Grand, ghastly ‘Game’

It may take the uninitiated some time to identify with and root for likeable characters in the dark fantasy series “Game of Thrones,” which is based on the fan-favorite “A Song of Ice and Fire” books by George R.R. Martin.

The various inhabitants of a medieval-looking realm have a long and complicated history: Ned Stark (Sean Bean) is a just and trusted right-hand man to King Robert (Mark Addy), ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. One of their exploits involved usurping the throne from a mad king, whose children were exiled to a distant territory.

One of the exiles, Viserys (Harry Lloyd), arranges the marriage of his sister, Daenerys (Emilia Clarke), to the nomadic warlord Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa) as part of the scheme to amass an army and return home.

Incestuous affair

Unknown to the king, his wife Cersei (Lena Headey) has been having an incestuous affair with her brother Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau). The secret was revealed in the first episode, its discovery by Ned’s son Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright) becoming the catalyst for a number of pivotal events.

Despite having several unsympathetic characters, “Game of Thrones” has intriguing underdogs that stand out in most episodes: Ned’s illegitimate son Jon Snow (Kit Harington) is a brave, selfless warrior; Ned’s tomboyish daughter Arya (Maisie Williams) speaks her mind and aspires to be a great swordswoman; Robert’s dwarf brother-in-law Tyrion (recent Emmy winner Peter Dinklage) is a cunning strategist.

“Game of Thrones” has a grand tale, but there are pacing and editing hitches. Anticipated scenes are sometimes left out, while some parts noticeably drag.

But the first season creates a vast, often violent world with clashing cultures and politics, and ghastly supernatural creatures. Its scandals and betrayals also stir things up accordingly. The warring factions have been established, and some characters have already lost some battles (and their lives)—heralding an even deadlier, more epic “game” in the next season.

“Game of Thrones” will have a season one marathon on Oct. 15, 10 a.m. on HBO Signature, and on Nov. 12, 10 p.m. on Max.