Winter Is Coming

I have been waiting 7 years to watch this series - I've finally acquired it and now enjoying it! This first episode blew me away and got me interested right away with the story and characters themselves.

Everything about this premier episode is top notch! HIGHLY recommended viewing for those that had to wait to watch it (as I did) or for those wanting to watch again.

House Stark for me!

10/10

Came to 'Game of Thrones' fairly late in the game and due to being so busy the binge-watching was gradual. Have found myself truly loving the show, very quickly becoming one of my favourites. It totally lives up to the hype and not only does it do the brilliant source material justice (a rarity in television) it is on its own merits one of the finest, most addictive and consistently compelling shows in recent years and quality-wise it puts a lot of films in recent years to shame.

"Winter is Coming" starts off 'Game of Thrones' absolutely brilliantly, couldn't change anything for the world. Not many shows have their overall quality, tones, themes and characterisations so spot on and well-established when it first starts, but 'Game of Thrones' is one of the strongest exceptions. It is an example to all first/final episodes of how to start off a show.

Visually, "Winter is Coming" looks amazing. The scenery is throughout spectacular, the sets are hugely atmospheric and beautiful on the eyes with a real meticulous eye for detail and the costumes suit the characters to a tee. The make-up is beautifully done. The visual effects are some of the best of any television programme and are not overused or abused, the scale, the detail and how they actually have character and soul are better than those in a lot of the big-budget blockbusters. As well the cinematography and editing, which are cinematic quality as well.

One cannot talk about "Winter is Coming" without mentioning the thematically, orchestrally and atmospherically multi-layered music scoring and the unforgettable main theme. Again, worthy of a high-budget fantasy/action/drama film.

It is hard not to be bowled over by the quality of the writing, outstanding isn't a strong enough adjective to describe how good the writing is. It always has a natural flow, is layered and thought-provoking and demonstrates a wide range of emotions such as suspenseful tension, poignant pathos and witty humour. The story is paced so beautifully, structured with such nuance and attention to coherence, a high emotional level and is done with intelligence and sensitivity.

Not only are the more action-oriented/more dramatic moments done with a lot epic scale, superb staging, excitement and dramatic tension but underneath all the scale and flashy attention to detail there is a lot of heart and a multi-layered one.

"Winter is Coming" is so early on and already the characters are so well developed and as close to real life as one can get despite being in a fantasy world. These characters are not hero and villain archetypes and have both strengths and flaws and one can understand why they act the way they do.

Sean Bean gives some of his best ever acting, as does Kit Harrington. Peter Dinklage has always been one of 'Game of Thrones's' greatest assets and that is totally the case here.

All in all, couldn't have started such a wonderful show so perfectly. 10/10 Bethany Cox

The first episode of Game of Thrones opens in a suitably violent fashion. From there, we are quickly introduced to the main characters and the details of their relationships are sketched out. A lot of scenes are very short with us quickly going from one location to another, but there is a lot of ground that needs to be covered.

The wonderful title sequence is a joy.

Those who are fans of the books will find that much in this first episode follows the book quite closely, though there are some changes here and there. The introduction of the Starks is a very nicely done and the introduction of the Targaryen siblings is excellent. The scene with Tyrion Lannister and Jon Snow was my favourite scene of the episode. And, of course, the ending had me wanting to watch the next episode straight away! Prior to the last scene I thought, it had been OK and I would persevere with it, but the ending made me need I each it straight away.

This is my first time viewing Game of Thrones, so I am slightly aware of the main plot and some story lines, but really not enough to have predicted anything that was going to happen.

It moves at a pretty quick pace, the plot development is easy to follow and I thought they established character development through various and dialogue from several different viewpoints, which helps make connection with the characters from early on. Plenty of shock that comes from the subplots that aren't over the top or too obnoxious for what has already been developed.

A regular amount of nudity, and some strong language, although not too over the top by any means. Some graphic scenes.

I would say that basing everything I've heard about the series off a 60 minutes episode, I look forward to moving along and I am curious to see where things go from here. 10/10, would recommend for a friend.

A solid and excellent start to probably the greatest show in modern times. I am grateful to be alive to watch this show and be among the many masses across the globe that love this watch.

Game of Thrones wastes no time in creating its own universe and characters. It is as if it has always been and you the viewer just showed up to join the party. Some brutal scenes and rich dialogue let you know that this is a show like no other.

After watching this series you will be awe stricken and ask Breaking what?? Clearly in today's times this show has no equal.

So if you tuned in to this show and have started watching I have news for you, it just gets better and better. Also some advice, don't get attached to a character because in the Game of Thrones you win or you die.