House Of The Dragon’s Intense Sex Scene Sparks Major Controversy

To be absolutely fair, “Game of Thrones” immediately made a name for itself as one of the most explicit shows on television. This was so much the case that critic Myles McNutt highlighted a specific scene in the show’s ninth episode, the standout “You Win or You Die” from Season 1. In this scene, Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish gives a lengthy monologue about his childhood and his unrequited love for Catelyn Stark, played by Michelle Fairley. Littlefinger, who owns a brothel, delivers this monologue while two sex workers practice on each other in the background.

McNutt noted that while Littlefinger’s discussion about his feelings for Catelyn does add depth to his character, the staging of the scene made it hard to take seriously. “The choice to stage it while Ros and another prostitute loudly simulate sex just becomes too much to handle,” McNutt wrote. He acknowledged that Littlefinger’s story connects with the actions in the background and liked the idea that Littlefinger is using some of his strategies for tricking and deceiving men like Ned Stark in his advice, but felt that any real symbolism was lost amidst the moaning. Thus, the term “sexposition” was coined, and it was all thanks to “Game of Thrones.”

From that point on, it seemed like the show leaned into its newfound reputation for including explicit content, frequently staging scenes where people are either mid-act or completely nude while having conversations. This approach started with Petyr and two of his loyal employees and continued to be a characteristic feature of the series.

The term “sexposition” succinctly describes scenes that combine exposition or important dialogue with sexual activity, a kind of storytelling device that “Game of Thrones” used to the point of notoriety. It’s these scenes that merged character backstory, plot advancement, and sexual content in ways that became iconic, for better or worse, in television history. This kind of storytelling was innovative in its time and has since been dissected and debated among critics and audiences alike.

For viewers, “Game of Thrones” offered a complex narrative filled with political intrigue and character depth, but it also guaranteed shock value and visceral engagement through its explicit content. The juxtaposition of serious dialogue with blatant sexuality created a blend that was unique and characteristic of the show. Some critics appreciated this fusion, while others felt it detracted from the narrative impact.

Despite the mixed opinions on this element, “Game of Thrones” undeniably captured the audience’s attention and maintained it throughout its run. The inclusion of “sexposition” scenes became a hallmark of how the show delivered information and character development, pushing the boundaries of mainstream television content. It blurred lines and invited discussions about what was necessary for storytelling versus what was included for sheer shock value.

This strategy became a part of the cultural conversation around “Game of Thrones” and contributed significantly to its legacy. By presenting deeply personal and revealing moments alongside acts of nudity and sex, the show provoked questions about the functions and ethics of such scenes. Viewers were left to ponder whether these moments were integral to understanding the characters or merely sensationalist additions.

Nevertheless, “Game of Thrones” stayed true to its daring approach, weaving multiple narratives with a method that became distinctly its own. Whether one views the “sexposition” elements as gratuitous or genius, they undeniably form a substantial part of the show’s identity and its impact on modern television.

Source: Myles McNutt