My favorite new show of 2011 thus far has been Game of Thrones. It's complex and deeply rewarding, featuring a cast of deep and interesting characters and a well-constructed plot. And, every once in a while, it throws in some really shocking moments. They weren't done for the shock value, of course, but many served as plot points that sent the story swerving in a new direction.
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We've compiled a slide-show of those moments for you, so you can take a look at just what we found the most shocking about the season. If you want to contribute your own shocking moments, the comments section is open for you to share your opinions (and we want to hear them).
Check back later in the summer for our takes on the best characters of Game of Thrones, as well as casting news, season 2 spoilers, and more!
Game of Thrones will return to HBO in spring 2012 for its second season.
The opening scene introduced us to the White Walkers and the wights, and things got pretty nasty really quickly. One of the walkers beheaded Gared and flung his head at Will, who would later flee to the south and be beheaded himself for deserting the Night's Watch. It was all very macabre, and set up a storyline that still remains shrouded in mystery.
and it will get worse especially in the third book/season
What? No wight walker attacking Jon and the Commander? That was rather shocking. Maester Aemon a Tagareyn? The very last scene? You missed quite a few.
Well, it was difficult to not put 50% of the scenes from the entire season. Some unfortunately didn't make the cut.
In the book, Daenerys wasn't raped by Khal Drogo, she initiated everything the first time. Just thought I'd point that out.
This first event reminds me of a question I have: how did Will get south of the wall without going through it and being stopped and debriefed by his brothers in black? It just doesn't make sense that they left him where he could get away in the condition he was in.
So many shocking moments in this series, it would be easier to mention which scenes weren't shocking! An enjoyable read, thank you.
Cmarkin – it is mentioned in the 3rd books how Wildlings beyond the wall get over 'from time to time'. They basically pick-axe it over at points which aren't manned, ot inbetween the manned towers, so I presume that's how Will ended up south of the wall.
Christina, I agree. They dramatised Daenerys' first time with Drogo – she was very, er, 'passionate' in the books!
This piece had something of a puritanical feel to it. Felt very American. The only thing shocking to me that R R Martin does is kill off characters that have such depth of character and such potential. I am not used to that with a writer. Usually the don't invest the time and effort into 'walk ons'. The rest of it is fitting with real life (not the sanitized Disney version) and the period being dramatized. One of the best productions I have seen in a very, very long time.