Game of Thrones: Save Me a Seat!

If I wasn't terribly excited by the buzz for HBO's Game of Thrones before it debuted last Sunday, blame promotions like the one in this picture. It evoked for me the same feeling of dread I used to experience when my son was younger and demanding a new video game that would lighten my wallet by $60.00. What was the Game of Thrones, I wondered? Was it a video game (no thanks)...a beards and bathrobe epic?....Vikings?....Swords and suits of armor? Lisa had a post for Game last week, and even that platinum endorsement didn't make me want to rush to the premier.

Now that I've finally gotten around to watching the first episode On Demand, I still don't know what it is. And frankly, I don't care. Because Game of Thrones has all the essential elements to become the latest Flaming Nose obsession.

How could you not love a series that features a handsome dwarf (Peter Dinklage), a vicious white haired prince (Harry Lloyd) and his luminous twin sister (Emilia Clark), plus a pack of baby wolf cubs. Oh and there's a giant half naked Klingon (for lack of a better term) played by Hawaiian hunk Jason Momoa. As if that wasn't enough, there are liberal helpings of the trademark HBO gore (buckets of beheadings) and TV-MA nudity. It's not for the faint of heart or for anyone under...ummmm let's say 20 years of age.

I'm not the biggest fan of medieval fantasies, but this one has superb acting, writing and enough plot twists and cliff hangers to make you pass the DVR button and watch it in real time. That's what I plan to do, especially after the first episode ending which had me gasping out loud. I'm also transfixed by the stark, gorgeous background scenery. Game of Thrones is shot mostly in Northern Ireland and Scotland, so if Celtic looking fantasies are your cup of tea, you are going to want to drink quite a bit of this new HBO treat. And there will be plenty of it, as HBO has already renewed a second season. Based on the best selling book series (A Song of Fire and Ice) it's certain to attract print fans as well as new people like me.

Did I mention there might be dragons? Yes, dragons. Last week's episode featured dragon eggs as a wedding present and they were really pretty. Just plug it all directly into the pleasure center of my brain.