Royal Viewing: The greatest game show ever

16 April 2014 - 02:01 By Pearl Boshomane
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
UNTIL DEATH THEM DO PART: Jack Gleeson as Joffrey Baratheon and Natalie Dormer as Margaery Tyrell
UNTIL DEATH THEM DO PART: Jack Gleeson as Joffrey Baratheon and Natalie Dormer as Margaery Tyrell
Image: HBO

For the past two years, Game of Thrones has held a record that would make some TV producers anxious: It's the most illegally downloaded show on the planet.

The season three finale was downloaded close to six million times, according to Torrent Freak, and the season four premiere had 1.17 million illegal downloads just 15 hours after it screened in the US.

But one of the show's directors, David Benioff, has famously said the piracy doesn't bother him because it helps feed the hype machine.

When your show has won 10 Emmys (out of 40 nominations), had a season four premiere that captured 6.6 million Americans, and has famous fans that include the US president, you can afford to say that.

In April 2011, the show's first episode debuted to some hype.

Based on the hugely popular George RR Martin A Song of Ice and Fire book series, the show was almost guaranteed a sizeable audience, but it was a niche audience of those who love fantasy.

As the episodes progressed and more people caught on, Game of Thrones attracted those who would never have picked up a fantasy book. Now just three years later, the HBO show is a cultural phenomenon.

Game of Thrones is not simply about fairies, witches and elves - and it is too real and too raw to be taken lightly.

Beneath the costumes, the setting and the swords, is a show that is highly relatable, though it sometimes makes for uncomfortable viewing. It dissects human nature, showing us our lust for power and control. The sex, the violence and the betrayal are all means to an end.

Those who have complained that the show has gratuitous violence and nudity forget that civilisation was built on blood and sex.

While the fight for power is intriguing, it is the people who keep us watching. And with the season four tagline ''All men must die", it's hard to resist the drama.

  • "Game of Thrones" season four premieres on M-Net (DStv 101), this Friday at 9.30pm.

Fact File

Ten things you may not know about 'Game of Thrones':

  • The show was filmed in six countries: Morocco, Croatia, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Iceland and Malta.
  • Emilia Clarke wasn't first choice to portray Daenerys Targaryen. In the pilot, the role was played by Tamzin Merchant, who played Catherine Howard in 'The Tudors'.
  • A hip-hop mixtape was created in honour of the show. Titled 'Catch the Throne', it features music from rappers including Outkast's Big Boi, Wale and Common.
  • In 2012, 146 newborn baby girls in the US were named Khaleesi.
  • Icelandic band Sigur Ros performs 'The Rains of Castamere' in the second episode of season four. The song was done by US rock band The National in season two.
  • When George RR Martin married in 2011, he was given one of the dragon eggs featured on the show as a wedding gift.
  • There are more than 3000 words in the Dothraki language.
  • Alfie Allen, who plays Theon Greyjoy, is the younger brother of singer Lily Allen.
  • Martin has told directors David Benioff and DB Weiss how he intends to end the book series, in case he dies before completing it.
  • Only Peter Dinklage was considered for the role of Tyrion Lannister.
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now