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Game of Thrones
I haven’t seen it yet, (I don’t think I get that channel) but I’ve read the books, which are great!
The show is made of awesome. I’m a little behind right now (ep 6), but really enjoying it. I’ve read the books as well, looking forward to Dances with Dragons!
I don’t have that fancy-pants cable teevee, but I’ve read the books—in fact, for my birthday a few days ago, I got a box set of all the published series so far and a pre-order for A Dance with Dragons. I don’t think it’s spoiling anything to say that it really only gets more awesome from here.
Favorite characters, anyone? I think mine’s Tyrion—he’s a bit, not much but a bit, like a smaller Edmund Blackadder. Arya and Danaerys are also pretty super.
Thanks to teh interwebs - i’m watching ‘em right now, Ep 3.
Must agree - they are pretty bloody good.
I’ve never read any of the books though - they’re on a definite ‘to read’ list…
on a similar thread - anyone seen of of that Camelot yet?
if so - any good?
I absolutely love this show. Every single storyline is interesting in its own way, and it’s done a brilliant job of setting up future story lines, creating a palpable interest in and fear of what’s north of the wall. MILD SEASON 1 SPOILERS: It’s gradually growing into the more fantastical elements at its disposal after a first series which almost entirely dealt with humans and human issues. Now, we see things like the White Walkers, Dragons and magic being faced head on, all of which are clearly a threat to the empire that’s been built up by eradicating or hiding from those things. EXCITING.
Apparently season 2 is going to be spring 2012. ABOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. With a wait like that, I hope I have the mental strength to only read book 1 and not just power through the rest and ruin the TV series for myself. I’m sure I will.
on a similar thread - anyone seen of of that Camelot yet?
if so - any good?
I’m watching the Channel 4 run, and so far, yes, it’s pretty decent.
I’m not too keen on the Arthur Guinevere thread but the rest is great. I like that Morgan* isn’t just a one dimensional sorceress type character. I.e. she’s responsible for some atrocious things but she has complex emotions (including remorse for certain acts) and understandable motivations.
*Possibly spelt ‘Morgian’.
>Eva Greene gets her kit off. More do you want what???
Eva Greene to fold her clothes neatly in a pile, triumphantly look around, feel a bit silly and then put them back on.
Awesome Boobs & Dragons rumour alert!
I’ve just started reading Clash of Kings (the 2nd book) and I must admit I immediately thought of Eccleston for Stannis Baratheon on reading Martin’s description of him. Especially his face…somehow it just fits.
What does everyone think of the possible Liam Neeson cameo in last week’s finale? He’s in the moving cage around 40mins into the episode…
Also… one of the men in the cage - Liam Neeson or not? I spotted him straight away and thought it was, but the internet seems divided on whether it’s him or not since it’s been neither confirmed nor denied by the GoT/B&D people.
What does everyone think of the possible Liam Neeson cameo in last week’s finale? He’s in the moving cage around 40mins into the episode…
Has it been confirmed as Neeson then?
I’m of the opinion that it’s him, but as far as I’m aware it’s not been confirmed either way.
(Screengrabs from http://www.funnyjunk.com)
http://static.fjcdn.com/large/pictures/97/a5/97a57e_2256730.jpg
http://static3.fjcdn.com/comments/6c/78/6c78f7e555e81ec7eeff38c945a9487d...
(Images too large to post here)
Y’know, I wasn’t initially in favor of it, but the more I see Chris Eccleston recommended for the role of Stannis, the more I can get behind it. He has a fine scowly-face, which is absolutely vital for Stannis.
But what about Melisandre? And Davos Seaworth, come to that. He’s kind of cool.
I can’t really think of anyone for the Greyjoys, except to suggest that they look for people skilled at playing awful, horrible, eminently punchable people, just as they are in the books. (I think Theon’s not quite as bad as Joffrey, but it’s a close thing.)
>But what about Melisandre?
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znMA4Fdth34/TZyo2-3VX1I/AAAAAAAACyw/V31jiEcJLY...
Just kidding.
Certainly fits the first word in the show’s new name though! Phwoar!
>link
Ah. So she can proclaim, at the end of the scene in the beginning of Clash of Kings with the failed attempt on her life, just how much she’s not bovvered by poison?
…God, that was awful. I’ll just show myself out.
Started the first book yesterday. I’m slightly disturbed at how everyone is about 10 years younger than in the TV show. It has some… disturbing side effects.
Yeah. According to things I’ve read on the interbuttz, the characters started out so young because George R. R. Martin intended to include a time skip of a few years, in order for the lil’ badasses like Arya and Danaerys to sort of grow into their awesomeness. But when he tried to actually write that, he couldn’t make it work—which is why their TV counterparts are older: ‘cos he kind of regrets making them so young in the first place. At least, that’s what I’ve heard…
Seems to make sense. I’m yet to work out how in the hell the age difference between Cersei and Joffrey works in the book because I’ve just got a passing mention of both of their ages and it just does *not* add up.
In fact, I’ve just checked. During the Banquet for the King in Winterfell, Jon’s observing everyone and Queen Cersei is described as 14 and Joffrey, her son, 12. Am I being monumentally thick, here?
What? I don’t think he ever says anything about Cersei’s age, but she’s definitely older than that. F’rex, she was married off to Robert Baratheon not long after the whole brouhaha with getting rid of the Targaryens (I don’t think it’s spoiling anything to tell you that in book 3, A Clash of Kings, she’s supposed to be I think fifteen when that happens), and that was nearly twenty years before the events in Game of Thrones.
Joffrey’s around twelve, though. And quite the little shit for his age, too. He’s downright precocious in his shititude.
Jon himself is about fourteen, though, if I recall correctly, and I think Robb’s about the same age. That might be where you got confused, there.
Ah. Yes. I blame the wording, but the age of 14 is mentioned but looking back that *is* referring to Jon and not Cersei. Boh.
I just got A Dance with Dragons today. I suppose ways exist to make me happier than I am right now, but I bet they all involve mood-altering substances.
Also! The very first chapter is a Tyrion chapter.
Joy.
NO SPOILERS EVEN KNOWING TYRION IS ALIVE IN THE FIFTH BOOK IS A SPOILER THANK YOU.
I apologize; feel free to delete or edit it somehow.
I just thought it was good to find out—just like some people will doubtless be pleased to find out about the explicit sex scene between Hodor and Sirius Black, presided over by a strange new character named “Jorge Q. Q. Blartin”…
It’s ok, it was more fake rage than anything. I’m happy he’s still around!
fake rage
We do that a lot around here, dont’ we? We need a name for this. I suggest ‘Fage’…
In the middle of Clash of Kings and I really don’t want spoilers but the above one will do. If everyone else was dead and that one character still alive I would be happy!
Regarding the characters’ ages…not sure about the books but Martin said if it wasn’t for the sex and nudity they would have cast Danaerys younger, an 18-year-old actress playing her as 14 as opposed to whatever (the amazing) Emilia Clarke is.
When I was reading Game of Thrones I thought of them as seeming older anyway. Who’s to say a year in their time equates to a year in ours?
When I was reading Game of Thrones I thought of them as seeming older anyway. Who’s to say a year in their time equates to a year in ours?
I think it does. It’s just they’re forced to mentally grow up quicker due to their environment.
Concerning Daenerys, in many societies of the past, (ancient times, up until the middle ages*, I believe, the culture of these stories) a girl was considered a woman once she had reached puberty.
I can’t help wondering how many deaths and complications there were in pregnancies just due to the fact the poor girl’s body still immature. And that’s not even taking into account medieval health care. I’m glad we’ve grown beyond that, and that kids (both male and female) are mostly allowed to remain kids for longer.
I think ageing her for the film was a good idea.
*I’m aware that’s a broad time period, which makes it all the more shocking…
It’s ok, it was more fake rage than anything. I’m happy he’s still around!
Okey-dokey! I blame the limitations of text-based communication online; when I’m not sure of the nuances of a statement, I err on the side of trying not to be an asshole. (Occasionally I even succeed!)
And I’m every bit as glad as you that Tyrion’s still around. He really is just the awesomest. (I read somewhere that he’s one of the author’s favorites, too. It kind of shows, but not in a bad way.) I don’t think it would be spoiling to say that Jaime has his cool moments as well, but I still think Tyrion’s the best by miles.
A question: Do we have spoiler tags somewhere, and they’re just not listed with the others, or is that something only you fine folks who run the place get to use?
Jaime… really? The man who tried to kill a child for witnessing him shagging his own sister? :o/ Granted, I’ve not read the books, but I’m not really sure that you can really redeem yourself after that.
Based on the TV series (though I do intend to read the books), my opinion is that all the Lannisters are cunts except for Tyrion who is awesome. I seriously cannot wait until someone punches Joffrey in the face. I’d happily watch a whole episode of just that.
>Jaime… really?
Minor spoilers, so ignore if you like. I’ll leave a few lines.
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I’m not going to spoil much, but I’ll just say that in later books we get to see some of Jaime’s POV his thoughts and inner world, etc. While he has done some despicable things, he’s a lot more three dimensional than one might think.
That doesn’t detract from what he did, of course. I went through much of the first couple of books finding the character despicable, but well… lets just say there’s more to him.
Jaime… really? The man who tried to kill a child for witnessing him shagging his own sister? :o/ Granted, I’ve not read the books, but I’m not really sure that you can really redeem yourself after that.
I know—I was every bit as skeptical as you are about developing sympathy for a child-crippling sisterfucker, but the more you get into his head, the more you get to see the reasons why he does as he does, like ChrisM explained.
For what it’s worth, (VERY MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD) he and Tyrion are pretty close. (Well, up to a point.)
I seriously cannot wait until someone punches Joffrey in the face. I’d happily watch a whole episode of just that.
Y’know, I think I have a couple of .gifs and .jpegs that would be right up your metaphorical alley, if you want me to post them for you =D .
Hmm… that’s gotta be some good writing to redeem Jaime. Look forward to seeing how it’s all explained!
Y’know, I think I have a couple of .gifs and .jpegs that would be right up your metaphorical alley, if you want me to post them for you =D .
YES PLZ!
>Hmm… that’s gotta be some good writing to redeem Jaime.
I wouldn’t say it so much redeems him as… makes him easier to empathize with. (Not that we ever condone what he did to Bran.)
For an example of his more complex nature in stuff you’ve likely already seen, look at his relationship with Tyrion (as mentioned by Arlene). Then compare with how the other Lanisters like Cersei and Joffrey treat Tyrion.
I wouldn’t say it so much redeems him as… makes him easier to empathize with. (Not that we ever condone what he did to Bran.)
For an example of his more complex nature in stuff you’ve likely already seen, look at his relationship with Tyrion (as mentioned by Arlene). Then compare with how the other Lanisters like Cersei and Joffrey treat Tyrion.
*shrugs* Even if the incestuous attempted child killer is nice to his brother, based on season 1 my opinion is that Jaime, Cersei, Tywin and Joffrey are all cunts. That *may* change when I read the books/see the next season, I can’t really say, but not being a prick to your sibling isn’t really exceptional behaviour, regardless of how the rest of the family acts.
Here, let me make everyone happy with a couple of scenes of Tyrion keeping his Imp hand strong on Joffrey’s head:
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g57/baramosnet/tyrionslap.gif
http://oi56.tinypic.com/290r8m0.jpg
Downright hypnotic, aren’t they?
(It almost makes me feel bad for the actor playing Joff, though—you can kind of see him flinch just before the hand connects. By the end of the second season, that kid’s gonna have a permanent dent in his head in the shape of Peter Dinklage’s fist.)
edit: Okay, so these are links instead of images because for some reason, these wouldn’t show up when I tried using the [img] tag.
> edit: Okay, so these are links instead of images because for some reason, these wouldn’t show up when I tried using the [img] tag.
Regarding this and spoiler tags, we don’t support those at the moment and you common, non-admin scum can’t use any HTML you like, but I’ll try hack something in for spoilery comments.
Oh, excellent gifs, by the way! Yeah, I feel sorry for the actor - it can’t be easy to know that someone saw your face and thought you’d be perfect to play a horrible little shit cunt bag.
In the interest of full disclosure, it’s not like I made those .gifs or anything; I just saw them on another one of my favorite messageboards and decided that I really liked seeing Joffrey Baratheon getting backhanded over and over and over again.
While on one level it must kind of suck to know that you’re widely considered to have the perfect face to convey total assholishness, in the business of acting that might be turned to your advantage—after all, there’ll always be a need for villains…
edit: I almost forgot! Are any of you Game of Thrones nerds also Arrested Development nerds? If so, you guys might just go for Arrested Westeros. Some of these are pretty inspired, actually.
but not being a prick to your sibling isn’t really exceptional behaviour, regardless of how the rest of the family acts.
I totally agree. I was just providing an early indication there’s more to him that didn’t spoil anything, if that makes sense.
I guess I’d also make a distinction between finding a character interesting and redeemable.
I won’t say any more on it as I don’t want to get into spoiler territory. Keep watching/reading though, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the ride whether your opinions change on him or not.
The soundtrack for season 1 is now on Spotify and it has considerably improved my day.
Also, this is one for the experts out there, is the TV show definitely going to continue being called Game of Thrones, even though that’s just the subtitle for the first book? It’s only just occurred to me that the books are actually the A Song of Ice and Fire series.
I imagine that they’ll stick with Game of Thrones, so as not to confuse the simple people.
Yep the show is called ‘Game of Thrones’. Technically that’s not even the first book’s title cause it misses out the ‘A’ :P
YOU GUYS YOU GUYS YOU GUYS
THEY CAST STANNIS AND MELISANDRE
AND BRIENNE OF TARTH AND MARGAERY TYRELL
AND…well, I’m a teensy bit bummed it’s not Chris Eccleston, but NEVERTHELESS THIS IS PRETTY AWESOME NEWS GUYS
Excellent. I wonder if they’re trying to save some money on the big stars from now on, since the show’s now fully established.
Arlene’s link led me to this: http://grrm.livejournal.com/ George R.R. Martin’s regularly updated Blog! I’ve not seen any on my quick scan through, but there may be spoilers within, so be careful!
Ok, so I was intending to save reading the second book until I’d seen season 2, but… I failed. It was triggered by comments from one of the show’s Producers saying they’re going to be diverging more and more from the books, so it should be fresh enough to me anyway. Also, the second season is AGES away.
So, a couple of chapters in, and my initial non-spoilery thoughts:
- Joffrey is the BIGGEST SHIT
- Sansa’s not boring me as much as the first book
- Ayra’s still ace, obviously
- Tyrion is obviously also ace, and I really like the story that’s been set up for him
- I really hope Caitlin doesn’t bore the arse off me again
- Very interesting overarching ‘thing’ set up right at the start of the book
THAT IS ALL.
Clash of Kings is probably Tyrion Lannister’s finest hour in the series so far, and the book that cemented his place in my personal list of The Best Characters Ever. That said, a bit of warning, in as not-spoilery a way as I can possibly express it: I’m working through Storm of Swords, which comes after, and, well…Tywin Lannister is the biggest fucking asshole, is all I’ll say of it.
For what it’s worth, however, in the second book Catelyn does actually go and do stuff. Also: You meet Stannis yet? He’s pretty assholish too, although not much more than about .6 Joffreys on the Song of Ice and Fire Assholishness Scale that is totally serious and which I really didn’t just now make up.
Yeah, I’ve had a good dose of Stannis already. That story’s started out in a way I didn’t really expect, too. Looking forward to seeing what Dany’s up to.
New Game of Thrones RPG.:
http://www.collegehumor.com/video/6579356/game-of-thrones-rpg
Well… sort of.
That’s excellent!
There is a proper RPG that’s going to come out at some point, I think, after they’ve done the RTS. LOOKING FORWARD TO.
Just to keep you updated, I’m now starting the fourth book. I can’t even believe I intended to stop at A Game of Thrones.
I know there’s likely more to come, but I see now what Arlene and Chris meant about Jaime. In fact, he’s the perfect example of why I love GRRM’s character work - he’s been expanded and explained but his past actions are never forgotten in a way that devalues what’s gone before. I know it’s a cliché, but so many characters are different shades of grey; see also Sandor Clegane and, to a lesser extent, even Dany.
I think so far the third book is my favourite of the ones I’ve read. It’s so bloody massive that every story has great room to breath and a LOT of shit goes down in very satisfying but mainly horrifying ways. The producers say that this book won’t be a single season and I can see why and I’m glad they’re not going to try and squeeze it too much and lose some important stuff.
Oh, and Jon Snow is probably my favourite character at the moment. Arya runs him close, but I have a few small issues with her story in the third book that I can’t really go into without spoilering.
Oh, and Jon Snow is probably my favourite character at the moment. Arya runs him close, but I have a few small issues with her story in the third book that I can’t really go into without spoilering.
NO SPOILERS EVEN KNOWING TYRION IS ALIVE IN THE FIFTH BOOK IS A SPOILER THANK YOU.
:’(
For all you know, the storyline I didn’t like was Arya’s horrible death!
And now I expect you see what I meant by Tywin Lannister being the biggest fucking asshole, right? I mean, I know Sansa’s kind of a twit (after all, she’s a teenager), but nevertheless…neither party in that arrangement deserved what happened to them. And that’s not even the most important one of its kind in the book!
On the bright side, however, his final scene, with Tyrion—not to spoil things for others, but I suppose you could call it “gut-wrenching”, huh?
First clips from season 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE12H1HorUU
Very impressed with Renly’s new look. They’ve managed to make him look the image of a young Robert. Also, I have a feeling I’m really not going to get on with Natalie Dormer’s face, but she definitely looks like a Tyrell.
Excitement!
Also, several months late (slightly spoilery)
And now I expect you see what I meant by Tywin Lannister being the biggest fucking asshole, right?
In all honestly, when it comes to his family I’ve not seen him do anything that’s *too* far removed from what any great Lord would do. I have more issues with how he conducts his wars :-S
I mean, I know Sansa’s kind of a twit (after all, she’s a teenager), but nevertheless…neither party in that arrangement deserved what happened to them. And that’s not even the most important one of its kind in the book!
Without wanting to utter any spoilers from the fifth book, let alone the second, as far as Sansa and Tyrion’s problems go, I’d say both of them are currently in worse positions.
On the bright side, however, his final scene, with Tyrion—not to spoil things for others, but I suppose you could call it “gut-wrenching”, huh?
Where *do* whores go?
EXCITING:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBrsM_WlfV8&feature=youtu.be
Dillane sounds like he’s going to be an excellent Stannis, but in my mind he still should look like Christopher Eccleston.
I realise discussion of this had ground to a halt, but A PROPER TRAILER! EXCITING!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOzXsqoJhtE
Varys and Tyrion are going to steal the show this year, clearly.
That looks bloody fantastic. Although it will be strange putting new faces to characters. I’d always imagined Stannis as Christopher Eccleston, and from that decided Renly would be David Tennant. Even my imagination is lazy.
In the first season, Renly was quite different from his descriptions in the book but from what we’ve seen of his new look, they’ve done a much better job of making him look like a young Robert.
Stannis looks good to me, but that could be because I’d seen Stephen Dillane had been cast before I read the second book so it’s always been his face in my mind.
Reading the first book after watching the pretty damn amazing series.
Joffrey really is the most hatable fuck ever.
It looks soooo good, doesn’t it??! Emilia Clarke may be a little old for book Daenerys but she’s pretty perfect all the same. And the girl they cast as Arya…just so right! All the cast are bang on really. Tyrion and Varys yeah…an immense double act! I also can’t wait for those Tyrion/Cersei scenes.
Just read the first 200 pages of A Storm of Swords… it just gets better :D
Oh man, Storm of Swords superb. I hope the rumours about them splitting it into two seasons (shot back-to-back) are true, because it’s the only way to do everything that happens in that book justice. Conversely, they could easily squeeze A Feast for Crows and Dance with Dragons into one season.
By the way, anyone listened to the new Roy Dotrice audiobook for A Feast for Crows? It seems he’s plain forgotten most of his original voices…
> Conversely, they could easily squeeze A Feast for Crows and Dance with Dragons into one season.
Wow. I know they supposedly drag but…two massive books crammed into one season??
Incidentally, I love how right this moment my life choices consist of - reading two more chapters of Storm of Swords or watching episodes 3 & 4 of Alcatraz. So, Bullseye on Challenge it is then… ;P
> Wow. I know they supposedly drag but…two massive books crammed into one season??
Well, that’s perhaps an exaggeration on my part. There’s tonnes of stuff I love in those books, but I get the feeling by the time we get there on TV, there’s going to be plenty of reasons and opportunities for some severe re-working / cutting.
PROPER SEASON 2 PHOTOS:
http://winteriscoming.net/2012/02/the-first-publicity-photos-from-season...
Brienne looks *perfect*, as does… well, everyone else. Davos especially looks like he’s going to the best thing on telly ever.
A few bits and pieces:
New trailer (with contemporary music and everything!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVkr9oYsIbo
The young actors singing the theme tune on one of the commentaries: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t92ukx0A2fk
The Simpsons GoT intro: http://io9.com/5890410/watch-the-simpsons-game-of-thrones-intro
Excellent recap of season 1 / preview of season 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Dku_Uya8Ygc
I AM EXCITED.
I haven’t been this fucking excited for a show since Back To Earth.
Everything I’ve seen suggests this is going to be amazing and even better than what they did in season 1. It also helps that it’s based on my favourite of the books.
Anyone watch episode 1 yet? I bloody loved that. The TV writers really seem to have nailed the skill of compressing the book’s story, keeping the good stuff and adding its own scenes to deal with the necessary exposition.
Was massively impressed with the CG, too. The dragon and direwolves looked amazing for a TV show. On top of that the matte paintings are beyond brilliant. King’s Landing seems so much bigger this season with those establishing shots, and they did a great job to show the vast wilderness the Night’s Watch are currently trudging through.
I spent most of the episode trying to remember who was who….Can’t believe how shoddy my memory has become…
But yeah. Really enjoyed it. Although I now just want giant dragons and more direwolves. The direwolves actually looked so much more than standard wolves this episode.
I’d rather they kept real dogs considering how more CGI will be needed as the show goes on. Plus the eyeline with Drogon was off.
Nice to get an expanded map:
> I spent most of the episode trying to remember who was who
I’m so glad I’ve been reading the books, otherwise I know I would’ve been ‘who the hell are they talking about??’ some of the time.
I reckon they got Craster and his daughters exactly right. Beyond the Wall is gonna be awesome this and, indeed, next series! The Dragonstone scenes weren’t how I imagined though. I’m not sure of Stannis and Melissandre’s casting. It should have been a strong, dramatic opening to the episode like how it opens the Clash of Kings book.
> I’d rather they kept real dogs considering how more CGI will be needed as the show goes on.
Well, they need to deal with the fact that they’re now getting very big and will soon be bigger than any actual wolf. I think even though it’s obviously very difficult and expensive to use CG and green screen for the wolves now, at least it means they know any big important scenes can be done exactly as they want, rather than dealing with live animals.
> The Dragonstone scenes weren’t how I imagined though. I’m not sure of Stannis and Melissandre’s casting. It should have been a strong, dramatic opening to the episode like how it opens the Clash of Kings book.
Yeah, I was amazed how flat the Burning of the Seven was. It really wasn’t portrayed as being as big a thing as it is, and Cressen was really mishandled. Still, I’ve got a feel Stannis and Mel are going to be awesome this season, so I’m not too worried about them botching the introduction.
Second episode was GOOD. Ghost looked awesome but it’s a shame we’ve not seen him with Jon. Ghost should be either off hunting or basically stuck to Jon’s side, but I guess it’s just as hard to CG a wolf into every scene than it is to include a real one. It’s a shame for the second episode running we only have a token Dany scene, too, but presumably that will change soon.
Only big problem I’m having is the Dragonstone story. First they completely fuck up Maester Cressen’s story in episode 1 and now they’ve locked Queen Selyse in a tower and are explicitly showing Stannis and Mel fucking. I suppose it’s probably too much to ask HBO to be too subtle when it comes to anything to do with sex.
> It’s a shame for the second episode running we only have a token Dany scene, too, but presumably that will change soon.
I was hoping they were gonna bring forward some of her story from Storm of Swords (book 3) into this season (she has so little going on in Clash of Kings) but it doesn’t look like that’ll be the case…
> I was hoping they were gonna bring forward some of her story from Storm of Swords (book 3) into this season (she has so little going on in Clash of Kings) but it doesn’t look like that’ll be the case…
Yeah, she should really be at her next proper destination by now, especially since her actions aren’t particularly tied to the Westeros timeline at this point so there should be plenty of room to compress as they want.
In other unsurprising news season 3 has been announced and GRRM has said it will cover roughly the first half of Storm of Swords. Excellent news that they’re giving that book two whole seasons, because it really is tremendous.
She’s the Jon Snow of Season 2.
If the show gets that far, presumably Seasons 5-8 would be books four and five merged?
Surely it needs to be split in two, otherwise the series is gonna catch up with Martin’s writing too quickly! I reckon we can now guess what the last shot of season 3 will be…
I think an idea, to pad things out a bit if needed, would be to shoot some flashbacks of the last days of the Mad King, with younger cast as Rhaegar, Jaime, Robert and Ned Stark. Heck, the Battle of the Trident is film-worthy.
> Surely it needs to be split in two, otherwise the series is gonna catch up with Martin’s writing too quickly!
I think after A Storm of Swords that’ll be where the TV show will start diverging more drastically from the books because while I love A Feast for Crows it’s got *so* much in it that I can see them cutting. They can probably almost entirely dispense of Dorne (even though I love that story).
> I reckon we can now guess what the last shot of season 3 will be…
The great thing about ASoS is that it has so many big events that there’s more than enough to share between two seasons. I believe the event you’re referring to happens about half way through the book, too, so it makes sense to have that at the end of season 3.
> I think an idea, to pad things out a bit if needed, would be to shoot some flashbacks of the last days of the Mad King, with younger cast as Rhaegar, Jaime, Robert and Ned Stark. Heck, the Battle of the Trident is film-worthy.
Love this idea. One of the big draws of this series for me is the history and it’s a shame that most of it has been relegated to the odd mention in the show. They could definitely get a lot of mileage of having an episode or two (or more?) of pure flashback to Robert’s Rebellion because you’ve got The Battle of the Trident, the Siege of Storm’s End, the Iron Island Rebellion AND the mysterious events that took place in the Tower of Joy in Dorne.
Aside from that, though, I really want a Dunk & Egg mini-series.
Really looking forward to tonight’s episode. Everyone who’s seen the first 4 episodes as part of the press pack have said it’s their favourite.
In the meantime, this is awesome:
http://www.gameofthronesmap.org/
It keeps track of all the characters positions as per the TV show. I think it might’ve been updated since episode was shown last night in the states, but I can’t see anything spoilery in there aside from characters bios for some people we’ve not met yet.
BRILLIANT EPISODE. I’d really like to see more of Bran and Winterfell, though, because the brief scene in this episode was probably my favourite. You had another Bran / Summer moment and Maester Luwin talking to Bran about magic was really nice.
Also, Yoren was fucking ace in that final scene. But now he’s dead.
I set my alarm to 6:30 Monday morning so I could watch this before work. I really love it.
What scares me is that we’re only at the beginning of vol. 2 and it’s already so many characters that many of them only get a few minutes screen time (if that); and the trend continues, yes? My friend said that GRRM keeps throwing more people at her while she’s really most interested in what happens to the people from the first book. I think that’ll be a problem for the tv show before long.
That being said, so far I haven’t had any problems keeping up with the who’s and when’s and what’s.
I must admit, I really am struggling to remember who’s who. I’m currently subscribed to a podcast for the recaps they give in a hope that this helps.
What scares me is that we’re only at the beginning of vol. 2 and it’s already so many characters that many of them only get a few minutes screen time (if that); and the trend continues, yes? My friend said that GRRM keeps throwing more people at her while she’s really most interested in what happens to the people from the first book. I think that’ll be a problem for the tv show before long.
Yeah, it’s definitely an issue, especially when you consider how little we’ve seen on Dany so far, but presumably that will change soon. I think they’ll end up missing a few characters in each episode so the ones they do have get more time at once
A lot of new characters are introduced later (especially in the fourth book) but I never felt the old ones were getting short shrift because there’s almost so much room in those giant books for everyone. The TV series is definitely going to have to make some drastic cuts once they’ve got past seasons 3 and 4 (which will cover the third book), but judging on how well they’ve compressed the story in this season so far, I’m sure it won’t be too much of a problem.
I must admit, I really am struggling to remember who’s who. I’m currently subscribed to a podcast for the recaps they give in a hope that this helps.
Which one have you gone for? I’m currently trying about 5, and I think my favourite so far is The Night’s Watch. They cover the episodes very well and with precious little fucking about and trying to be funny.
It’s Cast Of Thrones. But I’m not really impressed with it at all. There’s next to zero by way of analysis. The episode recap is all over the place with me unsure half the time whether they are talking about stuff from an episode I have seen, or stuff from the novels that wasn’t in the episode…or even stuff yet to come in the novels. Which is kind of annoying when you aren’t familiar with the books. It’s like listening to our first episode of ScutterCast…probably.
I think I’m going to give this one the push and try Night’s Watch. I’m trying to recap the first Season and then catchup on the podcast to this Season as it airs.
What are people’s thoughts on Brienne? Gwendoline Christie, while obviously not ugly enough (but do we really want that??), is otherwise darned perfect IMO. Though we’ve not seen much of her yet…or indeed anyone else for that matter.
Not enough screentime for most characters is gonna be an ongoing problem, especially with sooo many big players. Even the short-lived minor characters, like Yoren, are pretty awesome.
Others may disagree, but I’m quite happy with the…interesting changes they’ve made to Renly!
> It’s Cast Of Thrones.
Oh, Christ, I gave up on those tedious gobshites a while ago. If I remember rightly they have a lengthy section just reading out praise that people have sent them, rather than talking about the actual show. Intensely irritating people.
Night’s Watch definitely seems to be the best show only podcast (although they do have a slightly spoilery section hidden right at the end, but it’s easy to ignore).
> What are people’s thoughts on Brienne? Gwendoline Christie, while obviously not ugly enough (but do we really want that??), is otherwise darned perfect IMO.
I thought she was brilliant. I think she looks perfect and I can’t wait until she gets more to do. In fact there are very few actors in the show that are anything short of excellent, apart from Janos Slynt, who was fucking dire.
> Not enough screentime for most characters is gonna be an ongoing problem, especially with sooo many big players. Even the short-lived minor characters, like Yoren, are pretty awesome.
I’m certain there’s going to be more drastic cuts to the story as they go on. The fact they’re splitting book 3 into two seasons is going to be great for the show, because there’re going to have room to do justice to almost everything in that book.
> Others may disagree, but I’m quite happy with the…interesting changes they’ve made to Renly!
They’ve done a great job with that, I think. They don’t feel so much like changes, more just showing the stuff that went unsaid in the books.
What are people’s thoughts on Brienne? Gwendoline Christie, while obviously not ugly enough (but do we really want that??), is otherwise darned perfect IMO. Though we’ve not seen much of her yet…or indeed anyone else for that matter.
She looks perfect for what I imagine her part to be. I wasn’t impressed with her acting (which I only dare to bring it up because I think everyone else is really really good, including Yara/Asha) but maybe it’ll fall into place when I see more of her, or maybe that’s JUST the way she’s supposed to be.
Also, what was up with Littlefinger being so wooden (acting-wise) in the last episode. He was absolutely fine before last week.
~
It sounds like those drastic cuts are necessary, at the same time my heart is bleeding for everything I am missing. Maybe I’ll give the books another try after all. Hrm.
> What are the changes made to Renly?
The fact that he and a Loras are gay lovers is something that’s only ever hinted at in the books (well, I say ‘hinted’, his Kingsguard are called The Rainbow Guard, ffs) and the show is showing all of that, including how the situation works with Renly marrying Loras’ sister. It’s a very good addition, I think.
She looks perfect for what I imagine her part to be. I wasn’t impressed with her acting (which I only dare to bring it up because I think everyone else is really really good, including Yara/Asha) but maybe it’ll fall into place when I see more of her, or maybe that’s JUST the way she’s supposed to be.
It’s a difficult part to play, but I think she’ll do well once her character has more to do. I’m less impressed with Yara/Asha but I think that’s more of a problem with her characterisation than any issues with the actor.
It sounds like those drastic cuts are necessary, at the same time my heart is bleeding for everything I am missing. Maybe I’ll give the books another try after all. Hrm.
How far did you get with them?
It’s a very good addition, I think.
My memory of Clash of Kings is fleeting. It’s basically said that Margaery Tyrell is wasting her time, right? Loras looks so different in the second season, I wouldn’t have realised it was the same guy without the sex scene later in the episode!
I don’t remember Renly having a whole lot to do so those scenes in the episode are better for making him more relevant. Stannis and Melisandre map sex would have been better staying implied though. However, I’m only on Feast for Crows now so maybe I’m wrong. ;)
How far did you get with them?
Approximately one third into the first one before deciding that his writing style isn’t working for me. I don’t mind long books at all, but despite being mega-hyped I really had to force myself to go back to reading on.
Maybe I should read the German translation. (… never thought I’d say that about anything.)
~
I appreciated all of the Renly scenes. It’s kind of disappointing to read that they aren’t in the books at all, especially the scene with Margaery.
I am getting the hint that a lot of people were underwhelmed by Melisandre/Stannis; I thought they were good (if confusing… who the God of what? Is she a witch? Why did that guy drink his own poison? Did she make him? Was he trying to prove a point? WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?) and I love the acting in both Melisandre’s calm, apparently deserved arrogance (“… then stop me”) and Stannis’ uptightness (letter writing scene).
Approximately one third into the first one before deciding that his writing style isn’t working for me. I don’t mind long books at all, but despite being mega-hyped I really had to force myself to go back to reading on.
Maybe I should read the German translation. (… never thought I’d say that about anything.)
It is a shame that you can’t get through the writing style. I assume it’s a language thing rather than taste? It’s hard for me to imagine having to deal with a book like that wasn’t in my first language…
I am getting the hint that a lot of people were underwhelmed by Melisandre/Stannis; I thought they were good (if confusing… who the God of what? Is she a witch? Why did that guy drink his own poison? Did she make him? Was he trying to prove a point? WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?) and I love the acting in both Melisandre’s calm, apparently deserved arrogance (“… then stop me”) and Stannis’ uptightness (letter writing scene).
Right, I think this is going to turn into a bit of a rant…
I think they’ve done a terrible job of adapting that storyline. The acting is all great, but they especially messed up Maester Cressen’s objection to Melisandre and what he was doing with the poison. Basically he was sacrificing himself to protect Stannis (he’s been serving the Baratheons from before Robert, Stannis and Renly were born and is incredibly protective of Stannis), by proposing a toast knowing he’d also have to drink the poison. This is all after a great deal of reflection and talking through his problems with Stannis. In the TV show he’s just presented as a silly old man who dies stupidly.
There’s also important details about Melisandre and Stannis that has either not been explained yet or brushed over far too quickly (the relationship between Stannis and Davos is brilliant, so I hope it gets a proper explanation soon) and I do think the Dragonstone story is the one part of the TV show that’s not getting nearly enough attention. With everything else they’ve done a great job of compressing the story, but it’s worrying that the one big injection of new characters this season has been botched so far.
> Stannis and Melisandre map sex would haved been better staying implied though.
Definitely agree about this. As with Renly’s homosexuality it’s something that’s never explicitly stated so they do need to be a bit more explicit about it, but that scene came WAY too soon and all that bollocks about Mel giving Stannis a son was bullshit. He’s a man that is utterly beholden to the rules of the land, and expecting us to believe he’ll be happy to have a bastard son to succeed him is so utterly wide of the mark.
It is a shame that you can’t get through the writing style. I assume it’s a language thing rather than taste? It’s hard for me to imagine having to deal with a book like that wasn’t in my first language…
Well, I’m reading everything else in English.
To me, it feels like GRRM is describing one painting after another. (And then she said… and then he said… and then that happened.) The info is there, but the writing feels … so static, almost lifeless. It makes me watch from a distance rather than pull me into the story. It’s weird, because that’s the first time that’s happened to me, in any language, ever.
I’m probably doing him a big injustice.
> I don’t remember Renly having a whole lot to do so those scenes in the episode are better for making him more relevant.
Yep. Without this extra spice to his character he’s pretty much a non-entity!
One thing…I’m guessing they’re gonna cut is *minor book spoiler* Brienne being in love with Renly from afar. I say that partly because he comes across as a bit of a tosser in his scenes, so it would seem odd for a character as strong as she is to be so obsessed with him. Also, all of that goes on in her head so it would be hard to get it across onscreen. The other thing is…the other main character she comes into contact with later, they’ll want to focus on that I’m sure. Can’t say any more without spoiling more.
> He’s a man that is utterly beholden to the rules of the land, and expecting us to believe he’ll be happy to have a bastard son to succeed him is so utterly wide of the mark.
I thought it was weird how interested he became when Mel mentioned a son. Surely only having a son with his wife would matter?? Of course, with her gown falling open like that I’d say it would have been rude for him not to…respond. ;P
Well, I’m reading everything else in English.
Fair enough!
To me, it feels like GRRM is describing one painting after another. (And then she said… and then he said… and then that happened.) The info is there, but the writing feels … so static, almost lifeless. It makes me watch from a distance rather than pull me into the story. It’s weird, because that’s the first time that’s happened to me, in any language, ever.
I’m probably doing him a big injustice.
I think that’s fair, actually. His writing style is fairly straight forward and functional at times, but I don’t see that as a weakness as such. His strength is having such an interesting history and well drawn characters. Also, he describes food in almost indecent detail.
Yep. Without this extra spice to his character he’s pretty much a non-entity!
See also Rob’s campaign in the West. I’m really pleased that’s getting screen time in the show, especially since it seems there’s potential there for a pretty big deviation from the books.
One thing…I’m guessing they’re gonna cut is *minor book spoiler* Brienne being in love with Renly from afar. I say that partly because he comes across as a bit of a tosser in his scenes, so it would seem odd for a character as strong as she is to be so obsessed with him
I think they’ll briefly address it. If I remember rightly Cat sees that Brienne loves Renly almost straight away, so it’s likely they’ll have a chat about it in the next episode. I don’t see there being much different between book and show Renly, though - both are arrogant and cocky but both obviously inspire people to follow. It still makes perfect sense for a warrior like Brienne to fall in love with her king.
I think they’ll briefly address it. If I remember rightly Cat sees that Brienne loves Renly almost straight away, so it’s likely they’ll have a chat about it in the next episode. I don’t see there being much different between book and show Renly, though - both are arrogant and cocky but both obviously inspire people to follow. It still makes perfect sense for a warrior like Brienne to fall in love with her king.
I got the idea that she must fancy him a bit from her two scenes last episode. No biggie. Right?
I’ve had a slight problem with Game Of Thrones right from when we were first shown the dragon eggs…..And that is that I’ve wanted to see dragons! I know the ‘fantasy’ elements are coming…eventually. But a single ‘zombie’ attack here and the odd oversized wolf there haven’t been enough to quell my desire to see an equivalent to a fully grown dragon. I’m just too damned impatient.
Now, I know we haven’t seen full sized dragons laying siege to a city. But whatever that was is certainly a huge step in the right direction.
I’ve been enjoying the show whilst feeling that impatience since it started. Now, that impatience is starting to abate. Loved this episode….a lot!
One of the best episodes of TV in ages! That final scene could go down as one of the most remembered and iconic ever broadcast! The way the ‘birth’ was realised couldn’t have been more perfect…and neither could that small glimpse of the huge city of Qarth we got through the gates. They’re making such brilliant use of their effects budget.
Joffrey…..is all! O.O
Yep, fantastic episode.
I absolutely loved Harrenhal. The image of this vast castle literally melted by dragonfire is inspired. The new Gregor is a bit skinny, mind, but Polliver and the Tickler are suitably cunty and I was very pleased to hear ‘the Brotherhood’ mentioned…
I can’t help but think that the Joffrey scene with the prostitutes was a bit much. We’ve *just* seen him abuse Sansa horribly in front of the whole court, so that scene didn’t feel at all necessary. I’m starting to find any scene with Joffrey in it incredibly difficult to watch, especially scenes where he ends up ‘winning’.
And yeah the shadow birth was utterly fucked up in an excellent way, made all the more effective of it coming out of nowhere.
Jerome Flynn saying “there’s no cure for being a cunt” is one of the highlights of my year.
The Stannis/Renly scene was also a highlight for me. You do believe they’re brothers (and not just because Catelyn says so, just in case the audience forgot ;)) and I love how casual they are, considering how many thousands of lives there are at stake…
‘Quarth’/’Qarth’ being settled was a funny little moment. Though those paying attention will have noticed Dany pronouncing it ‘Qarth’ earlier in the episode!
One thing I’m pleased about is them not insulting the audience by making us think Arya’s really getting away with her ruse as a boy. Regardless of her short hair she’s blatantly a girl, there’s just no getting away from it!
First few minutes of episode five should have been the ending of four, I feel.
Easily the most departures from the book in this episode…
Arya and Tywin scenes ftw. And Ygritte, while for some reason I always imagined her having a sort of Scandinavian accent(??), is going to work really well. The King’s Landing riot featuring about 15 extras was a little disappointing…but the Hound executing Sansa’s attackers with extreme prejudice made up for that! :D
> Easily the most departures from the book in this episode…
Yep, and every one a good move, I thought. I don’t want to turn into a tedious fucker harping on about the books all the time, but this season has really done a superb job of adhearing to the story and making all the right changes, apart from a few notable exceptions.
> Arya and Tywin scenes ftw.
Maisy Williams as Arya is absolutely superb. She’s easily matched Charles Dance in every scene she’s shared with him, which is remarkable.
> And Ygritte, while for some reason I always imagined her having a sort of Scandinavian accent(??), is going to work really well.
Roy Dotrice in the audiobooks always used various Celtic accents for the Wildlings, so her accent is Irish in my head, but I get the Scandinavian thing. I imagine once we see more Wildlings there’ll be all sorts of accents, especially since a lot of the actors will be Icelandic. Also, I’ll just say it now because I’m amazed you haven’t: I really fancy Ygritte.
> The King’s Landing riot featuring about 15 extras was a little disappointing…but the Hound executing Sansa’s attackers with extreme prejudice made up for that! :D
Yarp. The Hound was at his best in this episode. We’ve not had nearly enough of him in previous episodes so I hope we see more of him from this point.
The Jaqen H’ghar / Arya scene was brilliant, too. Every time this show does anything comedic it always works really well, and this case it highlighted even more how awesome Jaquen is at killing pricks.
By the way, Ori, have you found a suitable podcast for your needs? I’m listening to the latest Night’s Watch episode now and it’s as excellent as always, although one of the hosts just claimed the scenes beyond The Wall were shot in Northern Ireland.
> Also, I’ll just say it now because I’m amazed you haven’t: I really fancy Ygritte.
You know nothing, Jon Capps…;)
Nah, she’d be plenty comfort on a cold night…and, ofc as always, red hair ftw!
Yeah, Nights Watch came recommended elsewhere too so I’ve gone with that one. Although I’m listening to the first Season reviews/analysis first. I’ve also started listening to the Breaking Bad podcast from the same people….and I might start on their Walking Dead as well.
For some reason, after Lost, Heroes and Flash Forward I stopped listening to TV show podcasts. Forgot how much more they can bring to the show sometimes…
> For some reason, after Lost, Heroes and Flash Forward I stopped listening to TV show podcasts. Forgot how much more they can bring to the show sometimes…
It’s only very rarely that a show grabs me enough to bother listening to a podcast about it, but when it happens I tend to go a bit mad with them and download everything I can find. There are also some great ones that go into in-depth analysis of the whole story from the books and the TV series that I could literally listen to until the end of time. There’s just so much awesome stuff in this universe.
I’d be interested to hear their Walking Dead podcast, actually, because from what I can gather from the odd comment they’ve made about it, they’re not impressed with how it’s progressing…
One of my current favourites for a TV show reaction and analysis is the Dissecting Dexter podcast….although, even trying to keep spoiler free, it can occasionally ruin a plot twist.
Dexter’s last Season had a big twist that was correctly predicted in the listeners e-mails. I don’t think I’d have seen it coming myself. But once the idea had been suggested, it became a bit obvious. And I think not guessing would have made the whole Season a lot more enjoyable. But that was a rarity. The podcast usually adds to my enjoyment of the TV show.
Fucking hell, like.
Amazing episode. Loads and loads of scenes with two characters just talking, and they squeezed so much background and nice details. Brilliant world building.
Arya and Tywin have me totally hooked. Probably the best thing about this season.
And that ending was brutal.
>Arya and Tywin have me totally hooked. Probably the best thing about this season.
Agreed
Due to Joffrey’s shorter screen time the last couple of episodes, Theon is my new most hateable cunt.
CASTING MEETING:
“So, we need to cast Theon, who at worst is an irredeemable cunt and at best is the victim of his father being an even bigger cunt”
“Alfie Allen?”
“Done! Who’s for lunch?”
Starting to really dislike Robb Stark now…I figured he was the one we were supposed to be routing for. But he just seems so self-righteous it sickens me. Hope he gets killed with a burning hot poker in his ear!
I’ve liked Robb, but he’s suffering from not being a proper major character. He’s just running around the Westerlands winning fairly inconsequential victories. His self righteousness is ok with me because it’s just how Starks are. He might not sell it as well as Sean Bean, but I don’t mind him being a bit pompous about his honour too much.
Thinking about it, I’ve gone off most of the characters that I liked a few weeks ago. I’m sure once they actually do something exciting, I’ll be alright again.
I was really excited for Daenerys story after the Season 1 finale. I assumed she’d become a godlike leader, worshipped by thousands of Dothraki and leading the way with 3 fierce dragons….looks like I’ll waiting a while for anything like this.
Although I’m still a fan, Rob Snow pissed me off by not beheading that woman. I’m sure his old man would never has hesitated in that situation.
Even Tyrion has been a little quiet for my liking these last couple of episodes. With me warming more to Bronn.
The only two that I can’t get enough of are Arya and Bran.
Also, end of this week…did anyone actually think that Bran was dead? I thought it was a given at the end of the episode before that it was the farmers children….then this week, it was revealed as though I was supposed to be surprised.
Well, it was more showing that the people of Winterfell will work it out than the audience working it out.
Arya is awesome. I enjoyed every single scene with her and Gendry, Tywin, Jaqen or others.
Danaerys is still fun to watch, but mainly because she is in Qarth and I JUST WANT TO SEE MORE OF QARTH.
Jon Snow is just a puppy. I like him well enough. The whole rangers vs. wildlings thing isn’t too interesting. Sadly, I cannot get into Ygritte at all at this point. Maybe because I found the actresses’ character on that other costume drama irritating.
It was good to see some Kings Landing action, although I don’t really feel the riots and/or siege are dangerous at all, they probably should have shown an actual mass scene or two to give a sense of scale.
At the beginning of the season, I expected Stannis and Melisandre to play bigger parts, but now I’ve almost forgotten they exist.
The biggest surprises, to me, were all the different things to do with the Grejoys. so I enjoyed that. (I also enjoy hating their guts.)
I agree that Robb’s/Catlyn’s/Jamie Lannister’s scenes are among the least interesting. Renley’s camp was more fun to watch.
The first season had more emotional impact on me, we’re 8 episodes into season 2 and I always feel like something is ABOUT to happen but not actually happening, which is ridiculous, given what actually happened in Winterfell. I hope that the season finale will have some kind of unignorable badassery.
It sucks that these shows can’t just go on on a weekly basis forever, without monthslong breaks.
Jo TORDFC / Thu, 2011-06-23 01:01
…or Boobs & Dragons to give it it’s correct name ;)
So who watched it and what did you think?
Also… one of the men in the cage - Liam Neeson or not? I spotted him straight away and thought it was, but the internet seems divided on whether it’s him or not since it’s been neither confirmed nor denied by the GoT/B&D people.