice covered region within the northern part of Westeros and the eastern part of the continent are starting to arise.
Viewers who followed the GOT season 1 closely would remember the entire realm of Westeros was already in chaotic turmoil when King Joffrey ordered that Eddard Stark, the Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North and Hand of The King be executed.
Robb Stark, Eddard’s son, accompanied by his most faithful and brave allies, marched south where they succeeded in three crucial battles versus the Lannisters of Casterly Rock. Once Jaime Lannister was captured, the Lords of the north then declared Robb as the new King of the North.
On another setting, at King’s Landing, Arya Stark witnesses how her father was executed and is saved by Yoren, a man of the Night’s Watch who helps her escape King’s Landing in disguise. In the Red keep, Sansa Stark is held almost as a prisoner betrothed to man who ordered her father’s death.
Tyron Lannister continues to be many peoples favorite character so far in Game of Thrones. Tywin, Tyron’s father, named him Hand of the King and set him on a deadly mission to King’s Landing. He was ordered to manage his sister and nephew and was keep them in hand, not allowing anything to distract him from his mission.
Beyond the walls, Jon is also on a mission to investigate the missing men of the Night’s Watch. He has with him an small band of brave Night’s Watchmen to assist him in his investigation.
There were also rumors of Wilding’s massing on the Fist of the First Men which Jon also needed to probe into. It was a difficult and dangerous quest but a quest that Jon proves to be willing and well able to carry out.
Game of Thrones - Daenerys Targayen
And just across the narrow sea, Daenerys Targayen comes into her element. At Khal Drogo’s funeral she is so taken with grief that she gets onto his funeral pyre with her love Drogo and takes with her the dragon eggs which were her wedding gift. When the fires of the pyre die down Daenerys arises from the ashes and as the ash and smoke settles we realize that her eggs have hatched.
Daenerys Targayen Dragon born now has three baby dragons which she must nurture and raise. She must also lead her fallen husband’s wounded Khalasar, who have pledged to her name, to salvation and safety across the Red Wastes.
The final chapters/episodes of GOT season one enthrall viewers to probe more and know what is next for Westeros. With the upcoming Game of Thrones season 2 set to debut on April 1, 2012, viewers and avid fans of the Game of Thrones can now watch the riveting action and epic battle scenes that the second installment brings with it.
Although fantasy is not a very popular genre for television series, the entire production and cast of the Game of Thrones has been very effective in bringing to life the scope, imagination and depth required for the production of the Ice & Fire series.
The drama was built around the landscape of the each character’s consciousness which made the Game of Thrones series more compelling and kept the viewers, glued to their seats. The entire Game of Thrones television series is characterized by intricate plotting and intellectualized portrayal of the Ice & Fire novels.
Game of Thrones Season 1 has received several nominations from different prestigious award giving bodies including Outstanding Drama Series for the 63rd Primetime Emmy and Best Television Series for Drama for the 69th Golden Globe Awards. Peter Dinklage, a main character in the story won Best Supporting Actor from both ceremonies.
Another nomination for the Game of Thrones Season 1 included Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series and the series also won an Emmy award for Outstanding Main Title Design.
With multiple story lines and plots, exhilarating portrayal of the characters and magnificent production design, Game of Thrones is definitely one of the best television series HBO has ever released. No doubt about that.
