James Berardinelli on the HBO series

[russilwvong]

James Berardinelli is a well-known Internet movie critic.

www.reelviews.net/reelthoughts.php?identifier=666

"I loved Game of Thrones (the book). I merely liked Game of Thrones (the mini-series). I have no insightful or probing criticism to offer: the production values are excellent, the acting is top-notch, the pacing is superb, the plot is deliciously complex. Yet I wasn't blown away. I didn't eagerly anticipate the arrival of each new episode (in fact, on several occasions, I was days late watching). Why? What was the problem? I have given a lot of thought to the question, trying to figure out why this series didn't grab me by the throat, and why I can wait twelve months for A Clash of Kings in relative comfort. ...

"I suspect that, had I not read the books, I would have been hooked."

[PhoBWanKenobi]

Hmm, interesting. I have to admit that the series was kind of a slow-burn for me. I initially watched it while dickering around on my laptop. By the 5th episode or so, though, I was eagerly anticipating each new installment.

[misslapin]

I started reading the books because I love the series. One thing is that because of the format of the book you get way more insight into the character's thought process than you can on the show unless voice overs were included (I'm glad they didn't go that route). For example, when Ned told Cersei about his discovery I was like "ZOMG WHAT AN IDIOT?!" Furthermore, when he continued to screw himself over, I lost any sympathy I had for him as a character. In the books, however, we get more insight into his thought process-including his memories of Tywin Lannister laying the bodies of the Targarean children at the foot of the throne. It made me far more sympathetic to why he was making this choice rather than he's just THAT honorable and stubborn. I can see why the show would be less engrossing once you have experienced that level of intimacy with the characters. That said, the mefite who loaned me her copies of the GoT series is just as engrossed as I am.