Game of Thrones

A few years ago, I was really looking forward to this epic fantasy series. Until the end of Season 4, I more or less enjoyed it, but then came a turning point. The writers started increasingly ignoring logic, and my favorite series was gradually turning into a farce, which often made me shake my head in disbelief. I hope I live to see the day when George R. R. Martin writes the ending so that I can read it, but I’m not counting on it... (08/15/2019)

The first season was a struggle. There’s so much empty dialogue, scheming that goes nowhere and raw fucking that it makes you tired. But as the episodes and seasons progress, you begin to marvel at the thoughtful interconnectedness of the individual fates, how everything fits together with surgical precision, how G.R.R. Martin, or rather the showrunners, are not afraid to shock and allow themselves the least predictable (and yet logical) twists that make your jaw drop, your back shiver, and all you can do is utter an involuntary "Bugger me!". The manner in which the fates of Arya, Sansa, Tyrion (and I could go on) unfold in the least predictable ways brings joy to the hearts of viewers who enjoy rich stories. A real viewer's delight that builds to a fantastic fourth season, and I really have no idea what they're going to top it with in the upcoming one. And the fact that the series has an unprecedented, by TV standards, large-scale set design, sets and atmosphere, where every thoughtfully invested dollar of the generous budget is evident, only confirms the quality of this exceptional achievement. (07/11/2014)

It can’t quite compete with Lord of the Rings in terms of grandeur, but otherwise the Game is a good watch. Fine actors (powerhouse Sean Bean and taciturn Jason Momoa are the best in my mind), quality production design (HBO style) and the story is starting out promisingly, but a little slowly. Let’s see what it holds in store... A dragon hatching. A serial that is the real fantasy that all us fans were dreaming of. Intrigues, battles, dead bodies. It mainly relies on superbly written characters who luckily are also excellently cast. My favorites Bean and Momoa were awesome for the whole season, but not just them. Dwarfish Peter Dinklage grew on me, the way he steals every scene with supreme confidence. I also really liked Daenerys, and Emilia Clarke, who plays her, gives an impressive performance (ehem) and has absolutely no problem swapping roles (ehem, ehem). The final scene was totally chilling in her delivery. I look forward to what comes next. Season two: In terms of quality, this is going up and up. Too bad that some of the now main actors are rather dull (Stark’s son - the one with the army, Stark’s non-son, a fisherman or something) and their sub-stories slow down the action. Peter Dinklage easily dominates this season too, and grampa Lanister with Stark’s young daughter (I must try to remember their names) and Jaqen (the assassin) really spiced up this season. And then my sunshine in the night, Daenerys and her dragons. I found those three little guys (I call them Huey, Dewey and Louie) really entertaining, mainly at the end. So bring on another season... Season three: Better and better. One small problem is that some of my favorite characters are just running on the spot (Daenerys and the army of corpses in the second half look like they’re stuck in first gear with the handbrake on) and the storylines are very hard to follow, especially when you have to wait a week for each new episode. The wedding scene maybe is one of the high points, but honestly I considered something like that was unavoidable (nothing interesting could happen with that character anymore) and I think it was essential for the growth of the series for Martin to make his move. Also I relished in the torturing of Grey and I was really pleased about Daenerys buying the Unsullied and the red dragon’s tricks. I look forward to them growing up, those little tinkers. :) Season four: It starts with perhaps the most pleasant death of the entire series so far. The story moves on some. And despite countless surprising twists, it head for the most powerful finale yet. The dwarf’s fate is a central theme of the season and Peter Dinklage literally shines. The brotherly scenes are some of the best of the series. Jon Snow finally begins to show his real colors and Bran’s storyline begins to gain momentum. Arya sailing away made for a nice ending to the season, but damn, a year is too long. (04/18/2011)

Maybe the best fantasy series I've ever seen. An epic story of a fight for the Iron Throne, where it’s not the size of the army that decides, but lies and intrigue, with everyone playing a double game. The characters are awesome and well-developed, each one with their own story, all of which become intriguingly intertwined over time, promising a spectacular show. S01: 10/10. S02: 10/10. S03: 8/10. S04: 9/10. S05: 10/10. S06: 10/10. S07: 7/10. S08: 6/10. (09/10/2012)

After dozens of recommendations, I finally watched the pilot. I have to say that it grabbed me right from the start so I watched the whole series in just three days. I think it's a perfect script full of quality intrigue and slightly erotic scenes. Some of the plot twists and betrayals are breathtaking. The music is also fantastic and often sent chills down my spine. A very good series all round. HBO rocks again. It's 99% for me. (07/08/2011)