WARNING. SPOILERS HEREIN. If you have not watched all the episodes of the first season of Game of Thrones, DO NOT READ.

With one stroke (pun intended), Game of Thrones has changed the landscape of TV. Based upon (and staying true to) the book of the same name, like a good novel the characters serve the story and their lives – and deaths – are at the mercy of the author. Thus when the blade falls and Ned Stark (Sean Bean) is separated from his head, one has to wonder: can a series survive when its defacto leading man is gone?

Ponder if you will HBOs previous violent and sexy offering Rome. That show lost the powerful presence of Ciarin Hinds, as Caesar, at the end of the first season. But audiences expected it. Everyone knows the story of Caesar’s death in the Senate house. Rome went on to survive through another season but their story had to be rapidly progressed as they lost their planned five season run. Other actors tried to step up but did not quite reach the strength Hinds had to carry the series.

So this is the danger with Game of Thrones. Even though I have not (yet!) read the books, I can see how the story can progress. I just wonder who will fill the rather intimidating void left by Sean Bean. Who will be the focal point for the audience? Who will be the character that, should they die, people will scream at the screen and throw things and swear never to watch again? (Guilty, your honour)