Game of Thrones appreciation - Please /spoil carefully!

[Ramael]

In honour of the first episode going out last night (tonight on the internet for anyone outside the US/without access to Sky Atlantic) here is a pooling of our thoughts about the series.

Haven't seen it yet? www.novamov.com have the first episode up, though who knows for how long.

Here's arguably the best promotion trailer for the series - Game Of Thrones "Iron Throne" Preview (HBO)

For those of you who have read the books (like myself) please use spoilers or /hides for those reading the thread who are watching without having read the series, if you're going to talk about all the events that are yet to happen!

Initial reactions-

So I knew doggystyle was the preferred Dothraki way of going at things, but I had no idea it was so popular in Westeros as well, judging from the way Cersei and Jaime were going at it just now :D

Also, is it me, or is the actor playing Jaime slipping into his native accent at times?! Other than that, he's putting in one of the more enjoyable performances of the show so far. His little confrontation with Ned at the feast wasn't strictly in the books, but it was definately worth putting in the episode.

Sansa looks way too old for Joffrey as well.

[aya]

I just watched it- I bought the books and plan to demolish them (not literally) once my finals are over :P

[Ink Slinger]

I thought the same thing about the doggy style.  But then, it's HBO.    And yeah, Joffery looks 10 while they aged up all the other kids...

OMG Direwolves.  SOOOOOOOOOOOO freakin' cute. 

I was actually quite impressed with what they did with the first episode.  I had many fears going in and the ep relieved a lot of them.  I think Sean Bean is a masterful Ned Stark.  I also absolutely love Jon Snow and wish the conversation with Benjen had been longer.  He said the bit about giving up family, but not the rest which I also felt rather important. 

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Especially the part about never having love or family of his own and ya know, not having women around to bed.

While the later is not essential to the story, he is a healthy, attractive male with hormones.  I know they can't put in everything, but I missed that bit.   

Also I love the credits.  With all the gears making the scenes, that's just cool. 

So yeah, those are my initial reactions.  I can't wait for next week!

[CaiusCaligula]

I think everyone can agree...Peter Dinklage was awesome. No surprise, because this is a universal constant, but he was a lot of fun to watch as Tyrion (who is one of my favorite characters)

[consortium11]

Sean Bean is pretty much made for stuff like this.

My only issue looking forward is this: HBO allows for there to be plenty of dark stuff on screen (just look at Oz) but some parts of the book are just so dark/twisted that I can't see it being translated to screen and being able to convey the same impact.

Excellent so far though...

[Lilias]

I wasn't exactly convinced by Lena Headey, but the rest of the casting is pretty much spot on. Catelyn was just as I had imagined her as I read. Agreed on the cool credits as well.

I'd have loved a longer pre-credits scene, though. The encounter with the Others felt rushed, and I wish they'd shown just what happened to Royce and his other companion.

[Ramael]

They've just got the go-ahead for Season 2. Off the back of one episode. That's a helluva premiere. I wonder what the ratings were like?!

Hurrahs all round!

Sean Bean is like the gruff Northener archetype.

"Bloody shandy-drinkin Lannisters with ther fancy silk clothes and ther fanceh new seven gods. Not like oop North, where there's real ale, proper gravy, and real bloody snow that'll tek skin off yer bones, not to mention proper real lasses, unlike yon mental bloody Cersei bloody Lannister. Winter is bloody comin, an I'm off to watch t'Blades game."

By the way, who else couldn't really take Robb seriously when he was interrogating Jon about the direwolves, because he was holding two of the cutest puppies known to man.

What was that, Robb? How does Jon know about the omen of the stag horn in the wolf neck? Or did you say you wuff your widdle puppy wuppy direwolfy wuvvly cuddly widdle snookum cutey muzzle chops.

[consortium11]

Sean Bean's so Northern that he can actually turn a dark haired cockney character into a gruff blond Yorkshireman...

It's like a superpower...

[Martee]

Peter Dinklage is a masterful Tyrion.  If they get nothing else right for the rest of the series, I will love HBO forever for getting that right.  I had a great shameless love for the Imp just from the books, but the actor is sweet icing on a rich cake.  I am very pleased.

I have to agree about Cersei - the actress isn't bad, but I'll need some time to get comfortable with her in the role.  Everyone else did well, I thought.

I wish they had made Robb look a little more like Catelyn and less like Jon & Arya.  The dye jobs on the Targaryan siblings could have been much better as well, but after living with the Dothraki for a while I doubt it will matter much.

We picked up HBO again just for this series.  I'm so glad it's been picked up for a second season already.

[aya]

Sean Bean is absolutely the best (I love himmmm).

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Too bad he, you know.. D:

[consortium11]

Sean Bean is absolutely the best (I love himmmm).

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Too bad he, you know.. D:

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To be fair, is there anyone in Game of Thrones you don't end up saying that about?

[Lilias]

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To be fair, is there anyone in Game of Thrones you don't end up saying that about?

Anyone else looking forward to actually seeing Cersei get her comeuppance?

[consortium11]

Depending on how much they intend to cover in the first series (I haven't really been paying attention) I'm more interested in how on earth they manage to include Gregor Clegane (and his many dark deeds).

[The Dream Machine]

I finally got to sit down and watch this today, and I loved every minute of it.  It was almost exactly how I pictured the books, minus that little exchange between Ned and Jaime (which was still awesome).  I'm on pins and needles waiting for the next episode.

Also, Peter Dinklage is pitch perfect as Tyrion.  By far, my favorite character of the books, and I imagine the show will be no different with Dinklage playing the role.

[KaitlynKay]

I am so ticked that I haven't been able to watch this due to a lack of HBO (which also means I will have to miss True Blood).  My only consolation is that the next book is out in July- and finally after years of waiting I can get another dose of Jon Snow! . . and hopefully some Jaime!

[Ramael]

Check the interwebs, Kaitlyn. That's all I'm going to say.


You won't get a dose of Jaime in the next book, however, as he was one of the POV chapters in Feast for Crows, and Dance with Dragons is the "other half" of the dramatis personae that we didn't see in FfC.

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I am so excited to see what Tyrion's been upto in his exile. I was reading back on the first book, and remembered how well Tyrion and Jon got on, which we will probably see some of in the next episode, but I was thinking surely it would make sense for the little sly chap to sneak off upto the Wall?! He's being hunted by his own family now, and their strongest enemies (Stannis and Lord Snow) are at the Wall. Jon would definately welcome Tyrion, and Stannis, whilst being distrustful, would probably welcome all the inside information Tyrion has on King's Landing, both militarily and politically (also, is that plotline where Cersei was trying to send Kettleblack off to the Wall to assassinate Jon void now because of her arrest at the hands of the Faith?).

Admittedly, this would put two of the most powerful and coolest characters in the book together and give them a faint chance at kicking ass, so it definately won't happen, knowing George. Heh.

I strongly imagine also that Tyrion was just as likely to steal aboard a ship and get himself to Pentos, or one of the Free Cities, or any place where there might be a crapload of dwarves making him less conspicuous, but I like the Wall idea just because it puts him back in touch with Jon, now the power balance has been reversed for the pair.

[KaitlynKay]

*mutters* .  I know but it was wishful thinking.

[The Dream Machine]

I just finished episode three, and I have to say, the guy who plays Littlefinger just seems perfect for the part.  He looks just like I pictured the character when reading the books; ditto for Maester Aemon. 

Loving this show so far.

[Izu]

Haven't seen ep3, but so far the series is just absolutely gorgeous! They won me over the preview when they gave the first shot of the Wall - damn it made me shiver! Just as I had pictured it. I hope they will make series for all the books and not just for the first one. I can't wait for my state exam to be over (and passed that is) so tat I can re-read the books and then move onto the new one - for those who haven't found out - it's coming out on 12th July! ^_^

[Ink Slinger]

For once it seems Hollywood agrees with my love of a show.  The show is already up for a technical emmy for those gorgeous credits and after episode 1 HBO greenlighted filming for season 2. 

I'm excited. So far they have done an excellent job with the series. 

[Ramael]

Lots of shagging, too. Sweaty muscled torsos and plentiful naked bosoms and jiggling buttocks and thighs and yum. Bloody brilliant.

[Lilias]

With Martin on board, what did you expect? He wouldn't have the funnest parts of the whole to write sanitised by Hollywood, would he? ;)

[Ramael]

Let's hope he won't let the darkest, grimmest and most depressing parts be sanitised, either in that case. There are some gut-wrenchers coming up, at least two in every book/series, and I can't wait to see how TV audiences react to them.

[Martee]

I thought the portrayal of Petyr Baelish was *perfect*.  I hate the character but it might be the best-cast role so far.

[Izu]

Haha~ Yeah~ I remember when I watched the first episode's titles - the map thing. I was like 'Wow... those guys must have been huuuuuge fans (and nerds) to make it that good.' And then I saw that Martin was part of the crew and I was like 'LoL duh. xD'

But this is awesome! I was so afraid that they might make the books into a movie like LoTR. -.- It would have so killed the story. But series! Yey!

[Ramael]

I'm all for Baelish character myself. Consistently the quickest and sharpest, outmanouvering everybody and always getting what he wants/needs. The ultimate Chessmaster. Go Littlefinger.

[Lilias]

Let's hope he won't let the darkest, grimmest and most depressing parts be sanitised, either in that case. There are some gut-wrenchers coming up, at least two in every book/series, and I can't wait to see how TV audiences react to them.

I'm pretty sure the casting of Sean Bean will add to the shock of the particular incident ;) I'm particularly tickled to see Viserys' crowning, myself.

[consortium11]

I'm pretty sure the casting of Sean Bean will add to the shock of the particular incident ;) I'm particularly tickled to see Viserys' crowning, myself.

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Sean Bean's characters do have a habit of being killed off in a pretty high number of the productions he's in... he's got to have one of the lowest survival rates of a fairly major star...

[Shjade]

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Sean Bean's characters do have a habit of being killed off in a pretty high number of the productions he's in... he's got to have one of the lowest survival rates of a fairly major star...

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Pretty sure Michelle Rodriguez holds #1 spot for that. ;p

As someone who hasn't read the books (though I know I must've heard of it somewhere - I had to rewind the credits to see that "Based on" snippet again 'cause the name had rung a bell) I've gotta say, this is a damn fine show. Looking forward to seeing more of it, and I'll have to go look up the books at some point.

Gripes: the white hair dye jobs, as someone mentioned earlier; a little hard to follow the who's-who with all the jumping around, but that'll get easier with time, I'm sure - this is mostly pertaining to the who's-who of people who aren't Lannisters or Targhr...Targeyra...the white-haired ones. >.>

Favorite bit so far: "Girl? Boy? You are a sword." Hell yeah for tomboy-encouraging fencing instructors!

[Ramael]

Yeah that must have been a tough one for the costume department. Lannisters; golden hair, specifically Jaimes as it looks like "spun gold". Targaryens; white gold hair, which after a few weeks on the trail with the horse riding Dothraki, has naturally got a tad duller.

Can see the oppurtunity for confusion. It would have helped if they gave Viserys and Daenys violet contacts (aren't the Targaryens supposed to have violet eyes?) but the hair thing is always something that may have proved a problem visually. Even more so when they talk of the past, where certain Lannisters were supposed to marry certain Targaryens.

By the way, non-book readers, that trail of Dothraki that the two Targaryen siblings are with? Supposed to be 40,000 strong.

Yeah.

Tough on casting, so they naturally trimmed that one down.

Also most scenes involving an entourage (Ned's arrival into King's Landing, the Lannister's arrival into Winterfell) one can mentally add a hundred or so extra men at arms, serving girls, knights, etc.

[Shjade]

By the way, non-book readers, that trail of Dothraki that the two Targaryen siblings are with? Supposed to be 40,000 strong.

They did mention that on the show. The prick brother Targaryen talking about the force he'd have at his command, I think it was. I'd just assumed that, being nomadic, they didn't all move in one huge clump all the time and instead spread out a little bit to cover ground for gathering as they went.

The folks with odd hair were the easy ones. It was everyone else that was a little confusing. Particularly the Stark family, for instance. Just how many of those folks are Starks anyway? Is everyone who's not a criminal at the Wall related to them in some way, or has their family just held a post there for thousands of years, or...? That kind of thing.

In other news, I have to admit, when the sister (Daenys?) was getting her lessons on how to be more persuasive in bed, one of the thoughts rolling around in my head was, "Classic RP scenario here." ;p

[Ink Slinger]

There's a lot of Starks.  They're northern winter folk.  Everybody has like 6 kids.  Gotta keep warm somehow ;).  I digress.  Ned said something in an earlier episode, "The Starks have been protecting the north for hundreds of years" or something like that.  Though the only Starks we've met on the wall are Uncle Benjin and the bastard Jon Snow. 

It's a culture thing on the wall though that they all call one another brother.  They're not really siblings, but what didn't get explained wholly in the show is that they cut ALL family ties.  There are a few conversations in the books that would make a lot of that clearer.

Now on to Ep 4. 

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I wish it had been The Hound to tell Sansa how he got that way.  It was a powerful scene in the book and the 'why' of it is important.

that said it was still a good scene and a very good episode.

[Lilias]

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I wish it had been The Hound to tell Sansa how he got that way.  It was a powerful scene in the book and the 'why' of it is important.

That's one of my favourite scenes too. Hearing it secondhand, especially from that slimester Littlefinger, just isn't the same ;)

The Braavosi is brilliant, naturally. As was Catelyn's rally at the inn.

[Shjade]

Adding to the above, without context, I'm not sure why the guy even told her that story. It's not like she was asking, and the information didn't seem like she needed to know it. He just wanted to give her bad dreams or something?

Semi-related: local library didn't have Game of Thrones. Sad now.

[TheGlyphstone]

that would be very in-character for her.

I'm glad to see D-whatsisgirl finally get a spine transplant.

[consortium11]

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Pretty sure Michelle Rodriguez holds #1 spot for that. ;p

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I think Bean gives a pretty good account for himself... all of the films/tv series where he's played a bad guy and all the ones with a "heroic" death. In truth these days whenever I see him in a production I'm generally surprised if he does make it to the end credits.

[Ink Slinger]

That's one of my favourite scenes too. Hearing it secondhand, especially from that slimester Littlefinger, just isn't the same ;)

The Braavosi is brilliant, naturally. As was Catelyn's rally at the inn.

Yeah, I feel like people are really missing something with that change.  You could definitely tell who in the room had read it an who hadn't with that.  We got odd looks like "Do you have any clue what that was about?"   I have also discovered, much like the books, you really have to pay attention to what's going on.  Blink or let your mind wander the tiniest bit and you've missed some key piece.

The rally was freaking brilliant.  I loved it in the book and I loved it even more on screen. 

There are so many little things I just can't wait to see...

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sky cells anyone?

[TheGlyphstone]

The rally was one of the weaker scenes for me so far, since it felt way too contrived. Cat just happens to be staying at the same inn that Tyrion shows up to stay in, right at a time when the entire common room is conveniently packed with supporters and friends of her family? If it had been a deliberate ambush, that'd be more palatable, but from discussions with fans on other sites, that scene in the book is a chance encounter that she takes advantage of.

[Lilias]

It's not the same without the build-up to that scene, no. But even in the book it is a chance encounter, one that she comes *this* close to not happening, since caution would have suggested avoiding inns altogether, at least in country where she could be recognised ;)

[Shjade]

Just spent my morning on the couch reading through Game of Thrones.

I'm glad it isn't disappointing after watching the show first. Examining some differences in how relationships are portrayed is interesting, too, mainly between Viserys and Draenys: much more abusive in the books than the show, where it seems like Vis is just sort of a spoiled jerk in general rather than a nigh-sadistic one with a history of abuse. Also wondering why the show made Drae's first experience with the Khal look more unpleasant than the book's rendition.

Always fun to compare things.

[TheGlyphstone]

Huh. I do believe this is the first episode where we've gotten full-frontal nudity on either gender.

[Caeli]

I'm glad it isn't disappointing after watching the show first. Examining some differences in how relationships are portrayed is interesting, too, mainly between Viserys and Draenys: much more abusive in the books than the show, where it seems like Vis is just sort of a spoiled jerk in general rather than a nigh-sadistic one with a history of abuse. [...]

Having not read the books myself at this point, I was surprised by the almost childish bent of portrayal of Viserys in the episodes. He seems almost one-dimensional at times - bent on getting an army to cross the Narrow Sea - and I felt that in many ways, this lack of fleshing out other aspects of his character (if they exist) really hurt the oomph he could potentially have.

I'm very curious to see the difference in the books, and have resolved to change this once I finish my finals in June. :)

[Lilias]

Having not read the books myself at this point, I was surprised by the almost childish bent of portrayal of Viserys in the episodes. He seems almost one-dimensional at times - bent on getting an army to cross the Narrow Sea - and I felt that in many ways, this lack of fleshing out other aspects of his character (if they exist) really hurt the oomph he could potentially have.

He is every bit as monomaniacal in the book, though the tone there is much more sinister (and I'm still bouncing in impatience to see how they'll deal with the crowning ;D).

This last episode was a bit 'huh?', though. I didn't really expect to see much of the Eyrie, but cutting the entire ascent was a bit too much.

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And don't get me started on the Loras-Renly 'companionship'.

[Shjade]

I'm very curious to see the difference in the books, and have resolved to change this once I finish my finals in June. :)

The only real difference I'm seeing is that, in the books, he's meaner. In the show he seems sorta mean by accident, like he's too focused on his future conquest to care about anyone else; in the book he seems like he's doing it on purpose. Other than that...pretty similar.

[Kendra]

Well I haven't read the book but since they started advertising it three months ago I was hooked. I am a big Sean Bean fan - whether or not he gets killed ;) would never have bothered watching any of the Sharpe series if it wasn't for him.

Anyhow I'm thoroughly enjoying GoT and have found myself sitting through the repeat show as well >.<

In other news, I have to admit, when the sister (Daenys?) was getting her lessons on how to be more persuasive in bed, one of the thoughts rolling around in my head was, "Classic RP scenario here." ;p

I think I more thought that when she was showing off her new skills to the Khal (Jason Momoa yummmy)  ;D

[Shjade]

I think I more thought that when she was showing off her new skills to the Khal (Jason Momoa yummmy)  ;D

Exactly. That whole period - it has merit. ;p

[Samael]

I am really not sure what to think of Jaimie at this point.
Every time I think he is just a bastard, I find him doing little things that tend to redeem him in my eyes a bit, like

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letting Ned go, instead of capturing him as he wanted, because one of his men jumped in their duel. And he also seems to really be protective of Tyrion, which I didn't expect considering his general ruthlessness.

That said, Tyrion is one of my absolutely favorite characters on the show.
Despite his status as 'imp', he seems to be one of the most mentally stable people on it. He sees something weird, or strange, and he reacts like every well adjusted human being would. It is a nice change compared to most shows that the 'different' guy is pretty much also the most normal one. Doesn't hurt that he has great wit and is incredibly well played by Peter Dinklage.

[Sight Beyond]

If this is truly the 'off topic' board, shouldn't we talk about a different series in here?  just kidding, I know it's opposite day in here, as it was declared oppositely by not being declared at all. 

I'm sure I'll get around to Game of Thrones when I finish all the other series I'm working on.  currently going through the adventures of Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser, for anyone familiar with Fritz Leiber.  I'll let you get back to your discussion now. 

[TheGlyphstone]

Well, it's the "Off Topic" board because the "On Topic" board is where specifically sex-related topics and discussion go.

[Will]

As far as the books go, I'll consider reading them when the series has been released in full.  I'd rather make sure he's going to live to finish it. : /

I'm loving the series, though.

[Lilias]

As far as the books go, I'll consider reading them when the series has been released in full.  I'd rather make sure he's going to live to finish it. : /

I was tempted to do that, but then decided not to miss out on a few thousand pages of great writing 'just in case'. Same goes for the WoT, actually.

I'm loving the series, though.

+1

[Will]

Well, I ran through WoT before I knew that Jordan would be passing.  If I had known ahead of time... I may or may not have picked it up.  I really don't know.  That's largely what's keeping from starting Game of Thrones.  I understand that it's great writing, but in a way, that just makes it worse.

[Shjade]

I am really not sure what to think of Jaimie at this point.
Every time I think he is just a bastard, I find him doing little things that tend to redeem him in my eyes a bit, like

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letting Ned go, instead of capturing him as he wanted, because one of his men jumped in their duel. And he also seems to really be protective of Tyrion, which I didn't expect considering his general ruthlessness.

I dunno, I got the distinct impression that Jaime

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let him go because he'd wanted to kill him in a fair fight - can't really fault him for defending himself against the obviously enraged Eddard, right? But he couldn't justify killing the man while he was already injured and defenseless - thus why he punched out the guy who "helped" since he spoiled the opportunity. If he'd just wanted him captured he could have taken him in anyway, but he didn't need to; he's already a prisoner in the city, more or less.

In that light, the incident doesn't seem particularly redemptive.

So the series is ongoing, not just the first four books? Hrm.

[Kye]

So the series is ongoing, not just the first four books? Hrm.

Currently there are four with a fifth coming out in July I believe.  My understanding is that there are at least two more planned after that.

[Lilias]

There are two more planned, with titles at least. I hope Martin gets to actually write them and finish the story, rather than let it go on and on.

[Caeli]

I dunno, I got the distinct impression that Jaime

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let him go because he'd wanted to kill him in a fair fight - can't really fault him for defending himself against the obviously enraged Eddard, right? But he couldn't justify killing the man while he was already injured and defenseless - thus why he punched out the guy who "helped" since he spoiled the opportunity. If he'd just wanted him captured he could have taken him in anyway, but he didn't need to; he's already a prisoner in the city, more or less.

In that light, the incident doesn't seem particularly redemptive.

That was the impression I'd gotten from the scene, as well.

I've been having a difficult time deciding which characters I like and dislike, mainly because there are so very few of them who are completely "good". (Of course, this makes for a fantastic and utterly believable story, so I can't complain too much.) Jaimie has thus far come across as someone who is... at once a victim -

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- especially because the woman he loves is basically hated by the man she is married to. That she returns the sentiment, I feel is not particularly relevant. I almost pitied him during the scene when the king was having an orgy in his bedroom, with almost-naked women scurrying out from time to time, while Jaimie stood guard, perfectly able to hear everything that was going on inside -

but also very much a cruel, almost heartless individual.

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I mean, it's hard to argue any kind of justification for pushing Bran off the tower.

So that scene (quoted above, from Shjade) didn't seem particularly redemptive to me.

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I'm still having trouble deciding whether he let Ned go because he actually wanted a fair fight, or because he wanted to protect his reputation of being a fair fighter. Granted, all of the soldiers/guards were his men, but there were also other people in the vicinity to be considered.

[Shjade]

I don't think he has a reputation as a fair fighter. I mean, pretty much everybody knows how he dealt with the last king, right?

I like a number of characters more for their performance and just being who they are than being good or bad. Tyrion, Jaime, Ned, Arya, they're all on the "yay" pile. Sure Jaime's a dick, but at least he's up front about being a dick. Mostly.

[Ramael]

Without spoilers, I'd like to take this oppurtunity to say how much I like the "little extras" the series directors are putting in. There has been a bunch of stuff (especially in the last two episodes) that wasn't in the books at all, but has definately added without betraying the original story.

Also, being as there's (quite predictably, given that he's also the best character in the books too) so much Imp-love going on, both for the role and the actor, can anyone smell an award on the horizon for Dinklage?

Has a dwarf won a major TV award before for a role? Added to that Dinklage's acting and the amazing role he's been given, I'd say my sense of smell was justified.

Jus sayin'.

[Shjade]

While not bad, I think ep. 6 was the first episode to feel a little rushed/underwhelming so far.

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Tyrion's trial by combat and the throne room audience in particular, the former probably just not living up to book-created expectations of how agile Bronn sounded, the latter mostly due to Littlefinger's pushing looking so incredibly obvious in it.

On the plus side, it was worth it to see Viserys' whiny ass finally get crowned, even if it was brief.

[Shjade]

Update: Jon Snow's performance a bit stilted this week; Khal Drogo's successful at portraying badassery.

[Ramael]

Yeah Drogo killed it (quite literally) in that scene. Though that wound really should have been deeper to make us believe it could fester nastily.

They've moved war on quickly, which is fine I suppose.

Robb Stark (who I've just found out is played by a friend of a friend of mine) got to do a whole lot more, and we got to see Rickon!

Also...why was Hodor outside...covered in white...and naked?! I'm sure I read that in the book...can't quite remember it...

Loved the Greatjon Umber scene...it only gets skimmed over in the book so I'm glad we got treated to it in it's entirety in the show. I love how batshit MENTAL Rob's allies are. Big massive roary shouty man challenges the boy lord to see if he has any balls. Boy lord sets his direwolf on massive shouty man. Massive shouty man loses a finger. Massive shouty man decides the boy lord has balls of steel to stand upto him, bursts into laughter, best friends for life, undying respect and unquestioning faith.

That's how hard these Northeners are - ready to lose a finger over a bit of jovial cockslapping. I'd be happy if men like that were guarding my back!

Ser Barristan Selmy gets a good scene, too, a nice piece of Badass Speech or whatever the trope is. Although I can see it being confusing for non-book readers over the issue of the Kingsguard, maybe it being hard to tell who's in it and who isn't (even I can't recall the one who tried to arrest Syrio and Arya, and stood facing Selmy when he "quit", is it Blount?)

[Lilias]

Hodor took Bran to the godswood and was dismissed to the pool to bathe, hence the starkers bit. Very faithful to the book, it was.

I missed the beginning (though the stepdaughter apparently thought that Arya's first kill was neat), but yeah, the entire episode was chock-full of badassery.

[Shjade]

I'm just glad we got to see a little of Syrio in action. I knew it was coming, but all the same.

About Drogo's wound, if improperly tended pretty much any little cut can turn nasty. That one was plenty icky enough I'd say, especially after he FLEXED around it. x.x

So you can go have a chat with Robb, eh? Nifty. ;p

[Remiel]

Two words:  hol-ee shit.

I mean, I kind of got the sense that it was coming from reading some of you guys' spoilers, but even so...I just sort of sat there, slack-jawed, as the credits rolled, unable to properly believe what I had just seen.

[Shjade]

I just sort of sat there, slack-jawed, as the credits rolled, unable to properly believe what I had just seen.

Well clearly Joffrey would say you have the eyes of a woman! Or something similarly stupid. Seriously, kid needs to be slapped more often.

On a much less dramatic note, anyone else a little surprised they had Tyrion tell his sorry marriage tale to Shae so much earlier than in the books? Sorta sets their relationship in a different light. That and totally skipping his battle scene! D:

[Martee]

Two words:  hol-ee shit.

I mean, I kind of got the sense that it was coming from reading some of you guys' spoilers, but even so...I just sort of sat there, slack-jawed, as the credits rolled, unable to properly believe what I had just seen.

It's episodes like last night's that make a small part of me wish I could see this series with fresh eyes.  I knew what was coming, so yes - it was exciting, but I miss the numbed, stunned aftermath of the first time I read the books.

The music stood out for me quite a bit more than usual.  I thought it was interesting they used the main theme for Robb...

Shae is not at all how I pictured her.

[Ramael]

That and totally skipping his battle scene! D:

This.

Totally this.

I mean, ok, you don't have the budget to do both the battle of the Whispering Woods and the Northmen's feint with Tywin's army, but to do NEITHER?!

They should've to put the Whispering Woods (non-book readers, this is the forest in which Jamie's army was caught unawares by Robb's mounted troops, don't know what they've called it in the series if anything) after the scene at Baelor's Sept with Ned, too, as to not completely crush the viewer's spirits. Something like Cersei warning Joffrey about his actions, reprimanding him for going against hers and the Small Council's will, and condemning the Seven Kingdoms to a nation-wide war with the Northmen. Then Joffrey would sneer, and say something like "My brother will end the war when he spits the traitor Stark like a suckling pig!" Cut to: Jaime's capture at the hands of Robb Stark. "Suck on that Joffrey, you little shitstain" (say the viewers) instead of "...just watched main character beheaded in front of both his daughters. I'm going to have a strong drink."

But hey, I'm no screenwriter and I'm sure the series' team have their reasons.

Nontheless, I'm a red-blooded male who likes to see carnage and warfare and lots of people smashing each other apart with swords. Clearly they didn't have the budget to do either battle scene, but we could have at least had tiny scenes of a few of Robb's cavalry tearing through Jaime's camp? It was at night, the scenes wouldn't have to be big at all, they've already scaled down a lot in this series, could have done the same again easily.
It bodes ill for the plentiful battle scenes to come in the series D: (and there are PLENTY, and bigger too!)

Still love the series, though. The scenes with Varys and Ned were good writing.

[Shjade]

Didn't mind the Whispering Woods skirmish being skipped over since it was in the books as well - that bit's from Cate's point of view at a safe distance, isn't it? But changing Tyrion's bit from oh-god-what-am-I-doing-here-AAAH-KNIGHT-GET-AWAY-AXE-I-CHOOSE-YOU-thank-god-we-won to lolhammerface was kinda :|

[Ramael]

Agreed. Admittedly, it was still-in character, and pretty funny, but it does kinda make Tyrion a little more impotent than he needs to be already. Unless they're saving any dwarf-awesome (I'm going to call this Dwawesome) for...you know...THAT battle, later on.

Yeah, but in the book we do get a recapping of events from the guys who were at the Whispering Woods. We'll get a verbal retelling of that next episode, and brief at that, doubt we'll get any visual flashback treats. Pout.

[Craz]

I was sorta ticked at the whole fact that they missed that scene and skipped to the end.

But Shae! Holy crap, I'm in love with Shae. Totally not how I imagined, but wow! She's awesome!

[Shjade]

Yeah, they really classed her up from how I pictured her in the books, but in a good way. I had to make a TVTropes entry for her first scene's mathematician's answer. ;p

[Lilias]

All these budgeting issues make me:

1. Wonder how they're going to show the you-know-whats right at the end, fearing there will be some really ropy CGI involved, and

2. Rubbing my hands in anticipation of the better conditions of Season 2. As long as the scripting doesn't grow complacent, that is.

[Ramael]

Yeah...second seasons usually get more budget...can't see how they'd naff anything up if they keep the same writers, George himself is obviously going to stay on as exec producer, and they obviously have the original script to work from. So.

I think the biggest problem for the second season is how they're going to advertise it without using Sean Bean's face, especially over here in the UK where he's adored (by half the country at least).

[Lilias]

I think the biggest problem for the second season is how they're going to advertise it without using Sean Bean's face, especially over here in the UK where he's adored (by half the country at least).

I haven't read A Clash of Kings yet (though I plan to, long before the show restarts), but I can speculate there's at least one slot for someone new and very big and popular to be cast?

[Shjade]

Possible, but he doesn't get nearly as much screen time as Ned did.

[Ramael]

http://www.hollywoodlife.com/2011/06/14/sean-bean-stabbed-bar-fight/

"Gerrof, ye bloody shandy-drinkin Lannisters. Jus came down te London fer a bevvie wit yon Southern lassie, an some cunt comes an stabs me in 't arm. Ah don't need no bloody medical attention, ye southern jessies. Jus lemme finish me pint."

Brilliant.

[Lilias]

That's for all those who still don't get why Bean's got the following he has... ;)

* Lilias has been crushing on him something hardcore since the Sharpe years.

[Lilias]

And it's over. I'm rather conflicted on the final episode. I didn't mind little bits from the next book being included, but the scene in the crypt was a complete damp squib. And I was so looking forward to the 'We should find a stonecutter who knew his likeness well' line...

[Shjade]

It's a pity - the farther the series goes on, the more I'm thinking there's just too much for them to pull it all together. They hardly have enough time to spend even five minutes at a stretch on any given character's POV. They're doing a pretty nice job with what they cover (and some of the additions are nice - Petyr was kinda blunt with Ned, but I like his banter with Varys) for the most part, though.

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

Those dragons looked nicer than I was expecting. Still very CGI, of course, but it's not like that can really be helped.

[Caeli]

I thought Kermit was too skinny to play Ned, but some of the others are spot on. xD

Game of Thrones of Muppets: You Wink or Your Die  |   Illustrated by Yehudi Mercado

[Ink Slinger]

I loved those when someone showed them to me.

In other news...OMG is season 2 here yet? *grabby hands* WANT! 

[Shjade]

I...don't recognize the muppet playing Jaime. Who is that? O.o

[Ink Slinger]

One of the male pigs from the "Piiiiigss iiiiiiiinnnn Sssssspppppppppaaaaaaaaace"

[Shjade]

Clearly my Muppet ignorance is showing. I don't remember that at all. D:

[Ink Slinger]

they were on "The Muppet Show" more often than they showed up in the films.  I remember watching reruns with my parents.

[Ramael]

10 months. We've got 10 months.

*stares blankly*


Well, at least that gives George Martin time to write...*does quick calculation based on previous writing frequency*...one sentence of the new book after ADWD.

Great final episode I thought, each storyline given nice final touches and finishing flourishes.

My girlfriend, given the build-up with the dragon eggs and the expectation involved, only blinked when Rhaegon crawled up Dany's shoulder and said "...they get bigger, right?" xD

I do wonder to the logic involved when so much serious stuff is going on and so much time is desperately needed to be spent on the main characters and the overarching plot, that we see a fairly large scene with Maester Pycelle and the redhead whore. Complete with him stretching and making old man snuffling noises at the end. There's a minute or two that could have been better spent elsewhere I think.

[effervescent]

I have never read the books, but I am thinking about getting it on my kindle...even though right now I'm on the true blood books. LOL, I am just afraid if I read the books then I will be dissapointed with the show. Because I swear whenever I read something and then watch it I'm always dissapointed. I think the show is pretty amazing though. Too bad I won't see anymore of Drogo's hotness...hottest guy on the show in my opinion. Oh well Dany will still be there and I think she is drop dead gorgeous!!!

The show is getting kind of depressing...it's definitely a stressful show, especially since I haven't read the books so I have NO CLUE what's going to happen and that honestly kills me!!! What I'm really hoping for though is that they do a good job on making the dragons, because sometimes dragons end up looking really super corny and that's going to ruin the show for me.

[TheSilkenVoice]

Best show ever!!! This is like my ultimate tv series next to True Blood.  Could a fantasy writer's tv show selection get any better than this??  Buying the books now that the firs season is over so I can cope with the withdrawal of not having another episode to watch till next spring!

[effervescent]

I agree Games of Throne and True Blood freaking rock my world!

[Craz]

http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/06/24/game-of-thrones-season-2-casting/

This sorta ticks me off. out of all the casting choices they make public first, it's Margaery Tyrell? I want my Onion Knight!

Though she was hot on the Tudors...

[effervescent]

Yay I love Natalie she is a really great actress!

[Ink Slinger]

http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/06/24/game-of-thrones-season-2-casting/

This sorta ticks me off. out of all the casting choices they make public first, it's Margaery Tyrell? I want my Onion Knight!

Though she was hot on the Tudors...

They're just teasing us hon.  Keep us waiting anxiously.  I mean they start principal filming soon. 

[Lilias]

out of all the casting choices they make public first, it's Margaery Tyrell?

She starts small, yes, but grows up! ;D

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

She kickstarts Cersei's downfall, after all!

[effervescent]

So glad I read that spoiler. I am the worst! I love being spoiled!!!

[Shjade]

She starts small, yes, but grows up! ;D

Actually, about that, isn't she 16, at least throughout book three? The actress looks...not sixteen. >.>

Then again, they already aged up all the Stark kids a few years, so maybe they're boosting her age a few too.

Edit: for fun, click here and mute the clip on the right. True Blood's opening watched with GoT's opening music is...interesting. It actually lines up kinda well at a couple points.

[Caeli]

I'm looking forward to next summer. *laughs*



So, I actually follow Jason Yang pretty closely - he's among the group of AAPI artists who've made it big through social media, especially YouTube. I've seen him play live - amazing!

Now, why is this relevant? Well, check this out:

Game of Thrones Violin Cover

Thankfully, "A Variety of Violins" is not the newly announced title for the next volume in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire. It's just my cutesy why of describing this wonderful all-violin rendition of the Game of Thrones theme by Jason Yang. You know, HBO, if you assembled all these awesome GoT covers into one album, I'd buy the shit out of it. Just sayin'.

(Source)

[Shjade]

That's a pretty damn fine rendition.

Not quite as gripping a tune without the heavier strings and drums to beat it home, but still lovely.

Edit: Dammit Caeli, now I'm just looking up other GoT covers. This artificial NES version is particularly appealing. Game of Thrones in Legend of Zelda format? Yes please.

[Craz]

http://winter-is-coming.net/2011/07/gwendoline-christie-is-brienne/


And we have a Brienne of Tarth! Holy crap, she's three inches taller than me.

[Shjade]

Hmm... How much makeup work y'think they'll have to do to ugly her up enough for Brienne? ;p

[Ramael]

Go team Brit! Again! We are all over this HBO show, like ivy creeping up the garden fence of TV serial fame.

Even though it's a great role, I grin ruefully at the casting process.

"Oh my god, an HBO show as a featured character? Freaking sign me up already!....hm? She's plain-looking and wears armour all the time? No problem! Where's the contract...she what? Not just plain but downright ugly, and is mocked by half the male characters for being so? Hmm...ok, pride takes a blow, but you sacrifice for the craft...hey...why did you suggest ME!? Oh for god's sake. I'll just think of the money. Pass me the longsword. And the hair clippers. And the boob flatteners. And the ugly kit. Sigh...the glamour of fame..."

[SinfulAngel]

I absolutely love this show!! Here in the US the entire first season has aired and I adored the show!!! I had no idea the show was a book until just a few weeks ago, I fully plan to buy and read the series as soon as the funds are available.

[Caeli]

Game Of Thrones Season 2: "Shadow" Tease

Winter is coming!

[Capone]

Saw this on my Facebook feed.

Man, I am so giddy. So, so giddy.

[Martee]

It's really a great series.  The time went by a lot faster than I thought it would. 2012 seemed so very far away when the season finale aired last year.

[Iniquitous]

OMG I am dying for the next season to start. I've got all the books, have read them so many times the books are ragged and absolutely LOVED the first season. April 1st cannot come fast enough for me. Will have HBO added onto my account once more, the dvr set up and Sunday nights will be Game of Thrones nights.

[Martee]

We had every intention of doing that- cancelling HBO after the first season ended, since we really don't watch much TV and most of that is broadcast network. After seeing how well done the first series was, however, I kept the subscription (and, yes, my husband thought I was being an idiot, but we still kept the sub ;) ) It's not much, I know, but I wrote to them and let them know we kept it because they did such a fantastic job with the show. I figure money talks, and lord knows I don't hold back when I have something to complain about.

* Martee is counting the days

[Lilias]

Husband started on the first book after I finished it; now he's almost done with the series so far, and I am still to read Clash of Kings, let alone the rest *grumble* Definitely one for Easter break... proper preparation and all that.

[Ink Slinger]

I just have this fear that I'm going to be all hyped and excited for the April first premier and they're going to roll through the opening credits (which are a masterpiece in and of themselves) and then the screen will go black.  Giant white letter will appear and the screen will read "Haha April Fools!!  Tune in next week for the season premier of Game of Thrones." 

>.<

Man am I cynical and paranoid or what?

[Caeli]

I just have this fear that I'm going to be all hyped and excited for the April first premier and they're going to roll through the opening credits (which are a masterpiece in and of themselves) and then the screen will go black.  Giant white letter will appear and the screen will read "Haha April Fools!!  Tune in next week for the season premier of Game of Thrones." 

>.<

Man am I cynical and paranoid or what?

If you are, you're not the only one:



One of the comments I remember reading on Tumblr is that a fan was afraid she would tune in on April 1 to watch the sequel, and George R.R. Martin would come on the screen after opening credits and say "APRIL FOOL's! Sorry, you're going to have to wait five more years for the sequel!"

[Divine Drivel]

If you are, you're not the only one:



One of the comments I remember reading on Tumblr is that a fan was afraid she would tune in on April 1 to watch the sequel, and George R.R. Martin would come on the screen after opening credits and say "APRIL FOOL's! Sorry, you're going to have to wait five more years for the sequel!"

I will call GRRM and tell him, "You wound me!".

[Zipporah]

I'm slowly making my way through A Dance with Dragons, I keep having to put it down and then I almost don't want to pick it back up again because I know I won't be able to read for very long. 

[Caeli]

I'm slowly making my way through A Dance with Dragons, I keep having to put it down and then I almost don't want to pick it back up again because I know I won't be able to read for very long. 

I've been doing the same thing, unfortunately. Right now I've been perpetually stuck at around 29%, and haven't been able to read much farther for the past month.

[Zipporah]

I've been doing the same thing, unfortunately. Right now I've been perpetually stuck at around 29%, and haven't been able to read much farther for the past month.

I'm stuck at 15%, right now.  I had a bunch of time to read on a long plane flight, but on the flight back I was passed out across the back of the person next to me (I figured he was sleeping across my tray table, I had a right), so I didn't get any more read.  Then classes started.  Maybe this weekend I'll steal a few hours to read. 

[Annashi]

Silly question, am I the only one that skips most of the books and only reads about a few of the characters? ^^

[Zipporah]

Silly question, am I the only one that skips most of the books and only reads about a few of the characters? ^^

I've been tempted to, from time to time, because I'm really not fond of some characters (for example the Greyjoys), but the plot is intricate enough that everything is tied together eventually so I slog through even the characters I'm not into. 

[Lilias]

Silly question, am I the only one that skips most of the books and only reads about a few of the characters? ^^

I read cover-to-cover, compulsively. In the particular case, though, I'm tempted to skip the covers bit: I have hard copies (and what beautiful books they are), but I think I'm going to do the actual reading on the Kindle, to avoid weighing myself down and/or spraining a wrist with the bricks.

[Zipporah]

I read cover-to-cover, compulsively. In the particular case, though, I'm tempted to skip the covers bit: I have hard copies (and what beautiful books they are), but I think I'm going to do the actual reading on the Kindle, to avoid weighing myself down and/or spraining a wrist with the bricks.

I've got both dead tree and Kindle versions of those books, too.  I love my Kindle, it saves me at least half a suitcase worth of space that used to be devoted to books when I travel. 

[Callie Del Noire]

Okay.. I've avoided this show till it popped up on iTunes.. I got the first five eps today.. I'm on the 3rd now.. I have to say it's a toss up between the dwarf and the girl's sword master for favorite character. :D

[Ink Slinger]

Our Blurays arrived Tuesday and we had people over yesterday for a Westeros Feast and watching party.  Pictures of the food Here.  It was absolutely wonderful and I got a lot of the recipes from The Inn at the Crossroads. 

One of the guys in attendance offered to pay me 70 grand a year to be his personal chef...once he makes his millions of course.  I'm not holding my breath. ;)