Any skepticism I had about Game of Thrones making it as a television series has been layed to rest. The show has been a thrilling success–it has enticed viewers in the same fashion that the book series captivated readers with its characters, complexity, and charisma. In fact, from what I have gathered many people who have not read the books are loving this HBO series. That is something worth celebrating a horn of wine over, while sitting at a long table in a world like Westeros. We can only imagine, and allow this TV show and the novels put us in the imaginary realm. The show is truly unlike any other fantasy you will ever watch–and now that episode 9 has left everyone in shock, waiting for some sort of release over the atrocity in King’s Landing, it is time to examine the gritty awesomeness of Game of Thrones.

Let us begin with the talent, who are doing an amazing job playing the characters that drive this story. By now, you understand that most of the complexity of this story rests in the relationships between characters. Although every character does not meet the physical description assigned in the book–for example, Tyrion Lannister could be uglier–HBO picked a cast worth praising based on talent. The subtle emotions and intentions of every character are recognizable on screen only because the acting is so strong. Without this sort of talent, the series would be lacking some of its more complicated adaptations from the book. Here is an overview of the main characters, along with some of their strengths and weaknesses.

Ned Stark, the Lord of Winterfell in the North, is played by Sean Bean (Lord of the Rings, Golden Eye). Sean Bean has done a phenomenal job as a compassionate leader in the realm. He has proven that he can play the role opposite of the ”bad guy” that he is so often cast, quite well. Michelle Fairey (Harry Potter, The Others) is Catelyn Stark, Ned’s wife. At first, I was thrown off by her appearance. I thought of her much different, perhaps, younger and not with red hair. However, her role has been strong, and the more I think about and watch her character, the more I know they have made the correct decision with her as Ned’s wife.

The Stark children are all appearance fitting, no question there. Robb Stark (Richard Madden) appears older than I imagined, but certainly resembles his mother to his father. He is convincing as the oldest sibling, who would do anything to keep his family safe. Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) has a prudeness to her that seems to be due to her lack of understanding, which is all together appropriate for her role. Brandon (Bran) Stark (Isaac Hempstead-Wright) fits the age and the description well from the series. As a young actor, he does a superb job of portraying wisdom beyond his 8 years of life. Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) is one of my favorite characters on the show. She has no regard for rules and becoming a “lady”, and her acting allows you to see her diversity a character trying to find her ground. Rickon Stark (Art Parkinson) has hardly been seen in the show. So far, I am disappointed with his lack of appearance. His acting was not bad, but he seems too old and understanding for the role in his minor role thus far.

Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) strikes me as older than I imagined him in the book. In the book he is supposed to be a 15 year boy, and on screen he seems much more mature than 15. Nonetheless, I adore Kit Harrington in this role. He has soft eyes, and he does look much more like Ned than the other Stark children. He serves the part well, similar to the way he serves The Black with great honor.

A quick bit on the dire wolves: Aren’t they lovely? I wish I had one, as I am sure many of you do. I think that the wolves are all well placed for their young age. However dire wolves are supposed to be LARGE wolves. I am curious to see if HBO will do any kind of editing to enlarge the beautiful creatures.

Continuing onward with the characters, King Robert Baratheon is played by Mark Addy (Robin Hood, A Knight’s Tale) has been a comical character who has been hard not to love and pity. He is wed to Cersei Lannister, which Lena Headey (300) has made a perfect fit, as I predicted. She is a nasty piece of royalty, that serves her Lannister house with a smile to those she hates, and a scowl to those she loves. Her talent as an actress almost makes her emotions seem sincere to those she is undermining. Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson) should be praised for his ability to be a perfect little monster, as he should be. His acting is so believable, I might have a problem watching this young man in any future productions he does. I hate Joffrey that much, but my god did HBO do a good job with filling his role.

The Lannister House is essentially the rival house to everyone else in the realm. Tywin Lannister is the ruler, whom Charles Dance has been cast. He has no love in his heart for even his family, and wishes only to carry on the Tywin legacy of “a lannister always pays his debts.” Although we have not seen much of him up to this point, I believe Charles Dance has this role pinned like a lion. Jaime Lannister is his son played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, (Black Hawk Down,  Kingdom of Heaven) who is his twin brother to Cersei. Again, HBO hit the jackpot by casting this man. He has Jamie’s confidence, intelligence, and brutal honesty down to a T. Peter Dinklage (Death at a Funeral) plays our favorite witty imp, Tyrion Lannister, also son of Tywin. The only issue I have with Tyrion is that he is not as ugly as his appearance described in the book. Other than that, he is hands down one of my favorite characters on screen. He is a badass little person with no regard for anyone but himself, except for on occasion, and that means he is a character worth keeping an eye on.

Across the Narrow Sea, Emilia Clarke is Daenerys Targaryen. She has done a great job playing the timid sister and growing into a fearless Khaleesi. Harry Lloyd, her evil brother Viserys Targaryen, is an evil and unnerving character who is easy to despise. Jason Momoa (Stargate Atlantis) is the strong Dothraki leader, Khal Drogo. He was an easy character to dislike at first, with his strange Dothraki ways. However, it becomes clear that the man is not all bad, and would do anything to please his “Sun and Stars” (Daenarys).

The charisma this series possesses comes from the fourteen locations chosen across the world to film this beast of a show, which I mentioned in my April article about the series premiere. Again, if you would like some information on these locations take a look at this HBO’s Winter-is-Coming. The scenery and art direction has allowed the medieval, fantasy realm of Westeros come to life on screen. The shots of the land are gorgeous from the rolling green hills in the North to the plains filled with tall grass across the Narrow Sea, HBO has made this world one to adore, and almost loathe because we cannot be a living part of it. That is where the beauty in the TV series production shines, it brings this world to life for its audience.

Charisma can also be found in small details that make this show unlike any other. “No guts, no glory” is a fine moto to consider while watching Game of Thrones. The story is cut throat–literally as well as metaphorically. Since HBO has control of the show, the regulation on violence is minimal. This gives the show a huge advantage in comparison to Legend of the Seeker, which airs on FOX. If you have an uneasy stomach, all I can say is I’m sorry you have a hard time watching gore and violence. The violence allows Game of Thrones to have more brutal and realistic battle scenes, gory secret killing scenes, and killing scenes we could never imagine beyond The Wall. Furthermore, The Wall itself is an amazing special effects feature in the production. The Wall is more gigantic than I ever imagined. It intills a sense of  mysterious, yet daunting wonder in viewers that makes one curious about what is really happening behind that giant block of ice.

Of course, the series is not perfect. One downfall of the production, is that the story is so complex. It is a challenge to follow, but sometimes an audience likes a challenge. In this case, I think people enjoy the story enough to deal with its complex plots and subplots. Casual viewing has been thrown out the window for Game of Thrones and a necessary concentration accepted by viewers. HBO even supplies a chart to keep track of all the royal bloodlines and characters if you are having any trouble keeping up. Don’t be ashamed to use the guide, viewers.

Since we are on the topic of downfalls, I have one more minor, but seriously major detail I have an issue with. I cannot get past the fact that Daenery’s three petrified stone dragon eggs are decorated in toothed scales. If anyone can tell me why HBO could not tend to this small detail of smooth petrified stone eggs, I would love to be enlightened. Shame on the art department for that one. Aside from my issue with eggs, I think you are missing out if you have not seen Game of Thrones. I will boldly state that this is the best show on television. Do not miss it. I suggest you start from the beginning, because you wouldn’t have a clue what was going on if you started watching now–even if you do have wits comparable to Tyrion Lannister.

For those of you who have been watching the series, let us know what you think of Game of Thrones. Please do not talk about specific events in the show, so that we don’t ruin the show for potential viewers down the King’s Road.

What Do You Think? Discuss.