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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that Game of Thrones (the TV version) is over-rated tosh?

110 replies

kalidasa · 23/04/2013 11:59

I concede that it is strangely compelling, but on the downside: horribly misogynistic, eye-wateringly racist (orientalism anyone?), woodenly acted (with a few honourable exceptions, and the children are good), the scripts are really terrible, every plot twist is heralded practically with trumpets, and the exposition is plodding.

I like the music and the map with cogs at the beginning though.

Am I missing something or are we just meant to classify it as enjoyable rubbish (like "Revenge") and get over it?

Cheerfully expecting to be destroyed on this one but would be nice to know I'm not completely alone.

OP posts:
Incapinka · 23/04/2013 12:06

I love the beginning too with the maps and music and cogs and stuff but I have to admit that I fall asleep each time I watch it! Grin

gollygosh123 · 23/04/2013 12:06

How is it racist? More thought police

squoosh · 23/04/2013 12:11

How dare you!

Takingbackmonday · 23/04/2013 12:15

No, it's brilliant, but it doesn't compare to the books.

stinkyfluffycat · 23/04/2013 12:17

I thought it was crap. I may have missed something but it just seemed to be a collection of beards wandering around muttering 'Winter is coming'...

alienbanana · 23/04/2013 12:17

Its one of the best series that's been on tv in years.

Original poster
kalidasa · 23/04/2013 12:19

Not sure I can face the books but maybe I should try.

OP posts:
adeucalione · 23/04/2013 12:20

YABU. It's won 34 awards including 8 Emmys and 1 golden globe, and received a further 45 nominations, so is officially brilliant.

Original poster
kalidasa · 23/04/2013 12:22

Wow. That is a lot of awards.

OP posts:
Goldenhandshake · 23/04/2013 12:23

You need to read the books first I think, the tv series misses some important points, the books will help you fill in the gaps Grin

NotYoMomma · 23/04/2013 12:24

It's written like that! It's a mysoginistic society!

Look at Brienne and Arya, there are examples of strong women but even today's society is like that! It's unrealistic to expect full equality in a TV show like this. It's sad but a reflection of the book/ time/ world it was written about

Fecklessdizzy · 23/04/2013 12:26

Think what you like! Grin

Love it, personally, but as with most fantasy stuff it either floats your boat in a major fashion or you don't get it at all. There's loads of really popular stuff on TV that wizzes straight over my head ...

KirstyoffEastenders · 23/04/2013 12:27

I had to force myself to watch it because I couldn't stand the misogyny in the beginning, especially the rape scene. But I've grown to lovee it and, despite the gratuitous use of prositutes in every episode, it's actually borderline feminist.

Original poster
kalidasa · 23/04/2013 12:28

I take the point about the society, but so much of the misogyny/exploitation is played for titillation. So it's not just the society that seems misogynistic (fair enough, part of the world building etc) but also the viewpoint from which we are seeing it.

But to be honest it's the acting/scripts that annoy me more. Does no-one else really find them below par?

OP posts:
YourHandInMyHand · 23/04/2013 12:29

YABU - I love Game of thrones.

Original poster
kalidasa · 23/04/2013 12:30

The thing is, I'm not averse to a bit of fantasy or SF, and I quite like the whole maps/made-up languages/bogus mishmash of English history stuff. Though perhaps most of the things I've enjoyed reading would annoy me just as much on the screen.

OP posts:
Fecklessdizzy · 23/04/2013 12:39

If GOT bothers you then you should steer well clear of Sparticus ... Wink

squoosh · 23/04/2013 12:40

Jon Snow
Bronn
Jaime Lannister

Three good reasons amongst many why I love Game of Thrones.

Songbird · 23/04/2013 12:42

It's 'medieval fantasy' (as well as a couple of other genres) according to wikithingy. They were fairly misogynistic and racist in thems days. I actually love the way the female characters are written - strong and feisty! The books are often compared to Tolkein and in this respect (and many others in my opinion) Game of Thrones pisses on LOTR.

NotYoMomma · 23/04/2013 12:43

Squoosh - best post of the day.

I wouldn't say no to rob stark.

They also totally hate dwarves OP. r Tyrion is my favourite character!

ophelia275 · 23/04/2013 12:43

YABVVU! It is the best thing on tv and last night's episode was amazing (the scene with Danaerys at the end was breathtaking).

Just change the channel if you don't like it.

flatpackhamster · 23/04/2013 12:45

kalidasa

I take the point about the society, but so much of the misogyny/exploitation is played for titillation. So it's not just the society that seems misogynistic (fair enough, part of the world building etc) but also the viewpoint from which we are seeing it.

If all that have is a hammer, then everything starts to look like a nail.

ophelia275 · 23/04/2013 12:45

I think Tyrion is sexy.

HolyFocaccia · 23/04/2013 12:48

YANBU. I dont like it, or Spartacus.
DH watched it while I go on MN.
Suits me fine.

HolyFocaccia · 23/04/2013 12:49

*watches, rather.