Game of Thrones - Season 2 Discussion

[pr0ner]

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

You keep jumping to conclusions.

[TiLT]

Inane != insulting or trolling.

Inane = silly.

That definition is truly archaic, at least on its own like that. "Inane" is a word that implies negativity in modern English.

[Odin]

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

Because that is his way. I do not hear his words.

[Austin]

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

Because that is his way. I do not hear his words.

One could argue that a sports fan might find implicit insult within your comment.

[Odin]

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

Because that is his way. I do not hear his words.

One could argue that a sports fan might find implicit insult within your comment.

One could. But that would be silly.

[Zaxxon]

Back on topic ( ), Sky Atlantic has an interview with Gemma Whelan (AshYara) that confirms that the makeup department went to some effort to intentionally make her look worse on the show. To me she looks more like Asha should here than she does on the show.

[Carpet_pissr]

Back on topic ( ), Sky Atlantic has an interview with Gemma Whelan (AshYara) that confirms that the makeup department went to some effort to intentionally make her look worse on the show. To me she looks more like Asha should here than she does on the show.

Again, not sure why, but I always imagined her as being hot from the books. Maybe even hot in a slutty kind of way. Definitely not "girl next door" medium. Not a big deal I guess, and through Theon's eyes, apparently anything with a vagina is hot, so maybe it was a perspective thing.

[Odin]

Yeah, I definitely had more of a "hot, slutty pirate chick" vibe from her in the books than I've ever gotten from the series. I think Gemma Whelan could have been made UP to look as hot as she should be, but I don't see any logic in making her DOWN.

[hepcat]

Personally, I thought they did a great job with her. I don't want Pirates of the Caribbean's Penelope Cruz with full makeup in GoT, I want dirty and realistic pirate king's daughter who's been raised almost like a son.

[Odin]

Personally, I thought they did a great job with her. I don't want Pirates of the Caribbean's Penelope Cruz with full makeup in GoT, I want dirty and realistic pirate king's daughter who's been raised almost like a son.

In the book, she was both hot (though not in a PotC way. Well, maybe I pictured her a bit like Kiera Knightley), but dirty and realistic and definitely a tomboy who can carouse with the guys, dance the finger dance (which sounds MUCH more pleasant than it is), go toe-to-toe with any of the guys whether it's drinking or fighting, and then get up the next morning to go reave the high seas. ASHA was cool. Yara is meh.

[gameoverman]

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.

It always amazes me when an actor can jump into an ongoing show and, with relatively little screentime, create a memorable character like that. Even with huge cast of characters being juggled in all these storylines, he stands out. I would be willing to watch a show just about his character's adventures.

[hepcat]

If you haven't seen The Borgias on showtime, I suggest you check it out. If nothinge else you'll see one of the most believable assassin's on tv. The British actor who plays Micheletto is amazing. He's not a super ninja, just a man who does whatever it takes to finish a job. The portrayal is incredibly nuanced as well.

But yeah, I agree that the assassin on GoT almost stole the episode from Dinklage....but I think we all agree that's not possible.

[Smutly]

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

Because that is his way. I do not hear his words.

Ah, I'm not the only one.

[Inverarity]

Back on topic ( ), Sky Atlantic has an interview with Gemma Whelan (AshYara) that confirms that the makeup department went to some effort to intentionally make her look worse on the show. To me she looks more like Asha should here than she does on the show.

Wow, she's really cute. They certainly haven't let any of that cuteness cross over into the show.

Speaking of the greyjoys, I know the producers are quick to compliment the actor playing Theon Greyjoy, but I think he's absolutely awful. The only thing worse than his acting is his mustache. Of all the characters in the show, his is the only one I'm not believing. Maybe I'm alone with that impression, and maybe that's how he's supposed to be played (that's not a question. As a non-book reader, I don't want to know if this is "all part of the character"). Whatever the case, I dread seeing him onscreen.

[pr0ner]

All I have to say is that plonking is bad form.

[Odin]

The only thing worse than his acting is his mustache.

[Jag]

Speaking of the greyjoys, I know the producers are quick to compliment the actor playing Theon Greyjoy, but I think he's absolutely awful. The only thing worse than his acting is his mustache. Of all the characters in the show, his is the only one I'm not believing. Maybe I'm alone with that impression, and maybe that's how he's supposed to be played (that's not a question. As a non-book reader, I don't want to know if this is "all part of the character"). Whatever the case, I dread seeing him onscreen.

He is pretty awful, but that's also part of how his character is. He's still an insecure, immature boy who is caught between two worlds and believes he is entitled to the best of both. It's a hard thing to pull off for sure, but he does come off as unlikable which is really all you need. I was never a fan of his (or the Greyjoy storyline) in the books and less so in the show.

[Toe]

Back on topic ( ), Sky Atlantic has an interview with Gemma Whelan (AshYara) that confirms that the makeup department went to some effort to intentionally make her look worse on the show. To me she looks more like Asha should here than she does on the show.

Wow, she's really cute. They certainly haven't let any of that cuteness cross over into the show.

Speaking of the greyjoys, I know the producers are quick to compliment the actor playing Theon Greyjoy, but I think he's absolutely awful. The only thing worse than his acting is his mustache. Of all the characters in the show, his is the only one I'm not believing. Maybe I'm alone with that impression, and maybe that's how he's supposed to be played (that's not a question. As a non-book reader, I don't want to know if this is "all part of the character"). Whatever the case, I dread seeing him onscreen.

He is a hundred times better than the "actress" playing Shae imho. I thought the scene where he confronted his father was one of the better scenes of this season.

[Zaxxon]

I thought the scene where he confronted his father was one of the better scenes of this season.

Concur. I don't get the Theon hate. (Well, I get the Theon hate, but not the Alfie Allen hate.) I think he's done a great job in a role that doesn't engender the greatest amount of empathy from viewers.

[Skinypupy]

I think Allen does a very good job of portraying the spoiled, entitled little brat that is Theon. Of course no one is going to like him, he's a grade A douchebag...a fact doubly reinforced by that ridiculous mustache.

The only new member that is a bit jarring is Brienne. She absolutely looks the part, but the delivery of her lines (especially the "I swear my life to you" bit) is cringe-inducing.

[Odin]

I think Allen does a very good job of portraying the spoiled, entitled little brat that is Theon. Of course no one is going to like him, he's a grade A douchebag...a fact doubly reinforced by that ridiculous mustache.

The only new member that is a bit jarring is Brienne. She absolutely looks the part, but the delivery of her lines (especially the "I swear my life to you" bit) is cringe-inducing.

I thought she was fine. I also didn't think Theon was badly-acted, just an unpleasant character. I do agree about Shae, however - the actress playing her should stick to porn.

[Zork]

Hello all...

For those of you that have not seen it yet, The Simpsons have created their own "Tribute to A Game of Thrones" opening credits.

-Zork

[dedewhale]

still liked the episode but it kind of felt like the jumping in story lines is starting to take its toll. Things were feeling a little rushed so they can squeeze as much as they can get in. If you miss who someone is you have to do research (ie the introduction of the Dreadfort dude Last episode). While its nice things move fast it kind of would have been nice to spend more time Quran Halfhand and Robb Snow together. IMHO

It does seem like they took some larger departures in how things get done compared to the books but still following the overall story.

[Ralph-Wiggum]

It does seem like they took some larger departures in how things get done compared to the books but still following the overall story.

It's been awhile since I read the books, but it seemed to me that the only large departures were:

Spoiler:

Dany's people killed and the dragons stolen. Seemed like a pretty weak way to make her go to the Tower of the Undying.

and

Osha sleeping with Theon to get Bran and the kid-nobody-cares-about out of Winterfall. This last part just seemed like a way for them to advance the story. Of course, this also means the frog eaters are likely not going to be in the show.

It did seem a bit rushed, though. And there were a bit too many/too long chase scenes. It's a small sample size, but it seems to me that the episodes not written by Benioff and Weiss are usually the weaker episodes.

[dedewhale]

It does seem like they took some larger departures in how things get done compared to the books but still following the overall story.

It's been awhile since I read the books, but it seemed to me that the only large departures were:

Spoiler:

Dany's people killed and the dragons stolen. Seemed like a pretty weak way to make her go to the Tower of the Undying.

and

Osha sleeping with Theon to get Bran and the kid-nobody-cares-about out of Winterfall. This last part just seemed like a way for them to advance the story. Of course, this also means the frog eaters are likely not going to be in the show.

It did seem a bit rushed, though. And there were a bit too many/too long chase scenes. It's a small sample size, but it seems to me that the episodes not written by Benioff and Weiss are usually the weaker episodes.

yes those and combined with:

Spoiler:

Arya being the lannister cupbearer, Rob Stark exploits out west and if I remember correctly I dont think Jon Snow ever got lost with Ygritte in the books

those all combined make almost every story line slightly different.

[Scraper]

It does seem like they took some larger departures in how things get done compared to the books but still following the overall story.

It's been awhile since I read the books, but it seemed to me that the only large departures were:

Spoiler:

Dany's people killed and the dragons stolen. Seemed like a pretty weak way to make her go to the Tower of the Undying.

and

Osha sleeping with Theon to get Bran and the kid-nobody-cares-about out of Winterfall. This last part just seemed like a way for them to advance the story. Of course, this also means the frog eaters are likely not going to be in the show.

It did seem a bit rushed, though. And there were a bit too many/too long chase scenes. It's a small sample size, but it seems to me that the episodes not written by Benioff and Weiss are usually the weaker episodes.

Almost every scene in this episode was different than the book. They really deviated, much more than they have in the past. I hope this isn't a sign of how the show is going to go.

Spoiler:

Here's a brief list:

1. Rob ordering the Leach Lord's Bastard to retake Winterfel. This never happens, in the book the bastard goes on his own, attacks the Northerners who are actually trying to retake Winterfel, and sacks Winterfel.

2. Lets not even mention that there are no frogs in the show, which means that Osha is probably going to go north with Bran.

3. John Snow chasing the wildling (I forget her name) then getting lost. This doesn't happen in the book, he simply sets her free

4. Everything about Arya and Harrenhal.

5. Sansa almost getting raped, this doesn't happen at all. The mob scene happens but Sansa escapes just fine.

6. The whole Dragon stealing scene never happens in the books.

[Ralph-Wiggum]

On the plus side, this means that us book readers can't always predict what's going to happen next!

[Carpet_pissr]

On the plus side, this means that us book readers can't always predict what's going to happen next!

Yep - I actually prefer that having read the books not too long ago.

[Hyena]

Can I just say I loved watching the squished-faced inbred little bitch-ass prince getting the verbal and physical smackdown from Tyrion?

I guess they don't call him The Hand for nothing...

[pr0ner]

Can I just say I loved watching the squished-faced inbred little bitch-ass prince getting the verbal and physical smackdown from Tyrion?

I guess they don't call him The Hand for nothing...

Tyrion's line after he smacked Joffrey was amazing.

[Exodor]

Can I just say I loved watching the squished-faced inbred little bitch-ass prince getting the verbal and physical smackdown from Tyrion?

I guess they don't call him The Hand for nothing...

Best moment of the season so far:



I could watch that all day.

[Hyena]

Can I just say I loved watching the squished-faced inbred little bitch-ass prince getting the verbal and physical smackdown from Tyrion?

I guess they don't call him The Hand for nothing...

Tyrion's line after he smacked Joffrey was amazing.

His lines before it were pretty darn good, too...

"We've had vicious kings, and we've had idiot kings, but I don't think we've ever been cursed with a vicious idiot boy king!"

[Toe]

It does seem like they took some larger departures in how things get done compared to the books but still following the overall story.

It's been awhile since I read the books, but it seemed to me that the only large departures were:

Spoiler:

Dany's people killed and the dragons stolen. Seemed like a pretty weak way to make her go to the Tower of the Undying.

and

Osha sleeping with Theon to get Bran and the kid-nobody-cares-about out of Winterfall. This last part just seemed like a way for them to advance the story. Of course, this also means the frog eaters are likely not going to be in the show.

It did seem a bit rushed, though. And there were a bit too many/too long chase scenes. It's a small sample size, but it seems to me that the episodes not written by Benioff and Weiss are usually the weaker episodes.

Almost every scene in this episode was different than the book. They really deviated, much more than they have in the past. I hope this isn't a sign of how the show is going to go.

Spoiler:

Here's a brief list:

1. Rob ordering the Leach Lord's Bastard to retake Winterfel. This never happens, in the book the bastard goes on his own, attacks the Northerners who are actually trying to retake Winterfel, and sacks Winterfel.

2. Lets not even mention that there are no frogs in the show, which means that Osha is probably going to go north with Bran.

3. John Snow chasing the wildling (I forget her name) then getting lost. This doesn't happen in the book, he simply sets her free

4. Everything about Arya and Harrenhal.

5. Sansa almost getting raped, this doesn't happen at all. The mob scene happens but Sansa escapes just fine.

6. The whole Dragon stealing scene never happens in the books.

Comments on your list...

Spoiler:

1. Winterfells eventually fall. Doesn't bother me too much as I can see how it will play out and still be kinda in line with the books.
2. Osha's heading north. While I will miss the lack of frog people, it is something I can live with.
3. John Snow's scenes. Yeah, I thought this was not handled very well. In the books, him letting her go was a strong character-development part of his story (or at least I remember it that way). Also hated how he chases her briefly then is apparently super lost. Really? I mean I know he is no ranger but how you could get lost in that type of environment seems so silly to me that it spoiled the whole thing. Speaking of environment, I did enjoy the location is was shot in. And then Ygritte's attempt to get a "rise" out of him seemed so cheesy and stupid. Did not like at all.
4. I don't mind the stuff happening with Ayra and Tywin since I think they are two of the better actors on the show. I would much rather see Tywin on screen than a no-name actor who doesn't matter anyway. Plus can see when they reach a certain point it will not matter to their storylines. I also liked trying to figure out if Littlefingers eventually recognized her.
5. Sansa's scene did not bother me too much as I can see it as building up that strange relationship between her and the hound.
6. The dragon-stealing scene was a bit of a jolt and, while it is plainly obvious how that resolves itself out.

All in all, I think this was my least favorite episode of the season. Looking at the directed by/written by, I would venture a guess that David Nutter (the director for this episode and the next one) would be where I should turn my ire.

For those interested here is the break down of the ep title, director, and written bys for this season:

1 "The North Remembers" Alan Taylor--- David Benioff & D. B. Weiss
2 "The Night Lands" Alan Taylor--- David Benioff & D. B. Weiss
3 "What Is Dead May Never Die" Alik Sakharov--- Bryan Cogman
4 "Garden of Bones" David Petrarca--- Vanessa Taylor
5 "The Ghost of Harrenhal" David Petrarca--- David Benioff & D. B. Weiss
6 "The Old Gods and the New" David Nutter--- Vanessa Taylor
7 "A Man Without Honor" David Nutter--- David Benioff & D. B. Weiss
8 "The Prince of Winterfell" Alan Taylor--- David Benioff & D. B. Weiss
9 "Blackwater" Neil Marshall --- George R. R. Martin
10 "Valar Morghulis" Alan Taylor--- David Benioff & D. B. Weiss

[JonathanStrange]

I may have missed this but does anyone know where the HBO series is presently at in the book series? Like, where are we in book x, chapter x, page xx? And any estimates if HBOs series will catch up with coy GRRM and make him run?

[Ralph-Wiggum]

Definitely in book 2, somewhere around page 650 - 750, though some story lines are farther along than others. The plan is for book 3 to be broken up into two seasons. How they deal with books 4 & 5, I have no idea. But my guess is that GRRM has at least four years until they need the 6th book.

[JonathanStrange]

Thank you for the info; I guess GRRM can afford to kick back and dream up some new deviltry for the Lannisters.

[TiLT]

Definitely in book 2, somewhere around page 650 - 750, though some story lines are farther along than others. The plan is for book 3 to be broken up into two seasons. How they deal with books 4 & 5, I have no idea. But my guess is that GRRM has at least four years until they need the 6th book.

Judging by how things are currently progressing, I think it's reasonably safe to say that books 4 and 5 will be merged and then split into seasons 5 and 6. It's unlikely that they'll need more than two seasons to cover both those books, whereas book 3 is so filled with dramatic events that it's going to need two seasons for itself.

[pr0ner]

I may have missed this but does anyone know where the HBO series is presently at in the book series? Like, where are we in book x, chapter x, page xx? And any estimates if HBOs series will catch up with coy GRRM and make him run?

The Wikipedia entries for each episode state which chapters in the books each episode is based on if you want specific book to TV concurrence for each part of the show, too.

[JonathanStrange]

Awesome; there's some details in the HBO series that I every now and then would like to check against the sacred texts. Shoulda known there'd be a wiki for that...

[Odin]

I wasn't a big fan of this episode. I felt that practically every scene was kind of meh. The one big exception was the death of Amory Lorch. That was pure awesome and I laughed out loud, cheered, then rewound and watched it three more times.