Benioff and Weiss' HBO fantasy epic, Game of Thrones, has been quite the roller-coaster for viewers - not just on an emotional level, but also in terms of its quality. Its gripping plots, imaginative settings, and strong characters have brought a slew of awards and a passionate fandom of millions worldwide. Yet, to a great many, the quality and continuity of this show proved rather shaky and inconsistent, to say the least. Many regard the final 2 seasons as being a degree weaker, while the first 3 or 4 are generally viewed as captivating and deep.
A number of fans revel in the epic battles and general insanity of the show's middle seasons, and for good reason. Still, there's something to be said for the breakthrough debut season, which sets the stage of this political and military game for the Iron Throne. This list will highlight 10 key ways in which this memorable show was particularly strong in its first season.
10 Top-Notch Writing
Later seasons of Thrones tended to drift from the writings of George R. R. Martin - namely because the TV show had largely caught up to the books.
Fans have noted the lack of consistency and "out of character" dialogue that many of the show's key figures lapsed into by the 7th season. There seemed to be a lack of profound, endearing, or impactful quotes - even from the once witty Tyrion or the inspiring Dany. This is contrasted with what's widely seen as more nuanced and memorable writing in the early seasons. And this is particularly prominent in the debut season - which strongly establishes many of the lead characters. Who can forget legendary quotes like Tyrion's "never forget who you are..." advice to Jon Snow, for instance.
9 The Rich Worldbuilding And Narratives Established
George R. R. Martin crafted quite the rich and imaginative world, spanning several kingdoms and multiple contents. Much of the depth and authenticity can be traced back to historically-inspired culture and events.
Given the epic nature of this sprawling saga, showrunners Benioff and Weiss certainly had their work cut out for them. Thankfully, they more-or-less managed to succeed - especially in this debut season. Each of the diverse environments - from the frosty Winterfell to the vast deserts of Essos - feels authentic, atmospheric, and vast in scope. Season 1 also lays the groundwork of many of the key players in this game of thrones with some gripping origin stories.
8 The Villains And Antiheroes At Their Best
As a whole, Thrones definitely thrives when it comes to its villains and multi-layered antiheroes. Yet, season 1 especially shines on this front, featuring figures who range from morally questionable to detestable. You've got the underhanded Littlefinger, the cold and cunning Cersei, and the renegade Bronn. Then, of course, there's the sociopathic prince-turned-king that everyone loves to hate, Joffrey.
There's certainly something to be said for likable heroes and flowery, feel-good tales. Still, season 1 brings an added layer of emotional investment and entertainment with its range of sadistic and "rough around the edges" characters.
7 Dany's Captivating Origin Story
While the strength of various origin stories has been touched on, Dany's is worth highlighting, in particular. While it's fun to watch her build up her army and unleash hellfire with her dragons in later seasons, season 1 features a young, timid, and inexperienced Dany. She truly must start from scratch, as she and her malicious brother had been shipped from Westeros across the sea as babies.
Her slow-but-steady rise in power (absent her dragons) makes for an intriguing and inspirational tale. It's a gripping and emotional "rags-to-riches" kind of narrative - given all she must overcome in this rather hostile foreign land.
6 The Lannister Vs Stark Feud
Thrones is at its best when there is ample conflict, and there's certainly no shortage of it in season 1. But while things mushroom into full-blown chaos later on, the first several episodes keep things more focused on the classic, intense rivalry between prominent families; the Starks and the Lannisters.
What begins as a sort of "cold war" type of feud slowly-but-surely escalates into kidnappings, physical violence, and eventually an all-out war. It's a classic Medieval-inspired plot that's easy to get invested in - and it's one executed to perfection.
5 Robert Baratheon's Charming Goofiness
As is the case with most of Thrones' characters, the nonchalant glutton that is Robert Baratheon is far from perfect. Still, this figure exudes a certain likability with his more lighthearted and silly ways, while conveying at least a tinge of strength. He represents a sort of interesting carryover from the previous era of rebellion against Targaryen rule in Westeros.
In a saga full of maniacal and oddball rulers, Robert rings as a more grounded and typical King. He's one that many certainly became nostalgic for after the repugnant Joffrey took the Iron Throne.
4 The Stark Focus
One of the key focal points of Thrones amidst a slew of storylines, characters, and settings is the Stark family. Indeed, they tend to be the most likable, relatable, and inspirational characters throughout this dark and turbulent odyssey.
It's nice to witness this brief period of them united and at relative peace in their homeland of Winterfell. After all, this is before things go completely off the rails for them and they endure one unfavorable (and at times horrific) event after the next. This is certainly the season to watch for fans of the Starks.
3 The Buildup From Peace To Chaos
Season 1 succeeds for its slow and steady escalation from relative order and stability to darkness and chaos. Viewers get to see a somewhat calm, peaceful Westeros in the years following King Robert's famed rebellion. Then, little by little, we see things begin to become unraveled, as assassinations (and attempts of such) take place, alliances are shattered, and external threats increase.
Martin, Benioff, and Weiss do a nice job of illustrating all the complex elements that can cause things to go south in a society - and they do it in a way that's nuanced and entertaining.
2 The Emotional Cliffhangers
In addition to some strong writing and memorable characters, season 1 is particularly great at keeping fans on the edge of their seats with intriguing and often shocking twists and cliffhangers.
From Ned Stark's untimely execution to Dany's "rebirth" as the Mother of Dragons, there is much to draw viewers and build their anticipation for the insanity of season 2. Season 1 does a terrific job of laying the groundwork that would act as the launching pad for the epic adventure to come.
1 Ned's Rare Time To Shine
Ah, good old Ned Stark... What's not to love about this honorable father figure of Winterfell? Most fans agree that this memorable character was taken all too soon - and in an unjust manner to boot. Still, while Ned's gruesome death helped set the tone for this realistically dark narrative, it was sure nice to see him alive during his brief stint on season 1.
Within the grim and increasingly crazy conditions of Westeros, Ned served as a charming, grounded voice of reason. He made for a supportive and loyal fighter who was both strong and just.
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