My perspective.
I love "A Song of Ice and Fire", it is my favorite book series ever and to me is the definitive work of fantasy of this era. So, yes, my view of the show is skewed. I had read all the books and followed the pilot and build up to the show. I knew these characters and their stories and histories. So, to me, watching the show was like seeing a story I knew in a new format. Of all possible outcomes the show succeeds roughly 90% of the time. Some changes I am not thrilled with (Loras character development was botched), but I understand the logistical reasoning of budgets and cast size. To me it is the greatest television program ever produced and I could watch any episode or the whole series on a whim. Of course, I obsess over the lines and see the layers of history, that Westeros, and indeed our own history is shaped by a chain of events and how chance plays a role (notice how many times things do not go as planned).
So I would go on and on about the glory of Game of Thrones. Then, my lovely lady being supportive tried watching the Blu Ray of season one with me.
"What is going on?" "Who is that?" Where are we?" Who is that again?"
I take for granted that these characters are as real to me as any person I've known. I had to often pause episodes and explain things. The Blu Ray extras were nice, but she admitted often being overwhelmed. She much rather watch Breaking Bad (great show by the way) with its two main characters in a place she knew (New Mexico).
I would say this, Game of Thrones requires investment and if these characters mean nothing to you then their words or actions mean nothing to you. To me it is a richly conceived world where things fit. Characters are products of their status, family and history. So, I get how Tywin is the way he is and how that has shaped his family. Not knowing his father, his family history and his personal history makes a viewer lose a great deal of understanding the man. The brilliant aspect to me is there is not one or two great characters, but over a dozen. Each playing their part in the grand story.
I will respect others who do not wish to read 1000+ books and endless entries on families and histories, but as you dig into lore I think you will find a truly remarkable and detailed work. Not sure that will convince anyone, if it is not for you so be it, just my half groat (two cents in Westeros...yes I am a nerd).
Now, if George Raymond Richard Martin would just finish Winds of Winter...
