Gratuitous sex and violence abound. No compelling characters. Iffy CGI. If the original Game of Thrones rates a 10, this is certainly a 6. I will watch the second episode, but if the low quality of the pilot continues, I won't watch any more. It is very difficult to make a prequel or sequel to an outstanding original concept. So far, the producers and directors have failed here. I sincerely hope George R. R. Martin isn't involved. This breech birth isn't worthy of his talents. UPDATE: After watching episodes 2 and 3, I dropped my rating from 6 to 3. Acting is poor, dialog is forced, violence is gratuitous, and the characters are shallow and unmemorable. I won't waste any more time on this turkey.