ABSTRACT
David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the showrunners for HBO’s Game of Thrones, have been vocal advocates and defenders of their show in multiple venues, including interviews and DVD/Blu-Ray special features. In these interviews, they make it clear that they hear the criticisms about the sexism, racism, violence, and rape in Game of Thrones, but believe that, by and large, critics and fans are overreacting to the “realistic medieval” violence of the series. Unfortunately, in many cases, their remarks – and/or the remarks of other Game of Thrones directors and writers – are contradictory and often tone-deaf with regard to the concerns of women and people of colour who watch the show and/or read the books. Shiloh examines the ways in which the writers, directors, producers, and showrunners interact with the audience and address the audience’s concerns, with analysis of their attitudes toward and beliefs about the show, its audience, and its critics. Attention is also paid to George R.R. Martin’s remarks about the show, its casting, and its adaptive choices, especially how Martin’s comments have diverged from Benioff and Weiss, giving the impression that Martin is distancing himself from the show rather than embracing it as wholeheartedly as he did in the first several seasons.
