All right – this has hooked me big time. Two episodes in and I can barely wait for the next one.
Well directed, scripted, acted. Great action, suspenseful… Geez, all this and Peter Dinklage too. And, so far at least, he is far and away the best thing in a show that’s full of great stuff.
Apparently he’s been a much busier actor than I have been a watcher of his work, because his CV is a mile long. But from those early Alexandre Rockwell films In the Soup and 13 Moons to The Station Agent, I’ve always dug his style. He’s excellent here. The scene in the second episode where – despite having slept in a stable, or passed out there drunk – he slowly tips his hand just enough to show he knows much more than anyone around him – I watched it twice. And well, he’s just a blast in every scene he’s in.
I’m going out on a limb to say that this won’t disappoint me as it goes along. Sean Bean dressed in pelts = always a good bloody time. My only small upset comes from the fact that Roger Allam is not being listed as a regular cast member after having a nice role drawn for him in the first episode. A whole show that consistently features Bean, Dinkalge and Allam would just be too much fun to take.
I, too, am loving the series, with one catch. I’ll start there–every time we shift frame to the peroxide blonde brother and sister and the manly-men tribe of escapees from a John Milius film, the show loses me. It’s not just the barbarian trope, which while generically interesting (oh, look, they’re integrating all this fantasy mythology) is so far utterly dull, just like when done without any self-consciousness. Worse is the hammy bad brother, whose shit acting stands in stark contrast to the hammy perfection of the whole Lanaster (?) clan, particularly (as you note) Dinklage. Worst of all is the cheesy blank-eyed Cinemaxic soft porn of the sister. I grimace through these sections. Awful.
But it is, indeed, utterly gripping in every other regard–greatly entertaining. (Right now, of the few things I watch, it’s far ahead of The Killing and far behind Community and Justified… but they’re about to finish their seasons, so….) The scenes last week which began to tease out the political machinations (Dinklage and the bastard Stark out on the way to the Wall; Lady Stark realizing what’s going on; Dinklage at breakfast with his brother; the King’s confrontation with Stark about the kids’ squabble)…. great stuff.
Okay, I’m sold on all parts. Episode 4, while still doing a lot of introduction, began pulling threads (deceits, conspiracies, competing interests) together. The weaselly dragon-king brother looks not long for this world, and his sister has stopped being simple cheesecake.
There does seem to be a sly nod to other fantasy tropes–a character this week, a fat sad somewhat comical new recruit to the Watch, is named Samwell–not just a nod to Tolkien, but not really a swipe at either. There seems to be a desire to pull together strands of modern fantasy, to rework and reconceive with a wink and a mean streak of humor.
it’s increasingly dune relocated to middle earth. but that’s okay. i find it all a bit preposterous–and the dothraki sections still induce high levels of cringe (“it is a blessing from the great stallion”–oh fuck off). but it’s compelling enough in its attempt to fuck with the usual renaissance faire pleasures of the genre, or at least complicate them a little. and i want to know what’s going on with those white walkers.
winter is coming.
I keep searching for a map just to figure out where all these people are at any given time. Google is not helpful (is there a spoiler free place to visit). Finally gave in to Cate’s desire to see this (she who plays out a 24/7 fantasy extravaganza in her noggin). Last night we had the pleasure of watching the “great stallion” take the blond thirteen-year-old from behind AND watch them do it eye to eye (let’s not forget her pleasurable training from one of her ladies-in-waiting). Nary a word was exchanged between father and daughter, but we managed to sit through the it all with our dignities in tact (short the copious tears when the direwolf’s throat is slit). I guess that’s something. A second viewing does clear up some of the complexities.
Three weeks ago we endured the rather tedious exposition episode. Even that had some good, enjoyable stories. But the stories just kept a’comin for a whole hour. I had liked the leisurely pace of figuring things out on the go, so I got a bit worried this series was already on the descent.
But the most recent two episodes have reignited my love of these characters. The return of Roger Allam! Breastfeeding a tween! Eunuchs! And in the biggest challenge of Ned’s life, he tries to read a whole book.
Also some fine swordplay, blood gushers and Dinklage victorious. I really have no illusions that any of these characters are going to be around long. I haven’t read the books and have no idea, but that’s the sense I get.
So I watch these. Also watching the Larry Sanders Show on Netflix. Shandling is on the latest episode of Marc maron’s podcast. Also, the days are getting longer. And my cat is throwing up a lot. I did laundry today. I should eat something. How are you?
I’m good, how are you? I’m listening to the derivative yet infectious folky band The Head and the Heart as I type. Mavericks just beat the Thunder. I’ve thrown my hat in with the Heat. Sorry about the cat.
My eleven-year-old, World of Warcraft obsessed daughter and I are watching GoT. It’s pretty damn entertaining (though I still have no idea, geographically speaking, where the Dothraki live). “Crown of Gold” was a great episode, and Dinklage continues to be a treat (the bit about soup was hilarious). I miss Jon Snow – have a total mancrush on his earnest melancholy. Plus, he has soulful eyes. Cate and I dig the cool little girl (Arya?). The secret ain’t much of a secret, but it should be fun to see how that plays out. Horse heart soup does not appeal.
Finally got around to watching the wonderful Police, Adjective and need to write up a post about that (or at least contribute to existing thread).
The Dothraki live across the Narrow Sea, in roving hordes across the plains that surround Lake GitchiGoomee. Under the Yum-Yum tree.
I kid. I finally paid close attention to the credits–beyond just digging the graphic design of the buildings emerging like some mechanized orrery–and I think I have a grasp on the world’s geography.
I, too, feel bad about your nauseated cat. My dog is enjoying the emergence of grass after a very long winter, and this means an enjoyment of eating grass, and this means as well regurgitation. The other day, Kris ran to the phone and slid across the floor, one foot in a slick of greenish dog yawp. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! It is funny because it wasn’t me. Meanwhile, everyone else I know is finishing a semester–and relishing the sense of an ending that comes with that, and the coming of summer. But as a bigshot administrator I’m dutifully going to the office every day. Meh.
But, hey–we’re going to Alaska this summer. It will be, alas, one of those guided tours — the cruise up the inside passage, then trains and buses and moose through Skagway, to Anchorage, and a couple of days to Denali. I’m hoping to accentuate the positive — the views, the experience — and minimize my anxieties about people.
I’m digging this show, too.
mike, if a guided tour up the inside passage is what you wanted you could have just told me. that is what is known as single entendre. alas, it is not too far away from the level of wit on this show. just add a “m’lady” or “m’lord” as you desire.
i’ve begun to read the books. the first one was pretty good and much better than the first season (which covers its action). the second is tedious. the third is an improvement on the second. would you all like me to spoil everything for you? or would you just like a geography tutorial?
First Season: great. Will watch the whole thing again. I like how they kept any magic at bay until the very end. Other than zombies of course, which are more real than dragons.
Glad Peter Dinklage survived for at least a while longer.