Perhaps concern for how the great Father, Eddard Stark, might ever be redeemed was not the hook for all viewers ensnared by the first season of GoT, and yes, the focus for this series is obviously on the Targaryens and the rulers of King's Landing -chivalry is dead here, and its history is grimy and incestuous- but despite how Martin may/may not have written these characters/this story, how can there not be a single seemingly respectable male character in this entire introduction?? (save for *maybe* the sole token black man- ok, ep 02, he's out too) --even the discerning Hand turns out to be despicable POS.

Can a female lead not be well-liked by/endeared upon an audience these days without drowning us in her oppressive environment, packing it entirely with unwise/small and underdeveloped privileged white men??

I don't understand how writers/directors/producers expect people to want to watch just the Bad and the Ugly... sure, an insight or two into the injustices of the patriarchy, fine, but were this not a flagship show (touted to be among the most expensive productions in history) I would perceive this differently.

Not single compelling character, and I hope this beat to death "eff the patriarchy" theme is not all that remains prominent throughout the show, can't see how it might hope to strongly progress/develop otherwise.