Having viewed five episodes of this 11 episode series, I am a rather disappointed audience member, if not a little bored. However, it would be mistaken to imply this new outing of Game of Throne is boring, overall, but sadly there is something across the storyline and premise which are nowhere near as compelling as the original. I feel this is true of numerous characters, plotlines and premise. They just do not deliver. Essentially, this storyline revolves around the politics of succession to the throne. Unsurprisingly, then, the story remains rooted in politics and political subtleties, intrigues, which do not transalte that well on screen. The cinematogrphy, casting and acting are strong, overall, but the premise and writing, possibly the directors and producers, also, seem to look to realise a vision which remains orphaned from the original's gripping excitement and interpersonal drama.

Further, I am surprised at the constantly highly regarded ratings assigned to numerous episodes which, to me are necessarily worthy of such recognition. I will not say more here, but the phrase ratings manipulation does come to mind. I can only hope the remaining episodes do produce content worthy of high ratings.