TV Series: Discuss, Review, Anticipate, and Wotnot

[louisen24]

I can't wait for The Walking Dead which starts on the 10th on channel 5.
Has anyone already seen it on Sky?

[rawsalsa]

I haven't read the book, so am not sure how close it is to it, however I saw the first episode and thought it was a good start to the series.
Has anyone else seen it?

[canadian_turtle]

Yes I saw it too :) I also haven't read the book but I am intruiged by the first episode and curious where they'll continue with the story (I personally hope to see more of Henry in particular as he was barely in the first episode).

[rawsalsa]

I agree. I've got my dvd recorder set to record the whole series. Really looking forward to it :)

[TheyCallMeMrGlass]

Valda, PCX, Funthing, how was the Game of Thrones preview??? Really like to know what you girls though of it ...though please dont elaborate on how sexy Sean Bean is

[funthing29]

Valda, PCX, Funthing, how was the Game of Thrones preview??? Really like to know what you girls though of it ...though please dont elaborate on how sexy Sean Bean is

I really enjoyed it! I am not familiar with books so don't know how well this has been translated to screen, but for a fantastical TV series, I thought it was a visual delight. It is a beautifully told story about overlapping ambitions/agendas of a multitude of characters. This does possess a very strong cast, and is well led by Sean Bean (though not very sexy but gruffly masculine) I hope his character develops a bit more of a personality later, he is a bit bland in these early episodes, There were lots of new actors I had not seen before but everyone worked really well together and it will be interesting to see how the dynamics between the characters play out. Harry Lloyd was quite good at playing a character that was twisted and disturbing but not cartoonish. The child actors were good too, though the young girl was a bit annoying, playing her too spirited perhaps? Mark Addy was funny and charming as the overindulged king. My favourite character was definitely the queen's brother, the dwarf (Tulin?) - so wise, so intelligent, so lovable, so funny, and yet still a bit of a d**k. That was a superb casting choice right there.

Since there is such a vast story to tell here, and each group of characters is separate but they are involved in the same overall story arc, it was a bit confusing about who was who and what was going on. I overcame this by the second episode (which was stronger than the first), and even though I only know the names of a few characters, I can visually recognise who they are and whose side they are on.

I think the story would be nothing without the costumes and sets that bring it to life. I really can't stress enough how visually impressive this show is. I really was immersed in the story and never once was there a break in my belief that this world felt legitimate. Each of the locations (Winterfell, King's Landing and the Meditteranean-type haven) were distinct and the lighting and sets perfectly matched the tone of the scenes and characters' agendas, ie the beach location (can't remember the name) is bright and fresh to reflect Deneros (sp?) hope of the future, then turns darker and the environment around her decays as she realises what future lays in store for her. The costumes were also fantastic and really added to the authenticity of this fantasty universe.

The first two episodes have really got me excited and I can't wait to see where this series goes. The plot has been set up well and I like the back and forth scenes between the relevant parties involved. My niggling complaint is the lack of action of these first two episodes. Perhaps the writers were setting up the story but there was a distinct lack of battle or fight sequences. On the other hand, there was an abundance of sex and nudity, which felt entirely unnessary in some instances.

I enjoyed the Q&A too. There were some funny moments between the actors and some good chuckling from the audience (especially when Sean Bean looked suitably embarassed after his phone went off). The fans are apparently quite pleased with the finished result which bodes well for the future and I think I will read the books once the show finishes. Shame me, pxc and valda were uninvited from the drinks reception though - would have been nice to possibly chat with some of the stars involved.

Oh, and some good news, the sky executive who introduced this said the episodes on Sky Atlantic will be shown unedited (woo!) and will only have one commerical break (woo!).

[Deni]

Wow how did you get tickets for the Game of Thrones preview?? I am really jealous (in a good way of course !!), this is my OH's favorite book series in the world...

Deni

[funthing29]

pxc posted about it here: http://www.fmuk.org.uk/forum/viewtopic. ... 4&start=90

I'm so glad I went! It was at the BAFTA offices in Piccadilly held in a nice comfy little cinema with a large screen. The screening was full. Quite a few seats were reserved, there were also press and some famous-ish faces there so I'm pleased I managed to get on the guest list!

again for the info pxc!

[TheyCallMeMrGlass]

Great review Funthing! The cinematography I saw in the 20 min preview on the internet did look breathtaking. Almost makes me want to subscribe to Sky...almost but I hate sky too much! I'll watch recordings from my friends :)

[prettyxcool]

MrGlass I put my review here
http://www.fmuk.org.uk/forum/viewtopic. ... 053#p99053
Didn't know about this thread!