Game of Thrones: Season 4

Seems we have answers on other bits they've cut, some great aspects that flesh out the story and add colour - particularly Coldhands and Jojen Paste. But equally they've left life in the Gravedigger + Robert Strong theories.

Seems we have answers on other bits they've cut, some great aspects that flesh out the story and add colour - particularly Coldhands and Jojen Paste. But equally they've left life in the Gravedigger + Robert Strong theories.

I really thought we were going to see Lady Stoneheart. I'm actually pretty stunned that it didn't happen. It was hinted at by several members of the cast (who are given the scripts), and Michelle Fairley was seen on this season's production. Really, I think we have to ask if we'll see her, not when.

I think it'll still happen, but the Brotherhood Without Banners was last seen during the middle of last season, so there's going to be an even bigger wait before wee see Beric Dondarrion and company again. Non-readers won't remember who those characters are. And they're largely irrelevant except in the runoff of the Red Wedding, the ramifications of which are quickly fading in the show. Who's to say how important Lady Stoneheart is, if it all, in the books to come?

I really thought we were going to see Lady Stoneheart. I'm actually pretty stunned that it didn't happen. It was hinted at by several members of the cast (who are given the scripts), and Michelle Fairley was seen on this season's production. Really, I think we have to ask if we'll see her, not when.

I think it'll still happen, but the Brotherhood Without Banners was last seen during the middle of last season, so there's going to be an even bigger wait before wee see Beric Dondarrion and company again. Non-readers won't remember who those characters are. And they're largely irrelevant except in the runoff of the Red Wedding, the ramifications of which are quickly fading in the show. Who's to say how important Lady Stoneheart is, if it all, in the books to come?

I think it's pretty clear that the Hound survives and appears as the Gravedigger later. Whether or not that's the end of his road, we don't know. If it is, then the show might never even allude to it, and just leave him "probably dead" in viewers' minds. But if the Gravedigger is something important, well then... they have certainly left it open for that.

As for the Mountain, it's no theory. He is Robert Strong, in some form or another. They practically came out and said it last night, much more clearly than in the books. And even then, I didn't see how there was any question. I have a friend who thinks Robert Strong is Brienne of Tarth, and I think he's an absolute moron. The Mountain is Robert Strong, so I have to think Robert Strong is officially a spoiler.

I think it's pretty clear that the Hound survives and appears as the Gravedigger later. Whether or not that's the end of his road, we don't know. If it is, then the show might never even allude to it, and just leave him "probably dead" in viewers' minds. But if the Gravedigger is something important, well then... they have certainly left it open for that.

As for the Mountain, it's no theory. He is Robert Strong, in some form or another. They practically came out and said it last night, much more clearly than in the books. And even then, I didn't see how there was any question. I have a friend who thinks Robert Strong is Brienne of Tarth, and I think he's an absolute moron. The Mountain is Robert Strong, so I have to think Robert Strong is officially a spoiler.

So it seems my suspicions are perhaps right on. They believe Lady Stoneheart goes too far. It's curious that she was never considered for inclusion this season (really?), but it looks like perhaps we won't see her in the show at all. I can see why they feel her inclusion hurts the integrity of the story. But personally, I think it's one of those things that non-book readers would really balk at. The fantasy elements are starting to become more and more prevalent, and that's no accident.

Regarding the Mountain, I feared this would be the case. Sure, they might throw a Gravedigger in there at some point, and us book readers will point and shout at the TV. But it seems the Hound is finished, and they're content to leave it ambiguous. It's really a shame, as there's a certain irony in the fact that he's not a major character in the books, but they went to great lengths to develop him even further in the show. And then he's just gone, because apparently for the show's writers, it was only ever about Arya anyway. Eh, seems a bit disingenuous.

So it seems my suspicions are perhaps right on. They believe Lady Stoneheart goes too far. It's curious that she was never considered for inclusion this season (really?), but it looks like perhaps we won't see her in the show at all. I can see why they feel her inclusion hurts the integrity of the story. But personally, I think it's one of those things that non-book readers would really balk at. The fantasy elements are starting to become more and more prevalent, and that's no accident.

Regarding the Mountain, I feared this would be the case. Sure, they might throw a Gravedigger in there at some point, and us book readers will point and shout at the TV. But it seems the Hound is finished, and they're content to leave it ambiguous. It's really a shame, as there's a certain irony in the fact that he's not a major character in the books, but they went to great lengths to develop him even further in the show. And then he's just gone, because apparently for the show's writers, it was only ever about Arya anyway. Eh, seems a bit disingenuous.

Yeah, I definitely thought that was a possibility, given how many other supernatural elements they were shying away from in the earlygoing. I don't have a problem with it. I figure they figured that introducing TreeMan in the same episode as ZombieCat would really turn a lot of people off.

In fact, I think a really good way to figure out what's important and what isn't is by looking at what supernatural elements end up in the show. If something overtly supernatural makes it into the show, it's because it absolutely has to be there, because I don't think they'd include it otherwise.

When I first read the Epilogue to book 3, my mind was racing with some crazy theories. One in particular I really loved. But events since have ruled it out, and seem to have suggested that the story isn't going anywhere. Obviously the end of Book 5 means we'll see some more of this, but it already feels like the kind of thing that could be "given" to another character easily without disrupting too much.

Yeah, I definitely thought that was a possibility, given how many other supernatural elements they were shying away from in the earlygoing. I don't have a problem with it. I figure they figured that introducing TreeMan in the same episode as ZombieCat would really turn a lot of people off.

In fact, I think a really good way to figure out what's important and what isn't is by looking at what supernatural elements end up in the show. If something overtly supernatural makes it into the show, it's because it absolutely has to be there, because I don't think they'd include it otherwise.

When I first read the Epilogue to book 3, my mind was racing with some crazy theories. One in particular I really loved. But events since have ruled it out, and seem to have suggested that the story isn't going anywhere. Obviously the end of Book 5 means we'll see some more of this, but it already feels like the kind of thing that could be "given" to another character easily without disrupting too much.

You know, the more I think about it, though... it's a bit odd to cut out Lady Stoneheart on the pretense that it's "too fantasy-ish," but then have a little pixie girl throwing fireballs at skeletons. Obviously, one is not like the other, but I find myself wondering what people thought of that. It was stuck in the middle of the episode like it was no big deal, but it had to be a surprise for folks.

You know, the more I think about it, though... it's a bit odd to cut out Lady Stoneheart on the pretense that it's "too fantasy-ish," but then have a little pixie girl throwing fireballs at skeletons. Obviously, one is not like the other, but I find myself wondering what people thought of that. It was stuck in the middle of the episode like it was no big deal, but it had to be a surprise for folks.

...you assume the fantasy elements aren't binary, but cumulative. IE: people will tolerate one or two, but don't want to be awash in them. I dunno if that's right or wrong but I assume that's the logic.

But mainly, I just think it tells us a whole lot about where the story is headed. They know the basic outline of where things are going, so when they leave something like that out, it says a lot about how relevant it's gonna be. And it's clear that they're going to (wisely) cut out pretty much anything they don't really need at this point, to reign in the scope a little

...you assume the fantasy elements aren't binary, but cumulative. IE: people will tolerate one or two, but don't want to be awash in them. I dunno if that's right or wrong but I assume that's the logic.

But mainly, I just think it tells us a whole lot about where the story is headed. They know the basic outline of where things are going, so when they leave something like that out, it says a lot about how relevant it's gonna be. And it's clear that they're going to (wisely) cut out pretty much anything they don't really need at this point, to reign in the scope a little

The first scene with Jon Snow walking from the Wall into the wilderness was beautifully shot. The dead giant laying in the snow was everything! Cute segway but its interesting that the Wildlings were gentler to Jon Snow entering their camp than the Hurons were to Hawkeye when entering their camp to parley in Last Of The Mohicans.

I think Mance would have convinced Jon Snow also, and Stannis' entrance was grand. They should have had Ygrette go White Walker suddenly on her funeral pyre just to give a scare to everyone, especially the readers. Poor Jon better watch out for the Red Woman as she has eyes for him Im sure the nights Watch commander and Stannis will get along famously having both graduated from HBU
(Hard Bastard University).





Ok whats up with The Mountain?! I heard he was supposed to have died a slow agonizing death from Oberyns poisoned spear. Theyre saving him and ....I dont know.....is he gonna be Frankenmountain now? Cersei says "Will it weaken him", and practitioner replies "Oh no" with a wry smile....It was like watching the origin of a comic book villain. With The Hound left for dead, but you dont see him die, Im thinking theyre tweaking the story for an eventual Hound/Mountain showdown.

Cesrsei tells her father Tywin that the rumors of her & Jaime are true. I dont know what I was expecting, it came off a little anti-climactic, but if his response was anything other than disbelief, or simply unable to process the truth it mightve been unauthentic. Charles Dance deserves an Emmy for his work in this series.

The Breaker Of Chains & Mother Of Dragons had to chain her dragons. Ironic yet fitting. You'd think though shed have given them a window to look out of or something.

Brans group made it to the tree, and whoa whoopsie daisey! No I was surprised by the skeletons big time, and Bran possessing Hodor has become an effective fight strategy. They placed the "giant" wolf away from the group very cleverly, and that saves some money on the CGI. Poor Jojen.

Brienne & Podrick find Arya & The Hound. To say that this delivered is an understatement. I was enjoying the exchange between Arya & Brienne, they looked like kindred spirits, and then The Hound waltzes in fresh from taking a dump. Theres something to be said about raw vulgarity, and Rory McCann has exceptional delivery.





Screw the Mountain vs The Viper, this fight was the nastiest in the entire series. The swordplay, the moments when one was clearly getting the best of the other, their grit and survival instincts devolved the fight into a display of sheer savagery.

Of course I was expecting Arya to kill the Hound, and dont know if it left it like this in the books. Again, I think the tv series is aiming for a Hound/Frankenmountain showdown.

Then the Tyrion storyline. So! Looks like Varys has more machinations going on and the stuff to follow thru than first believed. Not surprising if you think about it since his rival Littlefinger has killed a Hand, a King, and a Queen. I wasnt surprised Jaime would help rescue him, was surprised when Tyrion turned around rather than escape, but the biggest surprise was to come.



Dinklage absolutely killed-it with his murdering Shae in his fathers bed. Him saying "Im sorry. Im sorry." in shock from what he did. He sold it. An act that all the readers & viewers wouldnt think him capable of all hinged on his displaying a mental collapse thatd be believable. He might have won an emmy already, but he deserved it more for this season than any other.

Strange the final exchange of Tyrion and Tywin came on Fathers Day.

Now what? It looked like Varys went with Tyrion, and Im guessing its to Daenarys kingdom across the sea. Daenarys & Tyrion, now that would be a weird dynamic. The storylines are finally merging! Stannis has merged with the Nights Watch, Tyrions Im guessing will merge with Daenarys, and who the hell knows whats going to happen with Brans storyline. I hope we see more of the kingdom of the White Walkers next season.

This was the best season of the bunch, and I predict theres going to be some new scenarios set in place that may take some getting used to, I dont know. It will be great though

The first scene with Jon Snow walking from the Wall into the wilderness was beautifully shot. The dead giant laying in the snow was everything! Cute segway but its interesting that the Wildlings were gentler to Jon Snow entering their camp than the Hurons were to Hawkeye when entering their camp to parley in Last Of The Mohicans.

I think Mance would have convinced Jon Snow also, and Stannis' entrance was grand. They should have had Ygrette go White Walker suddenly on her funeral pyre just to give a scare to everyone, especially the readers. Poor Jon better watch out for the Red Woman as she has eyes for him Im sure the nights Watch commander and Stannis will get along famously having both graduated from HBU
(Hard Bastard University).





Ok whats up with The Mountain?! I heard he was supposed to have died a slow agonizing death from Oberyns poisoned spear. Theyre saving him and ....I dont know.....is he gonna be Frankenmountain now? Cersei says "Will it weaken him", and practitioner replies "Oh no" with a wry smile....It was like watching the origin of a comic book villain. With The Hound left for dead, but you dont see him die, Im thinking theyre tweaking the story for an eventual Hound/Mountain showdown.

Cesrsei tells her father Tywin that the rumors of her & Jaime are true. I dont know what I was expecting, it came off a little anti-climactic, but if his response was anything other than disbelief, or simply unable to process the truth it mightve been unauthentic. Charles Dance deserves an Emmy for his work in this series.

The Breaker Of Chains & Mother Of Dragons had to chain her dragons. Ironic yet fitting. You'd think though shed have given them a window to look out of or something.

Brans group made it to the tree, and whoa whoopsie daisey! No I was surprised by the skeletons big time, and Bran possessing Hodor has become an effective fight strategy. They placed the "giant" wolf away from the group very cleverly, and that saves some money on the CGI. Poor Jojen.

Brienne & Podrick find Arya & The Hound. To say that this delivered is an understatement. I was enjoying the exchange between Arya & Brienne, they looked like kindred spirits, and then The Hound waltzes in fresh from taking a dump. Theres something to be said about raw vulgarity, and Rory McCann has exceptional delivery.





Screw the Mountain vs The Viper, this fight was the nastiest in the entire series. The swordplay, the moments when one was clearly getting the best of the other, their grit and survival instincts devolved the fight into a display of sheer savagery.

Of course I was expecting Arya to kill the Hound, and dont know if it left it like this in the books. Again, I think the tv series is aiming for a Hound/Frankenmountain showdown.

Then the Tyrion storyline. So! Looks like Varys has more machinations going on and the stuff to follow thru than first believed. Not surprising if you think about it since his rival Littlefinger has killed a Hand, a King, and a Queen. I wasnt surprised Jaime would help rescue him, was surprised when Tyrion turned around rather than escape, but the biggest surprise was to come.



Dinklage absolutely killed-it with his murdering Shae in his fathers bed. Him saying "Im sorry. Im sorry." in shock from what he did. He sold it. An act that all the readers & viewers wouldnt think him capable of all hinged on his displaying a mental collapse thatd be believable. He might have won an emmy already, but he deserved it more for this season than any other.

Strange the final exchange of Tyrion and Tywin came on Fathers Day.

Now what? It looked like Varys went with Tyrion, and Im guessing its to Daenarys kingdom across the sea. Daenarys & Tyrion, now that would be a weird dynamic. The storylines are finally merging! Stannis has merged with the Nights Watch, Tyrions Im guessing will merge with Daenarys, and who the hell knows whats going to happen with Brans storyline. I hope we see more of the kingdom of the White Walkers next season.

This was the best season of the bunch, and I predict theres going to be some new scenarios set in place that may take some getting used to, I dont know. It will be great though

Tonight definitely strongly supported it, I don't see how the poetry of using him as a champion against the Church and the Hound being seen with the Church can be missed to close their arcs

Tonight definitely strongly supported it, I don't see how the poetry of using him as a champion against the Church and the Hound being seen with the Church can be missed to close their arcs

There's a theory that Sandor Clegane is still living.

In the book, he is injured during the battle inside the inn (shown earlier this season). That's what does him in, and Arya leaves him to die. Many many chapters later, Brienne and Podrick pass through a coven, of sorts, for all these religious guys who have taken a vow of silence and are working the land. One of them speaks to them and tells them that he found Sandor Clegane, and that the Hound is dead.

However, Brienne glimpses a gravedigger among them who is an immense man, with a limp, and his face is covered. The theory is that while "the Hound" died, Sandor Clegane was saved and is living now as a simple gravedigger, perhaps in an attempt to save his soul.

There's a theory that Sandor Clegane is still living.

In the book, he is injured during the battle inside the inn (shown earlier this season). That's what does him in, and Arya leaves him to die. Many many chapters later, Brienne and Podrick pass through a coven, of sorts, for all these religious guys who have taken a vow of silence and are working the land. One of them speaks to them and tells them that he found Sandor Clegane, and that the Hound is dead.

However, Brienne glimpses a gravedigger among them who is an immense man, with a limp, and his face is covered. The theory is that while "the Hound" died, Sandor Clegane was saved and is living now as a simple gravedigger, perhaps in an attempt to save his soul.

Yes.

Yes.