Game of Thrones - Season 2 Discussion

[Sepiche]

Not that I disagree that it would have been great to see the Eyrie and the Dothraki Horde in the full majesty, but both of those were clearly modified for time and budgetary reasons.

[TiLT]

While we're on the subject of technical nitpicks... one other thing that "bothered" me in season 1 was the Dothraki "horde". It seems they must ride single-file to hide their numbers as I don't think we ever saw more than 30 on the screen at a single time. One good CGI shot of a massive horde riding along would have been nice.

You actually do see a good lot of them at once in the opening scene of episode 2, season 1.

[Rumpy]

Haven't read the books, but I'm enjoying the series. I do agree that some things can be difficult to grasp such as names and locations. However, my first thought upon seeing Pyre (something I had to find out by researching) was that it looked remarkably like Skyrim's Solitude.

[Inverarity]

Best episode of the season? Probably. Things are moving.

[Odin]

That was a really good episode, yes. I'm surprised that it's still possible to BE surprised at what a fantastic actor Dinklage is. His scenes with Lancel and Bronn were just fantastic.

Light spoiler below for book-readers regarding the death of a relatively-minor character in the series who has a different experience in A Storm of Swords (book 3):

Spoiler:

I was disappointed that the death of The Tickler was advanced by a whole book, because it means that one of my favorite (and one of the most impactful) scenes can't happen down the road.

[Zaxxon]

Concur with Odin's semi-spoilerific opinion.

Spoiler:

Although I can understand why they did it--Weese and Chiswyck haven't even been shown (or at least called out) in the series. They had to change it to someone the viewers would know, or nuke the whole Ghost of Harrenhal plot line entirely. That sure would have sucked. I'm hopeful that they'll find some other way to convey the ASoS scene that you're referring to.

This episode is up there with #3 as my favorite from the current season so far. In addition to Dinklage continuing to rock, I thought the Pyat Pree scene was great, and I buy Xaro's performance (I wasn't sure last week). Bran's scene was fantastic, as well.

The CGI dragons are holding up, too.

[Odin]

Concur with Odin's semi-spoilerific opinion.

You know, I actually gave a lot of thought to whether my comments were spoilers or not. I ultimately decided that they weren't, because the guy's dead. Knowing that he ought to have died at some other time (according to the books) isn't going to spoil some future scene, since I didn't describe the timing or manner of his death with any detail. If the show ends up doing that scene using some other character and the viewers haven't read the books, they'd surely never be able to even identify that it's the scene I referred to, let alone have predicted it or been spoiled for it.

That was my conclusion, anyway. If I'm overlooking some significant likelihood that it could actually be a spoiler, let me know and I'll go back and hide it.

[Zaxxon]

Hence the semi. I don't think it's a big deal, but you're definitely spoiling the fact that these two characters have a very different encounter in book 3.

[Odin]

Hence the semi. I don't think it's a big deal, but you're definitely spoiling the fact that these two characters have a very different encounter in book 3.

You know, I wasn't really thinking in terms of the book reader. Given the guidance below from this thread's opening post, I'll fix it.

If you've read the books and plan to post a comment that gives away something that has not yet been aired on the television show, please use spoiler tags.

[dedewhale]

to me the Qarth scene felt like a bad deep space nine/ star trek episode (when they visit some planet). Maybe there is no way around it, but it felt like made for tv scifi

[cheeba]

Wait a minute. There were no boobies, were there?

Best part of the episode for me was Arya staring down Papa Lannister saying, "anyone can be killed" and him looking a little unsettled. Subtle and excellent.

[WarPig]

More Quorin Halfhand, please. The previews for the next episode show more of that; looking forward to more action north of the Wall.

[Exodor]

Wait a minute. There were no boobies, were there?

None. It helped balance episode 3 (I think) which seemed to be a non-stop sexposition fest.

I noticed before ep3 (or whichver that was - the episode where Stannis fathered the shadow demon child thing) that there was no "N" in the pre-show viewers advisories.

to me the Qarth scene felt like a bad deep space nine/ star trek episode (when they visit some planet).

I'm really not digging Qarth. The meeting at the gate from last week was probably my least favorite scene so far. This week was better but I really hope Dany doesn't linger in the goofiest city that is or ever was.

[Jag]

Wait a minute. There were no boobies, were there?

None. It helped balance episode 3 (I think) which seemed to be a non-stop sexposition fest.

Even though I've read the books, I fully expected the scene in Daenary's room with her handmaidens to turn into a 3 way lesbian love scene. (with Littlefinger looking on naturally)

[Redfive]

Concur with Odin's semi-spoilerific opinion.

You know, I actually gave a lot of thought to whether my comments were spoilers or not. I ultimately decided that they weren't, because the guy's dead. Knowing that he ought to have died at some other time (according to the books) isn't going to spoil some future scene, since I didn't describe the timing or manner of his death with any detail. If the show ends up doing that scene using some other character and the viewers haven't read the books, they'd surely never be able to even identify that it's the scene I referred to, let alone have predicted it or been spoiled for it.

That was my conclusion, anyway. If I'm overlooking some significant likelihood that it could actually be a spoiler, let me know and I'll go back and hide it.

Trying to quote only non spoiler posts since I have no idea how to use the tags and don't want to mess something up--but I agree completely.

The way he died in book 3 was one of my favorite parts of the series, hands down. It is one of the biggest reasons why the character that killed him is my favorite in the books. I literally said 'f*ck yeah' or something similar out loud when it went down. It is a huge pick-me-up in book 3 considering what happens earlier (I don't think I need to be any more specific )

It's not the end of the world for me that it was changed for the show, but I do wonder a little why they did it that way.

[Chaosraven]

The way he died in book 3 was one of my favorite parts of the series, hands down. It is one of the biggest reasons why the character that killed him is my favorite in the books. I literally said 'f*ck yeah' or something similar out loud when it went down. It is a huge pick-me-up in book 3 considering what happens earlier (I don't think I need to be any more specific )

It's not the end of the world for me that it was changed for the show, but I do wonder a little why they did it that way.

Oh, you mean when

Spoiler:

yeah, as if.

and

Spoiler:

funny, I actually had to go back and look that scene up

Whoo boy that was awesome

[Exodor]

I really enjoy the show writeups on Grantland

Theon preens pathetically in front of the crew of the Sea Bitch. (which, interestingly, was also the working title for Splash)

I have faith in Tyrion’s ability to stay two steps ahead of everyone else because he’s the only one who even bothers to take a step outside. His lack of vanity (and his surprising size) allow him to wander the backstreets and melon markets of King’s Landing undisturbed, gaining a feel for the people, all of whom seem to know the (true) slander being whispered about the sleeping arrangements in the Lannister household. They also seem to know that Tyrion is pulling the strings, even if they do dismiss him as a “Demon Monkey.” (Interestingly, this was also the working title for Every Which Way But Loose.)

Arya is now more undercover than ever, serving water and wine to Tywin Lannister and hearing firsthand his grudging respect for her brother. She’s also developed a strange relationship with that scraggly Frenchman she rescued: He’s also passing for a Lannister soldier, but explains to Arya that together they owe “the Red God” three lives for the trio she saved. The annoyingly named Jaqen H’ghar may look like a Dutch painting, but he’s actually a murderous Kazaam, granting three kills on command. The first victim is the town torturer, and the lusty look on Arya’s face at her new power is matched only by the earlier moment when a shirtless Gendry offered her two free tickets to the gun show. (She, of course, took the time to critique his self-swordplay.)

To the North, the Rangers have reached their final destination of Hoth,

That reminds me - how did Mr. Unpronouncable go from being locked in a cage cart with two freaks to being a Lannister soldier?

[Zaxxon]

That reminds me - how did Mr. Unpronouncable go from being locked in a cage cart with two freaks to being a Lannister soldier?

The long version is that Arya gave him an axe to free himself, and that a smart, well-spoken dude like Jaqen would have no trouble whatsoever getting a job as a guardsman.

The short version is that if I told you, you'd be terrified.

[Exodor]

I'm halfway through book 1 so I'll just wait until I reach book 2 I guess.

Thanks for the explanation.


I loved the baby dragon scene. So cute.




Want.

[Carpet_pissr]

I really enjoy the show writeups on Grantland

Hee hee. Good stuff. Definitely going to check that out. I assume it's written by someone that has never read the books? That would be an interesting perspective for me.

[Carpet_pissr]

So cute.

Want.

Until he charbroils your finger accidentally. Then, not so much.

[Exodor]

I really enjoy the show writeups on Grantland

Hee hee. Good stuff. Definitely going to check that out. I assume it's written by someone that has never read the books? That would be an interesting perspective for me.

Yep. At the bottom of the entry:

Note on these recaps: I have not read the books and I have no intention to do so. My goal is to analyze and enjoy Game of Thrones strictly as a television show. So please, no spoilers or “I told you so”s in the comments, OK? OK!

EDIT: Does Renly's death mark the end of Margaery Tyrell's role in the story?

I hope not.

[Carpet_pissr]

Note on these recaps: I have not read the books and I have no intention to do so.

Your loss, dude! Though I guess if I watched the whole series and knew what happens, I probably would not want to read the books either. This is why I try to usually unsuccessfully hold off on seeing particular movies based on books that people say is a "must read" (thinking I will read the books first, THEN watch the movie).

OTOH, how many books turned movies were great in BOTH formats? Not that many probably.

EDIT: Ooooh, I see he also does "Walking Dead" recaps! If he skewers them, that should be fun! I gave up on that one out of disgust (not from blood and guts but writing/acting).

[Carpet_pissr]

EDIT: Does Renly's death mark the end of Margaery Tyrell's role in the story?

Nope - you're in luck. Remember her hit you over the head line "I want to be THE queen"?

Should tell you something about her future ambitions.

[Zork]

Did anyone catch Roy Dotrice's cameo last night? I did not recognize him while I was watching last night's episode, but I saw his name flash across the screen during the ending credits.

For those of you not familiar with him, Roy Dotrice is the AMAZING narrator for books 1, 2, 3, and 5. I just read from the link above that Dotrice re-read book four, A Feast for Crows. John Lee (who did a great job with Pillars of the Earth), murdered AFfC IMHO. I'm so glad to hear Dotrice fixed that. I'm definitely going to add that to my queue now.

-Zork

[edit: Forgot to mention his cameo Roy Dotrice played the Master Pyromancer who showed Tyrion the wildfire.]

[Odin]

Did anyone catch Roy Dotrice's cameo last night? I did not recognize him while I was watching last night's episode, but I saw his name flash across the screen during the ending credits.

Not only caught it, but knew it was coming and was greatly looking forward to it. He was terrific as anticipated, though as usual the role had been cut down quite a bit as compared to the books.

John Lee (who did a great job with Pillars of the Earth), murdered AFfC IMHO. I'm so glad to hear Dotrice fixed that.

Absolutely agree. I wasn't familiar with John Lee before, but I totally want to punch him in the nose if I ever meet him. He isn't fit to gargle Dotrice's used mouthwash. The only thing that pisses me off is having to go and spend another 50 bucks to replace my copy of AFfC audiobook with the Dotrice version. Assuming I decide to - I don't travel by car alone anymore, and that was really when I used to listen to these. As much as I love Dotrice's reads, I can't imagine when I'd actually listen to them.

[Jag]

I love the Entertainment Weekly GoT reviews. Great recaps.

[hepcat]

The assassin Jaquan or whatever is almost up there with the assassin in showtime's The Borgias in terms of coolness. I'm looking forward to learning more about his character.

[Zaxxon]

Is a man not entertained?

[Odin]

Is a man not entertained?

Nice.

[hepcat]

Found this on a GoT forum and it made me laugh:

Hiring Jaqen H'ghar

Abe: Hi, I'd like to hire an assassin.

JH: A man understands.

Abe: What?

JH: A man needs a name.

Abe: Which man?

JH: A man is wanting a death, a man needs a name.

Abe: Which man is wanting what? Hang on, I'm supposed to...okay, let's start again.

JH: A man agrees.

Abe: Which man are you talking about? Is this your boss or something?

JH: A man is asked for death, a man gives death.

Abe: Ok...so this other man is the actual assassin, and you're like an intermediary?

JH: A man is many things.

Abe: Which man? What things?Is it supposed to be this difficult? Is there someone else I should be talking to?

JH: A man needs to know who needs death.

Abe: Eh...okay, I want my boss killed.

JH: A man needs a name.

Abe: You're not kidding me. I thought you were just being all mysterious to add to your boss' aura.

JH: A man does not understand.

Abe: Well, tell him from me that I'm fucking confused myself. I thought you people were supposed to do this kind of thing all the time. I brought money.

JH: A man needs the name of the man's boss.

Abe: Your boss? Wait, do you mean my boss or your boss?

JH: A man has a boss.

Abe: Look, this is getting a little fucking obscure, mate.

JH: A man needs clarification.

Abe: Wait....do you mean YOU!?!? You've been talking about yourself this whole fucking time?!?!? All this "a man shit" has been you referring to yourself in third person?

JH: A man understands.

Abe: Not really, pal. Why don't you talk right? I've just come here to hire an assassin to kill my boss. Isn't that what you people do?

JH: A man needs a name.

Abe: A man needs a fucking predicate. Is this some kind of set-up? Are you trying to get me on tape or something?

JH: A man is confused.

Abe: A man is damned confusing. See, how do you like it? What if everyone walked around talking like you? Are you afraid of being subject specific? Don't you waste a lot of time having pointless conversations about 'a man' when you could be earning coin killing people? Or is this how you kill them, by making their heads explode trying to understand what the fuck you're talking about?

JH: A man needs to calm down.

Abe: A man needs a fucking drink. A man is out of here, and I'm fucking going with him. Holy crap, can someone point me to an ordinary fucking assassin around here? I was willing to let the 2-tone hair go, but this guy's too much. I don't even want to imagine how long settling on a fucking price would take. Maybe they just talk to you until the victim dies of old age, and then collect? A man is a fucking con artist. Shit, now he's got me talking like this.

JH: A man is next.

Ben: What?

(to be continued)

[Carpet_pissr]

LOL.

Horrible Bosses FTW! (love that movie...watched it thrice!)

[Odin]

:lol: Found this on a GoT forum and it made me laugh:

Abe: A man needs a fucking predicate.

That was GREAT!

[Zaxxon]

Ratings for Sunday'e initial airing set a new record for the show and tied the NBA Playoffs for top Sunday cable show this week. Now we're getting somewhere.

[Odin]

Ratings for Sunday'e initial airing set a new record for the show and tied the NBA Playoffs for top Sunday cable show this week. Now we're getting somewhere.

When quality television finally begins to catch up to the ratings for sports, I actually start to have hope that there may be a future for our civilization.

[hepcat]

Ratings for Sunday'e initial airing set a new record for the show and tied the NBA Playoffs for top Sunday cable show this week. Now we're getting somewhere.

When quality television finally begins to catch up to the ratings for sports, I actually start to have hope that there may be a future for our civilization.

Two words that dashes that hope: reality tv

[pr0ner]

Ratings for Sunday'e initial airing set a new record for the show and tied the NBA Playoffs for top Sunday cable show this week. Now we're getting somewhere.

When quality television finally begins to catch up to the ratings for sports, I actually start to have hope that there may be a future for our civilization.

That is such an inane opinion.

[hepcat]

I didn't think he was being insulting or trolling in any way.

[pr0ner]

Inane != insulting or trolling.

Inane = silly.

[hepcat]

It also means stupid. I got the feeling you were insulting him and I wondered why.