I've never been one to follow the masses... I don't run out to eat at a newly-opened restaurant, stand in line the day that a movie hits the theater or camp out over night for the newest iPhone when it comes out. I don't need the newest model of a car nor do I follow fashion, and I don't usually watch a TV show when it first comes out, especially if it's all the rage. Sometimes, I had to make hard choices because my DVR couldn't record as many shows as I'd like and, sometimes, it's just not my cup of tea, so I don't mind not jumping on the bandwagon. I have never seen True Blood, Walking Dead or American Horror Story and, up until a few days ago when I binge-watched 7 seasons all at once, I had never seen Game of Thrones.
The first thing I learned (within the first couple hours) was don't get attached to any character... no matter how essential to the plot they are... how nice or sanctimonious they are... how pretty/handsome they are... or how famous the actor is that portrays them because, chances are, they will be gone 5 minutes later. I can't help but draw parallels to real life as friends come and go... as well as crushes, relationships and marriages. Like I said previously, people are always looking for something or someone new or better, so interactions are fleeting as they look for someone that's more attractive or more built... or has a bigger endowment (money or sexual package) or some other reason. We're never satisfied with anything and even though one person can't possibly be all things to someone, we never give it a chance to grow. They never get to really know that person because they don't put 5 minutes into learning about someone, just like the drones in a colony of a social honeybees, doing no work. Hell, you're lucky to get someone to return your texts, let alone actually ask you a question about yourself or learn about your interests or what makes you who you are.
The next thing I learned was run... don't walk... down to your local Walmarts and pick up a dragon or three. You can't have too many. And regardless of what I previously said, camp out the night before to get the latest version.
Unless you are Jon Snow, you have one life... live it to the fullest.
Also, I can't stress enough the importance of knowing your family tree before you wind up shagging your Aunt or your sister. 'Doing it Lannister-style' shouldn't be a thing. Ever.
As I went through the seasons, I was surprised at how relevant the messages and story lines were in comparison to current topics... as well as in comparison to how many years ago the show started and how some of those story lines are playing out currently. In some instances, it was like a premonition to the things that are happening now. Likeness to certain dictators, problems they were dealing with and the affects of religious fanatics on government and the importance of separation of church and state are some of the similarities I noticed. But I suppose those are problems that date back to the beginning of mankind and will never change until the end of time. Those who ignore the past are doomed to repeat it.
For me, I couldn't help drawing an eerie parallel to the antagonist of the show (the undead and White Walkers) and my depression. Winter is coming... it can last for a prolonged, unknown amount of time... the constant fight and the dead coming to get you... only a few ways to kill them and trying to build a wall of protection which holds them back for a time, but not forever. You never know when they are coming for you and you constantly have to be on guard against the destruction they bring.
Lastly... good guys finish last, or so it seems. Loyalty, honor and trust seem to be a thing of the past and if you live by those creeds, you probably won't get very far. If you don't take what you want, someone will take it first. If you try to do what's right, generally, you won't be rewarded for it. If you are too nice, people will step all over you. If you try to help someone, it usually comes back to bite you in the ass. If you follow the rules, someone who breaks them will advance ahead of you. Sadly, these are the truths we face when greed takes over as we are experiencing currently in our country. People are biting the hand that feeds them... they are worshiping the Ramsay Boltons and the Joffrey Baratheons instead of the Eddard Starks and Jon Snows. I'm not sure if they think magically that wealth and power are going rain down upon their head for their support but it rarely works that way and they are usually too stupid to figure it out before it's too late. Selfishness and greed catch up with you eventually and you die at the hand, or paw, of the dogs that stood by your side for a time. No amount of milk of poppy is going to ease that pain. Your page in the history books... your legend... your dynasty will be marred with disdain and disgust.
Be happy with what you have. Be happy with who you have. Be kind. Be compassionate. Have mercy. Have grace.
Don't be a Joffrey... be an Eddard.
