HBO's new television series, Game of Thrones, an adaptation of George R.R. Martin's A Game of Thrones debuted last night. Having read the book (see review) so I eagerly watched the first episode. My first reaction is that the producers have done a very faithful job of adapting the text.
The casting is interesting. Particularly good(looking) are Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister, Richard Madden as Robb Stark and Kit Harington as Jon Snow. There are very important female roles, namely Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairey), Cersei Lancaster (Lena Headey) and Deanerys Taegeryen (Emilia Clarke) and the jury is out whether the actresses are up to the parts.
The depiction of the geography and setting of the story, i.e. the continent of Westeros is impressive. Winterfell, the Wall, and the shots of the Iron Throne demonstrate a brilliant approach to art direction and reflect the prodigious budget for the series, estimate at nearly $60 million.
I most definitely intend to tune in to every episode, and expect Game of Thrones to hold my attention until Season 4 of True Blood begins this summer.
