Hi there, people :-) ! I wanted to make this thread because, as I was scrolling down the titles in The Great Library section, I didn't see any mention of this TV show that I adore, so I thought I'd make one. This TV series is an adaptation of a famous series of novels, A Song of Ice & Fire, by George R. R. Martin. I've already ate all the books last year and I don't regret it. Although the novels deserved a thread all alone, I thought it was a good idea to unite them with the show. Here, we'll focus more on the TV-show, since it is far more widespread (-correct me If I'm wrong-).
In Game of Thrones, as in the Medieval history, there are Houses. To help you understand a bit more the storyline and make your head clear, [here] is a link to an illustrated guide.
My impressions on the whole series so far : In 24 years of TV consumerism, it is one of the best shows I've ever watched. And by far. A great story full of sudden developments and surprises, schemes everywhere, stories of honour and bravery, of hate and love. It is full of amazing actors, playing amazingly their roles. The characters are numerous et diversified, to the point that we could believe we're going to be lost but no... We just need two episodes and we're already hooked, we know who is who and who does what. We learn how to appreciate, idolize them. We tend to find all the big archetypes of characters, from the guy acting in the shadow to the henchman infallible including the kid you want to slap every ten seconds (each one of you will give these characteristics to their own vision of the characters). But, many shows have already offered us this. What distinguishes this show from the others are the means put together to realise the creators' vision : a fantastic production, sumptuous sets, successful special effects and above all, marvellous soundtracks ! The best soundtracks for a TV show since ages (-maybe since always-). And the opening... What an opening ! Wonderful. It is superb !
Your turn :
Seven noble families fight for control of the mythical land of Westeros. Political and sexual intrigue is pervasive. Robert Baratheon, King of Westeros, asks his old friend Eddard, Lord Stark, to serve as Hand of the King, or highest official. Secretly warned that the previous Hand was assassinated, Eddard accepts in order to investigate further. Meanwhile the Queen's family, the Lannisters, may be hatching a plot to take power. Across the sea, the last members of the previous and deposed ruling family, the Targaryens, are also scheming to regain the throne. The friction between the houses Stark, Lannister and Baratheon, and with the remaining great houses Greyjoy, Tully, Arryn, and Tyrell, leads to full-scale war. All while a very ancient evil awakens in the farthest north. Amidst the war and political confusion, a neglected military order of misfits, the Night's Watch, is all that stands between the realms of men and icy horrors beyond.
This was the plot of the show, for those who didn't see it and maybe wanted to talk about it. Now, I'm going to post the "recaps" of the first seasons (-there are three seasons right now-), for those who have seen the TV-series, but can't seem to remember it all. (!) SPOILERS (!)
Season 1 spans a period of several months on a world where the seasons last for years at a time. The action begins in the unified Seven Kingdoms of Westeros as the long summer ends and winter draws near. Lord Eddard Stark is asked by his old friend, King Robert Baratheon, to serve as the King's Hand following the death of the previous incumbent, Eddard's mentor Jon Arryn. Eddard is reluctant, but receives intelligence suggesting that Jon was murdered. Eddard accepts Robert's offer, planning to use his position and authority to investigate the alleged murder.
Meanwhile, on the eastern continent of Essos, the exiled children of House Targaryen, which Robert destroyed to claim the throne, are plotting to return to Westeros and unseat the 'usurper'. To this end, Viserys Targaryen arranges the marriage of his sister Daenerys to Khal Drogo, the leader of 40,000 Dothraki warriors, in return for the use of his warriors in invading Westeros. For her part, Daenerys just wants to find a safe refuge far away from King Robert's assassins and her brother's scheming ambition.
Finally, on the northern-most border of the Seven Kingdoms the sworn brothers of the Night's Watch guard the Wall, a 300-mile-long colossal fortification of ice which has stood for thousands of years. The Watch defends the Wall against the depredations of the lawless wildlings who live beyond, but rumour speaks of a new threat arising in the lands of perpetual winter.
Season 2 spans several months on a world where the seasons last for years at a time. The Seven Kingdoms are at war, with the King in the North, Robb Stark, fighting to win independence for his people and those of the Riverlands. Robb decides that he must win the allegiance of the fiercely independent ironborn to his cause, and sends his best friend Theon Greyjoy to treat with his father, who is hatching plans of his own. Meanwhile, Joffrey Baratheon holds the Iron Throne with the backing of the powerful House Lannister, but his uncle Renly has also claimed the throne with the support of House Tyrell, whose armies are much larger. As they struggle for the throne, Tyrion Lannister arrives in King's Landing to take matters in hand, only to face opposition from his scheming sister, Cersei, now the Queen Regent. However, there is another faction entering the picture. Stannis Baratheon, Robert's younger brother and Renly's older, has also claimed the Iron Throne. A proven battle commander and veteran of several wars, Stannis is known to be utterly without mercy to his enemies and will do what is right even if it destroys him. Advising him is Melisandre, an enigmatic priestess from the east, who believes Stannis is meant for a greater destiny, and Ser Davos Seaworth, an honest and honorable man uneasy with the shifts in power at Stannis' court.
On the eastern continent, Daenerys Targaryen has fled the political viper-pit of Qarth. Her dragons are growing and her fame is spreading, but to take the Iron Throne she will need supporters and an army. Both may be found in the corrupt cities of Slaver's Bay... for a price.
Beyond the Wall, the White Walkers are on the move, threatening both the Seven Kingdoms and the lands of the Free Folk. While the Night's Watch faces the threat of the White Walkers in the field, Jon Snow must infiltrate the wildling army of Mance Rayder and discover the King-Beyond-the-Wall's plans.
Far to the east, Daenerys Targaryen has hatched the only three dragons in the world. Eventually they will grow into terrifying monsters capable of destroying cities at her command, but for now they are still hatchlings and vulnerable. With her khalasar gone, Daenerys and her small band of followers must find a way across a forbidding wasteland and find new allies to support her claim to the Iron Throne.
In the distant north, the Night's Watch has mounted an expedition beyond the Wall, searching for missing rangers and investigating rumours of wildlings gathering in the mountains. For Jon Snow this will be a rite of passage as he is asked to make difficult choices, for the realm and for himself.
Season 3 spans several months on a world where the seasons can last for years at a time. Autumn has fallen across the world, with winter not far behind. The people should be preparing for years of snow and ice, but the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros instead remain gripped by civil war. Would-be king Renly Baratheon has been assassinated, altering the alliances in the war. The cruel boy-king Joffrey Baratheon has won a great victory by securing an alliance with House Tyrell, with his supporters defeating his uncle Stannis in an epic battle. Joffrey now commands the largest armies in the realm and his triumph appears inevitable.
King Robb Stark remains in the field, however his homeland, the North, is partially under ironborn occupation. Robb needs to decide on a course of action to win an overall victory. He must also win back the allegiance of House Frey, whom he has offended by breaking his marriage pact to them. King Robb has won every battle he has fought, but as with old King Robert, the Starks will have to see if good soldiers make good kings.
Stannis Baratheon may be defeated and most of his army destroyed or scattered, but he is not out of the fight yet. Having retreated to his headquarters on Dragonstone island with his handful of surviving soldiers, Stannis' status as the last legitimate heir to his older brother Robert still casts a shadow over Joffrey's claim to the throne. With the priestess Melisandre at his side, Stannis can still influence the course of the war by striking where least expected.
The lives of many others still hang in the balance. Bran Stark and his protectors must cross the frozen wastelands of the North to reach the Wall, whilst Arya must brave the war-torn Riverlands in search of her mother and brother. Brienne also has the thankless task of taking the captive Jaime Lannister home across hundreds of miles of battlefields and carnage. Theon Greyjoy must face the consequences of his actions at Winterfell. And in King's Landing both Tyrion Lannister and Sansa Stark must brave the currents of a much more dangerous court in order to survive.On the eastern continent, Daenerys Targaryen has fled the political viper-pit of Qarth. Her dragons are growing and her fame is spreading, but to take the Iron Throne she will need supporters and an army. Both may be found in the corrupt cities of Slaver's Bay... for a price.
Beyond the Wall, the White Walkers are on the move, threatening both the Seven Kingdoms and the lands of the Free Folk. While the Night's Watch faces the threat of the White Walkers in the field, Jon Snow must infiltrate the wildling army of Mance Rayder and discover the King-Beyond-the-Wall's plans.
My impressions on the whole series so far : In 24 years of TV consumerism, it is one of the best shows I've ever watched. And by far. A great story full of sudden developments and surprises, schemes everywhere, stories of honour and bravery, of hate and love. It is full of amazing actors, playing amazingly their roles. The characters are numerous et diversified, to the point that we could believe we're going to be lost but no... We just need two episodes and we're already hooked, we know who is who and who does what. We learn how to appreciate, idolize them. We tend to find all the big archetypes of characters, from the guy acting in the shadow to the henchman infallible including the kid you want to slap every ten seconds (each one of you will give these characteristics to their own vision of the characters). But, many shows have already offered us this. What distinguishes this show from the others are the means put together to realise the creators' vision : a fantastic production, sumptuous sets, successful special effects and above all, marvellous soundtracks ! The best soundtracks for a TV show since ages (-maybe since always-). And the opening... What an opening ! Wonderful. It is superb !
Your turn :
- As a "non-watcher", how do you feel about Game Of Thrones ? Will you watch it ? If yes, what are your reasons ? If not, why ?
- As a follower of the show, are you excited about the 4th season of the show that will air around April 2014 ? Have you got any favorite character ? Why ? Why not ? Which season is your favorite / least favorite ? What are your favorite quote(s) from the show ? What are your favorite scenes ? Have you got funny gifs to share from the show ? Or, have you got any memes you want to share with us ?
I hope this thread will be useful for you, and that we can communicate in a cheerful and pleasant way ;-) !