1. The Power Plays
Game of Thrones isn’t about castles or dragons or sword fighting. It’s about power. If you liked The West Wing or House of Cards–and were willing to make the effort to differentiate among a half a dozen balding middle-aged white guys in nice suits—you’ll love Game of Thrones, too.
It’s about the struggle for the Iron Throne and the seven kingdoms that come with it. And sure, there are elaborate and entertaining battles fought by guys in armor, but just as often the balance of power is swung not by a broadsword but by a backroom deal. Shakespeare fared pretty well with similar material.
The main antagonists are two rival families, the Starks and the Lannisters (headed by Boy King Joffrey who is one of the most gloriously depraved characters in television history.) But there are a variety of contenders and disrupters around the fringes who don’t always play by the rules, including one rapidly rising power with, yes, Dragons. If this sounds a little like modern geopolitics, you’re right.
Look past the courtly pleasantries, and what’s left is smart and ruthless players who’ll stop at nothing to advance their claim to the throne even if that means knocking a rival out of it.
2. Nudity
Boys love porn. Guess what, girls love porn too. Let’s be honest, Game of Thrones is soft porn.Who wouldn’t like to watch a “costume drama” which validates your naughty side? After all, you are actually only watching an accomplished television show. Barely an episode goes by where there isn’t a full frontal nude scene from a cast member (both female and male). Not to mention brothel orgies, incestuous relationships and medieval romps.
3. Violence
The show is often criticised for violence. It is graphic and unexpected. It is the surprise coupled with excess that leads to shock. Guess what it also leads to? A direct access to your emotional involvement. It is a well-known inference that humans are sadistic enough to dig violence, especially when they are spectators and not the victims. Violence commands your attention, instead of asking for it. This is a no holds barred TV show and it’s gore galore in the Seven Kingdoms. Beheadings, torture, sword battles, crossbow deaths, burning people alive, executions – you name it, Game of Thrones will show it. So, if the sight of blood makes you feel queasy, be prepared to watch a large chunk of the show through parted fingers.
4. Multiple parallels
Confusion is the new brain massage. Everybody likes solving puzzles. Multiple plotlines and characters are an easy method of increasing curiosity. Giving you numerous options till you pick one and actually end up caring.
5. Darkness
In the show, there is a dark tone throughout and every character speaks their dialogues with a grave perpetual foreboding. Under different circumstances, Game of Thrones would have had attracted a niche audience, but it has now become a bonafide fad.
6. The Emotions
Love, hate, pride, rage, devotion, fear – The Game of Thrones Series is definitely meant to leave a strong impression on its viewers! Your favorite characters are not invincible and the directors will not spare them so you could go to bed happy, dreaming of true knights, romance and pretty maids. It’s real as it can be, both tainted and pure, with all these raw emotions invading your senses until you’re not sure who to love and who to hate.
7. Dragons
And, in closing, I will leave you with this:
