Game of thrones is once again something I never really have gotten into. To explain that statement I feel like I have to offer another explanation: fantasy has generally bored me. I don’t honestly know if that’s just because I have never enjoyed the whole Tolkien-esque fantasy deal with elves and dwarves and men and blah blah very rather banal stuff. Not to say I don’t like Lord of the Rings but I don’t like the fantasy films and books that intentionally try to imitate everything that made the series great while failing miserably. So for the longest time I dodged most forms of fantasy novels, movies and games and such because they were simply bland (most notably Dragon Age: Origins). However, Game of Thrones has been something that everyone has been saying I should watch and honestly I never really…wanted to. It took seriously far too much convincing but I finally got around to watching the first season.

The story deals with the aristocratic inner politics of the lands of Westeros and Essos and the various islands and such in between. The plot from there separates into a ridiculous number of plotlines dealing with the various families. These families start out with only a few members followed by the audience and then slowly grow more massive in number. You start with following Lord Starke and grow into following at least 4 members from the main families and good god it gets ridiculous to keep track of. Although I managed it, I will openly admit it’s a feat to pull off without any prior knowledge of the books…although I could just be an idiot. There is that distinct possibility. Anyway, it’s basically the ridiculous politics between the various families, wars, skirmishes, various dealings with each other for control, and so on.

The acting is, to put it simply, quite likely the best acting I’ve seen on television. I’m not even kidding is the interesting part (yes I do at least realize that I’m usually some form of sarcastic). There are a few rather big name actors, at least for some people but most of this cast, at least by my standards is completely unknown. The actors are extraordinarily convincing in their roles which, for a fantasy, is extraordinarily hard to come by because convincing people that magic, dragons and such really exist is quite hard to do. Also, I have heard a bit of complaining regarding the child actors. I can see where the people complaining are coming from although I don’t agree. The child actors do extremely well and, considering my main references for  child actors are from the star wars franchise and indiana jones, that’s pretty impressive.

That’s really all I can easily review right now due to, not necessarily a lack of memorable action, but my need to not give out spoilers as when the major action comes, it is definitely plot relevant. Let me just say it’s great and call it good.

The series so far has been nothing but fantastic. The plot, although occasionally convoluted and a bit of a mess at first, cleans up and you truly begin to understand the intricacies and deals of the court. The acting is absolutely phenomenal and has a cast deserving of a high budget oscar worthy movie rather than a tv show. One quick note before the overall score, the intro scene is one of the best I have ever scene and uses amazing music. Just thought I’d mention that as I do appreciate a TV show that has a good introduction. Anyway, if you can’t tell, the score is a 5 out of 5. Go out and watch it, the show is currently in it’s second season so you can easily catch up in a week. Season 2 Episode 3 came out this Sunday so hop to it people.