What is this Game of Thrones thing?


If someone walks up to you, and asks “Who you GoT?”  You can answer Jon Snow, or Daenerys aka Khaleesi.

You would be referencing who you think will hold the Iron Throne at the end, and you’ll be pretty safe with either of these answers.

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you’re probably part of the 1% that hasn’t watched one episode of Game of Thrones (GOT).  Sunday April 14th marks the beginning of the eighth and final season of this series that has been on since 2011.

Don’t forget your Game of Thrones Gear

The Background

The series is based on the books “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George RR. Martin.  The series spans over five books.

Taking place in medieval times, there are 2 power families amongst lots of kings and queens and knights. They’re all battling for control and power so they can rule Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.   The end goal to rule from the Iron Throne.

Three major plot lines.

The series has three major plot lines.  The first is the quest for the Iron Throne and the Seven Kingdoms. Within this, there are many battles, with all of the major characters. The majority are fighting within the loyalties of the major houses: Starks, Lannisters, Baratheons, Targaryens, Tullyys, Tyrells, Greyjoys, Freys, and Redwyne and Dothrakis.  All of these are intertwined with marriages, births, alliances, broken alliances, deaths and everything in between.

The second storyline focuses on the last heir from a deposed ruling dynasty and their return from exile.  They are plotting their return to claim the throne. No spoilers here, but if you are just starting the series or still catching up, it’ll be very clear who this is referencing.

The 3rd plot is about the Night’s Watch.  This is a group of men, let’s call it a brotherhood, that has a long tradition of defending the kingdom from all threats.  These threats are people, armies and even legendary or mystical creatures. This fantasy aspect is really cranked up.  This is in the far North, and the impending Winter is Coming is what makes this more brooding.  

Why the huge cult-like following?

It has the long weaving storylines, and a ton of characters. GoT has war, fighting, violence, and sex. It kills off major characters when you’re not expecting it, and it has Plenty of shock value to go around. All of the great makings for water cooler talk.

It has also won 47 Emmys, including Outstand Drama Series. So yeah, it’s a good show.

It’s so popular there are even office pools predicting who is going to live, die, or become a White Walker.  Our office recently had to get in on the action too.

My thoughts

I just recently started watching GoT, and this is what I think so far.  The Director has jokingly said it’s like the Sopranos meet Middle Earth (Lord of the Rings). I think this is a good analogy.

There are a lot of characters to keep track of. This show has one of the largest ensemble casts in television. 257 to be exact!  And this is NOT the type of show you can play in the background while catching up on chores, folding laundry, or watching with kids running in and out of the room.

Not Family-friendly

As a matter of fact, you probably don’t want your kids around while watching it. There is sex.  Some of it violent.  There is nudity. A lot of it. And there is a lot of general violence.

Have you watched someone get their eyes gouged out lately?

But I can also see what the draw is.  You do come to like the characters a lot.  And you will also not like some of the characters.  You may even hate them.  I won’t throw in any spoilers here, but the show has plenty of alliances, lies, betrayals and deceit.

There are some characters that are great scene stealers too.  Peter Dinklage is one of them. The show is not without humor either.

If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself rooting for the underdogs. And there are several of them.  The good thing is people will get what they have coming to them.

Well Produced Series

Each episode feels like a movie. It’s because it’s produced that way and HBO spared no expense. Some seasons cost over $100 million to produce.

You feel like you are dropped right in the middle of their worlds. I’d say the production is even as good as Lord of the Rings. The costumes, the scenery, the sets- all seem pretty realistic.  Shot in Ireland, Spain, and Iceland, to name a few, really captures the essence of where these characters are living and fighting.

FInal season starts tomorrow

So how do we think Season 8 will pan out?  Who is going to take the Iron Throne?  You’ll have to tune in to HBO Sunday night at 9:00 EST, and see the only winter we will allow.

If you’re a huge fan, or you’d just like to catch up on the series, you can grab the box set for Seasons 1-7 here:

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