Despite Game of Thrones being one of the biggest TV shows of all time, I'm only just now getting around to watching it. While I could argue that part of the reason behind this is the sheer volume of content these days — which is true — I was also a little put off by how into it everyone seemed. I've bought into similar hype before and been disappointed. So far, I regret not watching Game of Thrones far sooner.
It's been very rewarding delving into the lore of a new franchise. Well, new to me. Everything from Game of Thrones' intricate worldbuilding to its uneasy character dynamics combine to create a deeply compelling saga. That said, I'm now also aware of how powerfully the show can pull at your heartstrings. One particular instance of this took me massively by surprise, and the fact I didn't know it was even coming was a shock in itself.
I was convinced Ned Stark would avoid being beheaded in Game of Thrones season 1
Although I hadn't directly engaged with Game of Thrones until recently, the sheer popularity of the show made it impossible for certain details to avoid making their way to me, whether I wanted them to or not. Still, said details were incredibly sparse and often out of context. For example, I knew Sean Bean was part of the cast, and that he also had a reputation for his characters dying very often in various projects.
Still, as one of the biggest names on the call sheet when the show began, I assumed Game of Thrones would have Lord Eddard "Ned" Stark as part of the story for far longer than he was. Even when he was captured near the end of season 1, I had convinced myself that Ned was far too important to meet his end just yet. When the executioner's sword swung, I was sitting comfortably thinking, "Here we go, something's going to happen to save Ned!" I was wrong.
Considering Game of Thrones premiered in 2011, I was genuinely amazed that I had been permitted to witness this moment as it was always intended. Nothing had been spoiled for me other than the fact that Sean Bean was in this show. I had come to associate the actor's name with Game of Thrones because I knew so little else about it. So, if anything, the assumption I've allowed to take root in the last 14 years, that Ned remained a primary character, actually made his death more shocking.
I'm over the shock, I know why Ned had to die
I'm still not happy that Ned died so soon into the show's run, but I realize that's sort of the point. Sean Bean's character was a man of the people, loved in the North and the South of Westeros. It took his death to truly catalyze the rampant battle for the Iron Throne — which, for me, is still ongoing. If Ned had been sent to the Wall to join the Night's Watch, as was suggested by Cersei (Lena Headey), then the story overall would have been far shorter on alternative motivations for bloodshed, such as revenge.
Plus, in a way, Ned never really dies in Game of Thrones. Even though he makes his exit incredibly quickly, Ned's death continues to haunt the narrative, a feeling I assume goes on indefinitely. Furthermore, the twist of Ned's execution is what sets up Game of Thrones' mission statement of no one being safe. If someone as central as Ned can die, then anyone can meet their end at any time. It doesn't mean the story will suffer, either. In fact, as much as I've witnessed so far, the opposite is true.
Avoiding Game of Thrones for so long has also hurt my experience of watching it now
As I mentioned earlier, Game of Thrones was and continues to be such a phenomenon that it's been impossible for me to go in with absolutely no context or spoilers. I know vaguely about the twist involving Hodor's (Kristian Nairn) name, I know I'm probably in for one of the best episodes in TV history whenever I arrive at the Red Wedding (is it even a real wedding, though?), and I'm pretty certain I know about a handful of deaths that will occur at some point. Surprisingly, that's about it.
However, it has been incredibly difficult to look into certain characters online without being presented with at least one spoiler each time. I've had to quell my curiosity on countless occasions when I want an answer to my questions, as I'm worried that I'll find out exactly how and when a key event will take place. My main tactic has just been to avoid looking altogether. Still, better late than never. And yes, I'm fully aware that I'm likely to despise Game of Thrones season 8...or will I?
Game of Thrones is streaming now on HBO Max. As are the spinoffs that I also haven't seen yet.