I have poor timing. I am a latecomer to the Game of Thrones mania. Imagine being hooked to a series at episode 4 of a seven-episode Season 7. It's like catching the tail-end of a parade. And I have to wait one year for the next and final (ever) season! Talk about withdrawal syndrome.
My reluctance to join the Games of Thrones fanbase could be explained by my irrational (for some) preference of books over movies. Most of the screen adaptations have frustrated me, so I have always been loyal to the original books. I was spell-bound with the writings of JK Rowlings of Harry Potter’s wizarding adventures. My imagination soared with the Hunger Games book. These books whetted my appetite for the movies, so I promised myself that I will read the books before I see the movie versions. Also, I did not have the time to read any more fantasy books.
I had enough escapist ventures to keep me satisfied, well away from epic fantasy productions such as GoT. Such was my immersion in Harry Potter that I mistook Gandalf for Dumbledore during a Lord of the Rings movie. I blurted out “Dumbledore” inside the movie theater. My son slid down his chair in shame. He said it was a blasphemous moment in a roomful of LOTR fans.
I managed to live through six years of GoT-fanaticism from my niece who swore that this is the best show EVER, despite the excessive violence, blood and gore, gratuitous nudity, incest, and sexual abuse. I was horrified that she obsessed over a show that glorified treachery, lies, and greed, all to capture the Iron Throne. Besides, I was not in a mood for dragons, direwolves, and the undead. My niece could not believe that I didn't keep up with the hype. Pop culture be damned.
Then, I got hold of George R.R. Martin's best-selling book series "A Song of Ice and Fire". I discovered that audiobooks are wonderful creations to keep one engrossed through the long drive home. The world of Westeros and fire-breathing dragons beckoned to me. It was a rare reading/listening experience. And I was hooked and addicted. I must, I must, I must watch the GoT HBO tv series and see what the hoopla is all about.
Facebook was afire with all the dire warnings of “Winter Is Coming”. I overheard some of my staff enthusiastically rehashing the twists and turns of the latest episode. When I finally watched episode 4, I regretted the time I wasted in watching some of the mundane and insipid shows on tv.
David Benioff and D. B. Weiss did an excellent job in adapting Martin’s book to the small screen and created what would be a global phenomenon. The Game of Thrones is superbly written and produced. It is a compelling, must-see television with each episode a water-cooler event, or rather a world-wide viewing party, with both gen-x'ers, millenials and baby-boomers engaging in twitter-frenzy celebration.
The four episodes I saw left me reeling and wanting for more. The climactic ends made me looking forward for Sundays. Did I mention I love Tyrion for his cunning and wit? I was not shocked nor scandalized by the coupling of Jon Snow and Daenerys. Pssst, they didn’t know that they are related. I am hoping that somehow Rhaegar Targayen was really a bastard and not a brother to Daenerys. And maybe, everybody will live happily ever after (fingers crossed).
Yes, I'm late, but better late than never. I am emotionally invested, and addicted. I cannot wait for Season 8. Meanwhile, I will pass the time away reading all the books (five more books to go) and binge-watching all the episodes (64 eps more) I missed.
Winter came and the Wall has fallen!
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