I thought episode 1 was trying for a bit of overall nostalgia or just an ode to Game of Thrones (though not particularly exceptional); more of an attempt to say, "Yes, we are going to be as focused on gratuitous violence and horrendous evil as Game of Thrones was." I'd give that episode a lesser rating (6). But still, a very solid beginning.
Episode 2, on the other hand (I give it a 9), which is getting lower ratings - no doubt due to the shallower, "we want gratuitous violence" crowd - was by far the more intriguing and fascinating episode - demonstrating the mixed moralities of every character. And it really brought out the oncoming force of Rhaenyra.
In Game of Thrones (aside from the horrendously failed final season - those two producers should be banned from producing any new TV shows; and the diminished seasons after they moved beyond the books) there were several redeeming characters that drew compassion - the Hound; Jon Snow; Tyrion; etc.
It will be interesting if this new series brings out similar redemptive characters or whether every character is ultimately too self-oriented. One of the problems for Martin, as epic a writer as he is, is that his view of the world lacks doesn't quite have the redeeming feature of the likes of Tolkien.
But, can't wait for the rest of the season. Solid start.
Episode 2, on the other hand (I give it a 9), which is getting lower ratings - no doubt due to the shallower, "we want gratuitous violence" crowd - was by far the more intriguing and fascinating episode - demonstrating the mixed moralities of every character. And it really brought out the oncoming force of Rhaenyra.
In Game of Thrones (aside from the horrendously failed final season - those two producers should be banned from producing any new TV shows; and the diminished seasons after they moved beyond the books) there were several redeeming characters that drew compassion - the Hound; Jon Snow; Tyrion; etc.
It will be interesting if this new series brings out similar redemptive characters or whether every character is ultimately too self-oriented. One of the problems for Martin, as epic a writer as he is, is that his view of the world lacks doesn't quite have the redeeming feature of the likes of Tolkien.
But, can't wait for the rest of the season. Solid start.