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Disclaimer: I do not work for DSTV or M-net. This is just a bit of light-hearted fun to celebrate the return of the multi-award-winning tv series. If you’re looking for a serious article, this isn’t it, so move along.
Thursday has been renamed. By me. (Yes, I’m that important) From henceforth it shall be known as GoTDay. If you've been living under a rock, this stands for Game of Thrones. Which returns to our screens tonight (tonight!) at 9pm (tonight!) on Edge channel 102 (tonight!).
If you haven’t been watching, get thee to the DVD store or a reputable online supplier and purchase Seasons 1-4 because this is one of the best series ever to be produced. If you’re wondering why on earth you would do such a thing, here are the reasons:
Awesome writing
George R R Martin has woven an incredibly complex story that encompasses thousands of miles, dozens of characters (see below) and a history that spans thousands of years.The Characters
The number of characters on offer is a bit daunting at first, but all of them will, in one way or another, pull you further into their world and offer you a moment to love, hate, or just generally worry about them. (Especially as they get killed off indiscriminately….) In fact, they're all so well drawn, one is hard pressed to actually pick a favourite.
Tyrion
Okay, I lied; my hands-down favourite is Tyrion. In a world of power-crazed, claret-spilling back-stabbing, Tyrion survives on cunning, wit, a potty-mouth and just a respectable minimum amount of bravery. In his portrayal of The Imp, Peter Dinklage has rolled up Tyrion and stapled him to my heart.
Arya Stark
Yes, another favourite. While it’s not good to become too attached to any of the characters, (Damn you George R R Martin!) Arya is my favourite female in the series. (Khaleesi who?) Unlike her sister, the wussy girly-girl Sansa, feisty little Arya, hell-bent on revenge is a symbol for girl power and a role model for women everywhere with her attitude of “If a man can do it, I can do it better!”
The Eye Candy
From the opening titles and grand set-pieces this series is very easy on the eyes and then there’s the cast: you've got Jaime and Cersei Lannister, Jon Snow, Ygritte (You know nothing Jon Snow!), Prince Oberyn... It's pretty much wall to wall beautiful people... and The Hound. Sorry, The Hound.
Jon Snow
Kit Harington. The bastard son of Boromir, sorry erm, I meant Ned Stark. Jon Snow goes on to become a major character in subsequent seasons. Plus, he is gorgeous.
The Sauce
Be warned, unless you like living dangerously or have no hang-ups whatsoever, this is not a show you want playing in the vicinity of impressionable children or anyone responsible for bringing you into the world. (Sorry mom!) GoT does not shy away from letting it all hang out. Still, at least it's not violent...
The Red Sauce
Okay, I lied again. It's very violent. (Super duper violent) With that much intricate plotting and intrigue, things have a tendency to get ugly and the show's creators do an excellent job of finding interesting new ways in making us go "Eewww!"
It's Fantasy
What do you mean you don't like fantasy? You saw “Lord of the Rings” but didn't really like it? Sorry, but this argument cuts no (fire and) ice. Game of Thrones is like Tolkien on crack. Dragons! White Walkers! Evil smoke monsters! All of these exist in the GoT universe.
Jon Snow
The beautifully tortured, beautifully anguished, beautifully…ah damn. He’s just beautiful.
Being Part Of The In-Crowd?
Remember when everyone was banging on about “Breaking Bad” and you were a social outcast because you couldn't be arsed to sit through the bloody thing? Don't let yourself be left out again. GoT is a million times better than all of that crystal meth nonsense anyway, and it's got dragons. Did “Breaking Bad” have dragons?
….Did I mention Jon Snow?
