Support NeoGAF

[Pecan1]

lol yea they should just make a jon snow spinoff and we can follow john and rose leslie on kookey misadventures

they should also cut to some dude singing Rains in between stabs because that weak ass song is what s most important

media would be so mush bettter if it was ran by people with access to tv and internet instead of people who like make tv and movies for a living

 

[Speevy]

For the general audience, I would be concerned about [spoiler just in case, but nothing specific]

Spoiler

major characters dying and new ones coming in. I don't know of any other show where you would have main characters die so much. It would feel like just a rotating cast with no one to really get attached to and no "main villain" or whatever to hate. There needs to be some constant in the cast that viewers can attach to. Maybe they're trying to do it with Dany, which is why she seems to get more scenes than anyone else this season even though very little happens.

This show needs more Jon Snow.

You're right, except for one thing.

Spoiler

The first season did lay the groundwork for a story in which the Starks and the Lannisters are at odds. Everything Eddard Stark stood for cost him his life. If there's no payoff to that specifically, I'm sorry, but television viewers are going to wonder why.

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

I totally understand what you're saying.

Spoiler

When you read a book, you want something rich that defies conventions. In that sense, the Red Wedding could not be a more perfect way to express how the Starks' sense of justice fails in Westeros. However, as a television viewer, you're not seeing this rich plot before you. You just see two characters who can't avenge Eddard because they're dead themselves. So when I say "counterbalance", I don't necessarily mean a karmic scale. I just mean basically what can they do to allow the audience to move forward. They need to earn it somehow, and lay out its aftermath pretty quickly, else I fear viewership could be affected.

Exactly. I think some TV execs worry about being too dark and whatnot. I think tv is a different ball game. But it is HBO, anything goes right?

 

[frequency]

since Peter Dinklage has the leading casting note in the credits now, I am pretty sure he is who viewers are supposed to latch onto. Tyrion and Arya, really.

Which makes sense, since it kind of felt that way in the books too. But as with most things Game of Thrones, you never should really feel comfortable, and I think that needs to feel the same on the show.

Oh yes. Tyrion was always one of my favourite characters, but I never thought of him as a main one. But I guess it doesn't make sense not to now that I think about it.

Spoiler

I predict a lot more emphasis, more so than now on Dany, Jon, Arya, and Bran. Tyrion too duh.

Handling of the child actors in this show is going to be so weird. If this series goes on for a long time, I wonder how they'll do it. Just pretend their still children? Change the story to match the growing actors/actresses? Re-cast...?

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

Handling of the child actors in this show is going to be so weird. If this series goes on for a long time, I wonder how they'll do it. Just pretend their still children? Change the story to match the growing actors/actresses? Re-cast...?

probably just won't do any stories or anything that implies that they should be young characters. The period thing on Sansa was a stretch enough.

 

[Jibbajabbawockky]

Like the books, the show just needs to make sure any major deaths have the appropriate consequences and aren't forgotten or played as sort of cheap TV shock moments, like a show such as 24 sort of devolved into. The unpredictability makes things interesting but in the books at least, I don't think big character deaths ever felt cheap or you couldn't see them coming to some extent. They all make sense given context. ASOS

Spoiler

So something like the RW, yeah, it sucks for Robb and Cat but you can see it coming when you know Robb has screwed over Frey. The surprise is probably that you didn't think Frey would murder everyone, but its easy to see how Robb screwed up.

And beyond that, big character deaths have equally big consequences that affect the entire shape of future plots, so its not like things are forgotten or brushed aside.


"The North remembers."

 

[Tess3ract]

ASOS BIG SPOILERS

Spoiler

The thing is everyone is going to be mad at walder frey and the voltanis girl, but it wasn't their fault. It's gonna be great but they're going to have to show Roose being slimey and working with Tywin and walder frey. It's good how they have it now because Tywin is becoming more likable so when his reveal with the red wedding and with with tyrion is going to have everyone hate him

 

[evilhomer]

I totally understand what you're saying.

Spoiler

When you read a book, you want something rich that defies conventions. In that sense, the Red Wedding could not be a more perfect way to express how the Starks' sense of justice fails in Westeros. However, as a television viewer, you're not seeing this rich plot before you. You just see two characters who can't avenge Eddard because they're dead themselves. So when I say "counterbalance", I don't necessarily mean a karmic scale. I just mean basically what can they do to allow the audience to move forward. They need to earn it somehow, and lay out its aftermath pretty quickly, else I fear viewership could be affected.

[SoS]

Spoiler

Around the same time as the red wedding, Dany is starting to build her own army up and starting to conquer cities killing off slavers and such. That could be the type of balance you are thinking of maybe? It would give the audience someone to back and root for at that point I think since they would happen around the same episodes on the show

 

[frequency]

probably just won't do any stories or anything that implies that they should be young characters. The period thing on Sansa was a stretch enough.

I guess I never really had reason to keep assuming they were children in the books. It's been a while since I read, but I don't think they ever talk about the passage of time, so we don't really know how long it's been since the beginning when ages were mentioned.

 

[Amir0x]

lol yea they should just make a jon snow spinoff and we can follow john and rose leslie on kookey misadventures

they should also cut to some dude singing Rains in between stabs because that weak ass song is what s most important

media would be so mush bettter if it was ran by people with access to tv and internet instead of people who like make tv and movies for a living

sounds like this is a roundabout 'you can't criticize something unless you do that something for a living' post. "Can you draw that picture? No? Then shut the fuck up, that artist is amazing!"

hope i'm wrong but reads like it

Oh yes. Tyrion was always one of my favourite characters, but I never thought of him as a main one. But I guess it doesn't make sense not to now that I think about it.

In reality, although many people are conditioned to think there must be a main character or a 'side' to root for, in terms of the actual quality of something, it's not true at all. Having a book for example where everyone is fucked up can be quite compelling. Or like how in Breaking Bad Walt is a total monster, but the show is fascinating to watch because he's an unsympathetic monster.

What Game of Thrones has is an 'ensemble.' The 'ensemble' is the main character. An 'ensemble' can have a shifting cast and not necessarily be hurt for it. There are award shows that specifically give out statues to great 'ensembles.' Really, with a show with as many characters as this, nobody gets so much screen time, and the result is the picture is being painted of the world in snapshot. People should latch onto the war for the iron throne, that is the unifying factor here.

 

[Forsaken82]

probably just won't do any stories or anything that implies that they should be young characters. The period thing on Sansa was a stretch enough.

Well, the show doesn't really delve to deep into the amount of time that passes from one point to another, so something like (AFFC)

Spoiler

Arya appearing 2 - 3 years older when she saves Sam

could essentially be done without much question as long as the show takes liberty to make that difference consistent across everything. I used that spoiler in particular since it likely won't happen for at least another 3 years, during which a few of the cast members will likely see a growth spurt. (possibly 4 depending on how the break FFC and DwD up)

Hopefully we don't get another walt from lost situation

(Lost Spoiler?)

Spoiler

"Hey we only spent 40 days on the island, but Walt is special, so he appears to have grown 2 years!" Wonder if that was the point they said "shit, we need to put time travel in here"

 

[MuddyDonut]

JordoftheDead, you should totally listen to the Rains of Castamere song by The National, it's sick.

This shit is great.

 

[Speevy]

I don't think the cast is flush with actors who would hold the attention of the audience without the better ones.

Proof: Imagine if you had to watch 50 minutes of a Dany storyline.

 

[zethren]

I think the story is better off without one main character, or a handful of "main characters". Everyone in this show/book has flaws, and no one is uniquely pure and heroic. I think the result is a more convincing construction of a fictional world, like Amir0x was saying.

There are so many story threads involved within the main overarching plot, and there is a character for each thread. There are plenty of characters to "root for", and plenty of characters to "hate" if you so choose. Some people say that it makes the story hard to follow, but I think it makes it more compelling.

The very fact that there is no one singular hero figure/main character is one of the reasons why I love it so much.

 

[Speevy]

In season 1, the Lannisters massacred like everyone connected with the Starks.

That's pretty much as black and white as it gets.

The Starks aren't claimed to be perfect, but they don't massacre and imprison people for sport.

 

[Uriah]

Major SoS spoilers

Spoiler

Does anyone else think that season 3's finale will be the Red Wedding?

 

[zethren]

In season 1, the Lannisters massacred like everyone connected with the Starks.

That's pretty much as black and white as it gets.

The Starks aren't claimed to be perfect, but they don't massacre and imprison people for sport.

Sure, the Lannisters are clearly more sinister than others. But even then, I don't think they are wholly evil. I don't even think Jaime, as much as a bastard as he is, is wholly evil. Same with Tywin.

Though I admit, I'm only caught up with the show and haven't finished the books so obviously those opinions could change.

 

[Tess3ract]

Sure, the Lannisters are clearly more sinister than others. But even then, I don't think they are wholly evil. I don't even think Jaime, as much as a bastard as he is, is wholly evil. Same with Tywin.

Though I admit, I'm only caught up with the show and haven't finished the books so obviously those opinions could change.

What book are you up to?

 

[Anbokr]

In season 1, the Lannisters massacred like everyone connected with the Starks.

That's pretty much as black and white as it gets.

The Starks aren't claimed to be perfect, but they don't massacre and imprison people for sport.

"the Lannisters" didn't as a whole. Joffrey and Cersai messed up at King's Landing, Jaime panicked at Winterfell, and Tyrion/Tywin are stuck trying to clean up their mess. I'd say Joffrey is the only truly "evil" character in the books/show, I can't see any motivations/calculation aside from pure malice. You know someone is f'd up when they reveled in sadism as children lol.

 

[Herla]

So in the trailer for Ep9 we see

Spoiler

Stannis going into battle

, does that mean they're going to show

Spoiler

Lightbringer? I hope they're not forgetting about it just because it might be expensive...

 

[PersonaX]

So in the trailer for Ep9 we see

Spoiler

Stannis going into battle

, does that mean they're going to show

Spoiler

Lightbringer? I hope they're not forgetting about it just because it might be expensive...

I'm not sure, but i thought

Spoiler

you could see him draw his sword in the trailer when they rush towards the castle and it's not burning or anything.

 

[i_am_ben]

I really liked last episode.

I'm enjoying the fact they're changing the book.

 

[RaidenZR]

-Pyromaniac-: What the fuck? A sense of OPTIMISM? Mang, get the hell out with that pussyfication shit. As if they should have played a Lady Gaga track over Ned's death. If the people can't stomach the harsh reality of the moments that take place during the show, they should quit life.

They can just fade out on Tommen + [series]

Spoiler

kittenz!1!!!

 

[Cornballer]

New episode tonight:

Blackwater

Spoiler

Tyrion and the Lannisters fight for their lives as Stannis' fleet attacks King's Landing.

 

[Dany]

Major SoS spoilers

Spoiler

Does anyone else think that season 3's finale will be the Red Wedding?

yes.

 

[jett]

New episode tonight:

That's a pretty succinct summary. I guess it's all Blackwater tonight!

 

[Lakitu]

Shit. Can't wait for this. I like that summary.

 

[LuchaShaq]

Couldn't agree more.

I'll admit up-front that I am a big fan of The National, but I really like when Matt sings in his raspy baritone register. .

This is what I can't stand. Half the words are mashed together and it's like an emo kid in highschool being forced to read aloud from the textbook.

Obviously a happy go lucky bardy bad cliche version would be just as bad/if not worse.

 

[Emerson]

Repost?


Crusader kings 2 a dynasty building game, they have released a game of thrones total conversion setting start during just before Roberts rebellion


http://citadel.prophpbb.com/topic520.html

So, having never played this game before, I've put some time into this today. Great game and also really complex.

My first run through I royally ballsed up. By chance, Aerys died of illness right at the start, leaving Rhaegar as King, who is much more competent than his father. Playing as Ned I took all the armies of the North south and chipped away at the Targaryen territory. I had 10,000 men sieging King's Landing when Rhaegar showed up about 20k and beat my ass. Ned now imprisoned with my top three commanders (Jeor Mormont, Roose Bolton, Howland Reed) dead. Don't think there's any coming back from that.

 

[apana]

Game of Thrones is the most searched topic on yahoo right now. Today's ratings will be the highest ever.

 

[adamsappel]

Exactly. I think some TV execs worry about being too dark and whatnot. I think tv is a different ball game. But it is HBO, anything goes right?

They've definitely neutered Arya's arc, I think in an effort to keep her sympathetic. I don't have any problem with her

Spoiler

killing people

, and wish they'd kept those moments in, but in the books it seemed very natural because of all she'd been through. They're either going to have to put her in more no-other-way-out situations or

Spoiler

her turn as an assassin

is going to seem unbelievable.

 

[Trojita]

It's funny, I just finished the part in the first book where Viserys tells Ned that Cersei is shitting her pants at the prospect that Stannis is going to come to Kings Landing and wreck shit.

It seemed to take forever for him to get there.

 

[apana]

It's funny, I just finished the part in the first book where Viserys tells Ned that Cersei is shitting her pants at the prospect that Stannis is going to come to Kings Landing and wreck shit.

It seemed to take forever for him to get there.

I knew I wasn't the only one who confused the names of Viserys and Varys. I think that's the reason why producers didn't want to have both Asha and Osha on the show, especially with british accents it would be confusing for American viewers.

 

[theignoramus]

the showrunners have made Stannis Baratheon seem more villainous than Tywin Lannister. It's a byproduct of Lannister appearing more grandfatherly in his interactions with Arya, but he's just as humourless and austere as Stannis in the books

Spoiler

and more cruel and ruthless,especially in SOS

 

[Dany]

The shows Stannis well. He is head strong, is hte rightful her to the throne and nothing wil lget in his way. He is pragmatic, cold and distant. I don't really see him as an enemy but conquering whats his.

 

[frequency]

I actually like show-Stannis a lot. From the show I actually think, of all the people fighting for the throne, he would make the best leader. I don't think I felt that way from the books. I think seeing his interactions with Davos helps that a lot.

He's flawed and made some bad decisions but he seems to be the most capable in bringing peace to Westeros out of all the candidates.

 

[StriKeVillain]

Game of Thrones is the most searched topic on yahoo right now. Today's ratings will be the highest ever.

Yup - they pumped a lot of money into advertising during the week.

 

[Amir0x]

I knew I wasn't the only one who confused the names of Viserys and Varys. I think that's the reason why producers didn't want to have both Asha and Osha on the show, especially with british accents it would be confusing for American viewers.

i think i must be the only one who constantly keeps mixing up the names Cersei and Catelyn

 

[Fuzzy]

i think i must be the only one who constantly keeps mixing up the names Cersei and Catelyn

Yes because they're not even close to being the same as Varys/Viserys or Osha/Asha although I never mix up any of them because I'm awesome. True story.

 

[Peff]

I'm guessing they'll fuse them into one character.

 

[Steelyuhas]

Can't wait for the episode tonight.

 

[Lax Mike]

I actually like show-Stannis a lot. From the show I actually think, of all the people fighting for the throne, he would make the best leader. I don't think I felt that way from the books. I think seeing his interactions with Davos helps that a lot.

He's flawed and made some bad decisions but he seems to be the most capable in bringing peace to Westeros out of all the candidates.

I agree completely. From what the show has shown us, Robb is a good military leader, but he doesn't seem like he would make a particularly good king. Renly might have been a good king, since he was likable, and he showed he's not as stubbornly honor-bound as the Starks when he offered to help Ned in Season 1, but he really has no claim to the throne other than, "No one likes Stannis." And Joffrey is Joffrey, so he's out.

Stannis isn't the nicest guy, but he has the experience, his rulings are harsh but fair, and he actually has the best claim to the throne. His speech about how he's always done his duty, and never been rewarded really made me sympathize with him. But it paints him as someone who is fighting just because he's fed up with being hung out to dry, whereas I had always gotten the impression that he was fighting because he genuinely believes that it is his duty, not just his right, to be king.

 

[Cornballer]

That's a pretty succinct summary. I guess it's all Blackwater tonight!

I'm curious if they're going to at least check in with the other story lines or if it's going to be a full hour of Blackwater. Would be unprecedented for the show to not jump around a bit, but I'm all for it.

Game of Thrones is the most searched topic on yahoo right now. Today's ratings will be the highest ever.

Yup - they pumped a lot of money into advertising during the week.

Ratings will probably be a little suppressed because of the holiday weekend, but hopefully people will catch up on demand or HBO Go and the cumulative numbers should be fine.

Can't wait for the episode tonight.

A man is excited about tonight's installment. Think I'm watching on delay this evening due to some holiday festivities, so the content round up will be a little later than usual tonight.

 

[Trojita]

I knew I wasn't the only one who confused the names of Viserys and Varys. I think that's the reason why producers didn't want to have both Asha and Osha on the show, especially with british accents it would be confusing for American viewers.

Shit I can't believe I did that. I am pretty fucking tired.

Renly or Robb would make the best king. Stannis' problem is that he is so high in Lawful Justice that he is a man without ANY mercy. He would be hated by the people in no time, if he isn't completely disliked already for being boring. Renly in contrast was much loved. Renly is also sly enough to play the game of thrones.

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

Game of Thrones is the most searched topic on yahoo right now. Today's ratings will be the highest ever.

it'll definitely be the most downloaded/streamed/dvr'd

 

[IAmtheFMan]

Ya know, I think besides the pilot, this is the episode that I'm most pumped for. Yeah of course we have those events in S3 and S4 that we know are coming, but I think those are gonna be more mixed emotions for me

Spoiler

although the fallout from those should be priceless.

Right now, this is pure adrenaline-dripping "hell yeah" anticipation for me.

 

[MNC]

I actually like show-Stannis a lot. From the show I actually think, of all the people fighting for the throne, he would make the best leader. I don't think I felt that way from the books. I think seeing his interactions with Davos helps that a lot.

He's flawed and made some bad decisions but he seems to be the most capable in bringing peace to Westeros out of all the candidates.

So far I'm feeling the same for book Stannis. He gets so much shit from everyone and while being the rightful heir to the throne he kind of deserves it now IMO.

<halfway through ACoK>

 

[petethepanda]

I really hope they don't devote like 75% (or more) of the episode to Blackwater. Don't get me wrong, it'll be great to finally get some action, but with only two episodes left they can't afford to waste any time. This season has already felt more like "visual Cliffs Notes" than "TV show."

 

[jett]

I really hope they don't devote like 75% (or more) of the episode to Blackwater. Don't get me wrong, it'll be great to finally get some action, but with only two episodes left they can't afford to waste any time. This season has already felt more like "visual Cliffs Notes" than "TV show."

After Blackwater there's only two major events left I can think of:

Spoiler

Jon vs Halfhand and The House of the Undying

.

 

[bengraven]

I feel like I'm in biazzarro land. The cover by the National sounds like a dude in a closet slowly mumbling the lyrics. Half the lyrics are almost lost due to his mumbling nonsense. Maybe people are biased due to liking their past work/glad they got anyone semi known to do a track?

Oh well at least everyone else seems to love it.

You really like to go against the mainstream on this board, don't you? haha

But yeah, The National is very Nick Cave like as I've said earlier and I love Nick Cave so I have no issues here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqhOVY58zIo