Let's start by getting the spoiler-warnings out of the way, folks. This article is going to discuss a MAAAAJOR plot development in the HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones, so if you haven't seen last night's show and you don't want to hear about it, click elsewhere! In other words, SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT WHOOP WHOOP PULL UP PULL UP.
Okay, for the folks who are still here, let's talk about what happened in the "Baelor" episode that aired yesterday. I'm not watching this show real-time, as we slashed our HBO budget a while ago, but I've been keeping up with some of the critical reception and I've had Thrones tentatively earmarked as something to watch via DVD once it becomes available.
When I do, I'm going to be privy to a fairly massive spoiler that happens in episode 9. That's maybe too bad, but it was reading about this twist that officially got me really interested in checking out the series.
Why? Because it takes balls to kill off a major character, especially in the first season. In the death of Sean Bean’s character Eddard Stark, Game of Thrones took a huge TV risk, since they've essentially set Stark up as a central figure in the show. Hell, he's the only guy on the poster, for crying out loud.
He's the best known actor in the series, and arguably one of the main reasons people started watching in the first place. Although anyone who's read the Thrones novels by George R. R. Martin knew the demise was coming, the move was clearly a shock for new fans of the TV show.
I have mad respect for a show that's willing to get rid of a character you've come to love. As difficult as it is to absorb when you're in the midst of watching it—The Wire, I'm looking at you—it's usually the hallmark of a strong creative team. The Thrones producers are gambling that the upcoming story is compelling enough to keep people watching, even in the wake of a supposedly untouchable character disappearing.
When you invest in a character, it sucks when they die. You feel something. You're pissed, you're bummed, you even get mad at the show. You start paying more attention, because you don't know what's going to happen next. That's impressive television, right there. If you want happy, predictable crap … well, that's what prime time sitcoms are for.
As HBO's programming president Sue Naegle said of the shocker:
Sean brings a giant following, but Thrones is not just about the promise you’re going to see one of your favorite actors week in and week out. The star is the story.
Personally, I can't wait to start watching.
What did you think of Eddard Stark's death? Did it change your feeling about the show one way or the other?
Image via IMDB.com
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Comments 10
I absolutely love Game of Thrones and am so glad The Stir is reporting on it instead of just ANOTHER freaking post about the Real Housewives of Wherever the Eff. I didn't think I would, it was my husband's choice to start watching it, but I freaking am obsessed. I haven't watched last night's episode yet (we watch them online), and we are currently reading the books, and haven't gotten that far yet, but his death isn't as big a shock for me as one would think. I liked him, he's a great character (and a wonderful actor), but he isn't my favorite character, so I can let go of him without much heartbreak. If one of my favorites died, however? Torment.
well, since the books are AWESOME, the writers won't need to come up with story lines. they are already there!! but it was intense when they killed Stark, even though i knew it was coming. the story in the next book is just as good, even without Eddard.
My husband and I love this show! It is the one show that we watch as it airs rather then watching on the DVR when we get around to it. I was shocked when they killed Eddard! I could see if coming but I kept hoping something would prevent it. He wasn't my favorite character but I couldn't imagine them killing him off!
I just started watching the show. I love period shows.
I cried like a baby. I love this show!
It's a wonderful series, based on very well-written books. As a longtime fan, I wasn't shocked. But still very bummed out. Ned, even being rather imperfect, was the moral center of the show. The twists and turns to come are just as surprising, but it is awesome that HBO is being true to the story. I love Sean Bean, and will miss his presence - but impressed that Game of Thrones is being true to the original novels.