Game of Thrones Season 2

[bouncingbrick]

Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOzXsqoJhtE&feature=g-logo&context=G27670b2FOAAAAAAACAA

Art direction. I love the glimpse of Dragonstone and the Pike Islands.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehpuvtjQIYE

The girl who plays Arya is so adorable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5BrH30yE4c

Anyone else a fan of this show? Fan of the books? Personally, I cannot wait for season 2. And I have no idea how they are going to make seasons 4 and 5... :D

[Skepsis93]

Absolutely! Can't wait for this, loved the first season. Been meaning to read the books, actually.

[Pyro Tramp]

Well, Storm of Swords is rumoured to be Seasons 3 and 4 and hopefully will be filming back to back soon. Popular consensus is to roll AFFC and ADWD into one Season. Not a bad idea in regard AFFC but ADWD has got a bit more ground covered so 10 episodes could be tall order to fit that much in. I have faith though and literally not wait until this starts which also happens to be on my birthday! Very excited to see the new cast as well which seem to have been nailed yet again.

[Pyro Tramp]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVkr9oYsIbo

[TheUsualSuspect]

HAAAAAATE the kid sitting on the throne!!!!!!!! The quick glimpse of him ordering the soldier to rip the daughters clothes off, argh.

So much sorrow in this series.

[Pyro Tramp]

Credit where it's due, he does a delicious job of making a character so unbelievably hateable.

[Yoda]

Gah! My wife's a big Florence + the Machine fan, and when Ceremonials (her new album) came out she noticed that one of the tracks, "Seven Devils," would be great as background music for a trailer about The Man Who Was Thursday movie adaptation we'd love to make in our dreams. Ever since I've pictured how we'd shoot it, and how beautifully the movie would punctuate it all (even the lyrics fit the story). It's deliciously creepy and cinematic. So I'm both happy and a little bit "aw, man!" to see Game of Thrones using it to promo the new season.

At least someone else recognized how perfect it is for this sort of thing, though.

[Pyro Tramp]

It's a fantastic accompanying track, make the trailer substantially more epic.

[DexterRiley]

nice lil refresher

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dku_Uya8Ygc

[bouncingbrick]

HAAAAAATE the kid sitting on the throne!!!!!!!! The quick glimpse of him ordering the soldier to rip the daughters clothes off, argh.

So much sorrow in this series.

Whatever you do, don't read the books. If you think the show has sorrow, try reading the novels. Without too much in the way of spoilers, it's tough reading about characters you love for a couple thousand pages just to see them die.

At the same time, it's what makes this series so refreshing. It takes place in a realistic world. It's the type of world where when someone gets taken captive there's not going to be some crazy rescue where a few people break in and save the person...the person is just most likely going to die. In real life the heroes don't always win and that exactly the way it is in the Song of Ice and Fire series.

That said, some of the "bad" people get what's coming to them. I use the term "bad" in quotations because some of the people that start off bad become sympathetic and vice versa. That's another thing that makes the series so great. It's not always black and white when it comes to where the sympathies of the reader lies.

[Pyro Tramp]

I think one of the best things about the series of books is how a character has repulsive has Jaime can become one of the best characters over the course of books. Really summarises how characters are painted and there's not really a good or evil (in some cases). Sandor 'The Hound' is another fantastically flawed yet fascinating character, I hope they do him and his relationship with Sansa justice this season.

BB, in fairness, a lot of deaths shouldn't be surprising as there's a lot of foreshadowing or just stupidity - thinking of a certain Dornish prince and Knight of the Kingsguard. Even Ned, logically, his character was never going to survive in the situation he put himself in.

[bouncingbrick]

True, but there's a few that did catch me off guard and a couple that turned out to not have happened! I'm so hooked on the books...:D

[Pyro Tramp]

A Storm of Swords is probably the best thing i've ever read. 'That' bit in it took me completely off-guard, I had to put the book down, re-read it, stand up, take a breath and go for a 5 minute walk before continuing. It was only after thinking about some prophecies and spells cast I was like should have seen it. How far are you with them?

[bouncingbrick]

I've read all of them. The only problem I have is I forget sometimes which things happened in which books! I can only assume you're talking about:

The wedding. That part shocked the crap out of me, despite the fact that the entire chapter I was on the edge of my seat. I saw it coming, but I still refused to believe it until it happened.

[Pyro Tramp]

Yeah, that was the event. Had to literally re-read it a few times because simply didn't believe what I just read had happened so assumed misread it. And then after Arya's chapter after that, had to cheat and flick through to find her next one. Intense emotions.

What did you think of the ending of ADWD. I'm assuming that a certain character is not really in the state he's in.

[TheUsualSuspect]

If they can have someone slapping Joffery every episode, then I'd be a happy camper.

[MovieMan8877445]

If they can have someone slapping Joffery every episode, then I'd be a happy camper.

I agree. That was one of the best things about tonights episode.

[bouncingbrick]

What did you think of the ending of ADWD. I'm assuming that a certain character is not really in the state he's in.

I have no idea what to think. I just sat there sort of stunned.

The thing is, now that we're deeper into the series we know that death not only isn't permanent, but we're learning through Bran that the afterlife isn't that far removed from the plane the universe exists within. I'm thinking there's going to be some sort of connection between Bran and Jon. Still, I can't get used to the deaths that happen in this series!

[bouncingbrick]

The first episode was a little bit slow, but if it follows the trend of season one it will end with a bit of energy.

As a fan of the books, I love the references to characters that we haven't seen yet in the show. It makes the show feel like it's part of the bigger world of the novels without really having to make it as vast. I do wonder, however, what it's like watching the show without having knowledge of the source material. It seems like the gloss over a few things and that may seem confusing. Or maybe I'm just used to knowing about those things and they are more trivial to the TV show audience...:shrug:

Anyway, I need to read the books again because I can't remember everything that happens in the second one. I know that this season will be more eventful than the first, but I can't remember what exactly happens in which of the books!

[KasperKristensen]

What does everybody think of the new cast? Personally, I don't like the look of Stannis. His acting seems solid and all, but I always pictured him bigger, balder and just more fearsome.
Melisandre is spot on.
Craster was good.
Davos isn't how I pictured him at all but I really liked that guy's performance and how he looked.

[DexterRiley]

Khaleesi needs chapstick on those big, luscious, pouty, kissable lips of hers.

[Pyro Tramp]

Davos and Stannis both nailed it, loved both them. I thought Stannis would have more of a warrior's frame but his delivery writing the letter was perfect "I never loved him... take it out". I've seen Liam Cunningham in enough to know he'll be great as seemed, great casting choice. Wasn't sure on Mel from trailers, seems to frail and fresh faced for some of stuff to come but her performance pushed worries away. Craster didn't seem 'wild' enough but his keep was exactly as imagined it. Dontos was a bit too comical and was an awkward opening to be honest.

I'm kind of annoyed that i've read the books in terms of enjoying the show (i'm not annoyed generally as books were excellent) but the comparisons are inevitably annoying when they change the structure around a bit. I'm just waiting for all the amazing stuff to happen that the first episode left me a bit agitated where it was a catch up from last season without really delving into any the narrative strands. I don't remember the Cersei/Joffrey dynamic being like this, was sure she ordered the killing of the bastards and knew who they all were. Have to reread. And i'm almost CERTAIN Dany and Rakharro never had any cheeky looks like that in the book. Thought the cut into Bran's wolf dream was a bit abrupt in terms of the show as a whole but the effects of the direwolves make up for it. Shame it seems to mean can only see one per episode as no sign of Ghost :(


And BB.... I always assumed the prologue of ADWD was a hint

[bouncingbrick]

I like the new people in the show. I also thought Stannis would be more stout, but I can live with this guy. I really like the woman that plays Melisandre. She's just as hot as I hoped she be! :D

[Pyro Tramp]

Wait till episode 2 ;)

[bouncingbrick]

Khaleesi needs chapstick on those big, luscious, pouty, kissable lips of hers.

This reminds me of something.

In the books Daenery's is supposed to be one of the most beautiful women in the world. Also, Cersei is supposed to be pretty close to Daenery's in looks, though her beauty is waning with her age.

What does everyone think of the women playing these roles? Personally, I think both Lena Headey and Emilia Clarke are pretty damn hot (despite the fact that I still think they should have cast natural blondes...). I don't know if I'd say Daenery's is one of the most beautiful women ever, but she's pretty attractive. But, then again, how do you cast the most beautiful woman in the world? It's not as if there's some well defined version of physical perfection, other than Ted Raimi, of course. :D

[Pyro Tramp]

If i was a Greyjoy; i'd travel the seas to pillage her.

[TheUsualSuspect]

My girlfriend felt uncomfortable with the porn like sex scenes in this episode. I didn't have a problem.

[Pyro Tramp]

I'll be honest, i'm not sure what's going on with Littlefinger. I get the impression casting an actor bigger than part is having it's toll

[TheUsualSuspect]

His verbal pimp slap to the woman who was crying was epic.

[Pyro Tramp]

Probably problem with reading books, would rather see more time dedicated to moments from books opposed to new bits. Littlefinger worked better as an enigma, background worker instead of him being a focus with clearer motives.

[DexterRiley]

http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2aw8mv2z51qllt0do1_500.jpg

:laugh:

[DexterRiley]

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/17j7kfhezrm3qjpg/original.jpg

Please, God, Bring This Game of Thrones Game to Life (http://kotaku.com/5900918/please-god-bring-this-game-of-thrones-game-to-life)

[filmgirlinterrupted]

This reminds me of something.

In the books Daenery's is supposed to be one of the most beautiful women in the world. Also, Cersei is supposed to be pretty close to Daenery's in looks, though her beauty is waning with her age.

What does everyone think of the women playing these roles? Personally, I think both Lena Headey and Emilia Clarke are pretty damn hot (despite the fact that I still think they should have cast natural blondes...). I don't know if I'd say Daenery's is one of the most beautiful women ever, but she's pretty attractive. But, then again, how do you cast the most beautiful woman in the world? It's not as if there's some well defined version of physical perfection, other than Ted Raimi, of course. :D

My fiance and I have a nickname for Lena Headey: "Crinkle Face" - so maybe that will answer your question? :p

As for Emilia Clarke, I think she's pretty...but she's one of the worst actors on the show IMO. She just has this blank stare that drives me nuts! Even when she's doing her "Bitch, I'm KHALEESI!" routine I'm bored.

[filmgirlinterrupted]

I'll be honest, i'm not sure what's going on with Littlefinger. I get the impression casting an actor bigger than part is having it's toll

Aww, I like Aidan Gillen. He was excellent in "The Wire."

[KasperKristensen]

Listen, man. Am I crazy, or is Theon's sister not named Asha? In episode 2 I'm pretty sure Theon says Liara.

[Pyro Tramp]

Aww, I like Aidan Gillen. He was excellent in "The Wire."

I like Gillen too, I just meant that they've got an actor who probably has more screentime in his contract than the character has.

I'm feeling the series is being spread pretty thin at the moment in comparison to the depth of the books. Really think it needs more time

[Pyro Tramp]

"there's men out there who want to duck your corpses...... outside now!"


So altering the books also disregards semblance of logic

[DexterRiley]

http://cdn.nextround.net/upcoming/thumbs/2012/03/26/Best-Of-Tyrion-Lannister-m.jpg

[cinemaafficionado]

Just finished watching Game Of Thrones Season 1 disc set ( never watch them directly on TV ).
Was very impressed with the multiple story line and execution, actually the whole idea of Winterland and Death Watch and Dragon people. The idea of the Wall ( as in Hadrian's Wall or even the Great Wall Of China ) and the creatures that live on the other side.
It's got everfything: love, hate, war, romance , more war, fantasy and mythology, honor, friendship, an intelligent midget and even zombies.
Wow, what a glorious cocktail. Sign me up for Season 2.

[DexterRiley]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pAAztk3Zcc

:laugh:

http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2e918gM891qlv0r8o1_500.png

[Justin]

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/17j7kfhezrm3qjpg/original.jpg

Please, God, Bring This Game of Thrones Game to Life (http://kotaku.com/5900918/please-god-bring-this-game-of-thrones-game-to-life)

One can only hope. The RPG is releasing next month, I believe. Not quite the same though.

About the show: I'm on the verge of finishing the first season and it's done a terrific job of keeping in line with the books (I'm on A Dance with Dragons).

[Pyro Tramp]

Where do whores go?


I DON'T CARE TYRION

[TONGO]

http://www.bestweekever.tv/bwe/images/2012/04/Joffrey-Sex-Scene-1335165334.jpg

Easily the best tv villain since Nellie Olson on Little House On The Prairie.

[Pyro Tramp]

Just hoping they can bring it again with a certain B*stard.

[Gabriella Lynn]

Just watched the latest episode! It was really great, anyone wanna talk about it? opinions, theories, favorite characters?

[Pyro Tramp]

Are you watching as a book reader? I'm finding myself very torn, I appreciate several of the changes they're making to the material but hard trying to take my bias away from the source and obviously knowing the ripple effects they'll have later.

I would say that Jeyne/Robb romance is looking very cheesy.

Didn't buy that chase meaning Jon was completely lost from Qhorin.

Less is almost entirely more with Littlefinger, don't like seeing him pop up in every scene, borderline parody.

Jaqen H'ghar is cool but he's meant to the GHOST of Harrenhall, the deaths are to obviously pointing to murder, less accidents.

Not sure why Osha needed to bed Theon to help the boys escape.

Arya and Theon, in particular, are knocking it out the park bring fantastic undertones of menace an sympathy, relatively.

Hound action, finally!

Missing Stannis and Davos this episode, though went so briskly didn't notice till the end.

Actually like the addition of Dany's dragons being stolen, will see how that pans out. If only she can stop shouting 'WITH FIRE AND BLOOD' in every conversation. The Spice Merchant is awful, too much like Wallace Shawn.

Ser Rodrik's death was a nice change of characters and worked well, just anxious how they're going to introduce a certain character now and aspects of his character/interactions.

[Gabriella Lynn]

I haven't read the books and I don't know if I want to. I usually always do but this show I haven't even thought about it. I think it's because I think the show is true art because they put so much detail into it. Do you think the books are better?

I'm actually kind of excited with the love interest with Robb because he hasn't had one and he seems like he's going to play a kind of "Prince Charming"? Which is probably why you say it seems cheesy? lol

How do you mean that Jaqen is supposed to be a ghost?

I love Arya, she is a favorite of mine, she has such a strong will and I like her relationship with The Lord Tyrant.

I didn't like at all that Osha slept with him because I've always viewed her as a strong female role and I feel like whenever women have sex in this show, they are "dehumanized" or are not shown as in bright a light. I did love how she slit that soldiers throat though!

I'm really interested in The Hound's interest in Sansa's safety. He's seemed to always have an eye on her and my opinion and in the preview for the next episode it seems that they will have a heart to heart? Any thoughts on that?

I also loved how he ripped the guys guts out that was going to rape Sansa!

I am not as big of a fan of the Kaleesi because she is too strong willed and not subtle enough about the intentions she has. I know she is supposed to be queen and all but she's very bossy and that will not get her the right attention.

I also enjoyed Rodriks death because I want to see Thions head cut off, lol.

[Gabriella Lynn]

Oh and I always always love seeing Joffrey get verbally and physically abused because he's a spoiled pompous prince that deserves a good beating! But that's also why he's a good character because then you have someone to hate and it gives controversy to the story.

[Pyro Tramp]

I haven't read the books and I don't know if I want to. I usually always do but this show I haven't even thought about it. I think it's because I think the show is true art because they put so much detail into it. Do you think the books are better?

I'm actually kind of excited with the love interest with Robb because he hasn't had one and he seems like he's going to play a kind of "Prince Charming"? Which is probably why you say it seems cheesy? lol

How do you mean that Jaqen is supposed to be a ghost?

I love Arya, she is a favorite of mine, she has such a strong will and I like her relationship with The Lord Tyrant.

I didn't like at all that Osha slept with him because I've always viewed her as a strong female role and I feel like whenever women have sex in this show, they are "dehumanized" or are not shown as in bright a light. I did love how she slit that soldiers throat though!

I'm really interested in The Hound's interest in Sansa's safety. He's seemed to always have an eye on her and my opinion and in the preview for the next episode it seems that they will have a heart to heart? Any thoughts on that?

I also loved how he ripped the guys guts out that was going to rape Sansa!

I am not as big of a fan of the Kaleesi because she is too strong willed and not subtle enough about the intentions she has. I know she is supposed to be queen and all but she's very bossy and that will not get her the right attention.

I also enjoyed Rodriks death because I want to see Thions head cut off, lol.


The books and a far greater depth, background, history and development to characters. Definitely recommend them, though maybe try and keep the show and reading separate; first season was an impeccable translation, second is taking a few liberties with source material.

The romance seems cheesy as i'm not feeling any chemistry and it's really ham-fisted dialogue and meetings.

The castle they're in is meant to be haunted and the 2 deaths he gives Arya are made to look like accidents so people think the castle is haunted. The last episode, I believe, was called Ghost of Harrenhal. You'd think they'd be a bit more suspicious with someone killing their men, especially after one just chased Arya through the keep.

I don't like Osha and how she tilts her head when she speaks. HBO got to hit the nudity quota somehow though. My issue is what advantage she gained from it.

The Hound and Sansa have some nice moments, he's a fantastically grey character and Sansa is horrified by him but hides behind a wall of courtesy which he knows is lies and is offended by it. They've kind of dropped the ball on both characters, Sansa just seemed like a brat and now a brat getting punished.

Don't you worry, Theon's arc is probably one of my favourites in the books :)

[Gabriella Lynn]

The books and a far greater depth, background, history and development to characters. Definitely recommend them, though maybe try and keep the show and reading separate; first season was an impeccable translation, second is taking a few liberties with source material.

The romance seems cheesy as i'm not feeling any chemistry and it's really ham-fisted dialogue and meetings.

The castle they're in is meant to be haunted and the 2 deaths he gives Arya are made to look like accidents so people think the castle is haunted. The last episode, I believe, was called Ghost of Harrenhal. You'd think they'd be a bit more suspicious with someone killing their men, especially after one just chased Arya through the keep.

I don't like Osha and how she tilts her head when she speaks. HBO got to hit the nudity quota somehow though. My issue is what advantage she gained from it.

The Hound and Sansa have some nice moments, he's a fantastically grey character and Sansa is horrified by him but hides behind a wall of courtesy which he knows is lies and is offended by it. They've kind of dropped the ball on both characters, Sansa just seemed like a brat and now a brat getting punished.

Don't you worry, Theon's arc is probably one of my favourites in the books :)


What is a Nudity quota?

I personally think they put too much needless nudity in it because some scenes it feels it draws away from the story and I heard also that the books have none of that. Don't know if it's true or not, I just think the story is so great and it's a shame they feel they need all it.

I hope that Sansa has learned her lesson and hopefully she will learn to trust Tyrion.

[Pyro Tramp]

They've added a few scenes for 'sexposition' but the books are just as bad at points, marriages involve the bride being stripped by guests etc. The quota is a jab at HBO.

[Gabriella Lynn]

I never understood that. I saw it in Helen of Troy but why would you want your new bride naked in front of others? That to me has always been terribly creepy lol.

[filmgirlinterrupted]

http://www.bestweekever.tv/bwe/images/2012/04/Game-Of-Thrones-Prisoner-1335807051.jpg

[tramp]

Pyro, I've read all the books and you mentioned the end of ADWD....

I love Jon and I was extremely upset. But... if you compare the dire wolves to their counterparts, he has "Ghost." So what does that mean? Does he warg for a while and then return to his body after he has been healed? That assumes they don't finish the job. I would heartbroken if we had Jon all this time just to see him die like that.

I'm rather enjoying the second season but I've decided that the books are just too rich for any really great adaptation. They do rush the stories, etc., but its still a very enjoyable show.

I DID NOT like the whore scene with Joffrey though. I don't want the show to make me feel ill. :sick:

And well, I miss Sean Bean. ;)

[tramp]

Just hoping they can bring it again with a certain B*stard.

They will. Wasn't he mentioned just recently? (This was a big discussion over at westeros.org)

[Skepsis93]

I DID NOT like the whore scene with Joffrey though. I don't want the show to make me feel ill. :sick:

And well, I miss Sean Bean. ;)

I did. Well, not like, but I thought it was extremely powerful.

and me too! :|

[tramp]

but what is it necessary? we didn't even see Tyrion's response other than a line before the crowd scene.

I can only guess that their desire was for the audience to understand just how bad Joffrey has been and that Littlefinger will hate him for it.

Does anyone else agree that was the reason? But couldn't it have been done differently? It was soooooo cruel.

[Skepsis93]

but what is it necessary? we didn't even see Tyrion's response other than a line before the crowd scene.

I can only guess that their desire was for the audience to understand just how bad Joffrey has been and that Littlefinger will hate him for it.

Does anyone else agree that was the reason? But couldn't it have been done differently? It was soooooo cruel.

Yeah, I think they're just piling on with Joffrey at this point. Building up our hatred for him. That scene was exquisitely effective in that regard, and needed to be cruel enough to avoid being just another "Joffrey being a dick" moment.

[Gabriella Lynn]

I thought it was really stupid and that they really didn't need to put anymore emphasis on Joffrey being a spoiled brat with a fetish for violence. I think it was very unnecessary and that that scene could've done been focusing on another character, like Sarsai. In the last episode after her attack, she seemed to be more trusting of Tyrion's "whore/lover?" which confused me because when Sarsai initially met her, she wasn't very nice. It would have been nice if that was the type of scene that replaced the whore beating. Or AT LEAST see Tyrion hit Joffrey after it. I enjoy that part of their conversations.

[TheUsualSuspect]

Osha naked? I will never watch Harry Potter the same again!!!!

Got to see some Jaime Lannister action this episode, which was nice. Each time the kid got closer and closer I kept saying to my girlfriend....he's a dead man.

[Skepsis93]

Osha naked? I will never watch Harry Potter the same again!!!!

Holy crap, I hadn't realised!

[Pyro Tramp]

Pyro, I've read all the books and you mentioned the end of ADWD....

I love Jon and I was extremely upset. But... if you compare the dire wolves to their counterparts, he has "Ghost." So what does that mean? Does he warg for a while and then return to his body after he has been healed? That assumes they don't finish the job. I would heartbroken if we had Jon all this time just to see him die like that.

I'm rather enjoying the second season but I've decided that the books are just too rich for any really great adaptation. They do rush the stories, etc., but its still a very enjoyable show.

I DID NOT like the whore scene with Joffrey though. I don't want the show to make me feel ill. :sick:

And well, I miss Sean Bean. ;)

I'm assuming that will be the case due to the prologue chapter of ADWD. I think at this point there's a lot pointing to him being AA.

Definitely agree with the transferring of content, shame they can't just get 12 episodes as the difference that would make. It's why the Joff/whore scene was especially frustrating, i'd rather have had a Hound/Sansa scene to build up their relationship.


They will. Wasn't he mentioned just recently? (This was a big discussion over at westeros.org)

Yes, he was. I think I literally cheered as was worried he'd be cut. It looks like Dagmer has taken over from Reek this season, in terms of being the bad influence on Theon. Shame it meant Bran and Rickon got burnt instead of flayed.

[Pyro Tramp]

Got to see some Jaime Lannister action this episode, which was nice. Each time the kid got closer and closer I kept saying to my girlfriend....he's a dead man.

Ahh, I think that's one of the reasons I really enjoyed this episode as I had him pegged a character from the book so thought exactly the opposite.

Probably the best episode this season, no new stupid stuff, nice bits from the books- "you know nothing, Jon Snow" went from an annoyingly overused catchphrase do something workable. The tangents from the books are paying off as it's got into the swing of them to keep it unpredictable enough but still stay to the books. Need some more Stannis/Davos still. Not sure about the Talisa/Jeyne thing though. And Catelyn's motivation for doing something with Jaime appears to have been delayed? Also, Cersei's being humanised a bit too much. And the new Mountain isn't cutting it, appears to civilised to be the monster he is.

[Gabriella Lynn]

I feel like in this newest episode, it shed more light on some of the characters and their relationships with others, I am very excited for the rest of the season!

[tramp]

People over at westeros were complaining that Jamie did what he did for no reason; he had a reason. I'm not sure how I feel about it though as it didn't happen in the books. But given his future, maybe it will work out.

I liked the episode. I hated "You know nothing, Jon Snow" in the book. I wanted her to stop saying it so bad, I wanted her to die. Yet the actress delivered the line in a way that made the line work. I just hope she doesn't say it a million times.

Good episode!

[Gabriella Lynn]

I hope they do the deed. Lol, so much tension between them!

[Pyro Tramp]

People over at westeros were complaining that Jamie did what he did for no reason; he had a reason. I'm not sure how I feel about it though as it didn't happen in the books. But given his future, maybe it will work out.

I liked the episode. I hated "You know nothing, Jon Snow" in the book. I wanted her to stop saying it so bad, I wanted her to die. Yet the actress delivered the line in a way that made the line work. I just hope she doesn't say it a million times.

Good episode!

It seems they're using pretty heavy strokes of characterisation, just in case you know, we forget characters are meant to bad. I'm not sure about others but I read the scene with Jaime more that he would rather be killed than be a prisoner, opposed to escaping. It kind of summarises his spur of the moment actions opposed to Tywin's tactical planning so I didn't hate it, plus he's 'a man without honour' so the kin-slaying, a nigh irredeemable action in Westeros, can kind of be allowed till his 'change of heart'. Just wonder what'll happen with Cleos or if he'll just get completely cut and Alton was a swerve ball to readers.

100% agree with 'you know nothing, Jon Snow'

[Justin]

Did anyone see this?

http://www.avclub.com/articles/salman-rushdie-calls-game-of-thrones-trash-the-wir,63549/

[Pyro Tramp]

Rolling Stone (http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/lists/game-changers-the-10-biggest-changes-between-game-of-thrones-and-the-books-20120515/hot-stannis-on-melisandre-action-19691231) pretty much sums up a lot of my feelings on the season in light of the book.

[tramp]

Interesting article! I pretty much agreed with most of it.

[Pyro Tramp]

Not that there was a great deal of mystery to the 'little lords' but was hoping they'd save that reveal as the final scene of the show, have them walking out the crypt and leaving Winterfell.

They seem to be amending many of the omissions from the book and giving explanations to their changes, looking at you Halfhand. Liked the episode. Catelyn Stark, Mother of the Year. Sigh. Didn't even need the news of Bran and Rickon's death as her motivation which makes her even more infuriating. Disappointed they cut the last act of Arya's story at Harrenhall out with Hot Weasel Soup but liked how they made her realise she should have named Tywin.

[Gabriella Lynn]

I kinda think what Catelyn did was smart. Only because of what was happening at the end of the episode before this. Other then that I really want to know what is happening with Arya, one of my favorites, and Jon. I really like how caring Osha is of the "Little Lords" also.

[Pyro Tramp]

Really? Losing their key bargaining advantage, just so he doesn't die. We've not even seen her make a deal with him to do anything nor as she got the grief of losing Bran and Rickon to drive her to the situation. Nor as Robb got the sympathetic motivation for hooking up with Jeyne, in a very unwise move.

[Gabriella Lynn]

Well they didn't though. Brianne has him. Why would Katherine send Brianne with Jayme to Kings Landing if she wanted her girls back. Brianne would be killed instantly and then there is no bargaining chip whatsover. I don't think she trusts little finger even though he was the one to tell her that the girls were safe. I think she had brianne take Jayme to hide him for safekeeping. It doesn't make sense that she would risk it giving him back for the possibility of her daughters being murdered.

Why was it unwise for Robb to hook up with that chick?

[Sedai]

I haven't read the books and I don't know if I want to. I usually always do but this show I haven't even thought about it. I think it's because I think the show is true art because they put so much detail into it. Do you think the books are better?

I'm actually kind of excited with the love interest with Robb because he hasn't had one and he seems like he's going to play a kind of "Prince Charming"? Which is probably why you say it seems cheesy? lol

How do you mean that Jaqen is supposed to be a ghost?

I love Arya, she is a favorite of mine, she has such a strong will and I like her relationship with The Lord Tyrant.

I didn't like at all that Osha slept with him because I've always viewed her as a strong female role and I feel like whenever women have sex in this show, they are "dehumanized" or are not shown as in bright a light. I did love how she slit that soldiers throat though!

I'm really interested in The Hound's interest in Sansa's safety. He's seemed to always have an eye on her and my opinion and in the preview for the next episode it seems that they will have a heart to heart? Any thoughts on that?

I also loved how he ripped the guys guts out that was going to rape Sansa!

I am not as big of a fan of the Kaleesi because she is too strong willed and not subtle enough about the intentions she has. I know she is supposed to be queen and all but she's very bossy and that will not get her the right attention.

I also enjoyed Rodriks death because I want to see Thions head cut off, lol.

The books are head and shoulders better in every way. I like the show, but it's pants when compared to the depth and brilliance of the books, especially Storm of Swords.

[Gabriella Lynn]

I'm really thinking about reading them but I'm such a bum with books now because, I work and go to school. I was reading the Sword of Truth, got to chapter 11 or 22 can't remember kind of "Dyslexic" anyways, I just quit reading. So I might read it this summer when I don't have school on top of work.

[tramp]

Why was it unwise for Robb to hook up with that chick?

in the first season, Robb made a deal with the family of Frey. The Freys gave him and his men the ability to use their bridge. In return, Robb agreed to marry a Frey.

Believe me, this is NOT a good move. I say no more.

And yes, the books are AMAZING! I think everyone should read them!

I was so excited to see Jaime and Brienne together! That is some of my favorite stuff in the books.

I am very disappointed at how they handled some of the most heart wrenching parts of A Clash of Kings -- namely, the events at Winterfell and then Caitlyn's reaction (and how Jaime sets out with Brienne.) I really think the adaptation here is bad. I should reserve judgement, though, until the end of the season and see where they go.

I do love all the Arya changes, though.

[Gabriella Lynn]

Oh well I know that but it's not like the men in this show don't do it normally though which is why I don't see it as bad although they will fall in love.

I want Jaime to fall for Brienne. I think it would be cute!

Was Arya way different in the book?

[tramp]

No, Arya herself isn't, but what happened at Harrenhall was.

Arya's story arc is verrrrry interesting. She is not a usual type of character, imo.

[Gabriella Lynn]

I agree. I love her story I think the most. Hers and her sister's because I want it to get interesting between her and the Hound lol.

[Pyro Tramp]

Agree it's hard to reserve judgement till seen the writers decisions play out. Definitely agree about Arya in regard to giving some brilliant chemistry with new scenes involving Tywin and not even too annoyed her names changed. Would have like Weasel soup, it's kind of a turning point for her character and a shame we won't get that scene with The Tickler down the road.

I'm a bit annoyed they've cut Jon's warging and downplayed Bran's. Hopefully the Reeds will bring that element to the fore next season. Robb and Catelyn's decisions were idiotic in the book as well, and they're still idiotic despite changes so can live with that. Winterfell needed some establishing shots of Theon coming over the wall, just to give some context to the scene and scale. Winterfell just seems like that one courtyard and a couple of rooms and about 20 citizens. Theon's force being able to hold it doesn't really weigh up. Rodrik's death does make thematic/dramatic sense for Theon and was probably the scene of the season so far, liked the book scene with Ramsay though. Was first OMG moment for me, I think.

That all said, biggest annoyance is how they cut Renly's peach. Such a fantastically metaphorical moment that summarised his character to a tee and would have been extremely easy to include.

[tramp]

Agree about the peach and you bring up some things that have actually been bugging me:

The weasel soup brings up the idea that they are whitewashing Arya. Does it come down to the fact that they don't want to turn off viewers? Can't make the cute Stark girl a killer!

Robb Stark -- wow, the more I think about this, the more angry I am. He married Jeyne for HONOR -- the very thing his father died for. Of course, at the same time, he breaks his honor with the Freys. It seems to be more a moral dilemma and Robb is very much his father's son.

Here, it's like he's decided to mess around with a girl he likes. It takes away the greater theme of honor.

And I love the warging, too, and I also think Jon is getting pushed around a bit and I'm not liking that either.

I don't know, I know adaptation is hard, but I think the spirit of the book and the characters should remain true. They are messing with characters and their motivations/actions. Further, Tyrion isn't a total hero -- he can be rather ruthless. Is he being whitewashed, too?

Out of all this, I dislike the change to Robb's story the most. I do love the actor, though, and I think he's doing a great job.

[Pyro Tramp]

I liked Madden's Robb, except he has ZERO chemistry with Jeyne and those scenes are so awkward, I cringe. I think that's probably why Martin kept it as an event heard of not seen because it's hard to justify Robb getting with her and forsaking his vows. At least if he was injured and being nursed there's a more believable and sympathetic motivation for it, instead some chick he's flirted with over several episodes then gets on. Hopefully they'll focus more on his honour if he marries her and that dilemma over the initial act.

I'm more concerned about the fact Tyrion isn't really doing in KL what he's meant to be. It's meant to show us his brilliant mind, so far he's not really done anything. There's no scheming, no military tactics, no chain, wildfire wasn't his idea, no training etc. In fact last episode made him seem rather incompetent at the job.

Plus, the escape scene is when Arya gets her first cold blooded kill. I don't see how they can white wash her story when she becomes Cat of the Canals and that IS her story.

How hard would it be for some throw away lines of wolf dreams from Jon, or some POV shots from Ghost. Pssshk.

I really miss Jojen's green dreams, fantastic sense of foreboding they gave. Seeing the peeled faces of Bran and Rickon etc.

[TheUsualSuspect]

But the nurse gal is hot!!!!! and the granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin!!!!

[Pyro Tramp]

It works better in the books when he's a horny teen, though making her super hot definitely helps emphasise with his 2 seconds romp.

POTENTIAL SPOILER it's not the sexing that's the mistake though, it's the subsequent marrying.

[OneEye]

The season is winding down. Who is going to fall?

One of the best shows on the tube.

[Pyro Tramp]

Stephen Dillane has made me like Stannis infinitely more, especially as he seems to be leading the charge against Kings Landing

[Yoda]

I'm keeping my eyes on the lower half of the page while I type this so I'll avoid reading anything. I'm catching up now and should be caught up sometime around Monday, if yesterday's pace keeps up. I'll be sure to pop in then to see what everyone's been saying. :)

Through about two and a half episodes, I still love it, but I do find it slightly less compelling than it was in the first season. But I'll be stunned if it doesn't get a lot crazier very soon.

[tramp]

Oh yea, great battle sequence. The wildfire was great!

My only problem with this episode was too much Cersei. I cannot stand her. I have trouble watching the actress and how she talks. I hate the character with a passion. I want to rematch but I'm not sure I can take watching her again.

But it was a pretty great episode. And I really didn't want Tyrion to lose his nose. :)

[Pyro Tramp]

Best episode of TV ever. Literally was grinning and clapping at some bits. Loved how they finally hit pretty much every beat that made the books great along with some additional ones too. Suppose that's be the benefit of having GRRM write it. Only bit missing was Renly's ghost and the little bird's song. Definitely redeemed slightly lacking season.

[Skepsis93]

Magnificent episode! Narrowing their focus to just King's Landing really made it that much more gripping and involving. Battle scenes were awesome, and every performer pulled their weight, even Sansa, who's usually a bore. Peter Dinklage was truly brilliant, not that we've come to expect anything less.

[Gabriella Lynn]

I loved seeing the Hound show his weakness and decide to blow off the king. The rock over the head scene was awesome too.

[Pyro Tramp]

Not sure how all the death fake outs this season are going to wash with fans when the big ones come along

[Gabriella Lynn]

What do you mean?

[Pyro Tramp]

Was more aimed at book readers but, say with Bran and Rickon (don't want to mention the added extra couple), audience was led to believe they were dead then it was revealed they weren't. So when characters die later on, wondering if TV viewers will expect them to be alive again after all the fake outs previously

[Gabriella Lynn]

Oh I get what you mean. Maybe they will make their deaths gory?

[DexterRiley]

http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/21141526.jpg

[Yoda]

Oof. Well, I caught up last night, and I'm starting to read through this thread...and I see tons of random discussion about the books and what happens next in them. So I guess I can't read it after all.

Might be worthwhile to have a thread for people who are just watching the TV show, and want to talk about it without having likely show developments spoiled by talk of what happens later in the books. Either that or, like, a third of what's been written needs spoiler tags.

[Gabriella Lynn]

Yeah, lol, my boyfriend hates that I'm finding more information faster without intentionally doing it because he thinks it ruins it for me, but I don't think it does because then I just find out I'm right about my theory on some characters and that I am wrong on others.


So really I agree with you Yoda, just took me a day to say so. lol

[Justin]

Not sure how all the death fake outs this season are going to wash with fans when the big ones come along

Do not read this unless you've read the most recent book.

For me, one of the biggest shockers was Aegon. Who the **** saw that coming? Granted, it's much later in A Dance with Dragons, but still...

[Fiscal]

Oof. Well, I caught up last night, and I'm starting to read through this thread...and I see tons of random discussion about the books and what happens next in them. So I guess I can't read it after all.

Might be worthwhile to have a thread for people who are just watching the TV show, and want to talk about it without having likely show developments spoiled by talk of what happens later in the books. Either that or, like, a third of what's been written needs spoiler tags.

This!

I just caught up as well, I was excited to join in on the conversation. Just browsing two pages I hit a bunch of book spoilers and future happenings. :(

[TheUsualSuspect]

Were people really surprised to see Bran and Rickon alive though? I always thought it was common knowledge that if you don't see a death onscreen, then there's a 90% chance they are still alive. Them burnt bodies didn't feel me brotha.

The episode, Blackwater, was intense. Blood, guts, and Stannis!!!! The fact that he was first into the boat, first on the beach, first up the ladder makes me like him even more. A badass character indeed. I loved his line.

Soldier: Your grace, hundreds of men will die.
Stannis: Thousands.

Michelle is reading the book at the same time, so she just finished the chapter when the episode played. She knew what was going to happen and expected Renly to show up. She also HATES all the nudity and has to point out all the differences in the book and the show.

......women.

[CatChaseGnome]

So guys, I made this picture and was pretty proud of it. Can I show it off?

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LGfqKtlG4KQ/T8TTHoQcMdI/AAAAAAAAAUk/ovhz_pUc23M/s1600/winteriscoming.jpg

[Pyro Tramp]

I've tried to talk in vague terms but can try and refrain from book spoilers if I have drifted. Though a lot of changes are being made so they're all potential spoilers anyway.

That said, looking at a lot of new to show viewers reactions, just wanted gauge what people think happened to Stannis, Sansa and Tyrion at the end?

Justin, yeah, that one got me too. Was more sad than shocking, as it was kind of coming but the character naivety and earnest had me almost believing it'd work. Definitely more emotional for POV characters to snuff it.

[Yoda]

I'm probably just gonna bail on the thread; it's mostly made up of people who've read the books and I'm sure it's very tempting to just hold forth on it all. I don't have a problem with that, I just need to not participate for the time being.

I'll answer the last post, though: as someone who hasn't read the books and only knows a handful of vague things about what happens going forward, but has seen all the episodes...it looks like Stannis was caught (and is gonna get himself pretty thoroughly tortured and killed), Sansa didn't explicitly make up her mind to go with the Hound (but will probably decide to, whether she gets a chance to or not), and Tyrion sustained an injury that, bare minimum, is gonna leave him with a nasty scar. But he'll survive. Whether he'll be substantially disfigured, I'm not sure.

[Pyro Tramp]

Interesting. A lot seem to think Tyrion dead and Sansa definitely fled. It's weird that having read the books, I think one thing but non-readers make different readings of situations. Wonder if it's ambiguous on purpose or has been altered to mess with readers.

[Fiscal]

I definitely thought the injury to Tyrion was going to be much worse. As soon as the cut formed and a little blood squirted out, I though his face was going to slide off. After a bit more screen time showing him on the ground with his face in tact, I realized it was a wound that wasn't going to be deadly.

[tramp]

I hope people don't bail out of the thread, and that goes for you, Yoda. I'd still be interested to know what you and others think about the show. I also find your predictions interesting.

I think us readers of the books can write in spoiler tags, correct?

[Pyro Tramp]

Yeah

[tramp]

OMG!!!! was that amazing or what?? I got chills. Sam!!!!

Tyrion and Shae -- I wanted to cry. Very heartbreaking.

I wasn't sure they could live up to last week's episode, but I think they did.

For book readers -- the House of the Undying was so great in the book, not sure what purpose it served here.

[Yoda]

They sure know how to end a season. Each of the last images have been stellar. And polar (no pun intended) opposites, too.

Fire and Ice, indeed.

[Fiscal]

Wow, really enjoyed it! I don't know if I can handle waiting 9 months or so! I watched all 2 seasons in about 2 weeks :D

[DexterRiley]

http://s8.postimage.org/6ayyjop3p/8a_Sv8.jpg

[Gabriella Lynn]

I feel really scared for a few of the charactors (Sansa, my favorite) and I am really sad the season is over, does anyone else feel like it ended too soon?

[Fiscal]

http://i.imgur.com/1POoG.jpg

[DexterRiley]

is it just me or does the white walker not bear a striking resemblance to the frost giants of Thor?

http://www.toyark.com/news/attach/2/6/0/2/Thor-Movie-Frost-Giant-04_1288816427.jpg

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m52u8cCxGn1qzzcdho2_1280.jpg
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m52tbqKgi01qilea2o1_500.gif

[Pyro Tramp]

The ending almost recovered the episode, even if it did seem like a scene from TWD lol. Would have been good to close on a perspective actually from Fist of the First Men though. Jon Snow and Qhorin was pretty butchered, very unclear motivation for the two, especially compared how epic it was in the book.

Robb's wedding was massively off and rushed, gets his winky wet and he's marrying her. NOTHING to do with taking the 'V' plates of a high born lady and marrying to keep her honour intact. Just stupid decision to piss his mother off. Poor. And little things like praying to The Seven, imagine most non-readers won't pick it up but neither character should follow that religion.

Theon is one of the best characters but they've did his storyline a massive disservice. Razing Winterfell was left ambiguous when it was one of the best scenes in the book. Dagmer, not sure why he spurred Theon on so much just to end like that. Just massively underwhelmed at how lack of budget or time forced this to be cut short.

Not sure why they bothered introducing Ser Dontos (the drunk knight in ep 1) when Littlefinger seems to have taken his role over directly, in another move to give Gillen more screen time chew up no doubt. Would have liked Loras inducted into the King's Guard to tie up The Hound's story at KL.

House of the Undying, was ok but massively disappointing compared to books and the creepy prophecies/visions she sees.

[Skepsis93]

I loved the episode, especially Tyrion's scene with Shae, brought tears to my eyes. But I can't help but "meh" at the ending. I haven't read the books, so I don't have that perspective nor know where this is is going to go, but my initial reaction was, "Zombies? Really? That's the best he could come up with?" Almost managed to take the wind out of my sails. They don't seem to fit for me and the rest of the world is so incredibly well realised that it just seems a little half-hearted.

Like I said though, just a watcher, so I don't know if they've butchered Martin's words or I just have the wrong idea or whatever.

[TheUsualSuspect]

Zombies were always in the show. The open the first season and Jon Snow kills one at the Wall. This element is not new, we just got to see how many there are. We as an audience know that Whitewalkers exist, a lot of characters don't believe it.

and yes, everyone in the room commented on how it was almost like an episode of The Walking Dead, hahaha.

The prophecies being excluded was a shame, it was interesting to see it depicted on the screen, but could have gone further.

[Gabriella Lynn]

I like the zombie concept, I think it's weird and exciting because of the era of time.

[bouncingbrick]

I feel really scared for a few of the charactors

You should! No one is safe in the 7 Kingdoms! :D

I loved the episode, especially Tyrion's scene with Shae, brought tears to my eyes. But I can't help but "meh" at the ending. I haven't read the books, so I don't have that perspective nor know where this is is going to go, but my initial reaction was, "Zombies? Really? That's the best he could come up with?" Almost managed to take the wind out of my sails. They don't seem to fit for me and the rest of the world is so incredibly well realised that it just seems a little half-hearted.

Like I said though, just a watcher, so I don't know if they've butchered Martin's words or I just have the wrong idea or whatever.

Remember, the first novel was published in 1996, way before zombies became so played out. I don't think he could have predicted that zombies would become such a cultural mainstay.

I hate some of the changes they've made this season. I felt a little lost at some points when I was waiting for things to play out a certain way. I still like the show, but I think the novels are so, so much better. In fact, I'm thinking of re-reading the series.

[Skepsis93]

Remember, the first novel was published in 1996, way before zombies became so played out. I don't think he could have predicted that zombies would become such a cultural mainstay.

That's a very good point. It's been a while since I watched the pilot so I had forgotten all about the prologue with the three rangers and dead wildlings so when I finally caved and got the first book a few days ago the prologue made me realise how integral they are. They seemed so much like an afterthought in the show because they seemed to pop up out of nowhere.

Only a few chapters in but I'm enjoying the novel so far. I'm planning to try to time my reading of them so that I see the TV adaptation first, if at all possible, because I know how disappointed I'll be with the show if I read the corresponding book first. I've obviously learned from my experience with the Harry Potter movies. Also seeing just how simplified the show has had to get to tell a story on such a vast scale and in such detail in the limited time that they have.

[Pyro Tramp]

That's wise as rereading the second led to slight disappointment but they're incredibly addictive, the first three at least so good luck! And considering how phenomenal Storm of Swords is, i'd wholeheartedly recommend reading it before the show otherwise you'll get two lesser experiences :)

[Justin]

I'll have to say that some of the most touching moments were in the season finale, Valar Morghulis.

Also, I'd like to add that I felt The Battle of the Blackwater was pretty well handled considering the budget. It certainly felt small and more like a play, but it hit all of the right notes to make it seem more epic in scope. Needless to say, I was satisfied.


I hate some of the changes they've made this season. I felt a little lost at some points when I was waiting for things to play out a certain way. I still like the show, but I think the novels are so, so much better. In fact, I'm thinking of re-reading the series.

I'll agree. Many of my friends were utterly lost when Jon agreed with Qhorin Halfhand to infiltrate the Wildlings. They haven't handled it as well this season as they did in the first one. As I might have feared, the scope is a little too large for a TV show.

On a side note: The Wildfire was awesome.

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/bxKzT7AzK1c/0.jpg

[Pyro Tramp]

Regarding Blackwater, do you think they purposefully made it ambiguous about Stannis being captured/pulled away by his own men and Sansa leaving with The Hound? A lot of people seemed to think this (and Tyrion being dead).

[Justin]

I think so. Considering how the books are written--mostly ending in cliffhangers--it wouldn't surprise me. They are obviously doing things a little differently on the show, so it kind of gives GRRM a chance to redo anything he felt unsatisfied with in the book.

[bouncingbrick]

I think so. Considering how the books are written--mostly ending in cliffhangers--it wouldn't surprise me. They are obviously doing things a little differently on the show, so it kind of gives GRRM a chance to redo anything he felt unsatisfied with in the book.

I actually figure they'll leave their fates the same as in the novels, but they needed a great cliffhanger ending for the viewers who haven't read the books. However, I can also see them tweaking things here and there seeing as that's what they did most of this season.

[Gabriella Lynn]

You should! No one is safe in the 7 Kingdoms! :D



Remember, the first novel was published in 1996, way before zombies became so played out. I don't think he could have predicted that zombies would become such a cultural mainstay.

I hate some of the changes they've made this season. I felt a little lost at some points when I was waiting for things to play out a certain way. I still like the show, but I think the novels are so, so much better. In fact, I'm thinking of re-reading the series.



Everyone here says how great they are yet my boyfriend is has been reading the first book religiously and hasn't said a word. I'm hoping he'll let me read it once he's done. Fat chance though cuz it's on his tablet and he's connected to the hip with that thing! lol.

Is it worth just buying my own?

[bouncingbrick]

Everyone here says how great they are yet my boyfriend is has been reading the first book religiously and hasn't said a word. I'm hoping he'll let me read it once he's done. Fat chance though cuz it's on his tablet and he's connected to the hip with that thing! lol.

Is it worth just buying my own?

I don't like to recommend that people read the novels because they are incredibly dense. If you think there's a lot of characters to keep track of on the show, it pales in comparison to the novels. Perspectives shift constantly. Characters that seem throw away names on the show have large roles to play in the books. There is a massive appendix in each book just to keep the characters all straight. MAJOR CHARACTERS DIE! New characters pop up often.

If you think you can handle all of that, then pick up the paperbacks. The first one is the easiest to read and it took me about 6 chapters to get used to how it is written! :D I had to use the appendix in every damn book to keep the characters all straight!

That said, they are infinitely better than the show, IMO.

[Gabriella Lynn]

I don't like to recommend that people read the novels because they are incredibly dense. If you think there's a lot of characters to keep track of on the show, it pales in comparison to the novels. Perspectives shift constantly. Characters that seem throw away names on the show have large roles to play in the books. There is a massive appendix in each book just to keep the characters all straight. MAJOR CHARACTERS DIE! New characters pop up often.

If you think you can handle all of that, then pick up the paperbacks. The first one is the easiest to read and it took me about 6 chapters to get used to how it is written! :D I had to use the appendix in every damn book to keep the characters all straight!

That said, they are infinitely better than the show, IMO.

Haha well I think I will. I just don't know when. I don't have that much time on my hands. But I should here through the summer.

[DexterRiley]

So what would happen if the Characters of GoT had to contend with political TV attack style ads?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao4HVlV7wZU&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzw2ZiMt3y4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6r9CdNenuk

brilliant

:laugh:

[Justin]

I don't like to recommend that people read the novels because they are incredibly dense. If you think there's a lot of characters to keep track of on the show, it pales in comparison to the novels. Perspectives shift constantly. Characters that seem throw away names on the show have large roles to play in the books. There is a massive appendix in each book just to keep the characters all straight. MAJOR CHARACTERS DIE! New characters pop up often.

If you think you can handle all of that, then pick up the paperbacks. The first one is the easiest to read and it took me about 6 chapters to get used to how it is written! :D I had to use the appendix in every damn book to keep the characters all straight!

That said, they are infinitely better than the show, IMO.

Right, I agree with this. With that said, anyone who loves dense fantasy should check this out. Easily some of the best fantasy ever written.

[Pyro Tramp]

I think so. Considering how the books are written--mostly ending in cliffhangers--it wouldn't surprise me. They are obviously doing things a little differently on the show, so it kind of gives GRRM a chance to redo anything he felt unsatisfied with in the book.

Yeah, I see that. Couldn't decide if it was a cliffhanger or just clumsy though

[Justin]

http://iamatvjunkie.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451c17f69e2014e6056a64d970c-450wi

[DexterRiley]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvfDqF0-2yg



"In a world of direwolves and lions, sometimes the rarest creature, is.... a friend"

:laugh:

[Skepsis93]

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m64k8uKB2w1r052wto1_500.jpg

[Justin]

Clive Russell is now The Blackfish (Brynden Tully):

http://winteriscoming.net/2012/06/clive-russell-cast-as-the-blackfish/

[Skepsis93]

Season 3 will premiere 31.3.2013.

Excited to see a date but it's so far away.

[Watch_Tower]

hey everyone, thought I'd bump this thread up as I'm new here and in the mood for what I believe is the best show on TV. The consensus here is that it pales in comparison to the books and that the changes, specifically those in season 2 were not handled so well. I'd agree with all that! How ever, viewing the series as a stand alone show, it holds up exceptionally well, compared to a vast number of other fantasy/medieval shows which have graced our TV screens in recent years.

I haven't read the entire series thus far (just finished Blood and Gold) and there are some HUGE shocks in the seasons to follow. My problem with season 2 was how relationships and characters were almost completely changed. The whole story between Robb and Jeyne, the depiction of Shae and Tyrion (this is not how the relationship is in the books...how they'll handle the massive shock at the end is anyone's guess) and the fact that some major locales have been left out is also a niggling problem. I understand it's probably due to budget restraints but I really hope Blackfish, Edmure and Riverrun make it into season 3.

I hope the writing team, who did such a magnificent job on season 1 can make things a little tighter and try to stay closer to Martin's image and writing. Some of the changes are just unnecessary and the exclusion of certain characters lead to the finale ending on a bum note.

Season 1 is the standard the writers should try and keep to.

[Upton]

Ciaran Hinds was just announced as Mance Rayder for season 3. Great actor but not great casting. Mance Rayder just shouldn't be played by a guy who's 90% jowls

[bouncingbrick]

Ciaran Hinds was just announced as Mance Rayder for season 3. Great actor but not great casting. Mance Rayder just shouldn't be played by a guy who's 90% jowls

Hey, come now. The man is no more than 70-75% jowls.

On a serious note, I think that's perfect casting. I never pictures Mance as anyone younger or less distinct looking than him.

[Watch_Tower]

I couldn't agree more. Excellent casting for Mance. To be fair, the entire cast has been excellently cast, especially the guy playing Theon Greyjoy.

[Pyro Tramp]

Riverrun/Edmure/Blackfish are all pretty well confirmed for S3. Kid needs to get married!

I'm glad they've got a name actor and a GOOD one too, he seems a more appropriate age than McNulty, enjoyable as that would have been. And yet.. he just doesn't seem as spry as imaginede

[Sedai]

About halfway through season 2, and it just isn't as strong as season 1. Just a TON of changes to characters and story lines, and I have a feeling this thing will go off the deep end in season 3. I guess I will keep watching, though!

[Yoda]

Not that I disagree about the drop in quality (though I think the dip is from insanely good to just very good), but what character changes are you referring to?

Regardless of all that, and without giving anything away, the third book is packed with dramatic developments. Even spreading them out over seasons three and four, it should be really wild to see on screen. There's enough to work with that they'd have to really muck it up to stop the next two seasons from being the show's peak.

[Sedai]

I have read the entire series twice, so no spoilers here.

As far as character changes: The entire Harenhall thing is a complete mess. Why is Tywin there? There is a VERY important faction of people, including Vargo Hoat, Roose Bolton, his bastard, and all the rest that are key players in the rest of the books, but they are nowhere to be seen. Tywin is never at Harenhall, ever.

Where is Jeyne and who is this smarmy chick they have replaced her with? Robb's character is getting trashed, here. His trajectory no longer makes any sense with his previous development.

Where's Riverrun? Where are the Reeds? Lollys?

The writers keep collapsing multiple characters into one, which makes sense here and there, but they are doing it too often.

I guess what I am getting at is that as each episode goes by, I feel the producers adhere less and less to the source material, just sort of telling their own story that is kind of based on the books, where as season one was pretty faithful.

Also, this season isn't shot anywhere near as well, and there are way too many scenes with two people sitting around talking. What's with all the two-shots? I liked the more cinematic (as opposed to daytime soap) approach of the first season.

Margery Tyrell looks to be an interesting character, though. I want to see more of the TV version of her!

[Sleezy]

As far as character changes: The entire Harenhall thing is a complete mess. Why is Tywin there? There is a VERY important faction of people, including Vargo Hoat, Roose Bolton, his bastard, and all the rest that are key players in the rest of the books, but they are nowhere to be seen. Tywin is never at Harenhall, ever.

He is there, actually. He's there briefly to recoup his forces after Robb Stark scatters Jaime's host. During his stay there, Arya (who never serves as his cup bear and only sees him from afar) feeds names to Jaqhen Hagar, but only realizes that Tywin is the one she should name as he's riding out to skirmish around Riverrun. So that sentiment in the book was retained in the series, at least.

But you're right, Vargo Hoat and all the Bloody Mummers are missing. Roose Bolton is mostly absent in the book; he's never in the same camp as Robb. And Bolton's bastard appears at the end as Reek, though I've heard they're casting him for Season 3. For the record, I actually didn't mind that Arya becomes the cup bearer for Tywin, as he's a major character and those scenes served to muddy the water in viewers' minds. My girlfriend, who hasn't read the books, remarked, "I like Tywin Lannister." LOL.

Where is Jeyne and who is this smarmy chick they have replaced her with? Robb's character is getting trashed, here. His trajectory no longer makes any sense with his previous development.

Yeah, that one was a little weird. I think this chick is actually a stronger character, which Robb deserves, but she's still the wrong character. And I really don't like how Robb and company seemed to be perpetually in camp.

Where's Riverrun? Where are the Reeds? Lollys?

The Reeds are coming, thankfully. They were definitely left out, but they're essential for the next season. I really lament the loss of Riverrun, but I suspect that was a budgetary issue. And Lollys? I think we're okay without her.

I guess what I am getting at is that as each episode goes by, I feel the producers adhere less and less to the source material, just sort of telling their own story that is kind of based on the books, where as season one was pretty faithful.

Yep. They got just enough right, I feel, to stay in the black with fans. But they did monkey with a lot of stuff.

Also, this season isn't shot anywhere near as well, and there are way too many scenes with two people sitting around talking. What's with all the two-shots? I liked the more cinematic (as opposed to daytime soap) approach of the first season.

This. Totally agree with this. I had high hopes after the first episode of Season 2, as you could tell that the scope and budget got larger. Some really nice shots were used, but as the season stretched on, the quality suffered.

Margery Tyrell looks to be an interesting character, though. I want to see more of the TV version of her!

That's a character I don't like, actually. They've pretty dramatically changed her identity, though perhaps for the better in terms of being "interesting." In the books, she's smarter than she lets on, but not nearly as deliberately conniving or aware of the game of thrones being played around her. She most likely is aware, but to the readers, that fact is unconfirmed.

[Sleezy]

On a serious note, I think that's perfect casting. I never pictures Mance as anyone younger or less distinct looking than him.

I pictured David Carradine. I have no idea why. :laugh:

I couldn't agree more. Excellent casting for Mance. To be fair, the entire cast has been excellently cast, especially the guy playing Theon Greyjoy.

Agreed about Theon, although I haven't been truly sold on some of the actors. Some are spot on (mostly from Season 1), but some are just serviceable in my mind. They are:

Robert Baratheon
Renly Baratheon
Stannis Baratheon
Melisandre (come on! a white chick?!)
Davos Seaworth
Roose Bolton
Margarey Tyrell
Yara (who should be Asha, and is TOTALLY miscast)

and some minor characters, like Craster, Jaqhen Hagar, Rattleshirt, and Xaro Xhoan Daxos

[hapax_legomena]

http://i.imgur.com/pa10mbZ.gif

[Sleezy]

Here's a sobering thought I just had: what if the show eclipses the books? :eek:

I'm sure they'll try to space out the story like they're doing with Seasons 3 and 4, and in some cases they'll probably need to. But A Dance With Dragons came out in mid-2011 and there's no set date for the release of The Winds of Winter. And Martin has said that there will be one final book, and possibly two.

Meanwhile the show is trucking along fast...

[Yoda]

I'd say there's an excellent chance of that. Assuming that this is the only time they split a book into more than one season, they'll air the last of the currently available source material in 2016. And they'll probably need the next book by then to start preparing for the next year, so Martin's probably got no more than 3 years there. Even if they sixth book is then split into two, he'll only have 2 years between the sixth book and the seventh. So yeah, seems pretty likely. Only way to avoid it is if he speeds up and they split maybe two more books into twin seasons.

[hapax_legomena]

Here's a sobering thought I just had: what if the show eclipses the books? :eek:


As if this hasn't been a widely-considered and heavily-discussed topic already.

[Sleezy]

I'd say there's an excellent chance of that. Assuming that this is the only time they split a book into more than one season, they'll air the last of the currently available source material in 2016. And they'll probably need the next book by then to start preparing for the next year, so Martin's probably got no more than 3 years there. Even if they sixth book is then split into two, he'll only have 2 years between the sixth book and the seventh. So yeah, seems pretty likely. Only way to avoid it is if he speeds up and they split maybe two more books into twin seasons.

I do know that, in the event of his passing, Martin has intimated to the writers/producers of the show what the final events will be. (Unfortunately, he's against the idea of another writer taking over, a la Brandon Sanderson taking over The Wheel of Time for the deceased Robert Jordan). Hopefully, it won't come to that, whether he passes away or simply falls behind.

I will say, though, that making Martin a central focus of HBO's marketing strategy for the series didn't help matters. The guy can't pop up at every convention under the sun to promote the show and still write. They need to just let him do his thing.

As if this hasn't been a widely-considered and heavily-discussed topic already.

Says the newb who's only been here for 22 days. :rolleyes:

[Yoda]

Dude, if other people have discussed something, it instantly becomes invalid to discuss. And it becomes imperative that someone point this out to you. Duh.

[Sleezy]

Oh, that's right! I'm on the Internet. I totally forgot. :laugh:

[Austruck]

(sigh) I just finished reading A Clash of Kings, and I had been trying to watch season 2 at a slower, lagging-behind-on-purpose pace so that I wouldn't spoil the book by watching the show...

... and then around episode 5 or so, that bad thing with Dany's people happens in Qarth... and I realized that I can't really watch ANY of season 2 anymore until I finish A Storm of Swords (which I started reading today).

I had hoped that season 2 would be a lot more like season 1 -- following the book fairly closely and ending close to where the book ended. Seems to me it makes sense to do 1 season = 1 book until they have to wait for Martin to write more.

So now I don't know if the bad thing never happens or just happens in the third book even though they threw it into the middle of season 2.

And so many other things are different, some of which Seds pointed out, of course. Renly is suddenly gay. Shae is the handmaiden of Sansa and not Lady Tanda's daughter Lollys. Asha is... whoever they named her now, and she doesn't fit the book's character at all. Jon Snow doesn't just let Ygritte go -- there's a whole, well, story arc with her in it that just pissed me off to watch it, having just read a very different version in the book a week earlier.

Well, I could go on. I totally get collapsing stories that just don't fit (although they have all the time in the world with a series, unlike a movie), or putting Arya and/or Shae as servants to other people. But adding everything up and comparing it to the faithfulness of the first season, I just don't get the thinking. Is someone else adapting the book this season than did it last season?

As for the confusing plotlines, this seems totally opposite of my experience with the first season. I had a lot of trouble getting into the first book due to all the characters and plots floating around from page 1... so I watched season 1 on HBO and it got everything and everyone straightened out for me.

BUT, with season 2, the opposite seems to be true: I have had to make sure to READ THE BOOK first in order to keep everything and everyone straight ... because the series is throwing people and situations at us (beyond the basics of half a dozen kings vying for the Iron Throne) faster than we can keep up with them.

Season 3 starts in less than two weeks' time. I can only hope for the best, but I also hope I've finished reading A Storm of Swords by then just to be sure that the rest of season 2 doesn't piss me off by throwing later events into earlier seasons.

[hapax_legomena]

Says the newb who's only been here for 22 days. :rolleyes:

Irrelevant to what I was saying.

Dude, if other people have discussed something, it instantly becomes invalid to discuss. And it becomes imperative that someone point this out to you. Duh.

Irrelevant to what I was saying. [2]

Here's a sobering thought I just had

[Yoda]

Irrelevant to what I was saying. [2]
The only way my response can be irrelevant to what you were saying is if your only intent was to mock him for not thinking of the possibility sooner. So, if I'm understanding you correctly, your defense is that you were just kinda being a jerk?

[hapax_legomena]

And so many other things are different, some of which Seds pointed out, of course. Renly is suddenly gay. Shae is the handmaiden of Sansa and not Lady Tanda's daughter Lollys. Asha is... whoever they named her now, and she doesn't fit the book's character at all. Jon Snow doesn't just let Ygritte go -- there's a whole, well, story arc with her in it that just pissed me off to watch it, having just read a very different version in the book a week earlier.


Renly has always been gay. It is known.

[hapax_legomena]

The only way my response can be irrelevant to what you were saying is if your only intent was to mock him for not thinking of the possibility sooner. So, if I'm understanding you correctly, your defense is that you were just kinda being a jerk?

Precisely.

[Yoda]

I stand corrected, then. And I amend my response thusly: hey, don't be a jerk.

[Austruck]

Renly has always been gay. It is known.

It was not necessarily known ... in the books.

[Sleezy]

Precisely.

Ban him, Chris! Do it! :D

[Yoda]

Just as a general response to several different people: I wholeheartedly support 99% of the consolidations you guys are talking about. I know everyone's paying lip service to the idea that they're necessary, but...well, but what? They're necessary. Lots of them. The show's unwieldy as it is. I'm sure a few might feel like a bit much, but that's more a product of the verbosity of Martin's focus than the stinginess of the adaptation.

[Sleezy]

It was not necessarily known ... in the books.

Austruck is right. In the books, it's far murkier and there's nothing specifically homosexual about his friendship with Loras Tyrell. It's more of a kinship, similar to the relationship between Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark.

Asha is... whoever they named her now, and she doesn't fit the book's character at all.

This is probably the single biggest issue I have with Season 2. Who is this chick?! Why did they have to change her name and why is she so sullen and quiet in her snarkiness? Asha Greyjoy is supposed to be a black-haired firebrand piratess. In the show, she looks like a milkmaid and acts like a mortician!

[Yoda]

I know this isn't much of a defense, but...I'm about 95% sure, if asked, the writers would be able to give you some fairly well thought out reasons for all of these changes. That probably isn't a satisfying response, but nobody's really here to make the case. And I doubt it was done arbitrarily. Just sayin'. Maybe they're looking ahead to Dorne and thinking "gee, there's going to be a lot of black-haired firebrand women pretty soon, maybe we should head that glut off a little by tweaking this one." Who knows.

[Sleezy]

I know this isn't much of a defense, but...I'm about 95% sure, if asked, the writers would be able to give you some fairly well thought out reasons for all of these changes.

Well, I recall hearing that the name change happened because "Asha" was too close to "Osha," the wildling caretaker of Bran and Rickon. Problem is, Asha really eclipses Osha's character in a few big ways, and Osha kinda drops off for a time. I think people would have been able to keep it straight.

As to her look/demeanor, I get that they wanted her to be a little rougher/saltier to go with her Greyjoy pedigree, but that kind of change really starts to move her away from the core of the character. I don't mind when they do it to Robb's wife (who's not even the same person!), since it's such a miniscule role. But Asha becomes fairly important in A Feast for Crows and A Dance With Dragons.

Maybe they're looking ahead to Dorne and thinking "gee, there's going to be a lot of black-haired firebrand women pretty soon, maybe we should head that glut off a little by tweaking this one."

If they did it for that reason, then they must think the majority of their audience would fail horribly at "Guess Who?" :laugh:

[hapax_legomena]

Renly has been confirmed gay. It is known. The scenes in the show were just to let the audience know he was gay, and because it's an HBO show so they needed some more edginess for the sake of being edgy.

Dany and Robb's storylines have the biggest "u wot m8?" changes. What the f*ck is the deal with Talisa? Why this change? Dis hoe better not be at the RW. Also, severe lack of explanation on who the Bolton's are. People see an image of this guy http://i.imgur.com/GCZvwTq.jpg
and are like, who duh fuq is that? They better start giving Roose some more screen time, and the Talisa change better have a solid answer to it.

Also, they're really forcing this shoddy romance between Stannis the Mannis and Melisandre.

Speaking of Melisandre, we have her chillen with the BwB is Season 3 which is strange. 99% confirmed that Gendry will replace Edric.

[hapax_legomena]

http://i.imgur.com/pG1t91A.jpg

[Pyro Tramp]

Ah finally some book discussion and I miss it. Need to get in a rewatch of S2 and re-read. Will definitely agree it dropped in quality though, episode 9 aside. Thought they nailed casting, especially Davos and Stannis, former exactly as imagined and latter nailed it. Though change of actor The Mountain was atrocious, he just looks like a basketball player, not threatening or physically opposing at all.

Think a lot the of the changes are really only going to be seen a bad when they handle the ramifications later in the book. Arya and Jaqen was possibly for the worse as that's altered her trajectory especially with the names but being Tywin's cupbearer made for some great TV and at little character expense, if not expansion. Sedai- sure majority of those characters aren't at Harrenhall till book 3.

They really lost on out on a lot of opportunities to introduce warging with Bran and Jon, direwolves really didn't get time they needed. Warging is going to be quite a jump as they'll need it in this season quite a lot, I imagine. Though Brans story with the Reeds may spend majority of the S3 focussing on it.

Halfhand and Jon was stupid, really stupid. They called a lot of that badly and sacrificed bits to get to the same place in a much worse way. He was not the legendary Ranger he was meant to be, didn't feel the shock and sacrifice either.

Robb's wedding was POOR, hands down, wasn't even to the Old Gods if I recall. This new chick, ick. Not feeling that. Roose needs a bit more game time. It should have been handled with a bit more emphasis, considering where it goes.

Ramsay was possibly one of my favourites of the book. They robbed S2 and sacking of Winterfell without him/Reek being present, very curious how they'll get out of that. Though do like the casting for him and potentially the implications of Theon appearing in some form.

The book is full of subtle Renly being gay reference, he has a Rainbow Guard for christs sake! Typical HBO sexposition implication there. What wasn't as obvious was Stannis/Mel - that was rather ambiguous and his wife and daughter were more present. Interesting they made it seem he had no children and now they've cast Shireen.

[Sedai]

Meanwhile, Brienne is perfectly cast... yes?

Yeah, even though the Arya/Tywin stuff never actually happened in the books, these two actors are just knocking it out of the park. Enjoyable stuff.

I watched the Ygritte stuff last night - that was bogus, for sure. Kind of making Snow look like a moron, overall.

[hapax_legomena]

Meanwhile, Brienne is perfectly cast... yes?

Yeah, even though the Arya/Tywin stuff never actually happened in the books, these two actors are just knocking it out of the park. Enjoyable stuff.

I watched the Ygritte stuff last night - that was bogus, for sure. Kind of making Snow look like a moron, overall.

Brienne is great.

I don't like how they're making Tywin this lovable grandpa.

Kit Harrington makes Jon look like a moron enough. Those shenanigans didn't help.

[Yoda]

Pffft. I love Harrington. He's great.

I'm surprised by the Jon sentiment: he's constantly expressing self-doubt in his internal monologue. They can't express that with narration, obviously, so making him look confused seems to be the only option. Particularly around the end of season 2, where he has much to be confused and uncertain about.

I'm definitely noticing a theme, where most of the gripes (deserved or no) seem to be that such-and-such character should be super awesome, and doesn't come off that way on screen.

[hapax_legomena]

Do you like him because he's so bad at acting that it's funny, like, as an ironic thing?

Also, do you have any examples for that last statement? I'm curious as to what you mean.

[Yoda]

No. What I really like is the way you think it's worth my time, or yours, or anyone else's, to express flat contradiction as if it were somehow contributing to discussion.

I think his acting is fine. And I generally find no rhyme or reason to what anyone considers to be good or bad acting, except at the extremes. And before you reply with some sentiment about how he is at the extremes, please consult the preceding paragraph.

[hapax_legomena]

So you think Jon Snow looks like a retard with one facial expression? That's what you got when you read the books? A guy with ddduuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh face all the time? Pity. You and tumblr landwhales are the only people who actually think Kit does a good job with Jon Snow.

I'm still curious as to what you meant by most of the gripes (with the show I am assuming) is that particular characters aren't super awesome?

[Yoda]

Also, do you have any examples for that last statement? I'm curious as to what you mean.
I guess you edited this in after the fact. I'm referring to the talk about Snow looking dumb. He spends a good chunk of the third book confused and torn. Once he ventures beyond the Wall with Halfhand, he's not really on firm ground any more. So I wonder why it would be upsetting that the flailing we see in his internal monologue is being expressed a little more outwardly, given the medium. And I'm wondering aloud if the fact that he's a beloved character is contributing to the distaste, even though it might be an inevitable choice from a creative standpoint.

[hapax_legomena]

http://www.gameofthronesseason2.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/jon-snow.jpg

[hapax_legomena]

Theon is confused and torn, and Alfie doesn't look like a drooling halfwit who got a C- in acting class. I don't think it's inevitable, it's just because Kit Harington isn't a great actor and gets completely over-shadowed by the much superior acting cast. Except maybe Dany. They are about on the same tier almost.

[Yoda]

So you think Jon Snow looks like a retard with one facial expression? That's what you got when you read the books? A guy with ddduuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh face all the time? Pity. You and tumblr landwhales are the only people who actually think Kit does a good job with Jon Snow.
Yeah, or I just don't think he looks like a "retard" or that he's constantly making a "duh" face. Could be that. That sounds like a filler complaint, the kind of thing you come up with when you don't like a performance and can't entirely explain why. If you liked his performance, you'd call the same things stoic and restrained. And if he were more animated (would you describe the character as animated, by the way?), perhaps we'd be hearing about his histrionics. This is why arguing about acting is almost always pointless: it's often an attempt to manufacture nebulous reasons for what are ultimately gut reactions. Praise for acting often sounds the same way.

[hapax_legomena]

Are you saying you can't tell the difference between good and bad acting? Or that it's pointless to say acting is either good or bad?

[Yoda]

Theon is confused and torn, and Alfie doesn't look like a drooling halfwit who got a C- in acting class.
It is highly amusing that your idea of demonstrating that someone is a bad actor is just saying they got a C- in acting class.

Watch me demonstrate that your arguments are bad: I'll bet you got a D in argument class. ZING.

[hapax_legomena]

"your idea of demonstrating that someone is a bad actor"


All of my whats are for you, sir.

[Yoda]

Are you saying you can't tell the difference between good and bad acting? Or that it's pointless to say acting is either good or bad?
I'm saying that scrambling to try to come up with objective-sounding reasons for it is kinda silly. You don't like his performance? Cool. I say I do...and I think that's usually as far as the discussion can go. Let's not pretend there's any way to argue the point by posting random frame grabs or repeating the opinion over and over.

Of course, there's also the general "don't be sarcastic and arrogant when you disagree with someone" thing, though I know a losing battle when I see one. But it's worth highlighting in this case, because in this case it's an especially subjective topic, which makes any self-assuredness look wildly out of place.

[hapax_legomena]

Well at least I'm in the majority.

[Yoda]

Not on Christopher Nolan. Will you be changing your mind on him any time soon as a result?

[Sedai]

Harrington's a decent enough actor, but I recall the situation with him releasing Ygritte in the books sort of being more his choice, and not getting tricked and then lost. I realize you can still read his purposeful miss with his sword as showing his choice to let her go in a subtle way, and I kind of like that, but there was no reason to make the guy look almost incompetent. I do like the character though, in both the books and the TV series.

[Sleezy]

Thought they nailed casting, especially Davos and Stannis, former exactly as imagined and latter nailed it.

I feel like the guy playing Davos is the right choice, but he's not directed very well. He feels like he should be playing King Arthur or something, for how proudly and knightly he carries himself. Davos is proud, but it's a quiet and ashamed sort of pride. I don't think he'd have such perfectly pronounced, upstanding dialogue. In other words, he feels more king than smuggler.

Stephen Dillane is serviceable as Stannis, but he's not hitting the mark for me. I pictured Stannis as a taller, harder-edged man with a deeper voice and a perpetual simmering attitude, as if he's on the verge of yelling someone into oblivion at all times. Dillane has such a high voice and calm demeanor that he merely comes off as annoyed. It got a little better as the season went on, but I don't get the sense that he's the hard ass he's supposed to be.

In fact, while we're talking about casting, here are a few casting changes I would have made:


http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Coltrane_zps71f6542d.jpg http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Coltrane2_zps994643d5.jpg

Robert Baratheon : ROBBIE COLTRANE
Sure, he's played Hagrid already and that's a mark against him for playing someone with a huge, bushy black beard. But he also has a natural intensity that, sadly (but admirably), Mark Addy had to force. Also, I just couldn't look at Addy and believe he was ever the greatest fighter in the land, portly or not. Coltrane, however, has that quality and a fantastic raw energy in his eyes that makes me believe he could level some folk.


http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Isaac3_zps789b10e1.jpg http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Isaac2_zpscc017687.jpg

Renly Baratheon : OSCAR ISAAC
"Who?" If you've seen Ridley Scott's Robin Hood, you'll know who I'm talking about. Renly, above all else, is supposed to be a leaner, craftier copy of Robert... not nearly the same fighter, but every bit as spirited and leaderly. I didn't get that sense from the guy playing Renly in the first season, and felt like he was only pretending in the second. He's a powdered wad of cookie dough, whereas Renly is supposed to be muscle and attitude. Isaac fits the role better.


http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Cross3_zpsee6ad896.jpg http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Cross2_zpse9683151.jpg

Stannis Baratheon : BEN CROSS
Maybe it's just my erroneously fond memories of Malagant from that 1990s turd, First Knight, but Ben Cross just breathes intensity and seething anger. Just look at the guy! And he's a fine actor to boot. This is who I've pictured while reading the books and I still think he's the right choice.


http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Iman_zpsa14d7c77.jpg http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Iman2_zps152d93a6.jpg

Melisandre of Asshai : IMAN
Okay, look. I know most of the cover and fan art have depicted Melisandre as white, and I know that in the Ice and Fire lore, only Summer Islanders are definitively identified as black. But seriously, she's from the farthest place from any other semblance of civilization on the map and we're routinely reminded about her exotic nature. Why, then, is a white British woman feigning a slightly foreign accent playing her? Anyone remember Iman? Yeah, I do. :)


http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Sives_zps471c3a2d.jpg

Roose Bolton : JAMIE SIVES
Yes, I know the guy played Jory Cassel already. But in terms of overall importance, Jory pales in comparison to Roose Bolton. And although the guy playing Roose looks harsh and cruel, I believe that's not really appropriate as a surface characteristic. The thing about Roose, besides the fact that he's supposed to have long dark hair, is that he's deliberately mild-mannered, quiet, and unassuming, and Sives played Jory with all those qualities, and quite well. The current actor sticks out like a sore thumb, unfortunately. Sives is who I pictured (and will continue to picture) in the books.


http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Hawes_zps5c9c17a6.jpg http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Hawes2_zps7f988558.jpg

Asha Greyjoy : KEELEY HAWES
Like I said yesterday, I get why they cast the actress playing "Yara," but it still bugs me. Even though I actually picture a young, black-haired Dina Meyer when reading, obviously she can't play the role now. But Keeley Hawes is a Keira Knightly-esque British actress with a lot of fire, spunk, and sex appeal. I'm not crazy about the pick, as she's only really played Edwardian women in her Period piece work, but I suspect she could pull off a shouty piratess and would have a blast doing it.

Thoughts?

Meanwhile, Brienne is perfectly cast... yes?

Eh, remains to be seen. I think she's on the right track, but she's a little more vicious and far less self-conscious so far. She hasn't really gotten into the truly "Brienne" stuff yet. But my impression is she'll be great.

[hapax_legomena]

That would only be relevant if I expected you to change your opinion. You've been pretty sloppy today with these responses. Bad day at the office?

[Yoda]

That would only be relevant if I expected you to change your opinion.
And if someone replied to anything you said about Nolan with "At least I'm in the majority," you'd find that to be a worthwhile response? Come now.

Anyway, we're at the usual impasse, where you basically admit that your replies don't really have any purpose, I wonder why they exist at all, then, and we do the whole thing again in about 48 hours. See ya then! :)

You've been pretty sloppy today with these responses. Bad day at the office?
Yeah, I'm being sloppy. I got a C- in not-being-sloppy class.

[Sleezy]

I love when these kids show up. :laugh: They throw their weight around a bit in the beginning, acting like an ******* because they've got nothing better to do. As if there's something terribly unique about that on the Interwebs.

[hapax_legomena]

I feel like the guy playing Davos is the right choice, but he's not directed very well. He feels like he should be playing King Arthur or something, for how proudly and knightly he carries himself. Davos is proud, but it's a quiet and ashamed sort of pride. I don't think he'd have such perfectly pronounced, upstanding dialogue. In other words, he feels more king than smuggler.

Stephen Dillane is serviceable as Stannis, but he's not hitting the mark for me. I pictured Stannis as a taller, harder-edged man with a deeper voice and a perpetual simmering attitude, as if he's on the verge of yelling someone into oblivion at all times. Dillane has such a high voice and calm demeanor that he merely comes off as annoyed. It got a little better as the season went on, but I don't get the sense that he's the hard ass he's supposed to be.

Eh, remains to be seen. I think she's on the right track, but she's a little more vicious and far less self-conscious so far. She hasn't really gotten into the truly "Brienne" stuff yet. But my impression is she'll be great.

The actor playing Davos is really good, but definitely puts a kind of witty spin on him that book Davos doesn't possess. He has a great Davos look too. Either way, Davos is my n*gga.

I think Stephane Dillane is a pretty good Stannis the Mannis. I don't picture Stannis to be on the verge of screaming, but rather annoyed and serious. I don't think the teeth grinding is really an anger thing. As for looks, I'm not totally picky. Why be picky about looks when you could have an actor who can fit the part and portray it well. They are getting a bit dodgy with Stannis' arc, but I think Dillane is good. He nails Stannis being caught in a tough situation but trying to do what is lawfully right while faltering in his own beliefs.

Can't really blame the actress for the writers turning Brienne into a blood-thirsty killer.

[Sleezy]

The actor playing Davos is really good, but definitely puts a kind of witty spin on him that book Davos doesn't possess. He has a great Davos look too. Either way, Davos is my *****.

I think Stephane Dillane is a pretty good Stannis the Mannis. I don't picture Stannis to be on the verge of screaming, but rather annoyed and serious. I don't think the teeth grinding is really an anger thing. As for looks, I'm not totally picky. Why be picky about looks when you could have an actor who can fit the part and portray it well. They are getting a bit dodgy with Stannis' arc, but I think Dillane is good. He nails Stannis being caught in a tough situation but trying to do what is lawfully right while faltering in his own beliefs.

Can't really blame the actress for the writers turning Brienne into a blood-thirsty killer.

Nice post. Do more of that.

[hapax_legomena]

And if someone replied to anything you said about Nolan with "At least I'm in the majority," you'd find that to be a worthwhile response? Come now.

Anyway, we're at the usual impasse, where you basically admit that your replies don't really have any purpose, I wonder why they exist at all, then, and we do the whole thing again in about 48 hours. See ya then! :)


Yeah, I'm being sloppy. I got a C- in not-being-sloppy class.

I'd probably just let it pass because it wouldn't even be worth addressing.

Anyways, you're just really dwelling on that hyperbolic comparison huh? You simply cannot get over it. You're desperately grasping at the air, bro. I apologize I didn't just say something along the lines of "Kit Harington lacks emotional expression and has a difficult time portraying Jon Snow's inner struggles properly, in comparison to Alfie Allen, who is dealing with similar struggles, being able to portray them with range and versatile emotions given particular circumstances. Not to mention many of Kit's line deliveries are poor and without feeling. I'd compare it to that of a wooden plank trying to act, but we all know how ruffled your jimbobs get when a hyperbolic metaphor is used for comparison." I'm not really sorry I didn't though. It was just getting sad watching you dwell over something so insignificant.

Don't worry Yoda, it was only a peach.

[Yoda]

Oh, I'm not dwelling on it; I'm making fun of it, because it was a funny thing to say, and very neatly illustrates the point I was making. And because you like mocking people and I like showing people who like mocking people that they, too, can be easily mocked. That was an awesome sentence, right there.

Anyway, the fact that you could have said all that but didn't (and apparently think it would've amounted to the same thing) is pretty much exactly what I'm getting at. If I thought you were just an idiot I wouldn't bother pointing any of this out, but I suspect you can contribute and say interesting things if you want to. So I'm trying to make you want to. Is it working? I have no idea.

[Yoda]

Speaking of the peach, though, I think I fall into the "it kinda means something" camp. Not a lot, mind you. People clearly get overly worked up about it. But, I mean, c'mon: if you had to divide all fruit by its potential sexual orientation (WHAT?), who would put the peach in the heterosexual category?

[Yoda]

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Coltrane_zps71f6542d.jpg http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Coltrane2_zps994643d5.jpg

Robert Baratheon : ROBBIE COLTRANE
Sure, he's played Hagrid already and that's a mark against him for playing someone with a huge, bushy black beard. But he also has a natural intensity that, sadly (but admirably), Mark Addy had to force. Also, I just couldn't look at Addy and believe he was ever the greatest fighter in the land, portly or not. Coltrane, however, has that quality and a fantastic raw energy in his eyes that makes me believe he could level some folk.


http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Isaac3_zps789b10e1.jpg http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Isaac2_zpscc017687.jpg

Renly Baratheon : OSCAR ISAAC
"Who?" If you've seen Ridley Scott's Robin Hood, you'll know who I'm talking about. Renly, above all else, is supposed to be a leaner, craftier copy of Robert... not nearly the same fighter, but every bit as spirited and leaderly. I didn't get that sense from the guy playing Renly in the first season, and felt like he was only pretending in the second. He's a powdered wad of cookie dough, whereas Renly is supposed to be muscle and attitude. Isaac fits the role better.
I really like these two choices. I like Addy okay, though. I agree with you about his performance seeming kind of forced in its aggressiveness, but in my mind I can kinda make that fit: he is, after all, a lot weaker than he used to be, and it makes sense that he'd rail against that and lash out, etc. That he has to sort of fake the bravado that used to come more legitimately and naturally to him. I don't know if this was deliberate, but it works for me on that level. But I agree that Coltrane might have been better. He's also more well-known, though, and a cast this size is probably hella expensive already.

I don't have strong thoughts on the others, really. Bolton, in particular, I just don't have any definite image of in my head. I try quite a bit to pick one, because I find it makes the reading a lot smoother, but there are just too many characters for me to have a portrait in my head for each, and Bolton's just hazy, to me.

I saw the Mellisandre of the TV series first, so that's just how she's always going to look, to me. And I agree with hapax about Stannis: I think he does a good job. The real test'll come over the next couple of seasons, though. We didn't really see much of him last year.

[hapax_legomena]

Well I certainly agreed that it wasn't completely meaningless as a symbol, but in the end, I feel as though the peach is just there as a constant torment for Stannis and to kind of illuminate his guilt for causing Renly's death. It also shows that Stannis never understood his brother, and this was likely the case for all three Baratheon brothers; neither one truly understanding the other. All in all... Stannis the Mannis: Forever tormented by a fuzzy lil fruit.

And with all this being said, RIP Renly </3 ;_;

[hapax_legomena]

I thought Addy was a great King Robert, but I can't find myself to disagree with "I just couldn't look at Addy and believe he was ever the greatest fighter in the land"

Either way, I felt like nothing Addy did was overly forced. He had the perfect Robert Baratheon charisma; He was easy-going and merry, was stern when he needed to be stern, and was vulnerable when his anger got the best of him. I also feel like Mark Addy is naturally boisterous. Robbie Coltrane probably would have done a fine job in the role as well, but he looks too old, and doesn't have the proper charisma. I never in a million years would have chosen Mark Addy to be King Robert, but he nailed it in my opinion.

[Sleezy]

I thought Addy was a great King Robert, but I can't find myself to disagree with "I just couldn't look at Addy and believe he was ever the greatest fighter in the land"

Yeah, admittedly, some of my feelings toward Mark Addy is probably due to his propensity for playing far lower key characters. He was on that one sitcom as a dad for 5 or 6 years, and before that he played a fairly unassuming sidekick in A Knight's Tale. I don't remember ever seeing him play anything remotely similar to Robert Baratheon.

That said, he did an admirable job with the task he was given, and boasted and laughed and cussed about as well as you could have expected.

[Sleezy]

I saw the Mellisandre of the TV series first, so that's just how she's always going to look, to me.

I hear ya there. It's just that when Melisandre appeared, I couldn't picture anyone other than Iman. Her long, mysterious looks and deep, exotic voice just so perfectly hits the mark that I can't *AGH!* believe they didn't think to cast her. I can so perfectly see her in the deep red hair, red eyes, and crimson cloak.

"The night is dark and full of terrors."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCn1Av0Fpko

[Pyro Tramp]

I feel like the guy playing Davos is the right choice, but he's not directed very well. He feels like he should be playing King Arthur or something, for how proudly and knightly he carries himself. Davos is proud, but it's a quiet and ashamed sort of pride. I don't think he'd have such perfectly pronounced, upstanding dialogue. In other words, he feels more king than smuggler.

Stephen Dillane is serviceable as Stannis, but he's not hitting the mark for me. I pictured Stannis as a taller, harder-edged man with a deeper voice and a perpetual simmering attitude, as if he's on the verge of yelling someone into oblivion at all times. Dillane has such a high voice and calm demeanor that he merely comes off as annoyed. It got a little better as the season went on, but I don't get the sense that he's the hard ass he's supposed to be.

In fact, while we're talking about casting, here are a few casting changes I would have made:


http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Coltrane_zps71f6542d.jpg http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Coltrane2_zps994643d5.jpg

Robert Baratheon : ROBBIE COLTRANE
Sure, he's played Hagrid already and that's a mark against him for playing someone with a huge, bushy black beard. But he also has a natural intensity that, sadly (but admirably), Mark Addy had to force. Also, I just couldn't look at Addy and believe he was ever the greatest fighter in the land, portly or not. Coltrane, however, has that quality and a fantastic raw energy in his eyes that makes me believe he could level some folk.


http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Isaac3_zps789b10e1.jpg http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Isaac2_zpscc017687.jpg

Renly Baratheon : OSCAR ISAAC
"Who?" If you've seen Ridley Scott's Robin Hood, you'll know who I'm talking about. Renly, above all else, is supposed to be a leaner, craftier copy of Robert... not nearly the same fighter, but every bit as spirited and leaderly. I didn't get that sense from the guy playing Renly in the first season, and felt like he was only pretending in the second. He's a powdered wad of cookie dough, whereas Renly is supposed to be muscle and attitude. Isaac fits the role better.


http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Cross3_zpsee6ad896.jpg http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Cross2_zpse9683151.jpg

Stannis Baratheon : BEN CROSS
Maybe it's just my erroneously fond memories of Malagant from that 1990s turd, First Knight, but Ben Cross just breathes intensity and seething anger. Just look at the guy! And he's a fine actor to boot. This is who I've pictured while reading the books and I still think he's the right choice.


http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Iman_zpsa14d7c77.jpg http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Iman2_zps152d93a6.jpg

Melisandre of Asshai : IMAN
Okay, look. I know most of the cover and fan art have depicted Melisandre as white, and I know that in the Ice and Fire lore, only Summer Islanders are definitively identified as black. But seriously, she's from the farthest place from any other semblance of civilization on the map and we're routinely reminded about her exotic nature. Why, then, is a white British woman feigning a slightly foreign accent playing her? Anyone remember Iman? Yeah, I do. :)


http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Sives_zps471c3a2d.jpg

Roose Bolton : JAMIE SIVES
Yes, I know the guy played Jory Cassel already. But in terms of overall importance, Jory pales in comparison to Roose Bolton. And although the guy playing Roose looks harsh and cruel, I believe that's not really appropriate as a surface characteristic. The thing about Roose, besides the fact that he's supposed to have long dark hair, is that he's deliberately mild-mannered, quiet, and unassuming, and Sives played Jory with all those qualities, and quite well. The current actor sticks out like a sore thumb, unfortunately. Sives is who I pictured (and will continue to picture) in the books.


http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Hawes_zps5c9c17a6.jpg http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Hawes2_zps7f988558.jpg

Asha Greyjoy : KEELEY HAWES
Like I said yesterday, I get why they cast the actress playing "Yara," but it still bugs me. Even though I actually picture a young, black-haired Dina Meyer when reading, obviously she can't play the role now. But Keeley Hawes is a Keira Knightly-esque British actress with a lot of fire, spunk, and sex appeal. I'm not crazy about the pick, as she's only really played Edwardian women in her Period piece work, but I suspect she could pull off a shouty piratess and would have a blast doing it.

Thoughts?



Eh, remains to be seen. I think she's on the right track, but she's a little more vicious and far less self-conscious so far. She hasn't really gotten into the truly "Brienne" stuff yet. But my impression is she'll be great.

I see where you're coming from on a lot of them and, yeah, they'd work too. I think a lot of it is coming down to simply not having enough screen time with them for actors embody their roles. You make an interesting point on Davos' direction but I think across the board, they're pretty-ing up characters. The Wildlings North of the Wall aren't NEARLY as wild as envisioned. Craster would have been at home in The Twins. Osha was Wild as I expected, inflected speech patterns, DIRTY but the rest aren't Wild at all. I dread what Tormund and Varymr will be like.

Roose hasn't done enough and isn't pronounced as a character to really comment on. I did hope he'd have a more supernatural, unnaturally unnerving presence what with the leeches etc. Suppose that might telegraph a few too many hints and Ramsay certainly seems to hitting those points with casting. I like that look of that chap as Stannis but Dillane is bring an underlying likeability to him, whereas book Stannis I liked due to his epic actions more than him. I think this works better on TV as we're meant to root for him, as much as anyone.

Brienne was probably the hardest sell for me. She has right physical attributes but again, she's not got into the character enough yet.

[Sleezy]

You make an interesting point on Davos' direction but I think across the board, they're pretty-ing up characters. The Wildlings North of the Wall aren't NEARLY as wild as envisioned. Craster would have been at home in The Twins. Osha was Wild as I expected, inflected speech patterns, DIRTY but the rest aren't Wild at all. I dread what Tormund and Varymr will be like.

Totally agree with all of this.

I did hope he'd have a more supernatural, unnaturally unnerving presence what with the leeches etc. Suppose that might telegraph a few too many hints and Ramsay certainly seems to hitting those points with casting.

Totally agree. Ramsay, I think, is going to be a hard sell for me because I have such a definite grasp on his personality and speech as I see it. I'm concerned they're casting him a bit young, too, but yeah... totally agree on the supernatural, unnerving quality of Roose.

[Sedai]

Ah, Osha... the feral looking "Wildling" with the completely shaved crotch...

She must be a salesperson for the official GoT safety razor...

[hapax_legomena]

I wonder if Aidan Gillen is actually going to act this season. He did really well with the role in the first season, but completely fell off the precipice in the second season. Too many obviously devious smirks and Snidely Whiplash villainous plotting moments. It doesn't help that the writers are writing Littlefinger's character completely wrong. They are attempting to destroy one of my favorite characters, and I'm not pleased.

[Sleezy]

Ah, Osha... the feral looking "Wildling" with the completely shaved crotch...

Was she? I don't remember that. I'm sure whatever she had, though, it wasn't enough. This ain't the 1970s anymore and I doubt the producers were going to wait a month for her to "grow out," as it were.

[Pyro Tramp]

I wonder if Aidan Gillen is actually going to act this season. He did really well with the role in the first season, but completely fell off the precipice in the second season. Too many obviously devious smirks and Snidely Whiplash villainous plotting moments. It doesn't help that the writers are writing Littlefinger's character completely wrong. They are attempting to destroy one of my favorite characters, and I'm not pleased.

Ah Littlefinger, I must have repressed him. Gillen's wavering accent aside, they're playing him FAR too open. His unknown machinations behind every scene are brilliant in the book, not being explicitly machiavellian. Bizarre that they've cast Dontos yet had him reveal his plan off the bat to Sansa. In the open court. Not to forget his Westeros teleportation machine. Expect to him appear at the Eyrie from KsL in space of a day, after announcing to Tywin what he's going to with Lysa

Has anyone seen Misfits? Ramsay was in that, should give definitely positive idea of what they're going for.

[Pyro Tramp]

Ah, Osha... the feral looking "Wildling" with the completely shaved crotch...

She must be a salesperson for the official GoT safety razor...

Valyrian Steel mate, the best a man can get.

[hapax_legomena]

Ah Littlefinger, I must have repressed him. Gillen's wavering accent aside, they're playing him FAR too open. His unknown machinations behind every scene are brilliant in the book, not being explicitly machiavellian. Bizarre that they've cast Dontos yet had him reveal his plan off the bat to Sansa. In the open court. Not to forget his Westeros teleportation machine. Expect to him appear at the Eyrie from KsL in space of a day, after announcing to Tywin what he's going to with Lysa

Has anyone seen Misfits? Ramsay was in that, should give definitely positive idea of what they're going for.

That scene with Cersei and then the scene with Catelyn never should have been added in; they truly churned my stomach. Really destructing one of the best characters in the series. I hope they bring Littlefinger back down to earth this season, but I don't have a lot of faith, especially since they are really modifying the Sansa storyline it seems. I wonder if they will still somehow use Dontos, or else I'd be completely baffled as to why they even introduced him.

[hapax_legomena]

Also, I totally have a boner for Tonks.

[Pyro Tramp]

That scene with Cersei and then the scene with Catelyn never should have been added in; they truly churned my stomach. Really destructing one of the best characters in the series. I hope they bring Littlefinger back down to earth this season, but I don't have a lot of faith, especially since they are really modifying the Sansa storyline it seems. I wonder if they will still somehow use Dontos, or else I'd be completely baffled as to why they even introduced him.

Ironic that he's the one character in the books that we still don't what he's thinking but in the show, he's the one character who reveals everything he's thinking.

[hapax_legomena]

It's poor writing and I don't like it. These next two seasons are pretty huge for Littlefinger. They better not continue to f*ck it up.


Anyways, I'm super excited that they put Theon in this season. No issues with that change/addition/deviation from the books. Well, as excited as one can be for what poor Theon has in store for himself.

And we'll finally get some more House Bolton action. Not only were we screwed out of Ramsay last season, but we got completely jewed on Roose screen time. So many people have no idea who he even is.

[Sedai]

Was she? I don't remember that. I'm sure whatever she had, though, it wasn't enough. This ain't the 1970s anymore and I doubt the producers were going to wait a month for her to "grow out," as it were.

Funny, but they actually interviewed the actress on this one, and she was none too pleased. She actually tried to get them to let her wear a murkin, but they wouldn't go for it. She still thinks it doesn't make any sense, and her comments on the subject were pretty funny, if you care to dig them up. Her comments are a bit much for this site, methinks! ;)

[Pyro Tramp]

Ramsay Snow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aizVTnkd_WE

[Pyro Tramp]

It's poor writing and I don't like it. These next two seasons are pretty huge for Littlefinger. They better not continue to f*ck it up.

The one time we don't need sexposition.

[Sleezy]

Ramsay Snow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aizVTnkd_WE

Yeeeeeeaah. I just don't know.

[Pyro Tramp]

Yeeeeeeaah. I just don't know.

He was wish list casting. He's got the look, can nail creepy and sinister too.

[Sleezy]

Funny, but they actually interviewed the actress on this one, and she was none too pleased. She actually tried to get them to let her wear a murkin, but they wouldn't go for it. She still thinks it doesn't make any sense, and her comments on the subject were pretty funny, if you care to dig them up. her comments are a bit much for this site, methinks! ;)

Ha! Just watched. She's a right firebrand, that one. :D

[hapax_legomena]

Funny, but they actually interviewed the actress on this one, and she was none too pleased. She actually tried to get them to let her wear a murkin, but they wouldn't go for it. She still thinks it doesn't make any sense, and her comments on the subject were pretty funny, if you care to dig them up. her comments are a bit much for this site, methinks! ;)

Dats muh gurl Tonks right thur. I want her to marry me.


Also, my gut is just telling me that Ramsay Snow is going to be f*cking awesome in the show. I just have this feeling there will be two powerhouse performances clashing against one another with Theon and Ramsay. I will be wroth if they f*ck Ramsay up, but seriously, is Ramsay that difficult of a role? I think a lot of people could play the role well, but it's gonna take a special something to really make it great. I think he'll still be interesting regardless.

As far as wishlist casting goes, Mads Mikkelsen needs to be Euron.
http://www.filmfestivals.com/files/images/valhallarisingnr2.preview.jpg
http://www.filmfestivals.com/files/images/valhallarisingbild3.preview.jpg

[Sleezy]

As far as wishlist casting goes, Mads Mikkelsen needs to be Euron.

Not bad. Mikkelsen is awesome, but he's got a quiet nature to him, which Euron most certainly doesn't have. But he could probably do the role justice.

Also, can we all agree that Ray Stevenson *must* play Victarion?

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Stevenson_zpsb806f72e.jpg

[Sleezy]

Actually, speaking of Euron, Joseph Fiennes was awesome in the short-lived "Camelot" series. Very creepy, very gruff and mysterious. Might be a good fit.

Or maybe he'd make a good Qyburn later down the line...

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Fiennes_zpsea4ee300.jpg

[Austruck]

Late to the party as usual. I'm two episodes away from the end of season 2 and just starting to read A Storm of Swords. Glad I read about Jaime's escape before seeing it dumped into season 2 instead of season 3. And I'm still confused about changes in Dany's storyline in terms of when they appear....

Meanwhile, the wildlings seem too clean and, well, snowy. I half expect to see them wearing night-vision goggles and/or scaling down walls a la the end of "Inception."

I'm okay with most of the casting, except our one-god goddess, who seems too old and not nearly vixen enough to seduce Stannis, who doesn't really seem the seduce-able type in the books.

I'm going to have to get halfway into ASOS before I watch these final two episodes of season 2... but my goal is to finish ASOS and get into AFFC before the March 31 premiere of season 3.

[hapax_legomena]

Melly Sanders is totally the hottest on the show.


And Tonks.


And Sansers.




DUH

[Sleezy]

I'm going to have to get halfway into ASOS before I watch these final two episodes of season 2... but my goal is to finish ASOS and get into AFFC before the March 31 premiere of season 3.

I think you're alright to proceed. Episode 9 is nothing but the Battle of the Blackwater; and Episode 10, with one or two exceptions, doesn't venture into ASoS territory at all. It's maddening for different reasons, though, as much of it is different from the books and, in one case, terribly confusing.

[hapax_legomena]

The final scene of Ep10 is the Prologue of Storm.

Except different.

[Pyro Tramp]

Speaking of which, feeling loss of prophecies there.

Love to see Lovejoy get in the action as a Greyjoy. Al Sweargen would be most welcome addition

[Sleezy]

Clive Russell is exactly how I pictured the Blackfish.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Russell_zps27ed4534.jpg

Unfortunately, they've taken his beard. But he still looks great. Maybe a little old, but he'll still get it done.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Russell2_zpsdb69b1d8.jpg

[Pyro Tramp]

Nina Gold has pretty much knocked it out the park consistently.

I'm extremely curious how they'll tackle Dornish as it's not clear if they're meant to be Indian/hispanic etc. Viper will be next key piece of casting

[Sleezy]

This is a really, really good question. It seems most people take them for swarthy Spanish or Greek-looking folk, although I've always thought the Braavosi were supposed to be a bit of the Spanish/Italian variety. I've heard the Dornish called "Middle Eastern," especially given that they make their homes in an arid desert climate.

That said, I believe I might be the only person who imagined the Dornish as pseudo-Africans, with noticeably "black" people in the roles. I know I'm probably wrong about that, but that's the connection I made and I'm sticking with it.

[Yoda]

Yeah, Middle Eastern makes sense to me. Or at least, that's the image I keep getting. Kinda hard not to, given the way Dorne is described.

I'm sure there'll be some mini controversy over the racial composition of the casting. There always is. But hey, at least this ambiguity gives them a lot of flexibility over that. They can pick from a wider pool; Italian actors, Greek actors, etc. I know that irks some people, but just in terms of being able to get the best people for the job, widening that net through this kind of ethnic ambiguity figures to help.

[Pyro Tramp]

Always saw Dorne as middle Eastern look / southern Italy personality, personally. Could take it any way long as it's distinct. Imagine Bravos will be Spanish ish to relate to Syrio.

[Sleezy]

Speaking of Oberyn Martell... for the record, this is who I pictured. I realize he's probably not supposed to be black, but I think it still works pretty well.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Mensah_zps43420896.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/iusreview/Mensah2_zpsf1aced37.jpg

No matter who plays the Red Viper, I'm hoping this guy, Peter Mensah, still plays someone. He's awesome.

[hapax_legomena]

http://i.imgur.com/iQ6rwPl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/KsFoV6E.gif

[Austruck]

Finally finished season 2 this morning. The whole Jon Snow/Ygritte thing is annoying me. Without Jon's internal monologue, it's unclear on screen that Jon kills Halfhand out of an extreme sense of loyalty and not the opposite.

And there is enough bleedthrough into A Storm of Swords that I almost wish I hadn't seen the end of season 2. (I'm not that far into ASOS.) The House of the Undying, for instance, was ridiculous compared to the book... and if any of the stuff that happened right after that happens in the books, I haven't gotten anywhere near that yet! Frustrating.

I often wonder how much Martin is agreeing with these plot changes, especially the ones that seem arbitrary and don't really need to happen in order to condense anything. As a writer, I'd find it more than a little annoying to see scenes I've labored over for specific reasons being rewritten by other people in my name.

At what point does the show have to start putting "Based on the characters of George R.R. Martin" in the credits? ;)

Well, it's not THAT bad yet, of course. It's just that I'm reading and watching semi-concurrently and that's probably not a good thing. At least I have ten days to finish ASOS and get into AFFC before the new season starts...

[Austruck]

Did someone state here recently that Ciaran Hinds wouldn't be good as Mance? Because I think he'll be great... except that perhaps he's a tad too old. A tad. But he's got the presence I'm picturing for the part (and all its buildup). At least, to me he does.

Although ol' Al Swearengen would work too, LOL.

[DexterRiley]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CLCOvZOh1o&list=PLB5D4364384A31264

lol

[Austruck]

Ha ha haaaaa! THIS!

http://www.funnyordie.com/articles/01b3ff3445/game-of-thrones-on-facebook?playlist=featured_pictures_and_words

[TheUsualSuspect]

Are we going to discuss season 3 here now?

[Yoda]

I'll start a new one. Makes a lot of sense, given all the spoilers, to have one for each season.

[Austruck]

Agreed. I'll head over to it now. :)

[cinemaafficionado]

vJust finished watching Game Of Thrones Season 1 disc set ( never watch them directly on TV ).
Was very impressed with the multiple story line and execution, actually the whole idea of Winterland and Death Watch and Dragon people. The idea of the Wall ( as in Hadrian's Wall or even the Great Wall Of China ) and the creatures that live on the other side.
It's got everfything: love, hate, war, romance , more war, fantasy and mythology, honor, friendship, an intelligent midget and even zombies.
Wow, what a glorious cocktail. Sign me up for Season 2.