Tuesday, May 24, 2011

What I’m Watching: Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones: Season 1, Episode 6 “A Golden Crown” (B+)

I’m impressed that this show is managing to incorporate some truly shocking and intense developments without them feeling hammed or contrived. Pouring burning gold onto someone’s head when they ask for a crown is certainly one way to make a point, and it’s all the more meaningful coming from someone usually so timid like Daenerys. It’s especially interesting considering it’s an internal matter, and all that Robert is concerned about is the pregnant queen rather than her brother. She’s establishing herself to be quite a force, and her eventual interaction with other regal players is sure to be fascinating. Tyrion proves his worth, both literally and figuratively, once again by talking his way out of certain death and employing an unscrupulous swordsman to save his life and get him set free. He doesn’t seem to hold all that much of a grudge, but he’s the Lannister everyone need least worry about, as Cersei openly dishonors her husband and Jaime is still on the run for his activities in the last episode, prompting some gruesome murders and a call for retribution from the king’s Hand. Things are definitely primed to explode in the coming weeks, as this show ekes past the midpoint of its first season. I’m glad I stuck with this show since it just needed a bit of time to get started. Even if it’s a bit dense sometimes, its characters and especially its universe are quite rich and make up for that occasional impregnability in constant fine form.

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