Game of Thrones on HBO has sometimes surpassed the books in intensity thanks to its visual format and bold narrative choices.
Tl;dr
- Game of Thrones enriches the characters thanks to new dialogues, such as those between Robert and Cersei or between Varys and Littlefinger.
- The series develops plots underexplored in the books, notably with Robb Stark and his love story or Arya serving Tywin instead of Roose Bolton.
- Game of Thrones amplifies the dramatic intensity of certain key scenes, such as the duel between Brienne and The Hound or Tyrion’s trial, carried by memorable performances.
New dialogues that enrich the characters
Game of Thrones added scenes missing from George RR Martin’s books to develop the relationships between characters. The dialogue between Robert and Cersei in season 1 of the television series perfectly illustrates this choice. Their mutual contempt is counterbalanced by a rare sincerity, which humanizes these tragic figures. Likewise, the conversations between Varys and Littlefinger, non-existent in the novels, bring a touch of irony and intelligence. These exchanges highlight power rivalries and are pure pleasure thanks to the palpable tension and sharp retorts.
Robb Stark, a king in full light
While the books only show Robb Stark through the lens of other characters, Game of Thrones from HBO places him at the center of the plot. His love story with Talisa, a daring healer, replaces the more ambiguous one with Jeyne Westerling, who in the books leaves doubts about political or magical manipulations. This change makes Robb more accessible and endearing. At the same time, the series shows more of his military prowess and personal dilemmas, making his fall at the Red Wedding all the more heartbreaking.
Intense and revisited confrontations
Some clashes in the series Game of Thrones replaced or amplified scenes from the books. The brutal duel between Brienne of Tarth and Sandor Clegane is a spectacular moment, absent from the novels where The Hound is simply weakened by an injury. This fight highlights Brienne’s determination and Sandor’s dogged survival, while marking a key milestone in Arya’s journey. Furthermore, Tyrion’s trial for Joffrey’s murder, while faithful to the books, benefits from Peter Dinklage’s masterful performance, surpassing readers’ imaginations with his poignant and enraged speech.
Arya, Tywin and the Moral Gray Areas
The series Game of Thrones takes liberties with Arya Stark during her stay in Harrenhal. Instead of serving Roose Bolton like in the books, she becomes Tywin Lannister’s servant. This change adds a fascinating dimension to their relationship, oscillating between tension and tacit respect. Tywin is shown in a more nuanced light, while Arya gains maturity by closely observing her family’s enemy. This narrative choice also highlights the talent of writing and interpretation of the series to enrich the antagonists.
