E-REVIEW: Game of Thrones

Do you like movies, Web and T.V shows or videogames? E-Review is a new feature on DNO that examines your favourite forms of electronic entertainment – hence the “E” in E-Review. If you like it we’ll review it. E-Review gives you a chance to preview different forms of media before you try it. You can also relive and share the experience you’ve had from these forms of entertainment with others through our interactive medium. Weigh in on your top choices, suggest media to review and connect with others who enjoy what you do…and even those who don’t!

As always, provide your views in the comment section and drop by to see what others have to say. You say this is exactly the feature you’ve been waiting for? Are you interested in submitting your own reviews? Email us at [email protected]

For those of you who are yet to experience the world-wide phenomenon that is Game of Thrones, the show is based on the Book series, A Song of Ice and Fire, written by George R.R Martin. This medieval-influenced series has the dramatic relationships of a soap opera (yet much better done) with all the action, suspense, intrigue and romance of the most epic blockbuster movies. The story line is extremely well executed and has the depth you would expect from a saga that has developed over years of extremely successful source material. It’s no wonder then that the show has millions of fans worldwide.

At the core of the series is the Stark family and the trials they face on the continent of Westeros and Esos the main fictional landmasses where the story unfolds. Uniquely, the perspective of the story broadens widely and encompasses other characters and families especially after the first season. Yet, the large cast of characters adds more to the experience rather than diluting it. Once invested, you begin to get attached to the people of this world as the portrayals are largely realistic and play out more like a historical retelling (albeit with dragons and other magical elements) rather than the typical fantasy show. In every episode, details are dealt with in an almost exhaustive way from the banners and mottos of the various noble houses to the hardship and drudgery of the common folk. However, these details are integrated so seamlessly that it only adds to the immersion – completely absorbing you in the story once you give it a chance – this show is never boring!

* Very mild spoilers below*

Joy and Heartache

Did I mention that you begin to get attached to the characters? You actually start to care about them which is a testament to the great writing but also it makes it that much more devastating when they die…and boy do they die! Part of the appeal is tuning in each week just to see who survives. There are many reaction videos on Youtube to the deaths which occur on the show . These reactions are somehow equally heart wrenching and surprisingly funny at times – if you don’t mind the massive spoilers.

Excessive Realism?

For those of you who are turned off by gore and nudity, then this show may not be for you. These displays, to the credit of the show, tend to play in to the story and underscore the experience of the characters helping you relate to them and understand the type of world these people live in. It is harsh, unforgiving, often fatally cruel and has no respect for one’s personal place of comfort. Most people are simply striving to survive, including the rich nobles, and as such are more concerned with getting what they can out of everyday rather than practicing boring concepts like “restraint” -unless it keeps them alive, of course. While the displays of gore and sexual content may help to underscore these points they can be excessive to some and thus firmly place this show in the adult audience category.

Fantastic Fantasy and a bit more

There are zombies and dragons and fairies oh my! Well the show calls them white walkers – not zombies and the children of the forest aren’t exactly fairies but the point is these fantasy elements are all in the show. The zombie element while abused to death in most media, works solidly here. The white walkers provide a type of classic “evil” antagonist that contrasts the many, many morally dark or grey areas the shows explores via the perspective and actions of the main characters.

*End of mild spoilers*

To recommend or not to recommend, THAT is the question…

Alas my poor social life, I knew it well…vague Shakespearian references aside, there are people so immersed in this show to the point of what we shall call complete and abundant devotion…… obsession you say…no never, not when Westeros needs us! Your social life may not be in jeopardy all at once but if you choose to binge watch this show via HBO’s streaming service HBOWATCH (yes! we are saying do it legally) then you could easily lose an entire weekend. Don’t say I didn’t warn you when you are startled by the sunrise Monday morning. No …that vague feeling of mental lostness isn’t due to zombification from turning into a white walker from the show but rather due to losing an entire weekend to an absorbing narrative and compelling setting. In fact, the only reason you pry yourself away to meet your obligations at all, is because you begin to mumble to yourself “A Lannister always pays his debts” – for those who don’t get it, don’t worry you’ll understand soon enough.  If you choose to ignore my advice then at least watch with a friend for safety…not that that will save you, but at least you’ll have someone to blame/share the experience with.

Final verdict: recommended…I guess

The above is just my not so humble opinion and of course, we’re really interested in what you have to say.  Would you like to see more of these reviews? What’s your favourite fantasy show? Let us know in the comments section below.