Chapter 371: The Handsomest and Most Talented

"Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire" had aired just two episodes, but it had already achieved remarkably high ratings on Fox Network, a feat rarely seen in recent years. However, Murphy and Kara Faith did not relax their efforts, knowing this was just the beginning. To build viewer loyalty, the subsequent episodes could not afford any mishaps.

Unlike movies, TV series have the unique ability to create a sticky audience base, which is key to securing a stable viewership.

Given the fixed number of subscribers to Fox Cable Network, explosive growth in viewership for "Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire" was unlikely, but the viewership numbers for episodes three, four, and five continued to show a steady upward trend similar to the second episode.

Episode three garnered 4.5 million viewers on its premiere and a total of 7.9 million after reruns; episode four reached 4.8 million viewers initially and surpassed 8 million in total after reruns; episode five nearly hit the 5 million mark, with a total of 8.2 million viewers after reruns...

It was no exaggeration to say that halfway through its first season, "Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire" had become Fox Cable Network's flagship program of the year.

As the series' audience expanded, more and more people joined the viewership of "Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire," and George Martin's original novels saw a surge in sales.

"Alright, dear, stop reading."

A car pulled up in front of a performing arts school on the outskirts of Beverly Hills. Gal Gadot nudged the blonde girl in the passenger seat. "Maggie, we're here."

"Uh, okay..." Margot Robbie nodded, putting away her copy of "Clash of Kings" into her backpack, then stepped out of the car, waving goodbye to Gal. "Bye, Gal, thanks for the ride."

Gal rolled her eyes at the nickname and drove off.

After watching the car disappear around the corner, Margot turned and walked into the school, passing through a tree-lined path to the locker room.

The performing arts school had certain entry requirements, and if not for her brother David Robbie footing the bill, she wouldn't have been able to afford it. The locker room was elegantly designed, and by the time she arrived, it was already bustling with girls.

Being from Australia, Margot didn't have many friends, nor did anyone greet her. She wasn't bothered by these girls who seemed to look down on her; she simply went to her locker, changed into the school-provided outfit, and quietly sat in her chair, waiting for class to start.

The locker room was generally quiet, except for some whispered conversations. The two girls next to Margot were chatting animatedly about something.

"Did you watch it last night?" a blonde girl asked. "The Imp really is brilliant."

"Yeah, I'm totally captivated by him," the brunette replied. "He's such a charming character."

The blonde seemed thoughtful. "I think he's the real mature and wise player in the game of power."

The brunette nodded in agreement. "The Starks seem so naïve compared to him."

Hearing this, Margot couldn't help but join in. "You both have a point, I agree."

The two girls looked at her, the blonde asking with curiosity, "You watched it last night too?"

"Yeah," Margot nodded. "I even caught the 11 PM rerun."

"You're old enough? Your parents don't mind?" the brunette asked.

"Old enough? Do you think I'm not 17?" Margot straightened up. "Do you think I don't look 17?"

They sized her up. With her tall figure and mature appearance, it was hard to see her as anything but an adult.

Over the past six months, Margot seemed to have hit a rapid growth spurt. Her once-flat chest and hips had filled out, her baby fat had faded, and her face had matured. If it weren't for this transformation, the girls might have recognized her immediately as the actress who played Sansa Stark.

Finding a common topic quickly closed the distance between them. After a few exchanges, they pulled their chairs closer into a small circle to continue discussing the TV series and the theme of power.

Margot, having spent a lot of time on the set and around thoughtful individuals like Gal Gadot, had matured ideas.

"Power is not a simple thing. From ancient times, authority and violence have been its two main supports. If power were a wand, the jewel-encrusted tip would represent authority, symbolizing legitimacy and dignity, while the sharp spike at the other end represents violence, showing power's brutal potential when necessary."

Her insights, gleaned from the script and Murphy's direction notes, impressed the other two girls. Margot, feeling

 somewhat proud, continued, "In terms of understanding power, I think Murphy-Stanton's adaptation delves deeper and further than the original books—it doesn't leave a virtual world escape for characters who seem most likely to survive. Take Ned Stark, from last night's episode, it's clear he's doomed. He doesn't understand the deceitful machinations of power, nor the catastrophic consequences of failing to play by its rules."

The blonde eagerly nodded. "Though it's not much shown yet, the Stark family's impulsiveness and emotional decisions in the struggle for power are quite apparent."

"Undeniably, Ned's family is filled with warmth and trust," Margot added. "But this makes his children naïve in the subsequent power struggles and political games. Raised in a sheltered environment, they lack a deep understanding and experience of real life and human nature. They either trust too easily or are idealists, hoping to love and save the world."

Suddenly, she felt as if she had been influenced by someone over the past six months.

"The show hasn't got there yet," the brunette suddenly interjected, shaking a book. "But George Martin's novels write about Sansa Stark, who dreams of marrying a prince and is skilled in needlework, being manipulated and exploited by many; in Westeros, male and female heirs have equal inheritance rights. If Ned's sons die, then Sansa is the undisputed Warden of the North and the rightful heir, and her significant political value makes her continuously manipulated and exploited."

The brunette looked at the blonde girl in front of her, sensing something amiss.

Since her brother was busy with work and aside from Gal Gadot, Margot Robbie hardly had anyone else to talk to.

"Having value is the most important criterion in the long-standing, family-rich circles of Westeros," she finally spoke freely. "And class is the fundamental determinant of your value. Only those with political value can enter the game; those without value can't even get close to its dark secrets."

The brunette was stunned by Margot's insights, as if she had actually been involved in the production and understood its core themes intimately.

Core themes? Involved in production?

Realization dawned on the brunette, and she scrutinized Margot carefully.

"What's wrong?" Margot felt uncomfortable under her gaze.

It must be correct, though the age didn't quite match up; she seemed a bit older than Sansa Stark, but at this age, people develop quickly...

The idea of an actor who had played a significant role appearing before her wasn't too surprising for the brunette; this was a well-known performing arts school in Los Angeles, frequented not just by budding actors but also by established stars occasionally.

"You..." she ventured, "are you Sansa Stark?"

"What?" the other girl didn't quite catch her meaning. "Who's that?"

Margot Robbie had never boasted about it but saw no need to deny it either. She nodded slightly, "I'm Margot Robbie, yes, I played Sansa Stark. You can call me Maggie."

The brunette extended her hand, "Hello, Maggie. You can call me Anna."

Unlike her, the blonde looked astonished at Margot, and it took a gentle tug from the brunette for her to snap out of it, hurriedly asking, "Does that mean you know Murphy?"

"He's the director, and I'm an actress," Margot nodded. "Of course, I know him."

The blonde, appearing eager, stood up and said, "Can you get me Murphy's autographed photo? I'm a huge fan of his. I started watching 'Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire' because of Murphy. He's the handsomest and most talented of all directors, I really admire him..."

She went on for a while, leaving Margot and the brunette feeling somewhat awkward.

The blonde clutched Margot's hand, "Can you help me, please?"

"I don't know when I'll see Murphy again," Margot admitted honestly. "Our collaboration has already concluded."

Although Gal Gadot had mentioned taking her to the premiere of "X-Men 3: The Last Stand," where she would definitely meet Murphy, Margot wasn't foolish enough to trouble him over something like this. It just wasn't worth it.

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