Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon!

Frankly Steve, I don't know where you got half of the information you did about all that. Robert had every intention of becoming king when he declared war against the Targaryens. Certainly his motivations were not to usurp the throne on the sole merit of assuming the crown, but it is discussed that his claim was to some degree legitimate since the Baratheons have Targaryen blood (through Robert's grandmother, I believe). He never meant to place Ned on the throne.

Nowhere is it stated that Tywin meant to assume the crown when he sacked King's Landing. He had his own grudges against the Targaryens (SPOILER)mostly involving Jaime's ascendance to the Kingsguard, which was meant as a slight against Tywin by King Aerys in that it deprived him of his preferred heir, which is discussed in depth as the series progresses. His late entrance to the war was him merely choosing the winning side, and it is stated multiple times that Tywin only decided to turn on King Aerys after Rhaegar was slain at the Trident (which was the deciding victory in the war).

Tywin would further have less use for Eddard as king than Robert besides. Eddard was already married, whereas Robert provided the opportunity for Tywin to become the grandfather of kings through Cersei. Similarly, to what purpose who he assume the throne himself? His heir is a dwarf he despises. His preferred son, as already mentioned, has forsworn his family name and rights.

You're just complicating things, Steve.

(Last nights episode was awesome, btw).

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Originally Posted by NecronChaosGarland

"The First Sword of Braavos does not run"
Syrio continues to be a badass. :jess: I was really looking forward to this scene and I think they played it wonderfully.

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Yes! that scene was awesome

I think Iceglow may be talking about when Robert Tells Ned

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Originally Posted by A Game of Thrones page 259 when Ned is talking Robert out of fighting in the Melee

". . . What have you done to me? You were the one should have been king, you or Jon."

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Not sure but I seem to recall the sentiment coming forth on another occasion as well. Long story short even Robert himself doesn't feel he is well suited to kingship or that he makes a very great king(though better than Aerys certainly).

Robert acknowledges that Ned would make a better ruler; that does not mean that he ever planned for Ned to be king.

Throughout Game of Thrones, Robert constantly expresses his displeasure at being king. I understood it mostly to be a man looking back at his decisions as a youth and regretting them. He never put an awful lot of thought into what winning the crown meant. He wanted revenge. Revenge for Brandon and Rickard Stark and revenge for Lyanna.

This episode was awesome. You know why it was probably the best so far? GRRM himself wrote it xD WHICH like in the book they didn't show if syrio (SPOILER)actually died or not. So that is still in the air. Damn you GRRM!

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Originally Posted by RDM

Robert acknowledges that Ned would make a better ruler; that does not mean that he ever planned for Ned to be king.

Throughout Game of Thrones, Robert constantly expresses his displeasure at being king. I understood it mostly to be a man looking back at his decisions as a youth and regretting them. He never put an awful lot of thought into what winning the crown meant. He wanted revenge. Revenge for Brandon and Rickard Stark and revenge for Lyanna.

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I know that I am just stating that that is likely where Iceglow's comment came from :roll2

He extrapolated an awful lot about Tywin's imaginary motivations from offhanded comments from Robert to Ned then. Then again, this is Steve.

All the Starks seem to exist solely to infuriate me. Well, except Rob. And Jon.

For a show that includes a lot of tits and ass, I am surprised the looting/pillaging scenes did not show much skin. I thought Drogo's warriors were about to have tea parties with their captives and slaves by how tame everything was. Drogo himself is a beast and should be emulated by all people.

Arya and Bran become more and more awesome as the series progresses. I wish I could say the same for Sansa. And Rickon? Well, he's four.

Sansa is awful in the books as well, didn't really expect much out of her.

I actually like book Sansa.

I like book Sansa after a couple books, she finally gets some growth. Not right away though.

Sansa's character frustrates me because she's always passive. It's almost impossible to pull off a passive protagonist, and throughout the books Sansa is constantly being shoved around by other people. She almost never does anything for herself, and it just gets annoying. She's constantly a point of view whose primary purpose is to show more interesting characters (SPOILER)(like Davos is to Melisandre and Stannis, but worse). She's finally getting set up to do some interesting stuff, but she just annoys the balls out of me.

Yeah Sansa is a growing character who becomes more 'worthy' as time goes on. Still doesn't keep her from annoying the galoshes off of me when you view it overall. So I suppose you can say I like her, but she certainly has made me want to strangler her on several occasions. . .

Though I am surprised Robb hasn't annoyed lynx. . . I can think of a few places where he had me wanting to smack him about. Honestly pretty much every character has annoyed me at some point or another. Damn them and being human!

I figured they were going to save that for the finale but I guess not! Twitter is blowing up in outrage. My mother declared that she's done with the show now. xD

Also this picture cracked me up, hipster Bronn

http://i53.:bou::bou::bou::bou::bou:...ou:/znoivo.gif

That was the one of the most amazing episodes of any TV show I've ever seen. the smurfing ending...wow. Completely insane. (SPOILER)They totally humiliated Ned's character. He was trying to save his daughters and gave up honor for that but then they just totally efed him. So sad. That episode was a definite 10/10.

The Starks can't catch a break. :(

I'll be watching last night's episode as soon as my family gets all the account information for Comcast all sorted out so that I can use HBOGO again, but in the mean time: Please, Please George. ADWD is done now obviously, but still funny.

Edit: Got HBOGO running and watched "Baelor." Oh man, I knew it was coming and it was still awesome.

What! :zombert:

WHAT! :colbert:

I refuse to believe this. :doublecolbert:

Was so sure there was going to be a "STOOOOOOOP! They have Jamie" moment. :mymelbert:

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

What! :zombert:

WHAT! :colbert:

I refuse to believe this. :doublecolbert:

Was so sure there was going to be a "STOOOOOOOP! They have Jamie" moment. :mymelbert:

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Well, everyone did try to stop him. He's just a :bou::bou::bou::bou:.

I understand that it would have been very difficult to pull off, but I feel as though that the series has missed on major plot point from the books. Massive potential spoiler. Seriously:We saw none of Eddard's musings in the black cells which are crucial to the theory that Jon Snow is, in fact, the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. Eddard's fever dreams about the Tower of Joy and Lyanna's dying wish are very important pieces to that puzzle. I know not everyone is convinced by the theory, but after Martin announced publicly that Howland Reed (the only living person who knows of what truly happened at the Tower of Joy) will never have a POV chapter because he knows too much, I consider that almost all the proof I need. For additional discussion of possible theories of Jon's parentage, and more evidence than you could ever need, I refer you to The Tower of the Hand. Note spoilers are mostly for AGOT, but there's also a few supporting passages through ASOS.

I mean, it's hardly something that they can't still reveal much later down the road should the series continue to get renewed. It's just going to be lacking all the groundwork that makes it such a great twist. I mean, I was expecting it since dreams and internal monologues are always difficult to pull off well in a visual medium, but I'm just disappointed because it is something so deftly done in the books.

The scene between Shae, Bronn, and Tyrion was too long.

Shae is probably the first character who I feel has been poorly cast. Or maybe it's not quite that; maybe it's that she's poorly written? I guess they're trying to make more out of her than there was in the books, especially with her refusal to discuss anything about her parents. She's far meaner than I ever imagined her.

I think the writers are trying to give her more of a presence in the scenes containing Tyrion in an attempt to make her a stronger, more important character. In the books, even with her relationship to Tyrion, she's a pretty insignificant person who does almost nothing to move the plot along. (SPOILER)Until ASOS that is, though even then her role is pretty small.

Walder Frey's casting, on the other hand, was pretty well done.

I both loved and hated this episode, its all starting to come together, poor poor Ned and Arya, I have little (almost no) sorrow for Sansa considering it was she who brought about this whole thing, dumb bitch, I also thought Daenarys part in todays episode was awesome, the sounds that came from that tent were awesome, and I love how dominant she was :smug: on the whole if it weren't for all the bad things happening I would probably totally love the whole episode, it definitely is the best episode of the series so far, it just keeps going from strength to strength.

Does anyone know if HBO has agreed to a second series yet, I would be very surprised if they didn't this series has over 900,000 views on the site I watch it on.

My sole consolation is that both Sansa and Cersei get what they deserve. Bitches.

The series was renewed for a second season the day after the first episode aired. They begin filming next month.

It was renewed after the first episode.

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Originally Posted by Ouch!

The series was renewed for a second season the day after the first episode aired. They begin filming next month.

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smurf Yeah!!! oh and this isn't good news, its smurfing great news, Clash of Kings is infinitely better then Game of Thrones in my opinion.

Clash of Kings spoilerI seriously cannot wait to see what the dragons will look like, Daenarys is definitely my joint favourite character along with Arya, and on that note, I stopped reading the book, but I don't remember Arya being there when they smurfed Ned up... is it just my memory or did they actually change that?

Arya was there in the crowd.

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Originally Posted by Bunny

The scene between Shae, Bronn, and Tyrion was too long.

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was worth it for the intrigue and humor.

I hate this thread because I want to talk about this tit so bad but I am three episodes behind and 2/3 through the first book and I know all you assholes are going to spoil me. Grrrrrrr.

Read faster! >:[

I found funny parodies of the episodes.

YouTube - ‪A Game Of Thrones Parody: Episode 1 - Season 1‬‏

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Originally Posted by NorthernChaosGod

Read faster! >:[

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It's too complicated to read fast! So many freaking names. xP

Game of Thrones marathon tomorrow! Muahaha!

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Originally Posted by ShlupQuack

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Originally Posted by NorthernChaosGod

Read faster! >:[

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It's too complicated to read fast! So many freaking names. xP

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It's not that complicated. :nonono: Read better, then.

I'm a slow reader regardless. :whimper:

I will say, though, that I am more and more Team Daenerys with each passing chapter/episode.

Awwwww, there there. :snuggle:

Team Stark all the way.

I'm Team Stark too. I'm both.

smurfing deal with it.

Make me. :colbert:

Lesson is don't compromise your honour... It doesn't pay off anyway.

I love this show. So. Much.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Now I have to wait a whole year :( (SPOILER)The dragons look better than I thought they would. Go new tech to make em look cool!

Also, Gorgeous Image of the final shot. DON'T LOOK IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED
http://ewinsidetv.files.wordpress.co...pg?w=508&h=409

Well I just watched the last episode for this year, I gotta say this has been one of the best series I have ever watched, AND its my least favourite book too, it was smurfing awesome!

ROLL ON CLASH OF KINGS!!!

Yay, Drogon. :jess:

Well.

(SPOILER)That sure was a naked girl with some dragons.

KING OF THE MOTHA#$$%IN NORTH

I haven't watched the last two episodes yet, but I did just finish the book sooo... (SPOILER)WAAAHHHHH! NED! DROGO! I LOVED YOOOUUUUU! YOU CANNO TAKE SEAN BEAN FROM MEEEEEE!

I am sad to see (SPOILER)Drogo die in the show because his actor was so amazing. But otherwise, it leads to Dany just being more badass.

Next up in book two: more Catlyn stupidity!

Minor thing at the beginning of book two that probably won't even be mentioned in the show: Renly named his kingsguard the Rainbow Guard and made each of them a different color of the rainbow, lead by the Knight of Flowers.

LOL forever :squee:

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Originally Posted by Raistlin

Next up in book two: more Catlyn stupidity!

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O yeah... :S

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Originally Posted by ShlupQuack

Minor thing at the beginning of book two that probably won't even be mentioned in the show: Renly named his kingsguard the Rainbow Guard and made each of them a different color of the rainbow, lead by the Knight of Flowers.

LOL forever :squee:

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(SPOILER) I don't think that it was written as some sort of allusion to being gay. Last I had heard it was because there's already white for the Kingsguard and black for the Night's Watch.

Very good season finale.

From the beginning, I was very worried that the dragons would look too CGI or fake and stupid. I'm glad that they made them look both adorable and ferocious though.

I want one or ten.

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Originally Posted by NorthernChaosGod

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Originally Posted by ShlupQuack

Minor thing at the beginning of book two that probably won't even be mentioned in the show: Renly named his kingsguard the Rainbow Guard and made each of them a different color of the rainbow, lead by the Knight of Flowers.

LOL forever :squee:

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(SPOILER) I don't think that it was written as some sort of allusion to being gay. Last I had heard it was because there's already white for the Kingsguard and black for the Night's Watch.

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I am aware of that. Doesn't make it less funny.

Waiting for BJ so I can watch episode 10. :mymelbert:

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Originally Posted by ShlupQuack

Waiting for BJ so I can watch episode 10. :mymelbert:

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You shouldn't wait, its so awesome you could like, watch it twice lol.

Sexy Bearded Man: "Blood of my blood..."

Dragon: *ROAAAAAARRRRRR!*

Pretty damn epic.

Can anyone who read the next book tell me some cool things to look forward to in the next season? But please don't spoil the whole damn thing.

As you might expect from the dragons and the wights, magic begins to take a more prominent role in the series.

Also, regarding the Rainbow Guard. While Martin has confirmed that Renly is gay (which is so much more subtle in the books, of course), he insists that the Rainbow Guard is reflective of the Seven. The rainbow is important religious symbolism for the Seven.

The rainbow thing will not be made any less funny no matter how many rational reasons there are for it.

Yeah, if it was unintentional, that just makes it more funny. And Martin oblivious.

Rainbows aren't gay in Westeros. :colbert:

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Originally Posted by NorthernChaosGod

Rainbows aren't gay in Westeros. :colbert:

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Unless they are Renly's Rainbows xD

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Originally Posted by McLovin'

Can anyone who read the next book tell me some cool things to look forward to in the next season? But please don't spoil the whole damn thing.

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Book 2 is soooo much better then book 1 to me atleast, book 1 was just the coarse groundwork for the epicness that is books 2 and 3, and of corse Bran takes a more prominent roll in book 2... I think.

Bran doesn't stop dithering until book three.

Natalie Dormer has been cast play Margaery Tyrell. She's Loras's sister.

http://winter-is-coming.net/wp-conte...lie-dormer.jpg

If any of you watched the Tudors, she was Anne Boleyn. I think she's also suppose to be in the new captain america movie.

I loved her in the Tudors.

She has a weird face.

She has a weird face and is making a duckface.

I like her face.

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Originally Posted by ShlupQuack

I like her face.

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I like your face :mad2: oh wait... yeah I like her face too.

I like her face when she's not smiling like that.

http://i.imgur.com/m0M6S.gif

I want a pure white direwolf AND a dragon! :D

I haven't read the books yet, but I have seen all the episodes so far. I LOVE Emilia Clarke!!! I'm so glad she was recast as Daenerys. She's gorgeous!

Attachment 34495

I just started watching this. Love it! It's really awesome.

I've never read the books and probably never will. I am way too restless to read books, I always feel like I need to be doing something productive (which is why I can't sit down and play a game for more than an hour these days). But I did find audio books for all books so maybe I'll try that while I work.

Finally watched this. Did the season in two days. Loved the tit out of it and I can't wait for the next one. Some blatant shockers, especially seeing as I got way too excited about the show to pace myself until I'd finished the book. The storytelling is brilliant and even though there are a lot of proper horrible moments I'm glad they braved through them instead of throwing in some deus ex machina.

Favourite characters HERE WE GO:
Daenerys: Some of the best acting and a really compelling character. I was unsure of her at first, but she grew on me like fungi. Last scene of the season was perfect.
Arya, Tyrion: Same as what everybody's already said. Love them to death.
Robb: A bit meh at first but towards the end he starts showing some real oomph. It's not even so much his dialogue, there's just something very compelling about his character.
Syrio: Just excellent and lovable overall. (SPOILER)They seemed to make a point of not showing him actually die. I hope there was a reason for that beyond saving time.
Robert: lols
Honorable mention to Bran and Jon who I didn't find supremely interesting in this season but strongly feel they'll be great soon enough, Bran when he starts (SPOILER)overcoming his disability and being the badass young lad he's clearly meant to be and Jon when he (SPOILER)stops agonizing over his new life and goes and does adventures with it.

And a big hurrah for the impressive acting overall.

Also you guys are terrible about spoilers sometimes. "Wah wah I wanna talk freely because I watched the last episode as soon as it came out!" Well guess what whorecake, it takes five seconds to add spoiler tags under which you can talk as freely as you want. Free speech my ass, some of us are actually interested in reading spoiler-free discussion about upcoming episodes. IMAGINE THAT! :nonono: *beats you all into submission*

SNAPE KILLS DUMBLEDORE

Wait wrong book.

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Originally Posted by Rantz Rantz Revolution

Also you guys are terrible about spoilers sometimes. "Wah wah I wanna talk freely because I watched the last episode as soon as it came out!" Well guess what whorecake, it takes five seconds to add spoiler tags under which you can talk as freely as you want. Free speech my ass, some of us are actually interested in reading spoiler-free discussion about upcoming episodes. IMAGINE THAT! :nonono: *beats you all into submission*

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http://i56.:bou::bou::bou::bou::bou:...u:/141tpqo.jpg

I'm on the fourth book, btw. I can't even decide which book is my favorite so far, or which character is my favorite, or even which house I want to root for. AHHH!!

Well you will definitely know which book is not your favorite after the fourth one.

Also (SPOILER)I miss Drogo. :(

Ned was playing Chess, but the game was Russian Roulette.

I will watch this show for as long as Arya and Tyrion remain part of it. I will suffer anything else in their name.

So what does everyone make of the casting for Season 2? I auditioned 2 bew an extra...I wasn't hairy enough :(

I recently found out Liam Cunningham is playing Davos Seaworth and thought....there could not be a better actor for that role if they tried. Davos is one of my favorites from the second book.

Other castings are Nonso Anozie as Xaro Xhoan Daxos, Gwendoline Christie as the Female to male Transexual from Tarth, Natalie Dormer at Margaery Tyrell, Tom Wlaschiha as Jaqen H'ghar, Michael McElhatton as Roose Bolton & Carice van Houten as Melisandre.

Still no Blackfish or Edmure though I've heard whispers from here that Tony Curran will be Edmure.

YOUR THOUGHTS?

The casting for the first season was as close to perfect as I could have hoped for given the budget HBO had to work with. I don't think I know anyone they've picked for the second season roles, but I have plenty of faith that they know what they're doing. The fan reactions to several of the announcements (Gwendoline Christie as Brienne in particular) give me a lot of faith as well.

TO be honest I've been hella slow on reading the novels heh and just finished Clash. After I finished, I said to myself "well there is another emmy for Dinklage." I am Excited. I really want to see who they cast for the Reed Children.

Also I found a picture of Natalie with blonde hair! Maybe that'll give you a better idea of her as Margaery.

(SPOILER)http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s.../G251141_b.jpg

Have to agree with Cuch that Liam Cunningham sounds pretty much perfect for Davos. He looks exactly like I imagined him. The rest of the casting looks good too, I'm excited!

He's a great actor & local too!. He was in a famous scene from a movie called 'Hunger' about IRA Hunger Strikers here in 80s, conversation between Bobby Sands & his Priest (he was the priest). It was 17 minutes long, one take. 2 men talking. Amazing.

http://youtu.be/7VbigvWhnVc

Haven't read any of the books, but the series is great. Can't wait to see the second season!

I hate that I have to wait so long to see it :(

I am very satisfied with the casting for season two. Everyone looks perfect to me, and I'm very excited for Brienne.

I'm all caught up on the books, by the way. BJ is miffed at my reading several years worth of TV into the future.

Holy tit...I've only just realised that Ser Ilyn Payne is Wilco Johnson, the smurfing insane guitarist of Dr Feelgood! How did i miss that?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEzKXW8q3Dw

New trailer!

^ Wooooooooooooo looks good!

I'm not really worried at all about the show. This group definitely knows what they're doing. I am worried when they get to the part of the series where there's more characters than Martin knows what to do with, and most of their stories are a lot more boring than the first three novels. Or how they're even going to account for the geographically split installments.

I'm also curious if they'll start messing with the source material, like killing off characters earlier or characters who haven't been killed yet at all, just to surprise the fans who think they know it all. A small side of me wishes they would...

I've just started reading A Game Of Thrones. Hopefully I'll be done with it by the time the second season is out.

I watched the first season this month and I have to say I enjoyed it thoroughly. I'm looking forward to the second season.

Being someone who hasn't read the books (yet) I must say they're crafting an excellent story and nearly all of the characters make me feel something!

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I'm also curious if they'll start messing with the source material, like killing off characters earlier or characters who haven't been killed yet at all, just to surprise the fans who think they know it all. A small side of me wishes they would.

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I believe the creators of the show went on record a few months ago saying that they're going to stray a bit from the source material but won't be doing anything too damaging to the series as a whole. I could see killing of minor characters or never introducing someone that only had a small role in the books, but I'm not too worried about them killing of someone who is central to the entire story. They're also going to be splitting up books into multiple seasons in order to make up for the massive amounts of story going on at any given time, so nothing should be too wonky about it.

I'm pretty excited for the second season. The casting has been pretty spot on so far and everything I've seen or read about it just makes me more excited. And damn, can these people do teasers.

Can't wait. can't wait can't wait can't wait.
Great trailer.
Liam Cunningham as Davos is spot on.
As is Stannis and Brienne
Margaery's acrtress seems a little old to me, but they may doing that on purpose.
A lot of the other actors haven't ever done anything like this before so it'll be interesting to seem them in these roles (I'm thinking of the wildlings mainly).

I wonder what it would be like to watch this show without ever having read the books, like Jiro and his uncultured noob friends. I've read the books, so I know what's coming, but they're doing such a wonderful job with the acting and the pacing of the show I still feel involved as the story's progressing. Must be even more intense for someone who hasn't read the books.

I think we should start taking bets now about how many penises there will be in season 2.

Did I see a killer looking Aria in there? That is awesome. I haven't read the books so seeing the tit that goes down is terribly exciting. Like when they (SPOILER)killed Ned. My god that was insane.

Oh I can't wait to see Aria develop in the show. She's one of my favorite characters in the books, and the show's doing an awesome job with the character so far. Great casting for that role, just fantastic.

Loving it. I'm reading the book now, and the show is better. Martin prefers the long way to get to the point, it seems.

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Originally Posted by Del Murder

the show is better

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:nonono:

Heh I like the inside info with the different perspectives when it comes to the book. You miss that in the show. Instead they have sexposition.

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Originally Posted by chionos

Jiro and his uncultured noob friends

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I'll slay you for this

Renly uninterested in a seemingly topless lady.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/data.tumblr....ocyx919zOKE%3D

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Originally Posted by McLovin'

Did I see a killer looking Aria in there? That is awesome. I haven't read the books so seeing the trout that goes down is terribly exciting. Like when they killed Ned. My god that was insane.

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If you think Arya's great in the show you should definitely read the books. I am so into her (not sexually).

I like how that needed to be specified.

IMAGES HEH

http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ly...lvero1_500.gif

I don't know if I would say which is better, but it's definitely like The Godfather where the quality of the performances can at times outshine the source material. Although I thought the ending to Danaerys' story in GoT was absolutely heartbreaking to read, and I was horribly dreading having to experience it all over again with the show, but it really wasn't that bad.

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Originally Posted by Jiro

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Originally Posted by chionos

Jiro and his uncultured noob friends

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I'll slay you for this

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Bring it on weakling. You're powerless now. You're no different than, say, Hypoallergenic Cactuar. Equal in power and uh, significance.

Show better than the books? That can't be evaluated yet. Anyone who's read the books is automatically going to be bringing something with them to the show that's not actually there yet. I have no doubt that this show, barring some monumental screw up on the producers' parts, will go down as the greatest fantasy series of all time, but whether that will make it better than the books remains to be seen.

It's already the second most watched show of the past year, behind true blood but before boardwalk empire. It's 3rd most watched of all time. With the sopranos in first then true blood. And GoT hasnt even reached its second season. :monster:

I want them to deviate from the books and basically have the plot be that Tyrion rules the world and all others must dance for him. Plus that horrible thing that happened at the end of GoT/Season 1 DID NOT HAPPEN :colbert:

There are a few things in the book that are genuinely hard to read because things are happening that you hate to characters you like. He better give us a happy ending by book 7 though. i know his form, It'd be just like the fat bearded smurf to end it all Blake 7 style. He hates happy endings (and I'm not talking about a massage wank).

Davos, Jaime, Arya & Stannis are arguably my favorite characters in the books (quite fond of great big fat Wyman Manderly & Delorus Edd Tollett but they're quite minor). Some characters I liked in the first few books I've gone off slightly as I'm easily annoyed by stubborness & arrogance (I believe that covers Jon & Tyrion nicely).

In summary, Cant wait.

valar morghulis

Valar Dohaeris.

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Originally Posted by chionos

Valar Dohaeris.

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Was the meaning of this ever confirmed?

All Men Must Serve.

Confirmed in AFFC.

Damn you people, why could you bring this thread up closer to the time of its release... now I know its released in April I have to wait ; ;

On the whole "The show is better" I initially had the same reaction as Julian but I after seeing the first series I am inclined to keep an open mind, how they treat Arya's and Daeny's story arcs will come to be the deciding factor.

Whether or not the show is better or vice versa is inconsequential and arguments one way or another are pointless. Television and books are two entirely different mediums with differing strengths and weaknesses. I don't understand why people insist on comparing the two when they are completely incomparable.

Well I read the script and I think it's better than the books. Those stage cues are just brilliant.

Martin has stated that the books are going to have a "bittersweet ending". Which given what he does to his characters has me worried, since his definition of a bittersweet ending is likely to be pretty smurfing depressing.

The series is not better than the books, but it might manage to be as good if it keeps up its current level of quality.

http://winteriscoming.net/wp-content...n-1024x681.jpg
Look Mellisandre and Stannis!

New promo shots! 17 total >.> hence the spoiler cut.

http://winteriscoming.net/wp-content...n-681x1024.jpg
Brienne!
http://winteriscoming.net/wp-content...n-1024x681.jpg
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Balon Greyjoy!
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Davos!
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Wow. Brienne looks great! I thought it was a guy at first and was all "who the ef is that supposed to be?"

NOOOOOOOOO DAVOS IS TOO OLD!!! One of my favorite characters!!! I'm sure he'll still be good, though. I wanted a Daniel Day Lewsi kinda like in the Crucible kind of guy, but the producers here have my faith.

Davos is strangely how i imagined him. A salt stained, greyed sailor. However, I cant help but think Cunningham should have been Stannis and Delane Davos but hey ho. Cznt wait either way.

Davos isn't too old. He has grown sons.

Everyone is perfect. Though I imagined Davos with longer hair for some reason.

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets...30fa418968.jpg

I suppose you two are right, although I assumed Davos' sons were in their early to mid-teens just like Rob and John are supposed to be. Plus I kind of have the card game backing me up:

Attachment 35619

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Originally Posted by Cuchulainn

However, I cant help but think Cunningham should have been Stannis and Delane Davos but hey ho.

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That would've been interesting. But same as you, I can't wait either way.

Yeah I agree. I mean he still looks good but I saw him a little less....gray.

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Originally Posted by The Man

Martin has stated that the books are going to have a "bittersweet ending". Which given what he does to his characters has me worried, since his definition of a bittersweet ending is likely to be pretty smurfing depressing.

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I have a feeling that if it ends with (SPOILER)Dany becoming Queen of Westeros that she will have paid dearly for it. She still has one betrayal left, one for love.

Speaking of betrayals, anyone got an idea who the "mummer's dragon" is? I assume it is a person and not referring to the stage prop. I wonder if it is a reference to (SPOILER)Young Griff/Aegon?

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Originally Posted by The Summoner of Leviathan

Speaking of betrayals, anyone got an idea who the "mummer's dragon" is? I assume it is a person and not referring to the stage prop. I wonder if it is a reference to (SPOILER)Young Griff/Aegon?

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It probably is, but it probably doesn't mean what people expect it to mean. (SPOILER)Varys began as a mummer and Young Griff could easily be considered "Varys' dragon" so the "mummer's dragon" doesn't have to mean that Young Griff isn't actually Aegon.

But this probably shouldn't go in this thread. Wasn't there another thread for discussing the books? We're way ahead of the series here.

As long as you keep it in the spoiler tags I'm sure it's fine. Unless nosey nellies want to know desperately.

Definitely don't read unless you've read the books:

(SPOILER)A big thing going around is that Young Griff is not Aegon at all, and that the phrase mummer's dragon does indeed refer to a dragon dressed up to convince an audience during an elaborate show. Allegedly purple eyes and silver gold hair are Valyrian traits not solely attributable to Targaryens, as proprietors of whorehouses love to fill them with Valyrian women at a premium. However, Tyrion is always portrayed as one of the smartest guys around, so if he was convinced he was a Targaryen, I think he is, but not in a way we expect.

I think Aegon and a few other characters are going to get caught up in the likelihood that Lyanna and Ned both had children by Targaryens or Daynes, in Ned's case. The Daynes, at least Ashara, who committed suicide and Ned allegedly had a thing with, at least at Harrenhall, have blue/purple eyes and light hair. I know the big theory is that John Snow is Lyanna and Rhaegar's child, that Aegon Targaryen, but I think Martin's made it seem like that for so long without confirmation, we're all going to be blindisded by what the truth is and who all these kids really belong to.

Also, because Jon Arryn was not in fact killed by the Lannisters for discovering Joffrey's true lineage (Lysa planted that lie on Littlefinger's orders), I believe he was talking about a Stark/Targaryen/Dayne offspring that would overturn the succession in Westeros. "The seed is strong" probably refers to that, despite the dominant features of Targaryens, the Starks were able to override those genes in a child. The obvious choice would be Jon Snow, who has the classic Stark look, but is probably Rhaegar's son. But "seed" suggests the male's genes, so I think Jon may in fact be Ned's true son, something which Ned himself may not have known.

I don't know what the last betrayal would be. I'm also confused as to why Varys would support Danaerys while at the same time build up Aegon to be the ultimate king. Perhaps to marry the two in Targaryen fashion? Then maybe Daenarys' wedding will be the betrayal for love. Perhaps her sellsword betrayed her for love, as he refused to stay with her on the day of her wedding or such. But also remember that she's constantly asking herself if she has any of the betrayals right at all so far, and who's to know which ones she's already had, if any?

There's only one thing I would disagree with Bolivar and that's (SPOILER)Targaryen traits are most likely not dominant genetically. They are dominant in the sense that they stick out but not dominant genetically. Targaryans practised centuries of mostly incestual relationships which lead to normally submissive traits becoming most apparently in the family tree. Therefore, one has to concluded that more dominant traits (such as black hair and darker eyes) would more likely be apparent. So if there is a Targaryen bastard, chances are unless they are from within the family or with a House that share some genetic traits, they will probably resemble the other partner more. The easiest way to tell this would be if we had more information of what the children of the Baratheon and Targaryen unions looked like. Baratheon share the dark hair and eyes in common with House Stark. There's also the issue that most of Ned's and Cat's kids resemble Cat more than Ned, though Arya notably takes after her dead aunt. In light of that, it makes Jon's overtly Stark looks out of place, meaning that whoever the non-Stark parent is their traits are either close to the Starks (unlikely) or very different and most likely submissive traits.

Isn't is supposed to be dominant and recessive, not dominant and submissive? Your way sounds dirty. :p

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Originally Posted by NorthernChaosGod

Isn't is supposed to be dominant and recessive, not dominant and submissive? Your way sounds dirty. :p

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But it's more fun that way!

I would agree with Sum. Lev. but the Targaryens, despite centuries of imbreeding, have been stated to not keep that line pure for some of their history in Westeros. Also, as I mentioned, the Daynes I believe had joined with Targaryens at different times and they had some of those traits. There is the question of Quentyn and House Martell, who believe they have Blood of the Dragon. I think they all have the copper skin and dark hair of the Dornishmen, which would give weight to your theory. Although many believe the reason (SPOILER)Quentyn was burned alive by the dragon was because his line does not in fact have Targaryen blood. Although I somehow remember Quentyn having purple eyes... I'm not sure, and it's a lot of what ifs but I still believe the (SPOILER)"The Seed is Strong" issue coming back to bite us in a way we never imagined.

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Originally Posted by NorthernChaosGod

Isn't is supposed to be dominant and recessive, not dominant and submissive? Your way sounds dirty. :p

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Because my memory failed me. At a later time I did recall the proper term but I was already at work. :/

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Originally Posted by Bolivar

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Originally Posted by NorthernChaosGod

Isn't is supposed to be dominant and recessive, not dominant and submissive? Your way sounds dirty. :p

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But it's more fun that way!

I would agree with Sum. Lev. but the Targaryens, despite centuries of imbreeding, have been stated to not keep that line pure for some of their history in Westeros. Also, as I mentioned, the Daynes I believe had joined with Targaryens at different times and they had some of those traits. There is the question of Quentyn and House Martell, who believe they have Blood of the Dragon. I think they all have the copper skin and dark hair of the Dornishmen, which would give weight to your theory. Although many believe the reason (SPOILER)Quentyn was burned alive by the dragon was because his line does not in fact have Targaryen blood. Although I somehow remember Quentyn having purple eyes... I'm not sure, and it's a lot of what ifs but I still believe the (SPOILER)"The Seed is Strong" issue coming back to bite us in a way we never imagined.

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That's why I said mostly inbreeding. It is true that during their rule in Westeros that they married into Westerosi Houses, however the only Houses mentioned are Baratheon, Arryn, Hightower and Martell. The consort of some of the kings are not mentioned (oddly enough). Even if Young Griff is truly (SPOILER)Aegon VI then my theory is still valid. House Martell does have Targaryen blood in it, no ifs or buts. Maron Martell married Daenerys Targaryen (the first one) and built the Water Gardens to celebrate the union. So Quentyn does have Targaryen blood in him, from generations past. It also means that House Martell could still have vestiges of recessive Targaryen traits in the family, thus when Elia and Rhaegar had Aegon VI he showed Targaryen traits instead of Martell. Then again, maybe we're all really over thinking this thing. :p

Quentyn thinking he could tame a dragon because he has Targaryen blood in his is as foolish as the Targaryen kings who tried to hatch dragon eggs. We know what happened to them and they definitely were Targaryens. I think the people who think Quentyn doesn't have the Blood of the Dragon are rather on thin ice.

As for the Dayne and Targaryens, there's nothing I know of that indicated of any marriages but the Daynes did remain loyal to House Targaryen during Robert's Rebellion. *shrugs*

Though now that you mention it, maybe Jon Arryn's words will come to bite us in the ass. I mean Lysa misunderstood them. Ned thought they referred to Cersei's and Robert's offsprings, which it probably did given that Jon Arryn had discussed (or was going to) with Stannis Baratheon as well. But that doesn't mean he didn't stumble across some other useful information while looking at the family trees of the noble houses.

Yeah I agree maybe the Quentyn thing is farfetched. But talking about it, I wonder if there will be some explanation as to why some Targaryens are slightly more than human while others are not. And why others are insane (other than the obvious imbreeding example).

Anyway, I'm really lookin forward to the second season!

Man, that really got me excited. With as good as the first season was, I can't wait to see things when they pick up.

Man that trailer Freya posted was epic. I can't imagine this will disappoint. This and the Storm of Swords episodes are going to be amazing, I wouldn't be surprised if these guys even redeem A Feast for Crows and A Dance With Dragons. I know someone said they won't tie seasons exactly to a 1:1 ratio with each novel, so does anyone have any insight into if this season will be the full Clash of Kings?

I also noticed it looks like they're taking the whore from Winterfell who went to King's Landing and keeping her at least in another scene.

This is the best trailer yet in my opinion. Plus freaking Florence and the Machine. Perfect song for it. You can tell they are really working on marketing if they paid for that song to be on there.

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I know someone said they won't tie seasons exactly to a 1:1 ratio with each novel, so does anyone have any insight into if this season will be the full Clash of Kings?

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I am fairly certain that this coming season is going to be Clash of Kings material. I remember reading somewhere awhile back (either on WiC or Tower of the Hand) that season 3 and 4 will be Storm of Swords, and possibly some leftover material from CoK. Feast for Crows and Dance with Dragons weren't determined yet, but would likely be split into two seasons as well. But who knows what they'll decide going down the road. I'll just be happy if they keep making the damn things.

Why must I wait a month to watch new episodes? :nonono:

Last trailer was epic, I'm so stoked this is coming in DAYS! I also recently got the season 1 Blu Rays and it's a pretty awesome box set.

:roll:

SO EXCITE

I want to see more hot RenlyxLoras...

There's been rumors of a threesome with them and Margery! :o

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Originally Posted by Freya

There's been rumors of a threesome with them and Margery! :o

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Eiffel Tower. :monster:

Oh god that was good! The pacing was soo much better this episode. Little irked that arya was only shown at the end but with there so many characters in so many places I can understand it.

Spoilssss
The Tyrion vs Cersei is going to be awesome this season. I'm glad that they implied that Joffery was the one who went after the bastards, it made him seem even more dickish. Jon was still emo and broody. Blarg. But Robb! Ooooo they showed Grey Wind! I'm sure the fanboys are squeeing so hard at that. They threw fits about the lack of the wolves in season 1. I think they are taking out the reeds and just leaving Osha as the one about the wolf dreams and stuff. That murdering of the bastards part though oh man, dark stuff. This seasons gonna be good!

Overall liked the first episode of the new season, but I'm concerned about the lack of Jojen and Meera given their significance in the series. Osha can't replace them completely, so they're going to have to bring the pair of them in eventually, unless they plan on getting especially creative.

(SPOILER)Never mind that Jojen and Meera are the only link we have in the books right now to Howland Reed, and given that Martin has admitted that Howland Reed is one of three characters who will never receive a point of view chapter because he knows too much, I'd wager he's going to be involved at some point.

They can't take out the Reeds, they're really important! Also, I thought it kinda sucked. Too much going on and not enough explanation. I was explaining what was going on to my friend more than I was watching, because she was totally clueless.

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Originally Posted by Freya

Spoilssss
The Tyrion vs Cersei is going to be awesome this season. I'm glad that they implied that Joffery was the one who went after the bastards, it made him seem even more dickish. Jon was still emo and broody. Blarg. But Robb! Ooooo they showed Grey Wind! I'm sure the fanboys are squeeing so hard at that. They threw fits about the lack of the wolves in season 1. I think they are taking out the reeds and just leaving Osha as the one about the wolf dreams and stuff. That murdering of the bastards part though oh man, dark stuff. This seasons gonna be good!

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Agree entirely.

Cool episode. I also missed the Reeds, but it's fully possible they'll bring them in later on. They had enough going on in this first episode without introducing another two new characters.

I wish the direwolves looked a bit uglier and more ferocious. Kind of a minor point I guess, but I always understood them to look really wild and not tame at all. Grey Wind and Summer look like cuddly dogs (which, incidentally, their actors are). I wouldn't mind if they went a little wild with CGI to make them more fearsome and awe-inspiring.

I thought the CGI was a little borderline too much. They should keep it as is.

I was expecting a set-up episode for the premiere and that seems to be what we got. For set-up episodes it was decent. The slaying of bastards at the end was pretty nuts. I didn't read this book so I don't have a clue about these missing characters that you are all talking about, but introducing Stannis, Davos, and that witch lady were enough for me for one episode. Not really sure what that flaming sword nonsense was all about.

Just part of her crazy!

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Originally Posted by Rantz Rantz Revolution

Cool episode. I also missed the Reeds, but it's fully possible they'll bring them in later on. They had enough going on in this first episode without introducing another two new characters.

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I didn't mean just for this first episode. I meant the whole season. Nobody was ever cast to play either of the Reeds. They're not in this season at all.

They could join in later seasons like the Tully's and more Greyjoys. If a characters roles is minor in an earlier book but large in later books the casting is usually left until their major roles. You neve know.

Decent episode. I really shouldnt have read the books. I know too much.

I liked everything about this episode. Tyrion strutting into the small council meeting to put Cersei in her face was hilarious. I was also very excited to see Grey Wind at full-size; I wasn't sure they'd be able to pull that off.

Eh... I don't think I'll miss the Reeds. I like Osha anyway, so I'll be happy for her to take their place.

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Originally Posted by Del Murder

Not really sure what that flaming sword nonsense was all about.

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There's not really anything more to it than what they said in the episode. The Lord of Light's chosen one carries a sword that glows or is on fire or something. Melisandre believes Stannis is the chosen one, so they pulled the seven gods from Dragonstone's sept, burned them, and did a little ceremony where Stannis pulls a flaming sword from what I'm guessing was The Warrior.

Norn Iron serving as Westeros erry day :cool:

Tyrion remains as brilliant as ever. Joffrey as loathsome as ever. I'm liking Robb a bit more now as well, and young Bran seems to be taking to leadership relatively well.

BUT THEY CAN'T OMIT THE REEDS, THEY'RE REALLY IMPORTANT!!!! D: I was really excited to see who would play them, too.

(SPOILER)But Osha takes Rikkon off to wherever (I forgot), and Meera and Jojen take Bran to the Wall. So, is Bran going to travel by himself or what? I don't even... wat?

They could always get introduced in the next season or something. They're not really vital to Bran's story until book three, so they might well be relegated to season 3.

I thought I heard they were going to start splitting the books up a bit to be more than one season though.

That's the plan, I believe. They definitely want to split book three into roughly two seasons, and I think they said they might leave some of the stuff from book two off until the third season as well. So I wouldn't be surprised if the Reeds were among that.

I have two amusing gifs for you lot


http://i42.:bou::bou::bou::bou::bou:...ou:/97nwwl.gif

You're welcome.

I love me some Joffrey getting slapped. :D

Joffrey is one kid where child abuse is not only warranted, but desperately needed.

Someone please explain to me the point of A Whore's Tale. I'm open to change, to new characters who are not in the books but it's just so... boring. I guess there are titties, which is nice?

I think they are making her take Alayaya's role so we sympathize with her more when they grab her instead?

(SPOILER)Did they just kill off Rakharo? Did they just imply Stannis has no children & therefore no Shireen? Are they changing too much? Did they just write out Jacelyn Bywater? I'm not a fan of this.

I was a little bored with this episode.

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Originally Posted by Cuchulainn

(SPOILER)Did they just kill off Rakharo? Did they just imply Stannis has no children & therefore no Shireen? Are they changing too much? Did they just write out Jacelyn Bywater? I'm not a fan of this.

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(SPOILER)I don't think they implied a lack of Shireen, just that Stannis doesn't have any sons. I was surprised by the other changes you mentioned, but I imagine they have to greatly reduce the vast amount of minor characters to make it work on the more fast-paced medium that is television. I can't really blame them - it has to be accessible for those who haven't read the books, and even having read them I sometimes have trouble keeping up with who's who in the show.

Also, I <3 Lena Headey.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/729269/Images/cersei-derp.gif

I think we can all agree that if there is no Patchface then we can consider the show to be a failure.

I'm now worried incase they cut the Kettleblacks & Arys Oakheart...they're kind of needed

(SPOILER)

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Did they just kill off Rakharo? Did they just imply Stannis has no children & therefore no Shireen? Are they changing too much? Did they just write out Jacelyn Bywater? I'm not a fan of this.

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I believe the intent behind killing him off was to replace him with another character. The actor was cast in the film adaptation of World War Z and so his schedule was going to conflict with filming more seasons. I am okay with it for those reasons alone. I don't think they implied that he had no children, just any that matter. Women, in general, do not matter much in Westeros so Shireen's status as Stannis's child does not matter very much. Also, if I recall, she is such a minor character in CoK that they probably didn't bother casting her. I would imagine they wrote out Jacelyn in order to make Bronn a more prominent character, mainly do the reception that the actor has received in his portrayal. I'm not sure how I feel about this, but seeing as Jacelyn's dies later on it doesn't really matter.

I doubt they'll cut anyone as necessary as the Kettlebacks and Oakheart from the overall show. Fan reaction would be too heavily negative and it would only serve to harm the overall narrative. I would understand if they pushed their appearances back to other seasons depending on necessity though.

Also, third season renewal. Fourth season will probably come soon or during development/filming of 3rd season, as their intent is to split Storm of Swords up.

The Queen pwned Tirion hard in this episode.

I don't have a problem with any of the changes so far. They gotta do what they gotta do. And keep in mind that GRRM has creative control, so he approves of the changes.

P.S. GRRM said in his LJ that season three will cover the first half of the third book, and that he'll be writing the seventh episode.

Shouldnt he be writing the next book?

He should. And he is. But I believe it is in his contract that he writes at least one episode per season so it isn't a big deal. He'll get the book done eventually.

I believe he wrote Blackwater, episode... 9? this season? Which I'm super excited for. Of all the people to write it, woo! He wrote Baelor last season I believe. I think they give him the big :eek: episodes.

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Originally Posted by Bunny

He should. And he is. But I believe it is in his contract that he writes at least one episode per season so it isn't a big deal. He'll get the book done eventually.

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Unless he dies first. :stare:

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Originally Posted by Freya

I believe he wrote Blackwater, episode... 9? this season? Which I'm super excited for. Of all the people to write it, woo! He wrote Baelor last season I believe. I think they give him the big :eek: episodes.

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Of all the episodes he could've written this season, I'm glad it was that one.

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Originally Posted by Shlup

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Originally Posted by Bunny

He should. And he is. But I believe it is in his contract that he writes at least one episode per season so it isn't a big deal. He'll get the book done eventually.

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Unless he dies first. :stare:

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That would definitely suck since he's said that nobody but him will finish the series. It's a good thing he's in really good health by all accounts though. He's only 63 and there are only two, maybe three, books left in the series.

Not everyone can be Brandon Sanderson or Steven Erikson though.

(SPOILER)I'm almost positive that Martin is writting the Red Wedding. Which is.. yes. Also he wrote "The Pointy End", not Baelor. The ep where Drogo gets hurt initially.

I miss Lord Stark and his husky catch phrase "Winters coming". Sean Bean is awesome(no homo).
I hope more people slap joffrey about in the future.

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

I think we can all agree that if there is no Patchface then we can consider the show to be a failure.

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This.

This most recent episode was slow going. The problem is that the stories are so splintered that we only get a little progression in each one at a time. How many different storylines are there right now? Like 10? In a book this works a lot better but it doesn't make for exciting TV in the initial stages.

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Originally Posted by Bunny

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Originally Posted by Shlup

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Originally Posted by Bunny

He should. And he is. But I believe it is in his contract that he writes at least one episode per season so it isn't a big deal. He'll get the book done eventually.

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Unless he dies first. :stare:

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That would definitely suck since he's said that nobody but him will finish the series. It's a good thing he's in really good health by all accounts though. He's only 63 and there are only two, maybe three, books left in the series.

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I believe he told his son how to end it.

P.S. I find Patchface unbearably creepy.

He has a son?

But Benioff and Weiss know the ending, at least.

I had a lot of fun reading this (lots of f-words and such) which Freya linked me. These made me laugh in particular:

@joedempsie (Gendry's actor): Thanks for all the nice GoT messages this weekend, they’re also teaching me new lingo. ‘Shipping’ myself and all of you right now. So hard.
@jamesellaby: Bet Lily Allen won’t be sharing a horse with her brother any time soon
@selia_lahugeea: If you dislike babies, you’ll love season 2 of #GameOfThrones.

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Originally Posted by Shlup

I believe he told his son how to end it.

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Because that always ends well.

Dune (franchise) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Originally Posted by Shlup

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Originally Posted by Bunny

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Originally Posted by Shlup

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Originally Posted by Bunny

He should. And he is. But I believe it is in his contract that he writes at least one episode per season so it isn't a big deal. He'll get the book done eventually.

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Unless he dies first. :stare:

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That would definitely suck since he's said that nobody but him will finish the series. It's a good thing he's in really good health by all accounts though. He's only 63 and there are only two, maybe three, books left in the series.

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I believe he told his son how to end it.

P.S. I find Patchface unbearably creepy.

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I didn't know he had any children. Huh. Every interview I've ever heard him do, someone asks him about the possibility of someone else ending it and he always responds that nobody will if it isn't him.

Maybe he doesn't. I don't remember where I even heard that.

I can end it if he doesn't: they all die and the dogs rule the 7 kingdoms.

I love these parodies and so shall you!

This has been mostly yawn so far, mainly because with ~8 storylines to keep track of you will only get a piece of each one every episode.

So far Tyrion's story has been the most interesting. Where has Joffrey been while his Hand has been making all these power plays? You would think he would at least be at dinner with his mother, siblings, and fiance.

GoT isn't GoT without slappage.

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/x.../slaptheon.gif

I actually felt bad for theon. The show is doing a good job of that even though I know he's a super douche.

I don't understand what is wrong with you, Del. I thought this episode was lovely. I've never been even slightly bored during any episode.

They're doing a really good job of making Theon more sympathetic than in the books.

I'm not bored, I just want more. It's that you can basically summarize what has happened in each storyline after three episodes in about two sentences.

I'm used to this in TV, so it's no big deal. Nothing happened in Lost for about 3 whole years.

I'm torn between wishing they'd cover fewer storylines per episode (and thus spend more time on each one) and being happy to see a little bit of each storyline. I like all of the storylines--even Theon's, which I didn't much care for in the books.

Arya is as great as ever and Tyrion is perfectly masterful.

I know I pretty much only ever post stuff along those lines in this thread but come on, what's a guy to do?

I have absolutely no problem with how they are doing the show. They are doing a marvelous job with presenting the characters individual stores with how they are in the book. Would I like for them to spend more time with each character? Yes, but that's not how it was in the book either. Every time you read a new character's chapter, you just want to continue that one. Until you get to the next chapter and it is a different character, then you just want more of that character's story. This show does that with absolutely perfection.

And there are only three story lines in the books. The North (Jon Snow, Sam, etc), Across the Narrow Sea (Dany), and General Westero (Every Other Character). They have done a really good job presenting this structure through the last three episodes and I can only assume that they will continue doing so with the rest of the season. I have zero complaints about how this show is being run and filmed so far and I can't wait for them to get to the major parts of the book.

I think the biggest problem people are having with this season is how different it is from the first one. A lot happened in the first book primarily because they were introducing all of the characters and those characters then split up. With Clash of Kings everything is entirely political - either everything happens on the surface (the wars and battles) or everything happens in private (a perfect example of Tyrion's tricking Littlefinger, Varys and Pycelle. This book is so drastically different from how things were occurring in the first book that people are going to have their complaints. The third book will showcase this even more, I think, and people will be slightly disappointed (or massively disappointed after certain developments) but oh well, that doesn't really matter that much.

The difference is with the books is that you can skip to that character's next chapter if you want to read more about them, or skim the parts that you can tell are just more 'war preparations' or 'wandering the desert aimlessly' or 'hanging out at the incest man's house'. But that will always be an advantage of books.

I think you nailed it by saying that Game of Thrones starts off with the characters more or less together, and then everyone splinters off. In this season, everyone is already splintered and so far the main characters haven't really interacted much. Last season Tyrion's story interacted with Jon's, then with Catelyn's, Ned's interacted with Arya's, etc. That caused stuff to happen. So far there is a lot of buildup but not much happens until the final scene of each episode.

I just hope the Night's Watch has finally left that guy's house and that Daenerys finally stops wandering through the desert in the next episode.

Also the loss of Sean Bean has left a gaping hole in this cast about the size of his big head. I know all the main characters are important but he really commanded every scene he was in and something always happened when he was around.

Dany is, arguably, the main character of GoT now and she wasn't even in that episode. Not that I am complaining. Her story bores me to tears. I liked that episode. Swords, titties, political plotting. By the numbers GoT :love:

Don't forget gay making out.

I'm very happy with Margaery's casting from what I've seen so far. They did a good job with Brienne looks-wise, but her acting seems a little awkward. Then again, her character is supposed to be all awkwardness so maybe it's just that. Loras seems okay. I imagined him smaller and fairer, but that's just details. If there's one actor I'm disappointed with, it's Jon. I'm always excited to read about him in the books but every time I see him looking sullen (does he have another look?) in the show I sigh discontentedly on the inside.

At first I was disappointed at how much they compressed Arya's storyline, but after considering it more I think the show is probably better off this way, as long as they take the time to develop some more hatred in Arya for Polliver & Co.