Game of Thrones: Season 1 Review[Spoiler-free review]
This wall of text and pictures is a spoiler-free review for the first season of Game of Thrones. Check out my slightly modified spoiler review below this post if getting major plot points from the show spoiled sounds good to you. If you don't care, then be my guest. If you have already seen the show, I recommend going to the post below. This review contains very, very minor spoilers for some irrelevant scenes used as examples to prove my point.
This first season of Game of Thrones was a phenomenon (still is) when it made its first debut in the Spring of 2011. D.B. Weiss and David Benioff are the leading writers of the show, as well as producers of the show. These writers were unfamiliar with television and repeatedly had to add new content to the episodes of the first season due to their lacking in the approximate time the episodes should take up. Most of the new scenes they had to write in were inexpensive to shoot, like dialogue scenes between two actors. The show has become an integral part of the fantasy genre and geek culture over the past few years, and is one of the highest grossing television shows period. The show has won many impressive awards such as 'Outstanding main title design' at the Emmys.
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| Look at that outstanding title |
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| Do people still care about IGN? |
I don't know who exactly determines the winners of these awards and why there would be an award category existent for something as insignificant as title design, but I'll roll with it.
The show adopts quite a lot of its source material, that material being 'A Song of Ice and Fire', the book series by George R.R. Martin. In fact, a sizable majority of the praise it has received is due to the show being very faithful to the books. I have not read any of these books yet, so I will be judging the show based on what's there in the show, and not what it does in relativity to the books.
The season is made up of ten episodes, all around 55 minutes each. The story in the show follows Ned Stark (Sean Bean), who is asked by King Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy) to be his hand. Robert Baratheon is the King of the seven kingdoms, and to be the hand of the king would essentially be to assist the most powerful man in the lands. Ned Stark's wife Catelyn (Michelle Fairly) receives a letter from her sister Lysa (Kate Dickie) reporting on her suspicions of the Lannister household and their involvement with her husband Jon Aryn's death. Jon Aryn was the previous hand of the king, which is why King Robert is in need of a new one. Ned investigates Jon Aryn's involvement with the Lannisters to uncover why they may have killed him. The plot progresses after, but this is the main plot for the first few episodes. There is also another simultaneous unfolding of events across the narrow sea from the continent Westeros, In Essos. Most of the seven kingdoms belong to Westeros while Essos primarily belongs to the Dothraki tribe. The Dothraki is a group of uncivilized and barbaric horse-mounted warriors that elect leaders based on power and strength rather than bloodlines. The Dothraki travel and don't have a kingdom. This storyline across the sea follows Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) and Viserys Targaryen (Harry Lloyd), brother and sister. The previous king of the seven kingdoms was their father, the mad king before he is slain by Jaime Lannister and Robert takes the position. The mad king was a mentally unstable ruler, as the name suggests. Because of the mad king's awful ruling, His children suffered and were sent into exile. Viserys arrogantly believes that he still has the rightful position as king. Wanting more power and an army, Viserys marries off Daenerys to the Dothraki leader, Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa) in hopes that Drogo will supply him with an army to help him return to Westeros and claim the throne.
There is a lot of characters to keep track, so rather than keep explaining their relevance to the other characters and their relationships I'm just going to give this family tree diagram.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_of_Thrones_(season_1)
The majority of character in the show are excellent. Most of the characters get at least some time to shine and are at least fascinating to see on screen. I haver never seen a show like this so successfully juggle all these characters without diminishing any others. The world established in Game of Thrones is a darker one; more characters suffer than they gain by the end of the season. Each character feels very real, in the sense that they all have their individual motivations to advance them along all or most of the season. Ned needs to uncover the Lannisters' reasoning for killing Jon Aryn, and in doing so, is busy for most of the season. Catelyn Stark needs to hold the Lannisters responsible for their crimes against the Stark household, involving Catelyn Stark's son Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright). Robb Stark (Richard Madden) needs to gather an army towards the end of the season. Some characters don't have as straightforward motivations. Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) is more of a survivor, cunning and sharp with his wit, and escapes various situations throughout the show. Jaime Lannister's (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) intention is to keep his family safe and his secrets even safer. There are quite a few incredible performances to accompany the characters in the show. The best performances of note come Sean Bean, Peter Dinklage, Harry Lloyd and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. There are a vast amount of other great performances from other actors such as Aidan Gillen (Petyr Baelish), Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister) and Emilia Clarke.
The plot is a fascinating one. I liked how the supernatural and fantasy elements were dialed back to allow the principal focus to be on the characters, whereas in something like The Hobbit, the fantasy elements can become the central display.
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| CGI fest brought to us by 'The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies.' |
The character interactions are the best part of the show, so it makes sense for them to be the focus. The exciting opening scene of the first episode makes it clear that beasts and monsters are living in the world with these characters. So the show becomes immensely interesting when characters will refer to the creatures, saying that they don't exist or that they're extinct when the audience knows full well that they are out there. It also creates a sense of unease as we realize that eventually, the drama between kingdoms won't matter when they become a problem in the future.
There are a few issues with the presentation of the story. I can imagine people who are not avid fans of the book series being confused about the characters' relationships towards each other for the first few episodes. The context of the setting and characters need explanation earlier on to be able to invest in the story. Some character relationships are self-evident like Ned Stark being in bed with his wife. But other instances disclose character relationships that the story introduces way later on. Jon Snow (Kit Harington) isn't revealed to be Ned Stark's son until midway through the second episode. It also took me awhile to fully understand who Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) was in relation to the Stark Household. These late explanations make character interactions, and dialogue scenes less impactful if you only partially know who a lot of the characters are. For the most part, the third episode is where the majority of characters have ground to stand on. It isn't really until the third and fourth episode that characters have fully realized motivations or intentions. Since the conflict is in the process of setting up and developing in the second episode, the priority in the midst of all this should be getting the audience to know all the characters and give a reason to care about them. So by the time the conflict fully realizes it has more weight to it. It's fair to say that the pacing is slow in the first three or four episodes. The plot starts to get more interesting in the fourth and fifth episode and by the sixth episode the pacing picks up. By then the story is very exciting and well executed. The last two episodes leave a great build up for the second season to pick back up on.
I have problems with a select few characters since most are great. Isaac Hempstead Wright is the weakest of all the actors that surround him, which is what I expect since he was very young during the filming of the season. I never felt like he had much to say that was purposeful in this season in the big scheme of things in the plot. His character, as someone with a personality, doesn't contribute much to the story at all. Another character I had problems with was Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner). It's a combination of things that give me such a disinterest in her. Sophie Turner is an unexceptional actress and has one or two scenes to 'shine'. She does not have that much of a memorable character and the limited screen time she has doesn't allow for any progression of her character. There are only a few impressionable scenes I can remember her from. One where she commands her younger sister Arya (Maisie Williams) to 'shut up' when admiring Joffrey as he arrives in Winterfell to greet the Starks. One where she is upset about her dire consequences with messing with Joffrey, by far her best scene. And one scene where she has unnatural-looking makeup to make it seem as if she had been crying.
I don't know what it is, but the combination of weird makeup, the lighting, and Sophie Turner's dull expression very much held back from the potential this scene had. It also really contrasts the quality when Emilia Clarke cries in the same episode, and it looks way more convincing.
It must have been a challenge to juggle all these characters in the nine or so hours that the first season spans. And I commend the writers for making most of the characters interesting and intriguing. I'd like to take a look at a fantastic scene with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, which gives an idea of the stellar performances to expect in this show. In one particular scene in the seventh episode, Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance) is lecturing his son Jaime about concerning himself with others' opinions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47MazYDnmaU [Link to the clip, since embedding makes the video quality horrendous,] {{{{{Also contains some minor spoilers for the fifth episode, so you don't have to watch it}}}}}
As the scene begins, Tywin is skinning a deer, representing his level of power over the Baratheon house and also showing the power and dominance he will retain through the interaction, while Jaime stands behind him, smaller in the frame. While the sound staging of actors makes it clear to the audience who has more emotional/physical dominance, it is also nice to recognize the visible progression Jaime's character goes through. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau demonstrates character progression using only his eyes and expression as the conversation continues. In the first shot of dialogue - although hard to see - we can gather from Jaime's eyes and expression that he is prideful in his small victory in the previous episode. We can also see that he somewhat eagers for any form of approval from his father.
Tywin then denies Jaime of any praise/approval and we can see the disappointment in Jaime's eyes alone.
As Tywin accuses Jaime of worrying too much about what people think of him, Jaime's expression changes. His face displays defensiveness, and his eyes show a tinge of annoyance with his father.
As the scene wraps, the final shot establishes the newfound understanding that occurred with Jaime's facial expressions. His character just showed visible signs of progression in that one scene alone. He is able to demonstrate hurt from his father's words, yet realization that he needs to sort out his priorities with others' opinions and to take advantages of the resources he has.
As the scene wraps, the final shot establishes the newfound understanding that occurred with Jaime's facial expressions. His character just showed visible signs of progression in that one scene alone. He is able to demonstrate hurt from his father's words, yet realization that he needs to sort out his priorities with others' opinions and to take advantages of the resources he has.
It's this kind of structure in the staging and acting and the storytelling that makes scenes like this one so efficient. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau's performance rightfully deserves to be praised.
Character interactions and development, as shown by that scene, are things at which the show excels. The sex scenes in the show are abundant throughout the season, but they serve their purpose to the characters in the story. The best example of this is in the second episode, where Daenerys feels nervous around her new Dothraki husband Drogo and wants to be able to please him. After inquiring, she gets taught how to successfully please a man by one of her servants. Later, she tries out these new techniques. By the end of the episode, she has gained more confidence as a character through the usage of intercourse. It can also be used to show the more creepy and grotesque side of someone's personality, like with Petyr Baelish. The character interactions start to become way more interesting in the latter half of the season when there is more at stake for the characters.
I have mixed feelings about the dialogue in the show. It is mostly good. Regarding the script, the writing for the characters is excellent. Information deals at a good pace throughout the conversation. The writing alongside the performances from actors works incredibly well. There can be a lot of suspense to a dialogue scene, and there can also be a more calm and mellow mood. The dialogue feels very natural (except Bran occasionally) which is critical in a more dramatic moment. I found that there was seldom use of the camera for emphasis or change or to aid the storytelling in creative ways, and even in just obvious conventional ways. Because of that, it is up to the actors and editors to create emphasis or a shift of tone or change in character and anything in between. With most of the dialogue just being standard shot - reverse shot, it is a missed opportunity to incorporate more ways to serve the story visually. Sometimes the staging of actors is smart, and sometimes it's only there to keep it all in the frame. So I pulled an example from the show where one scene uses shot emphasis, a dialogue scene made ineffective and a couple of character interactions made VERY direct. Let's go through them.
I have mixed feelings about the dialogue in the show. It is mostly good. Regarding the script, the writing for the characters is excellent. Information deals at a good pace throughout the conversation. The writing alongside the performances from actors works incredibly well. There can be a lot of suspense to a dialogue scene, and there can also be a more calm and mellow mood. The dialogue feels very natural (except Bran occasionally) which is critical in a more dramatic moment. I found that there was seldom use of the camera for emphasis or change or to aid the storytelling in creative ways, and even in just obvious conventional ways. Because of that, it is up to the actors and editors to create emphasis or a shift of tone or change in character and anything in between. With most of the dialogue just being standard shot - reverse shot, it is a missed opportunity to incorporate more ways to serve the story visually. Sometimes the staging of actors is smart, and sometimes it's only there to keep it all in the frame. So I pulled an example from the show where one scene uses shot emphasis, a dialogue scene made ineffective and a couple of character interactions made VERY direct. Let's go through them.
In the seventh episode, there is a dialogue scene with Daenerys, Jorah, and an assassin. The scene shows Jorah and Daenerys slowly realizing that a friendly wine merchant is an assassin sent to poison Daenerys. As most of the show doesn't use the type of shots that this scene uses, it grabbed my attention. Notice how the close-ups on the characters have their faces take up the majority of the frame can create a certain tension in the atmosphere.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIGYQr6ldJk {{{{Contains minor spoilers for the episode, you could just read}}}}
The close-ups that are far more 'close up' than most of the season. These shots in the scene allow a clear visual of the different characters thoughts and realizations. The performances from all the actors are good, and the and as the scene progresses we can see changes in the expressions of the actors, making the tension and drama going on more effective. Granted, a few less of these types of shots would be nice to create more emphasis on a particular few reactions and expression, since less is more. It's an easy way to make an ok scene into a good one. It is still worth noting how bland this scene could have been if it was just filmed in medium shots, or from afar.
Conversely, a scene in the fourth episode fails to achieve the drama it reaches for because of its simplicity. I would say one of the most ineffective dialogue scenes of this first season. The scene concerns Alliser Thorne (Owen Teale) confronting Jon Snow and Samwell Tarly (John Bradley). Alliser tells Jon and Sam about one winter where he was stuck beyond the wall and barely survived. His story is interesting, but everything else going on around him and the other characters are boring.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XAk2hpuAQI {{{Nothing really gets spoiled here}}}}
The staging of the actors is boring, and the movement of the actors is pretty much non-existent. Even the acting can't save the scene. Kit Harington projects a mopey look throughout the scene all the while John Bradley gives a blank stare. The only half-decent acting occurs with Owen Teale, who manages to focus a lot of harshness and woe into his lines. As the dialogue (or essentially monolog) begins the actors are as still as a statue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIGYQr6ldJk {{{{Contains minor spoilers for the episode, you could just read}}}}
The close-ups that are far more 'close up' than most of the season. These shots in the scene allow a clear visual of the different characters thoughts and realizations. The performances from all the actors are good, and the and as the scene progresses we can see changes in the expressions of the actors, making the tension and drama going on more effective. Granted, a few less of these types of shots would be nice to create more emphasis on a particular few reactions and expression, since less is more. It's an easy way to make an ok scene into a good one. It is still worth noting how bland this scene could have been if it was just filmed in medium shots, or from afar.
Conversely, a scene in the fourth episode fails to achieve the drama it reaches for because of its simplicity. I would say one of the most ineffective dialogue scenes of this first season. The scene concerns Alliser Thorne (Owen Teale) confronting Jon Snow and Samwell Tarly (John Bradley). Alliser tells Jon and Sam about one winter where he was stuck beyond the wall and barely survived. His story is interesting, but everything else going on around him and the other characters are boring.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XAk2hpuAQI {{{Nothing really gets spoiled here}}}}
The staging of the actors is boring, and the movement of the actors is pretty much non-existent. Even the acting can't save the scene. Kit Harington projects a mopey look throughout the scene all the while John Bradley gives a blank stare. The only half-decent acting occurs with Owen Teale, who manages to focus a lot of harshness and woe into his lines. As the dialogue (or essentially monolog) begins the actors are as still as a statue.The only movement is minimal until Alliser Thorne moves close to Sam, and proceeds to leave. There are no hand gestures or movements or edits to emphasize anything that may be substantial or dramatic in the conversation. The camera usually cuts before Alliser Thorne finishes speaking to show Jon and Sam's faces or cuts after Alliser Thorne finishes his sentence but is still talking. Because of the edits not providing any pattern, there is no definitive rhythm to this dialogue scene. Rhythms in a dialogue scene are important in making the conversation engaging and natural. The rhythm can be a result of the edits, the character movements and the speed at which the actor speaks. I feel that rhythm is important to dialogue scenes. It is a very subconscious effect, but it makes it easier to interpret information and thus engages you effortlessly. I wouldn't hold every scene to a high standard when it comes to this, but if there is nothing else really engaging besides the words coming out of someone's mouth, then it isn't making use of other ways to make the scene interesting. This effect takes work to obtain. Let's compare the scene from Game of Thrones with an out-of-context scene from the Coen Brothers' 1996 film 'Fargo'.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM2N1w6t1KM {{{Contains minimal spoilers for Fargo}}}
Forget the subject matter of the different scenes, the various tones of the two scenes and the context of the two scenes for the characters. Instead, focus on the first two minutes of the clip. Right after William H. Macey's character enters the room, the dialogue begins. Note how every single cut bases on rhythm from movement, to keep the audience engaged. Every single one. The first cut is the motion behind William H. Macey adjusting his position on the arm of a chair.
The second cut is following the movement of Harve Presnell's character slightly raising his eyebrows.
The third cut is the motion of William H. Macey raising his eyebrows and then looking at Larry Brandenburg's character.
The fourth cut is the motion behind Larry Brandenburg shrugging his shoulders and finishing his line of dialogue.
The fifth cut is William H. Macey's bewildered look and mouth movement as he finishes his line of dialogue.
AND the sixth cut is Harve Presnell's character reclining in his chair and nodding while saying his lines.
I could go on with the rest of the scene, but the point is the natural rhythm that this scene establishes. The use of movement with the actors and their expressions really is just more pleasing to watch. The edits prevent any awkward pauses or wonky rhythms from occurring in the scene, which allows the scene to unfold with the focus on the drama between the characters. This scene is active in many other ways such as subtleties towards William H. Macey's character's personality as he consistently tries to smile and uses the words 'darn' and 'heck' while also struggling to keep his calm. Not to mention the use of staging where the other two actors both face William H. Macey, having him look back and forth in the scene as though he is cornered, which rings true in the dialogue. So I do believe that there are efficient as well as less productive dialogue scenes in the first season of Game of Thrones. Let's move on to a great scene that works really well involving Tyrion Lannister.
The sixth episode is where the audience gets to see how perfect Peter Dinklage is as Tyrion Lannister. His presence is that of a spectacle when he's on screen; it becomes exceedingly hard to take your eyes off him. The editing of this scene is perfect. The show seamlessly meshed these slightly comedic tones with the darker ones in the story. It never feels too obvious or forced. The staging of the actors, the subtle hand movements, and facial expressions all make this 2-minute scene so great. Additionally, Peter Dinklage's delivery makes the scene as good as it is.
The comedic timing with Peter Dinklage hesitating to say the word 'man' in referral to Mord with his expression is amazing.
It then sets up the next scene with Tyrion, most likely my favorite scene of the entire first season.
The editing and performances in this scene make the dialogue so great. Peter Dinklage's charisma and line delivery in this scene alone are extremely impressive. The hand gestures, the mannerisms and his articulation; He is truly fantastical. I can't praise him enough. This scene is a prime example of all great things to include in a scene. This scene is humorous, and at the same time, it is compelling to watch since the story has stakes to it at this point in the season. There are some ineffective and uninspired dialogue scenes scattered throughout the season, but it is overshadowed by a lot of dialogue scenes with real heart in it thanks to the actors, and editing.
To critique the non-physical, yet still very present, I would start by saying that the overall sound design is nice, and the music is fitting. The sound effects are used well when they are needed, and the theme of the show isn't crammed into, every scene. The cinematography is nothing too mind-blowing since the camera is used in the most conventional ways. The look of the show is good, but I would have liked to have seen the camera used in more creative means to make dramatic scenes gain more substance than they already have. Some editing choices I disagree with, and I noticed a couple of continuity errors as the show chugged along. Some minor edits could have been made to make dramatic moments or suspenseful moments reach their maximum potential.
Concerning editing errors, I have only one that I remembered. It concerns Tyrion peeing off the edge of the Wall in the third episode. A splashing sound effect is audible, yet the pee hasn't hit the ground yet. And it wasn't hitting the side of the wall either, and if it were it would never actually be as loud as the sound effect was. There were a few scenes that aren't edited 'wrong', but could be improved.
As Tyrion walks over to the edge, two shots show the height and scale of the tower.
I feel as though it would have been more impactful of a revelation (that he was high up) to have that one shot zooming away from the castle to be the one to reveal the height and scale. So the other two shots could be removed entirely.
Besides the out-of-sync music and the weird pacing that makes Tyrion walk back too quick, I think that this shot by itself establishes the setting way better. The last scene in the sixth episode with Viserys in the sixth episode could also be edited better. The suspense could draw out way more for the scene. There could have been fewer cuts or more and more rapid cuts as the scene slowly builds its intensity.
Shown in my favorite scene of the season with Tyrion (Which does contain major spoilers), the slightly humorous tones can successfully mesh with the serious. But there is a point in the eighth episode if the season where the tones clash violently. Bran and his new woodlands wildling friend are having a somewhat serious conversation about the gods when suddenly the character Hodor (Kristian Nairn) stumbles in naked with his goods on full display. Is this supposed to be funny? I realize it's a quick and easy way to introduce him to the audience, but why would they choose this scene, where the dialogue is serious and grounded? And why do they opt to introduce his character in the eighth episode? So that is a prime example of the tones not working together.
A scene from the tenth episode is probably my second favorite scene in the entire show. Not because of the actors or story, but because of the dialogue and staging. In the scene, Petyr Baelish and Varys (Conleth Hill) walk through the King's hall while sending insults back and forth. There is one tracking shot from the side that shows the pair side by side. As the insults from Petyr Baelish are casually shrugged off by Varys, he is in front of Petyr as they walk, showing how he is in the lead of conversation. Then Petyr Baelish catches up to Varys, both now facing each other at this moment. Varys somewhat mockingly says that they are in "Mutual admiration and respect." But what I love about this is that the shot where Varys says this shows the two of them equally distanced from each other, the borders of the frame, the windows behind them and the columns in front of and behind them. This single shot shows brilliant staging. The motions and position of the actors go hand in hand with the dialogue and emphasizes it as well as enhances it.
What's actually on screen beyond the editing is really well done all in all. There's a lot of beautiful landscapes and locations in Iceland and Northern Ireland as well as some other places. The gore and special effects are mostly realistic. There is only one instance where the effects were subpar in comparison to the rest of the show, which was the last episode of the season. The computer generated effects for one particular shot didn't look as good. The costume design obviously has a lot of effort put into it, from the Knights armor design to the robes made for higher class people. The biggest compliment I can pay is that there were zero instances where I was taken out of the show because of what was physically on screen. Mostly everything is in order on the screen, and I had to look to find any problems.
I did find that there were some lighting inconsistencies prevalent in the first half of the season. In the first episode where Jaime and Cersei have their first conversation, the only light sources are candles and natural light. Yet somehow a pasty bright white light is cast on them. I don't believe natural light from the sun or from candle flames to be that bright and of that color.
In next scene directly after this scene, Ned and Catelyn Stark are talking under a tree. In one shot we see that the only light is a white color and that there is only white light on Ned Stark.
In another shot, Ned somehow has an orangish glow on him.
My biggest gripe with the show by far is the action. It is notably terrible. It's poor even for TV standards. I wouldn't have such a huge problem with it if it weren't in every single episode in some form or another. The best shots in the action scenes are always from afar with stunt doubles who can manage their action choreography. The action isn't Taken 3 level bad, but still bad. I hold high standards to action scenes. I love the works from directors such as Jackie Chan, J.J. Abrams, and Michael Mann. Those directors are great at action, whether it's the way they stage it, or the editing or just the complexity of it. They keep everything clear, so the action is always in the spotlight. The best thing I can say about the action scenes is that similar to the sex scenes; they may not be the most fun to watch, but they at least establish a point for the characters or story. If they are going to include so much action in the show, the directors who come on and off for different episodes should at least try to make it look good. The first time we see action in the show is at the end of the first episode, in the background of Daenerys and Drogo's wedding. Four out of the nine impacts in the entire fight are obscured, and all of the hits are shot from a different angle, so actors need minimal choreography and effort. That is the first time we get treated to the action scenes. Take this other random action scene from the second episode of the season. It concerns Catelyn Stark being attacked by an assassin.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nWeC2tmrHw [Link to clip] {{{{Minor spoilers}}}}}
We can barely see what's going on in this scene. The shots are set up so that we can somewhat see what is occurring. The shot ends after every single hit and changes angle. Add a meaty sound effect in so that you can feel like there is something exciting going on and rapidly change angles so you can barely follow along and ... Voila. You have your typical Game of Thrones action scene. The quick cuts and shaky cam are a cheap way to show, and they are usually resulted in because actors can't do their choreography. Or worse yet, it could be how the directors intended to shoot it in the first place. The shaky cam and close-up inserts are purposely added to obscure the action, which annoys me. It's aesthetically displeasing to look at the action scenes in the show. They can somewhat deliver a sense of danger to the characters and progression to the story, but that's about all they have to offer. There is minimal effort required to shoot these scenes, and it is time saving which is why most directors do it in the first place. The action scenes come off as shoddy products that mostly exist just to increase the run time of the show. The best fight scenes are with Arya Stark and her dance master. Not because they look any better, but because there is some well-written dialogue between them in these training scenes.
Game of Thrones: Season 1 has a lot of substance to it, and I think that's what sets it apart from most television on currently. It doesn't treat the audience like nincompoops. You can't watch a Game of Thrones episode as you would a Spongebob episode. There are always things to learn about characters and the world that surrounds them. The show knows what it's aiming for in terms of audience, and can handle the drama between the dynamic characters. Game of Thrones is rare, in that it successfully can able to keep a large cast compelling for its run time. It is definitely worth watching. The characters that all have their own unique personalities. The intricate plot, the unexpected twists. It is all there. I have a few technical issues with the show, and it is worth noting how consistently terrible the action is. It's a unique take on the fantasy genre, with a darker and more grim approach then you would expect.
+ compelling characters/story - Lighting inconsistencies
+ Performances mostly excellent - Infrequent wonky editing choices
+ Tyrion Lannister is brilliant - Sometimes dialogue is ineffective
+ Great Props/set design - Action sequences are of poor quality
8.5/10
