Game of Thrones

[Jo]

…or Boobs & Dragons to give it it’s correct name ;)
So who watched it and what did you think?

Also… one of the men in the cage – Liam Neeson or not? I spotted him straight away and thought it was, but the internet seems divided on whether it’s him or not since it’s been neither confirmed nor denied by the GoT/B&D people.

Topic

[ChrisM]

I haven’t seen it yet, (I don’t think I get that channel) but I’ve read the books, which are great!

[peas_and_corn]

The show is made of awesome. I’m a little behind right now (ep 6), but really enjoying it. I’ve read the books as well, looking forward to Dances with Dragons!

[Arlene Rimmer BSc SSc]

I don’t have that fancy-pants cable teevee, but I’ve read the books–in fact, for my birthday a few days ago, I got a box set of all the published series so far and a pre-order for A Dance with Dragons. I don’t think it’s spoiling anything to say that it really only gets more awesome from here.

Favorite characters, anyone? I think mine’s Tyrion–he’s a bit, not much but a bit, like a smaller Edmund Blackadder. Arya and Danaerys are also pretty super.

[JEZZMUND]

Thanks to teh interwebs – i’m watching ’em right now, Ep 3.
Must agree – they are pretty bloody good.
I’ve never read any of the books though – they’re on a definite ‘to read’ list…

on a similar thread – anyone seen of of that Camelot yet?
if so – any good?

[Jonathan Capps]

I absolutely love this show. Every single storyline is interesting in its own way, and it’s done a brilliant job of setting up future story lines, creating a palpable interest in and fear of what’s north of the wall. MILD SEASON 1 SPOILERS: It’s gradually growing into the more fantastical elements at its disposal after a first series which almost entirely dealt with humans and human issues. Now, we see things like the White Walkers, Dragons and magic being faced head on, all of which are clearly a threat to the empire that’s been built up by eradicating or hiding from those things. EXCITING.

[Jonathan Capps]

Apparently season 2 is going to be spring 2012. ABOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. With a wait like that, I hope I have the mental strength to only read book 1 and not just power through the rest and ruin the TV series for myself. I’m sure I will.

[ChrisM]

on a similar thread – anyone seen of of that Camelot yet?
if so – any good?

I’m watching the Channel 4 run, and so far, yes, it’s pretty decent.

I’m not too keen on the Arthur Guinevere thread but the rest is great. I like that Morgan* isn’t just a one dimensional sorceress type character. I.e. she’s responsible for some atrocious things but she has complex emotions (including remorse for certain acts) and understandable motivations.

*Possibly spelt ‘Morgian’.

[pfm]

Eva Greene gets her kit off. More do you want what???

[Dave]

>Eva Greene gets her kit off. More do you want what???

Eva Greene to fold her clothes neatly in a pile, triumphantly look around, feel a bit silly and then put them back on.

[Jo]

Awesome Boobs & Dragons rumour alert!

http://blastr.com/2011/06/rumor-of-the-day-game-of.php

[pfm]

I’ve just started reading Clash of Kings (the 2nd book) and I must admit I immediately thought of Eccleston for Stannis Baratheon on reading Martin’s description of him. Especially his face…somehow it just fits.

What does everyone think of the possible Liam Neeson cameo in last week’s finale? He’s in the moving cage around 40mins into the episode…

[Jo]

Also… one of the men in the cage – Liam Neeson or not? I spotted him straight away and thought it was, but the internet seems divided on whether it’s him or not since it’s been neither confirmed nor denied by the GoT/B&D people.

What does everyone think of the possible Liam Neeson cameo in last week’s finale? He’s in the moving cage around 40mins into the episode…

Has it been confirmed as Neeson then?

[Jo]

I’m of the opinion that it’s him, but as far as I’m aware it’s not been confirmed either way.
(Screengrabs from http://www.funnyjunk.com)
http://static.fjcdn.com/large/pictures/97/a5/97a57e_2256730.jpg
http://static3.fjcdn.com/comments/6c/78/6c78f7e555e81ec7eeff38c945a9487d.jpg

(Images too large to post here)

[peas_and_corn]

Him being Stannis makes more sense than playing Greyjoy.

[Arlene Rimmer BSc SSc]

Y’know, I wasn’t initially in favor of it, but the more I see Chris Eccleston recommended for the role of Stannis, the more I can get behind it. He has a fine scowly-face, which is absolutely vital for Stannis.

But what about Melisandre? And Davos Seaworth, come to that. He’s kind of cool.

I can’t really think of anyone for the Greyjoys, except to suggest that they look for people skilled at playing awful, horrible, eminently punchable people, just as they are in the books. (I think Theon’s not quite as bad as Joffrey, but it’s a close thing.)

[ChrisM]

>But what about Melisandre?

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znMA4Fdth34/TZyo2-3VX1I/AAAAAAAACyw/V31jiEcJLYM/s400/catherine_tate_2009.jpg

Just kidding.

Certainly fits the first word in the show’s new name though! Phwoar!

[Arlene Rimmer BSc SSc]

>link

Ah. So she can proclaim, at the end of the scene in the beginning of Clash of Kings with the failed attempt on her life, just how much she’s not bovvered by poison?

…God, that was awful. I’ll just show myself out.

[Jonathan Capps]

Started the first book yesterday. I’m slightly disturbed at how everyone is about 10 years younger than in the TV show. It has some… disturbing side effects.

[Arlene Rimmer BSc SSc]

Yeah. According to things I’ve read on the interbuttz, the characters started out so young because George R. R. Martin intended to include a time skip of a few years, in order for the lil’ badasses like Arya and Danaerys to sort of grow into their awesomeness. But when he tried to actually write that, he couldn’t make it work–which is why their TV counterparts are older: ‘cos he kind of regrets making them so young in the first place. At least, that’s what I’ve heard…

[Jonathan Capps]

Seems to make sense. I’m yet to work out how in the hell the age difference between Cersei and Joffrey works in the book because I’ve just got a passing mention of both of their ages and it just does *not* add up.

[Jonathan Capps]

In fact, I’ve just checked. During the Banquet for the King in Winterfell, Jon’s observing everyone and Queen Cersei is described as 14 and Joffrey, her son, 12. Am I being monumentally thick, here?

[Arlene Rimmer BSc SSc]

What? I don’t think he ever says anything about Cersei’s age, but she’s definitely older than that. F’rex, she was married off to Robert Baratheon not long after the whole brouhaha with getting rid of the Targaryens (I don’t think it’s spoiling anything to tell you that in book 3, A Clash of Kings, she’s supposed to be I think fifteen when that happens), and that was nearly twenty years before the events in Game of Thrones.

Joffrey’s around twelve, though. And quite the little shit for his age, too. He’s downright precocious in his shititude.

[Arlene Rimmer BSc SSc]

Jon himself is about fourteen, though, if I recall correctly, and I think Robb’s about the same age. That might be where you got confused, there.

[Jonathan Capps]

Ah. Yes. I blame the wording, but the age of 14 is mentioned but looking back that *is* referring to Jon and not Cersei. Boh.

[Arlene Rimmer BSc SSc]

I just got A Dance with Dragons today. I suppose ways exist to make me happier than I am right now, but I bet they all involve mood-altering substances.

Also! The very first chapter is a Tyrion chapter.

Joy.

[Jonathan Capps]

NO SPOILERS EVEN KNOWING TYRION IS ALIVE IN THE FIFTH BOOK IS A SPOILER THANK YOU.

[Arlene Rimmer BSc SSc]

I apologize; feel free to delete or edit it somehow.

I just thought it was good to find out–just like some people will doubtless be pleased to find out about the explicit sex scene between Hodor and Sirius Black, presided over by a strange new character named “Jorge Q. Q. Blartin”…

[Jonathan Capps]

It’s ok, it was more fake rage than anything. I’m happy he’s still around!

[Danny Stephenson]

fake rage

We do that a lot around here, dont’ we? We need a name for this. I suggest ‘Fage’…

[pfm]

In the middle of Clash of Kings and I really don’t want spoilers but the above one will do. If everyone else was dead and that one character still alive I would be happy!

Regarding the characters’ ages…not sure about the books but Martin said if it wasn’t for the sex and nudity they would have cast Danaerys younger, an 18-year-old actress playing her as 14 as opposed to whatever (the amazing) Emilia Clarke is.

When I was reading Game of Thrones I thought of them as seeming older anyway. Who’s to say a year in their time equates to a year in ours?

[Ben Paddon]

‘Frage’ is better.

[ChrisM]

When I was reading Game of Thrones I thought of them as seeming older anyway. Who’s to say a year in their time equates to a year in ours?

I think it does. It’s just they’re forced to mentally grow up quicker due to their environment.

Concerning Daenerys, in many societies of the past, (ancient times, up until the middle ages*, I believe, the culture of these stories) a girl was considered a woman once she had reached puberty.

I can’t help wondering how many deaths and complications there were in pregnancies just due to the fact the poor girl’s body still immature. And that’s not even taking into account medieval health care. I’m glad we’ve grown beyond that, and that kids (both male and female) are mostly allowed to remain kids for longer.

I think ageing her for the film was a good idea.

*I’m aware that’s a broad time period, which makes it all the more shocking…

[Arlene Rimmer BSc SSc]

It’s ok, it was more fake rage than anything. I’m happy he’s still around!

Okey-dokey! I blame the limitations of text-based communication online; when I’m not sure of the nuances of a statement, I err on the side of trying not to be an asshole. (Occasionally I even succeed!)

And I’m every bit as glad as you that Tyrion’s still around. He really is just the awesomest. (I read somewhere that he’s one of the author’s favorites, too. It kind of shows, but not in a bad way.) I don’t think it would be spoiling to say that Jaime has his cool moments as well, but I still think Tyrion’s the best by miles.

A question: Do we have spoiler tags somewhere, and they’re just not listed with the others, or is that something only you fine folks who run the place get to use?

[Jo]

Jaime… really? The man who tried to kill a child for witnessing him shagging his own sister? :o/ Granted, I’ve not read the books, but I’m not really sure that you can really redeem yourself after that.

Based on the TV series (though I do intend to read the books), my opinion is that all the Lannisters are cunts except for Tyrion who is awesome. I seriously cannot wait until someone punches Joffrey in the face. I’d happily watch a whole episode of just that.

[ChrisM]

>Jaime… really?

Minor spoilers, so ignore if you like. I’ll leave a few lines.
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I’m not going to spoil much, but I’ll just say that in later books we get to see some of Jaime’s POV his thoughts and inner world, etc. While he has done some despicable things, he’s a lot more three dimensional than one might think.

That doesn’t detract from what he did, of course. I went through much of the first couple of books finding the character despicable, but well… lets just say there’s more to him.

[Arlene Rimmer BSc SSc]

Jaime… really? The man who tried to kill a child for witnessing him shagging his own sister? :o/ Granted, I’ve not read the books, but I’m not really sure that you can really redeem yourself after that.

I know–I was every bit as skeptical as you are about developing sympathy for a child-crippling sisterfucker, but the more you get into his head, the more you get to see the reasons why he does as he does, like ChrisM explained.

For what it’s worth, (VERY MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD) he and Tyrion are pretty close. (Well, up to a point.)

I seriously cannot wait until someone punches Joffrey in the face. I’d happily watch a whole episode of just that.

Y’know, I think I have a couple of .gifs and .jpegs that would be right up your metaphorical alley, if you want me to post them for you =D .

[Jo]

Hmm… that’s gotta be some good writing to redeem Jaime. Look forward to seeing how it’s all explained!

Y’know, I think I have a couple of .gifs and .jpegs that would be right up your metaphorical alley, if you want me to post them for you =D .

YES PLZ!

[ChrisM]

>Hmm… that’s gotta be some good writing to redeem Jaime.

I wouldn’t say it so much redeems him as… makes him easier to empathize with. (Not that we ever condone what he did to Bran.)

For an example of his more complex nature in stuff you’ve likely already seen, look at his relationship with Tyrion (as mentioned by Arlene). Then compare with how the other Lanisters like Cersei and Joffrey treat Tyrion.

[Jo]

I wouldn’t say it so much redeems him as… makes him easier to empathize with. (Not that we ever condone what he did to Bran.)
For an example of his more complex nature in stuff you’ve likely already seen, look at his relationship with Tyrion (as mentioned by Arlene). Then compare with how the other Lanisters like Cersei and Joffrey treat Tyrion.

*shrugs* Even if the incestuous attempted child killer is nice to his brother, based on season 1 my opinion is that Jaime, Cersei, Tywin and Joffrey are all cunts. That *may* change when I read the books/see the next season, I can’t really say, but not being a prick to your sibling isn’t really exceptional behaviour, regardless of how the rest of the family acts.

[Arlene Rimmer BSc SSc]

Here, let me make everyone happy with a couple of scenes of Tyrion keeping his Imp hand strong on Joffrey’s head:

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g57/baramosnet/tyrionslap.gif

http://oi56.tinypic.com/290r8m0.jpg

Downright hypnotic, aren’t they?

(It almost makes me feel bad for the actor playing Joff, though–you can kind of see him flinch just before the hand connects. By the end of the second season, that kid’s gonna have a permanent dent in his head in the shape of Peter Dinklage’s fist.)

edit: Okay, so these are links instead of images because for some reason, these wouldn’t show up when I tried using the tag.

[Jonathan Capps]

> edit: Okay, so these are links instead of images because for some reason, these wouldn’t show up when I tried using the tag.

Regarding this and spoiler tags, we don’t support those at the moment and you common, non-admin scum can’t use any HTML you like, but I’ll try hack something in for spoilery comments.

[Jonathan Capps]

Oh, excellent gifs, by the way! Yeah, I feel sorry for the actor – it can’t be easy to know that someone saw your face and thought you’d be perfect to play a horrible little shit cunt bag.

[Arlene Rimmer BSc SSc]

In the interest of full disclosure, it’s not like I made those .gifs or anything; I just saw them on another one of my favorite messageboards and decided that I really liked seeing Joffrey Baratheon getting backhanded over and over and over again.

While on one level it must kind of suck to know that you’re widely considered to have the perfect face to convey total assholishness, in the business of acting that might be turned to your advantage–after all, there’ll always be a need for villains…

edit: I almost forgot! Are any of you Game of Thrones nerds also Arrested Development nerds? If so, you guys might just go for Arrested Westeros. Some of these are pretty inspired, actually.

[Jo]

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g57/baramosnet/tyrionslap.gif

http://oi56.tinypic.com/290r8m0.jpg

LOVE! Cheers Arlene :oD

[ChrisM]

but not being a prick to your sibling isn’t really exceptional behaviour, regardless of how the rest of the family acts.

I totally agree. I was just providing an early indication there’s more to him that didn’t spoil anything, if that makes sense.

I guess I’d also make a distinction between finding a character interesting and redeemable.

I won’t say any more on it as I don’t want to get into spoiler territory. Keep watching/reading though, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the ride whether your opinions change on him or not.

[Jonathan Capps]

The soundtrack for season 1 is now on Spotify and it has considerably improved my day.

Also, this is one for the experts out there, is the TV show definitely going to continue being called Game of Thrones, even though that’s just the subtitle for the first book? It’s only just occurred to me that the books are actually the A Song of Ice and Fire series.

[Jo]

I imagine that they’ll stick with Game of Thrones, so as not to confuse the simple people.

[pfm]

Yep the show is called ‘Game of Thrones’. Technically that’s not even the first book’s title cause it misses out the ‘A’ :P

[Arlene Rimmer BSc SSc]

YOU GUYS YOU GUYS YOU GUYS

THEY CAST STANNIS AND MELISANDRE

AND BRIENNE OF TARTH AND MARGAERY TYRELL

AND…well, I’m a teensy bit bummed it’s not Chris Eccleston, but NEVERTHELESS THIS IS PRETTY AWESOME NEWS GUYS

WOOOOOOOOO

[Jonathan Capps]

Excellent. I wonder if they’re trying to save some money on the big stars from now on, since the show’s now fully established.

[Author]

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