On cable and online, ‘Game of Thrones’ continues to captivate

Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) and The Hound (Rory McCann) in a scene from 'Game of Thrones'.

As the latest season of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” continues to shock viewers with one unexpected plot twist after another, not only do fans of the show get to see the latest episode one week ahead of its US premiere, they can also watch it along with previous episodes of the groundbreaking hit series online through the streaming online service HBO Go.

Launched last month in the Philippines, HBO Go allows subscribers access to over 1,200 hours of exclusive and uncut HBO Original content past and recent Hollywood blockbusters, made-for-cable movies and award-winning original series.

For the millions of extremely devoted “Game of Thrones” fans, the important keyword to remember is uncut. Known for its controversial scenes that include nudity, sex and graphic violence, the availability of the series on the HBO Go platform would allow subscribers to watch each episode intact and uncensored.

Not that the removal of graphic material in the broadcast versions adversely affects “Game of Thrones” pacing or narrative given HBO’s masterful editing. But considering that the availability of the series in HBO Go recently caused the streaming service to crash due to the exceedingly high demand of the season premiere, it’s safe to say that fans are willing to pay a premium to get a “complete” picture of their favorite show.

Of course, any self-respecting “Game of Thrones” fan would always want to be the first kid on the block to watch the latest episode of the epic fantasy series—especially since Season 4 is shaping up to be its most exciting chapter yet.

Based on the bestselling fantasy book series, “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R.R. Martin, who also serves as its executive producer, “Game of Thrones” is an epic story of treachery and nobility set on the continent of Westeros—a place where summers and winters can last years, and only the lust for power is eternal.

The Red Wedding slaughter in the Riverlands in Season 3’s much talked-about “The Rains of Castamere” episode is already a tough act to follow but it looks like the current season is building up to a similar climax.

So far we’ve seen Arya Stark (Maisie Williams), with the help of Sandor “The Hound” Clegane (Rory McCann), reclaim her sword Needle and avenge her friend Lommy Greenhands (Eros Vlahos) by killing Polliver (Andy Kellegher). Another royal wedding ends in disaster as the reviled Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson) dies of food poisoning.

Even as it remains a mystery who murdered Joffrey, a distraught Cersei (Lena Headey) accuses Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) of the crime and is promptly sent to prison.

As Tyrion awaits his trial, not a few fans are wondering if the beloved character is on his way to becoming the series’ next casualty. Those who read Martin’s books already know of his fate but “Game of Thrones” has not always been faithful to its original source material and given that the tagline for the latest season’s promotional poster is “All Men Must Die”, anything is possible.

Whether you’re watching the series on your TV at HBO every Sundays at 10PM or on your mobile devices via HBO Go any time you prefer, you can only expect the unexpected when it comes to “Game of Thrones”.

On cable and online, ‘Game of Thrones’ continues to captivate

Source: InterAksyon.com (April 28, 2014 at 10:25PM)

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