Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones

For several years now I have been told to watch an HBO series, “Game of Thrones.”  I’ve been told it is mesmerizing, addicting, one of the best shows ever. 

“You must watch it.”

This week end, Mrs. C and I decided to binge watch the show.

I have not watched the show up till now, because as a contrarian I generally avoid doing what everyone tells me I must do.  I eventually gave in and watched “Breaking Bad” which was really good, so I decided I would give “Game of Thrones” a chance.

The first episode there was head chopping and bare bosoms.  A nice combination of violence and sex.  That did grab my attention for a bit.  However before the episode was over, I found it unwatchable.

I guess it is a product of my age and my attention span. 

First of all there are about one million different characters and it was more than I could handle trying to figure out who was who and how they were connected. Then there were at least seven running plots; a funeral of someone that I had no idea who died, a wedding where I had no idea who the betrothed were, and five different kingdoms I assume all at war.

Clearly if you are of sounder mind than I, this is a terrific show, why else would one billion people rave about it.  

Then, most of the world loves pickles, and they disgust me so…

I gave the show a try.  Like many shows today, most conversations whether in an open field or around a dinner table seemed like the characters are in a library.  They whisper and mumble, all in a medieval accent that is foreign to me.  As much as I concentrated on what was being said, I missed most of it.

“M’lord the terriers have plogged upon the ferries.”

“Blast it man, we had better plumber the timber!”

WHAT THE FRIG?

Mrs. C tried to explain.

“That is Balderal, telling the king that the terrorists have landed in the forest.”

“What does a golf course have to do with Medieval kingdoms?”

“Balderal, not Baltusrol you idiot!”

“Which one is Balderal, the fat guy with the beard wearing an animal?”

“Yes.”

“They are all fat with beards wearing animals!”

“Just pay attention.”

"And what the Hell is 'plumber the timber?'"

"I'm not sure, I can play that part back if you want."

“You know what, I am too old to pay attention and concentrate on a TV show.  That is not entertainment to me, you enjoy it, I’m going to watch golf.”

“You’re a jerk!”

“You won’t watch “Seinfeld” maybe the best sitcom ever, I’ll pass on this mumble-whisper fest that apparently is the greatest TV drama ever.”

When people tell me that “You have to watch…” I do get my contrary up.

I wouldn’t go see “Hamilton” if there were free front row tickets and the theater was around the corner.