Game of Thrones: Why is it loved so much?

[Grape_Bullion]

I'll start by saying I have never read any of the books or watched an episode of the television series. I really have no interest in it, so the plot and characters really aren't what I'm wondering about. I am wondering, why is it loved so much? What does it offer its fans that makes it so loved?

 

[Kenbo Slice]

Blood and boobies. That's what it has to offer.

 

[Wadders]

Errmm, the plot and the characters are largely responsible for its popularity.

Complex events caused by lots of characters and factions with their own interests all playing off one another, and seemingly no-one is safe.

I guess it's also in the vein of Rome and other series like that. Historical fantasy with plenty of gore and nudity. What's not to like?

 

[e033x]

Keyword: "Haven't read the books"

There's your problem. Also T&A in the series. And Tyrion.

 

[NinjaDeathSlap]

You kinda answered your own question there chum. It has an exciting and intriguing plot, set in a fascinating world, seen though the eyes of possible the best all-round cast of characters ever seen in the genre. If you have no interest in any of those things, then I can't help you.

There is indeed also blood and boobies (more blood in the books, more boobies in the show). However, if those were the only things it had going for it then it wouldn't have any more fans than the average exploitation flick.

 

[SlaveNumber23]

Well its absolutely enthralling and portrays a vast web of great characters, also it doesn't hold back and throws censorship out the window.

I had my doubts about the show too but after giving it a shot and watching the first episode I was completely hooked and ended up going through the entire first and second seasons in the space of about 2 weeks.

 

[hazabaza1]

Because it's fucking great.
I mean, I've only read the prologue of the first book, but the show is fuckin' GOOD.

 

[Tom Waits' hat]

Complex characters writing. Nobody is perfect.

 

[SpAc3man]

It's just a very good drama. As a fantasy story it doesn't come close to the complexity and intricacy of lore that other offerings have. Tolkien being the notable example. As a character driven drama it has everything done right. The characters are well defined, the many story lines overlap and interact well, the plot isn't very predictable and the blood and boobies are plentiful.

My only problem is the books seem to be purposely written to be a TV series. While this means the story transfers to TV very well it does make the books seem a bit artificial.

 

[DugMachine]

Because it's not your run of the mill fantasy story. The characters and their interactions with one another feel so real and the politics between the lords/kings sets such an uneasy mood that truly no character is safe. Not spoiling anything but you go into that show (especially if you read the books) knowing your favorite characters have a good chance of dying.

The show is good but the books are freaking amazing.

 

[The Wykydtron]

Because it's HILARIOUS. I have the books but the TV show is just really damn good. One of the best things to watch with a group of friends at a DVD night that's for sure.

"Oh my GOD! FUCKING JOFFREY!"

One scene opens with him aiming a crossbow squarely at his wife idly wondering whether to shoot her or not. So fun to watch.

He also gets one prostitute to beat the shit out of another because... Well they were Tyrion's idea of a joke gift. Joffrey doesn't like jokes. It's a genius move by him though. No way a guy that young can *ahem* satisfy two women at once, but stories of a king who is shit in bed are bad for business. Bypassed the entire thing like a boss.

I love the guy, I really do. He's such a ****.

I really like the whole witty, backstabbery, "No imma be king, you ***** gtfo" medieval stuff. Every other scene is one either being set up or being carried out.

*checks previous posts*

Why is there no mention of Joffrey? Come on, step it up guys.

 

[R.Nevermore]

It's character drama and plot gone wild... Seriously, if you love to see how REAL people behave in insane situations... This is your show

 

[Abomination]

I think everyone has pretty much covered what makes it great. It's a feudal setting that actually embraces that it is a feudal setting. Toss in some rare appearances of dragons, zombies, shamanistic magics, face-shifting assassins and demon/god shadow baby spell things and you've even got some fantasy.

It is well worth watching not just because it is a good show but to encourage more of the same from the market.

 

[IllumInaTIma]

For me it's all about characters. There are no clear good guys and bad guys. Everyone has its own agenda, motivation, strengths and weaknesses. Even Tywin, supposed puppet-master behind everything is so sympathetic, even though he might be merciless and brutal.

 

[Silvanus]

Because it's fucking great.

Stannis is pleased, Hazabaza1. You live to post another day.


OT: It's all to do with plot. T&A might get people to take a look, but plot keeps them there, and the plot defies expectations damn near every time. No character has plot-armour, and it's far from a tale of good-vs-evil as LOTR boils down to. When the land has five kings jossling for position, there's really no right answer.

Plus, and this is quite important: it holds back on the magic, but when it makes use of it, it makes fantastic use of it. It keeps it in reserve for special occasions.

 

[MisterShine]

In short: It doesn't fuck around.

Every episode someone dies, gets cheated on, cheats on, plots against, is plotted against, and general skullduggery that makes every episode end the situation the character is in completely different from where they started (well, except a couple times). It doesn't treat me like an idiot who just jumped into the middle of the series, it assumes I was paying attention all season and remember off-hand comments from a few episodes previous, because that line can be the whole crux of the season. None of this characters being completely static bullshit 98% of other shows stick to.

It's good, okay?

 

[piinyouri]

It's Dune.
Everyone is scheming on everyone.
Also a midget.
And one delightfully insane ************.

 

[Saviordd1]

Because
-Politics
-War
-Characters
-Lies
-Truth(S?)
-Magic
-Giants
-Hodor
-Tyrion
-Boobies
-Zombies
-Sudden death mode
-Swords
-Horses
-Horse lords
-Horse lords with swords
etc etc

Basically it has SOMETHING for almost anyone, its really great in that regard.

 

[saintdane05]

Medieval fantasy Dune. Quite good fun, with the most punchable character of all time.

Also: Midgit sex.

 

[Headdrivehardscrew]

Blood and boobies. That's what it has to offer.

Sounds like the most efficient way to describe Spartacus: Blood on my Boobies. Or have they meanwhile changed the title to Spartacus: Spunk on my Schnitzel?

I think the Game of Thrones TV series deserves some respect because it's well-made and offers some of the best TV entertainment right now. A vast cast of capable actors bringing the characters of the books to life in an amazing way.

Sure, the TV series is heavily censored, simplified, boiled down and distilled in comparison to the books. But that's how it works. If you're too lazy to read, you're bound to miss out on some of the more refined experiences of being human. Tough titty, that.

As for OP - well, what is it you're looking for in a TV series? If it is not, as you say, neither plot nor characters, what is left? Flashing images? The sheer spectacle of moving images? My dog liked watching dogs, horses and cats. Some other animals. He was quite specific in his interests. What is of interest to you when it is not the core elements of virtually any story ever told?

Well its absolutely enthralling and portrays a vast web of great characters, also it doesn't hold back and throws censorship out the window.

Ahem. Compared to the books, the TV series are about as deep as the average sugar frosting on a doughnut. Also, omissions are just a less offensive form of censorship. But, granted, we haven't seen the really hugely offensive and depraved stuff yet. Eight more episodes to go this season. Colour me giddy giddy.