Season one of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” opens with the kind of compelling sequence that immediately pulls you into the story and the world in which it’s told. There are terrifying monsters in the woods; dangerous, blood-thirsty, unstoppable beings that obviously represent an existential threat to the warring clans the rest of the series is about to introduce us to.
These clans are really kingdoms — seven of them — set in the fictional land of Westeros and all ruled for generations by a single family. An act of aggression by one against the others eventually united all seven under what’s known as the Iron Throne, and ever since (though a number of shaky alliances have been created through the kind of castle intrigue we’re all familiar with), the battle to control this ultimate prize has been almost non-stop.
Through extremely dense plotting (that can be hard to follow at times) and complex characterizations, the series quickly draws us into four separate stories that an intricate narrative will, over time, weave together. And this is really where the 10-part series’ sense of momentum comes from — the brick-by-brick plotting that makes clear that everything you’re watching is going to eventually come to a head.
Lord Eddard Stark (a perfectly cast Sean Bean) rules the House of Stark. He’s our protagonist, a loyal ally, loving family man, and a very tough and forceful leader with an unwavering personal code that might save him and his family from an awful lot of grief were he willing to bend at times. A terrific Mark Addy rules the House Baratheon, which is tied to House Lannister through the marriage of Queen Cersei Baratheon (the breathtaking Lena Headey). Elsewhere, Prince Viserys Targaryen III (Harry Lloyd) of the exiled House Targaryen, forces his seemingly innocent sister (Emilia Clarke) into an arranged marriage with the leader of a tribe of primitive warriors. If Targaryen is to have his revenge and assume the Iron Throne, this will be his army.
Looming over all of this is that existential threat, which is even more of a threat because those in danger are too wrapped up in their own agendas and personal dramas to pick up on a growing pile of clues.
If that all sounds confusing, it is. Thankfully, the Blu-ray collection comes with a character guide that’s sure to be well-thumbed before the first season comes to a close. Honestly, though, the confusion is a problem. Those already familiar with George R. R. Martin’s fantasy book series upon which “Game of Thrones” is adapted, might have an easier time following the various plot-threads, relationships, alliances, betrayals, and unceasing political maneuverings. But there are long stretches where I was more than a little numb as things played out that made absolutely no sense.
Eventually, however, something inevitably would happen that would allow me to play catch up, but this is, in my opinion, a serious storytelling flaw and not one I’ve experience before with a number of other series famous for their intricate plotting and varied storylines, including “The Sopranos,” “The Wire,” and “Breaking Bad.”
This doesn’t mean “Game of Thrones” isn’t worth your time. In fact, I would argue it is. Overall, the series is fascinating and by the time it ended I was eager to see what would happen in the second season (which premieres April 1 on HBO).
The quality of the production and acting is feature-worthy and impeccable. And while Sean Bean might be our protagonist, Peter Dinklage is the star. His role a drunken, whoring libertine who might’ve been king were it not for his height is pure pleasure.
Fantasy is far from my favorite genre, but the trappings of the genre that always drive me crazy are thankfully not present in “Game of Thrones.” Magic is not used as a dues ex machina, the mythology is politically based as opposed to based on jargon buried in stupid wrapped in a nerd-gasm, and while the world might be fictional, it’s not unrecognizable. The trees don’t talk, the horses don’t fly, and what magic there is is kept to a perfect minimum.
Fans of kings and castles and dragons and the like will be thrilled, as will lovers of intricate drama and intrigue. Also, if you watch closely, the series does something fascinating with all of its women characters. I don’t want to ruin it, but keep a close eye on what their roles on when we first meet them and where they end up.
The unfortunate confusion might keep the first season of “Game of Thrones” from achieving the status of a classic television show, but the potential is most certainly there and my guess is that repeat viewings will result in an even more rewarding experience.
“Game of Thrones” is available at Amazon.com.
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