By Emily Petillon
Managing Editor
“Game of Thrones,” under the direction of showrunners David Benioff and D.B Weiss, has distinguished itself as one of the best shows on television. The fourth season continues the show’s tradition of complex characters and stunning twists, accompanied by gorgeous sets and costume design.
“Game of Thrones” excels in its opening episodes by introducing compelling new characters into the already-complex narrative, while keeping in touch with the struggles and triumphs of its veteran characters.
Season four continues the story of characters trying to survive, gain power and keep their lives in a dangerous and magical realm called Westeros. The season starts with the scheming Lannister family on the Iron Throne, while their recently-defeated enemies, including the remains of the Stark and Baratheon families, try to regroup.
The season thus far focuses on reintroducing the audience to the wide array of characters and their diverse plotlines, while laying the groundwork for their current storylines.
One of the best aspects of this season is its karmic motifs. It explores the ramifications of the vicious actions that characters committed earlier in the series. By showing that past actions have current consequences, the show stays grounded.
This season’s most anticipated character is Oberyn Martell (Pedro Pascal), a foreign prince entering the king’s court seeking revenge for the death of his sister. Pascal gives a swaggering, charismatic performance that raises the tension in every scene he is in, making the stakes for this season seem higher than ever before.
Another aspect that makes “Game of Thrones” stand out from any other fantasy show is the range and intensity of the themes the show touches on. Instead of focusing on the magical elements, it raises questions on morality, death, the cost of love and other thought-provoking themes that keep it relevant to the modern world.
Through its arresting storylines, compelling themes and hard-hitting realism, “Game of Thrones” proves to be one of the best series on television, with a quality start to its fourth season.
“Game of Thrones” airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO.
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