Game of Thrones

[JKL2000]

I know there was a Game of Thrones thread a longish time ago, but back then all I knew was that it was a series of books. But my son and I just finished watching season two, and we're totally hooked. (He's reading book two now.) I was skeptical at first (just looked like some HBO fantasy soft porn to me), but I have to say, it's Tolkien, Anne McCaffrey, and "I, Claudius" (and who knows what else?) in a blender, and extremely absorbing. the ending of season two was stirring, to say the least. Good timing on our part, too, since season three starts so soon.

No spoilers, please! But I'd be interested to find out who else here is watching the show, reading the books, etc. and maybe we can discuss it in a non-spoiler way, somehow.

[SteveSly]

Love the show, but have not read the books. Looking forward to season 3.

Steve Sly

[Yves]

Started reading this about a decade ago (or whenever they were first released in paperback)and never imagined they'd bring this to TV one day. I have watched Season 1 on BluRay and just bought season 2 this week. One of the best book-to-TV adaptation I have ever seen!

[Jerjo]

Read the books so I know spoilers which will rot your soul. I'll keep my mouth shut. Seriously jonesing for season three.

[NogbadTheBad]

Love the show, but have not read the books. Looking forward to season 3.

Steve SlySame here, I do have book 1 sitting on my bedside table but I'm a very slow reader and have two other books on the go so it'll be a while.

[wideopenears]

Well, the show's plot lines have already diverged substantially from the books...so I'm not sure reading the books is going to give anyone sure-fire spoilers.

[Jerjo]

Well, the show's plot lines have already diverged substantially from the books...so I'm not sure reading the books is going to give anyone sure-fire spoilers.

Though when it comes to the big, knife-in-the-gut issues they stick to the story. From what I understand, they're splitting the third book into two season. Which means, given all the battles and horrendous shit that went down in the last third of book three, season four is going cause heart attacks.

[Progatron]

Read the books so I know spoilers which will rot your soul. I'll keep my mouth shut. Seriously jonesing for season three.

This.

I don't like some of the changes that have been made on the show but overall it is quite well done. Doesn't even compare to the books, of course.

I have a feeling I know how they will end seasons three and four, respectively. Book three ("A Storm Of Swords") features the most jaw-dropping stuff in the series IMO. Amazing.

[Moribund]

I happen to have a lengthy commute to work and have started to listen to audio books. Having seen season's 1 & 2 of Game of Thrones, I listened to Book 1. Roy Dotrice is the reader and he does a different voice for every character. He's amazing. I finished the 40 or so hours of book 1 and moved on to the second book (I'm about 3/4 done). Both are excellent. The show is great and the books are better. Can't wait for Season 3 (and book 3).

[VickiLynn]

I'm waiting for the next book -- not very patiently! I read all the books before starting the series. I don't have cable -- on purpose -- so I have to order on Amazon or the discs on Netflix. I'm just getting ready to watch season 2. Yes, I know I am hopelessly behind, but it's the best I can do ;)

[Joe F.]

Started reading this about a decade ago (or whenever they were first released in paperback)and never imagined they'd bring this to TV one day.

+1

This was also the reason I subscribed to HBO for the first time prior to season one starting. Looking forward to Season 3.

[MissKittysMom]

Read the books so I know spoilers which will rot your soul. I'll keep my mouth shut. Seriously jonesing for season three.

After I finished reading the books, I remember reading an interview with Martin in which he talked about his love for gratuitous sex, gratuitous violence, gratuitous feasting, and gratuitous heraldry. All on display in book three.

Interesting that they may split book three into two seasons; that will help them keep pace with Martin's writing/publishing. I'm more concerned with how they will handle Martin's split of book four into books four and five. (And I guess there's no point in kvetching about book six being late for at least another two years....)

Just finished viewing season 2, and it was very well done. That damned theme is now an earworm.

[Jerjo]

Check this out. This guy mashed the themes of Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones on his piano


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB90NwpTfhI

[scags]

I'm not a tv person, but the books were great. Any word on the next one?

[Jerjo]

George has released a handful of "sample chapters". From what I understand, because they cut off the last 100-200 pages of Dance with Dragons, that put him that many chapters ahead in writing the next one so he's got a running start. He has said at a few cons that the story knot that caused the delay with DwD won't be an issue with the new one. So we'll see how fast a sixty-something man can write.

[MissKittysMom]

Martin wrote the "Blackwater" episode of season 2, so he does still know how to write. He's also got a new deal with HBO (separate) and other things going on, as well as attending a lot of cons. My hope is that he isn't getting too many distractions.

Given a roughly three-year pace of turning out books this size, I wouldn't expect the next one until late 2014. And given a rumor of books 6 and 7 turning into 6, 7, and 8, who knows?

[VickiLynn]

I watched the first four episodes of season 2 yesterday. I wish I had cable, but I'm not going to subscribe just so I can watch one series!

[BobM]

So, is this thread going to be discussion about the books, or discussion about season 3 which is starting in about a month?

If it's about the books, then it's hard not to have spoilers, because many of us have read them all. If it's about the show then I think it might be much easier to keep things in line with the mose recently aired episode.

[JKL2000]

I guess it's more about the TV show. Yeah, if people really want to discuss the books a separate thread might be best.

[Jerjo]

Yeah, last season we had an open thread for the TV show and one PM for the people that read the books.

[scags]

Not much to say about the books, until the next one is ready to be released.

[Progatron]

I suppose I should be careful as I still have only read the first few chapters of book 5 (A Dance With Dragons) - I really need to get on that, my wife tells me it's pretty good. I was disenchanted with book 4 which I found plodding and introducing too many new characters. The end was great though.

Just picked up the season 2 blu-ray at Costco today. I guess I'll re-watch that as a refresher for the upcoming new season.

[Jerjo]

I thought Dance moved a little slow at first but in the last couple hundred pages everything slams together and man, some pretty awesome shit comes down along with the implications of even greater things to come. Definitely a return to form. Combine that with the best of book 4 and HBO will have enough for three seasons right there. See, I said that without a single spoiler.

My wife is a bit divided on the HBO series. Despite her love of horror movies, she is very uncomfortable with the brutality of this world. Some of you may remember from previous threads that she had to watch an episode or two of Merlin after a traumatic episode of GoT. God knows what she'll find now that Merlin is over. Maybe it's time to start on the BBC Robin Hood. But anyway, I showed her the trailer for the new season and she was pissed that there wasn't enough shots of her girl: Arya. Dany comes in second for her but I foresee a scene in this season when my wife will be pumping her fist for the Mother of Dragons.

[MissKittysMom]

Not much spoiler-free to say except that Arya's journey is a strange one, and Dany's journey is a long one. For both, season/book 2 is transformation-in-progress.

[BobM]

The stories and plotlines in the book continue to get more complex and convoluted, with many secondary characters trying to come forward and "play the game" to varying levels of disappointment and limited success. So I applaud HBO in lengthening the series, because trying to capture everything in a book during a single season would leave a lot (a LOT) out. I didn't think they could do this with book 2/season 2, but they did. Not possible for book 3 or 4 or 5 I would imagine, since they already announced book 3 will cover 2 seasons.

In fact, book 4 and 5 are actually happening on a parallel timeline, focusing on a set of characters in each and largely ignoring the others. HBO will likely combine these 2 books into a single timeline over several seasons as well.

We will see. Now We have to hope that Georgie boy doesn't pull a Robert Jordan on us before he is finished with this series (and he doesn't look like the healthiest individual I've seen).

[Yves]

Started in on Season 2 over the weekend. Once again the BluRays looks and sound amazing! The storyline is getting more interesting as well, with the introduction of Stannis, Melisandre, Davos... I'll try to make it last, watching no more than 2 or 3 episodes per week... I'll try... :)

[Jerjo]

Warning, Season 2 spoilers if you haven't caught up. And uh, don't watch this while consuming a beverage to avoid the dreaded monitor spray.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DY6dvlMfntw

[Jerjo]

And we're off and running. Slate has a headline "Margaery Tyrell is the Princess Di of Westeros", which made me chuckle. But one thing is certain, the Tyrells are ready to play the game.

Poor Sam. YOU HAD ONE JOB!

[Jimmy Giant]

If poor Sam did anything but shit himself when all those white walkers cruised past and the last one almost had him for dinner, I'd be shocked. Certainly not the most graceful character. Will he end up saving the day?? I didn't read the books so I don't know his fate. You can only luck out for so long, especially in that universe!

Yeah, I agree the Tyrells know how to play with the big dogs. Margaery is digging deep into Cersei's favor.

...and that nice piece of pie Bron had to leave on the table to go see Tyrion....or did he???

[Jerjo]

I'll say this, Sam is on an interesting journey. But then so is every other character that manages to stay alive.

[NogbadTheBad]

I spent the whole episode going, "who is that?", "didn't they die in the last season?", "I thought they were working with...?"

[zombywoof]

I'd like to see other fantasy novels treated in this fashion. I vote LoTR. We want Bombadill!

[BobM]

They left out Strong Belwas!!!!

[Jerjo]

Yeah, where was Belwas?

[BobM]

They also immediately disclosed the identity of her savior in the marketplace as the ex-captain of the KingsGuard, thereby eliminating his "deception"/"lie" to her and thereby also eliminating how he redeems himself in her eyes in the future (trying not to give too much away to those who didn't read the books).

[Progatron]

They also immediately disclosed the identity of her savior in the marketplace as the ex-captain of the KingsGuard, thereby eliminating his "deception"/"lie" to her and thereby also eliminating how he redeems himself in her eyes in the future (trying not to give too much away to those who didn't read the books).

I assume this was due to the fact that the audience would recognize him since the actor is the same.

[Jerjo]

We might need a separate thread or group for those of us who have read the books just so we don't kill ourselves trying to stifle spoilers. You know, like the ___ __________, or _______ killing ________ . You know, stuff like that.

[NeonKnight]

The forecast is?

http://i47.tinypic.com/2ro3j9i.jpg

Off to a good start, and we did not even get to see Bran or Arya yet.

Hmm, several things quite different then the book already:

Jon's meeting with Mance and his explanation for leaving the Wall was better in the book.

No Strong Belwas! (although I suppose he could show up later.)

The Selmy Dany scene is different also and I think he ID's himself later...

Robb at Harrenhal?

Just select to see the spoiler text. No reason for another thread BTW, if we all simply use white text.

But I don't mind all that much since it is a given that the series has to be different for many reasons. Tyrion's scenes with Cersei and Tywin scenes were fantastic, but Tyrion always steals the show doesn't he?

[Progatron]

Off to a good start, and we did not even get to see Bran or Arya yet.

Or Theon!

[Jerjo]

In the books, we don't see Theon again until the fifth book (which would be season five or six). But from what I have read, they have George's blessing to go into what's happening with him. And gods, it's not good.

[Progatron]

In the books, we don't see Theon again until the fifth book (which would be season five or six). But from what I have read, they have George's blessing to go into what's happening with him. And gods, it's not good.

You know what, I totally forgot that he dropped out of the picture. X) I really need to read that fifth book. It's the strangest thing - I read the first four in a row once the first season had aired. Then I bought book five the day it was released - and never read it. I gotta get to that!

[MissKittysMom]

In the books, we don't see Theon again until the fifth book (which would be season five or six). But from what I have read, they have George's blessing to go into what's happening with him. And gods, it's not good.

Yep. What happens to Theon positively reeks.

[wideopenears]

That weather map is pretty funny..but they should replace the clouds with zombies.

just sayin'....

[Jerjo]

Yep. What happens to Theon positively reeks.

Well played!

[TheNefariousHED]

Seven Hells Yeah! An excellent mashup, indeed.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwF-D5wEEmk

[izz_brian]

NSFW, really, or for family reading...but very funny!

http://www.theonion.com/articles/game-of-thrones-season-3-opens-with-every-characte,31882/

[headcrash]

My god, who is that actress playing the girl that captured Jon Snow? I think she's incredibly sexy.

This poor dumb American could just listen to her say "Jon Snow" all day. What is the origin of her accent; is it Scottish?

[Progatron]

My god, who is that actress playing the girl that captured Jon Snow? I think she's incredibly sexy.

This poor dumb American could just listen to her say "Jon Snow" all day. What is the origin of her accent; is it Scottish?

Ygritte is played by Rose Leslie, who is definitely English, although she may play around a bit with the accent on the show. She was also Gwen in the first season of Downton Abbey, a show that has shared several actors with Game Of Thrones.

Do a Youtube search for Rose Leslie and I'm sure you'll hear her normal speaking voice. :)

[JKL2000]

My god, who is that actress playing the girl that captured Jon Snow? I think she's incredibly sexy.

I know, if I was Jon Snow I would have slept with (and probably been killed by) her in an instant!

BTW, anyone else recognize the kid from the movie "Love, Actually" as the boy (now a teenager) who meets Bran and tells him he's a Warg or whatever?

[JKL2000]

NSFW, really, or for family reading...but very funny!

http://www.theonion.com/articles/game-of-thrones-season-3-opens-with-every-characte,31882/

LOL

[NeonKnight]

I know, if I was Jon Snow I would have slept with (and probably been killed by) her in an instant!



She's alright in a bear skin I guess. Not much of a redhead fan.

Now Margaery on the other hand?

http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120626001423/gameofthrones/images/1/17/Margaery_Tyrell_Valar_Dress.png

...was really looking fine last night. So was Shae, and my my Sansa, is all grown up isn't she.

Setup episode, really continuing from last week. Great Jamie Brienne sword battle. Too bad for Theon they moved his scenes up in order from the book. As stated already, being Theon really "reeks".

Weird seeing “Game Of Thrones” Actors Doing Normal Stuff. (http://www.buzzfeed.com/lyapalater/game-of-thrones-actors-doing-normal-stuff-is-so-weird)

[MissKittysMom]

Definitely weird seeing GOT actors in other stuff. Currently watching Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles, starring Queen Cersei!

[Progatron]

Good episode tonight - I've been waiting for that scene with Jaime (the final scene tonight). But what on EARTH is with the wildly out of place song during the closing credits? I hate when shows do that.

[BobM]

If I remember correctly from the book, didn't they throw Brienne into the bear pit and then have Jaime go in after to save her? Then they cut off his hand. So the closing music referring to the "bear" might make some sense in that context, but not in light of what was actually shown.

[Jerjo]

It was a punk rock version of "The Bear and the Maiden Fair".

The bear pit comes after Jaime loses his hand.

[NeonKnight]

God, I loved that Tyrion moving the chair scene. He who scrapes loudest annoys most!

Sure seems like they are handling Theon way different then the books. Clearly his rescuer is not who he thinks he is....

It's Ramsey the Bolton Bastard.

Got to love the Blackfish too!

[izz_brian]

Okay - so many great scenes from the books played out onscreen last night! I was practically bouncing in my seat. I thought that they were going to give us the entire Beric and the Hound "trial by combat" scene, too, but I think it's good they saved that for next week (I assume). A little bummed that Samwell didn't have a final scene with the mortally-wounded Jeor Mormont, because now he's just running around with no particular goal/instructions (besides saving Gilly and her baby). That's a minor quibble, though. Dany in Astapor was virtually a shot-by-shot recreation of how that scene played in my head when reading it. Beautiful!

[JKL2000]

She's alright in a bear skin I guess. Not much of a redhead fan.

Now Margaery on the other hand? ...was really looking fine last night. So was Shae

Wow, your taste sure is different from mine! :)

[Jerjo]

Dany's scene was a total "oh fuck yeah" moment. My wife looked at the slaver holding onto the leash and said, "oh this isn't going to end well.."

[wideopenears]

The hair on my arms and neck stood up at the final scene, simply brilliant. I watched it twice, in fact, and it still moved me. Best bit yet, IMO. Dany's gonna kick some butt.

[Jerjo]

Looking forward to next week, the Hound is going to have to battle for his life.

Not looking forward to the bear pit - my wife is going to have to watch a couple Merlins after that

[MissKittysMom]

Jeez. I have to wait almost a year for this to show up on iTunes.

Time to reread the books, maybe, if I can figure out how to find the time.

[VickiLynn]

Jeez. I have to wait almost a year for this to show up on iTunes.

Time to reread the books, maybe, if I can figure out how to find the time.

I'm in the same boat as you.

[Jerjo]

One of these days I'm going to compose a long rant for my blog on how media companies just don't get the Internet. Movie studios and of course, the music industry, are the worst.

HBO isn't as clueless as some but they're caught between old school cable and the Internet. They know damn well the most illegally downloaded show in the world is GoT and once you discount those that download just because it's free, that still leaves a huge amount of people that only dl because it's the only way they can get it. There's a substantial amount of folks that do not have cable and just stream all their TV. HBO has their "Go" network but that's only available to those who have cable and even then, your provider has to have Go or you don't get it. I get my HBO off a small rural provider and they are not signed up for Go just because it's beyond their means. If HBO started uploading content, they'd be pissing off their subscribers and providers, which are their bread and butter. They need a solution because even though they're making a ton of money off these series that get so much attention, there is still this enormous population that want to watch their stuff but for some reason can't.

[JKL2000]

Well, well - Brienne of Tarth's ass isn't half bad!

[Progatron]

Well, well - Brienne of Tarth's ass isn't half bad!

Agreed, although that could have been a body double the way it was filmed. Whoever it was earlier in the thread who was drooling over Ygritte must have enjoyed tonight's episode as well. ;)

Excellent closing scene tonight. Great episode overall, advanced pretty much all the storylines.

[Jerjo]

I think my wife now has a different opinion of Jaime Lanister, or at least his body. And yeah, I think that was Brienne's real bum. Pretty much an ass-person's dream episode tonight no matter what your preference.

Some good writing tonight, the way the scenes flowed, the stories advanced. That little Lannister family meeting was excellent.

http://25.media.tumblr.com/22f66e98672a7d1a5dbf642092a05b62/tumblr_mlqd49BJYG1r7q3cso10_1280.jpg

[JKL2000]

I think my wife now has a different opinion of Jaime Lanister, or at least his body.

She hasn't lost a hand, she's gained an ass. ;)

[Jerjo]

Jaime's monologue in the bath was riveting. When he asks her if she would have done the same if it were Renly...(shudders)

[BobM]

Agreed. Lots of great stuff last night that is especially enjoyed by those of us who read the books, I would think.

- Jaime is now obviously starting to respect Brienne.
- You get an initial glimpse of what the Lord of Light can do, outside of creating shadow assassins.
- The new Lannister marriages to come.

[JKL2000]

You know the people who have Arya? Can someone who's read the books explain a bit who the hell they are? It's pretty unclear. Also, who are the people who are holding Theon Greyjoy? Why is he their captive, and when did they take him prisoner?

[Jerjo]

Also, who are the people who are holding Theon Greyjoy? Why is he their captive, and when did they take him prisoner?

In the books, Theon's fate wasn't known for a couple books. They're improvising a little but it's fine for us book readers. It would ruin it for you to reveal who is holding him but Theon is in for a wretched existence.

The guys that have Arya are the Brotherhood without Banners. They're a guerrilla group formed from the remnants of the force that Ned Stark sent out to capture Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane. They're just fighting for truth, justice, and the Stark way. By the end of the third book they get a new leader who let's just say will fine-tune their focus.

[JKL2000]

In the books, Theon's fate wasn't known for a couple books. They're improvising a little but it's fine for us book readers. It would ruin it for you to reveal who is holding him but Theon is in for a wretched existence.

Wasn't the last we saw of Theon, before he was on the rack, when his own men hit him over the head after his speech? I feel like the transition was directly from that to him being on the rack. Or am I forgetting something?

[JKL2000]

Oh, one more thing - is that Diana Rigg playing the old hag who's planning Margaery's wedding? That's who my wife pegged her as.

[Sunhillow]

Did anyone notice the heartbreaking 'Patchface'-song at the ending credits, sung by Shireen. I replayed it a couple of times.

[Jerjo]

I did notice it was her voice but had a hard time placing the song. I take it Patchface is not going to be cast so it was a nice reference for the readers.

[Sunhillow]

I agree, yet I regret that. Timothy Spalton would do a great Patchface!

[NeonKnight]

Oh, one more thing - is that Diana Rigg playing the old hag who's planning Margaery's wedding? That's who my wife pegged her as.

Wow, that's a great call by your wife, it is indeed Diana. I never would have guessed, but I do know I would have banged the hell out of the lovely Miss Rigg back in the day.

As for your Theon question, Jerjo is right, careful we tread around spoilers, but the return to the rack is the latest scene for him.

This episode was pretty damn good, loved the Beric/Hound battle, pretty close to how I pictured things when I read the books. I really hope they stay true to Arya's character, she is one of my favorite Martin characters. Anyone else notice that the Beric character is a different actor this year? I believe he and Ned Stark may have had an encounter in season 1?

Jamie's scene with Brienne was really very well done, and begins to reveal at last that there is a lot more to Jamie's character than first impressions. Martin's characters are such beautiful studies in grey, as opposed to Tolkien's much more black&white character tendencies.

Finally, Charles Dance as Tywin knocks it out of the park again with his infuriating offspring, great, great last scene.

[Jimmy Giant]

Yes, old lady Tyrell is Diana Rigg. Avenger's Emma Peel and On Her Secret Majesty Bond girl.
Time is a tough old bastard, ain't it?

[izz_brian]

The guys that have Arya are the Brotherhood without Banners. They're a guerrilla group formed from the remnants of the force that Ned Stark sent out to capture Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane.
I haven't read any interviews with GRRM that acknowledge this, so it's purely my own speculation. The Brotherhood without Banners feels like a Martin riff on the Robin Hood legend. Band of outlaws who live by a strong moral code, serving in the memory an honorable yet absent king as a tyrannical pretender holds the throne. Thoros = Friar Tuck, Tom Sevenstrings = Alan a Dale, etc. Sort of the Westerosi / Christopher Nolan, "darker, grittier" Merry Men. :)

[izz_brian]

Posting on my own post. Came back here, re-read it and realized that I made an inadvertently stupid comment. Whereas I should have said, "...it's unsubstantiated speculation," I wrote, "...it's PURELY MY OWN speculation." For the record, I'm not so egotistical/deluded as to think that, a) I alone am capable of discovering hidden meaning in Game of Thrones, and b) that the Brotherhood = Merry Men observation hasn't also been made by a million other readers/viewers. I merely meant that I haven't read any comments about it from George RR Martin himself.

That's all. Carry on. :)

[wideopenears]

Well, one obvious difference...Robin Hood didn't keep coming back to life, eh?

the "Religious" or "magical" angle is interesting....

[izz_brian]

Well, one obvious difference...Robin Hood didn't keep coming back to life, eh?

Yep. If GRRM was inspired by the Robin Hood legend, it was just as a starting template. The Brotherhood Without Banners has a VERY DIFFERENT story arc, when all is said and done. No spoilers for those who haven't read the books. Truly, I'm wondering if they are going to change that storyline for the HBO show. I think it's really cool in the books, but don't know if it would ring true on the TV version. I suppose the requisite supernatural elements have already been introduced, so who knows?

[MissKittysMom]

I think it's more of a case that Martin did his homework in medieval culture, both the nobility and the commoners. These books bear a strong imprint of the War of the Roses (Yorks and Lancasters, and the child-king Henry VI) and the hundred years war. Roving brigands were extremely common.

[BobM]

What is actually pretty funny is that Martin is now considered the father of this new genre of raw, badass fantasy with historical leanings into "Camelot"-style medevil history. Not so if you look into his earlier works. Seems he just found something that worked and went with it big time for his breakthrough. I guess that's what it's all about for a writer.

Anyone check out his other stuff? What is worth reading among that?

[MissKittysMom]

I read Martin's Sandkings when it first came out in the early 80s. It was an impressive piece for a new writer, and quite unsettling.

[Jerjo]

Look for the short story A Song for Lya. It's in several collections but it was one of his best early works.

[JKL2000]

Are they ever going to explain what the thing is that John Snow did with his tongue?

[Progatron]

Slightly more low-key episode last night, more setting up. Pretty good overall I guess.


Are they ever going to explain what the thing is that John Snow did with his tongue?

It involves a little man in a canoe.

[wideopenears]

The Theon subplot is really bothering me.....I haven't read "Dance with Dragons" yet, but this particular thread is......a divergent one, I think? Overall, a good episode, though...."A Sword Swallower through and through" had my son and I laughing out loud...

[NeonKnight]

One of the stronger episodes of the year, despite a relative lack of action, besides Jon and Yrigtte's Wall climbing and Theon's lovely little manicure scene.

I had to watch the Varys-Littlefinger scene over again, in show, it was that F-ing good!

"Chaos is a ladder"

But that scene was matched by the wonderful Tywin-Olenna scene, which demanded a rewind also! :ipa

But then again, the Melisandre-Arya scene was also so well done, though I am starting to recognize some more changes from the books...That was one of them as is the idea of a Cersei-Loras marriage...but the show is done so awesomely well anyway, it doesn't even matter remotely.

[JKL2000]

There was one brief gimpse of Hodor too, to keep the legion of Hodor fans (of which I am one) happy.

http://store.hbo.com/img/product/resized/184/00362322-514184_catl_500.jpg?k=d46bb572&pid=362322&s=catl&sn=hbo

[JKL2000]

Another good GoT shirt:

http://i1.cpcache.com/product/642105246/game_of_thrones_tyrion_lannister_tshirt.jpg?height =380&width=380

[Jimmy Giant]

Unfortunately I'm a slow reader, so I miss out on things I would otherwise really enjoy. My wife, the English Major on the other hand, can read in her sleep and I can't fathom how anyone can retain information read that fast.

She plowed through all these books in record time because she couldn't put them down. But I get to know the differences with the show and the books which I find fascinating.

That being said, it appears that the Theon torturing in the show is pretty tame compared to the book. I guess they really tear him apart. How far will they go in the show?

There's been some killer dialog this season. I think the Sword Swallower line may have only been outdone by the Crastor Bastard line. But I was rolling at both. This show is simply the best TV available.

I love that Hodor shirt. I run around saying "Hodo, huh huh huh". I have to get me one if I can find it.

[JKL2000]

^ There's an HBO official merchandise page, so you can find it there. My son has the House Targaryen shirt.

[izz_brian]

Are they ever going to explain what the thing is that John Snow did with his tongue?

A lot of wives wish their husbands shared your inquisitiveness. ;) Methinks your average wildling male isn't the most giving of lovers.

[Jerjo]

I believe in the books that the "tongue" thing was a specialty of Lord Tyrion. Perhaps the Imp told Snow of it saying "if you have an opportunity to break your vows, this is your opening move."

[JKL2000]

I don't blame Robb for being distracted last night, if you know what I mean.

[Progatron]

I don't blame Robb for being distracted last night, if you know what I mean.

Nor I.

And hey, how about this?

http://mobile.avclub.com/articles/game-of-thrones-badass-bronn-used-to-be-a-cuddly-b,96084/?mobile=true

[Jerjo]

Poor Theon...that truly was the unkindest cut.

[JKL2000]

Who is Bronn? I can't remember. For a second I thought it was him who played Brienn or however she spells her name.

[Jerjo]

Bronn is the badass that Tyrion has employed.

[JKL2000]

Bronn is the badass that Tyrion has employed.

Funny! It was easier to recognize Dianna Rigg!

[headcrash]

http://www.happyplace.com/23906/game-of-thrones-facebook-recap-season-3-episode-7

This is pretty funny stuff!

[Progatron]

http://www.happyplace.com/23906/game-of-thrones-facebook-recap-season-3-episode-7

This is pretty funny stuff!

I was enjoying it silently, I thought that it was.... clever, and I smirked now and then.

Until I got to Drogon The Dragon posting the photo meme saying "COME AT ME BRO" and then I laughed uncontrollably! Totally worth it from that moment on. :D

[JKL2000]

^ F*ck! I wasn't supposed to know that guy's a Warg! I had to stop reading...

[Joe F.]

^
F*ck! I wasn't supposed to know that guy's a Warg! I had to stop reading...

Are you talking about Orell?

One of the first times, if not the first time they showed him, he was doin' his warg thing.

[JKL2000]

Are you talking about Orell?

One of the first times, if not the first time they showed him, he was doin' his warg thing.

Oh, I guess he was. I forgot.

Good episode last night!!

My son says that Samwell dropped his dagger after killing the wight (or whatever it was). Is he supposed to have lost it? That would suck. I assume there's something magical about that dagger.

[NeonKnight]

Yeah another good episode. Sam did drop the dagger/spear head. This might be semi-spoilerish:

It is Dragonglass that Sam found at the Fist last season. There may be more of it, since there was a bag of artifacts found.

Tyrion killed it this episode. Great line to Joffery about the "wooden cock". Also nice to see Stannis coming back into the picture, great scene with him and Davos in the dungeon.

Oh and getting to see Dany and Melisandre and their lovely rears in one episode is always a bonus.

[Progatron]

Sam killing the walker with his obsidian dagger was actually supposed to happen at the end of season 2. I guess they played around slightly with the timeline (as they have been doing with Theon). Sam's Night's Watch brothers were supposed to have witnessed it and call him "Sam The Slayer" from then on.

Another change is Melisandre bringing Gendry to Stannis. In the books, that was a completely different character (also a bastard of Robert) named Edric Storm but I guess they didn't want to add his character. There are minor changes all over the place, actually, but I don't want to say anything that could be taken as a spoiler.

[JKL2000]

Oh and getting to see Dany and Melisandre and their lovely rears in one episode is always a bonus.

That was "must see TV."

[NeonKnight]

Sam killing the walker with his obsidian dagger was actually supposed to happen at the end of season 2. I guess they played around slightly with the timeline (as they have been doing with Theon). Sam's Night's Watch brothers were supposed to have witnessed it and call him "Sam The Slayer" from then on.

Another change is Melisandre bringing Gendry to Stannis. In the books, that was a completely different character (also a bastard of Robert) named Edric Storm but I guess they didn't want to add his character. There are minor changes all over the place, actually, but I don't want to say anything that could be taken as a spoiler.

They have been playing with the book timeline all along. Last year they pulled some of the third book into the second season to fill out Jon's POV. Same thing this year with some of book 4 coming in to to play with at least several characters - Jamie, Theon and Bran.

For the most part I can't argue with the changes, given the different factors in a limited TV series, and for the fact that GRR himself is on all the credits, so hopefully approved for those of us who don't want book spoilers for the end game books he has not written yet...

[Progatron]

the fact that GRR himself is on all the credits, so hopefully approved for those of us who don't want book spoilers for the end game books he has not written yet...

Good point. At the rate the TV show moves, how long until it catches up with books 6 & 7?

Edit: Here's an article on that very subject:

http://mobile.avclub.com/articles/game-of-thrones-is-already-thinking-about-its-end,97922/?mobile=true

[Sunhillow]

And here am I eagerly awaiting S03E09. But no episode this week thanks to your US Memorial Day :(
That's just brutal!
It better be an important holiday for US citizens.

[Jerjo]

It's a pretty big one. We honor the military veterans with ceremonies big and small. Plus it gives most people in the country Monday off, so it's a big kickoff to summer as well. Not many watching TV and HBO saw a dip in ratings. For most tourist destinations, this is the weekend that their season begins.

I saw a somewhat spoiler free synopsis of the next episode and like Baelor & Blackwater from the previous seasons, episode 9 will be the motherfucker of the season with the final episode wrapping up a few things.

[Jimmy Giant]

It better be an important holiday for US citizens.

Um, yes it is for those of us that remember the service men/women that fight the good fight for the rest of us.
Very important indeed. And I thank them for their service, especially on this day. This includes my wife, active Commander in the Navy.

That being said, why they chose to air a Liberace movie instead of GoT makes no sense whatsoever. Don't most people DVR these shows when they're not home? Believe me, I'm itching like a crackhead for the next episode!

[JKL2000]

I'm going through ass withdrawal.

[Sunhillow]

Um, yes it is for those of us that remember the service men/women that fight the good fight for the rest of us.
Very important indeed. And I thank them for their service, especially on this day. This includes my wife, active Commander in the Navy.

That being said, why they chose to air a Liberace movie instead of GoT makes no sense whatsoever. Don't most people DVR these shows when they're not home? Believe me, I'm itching like a crackhead for the next episode!


It's a pretty big one. We honor the military veterans with ceremonies big and small. Plus it gives most people in the country Monday off, so it's a big kickoff to summer as well. Not many watching TV and HBO saw a dip in ratings. For most tourist destinations, this is the weekend that their season begins.

I saw a somewhat spoiler free synopsis of the next episode and like Baelor & Blackwater from the previous seasons, episode 9 will be the motherfucker of the season with the final episode wrapping up a few things.

I know! I was awaiting this episode since I've read the book!

But as for the remembering, my apologies. I didn't know this was such a big thing in the States. We of course have similar days (4th a 5th of May), and it's always important to remember the price some had to pay to ensure us our freedom.

Hope we won't throw it away it the near future, seeing events in Stockholm/London/Paris. The night is long and full of terror. Winter is coming. Game of Thrones is indeed a good series!

[BobM]

Yeah, we watched the Liberace movie instead. Both my wife and I had gay nightmares that night :-)

I remember watching him growing up. Amazing showman and a damn fine stunt-pianist. But everyone knew he was gay back then. It was hard to miss.

[Jimmy Giant]

About the Memorial Day thing, it is a shame that more people don't remember the reason for the holiday. Most of us really don't advocate war (and we're actually quite sick of it right now), but when it's necessary, we need to respect those that have given their time or their lives for the rest.

And as for the Liberace thing, I was torn about watching that. He was a great performer and I also remember seeing some of his TV specials in the 70's. But I don't know if I can take watching that movie though. How accurate was it? I think they may have taken too many liberties to embellish the real story. It IS cable!

So what, is there only 2 GoT left for the season? That's real cruelty not just making it a 20 episode season. Always leave them wanting more I suppose.

[Progatron]

So what, is there only 2 GoT left for the season?

Yep, but just you wait to see what happens. ;) :cool

[Jerjo]

Watched the Liberace movie off the DVR. Man, what a cast. From what I understand it's built off his boyfriend's book so some of it should be taken with a grain of salt. Hard to picture Liberace's side of it - he did not come off well but any 60-year-old that seduces someone in their late teens isn't anyone's idea of a saint. I guess the diet pill plastic surgeon blew his brains out, heavily addicted to speed and alcohol. And I did not recognize Debbie Reynolds at all but she was wicked.

Merlin is coming to its tragic end and my wife is going to need a marathon of it to get through the next episode of GoT.

[Jerjo]

Watched the Liberace movie off the DVR. Man, what a cast. From what I understand it's built off his boyfriend's book so some of it should be taken with a grain of salt. Hard to picture Liberace's side of it - he did not come off well but any 60-year-old that seduces someone in their late teens isn't anyone's idea of a saint. I guess the diet pill plastic surgeon blew his brains out, heavily addicted to speed and alcohol. And I did not recognize Debbie Reynolds at all but she was wicked.

Merlin is coming to its tragic end and my wife is going to need a marathon of it to get through the next episode of GoT.

I assume everyone has seen this: http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2013/05/27/jimmy-fallons-game-of-desks-video/

[MissKittysMom]

the next episode of GoT.

Is there going to be a wedding? I love weddings!

[Sunhillow]

Is there going to be a wedding? I love weddings!

:rofl

[Jerjo]

Is there going to be a wedding? I love weddings!

You're an evil woman and admire that in you.

[MissKittysMom]

You're an evil woman and admire that in you.

Ambrose Bierce defined "inappropriateness" as "attempting to hold divine services during a dog fight in church."

I aim to be inappropriate.

[Jimmy Giant]

My wife has read the books, so she surmised what might happen by this seasons end. (since they have changed things around a bit, nothing seems to be cast in stone). So she may have kinda spoiled it for me. But that being said, if she's right, I'm gonna be loving every minute of it!

As far as Liberace, I don't think Michael Douglas plays piano does he? Or do they just briefly touch on his talented playing and just focus on his relationship? Yeah, the age thing really makes this creepy.

[Jerjo]

There were some shots of the piano playing that looked damn convincing - I don't know how they shot it. Was Liberace a decent pianist? I heard he debuted with the Chicago Symphony but decided being an entertainer paid far better.

My wife has forbidden I hint at anything. The only thing she has asked of the books is if Arya is still alive, and if the dragons are still in business. I have warned her that epic hurt is coming this season but nothing more than that.

[Jimmy Giant]

From what I remember seeing, Liberace was a killer pianist. I don't know if he was a concert pianist, but I would guess yes. He had amazingly fast and fluid playing. If there wasn't much about his playing in the movie, I'll totally give that a miss.

[BobM]

Yes, I think Michael Douglas plays piano, but some of those scenes made him look damn good. Hooray for digital manipulation, I think. Liberace was amazingly fast and fluid. I think he probably could have played anything, and played it well, but he liked the glam of being a pop star rather than the stuffiness of the classical world (duh). I do find it hard to believe that his stardom was paid so elaborately well that he could afford all that was depicted in the movie.

[Jimmy Giant]

Well, he was a Vegas staple for many years. I lived there 3 years, but never desired to go to the Liberace Museum. He must have made his fortune there. He was absolutely huge in the 70's with steady Vegas gigs and regular TV specials. They paid shitloads of money back then.

Still bugs me that they do a movie like this and his talent plays second fiddle to the pomp.
Don't know why this still surprises me anymore. This world is so f'd up.

[Jerjo]

Hodor

[Progatron]

Hodor

There should be a user named Hodor who just chimes in every so often with "Hodor"s. :D

Tonight's episode is going to be a corker guys, watch out!

[Jerjo]

Nothing like a wedding episode on a hit TV show to bring smiles to everyone's face!

My wife is quite drunk right now but not numb enough. She's got 3 Merlins in the DVR but shit, they kill Arthur in the last one.

[Klonk]

Holy. Fuckin'. Shit.

[Paulie]

:O:O:O:O:O

[Progatron]

Imagine the shock of reading that scene in the books! I was blown away. They did a good job in the show, although again with a couple of minor changes (not enough to bother me though).

[Jimmy Giant]

Yeah, as soon as the music started playing and the doors were shut I knew what was coming.
Very good Godfather like delivery.
But Damn!!!

Hodor....
Huhhuhhuh

....can Bran fix him????

[BobM]

Notice there was just silence during the credits. No closing music. The producers knew the audience would be stunned by that one.

At least they left the "feel-good" ending for the season closer.

[MissKittysMom]

And the "feel-good" ending would be the next wedding?

[Jerjo]

I think that particular wedding will be mid-season next year and the fallout pushes to the grand "where do whores go" finale. Those two, plus everything going down on the Wall should make the fourth season memorable.

[NeonKnight]

Been looking forward to the Red Wedding and the reactions since day 1. As usual, even though there were significant changes made from the book, I thought HBO delivered a fabulous bloody Red wedding. And the reactions from the unread have been so sweet.

However, it has been at least a decade since I read Storm and I thought there might have been a scene where the Starks wanted to carry some weapons at the reception, but the Freys objected and Robb backed down in favor of making amends for his betrothal to Jeyne Westerling.

On the other hand, my recall ain't what it used to be, and I don't have the book to check.

Probably makes no difference anyway, but if that was how the book went, I think it would have been nice to show the Starks giving up their weapons before the big stickfest.

[MissKittysMom]

I agree that the next real "fun" of the rest of the book is likely to get front-loaded into season 4. I just can't imagine what HBO will do for the season finale.

[NogbadTheBad]

Oh my F'ing God, The minute they closed the doors I knew what was going to happen but the heck, the only Stark's left are the dumb teenager, the bastard & the feisty young uns?

[Progatron]

it has been at least a decade since I read Storm and I thought there might have been a scene where the Starks wanted to carry some weapons at the reception, but the Freys objected and Robb backed down in favor of making amends for his betrothal to Jeyne Westerling.

Yes, that's true. Another difference in the books is that Catelyn doesn't kill a wife of Walder Frey but his dimwit grandson Jinglebell. Also, The Red Wedding didn't just earn its name from the deaths of Robb and Catelyn, but three thousand Stark bannermen as well. And I won't say anything else for risk of spoilers, but I'm hoping one other particularly macabre aspect of Robb's death is shown in the next episode.

[NogbadTheBad]

Ok so this is where I have to start ignoring this thread until next weeks show :)

[BobM]

I'm betting that the closing scene for the season is Bran being led into the great white north (no spoiler here to say what is unique about that).

[Jerjo]

the only Stark's left are the dumb teenager, the bastard & the feisty young uns?

In reference to the dumb teenager, I'll give you a slight hint of what's to come. She's learning to play the game. It's a steep curve but she's got the will.

[JKL2000]

WTF? We went two weeks without an episode - I was expecting some asses, not some slit throats!!


Hodor!

[izz_brian]

...I won't say anything else for risk of spoilers, but I'm hoping one other particularly macabre aspect of Robb's death is shown in the next episode.

If you are referring to what I think you are, I would be okay NOT seeing it. I can't imagine the sight of it would have the proper impact, and could end up looking silly. I seem to recall that in the book it was divulged in a conversation, and not actually observed by any of the POV characters.

[NeonKnight]

If you are referring to what I think you are, I would be okay NOT seeing it. I can't imagine the sight of it would have the proper impact, and could end up looking silly. I seem to recall that in the book it was divulged in a conversation, and not actually observed by any of the POV characters.

I figure what you guys are talking about is...

....Robb's severed head attached to the headless body of his wolf...

...and brian has it exactly right, it was talked about, but not actually observed by the characters.

For that reason, I agree with you, it would be fine if the characters discuss it, (was it Tyrion in the book?), but not actually show the damn thing.

Naturally, since this is HBO after all, (which means they can) they probably will show it just for the pure shock value. :bad

[izz_brian]

I figure what you guys are talking about is...

Yep, at least that's what I assume was being referenced. I keep thinking of Sarah Jessica Parker in Mars Attacks*...and that doesn't scream, "The Horror!" I think people will nervously giggle or roll their eyes if they see it onscreen, but you are probably right that HBO will give it a go anyway.

* Correction: I originally referred to Pierce Brosnan in Mars Attacks, but in searching Google Images, I realized that I had misremembered which actor underwent that "Robb Stark-ish" fate.

Link would definitely count as a spoiler...you have been warned.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=sarah+jessica+parker+mars+attacks&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=sarah+jessica+parker+mars+attacks&sc=1-33&sp=-1&sk=

[JKL2000]

That was a pretty good episode, but still - where's the ass?

[Jerjo]

They had to leave some ass for True Blood which begins next Sunday. Buckets and buckets of ass needed on True Blood.

You know, Martin only implied that Reek's pants might fit a little looser. I guess they decided that we needed more than a hint.

For book readers, shouldn't we have seen Cold Hands by now?

[izz_brian]

Wow. Having only recently finished Storm of Swords, I figured there were some major storylines they would have to hold off on, until next season. There was no good way to start them and then pause; no clear "cliffhanger" point. As such, there were a lot of drawn-out scenes (I felt), and a lot of added material. The added material really leaves me questioning how some important storylines may play out on TV (versus the book):

1) Sansa actually joking/bonding with Tyrion...THAT was unexpected.

2) Shae...the way they are portraying her, and her scene with Varys, makes me question if they are going to spin that story out in a different direction. I can't see TV Shae behaving like book Shae.

3) Joffrey WAY-overstepping his bounds with Tywin. Holy s***! You DON'T speak to Tywin Lannister like that. Maybe Lord Tywin could be convinced to chip in on a special group present for Joffrey and Margaery's wedding. ;)

I feel like there was another big change I'm forgetting about at the moment. Lots of sequences broken up, such as Ygritte confronting and shooting Jon Snow after the earlier face-off with Orell, not during that sequence. I guess it allowed for an emotional one-on-one confrontation, but mostly felt like a way to stretch out their split. The Yunkai scene also felt really glacially-paced. Once again, I'm sure the thinking was that it created tension; will they, or won't they embrace Daenerys/Mhysa. I have to imagine that at this point, even non book-reader fans knew how this one would come out. Maybe not; after the Red Wedding, their mistrust walls must be raised high.

[Jimmy Giant]

HODOR.............HODor...........HOdor.........ho dor

Wow, some great Hodoring in the last episode. Good enough to add reverb and delay!!!
Was funny as hell seeing him yell into the well and smiling like an idiot!

That's one character I hope doesn't get white-walkered!

[wideopenears]

I am now going through withdrawal already.....anyone know when the next season starts?

[Progatron]

I am now going through withdrawal already.....anyone know when the next season starts?

Filming this summer, airing Spring 2014.

[JKL2000]

Spring? Spring?!

I'm pretty sure John Snow could have gotten some make-up sex from Ygritte before she shot him."

[Jerjo]

Well, like Ned, his notion of honor got in the way. Jon knows nothing.

[wideopenears]

Well, Jon did know SOMETHING.....Ygritte wondered about that special kiss of his, after all....

:)

[izz_brian]

Naturally, since this is HBO after all, (which means they can) they probably will show it just for the pure shock value. :bad

And...<ding ding ding> we have a winner! You called it, and just as I suspected, the visual lacked the horrific kick it needed to be truly effective. Oh well. It was still a good episode. Game of Thrones definitely likes to save their shocking scenes for the penultimate episodes of each season, and their season finales serve as the docking bay where they refuel for the next journey.

[NeonKnight]

And...<ding ding ding> we have a winner! You called it, and just as I suspected, the visual lacked the horrific kick it needed to be truly effective. Oh well. It was still a good episode. Game of Thrones definitely likes to save their shocking scenes for the penultimate episodes of each season, and their season finales serve as the docking bay where they refuel for the next journey.

Thanks, brian! What do I win?

(My choice of the Frey girls, blow the roof off reception included.)

I also appreciate your overlooking my prediction reversed the location of the various body parts...in fact my way actually would have been a better match to general expectations of HBO shock value.

[NeonKnight]

Wow. Having only recently finished Storm of Swords, I figured there were some major storylines they would have to hold off on, until next season. There was no good way to start them and then pause; no clear "cliffhanger" point. As such, there were a lot of drawn-out scenes (I felt), and a lot of added material. The added material really leaves me questioning how some important storylines may play out on TV (versus the book):

My situation is a little different, having read Storm only once about a decade ago. However, I have read the entire series up through Dance of Dragons, so of course I have certain expectations for storylines that I feel will have to play out the same way. I think we can expect some minor changes, as we've seen already, but nothing that should be too upsetting to the book plot, like certain characters surviving/not surviving any subsequent events from this point forward etc.

But my sister is currently reading Storm for the first time, so she also has provided some more recently read insight on how the book is different from HBO in what she finds significant ways. In fact, to my surprise, she seems to prefer the HBO version in many cases, for instance she likes Selmy's less complex arrival on Dany's side in the show. This is the first season where she was able to read about events in GOT before they occurred on screen and she now prefers being shocked by a scene like The Red Wedding, over knowing about it in advance as a book reader.

Of course I will never know how that feels, but it is an interesting perspective. I really wonder if she can go the whole year without ripping through Feast of Crows and Dance of Dragons?


1) Sansa actually joking/bonding with Tyrion...THAT was unexpected.

Could this be an example of the show improving on the original?


2) Shae...the way they are portraying her, and her scene with Varys, makes me question if they are going to spin that story out in a different direction. I can't see TV Shae behaving like book Shae.

I think here we have a case of the show recognizing a good asset when they have it. Fine natural acting is not easy to come by, and I think they like who they have with Shae, and are enhancing her role, like they did with Robb's wife, or with Ros. Fine with me, as long as the main characters stay pretty true.


3) Joffrey WAY-overstepping his bounds with Tywin. Holy s***! You DON'T speak to Tywin Lannister like that. Maybe Lord Tywin could be convinced to chip in on a special group present for Joffrey and Margaery's wedding. ;)

I defer to you as a recent book reader, but I seem to remember Joffrey standing up to Tywin in the book at some point? Anyways, that scene was a real good one. The other point to consider is how ballsy Tyrion is with his murderous nephew, so soon after his last confrontation at his wedding. No doubt he feels empowered now that he knows Tywin needs an heir for Winterfell from his marriage to Sansa.

His watch has just begun...


I feel like there was another big change I'm forgetting about at the moment. Lots of sequences broken up, such as Ygritte confronting and shooting Jon Snow after the earlier face-off with Orell, not during that sequence. I guess it allowed for an emotional one-on-one confrontation, but mostly felt like a way to stretch out their split. The Yunkai scene also felt really glacially-paced. Once again, I'm sure the thinking was that it created tension; will they, or won't they embrace Daenerys/Mhysa. I have to imagine that at this point, even non book-reader fans knew how this one would come out. Maybe not; after the Red Wedding, their mistrust walls must be raised high.

Yes, I felt that they forced that Yunkai scene on us as the final scene, almost like they now always have to finish with a Dany POV. I think they really liked that final airborn shot of the new goddess, and just could not resist.

I disagree with your earlier statement about no natural cliffhanger points. Major spoilers ahead:

Fairly obvious one IMV is Catelyn's dead body being thrown in the river. Perhaps even washing up and being found by the Brotherhood. I think the epilog even features Lady Stoneheart.

[JKL2000]

And...<ding ding ding> we have a winner! You called it, and just as I suspected, the visual lacked the horrific kick it needed to be truly effective. Oh well. It was still a good episode. Game of Thrones definitely likes to save their shocking scenes for the penultimate episodes of each season, and their season finales serve as the docking bay where they refuel for the next journey.

Wait, are you talking about Theon Greyjoy's latest loss? They didn't show it.

[BobM]

Here's some news for rabid fans with both money and time on their hands

http://www.nbcnews.com/travel/more-shocking-red-wedding-game-thrones-walking-tours-launch-6C10215234

[izz_brian]

I disagree with your earlier statement about no natural cliffhanger points.

Yeah, that would have been a great cliffhanger. I was thinking in a very "book-linear" way, so things that haven't happened onscreen yet would "have to happen first" before we got there. Which, of course, doesn't make sense from a truly chronological perspective.

[izz_brian]

Wait, are you talking about Theon Greyjoy's latest loss? They didn't show it.

No, I was thinking of some very sloppy taxidermy.

[Progatron]

Wait, are you talking about Theon Greyjoy's latest loss? They didn't show it.

No, the combination mutilation of Robb Stark and his direwolf. And I agree, it wasn't as horrific as I imagined it when reading the book. In fact, I wonder how many people even understood what that even was.

[Joe F.]

No, the combination mutilation of Robb Stark and his direwolf. And I agree, it wasn't as horrific as I imagined it when reading the book. In fact, I wonder how many people even understood what that even was.

Well they were chanting "All hail the King of the North" as the pranced the body around. ;)

[NeonKnight]

No, the combination mutilation of Robb Stark and his direwolf. And I agree, it wasn't as horrific as I imagined it when reading the book. In fact, I wonder how many people even understood what that even was.

I think the Arya scene later on in the episode, when she hears the Frey soldiers bragging about their trophy, was pretty much the only description Martin used in the book. Probably would have been more effective if they left it at that, without actually showing the damn thing.

Speaking of the King of the North rising again, looks like there is a new role for Robb:


Gold Rush Drama Heads to Discovery in 2014 with Epic Mini-Series Klondike (http://blogs.discovery.com/show-news/2013/06/gold-rush-drama-heads-to-discovery-in-2014-with-epic-mini-series-klondike.html)

[JKL2000]

Wait, are you talking about Theon Greyjoy's latest loss? They didn't show it.


No, the combination mutilation of Robb Stark and his direwolf. And I agree, it wasn't as horrific as I imagined it when reading the book. In fact, I wonder how many people even understood what that even was.

Oh, I see. I couldn't really tell what it was, though my son figured it out.

[BobM]

A fun link for those of you who are caught up on the TV show or have read Book 3. SPOILER ALERT for those who haven't gotten there:

http://gawker.com/6-minutes-of-people-losing-their-shit-over-last-nights-511100650

Also, check out George Martin's reply to his fans over at College Humor (sorry, I can't get that link to post it here from work - blocked).

[JKL2000]

Hey, what the hell happened to Littlefinger?

[Progatron]

Hey, what the hell happened to Littlefinger?

Oh, don't you worry about Littlefinger! Just you wait, my friend. ;)

[Jerjo]

I had to think what Littlefinger is up to and then I remembered what he does a little further down the road. Still having an evil little chuckle at what that bastard pulls off.

[Progatron]

I had to think what Littlefinger is up to and then I remembered what he does a little further down the road. Still having an evil little chuckle at what that bastard pulls off.

I'm ever wary of even spoiler hints, I'll just say that Littlefinger not only has a couple of awesome moments down the road (and I think I know the big one you mean, that involves a character from season one of the show that most people have probably forgotten about), but he also reveals just how important he's been all along, going all the way back to the beginning of the story. Awesome character, excellent actor too.

[JKL2000]

It's kid of weird how he's just disappeared for the last couple of episodes though, isn't it?

[BobM]

Well he kind of disappears in the books for a little bit too, only to come back in a higher position of power and a reveal of another piece of his master plan. He truly is Varys with balls.

[MissKittysMom]

When pushed, Varys will say that he works for the good of the realm. I don't remember Littlefinger ever mentioning such altruistic motives.

[Progatron]

Littlefinger is even less trustworthy than Varys. Believe me, he'll be back.

[izz_brian]

When pushed, Varys will say that he works for the good of the realm. I don't remember Littlefinger ever mentioning such altruistic motives.

Indeed, Littlefinger is not in the habit of being on the receiving end of a push.

[Jerjo]

I see what you did there sir. Well played izz, well played.

[Jerjo]

Oh, to have been in New Mexico

http://www.tor.com/blogs/2014/01/george-r-r-martin-maisie-williams-cocteau-wolf

[wideopenears]

very cool little blog story, that.....

thanks!

[Yves]

We seriously need Book 6 already! I think it was Martin's intent to write just enough books to land this TV deal, make his money, and let some underwriters finish the novels for him! ;)

Speaking of the show, I still haven't seen season 3 yet. I believe the BluRay comes out February 17. Will buy it immediately, of course! Without any spoilers (for others, I know the story well), are they sticking to the storylines or are the divergences becoming more obvious ?

[JKL2000]

http://i.imgur.com/zuWy9lm.gif

[Pr33t]

We seriously need Book 6 already! I think it was Martin's intent to write just enough books to land this TV deal, make his money, and let some underwriters finish the novels for him! ;)

Speaking of the show, I still haven't seen season 3 yet. I believe the BluRay comes out February 17. Will buy it immediately, of course! Without any spoilers (for others, I know the story well), are they sticking to the storylines or are the divergences becoming more obvious ?

Every time I see him interviewed, or on some press junket, I just want to yell GET BACK TO WORK.

I think they've done a good job of sticking to the major story arcs, but yes, there are more divergences as it goes on. Nothing I find sacrilegious, but there are plenty of things to make one push up their glasses and snort "that's not in the book!" ;)

[Jerjo]

The biggest deviation for me was Robb's wife but I survived the season. I don't think my wife quite survived episode nine. :cool

[Yves]

Another diversion from Season 2 was with Bran and Rickon. Bran is supposed to be with Hodor and his 2 cousins, the one that has "The Green Dream". It's his vision they end up following that leads Bran to that point in Book 5 that I will not mention as a spoiler... Meanwhile, Rickon basically disappears iirc...

[Just Eric]

Yves, you'll find that some of the earlier divergences are remedied in Season 3.

[NeonKnight]

For another POV, my sister has now read all the books after seeing the HBO version.

Maybe this is because it matters which you are exposed to first, but she says she prefers the way most things have played out in the HBO version, over the books.

I know one thing I prefer in the books: Catelyn's character. For some reason, I found her much more symphathetic in the book version.

[Pr33t]

Another diversion from Season 2 was with Bran and Rickon. Bran is supposed to be with Hodor and his 2 cousins, the one that has "The Green Dream". It's his vision they end up following that leads Bran to that point in Book 5 that I will not mention as a spoiler... Meanwhile, Rickon basically disappears iirc...

There are a few things which have been switched around in the timeline as to when they happen in the show, to facilitate the pace of the show. Some things are moved forward, some pushed back. I'm being vague to try and not give anything away since you still need to watch ;)

[Yves]

It's cool. I have no issues with spoilers. I thought it was a glaring omission, but it's sounding like it wasn't one after all.

[Bungalow Bill]

I've only seen stills of Emilia Clarke...which was more than enough. Wow.

[Jerjo]

new 15 minute preview


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5iS3tULXMQ

[wideopenears]

That preview is awesome....just saw it yesterday myself...I'm pumped!
Almost done with Book Five, as well...just in time.

[Klonk]

Nice! I can't wait...

[BobM]

From that preview it looks like there are some parts of the last book that might be brought forward in time. Maybe for cohesiveness of story, or maybe to avoid a long drawn out journey with little really happening to advance the story.

Martin better get cracking on finishing this epic. HBO could be moving faster than intended. Anyone know when the next book is due out (has he said anything on his blog)?

[Jerjo]

Supposedly Martin sliced several chapters off the end of the last book because it was getting too long. That's why some of the threads didn't end in OMG cliffhangers. Those are all going into the 6th book so he had quite the running start. By all accounts this book is going far faster than the last book because this one isn't facing the same problem the last one had (the infamous Meereenese knot). Martin, like most writers, isn't releasing word or page counts until he's done but the rumor is he's sitting on about a thousand pages and will shoot for 1500. My guess is we'll see a new book by next year.

[Yves]

At 1500 pages, I hope it's the last installment. My biggest gripe about epic fantasy is that the stories never seem to end.

I am a full season behind on the show as I don't have HBO and wait for the BluRay versions to be released. Feb 18 here in Canada. I'm a first-day buyer. I then tell myself that I will savour them, only to rip through an entire season in a couple of weeks.

[Klonk]

This show is AMAZING on BluRay, isn't it, Yves? I watch it on HBO and then get the Blu when it comes out. Like a whole new experience!

[Yves]

Arguably the best looking and best sounding BluRays I've come across. It's the only TV series I'm actually bothering to purchase season after season.

[MissKittysMom]

At 1500 pages, I hope it's the last installment. My biggest gripe about epic fantasy is that the stories never seem to end.

I am a full season behind on the show as I don't have HBO and wait for the BluRay versions to be released. Feb 18 here in Canada. I'm a first-day buyer. I then tell myself that I will savour them, only to rip through an entire season in a couple of weeks.
For now, he's saying seven books. But he's also said that if he's at 1500 pages into book seven with no end in sight, "who the hell knows."

[Just Eric]

In his head he still has the ending as "and then I woke up and realized it was all a bad dream."


Love the preview and can't wait for April!

[BobM]

Ha, ha, yeah, I can see it now...

Ned Stark wakes up, lying on his back in the woods staring up at the clouds. He sits up slowly and sees ... a plane crash all around him.

[Paulie]

He sits up slowly and sees ... …Suzanne Pleshette lying next to him in bed.

[JKL2000]

"How come you never do that thing with your tongue anymore, Jon Snowburger?"

[Yves]

BluRay version of Season 3 came out yesterday, so of course I made a point of buying it at lunch. I'm gonna wait until Friday night to settle in with a dram of single malt and watch the first two episodes... Every season I have said to myself that I would watch them slowly, only to go through the entire season in a couple of weeks.

[Pr33t]

Every season I have said to myself that I would watch them slowly, only to go through the entire season in a couple of weeks.

Modern technology is designed for binging ;)

[davis]

I've never seen Game of Thrones, but I'm hoping someone (SNL maybe) will do a parody called Game of Thorns. with Dinklage hosting of course.

[Joe F.]

I've never seen Game of Thrones, but I'm hoping someone (SNL maybe) will do a parody called Game of Thorns. with Dinklage hosting of course.

SNL already had a parody around the time of the first season.

[Just Eric]

http://gawker.com/5902076/snl-explains-the-nudity-in-game-of-thrones

[NeonKnight]

Did someone mention Game of Thrones Parody?

Nothing tops South Park:

Black Friday (http://www.southparkstudios.com/full-episodes/s17e07-black-friday)

A Song of Ass and Fire (http://www.southparkstudios.com/full-episodes/s17e08-a-song-of-ass-and-fire)

Triple awesome for skewering XBox vs Playstation at the same time.

[Jerjo]

A fan spliced together all the teaser trailers into a thing of beauty:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QyCmG7EVsQ

[Hunnibee]

I got caught up with the first two seasons a year ago when I had HBO On Demand in Oregon. Then my son managed to bring forth Season Three magically on his X-Box360 last summer. Now my current Roomie in Sacramento is ordering HBO for Season Four. I read the books years ago, and I'm glad Martin is continuing with the story.

[Yves]

BluRay version of Season 3 came out yesterday, so of course I made a point of buying it at lunch. I'm gonna wait until Friday night to settle in with a dram of single malt and watch the first two episodes... Every season I have said to myself that I would watch them slowly, only to go through the entire season in a couple of weeks.

...and season 3 was no exception. I watched 2 episodes per Friday night for 2 weeks, then watched the 6 remaining over the next 2 Fridays. Best season yet, but season 4 is going to top them all!

Now finish the books, Martin!!!

[Jerjo]

Martin knows he's got about a two season lead on them. The next two books are massive and working through them will take about three seasons. He's far enough along in the "winter" book that he'll finish it well before they need it. And then it's just a matter of hammering out the finale. He blames his perfectionism. He's a writer than when rewriting can obsess forever about single sentences for a whole day.

I can't wait for this season. So many great and horrifying moments. Tyrion's arc this season will be incredible, Jon Snow's is the stuff of legend, Arya's is a psychopath's renaissance.

[Just Eric]

April 6th is right around the corner!!!

[Jerjo]

http://www.collegehumor.com/post/6957829/if-the-walking-dead-challenged-game-of-thrones-to-a-fight

[JKL2000]

Was at an event today during which a young kid played The Rains of Castamere on a Theramin! Very unmusical but funny and cool

[Klonk]

So last night's episode set the scene. Now let's get some heads rollin'!

[Jerjo]

There's a wedding next week. Ooh, I love wedding episodes!

[Paulie]

Gonna be a KICKASS season! I was really confused at first, then ultimately annoyed to learn that Second Son Daario Naharis is being played by another actor. It's the OCD in me…I'll get over it.

[NogbadTheBad]

I just hope Joffrey dies this season, Christ he's a whiney prick. I'm liking Jamie more and each episode and keep forgetting he threw a kid off a tower.

[Klonk]

...and was fucking his sister who gave birth to their child...that whiney prick :lol

[MissKittysMom]

Will the bells of Baelor ring tonight?

[Jerjo]

We have been promised a lavish affair.

There's going to be so many "what the fuck" and "fuck yeah!" moments this season they're really going to have a hard time matching it next year.

[JKL2000]

Cool episode! (SPOILERS)








Supposedly if you watch carefully you can see who spikes Joffrey's wine. Haven't looked for it yet.

Why would people suspect Tyrian? He JUST became Joffrey's wine steward...

[MissKittysMom]

And SPOILERS (although it ticks me off that I won't get to see this episode until next year)




From the books, I don't remember that it was at all obvious at the time who spiked Joffrey's wine. That comes, obliquely, somewhat later. When you think about it, though, it's not exactly a huge surprise. Motive, means, opportunity.

The bells of Baelor ring only for the death of kings.

[Jerjo]

Spoilers.....though who would open this thread if they hadn't seen the episode













Hail King Tommen. I kept watching for it but that cup was out of camera just before Joff takes the full swig that does him in. They changed the entertainment from the book to something that managed to upset not only Tyrion but just about everyone. Well played Joffrey, you little sadistic sonovabitch.

I liked Bolton dressing down his bastard and the shaving bit. The dish of revenge that needs to be served to the Boltons and Freys has yet to be served and it's getting damn cold.

[BobM]

Hail King Tommen. I kept watching for it but that cup was out of camera just before Joff takes the full swig that does him in. They changed the entertainment from the book to something that managed to upset not only Tyrion but just about everyone. Well played Joffrey, you little sadistic sonovabitch.


Hint - look where Jeoffrey places the cup after his first taste and see who is sitting directly behind it. Add the little verbal teaser that occurs as the reception is starting and it should be immediately obvious.

[Progatron]

SPOILERS






Great scene, very well done with Joff The Toff finally biting it. I didn't like how they once again took the liberty of shrinking the cast to make Jaime's new trainer Bronn instead of Ser Ilyn. The whole point of it being Ser Ilyn in the first place was that he has no tongue and could not speak of how weak Jaime now is. Why do they insist on doing stuff like that?

My other issue - and this one is nobody's fault - is that the actor playing Bran is far too old now. The character was already a few years older on the show than in the books, and now he looks like he's about 17.

[Jerjo]

My other issue - and this one is nobody's fault - is that the actor playing Bran is far too old now. The character was already a few years older on the show than in the books, and now he looks like he's about 17.

I agree. Also, the kid playing Jojen Reed is in his early twenties.

[JKL2000]

My favorite moment was when Joffrey was deciding what to name his new sword and someone yells out "Stormbringer!"

[NeonKnight]

SPOILERS

Great scene, very well done with Joff The Toff finally biting it. I didn't like how they once again took the liberty of shrinking the cast to make Jaime's new trainer Bronn instead of..... Why do they insist on doing stuff like that?

My other issue - and this one is nobody's fault - is that the actor playing Bran is far too old now. The character was already a few years older on the show than in the books, and now he looks like he's about 17.

Just a reminder, WHITE TEXT is a great solution for spoilers:

"The whole point of it being Ser Ilyn in the first place was that he has no tongue and could not speak of how weak Jaime now is."

Your point about Jamie is a fair one, but I can give you at least two damn good reasons for the change...

(1) Bronn is a great character in this HBO version. giving him more lines to deliver only enhances the show, especially when they are great lines like the one he gave for knowing they would not be overheard down there.

(2) Awful hard for someone without a tongue to make any sense in a film adaption vs. a book for obvious reasons.

The Bran thing should be no surprise, everyone knew these young actors would grow faster then the series is progressing. I was thinking last night the actor has a more then passing resemblance to a young Jimmy Page...

[MissKittysMom]

The got older actors for all the Stark children, which makes sense for a television series that will run at least seven years. Actors at 18 (Sansa), 17 (Arya), and 15 (Bran). Puberty is such a hassle for child actors in long-running roles.

Don't know what they'll do about Rickon, if he ever re-appears.

[Progatron]

SPOILERS ;)



Just a reminder, WHITE TEXT is a great solution for spoilers:



(2) Awful hard for someone without a tongue to make any sense in a film adaption vs. a book for obvious reasons.

The Bran thing should be no surprise, everyone knew these young actors would grow faster then the series is progressing. I was thinking last night the actor has a more then passing resemblance to a young Jimmy Page...


It may just be me, but I often miss the text altogether if it's in white. So I just figure in this day and age, if someone hasn't seen the episode, they are wise to avoid those threads the morning after. And when I make sure "SPOILERS" is written at the top, that should be good enough IMO. I know if it were me, I'd be avoiding the thread. :D

Good points made. Bronn is indeed a great character. I do think though that Ser Ilyn training Jaime could have been a fascinating scene, and could have been explained by dialogue between some other characters so the viewer understood. It's not a huge point, I'm just generally of the belief that many changes are unnecessary. As for the kids, no it's no surprise but I stumble over it every time I see Bran (in particular) now.

Regarding episode 1: Wasn't the Hound supposed to be mortally wounded in that bar fight? BTW he is another favourite character of mine. Loved him in the books and I love him on the show.

[Jerjo]

There is some controversy about the ultimate fate of the Hound in the books. Yet another thing that Martin uses to torment us.

Speaking of Martin, last night he tweeted to the world: You're welcome.

I see that there is a World of Ice and Fire app from iTunes - for $4.99 you get guides on all five books plus the Tyrion preview chapter from Winds of Winter. I think this might prove handy on my iPad the next time my wife questions something on the TV series.

[MissKittysMom]

I see that there is a World of Ice and Fire app from iTunes - for $4.99 you get guides on all five books plus the Tyrion preview chapter from Winds of Winter. I think this might prove handy on my iPad the next time my wife questions something on the TV series.

I'd say it's worth it. Sometimes it feels a bit "light weight" because you're browsing through snippets, but at least a couple of times, I've stumbled into some backstory on an obscure character that I'm fairly certain has not appeared in the books. And there's a LOT to browse through; if I spent more time with it, I'm sure I'd discover a lot of fascinating little nuggets.

[Just Eric]

Agree with the older actors comments. Bran may be easy to deal with in that he is rarely pictured full body. Rickon has been out of the picture for so long they could recast him and no one would be the wiser.

SPOILER WARNING!





Loved the Joffrey's death scene, although I thought in the book he was bratty till the end. Cersei was fantastic in that moment.

[NeonKnight]

SPOILERS ;)

It may just be me, but I often miss the text altogether if it's in white. So I just figure in this day and age, if someone hasn't seen the episode, they are wise to avoid those threads the morning after. And when I make sure "SPOILERS" is written at the top, that should be good enough IMO. I know if it were me, I'd be avoiding the thread. :D

Good points made. Bronn is indeed a great character. I do think though that Ser Ilyn training Jaime could have been a fascinating scene, and could have been explained by dialogue between some other characters so the viewer understood. It's not a huge point, I'm just generally of the belief that many changes are unnecessary. As for the kids, no it's no surprise but I stumble over it every time I see Bran (in particular) now.

Regarding episode 1: Wasn't the Hound supposed to be mortally wounded in that bar fight? BTW he is another favourite character of mine. Loved him in the books and I love him on the show.

No problem, I just wanted to point out the advantage of white text in case people don't know about that option. I agree that one should indicate that there is more to be read by... selecting the whited out text...in an obvious missing text manner...:)

Also read elsewhere that the actor portraying Ser Ilyn has developed some health issues, which may have contributed to the casting choice...

Also heard that GRRM was the director of last night's episode, so the "You're Welcome" comment hits home even more...

[MissKittysMom]

Really looking forward to a "you're welcome" tweet from GRRM after he announces that book 6 is complete.

[Just Eric]

Also heard that GRRM was the director of last night's episode, so the "You're Welcome" comment hits home even more... Last night's episode was directed by Alex Graves. You can read an interview with him here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/14/game-of-thrones-joffrey_n_5135715.html?utm_hp_ref=tv&ir=TV

He has directed 4 episodes this season.

[NeonKnight]

Last night's episode was directed by Alex Graves. You can read an interview with him here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/14/game-of-thrones-joffrey_n_5135715.html?utm_hp_ref=tv&ir=TV

He has directed 4 episodes this season.

I stand corrected. What I read was GRRM was the screenwriter for this episode. Implying that he was more involved then he would be normally in the HBO version.

[MissKittysMom]

Martin has written one episode each season so far: "The Pointy End", "Blackwater", "The Bear and the Maiden Fair", and "The Lion and the Rose".

[BobM]

There was a bunch of speculation in the book discussions about who killed Jeoffrey when it first came out (you don't get any hints who really did it until the next book). Some people thought Tywin Lannister killed him because:

(a) he was a bad king
(b) he was uncontrollable
(c) Tywin has Rikon in line and more years to be acting King/Hand
(d) Rikon will follow instructions and is malleable
(e) Tywin hates Tyrion and can get rid of 2 problems at once

[Klonk]

Screw the spoiler bullshit. If your dumb enough to come in here before watching the episodes that's your problem.

Holy crap that final scene was a trip! Joffrey went far and beyond little prick here and it was outstanding! The uncomfort on all the faces as everyone watched just made it all so riveting. I actually wanted to reach into the TV and choke this kid to death :lol Turns out I didn't have too! I was pissed off when the credits rolled as I wanted another hour.

Huge props to the kid that played Joffrey. Amazing job. I can't remember hating a character more.

[Paulie]

Screw the spoiler bullshit. If your dumb enough to come in here before watching the episodes that's your problem.Couldn't agree more.


Huge props to the kid that played Joffrey. Amazing job. I can't remember hating a character more.Also agree. I just read an interview where he says he's retiring from acting. At 21. Says he's been acting since 8 and does it for fun (to make his friends laugh, to paraphrase). He says if he continues, then it'll be more like a job and he's not into turning a hobby into a livelihood. :lol