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Community => Watto's Junk Yard => Topic started by: Scott on April 12, 2010, 01:14 AM

Title: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on April 12, 2010, 01:14 AM
It's Official! (http://tv.ign.com/articles/107/1073428p1.html)

(http://tvmedia.ign.com/tv/image/article/107/1073428/GameofThronesPic1b_1267562173.jpg)

And I'm excited!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on June 14, 2010, 12:00 PM
Winter is Coming (http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/06/13/trailer-hbo-game-of-thrones/#more-8896)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Brian on June 14, 2010, 08:31 PM
I know this is a thread for the series (which looks nifty from the short preview), but how are the books?  I know a number of people here have read them, and I've sort of been looking for a new series to try out.  Is it along the lines of LOTR or other fantasy-type books, or something totally different?  Sorry for my ignorance, I really don't know anything about it other than what I've read here.  Sorry if this is the wrong thread, I think there is one for the books somewhere here too, but I didn't have time to look right now.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on June 14, 2010, 08:59 PM
but how are the books? 

book thread (http://www.jedidefender.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=5936.0)

I love them and Scott loves them.  More in the thread. ;)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 14, 2010, 09:22 PM
The books are fantastic, but VERY adult-oriented.  Not like LOTR at all in that respect.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Brian on June 15, 2010, 10:26 AM
but how are the books? 

book thread (http://www.jedidefender.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=5936.0)

I love them and Scott loves them.  More in the thread. ;)

Thank you sir :).
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on September 16, 2010, 12:34 AM
HBO's 'Making of' Website (http://www.makinggameofthrones.com/)

Follow the linky for a cool behinds the scenes video...  Man, I'm really looking forward to this show.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on November 18, 2010, 12:10 PM
EW on the set of Game of Thrones (http://insidetv.ew.com/2010/11/18/exclusive-on-the-set-of-game-of-thrones/) and accompanying pictures from the set (http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20385926_20442931,00.html).

I love the fact that they actually came up with a new Dothraki language.  It's also amazing to me how 90% of the characters look almost exactly like they should and haven't been monkeyed with too much.  ;D
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on November 18, 2010, 01:48 PM
They do look good, even if Daenerys has on far too much clothing... 

It's going to be really interesting to see how true they'll stay to the source material.  That's some bleak, disturbing ****.  HBO is about the only place they could get away with most of it.

Still waiting on the next book in the series... damnit.  At this rate the show will be finished before the books!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on November 19, 2010, 09:22 AM
Is there any magic or monsters in this thing, or is it more of a reality based period piece? All the pics I saw were just humans. No goblins, wizards, dragons, etc.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on November 19, 2010, 11:11 AM
There are monsters.  Dragons.  The undead.  Though the large focus for most of the books has been on the conflicts among humans.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Brian on November 29, 2010, 12:00 PM
New teaser (http://insidetv.ew.com/2010/11/29/game-of-thrones-new-teaser/)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Symposium on December 7, 2010, 04:27 AM
April 2011  :D

Although I'd much rather have the next book :P
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on December 7, 2010, 08:44 AM
I picked up the first book at the this esteemed groups recommendation.  Not sure when I'll sit down to read it though.  I'll probably wait and check out this series on blu-ray after its completed.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on December 7, 2010, 09:06 AM
I picked up the first book at the this esteemed groups recommendation.  Not sure when I'll sit down to read it though.  I'll probably wait and check out this series on blu-ray after its completed.
you've taken your first step into a larger world :-*

We have a thread here to discuss the books (http://www.jedidefender.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=5936.0) but careful, there are spoilers there
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Symposium on December 8, 2010, 02:22 AM
A 12 minute making of  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EVKp5nYxyI)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on January 8, 2011, 09:45 AM
Premier date:  April 17, 2011 (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/47976)

I've decided I'm gonna subscribe to HBO for this one.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: jediraven82 on January 11, 2011, 10:20 AM
Premier date:  April 17, 2011 (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/47976)

I've decided I'm gonna subscribe to HBO for this one.

Me too.  I can't wait.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Symposium on February 2, 2011, 10:05 PM
There's going to be a comic book adaptation (http://grrm.livejournal.com/194025.html)

Although they will be based around the books and not the tv show (I didn't see the need for starting a third thread)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Brian on April 4, 2011, 10:27 AM
Sorry if this is old news to everyone, but just saw this today:

First 15 Minutes of Game of Thrones (http://www.hbo.com/video/video.html/?autoplay=true&vid=1170886&filter=game-of-thrones&view=null).
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 4, 2011, 02:47 PM
Must... not... watch.

I gotta call up FiOS and subscribe to HBO sometime before the 17th.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on April 4, 2011, 11:02 PM
Must... not... watch.

I gotta call up FiOS and subscribe to HBO sometime before the 17th.

How long do you think it will be after it airs that it will be available on Netflix or DVD/BD?  I don't know how quickly I will finish the book and we don't current get HBO.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on April 11, 2011, 12:30 PM
Damn am I excited for next Sunday.  I have been fairly "spoiler free" as far as the filming and footage goes.  I saw a commercial during Sportscenter yesterday and about wet my pants.  I wanted to reread AGOT but didn't finish other stuff first.  Might try and squeeze them all in before Dragons anyway :P
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: jediraven82 on April 13, 2011, 10:39 AM
This Sunday will be awesome!!!  NBA Playoffs during the day followed by Game of Thrones at night.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on April 13, 2011, 11:06 AM
Help me out. Is this a Series or a mini-series?  Do we know how many installments there will be (yet)?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 13, 2011, 11:35 AM
In theory it will last 7 seasons, one for each book (three of which haven't even been published, yet).
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on April 13, 2011, 04:15 PM
In theory it will last 7 seasons, one for each book (three of which haven't even been published, yet).

Since I haven't finished the first book yet, I'm intentionally staying away from the coverage (though I did just see a commercial for it). Have the published how many episodes there will be for the first book/season?

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 14, 2011, 07:49 AM
10 episodes to run through June 26. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944947/episodes)

Though there's no way to confirm that list is complete or accurate.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on April 17, 2011, 08:58 PM
I just found out that HBO is running a free preview on Directv this weekend.  So I set the DVR to record the first episode.  As best as I can tell, I've read enough of the first book to be able to watch it.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on April 18, 2011, 10:42 AM
I just found out that HBO is running a free preview on Directv this weekend.  So I set the DVR to record the first episode.  As best as I can tell, I've read enough of the first book to be able to watch it.

Watched the premier last night with the free weekend on DirecTV.  I haven't read the books but have been following the discussion in the threads.

I hope I don't piss anyone off, but I found the premier a bit underwhelming.  Lots and lots of setup, but not a whole lot of action, and unfortunately the setup seemed to be mostly around power plays to control the throne, which didn't really grab my attention yet.  I also found all of the characters, their lineage, motivation, and alliances a little hard to follow after just one hour. 

I think they might have been better served with a two hour premier to get you deeper in to the story, get you more interested in the characters, etc., and show some action.  Seriously, it was 60 minutes of talking with maybe 90 seconds of action (unless you count the random T&A).  But at this point I don't feel too bad about not having HBO to see this.  If everyone raves about its greatness I might eventually track it down on Netflix.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on April 18, 2011, 10:47 AM
Did not watch it, but Dave's review sounds about like what I expected.

Despite all the hype, this thing smells a lot more like "Rome" or "Tudors" than "LOTR". Lots of scheming, political machinations, talking. Not so much dragons, magic, elves, wizards and such.



Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 18, 2011, 10:53 AM
I thought it was a bit stiff, but I enjoyed it thoroughly.  It's definitely going to take three or four episodes to get your footing before you get a good idea who's who and what's what.  I think it'll be well worth the investment, though.  The reviews I've read from journalists who have seen the full season have been absolutely glowing.  "The best series on TV" level of glowing.

The only thing I felt was a bit rushed was the stories of Viserys and Daenerys Targaryen.  They touched a bit on how vile Viserys is, but it really paled compared to the book, and I seem to remember a lot more story about their relationship that wasn't covered in the episode.

And yeah, the books are very much about political scheming and very little about wizards and elves, so that's what you should expect out of the series.  They don't pretend to be another LOTR.  There are many mythical and magical elements, but the core is the relationships within and between the royal families. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on April 18, 2011, 05:08 PM
I could see how someone who hadn't read the books would be a bit lost.  With the accents and the pacing it is tough to know who is who...even for someone like myself, it took some jolting to remember what the Stark kids names were (they didn't even really mention Rickon)

It very much is more of a Rome than a LOTR...but set in a LOTR type world.  We aren't talking Elves and Dwarves here, more subtle, more supernatural with some fantasy elements mixed in (the wolves, dragons etc).  I think the whole book starts slow anyway and really doesn't get moving until a few hundred pages in

I liked last night very much and I am very much looking forward to next week.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 19, 2011, 12:25 AM
Is the Winterfell guy Boromir?  Or Triple H?  Or both?

I liked the first episode...  It's like Rome, meets Deadwood, meets some fairly decent softcore porn, meets a quasi-LOTR, meets Little People Big World, with maybe a hint of 300 to it.  I thought it was interesting.

I've never read the books but I'm betting my brother has so I'll probably ask him about it.  But I didn't have a terrible time following who is who really.  The opening credits going over that map kind of help you get your senses too though. 

I'm a little perplexed by this north gate thing. 

And where's the king from?  He's familiar...  that isn't the fat dude from Shawn of the Dead is it?

I liked it though.  I'll watch it if for no other reason than to see all the wild sex scenes.  That's always fun.  This show is sure to make Mr. Skin.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 19, 2011, 07:48 AM
Is the Winterfell guy Boromir?  Or Triple H?  Or both?

Yeah, he's Sean Bean, aka Boromir.  Not Triple H.  ;)

I liked the first episode...  It's like Rome, meets Deadwood, meets some fairly decent softcore porn, meets a quasi-LOTR, meets Little People Big World...

Peter Dinklage has probably the best role in the series.  It's been described by tons of geeks as "the role he was born to play" and the character just gets better and better through the books.

And where's the king from?  He's familiar...  that isn't the fat dude from Shawn of the Dead is it?

No.  I don't recognize him from anything he's done, but apparently he was in the Russell Crowe Robin Hood.

I liked it though.  I'll watch it if for no other reason than to see all the wild sex scenes.  That's always fun.

Can't argue with that!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 19, 2011, 04:14 PM
I knew I'd seen him in something.  I know I've seen him in other stuff than RC's Robin Hood too.  I just can't quite place what those were.  He's not a leading dude.  I always like figuring out where all these people in HBO series are from.  I had no clue what all the doctor in Deadwood had been in.  There's a guy who can play a lot of different roles!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on April 19, 2011, 04:23 PM
I knew I'd seen him in something.  I know I've seen him in other stuff than RC's Robin Hood too.  I just can't quite place what those were.  He's not a leading dude. 

He's been in a lot of stuff.  He was on a CBS sitcom for a while, Still Standing (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0320970/).  He was also in A Knight's Tale (with Heath Ledger) and The Full Monty.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 19, 2011, 04:54 PM
Game of Thrones picked up for second season (http://www.deadline.com/2011/04/hbo-renews-game-of-thrones-for-second-season-after-premiere-airing/)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 19, 2011, 07:09 PM
He's been in a lot of stuff.  He was on a CBS sitcom for a while, Still Standing (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0320970/).  He was also in A Knight's Tale (with Heath Ledger) and The Full Monty.

That's it, A Knight's Tale...  Thanks Jeff.  I knew he was in something I liked.  I really thought that was a clever movie at the time it came out, and now I totally know that guy.  That was annoying me, so thank you.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 25, 2011, 07:50 AM
Seems like the series is just flying through the book.  It's been a few years since I read the first, but I want to say the stuff with the butcher's son was pretty deep into it, along with the consequences.  I guess that's what they need to do, though, to get to the meaty parts later in the book.

Peter Dinklage is already knocking it out of the park with Tyrion.  His talks with Snow are fantastic.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on April 25, 2011, 01:47 PM
Seems like the series is just flying through the book.  It's been a few years since I read the first, but I want to say the stuff with the butcher's son was pretty deep into it, along with the consequences.  I guess that's what they need to do, though, to get to the meaty parts later in the book.

If the Butcher's son is the part I think it is (events occuring during the trip to King's Landing) - that happens in the first 250 pages of the book. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 25, 2011, 02:16 PM
Yeah, that's the scene.  So 2 episodes in we're roughly 1/3 through the book, which supports my theory that they're rushing the start to get to the meaty parts of the book.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Tracy on April 27, 2011, 09:00 AM
HBO did the same thing when they turned the Sookie Stackhouse series of books into True Blood.  They rushed through some of the books, added their own story lines and took some wild plot turns that weren't in the novels.  It through me for a loop when I watched it.  The producers said they went on the theory that only 10% of the viewers had read the novels - which seemed low.  I would not be surprising if they take some creative license with the plot points in this series.  I haven't read the novels so I am just enjoying watching Game of Thrones. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on April 30, 2011, 10:26 AM
Seems like the series is just flying through the book.  It's been a few years since I read the first, but I want to say the stuff with the butcher's son was pretty deep into it, along with the consequences.  I guess that's what they need to do, though, to get to the meaty parts later in the book.

If the Butcher's son is the part I think it is (events occuring during the trip to King's Landing) - that happens in the first 250 pages of the book. 

I watched episode 2 last night. I was able to get a 3 month subscription for HBO for only $5.99/month. So I will take advantage of that for as long as I can.

Anyway, I did enjoy it a lot. As with most screen adaptations, there is always somethings that they change and you scratch your head why?  However, all in all it's been very faithful to the book.

Since I am still reading the book (150 pages to go), I had it right next to me when I was watching. I flipped back to see where exactly they were and it turns out the last scenes (with Anya and the with Bran) are around page 135. Which is almost exactly 20% of the book - so it looks like through 2 episodes, they are paced almost the same. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Hemish on May 2, 2011, 08:47 AM
Finally got around to watching the first episode and enjoyed it.
The guy who they have playing the horse lord is he the actor they got playing Conan?
The nailed the casting for the Lannisters though, some of the Stark kids not sure about but so far it has been enjoyable
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on May 18, 2011, 11:56 AM
Absolutely loving this show...it is so well done it isn't even funny.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on May 18, 2011, 03:26 PM
I have to catch up.  Sundays are hell at Diane's since we're trying to get everything done for the week since she's pretty busy all week, and so our TV watching is really hard to do that day.  I'm going to watch them on in-demand here in a mini-marathon because I've missed quite a few so far.

I still liked episode 1 though.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Paul on May 18, 2011, 05:08 PM
I've made it through 2 episodes, and really like it.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Hemish on May 18, 2011, 06:57 PM
It's been great so far, I hate knowing whats going to happen to some of these characters though
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on May 25, 2011, 02:24 PM
I'm finally in on this...knew I was interested but couldn't quite catch it when it was on.  Couldn't sleep last night, and had taken the morning off so I caught up through episode 5 with On Demand.  Will watch ep. 6 tonight and then I think I'm up to full speed. 

Excellent ride so far. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 25, 2011, 09:59 PM
So....

I tried signing up for HBO GO so that I could check out next week's episode of Game Of Thrones early.  As an HBO subscriber it's a free service that you get as part of your subscription.  But of course, my cable provider isn't participating.  I know that Direct TV is participating, so if you subscribe to HBO on that service you can use HBO GO.  But I'm really not all that keen on signing up with them since their service is subject to weather outages.

This week's episode was pretty good.  And the tension in the series is building, although somewhat predictably.  I have to wonder how things are building along the plotline of King Robert's bastard sons and the final scene with Ned Stark going through the records of the Baratheon family lineage.  Although it does seem that the Baratheon/Lannister marriage may not have yielded a true heir.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on May 26, 2011, 09:43 PM
I've been caught up as of Tuesday night late, and I'd have to say thanks to Scott for getting me into the series.  The midget is the best...  He's the Al Swaringin of this show.

The way-too-old-suckling really freaked me the f out though.

My only complaint, if I had one, is that I'd like something less "Earthy" and more "Middle-Earthy" than this world's setting.  Just a preference...  I'm a big Tolkien geek so I'm set in my ways there.  It's not souring me at all though.

I loved building Lego castles as a kid...  It was my favorite Lego "theme" at the time, and I loved building them less in a "realistic" setting and more in the fantasy concept of dragons, Orcs, Trolls, Elves, Dwarves, etc.  This kinda stuff would've inspired me for hours to make these places out of Lego bricks, haha.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on May 26, 2011, 11:58 PM
Yeah the magic here is slight...what he has included is a mix of zombies, dragons and multiple Gods that they never really delve into too much just here and there.  Sort of a jumble of modern magic, greek myths and dragons.  There are some things in later books which much more touch on the zombies and dragons ;)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 28, 2011, 12:13 AM
There was definitely some foreshadowing in the most recent episode when Daneyreus was handling the hot egg.  It was SO blatant, especially when she didn't get hurt but her servant did.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: shmashwitdaclub on June 10, 2011, 09:17 AM
I guess todays Teefury.com shirt is based on this show - I don't know anything about the show but I thought I would share:
(http://www.teefury.com/products_large_images/1306799803_BOTTOM__053014h10m27.jpg)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on June 12, 2011, 11:20 PM
The last 5 minutes of tonights episode was some of the best TV I've seen in many years...phenomenal
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 12, 2011, 11:36 PM
I won't get to watch till into the week sometime, but I'm intrigued.  I thought last week's episode was great.  I hope the "dance instructor" is fine....  Without seeing his demise I'm betting he is, but he's too badass to go out like that to some bitch from the Lannister thug camp.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 13, 2011, 12:01 AM
I frickin' LOVE every second that Tyrion Lannister is on the screen.  Dude is ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT.  "Less detrimental to the war effort!"
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on June 13, 2011, 08:58 AM
holy schneikies last night's episode knocked me for a loop. 

I'm trying to decide whether or not to get the books and read them all through this summer.  I'm eager to know what happens, but at the same time I'm really enjoying watching the story unfold on the screen.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 13, 2011, 10:58 AM
Next week should be epic.

The books are fantastic, but I think I'd like watching the shows spoiler-free if I had the choice.  It'd be more fun to be caught off-guard by the insane **** that goes down.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on June 13, 2011, 01:48 PM
I'm trying to decide myself right now on the books, it has been at least 5 years since I read them and that long since Crows came out...I may try and reread before Dance bought I may not.  Its only 3-4 weeks away!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on June 14, 2011, 09:54 AM
I'm about 4 episodes behind on Game of Thrones right now.  Looking forward to finding a free evening and buzzing through them all.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Tracy on June 15, 2011, 11:03 PM
Finally had a chance to watch Ep. 9 tonight.  It was the best one by far.  The final few minutes were stunning.  Glad I haven't read the books yet - I am enjoying being spoiler-free.  I kinda wish I hadn't ruined HBO's True Blood by reading all of the Sookie Stackhouse novels. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 16, 2011, 04:27 AM
Just caught last episode tonight...  Oofah.  Genius.  Shocking.

I loved it, and can't wait for the next episode.  I wasn't sure on this series, but I'm absolutely hooked.  Makes me wanna play with Lego Knights.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on June 16, 2011, 11:30 AM
How ironic, they got rid of the one actor anyone had ever heard of on that series.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 16, 2011, 12:50 PM
How ironic, they got rid of the one actor anyone had ever heard of on that series.

Not so!  Julian Glover (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002103/) plays Grand Maester Pycelle.  You might recall him as this guy:

(http://www.theforce.net/swtc/Pix/dvd/zs/tesb/veers01.jpg)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Paul on June 16, 2011, 02:01 PM
How ironic, they got rid of the one actor anyone had ever heard of on that series.

No doubt, seems like they have written themselves into a hole when the kill all the interesting Characters and decent actors.

As long as the Imp lives, I'll hang on, but my interest sank when they killed the King and dropped to an all time low Sunday.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 16, 2011, 03:09 PM
Man, the books get far, FAR better as they go along.  It's like every time you think you have a handle on how things are SUPPOSED to be, the floor gets dropped out from under you.  Absolutely unconventional and daring.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on June 16, 2011, 04:35 PM
I agree with Bill, I think the third book is my favorite of the 4 so far which is saying a lot because the first one is really well done.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Symposium on June 16, 2011, 08:35 PM
No doubt, seems like they have written themselves into a hole when the kill all the interesting Characters and decent actors.

Well they're following the book so GRRM is four books into this "hole" you speak of.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 20, 2011, 12:24 AM
The ending of last week's episode was about as dark as anything I've seen in this series thus far.  And there were definitely some more shades of that in the season finale.  Without getting into too much detail, I think the plot turns were fantastic.  And it definitely left me wanting to see what happens in season 2.  I may be hooked to the point where I'm going to start reading the novels.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Hemish on June 20, 2011, 08:15 AM
I'm upto part 2 of book 3 and just had one of those big WTF just happened moments, I cant believe it just happened
The series has done the books justice I will say that
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 21, 2011, 03:54 AM
Caught up with this tonight watching the last episode...

Outstanding!  And freaky.  And the dragon is beyond smoking hot (no pun).  I'd watch every week even if the show's plot sucked, so long as they promised her nude at least once every episode.

It's a very weird set-up though...  So many problems, so much complexity...  Wars, supernatural **** in every direction...  It's really interesting with all these different "fronts" if you will.

I think I'll keep watching the show before I maybe pick up the books...  I'm not sure I want to get into watching it after I've read something, so I'll maybe just wait to read the books once the series runs its course.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Captain Piet on June 21, 2011, 05:51 PM
Granted, I went into this show with low expectations not having read any of the books but, boy, was I pleasantly surprised. Great ending to a strong first season!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Paul on June 21, 2011, 07:52 PM
No doubt, seems like they have written themselves into a hole when the kill all the interesting Characters and decent actors.

Well they're following the book so GRRM is four books into this "hole" you speak of.

Well you know what they say about digging a hole, the more you dig the deeper and wider it gets. 

As long as the Imp lives to the end, I will keep watching.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Ryan on June 24, 2011, 02:37 AM
Game of Thrones is the best show currently on television. I've watched every episode multiple times and still am constantly blown away by the ending of Episode 9, "Baelor." My jaw smashed into the floor pretty hard. Seeing Rob Stark quickly growing up on screen is pretty neat.

I am always glad when I feel like a "find' a show on my own. I hadn't read (or even heard of the books) nor had I really heard much of anything about the series. Then sometime back in February or March I caught a trailer on HBO and was really intrigued. I instantly knew that it looked like it could be something special, and that I'd enjoy it. The best part about it is that my girl watched it with me and is just as into to it as I am. :)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on July 14, 2011, 04:20 PM
I saw Peter Dinklage received a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor for GoT.  My faith in humanity has been restored.

GoT got 13 noms overall, including Outstanding Drama.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 14, 2011, 04:33 PM
Great news!  Peter Dinklage has been amazing in his role as Tyrion.  He certainly has one of the most interesting character arcs of the series.  Lena Headey has also been pretty remarkable as Cersei.  I had to do a double-take when I first found that she was the same actress who played the Queen in 300.
 
I've been re-watching the series these past few days on HBO On Demand, and it's remarkable just how much detail has been worked into the entire series.  Perhaps it seems like it's getting a little more depth since I've started reading the novels and I notice that much more.

Looking forward to season 2, I have to wonder how the showrunners will handle some things.  Will we get a name actor as Stannis Baratheon, for starters?

And in related news, Brienne (http://www.accesshollywood.com/major-new-character-cast-for-game-of-thrones-season-2_article_50373) has been cast.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 19, 2011, 04:19 PM
Stephen Dillane (http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Stephen_Dillane) seems to have been cast as Stannis Baratheon for season 2.  HBO viewers may recall him in his role as Thomas Jefferson in the John Adams mini-series.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 21, 2011, 11:42 PM
The Game of Thrones panel is on teh interwebz (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpL6F2hKgV8) now.  George R.R. Martin moderates, and the panel includes the two show runners and several prominent cast members.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Symposium on August 5, 2011, 08:56 AM
Spoilers if you haven't watched the entire first season yet.


http://www.collegehumor.com/video/6579356/game-of-thrones-rpg
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nathan on August 5, 2011, 04:58 PM
http://winter-is-coming.net/2011/07/stannis-and-melisandre-cast/

I saw Carice in Black Death a month or two ago, where she plays a somewhat similar role, and thought she would be awesome as Melisandre. Pity I didn't get online and call it back then.

I kind of pictured a young Christopher Lee as Stannis, but obviously that wasn't going to happen.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on August 8, 2011, 09:51 AM
Oooh...good one Nathan on Lee...that would have been awesome.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 11, 2011, 05:09 PM
Sio Bibble as Maester Cressen? (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1971833/fullcredits#cast) 

I've also been happy to see some casting announcements for roles like Asha Greyjoy (now to be known as Yara and avoid confusion about Osha), Craster, Davos Seaworth, Roose Bolton and more.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on September 1, 2011, 01:39 PM
http://forlackofabettercomic.com/img/comic/50.png
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on September 7, 2011, 07:51 PM
Some might want to check out today's shirt at www.Teefury.com
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on October 14, 2011, 07:52 PM
More Season 2 casting news (http://tv.ign.com/articles/118/1189387p1.html?utm_campaign=twposts&utm_source=twitter).
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on December 11, 2011, 09:41 PM
Check out the new Season 2 trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBrsM_WlfV8&feature=g-all).
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on January 13, 2012, 12:11 PM
It's official! (https://twitter.com/#!/GameOfThrones)  Season 2 premieres on HBO on April 1st, 2012.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on January 17, 2012, 11:57 AM
Some might want to check out today's shirt at www.Teefury.com

Quoting because the link points to TODAY's shirt, which is GoT related as well.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on February 15, 2012, 09:34 AM
Game of Thrones posted some Valentine's Day photos on Facebook, yesterday.  Including this:

(http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/421532_10150552993692734_74133697733_9174288_725596553_n.jpg)

Brilliant.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on March 1, 2012, 07:07 AM
Season 2 trailer.  Power and Grace.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X66PDW1Mjf8&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on March 6, 2012, 07:23 PM
I picked up Season 1 on Blu-Ray today at Best Buy.  I went with the "Best Buy Exclusive" House of Stark packaging.   What is this special packaging you say?  It turns out to be nothing more than a cardstock sleeve around the original packaging.   
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on March 7, 2012, 07:59 AM
I have my season 1 set coming from Amazon and will be watching as soon as I get it (first time).

I just finished Clash of Kings last night and immediately started on Storm of Swords.  Thinking about getting HBO just for season two.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on March 7, 2012, 09:14 AM
It's worth it!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on March 7, 2012, 11:28 AM
  Thinking about getting HBO just for season two.

That's what I did last year.  Directv offered a 3 month deal and that covered the time I needed for Game of Thrones.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on March 7, 2012, 07:39 PM
I picked up the season 1 box set at Target today.  I haven't watched it yet, but there's an exclusive disc that's included with the Target version.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on March 10, 2012, 11:45 AM
The new trailers for season 2 are getting better and better! 

-Jars of wildfire
-The Hound fighting at the Battle of the Blackwater
-Melisandre in the cave below Storm's End
-Jon Snow in the Frost Fangs

This season is going to be awesome!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on March 12, 2012, 08:32 AM
Did my marathon viewing of season 1 over the weekend.  Fantastic stuff.  I think everyone was cast perfectly and like so many others think, thought the Imp stole the show.

There were a few parts that I don't recall from the book (like the Flower Knight giving Renly a BJ) but that's probably because the cast of characters is so large and there's so much going on.

Now I'm debating if I want to watch season 2 weekly or wait until the DVDs come out.  Not because I'm not looking forward to season 2, but because the weekly wait is going to suck.  I like being able to watch back to back episodes (or in some cases, back to back to back to back to back).

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on March 12, 2012, 09:30 AM
There were a few parts that I don't recall from the book (like the Flower Knight giving Renly a BJ) but that's probably because the cast of characters is so large and there's so much going on.

That was added, to much discussion.  Martin claimed a relationship was "implied" in the books, but I think that may have been PR.  He said it was obvious, since Renly's protectors were the "Rainbow Guard."
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on March 12, 2012, 02:29 PM
There were a few parts that I don't recall from the book (like the Flower Knight giving Renly a BJ) but that's probably because the cast of characters is so large and there's so much going on.

That was added, to much discussion.  Martin claimed a relationship was "implied" in the books, but I think that may have been PR.  He said it was obvious, since Renly's protectors were the "Rainbow Guard."

About 2/3's through Book 2 now, and it is very apparent, though not explicitly stated, that Renly and Loras Tyrel - the Knight of Flowers - are lovers.  Don't think there was anything revisionist in Martin going back and stating that they were meant to be gay.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on March 12, 2012, 05:02 PM
There were a few parts that I don't recall from the book (like the Flower Knight giving Renly a BJ) but that's probably because the cast of characters is so large and there's so much going on.

That was added, to much discussion.  Martin claimed a relationship was "implied" in the books, but I think that may have been PR.  He said it was obvious, since Renly's protectors were the "Rainbow Guard."

There's a scene at the tourney where Littlefinger and Renly have a back and forth that implies as much.  Littlefinger asks Renly "When will you be having YOUR friend?" and looks towards Ser Loras.

The scene between Loras and Renly does establish more than their affair.  The Tyrell family ultimately backs Renly's claim no doubt at Loras' request, and because Renly needs the power and wealth of Highgarden in order to gain control of the Iron Throne. 

Oh, and has anyone else spotted Brienne in the recent trailers?  I'm pretty sure I spotted her in the Rainbow Guard colors, and they are REALLY playing up her ugliness!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on March 12, 2012, 07:13 PM

Oh, and has anyone else spotted Brienne in the recent trailers?  I'm pretty sure I spotted her in the Rainbow Guard colors, and they are REALLY playing up her ugliness!


I seem to recall an online post somewhere that showed some pictures of the characters introduced this year and Brienne was in that collection. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on March 24, 2012, 08:04 PM
Season 2 premieres a week from tomorrow!  I will be glued to HBO, and I've been re-watching season 1 as well.  In addition, I've been  as they've been updating that page on an almost daily basis.  There are some great sneak peeks at season 2, including some things that were not actively explored in A Clash of Kings. (http://www.youtube.com/user/GameofThrones?******* out the Game of Thrones YouTube channel[/url)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 2, 2012, 07:28 PM
A nice start to season 2 last night.  There were obviously some story points that seem to have been consolidated, but in the grand scheme of things it seemed to work.  There were a couple of things I was not expecting, but I definitely got a kick out of seeing a good number of new characters get introduced in the episode.

Maester Cressen (Oliver Ford Davies {Sio Bibble in Episode I}) getting killed off?  That was pretty good!  And Tyrion's scene with Joffrey and then Cersei was fantastic.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on April 2, 2012, 11:21 PM
http://www.buzzsugar.com/Simpsons-Game-Thrones-Intro-Video-22054764#ooid=pkMjhvMzomLpFrW-wLlmilwMaAT29vDz (http://www.buzzsugar.com/Simpsons-Game-Thrones-Intro-Video-22054764#ooid=pkMjhvMzomLpFrW-wLlmilwMaAT29vDz)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 3, 2012, 12:08 PM
http://www.deadline.com/2012/04/game-of-thrones-second-season-premiere-deliver-big-ratings/

Quote
HBO’s fantasy series Game of Thrones kicked off its second season with 3.9 million viewers tuning in at 9 PM on Sunday, easily eclipsing the series’ previous high posted by the Season 1 finale in June (3 million). The second season opener was up 74% vs. Game Of Thrones‘ series premiere last year, and 27% vs. the finale. Across HBO’s three GOT plays on Sunday, the premiere accumulated 6.3 million viewers. With those numbers, consider a season three renewal imminent.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: IncomT65 on April 7, 2012, 02:49 PM
Great to have the show back and perfect timing now that TWD S2 is over :D
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Symposium on April 12, 2012, 02:38 AM
Season 3 confirmed!  :D

http://grrm.livejournal.com/276653.html
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 16, 2012, 10:45 AM
Awesome seeing Brienne of Tarth last night.  Casting was spot on.  I looked it up - that actress is 6'3" in real life.  I was thinking it had to be an effect watching the show, the way she towered over Renley.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 16, 2012, 04:39 PM
The season is definitely shaping up.  The show creators have added some things that seemed to go unmentioned in the novels:  Stannis & Melisandre in episode 2, and now Renly & Loras in episode 3.

Also, is it me or was Ser Gregor supposed to be a part of the events at the keep with Yoren and Arya?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on April 16, 2012, 10:18 PM
Awesome seeing Brienne of Tarth last night.  Casting was spot on.  I looked it up - that actress is 6'3" in real life.  I was thinking it had to be an effect watching the show, the way she towered over Renley.
Agreed...I started laughing when she took off her helm

Casting for eveything has been great...especially Margaery Tyrell (hubba hubba)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on April 18, 2012, 12:30 PM
Awesome seeing Brienne of Tarth last night.  Casting was spot on.  I looked it up - that actress is 6'3" in real life.  I was thinking it had to be an effect watching the show, the way she towered over Renley.

Wow.  I was sure it was practical perspective effects along the lines of making Gandalf taller than the hobbits.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on April 18, 2012, 12:56 PM
So I'm not really reading this thread, because I just finished season 1 and am not watching as season 2 airs, but I'm wondering...

Is this series open ended?  Can they just keep going as long as they want / as long as it's popular, or are there a finite number of books with a pre-written story that has a clear end?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on April 18, 2012, 01:21 PM
5 books released so far with at least 2, possibly 3, more.

The problem is the author takes years to write the next book, so the TV show could theoretically catch up before the written series is finished.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on April 18, 2012, 02:29 PM
looks like their pacing themselves with that in mind, though, if the story that book 3 will be told over both seasons 3 and 4 is true.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 18, 2012, 02:42 PM
Caught the new episode last night...  This, Walking Dead, and Big Bang Theory are about the only things I religiously watch now.  TCW too, but that's fading fast.  This is such a good show too...  It's really hard to get some people into it though.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 18, 2012, 02:58 PM
The problem is the author takes years to write the next book, so the TV show could theoretically catch up before the written series is finished.

He doesn't ALWAYS take forever...

1.    A Game of Thrones  August 1996[4]
2.    A Clash of Kings  February 1999[5]
3.    A Storm of Swords November 2000[6]
4.    A Feast for Crows November 2005[7]
5.    A Dance with Dragons  July 2011[9]

He cranked out Storm of Swords in a year and a half.  I think with the TV series as a motivator that he'll get the other ones out before they're set to shoot.

Also, he doesn't work on the chapters in order, or even work on just the chapters in one book.  What I've read is that most chapters for 6 and 7 were already written before book 5 was published.

It'll be interesting to see if they recast any of the young characters as the series progresses.  It seems like only two or three years have passed in book time... but it'll be 6 or 7 in series time if they're doing multiple seasons per book.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on April 18, 2012, 09:36 PM
Cool, thanks everyone for the info.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Tracy on April 19, 2012, 06:12 PM
I was re-watching Season 1 on HBO On Demand and something really stood out to me:  the scene shortly after Bran was pushed and Cersei visits Catelyn in Bran's room and tells her she lost her first son.  Cersei said the child was dark haired and strong like Bran and fought the fever that took him.  She said he looked just like Robert.  This was before we knew that all of Cersei's other children were fathered by Jamie.  What I took from this story was that Cersei killed her son in the same way she killed John Arryn.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 19, 2012, 08:48 PM
What I took from this story was that Cersei killed her son in the same way she killed John Arryn.

Correct on the first part, but not on the second.  I won't say any more than that because the books and eventually the series will reveal that. That being said, it seems clear that John Arryn had been on the verge of informing King Robert of the true parentage of  Joffrey, Myrcella and Tommen.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Tracy on April 20, 2012, 08:04 AM
What I took from this story was that Cersei killed her son in the same way she killed John Arryn.

Correct on the first part, but not on the second.  I won't say any more than that because the books and eventually the series will reveal that. That being said, it seems clear that John Arryn had been on the verge of informing King Robert of the true parentage of  Joffrey, Myrcella and Tommen.

I assumed because they both died of a fever she must have used the same poison on both of them - because her son was King Robert's and because John Arryn was about to reveal her secret.  Thanks for not spoiling it = appreciate it!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 23, 2012, 09:41 PM
It's been said in the series that poison is indeed a woman's weapon.  The books have expanded on the John Arryn storyline a bit.  I suspect that the show may revisit that in season 4.  I'm in the midst of reading the 1st book - I skipped it but read the rest of series.  and that might go into the story of Cersei's first child with King Robert.

As for last night's episode?  Where to start?

Robb's attack on the Lannister camp is something I seem to recall from book 2.  However the Volantene woman was an interesting addition.  It was also cool to see Roose Bolton introduced.

I had to do something a double-take with the Harrenhal sequence.  That's due in large part to the recasting of Ser Gregor Clegane.  I was watching Spartacus - Vengeance on Starz a few weeks back and remarking to myself "Hey, isn't that the same guy who played The Mountain on Game of Thrones?"  Sure enough it was.  And from what I've read online the role of Ser Gregor was recast because of a scheduling conflict with Conan Stevens who played the part in Season 1.  The new actor is apparently 7' 1", but he didn't seem anywhere near as brutal.

As for the rest of Harrenhal?  They definitely nailed it as a very eerie place.  And I started to recognize some of the people who wind up in Arya's prayer.  The Tickler came across as very obvious.

As for the Stannis/Renly storyline?  It seems as though the show has done some story consolidation there.  Especially the parts with Davos and Melisandre.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 28, 2012, 06:04 PM
Season 3 confirmed!  :D

http://grrm.livejournal.com/276653.html

I finally got around to reading this.  Of course the news that Game of Thrones has been picked up for a third season is fantastic news.  You certainly had to expect it since the viewer numbers have gone up significantly from the first season.  But this sentence from George R.R. Martin was great to read:

Quote
Like the first two seasons, it will be ten episodes long. This one will cover (roughly) the first half or thereabouts of A STORM OF SWORDS, the third novel in the series.

It looks like HBO is taking the long view on the series.  And splitting up the television series like this will definitely give George R.R. Martin some time to catch up writing book 6 & book 7.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on April 30, 2012, 07:37 AM
So apparently we won't be meeting the Reed siblings on screen.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 30, 2012, 09:04 AM
Why do you say that?  I forget how they were introduced, but I don't see why they wouldn't pop up at some point.  They're pretty critical to that particular arc.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on April 30, 2012, 11:57 AM
Jojen Reed is who had the green dream about the sea coming to Winterfell...last night it was Bran. The Reeds are also who taught Bran about green dreams in the first place - a role that Osha seems to filling on HBO.

As far as exposition about Bran's abilities go, the Reeds are now obsolete.  I haven't read Storm of Swords yet though, so maybe they become more than just a green dream device.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 30, 2012, 06:41 PM
The Reed children would have to turn up in the next few episodes if they're going to be a part of the series.  And considering their part in Bran's journey you would think they would get introduced.  And then there's the matter of how their story may eventually link up with Howland Reed.  His story may be interwoven with the a key story from Robert's rebellion.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 1, 2012, 05:21 PM
I did a little refresher reading, and it seems that Meera & Jojen Reed could still come into play very soon.  Their presence at Winterfell in this week's episode may not make sense, since the storyline of the raiding Ironmen is only just beginning.  It was those raids that prompted Howland Reed to send Meera & Jojen away.  And Theon and Yara's ships were only just departing from Pyke in this latest episode.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 25, 2012, 12:16 PM
Check out this Rolling Stone article (http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/lists/game-changers-the-10-biggest-changes-between-game-of-thrones-and-the-books-20120515).  They've detailed some of the more significant ways that the second season of the HBO show has diverged from the second novel in the series, A Clash of Kings.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on May 25, 2012, 03:17 PM
Good stuff...some of that changes have made perfect sense to me and some had me scratching my head and going back to the book to see if I wasn't remembering things right. 

The stealing of the dragons makes sense to me from a plot perspective....Dany will need a motivation to get to the House of the Udying, and at the pace they're going it needs to be something more urgent than the books presented.

This weekend - the Battle of the Blackwater!!!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on May 28, 2012, 10:39 PM
Sunday was the first time I was a little disappointed that this was on TV and not some sort of movie...the battle scenes while alright were nowhere near what Peter Jackson had done with Helm's Deep and Minas Tirith.  It was almost laughable to see the amount of soldiers attacking the city...the other thing I've had a little bit of a hard time with is that it has been almost 7 years since I read the book so I can't remember what is supposed to happen and what they changed from the book.  Stannis didn't lead the charge up the walls did he?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 29, 2012, 07:19 AM
I had mixed feelings about the Battle of the Blackwater.  I do think that having this episode focus solely on the battle was the right thing to do.  It's the climax of A Clash of Kings.  However, I also understand the compromises that had to be made in order to translate this for the screen.  Budget has been a significant consideration for the series, and this was no doubt the most expensive episode of the series to produce.

The show definitely changed some significant things:  no catapults shown or mentioned.  No chain across the Blackwater.  No barges to make a bridge from one bank to the other. 

There were definitely some liberties taken with Stannis.  In the book Stannis was across the Blackwater from Kings Landing, waiting with the bulk of the forces.  Ser Davos was on one ship, and two of his sons each commanded a ship.  The change of Stannis leading the assault on the walls was not in the book.  And the show put Davos and Matthos on one ship, and the other son never came to light.

But I think some key things made it in.  Notably, the Hound's story.  I think that Rory McCann has done great work as the Hound.  And Sansa has come into her own in a big way.  Oh, and what about Tyrion?  Peter Dinklage has been doing an amazing job bringing this character to the screen.  And when he was wounded in the battle?  It was fantastic to see Podrick come to his aid.

Oh, and the wildfire explosion?  That was a lot more spectacular than I had imagined it!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 29, 2012, 08:42 AM
You can't expect an HBO series to match Helm's Deep.  That's just an impossible standard.  We're talking $100+ million for 2 hours v/s < $5 million for 1 hour.

I thought the episode was awesome.  Very thrilling.  Surprisingly gory.  Great character moments.  Drunk Cersei is a trip.  The wildfire explosion was stunning.

Stanis taking the wall was a bit of a head-scratcher.  Good to see him leading the charge as a contrast to Joffrey.  But now we gotta wonder how he got away.  I'm guessing that's something they'll ignore, but it's not easy scaling back down the wall after your forces are in shambles.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on May 29, 2012, 09:28 AM
You can't expect an HBO series to match Helm's Deep.  That's just an impossible standard.  We're talking $100+ million for 2 hours v/s < $5 million for 1 hour.
I know you can't, which was my point, the precedent was already set and it was so far from what was in LOTR that again, it was almost laughable.  There is no way GoT could ever be a movie and the TV route is more than acceptable
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 30, 2012, 08:59 AM
List of new characters introduced in Season 3 - SPOILERS! (http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/24049/new-faces-next-season-on-game-of-thrones)

I'm geeked by that last bullet.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 30, 2012, 12:56 PM
Also - Important Notice:  The season finale of Game of Thrones will be 64 minutes long instead of 54.  If you DVR, you may want to confirm it's set right.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 30, 2012, 01:10 PM
List of new characters introduced in Season 3 - SPOILERS! (http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/24049/new-faces-next-season-on-game-of-thrones)

I'm geeked by that last bullet.

That last item is good to see.  That link had to be made with Bran & company.

As for the other new characters?  Bring them on!  The one bit of casting hopefullness that I would throw out there?  See if you can get Brendan Gleason for Tormund Giantsbane!

I've also see Tony Curran's name thrown around for Edmure Tully.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on May 30, 2012, 01:13 PM
(http://www.teefury.com/products_large_images/1337712452_BOTTOM_22.jpg)

Today at TeeFury...I got one
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on May 30, 2012, 01:39 PM
Been trying to order that shirt all day and I keep getting an error message once I hit "complete order".  Will try on my home computer once I get home.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on May 30, 2012, 02:41 PM
Good luck!  It will go well my all time favorite Tee Fury shirt

(http://www.thatsnerdalicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/direwolf-winter-lager.jpg)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 30, 2012, 02:53 PM
Looking forward to the Targaryen Brewing Co. shirt.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on May 30, 2012, 11:09 PM
Looking forward to the Targaryen Brewing Co. shirt.
Sounds like the Lannisters are next
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 2, 2012, 07:45 AM
Damn.  I can't believe tomorrow night will already mark the end of Season 2.  And I'm already wondering how season 3 is going to shape up.  Especially since the events of A Storm of Swords will be split into two seperate seasons.  But with so many different storylines going on, they really do need some serious examination.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: IncomT65 on June 8, 2012, 07:43 AM
Season 2's last episode was terrific. Loved how Danaerys (sP?) handled herself and the last scene was epic. Love this series: boobs, brutal violence, dragons, face changers, zombies.... Plus, the variety of scenery is also pretty damn cool.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 15, 2012, 06:19 PM
Big controversy in Season 1 GoT Episode (http://www.deadline.com/2012/06/game-of-thrones-episode-with-george-bushs-severed-head-pulled-from-rotation/)

Apparently the production company rented a box full o' decapitated heads for various scenes, and amongst those heads was George W. Bush.  In the commentary track for Episode 10 they point out Bush's head and let the ****storm commence!  Now the episode is pulled, they're changing the DVDs and Blu-rays, and they're issuing one apology after another.

Happy to own the unedited Blu-rays right here!

And I'm pretty disappointed with the feigned outrage over this.  There's no way this was a vicious, political slam of Bush.  And even if it was, who cares?  Buncha griping over nothing.  I just pray it doesn't impact the future of the show.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 18, 2012, 02:00 AM
Casting News:  Irish actor Ciaran Hinds to play Mance Rayder (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/tvnews.php?id=93724).
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on November 14, 2012, 04:01 PM
(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/29809_10151144900272734_1110334413_n.jpg)

******' A
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on November 14, 2012, 04:07 PM
Casting News:  Irish actor Ciaran Hinds to play Mance Rayder (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/tvnews.php?id=93724).

Well done.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on December 4, 2012, 06:13 PM
The first In Production video has been posted (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yj0e0r_yLI&feature=g-user) for season 3 of Game of Thrones.  There are some interesting tidbits, including a first look at Ciaran Hinds in costume as Mance Rayder!


Also, I found out a little bit more regarding the change in actors for The Mountain, Ser Gregor Clegane.  The actor who played him in season 1, Conan Stevens, was booked on a couple of other jobs.  He was in at least one episode of Spartacus - Vengeance earlier this year.  And he was also cast as Bolg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1947403/) in The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey.  That's probably why we saw a different actor in that role for GoT season 2.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on December 4, 2012, 08:06 PM
I don't suppose Conan Stevens will be back for season 3?  He was far better as Clegane.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on December 4, 2012, 10:45 PM
I don't suppose Conan Stevens will be back for season 3?  He was far better as Clegane.

It's not listed in his IMDB listing.  And that's unfortunate, because I found him to be far more menacing than the guy who played the Mountain in season 2. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on December 18, 2012, 09:56 AM
(http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/224855_10200139487074144_1396195100_n.jpg)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on January 16, 2013, 02:45 PM
(http://www.teefury.com/products_large_images/1355345021_bot-golden.jpg)

Love my Black Stag shirt, so I had to have it (not a big fan of the color though).  Wish I didn't miss the Stark one.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on January 16, 2013, 05:05 PM
I finally got to watch Season 1 and I thought it was well done.  I recall hearing complaints (not on here) of it being too violent and the nudity, but I thought the violence wasn't as graphic as Braveheart...some of the nudity was there and didn't serve any purpose of the scene (Hodor's, for one)...but it was true to the book, I guess.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on January 20, 2013, 11:27 AM
The Game of Thrones YouTube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/feed/UCQzdMyuz0Lf4zo4uGcEujFw) now has some Season 3 video from the set (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaedhISdshA).  We're still over 2 months away from the premiere of Season 3, but stuff like this is getting me pretty excited to see how the show will take on the events of A Storm of Swords.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on February 23, 2013, 08:24 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzI9v_B4sxw&feature=player_embedded
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on February 23, 2013, 09:53 PM
I saw exclusive versions of GoT season 2 DVD/BluRay/Digital Copy combo packs at Best Buy.  One features the Lannister sigil, and another features the Greyjoy sigil.  Are any other retailers offering House sigil specific packaged versions of season 2, or is it just the two versions at Best Buy?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on February 24, 2013, 12:33 AM
I ordered mine through Amazon so I'm not sure.  Did you check the web sites of other retailers?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on February 24, 2013, 12:40 AM
I forgot it came out this week. I went to best buy and all the Lanister versions were sold out. They only had 5-6 Greyjoys. I bought the Greyjoys but went home and ordered the Lanister one. I will return the Greyjoys when I get it.

I'm pretty sure they are Best Buy Exclusives. For Season 1 it was the Stark or Tagarean(sp) sigils. I chose Stark last year.

I'm happy this year is a Blu-ray/DVD/ digital combo.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on February 26, 2013, 04:41 PM
Hmmm.  I was thinking of picking up the Lannister version, but I wanted to find out if there was a Stark or Baratheon version first.  But now I may just get the regular Blu Ray / DVD / Digital copy version.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on February 26, 2013, 09:32 PM
Hmmm.  I was thinking of picking up the Lannister version, but I wanted to find out if there was a Stark or Baratheon version first.  But now I may just get the regular Blu Ray / DVD / Digital copy version.

I got my Lanister version today.  I'm downloading the digi copy to my iTunes as we speak.

Season 1 was either Stark or Targarean.  Only Lanister or Greyjoy for Season 2 (as best as I can tell).
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on February 26, 2013, 09:43 PM
When does series 3 start. I'll have to activate HBO  :-\
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on February 26, 2013, 09:57 PM
I believe 3-31-13
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on February 27, 2013, 08:17 AM
Yep - March 31st.

Season 3 trailer (http://www.hbo.com/video/video.html/?vid=1100909#/game-of-thrones/about/video/season-3-trailer.html/eNrjcmbO0CzLTEnNd8xLzKksyUx2zs8rSa0oUc-PSYEJBSSmp-ol5qYy5zMXsjGyMXIyMrJJJ5aW5BfkJFbalhSVpgIAXbkXOA==)

It'll be worth the cost.   ;D
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on February 27, 2013, 09:37 PM
Thanks guys. I subscribe to showtime for Californication and then unsubscribe when the season is over. Will do the same for this.  ;D
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on March 11, 2013, 08:54 AM
Nothing related to season 3, but certainly a bit of fun for fans of both Game of Thrones AND Star Wars...

.Jaime Lannister vs. Eddard Stark Lightsaber Duel +John Williams Score . (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cps56-zPmk)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Sybeck1 on March 11, 2013, 12:41 PM
Guess I will turn HBO back on. I do it for this and Boardwalk Empire.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on March 17, 2013, 11:11 AM
As we get ready to roll into Season 3, which will cover about half of the events of A Storm Of Swords, we get a glimpse into the possibility of what may happen with Game of Thrones if the series catches up to or passes the books (http://io9.com/what-happens-when-em-game-of-thrones-em-runs-out-of-453871355). 

It's definitely something that I think a lot of fans of both the books and the television series might be sensitive to.  The series is coming up on the events of Book 3, and George R.R. Martin only published book 5 in the Spring of 2011.  Given the span of time between the release of the previous books, it seems entirely plausible that the HBO series could actually catch up to Martin's A Song of Ice & Fire novels before he's able to publish The Winds of Winter (book 6) and the seventh volume in the series.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on March 17, 2013, 11:43 AM
For Nick and any of you other NYC people that like GoT:

The Game of Thrones Exhibition will be in NYC from 3/28-4/3 at 3 W. 57th St (between 5th and 6th Avenue) and open to the public.  Admission is FREE.

I am definitely going to try and catch this!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on March 17, 2013, 01:48 PM
Hope I can make it there.  I saw some of the pics from the exhibition in Toronto, and it looked pretty cool.  Plus, the actress who plays Ygritte was there, too!!!!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on March 31, 2013, 11:12 AM
Season Premiere tonight...can't wait!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on March 31, 2013, 02:30 PM
The DVR is set, and I can't wait to see the season 3 premiere tonight!  Considering where season 2 left off, I wonder if tonight's episode will kick off with the Night's Watch?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on March 31, 2013, 07:35 PM
Hope I can make it there. 

Me, too.  I have yet to go, but I've been by it during the afternoon and the line was all the way down the block.  I suppose it's best to go early or take the day off.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on April 1, 2013, 08:07 AM
Boobies, blood, nipple slicing, giants, dive bombing for fish dragons, nasty ass scorpions with skulls on their tails, Mance, Giantsbane and the return of Ser Selmy. Loved every ******* minute of it.

I watched GoT live and then watched WD on DVR.  GoT blew WD out of the water.

(http://static.tvtome.com/images/genie_images/news_hub/uploaded/TVcom_editorialnews136471391867/GoTvsTWD2.jpg)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 1, 2013, 11:03 AM
Nice start to the season!  Although I was really hopeful that we would have seen the Night's Watch fighting the White Walkers on the Fist of the First Men.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on April 1, 2013, 12:11 PM
Nice start to the season!  Although I was really hopeful that we would have seen the Night's Watch fighting the White Walkers on the Fist of the First Men.

This.

I was very disappointed that they just skipped over such an epic battle.  Maybe we'll get parts in flashback?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 1, 2013, 01:45 PM
I'm guessing budget restrictions.  Same reason we never see any of Rob's battles play out... only the aftermaths.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on April 1, 2013, 01:53 PM
Agreed with Bill...I made comment last year that the budget really showed in the Blackwater battle and there is obvious reasons why they couldn't do more here (time and money)

It has been about 5-6 years now since I read Books 1-3. I really should reread them as I have real recollection of where we are going the year other than the finale.  I remember lots of Arya trompsing around the country and Jon Snow knowing nothing

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 1, 2013, 06:56 PM
I suppose that final scene in the season 2 finale was meant to stand in for the onslaught of White Walkers and the Whites against the Watch.  Still, it's disappointing to not see that in the show.  Game of Thrones seems to be doing very well for HBO, but given the network's business model I don't know if increased viewership would lead to budget increases like on a successful network program.

I'm also a little puzzled by the developments in Astapor with Dany.  I recall that Ser Barristan Selmy had disguised himself for some time as "Arstan Whitebeard" in the book, and had been accompanied by Strong Belwas.  However, I think the disguised Ser Barristan worked far better in the book than it does on screen.  A beard and a cloak don't really serve as much of a disguise for the viewing audience.

I was also surprised to see the Giants come to fruition north of The Wall.  I had thought that was something the show runners might try to work around, but was surprised they included them.

I suspect we'll see what the Stark children (other than Sansa) are up to next week.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on April 2, 2013, 01:06 PM
Just got back from the exhibit.  I got there early, before 9:30, and there was already a decent line.  The good thing was that they are letting people in early too, so I got in around 10 (when they say they are open).  It's definitely worth it (it's free, right?).  I actually won some swag waiting in line by answering a trivia question right.  And I got to sit on the Iron Throne.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on April 3, 2013, 01:51 PM
I rewatched all of Season 2 on blu-ray before this season started.  So I was a few days late getting to the opener.  All in all, I really liked it.  Just enough of each story (except the Stark kids as Nicklab points out) to move along.  There definitely seems to be a different take on Margery in the show too but this was already developping to be different last season.

I'm also a little puzzled by the developments in Astapor with Dany.  I recall that Ser Barristan Selmy had disguised himself for some time as "Arstan Whitebeard" in the book, and had been accompanied by Strong Belwas.  However, I think the disguised Ser Barristan worked far better in the book than it does on screen.  A beard and a cloak don't really serve as much of a disguise for the viewing audience.

It definitely felt like they fast forwarded this whole part.  I seem to recall that Arstan Whitebeard didn't reveal his identity until late in this book.  I wasn't surprised when Ser Barristan announced himself given the "Previously on..." snippet showing his exile from Joffrey's court.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 3, 2013, 02:10 PM
The show-runners probably realized it'd be silly or confusing to have him be anonymous for any extended period with viewers having IMDB at their disposal and with him being fairly recognizable.

"Where have I seen him before"  "Oh yeah!"  "But wait... why are they calling him??"  "Is he a new character or the same character?"

Plus, giving Daenerys a "Look, my Westerosi subjects really do long for my return" moment was AWESOME.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 3, 2013, 03:24 PM
I was pretty much expecting to see Ser Barristan as soon as they showed the recaps of Season 1 & 2 at the top of the show.  They very deliberately showed the scene where Ser Barristan quit the King's Guard in Season 1.  The whole Dany storyline was very compressed, as well.  But all in all, it worked.

The scene between Tywin and Tyrion was easily the best acted scene of the episode.  Peter Dinklage and Charles Dance play these roles amazingly well!  And I definitely appreciated when Cersei said that she had heard that Tyrion had lost part of his nose in the Battle of the Blackwater.  It was a good nod to fans of the books who may have taken umbrage to Tyrion's wounds not being more severe.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on April 3, 2013, 03:37 PM
I was pretty much expecting to see Ser Barristan as soon as they showed the recaps of Season 1 & 2 at the top of the show.  They very deliberately showed the scene where Ser Barristan quit the King's Guard in Season 1.  The whole Dany storyline was very compressed, as well.  But all in all, it worked.

The scene between Tywin and Tyrion was easily the best acted scene of the episode.  Peter Dinklage and Charles Dance play these roles amazingly well!  And I definitely appreciated when Cersei said that she had heard that Tyrion had lost part of his nose in the Battle of the Blackwater.  It was a good nod to fans of the books who may have taken umbrage to Tyrion's wounds not being more severe.

I agree completely on this...  I too liked the "nod" to the book with Tyrion's nose injury. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on April 3, 2013, 04:39 PM
And I definitely appreciated when Cersei said that she had heard that Tyrion had lost part of his nose in the Battle of the Blackwater.  It was a good nod to fans of the books who may have taken umbrage to Tyrion's wounds not being more severe.

I was wondering about that.  I have yet to watch S2 or 3, but have read the books and have seen the ads.  So it's nice they addressed that.  I suppose it would be hard on the budget to keep Tyrion without a nose since he's a major part of the show.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 4, 2013, 08:01 AM
That type of CG would be exorbitantly expensive.  It was indeed a nice nod.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 6, 2013, 03:40 AM
Totally aside point that's probably been made, but holy hell does the theme song to GoT get me jacked for every episode.

Looked it up on Youtube just to listen and there's actually some interesting covers of it.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 6, 2013, 08:56 AM
I have that tune in my head all the time.  Brilliant music.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on April 6, 2013, 09:13 AM
When I was rewatching Season 2, I skipped over the intro/music each episode (trying to conserve a minute (lol). I had to fight myself each time I did it though. I just love the opening sequence and theme.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on April 6, 2013, 09:29 AM
Try being in the exhibit where it was continuously played...I got pumped up wanting to be in Westeros.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 7, 2013, 05:45 PM
Bummed that I missed the NY Game of Thrones exhibit.  From the pics I saw online it looked very cool!

And look who wound up hanging out with Drunk Uncle last night (http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/weekend-update-drunk-uncle-on-taxes/n35038/)?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on April 8, 2013, 07:51 AM
Queen of Thorns, Reeds, Brotherhood without Banners.  Another quality episode.

What a nice guy willing to help Theon escape. 
 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 8, 2013, 09:46 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OWQXQgHgq8

I liked this one, and...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esDuge1iK4w

This one.

Just watched this week's sode...  Another well done series of events.

I really need to get off the pot on reading the books.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on April 9, 2013, 02:25 PM
http://www.buzzfeed.com/lyapalater/game-of-thrones-actors-doing-normal-stuff-is-so-weird

Strange...and cool.  Especially interesting to see Samwell Tarley all cleaned up, and Dany wearing clothing.

I think it speaks very well of the world that HBO has created that it feels weird to see Jamie Lannister interacting with people he's not supposed to have met yet.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 9, 2013, 02:32 PM
(http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/webdr05/2013/4/5/16/enhanced-buzz-20033-1365194842-17.jpg)

Wow.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on April 9, 2013, 02:35 PM
Brienne of Tarth   :o

(http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/webdr01/2013/3/19/9/enhanced-buzz-1649-1363701013-5.jpg)

Cersei Lannister:

(http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/webdr03/2013/3/19/9/enhanced-buzz-4906-1363701024-5.jpg)

If the caption hadn't said Lena Headey, I'd have had no clue.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on April 9, 2013, 02:37 PM
(http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/webdr05/2013/4/5/16/enhanced-buzz-20033-1365194842-17.jpg)

Wow.

It's good to be a piggy.

Margaery Tyrell looks...weird...there though.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 9, 2013, 03:29 PM
I will take weird, sir!

Brienne of Tarth is one tall mountain of woman to climb but very nicely cleaned up there.  Wow.  That's really shocking.

I have to say, Cersei may be one of the biggest shockers.  Maybe it's the hair color just throws me off, and don't get me wrong I think she's cute on the show, but she's f'n smoking off it.  Way hotter in her natural hair color and all dolled up in modern clothes.  I'm kinda floored.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on April 9, 2013, 03:47 PM
Brienne of Tarth is one tall mountain of woman to climb

Piglaughed at that.


Here's the link to them all:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/tommywes/fashion-at-the-game-of-thrones-season-3-premiere
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 9, 2013, 06:54 PM
That's an appreciated link right there!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Tracy on April 10, 2013, 02:12 PM
Just makes me mourn Ned Stark's fate that much more - no awesome pictures of Sean Bean :(
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 10, 2013, 07:52 PM
He's always Boromir to me.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on April 11, 2013, 01:47 AM
I have to say, Cersei may be one of the biggest shockers.  Maybe it's the hair color just throws me off, and don't get me wrong I think she's cute on the show, but she's f'n smoking off it.  Way hotter in her natural hair color and all dolled up in modern clothes.  I'm kinda floored.

Go watch 300 again.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on April 11, 2013, 10:03 AM
I have to say, Cersei may be one of the biggest shockers.  Maybe it's the hair color just throws me off, and don't get me wrong I think she's cute on the show, but she's f'n smoking off it.  Way hotter in her natural hair color and all dolled up in modern clothes.  I'm kinda floored.

Go watch 300 again.

Mind.  Blown.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 11, 2013, 02:44 PM
I barely watched 300 once...  Wasn't my thing.

Don't recall her in it.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 11, 2013, 04:33 PM
She was the female lead - married to Leonidas.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on April 12, 2013, 12:59 AM
She was the female lead - married to Leonidas.

And unlike Game of Thrones...she has a nude scene.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on April 15, 2013, 12:50 AM
Chances any of the GoT actors appear in the ST?  Loved tonight's episode, I also like them skipping ahead on Theon
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 15, 2013, 09:11 AM
ST = Star Trek?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Neal on April 15, 2013, 09:34 AM
Or perhaps Sequel Trilogy?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 15, 2013, 09:58 AM
Ugh - is that what we're calling it now?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on April 15, 2013, 12:13 PM
Yeah Sequel Trilogy

Last night, I couldn't help picturing Jaime Lannister/Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as a Jedi...or Obi-Wan, maybe it is the beard, hairstyle and accent :P

The casting and acting in this show has been nothing short of amazing and I can see the SW crew trying to pluck talent
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on April 15, 2013, 02:10 PM
Jedi Master Hodor.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on April 15, 2013, 02:34 PM
Last night, I couldn't help picturing Jaime Lannister/Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as a Jedi...or Obi-Wan, maybe it is the beard, hairstyle and accent :P

Maybe it's the missing appendage.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 15, 2013, 09:53 PM
There has definitely been some character and time compression so far, comparing this season with the books.  Members of the Brotherhood without Banners have been condensed.  Clearly, we've seen Thoros of Myr and Anguy.  But no Lemoncloak, Harwin or Tom of Sevenstrings, so far.  But then we did see Thoros singing, in something of a nod to Tom.

And the Brave Companions?  They haven't been clearly established, either.  Although this character "Locke", played by Noah Taylor does seem to be a stand-in for Vargo Hoat.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on April 15, 2013, 11:07 PM
I flew through book 3 and I don't recall any resolution of the Theon storyline - is this covered in Feast of Crows??

Anyway, I really liked this episode. And I'm really looking forward to seeing Danny's next scenes!!!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 16, 2013, 07:31 AM
Theon disappeared until book 5, and then it was half the book until his true identity was revealed. 

This is another situation that works in books, but wouldn't on TV.  If he just appeared a few years from now in the show he'd be easily recognizable, and the mystery wouldn't make sense.  I like what they're doing instead.  Kinda like the Untold Tales of Westeros.  And they're really developing a great new villain.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on April 16, 2013, 07:42 AM
Theon disappeared until book 5, and then it was half the book until his true identity was revealed. 

This is another situation that works in books, but wouldn't on TV.  If he just appeared a few years from now in the show he'd be easily recognizable, and the mystery wouldn't make sense.  I like what they're doing instead.  Kinda like the Untold Tales of Westeros.  And they're really developing a great new villain.

Well at least I won't continue to think I'm crazy trying to remember his story. I guess I need to get going on Books 4 and 5!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 16, 2013, 08:48 AM
Sorry for the unintended spoiler.   ;)

It's funny, if not for the HBO show I wouldn't have any idea who it was in the books.  The name was completely dead to me.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on April 16, 2013, 08:51 AM
Sorry for the unintended spoiler.   ;)


I'll just try to forget :)  realistically at this pace, I'm years from finishing book 4 and 5 and I'll probably forget in reality  ;D
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on April 16, 2013, 09:09 AM
It's funny, if not for the HBO show I wouldn't have any idea who it was in the books.  The name was completely dead to me.

I know.  It's nice to put names to faces because there are so many characters that it's easy to forget who is who...and some people have nicknames, etc.  In fact, I learned that one character has a double role that is not necessarily easy to figure out.  But I thought in the books, the identity of Reek was told or alluded to.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on April 16, 2013, 09:59 AM
Sorry for the unintended spoiler.   ;)

It's funny, if not for the HBO show I wouldn't have any idea who it was in the books.  The name was completely dead to me.

This is definitely one of the "go-to" devices for Martin....stop talking about a minor character for thousands of pages, bring them back in under a different name, REVEAL!

I too really think the HBO show does a good job adapting to this by showing us what happened in the interim instead of trying to pull off an awkward surprise twist.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 16, 2013, 11:14 AM
I think that the show-runners might be pulling a bit of a "rope a dope" with Theon.  After all, none of his torturers were specifically identified.  And it had only been established that it was Roose Bolton's men that had captured him.

And when Theon escaped, and was aided?  What did one of the Bolton men call the archer who took them out?  "You little b*****".  That should give us all some insight into who set Theon free, and that he might be in for significantly more pain and torment at the hands of his liberator.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 16, 2013, 11:23 AM
POTENTIAL SPOILERS

Yeah - I came into it assuming the guy pulling off his fingernails was Roose.  I figured the liberator was in league with Roose but just some underling.  I think it's pretty obvious now he is Roose and he's setting up Theon for even worse tortures.  Brilliantly executed, IMO.  And it'll be a great shock for the people who haven't read the books.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 16, 2013, 11:33 AM
POTENTIAL SPOILERS

Yeah - I came into it assuming the guy pulling off his fingernails was Roose.  I figured the liberator was in league with Roose but just some underling.  I think it's pretty obvious now he is Roose and he's setting up Theon for even worse tortures.  Brilliantly executed, IMO.  And it'll be a great shock for the people who haven't read the books.

Roose Bolton has made some very distinct appearances.  He leads the Bolton men in King Rob's army.  He had a brief scene with Karstark when the Northerners came into Harrenhal in the first episode this season.  And he's made appearances dating back to last season.  Methinks you might be confusing Roose Bolton with...

Ramsey Snow, the Bastard of Bolton.  That appears to be Theon's "liberator".
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 16, 2013, 12:02 PM
Ah yep... I was making that mistake.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 16, 2013, 01:08 PM
Truth be told, Theon's "liberator" seems far less imposing than I thought he would be.  But his actions seem to be leading toward that sinister path that will lead us to where Theon ends up circa A Dance with Dragons.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Tracy on April 22, 2013, 11:34 AM
Great episode. By far my favorite part was the closing sequence with Dany and her free army. Still haven't quite figured out Margery. I know she is smart and manipulative - but is she really caring or devious and as self-serving as Cersei?  I also like the development if Brienne and Jaimie's "friendship". I have said this before, but the women characters are the brains/heart of this series. They will have the most influence on/over who sits on the Iron Throne.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 22, 2013, 03:10 PM
I've been looking forward to that last scene. 

Some interesting background - turns out it was one of the scenes from the book that inspired the showrunners:

http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/04/21/game-of-thrones-dragon-scene/
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on April 24, 2013, 09:08 AM
Started watching this series on BD (borrowed from a friend) the day after The Walking Dead ended.   Caught up to this week's episode last night.  Would have been even faster but I had to wait a while between seasons.  I think that this show may be my favorite ever.  So damn good. 

You could have knocked me over with a feather when Ned Stark...happened. 

Tracy is 100% correct.  The women are so strongly written in this show it is unbelievable.  The writers are so good at their craft that they can make a person feel pity for even the loathsome Jamie Lannister.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on April 24, 2013, 10:00 AM
The writers are so good at their craft that they can make a person feel pity for even the loathsome Jamie Lannister.

The thing that impresses me the most about Martin's writing in the novels is his ability to carefully, methodically develop a character fully into a villain you despise and then in one chapter flip your perceptions entirely on end and make turn the villain into the hero you're rooting for. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on April 24, 2013, 10:05 AM
For the life of me, I can't remember a scene in the book like the one with the sorcerer in the crate.  I remember Varys telling his story of his mutilation, but not the special delivery.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 24, 2013, 10:18 AM
I don't recall that either.  Though I read the book so long ago I'm not the most reliable source.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 24, 2013, 12:40 PM
For the life of me, I can't remember a scene in the book like the one with the sorcerer in the crate.  I remember Varys telling his story of his mutilation, but not the special delivery.

That was definitely a surprise.  I can recall Varys telling the story, but nothing to the effect that we saw in this past sunday's episode.  But it does serve to demonstrate that Varys is a far more serious player than we've been led to believe.

I was a a little sad to see what happened at Craster's Keep.  I knew it was coming, but you grow attached to characters like the Old Bear.  And James Cosmo has done a great job portraying Lord Commander Mormont.

But the scene in Astapor where Dany acquired the Unsullied Army was the best scene of the episode.  Again, it's a scene I remember from the books.  But the kicker of that scene was when Dany started speaking Valyrian to the slave trader.  She had known what he had been saying about her the entire time during their previous meetings and kept her composure.  And of course, Drogon did the rest!  But when she freed the Unsullied, and they started stamping the ends of their spears into the ground?  THAT was powerful!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on April 24, 2013, 01:05 PM
That is what is so great about this show.  While many moments have an OMG! factor to them, I think Dany's knowing the language and turning the tables was fairly telegraphed, but boy did they ever deliver that in an entertaining fashion.  Even when you have an idea that something is going to happen, when they finally execute, it is always so well done.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on April 24, 2013, 01:20 PM
The writers are so good at their craft that they can make a person feel pity for even the loathsome Jamie Lannister.

The thing that impresses me the most about Martin's writing in the novels is his ability to carefully, methodically develop a character fully into a villain you despise and then in one chapter flip your perceptions entirely on end and make turn the villain into the hero you're rooting for.
This is exactly what was so awesome about LOST (Sawyer, Jin, Linus, Locke etc) and I totally get the same vibe with GoT.  Jamie Lannister come to immediate mind but there are several others.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 24, 2013, 01:29 PM
They even gave a bit of humanity to Joffrey this last episode.

Of course Tyrion is the ultimate amoral ******* you can't help but root for.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 24, 2013, 02:11 PM
The writers are so good at their craft that they can make a person feel pity for even the loathsome Jamie Lannister.

The thing that impresses me the most about Martin's writing in the novels is his ability to carefully, methodically develop a character fully into a villain you despise and then in one chapter flip your perceptions entirely on end and make turn the villain into the hero you're rooting for.
This is exactly what was so awesome about LOST (Sawyer, Jin, Linus, Locke etc) and I totally get the same vibe with GoT.  Jamie Lannister come to immediate mind but there are several others.

The scenes between Arya and Tywin Lannister from last season did that, too.  Tywin had been depicted as a cold, calculating figure with no warmth at all.  But those scenes with him and Arya at Harrenhal cast him in a totally different light.

If only those hadn't been the sole creation of the show-runners, but that's another story entirely....
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on April 24, 2013, 04:52 PM
The scenes with Arya were HBO's creation, but in the books I still found Tywin to be at least somewhat sympathetic as a character.  Still an ass, but he definitely wasn't a two dimensional villain once you understood how the Mad King had treated him and how much he valued his legacy.

The Danni language thing I actually think HBO handled better than the book did.  Or at least it had even more impact on the screen than on the page. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 26, 2013, 12:55 PM
They even gave a bit of humanity to Joffrey this last episode.

Of course Tyrion is the ultimate amoral ******* you can't help but root for.

I don't know if I'd say that much about Tyrion.  He's a complicated character, without a doubt. 

His dwarfism makes him an oddity, since life in Westeros is so hard that a child with birth defects would ordinarily be left to die.  But since he's a Lannister he's had the benefit of the best of care due to the family's riches.  But in contrast, he's always had the disdain of his own father since Tyrion's mother died giving birth to him.  And Tywin won't seem to forgive Tyrion for that.  And his siblings are near perfect, which makes Tyrion that much more of an outcast.  Tyrion's personal moral failings seem to be an exercise in him seeking refuge and comfort since he gets next to none from his family.

Where Tyrion really seems to show his character is in the dealings with the other House of the Seven Kingdoms.  When it comes to dealing with the Starks, he's been very honorable.  He acted very much as a good counsel to Jon Snow when he rode up to The Wall.  He chastised Joffrey for not showing proper courtesy to Catelyn Stark following Bran's fall.  And he was one of the few people to comfort Sansa Stark following Ned's execution at Joffrey's hands. 

Tyrion has the makings of a statesman, but a terrible personal life.  Of the three Lannister children, I think that only he would be a proper heir to Casterly Rock.  But Tywin's grudge against him has clearly stood in the way of him leading the Lannister house.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on April 29, 2013, 01:14 PM
Last week's episode was the balls, but I think I enjoyed last night's even more.

Opening with the Beric-Hound fight was great and everything in between to Tywin with his children was fantastic.  Loved Jaime's monolog and it's good to see Stannis' wife and daughter (Selyse is nuts and gives Lysa Arryn a run for the money in the cuckcoo department).

*Spoiler Space for non-book readers, ye've be warned
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I always figured the last shot of the season would be zombie Cat (matches the fantasy elements of season's 1 dragons and last season's White Walkers), but after last night with Beric's resurrection and Arya's subsuquent wish to bring back Ned, I can almost guarantee it.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on April 30, 2013, 03:51 PM
Anyone reading the facebook GoT recaps?  Pretty good stuff.

http://www.happyplace.com/topic/got-recap-season-3/newest

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on May 2, 2013, 10:07 PM
Caught up on the last two episodes. I was really looking forward to Danny's taking of Astapor (sp?). My favorite part of this season so far.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 8, 2013, 11:37 AM
Aside from Jon Snow and the Wildlings climbing The Wall in this past Sunday's episode, it appears that "The Climb" was very much about setting the stage for events later in this season, and presumably next season.

Having read the books, Robb's meeting with the Frey's in an effort to marry off Edmure Tully so that he can re-establish his alliance with the Frey's was a little chilling.  Simply because if you've read the books, you know where this plotline will eventually lead.

The head scratcher scene of this episode?  It had to be Melisandre coming to the camp of the Brotherhood without Banners.  Simply because that seems to be a creation of the show, and not the novels.  But it does serve to establish that both Melisandre and Thoros of Myr are both priests of the Red God.  Readers of the books will know that Thoros' actions in bringing back Beric Dondarrion will have implications down the line in novels that have already been released.  My personal belief is that Melisandre may exercise this very same power in a book that is yet to be released.

Anyhow, I don't recall this Melisandre / Thoros meeting as anything that happened in the books.  And I think it had more to do with Gendry than anything else.  My belief is that Gendry will stand in the series as the SOLE bastard heir of Robert Baratheon, and the HBO show will totally disregard the other established Baratheon bastard, Edric Storm.  IIRC, Stannis wound up holding Edric Storm captive.  And I think that for the purposes of the show, Gendry will serve as a composite character of both himself from the novels as well as Edric Storm.

The climb?  It was very cool to see The Wall like this, and not as part of the scenery of Castle Black.  And as Jon, Ygritte, Tormund and the other Wildlings made the climb, I was very mindful of some words from the book:  "The Wall defends itself".  When that ice face came down, those words had a whole new sense of gravity.

The maneuvering of Tywin Lannister and the Queen of Thorns to marry off their heirs for political gain made for a great scene.  And where a lot of people may have previously written off Sansa Stark as an inconsequential character, she now has some serious things happening to her.  Because Tywin is regarding her as the heir to Winterfell, and the key to ruling the North.

But the scene that had me wondering where it would go?  Of all things, it was Samwell Tarly and Gilly in the wild, with Gilly's son.  When Sam took out the obsidian dagger, I was really wondering if we would see the possible origin of his nickname.  But I think that may come later as they get closer to The Wall.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 8, 2013, 12:46 PM
I read a roundtable discussion of the episode, and they came to the same conclusion as you about Edric Storm.  And you're correct that that scene was completely invented for the show.

I thought it was a really phenomenal episode.  I'm surprised how much I enjoyed it given the absence of Daenerys.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on May 8, 2013, 09:10 PM
I thought it was a really phenomenal episode.  I'm surprised how much I enjoyed it given the absence of Daenerys.

Me too!  Danny's storyline in this book is one of my favorites.  But there was enough setting up the rest of the season and beyond.

Spoilerish Question below
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Where is this half season going to end?  The Red Wedding?  The Royal Wedding? Both?  It seems like if they are stretching out this book across two seasons, it will be hard to have both weddings or am I mis-remembering the last half of the book?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on May 8, 2013, 09:37 PM
The Red wedding was in the middle of the book the Royal towards the end

I'm guessing the end before either one so they can all come back for Season 4
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Muftak on May 9, 2013, 12:50 AM
The Littlefinger / Varys exchange about the Iron Throne had me laughing harder than anything yet this season.

V: "It's an ugly old thing."

LF: "But it has its uses..."

V: "The Lysa Arryn of chairs!"

I'll be sad to see these two split up.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 9, 2013, 07:44 AM
If you're really interested, there's a synopsis of upcoming episodes here:

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/62175

The final two episodes aren't listed yet, so we still can only speculate.  But there doesn't seem to be a whole lot left to do before the first wedding.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on May 9, 2013, 08:54 AM
The ninth episode is titled "Rains of Castamere".  I'd say that gives you a pretty good idea of what it's about.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 9, 2013, 01:44 PM
The ninth episode is titled "Rains of Castamere".  I'd say that gives you a pretty good idea of what it's about.

That title says "Royal Wedding" to me more than anything else.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on May 13, 2013, 02:49 PM
I've assumed that the weddings would take place concurrently, cutting back and forth within the same episode. That's how I'd do it, anyway.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 13, 2013, 06:29 PM
After last night's episode...faith to the books be damned!  Don't kill off Talisa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Tracy on May 13, 2013, 08:26 PM
Damn you GOT - I actually find myself starting to care about what happens to Jamie Lannister!  The thing that really stood out to me in the scene where Dany was dealing with the slave trader was how much she had taken on the mannerisms and tone if Viserys - it was almost uncanny.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on May 14, 2013, 12:23 PM
Damn you GOT - I actually find myself starting to care about what happens to Jamie Lannister!  The thing that really stood out to me in the scene where Dany was dealing with the slave trader was how much she had taken on the mannerisms and tone if Viserys - it was almost uncanny.

Jaime Lannister may be one of the most dynamicly developed characters I've ever come across in any literature.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on May 14, 2013, 01:25 PM
Damn you GOT - I actually find myself starting to care about what happens to Jamie Lannister!  The thing that really stood out to me in the scene where Dany was dealing with the slave trader was how much she had taken on the mannerisms and tone if Viserys - it was almost uncanny.

Jaime Lannister may be one of the most dynamicly developed characters I've ever come across in any literature.

I agree... His character's stories are very compelling.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 14, 2013, 07:42 PM
Damn you GOT - I actually find myself starting to care about what happens to Jamie Lannister!  The thing that really stood out to me in the scene where Dany was dealing with the slave trader was how much she had taken on the mannerisms and tone if Viserys - it was almost uncanny.

Jaime Lannister may be one of the most dynamicly developed characters I've ever come across in any literature.

I agree... His character's stories are very compelling.

His scene with Brienne in the tub where he told the tale of the killing of Aerys and what that meant to the people of Kings Landing was amazing.  Because the series has had us so tied up in the Stark story that we haven't been able to see that the actions of "The Kingslayer" were actually quiet heroic.  But because Ned Stark was so bound in the rigidity of oaths, he was never able to reason out what Jaime had done.  As a result I tend to look at Ned a bit differently now.

Jaime is absolutely a complex character.  And I'm genuinely interested to see how he will continue to develop, both in the television series and in the books.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 14, 2013, 11:24 PM
Is there anybody here reading this thread who hasn't read the books?  I've read a number of "book spoilers" that people only watching the show might pick up on if they're paying attention (there was one implied in Nick's post).  I'd be a lot less worried about what I said in reply if I knew everyone here has read the books.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on May 14, 2013, 11:34 PM
I have not...  And probably won't till any respective season they go with is over.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on May 15, 2013, 07:46 AM
I've only read through Book 3. I'm trying to stay one book ahead of the series.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Tracy on May 15, 2013, 08:35 AM
I've only read the 1st book. I believe in avoiding even a hint at spoilers. I would prefer it if we kept this thread "book-free" as far as spoilers go and try and keep the focus in the HBO series and have the other thread include both book and tv series.  I don't even read the episode description before I watch a show - that's how spoiler-free I like it! :-)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 15, 2013, 09:35 AM
Fair enough.  I'll keep walking on eggshells, then.   ;)

With so many major characters dying off, it's hard not to spoil things when you talk about their futures in the books.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Tracy on May 15, 2013, 09:45 AM
I appreciate it - thanks!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on May 15, 2013, 09:55 AM
I've met people reading the books and it's hard to not say anything because they ask questions and I'm excited to share my insights because someone else is into it.  But I guess there are some minor characters that are made up for the show (or one is a combination of a few) so sometimes when I watch I get a bit confused.  But hell, I missed some of the under-layers while reading the books, unlike others here.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 15, 2013, 01:05 PM
I've only read the 1st book. I believe in avoiding even a hint at spoilers. I would prefer it if we kept this thread "book-free" as far as spoilers go and try and keep the focus in the HBO series and have the other thread include both book and tv series.  I don't even read the episode description before I watch a show - that's how spoiler-free I like it! :-)

A very fair consideration.  It's tough to do that from my own standpoint, since I feel like I am continually comparing the content of the television series with the books.  But keeping those comparisons restricted to the book thread seems like the best way to keep this thread spoiler free.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on May 15, 2013, 02:23 PM
I think it would be more confusing to read after the show than before since most of the changes are consolidations of plotlines and characters for TV.  Could get confusing in the book to have to see familiar snippets in different characters' paths.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on June 2, 2013, 10:13 PM
Damn, having no information of the books, tonights episode totally got me by surprise. Was not expecting any of that, love when a TV show surprises me.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on June 2, 2013, 10:23 PM
And now you know why book readers have been waiting for this episode all season - the on screen adaptation of one of the most shocking scenes in the books and the reactions of non-book readers.  I got goosebumps when Rains of Castemere started playing, knowing full well what was coming.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on June 2, 2013, 11:19 PM
I can see that. I still have my money on Jon Snow as the eventual winner but not sure how he is going to resolve his new issues now with the wildlings.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on June 2, 2013, 11:46 PM
And now you know why book readers have been waiting for this episode all season - the on screen adaptation of one of the most shocking scenes in the books and the reactions of non-book readers.  I got goosebumps when Rains of Castemere started playing, knowing full well what was coming.

Amen... I thought for sure that would be the season finale.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on June 3, 2013, 10:31 AM
Sorry, but this twitter feed has me laughing out loud.  It is a collection of fan twitter reactions to the Red Wedding. 

NOTE:  Language is NOT appropriate for work/kids.

https://twitter.com/RedWeddingTears
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on June 3, 2013, 11:38 AM
That twitter feed is great. 

Today has been awesome at work.  My office is filled with a ton of "I watch HBO but haven't read the books" people and they were all pissed/confused this morning.  Haven't seem them this upset since Eddard in S1.  Half of them were in total, "WTF!  I'm cancelling HBO" mode like many of those twitter posters. 

One dude in particular at work has been saying how excited he was to see Casterly Rock fall and has been bugging me to tell him how Tywin was going to react to seeing his house looted/sacked...  I just kept say, keep watching. :P
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on June 3, 2013, 12:03 PM
I just love how everyone is blaming HBO for this.  Umm, redirect your hate towards George R R Martin if you don't like it.  But come on, you had to see something bad was going to happen due to the breaking of honor... and who better to exploit that?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Pete_Fett on June 3, 2013, 01:05 PM
Thank you for posting that Twitter feed Brent - it made my lunch-time reading fun!

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on June 3, 2013, 01:33 PM
And video compliation of people (mostly chicks) losing their ****

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78juOpTM3tE&feature=player_embedded
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 3, 2013, 02:39 PM
I was impressed with the episode.  Every bit as horrible and gut-wrenching as the book.  More so when you throw in the pregnant wife.  My wife is gonna lose her **** when we watch it this afternoon.  Maybe I should film it..
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on June 3, 2013, 03:11 PM
  Maybe I should film it..

Yes.

I was thinking this morning, that I really should convince my wife to watch the series.  I'd just watch her reaction to Eddard and the Red Wedding.  Its just not the same effect since I'm the only one at home that watches it (and I've read the books).

I do remember being visibly upset when I read that chapter of the book... I kept coming to the same thoughts "why do bad things keep happening to good people". 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 3, 2013, 06:20 PM
Lynda held it together fairly well.  Totally shocked.  Pissed off.  But no screaming or crying.  She's exactly where you're supposed to be after that happens.  Now she's asking if there's any reason to keep watching since all the "main" characters are dead.

Reflecting a bit... this really is the "I am your father" moment of the series.  Ned's death was huge.  But this death changes everything.  There's what you knew before it happened, and what you know after.  Years from now I think it'll be remembered on par with the greatest moments in TV.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Diddly on June 3, 2013, 08:32 PM
Yeah I was more shocked than anything (haven't read the books). Just like when Ned died, I was basically thinking "Yeah they can't kill off the main character" and then BOOM. I was left thinking "holy cow they actually did that."
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on June 4, 2013, 08:17 AM
Maybe after this episode people (the ones that stick around) will understand that no one is safe.  Perhaps GoT should borrow a phrase from an 80s movie to give this impression:  "There can be only one."
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 4, 2013, 08:51 AM
Walking Dead was acclaimed for its "nobody's safe" feel early on... but a few seasons in now it's clear who isn't going to die.  So now that tension isn't there anymore.  What GoT did was first kill off Rick, then kill off Carl and Lori.  Totally re-writes the rules.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 4, 2013, 10:13 AM
Sorry, but this twitter feed has me laughing out loud.  It is a collection of fan twitter reactions to the Red Wedding. 

NOTE:  Language is NOT appropriate for work/kids.

https://twitter.com/RedWeddingTears

Just added that to my GoT Twitter list!  I wonder just how many "HOW DARE YOU" tweets they've got?  Because you know that SO MANY young girls had a thing for Robb Stark!


I actually haven't had a chance to watch the episode yet.  But having read the book series, I knew that the Red Wedding was looming large.  I'm hoping to watch it tonight (thank you, DVR!), but I'm still prepared to be shocked going into it.

It still leaves me wondering how they're going to wrap up the season.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on June 4, 2013, 11:50 AM
My God was that brutal, I am with Mikey, when they started playing The Rains of Castamere I started getting a pit in my stomach.  My wife started crying when they started talking about naming the baby Eddard Stark.

I also guess that kills the theory of Jayne being alive and carrying a Stark heir in the books.

Makes the season finale all the more anti climactic though, they really should have ended it with Catelyn getting her throat cut fade to black.  Good analogy Bill on the "I am your Father" moment.  I just hope Martin can finish the books without having to wait for the last few seasons to play out.

I don't think there is official word yet (is there?) on Crows and Dragons but I can see splitting them up to at least 3 seasons.  With hopefully Winds of Winter out late this year/early next and probably being a two part season that gives him around 5-6 years to finish the series.

Also note, I am amazed at how many people haven't read the books.  They are so amazing and richer than the snapshots you get in the TV show.  I know they are intimidating due to their girth but they are much easier to read than Tolkien
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 4, 2013, 12:14 PM
I know they are intimidating due to their girth...

That's what she said.

I'm hoping they spread books 4 and 5 across three seasons.  There's definitely too much content to squeeze into two, and the way the story is organized in the books lends itself well to juggling.

And hopefully book 6 is only a year or two away.  I know he said he writes his chapters out-of-order, and that most of the last two books were already written.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on June 4, 2013, 02:19 PM


Makes the season finale all the more anti climactic though, they really should have ended it with Catelyn getting her throat cut fade to black. 

I'm still of the opinion that Lady Stoneheart is the final scene.  Gives some little hope to the massive amount of people upset about the Red Wedding.  Plus the episode title is Myhsa, meaning mother.  Makes sense with Dany and the freed Yunkai slaves also.

I also hope they show Greywind's head on Robb's body.

And we need spoiler tags on this site - this writing in minuscule font blows.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Tracy on June 4, 2013, 03:58 PM
Thanks to the book readers for not spoiling it. I was completely unprepared for it. Honestly - I was much more anxious for Arya - especially when they started playing the Rains of Castamere - I thought it was for her. I have said it all along - the women are the true leaders in this story. Not having read the novels, I say that the front runners are Daenerys and Arya. I used to think Daenerys for sure, but she it seems that she is becoming blood drunk and power hungry - only focused on power. Arya is strong in heart and is more concerned about right and wrong than power. I think she will be the last one standing.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on June 5, 2013, 07:36 AM
Wow.  My reaction was very similar to the first girl in that video.  Hand covering my mouth, and saying "no f***ing way..."  This show is amazing.  They did an astounding job building the tension through the whole episode.  When that door shut, and the Rains of Castamere started, I knew business was about to pick up. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on June 5, 2013, 09:33 AM
I knew business was about to pick up.

I love that expression.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 5, 2013, 02:15 PM
Yeah that was a bit of a mind F...  Freaky.  Sad.  You look for a "good guy" and they die like flies.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 5, 2013, 02:23 PM
Evil will always triumph because good is dumb.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 5, 2013, 07:36 PM
Well said, Lord Helmet.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 5, 2013, 07:40 PM
Best part is that it's true here!   8)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on June 6, 2013, 12:34 AM
If i wanted to start reading the books after this week's season finale, which book would i start with minimal overlap?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 6, 2013, 08:50 AM
Middle of book 3.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on June 6, 2013, 10:13 AM
Middle of book 3.

I don't know...I think you may have to deal with overlap or you're going to be confused by storylines that HBO merged up.

Middle of book 3 is where the red wedding takes place.  You could start there and be current, but there are going to be a lot of characters that you've not been properly introduced to.

Book 1 was almost chapter by chapter the same as season one.

Book 2 HBO compressed a lot of stuff.  I think I'd start with Book 2, knowing that you're in territory you've already covered but picking up depth and details that inform what is going on in the later books.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on June 6, 2013, 10:17 AM
Yeah that was a bit of a mind F...  Freaky.  Sad.  You look for a "good guy" and they die like flies.

This is actually what I'm really coming to admire in Martin's storytelling.  He presents us with obvious, off the shelf good guys to keep our attention occupied while he takes his time fully developing the next wave of more complex, nuanced "good guys" for us to cheer for.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 6, 2013, 10:29 AM
Middle of book 3.

I don't know...I think you may have to deal with overlap or you're going to be confused by storylines that HBO merged up.

Also it's TOTALLY WORTH reading all the books even if you've seen parts of the first 3 on TV.  They're awesome.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on June 6, 2013, 11:18 AM
Also it's TOTALLY WORTH reading all the books even if you've seen parts of the first 3 on TV.  They're awesome.

I agree and with a year of time between now and the start of Season 4, there's plenty of time to go back and relive the entire saga. 

I've been inspired to jump back into Book 4 (started it again last night) and hope to get through 4 and 5 before next season...  Not sure when Book 6 may actually get published.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 6, 2013, 05:31 PM
How does anyone react to and episode like "The Rains of Castamere"?  Walder Frey may be one of the most cruel and calculating characters of the series.  But he's right up there with Tywin Lannister and Roose Bolton, who oddly enough were BOTH in on the plan.  Walder Frey's "acceptance" of Robb's apology was enough to make your skin crawl.  Especially when he addressed Talysa.  But he knew that he could get away with it, since Robb had come to essentially beg forgiveness.

I think some of the most underrated scenes of the episode were between Arya and the Hound.  Arya seems so determined to get to her family, but Clegane serves to ground her in the reality of the situation.  And when they got to the Twins?  It was remarkable to see the Hound quickly decide to get Arya out of there.  And it absolutely sheds some light on the Hound as a more complicated and honorable character than we might have originally thought.

The scenes with Jon Snow and the wildlings were pretty interesting, too.  He and Bran came so close one another, but circumstances prevented it from happening.  That was one scene that was actually pretty true to the book.  Although Jon being clawed by the warged eagle was actually from book 2.

As for Dany taking Yunkai?  That almost seemed like an afterthought in this episode.  There were definitely some differences with the book, but more may come to light on that front in the season 3 finale.

But the Red Wedding?  OMG.  How brutal and calculated. 

The bedding ceremony seemed semi-true to the book.  Although I seem to recall Edmure knowing that he was being taken captive.  And I also can't recall whether or not the Blackfish had been there, although the show-runners gave him an out from the feast hall.  I know that the Blackfish is supposed to show up again in the next book.

But between "The Rains of Castamere" being played, and Catelyn's discovery that Roose Bolton was wearing chainmail, it became apparent that things were going to turn especially ugly.  The crossbows from the gallery made it clear that this was an assassination.  And when Talysa was stabbed?  That was horrifying.  But one thing took me out of that, and that was the actor who stabbed Talysa.  He had been in a movie called "Pirate Radio", and his character was dumb and affable.  The total opposite of the two-faced Frey who killed the Queen in the North after chatting her up earlier at the feast.

The Freys who were killing the Northmen seemed to be doing the killing the way I had picture it in the book.  But I wasn't expecting Grey Wind to be put down the way it happened in the show.  But Robb's death at the hands of Roose Bolton was cold.  Catelyn's mad grief?  It was even worse.

So how will this season end?  That actually has me scratching my head a little bit.  I know that we saw the return of Jaime to King's Landing in the coming attractions.  And Bran's journey gets him closer to the Wall.  But I think that there are some other plot points that are going to be explored in a big way to close out this season.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: JediJman on June 6, 2013, 06:18 PM
I'm totally confused - why are there two different threads about Game of Thrones?   ???
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on June 6, 2013, 06:29 PM
I'm totally confused - why are there two different threads about Game of Thrones?   ???

This one is exclusively about the HBO series.  The other is about the books, with some comments about comparisons with the show... so as not to spoil it for those who haven't read the books.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on June 7, 2013, 12:45 AM
I'm totally confused - why are there two different threads about Game of Thrones?   ???

This one is exclusively about the HBO series.  The other is about the books, with some comments about comparisons with the show... so as not to spoil it for those who haven't read the books.
Yeah there a lot of people who have not read the books but have watched the show...we need to keep those discussions separate for spoiler reasons
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on June 7, 2013, 04:06 PM
Thanks guys, i'll consider it and try to figure out where to start.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 8, 2013, 02:01 PM
Hmmm.  I think that if you want to pick up where season 3 of the TV series is leaving off, you may just want to read all of Book 3.  Picking up in the middle of the book would probably make for an odd reading experience. 

I actually started readying the books following season 1 of the show, and the first book I read was A Clash of Kings.  After that, I read the rest of the series in order.  Since finishing book 5, I've actually gone back to read the first book.  There are some serious differences between the books and the series, but the overall direction seems to line up.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on June 10, 2013, 07:54 AM
After last week's shocker, last night took a breather and set up the second half of aSoS for next season.  I didn't get Lady Stoneheart like I thought we would, but at least they had the balls to show GreyRobb.  Everyone now knows who Theon's torturer is (but the clues have been there since last season), but they only scratched the surface on what a sick bastard he is.

And any scene with Tywin and Tyrion is gold.

Now starts the casting rumors for new characters in season 4, mainly the Martells, specifically the Red Viper.  Going to be a long wait until March.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on June 10, 2013, 09:35 AM
Wish the red wedding episode was th season finale, still think it was just incredible. I am sure last night set stuff up, more than i know, but was just ok.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 10, 2013, 11:05 AM
It was sort of an unfocused finale after everything that happened the week before.  The Daenerys scene at the end seemed really tacked-on... seemingly to add a "wow" moment to wrap up the season.  I remembered reading something about how novel readers might be upset by a big departure in the finale from the books, which had me on-edge thinking "maybe there's an assassin among the slaves and Daenerys gets stabbed in a cliff-hanger!"  Which would have been more interesting than the crowd-surfing...

I did like when Arya got all stabby.  Sucks that Theon joins Varys and the Unsullied... I don't recall that being explicitly spelled out in the books.  Seemed like a lot was packed in for one episode.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: EdSolo on June 10, 2013, 11:16 AM
I wondered about Theon as well.  I think that in the book that other things were sent to his father than what was sent on the show.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 10, 2013, 05:45 PM
Without a doubt, my favorite scene from the finale was Tywin dressing down Joffrey.  Sending the King to bed without supper, and having Pycelle give him a sleeping potion?  Tywin has really stepped up to handle his monster of a grandson!  But then to follow that up with Tyrion & Tywin's exchange?  That was fantastic.

The intersection of Sam & Bran's journeys was great.  It was great just to see a little of one of the other castles on The Wall, first and foremost.  Even if it was a ruin.  And the stories of treachery at the Nightfort added to the sense of lore.  I will admit:  I was a little disappointed in one respect with these scenes, and the fact that one character wasn't included.

Jon Snow's return to The Wall was something I was waiting to see.  And Ygritte didn't disappoint in lighting him up before he got there.  I was missing that in last week's episode.  Maester Aemon's message to Stannis and the other lords of Westeros following Sam's return did appear to be something of a game changer.  Especially with regard to Stannis, Davos and Melisandre.  Clearly, Stannis's focus will be shifting elsewhere.

I have to agree that the final scene was not something that I found interesting.  But it does move forward Dany's story arc as a liberator.  Still, I thought that a closing scene with Jon Snow and what's to come in his storyline might have made for a stronger closing scene to the season.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on June 10, 2013, 10:00 PM
My hope that John Snow would be the eventual and final victor is fading after the last episode. I get the sense that things dont go as well for him as I hoped for. He didn't look to good.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 10, 2013, 11:35 PM
Think in the downtime I need to start reading some of the books...  Time to get off the chamber pot.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on June 11, 2013, 09:39 AM
Time to get off the chamber pot.

You might laugh at that one in hindsight once your done reading the books.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on June 11, 2013, 10:03 AM
Time to get off the chamber pot.

You might laugh at that one in hindsight once your done reading the books.

Well played, sir.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 11, 2013, 10:23 AM
Time to get off the chamber pot.

You might laugh at that one in hindsight once your done reading the books.

Well played, sir.

+1

Too clever by half!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 11, 2013, 02:08 PM
I'm intrigued now.

Must...

Get...

Books...

I need to just order these because B&N's all that is left and Borders was all I had in a reasonable drive.   ::)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on June 12, 2013, 07:31 AM
The ninth episode of each of the seasons so far is the "Holy Sh!T!!" episode, and the finale is usually more subdued in comparison(Beheading, Blackwater, Red Wedding). My friends and I have decided to have an "Episode 9" party next season.

Did I hear correctly that Roose Bolton's bastard is also named Snow?  Are all bastards named Snow?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on June 12, 2013, 07:51 AM
Did I hear correctly that Roose Bolton's bastard is also named Snow?  Are all bastards named Snow?

Those born in the North are.

Other areas have different bastard names:
Riverlands - Rivers
Vale - Stone
Iron Islands - Pyke
Westerlands - Hill
The Reach - Flowers
Crownlands - Waters (Gendry would be a Waters)
Stormlands - Storm
Dorne - Sand
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 12, 2013, 01:39 PM
....And let the speculations about season 4 begin!  Clearly, there are some hanging storylines that are notable:

-What's to become of the Wildling Raiders who are south of the Wall?

-Where will Bran's journey with the Reeds lead?  And who will they encounter?

-What did Melisandre see in the flames?  And what will Stannis do?

-What becomes of the apparently reformed Jaime Lannister  following his return to Kings Landing?

-And what of Cersei's arranged marriage to Loras Tyrell?


There are some new characters who should be working their way in to season 4.  Notably, the Red Viper and some of the Dornish.  Can anyone else think of new characters that might work their way into season 4?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 12, 2013, 02:41 PM
I'm hoping we see Strong Belwas and more of Daenerys' inner circle.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 17, 2013, 06:48 AM
I've been wondering about Strong Belwas.  He has a role to play further down the line.

But there's another character that I thought we would see more of who was introduced in season 2.  Namely, Ser Dontos Florent.  We got to see him in the first episode of season 2, but he's disappeared since then.  He also has a role to play.  Will he return for season 4?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 17, 2013, 08:27 AM
The series has made a habit of introducing characters later than they appear in the book, and I expect Belwas will be one of those.  I think they understand that they can only get away with bringing in new people sparingly.  Hence the Reeds and Lord Beric showing up in season 3.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 17, 2013, 08:41 AM
Yeah, the Reed children were definitely in the back of my mind along those lines.  But Beric did show up in a single scene of Season 1, albeit played by a different actor.  I can't say that I recall him showing up anywhere else prior to the events of season 3.

As for Strong Belwas?  I can understand why he wasn't introduced in season 3, since the premise for his introduction was the inclusion of his squire, Arstan Whitebeard.  The show didn't go with that, though, and straight-away we knew that the old, bearded mystery man in Astapor was Barristan Selmy.  Simply because the television medium makes the concept of a disguise tougher to pull off.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 6, 2013, 08:27 PM
It looks like the Red Vyper has been cast (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0050959/?ref_=tt_cl_t1).  I can't say that I've heard of Pedro Pascal before, but he's listed on IMDB as playing Oberyn Martell in Season 4.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 21, 2013, 09:04 AM
Gotta love the In Memorium reel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m4ZPULXJKw) from the Game of Thrones panel at SDCC.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on July 21, 2013, 02:42 PM
Gotta love the In Memorium reel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m4ZPULXJKw) from the Game of Thrones panel at SDCC.

Did they leave out the Frey wife that Catelyn kills?  Maybe I missed her with all the quick flashes in the middle part.  But that was great, though.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 21, 2013, 04:27 PM
They did.  I watched the quick bit, and she wasn't in there.  Which is fine, since that particular killing was a creation of the show, and not in A Storm Of Swords.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on January 13, 2014, 11:29 AM
Season 4 Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZY43QSx3Fk
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on January 13, 2014, 11:54 AM
Man, this show is awesome.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on January 13, 2014, 11:56 AM
Man, it is going to suck when they have to quit making it  :-[
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on January 13, 2014, 02:05 PM
There was so much jammed into that trailer that I don't know where to begin...with the trailer, that is.  It looks awesome.

But my own great Game of Thrones moment from the weekend?  I was walking in NYC and someone caught my eye.  Who?  Peter Dinklage, hailing a cab!  He saw the recognition on my face.  And considering he was with his kid?  I especially did not want to be an annoying fanboy, and just gave him a nod of acknowledgement.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on January 23, 2014, 09:16 AM
The Game of Thrones exhibition will be returning (http://connect.hbo.com/events/game-thrones/game-thrones-exhibit/) in advance of season 4 on HBO.  North American stops for the exhibit tour include:

 -New York City (1/27 - 2/1)
 -Mexico City (2/15 - 2/19)
 -Austin at SXSW® (3/7 - 3/11)
 -Toronto (5/14 - 5/18)
 -Vancouver (8/16 - 9/1)


There will also be stops in Europe and South America:

 -Belfast (Dates to be announced)
 -Rio De Janeiro (4/5 - 4/9)
 -Oslo (4/26 - 4/30)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on January 23, 2014, 11:12 AM
Gonna hit it this time, Nick?  That was way cool to see... and sit on the Iron Throne.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on January 23, 2014, 02:58 PM
If I can plan it out, yes.  I seem to remember you saying that the lines were pretty long for last year's exhibit.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on January 23, 2014, 04:58 PM
If I can plan it out, yes.  I seem to remember you saying that the lines were pretty long for last year's exhibit.

Yes, they went around the block.  But I was going by in the middle of the day, so I'd recommend going early and getting there a before open.  I must say that when I went they must have opened the doors early, too because I got in just after it should have opened and we were moving before that.  At least they keep you entertained and do some trivia.  I won a key chain.  It's definitely worth it and you can spend as much time as you want there in the exhibit.  I'd just hit the Iron Throne first since that usually gets the longest line.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on February 24, 2014, 02:16 AM
The season 4 trailers are looking good so far.  The "Vengeance" trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2ZNaLQD60Y) left me wondering about a few scenes that are included.  One character in particular at the end was a little curious.  Could it have been Coldhands?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on February 27, 2014, 04:45 PM
I believe you could be right, Nick, though it would be a 'reimagining' of the story's description.  I can't believe these trailers seem to have spoilers across them.  I guess Arya's prayer includes Melissandre?  Not sure why... I've still got to catch up on Season 3, though so maybe the answer's there?  Plus, I'm curious about a kiss in there... I know who the man is, but I must be mistaken about the woman, but maybe her profile is similar to another character's?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on February 27, 2014, 06:54 PM
I was assuming the taking of Beratheon's Bastard son, the smith kid?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on February 27, 2014, 10:27 PM
Sweet replica of the Iron Throne tonight on Parks & Rec...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on February 28, 2014, 10:13 AM
Plus, I'm curious about a kiss in there... I know who the man is, but I must be mistaken about the woman, but maybe her profile is similar to another character's?

Think back to the pilot for the series and the final scene.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on April 4, 2014, 03:17 PM
Giddy with excitement for GoT on Sunday...one of the best shows on TV even if I know what is coming
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 4, 2014, 03:42 PM
Should be a great season.  Lots of cool things coming with season 4.  Especially the Purple Wedding!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on April 4, 2014, 03:44 PM
Yeah Scott, me too.  Total geek weekend started with GIJoeCommunity last night and ends with Cap tomorrow and GoT Sunday.  Throw in the emotional ring ceremony for the Sox this afternoon and it'll be a good four days.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 7, 2014, 09:22 AM
Wow!  They really got the ball rolling last night with some significant plot points.  Great start to the season.  Although seeing Ice melted down to be reforged into Valyrian steel swords for the Lannisters was a bit of a tough pill to swallow.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 8, 2014, 02:45 PM
Unsurprising news (http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/04/08/game-of-thrones-renewed-for-two-more-seasons/)

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 8, 2014, 06:16 PM
Great episode.  Watched it last night...  I liked their explanation about Ice and then Ariya getting Needle back kind of bookending the episode.  Pretty sweet.  I dig Ariya's character as she becomes more vicious.  I'm anxious to see her kill some more.

Good episode...  After all the Walking Dead debate I've come to the conclusion that, for me anyway, GoT is the best show on TV.  I still love TWD a lot, and more than some of you do I know, but GoT is just vastly superior in every way.  TWD is still great to me, despite all the criticism, but that's just me.  GoT is just insanely well done though, and the budget can't be too out there I'd think, being an HBO show and all.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 8, 2014, 08:48 PM
They're pretty tight with budgets.  I remember during one of the making-of specials the showrunners talked about blowing a huge chunk of their budget on the Battle of Blackwater, so much so that they really had to skimp the whole rest of the season.  It's amazing that nothing about the show looks cheap.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 8, 2014, 10:53 PM
Yeah I'd heard similar things about Rome, Deadwood, etc.

The show's really epic in look and feel, and while some of the CGI work isn't exactly the tippy top, I don't care...  I think it still looks great.  Everything doesn't have to be Avatar to be impressive I think.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on April 11, 2014, 10:12 AM
I finally got a chance to watch the premiere last night.  So great to have GoT back on the air!  My those dragons have grown up.

I really liked the opening sequence with the crafting of the new swords.

I hardly recognized Ser Jaime without his beard! 

Did the actor for Dario (or however you spell his name)?  He looked different but I haven't gone into IMBD to check this out.  I liked last years version better.

I've only read up to Storm of Swords (I think that's the title of book 3) so I'm trying to remember what's happened and I know they may be starting to merge different ideas from the books as they weave in and out.  So a few questions which for people that have read further ahead (or just have a better memory than me!)

Are the events of Dany's current storyline covered elsewhere?  I don't recall much more from her storyline other than the conquering of the current city (which happened last season)

Did Arya get Needle back in the books?  I honestly don't remember this.


Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 11, 2014, 10:32 AM
Did the actor for Dario (or however you spell his name)?  He looked different but I haven't gone into IMBD to check this out.  I liked last years version better.

Yes:  http://hbowatch.com/daario-naharis-recast-in-game-of-thrones/

Did Arya get Needle back in the books?  I honestly don't remember this.

She definitely had Needle, yes.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 11, 2014, 11:00 AM

Did the actor for Dario (or however you spell his name)?  He looked different but I haven't gone into IMBD to check this out.  I liked last years version better.

I've only read up to Storm of Swords (I think that's the title of book 3) so I'm trying to remember what's happened and I know they may be starting to merge different ideas from the books as they weave in and out.  So a few questions which for people that have read further ahead (or just have a better memory than me!)

Are the events of Dany's current storyline covered elsewhere?  I don't recall much more from her storyline other than the conquering of the current city (which happened last season)


Yeah, they did change the actor for Dario Nahaaris.  He's now being played by Dutch actor Michel Huisman.  If you watched the HBO series Treme you might recognize him.

Dany is continuing on her travels through Slaver's Bay.  Last season she started in Astapor.  That's where she got her army of Unsullied.  She took Astapor when she freed the Unsullied, and then they took Yunkai at the end of last season.  This season Danaerys and her army are on the road from Yunkai to Meereen.  I'll leave it at that so as to avoid spoilers.

I was pleasantly surprised with the first appearance of Prince Oberyn of Dorne.  I was genuinely wondering how they were going to handle the Dornish since they really haven't been seen in the series up until now.  Culturally, they seem to be a blend of Spaniards and Arabs, which is somewhat in line with George RR Martin's vision for them.  As for Oberyn?  You've got to appreciate someone who's willing to show such outright hostility for the Lannisters in Kings Landing.  Everyone else that opposes them has done so in a very covert, measured way.  But sing "The Rains of Castamere" in a brothel and that's going to buy you a dagger through the wrist, courtesy of the Red Viper!

And speaking of "The Rains of Castamere", word has it that the Icelandic band Sigur Ros will be making a cameo, playing the House Lannister song at some point this season.  I get the sense that it might be happening on this coming Sunday's episode.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on April 11, 2014, 01:29 PM
Thanks Guys.  I probably need to go back and review the books a bit more, especially in regards to Dany's plot line.  I just don't seem to recall what happens after Yunkai!  Or maybe I should just sit back and watch  ;D

I also really liked Oberyon's appearance and I really liked how uncomfortable Tyrion really was.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on April 11, 2014, 03:07 PM
I just don't seem to recall what happens after Yunkai!  Or maybe I should just sit back and watch  ;D

I also really liked Oberyon's appearance and I really liked how uncomfortable Tyrion really was.

If you've only read up to Book 3, then there is more in the later 2 books... so keep reading.

Yes, I loved that scene between the two of them (Tyrion and Oberyn)... as well as Oberyn's scene in the brothel... It just sets the mood for what's to come.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 11, 2014, 03:41 PM
Looks like Ed Skrein, who played Dario Nahaaris in the third season left because he got a better gig.  He's due to play a younger Frank Martin (originally played by Jason Statham) in what may be a Transporter prequel.

It also seems that these HBO roles may not be terribly lucrative.  Lena Headey is having some serious financial problems.  Mostly associated with her ongoing divorce.  But one would assume that one of the leads on the show would be a bit more comfortable.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on April 12, 2014, 05:04 PM
Is it me or did the actress who plays Sansa looks like she aged, gained weight, in the off season. She just looked different.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 12, 2014, 08:51 PM
All of the cast has aged.  But with the younger cast members it's far easier to see.  Personally, I don't see it as much in Sophie Turner, who plays Sansa Stark.  If anything I see it far more in the actors who play Bran and Arya Stark.  When the pilot was shot, which may have been in 2009, Isaac Hempstead Wright, who plays Bran, was probably 10 years old.  Now he's 15 and he looks radically different from the kid who caught Cersei and Jaime Lannister.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 13, 2014, 10:01 PM
ZOMG! Just saw "The Purple Wedding". And true to form Joffrey was an utter monster. But I couldn't believe that as he was choking that I actually felt a pang of sympathy for him. Especially after how he had so publically shamed Tyrion.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on April 13, 2014, 10:46 PM
It's amazing how choked up one gets at weddings.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on April 13, 2014, 11:35 PM
ZOMG! Just saw "The Purple Wedding". And true to form Joffrey was an utter monster. But I couldn't believe that as he was choking that I actually felt a pang of sympathy for him. Especially after how he had so publically shamed Tyrion.

Sympathy?!?! 

I'm hardly the vengeful type, but watching the life go out of that little ******'s eyes was one of the most satisfying things I've ever seen in TV or film.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 14, 2014, 08:55 AM
Don't get me wrong:  Joffrey has done the most hateful things imaginable during the course of the series.  At some point it may come to light that he was responsible for something VERY big, but I don't know when or how that might get revealed.  Karma is a bitch, and the horrific nature of his death was well deserved.  He's been a sadistic little bastard ever since we saw the incident at the Inn at the Crossroads where Arya threw his sword into the river.  And his tormenting of Tyrion during this episode alone was unforgiveable.  But for me, it's tough to watch ANYONE choke and die like that, even if it is a television show.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Tracy on April 14, 2014, 09:20 AM
That was some serious humble pie that Jofrrey choked down.......
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on April 14, 2014, 09:33 AM
I had the biggest **** eating grin when that was all going down (I knew what was coming) and was trying to hide it from my wife.  She was more shocked by Joffrey's death (she expected him to die at some point, just not at the wedding and like that) than the Red Wedding.

Loved the way they did the dwarfs, slightly different from the books, but effective.

I'm thinking about the next 'holy ****' moment non-readers will flip out on.  There's certainly a few more coming this season.


-Cersei and Jaime ******* over Joffery's rotting corpse
-Battle at the Wall and Stannis' arrival
-Red Viper vs the Mountain
-Tyrion killing Shae and then Tywin
-Lady Stoneheart
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on April 14, 2014, 09:38 AM
Don't get me wrong:  Joffrey has done the most hateful things imaginable during the course of the series.  At some point it may come to light that he was responsible for something VERY big, but I don't know when or how that might get revealed.  Karma is a bitch, and the horrific nature of his death was well deserved.  He's been a sadistic little bastard ever since we saw the incident at the Inn at the Crossroads where Arya threw his sword into the river.  And his tormenting of Tyrion during this episode alone was unforgiveable.  But for me, it's tough to watch ANYONE choke and die like that, even if it is a television show.

This show must be very difficult for you to watch then, seeing someone getting their head cut off or worse every 5 minutes for 4 seasons now...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 14, 2014, 10:15 AM
Why the **** are you trying to make something out of this?!?!?

For some reason it was really just troubling to watch someone choke to death.  I had no qualms about the scene at the end of last week's season premiere.  The Hound taking on 5 guys in the Inn was an amazing scene.  And I actually thought that when Arya had her revenge on Polliver, who had killed her friend in season 2, that was a moment of justice. 

My *momentary* pang of sympathy was about anybody choking.

I'm thinking about the next 'holy ****' moment non-readers will flip out on.  There's certainly a few more coming this season.


-Cersei and Jaime ******* over Joffery's rotting corpse
-Battle at the Wall and Stannis' arrival
-Red Viper vs the Mountain
-Tyrion killing Shae and then Tywin
-Lady Stoneheart


These are all big moments that I'm looking forward to as well.  This season is going to be big.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on April 14, 2014, 10:29 AM
Why the **** are you trying to make something out of this?!?!?

For some reason it was really just troubling to watch someone choke to death.  I had no qualms about the scene at the end of last week's season premiere.  The Hound taking on 5 guys in the Inn was an amazing scene.  And I actually thought that when Arya had her revenge on Polliver, who had killed her friend in season 2, that was a moment of justice. 

My *momentary* pang of sympathy was about anybody choking.


Whoa there.  Was I 'making something' of it?  I thought it was a reasonable discussion of the sympathy or lack thereof that one might feel for one of the most loathed characters of all time.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 14, 2014, 10:53 AM
When I read the telling of Joffreys death in the books, I was fine with it.  But in the death scene we saw last night, actor Jack Gleason was finally able to convey the truth behind Joffrey and (most of) his cruelty:  that deep down he was just a scared boy. A scared boy who was given unlimited power and used it to become a bully since he hadn't been adequately parented by his real father, Jaime Lannister, and the father her thought was his own in Robert Baratheon.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on April 14, 2014, 10:56 AM
When I read the telling of Joffreys death in the books, I was fine with it.  But in the death scene we saw last night, actor Jack Gleason was finally able to convey the truth behind Joffrey and (most of) his cruelty:  that deep down he was just a scared boy. A scared boy who was given unlimited power and used it to become a bully since he hadn't been adequately parented by his real father, Jaime Lannister, and the father her thought was his own in Robert Baratheon.

Disagree.  He wasn't a 'scared little boy' - he was a complete and utter sociopath.  Rotten and evil to his core, even if he sometimes was unsure of himself, he had no regard for any person on that show - NO ONE.  Talking about cutting Ned Stark's head off with his daughter sitting 5 feet away... tormenting his uncle, killing at will...

I didn't see a single redeeming thing about him, and he was designed that way. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Pete_Fett on April 14, 2014, 12:31 PM
Disagree.  He wasn't a 'scared little boy' - he was a complete and utter sociopath.  Rotten and evil to his core, even if he sometimes was unsure of himself, he had no regard for any person on that show - NO ONE.  Talking about cutting Ned Stark's head off with his daughter sitting 5 feet away... tormenting his uncle, killing at will...

I didn't see a single redeeming thing about him, and he was designed that way.

I completely agree with Rob - a scared little boy doesn't take his new crossbow, tie up the prostitute who has been sent to sleep with him and then shoot her full of crossbow bolts.

Now if the scene had been him all nervous about sexuality and exploding in his pants too early, then sure - scared little boy.

Continuing to fire crossbow bolts into a tied-up, naked, defenseless woman whose life you feel holds no value = sociopath.

If you want to be shocked at something, Cersei crying over her sociopathic son's body was interesting - how could she possibly feel anything for that brat at this point? Goes to show that a mother will pretty much forgive her children for doing anything...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 14, 2014, 01:07 PM
When I read the telling of Joffreys death in the books, I was fine with it.  But in the death scene we saw last night, actor Jack Gleason was finally able to convey the truth behind Joffrey and (most of) his cruelty:  that deep down he was just a scared boy. A scared boy who was given unlimited power and used it to become a bully since he hadn't been adequately parented by his real father, Jaime Lannister, and the father her thought was his own in Robert Baratheon.

Disagree.  He wasn't a 'scared little boy' - he was a complete and utter sociopath.  Rotten and evil to his core, even if he sometimes was unsure of himself, he had no regard for any person on that show - NO ONE.  Talking about cutting Ned Stark's head off with his daughter sitting 5 feet away... tormenting his uncle, killing at will...

I didn't see a single redeeming thing about him, and he was designed that way. 

I'm not disputing that Joffrey was a sociopath.  He absolutely was.  He was a sociopath who was drunk with power, and that lust for power had been instilled in him by Tywin and Cersei.  And he's also the result of a lack of a solid father figure, as both Robert Baratheon and Jaime Lannister failed him.

I credit that slight glimmer of humanity much more to the actor than the character.  And from all of the behind the scenes videos it's been communicated that the actor behind Joffrey is actually an incredibly nice kid.  And he's done an amazing job in portraying a horrible character.  He made a choice in that death scene that said something to me.

Even the most horrific villain has some shred of humanity to them.  Otherwise they're just ridiculous, one dimensional constructs.  One thing that's become very clear in George R.R. Martin's writing is that his characters are by and large complicated.  If you didn't get that?  Fine.  That's your viewing experience.  I had one of my own.  And I just find it interesting that viewing the scene on the HBO series evoked a slightly different response than when I read the same scene in A Storm of Swords.

The one thing that's left hanging from the books that I have to wonder about in the wake of Joffrey's death?  It's something that really should have been explored in the pilot, and seems to have been a missed opportunity in the show.  In the first novel, when the Royal court is visiting Winterfell, Joffrey loses some competition to Robb Stark.  It was the shame of that loss and a remark from Robert Baratheon that seems to have spurred Joffrey to hire the assassin that went to kill Bran in his sick bed in Winterfell.  After that things spiraled out of control, leading to the outbreak of hostilities between the Starks and the Lannisters.  I'm struggling to recall who revealed that information and at what time.  It may have been Varys, but I'm not positive.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on April 14, 2014, 01:23 PM
I agree with Nick regarding Joff's death.  Sure, he's psychotic, but it's that lack of father-figure plus the fact he is king (and flaunts it despite grandpa telling him a king doesn't tell people he is) Joffrey has power and feels he can get away with anything without repercussion.  He felt he was untouchable.  I don't think Joffrey ever thought he would die (despite seeing many others killed around him) and when he realized he was done for, he realized how helpless he was and that scared him.

Nick, I believe it was Littlefinger
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 14, 2014, 01:53 PM
I think the more satisfying scene in the series was when Tywin dressed down Joff just as P-Siddy mentioned.  And then Tywin sent THE KING off to bed, and to be given a sleeping pill by Grand Maester Pycelle.  At that moment Tywin showed that he was the power behind the Iron Throne, and he was just barely suffering his grandson.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Sybeck1 on April 14, 2014, 02:27 PM
Worst part is the little sadist never got to bed Natalie Dormer
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Tracy on April 14, 2014, 02:34 PM
Worst part is the little sadist never got to bed Natalie Dormer

The little turd wouldn't know what to do with her - she wouldn't have any more luck with him that she did with Renly.......... ::)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Sybeck1 on April 14, 2014, 03:35 PM
Looking at her I would probably need a crash helmet myself.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 14, 2014, 11:09 PM
George R.R. Martin on the royal wedding (http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/04/13/george-r-r-martin-why-joffrey-killed/)

Showrunners David Benioff and DB Weiss discuss the "Purple Wedding (http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/04/13/game-of-thrones-showrunners-joffrey-wedding-interview/).
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 14, 2014, 11:43 PM
I'm in the "Joffrey was a POS, purely evil character" camp...

He's not like Jamie who has some redeeming qualities...  Most seem more complex, but for me, Joffrey = Caligula, from the in-breeding to the sadistic nature, to the tantrums and quick temper.

There are worse though...  That's kind of what always comes up in TWD too, that there is always someone worse.

But watching Joffrey croak was pretty damn fun, I have to admit.

Long list of suspects too...  Tyrion's about the only one I don't think would've done it, ironically.

This certainly changes things...  I've not read the books so I don't know exactly who the Lannisters would attempt to replace Joffrey with then...  I know all the people who could make claims, and I'm probably forgetting a few of them even, but who would the Lannisters try to put there?  The marriage isn't really official, so it's a dilemma for them.  Cersie would probably be the most likely to take the throne for now?

It's nice to hear it stated that basically the Starks aren't out of things, by the way.  That there is the thought people would rally to even a young Stark being alive if they knew.  It's felt like, to someone who hasn't read the books anyway, that they're pretty much on the fringe of the game at this point.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: EdSolo on April 15, 2014, 07:01 AM
Joffrey has a younger brother and sister.  The sister was mentioned in the episode and I assume the younger brother was the kid that was seen in several scenes standing with Cersie.  In the books he is about seven or eight (and Joffrey was about thirteen), so it looks like his brother (Tommen, I think his name is) is a little older than that on the show.  If we ignore the reality of the parentage of Cersie's children, then Tommen is the "rightful" heir to Joffrey since Joffrey did not have any offspring.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on April 15, 2014, 10:04 AM
If we ignore the reality of the parentage of Cersie's children, then Tommen is the "rightful" heir to Joffrey since Joffrey did not have any offspring.

Depends... on a 'certain point of view'  ;)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on April 15, 2014, 10:13 AM
Nick (sort-of) wins!

Quote
I also tried to provide a certain moment of pathos with the death. I mean, Joffrey, as monstrous as he is — and certainly he’s just as monstrous in the books as he is in the TV show, and Jack has brought some incredible acting chops to the role that somehow makes him even more loathsome than he is on the page — but Joffrey in the books is still a 13-year-old kid. And there’s kind of a moment there where he knows that he’s dying and he can’t get a breath and he’s kind of looking at Tyrion and at his mother and at the other people in the hall with just terror and appeal in his eyes—you know, “Help me mommy, I’m dying.” And in that moment, I think even Tyrion sees a 13-year-old boy dying before him. So I didn’t want it to be entirely, “Hey-ho, the witch is dead.” I wanted the impact of the death to still strike home on to perhaps more complex feelings on the part of the audience, not necessarily just cheering.

Not that the kid's not bad, but seems Marin did want you to feel a hint of sympathy, because monster or not he's still a kid.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 15, 2014, 11:21 AM
If we ignore the reality of the parentage of Cersie's children, then Tommen is the "rightful" heir to Joffrey since Joffrey did not have any offspring.

Depends... on a 'certain point of view'  ;)


That point of view being that the Lannisters are the power behind the Iron Throne.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on April 15, 2014, 12:05 PM
True... I was thinking along the lines of the Martells, who believe Myrcella is the rightful heir.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: EdSolo on April 15, 2014, 01:20 PM
True... I was thinking along the lines of the Martells, who believe Myrcella is the rightful heir.

If you get down to brass tacks, Daenerays is truly the rightful heir to the throne from what we know to be the truth at this point.  As far as the kingdom knows, Tommen is the rightful heir since males supercede any older female siblings.  For those who believed John Arryn and Ned Stark, then Stannis is the rightful heir since he did not have an legitimate children, and Cersie did not bear him any children.  However, King Robert usurped the throne from the Targeryans, who were not completely wiped out, so any living Targeryan would be the heir, minus any who had given up their rights to the throne.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 15, 2014, 05:47 PM
She's the heir in the sense that her father (right?) was the mad king, but that was a popular uprising was it not?  So isn't there some equal POV that Robert's bastard is the rightful heir here?

I'd say he and Stannis hold more ground than Khalisi in that regard...  Of course, I lean to what you say though, Ed.  I prefer Khalisi at this point because she's not insane, seems like a good leader, etc.  But in that world her family was kicked out by everyone, more or less.

I love this show. :)

In the breakdown of the episode they really did want people to feel something for Joffrey, but for me it was purely good riddance...  He was a monster, and horrific.  His mother's one of the few equally horrible people, to me.  Kid or no...  I felt no sympathy.

I feel sympathy for the actor...  Poor kid gets ragged on by people he meets, and that sucks.  I sometimes just don't get fandom.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 15, 2014, 09:45 PM
Danaerys is indeed the last surviving child of the Mad King.  But that same Mad King was killed by Jaime Lannister during Robert Baratheon's Rebellion.  Interesting thing there is that Robert actually had some Targaryen blood in his family line, and that's part of why his claim to the Iron Throne was recognized following the rebellion.  The fact that he was also fighting for the return of his bride-to-be, Lyanna Stark, Ned's sister, from Prince Rhaegar Targaryen was at the heart of the rebellion.  Robert killed Raehgar, and Ned managed to save a dying Lyanna.  The rest of the surviving Targaryens were driven into exile.  Viserys and Danaerys wound up in Pentos with Illyrio.  But nobody really knows what happened to their mother.

Clearly, the children that are being passed off as Robert's children: the deceased Joffrey, Prince Tommen and Princess Myrcella are actually all the product of incest between Cersei and Jaime Lannister.  But as long as the Lannisters are the power and money behind the Iron Throne, the prospect of removing these Lannisters posing as Baratheons from the throne is going to be problematic.

The person with the most legitimate claim to the Iron Throne, at least according to Westerosi customs, is Stannis Baratheon.  But Stannis had been shunned by Robert following the rebellion, and given the island of Dragonstone as more of a place of exile than anything else.  Stannis is aware of some of Robert's bastard children.  And his brother Renly was a more appealing option.  But well, we saw what happened to Renly in season 2.

I think a lot of people are wondering what's going to happen if/when Danaerys returns to Westeros.  What then?  The series seems to be indicating that Danaerys is building towards that, as are the books.  I think the conflict that will draw in Danaerys is for the survival of Westeros itself.  The Iron Throne seems to be a secondary issue.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: EdSolo on April 16, 2014, 07:11 AM
She's the heir in the sense that her father (right?) was the mad king, but that was a popular uprising was it not?  So isn't there some equal POV that Robert's bastard is the rightful heir here?

I'd say he and Stannis hold more ground than Khalisi in that regard...  Of course, I lean to what you say though, Ed.  I prefer Khalisi at this point because she's not insane, seems like a good leader, etc.  But in that world her family was kicked out by everyone, more or less.

I love this show. :)

In the breakdown of the episode they really did want people to feel something for Joffrey, but for me it was purely good riddance...  He was a monster, and horrific.  His mother's one of the few equally horrible people, to me.  Kid or no...  I felt no sympathy.

I feel sympathy for the actor...  Poor kid gets ragged on by people he meets, and that sucks.  I sometimes just don't get fandom.

Nick sums up everything above this post nicely.  With the mad king, Jamie breaks his oath and kills the king which allows Robert to usurp the throne.  If Robert doesn't manage to kill Raehgar I'm not sure if the kingdom would have gone along with the change in leadership.  I think it was more of a situation of to the victor goes the spoils coupled with a particular hatred for the mad king because of his deeds.  If it was just a choice of Raehgar versus Robert, I'm not sure if tradition would be throne aside to anoint Robert.

As for any of Robert's bastards, they don't hold any claims in Westeros.  The are given names like Snow, Sand, etc. because they are not considered to be part of the family.  This is one of the factors that lead Jon Snow to join the watch since he could never be Ned's heir.  The importance of Robert's bastards was the genetics.  All of his bastards had dark hair, regardless of the hair color of the mother while all his "legitimate" children had blonde hair.  That is what lead Jon Arryn to figure out that Jamie was the real father.

As for who should truly be the king or queen, it all boils down to the opinion on Robert's reign.  If he had managed to wipe out all the Targaryens (which we know at the beginning of the series, there were at least two alive) then he could have made a legitimate claim to take over the Iron Throne, much the same way the Targaryens of old united all the kingdoms under one king.  This would leave Stannis as the legitimate heir since Robert had no legitimate children.  Renly was also a usurper since Stannis would have to die first for Renly to have had a true claim.  However, Robert left legitimate heirs alive to the traditional roles of succession.  Since Danaerys is the last Targaryen (that we know of for sure at this point), she really has the strongest claim to the throne, but does not quite have the power to take it.

In essence it comes down to power, which the Lannisters have at this point by money and winning the war.  They currently control the throne, but really they don't have any legitimate claim to it.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 16, 2014, 08:57 AM
Bastards definitely hold different places in the different houses.  The custom seems to be that no bastard is due an inheritance even if they're from a noble house.  There can be exceptions though, if the noble Lord or even the King decides to recognize a bastard and can give them their family name.

The Lannisters largely shun any bastards.  To the point where you don't really hear much about any bastards from the Westerlands.  I think in the West they're known by the bastard name Hill.  In the North things seem to be more open.  Jon Snow was a very integral part of the Stark family until he left to join the Night's Watch.  He was really only shunned by Catelyn Stark.  And Ramsey Snow seems to be very much trusted by Roose Bolton as well, but he may not be held in such high esteem.

Robert's bastards were numerous because he didn't take his marriage seriously.  The episode in the second season where Cersei and Joffrey had many of Robert's illegitimate children killed was fairly true to the books.  Gendry escaped and I think he's going to have a bigger part to play down the line.  However I don't know if he would be considered a Storm since he's Robert's bastard, or perhaps a Waters since he lived in the Crownlands near Kings Landing.  The show has made it clear to a point that he didn't know of his status.  At least until season 3 when he was taken by Melisandre to Dragonstone.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on April 16, 2014, 10:13 AM
Since Danaerys is the last Targaryen (that we know of for sure at this point), she really has the strongest claim to the throne, but does not quite have the power to take it.

And that is why Robert had assassins sent out to kill her and her unborn heir.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 16, 2014, 07:07 PM
I'd not realized that kid sitting next to Tyrion was another nephew...  Probably just his lack of dialogue but the kid seemed almost normal.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on April 16, 2014, 07:13 PM
Yeah, that was Tommen, but it was a new actor to play him.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 16, 2014, 07:28 PM
I vaguely remembered the sister getting shipped off when she got brought up, but totally forgot he had a brother.  It'd been a while since either came up I guess.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 16, 2014, 09:01 PM
The last time we really saw Tommen before this week's episode was in the Season 2 episode "Blackwater".  Cersei was sitting with Tommen on the Iron Throne, getting ready to poison both herself and Tommen.  At least until Tywin marched into the throne room victorious.  Yeah, Cersei is certifiably batshit crazy.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Greg on April 16, 2014, 11:18 PM
I think I have a man-crush on Bronn. While the big wedding dominated the episode, the brief scene of Bronn training Jaimie was my favorite part.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 17, 2014, 12:51 AM
Definitely one of the best characters IMO. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 17, 2014, 07:18 AM
Definitely one of the best characters IMO.

Who doesn't have a lot of friends in King's Landing...

Whose patron was just accused of poisoning the king...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 17, 2014, 08:35 AM
I think I have a man-crush on Bronn. While the big wedding dominated the episode, the brief scene of Bronn training Jaimie was my favorite part.

Bronn training with Jaime Lannister is a change from the books.  In the books Jaime trains with Ser Ilyn Payne, the King's Justice.  IIRC, the last we've seen of Ser Ilyn was in the season 2 episode "Blackwater".

Truth be told, I'm fine with the change if these training sessions between Jaime and Bronn continue.  I think Bronn is a fantastic character and I'd like to see him continue to be in the mix.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Greg on April 17, 2014, 09:00 AM
Did the actor playing Ser Illyn pass away? I recall reading a couple years back that he came down with a serious illness, possibly cancer of some type.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 17, 2014, 09:10 AM
Wilko Johnson (http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/wilko-johnson-defies-terminal-cancer-diagnosis-to-take-classic-rock-award-8940038.html), who played Ilyn Payne, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  He's said himself that he's supposed to be dead.  And the survival rates for pancreatic cancer are ridiculously low.

I didn't know until I googled him that playing Ilyn Payne was Wilko Johnson's only acting credit.  He's actually much better known as the guitarist for the pub rock band Dr. Feelgood.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 17, 2014, 06:55 PM
Definitely one of the best characters IMO.

Who doesn't have a lot of friends in King's Landing...

Whose patron was just accused of poisoning the king...

That's what I was thinking, though he doesn't have a ton of enemies either...  He's just there.  Tyrion getting arrested doesn't help him though, for sure.  :-\
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Greg on April 17, 2014, 07:28 PM
Definitely one of the best characters IMO.

Who doesn't have a lot of friends in King's Landing...

Whose patron was just accused of poisoning the king...

That's what I was thinking, though he doesn't have a ton of enemies either...  He's just there.  Tyrion getting arrested doesn't help him though, for sure.  :-\

With Tyrion arrested who will pay poor Bronn?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on April 20, 2014, 09:59 PM
I feel like things are moving pretty quick, I need to finish book 5 very soon.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 22, 2014, 05:25 PM
Bronn's definitely taken a hit with Tyrion's arrest according to the last episode...  That whole sequence with Tyrion's squire was emotional, and so well acted on both parts.  I think it was my favorite scene overall.  Though hound bluntly trying to teach Ariya to nut up was a good scene too.

Tyrion always steals the show.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on April 28, 2014, 07:15 AM
I enjoyed last nights episode but I'm starting to scratch my head a bit. I don't recall some of these story lines in the books. Without getting too spoilery, specifically I'm confused about Theon, Bran, and Jon Snow's recent arcs. I'm almost finished with reading Feast for Crows, Does some of this happen in Dances with Dragons or are they diverging off the path? Or have I just completely forgotten part of Storm of Swords?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 28, 2014, 08:28 AM
I'm in the same boat.  I think they've diverged a bit from the books.  I also don't remember anything like the ceremony at the end from the books.

Book Spoiler:

Reading the Wiki - it looks like in the books only Summer ever encountered the traitors... what was left of them.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 28, 2014, 08:52 AM
I noticed the divergences, too, and there's been several of them.

First?  Locke.  He's purely a creation of the show.  I think he was originally intended to be a stand-in for Vargo Hoat, leader of the Brave Companions.  He was at Harrenhal, and he cut off Jaime Lannister's hand in the book.  But in the show they've folded his role into Locke who is one of House Bolton's men.  And he made his way up to The Wall?  Really?  I understand Roose Bolton wanting to eliminate the last of the Starks in an effort to completely secure the North.  I just don't recall Theon/Reek ever letting the real info about Bran and Rickon's true fate getting exposed to Ramsey Snow and thereby Roose Bolton.

The events north of The Wall are definitely a creation of the show.  And you know that simply because none of those Night's Watch traitors were ever POV characters in the books.  I thought that the fate of the traitors had been left as them having killed one another off over time.  The sequence with Summer and Ghost was definitely a little surprising, and it left me hoping that the two dire wolves would be reunited.  And then for Bran and company to get captured?  Again, another divergence.  But I think the showrunners are trying to build some of the suspense and danger as Bran, Meera, Jojen and Hodor make their way North.

But that last scene?  OMG that was creepy.  Again, a creation of the show since those characters were never established as POV characters.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on April 28, 2014, 09:18 AM
I noticed the divergences, too, and there's been several of them.

First?  Locke.  He's purely a creation of the show.  I think he was originally intended to be a stand-in for Vargo Hoat, leader of the Brave Companions.  He was at Harrenhal, and he cut off Jaime Lannister's hand in the book.  But in the show they've folded his role into Locke who is one of House Bolton's men.  And he made his way up to The Wall?  Really?  I understand Roose Bolton wanting to eliminate the last of the Starks in an effort to completely secure the North.  I just don't recall Theon/Reek ever letting the real info about Bran and Rickon's true fate getting exposed to Ramsey Snow and thereby Roose Bolton.

The events north of The Wall are definitely a creation of the show.  And you know that simply because none of those Night's Watch traitors were ever POV characters in the books.  I thought that the fate of the traitors had been left as them having killed one another off over time.  The sequence with Summer and Ghost was definitely a little surprising, and it left me hoping that the two dire wolves would be reunited.  And then for Bran and company to get captured?  Again, another divergence.  But I think the showrunners are trying to build some of the suspense and danger as Bran, Meera, Jojen and Hodor make their way North.

But that last scene?  OMG that was creepy.  Again, a creation of the show since those characters were never established as POV characters.

Yes, I've had the same confusion brewing since last week's episode.  This week, I was definitely trying to remember what was book and what was just show.  Couldn't remember a Locke character...never remembered Summer and Ghost interacting.  Finally settled on the same conclusion as you and decided I'd wiki it all later...none of these were POV characters.  In fact, we're never explicitly told in the books what happens when the Others get Craster's babies.  It's implied that they convert them, but we never really know.

What's still making it a little confusing, though, is that the showrunners make a very valid point...the mutineers at Craster's would have been a serious security threat to Castle Black.  But I don't remember that ever being addressed by Jon Snow...only vaguely remember through Summer's POV that they were all dead.  So is HBO addressing a plot hole?  Jon should have realized in the books that the Craster survivors posed a threat.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on April 28, 2014, 10:07 AM
Well, glad to know I'm not crazy and I'm in good company of the confused.  I've been trying to stay a step of ahead of the TV show by reading the books but the back and forth jumping between the books and TV show has started to confuse me.    :)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: name on April 28, 2014, 10:19 AM
Here there be possible spoilers:

http://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Coldhands#cite_note-Radwd4.7B.7B.7B3.7D.7D.7D-1

Chapter 4, Dances with Dragons.  The fate of the mutineers, from the books.

That means, possibly we will be seeing a new character arrive next week?  But it still doesn't answer the question...did Jon Snow think of the mutineers as a security issue in the books?  I don't remember it, if he did.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on April 28, 2014, 12:00 PM
  I just don't recall Theon/Reek ever letting the real info about Bran and Rickon's true fate getting exposed to Ramsey Snow and thereby Roose Bolton.


Ramsey was there as previous Reek, so he knows the truth about Bran and Rickon.  I don't think he ever told Papa, though:

From ASOIAF wiki:

Quote
Ramsay is taken as a prisoner to Winterfell in the guise of Reek. After Theon Greyjoy captures Winterfell, Ramsay exchanges a vow of service to Theon for his release.[8] He quickly becomes one of Theon's more trusted attendants, assisting Theon in his hunt to bring the escaped Bran and Rickon Stark back to Winterfell. He orchestrates Theon's cover-up of the Stark boys' escape by killing two peasant boys of an age with the Starks, and then flaying the corpses to avoid recognition. Theon presents their flayed corpses as the Starks, then has their heads mounted on spikes over the castle walls. With the approval of Theon, Ramsay kills Gelmarr, Aggar and Gynir, ironborn who knew the truth about the bodies. Theon uses the Winterfell kennelmaster Farlen as a scapegoat and has him executed for the murders. Theon contemplates killing Reek too, but thinks better of it, fearing the servant had written and hidden an account of the truth.

Loved last night's episode.  As a book reader (but not a book purist.  Those guys are ********), I loved being surprised for once.  And since Bran has only like 2.5 chapters left from where we are to where he ends up in ADWD as a tree, I'm ok with them slowing things down and having them show me more.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 29, 2014, 08:59 AM
Thanks, Mikey.  I think GRRM made the whole Reek/Ramsey Bolton story very confusing for a reason.  I know that when I read that part of the story I found those  chapters more than a little bit murky.

The show is going to some logical places that perhaps have not been explored by the books.  Jon Snow's story at The Wall is among those.  Looking back at the book, it seems like his story was actually a little bit abridged.  He gets back to Castle Black just in time for the Wildlings to attack.  I get the sense that happened in the books simply because there were so many storylines that he was trying to roll into a single book.  In retrospect A Storm of Swords is a really dense book, with a lot going on.  I suspect that the show is expanding on Jon Snow's story in an effort to build his character a bit more in light of what's to come for him as established in the books.

The last scene, like I said before, was really creepy.  But I think it's necessary in the context of the show.  Because it is so easy to get caught up in Dany's story, and the intrigue at Kings Landing.  All we have to go on about the dangers that lie north of The Wall are scenes with characters like Jon Snow, Samwell Tarly and Bran Stark.  But those brief scenes with the White Walkers and Melisandre looking into some flames, telling Stannis that the true war lies to the North tell you where this story will eventually go.  As the Starks say, Winter is Coming.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on May 12, 2014, 10:32 AM
Tyrion Lannister is awesome.  That is all I have to say about last night's episode.

Cannot wait for the "trial by combat" and its aftermath to play out.  :)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on May 12, 2014, 12:29 PM
Tyrion Lannister is awesome. 

Cannot wait for the "trial by combat" and its aftermath to play out.  :)

Agreed.

Braavos looks great, loved that establishing shot.

Drogon is a beast, loved that scene with him coming out of the ravine.

Oberyn (they still haven't called him RV yet) continues to grow as a badass.  Takes balls to not stand up at the small council meeting when Tywin shows ups.  Compare that to Mace, who's basically Tywin's secretary. 

The Iron Islanders / Dreadfort scene was a bit weird, but I know why they did it - to set up the Kingsmoot and Euron / Victorian - with Theon "dead"

And this was the first episode in the entire series with no Stark appearing.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 12, 2014, 01:35 PM
It was great to finally see Braavos.  And the scene at the Iron Bank was fantastic for expanding on both Davos and Stannis.  Davos may have been a smuggler, but he's now representing himself well as the Hand of the King to a bank that's essentially the Goldman Sachs of it's time.  And he convinced them to bankroll Stannis.  It was cool to see Saladhor Saan again, too.  But I suspected that he would make his way back into the mix at some point.

The Meereen scenes are making more and more sense.  When I read the books I had a far more difficult time getting into the intrigue in Meereen, but the show is handling it pretty well.  Clearly, the dragons seem to be beyond Dany's control.  And that's almost certainly going to come into play later on.  As for Hizdhar Zo Loraq?  I think that scene played out well, but it seems as though he's trying to play on Dany's emotions and sense of justice.

The small council meeting was great.  The Red Viper's disdain for formality and kissing Tywin Lannister's ass was readily apparent.  And contrasting that against Mace Tyrell basically being Tywin's lapdog was pretty funny.  But I think the more important scene was clearly Jaime meeting with Tywin to bargain for Tyrion's life.  Jaime's path of redemption has been a great storyline.  And his loyalty to Tyrion is one of the only true and honest relationships in the entire series.  His willingness to leave the Kings Guard and agree to Tywin's demands in order to save Tyrion was a fantastic moment.

And then there was Shae.  The trial was absolutely a farce.  Especially Meryn Trant and Pycelle's testimony.  But Tyrion seemed prepared to go along with Jaime's plan until Shae took the stand.  And I could not blame him for letting loose on the sham that it was, and Cersei's clear attempts to draw him out with Shae.

Next week is going to be great!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 12, 2014, 02:31 PM
It was nice to see the beginning of the betrayal cooked up by Tywin and Varys.  I gotta wonder with no prophesies if they'll bother with the pale mare at all.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 1, 2014, 10:18 PM
Wow.  Like a ripe melon...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 1, 2014, 11:02 PM
I knew it was coming.  But the visual was that much more disturbing.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on June 2, 2014, 08:05 AM
That fight was everything I hoped it could be and more.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Greg on June 2, 2014, 08:23 AM
Mind blowing episode.  Good stuff!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Tracy on June 2, 2014, 08:59 AM
I fricken hate this show sometimes!!! :o
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 2, 2014, 09:00 AM
The fight was fantastic.  Pedro Pascal did an amazing job with his spear work!  HBO posted a BTS video about the preparation for the fight (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wasxw0n0MNI).  And it turns out that he wound up studying Wu Shu in preparing for this sequence, and that is the same martial art that Ray Park used for Darth Maul in Episode I.

One thing I'm glad about?  I was afraid that the Red Viper's dialogue during the fight scene was going to sound like something from Inigo Montoya in The Princess Bride.  Thankfully that was not the case.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 2, 2014, 02:52 PM
I fricken hate this show sometimes!!! :o

Having one of those nights myself.   ::)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on June 2, 2014, 04:59 PM
The last scene alone was enough to confirm I should be watching this show. Epic!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on June 2, 2014, 05:56 PM
Tyrion's expression as the Red Viper makes it personal is priceless.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on June 2, 2014, 10:08 PM
Tyrion's expression as the Red Viper makes it personal is priceless.
My wife couldn't watch the last scene because she knew it was coming...I had to rewind it to show her Tyrion's expression and accidently rewound to his head laying with the brains all over and she yelled at me

I am still shocked at the amount of people that don't know what is coming...the next two episodes are going to be fantastic...but then...meh
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Tracy on June 2, 2014, 10:31 PM
I LOVE that I don't know what's coming and that no one is safe - except Tyrion and Arya - I want to know that they will always be safe  ;)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 2, 2014, 10:51 PM
I haven't read any of the books or anything Scott, though I want to...  I just don't have the time to devote to getting into a book and finishing it these days.  I've had 8 cars to fix, and I'm not a mechanic, haha.  That doesn't even touch on the houses between mine and hers, football with the kids and their offseason schedules.  And oh, yeah, work.  ::)

I'm amazed I get time to watch GoT even.  I squeeze it in though.

I'm just really annoyed right now I lose a character I really thought would be bigger going forward, now nada.  Buuuuuuuttttttttt, I guess he has a bro, and I'd think his bro is pretty po'd.

Did the Mountain die?  Got stabbed but did he die?  I assume that would be answered next week but couldn't tell this week.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 2, 2014, 11:15 PM
Did the Mountain die?  Got stabbed but did he die?  I assume that would be answered next week but couldn't tell this week.

The Red Viper got in a few cuts with his spear.  And he definitely drove the spear into the Mountain's body.  The Mountain was most certainly not dead at the end of the episode, but he's definitely in bad shape.  His eventual fate is very likely going to get expanded upon down the line.  But in the interest of keeping the discussion spoiler free I'll leave it at that.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 2, 2014, 11:25 PM
OK that was all I needed to hear (I like to stay spoiler free on it if possible).

I have a buddy who read the books and I'll ask him questions he simply refuses to answer.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on June 2, 2014, 11:33 PM
I LOVE that I don't know what's coming and that no one is safe - except Tyrion and Arya - I want to know that they will always be safe  ;)

I'd love to think that about a lot of characters, but after reading the books, I try not to get too attached to characters now, because like life anything can happen...  not saying anything about Tyrion and Arya... just in general.

Just like pretty much everyone in the story has a good side and a dark side... there are a few exceptions to this being that a character's time in the story is limited so they come off one-sided, so to speak.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 2, 2014, 11:38 PM
Yeah....  After Ned got beheaded, it was pretty clear that NOBODY was safe.  EVER.

That being said, do I think that George R.R. Martin has a plan for certain characters?  Yeah.  But I also think he's fully prepared to bury more than a few main characters before we get to the end.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on June 3, 2014, 12:49 PM
Even though i knew it was coming, WOW!!!  :o Very awesome and gruesome visual. I had an idea about how i thought the seasonw as going to end, with the character reveal that was at the end of book 3, not sure if we will get that this season now.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 3, 2014, 01:16 PM
If only they had Bunny from Platoon there to comment about the outcome of the Red Viper's duel with the Mountain....
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on June 3, 2014, 01:21 PM
Even though i knew it was coming, WOW!!!  :o Very awesome and gruesome visual. I had an idea about how i thought the seasonw as going to end, with the character reveal that was at the end of book 3, not sure if we will get that this season now.

I was hoping it was going to happen last season, so I'm 99% sure we're going to get it this year.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on June 6, 2014, 11:39 AM
Saw this on the Internets.... donate some money and you could have a character named after you and in a very GoT-themed way... murdered.

http://www.cinemablend.com/pop/George-RR-Martin-Wants-Write-You-Game-Thrones-Kill-You-Off-64506.html

Let's just get the next books done, too, please. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: JediJman on June 6, 2014, 01:06 PM
I'm new to the show, but picked up the first two seasons this morning at a garage sale.  Box sets 1 & 2 for $24.  How many seasons are there?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on June 6, 2014, 01:21 PM
Fourth one is about to wrap up on HBO now, three that are out on DVD and Blu-ray.

Might be best for you to avoid this thread if you care about spoilers...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 6, 2014, 01:52 PM
Yeah, this thread it chocked full of spoilers.  So tread carefully.

Some great resource to check out are actually in the DVD and Blu Ray extras.  Those are the Complete Histories & Lore of Westeros.  They cover a lot of the history that's referenced throughout the show, and it helps to fill in a lot of the blanks.  If you don't want to watch them on the DVD one by one, a number of YouTube users have compiled all of those clips into full hour plus long presentations.  And those are pretty good for getting a grasp of the broader world of Westeros.  You can check out the first one HERE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6wzzyyawNA).  A lot of what it touches on revolves around Robert's Rebellion, the Targaryen dynasty and the histories of the great Houses of Westeros.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on June 6, 2014, 02:15 PM
HBO also has some bonus content On-Demand that covers a lot of that backstory type stuff too, not sure if it is the same as the DVD's but definitely helpful. I just started watching recently too and am about halfway through Season 1...good stuff.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: JediJman on June 6, 2014, 03:14 PM
Fourth one is about to wrap up on HBO now, three that are out on DVD and Blu-ray.

Might be best for you to avoid this thread if you care about spoilers...

Thanks and Thanks!  ;)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on June 8, 2014, 06:17 PM
Pumped for tonights episode, should be a good battle.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 9, 2014, 06:43 AM
Jon Snow really seized the opportunity to shine as a leader. He's been on a long path towards this, and I think his Uncle Benjen's words to him ring very true: "A man gets what he earns, when he earns it". He has clearly earned the respect of the men of the Night's Watch.

 I was really surprised to see how much of a badass Ser Alliser Thorn was in the defense of Castle Black. He went toe to toe with the best of the Wildlings until he was severely injured by Tormund Giantsbane. And the Thenns were just madmen! There were absolutely some spectacular and surprising deaths. I'll keep from mentioning those for the time being.

But the giants? And the mammoth? WHOA! The giants were awesome, and so well done. The archer giant was amazing.  And when they tried to take the gates? Damn!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 9, 2014, 08:46 AM
I'd be curious in a count of how many Night's Watch were killed in the episode.  As there were only 102 remaining, seems like at least half of them are dead.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on June 9, 2014, 09:03 AM
I was surprised to see the entire episode focused entirely on just the one locale.  Did the showrunners handle the Battle of the Blackwater the same way?  I can't seem to recall that.

I thought the fight scenes were well done - I thought this was handled better than the previous examples of "large scale" battles.  The giant archer was my favorite part.

I was surprised where the episode left off, without getting to spoilerish.  I'm looking forward to seeing the wrap up of this season and then the long wait begins again...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 9, 2014, 09:19 AM
Same as Blackwater.  Same director, in fact.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on June 9, 2014, 01:41 PM
Although I promised myself I wouldn't watch anymore of Season 4 til I caught up, I flipped past and literally could not look away. So freaking awesome.

"Dropping the scythe" was the best moment for me...they keep finding incredibly awesome ways to kill people.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on June 10, 2014, 03:21 PM
Good episode.

Although every time I watch a "medieval sword battle" I always ask myself the same question - did people really fight this way?  Sort of one on one random skirmishes before you move on to the next random opponent? 

Is this just a function of how Hollywood wants to script sequences to make them more interesting, or easier to shoot?

I would have imagined a well trained fighting force would try and fight in a more coordinated manner - like the Spartans in 300.  Or maybe a couple of guys would always fight together and double team opponents, etc.

Anyhow, I digress.

Good episode, but I missed not having some Hound / Arya, and Tyrion scenes.  I think those have been my favorite story lines of the season.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 10, 2014, 03:35 PM
In an open field combat would be coordinated and relatively organized for the most part...  In Castle Black and really most any siege in a moment where a wall is breached, what you saw isn't totally unrealistic...  Check out Kingdom of Heaven for something similar with a bigger budget.  Or even the walls of minis Tirith in Return of the King.

With Castle Black I think the organized defense went out the window when the losers were left to defend the castle and got overwhelmed fast.  I'd say the swordplay for many is inaccurate and more obviously choreographed.  Large weapons like broadswords and things would not have been ideal in or on the wall either.  But Jon Snow is badass soooooo....  :)

If you wanna see open field combat realistically reenacted look up the SCA Pensick War on YouTube...  It takes place near where I live...  Armies maneuvering and battling in a field medieval style is different.  It attempts to be organized but it can get chaotic to say the least.  Oddly enough Braveheart attempts to show some fairly accurate stuff but it zeroes in on the main guys obviously.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 10, 2014, 06:18 PM
Actually, there's some backstory to Castle Black and it's construction.  Way, way, way back in the history of the Night's Watch there was a rebellion by a guy called the Night's King.  It took considerable effort by the Starks and the forces of the North to defeat him.  And as a result the walls around the castles along the Wall were left relatively open to the south, should any such rebellion take place again.  It was that situation that left Castle Black very much vulnerable to the Wildlings who had climbed over the Wall, as Jon Snow, Ygritte and Tormund Giantsbane had done.

I would also venture a guess that many of the Night's Watch men who were defending Castle Black against Tormund's Wildlings and the Thenns were mostly from the orders of the Builders or Stewards.  Many of the Rangers, who are the heart of the Watch's fighting force were killed north of the Wall.  Either at the Fist of the First Men, fighting the White Walkers.  Or by the mutineers at Craster's Keep.

As for the Wildling army?  They're a disorganized rabble.  Mance Rayder is lucky to have been able to unite them in a coalition.  Mance may have been a man of the Night's Watch and a soldier at one point, but the Wildlings are not.  They're tribespeople, and not soldiers.  Hence the disorganized attack on the Wall's north face.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 11, 2014, 02:05 AM
Yeah it's tough to really gauge how even a "battle" would take place against the wall like that...  The Giants seemed like their best hope to breach it.  Guys climbing up the face on ropes seems...  hopeless to me, but it's fiction so who knows.  I liked what they had for those guys.  Wow.

Giants, Mammoths, and all that stuff add a variable to the whole thing though that was kind of unpredictable.

I didn't know that about the Castle Black walls (never read the books obviously), so that explains how the walls are pretty much easily breached without even a ladder.

Ygritte said about the guys on the wall being "leftovers" (I think that's what she called them), so yeah the guys there seemed like the guys too worthless to have above.

I imagine fights within a castle's walls would've opened up into chaos...  That's seemingly the case what I've read of them.  You either stop the invaders at the wall, even at a wall's breach, or usually you're screwed and organized defense just goes out the window.  Of course that's traditional sieges...  Which usually have a massive army outside waiting to get in, too.

Troop movements don't mean much in those situations...  Castles usually had layered defenses, and as things wore down the troops just moved to the next layer back.  Towers in castles were designed to be islands of opposition even when the walls around the towers would fall.  So there's some tactics there, but like Nick said it seems Castle Black wasn't given much defensibility facing south, so it just goes to **** more or less. :)

Though it makes for a lot more fun thing to watch than potentially months upon months of siege warfare.  ;D

It seems like the truly more traditional medieval battles like Rob Stark's campaigns were glossed over, possibly because they'd really not be as visually stunning as things like Blackwater, or The Wall...  Guys marching around in formations jabbing at one another with super long spears, always trying to just wheel around and outflank/maneuver the other 1000 guys while big groups are standing around in reserves and other groups are just launching hails of arrows and stuff.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 11, 2014, 08:18 AM
It seems like the truly more traditional medieval battles like Rob Stark's campaigns were glossed over, possibly because they'd really not be as visually stunning as things like Blackwater, or The Wall.

Chalk that up to budgets.  Season 1 and 2 were far more budget constrained than the show is now.  We never saw any traditional battles as they would have cost as much to film as an entire season.  Now that GoT is HBO's biggest hit series, they get enough money to splurge on big battles.

Even last year I read how the showrunners had to figure out how to cut the budgets on other episodes to be able to afford to film Blackwater.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 11, 2014, 09:05 AM
Robb Stark's battles were actually glossed over by George RR Martin in the books, by and large.  He's always had a thing with POV characters, and he only wants to tell the story from their perspective.  Robb was never actually a POV character, and neither were any of his bannermen.  When Robb and his army took Jaime Lannister captive, Jaime wasn't even a POV character.  He didn't become a POV character until the third book.

The set piece battles have been somewhat limited, truth be told.  Both in the series AND the books.  Most of the major battles of the war between the Starks and the Lannisters have been mentioned by the POV characters and those surrounding them in passing.  The battle of the Blackwater, clearly, was one of the biggest battles that we saw first hand.  And now we've seen the first part of the battle for the Wall.  The Wildlings aren't done yet, as we saw in the coming attractions.  I have to wonder what else Mance Rayder has up his sleeve.

The news that GoT is now the most popular series in HBO's history is astounding.  When it premiered I didn't know what to make of it.  Especially since the word "fantasy" was attached to the series.  And that seemed to fly in the face of The Sopranos and the tone that show had set for HBO's original series.  But seeing how GoT is driven just as much by personal relationships, power struggles and intrigue like we had seen in The Sopranos, it's proven to be very strong from a story standpoint.  I hope that means that HBO is prepared to invest more in the production of the series.  Because it's going to be EXPENSIVE to really bring the dragons into the series.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 11, 2014, 12:27 PM
I read the books years before a series was even proposed.  When they talked about it coming to HBO it seemed ludicrous.  But they've treated it amazingly.

There is talk that the "finale" might be a feature-length film.  They might need $100 million if the books end with dragons fighting the Night's King at the Wall.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 11, 2014, 03:11 PM
Budget does make sense...  As big as Blackwater is they seemed to narrow it.  That would've been difficult to do with daylight battles involving thousands of infantry, archers, mounted, and whatever else the Westeros armies might use that aren't traditional.

I'm anxious for the show next week but now I just worry about who will die that I dig haha.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 12, 2014, 09:45 AM
Next week will be batshit.  Watch it live or disable your Internet connection until you watch it.

One thing I read about the Blackwater episode - in the book King's Landing raises a chain around the bay to trap the fleet.  The showrunners explained that the first thing HBO told them was there wasn't enough money to do the chain.  Kind of a shame as that's how the bulk of the fleet was destroyed.  So budget concerns drive a lot of decisions.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on June 12, 2014, 09:30 PM
Doesn't seem like a chain would be that expensive.

I missed not seeing that part. Part of Tyrion's finest moments. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 12, 2014, 10:01 PM
Have a guy on my Twitter Feed that LOVES to blurt **** out about GoT the night it happens.  ::) 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 13, 2014, 09:08 AM
Doesn't seem like a chain would be that expensive.

I missed not seeing that part. Part of Tyrion's finest moments.

I agree... no idea why they made that determination, I just remember hearing about it.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on June 13, 2014, 11:59 AM
Have a guy on my Twitter Feed that LOVES to blurt **** out about GoT the night it happens.  ::)
There may be a couple non-GoT spoilers in my post, but they are both pretty old stuff...

I have a FB friend who does this.  Gone from my feed.  I also take away the official GoT page as well during the season.

The two worst spoiler experiences for me were the official Walking Dead facebook posting a RIP Lori immediately after the episode, one we didn't get to see until the next day.  Grr.

That does not come close to the worst of all though...  Back in the day, there was a lot of hype which Harry Potter character was going to die in The Order of the Phoenix.  I was being very careful to avoid spoilers as I was reading the book. I was reading something on a wrestling news website and in the middle of a non-related topic, the writer stops mid-sentence and says "It's Sirius Black," then continues on with what he was talking about.  I wanted to frigging kill that guy.


Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 13, 2014, 01:08 PM
One thing I read about the Blackwater episode - in the book King's Landing raises a chain around the bay to trap the fleet.  The showrunners explained that the first thing HBO told them was there wasn't enough money to do the chain.  Kind of a shame as that's how the bulk of the fleet was destroyed.  So budget concerns drive a lot of decisions.

I was disappointed by the absence of the chain, too.  It really did cement the brilliance of Tyrion's battle plan for the Battle of the Blackwater.  And that particular tactic has a long history.  I knew about it since I was a kid, and lived relatively close to West Point.  I learned that when West Point was a fort for the Continental Army during the American revolution, there was a chain across the Hudson River below the gun emplacements of the fort.  It was designed to keep the British from sailing up the Hudson River.

But I guess I can understand why the chain would have been too costly for GoT.  The showrunners also had only one ship loaded with wild fire sail into Stannis's fleet.  I think having a flotilla of barges sailing into was probably too expensive, too.  Still, the show has absolutely been able to achieve an epic scope at times, and I think that it's still one of the most amazing series we've ever seen on television.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on June 15, 2014, 10:12 PM
Not the ending i was expecting. Good episode but I was really hoping for the book 3 cliffhanger.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 15, 2014, 10:19 PM
The fight between the Hound and Brienne was not something I was expecting.  At all.  But damn, that was one hell of a fight!  And when Arya presented the Braavosi captain with her iron coin?  Wow.  That thing commands a lot of respect.

Tyrion's scene with Shae and Tywin played out extremely well.  I was wondering how that would be handled by the series.  And I think Peter Dinklage and Charles Dance were fantastic in the scene.

As for things happening North of the Wall?  The end of the Battle for Castle Black played out much as I expected.  But I was a little surprised about how Bran's storyline played out.  I was disappointed with the absence of one particular character.  And I totally was not expecting the death of another.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on June 16, 2014, 07:49 AM
Not the ending i was expecting. Good episode but I was really hoping for the book 3 cliffhanger.

Me too.  Good almost great episode that would have been awesome with the cliffhanger.  I was fully expecting it after this http://instagram.com/p/nEeNM0PA3L/ was posted on Lena Headey's (Cersi) instagram in April (especially after http://instagram.com/p/mVN1fdvAzU/ was posted months before the Mountain and Viper fight).  I'm hoping the character makes an appearance in season 5, because let's face it, most of the shocking scenes in the book are done.







Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on June 16, 2014, 12:42 PM
Not the ending i was expecting. Good episode but I was really hoping for the book 3 cliffhanger.

Me too.  Good almost great episode that would have been awesome with the cliffhanger.  I was fully expecting it after this http://instagram.com/p/nEeNM0PA3L/ was posted on Lena Headey's (Cersi) instagram in April (especially after http://instagram.com/p/mVN1fdvAzU/ was posted months before the Mountain and Viper fight).  I'm hoping the character makes an appearance in season 5, because let's face it, most of the shocking scenes in the book are done.

'Game of Thrones' director explains [character] finale decision (book spoiler) -->  SPOILERS, OBVIOUSLY (http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/06/16/game-of-thrones-why-no-lady-stoneheart/)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on June 16, 2014, 01:52 PM
After reading Jeff's posted link, it's hard to know what's up for a certain couple characters and differences from the book.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 16, 2014, 07:53 PM
The exclusion of the aforementioned character referenced by Jeff may be related to why we did not see a certain character north of the Wall this season. And that could very well tie in with the scene between Cersei, Pycelle, Qyburn and the Mountain.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 26, 2014, 07:32 AM
Meet some of the new cast members for GoT season 5 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH2ri8RhSnw)!  Notable additions include:

Alexander Siddig (Star Trek DS9, Syriana) - Prince Doran Martell
Jonathan Pryce (Brazil, The World Is Not Enough) - The High Sparrow
Keisha Castle Hughes ( Queen Apalaina in Revenge of the Sith, Whale Rider) - Obara Sand
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on July 26, 2014, 08:14 PM
I don't remember the High Sparrow... Is that a character from Dances with Dragons? I haven't finished that one yet.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 27, 2014, 06:33 AM
The High Sparrow begins to appear in A Feast for Crows and takes on a larger role in A Dance With Dragons.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on July 27, 2014, 11:51 AM
Dr. Basher!! 

I guess the Baratheon children (sans Joff) are changing actors.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 27, 2014, 12:00 PM
They already changed Tommen.  And with Myrcella becoming a more important player given the shift towards Dorne, that cast change isn't unexpected either.

I'm almost expecting that if/when Rickon Stark comes back into play that another actor will be cast in that role, too.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on July 27, 2014, 01:59 PM
The actor who was cast as the High Sparrow was JUST ON GoT last season in a totally different role though wasn't he? Doesn't that seem confusing?

Wasn't he the dude the Hound killed who proclaimed "Dying's thirsty work!"
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 4, 2014, 02:12 PM
No, that was another actor.  You'd probably recognize David Pryce from a variety of roles.

One thing I'm wondering is if the show going to follow the book chronology moving forward.  There had been some rumblings that the events of A Feast For Crows and A Dance With Dragons might be merged to form as many as 3 seasons.  But I was checking out IMDB the other day, and Peter Dinklage isn't listed in the cast for Season 5 / Episode 1.  Hmmm....
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on August 4, 2014, 02:18 PM
He's stuck in a crate on a boat...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on August 4, 2014, 02:59 PM
No, that was another actor.  You'd probably recognize David Pryce from a variety of roles.

My personal favorite was as a Rays ace pitcher.

(http://i.imgur.com/BKBtPZq.jpg)

Freakin' Detroit...  >:(
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on October 22, 2014, 04:00 PM
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

You've been warned. ;)


Season 5 Spoilers here (http://io9.com/game-of-thrones-season-5-just-made-another-major-change-1648831088).

I know it bugs some people, but I love it when they change stuff from the books, especially if it means we get more [spoiler] and to see him with our Mother of Dragons Khaleesi?  Awesome.

Also been reading a bit about the planned flashbacks that are coming in Season 5.  Interesting choice to go that route, but again it's a nice way to stall the main story to help spread the books out without losing certian characters for large chunks of the season. 

Deep down I'm hoping for a Ned/Lyanna/Tower of Joy flashback just to see Sean Bean again... but that might give away too much book plot if they showed us who/what was there.  :-X
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on October 22, 2014, 05:13 PM
WHOA.  Seriously?!?!?!?!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on October 23, 2014, 01:52 PM
Where was Sir Baristan???
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on October 23, 2014, 02:35 PM
Where was Sir Baristan???
In the book or in the show?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on October 23, 2014, 03:51 PM
Where was Sir Baristan???
In the book or in the show?

Well, I guess I meant in the photo, seems like he would have been up there with her, but maybe not.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on October 25, 2014, 12:34 PM
Seems like what is going to happen in the books anyway.

The water bottle being there is pretty funny. I hope they edit that out if it is an actual scene.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on January 6, 2015, 10:56 AM
Game of Thrones coming to IMAX screens January 23rd-29th (http://gizmodo.com/game-of-thrones-in-imax-is-coming-1677692031)

Here's hoping they bring it to Pittsburgh - I'd totally go see it.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on January 16, 2015, 04:00 PM
http://www.imax.com/community/blog/game-of-thrones-in-imax-participating-theatres/ (http://www.imax.com/community/blog/game-of-thrones-in-imax-participating-theatres/)

I'm gonna see it at the Waterfront.  Tickets ordered.   ;D

Though I much more like the AMC poster.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 12, 2015, 09:16 AM
Season 5 kicks off tonight.  I'm looking forward to it, but I'm also a little torn.  The series has been diverging from the books more and more.  And following the non-book events of the Hound's duel with Brienne of Tarth, I really don't know what to expect with the HBO series.  Especially since it seems very likely that the series will pass the novels.  I am looking forward to seeing Dorne and the Sand Snakes, but I'm also curious about how that storyline may differ from the books.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on April 12, 2015, 04:26 PM
I read that the first four or five episodes of this season have leaked out. Now the spoiler dodging game becomes much more difficult.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 12, 2015, 07:51 PM
That probably came from a press screener.  When shows launch it's common practice to give the media DVD/Blu Ray screeners or access to a private website with the first few episodes. The fact that 4 episodes leaked is the giveaway in this case. And I bet HBO is going to find out who leaked these episodes and sue their ass.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on April 13, 2015, 10:03 AM
Good stuff last night. I liked seeing Winterfell in the opening no longer as smoking ruins.

Soo...

Is Varys done now at King's Landing? It would seem his absence coupled with Tyrion's would pretty much implicate him. I know he was mentioned briefly at court last night but it seems unclear at this point what is known/suspected. Kinda wonder the same about Littlefinger.

Did they re-cast the actor who played the Queen's prissy cousin or whatever? Sparrow boy looked a lot beefier...hard to believe it was just the haircut.

It's never a good sign if the red Lady asks if you're a virgin. Watch out, John!

I'm glad someone still remembers the Boltons treachery too. I live for the day when those shitbags get their reckoning, along with the Freys.

So what are they going to do with all the wildlings now? Sounds like Stannis had a good plan, hope there is a Plan B.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on April 13, 2015, 10:59 AM
Thought last night was a good starting point.  As a book reader, it's going to be interesting to see how things start to diverge... kinda like the Walking Dead, we've already had some familiar characters doing familiar things, but not exactly in the right places or order. ;)

It'll be interesting to see where they take Pod/Brienne at this point. Same for Jaime (who looks like he's heading to Dorne based on the previews).
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 13, 2015, 11:18 AM
But...but...but...

What about Ser Arys Oakheart?!?!?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on April 13, 2015, 11:42 AM
Good stuff last night. I liked seeing Winterfell in the opening no longer as smoking ruins.


Yeah, but it had the Bolton sigil on it.  *******.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on April 19, 2015, 10:10 PM
Is it me or are there just too many story lines running concurrently? I knew it was bound to happen but every story is stretched so thin, it's hard to focus on anyone.

Also, I'm having a hard time remembering what I've read, what I haven't read, and what's happened so far  ;D. I've got about 1/3 of a Dance with Dragons to finish reading!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on April 20, 2015, 09:58 AM
Who was the fourth name Arya kept reciting? I got Cersei, the Mountain, and Walter Frey, but I could never make out the last one. LOVED seeing Jaqen again...dude is one of my favorite actors in the whole show.

Interesting turn of events for John.  Can't imagine Ser Allister is going to be much fun to be around whether he is in charge or not. Still would have loved to see him take the offer and become John Stark, Lord of Winterfell though.

I'm sure fans were happy to see Bronn again too. He and Jamie are gonna be like Tango and Cash, medieval style!

I loved seeing Cersei's uncle dissing her too...guy's got a point. WTF is Tommen doing all day anyway?

Not sure I followed why the sudden need to kill Brienne at the tavern. Just didn't want her following them?

Agreed there is a lot going on right now. The stuff in Mereen really seems to drag. (apart from the 5 seconds of Drogon) Man, it was stupid to execute that guy. What happened to his fair trial?

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on April 20, 2015, 10:24 AM
Who was the fourth name Arya kept reciting?

Meryn Trant.  D-bag Kingsguard Knight.  She blames him for the death of her dancing master - Syrio.

I'm sure fans were happy to see Bronn again too. He and Jamie are gonna be like Tango and Cash, medieval style!

I was excited to see that too because it's all-new, not from the books stuff.  Can't wait to see where they take that.  Hoping it's not just them replacing book characters on a particular mission but will actually be something new/different.

Not sure I followed why the sudden need to kill Brienne at the tavern. Just didn't want her following them?

Probably didn't want her running around telling everyone "Littlefinger's got Sansa!!"  Sansa is still suspected for her part in Joffrey's death after all... probably not good for Littlefinger if folks found out he's harboring her.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 21, 2015, 06:39 PM
Yeah Sansa's hair color was changed, so clearly Littlefinger is wanting to keep her hidden for the most part in his travels.  He wanted Brienne dead.  He's not a loose strings kinda guy.

I watched the Chaos is a Ladder speech prior to watching the first episode of the new season.  My fav speech on the show maybe. :)

Good episode...  Didn't delve into Dorn a lot, but was interesting to see where that's headed.  Dr. Bashir seems like a good guy so I won't expect him to survive long.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Pete_Fett on April 22, 2015, 12:30 AM
Good episode...  Didn't delve into Dorn a lot, but was interesting to see where that's headed.  Dr. Bashir seems like a good guy so I won't expect him to survive long.

Not just a good guy - a good guy in a wheel chair - might as well say he's dead already...  ;)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 22, 2015, 06:50 AM
Prince Doran Martell is a serious player in the Seven Kingdoms.  And the Dornish part of the story is going to get pretty good.  Still, the TV series has started to diverge significantly from the novels in some significant ways and it's left me wondering what's going to happen.  Jaime Lannister didn't go to Dorne in the novels, and I'll leave it at that.  Although more Bronn is certainly a good thing on the TV show.

Speaking of diverging from the novels?  I'm surprised to see Varys continuing to travel with Tyrion.  Again, it's something that didn't happen in the books, and Tyrion actually travelled through Essos with Varys's partner in crime - Illyrio Mopatis, who we only saw in the first season.

The scenes at the Wall were pretty good.  And Jon Snow truly showed his character by turning down Stannis offer to be recognized as Jon Stark, and given the Lordship of Winterfell.  Granted, Stannis doesn't hold the North or Winterfell - Roose Bolton does.  And Stannis needs Jon's help to take control of the North.  It was also cool to see the Night's Watch election process of the 998th Lord Commander.  The process was trimmed down from the books, but it worked very well.  I was glad to see that they got Denys Mallister in there.  And it's always good to have a scene with Maester Aemon.  Sam's speech was great.  Especially when he took Janos Slynt down several pegs for being a coward during the battle for the Wall.  One interesting point?  The conversation between Shireen Baratheon and Gilly.  Notably about Shireens greyscale.  If that wasn't foreshadowing, I don't know what is.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 22, 2015, 11:30 AM
Yeah, IIRC from the novels, at this point Jaime went off to rescue Brienne.  Bronn's involvement in the series was essentially over.  So this is all a pretty dramatic divergence.  I have no idea where they're going with Brienne either, thanks to the decision not to include a certain Stark as depicted in the books.

It'll be interesting to see if the series ultimately gets to the same end as the books.  In 2034 when the last book is released...

First two episodes were good.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on April 27, 2015, 08:10 AM
Big time changes from the books in last night's episode.  I can already hear the book purist ******** ranting and raving.  Ultimately, I believe the books and show will end up in generally the same spot, they just have to take different paths to get there and I'm ok with that.  I think I know where they're going with Sansa, Brienne and Pod, but it's going to be tough to watch if they keep certain book aspects and apply them to Sansa.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on April 27, 2015, 09:18 AM
Big time changes from the books in last night's episode.  I can already hear the book purist ******** ranting and raving.  Ultimately, I believe the books and show will end up in generally the same spot, they just have to take different paths to get there and I'm ok with that.  I think I know where they're going with Sansa, Brienne and Pod, but it's going to be tough to watch if they keep certain book aspects and apply them to Sansa.

Naah, i don't think they will do that to her. I think that was more specific to the particular person and situation. Having Sansa in that role changes things significantly, IMO.

But yeah, they are really all over the map making changes.

I hate to keep asking stupid questions every week, but I am having trouble figuring out Littlefinger's interest in wedding off Sansa to the Boltons. He doesn't seem to be getting anything directly out of the deal, and you'd think he would hate them for killing Catelyn. He implies revenge in his brief conversation with Sansa but WTF is she supposed to do there? She's probably the last person in the whole story who would be capable of evening that score. Plus doesn't he have the hots for her too?

What a waste of a perfectly good potential nude scene for Natalie Dormer.  :(

Loved FrankenMountain!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 27, 2015, 09:27 AM
Is Littlefinger planting Sansa into Winterfell to murder the Boltons?  Makes no sense at all...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on April 27, 2015, 12:52 PM
I thought he was setting up a revolt against the Lannisters ultimately and Bolton would be just a means to an end, eventually.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 27, 2015, 02:26 PM
Ultimately, I believe the books and show will end up in generally the same spot, they just have to take different paths to get there and I'm ok with that.  I think I know where they're going with Sansa, Brienne and Pod, but it's going to be tough to watch if they keep certain book aspects and apply them to Sansa.


THIS.

The books are pretty epic.  And when you start getting into books 3, 4 and 5 there are LOADS of new characters that get introduced to carry these storylines forward.  There's clearly been some serious consolidation going on with some characters and storylines.  And the way Sansa's story has changed is a real head-scratcher.  But having that element of surprise in the show is actually pretty welcome because if you know where the story is going, chapter and verse, then how exciting can it really be?  Lots of people are probably going to say "But what about Jeyne Poole"?  But the show doesn't really allow for the deep levels of character development and exposition that can be relayed via the written word.  And when you take into account that the showrunners really do have GRRM's confidence about where the story goes and how it gets there?  It gives me a good measure of relief that the story will get where it NEEDS to go, but HOW is up to the producers of the HBO series.

Still, there was one scene that we got last night that I have been waiting years to see!  Jon Snow as Lord Commander is not ******* around.  He gave Alliser Thorne the recognition he deserves and named him First Ranger.  Jon may hate Thorne, but he's probably one of the best officers of the Night's Watch to take that post.  But when Janos Slynt refused Jon's order to take over the ruined castle at Greyguard?  It was great to see Jon would not stand for Slynt's disobiediance and dealt with him swiftly and harshly.  Ned certainly would have approved!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on May 4, 2015, 01:31 PM
Where was Sir Baristan???
In the book or in the show?

Well, I guess I meant in the photo, seems like he would have been up there with her, but maybe not.

Guess we know now why he doesn't show up in the photo...

Lots of Lyanna / Rhaegar talk last night.  Seems like the #1 fan theory is almost guaranteed at this point.

Loved the Stannis / Shireen scene.  Wife said "you better hug her you angry bastard" and was happy he did.

Jon has a lot more willpower than I, Melisandre is the hots.

Love the Jaime / Bronn developing bromance.

Wanted more of the Sand Snakes.

Thought the Unsullied went down too easily.  These guys are supposed to be the end all be all of fighters and granted, it was tight quarters and they were slightly outnumbered, but the basically lost to a bunch of nobles dressed for Halloween carrying steak knives.



Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 4, 2015, 02:16 PM
Since everything so far has so wildly diverged from the books, I'm gonna call it here:  Brienne and Pod are gonna hook up.

And yeah, the Unsullied went out like punk bitches in those alleyways. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 4, 2015, 04:50 PM
It seems like the Sons of the Harpy deliberately tried to draw the Unsullied into that alley.  It was tight quarters where they couldn't really use their spears to full effect.  And I was very surprised to see Ser Baristan go down like he did.

Dorne has been interesting so far.  Although I don't know why Jaime and Bronn needed to sail there.  The Sand Snakes were cool, too.  Though I had always pictured them slightly older. 

Tyrion and Jorah Mormont proved interesting.  And it looks like that storyline has been consolidated, too, relative to the books.  And Stannis's talk of Shireen's greyscale seems to be some sort of foreshadowing.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on May 4, 2015, 05:10 PM
Stannis's talk of Shireen's greyscale seems to be some sort of foreshadowing.

They have talked about greyscale for like three weeks now...

Gilly and Shireen talked about it in the second episode, Tyrion and Varys talked about greyscale in last week's episode, then more about it this week with Stannis and Shireen.

I hope they are building to something or else it's just annoying they keep talking about it...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 4, 2015, 05:19 PM
Well, there was mention of the Stone Men and the ruins of Valyria this week.  I think that this is leading us SOMEWHERE.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on May 4, 2015, 08:27 PM
I'm feeling like this season is kinda slow.  As someone who hasn't read the books, that's just my take on things.  It's been ok, interesting, but slower than other seasons.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on May 4, 2015, 10:17 PM
Welcome to Books 4 and 5...they get better but this part of the story is really slow and basically moving of the remaining pieces a little closer to each other
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 5, 2015, 09:36 AM
Yeah, there's a lot of nothing happening through a big chunk of those books.  Think all those "walking across mountains" scenes from Lord of the Rings.  Except each mile with 40 pages of details about the scenery.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on May 5, 2015, 11:48 AM
Yeah, there's a lot of nothing happening through a big chunk of those books.  Think all those "walking across mountains" scenes from Lord of the Rings.  Except each mile with 40 pages of details about the scenery.

I've got 3 chapters and an epilogue to finish up in Dance with Dragons... I will say from fresh experience... books 4 and 5 are a grind to make it through.  I think I've been reading those two for almost 18 months.  This season starting back up on HBO finally motivated me to finish the last of the published work.

I will say, reading books concurrent to watching the series is very confusing!!  I can't keep the individual story lines straight, especially when the show starts to veer significantly from the books!   I'm looking forward to putting the printed books down and just watching the show after tonight!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: EdSolo on May 5, 2015, 02:43 PM
Imagine what this season would be like if it was only the fourth book.  If I remember correctly, Tyrion, John Snow and Daenarys were all not in book four.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 5, 2015, 03:17 PM
Yeah, to make it easier for the readers, he broke 4 and 5 into North and South.  One focused only on what happened in the South, the other only focused on what happened concurrently in the North.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 11, 2015, 09:50 AM
Another decent episode.  More consolidation of characters from the books.  And I guess we'll never see Aegon or Penny.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on May 11, 2015, 02:03 PM
Overall, I think this season has been a real snoozer... sort of like the majority of books 4 and 5 so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.   I still think there is too much dilution of the multiple characters and their storylines; however, at least the last couple of episodes have been a bit more streamlined in the character stories. 

I do constantly find myself checking with the internet sources for departures from the book (so that I don't think I'm going crazy and mis-remembering!)

At this point with the departures from the books, I'm almost looking forward to next season when all the stories will be fresh and I can just sit back and watch without comparing to the source material!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 11, 2015, 05:46 PM
I'm pretty sure Martin intends to get Winds of Winter out before the season premiere next year.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 12, 2015, 08:38 AM
I haven't had a chance to see the whole episode just yet.  But the end scene?  Just fantastic!  The Stone Men were realized incredibly well.  And the ruins of Valyria looked fantastic.  It also seems that the role played by Jon Connington in the books has been consolidated into Jorah Mormont.  And that really does leave you wondering about Aegon, too.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on May 12, 2015, 12:59 PM
By far, the creepiest TV character in a really long time (Benjamin Linus springs to mind) goes to Ramsay Bolton
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on May 12, 2015, 02:44 PM
Yeah, his Dad is a real peach too. That was quite the heartwarming reminiscence about dear old Mom.

I loved the ruins of Valyria...I gather it was destroyed in some sort of epic Pompeii-type disaster? Is that Drogon's home away from home now?

I was disappointed by the Stone Men though after all the lead-up though. They just looked like guys with oatmeal on to me. I was hoping for something less human.

I hope we don't get 5 more episodes of "What Jon Snow is up to on the boats" because id prefer to see that wrap up sooner rather than later. I can't help but wonder what the White Walkers and the Army of the Undead are up to norht of the wall. Are they just kicking back and waiting for winter to arrive or what?

I liked the scene with Sam and Stannis. Some good info in there, especially that bit about The Children hunting with dragonglass.

Curious what Varys is up to now too.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on May 13, 2015, 07:12 PM
Ramsay is like Alex in Clockwork Orange...  Even kinda looks like Malcom McDowel.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on May 18, 2015, 09:16 AM
John, Arya, Sansa, Rickon, Bran, Daenerys, Tyrion, Varys, Sam, Grey Worm. At this point, it's easier to name the people I DON'T want to see horribly mutilated/disemboweled/burned alive on this show. What a wretched universe of filth and depravity...they may as well subtitle the show "Or How the Stark family gets crapped on repeatedly with no recriminations"  >:(

I don't think I've been so mad since the Red Wedding. You just can't do Sansa like that...that was super crappy. My wife and I were both shouting at the screen "someone DO something!" but Theon is a useless POS and I guess Brienne is content to just kick it back at the inn with Pod. Ugh, what a horrible downer ending.

And I guess Baelish is pretty much straight up using her just to position himself as Warden of the North. Some uncle.

I did like Tyrion and Jorah bonding over their Daddy issues.

After all the anticipation, it was hard not to feel let-down by the 5 minute Sand Snake fray. I was hoping they would have been a bit more bad-ass. At least kill Bronn or something.

Tommen is utterly and completely worthless as a human being. What a *****.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 18, 2015, 11:40 AM
The end of the episode was really upsetting.  The show has always been a little rough at times, but this got to me.  Especially since the past several episodes have been building up Sansa Stark as Littlefingers protégé, and she isn't a silly girl anymore.  But I don't think anyone was prepared for just how depraved Ramsey Bolton can truly be. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on May 18, 2015, 11:54 AM
Honestly, that scene was way tamer than others we've seen - killing of babies, torturing of Theon, Joffrey's play dates with the sluts and sport hunting women with dogs come to mind right off the top of my head (and that's not even including the Red Wedding) - that I'm surprised at all the hate it's getting.  Yes, Ramsey is an sadistic ******* and yes, Sansa getting raped is horrible, but based on other things we've seen, it doesn't compare (and be glad they didn't delve into the sick and twisted **** that went on during the wedding/bedding in the book).

Everyone's talking about Sansa's horrible luck, but that scene was all about Theon and he needed something to finally stand up to Ramsey, and seeing Sansa abused by Ramsey was it.  That scene is the start of his redemption arc, or as much of a redemption he can have considering the dumb **** he's done.

And like Ramsey said - "If you think this has a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention"
 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 18, 2015, 01:10 PM
Agreed on the point that this was more about Theon.  That actually started when he referred to himself as Theon of House Greyjoy earlier in the episode when he was giving Sansa away at the wedding.  He's slowly starting to regain his sense of self.  But where things go from here is beyond me since things have diverged so much from the books. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on May 18, 2015, 02:21 PM
I'm with you Mike, this show's been filled with what I ultimately think of as worse, if we're rating things...  Rape's actually pretty frequently mentioned, implied, and outright shown at various points in the show.  I guess I was figuring this was somewhat inevitable really, since she was dumped at Winterfell and left to marry one of the craziest characters left on the show (at the moment).

Littlefinger never has all his cards on the table.  While Sansa's fate had to be understood, I'm not so sure he's abandoning her completely.  At least I don't feel that way yet.  He's easily one of my favorite characters because of his complexity.

I want to kick Cersie in the vagina.

I can't blame Tommen so much...  He's a child, and truly a child unlike his brother.  He's really just a kid stuck in all of the mess.  He's probably thinking he'll fix it later.

I hate the religious zealots now too...  such dickholes.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on May 18, 2015, 03:18 PM
Yeah, I can't add much more than what's already been said about the bad stuff that Sansa had to go through.   :(

On Cersei...  as I book reader, I kinda know what's coming for her.  But, even without that knowledge, I still can't believe someone with all her sins (like having THREE kids with her brother and having an affair with another family member) was dumb enough to put the armed faith into action to go after those sinners...   ::)

Will be interesting to see how that plays out compared to the book...  same with Bronn and Jaime in Dorne.  Can't wait to see how Dr. Bashir reacts to them compared to the book version.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on May 18, 2015, 08:32 PM
OMG!  Dr. Bashir!!  One of the snakes is Jamilla from RotS.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 18, 2015, 10:43 PM
Actually it's Queen Apalaina from ROTS.  Queen Jamilla was in AOTC. That Queen job on Naboo sure has a hell of a lot of turnover. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 22, 2015, 09:20 AM
High-friggin-larious:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAiRvXnL6jE&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on May 24, 2015, 11:08 PM
Loved that Cold Play Bit... There is an extended version of Peter Dinklages's song that they previewed before the red nose event.


I enjoyed tonight's episode... It's sort of refreshing to have so many divergent stories from the book now. Keeps me guessing as opposed to trying to remember if that's what happened.  Big fan of the Sand Snakes now  ;)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 1, 2015, 09:58 AM
YES!  We finally know the real deal with Valyrian steel!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on June 1, 2015, 10:19 AM
I realize there are a lot of things people like about this show...the character development, the plot twists, the deft use of nuance and misdirection, but for me it just doesn't get any better than the last 20 minutes of last night's episode.

Giants fighting zombies?!? Please and thank you!

That was frigging excellent. John and the Thenn fighting side by side, white walkers with armor, army of the undead, Valyrian steel FTW...just great stuff all around. That was way more intense than a WD style walker attack...those things could really move!

The only other thing I even remember from the episode was Tyrion and Daenerys' chat, which was also all kinds of awesome but for different reasons.

Oh, and Arya got a stylin' new haircut.  :D
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on June 1, 2015, 12:29 PM
Best episode of the season by a mile.  I enjoyed the scenes with all the major players, especially Tyrion/Dany/Jorah , Sansa/Theon, Cersei, and the whole Hardhome Scene at the end.    Really great stuff this week.  Sort of like books 4 and 5... plodding along all season until we get all the juicy bits at the end.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 1, 2015, 12:45 PM
So was that giant Wun Wun?  You had to love the line he said to Dolorous Ed!  And those were definitely some of the fastest zombies I've seen since Zach Snyder's Dawn of the Dead.  Is it me, or does the Night's King look like an icy Darth Maul?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 1, 2015, 12:49 PM
I actually gasped when the sword struck home.  Most awesome moment of the season.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on June 1, 2015, 01:51 PM
So was that giant Wun Wun?  You had to love the line he said to Dolorous Ed!  And those were definitely some of the fastest zombies I've seen since Zach Snyder's Dawn of the Dead.  Is it me, or does the Night's King look like an icy Darth Maul?

I think it is Wun Wun...  I thought I heard Tourmand call him that as they were running out at the end.

Until this episode, I never thought about the White Walkers having a "consciousness" and just sort of thought of them as zombie-like killing machines.   And yea... definitely had a Darth Maul vibe.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 1, 2015, 02:08 PM
The Wights (aka Army of the Dead) seem very much like they're mindless and under the control of the While Walkers.  But I get the sense that the White Walkers are very much aware and in control of what they're doing.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on June 1, 2015, 04:18 PM
The Wights (aka Army of the Dead) seem very much like they're mindless and under the control of the While Walkers.  But I get the sense that the White Walkers are very much aware and in control of what they're doing.

I agree... I didn't pick that up that distinction until last night's episode.  Makes the White Walkers even more intriguing to me now.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on June 2, 2015, 08:22 AM
Was just reading last night about how the band Mastodon were cast as Wildling extras in Sunday's episode. Saw a cool shot of them posing with John and Ed. Just another reason to love this show!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on June 5, 2015, 12:38 PM
Was just reading last night about how the band Mastodon were cast as Wildling extras in Sunday's episode. Saw a cool shot of them posing with John and Ed. Just another reason to love this show!

Yeah that was pretty cool. Amazing episode.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on June 8, 2015, 09:15 AM
#$%^&* Stannis! "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?"

Not a great episode for kids, that's for sure.

Between barbecuing Shireen and Meryn Trant getting his freak on with that poor tween, the gross-out factor was running pretty high. Blecchh.

I would just as soon not see any more stuff happen with kids this season. I'm looking at you, Ollie.

I see now why Brienne had so much time to film the new Star Wars this season. Hope she gets some more screen time in the finale.

The stuff in Mereen was pretty interesting. Why did the Sons of the Harpy stab her fiance though? I thought the clear implication was that he was their leader? (Hence the late arrival) And what's up with Jorah touching Dany? Is she going to get greyscale now too? Or is she immune somehow?

Drogon going off at the end kicked ass, but I was actually hoping for even more carnage. Was surprised that those spears would penetrate his scaly armor like that. He would really come in handy fighting the Army of the Undead up north though.

Happy endings for all next week!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 8, 2015, 09:35 AM
I think greyscale is only contagious if you touch the infected skin.

As far as the fiance goes, Daario suspected he was in league with the Harpies, but that was never confirmed.  I guess he was wrong.

It's looking like it'll be a pretty spectacular finale.  I have a strong suspicion what's gonna happen with Arya next week - even though it's quite different from the books.  Everything else should be awesome.  Then it'll be the worst cliffhanger in the history of everything, because I won't know what happens next!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on June 8, 2015, 10:13 AM
Yeah, I was waiting for Drogon.  That was pretty good, but I too wished he would have ripped up a few more Harpies before taking off with Dany. 

The look on Tyrion's face during all of that was just great.  Peter Dinklage really captured the "WTF just happened" moment nicely.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 8, 2015, 11:09 AM
Drogon was simply fantastic.  Seeing him swoop in over that arena was very impressive, and those Sons of the Harpy did not stand a chance against his fangs or his dragonfire.  Still, I was very surprised to see him get hit with as many spears as he did.

The scenes with Shireen Baratheon were really rough.  I knew there was the potential for this to happen given some foreshadowing over the past couple of weeks, as well as how the Mance Rayder storyline has been handled.  But Stannis?  Just when he had been endearing himself to the audience the showrunners throw this at you and you know that he could never truly rule the Seven Kingdoms. 

The storyline in Braavos is shaping up rather quickly.  Seeing how Arya's prayer list has been whittled down somewhat it seems pretty clear who she's going for next.

And at the Wall?  I think there's been a MASSIVE amount of foreshadowing there.  And I think that Olly may play a major part in what we see at the end of next week's episode.

Honestly, I didn't think it would be possible for the show to condense the events of A Feast For Crows and A Dance with Dragons into a single season.  But now that the show is on a roll I certainly see the potential for this season to wrap up the same way that book 5 does.  And if that's indeed the case we're likely going to be in completely uncharted territory for Season 6 of the HBO series.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Tracy on June 12, 2015, 11:21 PM

I want to kick Cersie in the vagina.


Jesse - that's not very gentlemanly of you! 

What ever happened to "Ladies first"?  You may kick away one I am finished punching her in the vajayjay  ;)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 13, 2015, 03:28 PM
Leave some of it for me to kick, is all I ask.

I thought saying "vagina" was sort of gentlemanly. :x
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on June 14, 2015, 04:50 PM
I can't wait to hear reaction if they end Season 5 like Martin ended ADWD...and we'll all be sitting here waiting for Book 6 or Season 6 whatever comes first (money's on Season 6)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on June 14, 2015, 07:07 PM
They have changed so much from the books already, maybe try NOT pissing the fans off and do something different from what everyone is expecting. Yeah, unlikely to happen, this dude loves to piss off his fans.

I just want to see a dead Bolton and a dead Trant by the end of the night.

And maybe find some screen time for Brienne before she is forevermore known as Capt Phasma.

A sweer Vaderesque redemption moment for Theon would be ok too, but I'm not holding my breath.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 14, 2015, 07:54 PM
I think it's a serious possibility that season 5 will end in a similar fashion to book 5.  OMG, Twitter will be CRAZY tonight if it does.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 14, 2015, 08:58 PM
I'm certain it's going to wrap up at the same point that book 5/6 ends up.  Same last scene with Cersi.  Same last scene with Jon.  Same last scene with Daenerys.  I also expect something similar with Theon.  With Ayra, I expect it'll be pretty far off from the books.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 14, 2015, 10:40 PM
Sure enough, social media is going crazy.  I wonder if we're going to see reaction videos of people freaking out like we saw after the Red Wedding?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 14, 2015, 10:56 PM
I'm certain it's going to wrap up at the same point that book 5/6 ends up.  Same last scene with Cersi.  Same last scene with Jon.  Same last scene with Daenerys.  I also expect something similar with Theon.  With Ayra, I expect it'll be pretty far off from the books.

Nailed it.  Only thing that was way different was Stannis.  I guess I know what to look forward to in book 6.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 14, 2015, 11:09 PM
I wasn't quite expecting the scene with Theon.  Especially since there was that chapter from book 6 released by GRRM that featured both Theon and Stannis.

They definitely built towards the scenes with Cersei, Dany and Jon Snow.  Seeing Ser Robert Strong realized was pretty surreal.  With Dany, my head was spinning with just how many Dothraki appeared.  Plus it appears that Drogon isn't quite all-powerful at this point in time.  As for Jon Snow?  That's been telegraphed for a while.  Especially his interactions with Olly.  There was a lot of foreshadowing that led to Jon's final scene.  The one thing that threw me there was in the teaser portion, with the Benjen Stark bit.

As for how things move forward?  I suspect that the reason why we never saw Lady Stoneheart in the show may have been a strategic decision.  Sure, we saw Beric Dondarion brought back to life by Thoros of Myr in the show.  But if we saw Lady Stoneheart realized, then the audience might come to think that this is something that's common in Westeros.  And when something BIG comes up like we saw tonight, there might be an expectation among the audience that "Don't worry, they'll do the same thing that they did with Stoneheart".  But alas, Melisandre returned to Castle Black before it all happened.  As for those vows?  They're only in place until death, right?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on June 14, 2015, 11:26 PM
I hope that Winds comes out before next year...didn't like them killing Stannis this season at all...could have drug that out

Also surprised absolutely no Bran or Rickon this year at all...they were a bit part in the Theon redemption plot (Weirwoods)

Loved the last scene...RIP Lord Commander
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on June 15, 2015, 08:25 AM
I hope that Winds comes out before next year...didn't like them killing Stannis this season at all...could have drug that out


I don't think he's dead, no way they kill a major character off screen.  My guess is we'll hear how Brienne swung and missed on purpose in a moment of clarity. 

Similarly, the Hound, Theon / Sansa and maybe Myrcella are likely alive, as those "deaths" weren't really confirmed.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on June 15, 2015, 11:02 AM
Had a pretty lively debate about the show last night.  So many people are convinced that Jon is DEAD, dead.  Surprising to me.

I guess, as a book reader, I've seen so many "dead" people come back to life in this series (like Nick pointed out) that I figured Jon had the "Red Lady / Lord of Light / Azor Ahai" card to play. 

Reading some of the post-airing coverage of the show, Kit Harrington and the show-runners are sure selling "he's DEAD dead".  What else are they supposed to do to not ruin the surprise I guess?


I was thinking last night though... what if Jon really is DEAD, dead?  I can't imagine how pissed I'm going to be if he's really dead and all the R+L=J stuff was a giant waste of time.  All the "Promise me, Ned" stuff goes unresolved.  Ugh.  It annoys me just thinking about it.  All those wasted "who are jon's parents" hints.  >:(
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 15, 2015, 11:15 AM
It would seem to defy convention.  I mean, if he is dead-dead, then Westeros is doomed.  All the machinations in King's Landing would be irrelevant.  It'll end up being a war across the narrow sea.  Zombies on the left, dragons on the right.

That is unless Bran somehow creates a defense.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on June 15, 2015, 12:53 PM
Interesting on Stannis...didn't even cross my mind that he wasn't dead
Also interesting take on Bran, I could see him and the Children of the Forest saving Westeros from the White Walkers

My other thought after consideration, Dany storyline has suffered the most from Martin's change from 3 books to whatever the hell he ends up with.  She seems to be repeating herself and is winding up in the same spot as she was (now all she needs is a fleet to get her new Khalasar across the narrow sea)...whatever happened to Victarion?  All of the Greyjoys are sort of out of the story it seems (except for Theon)

I also don't think Jon is dead dead, I look to Melisandre to save Azor Ahai...I echo what Jeff said, it just seems like a huge waste of time and effort and speculation for nothing...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on June 15, 2015, 01:30 PM
The Red Woman showing up just before he's killed is the only thing leaving the door open to me... we certainly all know by now that this series isn't afraid of killing off major characters, I'd assumed Snow would be different, but at this point who the hell knows, especially with the show having out run the books.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on June 15, 2015, 01:48 PM
Well after 7 snoozer episodes in my opinion the last 3 were outstanding.

The Red Woman showing up just before he's killed is the only thing leaving the door open to me... we certainly all know by now that this series isn't afraid of killing off major characters, I'd assumed Snow would be different, but at this point who the hell knows, especially with the show having out run the books.

I'm with you guys on Jon.  I can't believe he's Dead dead.  It seems very suspect that Melisendre just left Stannis's side because of the mutiny and getting shrugged off.  She needed to be back at the Castle Black for a reason (since she was still there in the books).  I'd be surprised if Jon doesn't get the Red God treatment... 

I also never thought for a moment that Sansa and Theon were dead.  If they wanted to commit suicide there were fair easier ways to do it... they were trying to get away. 

I didn't think about the Stannis angle...   Maybe he could still be alive. 

I assumed that Myrcella bought it... no reason to believe the poison wouldn't have killed her.

I also never considered that Dany may join with a new Khalasar.    Interesting to consider that though. 

Not mentioned yet... I loved Cersei's walk of absolution.   I heard that the showrunners got a lot of grief filming that scene from the local governments.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on June 15, 2015, 03:00 PM
Here's where I'm at on everyone...

Jon:  Alive - but maybe not right away 
Sansa and Theon:  Alive - Landed in a huge pile of snow
Stannis:  Dead - Brienne isn't missing or not getting that revenge.
Myrcella:  Dead - Jamie didn't know about that poison or how it works or that there was an antidote, and there wasn't any antidote on that ship.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 15, 2015, 03:03 PM
Agree on all points.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 15, 2015, 04:51 PM
After Brienne's past failures I cannot see her being merciful to Stannis.  She was devoted to and loved Renly, even if he would never return her overtures.  Only Brienne and Catelyn Stark saw the Shadow creature kill Renly.  She was the only one left alive who could attest to that.  Considering that she was suspected of killing Renly herself, I can totally see her finally keeping her oath to herself with Oathkeeper by finally dispatching Stannis.  And after all of the tragedy that has befallen Stannis because of his ambition?  The horrific death of his daughter Shireen, his wife Selyse taking her own life because of her overwhelming grief, followed by the annihilation of his army.  I think Stannis probably welcomed death.

The one point about Jon Snow that needs to be taken into account is just how much like Ned Stark he really is.  Jon came close to leaving the Night's Watch in that first season.  But he came to the realization that he was duty bound to the Watch.  Despite his mission to infiltrate the Wildlings, he's been devoted to the Night's Watch.  When Stannis offered to legitimize him so that Jon Snow might become Jon Stark and assist in the taking of Winterfell, Jon passed.  He stayed with the Watch to do his duty. 

If the speculation is true about Jon Snow and his true parentage, then it seems that he has a larger role to play.  And since he knows the secret of what Valyrian Steel can do to the White Walkers, he seems even more important now.  But Jon needed to be released from his vows to the Night's Watch.  And the only way that can happen is by his own death.

As for Dany and the Dothraki?  It's interesting.  The Dothraki largely abandoned her after the death of Drogo.  And only her blood riders remained.  I suspect that the Dothraki are not pleased with Danaerys.  But now that she's the Mother of Dragons?  I can see her winning over the Dothraki, perhaps with a little help from Drogon.

I have to wonder about why the story of the Ironborn was completely excised from the show.  Unless of course they're going to come into play next season in an effort to get Danaerys and her army across the Narrow Sea.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 15, 2015, 10:15 PM
Geeze Louise...  This show and killing people you like.  Hah.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on June 16, 2015, 08:17 AM
I agree that Myrcella is probably dead (part of Cersei's future told by the wood witch is that she'll outlive all her children, so at some point Myrcella and Tommen have to croak), but this show is known for twists and turns, so until we get confirmation, the slight chance she's still alive is there.

Stannis I don't know, I can see both sides of the argument.  Again, why not show the death if he's truly meant to be dead?  Could it be that the producers don't really know where Martin's going with Stannis in the books and they want to keep their options open?  What was shown is any easy out both ways when Stannis' fate is ultimately decided.  And yes, Brienne had an oath to Renly, but her current oath is to Catelyn and rescuing her daughters.  Christ, she spent the entire season looking at a ******* window waiting for a candle to be lit to rescue Sansa.  Maybe Pod sees the candle lit and stops Brienne from killing Stannis with that fact. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 16, 2015, 08:41 AM
Again, why not show the death if he's truly meant to be dead?

Money.  Fake heads are expensive.  If you can get the same message across with a quick scene transition, it's a compelling option to showrunners.  Especially in an episode where they're already throwing a ton of money up on the screen.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on June 16, 2015, 08:44 AM
Good stuff.

I don't buy any death they don't show on screen, and not even all of them they DO show.

Except Meryn Trant. That ****** is dead, and how.  :)

Myrcella? Probably but you'd think the ship would have turned around or something. What are they supposed to do with Trystane now?

Stannis? I def don't think so, it would have been perfectly easy to provide closure on that but they obviously chose not to, as with the Hound. I suspect Brienne will try to use him as some kind of bargaining chit with the Boltons to get Sansa back.

I would speculate about Theon and Sansa going all Thelma and Louise but I don't care much about either of them at this point. I do seem to recall seeing a guy and a girl jump off a cliff into a snowdrift in FROZEN though, so i guess there is hope.  :D

As for Jon, I absolutely do not think he can be permanently dead. Not so much for any of the other reasons mentioned but simply for the fact that his parentage is such a huge mystery underpinning the whole backstory of the series. If he's dead, it becomes totally irrelevant whether his Mom was Lyanna or his Dad was Baratheon/Targaryen. And I just think that it's not irrelevant, it's the complete opposite. It has to matter. And it only matters if he's still alive in some way, shape or form. Just my two cents.

Was that a CGI body double for Cersei?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 16, 2015, 09:08 AM
Count me in the camp that says Stannis is dead.  There have been plenty of things terrible things that have happened to main characters that didn't make it on screen.  Theons torture.  Sansas wedding night.  King Robert being killed by the boar.  I think this was an attempt to give Stannis some dignity in death after the horror he's been through. 

I did hear that there was a body double for Lena Headey during Cersei's walk of atonement.  And whatever hotness there was in that scene quickly disappeared because of the brutality of her having to walk all the way across Kings Landing through the angry mob. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 16, 2015, 10:46 AM
It was a body double.  She was preggers at the time of filming.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 16, 2015, 05:11 PM
It was an absolutely rockin body double.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on June 18, 2015, 04:02 AM
I don't think Jon's dead.  I think the red witch will find him before he completely bleeds out and save him.  How he deals with the Night's watch is going to be interesting.  Only he and Sam truly know what danger is coming...it will be interesting.

****...is it April yet?  :D
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 14, 2015, 11:30 AM
Looks like Bran Stark will return for GoT season 6 (https://time.com/3956711/bran-stark-game-of-thrones-season-6/).
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 2, 2015, 07:05 AM
There's some pretty awesome casting news for GoT season 6 (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/ian-mcshane-game-of-thrones_55bd17b6e4b0d4f33a030da8).  Actor Ian McShane (Deadwood, Jack the Giant Slayer, Battle of Britain) will be joining the cast.  There's been no official word on who McShane will be playing... I'm thinking it's pretty unlikely that Al Swearingen would wind up in the midst of Westeros.  Some speculation is that he might be playing the father of one character who's something of a fan favorite.

There's also some news from HBO.  At a recent presentation HBO President Michael Lombardo said (http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/game-of-thrones-ending-season-8-prequel-series-1201553865/) that the network is looking towards an 8 season run (or more) for Game of Thrones.  Additionally, there's been talk of a prequel:

Quote
When asked about the possibility of a prequel or spinoff of some kind at TCA, Lombardo admitted, “I would be open to anything David and Dan want to do … there’s enormous storytelling to be mined in a prequel.” He added that there have been no conversations about an offshoot for “Thrones” yet, since “the focus is on figuring out the next few years of this show.”
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on December 5, 2015, 06:22 PM
The new trailer is awesome. Eager to see what happens.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxI8aPISq8I (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxI8aPISq8I)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 15, 2016, 09:38 AM
Looking forward to the season 6 premiere on Sunday.  And I've got to say, this is the first time since season 1 where I just don't know what to expect, and that's pretty exciting.    Because for season 2 through 5 (after I had read all the books), I kind of knew what to expect.  But now?  I have an inkling to one big thing that's set to happen, but that's it.

There's also some news that's come out regarding the future of the series.  Such as?  Following season 6 there are likely to only be two more seasons, with both of those having a shorter run of 6 or 7 episodes each.  Read about it here (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/game-thrones-considering-shorter-final-884196).
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on April 25, 2016, 09:25 AM
Pretty kick-ass stuff last night...did not disappoint at all, well much.

Where was Tristane when he got killed? Still on the boat? In King's Landing? I guess the Sand Snakes had a fast ship? (And could I love those three girls anymore?!?!)

Brienne and Pod to the rescue was a rousing moment too. You gotta get Sansa out of the North though...Castle Black is not the answer. Take her to the Riverlands!

Man, I really hope Ed brings back that Giant.

That was some serious nastage at the end there. WTF is she waiting for to bring back Jon Snow anyway?!?  :P
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 25, 2016, 10:32 AM
Where was Tristane when he got killed? Still on the boat? In King's Landing? I guess the Sand Snakes had a fast ship? (And could I love those three girls anymore?!?!)

His room in Dorne.  He didn't get on the boat bound for King's Landing.

I hope they don't draw out the Jon Snow resolution for too long.  In the book...

[SPOILERS... sort of], Jon's last word as he was stabbed was "Ghost", so as a warg I figured he sent his soul into Ghost before he died.  I'm thinking that's the case in the show as well - and that he'll go back into his body after he's resurrected, either by Melisandre or as a White Walker.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 26, 2016, 11:16 AM
The whole concept of the unknown made Sunday night's episode a whole lot more intriguing.  There was a sense of legitimate danger in not knowing how most of the plot was going to proceed.

The events in Dorne were some of the most interesting.  I wasn't surprised about Trystane at all, since he met a gruesome fate in A Dance With Dragons.  Having the Sand Snakes involved in that definitely made them seem much more threatening than I have ever perceived them in the books.  As did the events in the Water Gardens, and THAT was a big surprise.

Castle Black seemed like a far more dangerous place than it did last season.  Even with the battle for the gate.  Thorne seems intent on leading the Night's Watch.  But he doesn't seem like he has the full support of the men.  On the flipside, I'm glad to see that it's Davos who is helping Dolorous Ed and the others.  And the Melisandre revelation?  WHOA.  But it also put a major damper on my crush for Carice Van Houten.  I think we're in store for a lot more once Dolorous Ed gets back to Castle Black with whomever he's bringing.

It looks like things may be coming to a head soon in the North.  The Boltons seem legitimately concerned about holding the North.  Roose seems intent on expanding his power base.  That seems to include making sure that Ramsay is kept in check and unsure of his own future.  Theon seems to have stepped up significantly since he killed Ramsey Bolton's girlfriend and rescued Sansa.  And seeing Brienne step in with Pod to take out those Bolton men was fantastic.  That scene alone was infinitely better than everything Gwendoline Christie did in her role as Captain Phasma in The Force Awakens.  But I think the best part of the scene was actually when Brienne took her vows to protect Sansa.  She was so earnest in offering her service.  And likewise, it was great seeing the realness of Podrick helping Sansa recite her part of the vows.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 1, 2016, 05:33 PM
Wondering how tonight's episode will pan out.  The Melisandre reveal was a bit of a shock, despite the hints that have been made throughout the books at the show.  And what becomes of Davos, the loyal members of the Night's Watch, Ghost, and the body of Jon Snow?

And then there's the Khaleesi.  It didn't take long for the Dothraki who captured her to snap to and treat her with the respect befitting a Khaleesi.  But will they force her to stay in Vaes Dothrak, like the other widows of fallen Khals, and take her place among the Dosh Khaleen?  Danaerys managed to sway Drogo, but that seemed to be largely because they were married.  While I've suspected for some time that Danaerys might lead the Dothraki to Westeros, this situation is different.  And it leaves me wondering how she will be able to convince them to do that.

There's also the matter of a shot that was in one of the trailers for this season.  It showed a knight in what looked like Targaryen King's Guard armor fighting someone who looked like a Stark bannerman.  It looked a lot like a possible flashback to the Tower of Joy!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on May 1, 2016, 10:17 PM
YES!!  ;D

I knew it, I KNEW IT, I freaking knew it.

Total TV awesomeness overload.

Oh and extra credit for those two old dbags getting their just desserts, although Roose deserved to be stabbed about 50 more times in Robb's memory.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on May 3, 2016, 10:39 AM
So many questions... 

Glad to see Roose dead, but still waiting for Ramsey to get his.  After all the stuff he's done to Theon, Sansa, Roose, Walda, the baby, etc.  I can't even picture a death horrible enough for that brat.  Should be interesting to see how things go - seems like he's willing to piss off a good chunk of the north, as well as probably losing Walder Fey as an ally with the death of Walda.

And the stuff with Tyrion and the two dragons.  Awesome.  I see a lot of people thinking his interaction with the dragons confirms he's a Targ, but I'm not sure if that's a lock or if it just meant they didn't see him as a threat/enemy.  Still...  it was awesome watching him unchain them.  Can't wait to see more of them in action.


There's also the matter of a shot that was in one of the trailers for this season.  It showed a knight in what looked like Targaryen King's Guard armor fighting someone who looked like a Stark bannerman.  It looked a lot like a possible flashback to the Tower of Joy!

The "next episode" teaser they showed for next week was awesome - that is totally Ned at the Tower of Joy in that flashback.  8)  Really looking forward to seeing that played out and finally confirming some things one way or the other.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on May 3, 2016, 11:22 AM
Where exactly is Littlefinger right now?  His thread seems to be lost in the book and the show

Ramsey's death better be the best death of all time...Jon Snow shoving Longclaw right through his brain while he is on fire covered with tar after his flesh had been stripped by ants after the had been dipped in molten sugar.  He is probably the most evil person on the show, the little ******
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on May 3, 2016, 12:09 PM
Where exactly is Littlefinger right now?  His thread seems to be lost in the book and the show

I imagine he's just sitting in the Vale biding his time and waiting for the next opportunity to betray someone for personal gain. :P
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 3, 2016, 12:17 PM
Ramsey Bolton has to be one of the most bloodthirsty and cruel characters ever on television, let alone Game of Thrones.  He makes Joffrey look like an amateur in comparison.  And the scene in the kennel was so brutal, even if we didn't see anything.  The thought of it alone was horrific.  And especially because you knew it was coming after he had killed his own father.

The whole recap before the episode was a little confusing when they added in that scene of Robb Stark and Lord Karstark.  At least until the scene were Ramsey killed Roose Bolton in plain view of the new Lord Karstark.  With that whole situation it looks like there may be a war coming between the houses of the North to retake Winterfell.

I'm also interested to see how thing proceed with Theon and the rest of the Ironborn.  I thought that the storyline involving Euron Greyjoy and the Iron Islanders was going to get tossed.  I was a little surprised to see that it got shelved until this season.  And now with the fleet in Mereen having been burned by the Sons of the Harpy, the storyline for the Ironborn is beginning to become a little bit more clear.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 3, 2016, 12:19 PM
In the books I believe Littlefinger is still with Sansa.  A completely different girl married Ramsey.  A young girl that sort of resembled Arya that the Boltons told everyone was Arya so Ramsey could have legitimacy in the north.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 3, 2016, 01:24 PM
IIRC, that was Jeyne Poole.  The Boltons were trying to pass her off as Arya in order to lay some sort of legitimate claim to Winterfell.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on May 3, 2016, 03:44 PM
What Jeff said about Littlefinger...  Remember, chaos is a ladder, he legitimately has control of the Vale at this point, and he's certainly set about Chaos in both the North, South, and really beyond with whats taking place in Dorn, and with setting up Tyrion and setting all that into motion and he now in Mereen...  Littlefinger is a master.  Love that guy and that speech. :)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 3, 2016, 04:53 PM
Something tells me that Littlefinger may make a play for King's Landing at some point.  Especially in light of that speech.  He's been at odds with Cersei in the past.  And the Lannister hold on the Iron Throne seems to be growing more tenuous with each passing day.  Cersei's also afraid of the witch's prophecy coming true, and that her son Tommen may be fated to die as well.  If that comes to pass, I could certainly see the potential for Littlefinger to be involved.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on May 3, 2016, 05:04 PM
I've wondered if he is mixed up with the High Sparrow in some way.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on May 3, 2016, 05:53 PM
I could see that Dave.  The only thing that plays against it is his hold is weak really if Tommen were to order things otherwise.  I never quite got what the "fear" of the high sparrow and his followers was ultimately. 

Then again it's another element of chaos. 

I have to imagine a smirk on Balish's face when a raven delivered the news of Tywin's death, and Tyrions disappearance.  It's all things that benefit him by weakening the South.

Such a good show. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 3, 2016, 06:39 PM
Littlefinger is a master manipulator.  I could certainly see how he might have fed information about the Lannisters to the High Sparrow so that he had his devout followers would aid in taking down the Lannisters.  But I don't think he's working with the High Sparrow directly.  Especially since the followers of the High Sparrow wound up taking down some of Littlefinger's houses of ill repute in Kings Landing.  It may have just been some measure of token offering to the High Sparrow's followers.  A sacrifice perhaps, while Littlefinger consolidates his power in the Vale as Warden of the East.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on May 3, 2016, 08:54 PM
I think the Lannister sins all came from their cousin Cersi was riding while Jamie was otherwise occupied.  He seemed to rat them out...  Though why he had the sudden about-face never seemed to have an explanation that I recall.  I also forget his name, just remember he was a bit of a *****.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on May 4, 2016, 12:06 AM
Lancel.

I wonder if Littlefinger will find the Vale not as safe as he thought when either the dragons or whir walkers arrive.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on May 4, 2016, 12:10 AM
It's pretty safe physically but yeah, those wouldn't be good problems.  However, safe from others, it sure seems it.  And would Littlefinger mind the dragons?  Or rather, would the dragons mind him I guess.

But he's got a pretty solid situation up there right now...  He's got that kid...  Lupus from the Bad News Bears.  He's got military power...  He's sitting pretty (high).
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 4, 2016, 10:52 AM
I think the Lannister sins all came from their cousin Cersi was riding while Jamie was otherwise occupied.  He seemed to rat them out...  Though why he had the sudden about-face never seemed to have an explanation that I recall.  I also forget his name, just remember he was a bit of a *****.

Lancel Lannister.  And in the words of Robert Baratheon, "What a stupid name!"  That guy really was a simp.  But now that he's a follower of the High Sparrow?  He seems much more of a pawn rather than any sort of a real player with legitimate ambition.  He seemed to be almost cowering during the Battle of the Blackwater.

I wouldn't put it past Littlefinger to use the High Sparrow and his followers as some sort of proxy to take down the Lannisters.  And he tried to make inroads with the North by marrying off Sansa to Ramsey Bolton.  I suspect that we're going to see Littlefinger at some point soon.  But I think things will have to play out in the North before he gets moved to some sort of action.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 9, 2016, 07:58 AM
Another solid episode.  Jon seemed genuinely shocked, as did Melisandre.  Although since I saw this coming I don't know how shocked everyone in the audience might have been.  As for the events of last night? For a moment, I thought Jon was going to have some measure of mercy on the men that killed him. But that didn't happen at all.

The green sight scene of Bran travelling back to see the events at the Tower of Joy was definitely something to behold. Ser Arthur Dayne was a badass! And I thought Ned was in some serious trouble there. I did not see that engagement ending the way it did. But Ned clearly owed his life to Howland Reed, no matter how he took out Dayne. As for when they left that scene? It was telling that they want to stretch out Bran's visions. But the dialogue leading up to the fight between Ned and his men with the Targaryen Kings Guard was even more telling. When Ned said that the Mad King was dead, and Prince Rhaegar had died at the Trident, I'm pretty sure that I heard Arthur Dayne say something to the effect that they were there at the Tower of Joy to protect their prince. That lends a lot of weight to the whole R + L = J theory.

Arya seems like she's turned a corner with the Faceless Men. Especially with the Waif, who's just been merciless with her. Although the Waif did seem to have an odd level of fascination with Arya's death list. it seems very likely that she's also originally from Westeros, and may be of a similar mind to Arya.

And just when you thought that the Starks were becoming resurgent, what happens? Rickon Stark and Osha wind up in the hands of Ramsay Bolton. And that f***ing traitorous Lord Umber killed Shaggydog! The show has really been brutal towards the dire wolves. But you have to seriously fear for Rickon's safety.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 9, 2016, 09:17 AM
No doubt the R + L = J theory is confirmed, IMO.

As esteemed an actor Sydow is, I'm not real happy with what they've done to the Three Eyed Raven.  The way he looked at the end of Season 4 was awesome.  I guess Sydow has the pull to avoid time in the make-up chair, so now he looks like a puppet in one of the trees on Mr. Rogers.  This was amazing...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bqamh1RCUAINGZS.jpg)

I like Arya's story better in the book.  Basically, she cheated to get cured of her blindness (which was the result of intentional poisoning, not an effect of using masks), which left the window open for her retaining free will.  Here it looks like she's going full-on faceless, which is disappointing.

And Daenerys' story has pretty much hit a wall.  Seems like we're looking at a long stretch of garbage before she gets to do anything interesting again.

Sorry to do nothing but pick nits.  It just seems like a lot of stories have stalled out right now.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on May 9, 2016, 11:52 AM
I really liked the Tower of Joy battle.  That was cool.

Overall though I thought last night's episode was just "meh". 

Sometimes I feel they try and include too many story lines in too small of bits to really feel like any one of them is going anywhere.  There must have been over ten different story lines going last night with only a few minutes each. 

I would rather they just ignore a story line for a few episodes if necessary.  Kind of like how they left Bran out of all of last season.  I think the only main story lines (that they've touched on this year) they left out was Sansa's and the Iron Islands leadership change.

Maybe all those story lines were necessary as they set up something critical later, but I felt they could have left out Tyrion's, Varys' little birds, the small council, and the Tommen / High Sparrow meeting, for starters.  And Dany's story line doesn't seem overly connected at this point, so I almost wish they would leave her out of a few episodes and then devote a larger chunk every few weeks.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 9, 2016, 01:40 PM
Oh yeah - the little birds being street urchins was stupid, too.   :P
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on May 9, 2016, 04:13 PM
Just like Arya's, my list of people I want to see die is getting shorter too. Suck it, Ollie, you little sociopath. And double-suck it, Ser Allister. The world is better off without both of you.  ;D

Agree the stuff with Dany and Mereen really makes the whole story drag noticeably. Would be happy to skip anything outside of Westeros for a few episodes.

The Tower of Joy stuff should be good when they get more into it. Still thinking R + L = J & M but we'll see.

Did Rickon crawl out of a time warp? He looked about 10 years older. Sucks that he's in the clutches of the Boltons now. I assume we'll be treated to another gory end because Martin sure enjoys killing Starks. Please just make it quick and spare us eight episodes of torture-porn with Ramsey...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 10, 2016, 06:19 AM
I thought it was well established that Varys's little birds were street urchins.  It certainly seemed that way to me from reading the books.  They were all over Kings Landing, beneath the notice of most and in positions to overhear conversations.  And you can see them in the show as well.  Plus, when you take into account the scene from book 5 when Varys killed Kevan Lannister with the crossbow in an effort to further destabilize the Lannister hold on the Iron Throne.  Varys was surrounded by his "Little birds".
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on May 10, 2016, 09:23 AM

Agree the stuff with Dany and Mereen really makes the whole story drag noticeably. Would be happy to skip anything outside of Westeros for a few episodes.


The books are the same way, it was a slow read through Dany's chapters.


The Tower of Joy stuff should be good when they get more into it. Still thinking R + L = J & M but we'll see.


That's a TV theory because the actors playing J and M look like they could be related.  They look nothing alike in the books, I'd be shocked if it were true.  I wholeheartedly agree with R+L=J though and it's practically confirmed now.


Did Rickon crawl out of a time warp? He looked about 10 years older. Sucks that he's in the clutches of the Boltons now. I assume we'll be treated to another gory end because Martin sure enjoys killing Starks. Please just make it quick and spare us eight episodes of torture-porn with Ramsey...

I think Umber and Osha are double crossing Ramsey.  I don't think that was Shaggydog and he didn't bend the knee to Ramsey, so it could work.  The North Remembers, remember.  It's a huge risk, as Ramsey is a complete pyscho and probably moreso that the "fockin' ****" Roose is out of the way.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on May 10, 2016, 10:01 AM
Who is the M?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 10, 2016, 10:34 AM
I really hope that it wasn't Shaggydog.  The size of that wolf's head seems like the only possible clue that it might not have been that of a dire wolf.

I hope you're right that the Umbers and Osha are engaged in some plot to take down the Boltons.  I had to search back a bit, but it seems like it's possible that the Frey's may be holding GreatJon Umber hostage, and that he may have been taken captive at the Red Wedding.  Probably so that the Boltons might try to hold some sort of sway over the Umbers if they want to hold the North.  Rickon was probably added to the mix to sweeten the deal and make it more believable.  But it is definitely a very dangerous game to play when you're dealing with Ramsay Bolton.

I'm still left wondering if the Manderlys are going to factor in here.  And there was also the original plotline of Osha taking Rickon off to Skagos to hide, not among the Umbers at Last Hearth.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 10, 2016, 10:35 AM
Who is the M?

That would be Meera Reed.  Her father was the only other survivor at the Tower of Joy.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on May 10, 2016, 11:28 AM
The Rickon thing may just be a plot device to create some more incentive for John Snow to go after Ramsey and/or go to Winterfell.

Its hard to tell if the Umbers may just be trying to gain favor with Ramsey or if there is a larger plot involved (Littlefinger?).  I'm not sure why the Umber's would try and set Ramsey up for some kind of assassination from Osha without some clear backing from John Snow or Littlefinger. 

Although I haven't read the books to understand if there are more historical relationships at play than I'm aware of, but the Umbers don't seem to be that proactive in playing the Game of Thrones.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on May 11, 2016, 12:27 AM
Oh yeah - the little birds being street urchins was stupid, too.   :P

Perhaps you should go re-watch season one.  Varys has always used street urchins as his little birds.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on May 11, 2016, 09:02 AM
That's a TV theory because the actors playing J and M look like they could be related.  They look nothing alike in the books, I'd be shocked if it were true.  I wholeheartedly agree with R+L=J though and it's practically confirmed now.

IMO, it's more than just the strong resemblance between the two actors. It's no coincidence that Howland Reed is the only other one besides Ned to survive the battle at the Tower of Joy. That puts him right there in position to help. And we know twins run in the Targaryen bloodline. And her character is about the right age and seems to be waiting in the wings for something to happen, always just offscreen but seemingly important.

Definitely could be wrong but seems pretty plausible to me.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on May 11, 2016, 12:41 PM
That's a TV theory because the actors playing J and M look like they could be related.  They look nothing alike in the books, I'd be shocked if it were true.  I wholeheartedly agree with R+L=J though and it's practically confirmed now.

IMO, it's more than just the strong resemblance between the two actors. It's no coincidence that Howland Reed is the only other one besides Ned to survive the battle at the Tower of Joy. That puts him right there in position to help. And we know twins run in the Targaryen bloodline. And her character is about the right age and seems to be waiting in the wings for something to happen, always just offscreen but seemingly important.

Definitely could be wrong but seems pretty plausible to me.

Maybe, but I don't think so.  R+L=J has been a theory since GoT (the book) first came out as the clues were always there.  There's nothing IMO that suggest M is a part of it in the books.  Like I said, it's more a TV theory because of the likeness between the two actors and I really didn't see this theory grab a hold until the TV show came out.  Trust me, the hard core ASOIAF dorks would have figured it out long before the TV show became a reality.  Now, GMMR could add it in later, but I've read he isn't going to change something because the nerds figured it out.  I'd have to trust him on his word.

Now, I believe HR has a big part to play, either by directly saying R+L=J is true, or confirming it once someone else finds out.  How, I have no idea, but he's been mentioned too much to be a coincidence.

And the Targaryens aren't known for twins, they're known for marrying their siblings and having multiple marriages.  Off the top of my head, I don't recall any Targaryen twins, but granted, there's a **** load of them mentioned in the various works.  The only prominent twins are Cersi and Jaime (and Frey's castle, if you want to get technical).
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on May 11, 2016, 01:42 PM
I'm guessing Reed will feature in the books but Bran will be the one to tell Jon in the show and I am with the theory that that isn't Rickon and Shaggydog is not dead.  My new dream death for Mr Bolton is to be eviscerated by the three direwolves...a fitting death with all of his dog ****
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on May 11, 2016, 02:24 PM
Fair enough, but I think we are in uncharted waters here. One of two things is happening:

This season the show is spoiling a ton of stuff from the next book(s); OR

The show is diverging into some kind of alternate universe Thrones which differs significantly from the literary version.

Given all the changes we have seen to this point, I'm leaning towards #2. Point being, I'm not sure they are using it as a roadmap anymore and have the freedom to organically change things that maybe serve the Tv storylines differently from those in the book.

Or not. Writers are crazy!   :D
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on May 11, 2016, 02:31 PM
I know Martin has said that some of the favorites don't survive and some of those that we despise survive.  I really hope that Ramsay meets his.  I can't see someone as depraved as him not meeting a gruesome fate.  He's too unstable to consolidate the North around him and keep them loyal.  But... I forget the history, but weren't the Boltons a major house in the North until the Starks got tired of them flaying their enemies and took a lot of their power from them?

Tyron's another one that I hope doesn't die.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on May 11, 2016, 03:03 PM
Fair enough, but I think we are in uncharted waters here. One of two things is happening:

This season the show is spoiling a ton of stuff from the next book(s); OR

The show is diverging into some kind of alternate universe Thrones which differs significantly from the literary version.

Given all the changes we have seen to this point, I'm leaning towards #2. Point being, I'm not sure they are using it as a roadmap anymore and have the freedom to organically change things that maybe serve the Tv storylines differently from those in the book.

Or not. Writers are crazy!   :D

I think it's a bit of both, actually.  The major events (Red Wedding, Battle of Castle Black, how the **** Dany finally ends up in Westoros, the final ending, etc.) will be very similar or exactly the same as the books.  It's the minor stuff using show characters instead of introducing new characters GRRM is found of (Jaime in Dorne, Sansa instead of fake Arya, etc.) that differs a bit.  Think of it like this - the TV show and book were for the most part the same for season 1.  Starting in season 2, the TV show went left at a fork in the road, the books went right, but ultimately both the TV show and books will end up back on the same road with the same ending.  They just took different ways to get there.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on May 11, 2016, 03:24 PM
I think it's a bit of both, actually.

I tend to agree. 

And we're probably going to have to keep this thread open for another ten years to find out the answer considering the pace GRRM is on for publishing the last two books.  By that point most people will have lost interest and moved on anyhow.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 12, 2016, 11:01 AM
It was nice to see GRRM release that new excerpt yesterday.  Although how that might tie into the show remains to be seen.

A couple of questions have popped up for me recently.  Such as?  Whatever became of Gendry?  Ned Stark seemed to think that he could become more than an armorer's apprentice.  Will he return at some point?

I've also been wondering about the Waif.  She seems to be tapped into the events of Westeros.  And I got to wondering if her character may now be a combination of the Waif in the books and Mya Stone, another of Robert's bastards.

Scott, I like the way you think!  Seeing the dire wolves take apart Ramsay Bolton would be poetic justice.  Presuming that there are any of them left by the time Jon Snow gets to Winterfell.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on May 13, 2016, 07:30 AM
Scott, I like the way you think!  Seeing the dire wolves take apart Ramsay Bolton would be poetic justice.  Presuming that there are any of them left by the time Jon Snow gets to Winterfell.

Isn't Nymeria still unaccounted for?  As I recall, Arya sends her off during book 1 after the incident with Joffrey. I don't recall that ever being closed and I keep wondering/waiting for the wolf to come back.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 13, 2016, 07:39 AM
Yeah.  In the books there are rumors of a Direwolf leading a pack of wolves in the vicinity of the Riverlands.  That's roughly where Arya set Nymeria loose after her run-in with Joffrey. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on May 15, 2016, 10:26 PM
Daenerys of House Targaryen, the First of Her Name, Queen of Meereen, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, Mother of Dragons...

... and ******* bad-ass.   8)

Definitely my favorite episode of the season...   also fully expecting the High Sparrow / Tyrell Army stuff to blow up in their face.... and let the Lannisters walk in and win that whole thing.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on May 15, 2016, 11:35 PM
That last scene was absolutely bad ass...I was thinking the dragon was going to burst through the ceiling but that was so much better

I told my wife that Sansa and Jon's reunion may be the nicest moment in the shows history
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 16, 2016, 07:44 AM
Always have to remember that Targaryen house motto:  FIRE AND BLOOD!  You had to know that Dany was not going to suffer slights from the Dothraki for long.  But I just DID NOT see that coming.  And that's one of the great things about this season.  Because the element of surprise is back and it gave the fire in that Dothraki tent so much more impact.

It looks like Jaime and Cersei are trying to play the Game of Thrones together, by using the Tyrells to take down the High Sparrow and the Faith Militant.  And I have to suspect that this may make the situation in Kings Landing ideal for Dany to finally cross the Narrow Sea.

Good to see Littlefinger back in the mix, too.  He's got Robin Arryn wrapped around his finger, ready to throw ANYONE through the Moon Door.  But the upside seems to be that he's sending Lord Royce north with the Knights of the Vale to help the Starks.  And they're going to need it against that bastard Ramsay Bolton!  I really thought that Osha might have had the drop on him, but it looks like he was wise to a possible plot as soon as Rickon and Osha arrived at Winterfell.

The reunion of Jon and Sansa was absolutely one of the most heartwarming moments we've had in the series in quite some time.  Especially after all the hell that they've both been through.  Jon seems fully prepared to leave the Watch, even though they probably need him more now than ever before.  He's even got a full Stark kit on now, too.  I have to wonder if Jon, Tormund and their 2,000 wildlings plus Lord Royce's Vale knights can take down the Boltons.  I suspect we're going to be looking at a great battle for the North!

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on May 16, 2016, 09:37 AM
Tormund giving Brienne the eye was hilarious.  :D

So what was the secret the High Sparrow told Tommen that he went right ahead and told Cersei? I'm guessing it was something to the effect of "don't try anything with Margaery or I'll paint the streets red with her blood".

That's the only end game I really see for Cersei there, provoking the Faith Militant into killing the Queen. It's not like she is going to somehow kill the whole Tyrell army off once they are in the city. That would be stupid anyway since they need them right now. I would be disappointed if the Queen of Thorns got outsmarted by Cersei though. She's too sharp for that.

The Dothraki stuff was all kinds of awesome especially since it managed to redeem a storyline that had grown tiresome already. If only they could do likewise with the stuff in Mereen. Everyone seems to agree Tyrion is being a jackass with his 7 year plan, and I can't disagree. He's just going to end up pissing everyone off. Even more.

John and Sansa was a nice consolation prize for Stark fans. Sad to see John leaving LongClaw behind though. :(

Yay, Littlefinger sighting. Is he really serious about sending the knights of the Vale north though? I can never believe anything that comes out of that dude's mouth.

RIP Osha/Tonks.  :'(
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on May 16, 2016, 11:02 AM
The Dothraki stuff was all kinds of awesome especially since it managed to redeem a storyline that had grown tiresome already. If only they could do likewise with the stuff in Mereen. Everyone seems to agree Tyrion is being a jackass with his 7 year plan, and I can't disagree. He's just going to end up pissing everyone off. Even more.

I'll be really interested to see where the Mereen story line ends up at the end of the season.  They've invested a lot of time in to this and it really doesn't seem important or interesting.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 16, 2016, 11:05 AM
Tyrion really managed to piss off both Grey Worm and Missandei, along with a good number of the freed slaves of Meereen in the course of his negotiations.  But he's in a tough spot.  He needs to buy time for Dany to consolidate her forces if she's going to make a play to go to Westeros.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 16, 2016, 11:39 AM
Now that Dany has all the Dothraki behind her, I wanna see her roll through Slaver's Bay and raze the whole region.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 19, 2016, 09:26 AM
I don't know if Dany is really all that set to revisit her enemies in Slaver's Bay.  With the Dothraki behind her, I could see her set her eyes on Westeros instead.

There's one scene from last week that seems to have flown under the radar. That being Brienne's conversation with Davos and Melisandre. I know they're at the Wall, and it's cold there. But that conversation was ICE COLD. Especially when she was talking about how Renly was killed by blood magic while staring down Melisandre. And it was just as harsh to see her talk about executing Stannis to Davos, who had been loyal to him despite Stannis's rigidity. While it's good to see some like-minded people finally coming together around Jon Snow and Sansa Stark, it's clearly not going to be all lovey-dovey.  On top of all of that the conversation between Davos and Melisandre about Shireen? Ugh. This show can really knock the wind out of you.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on May 19, 2016, 11:04 AM
It seems like everyone is rallying behind Jon Snow, so I think a lot of that conflict will be secondary. 

The only potential issue might be between Brienne and Melisandre about the killing of Renly.  I get the feeling that Brienne already knows what happened and that Melisandre is partly responsible.  It also seems that Davos might ultimately get pissed about her killing Shireen.  Given the current state of affairs I'm just not sure either Brienne or Davos is going to go after Melisandre though. 

Has Davos even killed anyone yet?  Not too many characters in this story can say that.  I'm not sure he would do anything even if Melisandre admitted to killing Shireen.  And Brienne may feel satisfied enough with her revenge on Stannis that she won't mess with Melisandre.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on May 19, 2016, 01:29 PM
Yeah I don't think Davos has killed anyone.  He's always just there, talking.  One of the more "purely good" characters.  I'm amazed he's lasted this long.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 23, 2016, 08:03 PM
Hodor?  And Summer?  Along with the Children of the forest?   This is getting bleak. 

I'm also shocked by the origins of the a White Walkers. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on May 24, 2016, 12:21 AM
Broke my heart catching up with this tonight.   :'(
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on May 24, 2016, 08:36 AM
I'm also shocked by the origins of the a White Walkers.

I don't know if their origin will matter later but I thought this was kind of dumb.  I really don't care for origin stories that don't add anything to the story line, and this seemed a little nonsensical.  Sure its kind of neat to know, but who cares if the Children of the Forest created them, if they were created by a red priestess, or if they've just always been.  In my opinion it really doesn't matter and adds more connections to an already complicated story line.

We don't need a backstory on where the dragon eggs came from, why there are white walkers, why Jamie and Cersei are in to each other, how the Knight's Watch built such an impossibly high wall, etc.  Just tell me a story and I'll accept some facts without knowing the reasons.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 24, 2016, 08:44 AM
I think it's interesting because it's at the heart of some of the most ancient conflicts in Westeros.  The Children of the Forest created the White Walkers to fight the incursion of the First Men.  From there it seems that the White Walkers became a threat to everyone:  the First Men, the Children of the Forest, and whoever else got in their way.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on May 24, 2016, 10:29 AM
Are they a big part of the books?  I haven't read the books, but so far they seem like a minor footnote in the TV series.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 24, 2016, 11:06 AM
They're mostly only mentioned in fairy tales and legends.  The only actual part they've played in the books is in the cave with Bran.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on May 24, 2016, 01:19 PM
I have this weird feeling that they are going to turn Sansa into a character who we'll all be happy to see get hers. They have taken so many characters the other way (all the Lannisters, Marjorie, the Dog)...  Maybe Balish contracts with the man with no name to get rid of Jon Snow for her and Arya is sent to handle to deed?  Maybe once she finds that he has a legit claim to the throne?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 24, 2016, 01:45 PM
I was thinking - if everyone knows about the Faceless, how come people haven't put out contracts on all their rivals?  The Lannisters pay the price on the Sand Snakes - boom!  Deed done. 

That'd lead to the conclusion that they're not all that well-known.  Maybe even secret.  But if nobody knows about the Faceless, how do they found Bravos and get to live in a big ol' temple?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on May 24, 2016, 02:59 PM
I was thinking - if everyone knows about the Faceless, how come people haven't put out contracts on all their rivals?  The Lannisters pay the price on the Sand Snakes - boom!  Deed done. 

That'd lead to the conclusion that they're not all that well-known.  Maybe even secret.  But if nobody knows about the Faceless, how do they found Bravos and get to live in a big ol' temple?

Yeah, it can't be as simple as just paying some cash and having your rivals killed.

According to the GoT Wiki -
The Faceless Men charge exorbitant fees, but their reputation for success is unmatched. The cost increases relative to the importance of the target and the difficulty of the objective. In the first book it is said that hiring a Faceless Man to kill Daenerys Targaryen would cost more than it would to hire an entire army. Further, the Faceless Men will reject a contract if killing the target clashes with their strange and at times inscrutable religious beliefs
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on May 29, 2016, 08:24 PM
So overwhelmed by last week's episode, I couldn't even post about it.  :D

That was some great stuff...hard to even remember anything else after the Night's King showed up.

Am guessing he somehow ties into the reason the White Walkers got out of control, definitely does not resemble the rest of them.

How did they get the ability to create other white walkers though, as shown with Craster's baby earlier? Or wights for that matter? Or is that just something that came courtesy of the Night's King?

freaking Hodor, heartbreaking. His whole life was basically fixated on that one purpose no one even realized until the end. Will he end up as a gigantic wight this week though?

They sure got there in a hurry from Hardhome. Guess they are waiting for winter to really hit before making the push south.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on May 31, 2016, 10:16 AM
Is Sunday's show the first time nobody (other than zombies) got killed?  It felt kind of wrong not to have someone die.

Lots of story lines left out this week too.  Definitely a different vibe to Sunday's show.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on May 31, 2016, 02:44 PM
It was a week of long awaited returns!

Very happy they gave us back Benjen and none of that "Cold Hands" red herring stuff. Guy knows how to make an entrance!

We finally got back to Walter Frey after forever too. Man, that wretched old goat cannot die soon, or violently, enough. His justice has been a long time coming and I am thinking it will be sweet. It had better be.

Also good to see little brother Tully and the mention of Blackfish. Surprised the Lannisters would agree to send a force to the Riverlands but I guess they pay their debts and all that. Puts Jamie on a collision course with Brienne again, on opposite sides.

Littlefinger should take his Knights of the Vale back down there too, can't imagine he is very happy with Frey killing the love of his life.

Sam's dad was an unbelievable prick, as expected. I was hoping he would stand up to him at dinner but no such luck. At least he wised up and got Gilly and Sam Jr out of there.  And nicked the sword. (What's up with all these minor houses like the Tarleys and Moormonts rocking the Valerian steel anyway?)

Everything with Arya the past two seasons feels like a complete waste of time now. How do they give one of the best characters the absolute crappiest storyline? Get her back to Westeros kicking ass please.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on May 31, 2016, 04:12 PM
Everything with Arya the past two seasons feels like a complete waste of time now. How do they give one of the best characters the absolute crappiest storyline? Get her back to Westeros kicking ass please.

It'll be interesting to see how the whole Braavos storyline ultimately plays out.  I agree.  This might turn out to be the largest waste of screen time in the series.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 1, 2016, 07:44 AM
I don't know - did she learn how to murder better?  That might serve some purpose.  The best I can tell, she learned how to get beaten by a stick.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on June 1, 2016, 12:50 PM
I feel the Arya, Sansa and Dany stories all smack of GRR not doing three books as originally planned and now milking it out further and further...the whole unite the slaves of Essos is dumb and rather redundant.  At least she is now doing something with her Khal

Same goes for the wanderings of Sansa and Arya, sure they have grown and become wiser etc but its been soooo drawn out to the point of where it gets ridiculous.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Sprry75 on June 1, 2016, 04:13 PM
I only started watching the show three weeks ago and finally got all caught up yesterday. I can't imagine how you guys have endured watching this from the start, with weeks between episodes and years between seasons. Jesus.

Anyway, I think it's a great show and I really enjoyed binging on the whole series. Seasons 1-4 were really good, but 5 kind of lulled, and so far 6 is just okay (relative to 1-4), but the entire series has been incredibly entertaining. Binging it like I have, Arya's development and progression as a character hasn't seemed as stunted as I imagine it would drawn out over two and a half years. She's my favorite (well, since Ned got his head chopped off anyway). Even watching through a binge marathon, Dany does a lot of the same things over and over but she's pretty cool and I can't wait until she inevitably marries Jon Snow and unites the realms. Or they both die gruesome, permanent deaths and then Tyrion becomes king. Or Margaery becomes queen. Or everybody gets killed by White Walkers. Pretty sure it will end up one of those ways.

Anyway, pretty much I'm just posting because you guys are dicks for not telling me about this show five years ago and for hogging it all to yourselves.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 2, 2016, 03:20 PM
Awe ****, Ryan found out!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on June 2, 2016, 05:28 PM
Ryan, other things that are good/cool...Boobs, Whiskey, Steak, Football
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 2, 2016, 07:20 PM
And Star Wars toys...  Well not "cool" I guess.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on June 2, 2016, 07:34 PM
Ryan, other things that are good/cool...Boobs, Whiskey, Steak, Football

He's probably figured out the boobs thing with Game of Thrones.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 3, 2016, 11:01 AM
On that subject, Emilia Clarke was very adamant about the fact that she didn't use a body double for the burning of the Dothraki temple.

Things do seem to be coming together in a big way on the show.  Dany and the Dothraki seem like they're on their way to Meereen.  And so do the Ironborn under Euron Greyjoy.  But will he have the old Valyrian relic that he brought to the Kingsmoot in the books?

From the coming attractions it looks like Sansa and Jon are trying to build alliances with some of the Northern houses.  It looked like they try to enlist the Mormonts and the Glovers, based on the sigils I saw.  And a showdown with the Boltons seems pretty inevitable. 

I'm also wondering how things are going to shake out in the Riverlands.  Jaime Lannister seems like he's on the outs with King Tommen.  The Blackfish has retaken Riverrun.  Walder Frey is pissed at his Monty Python looking sons.  And Brienne is headed back to the Riverlands, too.  Could we possibly see LS after all this time?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on June 6, 2016, 09:04 AM
I knew that big, ugly ****** was still alive!

TV once again adheres to its own unique law of physics, if a tree dies in the forest, but is not explicitly show dying onscreen, then that tree will eventually be brought back to life.

At this rate it's only a matter of time before Stannis shows up again...

I was expecting a lot more from an Ian McShane GoT cameo, but I guess we will take what we can get. I assume they were still hanging out around the Vale? Were the guys that slaughtered them Dondarrion's (sic) men or just some other band of Brothers?

Bear Island looked pretty cool, but geez...62 men? The army building is not going so well. Maybe a quick raven to Littlefinger will help?

Arya  :-\
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on June 6, 2016, 10:35 AM
(well, since Ned got his head chopped off anyway)

Wait, he what?!  Dammit Ryan!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 6, 2016, 11:02 AM
I was expecting a lot more from an Ian McShane GoT cameo, but I guess we will take what we can get. I assume they were still hanging out around the Vale? Were the guys that slaughtered them Dondarrion's (sic) men or just some other band of Brothers? 

It was indeed the Brotherhood Without Banners (according the the wiki).  Kind of a dick move slaughtering a group of innocent people...

Bear Island looked pretty cool, but geez...62 men? The army building is not going so well. Maybe a quick raven to Littlefinger will help?

I'm 100% certain that's the letter Sansa was writing.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 7, 2016, 07:35 PM
(https://images.hellogiggles.com/uploads/2016/06/07031134/GettyImages-5203828521.jpg)

I'm always kinda surprised by these characters outside of the show.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on June 7, 2016, 08:19 PM
I can't even tell who that is.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 7, 2016, 11:10 PM
It's The Waif...  I was pretty blown away myself.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on June 8, 2016, 12:58 PM
Wow... yeah, hair and make-up can make almost anyone look almost any way.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on June 8, 2016, 01:51 PM
It was a few weeks ago after the premier that I saw some photos from a premier event in London or wherever, and they had lots of photos of the cast.  I needed a cheat sheet on a few, and others blew me away.

Half the characters in the show are made to look dirty, disheveled, etc.  The character Gilly was one of the ones that surprised me as well.  She looks homely in the show with her burlap clothes and mud smeared face, but she is actually fairly cute when cleaned up.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on June 8, 2016, 03:57 PM
Yeah, wow - that's insane:

(http://www1.pictures.stylebistro.com/gi/God+Help+Girl+New+York+Special+Screening+48xM1cwllN9l.jpg)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Phrubruh on June 9, 2016, 09:18 AM
Anyone looks great with makeup. Even JediMac.

(http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/276/files/2014/05/Sam-and-Gilly.gif)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Sprry75 on June 9, 2016, 01:43 PM
(well, since Ned got his head chopped off anyway)

Wait, he what?!  Dammit Ryan!

Yeah sorry but I am a dick who doesn't care about spoiling stuff so just so you know pretty early on in the show the guy who was Boromir in Lord of the Rings gets killed. Lots of people die in this show and there's lots of boobs and guts, too. You will probably like it even though pretty much everyone just dies, I guess.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 10, 2016, 06:32 AM
Some episode titles have leaked.  The Episode 9 title in particular is intriguing, because it's called 'Battle of the Bastards'.

I also saw something interesting for book readers.  And that's the name of the member of the Brotherhood wearing the yellow cloak.  Reportedly that's Lem Lemoncloak.  And his presence may indicate the return of another character that we thought we might see back in season 4, but that didn't come to pass.

I've got to agree that the Waif cleans up rather nicely!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: jedipurge on June 10, 2016, 06:00 PM
holy sh!t that's waif?
and whats up with Gilly's accent is it real? haven't heard her speak out of character.
she sounds like one of the kids from Discovery channel- Alaskan Bush People.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: jedipurge on June 10, 2016, 06:34 PM
I only started watching the show three weeks ago and finally got all caught up yesterday. I can't imagine how you guys have endured watching this from the start, with weeks between episodes and years between seasons. Jesus.

Anyway, I think it's a great show and I really enjoyed binging on the whole series. Seasons 1-4 were really good, but 5 kind of lulled, and so far 6 is just okay (relative to 1-4), but the entire series has been incredibly entertaining. Binging it like I have, Arya's development and progression as a character hasn't seemed as stunted as I imagine it would drawn out over two and a half years. She's my favorite (well, since Ned got his head chopped off anyway). Even watching through a binge marathon, Dany does a lot of the same things over and over but she's pretty cool and I can't wait until she inevitably marries Jon Snow and unites the realms. Or they both die gruesome, permanent deaths and then Tyrion becomes king. Or Margaery becomes queen. Or everybody gets killed by White Walkers. Pretty sure it will end up one of those ways.

Anyway, pretty much I'm just posting because you guys are dicks for not telling me about this show five years ago and for hogging it all to yourselves.

almost right there with you except I have only seen a couple episodes here n there before this new season when I started watching, I know spoiling myself watching this season and not all the previous seasons before.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on June 19, 2016, 10:24 PM
OMFG, that was amazing, and the last 10 minutes were so ******* kick-ass.

I hope that little girl from Bear Island made it out ok.

Don't mess with Sansa.

 :)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 19, 2016, 10:35 PM
That was one of the most intense hours of television I have ever watched.  I was on the edge of my seat for the entire battle.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on June 20, 2016, 12:11 AM
Great! I really had no idea what was going to happen and I found myself talking to the TV for the first time ever in this series.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 20, 2016, 08:24 AM
Great episode, but unnecessarily costly to the Stark army.  Sansa said "we could wait until we have a larger army" when she should have appended "because Littlefinger is marching here with all the soldiers of the Eyrie."  She had to know they were coming in response to her raven.  Hell, she knew where to meet with them.  Did she let all of Jon's Wildlings get slaughtered out of spite because she wasn't included in the war council?

I understand the writers were going for the drama of the Eyrie horses swooping in and saving everyone, but I wish it could have been a bit more logical.  Just having Sansa not riding in with Littlefinger, having her not know whether he'd respond to her pleas, would have been better.

But that's a bit of a nitpick.  Overall, it was awesome.  Really amazing, brutal battle.  Those piles of bodies were unreal.

I'd also like for it to be explained how Daenerys figured out how to control her dragons.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on June 20, 2016, 10:05 AM
That Rickon scene was absolutely nail biting, this whole thing to me felt like a deep homage to both Lord of the RIngs and 300...absolutely brutal  It smacked of the Battle of Pelennor Fields with Rohan coming to save the day after our heroes were absolutely getting brutalized.  Jon Snow is a ******* badass beyond badass.

**** you Ramsay...rot in the lower reached of whatever hell your gods provide (old or new)

So, how are Daenerys and Jon going to meet up?  Will Euron side with the Lannisters and we'll have an epic sea battle on our hands?  When will Arya kill Cersei?  When will the wall come down? In a way I'm sad that GRR couldn't finish this sooner (hell even Winds of Winter), but more than not I'm happy we won't have to wait another 7 years to figure out what happens.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on June 20, 2016, 10:07 AM
That was ******* awesome.  That's the episode I've been waiting for the last few weeks.  I thought the entire episode was taking place in the North, so I loved the opening scenes in Meeren. 


I'd also like for it to be explained how Daenerys figured out how to control her dragons.

My guess is the other two are following the lead of big brother Drogon, who she has control over (at least as much as she can have control over a large fire breathing reptile with anger issues).
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 20, 2016, 10:21 AM
So does Sansa get to say "You know nothing, Jon Snow"?  Because she called what was going to happen to Rickon.  It didn't make that scene any less heartbreaking, either.

But what about Wun Wun?  OMG, he was amazing!  Wun Wun saved Jon's men as those Bolton men and the Umbers were closing in on the remaining Stark/Wildling forces. He was the only one who was really effective against that shield wall and he gave them all a fighting a chance. But that crush of bodies was probably one of the most terrifying things I've ever seen! At first it looked like one of the men was trying to make sure that Jon was protected. But the sitatuation turned bad in a hurry, and Jon came so to being crushed by the mounting dead and wounded. And Small Jon Umber was just brutal as he and his men came in to finish off those who were able to climb off of that pile. The fight between Tormund and Lord Umber itself was gut-wrenching, and I really didn't know if Tormund was going to survive.

And when Wun Wun broke down the gates of Winterfell and took on all of those Boltons? Watching it was exhilarating, but all of the arrows and spears he was taking clearly took their toll. And then that lousy f*** Ramsay Bolton killed him! Giants were so incredibly scarce beyond the Wall. After the battle for the gate between Mance Rayders forces and the Night's Watch, and the massacre at Hardhome I was left wondering if Wun Wun might have been the last of the Giants. And now he's gone too. Watching Jon take those arrows in his shield and then beat Ramsay to a bloody pulp was incredibly satisfying. But it was that much more satisfying to see Sansa get to exact her own revenge on the Bastard of Bolton.

But at what price? I really think that the price of Lord Baelish and the Knights of the Vale coming to the rescue of the Stark forces will be Sansa's hand in marriage. She's a widow now that Ramsay is dead (despite her previous marriage to Tyrion), and the only known, legitimate heir to the Stark name. Littlefinger has built a significant power base as the Lord of Harrenhal, the power behind the Vale and the North, and he might have found his ladder to the Iron Throne. Especially since King's Landing appears to be on the brink of major destabilization.

Jon Snow said in the coming attractions that the Starks have many enemies now, and he's right. Their own forces were seriously depleted in the Battle of the Bastards. The Boltons are gone. And now the Umbers, Karstarks and Glovers are no longer loyal to House Stark. The North is incredibly weak now, and if the White Walkers breach the Wall, what's to stop them from completely sweeping through the North?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on June 20, 2016, 11:58 AM
Awesome war scene with the horses and men crashing in to each other all around Jon.

I'll be interested to see if some of the other houses that have left the Stark fold will come back now that they've retaken Winterfell, and if the Tulleys are able to join forces as well.  I'm not sure what Jamie's army is doing now that they have captured Riverrun.  I kind of got the feeling that they were going to turn it over to the Freys or the Tulleys (assuming they were going to have the castle be loyal to King's Landing) and head back south.

That was an amazing episode not only for the battle of the bastards, but also for the speed in which things wrapped up in Mereen.  It seems like they've spent the whole season doing close to nothing there (other than lots of talking) and in a matter of eight minutes they defeat the masters/harpys and Dany agrees to an alliance with Theon and crew. 

I'll be interested to see how they wrap up the season (lots of previews around King's Landing) and if we get some kind of cliffhanger.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on June 20, 2016, 12:27 PM
Quote
The North is incredibly weak now, and if the White Walkers breach the Wall, what's to stop them from completely sweeping through the North?

(http://imagesmtv-a.akamaihd.net/uri/mgid:file:http:shared:mtv.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Game-of-Thrones-Recap-Season-4-Episode-1-Daenerys-Dragon-Portable-1426858816.jpg?quality=0.85&format=jpg&width=480)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 20, 2016, 12:52 PM
That goes without saying.  But she's still on the wrong side of the Narrow Sea.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Sprry75 on June 20, 2016, 04:26 PM
Yeah, but Theon and his sister seemed to get to Mereen pretty damn quick, so it shouldn't take long to get from Essos to Westeros and start ******* **** up with the dragons and the unsullied.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on June 22, 2016, 10:09 AM
This week's episode will be just Brann is the producer's basement since they have no money from the FX budget left.   :D
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on June 22, 2016, 11:26 AM
This week's episode will be just Brann is the producer's basement since they have no money from the FX budget left.   :D

I think that is why half of this season was Tyrion in Meereen just talking and Ayra in a room training with The Waif.

I heard next season might only be seven episodes.  I hope that means they cut out all the pointless talking and spend a ten episode budget on just seven episodes with plenty of action.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on June 22, 2016, 11:40 PM
It's not only going to be just seven episodes, but they're the last seven episodes.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 22, 2016, 11:53 PM
The battle was pretty epic...  Pretty standard military stuff for that kind of era, which was fun to see.  Films have covered that stuff ok (Kingdom of Heaven, Braveheart, etc.), but I felt like the Battle of the Bastards was a pretty a-typical medieval battle playing out.

The kid who played Rickon has to be peeved.

The end was nice, but how it plays out now with Littlefinger is interesting.  He's been a favorite character of mine.  Ever since Chaos is a Ladder...  My goodness is that one of the more epic sequences in the show.  And it's kind of fitting how that all unfolded.  The battle itself is chaos, and chaos affords opportunity, and luck, and Jon had both on his side.  He emerged from the chaos, climbing out of it...  and then it's the orchestrator of chaos, who comes, and takes the fullest advantage of it.

How that all comes together, it's just so emblematic of the show as a whole.  Same as Tyrion in a way, comes into his own.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on June 23, 2016, 09:26 AM
I've read reports that there may be a Season 7 and 8, both shorter (7-8 episodes each)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on June 23, 2016, 09:47 AM
It's not only going to be just seven episodes, but they're the last seven episodes.

I read somewhere that there are two more seasons.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 23, 2016, 10:33 AM
Same here. The article I read said two more seasons, but running about 7 or 8 episodes each.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on June 23, 2016, 11:05 AM
Oh good - at least that means 13 or 14 episodes more... I thought this season was one of the two remaining ones and that it was just one short one.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on June 23, 2016, 12:09 PM
I forgot to mention that in the aftermath of the Battle of the bastards, Ramsey proved Roose wrong when he thought that he'd never amount to ****.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 23, 2016, 07:11 PM
LoLz.  Burn.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 24, 2016, 08:41 AM
That may just be what happens to Kings Landing this Sunday. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 27, 2016, 08:43 AM
SPOILERS!



Damn... Cersi is SAVAGE.  Holy epic victory.  I think I respect her now.

It's almost a shame Tommen had to be a wuss and ruin it for her.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on June 27, 2016, 09:20 AM
How the **** did Varys get from Dorne to the middle of the ocean on a ship so quickly?  You'd think he would just wait until Dany came ashore to meet up with her.

Absolutely fantastic season finale, although it could have used some White Walkers to reinforce the main threat to Westeros.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 27, 2016, 09:39 AM
How the **** did Varys get from Dorne to the middle of the ocean on a ship so quickly?  You'd think he would just wait until Dany came ashore to meet up with her.

What I hear is that shot was when the fleet was setting sail after congregating in Dorne and picking up the Martell fleet.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on June 27, 2016, 10:26 AM
I like how Littlefinger is brooding in the background after everyone declares Jon Snow the king of the north.  Probably trying to figure out how to get Jon near the moon door, or otherwise get him out of the way. Or maybe he'll be the one to try and form a marriage alliance with Dany, hopefully only to get eaten by a dragon.  Glad to see Sansa tell him off.

I do love the bad ass that Arya has become.  I wonder if she will continue to roam Westeros exacting her revenge, or if she'll head back to Winterfell to be with her family.

Good stuff this season.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 27, 2016, 10:42 AM
I can't see how Cersi's position could be any weaker.  The North is united behind Jon Snow.  Houses Martell and Tyrell have joined the Dothraki backing Daenerys.  What allies do the Lannisters have left?  The Freys, who just lost their lord and top heirs?  Cersi basically stands alone.  It'll be a short reign.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on June 27, 2016, 10:43 AM
Did time skip or does Varys have teleportation powers now?  I'm leaning toward the time skip as the plot has really accelerated in the past few episodes

My absolute favorite part of the finale is the look Cersei and Jaime trade during her coronation.  Those first scenes and final scenes and looks were just riveting, this season was by far the best ever and I can't wait for Season 7
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on June 27, 2016, 11:42 AM
Nice to finally see the backstory to the true heir to the throne! As i have always believed, the title (Fire & Ice) has always been about Jon.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 27, 2016, 03:22 PM
Glad to see that the R+L=J plot point has been fleshed out as much as it has.  I had always thought that it would be Howland Reed who would make the big reveal, and not Bran's greensight.  And what Lyanna said to Ned was true:  if Robert had known about Jon's true parentage he would have killed the child.  That's undoubtedly why Ned was so short with Robert in season 1 when they were talking about Ned's supposed mistress, "Wylla" while they were riding south on the Kings Road.  I wonder if this is going to be the extent of the reveals on this front, or if some of Bran's visions may eventually show us both Lyanna and Rhaegar together.

As for Cersei?  She's gone full-on Mad King with her actions.  For the entire series she has been trying to be like her father, Tywin.  She knew that Jaime never could be, and always underestimated Tyrion.  She saw Tywin to be ruthless no matter the cost.  And I suspect that she saw the Green Trial as her own Red Wedding.  But Tywin always seemed to have a goal in mind:  the betterment of House Lannister.  Cersei's paranoia combined with not being half as smart as she thought she was meant that she could never truly live up to Tywin's example.  Tywin was ruthless, but practical, and not beyond making a deal.  Not the case at all with Cersei.  She just doesn't get that part of it.  I think that as soon as Tommen saw what had become of the Sept of Baelor, while being guarded by Ser Gregor, he knew that she was responsible.  And that despite his own best efforts to take control of the crown, it might only be a matter of time until Cersei's paranoia would be directed at him.  She's a monster.  And I think Jaime saw that as soon as he walked into the throne room and watched Qyburn give her the crown.  I think seeing the devastation in Kings Landing and that look were the turning point for Jaime Lannister.  I think he saw echoes of the Mad King who he killed in an attempt to save Kings Landing during Robert's Rebellion.  And come season 7, I could easily see Jaime trying to link up with Tyrion and by extension Danaerys.  I can also see the possibility for history repeating itself for Jaime Lannister.

One of the most heart wrenching scenes of the entire episode was between Jon Snow, Davos and Melisandre.  And OMG, Liam Cunningham knocked that scene out of the park!  I would have cheered him on as he executed Melisandre for burning Shireen Baratheon at the stake.  But this seems like one of those moments where Jon Snow has grown.  The old Jon Snow would have let Davos take Melisandre's head then and there.  But I think he recognizes how murky this world truly is.  After his encounter with the Night King at Hardhome, I think Jon Snow knows that he may need the Red Woman again in the true war.  And now that Jon has been championed as the King in the North?  By none other than that little spitfire, Lyanna Mormont?  She's amazing.  And she shamed all of those Northern Lords in the biggest way.  But now the Starks look like they have some legitimacy in holding the North...much to the chagrin of Littlefinger, who looked very much like someone who had been used.  And that's very out of character, since he's the one who is usually doing the using.

I was a little surprised to see that Benjen got Meera and Bran back to the Wall so fast.  But it was pretty clear from Benjen's words that the Wall isn't just a great construct of ice.  Some form of magic is keeping the White Walkers from getting through the Wall.  I have to wonder if it's the same kind of spell that kept the White Walkers from getting into the cave of the Three Eyed Raven.  Because once the Night King touched Bran during his vision he was able to get into the cave.

I hope that Sam is able to get his Maester's chains before too long.  The Citadel looks incredible, as does the library.  And that dangling chandelier (or whatever it was) seemed reminiscent of something that's been in the show open for the whole series.  But the Maester who received Sam did seem like a bit of a jackass.  Still, when Sam informed the "receptionist" of his being dispatched it was a little funny while being a bit frightening at the same time.  The bureaucracy of it all was clearly meant to come across as absurd, but it also highlighted how the Night's Watch is REALLY removed from the rest of the Seven Kingdoms.  Jeor Mormont has been dead for some time, as has Maester Aemon, despite the records of the Maesters of the Citadel.  And it's easy to see how the real responsibilities of the Watch would seem outlandish and lead to crazy ideas like those that even Tyrion had when he visited the Wall in season 1.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 28, 2016, 12:18 AM
The Ariya/Frey thing was more than enough to make this one of the best episodes of the season, but so much more was packed into that episode...

Re: Varis, I'm fine with timelines not syncing up exactly.  I can buy that stuff all taking place pretty spread out.  Hell, Little Sam looks like he aged significantly since just earlier in the season, and just the time it'd take Jamie to get from the Frey's to King's Landing is a long time I'd wager...  I'm fine with assuming the times don't sync exactly with one another and that a single episode can span a long period of time itself.

Great episode...  Last week was awesome, but this was that much better.

Was discussing this with a friend tonight...  So technically, at this point, the rightful heir to the throne, from the Targaryan POV, would be Jon, not Daeny, right?  Likewise, Sansa wouldn't be the heir to the North, Bran would...  and Dorne and Herenhall are kind of both in shambles, family-wise, as is the Lannister family on the Iron Throne itself since their claim was never legit and now it's even less so.

Hmmm.  That's a real mess.  But it puts Daeny and Jon at odds, it puts Jon and Sansa at odds.  It puts Bran and Sansa at odds.  And everyone hates Cersi, basically.

And at this point there's like, what?  One Beratheon left and last anyone saw him he was floating away from Sir Davos somewhere.  It seems to me the Game of Thrones is running really low on players, from the POV of the major houses of Westeros.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 28, 2016, 08:30 AM
Jon wouldn't be a legitimate, true-born Targaryen heir.  Bran is the legitimate heir to Winterfell.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 28, 2016, 08:46 AM
Here's an explanation on why the timelines don't seem to make sense:

http://www.vulture.com/2016/06/got-writer-explains-travel-time-inconsistencies.html

It's not intended to match up real time because doing so would hurt the narrative.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on June 28, 2016, 09:22 AM
Jon wouldn't be a legitimate, true-born Targaryen heir.  Bran is the legitimate heir to Winterfell.

If Rhaegar and Lyanna got married prior to his birth he would be.  There's precedent for Targaryens taking multiple wives, so it's not out of the realm of possibility.


And at this point there's like, what?  One Beratheon left and last anyone saw him he was floating away from Sir Davos somewhere.  It seems to me the Game of Thrones is running really low on players, from the POV of the major houses of Westeros.

Gendry is a bastard and not a Baratheon.  He has no rightful claim to any Baratheon holdings unless legitimized by a king.  Ramsey was a bastard Snow until he was legitimized by Joffrey as reward for the Bolton's role in the Red Wedding.  Once legitimized, he became a Bolton and gained all rightful claims that came with it.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 28, 2016, 10:27 AM
Lots of the great house of Westeros are in a state of chaos.

HOUSE STARK -  Three legitimate heirs:  Bran (first in line, but paralyzed), Sansa & Arya.  Bran is currently MIA to the rest of the family, making the situation more murky.  Jon Snow is considered part of House Stark, but is currently regarded as a bastard.  At least until the rightful Lord or Lady of that house, or the King, legitimizes him.  And of course, he is more likely a claimant to House Targaryen, but nobody really knows that on the show except for Bran.

HOUSE ARRYN - The only heir at this time is Lord Robyn Arryn, and that boy is clearly quite troubled.  And we haven't seen any other Arryns ready to step into his place.  Will Petyr Baelish step in to become the Lord of the Vale should something happen to young Lord Robyn?

HOUSE LANNISTER - Three heirs to be the Lord or Lady of Casterly Rock:  Jaime Lannister, Cersei Lannister and Tyrion Lannister.  Tywin had disowned Jaime for remaining with the Kingsguard prior to his death.  And Kevan had distanced himself from Cersei.  Tyrion is regarded as a kinslayer for having killed his father, Tywin.  And now that Cersei's children, Kevan and Lancel Lannister are all dead, who is left?  In light of Cersei's coup d'état for the Iron Throne and Jaime having been dismissed from the Kingsguard, I suspect that he will become the Lord of Casterly Rock despite Tywin's proclamation.  And does Jaime potentially get with Brienne of Tarth?  That storyline has bubbled under the surface.  Unless of course some lesser Lannister rises up.

HOUSE TYRELL - Following the events of the Green Trial, only Lady Olenna is left alive.  Mace?  Dead.  Margaery?  Dead?  Loras?  Dead.  The Queen of Thorns is the only other Tyrell that we've seen on screen.  We never saw either Willis or Garlan Tyrell on the tv series.

HOUSE MARTELL - Between Oberyn's fight with the Mountain, and the treachery of the Sand Snakes having killed Prince Doran and Trystane Martell, there doesn't appear to be a true born Martell left to rule Dorne.  While the Dornish are much less judgemental about bastards, can they have a Sand rule Dorne?

HOUSE BARATHEON - No true born Baratheons remain:  Robert is dead, Renly is dead, Stannis and his family are dead.  Robert's bastard children were almost entirely eliminated except for Gendry.  And the children Robert believed to be his are all dead as well.  It seems that House Baratheon may be dead unless the monarch upon the Iron Throne recognizes Gendry and he is allowed to rebuild this house.  And you know that Cersei isn't going to do that.

HOUSE TARGARYEN - Danaerys lives, but the only child she bore was stillborn thanks to the Lazareen witch's magic.  Jon Snow seems likely to be a Targaryen as the son of Rhaegar, but has not been recognized as such.

As for some of the lesser houses?

HOUSE FREY - Thankfully, the late Lord Frey is finally LATE.  Thanks, Arya.  She also took out Black Walder and Lothar Frey in the process.  But there are lots of other Freys, and I suspect that they're going to be at each others throats for power over the Twins.

HOUSE TULLY - Riverrun is lost to the Freys and the Lannisters.  The Blackfish is dead.  And Lord Edmure was a captive of the Freys.  Will Arya have freed Edmure in the process of taking out Walder Frey?  Will the Tullys have any sort of future?

HOUSE GREYJOY - Euron Greyjoy reigns the Iron Islands.  It's not clear if Aeron and Victarion are in the mix as well.  Yara doesn't seem prepared to marry and Theon lost his favorite toy.  It's certainly complicated.


Danaerys has spoken of breaking the wheel of Westeros.  It looks like the infighting among the great houses has done most of that for her already!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 28, 2016, 12:44 PM
Jon wouldn't be a legitimate, true-born Targaryen heir.  Bran is the legitimate heir to Winterfell.

If Rhaegar and Lyanna got married prior to his birth he would be.  There's precedent for Targaryens taking multiple wives, so it's not out of the realm of possibility.

Wouldn't that wedding have to have been public for it to count?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Sprry75 on June 28, 2016, 07:59 PM
This is a good TV show. Holy crap, I hope that the Hound winds up being somebody's hand. I've given up hope that Jon and Dany get married; no way they can cook up the chemistry that either of them have had with others. I hope little Arya gets a kingdom and the Hound is her hand.

I'm gonna fanfic the **** out of that storyline if it doesn't really happen.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on June 28, 2016, 08:21 PM
That's what I was saying about Jon, I thought his parents had married...  He's technically not a bastard at all if that's true and has a more legit claim to the Iron Throne than even Daeny if the male/female thing were to be debated and his parents married.  And Brans got more claim to the North than Sansa or Ariya...  It's pretty nutty. 

Now there is basically only one even remote Beratheon left, Tyrells are all but done, Dorne is slightly less a mess but not by a lot.

It'll be weird to see who lives, as it wraps up.  At this point that's the more strange thing for a character to actually do... Survive.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on June 28, 2016, 11:28 PM
I'm still wondering if the so-called "Pisswater Prince" will come to light in the show.  He's a significant player at the end of book 5.  And we can surmise that Jon's name came from Rhaegar's close friend, Jon Connington.  But we still haven't seen any sign of the lost Targaryen or his protector, Jon Connington.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on June 29, 2016, 05:21 PM
I think I'm the only one who wasn't bothered by Varys' quick trip.  He was in Dorne, it's called the Narrow Sea for a reason, and Danares wasn't going to move without knowing he had secured allies in Westeros.

All hail Jon Targaryen...King of the North!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on June 30, 2016, 08:07 AM
I think I'm the only one who wasn't bothered by Varys' quick trip.

No - but it's been explained:

http://www.vulture.com/2016/06/got-writer-explains-travel-time-inconsistencies.html
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on July 13, 2016, 02:02 PM
Late to posting...watched the finale live but only managed a second viewing just last night. Really gripping stuff...certainly accentuated with the creepy musical score that bookended the episode.

It's the little details that help make this show so great. The Lady of Thorns dressing down the Sand Snakes...the Hand of the Queen moment with Tyrion...Sam seeing the white ravens flying out from the Citadel from afar...just really nice touches.

And if you love strong, well written female characters with depth, you've got a lot to love in this show. Not only Dany, Cersei, and Arya but now Yara, Meera, Lady Moormont, the Sand Snakes, etc. Pretty amazing in such a brutal world how women have come to stake such a claim for themselves. Fun to watch too.

For years I felt like I was the only person who still had a white-hot hatred for Walter Frey that would never subside. Every season I kept waiting for them to come back around and serve up some justice there. It was just incredibly satisfying seeing him go out the way he did. As if I could love Arya's character any more. And I disagree about House Frey - I think they are in complete and utter shambles on par with House Baratheon. Those 2 dipshits Arya carved up were the best and brightest of the lot. The rest may as well jump into the river at this point.

Still concerned about the wild cards like Littlefinger and Melisandre. But hopefully they don't screw things up too badly along the way.

And I know it's wrong, but I can't help but wonder WTF Frankenmountain was actually going to do to that poor Nun.  :-X
I mean, I don't think that thing even eats, sleeps or goes to the bathroom, much less has anything else going on down there...maybe he was planning to sing show tunes?  :P
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on August 31, 2016, 10:30 PM
Hmmm, so who might Jim Broadbent be playing next season?  ???
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 31, 2016, 11:32 PM
Hmmm, so who might Jim Broadbent be playing next season?  ???

I'm thinking one of the Maesters.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 24, 2017, 08:40 AM
Season 7 starts debuts on HBO on July 16th, at 9 PM.

(https://winteriscoming.net/files/2017/05/Screen-Shot-2017-05-23-at-1.08.30-PM-810x542.jpg)

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jayson on June 21, 2017, 01:56 PM
Better late than never. I just started GOT a couple weeks ago and am about to begin Season 5.

New trailer for Season 7 dropped today but I'll wait to watch it when I'm caught up  :P
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 15, 2017, 05:21 PM
I'm genuinely curious to see where the new season will go.  Will the remaining Starks reunite at last?  And the previews have me wondering if we might finally see Casterly Rock.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on July 16, 2017, 07:22 PM
Come on, nine o'clock!

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on July 17, 2017, 12:40 AM
Sansa is playing a dangerous game. 

First 5 minutes...  hah.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on July 17, 2017, 10:10 AM
Well, I hope it is ok to make comments the morning after.  :D

The whole thing was freaking fantastic I thought, starting at a high point and never letting go. Arya is just the best character ever.

Like that we are starting to see the future trajectories taking shape more and more. Dragonstone now super important.

I'm putting the over/under on Jamie killing Euron at about 5-6 more episodes.  ;)

Tormund/Brienne still funny.

Undead giants FTW!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on July 17, 2017, 10:18 AM
Agree that Arya is a total baddass.  I feel bad for her though - so many people want to kill Cercei now (Lady Olenna, Ellaria Sand, Sansa, Tyrion, Danerys, etc) that job might be done by the time she gets to King's Landing. :P
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on July 17, 2017, 11:31 AM
Loved the scenes with Arya.  Her assuming the face of Lord Frey was epic!  Looks like she's going to reunite with Nymeria this season...love it!  She's going to fail in killing Cersei though....it's going to be Jaime that ends up killing her.

I'm not sure how Sansa's story is going to play out.  Sometimes I think she's going to, inadvertently, screw over Jon's rule (like questioning him like she did at the meeting), but then she is definitely not going for Littlefinger's advances.  It will be interesting to see how that all plays out.

I'm glad this show is back!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 17, 2017, 12:28 PM
So will we take to calling that opening sequence the Red Feast?  That scene was certainly satisfying from the standpoint of some righteous vengeance being dealt out.  But the "Previously on Game of Thrones" segment just before the cold open flashed back to Arya dispatching the late Lord Frey at the end of last season.  It let the audience in on what was happening, and that it was Arya disguised as Walder Frey from the get-go.  The only thing it really served to show is that Arya has been trained quite thoroughly as one of the Faceless Men, and that the Freys are no longer a house that has to be contended with.

Mostly?  This episode seemed like an exercise in plate setting, and getting things established.  But Euron Greyjoy trying to court Cersei?  LOL!  That's going to be strange at best, and even Cersei called out Euron when he came to court.  But will that storyline potentially involve Euron getting the Valyrian dragon horn, like in the books?  If that's the case it may develop into something interesting.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on July 17, 2017, 01:29 PM
Loved the scenes with Arya.  Her assuming the face of Lord Frey was epic!  Looks like she's going to reunite with Nymeria this season...love it!  She's going to fail in killing Cersei though....it's going to be Jaime that ends up killing her.

Jaime is going to die dueling Brienne.  Cersi is going to take some dragon glass to the heart and become the Night's Queen - leading the forces of the dead against Jon Snow and Daenerys. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 17, 2017, 02:21 PM
So it seems like Jorah Mormont thinks the Maesters of the Citadel can cure his grayscale?  I had to rewatch that scene between him and Sam to figure out who was in that cell. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on July 17, 2017, 03:17 PM
That was definitely Jorah.  And apparently there was another Easter Egg WRT Jorah in the episode.

Also somebody pointed out that Sansa is now sporting Cersi's hairdo from the first few seasons of the series.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on July 17, 2017, 03:20 PM
Dont trust Sansa at all.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on July 17, 2017, 03:53 PM
Between Ramsey and Littlefinger, Sansa's pretty well effed in the head. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 17, 2017, 08:41 PM
The disagreement between Jon and Sansa in open court was really uncomfortable.  But the way that Sansa told off Littlefinger?  She's clearly learned how to play the game.

The scene with Arya and the Lannister men was curious.  For the entire length of the series she's had nothing but hatred for the Lannisters.  But having sat by the fire with these men (and the odd Ed Sheeran cameo), it seems that Arya's world view may be changing.  And it also seemed like she liked these Lannister foot soldiers so much that she didn't want to lie to them.  Only for them to find her claim that she was going to kill the Queen so outrageous that they all burst out laughing.  I'll give it to the showrunners, because I didn't see that scene playing out quite that way when she rode up to their camp.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on July 17, 2017, 11:13 PM
I'm not so sure Sansa knows what she's into.  I think she thinks she knows, but Littlefinger isn't upset by her declines.  It's a dangerous game and "chaos is a ladder."
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 18, 2017, 10:08 AM
After her dealings with Ramsey Bolton, I think Sansa knows very well that the stakes are incredibly high.  Does she understand the true danger of the Army of the Dead and the White Walkers?  Probably not.  But she does know Cersei better than Jon does.  And she knows that Littlefinger wants either her, or to use her.  She definitely knows it better than Catelyn Stark ever did.  Can she be more clever than Littlefinger and find a way to take control of the forces of the Vale?  Maybe.  If she can find a way to properly manipulate young Robin Arryn.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on July 18, 2017, 12:22 PM
Loved the scenes with Arya.  Her assuming the face of Lord Frey was epic!  Looks like she's going to reunite with Nymeria this season...love it!  She's going to fail in killing Cersei though....it's going to be Jaime that ends up killing her.

Jaime is going to die dueling Brienne.  Cersi is going to take some dragon glass to the heart and become the Night's Queen - leading the forces of the dead against Jon Snow and Daenerys.

I like your thinking Bill, but isn't there a prophecy about Cersei that she will be killed by her brother?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 18, 2017, 12:32 PM
That's the prophecy from Maggy the Frog.  Maggy foretold that Cersei would marry the king.  She also accurately predicted how many children she would have, and that she would see them die.

Maggy also said "the valonqar shall wrap his hands about your pale white throat and choke the life from you."  Valonquar is High Valyrian for little brother.  Cersei is the oldest of all three remaining Lannister children.  So will Jaime do it?  Or perhaps Tyrion? 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on July 18, 2017, 12:36 PM
I think Arya will die in the end.  She is too consumed with vengeance.  I don't think we've seen the last of Jaqen H'ghar.

I like Nick's thinking about the Sansa/Jon dynamic.  Sansa knows about the Lannisters, Littlefinger (or simply the South) and Jon knows the North and beyond.  I think they need to learn to become a team.  In the end, I don't feel as though the Starks care about the Iron Throne, but wanting their "kingdom" back in the North.  Of course, Dany may see it differently since they sided with the Baratheons against the Targaryans (could Jon's speech about forgiving the children for their father's errors be foreshadowing?)  Plus how with the Jon/Dany relationship unfold once it's revealed to Dany of his lineage?

I wonder if Tyrion's vision will be played out in the show... how he kills his father a second time and as well as Jamie?



Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on July 18, 2017, 12:39 PM
 “When your tears have drowned you, the Valonqar shall wrap his hands about your pale white throat and choke the life from you.”

That's open to a lot of interpretation... I read Valonqar means "little brother."  But it doesn't necessarily mean HER little brother.  It could mean the Three-Eyed Raven...

The pale white throat phrase certainly adds credibility to the Night's Queen theory.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on July 18, 2017, 12:58 PM
The whole Littlefinger story line has gotten a little stale.  It was fun the first few seasons but now doesn't seem relevant.  Why he is still on the show as they don't usually keep people around that don't have a role to play?  I'm wondering if he and Lord Varys will somehow reunite or be the link if Jon Snow and Daenerys end up interacting, and/or if the two of them get back to scheming to get their own seat on the throne. 

Similarly Lord Varys hasn't had a useful part since he smuggled Tyrion out of King's Landing.  I'll be interested to see what if any role these guys have as the series concludes.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on July 19, 2017, 11:15 AM
I think Denarys and Jon Snow/Targaryen will meet up at Dragonstone.  Once Jon gets the raven from the citadel you know he's going to race down there!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on July 19, 2017, 02:09 PM
hopefully Bran makes it down to Winterfell before John leaves...bros need to have a lil chat.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on July 19, 2017, 02:27 PM
hopefully Bran makes it down to Winterfell before John leaves...bros need to have a lil chat.

I'm curious to see how the reveal finally happens around Jon's parentage.  Will Bran tell him about his visions?  Will Jon emerge unscathed from fire (dragon fire?)?  Or will the two be combined somehow where Jon doesn't believe Bran but has it confirmed as he survives a blast from a dragon?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on July 19, 2017, 02:42 PM
Jon's only half-Targaryen.  Even some full Targaryens aren't fireproof (or at least gold crown proof)...

I think Daenerys is unique in her fireproofness.  A being of prophesy.  I think Jon is just swordproof after-the-fact.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 24, 2017, 10:32 AM
It would seem that Euron Greyjoy is a bad man!  I thought that the Sand Snakes might have had him, but his surprise attack was just too much for Yara and Theon's fleet.

The confrontation between Dany and Varys was very tense, but seemed to resolve in an interesting way.  As for Jon's conversation with Littlefinger?  I think that may come back to haunt Jon...or Sansa.

More and more I'm liking Sam at the Citadel.  Jim Broadbent is great as the Archmaester, but Sam seems to be making great strides forward.  Whether or not he can save Jorah Mormont from his greyscale?  That remains to be seen.  But it was nice to see things coming together as Sam spoke of his time with Jorah's father, the late Jeor Mormont.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on July 24, 2017, 11:18 AM
Agree with your thoughts on Jon messing with Littlefinger.  I've got the feeling that Sansa isn't going to survive through through to the end of the series.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on July 24, 2017, 11:27 AM
Can't wait to see Arya show up at Winterfell!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 24, 2017, 01:16 PM
Agree with your thoughts on Jon messing with Littlefinger.  I've got the feeling that Sansa isn't going to survive through through to the end of the series.


I think Sansa will make it through.  While she's been brash at the councils of the Northern lords, I think she knows Littlefinger very well.  And perhaps with Arya headed back to Winterfell along with Bran, the three Starks will stand together against Littlefinger when he makes his play.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on July 24, 2017, 02:02 PM
I think Sansa will make it through. 

Yeah, I think she'll make it and be the ruin of Littlefinger somehow.


Can't wait to see Arya show up at Winterfell!

And perhaps with Arya headed back to Winterfell

Is she really going back to Winterfell now?  I thought the whole point of the Nymeria scene was Arya realizing that Nymeria has changed and can't go back to being what she was, someone's pet, just like it's not in Arya anymore to go back to what she was, a little sister ("That's not you").

Kind of a callback to season one when Ned was telling Arya she'd grow up to be a lady and marry some lord and she told him "that's not me (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cve-FeN9etg)".
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on July 24, 2017, 02:59 PM
I'm just glad we got some closure on HotPie.  :D

Do Jamie and Cersei even know about the Night King and the army of the undead? They seem to know about everything else. Cause maybe don't be so quick to kill those dragons.

The scene with Jorah was brutal. I don't see why Sam didn't just knock him out somehow. i don't think I want to see what he is going to look like after the peeling. But yeah, Sam is the man, no doubt.

Did they show what happened with Yara?

Sand Snakes  :'(
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on July 24, 2017, 03:21 PM
Good point Jeff, but I didn't get the vibe that she wasn't going to go back to Winterfell.  Hell, Bran should be showing up there in the next episode or two.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on July 25, 2017, 07:45 AM
Didn't they say the Unsullied were on those ships headed to Casterly Rock?  Does that mean they're all dead?  I doubt they'd kill off Grey Worm off-screen, so I'm not certain what's going on.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on July 25, 2017, 08:55 AM
Didn't they say the Unsullied were on those ships headed to Casterly Rock?  Does that mean they're all dead?  I doubt they'd kill off Grey Worm off-screen, so I'm not certain what's going on.

I'm guessing they split up the fleet and sent the IronBorn ships to pick up the Dornish army while the fleet she took from the Masters was the one ferrying the Unsullied and Dothraki.

I wonder if they will bother to explain how Euron found them so easily, or even knew what the hell they were doing and who would be on the flagship. Probably not.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on July 25, 2017, 10:16 AM
Didn't they say the Unsullied were on those ships headed to Casterly Rock?  Does that mean they're all dead?  I doubt they'd kill off Grey Worm off-screen, so I'm not certain what's going on.

I was confused about this too and had to go on the Wiki to understand what was going on.  I expected the Unsullied to come to the rescue at some point, and then wondered if they were all burned alive in their ships.

Apparently Yara and crew were going to blockade Kings Landing (is there really that much sea trade to block?) while others were bringing the Unsullied to Casterly Rock.  Maybe Euron stumbled on them as he was just leaving Kings Landing after meeting with the Cersei.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 25, 2017, 11:01 AM
My take on the Tyrion's strategy was that Yara's Iron Fleet was to take Ellaria Sand and the Sand Snakes to Dorne first.  I don't get the sense that they were going to be part of the front line forces laying siege to Kings Landing.  And once in Dorne, Yara's fleet would gather  the Dornish army and take them to King's Landing to lay siege to the city.  It was my impression that Euron probably ambushed them on their way to Dorne.  Euron seems to have taken Yara, Ellaria Sand and Tyene captive.  He's probably going to present Ellaria and Tyene to Cersei so that she can have her vengeance for Ellaria poisoning Myrcella.  As for Yara?  I think Euron's got his own plans for her.

The smarter play would have been for Euron to wait until Yara's fleet had loaded the Dornish army on their ships and THEN destroy them.  That would have dealt Dany and her allies a much harsher blow.  But I think that while Euron is brutal, he's not quite as clever as Tyrion.  I also suspect that a big part of Tyrion's strategy for having the Dornish lay siege to Kings Landing was to draw the Lannister forces away from Casterly Rock to fight the Dornish who are attacking the capitol.  And THEN the Unsullied would attack a much less well defended Casterly Rock.

I think that we may see something interesting play out when Jon Snow gets to Dragonstone with his hand, Ser Davos.  And I think that Davos has a significant role to play here.  Because if Dany's fleet has been laid waste by Euron?  She still needs to find a way to get the Unsullied to the Rock.  Perhaps Davos will call upon his pirate friends to help Dany get the Unsullied to Casterly Rock?  This is something that Jon and Davos might be in a position to offer Dany in a grand bargain.  And I do like Salladhor Saan!

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on July 25, 2017, 11:34 AM
I don't think Cersei and Euron expect Tyrion to attack Casterly Rock.  The Dothracki and Unsullied showing up there is going to be a huge surprise to them.

Euron is pretty cunning, if anyone was going to be able to ambush Yara's fleet it would be him.  His victory could, potentially, freeze the Dornish army and keep them out of the siege of King's Landing.  I doubt the Tyrell army would be enough to lay siege there at this point.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on July 25, 2017, 02:18 PM
I'm guessing they split up the fleet and sent the IronBorn ships to pick up the Dornish army while the fleet she took from the Masters was the one ferrying the Unsullied and Dothraki.

I wonder if they will bother to explain how Euron found them so easily, or even knew what the hell they were doing and who would be on the flagship. Probably not.

Thanks.  I missed that then.

As for how they were found - it's likely there are spies for Euron among Yara's Ironborn.  It'd be trivial to get a note with the details of the trip out to someone who could pass it on via raven.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on July 25, 2017, 02:22 PM
I don't think Euron has a clue what's going on and just sailed in the direction he thinks he can cause trouble, and he did.  But yeah the Casterlh Rock thing will be a surprise, and agreed that this was all pre King's Landing Siege stuff.  I think blockading the sea is as much to prevent leaving as it is to prevent coming in, but a siege based on starving them out then you have to keep that port closed for sure.

The problem with that strategy (fact that one fleet is currently destroyed aside), is feeding your own armies, and the Unsullied and Dothrackie seem like big grocery bills.  Waiting things out can be a challenge unto itself.

The giant crossbow is kind of dumb but whatever.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on July 26, 2017, 10:48 AM
The giant crossbow is kind of dumb but whatever.

I swear that's the same Crossbow that Bard used to kill Smaug.  Its a shame they decided to go down that same path.   I hope Drogon isn't missing a scale on his belly.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on July 26, 2017, 11:19 AM
Totally agree on Hobbit-style Dragon crossbow.  I get that they want to make it dramatic like maybe there is a threat to the dragons... but I don't want a threat to the dragons.  I want to see them cook King's Landing and white walkers.

Besides, after all the hype/theory about three dragons for three lost Targaryon dragon riders (won't spoil for those who don't know), I'll kinda be pissed off if they kill one of the dragons for whatever reason.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on July 26, 2017, 12:11 PM
Doesn't seem like it'd be remotely possible to aim that crossbow with the agility required to hit a moving dragon.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Darby on July 26, 2017, 12:13 PM
I'd be put out too if they killed one or more of the dragons, and the introduction of the crossbow was the first time in a long while in this series I felt any sense of dread about something. Killing one of the dragons is something I think the show might do to really ramp up the stakes going into the last season, since the dragons are critical to the defeat of the White Walkers. The series has divested itself of a few things from the books that seem significant; if I'm not mistaken (could be), the three riders theme is one of them.

As far as employing this thing against one of the dragons, what they need is for a dragon to get on the ground, which they have a tendency to do. I can imagine a scene now where Dany descends into King's Landing triumphant on Drogo, and BANG.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on July 26, 2017, 12:37 PM
I've not read the book, but I would think from an interest perspective you've got to make the dragons vulnerable somehow. 

I agree The Hobbit crossbow is a little lame and uncreative, but using normal spears it appears you can hurt the dragons as happened in Merene. 

The dragons need to be vulnerable and I'm okay if one of them gets killed.  Hopefully its done in an interesting (white walker magic?) and plausible way.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 26, 2017, 04:28 PM
I've not read the book, but I would think from an interest perspective you've got to make the dragons vulnerable somehow. 

I agree The Hobbit crossbow is a little lame and uncreative, but using normal spears it appears you can hurt the dragons as happened in Merene. 

The dragons need to be vulnerable and I'm okay if one of them gets killed.  Hopefully its done in an interesting (white walker magic?) and plausible way.

We're well beyond the books now in terms of story, so it seems that the crossbow is a loose story idea conveyed to the showrunners by GRRM, or a creation of their own.  But we do know from the show that Drogon was injured by the spears in the fighting pits of Meereen.

As far as backstory about the original dragons?  In the books GRRM talked about how Aegon the conqueror came to Westeros with his three dragons, his being Balerion the Black Dread.  It was the skull of Balerion that Qyburn used for his demonstration to Cersei.  Following Aegon's conquest the dragons became smaller, weaker and eventually died off.  They weren't immortal by any stretch of the imagination, and it's been well established that the dragons can die.

As far as comparisons with the Hobbit?  I can see the parallels one would draw with the movie.  FWIW, in the Hobbit book the black arrow was fired by Bard using a bow, not the large crossbow as depicted in the film.  Nevertheless, in both stories you're essential dealing with an alternate medieval era along with similar medieval levels of technology.  A crossbow or a ballista (those date as far back as being used by the Roman Empire) is the only weapon of that era that could fire a projectile that might kill a dragon.  The only other weapon that might be some sort of threat to a dragon would be a trebuchet or catapult.  But that's really more of an indirect fire weapon akin to artillery, rather than a direct fire weapon like the catapult that can fire an aimed bolt or spear.  And that direct fire weapon is the one you'd probably need to take on a dragon. 

I don't like to speculate on what may happen to the dragons, but I think it's very likely that they may not all survive to the end of the series.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on July 26, 2017, 04:39 PM
I don't like to speculate on what may happen to the dragons, but I think it's very likely that they may not all survive to the end of the series.

If I don't get a scene with Jon, Danerys, and [Targaryan bastard] (redacted for those who don't get into spoiler theories) riding the dragons into battle with the white walkers and burning the **** out of the undead, then the entire series will be a FAIL in my book.  :-X
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on July 29, 2017, 04:52 PM
Agree with your thoughts on Jon messing with Littlefinger.  I've got the feeling that Sansa isn't going to survive through through to the end of the series.

I am hoping she gets her throat slit soon.

As for the dragons, I want an ice dragon to be in the wall. A Song of Fire and Ice (who i believe is all about Jon Snow) would be cool to see fire and ice dragons.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 30, 2017, 08:28 AM
I don't like to speculate on what may happen to the dragons, but I think it's very likely that they may not all survive to the end of the series.

If I don't get a scene with Jon, Danerys, and [Targaryan bastard] (redacted for those who don't get into spoiler theories) riding the dragons into battle with the white walkers and burning the **** out of the undead, then the entire series will be a FAIL in my book.  :-X

There is a very interesting theory floating around about a significant character that might fit that role.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on July 31, 2017, 08:02 AM
man, I just want to fast forward to the part where Jamie punches his fist through Euron's stupid fat face.  >:(

Ellaria got off easy.

The Red Lady continues to intrigue.

I think it was a mistake to make Dany and Tyrion look so stupid and Cersei and Jamie look like some kind of brilliant strategic masterminds over these first few episodes. It really should have been the opposite based on how they have built those characters up to this point.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on July 31, 2017, 08:51 AM

I think it was a mistake to make Dany and Tyrion look so stupid and Cersei and Jamie look like some kind of brilliant strategic masterminds over these first few episodes. It really should have been the opposite based on how they have built those characters up to this point.

Jaime's not dumb and knows strategy, plus he has the best battlefield commander on his side now with Randall Tarly and all his experience.  Cersi's been underestimated since day one and she's still kicking (and eliminated tons of her enemies in the process), so she's obviously doing something right.

Everything Dany's done to this point has been relatively easy for her (gold & ships from Qarth, getting the Unsullied, liberating Slavers Bay, getting the Dothraki on board, etc.), so she needed to be brought down a few pegs and experience losses.  Now that her fleet is toast and two of her allies are dead or soon will be and their armies with them, it's time for her to do what Lady Olenna told her to do (be the dragon) and start ******* the Lannisters' **** up.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Darby on July 31, 2017, 11:30 AM
The mic drop from Olenna was probably my favorite scene in a long time on this show. I think the Lannister victories make a lot of sense, maybe outside of the Magical Euron Fleet which can be anywhere it wants. All Cersei has right now is her wits, and as she's demonstrated, that's enough. Dany has overwhelming force, or did, which she chose not to do due to her morality. That's not the game Cersei is playing. Dany will be forced to do things she doesn't want to do, and play further into Cersei's hand. They also continue to lay the groundwork for the vulnerability of the dragons.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on July 31, 2017, 12:00 PM
Another solid episode.  Although Ellaria and her daughter are in the dungeon...I can't count out Dorne yet.  I wonder if someone will be able to get her out of the dungeon and get Dorne into the fight.  I loved Ollena's exit....just twisting the knife one last time!  Her speech will turn out to be prophetic, because I think Jaimie is going to have to kill Cersei before the series ends...I bet it will actually be emotional for all of us to see.

I also though the scene with Varys and Millesandre was really well done.  Definitely set up their story arcs.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on July 31, 2017, 04:32 PM
Indira Varma (the actor who plays Ellaria Sand) said in an EW article (http://ew.com/tv/2017/07/30/game-of-thrones-ellaria-cersei/) that we're probably not going to see her again in the series.  Dorne does seem to be out of the mix for the time being.  I'm also surprised to see how Cersei and Jaime managed to outmaneuver the Queen of Thorns.  I will definitely miss Lady Olenna.  She was one of the true gems of the show.  As for the future of the Lannisters?  Their stock seems to have risen with the taking of Highgarden and Randall Tarly being in their corner.  And they may also be able to get the Iron Bank off their bank.  But everyone still hates Cersei.  And Lady Olenna certainly planted some seeds with Jaime before she took her poison.  The thing is, I've had the feeling for some time that it might eventually be Jaime who would lead to Cersei's downfall.

The meeting between Jon Snow and Danaerys was clearly tense.  But then who in Westeros has REALLY dealt with Danaerys?  Yes, she has dragons, the Dothraki and the Unsullied.  But she's lost her Dornish allies along with most of her Iron Islander forces.  Dany demands respect.  She's earned it in Essos.  But Westeros is a whole new game.  Thankfully Tyrion seems positioned to build some bridges between Dany and Jon, and seems to have struck a deal for the Northerners to mine the obsidian on Dragonstone.  And there's still THAT meeting that preceded their meeting.  The conversation between Melisandre and Varys seemed incredibly forbidding.  And there's more that's going to unfold there.

And then there's Winterfell.  Sansa seems like much more of a leader than ever.  She's running the castle far better than I think anyone might have expected.  And I think even Littlefinger is giving her a degree of respect.  And what can you say about Sansa's reunion with Bran?  It was sad and awkward.  And I don't know how Bran is going to be able to make it possible for his family to understand what he's become.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on August 6, 2017, 10:18 PM
Loved tonight's episode! We can discuss more after everyone has caught up.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on August 6, 2017, 10:26 PM
That wasn't as good as I had hoped. I was hoping to see every single Lannister and Tarley roasted to a cinder.  >:D

But on the plus side, Arya/Brienne one of the top 5 scenes in the whole show for me. So, so good!

John and Dany heatin' up. Littlefinger got his hands full of Starks now.

I ******* hate Bronn now. It's all well and good to trade quips with Jamie but hurting the dragons is not cool dude. You need to die now.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 6, 2017, 11:09 PM
Arya's return to Winterfell was a little...odd.  But Arya is different now, so I guess that's to be expected.  The reunion between Arya and Sansa in the crypt was awkward, but then when were the two of them ever besties?  They were always at odds.  Now I think they're trying to get to know one another a bit better, and they also might have finally come to understand what their parents were trying to teach them about family.  And her training scene with Brienne was fantastic!  As for Littlefinger?  I think he may come to regret having given that dagger away...

As for the final scene?  When the field fell silent, I felt the same kind of anxiety that I felt for the Battle of the Bastards.  Because I knew something horrible was coming.  When I heard the sound of the charge?  The show was finally able to convey the full sense of what the Dothraki represent.  And when Dany appeared with Drogon?  I started to think "Is this what the forces at the Field of Fire experienced"?

But that ending?  I really did not know how that was going to play out.  Somehow I suspect that Bronn will survive.  He always seems to find a way.  But Jaime?  I did not see things transpiring as they did.  And that last shot was a significant echo back to the first episode in the series.  But is everything in this show always as it seems?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on August 7, 2017, 09:58 AM
Arya's return to Winterfell was a little...odd. 

I'm honestly surprised that she even went.  I thought the point of the whole Nymeria/call back to season one ("That's not you") was because she realized Winterfell was not her place anymore... but I guess I was wrong on that.  Like you said, she really doesn't fit in as a "Lady" there, so not sure what the point is of her being there is unless she's gonna kill Littlefinger with that dagger she got...

Man, that loot train battle though.  AWESOME.  From the start of the battle, where Bronn realized the **** was about to hit the fan, all the way up to the end with Jaime charging the dragon was top notch, A1 100% good TV right there.  This show needs 100% more dragons ripping **** up (looking at you, Night King) and 100% less "Bronn the Bowman" Hobbit-style dragon crossbow shooting. :P
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on August 7, 2017, 11:23 AM
Man, that loot train battle though.  AWESOME.  From the start of the battle, where Bronn realized the **** was about to hit the fan, all the way up to the end with Jaime charging the dragon was top notch, A1 100% good TV right there.  This show needs 100% more dragons ripping **** up (looking at you, Night King) and 100% less "Bronn the Bowman" Hobbit-style dragon crossbow shooting. :P

Yeah, that was the episode we've been waiting 6 years for. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Darby on August 7, 2017, 11:48 AM
 :o :o :o

I watched this twice last night. The battle was better than most - maybe any - action sequence in any film this year, with the exception maybe of Dunkirk. Amazing.

So I was wrong about a dragon dying, at least for now, but they had me on the edge of my seat. It was weird to be simultaneously worried that Drogon and Bronn were both going to eat it. Made sense for Bronn to die here, but I'm sensing he has some future, probably with Dany's forces. I think Ayra's future is also diverging from what she expected. I don't think she'll be in Winterfell long, and we'll see here riding north where she'll fight against the White Walkers with that blade. Maybe after she stabs Litterfinger with it.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on August 7, 2017, 12:24 PM
I loved Arya's return to Winterfell.  The training scene with Brienne was amazingly good!  "Who trained your?"...."No one."  I also like how Arya, Sansa and Bran are catching up and realizing that, although they have grown apart due to their experiences, the fact that they are family keeps them united.  Ol' Littlefinger is playing every angle, and I love how Bran threw the chaos is a ladder quote back at him....just a "I will never trust you" moment that was awesome.

The battle was epic....I think they blew a lot of the FX budget right there.  Tyrion watching, almost pleading for Jamie to run was gut wrenching.  Now Danarys knows the Lannisters have a weapon that can harm her dragons....so she can take precautions against it.  I don't think all three dragons will survive the series...but at least they won't die cheaply.

Also, I'm kind of glad that Jon Snow Targaryan isn't bending the knee so quickly...even though it will give him all sorts of help!  The two will come to some sort of agreement, and I can't wait to see how it plays out.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on August 7, 2017, 02:14 PM
I'm assuming Jamie will unsnap his armor and float back up, but we did just see him sink to the bottom of some small body of water wearing lots of heavy stuff.

I wonder if when he pops back up he'll promptly be taken prisoner... I doubt he can hold his breath until they're all gone.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Darby on August 7, 2017, 02:22 PM
I'm thinking Jon and Dany's coming to terms will be in the form of a marriage proposal. That could be upset by certain information coming to light, but I also think there is some uncertainty in the R+L=J theory that leaves a door open to someone else being Jon's father.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on August 7, 2017, 02:55 PM
I wonder if when he pops back up he'll promptly be taken prisoner...

It'll be interesting to see how that plays out as it would put Jaime (and potentially Bronn) back together with Tyrion for at least one scene.


I also think there is some uncertainty in the R+L=J theory that leaves a door open to someone else being Jon's father.

One of my best buds is convinced R+L=J is true... but the R isn't who you expect.  I think his whole argument is based on the "seed is strong" nonsense with Jon not having silver hair purple eyes, but having brown hair.

If his R+L=J theory is true... I don't really get why Ned would keep Jon's dad from knowing about it, given his feelings for Jon's mom kicked off the whole rebellion in the first place. :P

For me, HBO has pretty much confirmed Jon's dad (http://www.makinggameofthrones.com/production-diary/got-connections-ned-promise-tower-of-joy-infographic) so a switch up at this point is kinda unfair play.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on August 7, 2017, 03:07 PM
I wonder if when he pops back up he'll promptly be taken prisoner...

It'll be interesting to see how that plays out as it would put Jaime (and potentially Bronn) back together with Tyrion for at least one scene.


You have to wonder if Bronn will at least try to switch sides...Danerys might offer him a castle.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Darby on August 7, 2017, 03:19 PM
If his R+L=J theory is true... I don't really get why Ned would keep Jon's dad from knowing about it, given his feelings for Jon's mom kicked off the whole rebellion in the first place. :P

This is also one of my questions; I also feel like L could have sent a raven and ended the whole thing. I do feel there's another shoe to drop here with the theory, though. Mostly because if it proves out 100%, it dislocates Dany from her role in the narrative (rightful heir to the throne, from her perspective) which seems to me, against what GRRM is doing in the story. Could be wrong though.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 7, 2017, 03:27 PM
The image of Jaime falling through the water seemed to be a direct callback to the pilot, when Bran fell from the tower because Jaime pushed him.  That was a transformational moment for Bran.  Was this a transformational moment for Jaime?  We've seen some groundwork being laid with Jaime that he is growing disenchanted with Cersei.  He wasn't comfortable with their secret relationship being exposed to the servants of the Red Keep.  And his exchange with the Queen of Thorns last week seemed to sum a lot of that up.  I've seen a number of articles today that are trying to link Jaime's story to a prophecy.  But at this point I have to wonder if he had it in him to unstrap his armor and swim to the surface.  I'm also a bit curious to see if it was Bronn or Dickon Tarley who tackled Jaime into the water before he would have been incinerated.

As with any scene featuring Bronn, he was awesome... even if he was on the wrong side in this particular battle.  Seeing him leave a bag of gold behind told me that for once he was genuinely concerned about his own survival.  I'd love to see him and Tyrion team back up, but this show does have a way of dashing hopes like that.

And then there's Tyrion.  I have never seen him so conflicted as when he was watching the battle, and urging Jaime to flee the field of battle.  If Jaime were to survive, I think that Tyrion would prove instrumental in protecting him, and perhaps getting him to consider bending the knee to Danaerys.

As for "the seed is strong"?  I would think that might have referred to Gendry, who is rumored to re-appear at some point.  He may be the only living Baratheon left, bastard or not.

I think events in Winterfell are going to get a bit tense.  Littlefinger's exchange with Bran almost certainly has him off balance, and he's trying to figure out where he stands.  Sansa came right out and told Bran that Littlefinger no doubt wants something from Bran.  And Arya shot Littlefinger a knowing look, as if he's made it onto her list.  The x-factor here seems to be the Knights of the Vale, because right now they're needed.  Sansa seems to have gained the respect of Yohn Royce of the Vale, and she also might be able to persuade (or at least manipulated) her cousin Robin Arryn into thinking that the Vale knights would be best led by her.  That is, if Littlefinger doesn't fall upon some sort of... "accident".
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Darby on August 7, 2017, 03:41 PM
Quote
The image of Jaime falling through the water seemed to be a direct callback to the pilot, when Bran fell from the tower because Jaime pushed him.

Good call.

His (potential) capture by Dany also calls back to his capture by Robb at the end of season one. Having him gives Dany enormous leverage, one would think, with Cersei, but... things are a bit different now.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on August 7, 2017, 04:13 PM
This is also one of my questions; I also feel like L could have sent a raven and ended the whole thing. I do feel there's another shoe to drop here with the theory, though. Mostly because if it proves out 100%, it dislocates Dany from her role in the narrative (rightful heir to the throne, from her perspective) which seems to me, against what GRRM is doing in the story. Could be wrong though.

She's still be the rightful heir to the throne - trueborn daughter versus bastard son.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on August 7, 2017, 04:43 PM
I wonder if when he pops back up he'll promptly be taken prisoner...

It'll be interesting to see how that plays out as it would put Jaime (and potentially Bronn) back together with Tyrion for at least one scene.



Yeah, that was kind of my thinking, especially since Jamie now knows that Tyrion is innocent and given that he was always the one who was at least... nicer... to Tyrion.  It would make for a really interesting new dynamic.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on August 7, 2017, 04:50 PM
if it proves out 100%, it dislocates Dany from her role in the narrative (rightful heir to the throne, from her perspective)

That's another fun speculation game my friends and I have been playing... who lives to the end and where do they end up?

If Jon and Danerys both survive to the end, who ends up on the Iron Throne?  What do you do with the one who doesn't get the throne?

If you give the iron throne to Dany, do you give Winterfell to Jon?  If so, what happens to Sansa or Arya? (Assuming Bran's just gonna go live in a tree somewhere in the North.)


It'll be interesting to see how that plays out as it would put Jaime (and potentially Bronn) back together with Tyrion for at least one scene.
Yeah, that was kind of my thinking, especially since Jamie now knows that Tyrion is innocent and given that he was always the one who was at least... nicer... to Tyrion.  It would make for a really interesting new dynamic.

But, even though Jaime now knows for sure Tyrion didn't kill Joffrey... he still knows Tyrion killed Tywin. Would be interesting to see those two together again for sure...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 7, 2017, 05:31 PM

It'll be interesting to see how that plays out as it would put Jaime (and potentially Bronn) back together with Tyrion for at least one scene.
Yeah, that was kind of my thinking, especially since Jamie now knows that Tyrion is innocent and given that he was always the one who was at least... nicer... to Tyrion.  It would make for a really interesting new dynamic.

But, even though Jaime now knows for sure Tyrion didn't kill Joffrey... he still knows Tyrion killed Tywin. Would be interesting to see those two together again for sure...

Jaime does know that Tyrion killed Tywin, and that Olenna poisoned Joffrey.  But then when did Jaime and Tywin ever have a great relationship?  Tywin was always disapproving of the fact that Jaime had become one of the Kingsguard, and wouldn't be able to inherit the title of Lord of Casterly Rock.  And IIRC, didn't Tywin almost disown Jaime at some point?  And it was Jaime that helped Tyrion escape from the Red Keep.  I think there's always been a great deal more affection between Jaime and Tyrion than anyone takes into account, and that might be the biggest factor here.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Darby on August 7, 2017, 05:38 PM
Quote
She's still be the rightful heir to the throne - trueborn daughter versus bastard son.

That's possible, though there may be legitimacy to R+L that we're unaware of in terms of marriage. That would place Jon ahead of Dany in the line of succession, and in reality - which I don't know the show will get to since it's speeding up so fast - the public revelation of his ancestry would be political disaster for Dany, regardless of his legitimacy. For the people of Westeros, it would be the devil you know, or in this case, the Targaryen.

Quote
If Jon and Danerys both survive to the end, who ends up on the Iron Throne?  What do you do with the one who doesn't get the throne?

I've always been of the thought that it's not Dany's ultimate fate to end up as queen. I believe she dies in battle defeating the White Walkers. The throne, if there's one at all, is going to go to someone out of left field (Missandei strikes me as a suitable populist who is a bit better at articulating Dany's vision than the queen herself, sometimes).
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 7, 2017, 09:53 PM
That is an interesting wrinkle that I hadn't considered.  R was the Crown Prince.  Did he legitimately marry L?  If so, that could put J ahead of Dany in a Targaryen line of succession... depending on what the rules regarding succession might have been.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on August 8, 2017, 08:08 AM
I thought it was pretty well established that L was R's side-hoe.  They couldn't have been married absent recognized polygamy.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on August 8, 2017, 08:42 AM
This post is coming from someone who's read the books, followed up on the R+L=J theory to fully understand it, as well as read multiple forums on other's opinions and thoughts, so there's information below that the show didn't fully touch upon.  If you're thinking about reading the books and don't want to be spoiled, you've been warned.





Jon is 100% Rhaegar and Lyanna's son.  There's no secret R or L to the equation.  Lyanna and Robert were supposed to be married and Robert was all for it as he truly loved Lyanna.  Lyanna wanted nothing to do with it as she knew Robert was a womanizing drunk who would still cheat on her if given the opportunity (and he would have plenty).  Why would Lyanna let Robert dip his wick, produce a son and then tell Ned to lie about it?  It doesn't make any sense.

As to who is the rightful heir, I'm in the opinion that it's Jon.  Rhaegar and Lyanna were gone for almost a year before R rode off to fight against the rebellion and ultimately be slain by Robert.  Targaryens were known to take multiple wives (Aegon the First had two and they started the line when they invaded Westeros).  During that year, I'm of the opinion that R&L secretly got married and produced Jon.  There are hints in the books that point to Jon being a legitimate heir (all assuming R&L were married, of course):

1.  The Kingsguard at the Tower of Joy.  Why would three Kingsguard, including the Lord Commander and possibly the greatest swordsman in the realm in Sir Arthur Dayne be posted there if not to protect royalty?  Remember at this point, Rhaegar had already left to fight in the battles and was known to have died.  Why didn't they go with him initially or why weren't they with Aerys' wife, Viserys and the soon to be born Dany after he died?  At this point, everyone knew it was a real possibility Robert had a chance to win and Aerys could die, so the next in line to the throne would be Viserys, the second born son.  Kingsguard weren't with those three and three Kingsguard wouldn't be left at the ToJ to protect some bastard and the prince's side piece whore.  They were there to protect Jon as the legitimate heir to Prince Rhaegar.

2.  Everyone's thoughts and feelings about Rhaegar (not including Robert as his opinion was skewed because he thought Lyanna was constantly being raped).  Everyone, from Ned to Sir Barristan to Cersei to the common folk had nothing but nice things to say about Rhaegar.  He doesn't seem like the type of person to keep a girl as a side piece to use as he pleased.  I believe he truly loved Lyanna, she him and they were married.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on August 8, 2017, 10:12 AM
BOOK SPOILERS>>>>
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1.  The Kingsguard at the Tower of Joy.  Why would three Kingsguard, including the Lord Commander and possibly the greatest swordsman in the realm in Sir Arthur Dayne be posted there if not to protect royalty?

I always come back to this, too.  Huge piece of book evidence that wasn't explained very well in the show.

When Ned is battling the kingsguard at the tower, one of them says something about how the kingsguard don't flee and they took a vow.  That vow is to protect the king and the royal family with their own lives.  That means someone still there is king or royal family.   Ned tells the three that the queen and Viserys left for Dragonstone and kind of gives them the chance to go protect them, but they choose to stay and fight.  To me, that means they see someone in that tower as the true heir and not Viserys...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on August 8, 2017, 12:07 PM
But at this point I have to wonder if he had it in him to unstrap his armor and swim to the surface.  I'm also a bit curious to see if it was Bronn or Dickon Tarley who tackled Jaime into the water before he would have been incinerated.

It was Bronn...Dickon was wearing armour, the person who saved Jaime was wearing a long coat.

I know Jaime is going to get out of there...but it will be a close call since he's in heavy armor and only has one hand.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 8, 2017, 03:57 PM
BOOK SPOILERS>>>>
.
.
.
.
.
.
1.  The Kingsguard at the Tower of Joy.  Why would three Kingsguard, including the Lord Commander and possibly the greatest swordsman in the realm in Sir Arthur Dayne be posted there if not to protect royalty?

I always come back to this, too.  Huge piece of book evidence that wasn't explained very well in the show.

When Ned is battling the kingsguard at the tower, one of them says something about how the kingsguard don't flee and they took a vow.  That vow is to protect the king and the royal family with their own lives.  That means someone still there is king or royal family.   Ned tells the three that the queen and Viserys left for Dragonstone and kind of gives them the chance to go protect them, but they choose to stay and fight.  To me, that means they see someone in that tower as the true heir and not Viserys...

That's an incredibly strong case for Jon being the legitimate heir.  But how would Dany regard this sort of news?  And would there potentially be a connection between Jon and Rhaegal?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Darby on August 8, 2017, 04:21 PM
Kind of like I mentioned in an earlier post, this would be very destabilizing for Dany, not just in terms of her claim, but her sense of purpose. Her entire life is going to be turned upside down. This might be where this season ends, actually, with her on the verge perhaps of finally taking the throne, or having taken it, to have it taken out from under her.

I go back to her vision at the end of season 2, in the House of the Undying. She enters the throne room which has been partially destroyed. It is winter. She approaches the throne, intent to take it, but then leaves it behind. She follows the cry of the dragons out the gate and through the Wall. I think her ultimate destiny is in the North, against the White Walkers.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 8, 2017, 06:11 PM
That loss of purpose could be a major problem for Dany.  But then in the coming attractions, it seems as if Tyrion and Varys were extremely concerned with how Dany handled the battle against the Lannisters, and that her inclination to "be a dragon" may be more of a liability than an asset.  That could pave the way for Jon to grow a base of support among Dany's court.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on August 13, 2017, 10:58 PM
Jesus Christ, the most important sentence in the whole damn show is a throwaway line by Gilley!


I don't like seeing anyone outfox Arya.


Thanks in advance to the Internet for the screen grab of that scroll I look forward to reading tomorrow.  :D
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on August 14, 2017, 08:16 AM
Yeah - that throw-away line pretty much resolved all of last week's debate here.   ;D

The scroll was from season 1.  My wife went online to look it up.  Something Sansa was forced to write.  I expect it to cause drama between the Stark girls.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on August 14, 2017, 10:13 AM
Jesus Christ, the most important sentence in the whole damn show is a throwaway line by Gilley!

I stood up in my living room and yelled, "what the actual ****, Samwell! Shut up and let Gilly talk!"

I hope that book was one of the ones they stole as they bolted from Oldtown.  Going to be interesting to see how the show puts all these pieces together for Jon... or if they ever do?  Maybe we'll get to know who he is, but he never does?

Also, the way Drogon was smelling Jon and then let Jon pet him... awesome!


It was going to be hard to top last week's episode, but this one was very good. I liked the trip to KL.  Jaime/Tyrion scene was interesting, the Jaime/Cercei stuff not as much.  Wouldn't be surprised if she was lying to him about pregnancy to strenghten his loyalty. Also not sure why they are bringing back Gendry at this point?

I liked the super-team-up group headed beyond the wall.  I know they took some redshirt wildings with them, but gotta imagine a few of those guys don't make it back from that mission.  Would be sad to see Tormud go before he had one last scene with Brienne.  Wouldn't be sad to see Beric finally go, Thoros too... but he may have more Azor Ahai stuff to exposition to viewers.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on August 14, 2017, 10:45 AM
There are some pretty compelling theories why they brought back Gendry at this point.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on August 14, 2017, 11:17 AM
I thought it was a great episode, and I don't want to get hung up on little things... but how the hell do Jamie and Bronn fall into the water 10 feet from Daenery, a ******* dragon, and a horde of Dothraki and avoid a) drowning in that armor, and b) coming up so quickly that they're immediately captured?  Are we supposed to believe that they swam in armor far enough away that everyone assumed they were still down there?

That was incredibly weak in my mind.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on August 14, 2017, 12:33 PM
I thought it was a great episode, and I don't want to get hung up on little things... but how the hell do Jamie and Bronn fall into the water 10 feet from Daenery, a ******* dragon, and a horde of Dothraki and avoid a) drowning in that armor, and b) coming up so quickly that they're immediately captured?  Are we supposed to believe that they swam in armor far enough away that everyone assumed they were still down there?

That was incredibly weak in my mind.

Plus they swam so far away from the battle that they could just lay on the beach and have a nice chat about dragons, and then sneak away and not get rounded up with all of the other troops.

Creative license / suspension of disbelief required.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Darby on August 14, 2017, 12:49 PM
I liked this episode a lot, and also give the show a lot of slack after giving us so much the last 7 years, but the yeah, the Bronn/Jamie thing was preposterous. So was the magical powers of teleportation everyone seems to have developed. I don't know the speed at which this is all moving at is justified. I know the show runners are in a hurry to get out of town, but what was the harm in doing 0 episodes this season? What was the problem in filling in a little of this to let it breathe a bit more?

So - R+L were married! Jon is the true heir and the consequences we were discussing just a few days ago I think will probably manifest on the show in a hurry. I've read some comments that Jon's claim is moot because he doesn't want the throne and I see that, but if that were the case, I don't know why the show would continue to lay the groundwork for it. I also, going back to what I was saying before, wonder what the endgame is with Dany given GRRM likes subverting tropes and the prince that was lost is about the most common one there is.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on August 14, 2017, 01:00 PM
I liked this episode a lot, and also give the show a lot of slack after giving us so much the last 7 years, but the yeah, the Bronn/Jamie thing was preposterous. So was the magical powers of teleportation everyone seems to have developed. I don't know the speed at which this is all moving at is justified. I know the show runners are in a hurry to get out of town, but what was the harm in doing 0 episodes this season? What was the problem in filling in a little of this to let it breathe a bit more?

I kind of laugh at this too, but I guess its a necessary evil of having the plot move more quickly.  It only took Jon about five minutes of screen time to get from Dragonstone to Eastwatch.  The good thing is that there doesn't seem to be any plot holes as a result.  They state that Jon's absence from Winterfell has been long, but its hard to really feel the amount of time that has passed since he left (probably several months?).

I also laugh that Euron's fleet has managed to magically find and crush all opposing fleets near King's Landing and Casterly Rock, but hasn't found Jon's ship parked near Dragonstone for a couple of months.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on August 14, 2017, 01:24 PM
I agree on the force time-travel issues being necessary. Not much time left in the show's run to waste an episode sailing to Dragonstone, another sailing back to Eastwatch, etc.

Same goes with Jaime/Bronn.  Kinda lame... but then so was "sneaking" into King's Landing by just heading onto a beach in a small boat in the middle of the day.  Can't even go at night?  The good outweighs the occasional mis-step in the name of story/character movements.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on August 14, 2017, 03:22 PM
I was surprised that Jaimie and Bronn weren't captured...but they were in a river and came up well downstream.  At least that's how I rationalize it.

My jaw dropped at Gilly's talk about Rheagar's annulment and getting married to Lyanna.  But remember, only Bran knows the truth at this point, although I believe after Jon's meeting with Drogon in this episode, Danaery's definitely was surprised at how Drogon acted....I think she suspects there is something more to the King in the North.  The big takeaway is that there is documentation that Jon is not a bastard.  Between Bran's account, how the dragons react to Jon, and this document will be the proof that everyone will need to reveal the truth.

I think I might be more happy when Petyr Baelish dies than I was about Ramsey Snow Bolton meeting his demise.  I have a suspicion that Arya will kill him and assume his identity to keep the Knights of the Vale aligned with the North.

So the super team is heading North to grab a wight...this is going to be a long week.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Darby on August 14, 2017, 04:04 PM
Quote
I have a suspicion that Arya will kill him and assume his identity to keep the Knights of the Vale aligned with the North.

This is a cool idea. I've seen some reaction to the episode complaining about Arya's sudden switch from cat to mouse in LF's game, but I'd wager she and Sansa are running an elaborate con on him. As Sansa said, LF is critical because he is responsible for the Vale and its troops, so she can't simply dismiss him. LF probably thinks he's sowing some doubt between the two sisters, while they are playing along, luring him into a trap where he exposes himself.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 14, 2017, 05:18 PM
I think I was just as astounded to hear that Prince Rhaegar news come from Gilly as anyone else.  She has no idea of the implications of that, and neither does Sam.  Only Bran knows.  And Jon went straight from Dragonstone to Eastwatch, bypassing Winterfell.  Things are getting interesting on this end.  Especially in light of Jon's encounter with Drogon.  But we're still left wondering when he might actually learn the truth about his parents.

Glad to see that the bastards of Westeros are banding together, and the return of Gendry.  He seems eager to get on with things.  As for him having a war hammer, like his father?  It's an interesting nod to Robert, especially since it was something that was probably discussed more in the books than on the show. 

I genuinely have to wonder if the mission to capture a Wight will yield the response that Jon wants from both Dany and Cersei.  And seriously, trying to capture a Wight seems like just about the most dangerous thing you could do.  Especially after seeing the "Hardhome" episode from season 5.  As for the group making the expedition beyond the Wall?  It reads like the Magnificent Seven of Westeros.  Jon Snow, Tormund, Jorah Mormont, Gendry, the Hound, Beric Dondarion and Thoros of Myr?  That's an interesting assembly of characters if there ever was one.  If only they could add Tyrion for comic relief!


Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on August 14, 2017, 10:33 PM
Do we know where Sam is heading? It appears he is now Lord Tarley. Def a step up from maestering.

I'm thinking if he is heading North, he could hook up with Bran and they could piece the whole thing together. Then again, since Bran can be anywhere he could have just witnessed the second marriage himself.

I thought the whole point of getting Gendry was to have him oversee the construction of the dragon glass weapons, but I guess that can wait.

Do the Baratheons even have an army anymore?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 14, 2017, 10:47 PM
It looks like Sam had his Night's Watch clothing on, so I'm thinking that he's heading back to the Wall.  Especially after all the study of the Long Night that he had done.  He's also got the Tarly family Valyrian steel sword with him, Heartsbane.  Considering we know that Valyrian steel can kill a White Walker, I could definitely see it being put to good use.  Again though, the pieces need to be put together.

I don't know that Sam really has any interest in returning to Horn Hill.  Especially after taking Heartsbane.  The Maesters didn't seem all that eager, or at least sympathetic enough to let him know what had happened to his father and brother.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jayson on August 15, 2017, 09:58 AM
I think Sam's statement about not wanting to read about the achievements of other men any longer could be a bit of foreshadowing and he may seek to return to Horn Hill.

Best line of the show: Nothing ***** you harder than time.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on August 15, 2017, 10:24 AM
Best line of the show: Nothing ***** you harder than time.

I thought the line was:  Nothing fooks you harder than time.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 16, 2017, 11:12 AM
So.... next week's episode leaked.  Not because of a hack, but because HBO in Spain aired NEXT WEEK'S EPISODE instead of "Eastwatch".  WTF?!?!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on August 16, 2017, 11:16 AM
Do we know where Sam is heading? It appears he is now Lord Tarley. Def a step up from maestering.

He's headed to Castle Black.  He has taken the black and cannot be a Lord.  Unless he's killed and brought back.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on August 21, 2017, 09:50 AM
Usain Gendry FTW  ;D
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on August 21, 2017, 10:46 AM
I watched it twice...  I tried to like it... but that might have been my least favorite episode of GOT.   :-X

Jon making it out of the water was even more laughable than Bronn/Jaime's excape last week.  And then the last minute save by Benjenn seemed like a giant cheat too.  I know the lord of light has plans for Jon or whatever, but his ability to escape these death situations is getting ridiculous now.  Same goes for the rest of the super-seven.  The only one to die was Thoros of Myr and a bunch of redshirt wildlings?  I guess I should have seen it was coming, but come on - at least kill Beric or Jorah or someone too. 

And the time issues... I know it came up last week and I've been able to just go with the flow, but now?  Gendry runs all the way back to Eastwatch AND sends ravens to Dany AND she flies all the way up there in like what, half a day?  That all seemed way too fast....

And finally, as soon as Dany left with all THREE of her dragons, I knew there were only two possible outcomes - the white walker stuff ends tonight or one of the dragons was going to die.  Since they spent so much time setting up a meeting with Cercei, I knew they wouldn't have the balls to end the night king then and there... which meant they had to find a way to make it believable that she would leave without finishing off the white walkers right then and there with her three dragons.... 

So yep, dead dragon.   :-\   Now I can't help but feel that the whole point of the stupid idea/plan to go get a whight to bring to Cercei was just to a) give the night king an ice dragon and b) put off the eventual end of the war until next season.

I was really hoping that this season would end one of the wars and then next season would end the other.  It seemed like Cercei was screwed, but then they wiped out Dany's Dorne/Highgarden/Pyke allies.  Then, last night, they had a chance for Dany and her dragons to roast the Night King, but nope - he's a world class ice javelin thrower!  So now where are we?  Dany and what's left of her gang headed to KL next week to beg/ask for Cercei's help to team up against the night king?  Ugh.

And I didn't even get into the whole "Arya's been trained to tell lies from the truth but she fell for Littlefinger's stupid trap" nonsense.  Stupid Starks.  Maybe they all do deserve to die.  Ugh.

Maybe I need more time to digest.  Maybe I'm just disappointed since there are only a few episodes left, but what the hell did we accomplish this season?  Dany's army chopped in half, a bunch of her westeros alliances dead, Jon being a wuss, a dragon dying and now we have to go meet with Cercei to team up for next season?  Ugh.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on August 21, 2017, 11:12 AM
I liked the episode.  It really showed to Daenery's how much of a threat the Night King and his army of the dead are the true threat to Westeros.  Need to pour one out for Viscerion.  I thought we would lose more of the magnificent seven....there was that bit where I thought for sure for sure Tormund was going to be lost.  I have a feeling Berric Dondarion will be dying at some point during the war.

Next week's episode is nearly an hour and a half long...I'm hoping to see some cool stuff.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on August 21, 2017, 11:39 AM
I kind of agree with you Jeff, but I think half the problem is that all of this feels super rushed at this point.  They had six different big story lines going and need to wrap most of them up quickly.  I too am bugged with all the miraculous life saving coincidences and think its largely unnecessary.  Do they have different writers this year?

I'm kind of glad the seven kingdoms are now essentially three, plus the White Walkers.  But I agree that with only eight episodes left they need to focus, and that might mean bringing a quick end to one of the big threats (Cercei or White Walkers).  The White Walker threat is bigger, but ultimately isn't all that nuanced or interesting.  I find the human side much more interesting.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Darby on August 21, 2017, 12:09 PM
Well, that happened.

I also agree the speed of all of this is betraying the stupidity. The plan to capture the wight is utterly foolish and best outsourced to men at Eastwatch, or - if you're going to ring the dragon bell anyway, which Jon had to have anticipated - go up there full force. The show spent no time on grounding the reality of what was admittedly a very cool set piece. Like Jeff said, we skipped to the end of the series and I knew the second he sent Gendy running we were getting fire on ice and one or more of the dragons were dying.

The wight capture is actually backwards in the plot; it should have been a product of the meeting next week between the powers. Cersei does not care if there are white walkers or not, and she won't next week. She would care to potentially expose Jon and Dany to certain death by having them go on an absolutely foolish mission beyond the wall for her sake - remember this is all to convince a woman who is at best a political obstacle, risking kings, queens and dragons to prove what will be inevitable - and the moment to end all moments for the final episode would have been what we got last night with that blue eye.

Arya / Sansa - still think it's a long con for LF, but wow this is completely pointless and uncharacteristic for both of them.

Jon / Dany - it's mostly the actors. I like them both, but they don't sell much of anything and given how much weight the series is pinning on their eventual union / child that Jon's parentage is still somewhat iffy. But probably not.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on August 21, 2017, 01:03 PM
The only really relevant part from the whole episode was learning that killing a white walker will kill all the undead that it created.  I'm guessing that is going to be a critical plot point in the near future.  The Hound suggested it, but I'm guessing that is the only way they'll ultimately be able to stop the ice dragon and the whole zombie hoard.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on August 21, 2017, 01:14 PM
I'm with you Jeff. 

While I do think the undead Dragon is pretty awesome, and levels the playing field quite a bit, I thought the storytelling in this episode was lazy, even if it was kind of exciting from an action standpoint.

Having Jon face certain death twice only to be saved in two implausible ways was lame.  I know we've talked about the timeline liberties they've been taking lately, but in the time it would take to get a raven to Daenerys and have her get back with dragons, they'd all have long since frozen to death. 

Having Jon's uncle show up after a few seasons just at that moment was equally absurd.  I'm looking forward to the drama of the meeting next episode, and I'd assume that we'd have the battle with the walkers this season, and then the real battle next, but it looks more and more like the cliffhanger is going to be that the walkers get dealt with early next season, and then the rest happens for the 4 or 5 episodes that are left.

It's a shame that there's only 6 episodes next season, because it seems like there's a TON left to figure out and I'm worried that it won't have any pacing at all, that it'll just be rushed.  Hopefully that's not the case.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on August 21, 2017, 03:26 PM
It's a shame that there's only 6 episodes next season, because it seems like there's a TON left to figure out and I'm worried that it won't have any pacing at all, that it'll just be rushed.  Hopefully that's not the case.

I heard somewhere that although there are only 6 episodes next season, they are all going to be about 2 hours each.  I hope that's true!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 21, 2017, 03:53 PM
Count me in the camp that believed that the White Walkers would not stand a chance against the dragons until this week's episode.  Drogon, Rhaegal and Viserion were able to make short work of the Wights, but the White Walkers clearly present a different sort of challenge.  The Night King was able to walk right through those dragon fire flames, just like he did with the fire bombs that the Children of the Forest use.  And the fact that he was able to take down Viserion was that spear was a shock.  And then to bring Viserion back for his army of the dead?  It changes things dramatically.

We've now seen Jon kill what, two of the White Walkers with Longclaw at this point?  It leaves me wondering when he's going to make the connection between Valyrian steel and the ability to kill the Walkers.

I think that things at Winterfell are proceeding as planned.  At least the way Littlefinger THINKS he has planned.  I think some of the animosity between Sansa and Arya is real.  It seems that now Arya is playing her greatest Faceless role ever:  that of an honor bound, rigid Stark.  One of the great lessons of the series was how Ned's devotion to duty and honor got him killed.  And during one exchange between Sansa and Arya, it seemed that Sansa called it right when she asked why Arya hadn't attacked the Lannisters when Joffrey had Ned beheaded.  She could do nothing, and I think Arya knows what an impossible position Sansa was placed in.  But I think Arya is very deliberately playing the role of this unbending Stark for the benefit of Littlefinger in an effort to draw him out.  And it all has to be very believable, right down to Arya not letting Sansa in on the plan.  Because Sansa needs to be able to maintain the loyalty of the knights of the Vale, who came to her aid thanks to Littlefinger.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on August 21, 2017, 03:58 PM
It's a shame that there's only 6 episodes next season, because it seems like there's a TON left to figure out and I'm worried that it won't have any pacing at all, that it'll just be rushed.  Hopefully that's not the case.

I heard somewhere that although there are only 6 episodes next season, they are all going to be about 2 hours each.  I hope that's true!

That would be great, but then that would be a full season and why not just make it 10 or 12 episodes instead of 6?!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on August 21, 2017, 04:04 PM
Having two hour episodes probably allows them a lot more creative freedom where they don't have to have a neat wrap up every sixty minutes.

I'm still trying to put all the pieces together, but agree Arya is up to something to draw out Littlefinger.  I'm curious to see how Brienne factors in to this and who had her sent to King's Landing (I know it was Sansa, but I think LittleFinger or Arya was behind it). 

I think by having Brienne gone it creates a perceived vulnerability around Sansa that may help to draw out Littlefinger.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Darby on August 21, 2017, 04:15 PM
Quote
It seems that now Arya is playing her greatest Faceless role ever:  that of an honor bound, rigid Stark.

Very astute, though I think the writing has been wobbly on this. But you're right on. Littlefinger is in for a shock.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BrentS on August 21, 2017, 04:16 PM
I really enjoyed last nights episode with the exception of the Gendry/Raven/Dragons showing up so fast issue.  Its a shame there isn't a better way to communicate than Ravens but I'm willing to overlook the "time travel". 

When the Dragons showed up, I couldn't imagine that would be the end of the Night King but I certainly didn't expect the lance throw!  Definitely changes the game for Dany's army.  I did think for a moment when Jon went off all rogue again, he would get a chance to ride his own Dragon.

I sure hope Arya is setting up Littlefinger via the long Con... otherwise, the whole Sansa and Arya storyline is very frustrating.   
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 22, 2017, 08:59 AM
Having two hour episodes probably allows them a lot more creative freedom where they don't have to have a neat wrap up every sixty minutes.

I'm still trying to put all the pieces together, but agree Arya is up to something to draw out Littlefinger.  I'm curious to see how Brienne factors in to this and who had her sent to King's Landing (I know it was Sansa, but I think LittleFinger or Arya was behind it). 

I think by having Brienne gone it creates a perceived vulnerability around Sansa that may help to draw out Littlefinger.

One of the key things for me in coming to my own conclusions about Arya was what she said VS what she did.  Arya very clearly stated what she had done and where she had been, as if she knew that someone would be listening.  But then she gave Sansa the Valyrian steel dagger without a word, and effectively said without words to Sansa "You have nothing to fear from me".  And with Brienne sent off to King's Landing?  I think it could definitely set up a perceived sense of vulnerability for Sansa that Littlefinger might try to exploit.  After all, first he secured Harrenhal for himself.  And then he effectively became the Lord of the Vale of Arryn since young Lord Robin isn't fit to do so.  Lord Baelish might see this as his opportunity to take control of the North as well.  That is, at least until Arya has a chance to deal with him.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on August 22, 2017, 09:43 AM
It was very astute for the Night King to drag around those mile-long giant chains on his journey just in case he took down a dragon that sunk into a lake.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 22, 2017, 10:30 AM
It was very astute for the Night King to drag around those mile-long giant chains on his journey just in case he took down a dragon that sunk into a lake.

He stole it from Tyrion back around season 2, when he should've used it during the Battle of the Blackwater
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on August 22, 2017, 11:19 AM
Funny comment going around is: "I'm picking Gendry for my running back and the Night King for my QB for my fantasy team."
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on August 22, 2017, 01:50 PM
Funny comment going around is: "I'm picking Gendry for my running back and the Night King for my QB for my fantasy team."

Yeah, if he's got those skills with a javelin he could have picked off Jon Snow and the crew and ended the whole battle in a couple of minutes.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on August 24, 2017, 12:10 PM
Although I enjoyed it (besides the timing issues and the massive chains they had handy), I think the entire season has been predictable. When all three dragons showed up, pretty clear one was going down.

As much as I want to see the new ice dragon bring down the wall next week, i think it will be a let down. I see Jon going back to Winterfell and finally speaking to weird Brann. No idea what is going on with Arya and Sansa but hope she eventually gets killed (i am sure unlikely).

The only thing I really I am unsure about is how the King's Landing meeting will play out. You would think that Cercei has a trap but with the way the writing has been, she may welcome them with open arms.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 24, 2017, 12:22 PM
I've been reading what appears to be some hopeful speculation about the season finale.  The setting where Danaerys will be meeting with Cersei is rumored to be the Dragon Pit.  And there are further rumors that the Hound will continue south with Dany, and we may finally get the long awaited Clegane-Bowl!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on August 24, 2017, 01:19 PM
Although I enjoyed it (besides the timing issues and the massive chains they had handy), I think the entire season has been predictable. When all three dragons showed up, pretty clear one was going down.

The chains make sense if they brought them from Hardhome because the entire battle was a trap set by the Night King in order to kill/resurrect a dragon.  That whole episode felt like the Night King manipulation/trap to me.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: evenflow on August 24, 2017, 01:30 PM
Although I enjoyed it (besides the timing issues and the massive chains they had handy), I think the entire season has been predictable. When all three dragons showed up, pretty clear one was going down.

The chains make sense if they brought them from Hardhome because the entire battle was a trap set by the Night King in order to kill/resurrect a dragon.  That whole episode felt like the Night King manipulation/trap to me.

That would work but if not, seems a bit silly that they have so many chains just hanging around.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on August 24, 2017, 03:04 PM
He'd need to know Jon was planning to kidnap a wight if he were setting a trap - something he couldn't possibly know.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on August 24, 2017, 05:06 PM
It might also be part of the disconnected timeline.  Maybe the chains were retrieved from 100 miles away and the dragon pulled out over the course of several weeks.  The show made it seem like it happened immediately after the battle, but maybe it was a month later.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on August 25, 2017, 08:09 AM
It did seem like the White Walkers and army of the dead were leaving after Drogon flew away.  Maybe they have a base camp somewhere and the chains were there.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on August 25, 2017, 10:11 AM
The whole scene could have been much better and more logically executed.  The Night King does his "Come at me Bro" pose on the edge of the lake, and the dragon bursts out of the ice.  Woulda been totally badass, and no magic chains necessary.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on August 25, 2017, 02:31 PM
At some point in the finale, Daenerys will return to Dragonstone where she can expect 6-8 inches of Snow.



I'll show myself out.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on August 25, 2017, 07:03 PM
At some point in the finale, Daenerys will return to Dragonstone where she can expect 6-8 inches of Snow.



I'll show myself out.

Perhaps bigger.  It's called Long Claw for a reason.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on August 27, 2017, 07:43 PM
Let's do this!

Predicting:

Death of a major character

Pivotal flashback sequence

Sam makes an appearance

Lots of Jon/Dany goo goo eyes

I'm ready!  ;D
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Darby on August 27, 2017, 08:04 PM
Pretty pumped.

I predict numerous deaths. Sam drops a Gilly bomb. Jon/Dany sitting in a tree...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on August 27, 2017, 11:41 PM
I'm actually a little bummed there aren't more major character deaths.  I don't know if the show writers feel paralyzed by RR Martin's lack of books to follow, or what.  I don't think there was a significant death this season.  Lots of B level players Sand Snakes, Oleana, Tarleys, etc., but nobody that really got more than a couple of minutes of screen time.

The finale was solid.  Loved the ice dragon taking it to The Wall.

I'll be interested to see how the Jon lineage stuff impacts the story.  It should throw Dany for a loop in a couple ways, and it may impact his loyal following in the north.  I'm guessing he gets his own dragon though...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 28, 2017, 07:43 AM
I'm actually a little bummed there aren't more major character deaths.  I don't know if the show writers feel paralyzed by RR Martin's lack of books to follow, or what.  I don't think there was a significant death this season.  Lots of B level players Sand Snakes, Oleana, Tarleys, etc., but nobody that really got more than a couple of minutes of screen time.

Uh, Littlefinger?  I like how that played out.  It didn't seem to take much for Sansa to convince Lord Royce to back her in her play against Lord Baelish.  And damn, did Arya handle that very quickly.


The finale was solid.  Loved the ice dragon taking it to The Wall.

I'll be interested to see how the Jon lineage stuff impacts the story.  It should throw Dany for a loop in a couple ways, and it may impact his loyal following in the north.  I'm guessing he gets his own dragon though...

I think you had to know that once the Night King re-animated Viserion that the dragon would factor into his attack on the wall.  I didn't totally get the blue dragon fire, but okay.  I also have to wonder if both Tormund and Beric Dondarion got far enough away from the collapsing section of the wall to survive.  It looked as if maybe that last mile where the Wall meets the sea came down, which was enough for the Army of the Dead to cross.

I was kind of surprised to see Sam turn up at Winterfell and meet up with Bran.  Although it did have the effect of showing that while Bran CAN know everything, it seems like there's more that has happened that he has yet to see, like the marriage of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark.  We've known about Jon's parentage for a full season now, but to learn that Jon's true name is Aegon was a bit of a surprise. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on August 28, 2017, 08:07 AM
I still don't think littlefinger is that major of a character. I guess he is a little larger than the others, but I'm pretty sure everyone saw a showdown coming. I did like that scene but kind of hoped that it wasn't arya that did the deed. Or if she did it was in defense.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on August 28, 2017, 08:20 AM
Dude who played Rhaegar Targaryen was such a spitting image of Viserys that I thought they just used the same actor until I looked it up.

I'm certain Tormund survived - ended up on the west part of the wall just beyond what collapsed.  They wouldn't kill him off-screen.

Hooray for incest! 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on August 28, 2017, 08:34 AM
I nailed it!  :D

The best part to me was Qyburn's stiffy upon seeing the Wight. That is right up dude's alley.

Hound & Frankenmountain was awesome too, even if it was a fan tease for the Cleganening. (Which is so going to happen now)

Stark Long Con seemed a little far fetched, but I'll take it. I always thought of LF as a real wild card, so having him out of the way simplifies things considerably.

In fact, it seems like Cersei is pretty much the only one left screwing it all up now. Well, and Euron to a smaller degree. Even Jamie seems on board now. (but did we really need two almost identical "give the order" scenes with her brothers?)

I don't think you bring Beric back from the dead six times to have him die offscreen. And after all the times he's almost died, they wouldn't do Tormund like that either. Figure those 2 will show back up somehow. Maybe they got to a boat.

Of all the cool and interesting characters that have died, it baffles me why Theon is still around and gets screen time. NOONE CARES!!

 I thought they said John's name was Aegar? I gotta go read the recap...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on August 28, 2017, 09:21 AM
I was a bit surprised that it took until now for Jaime to part ways with Cersei.  I thought that might have happened following Jaime nearly drowning in the Blackwater Rush.  But he stayed loyal (mostly) to Cersei for the whole season.  At least until Brienne spoke some truth to him, and Cersei having Frankenmountain draw his sword on Jaime.  He seems fully prepared to follow his own path and head north.  But clearly there's going to be a reckoning.  I was half expecting the Hound to take on Gregor, but that didn't happen.  And it looks like things will eventually come to a head between Jaime and Cersei.

Oh, and Qyburn is officially creepier than Bran.  Sure, Bran comes across as completely aloof.  But Qyburn was way too enamored of that Wight's wriggling hand.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on August 28, 2017, 10:17 AM
Qyburn was expelled from being a Maester for practicing on the dead and dark things, so who knows how deep his love goes for dead things.  I would expect him to be studying/experimenting on the wight if they left it there.

A lot of this story is about family and redemption.  Theron is trying to make things right and is setting on the path to do so.  Jamie has been since meeting Brienne, but his judgment is cloud by his love for Cersei...

No direwolves though.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on August 28, 2017, 10:47 AM
I'm actually a little bummed there aren't more major character deaths. 

I'm not bummed that they didn't all die, but I'm surprised more didn't.  I get that they don't want to run through everyone before the season finale, but just in last night's episode they sort of let you think Arya was going to get it.  They let you think Theon was a goner (and it would have been a very GOT way to go, finally growing some balls (yuck yuck) then being beaten to death by men who no longer respect you.  Then they let you think Tyrion was as good as dead.  Then they let you think Jamie was dead again.

But only Little Finger got it - and we all kind of knew that was coming for a few weeks now.  I'm enjoying these episodes, and I'm excited about where it's going, but it still seems a little lazy in terms of the writing.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Darby on August 28, 2017, 11:32 AM
I like the finale, some parts quite a bit, but it was also maybe the most predictable of all of them. The wall coming down, Littlefinger and Cersei betraying the truce? DUH. We've all spoken to these things recently.

The Sansa / Arya plot was excruciating. As much as I expected this to be a double cross and liked to see Littlefinger get his, the way the writers took to get there was clumsy. They didn't show any of their work and banked on the shock twist covering for the fact that we don't know really now how Sansa or Arya pieced this together. We can surmise Sansa talked to Bran at some point, but when? Was all the strife between the sisters performative? Sincere until the last minute? No idea.

Similarly, the Euron is actually going to Essos - what? So he planned his faux exit from the Dragon Pit? How could he have done that not knowing what was in the box,? Were he and Cersei going to do this no matter what happened - or did Cersei perhaps know? She seems to know a lot, except which way Jamie is leaning. Seems the writers don't either. He leaves Cersei for lying, again? Not for all the other stuff? I found that weak, and they were just stringing this out to get to the finale.

Jon / Dany - this has been so obvious for so long that I think it lost its impact. I think the only chair they can pull out is for Jon to die again, but for real, leaving Dany with a child and the throne. But I don't know. His super fidelity to the truth - which felt manufactured honesty, just so the Dragon Pit could get to Cersei / Tyrion - is probably going to get him killed. For reals.

I expected more deaths too, but not too bummed by that. I figure people will be dropping precipitously early on next season.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on August 28, 2017, 11:58 AM
Similarly, the Euron is actually going to Essos - what? So he planned his faux exit from the Dragon Pit? How could he have done that not knowing what was in the box,? Were he and Cersei going to do this no matter what happened - or did Cersei perhaps know? She seems to know a lot, except which way Jamie is leaning. Seems the writers don't either. He leaves Cersei for lying, again? Not for all the other stuff? I found that weak, and they were just stringing this out to get to the finale.

Cersei said a couple of episodes that she was going to meet with Daenerys in order to just buy time to get the Golden company.  I admit I was caught off guard about Euron actually going to Essos...but it fits very well.  Cersei never had any intention of keeping her word concerning the truce.  I'm glad Jaimie seems to have left for good.  He's such a complicated character and I enjoy his arc throughout the series.

I liked the Sansa/Arya/Littlefinger story.  The tables turning on him in the trial was great.  I still wish it went down more privately where Arya could have killed him and assumed his identity, but that's a minor nitpick.

Looks like we will get Cleganebowl next season.

I had to rewind and turn on CC to get that Jon Snow's real name is Aegon Targaryen.  I have tinnitus pretty bad, but I'm happy to see I'm not the only one who had trouble hearing it.

Looks like Viserion now runs on propane.  I think everyone knew the wall was going to come down, but it was so cool to see!  Tormund and Berric are still alive...no way they get an off screen death.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Darby on August 28, 2017, 12:06 PM
I had to rewind and turn on CC to get that Jon Snow's real name is Aegon Targaryen.  I have tinnitus pretty bad, but I'm happy to see I'm not the only one who had trouble hearing it.

I have tinnitus too. I sometimes do this with the TV depending on the native volume of the show or movie and the static in my head. Any time someone comes over, they're always turning down the volume.  :)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on August 28, 2017, 12:17 PM
I don't have tinnitus, and I couldn't make it out.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on August 28, 2017, 01:07 PM
Something has happened on this show and I can't quite put my finger on it... but I'm not loving it the way I used to love it.

Maybe it's sloppy writing or maybe it's my expectations, but a lot of my "book love" is making me have a hard time with the show these days...

1) I-magic Dragons.  All we heard about was how it was a Magic Wall filled with ancient magic.  Only to be taken out with dead dragon fire....  ok, fine - But then what was Night King's plan without the dragon?  How was he gonna get through the magic, impenetrable wall without the dragon he lucked into last week?  Or are we pretending that his plan all along was to get one of Dany's dragons to take out the wall... which I'm not sure how he would have known they were even alive?

2) Agree with Darby - felt let down with the whole way the Sansa/Arya thing went down with Littlefinger.  Glad he is finally gone and shown for the fraud he was, but just seemed like it was just a lazy, clunky way to go about it. Agree that it would have been nice seeing them figure it out instead of trying to make it a surprise twist that everyone saw coming for the most part.

3) Plot Expo-fest 2017 with Sam and Bran.  Nothing like spelling it all out for those who haven't been paying attention the past seven years I guess.  Nice to get Jon's real name, I guess. But again, just a clunky way to get that info out... right as Jon was getting a little incest on... so strange and creepy.  If only someone would let Jon in on it finally.

For the most part, I liked the finale.  Just didn't wow me the way I was hoping.  Hoping this Night King stuff has some purpose to the overall narrative in the story and isn't just a flashy distraction to the seven kingdoms issues. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on August 28, 2017, 01:14 PM
1) I-magic Dragons.  All we heard about was how it was a Magic Wall filled with ancient magic.  Only to be taken out with dead dragon fire....  ok, fine - But then what was Night King's plan without the dragon?  How was he gonna get through the magic, impenetrable wall without the dragon he lucked into last week?  Or are we pretending that his plan all along was to get one of Dany's dragons to take out the wall... which I'm not sure how he would have known they were even alive?

Yeah, the whole time I just expected them to show up and force their way right through the reinforced doors, then they'd just walk under the wall.

Never mind that if you knocked down a 1,000 foot tall ice wall there would be a 250 foot tall pile of ice left over...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on August 28, 2017, 02:08 PM
All this is thinking outloud for discussion... it's been awhile since I've read the books/seen the last season so fresh perspectives are welcome

1) I-magic Dragons.  All we heard about was how it was a Magic Wall filled with ancient magic.  Only to be taken out with dead dragon fire....  ok, fine - But then what was Night King's plan without the dragon?  How was he gonna get through the magic, impenetrable wall without the dragon he lucked into last week?  Or are we pretending that his plan all along was to get one of Dany's dragons to take out the wall... which I'm not sure how he would have known they were even alive?

Could the Night King have been made aware of the existence of the dragons and what is/has been going when Bran touched him in his "vision"?  Since that broke the spell that kept the previous three-eyed raven safe, maybe NK got some other knowledge as well? 

But, yes, whatever happened to the horn that was rumored to be the only thing to bring the wall down?  Just a myth?

3) Plot Expo-fest 2017 with Sam and Bran.  Nothing like spelling it all out for those who haven't been paying attention the past seven years I guess.  Nice to get Jon's real name, I guess. But again, just a clunky way to get that info out... right as Jon was getting a little incest on... so strange and creepy.  If only someone would let Jon in on it finally.

Targaryens were okay with that kind of stuff, Lannisters have no problems with it... no biggie, right?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Darby on August 28, 2017, 03:36 PM
Quote
1) I-magic Dragons.  All we heard about was how it was a Magic Wall filled with ancient magic.

Yep. I think this would have been helped by getting the Night King to the wall sooner, and have them stymied by the magic of the wall. I'd buy the magic of undead dragon trumping that, but yeah, what was his plan? To just hang out? Everyone just hangs out on this show lately until they're needed, which is a symptom of the writing issues this season. I don't know the exact reasons they're so quick to wrap up the show this way, but spending all this time to set up things you then speed through is never successful. There's a different between the pace picking up and dominos falling as a narrative collapses, but this is, at times, clumsy and stupid.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on August 28, 2017, 04:36 PM
Could this be a case of the writers being past the established GRRM and find themselves struggling to keep the narrative voice?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on August 31, 2017, 08:14 AM
It's plausible that the ancient spells carved into the foundation of the Wall were negated when the NK marked Bran in his vision. Similar to how he was able to get into the Tree and kill the 3 eyed Raven.

I think NK's backup plan probably had to do with freezing the sea next to the Wall and just walking around it. That was what a lot of people were speculating was going to happen early on because of how the topography in the opening credits has changed over time.

Another good theory I have read is that the NK is part of a time loop with Bran and they both are either the same person or some kind of opposite/mirror images and he already knew what was going to happen with the dragons and all way ahead of time. At least that would explain having those giant iron chains hanging around so conveniently.

I definitely agree the show has changed markedly over the years. The pace was much better when they had the books as a blueprint. Once they got past that point it seemed like they were just in a mad rush to move things along. They could have stretched these last 13 episodes into 3-4 seasons easily. I don't understand the rush, I would think given the awesome ratings that would want to stretch it out as long as they could.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on August 31, 2017, 01:32 PM
I definitely agree the show has changed markedly over the years. The pace was much better when they had the books as a blueprint. Once they got past that point it seemed like they were just in a mad rush to move things along. They could have stretched these last 13 episodes into 3-4 seasons easily. I don't understand the rush, I would think given the awesome ratings that would want to stretch it out as long as they could.

I think most of the rush is probably based on some of the actors (Emilia Clark) not having an interest in continuing this series.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on August 31, 2017, 01:41 PM
Yeah - they already get paid pretty well.  Renegotiations at this point would be very expensive.  I would have preferred two 10-episode, balanced seasons to close it out.   But they're probably compressing it to 13 over 2 seasons to abide by whatever's already contracted.  The original plan was 7 seasons, IIRC.

I don't think the writing is suffering because they don't have the books anymore.  Season 6 extended beyond the books and was genuinely fantastic.  Even the beginning of Season 7 was very strong.  There have just been a handful of genuinely bad decisions to close out Season 7... and my feeling is that they're all of the sort of "We want to show X because it'll be super cool looking - let's work backwards and make that happen."
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on March 5, 2019, 11:59 PM
Beyond pumped for April, what a year to be a geek

I honestly don’t care if GRR ever finishes the books any more

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on March 6, 2019, 08:41 AM
The new trailer looks crazy. I don't want to know what would terrify Arya like that... ???
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on March 6, 2019, 10:46 AM
The new trailer looks crazy. I don't want to know what would terrify Arya like that... ???

She has yet to see a wight or White Walker.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on March 6, 2019, 01:41 PM
I'm going with Ice Dragon
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on March 6, 2019, 01:57 PM
Kinda looked like she was in the catacombs / burial area under Winterfell.  I wonder if the White Walker could have raised her dead parents that were now trying to kill her.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on March 6, 2019, 10:49 PM
Did their bodies make it back to Winterfell?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on March 7, 2019, 08:16 AM
I think Ned's bones did.  Certainly not enough left over to raise.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on March 7, 2019, 08:58 AM
There was a point in the trailer where it looked like Arya had one of the dragonglass knives.  But if SHE looks that scared?  I can only imagine where things are going to go.  The fact that the Army of the Dead is going to march on Winterfell is pretty grim all on it's own.  And everyone being huddled in the catacombs?  That place has been significant over the entire course of the show, and I can only imagine how things could play out if the Night King made his way in there.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on March 7, 2019, 01:38 PM
Maybe Catelyn Stark, too, since they didn’t go the Stoneheart route.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on April 14, 2019, 07:42 PM
WHO’S ******* READY?!?!

 :D
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on April 14, 2019, 08:31 PM
Should have made a dead pool before the season started.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on April 15, 2019, 12:28 AM
A friend at work started a Game of Thrones pool.  I went line by line and when I was done I think I left too many alive.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on April 15, 2019, 09:07 AM
Lot of awkward reunions!

Arya's weapon!

Dany should have just told Sam his family died in battle. :(

The rescue of Yara seemed surprisingly easy. I thought that would play out over a few episodes at least.

Cersei back to drinking wine while supposedly pregnant. Hmm.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on April 15, 2019, 10:41 AM
I liked the episode, but I was kind of expecting more in kicking off the final season.  I don't want to complain because I love the show but when there are only six episodes left, to see them burn an entire episode with all these long-awaited family/friend/frenemy reunions was a little anti-climatic. 

I was glad Jon finally learned who he really was but man they took their time getting to that point having Bran see Jon without telling him/everyone and then having Sam meet Dany first before going to Jon finally.

At least Dondarrion got to set an undead kid stuck to a wall on fire so some action happened.  :P

Maybe next week will be the start of ****-hits-the-fan with the undead army reaching Winterfell...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on April 15, 2019, 10:58 AM
I liked the episode.  Bit of a slow burn, but the first episode of the season usually is.  Plenty of good setup for what's to come.


It was fun to see the reunion of Arya and Jon, because they haven't been in a scene together since the pilot episode.


Poor lil' Umber.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on April 15, 2019, 11:23 AM
I liked the episode, but I was kind of expecting more in kicking off the final season.  I don't want to complain because I love the show but when there are only six episodes left, to see them burn an entire episode with all these long-awaited family/friend/frenemy reunions was a little anti-climatic. 

I thought the same thing, although do we know if all of the remaining shows are roughly one hour in length?  I thought I recall reading that some were as long as two hours.

Ultimately I expected the plot and action this season to feel like it was moving too fast as they tried to jam everything in to the last six episodes.  Last night was the normal GoT slow pace, which felt too slow for resolving lots of stuff.

I was thinking by the end of the series we will need to know if the White Walkers can be defeated who is sitting in the Iron Throne.  There are lots of other sub-story lines that I had kind of hoped got resolved, but maybe they'll just leave lots of those open at the end.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: I Am Sith on April 15, 2019, 09:38 PM
I thought the same thing, although do we know if all of the remaining shows are roughly one hour in length?  I thought I recall reading that some were as long as two hours.

Longest episode has been confirmed at 80 minutes  :P
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on April 21, 2019, 11:16 AM
Some people are speculating that the Night King is/was a Targaryen due to the numerous times he's used the spiral (ala Umber) like the Targaryen crest and that's why he was able to ride Viserion.  I guess we'll see.

I'm not sure about Bronn.  Is he truly a mercenary or does he have a warm spot in his heart for Tyrion and Jaime (or just Tyrion)

As for the Dead Pool, I'd go with
Alive
Jon Snow
Sansa Stark
Bran Stark
Daenerys Targaryen
Missandei
Drogon
Rhaegal
Tyrion
Yara Greyjoy
Bronn?
Podrick Payne
Brienne of Tarth
Samwell Tarly
Gilly
Dolorous Edd
Tormund Giantsbane
Meera Reed
Lyanna Mormont
Davos Seaworth
Sandor Clegane

Dead
Arya Stark (I think Jaqen comes back to return a favor)
Jorah Mormont
Grey Worm
Varys
Daarui Naharis
Viserion
Cersei Lannister
Jamie Lannister (I know there was a prophecy in the books that said Tyrion would have to kill his brother a second time... of course they've deviated from the books before)
Gregor Clegane
Qyburn
Theon Greyjoy
Euron Greyjoy
Night King
Ellaria Sand
Melisandre
Robin Arryn
Gendry
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on April 22, 2019, 08:31 AM
Gendrya shippers pretty happy today.  :D

Have enjoyed the character interactions over the past two episodes, I feel like they are trying to give some of these people some measure of closure before killing them off. Or maybe just reminding you why you should care when they die. At any rate, seems like a nice respite before the carnage erupts.

Heartsbane gonna loom large methinks.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on April 22, 2019, 09:52 AM
Another slightly slow episode, but I agree with McMetal.  Lots of goodbyes and personal connections before all hell breaks loose.

One person I've expected to show up that hasn't yet is Melisandre.  I'm guessing its still gonna happen at some point.  I kinda thought she might "sneak" in and hide among the masses until needed.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 22, 2019, 10:16 AM
These two episodes have just been loaded down with a lot of place setting.  And I get that a lot of that needs to be done, but there needed to be some action.

The season premiere came across in an unexpected way.  The new intro graphics were a surprise.  Why only change them significantly for the final season?  But then there were significant callbacks to the series pilot - Dany arriving at Winterfell with her army to the exact same music as when Robert Baratheon rode into Winterfell.  And it was complete with Arya checking things out from along the route, just like in the pilot.  There was also the creepy White Walker body part art, again, just like the first episode, and complete with a dead kid who has become a Wight.

Last week it was interesting to see Theon beginning to turn the tide by freeing Yara, and then setting off for Winterfell.  And Jon riding Rhaegal for the first time was a major step forward.  The whole scene at Last Hearth was pretty creepy.  It was like a horror movie where you're expecting the jump scare that only comes well after you've had a chance to relax.  I have to re-watch last night's episode because I had to step out of the room during some of it.  But there was some genuine heart to the episode - especially when Jaime Lannister knighted Brienne.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on April 22, 2019, 11:22 AM
Good episode last night.  Now all the reunions are out of the way so the goodbyes can begin.  The episode ended just they way I thought it would, with the army of the dead lining up on Winterfell.  I also liked how Jon/Aegon was able to tell Daenerys the truth about his heritage and there was no real time for her to process it.  Could there be a situation where she needs to save Jon, but because of the succession issue she hesitates for just a second and it costs him his life?  That is very much on the table right now.

I liked how the Jamie "trial" ended abruptly.  Frankly, I thought it would take up more of the episode than it did.  Jaimie's character arc through this series has been one of the best!

If Tormund dies, I'm going to be pissed.....I love that guy.

Arya Stark sideboob....that is not ok.  Seriously, I watched the first episode not that long ago she's just a kid!

There should be an amendment to the battle plan where Lyanna Mormont is in the Godswood with Bran...she could stare down the Night King and make the army of the dead just disintegrate on the spot.  Show over.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on April 22, 2019, 12:54 PM
Another slightly slow episode

This week's slow episode of even more reunions and character meet-ups didn't bug me as much as last week because I guess my expectations were tamped way down after last week.

Wondering how long the dead vs Winterfell battle is going to last - one episode?  Two?  My current guess for our four remaining are one for the battle at Winterfell, one for the aftermath, one to march on Cersei, then the finale.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Tracy on April 22, 2019, 01:18 PM
Good episode last night.  Now all the reunions are out of the way so the goodbyes can begin.  The episode ended just they way I thought it would, with the army of the dead lining up on Winterfell.  I also liked how Jon/Aegon was able to tell Daenerys the truth about his heritage and there was no real time for her to process it.  Could there be a situation where she needs to save Jon, but because of the succession issue she hesitates for just a second and it costs him his life?  That is very much on the table right now.

I know Daenerys didn’t have much time to process the info - but she used the time she had to focus on Jon being the rightful heir - completely ignoring the fact that the man she loves is actually her nephew.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on April 22, 2019, 02:08 PM
Good episode last night.  Now all the reunions are out of the way so the goodbyes can begin.  The episode ended just they way I thought it would, with the army of the dead lining up on Winterfell.  I also liked how Jon/Aegon was able to tell Daenerys the truth about his heritage and there was no real time for her to process it.  Could there be a situation where she needs to save Jon, but because of the succession issue she hesitates for just a second and it costs him his life?  That is very much on the table right now.

I know Daenerys didn’t have much time to process the info - but she used the time she had to focus on Jon being the rightful heir - completely ignoring the fact that the man she loves is actually her nephew.

They're Targareyns....Aunt/Nephew is actually farther apart than they normally are.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on April 22, 2019, 02:14 PM
They're Targareyns....Aunt/Nephew is actually farther apart than they normally are.

It seems weird that there's a sector of fandom that is grossed-out by the incest factor in GOT between Jon and Dany.  Umm, Targaryens were known for this (as were Cersei and Jaime way back in S1).
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 22, 2019, 02:42 PM
I don't know if many show fans are all that aware of the Targaryen history.  But then the whole theme has been ongoing throughout the series when you consider Jaime and Cersei Lannister.  But considering the personalities of both Dany and Jon?  And the desire for the Iron Throne?  Those things will complicate matters.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on April 22, 2019, 04:01 PM
It seems weird that there's a sector of fandom that is grossed-out by the incest factor in GOT between Jon and Dany.  Umm, Targaryens were known for this (as were Cersei and Jaime way back in S1).

I take it they're not familiar with world history and how normal this is in certain dynasties that aren't even that old.   Russian czars were practicing this up until their extermination 100 years ago.  The Egyptian Pharaoh's were seriously inbred.  Smart history types here could probably name another dozen like this.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on April 22, 2019, 05:08 PM
I don't know if many show fans are all that aware of the Targaryen history.  But then the whole theme has been ongoing throughout the series when you consider Jaime and Cersei Lannister.  But considering the personalities of both Dany and Jon?  And the desire for the Iron Throne?  Those things will complicate matters.

It was brought up in an episode in Season 5.  Ellearia Sand was talking with Jamie Lannister about his relationship with Cersei.  She said it wouldn't be an issue if their last name was Targaryen.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 22, 2019, 06:00 PM
I don't know if many show fans are all that aware of the Targaryen history.  But then the whole theme has been ongoing throughout the series when you consider Jaime and Cersei Lannister.  But considering the personalities of both Dany and Jon?  And the desire for the Iron Throne?  Those things will complicate matters.

It was brought up in an episode in Season 5.  Ellearia Sand was talking with Jamie Lannister about his relationship with Cersei.  She said it wouldn't be an issue if their last name was Targaryen.

I don't doubt that it was brought up.  But the prose of the novels and the extended passages of exposition really gave the readers a lot more insight into the inter-marriage of the Targaryens than we've seen in the show.  Because if the show got into the details the way the books did, everything would come to a screeching halt.

The historical parallels are worth noting.  Even in the inter-marriages of the royal houses of Europe in the 19th and early 20th century.  People may not realize that Britain's King George V, Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany and Czar Nicholas Romanov were all cousins.  And more recently in the UK?  Prince Charles and Princess Diana were actually distant cousins (7th or so).  It's not something that's foreign to people, but it's still considered to be generally taboo.

For the purposes of the show?  It further complicates the relationship between the twin siblings, Jaime and Cersei, as well as between the aunt and nephew in Dany and Jon.

As for next week's episode?  It looks like it's going to be epic.  But can anyone else see a key feature of Winterfell that goes all the way back to the pilot coming into play in a way that the alliance may not have foreseen?  One particular place in Winterfell might not be the best place to hide...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Muftak on April 23, 2019, 12:10 AM
As for next week's episode?  It looks like it's going to be epic.  But can anyone else see a key feature of Winterfell that goes all the way back to the pilot coming into play in a way that the alliance may not have foreseen?  One particular place in Winterfell might not be the best place to hide...

It was fun rewatching the previous seasons the last month or so and noticing how many times we are reminded that Ned's bones were returned home to the crypt of Winterfell. Nah, that's not going to be a plot point...

My pet theory is that the dead will be reanimated, but because of enchantments placed on the crypt long ago, they will fight for the living, not against them. Ned  vs Night King, anyone?

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on April 23, 2019, 08:38 AM
It was fun rewatching the previous seasons the last month or so and noticing how many times we are reminded that Ned's bones were returned home to the crypt of Winterfell. Nah, that's not going to be a plot point...

My pet theory is that the dead will be reanimated, but because of enchantments placed on the crypt long ago, they will fight for the living, not against them. Ned  vs Night King, anyone?

I hope they've got some super glue to keep his head on!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on April 23, 2019, 10:41 AM
Well, it should be interesting if/when the Night King comes to King's Landing.  Since The Mountain is already reanimated, I'm sure he'll be easy to turn against Cersei.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on April 23, 2019, 10:52 AM

It was fun rewatching the previous seasons the last month or so and noticing how many times we are reminded that Ned's bones were returned home to the crypt of Winterfell. Nah, that's not going to be a plot point...

My pet theory is that the dead will be reanimated, but because of enchantments placed on the crypt long ago, they will fight for the living, not against them. Ned  vs Night King, anyone?

Not going to be much use without his head....which is on a pike at King's Landing.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jeff on April 23, 2019, 12:03 PM
RE: The Crypts of Winterfell

I'm expecting more from the crypts.  I'm going to be disappointed if all the dead Starks in the crypts rise and kill people inside the crypts.  Winterfell was built by Brandon the Builder, the guy who helped build the big-ass giant magic Wall (with help from Giants and the Children of the forest). 

Since he built Winterfell AFTER the Long Night and building the Wall, I'm guessing/hoping he was smart enough to put some magic into walls of Winterfell as well?  Seems to me that a guy who fought the dead during the long night wouldn't have started a tradition of burying his family's dead in crypts under his house (and especially wouldn't have started a tradition of arming those dead bodies by placing swords on their crypts) unless he had some protection plan in place.

Maybe I'm expecting more after all the hints in the show and books about Winterfell being older and different from the other castles in Westeros. 

Then again, maybe Bran the Builder was just dumb and built an army reserve for his enemy underneath his house.  In that case, anyone who is dumb enough to hide with dead bodies during a war with the dead kinda deserves to die.  We'll see, I guess.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on April 24, 2019, 07:13 AM
Anybody else think Bran the Builder is Bran the cripple?  Being unbound by time, I could see him travelling back and possessing his ancestor to make sure he sets things up properly to ensure victory.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 24, 2019, 08:13 AM
That thought has crossed my mind more than once.  His ability to go back in time to possess Hodor in his youth made it perfectly clear that he could do that.  And that could be part of the reason why the Night King is seeking him out specifically.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on April 28, 2019, 04:39 PM
As long as Jon and Arya are left standing at the end tonight, I can deal with everyone else. I think.  :P  :-X :-\
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on April 28, 2019, 09:42 PM
As long as Jon and Arya are left standing at the end tonight, I can deal with everyone else. I think.  :P  :-X :-\

If Ghost bites it you'll be an emotional wreck!  :D

So will I.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on April 28, 2019, 11:04 PM
Holy crap!

Lyanna so ******* badass.

Arya just...wow.

I’m watching it again after in 5 minutes.  :D

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on April 28, 2019, 11:30 PM
Not sure how they’re going to conquer Kong’s landing with no troops. I suppose they’ve got at least one dragon left.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on April 29, 2019, 12:31 AM
Kong’s Landing, lol.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on April 29, 2019, 07:48 AM
Stupid fat fingers...
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on April 29, 2019, 10:06 AM
I am happy to report both dragons are alive and well....as is GHOST!  :D

All three are shown in scenes from the next episode.

I watched again closely a second time last night and it looks like Gendry and Grey Worm both made it through ok too. Kinda lost track of those guys for awhile.

Not sure about Gilly and Little Sam  :-\
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on April 29, 2019, 10:16 AM
A few questions I had from last night's episode:
- Anybody have any speculation as to what Bran was doing with the ravens?
- I couldn't exactly follow all the visuals, but the one that kept coming back to me as maybe important was with John riding on his dragon there were images of a tree line that seemed to show troops moving in a line.  I couldn't tell if this was troops coming to battle or moving south.  Or maybe I just couldn't tell what was going on in the images.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Muftak on April 29, 2019, 10:35 AM
Not sure about Gilly and Little Sam  :-\

I saw both still standing at the end of the crypt fight. Gilly has been hard for me to recognize this season, what with her new "Southern" hairstyle and real-life pregnancy during filming. And Little Sam is a toddler now, so to see him "standing" at all is always odd for me.

A few questions I had from last night's episode:
- Anybody have any speculation as to what Bran was doing with the ravens?

My take on it was he was trying to draw the Night King out by making it look like he was actively participating in the battle instead of simply acting as bait. (No idea about the other question...these budget-saving obscured battles at night leave me with the feeling if they want me to know something important is happening, they will spell it out in an obvious way.)

Seems the plot armor was a lot stronger than your typical GOT battle. I am kind of disappointed with how by-the-book the battle was and how tame the death toll was for the main cast, or even the b- and c-listers for that matter. The Dothraki charge and its outcome was the only dread-inspiring surprise.

At the same time, I remember the first time I read the scene where Jon fought the wights at Castle Black and rolling my eyes about the fact that we were going the "Zombie" route. It took me a long time to get invested in that storyline at all, but by now I had flopped and considered this to be the main point of the story, so ending with a struggle for the Iron Throne seems almost anticlimactic (even though that's where I always wanted the story to be focused.) I hope there are surprises coming.

(And after two breeches the same way, I think it's time for the Winterfell masons to invest in some giant-proof doors.)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on April 29, 2019, 11:10 AM
Hardhome has been the best episode of this series....until last night.

Wow.....just wow!  I loved it!  The shot of the Dothraki charge as seen from the POV of Daenereys and Jon was so cool!  The dragon aerial battle was well shot, I also liked how the front lines were looking into darkness and then the wights would just appear at the last second...so much suspense!

Tyrion and Sansa in the crypts!

Arya FTW!

I'm going to have to rewatch this episode a dozen times or so!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on April 29, 2019, 11:17 AM
I was kinda hoping there were multiple layers of defense that would have been put in place within the castle.  I didn't read the books, but there have been multiple references to the impenetrability of Winterfell in the show.  I was kind of hoping for ballistas, crossbows, archers in high towers, flaming oil to repel wall attacks, etc. that would have held longer, and then defeated by the zombie dragon or whatever.  Ultimately it was just one gate, one wall, and that was about it.

I guess it doesn't really matter as the storyline was about killing the night king inside the walls by Arya's ninja skills and having a longer drawn out battle wouldn't have served any purpose.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on April 29, 2019, 04:25 PM
A few questions I had from last night's episode:
- Anybody have any speculation as to what Bran was doing with the ravens?
- I couldn't exactly follow all the visuals, but the one that kept coming back to me as maybe important was with John riding on his dragon there were images of a tree line that seemed to show troops moving in a line.  I couldn't tell if this was troops coming to battle or moving south.  Or maybe I just couldn't tell what was going on in the images.

What he saw was all the White Walkers hanging back by the tree line. He was moving towards them to fry them all when that apocalyptic storm blew up out of nowhere.

I agree Bran's initial thing with the ravens was to draw out the Night King, but he was warging for a looong time. Even after NK was already on the scene. I was wondering what else he might have been doing too. Hmmm.



Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on April 29, 2019, 05:23 PM
I had a 6 year old who just would not go to sleep last night, so I watched most of the episode thanks to a day off and the DVR this morning...

...and then went to see Avengers - Endgame.  I saw about 1 hour of "The Long Night" and then Endgame.  And I paused it just as Sansa and Tyrion were hiding behind the on crypt and drew their dragonglass daggers to go the theater for Avengers.  Then I came home and saw the rest of the GoT episode.  Talk about an emotionally exhausting day!!!!

I was a little surprised to see Melisandre reappear.  But then this was what she had been foreseeing, wasn't it?  When you have a chance watch the episode on HBO On Demand and watch the After the Episode segment with David and DB.  The way they broke down the episode distilled the entire experience.

The army of the dead was like nothing we've seen.  The looming threat of that darkness was nothing short of insidious.  Especially when the Dothraki made their charge with their flaming Arakh's.  That was amazing to see, but it was startling to see how quickly those hopes were dashed.

Bran spending so much time warging was puzzling.  And I wonder what he might have been doing, too.  But it also seemed like the Night King was warging, too, as he commanded the dead to lay down across the fire trench so they could bridge it and reach the walls of Winterfell.

It was difficult to see who was left standing following the battle.  I can think of at least 6 significant characters who died:  ****SPOILER TEXT FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T SEEN IT YET**** Beric Dondarrion, Theon Greyjoy, Dolorous Edd Tollett, Ser Jorah Mormont, Lyanna Mormont and Melisandre.  The one who I was left hoping would make it out?  Podrick Payne.  I don't know why, but that guy has grown on me.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on April 29, 2019, 10:44 PM
The army of the dead was like nothing we've seen. 

Actually, no one rally saw it.  :D
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on May 6, 2019, 08:29 AM
Still nowhere near Joffrey or Ramsey level, but they are really succeeding in making people hate Euron. I'm not sure there is a death horrible or torturous enough for that stupid asswipe now.

Also, not buying the Dany heel swerve after spending so many seasons showing us over and over what a good person she was. You cant undo all that in the space of a few episodes.

Given that I have always assumed Jamie would kill Cersei, and the Hound will kill the Mountain, I have to wonder WTF Arya is going to end up killing down there. Qyburn maybe?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on May 6, 2019, 10:23 AM
Also, not buying the Dany heel swerve after spending so many seasons showing us over and over what a good person she was. You cant undo all that in the space of a few episodes.
I dunno...  It is plausible.  The thing this show does best is turn your opinions on characters.   

Given that I have always assumed Jamie would kill Cersei, and the Hound will kill the Mountain, I have to wonder WTF Arya is going to end up killing down there. Qyburn maybe?
My guess is that after they take down Cersei, it will be Dany vs. Jon.  Then at the very end Sansa will make her play and Arya will be the one to stop her.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on May 6, 2019, 10:53 AM
I agree that Daenerys is going Mad Queen a little quickly, but they've sown the seeds for this throughout the season.  She really is starting to talk like Viserys now though.

I can't see Arya killing Cersei....it will be Jaimie...similar to what he did to kill the mad king.

I like how they wrote Gilly's real life pregnancy into the show.  I'm guessing Sam is taking Gilly home to be the head of house Tarly?  No need for the Night's watch anymore.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on May 6, 2019, 11:35 AM
I'm thinking Jamie takes out Cirsei, and either Arya or Tyrion take out Dany. 

Somehow Euron is going to have a sweet death too - I'm just not sure how or who is going to be the one.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on May 6, 2019, 04:17 PM
I'm thinking Jamie takes out Cirsei, and either Arya or Tyrion take out Dany. 

Somehow Euron is going to have a sweet death too - I'm just not sure how or who is going to be the one.

I agree that Tyrion will probably have to take out Daenerys...but Varys is going to die trying.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on May 6, 2019, 04:54 PM
Arya's kill list is pretty short these days, although it really hasn't been mentioned in awhile:
- Cersei - somebody will kill her, although I think it will be Jamie.
- The Hound - somehow I think he survives and/or I don't think Arya kills him.
- Ilyn Payne - the executioner of Ned Stark - I think Arya takes him out in the next episode where she is shown within King's Landing.
- The Mountain - I don't think Arya takes him out.  My guess is The Hound gets to take him out and maybe dies in the process.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 7, 2019, 07:15 AM
Ilyn Payne is still around?  Seems like we haven't seen him in 3 or 4 seasons.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 7, 2019, 08:36 AM
Ilyn Payne is still around?  Seems like we haven't seen him in 3 or 4 seasons.

The actor, Wilko Johnson, was diagnosed with (what was believed to be) terminal cancer around 2012 and was effectively written out of the series following the second season.  The only notable function that Ilyn Payne served in the books was as a sparring partner, as Jaime Lannister trained to sword fight using his left hand after he had lost his right hand.  Johnson seems to have beaten the odds and may be in remission.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: BillCable on May 7, 2019, 12:01 PM
Quick search - Wikipedia says his cancer was misdiagnosed.  He had a more treatable form which they removed surgically after discovering the error. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on May 7, 2019, 01:54 PM
That's good news.

As far as the show....I bet she guts Qyburn.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on May 12, 2019, 11:01 PM
Incredible!  :D

#Cleganening
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 13, 2019, 08:56 AM
I thought last night's episode was astounding.  But it really was about some things just unraveling beyond anyone's control.  Dany's paranoia has been steadily growing, and it is becoming more clear that the Starks were right to mistrust her, and Jon Snow truly knows nothing.  Varys seems to have let the word out in advance of his untimely demise.  Just how many ravens did he dispatch before he himself was dispatched by Drogon?

The battle was epic.  I was expecting that much.  When Dany took out the Iron Fleet in a matter of minutes and then all of the scorpions on the walls of Kings Landing?  And then when the gates exploded in flames and decimated the Golden Company?  I yelled "holy ******* ****?!!" at my tv.  I had to genuinely wonder if Tyrion's call for the bells to ring in surrender would lead to the limited battle that he had planned for. 

And then Dany turned.  The House Targaryen words of "Fire and blood" were in full effect and it was truly gruesome.

What I'm kind of shocked at is how people reacted on social media.  Have they been watching the same show that I started watching back in 2011?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Tracy on May 13, 2019, 09:51 AM
Burn them all
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on May 13, 2019, 09:52 AM
I was hoping for something more clever with Varys' demise.  He is not one that has stuck his neck out much at all during all the turmoil over the past 8 seasons, and now he feels he needs to stick his neck out for Jon, who probably doesn't need help anyhow.  I'm fine with Varys' dying, I was just hoping it would be something more nuanced - e.g. got caught trying to negotiate with Qyburn and  crushed by The Mountain, or poisoned.

I was a little surprised by Grey Worm's bloodlust.  I could see him wanting to be honorable and let people surrender.  I could see him wanting to let innocents escape their evil masters.  I understand he was still pissed about the death of Missandei.

I'll be interested to see if in the next episode if he as regrets or how he handles himself.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 13, 2019, 10:03 AM
Burn them all

True dat! Right down to the exploding caches of wild fyre.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on May 13, 2019, 11:31 AM
Note to self....unless they bring their elephants, the Golden Company is a waste of money.

Anyone else get the vibe that Varys was poisoning, or at least trying to poison, Daenery's food?

Cleagane bowl was worthy of it's own episode!  Loved it!

I think it would've been a neat twist if Cersei started setting off the wildfire caches throughout the city to try to blame it on Drogon....I was expecting Cersei to have some sort of plan up her sleeve.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on May 13, 2019, 01:35 PM

What I'm kind of shocked at is how people reacted on social media.  Have they been watching the same show that I started watching back in 2011?

In a word, no.  Many of these people are pop culture vampires, and they'll be off to suck the life out of, and destroy some other cool thing very soon.  Marvel, perhaps?

Dany's actions are very much her character from episode one in the series.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on May 13, 2019, 03:11 PM
Action-wise, incredible.

Character-wise?  Total bull**** in terms of where certain characters are ending up / going. 

They spent 7 seasons building Daenerys up to be the breaker-of-chains, champion of the oppressed, so she gets mad and flips to commit total genocide because Missandei gets killed?

And speaking of Missandei, she was the freed slave who dies in chains, cool...

They spent 7 seasons building Brienne up to be this total bad-ass independent female knight and the last place we saw her was crying as her man left...

And where did that man go?  To kill Cersei which would have been the ultimate finale to his character arc?  Nope, he went back to her after 5 or 6 seasons of us thinking that he really wasn't as bad as initially believed, that he was redeemable and honorable on some level. 

Meanwhile, those giant dragon-killing Scorpions / crossbows sure went from being super deadly to utterly worthless in a 30 second span. 
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on May 13, 2019, 03:25 PM
...those giant dragon-killing Scorpions / crossbows sure went from being super deadly to utterly worthless in a 30 second span.

Agreed.

The ease at which they killed Rhaegal offset by their inability of hitting Drogon seemed odd.  The accuracy of those scorpions mounted on bouncing ships seemed ridiculous - both in hitting Rheagal and Dany's fleet.

I would have liked to see something more clever in Rhaegal's death or more clever in how Drogon was impossible to hit.  I did like how Drogon came out of the sun to make him hard to see, but once he started attacking King's Landing it seemed like he was flying around pretty straight and low and didn't take any hits.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on May 13, 2019, 04:42 PM
The only reason the scorpions worked was because of surprise.  Drogon was hit by one in season 7 and mildly wounded because they'd never encountered them before, and Rheagal was killed because they were ambushed (not seeing the ambush is another argument entirely).

Danny/Drogon came at the Iron Fleet out of the sun where they could not be seen approaching until it was too late, the scorpions are too slow to react when they are the ones surprised.  That's how they were able to wipe them out early in the battle...at least that's how I looked at it from a tactical point of view.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on May 13, 2019, 05:26 PM
I got the impression she was sort of high altitude dive-bombing them too, closing the distances with such speed they couldn’t re-aim in time. And the scorpions mounted on the walls could not swivel 360 degrees I don’t think, so she just had to pick the right angle/direction and they were like sitting ducks.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 13, 2019, 07:53 PM
Danaerys was no angel.  There have been times where her intentions have appeared noble, but she has strayed into darkness on a number of occasions.  EW came up with this:  7 times Game of Thrones foreshadowed Daenerys' dark turn (https://ew.com/tv/2019/05/13/game-of-thrones-daenerys-mad-queen/)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on May 15, 2019, 12:04 AM
What Matt said covered my thoughts.  I’d add too, they seemed like they’re not as useful the lower the dragon is too.  I’m fine with it.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on May 19, 2019, 07:42 PM
It’s hard to believe tonight is the end...I rewatched the first episode last night, amazing to think what has happened on the show, my life, the world

I hope the books do the end of the series justice, they surely could have run the last two seasons out by two...people bitching about the pace and plot are sort of right, I look past most of the bitching and focus on the narrative, it’s there and I really can’t wait to read how Martin gets us to this same spot.

Have fun tonight everyone!!!
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on May 19, 2019, 08:24 PM
I’m happy I made it to this point 99% spoiler free.  :D

I got pretty much everything I wanted last episode. Fingers crossed they don’t wreak too much havoc with the remaining characters.

And for Gods sake don’t screw up Arya’s story somehow.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Scott on May 19, 2019, 10:36 PM
I’m smiling, ‘twas the best show ever and they knocked it out of the park...

Like I said, I don’t disagree they rushed the last two seasons, I’m not signing a stupid petitions to remake anything, the story was told and written and played out beautifully

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: McMetal on May 19, 2019, 10:47 PM
No complaints here, except I feel like Jon got sort of a raw deal.

Took me awhile to recognize Edmund Tully and that Arryn brat. Lol House Frey is extinct.

Arya sniping at Yara was awesome.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 20, 2019, 09:16 AM
There was a lot to unpack with last night's episode.

RE: Jon.  The echoes to Ned Stark's honor and loyalty rang through with Jon, as did some of his backstory when Robert's rebellion took Kings Landing.  In some ways he was able to right some of the wrongs that Ned had to let go when the Lannisters sacked Kings Landing and killed so many.  But now Jon was able to avenge some of the innocents by dispatching someone who had wantonly killed so many women and children.  And the knife to the heart was much like season 5 when Jon was stabbed at Castle Black.

In a way, I kind of think that Jon got what he wanted.  He just didn't realize it at first.  He always said that he did not want the throne, and I think you have to take him at his word.  He might have done it if called by a sense of duty, but it doesn't seem like he would do it under any other circumstances.  Sending Jon back to the Night's Watch was really like sending him home.  He was reunited with Ghost.  And he looked genuinely happy as he took the free folk back home, north of the Wall.  And how was that scene for a bookend?  The first shots of the series were the rangers going through the tunnel in the wall, and the final shots are Jon Snow travelling north and with a new sense of belonging.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on May 20, 2019, 09:42 AM
I thought last night's episode was just okay.

I wasn't a big fan of Bran the Broken taking the throne.   I was hoping it would have been Tyrion or Jon, but if it was given to Jon I would have liked him to kind of leave it up to Tyrion and team to run the show while he was off doing something else.

Royal lineage has almost always trumped everything else, so it kind of bothers me that Jon has the lineage and they more or less ignored it.  Varys spent his last days sending notes to all corners of the realm advertising this and it didn't matter.

The one other scene that I don't really like that they "left out" was what Grey Worm and crew said / did with Jon after they realized he killed Dany.  They've been pretty ruthless in their support of her and just throwing Jon in a cell doesn't really seem like their style.

Ultimately I enjoyed the series, but wasn't a big fan of the final episode.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Nicklab on May 20, 2019, 11:06 AM
I've been seeing a good deal of speculation that GRRM may be sitting on books 6 and 7, and likely struck a deal with HBO to do just that.  I can see the reasoning behind that concept since the show and the books began to diverge in some significant ways.  And once the show caught up with the books it made more sense to let the HBO series stand on its own.

Meanwhile there's word of as many as 3 Westeros based TV shows in development.  One that I've heard about may go back thousands of years, which could be as far as when the First Men came to Westeros and their conflict with the Children of the Forest.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on May 20, 2019, 12:39 PM
I think that no matter what they do people are going to complain... did I think it was perfect?  Of course not.  Do I appreciate the impossible task that was closing the biggest show in TV history in an era where everyone with an opinion can get it out to a million people on Twitter and complaining is in fashion?  Absolutely.

The only thing that bugged me a lot was Jon being sent off to the wall, but the more I thought about it, the more I liked it.

How many times did the guy say he didn't want to be king?  And every time he said it we all thought "that's why he'll make the best king..."

But he didn't want to be king, and he meant it apparently.  He spent his whole life being a lesser bastard, then being locked up in the Night's Watch, then fighting wars he didn't want to fight... the idea of him wandering off into the wilderness with the Free Folk is poetic, and fitting even if it seemed out of left field given our expectations.  After sleeping on it, I like it.

Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on May 20, 2019, 10:52 PM
I liked the ending. 

The final shot had me wondering if Jon Snow was going to spend the rest of his life beyond the wall with the free folk.  Like Tormund said, it's where he belongs.  Glad he finally pet Ghost!

I liked how Drogon took Daenery's body away after Jon killed her.  My guess is that he was flying off to Old Valeria....he liked hanging out there ins Season 5....could there be a couple of eggs there?

BTW, I totally blew it in my office pool.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Jesse James on May 22, 2019, 01:32 AM
I’m with Scott.  I loved it.  The series was pretty perfect start to finish.

A buddy of mine gave a couple loose string/plot holes but they’re minor to us both and overall the ending was about as good as I think could be expected.  And I like the Bran pick for the reasons Tyrion gave with him not being perfect, but he has a good story and he’s a good person with wisdom on his side.  And I was glad to see, after being beaten over the head with characters I loved dying season upon season, to finally have the characters I loved be there at the end.  The table meeting was a nice cap to it all.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on November 6, 2022, 04:46 PM
So what did everyone think about House of the Dragon?

Spoilers be warned..



..



I didn't read the books so don't know all the background, but mostly enjoyed the Game of Thrones series on HBO.

I'll be honest, I was mostly bored by House of the Dragon. 

I'm not sure I care about any of the characters.  I think we're supposed to be cheering for Rhaenyra, but she's not all that likeable.  And the "evil" characters aren't necessarily all that evil.

Even with all the time jumps there didn't seem to be a lot happening.  Not a lot of real romantic tension.  Sure there were a few battles.  Some minor characters were killed, but I'm not sure there was anything that was remotely surprising.  I felt the GoT always had me on my toes with Ned getting killed pretty quickly in that series and really anybody was likely to get axed from week to week.

I remember GoT getting off to a little bit of a slow start, but then it really took off once it got all the pieces in place halfway through the first season.

I'll be honest that I'm not sure I'm going to give the second season a try unless I hear people gushing about it.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Matt_Fury on November 6, 2022, 09:54 PM
I really enjoyed it.  The show seems to be better done than what Benioff and Weiss were able to do.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on November 8, 2022, 11:34 AM
The meat of the story happens next season(s).  If they follow the book closely, **** should hit the fan. And based on this season, I don't expect there will be much deviation. There's something that could rival the Red Wedding in shock value and a battle that could be up there with the Battle of the Bastards coming up.

I don't think you're supposed to root for or pick a side.  They're all a buncha pricks and ********.
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Dave on November 8, 2022, 01:09 PM
The meat of the story happens next season(s).  If they follow the book closely, **** should hit the fan.

Sorry for my ignorance, but are these actual books that Martin wrote or are these made for HBO stories that just live in his world, kinda like the Rings of Power series on Amazon?
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: P-Siddy on November 8, 2022, 01:19 PM
This show is based off a book about the Targaryens and their house’s rise and fall in Westeros
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Mikey D on November 9, 2022, 04:43 PM
This show is based off a book about the Targaryens and their house’s rise and fall in Westeros

Yep, Fire and Blood.  It's written as an in-universe history book so it's a bit dry at times.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51sw9sAJJ3L._SX327_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Title: Re: A Game of Thrones (HBO)
Post by: Rob on November 10, 2022, 01:43 PM
Finally finished the last episode two nights ago.  I'm into it.