The main thing which differentiates the new series from Game of Thrones is that most characters aren't compelling, and quite bland. The plot so far is also so predictable it's laughable. I do hope for some plot twists, unexpected betrayals, murder, and general mayhem, but doubt they can produce something on the same level. Prepare to be disappointed if you think this is in any way, shape or form on the level as Game of Thrones (The IMDB rating numbers are quite misleading). All I ask is for a show to be good enough to make me immerse completely into that imaginary world for an hour and forget about reality. So far, I haven't achieved that.