HBO's A Game of Thrones has been phenomenal, and I'm relieved beyond measure to know there will be a second season. I couldn't have hoped for a better realization of Martin's world, especially the casting. Rather than offer a review, I'm just going to let the screen speak for itself and share some of my favorite scenes. And just to warn the faint of heart: some of these are rather unpleasant. This isn't feel-good fantasy, by any means; it's the kind we need to see more of.
1. Arya's First Lesson with Syrio. It's ironic that my favorite scene occurs in what is overall the least dramatic episode (three), but I have watched this scene too many times to count. They nailed it perfectly, especially with the haunting, subtle music. Arya is my favorite character, so it's only fitting that she's in the top slot. (From episode 3)
2. Khal Drogo's Vow. True to the book verbatim, and even more dramatic. I love the way he circles the pit gesticulating wildly, and Dany's expression as she looks on is wonderful. "I will take my khalasar west across the black salt water as no khal has done before, kill the men in the iron suits, rape their women, take their children as slaves, and bring their broken gods back to Vaes Dothrak to bow down beneath the Mother of Mountains." (From episode 7)
3. Ned's Execution. The pulverizing scene that made clear George Martin isn't fooling around. Good guys actually lose and die. (From episode 9)
4. The White Walkers. The prologue sets the tone with a vengeance: for all the story's focus on court intrigue and political ambition, the true threat resides north of the Wall, where this undead menace is about to be unleashed after an 8000 year silence. And no one wants to acknowledge it. (From episode 1)
5. Drogo Kills Mago. This one ups the ante over the book version, as Mago actually defies Drogo when overruled regarding his right to rape the women captives. (From episode 8)
6. Bran Thrown from the Tower. The scene that shocks new readers of the series. Honestly, not many fantasy authors cripple their child protagonists for life. (From episode 1)
7. Dany Eats the Horse Heart. A scene like this shows why HBO had to do it. A feature film would have never been R-rated for moneymaking reasons, and there's no way stuff like this can be done justice by PG-13 standards. Of course, that pretty much describes most scenes from the book. (From episode 6)
8. Robin Breastfeeding. This is "the" scene I was wondering if even HBO would have the nerve to follow so accurately. Love the expressions on Catelyn's and Tyrion's faces as they watch the horror show. (From episode 5)
9. Syrio's Last Stand. Another great scene with Arya and Syrio, and their last outing together. The Lannisters come for Arya, Syrio protects her while she escapes, and he pounds the be-Jesus out of most of the soldiers with just a wooden sword, before finally dying at the hands of Meryn Trant. (From episode 8)
10. Let There Be Dragons. I envisioned the dragons a bit differently, but they did a good job with this scene. Ends the season perfectly, just like the book. (From episode 10)
11. Robb Calls the Banners/Grey Wind takes Umber's Fingers. The look Maester Luwin gives Robb when he decides to war on the Lannisters is worth its weight in gold, and Lord Umber's instant friendship with Robb after his wolf savages him is insanely wonderful. (From episode 8)
12. Viserys' Golden Crown. A favorite of many; I can't imagine what it would feel like having molten gold poured over my head. Dany calmly looking on is priceless. (From episode 6)
13. Tyrion Slaps Joffrey (Not Twice, but Three Times). A very amusing scene. In the book, Tyrion slaps his nephew twice, which is priceless enough, but the scriptwriters threw in an extra whack for good measure. Joffrey, of course, deserves far worse than this. (From episode 2)
14. Jamie Attacks Ned. As brutally intense as in the book, and tragic for Jory. The casting of Ned and Jamie is perfect, one as honorable as the other is treacherous. (From episode 5)
15. Tyrion's Champion. Certainly one of the most memorable scenes from the book, showing Tyrion's shrewdness as he wins his freedom from the Eyrie. (From episode 6)
16. Ser Barristan Tells Joffrey to Shove It. Aside from Ned Stark, this is the only honorable man at court. And for those of us who have read the books, we know where he's going now... (From episode 8)
Saturday, July 2, 2011
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