'When You Play The Game Of Thrones, You Win Or You Die'

     Brilliantly acted with a script resembling modern-day Shakespeare and a story that delivers drama, action and fantasy, Game of Thrones is a show not to be missed.

     Based on the book series “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones is about power struggles between and within royal families in the fictional kingdom Westeros. The HBO series first aired in April 2011 and is currently on its third season.

     Each family resides in a separate “House:” House Stark, House Baratheon, House Lannister and House Targaryen. Although in different houses, many of the families are involved with each other in personal relationship or strategic alliance. Each House rules its own autonomous, semi-feudal kingdom, and the characters are often forced to choose between the best interest of their families or the kingdom.

     Characters struggle for power as they betray each other in pursuit of the “Iron Throne,” where the kingdom’s ruler sits. Even apparently solid alliances are broken, and the unpredictability of this makes Game of Thrones addicting.  

     Unlike many shows and movies, Game of Thrones forgoes the typical antagonist vs. protagonist plot. There is scant distinction between the “good guys” and the “bad guys.” As the show progresses, characters alternately act in ways good and bad with the motive of rising to riches or power, even at the expense of loved ones.

     Joffrey Baratheon is a prime example of corruption by power. Seemingly non-threatening at first, this young character played by Jack Gleeson inherits the throne and quickly becomes arrogant and power-hungry. Baratheon doesn’t think twice about letting others suffer to preserve his self esteem, and learns to love inflicting pain.

     Tyrion Lannister, played by Peter Dinklage, is another fascinating character. With unquestionable loyalty to his House and a flair for scheming, Lannister is a dwarf frequently put down by fellow characters due to his size. Despite this, he is arguably the only character who displays genuine compassion toward the suffering, setting him apart from other characters.

     Geography of Westeros is as varied and wild as the characters. At the far north stands a 700 foot wall made of solid ice. The wall serves to guard against those who live north of it – referred to as “wildlings” by those who live south of the wall. The wall is guarded by the Night’s Watch. Members of the Night’s Watch pledge to never abandon the wall, made aware that doing so is punishable by death.

     New episodes of Game of Thrones air Sundays at 9:00 p.m. Seasons 2 and 3 are available to watch on Xfinity On Demand until June 17.