[NO SPOILERS] I just started Game of Thrones...
Hey everyone,
I'm completely new to this space. I don't really watch live-action series—I come almost exclusively from the world of anime. On top of that, I usually struggle with non-contemporary settings and high-fantasy worlds because of the overwhelming lore, 40,000 characters, family trees, and complex world-building.
Since I’ve introduced my partner to a ton of anime over the years, she decided it was time to return the favor with a show that deeply marked her: Game of Thrones. Out of pure curiosity, with zero expectations, we started... and I just finished Season 1.
Here is my initial hot take as a complete newcomer:
The First Impressions Overall, the viewing experience has been pretty solid so far. The first few episodes were tough simply because tracking all the foreign tribes, cousins, and houses was a lot. Having my partner next to me to fill in the blanks definitely kept me afloat.
Season 1 was good, and I definitely want to keep going. However, I wouldn't call it "unputdownable" just yet. It hasn't hit that relentless binge-watch pace where every episode ends on a knife-edge. The pacing is fine, the shifting perspectives keep things moving, but that extra spark of intensity isn't fully there yet (which makes sense for a setup season).
Story & Characters (Season 1 Spoilers Below)
>!Naturally, you end up rooting for the Starks. They are framed strictly as the "good guys" against the Lannisters. Given the political intrigue angle, I honestly expected a bit more moral ambiguity from the start—where everyone has a secret play.!<
>!Except for Sansa (who was pretty insufferable) and Catelyn (who makes way too many impulsive moves), the Starks are great—especially Ned and Jon. But man, were they frustrating to watch. Being honorable is noble, but they lack any sense of strategy or cunning. In a game of thrones, you need to calculate. Ned was the emotional anchor (even if his and Robert’s deaths felt telegraphed early on), but I hated that he confessed to treason just for Sansa. I would have loved for him to smile, expose every secret he knew right on the scaffold, and ignite complete chaos before the blade fell. The Starks are almost too noble, and it bugs me.!<
>!On the flip side, Arya is fantastic and has huge potential. The Lannisters are mostly insufferable (except Tyrion, who is great), and Joffrey is instantly hateable. Daenerys had an awesome arc this season and feels completely legitimate. Then there's Jon—he has massive potential, but... I don't get the Wall.!<
>!I don't understand how the White Walkers, the Wildlings, and the Ice Wall fit into what feels like the core story: a political battle royale for the Iron Throne. Banishment to the Wall takes a great character like Jon completely off the main chessboard. Introducing zombie-like threats in the middle of a political drama feels a bit bizarre to me right now, though maybe it pays off later.!<
Final Thoughts & Comparisons Right now, my main motivation is just seeing who comes up with the master plan to take down Joffrey and the Lannisters.
Coming from anime, the scope reminds me a bit of Attack on Titan, but I’m really hoping the Starks acquire some Death Note-level tactical minds soon because they are way too straight-laced for this world.
Please no spoilers for Season 2 and beyond! How did you all feel about Season 1 when you first watched it?