by The immensely popular and critically acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones has captivated audiences for nearly a decade with its epic storytelling, complex characters, stellar performances, and grand production values. For lead actress Emilia Clarke, who portrayed the beloved Daenerys Targaryen on the show, Game of Thrones stands out as a unique achievement in television – a true work of art.
In a series of candid interviews, Clarke has heaped praise on Game of Thrones, hailing various elements that came together to create what she calls an unparalleled viewing experience. From the intricate, unpredictable plot to the fully realized fantasy world brought to life on screen, Clarke says that no other show has so completely immersed her, both as an actress and a viewer.
“As an actor, you search for that one special project that feels like lightning in a bottle, where all the pieces fit together perfectly,” Clarke shared. “Game of Thrones was that project for me. From the moment I started reading the scripts, I knew this show was going to be exceptional.”
What Sets Game of Thrones Apart
Clarke credits showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss with crafting a multi-layered narrative that continuously subverts expectations. She describes being awed by the depth and complexity of storylines rooted in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels.
“Each season provided surprises, with characters exhibiting new depths,” Clarke said. “Just when you thought you understood someone’s motivations and allegiances, the plot would twist in an unexpected but totally earned way. That masterful storytelling kept you hooked.”
The show’s sprawling scope also stood out, with various factions vying for control across the fictional land of Westeros. Clarke points out that Game of Thrones essentially housed multiple shows within the same series.
“It was incredible how fully inhabited and vivid each region felt,” she marveled. “Events beyond The Wall felt completely convincingly frigid and bleak. King’s Landing sweltered with political machinations and palace intrigue. Every place had its own culture and aesthetic that enriched the world.”
Another key factor for Clarke was how Game of Thrones depicted women in power. As Daenerys Targaryen, she portrayed one of the most dominating, transformative female characters ever to grace TV screens.
“It was an honor to embody such a strong woman, who overcomes staggering adversity to claim her rightful authority,” Clarke commented. “Dany inspired people across gender lines. I think that representation mattered deeply.”
On-Screen Magic
While saluting the show’s off-screen architects, Clarke also singles out the phenomenal on-screen talent that made Westeros feel like a real place populated by living, breathing characters. She describes sharing scenes with the likes of Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, and Charles Dance as a privilege.
“Every actor brought 100% commitment,” said Clarke. “There was no weak link. When you’re surrounded by that level of excellence, it lifts your own performance.”
Clarke reserves her highest praise for her co-star Sean Bean, who played Ned Stark, her character’s first mentor and advocate.
“Sean absolutely mastered the noble gravitas of Ned Stark,” Clarke raved. “He commanded every scene with a quiet intensity. I learned so much about restraint and emotional truth just from watching Sean work.”
According to Clarke, the saddest day on the Game of Thrones set was when Bean’s character met his shocking, tragic demise toward the end of Season 1.
“We all knew it was part of the story, but it felt like losing a true partner,” she recalled. “That’s the magic of great acting – you forget it’s make-believe.”
Creating a Fantasy World
Clarke emphasizes that every detail of Game of Thrones worked to transport viewers to Westeros so completely that suspension of disbelief became effortless. She credits the show’s visual architects with fashioning a tangible environment that matched the ambition of the storytelling.
“The level of meticulous craftsmanship in the production design and costumes was just staggering,” Clarke commented. “Walking on to those sets really did feel like time travel.”
She points to the iconic throne room where her character has so many pivotal scenes as a prime example of the show’s rigorous world-building.
“That set was built to such an enormous scale, with every texture and material so richly brought to life,” said Clarke. “It physically impacted your performance – the power dynamics, the stakes, the history. The throne room set alone probably costs more than entire seasons of other shows.”
Clarke suggests that creating a fully immersive atmosphere went beyond the technical mastery on display. She praises Game of Thrones for infusing its fantasy realm with palpable emotional realism.
“The world felt lived-in. You could feel the weight of history,” she described. “Every relationship, whether between siblings or soldiers or spouses, had nuance and depth that you rarely see even in straight drama series. That verisimilitude meant you experienced this fantasy landscape as you would the real world.”
The Mother of Dragons Takes Flight
As Daenerys Targaryen, Clarke captivated the planet with her breakout performance as the exiled heir who becomes the liberator of slaves and ruler of dragons. For Clarke, taking on this iconic role represented the thrill ride of a lifetime. She embraces Daenerys as her career-defining part.
“I was handed a once-in-a-generation gift with this character,” Clarke acknowledged. “The journey she goes on, the evolution she undergoes, is any actor’s dream. I got to embody so many facets – the naïve victim, the warrior queen, the ruthless conqueror, the benevolent dictator. It was an embarrassment of riches.”
Clarke is quick to note that Daenerys was far from a one-dimensional hero figure. Particularly in later seasons, the character displays a merciless streak in her quest for power that the actress herself found shocking.
“I appreciated those difficult shades,” Clarke said. “We want our heroes to be noble and make the right choices, but that ignores the realities of human nature. Dany became a more challenging figure, which made her even more compelling.”
Out of all Daenerys’ myth-making story arcs, Clarke names the birth of her dragons in the first season finale as an especially magical memory.
“I’ll never forget reading that scene where the dragons hatch for the first time and realizing I got to play it,” she reminisced. “Experiencing those dragons come to life through state-of-the-art effects was just incredible. It was like seeing your imaginary friends from childhood suddenly rendered in physical form.”
For Clarke, Daenerys unlocking her innate power to rule kingdoms and command mythic beasts served as a profound metaphor.
“That story of a woman discovering her strength and potential against all odds resonated on a core level,” Clarke stated. “It touches something universal about embracing the parts of yourself you were told to suppress. I feel honored to have brought that narrative to people across backgrounds.”
The Cultural Impact
Looking back on Game of Thrones now that it has concluded its wildly celebrated eight-season run, Clarke says she takes pride in the unique cultural footprint the show leaves behind. She has been heartened to witness its themes and characters become embedded in the global zeitgeist.
“I love seeing how people cosplay and make art inspired by the world we built,” Clarke said. “Seeing Dany’s face on t-shirts and posters, seeing parents name their daughters after her – it’s so cool to watch a fictional world merge with reality like that.”
Clarke herself still gets emotional on the rare occasions she catches an episode playing. For her, the show represents the pinnacle of entertainment as artistic expression.
“Game of Thrones didn’t shy away from complex, controversial issues that reflect our own society,” she commented. “The story held up a mirror that forces us to examine our values and beliefs. To me, that’s the definition of great art.”
Looking Ahead
While recognizing that Game of Thrones represented the role of a lifetime, Clarke very much looks forward to the projects yet to come. She hints that she would relish the opportunity to show off her comedic chops in a contemporary setting.
“I think after Game of Thrones, people might be shocked to see me in a light-hearted romcom singing karaoke badly,” Clarke said with a laugh. “Singing badly while acting badly! That sounds about right.”
Jokes aside, Clarke emphasizes that she will cherish the experience and friendships that came from Game of Thrones for the rest of her life. For her, the most rewarding part of being on the show remains the passion it inspired in fans across the globe.
“Making this show brought people such joy and community,” Clarke reflected. “Knowing that I was part of telling a story that moved people so deeply – that’s the greatest gift. As an actor, what more can you ask for?”
So while the dragon queen’s watch has ended, the powerful magic of Game of Thrones persists thanks to Emilia Clarke and the brilliant artists who made this work of art soar. The show has cemented its rightful place in the pantheon of groundbreaking television. And without question, Clarke’s mesmerizing performance will be remembered as an indispensable component in making Game of Thrones an unforgettable masterpiece.
