A Geek’s Guide To Storytelling May

Is Game of Thrones No Longer Must-See TV?

Tripwire’s columnist, author Joshua Khan, writer of the forthcoming fantasy book series Shadow Magic, gives us the latest in his occasional column arguing that perhaps HBO’s huge Game of Thrones may have jumped the castle.

“George, you can type this shit, you as sure as hell can’t say it.”

Recognise that quote? It was Harrison Ford’s comment on the dialogue from another world-conquering franchise by another George.

Kinda my feelings about the current season of Game of Thrones.

Now I love GoT. I reckon I’ll give it another season, probably. But the rot is setting it, folks, and we can smell it.

GoT is preposterous. It always was has been. Yeah, the critics have tried to justify its cross-over appeal saying it’s based on ‘War of the Roses’ and grim, the Sopranos with swords, and fantasy-light (WTF? Fantasy-light with ice zombies and dragons and horny hobbits?) as if that’s a good thing.

We love it because it’s big, flash, and loud. That it looks glorious and the conflict was absolutely operatic in its grandeur.

Now it all feels a bit… domestic?

There’s enouch discussion about the plot (focusing on the pointless Dorne subplot) but there’s more to it, and some of that is very, very basic.

There’s no one to do the heavy lifting.

photo©2016 Joel Meadows

Actor-wise, who have we got? More importantly, who have we lost? Looking at the top quote regarding Star Wars, we were able to suspend disbelief because we had the likes of Alex Guinness to do the exposition on the Force (hear anyone else say it. Sounds stupid, doesn’t it?), Harrison Ford to set up the world, and Peter Cushing to boo and hiss at, and James Earl Jones to sound like Darth Vader should sound. To give us lines like ‘I find your lack of faith disturbing’ and the whole ‘circle is complete’ thing and make them sound RIGHT.

Early on we had Sean Bean, Charles Dance, Dame Diana Rigg chewing up the scenery and bloody OWNING Westeros. It wasn’t just then old, experienced hands either. Jack Gleeson was awesome as King Joffrey Baratheon. Part of the reason Ramsay Snow/Bolton is boring, despite his despicable nature, is because there’s nothing brought to him to make him more than a two dimensional character. Now we see behind the curtain, perhaps there’s not as much to the characters as we thought.

Beyond looking fabulous, what has Jon Snow actually done for five seasons, apart from brood at the Wall? Though the big ice battle was something special, wasn’t it?

Those with theatrical talent (and I’ll be interested to see whether Kit Harrington’s career has the same trajectory as Leonardo di Caprio’s or that bloke who played Legolas) such as Peter Dinklage, have nothing to do, they’re treading water, plot-wise, until someone gets their hands on the manuscript of Book Six. Earlier on he was being threatened by moon doors, befriending wild savages, saving King’s Landing, shagging, murdering his dad, shagging, and giving bastardly advice to Jon Snow, between shagging. All riveting stuff, as I’m sure you’ll agree.

So, we have a fatal brew. Boring material without the calibre of actors to make it seem interesting.

I’m a writer, I love the idea it’s the writing, and the writing alone, that makes a thing work. Yeah, when it’s just on the page, maybe. But be honest, you’ve skipped chapters, haven’t you? GRR, God bless him, does go on a bit. But on the screen, the actor makes or breaks a scene. Just ask Robert Downey Jr.

The more ridiculous the scene, the better the actor required to make it work. And GoT has a whole load of ridiculousness. I mean that as a compliment.

So, what’s the alternative? What other programmes are going to deliver on the intrigue, thrills, spills, sex and violence?

Here’s a few suggestions.

Vikings. Like, d’uh. Fabulous to look at, and tightly plotted throughout. Vikings keeps it real, and low key. There are a handful of characters and the stories rarely run off at tangents. Every scene has a purpose and the violence—and the deaths—are shocking, as they should be.

We’re into Season 4 now, and have followed the rise and rise of Ragnar Lothbrok from ambitious farmer to legend. You get it all. The family drama, the political conflict, the sweep of history, the battles, betrayals and while there is no magic, there is a dash of ethereal mysticism that, IMHO, works so much better. So, like GoT, but better.

Maybe the whole Dungeons and Dragons vibe has run its course and you’ve had enough of sword-swinging. Fair enough. Maybe you want something closer to home?

How about the 1920’s Birmingham gangster scene of Peaky Blinders? Season 3 is about to start (tomorrow, as I write) so you can catch up quick.

Quality throughout, from the Nick Cave soundtrack through the design, plot and acting. Everyone nails it, not a duff look or dud line anywhere. Cillian Murphy is as mesmerizing as the devil with his blue eyes turned down to ‘Arctic’ on the thermometer, and yet the conflict simmers through. A good solider felt betrayed by his country, he’s busy carving out his own empire (as the Empire rots around him) on the soot-stained streets of Birmingham. Season 2 takes the action south to London and brings in the likes of Tom Hardy. Kudos too to Sam Neill, playing his Northern Irish nemesis, dancing brilliantly between buffoon and brute.

Special mention must go to the female characters of Peaky Blinders. Sure it’s Cillian’s show but his female supporting cast have meaty, pivotal roles well beyond looking good in a bob.

Finally, a quick mention of the Chronicles of Shannara. I loved those books back in the day and the series looks beautiful and otherworldly. Dunno, maybe I’m just bored of elves and dwarves and whatnots. Watch it of you like, it’s a free world.

Joshua Khan’s Shadow Magic is out now in the US. Follow him on Twitter @WriterJoshKhan