In the Throes with 'Game of Thrones'

It was 1:30am in the morning. We had just finished the last of the chocolate and apricot slice I had baked and despite the hour, our minds were alert. In fevered whispers the questioning and speculation began as my sister and I sat on the couch, illuminated only by the light of the television, each in search of an answer to the age-old question: ‘what happens next?’

We had, of course, just finished watching Season 1 of HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’ and were eagerly discussing the possibilities in Season 2 after a week of intense series watching. It was only a few days later, when I experienced the pangs of withdrawal, that I started to wonder what it is about this show (and the countless of other dramas that infiltrate our lives) that has us wanting more?

‘Game of Thrones’ is a riveting tale which oozes with appeal as it does intrigue. In a time when we are bombarded with reality TV programs at every flickering blue screen, ‘Game of Thrones’ provides an enriching narrative that caters to a wide audience. Based on the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin, this program has it all: drama, action, fantasy and romance – it amalgamates many genres and engages audiences with its grippingly fast pace. There is no time to think about the woes of our lives when we are riveted to the plight of the Starks, the ambition of the Targaryens or the motive-driven Lannisters.

The series is set in a fictional land called Westeros where a range of noble families’ lives are consumed by the King’s throne. At the head sits Robert Baratheon, King and ruler of Westeros. His marriage to the fair-haired Cersei Lannister is riddled with secrets and disappointments. The Lannister’s, whilst fair of hair, are known for their dark and calculating nature, whilst other families, like the Starks, are intent on acting honourably and in justice.

Lord Eddard Stark is Hand to the King, appointed as his ‘right hand man’ and intent on maintaining the truth. Added to this is the house Targaryen, where siblings Viserys and Daenerys are caught up in their own journey to return home after the slaughter of their ‘mad King’ father Aerys. Each family (and there are a few more) is riddled with secrets and desires, all connected in some manner to the Throne. So what has us stuck on the couch trying to keep up with the characters and their complex family trees?

This narrative, whilst convoluted, is entertaining due to the nature of these complex relationships. These are problems which cannot be solved over a cup of coffee. The plot, whilst complex, is not alienating, such that, whilst one may not quite grasp the names of the characters or their titles at first, they understand their place in the narrative clearly; that is, until the next episode.

This is also another reason why the show continues in its success; it maintains motion. The plot, whilst heavily character driven, is largely propelled forward by action. There is a lot of dialogue and back-history, yet it is dispersed throughout each episode in a highly effective manner. Ultimately, longevity of a program is dependent on momentum; if it can capture an audience's attention over a prolonged period, then that person shifts from being a casual or non-committed viewer, to an engrossed fan. I can think of countless of series which I have either abandoned after a season or not pursued past the first few episodes due to its stagnant pace. Many characters would stand around covering 'old ground' and very little action would take place. ‘Game of Thrones’ presents a perfect balance; such that creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss will no doubt continue to see successful ratings throughout the second season.

Yet is not merely the masterful narrative which makes such a tale a rapidly growing obsession. HBO has managed to lure in the modern day viewer with a range of stellar cast performances. Most notably is that of Peter Dinklage, who embodies the role of Tyrion Lannister – a quick-witted, sly-mouthed womanising dwarf whose appetite for food and the female sex rivals that of ten men his size.

Dinklage’s fame began in his portrayal of an actor who was frustrated with the limited roles afforded to dwarfs in the film industry in the movie ‘Living in Oblivion’ (1995). From there his career continued to climb, so much so, that he received an Emmy in 2011 for his portrayal of Tyrion Lannister.

It is unequivocal that Dinklage’s performance has endeared the obnoxious and crude Lannister to many a viewer. His acting is genuine; his connection with his character is seamless, such that one can easily forget that Tyrion Lannister is a product of fiction. One cannot help but wonder at how much of Dinklage’s own humour is injected in to his fictional character – yet no sooner does the thought enter in to one’s mind, that it leaves again with alacrity – remember, there is no room for diversions when watching this show. Such is its appeal.

The challenge for a series in the 21^st century, when gratification is immediate in many areas of life, is the ability to maintain a loyal following. Technology has information readily available to us fairly instantaneously, such that we find ourselves impatient at persisting with a show which fails to capture and sustain our attention, and why should we?

So in a world that is so far removed from the sword-brandishing and throne-stealing Kingdom of Westeros, it is impressive to be captivated by a series which surpasses these differences and in light of them, presents characters and a plot which displaces the viewer’s sense of time and place until the divide between fantasy and reality become blurred, and no longer matter.