Game of Thrones TV [spoilers]



http://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/index.html
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944947/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_of_Thrones

I expect that the series will have more viewers on this forum as it goes along, feel free to discuss what you think of the cast, episodes, and the changes from the novels in this thread.

Here's a cast list, it's pretty impressive.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_characters_in_Game_of_Thrones

Sean Bean as Eddard Stark
Julian Glover as Maester Pycelle
Charles Dance as Tywin Lannister
James Cosmo as Lord Commander Mormont
Peter Vaughn as Maester Aemon
Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister
And so on..

The part of the cast that I'm currently skeptical about is Emilia Clarke as Daenerys. Her character will under go some changes for sure but I'm worried that she's present more as eye candy than anything else. Her abilities should be clear when things start heating up, ..and I don't mean sexually.

During episode 1 I had my doubts but with episode 2 now I think Lena Headey might just be right for her role as Cersei. I don't know if she'll be able to pull of Feast of Crows but that's a very long ways off. Currently, I'm just glad that her ability to manipulate and her deceptive skills are actually far better than I expected.
 

Walter

Administrator
Staff member
I've read the series, and was dreading this TV adaptation, as I dread all adaptations. I only barely enjoy the books, so a muddled, condensed version isn't going to whet my appetite. But so far I haven't been totally grossed out. That's about all I can say for this right now.

Some of the character portrayals aren't completely faithful to the books, I don't think. The ones that stick out the most to me are Jon Snow and Jaime Lannister. However, similar to the books and its fans, the TV adaptation thinks it's a lot better than it really is.

Ramen4ever said:
The part of the cast that I'm currently skeptical about is Emilia Clarke as Daenerys. Her character will under go some changes for sure but I'm worried that she's present more as eye candy than anything else. Her abilities should be clear when things start heating up, ..and I don't mean sexually.
I've read this elsewhere and genuinely don't understand the criticism. A large portion of Dany's character arc in Game of Thrones is transforming from a child into a very sexually active adult and mother. It's only been two episodes, but we've already seen the beginnings of the character that she'll eventually become -- strong willed, smart, ambitious. I think the actress has done a fine job, given the material she's had to work with in the first two episodes. I've seen no weakness in her abilities.

It's Jon Snow's portrayal that I'm worried about. The actor doesn't come across as intelligent at all. Half his scenes involve his mouth gaping open and looking weak or idiotic and ... chubby. In the books, Snow has a kind of fierce charisma and keen insight that surprises everyone else in the books. I've seen nothing of that in the TV adaptation.

jonsnowduhhh.jpg

Jon Snow drooling​

Tyrion has certainly been entertaining so far, but I feel the actor is embellishing the character quite a bit. Tyrion is funny, but his humor is dry and dark. I never pictured him smiling, laughing and sort of prancing around like Dinklage has done. All that being said, he handily steals every scene that he's been in.

Oh yeah, and does anyone else think that Joffrey's actor looks 100% CG?

joffduhhh.jpg

Joffrey's Character Model​
 
Walter said:
I've read the series, and was dreading this TV adaptation, as I dread all adaptations. I only barely enjoy the books, so a muddled, condensed version isn't going to whet my appetite. But so far I haven't been totally grossed out. That's about all I can say for this right now.

A bit harsh I think. So far it's good for what it is imo, and will only get better over time. The visuals are good, the music is top notch, the cast is promising.

Walter said:
I've read this elsewhere and genuinely don't understand the criticism. A large portion of Dany's character arc in Game of Thrones is transforming from a child into a very sexually active adult and mother. It's only been two episodes, but we've already seen the beginnings of the character that she'll eventually become -- strong willed, smart, ambitious. I think the actress has done a fine job, given the material she's had to work with in the first two episodes. I've seen no weakness in her abilities.

Criticism may be premature and it wasn't my intention to explore some fault in her acting, I'm just worried that she'll come up short in her transformation. If her performance so far had shown the extent of her potential, I wouldn't be worried. But like you said, she's done a fine job considering what she has to work with. I'm hoping she'll really show us what she can do in episode 6 or when Mirri is introduced. As far as portraying the naive child, yeah I think she's nailed that. I just hope she doesn't end up becoming the weak link in the series.
With episode two, I think Iain Glen was pretty much carrying the Daenerys story arc.

Walter said:
It's Jon Snow's portrayal that I'm worried about. The actor doesn't come across as intelligent at all. Half his scenes involve his mouth gaping open and looking weak or idiotic and ... chubby. In the books, Snow has a kind of fierce charisma and keen insight that surprises everyone else in the books. I've seen nothing of that in the TV adaptation.
I feel you may have hit the nail on the head. Game of Trolls -2/5 stars. Jon Snow too chubby. Lets get Christian Bale.
But really, I kind of agree his jaws hanging a little too often for his character. I'm hoping he'll also undergo a transformation once he works out his problems with the night watch. Though it's not like that will change his chubby cheeks. Who knows, maybe he intends to slim down as his time with the Night's watch grows. As he is, I'm having trouble picturing him
face to face with Mance

Walter said:
Tyrion has certainly been entertaining so far, but I feel the actor is embellishing the character quite a bit. Tyrion is funny, but his humor is dry and dark. I never pictured him smiling, laughing and sort of prancing around like Dinklage has done. All that being said, he handily steals every scene that he's been in.

Oh yeah, and does anyone else think that Joffrey's actor looks 100% CG?

I actually like him like this for the moment, I think it's better that he change
after he's accused of the assassination attempt and realizes that there's going to be trouble ahead.
-don't read unless you're done book one. Besides, his humor is already kind of dark.

100% cg Joffrey? If you mean creepy and artificial looking, then yes.
 
So with episode 5 coming up in a few days I figured I'd double post as opposed to making my already large previous post even larger. Hopefully no one minds.

The main things I wanted to mention is that I'm actually quite pleased with Emilia Clarke as Daenerys. She's definitely progressing and growing, which is what I think most people wanted to see. She's pulling her own and she makes a pretty good combo with Iain Glen as Jorah Mormont. This latest episode 4 was a pretty big step, and imo she's now opened a door that could lead her to what her character needs to become.

With the latest episode I think I'm also getting more comfortable with Jon Snow's actor. He's starting to become a little more human, he's more reactive to the people around him, he's got quite a ways to go though. The occasional drooling stoned look still comes up now and then.

Oh and how could I forget, The Mountain that Rides, Haha. That joust was pretty gruesome, and I was a bit surprised that with armor, Gregor didn't look disproportional to his horse. I read before that Gregor's actor Conan Stevens was taking riding lessons and there were some images of him riding some poor horse that looked tiny in comparison.
Here's the link
http://winter-is-coming.net/2010/08/photo-riding-lessons-for-jones-and-stevens/
For the actual episode they gave him a horse that seems to tower over Ser Hugh of the Vales horse.

Anyway, I'm really looking forward to Episode 5, The Wolf and the Lion. Tyrion is gonna have quite the performance to give, the tourney is only going to heat up more(hopefully). And although I may be mistaken I think some bad news is supposed to hit Jon Snow though it may not be in the next episode.
Episode 5 preview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKxOe8sspKM
 
Just finished episode 7, and am completely hooked now. Great characters, intense drama, good action. Once I finish the book Im' currently reading, I'm pretty sure this is jumping to next on my list.
 

Walter

Administrator
Staff member
JudeauChop said:
Just finished episode 7, and am completely hooked now. Great characters, intense drama, good action. Once I finish the book Im' currently reading, I'm pretty sure this is jumping to next on my list.
You mean Episode 6?

Having read all the books, the show still hasn't grabbed me. I'm still tuning in every Sunday, but it feels sort of like a chore to me at this point. But I have to say, I like some of the small things they've been adding to flesh out the characters. Two episodes back, it was Robert, Barristan and Jaime reminiscing of old times, and last episode, that scene with Cersei and Robert. That stuff isn't in the books, but was faithful to the spirit of those characters.

Books 1-3 spoiler time:
I've read that a character who's supposed to die in Book 3 will actually die in this season. Of course, plenty of characters die in 3, and it could feasibly be any one of them. My bet is on Joffrey or Gregor though.
 

Oburi

All praise Grail
I didn't finish last nights episode but I liked what I saw and the episode before that was really great, my favorite so far. One thing that I find myself rolling my eyes at is some of the sex scenes. It just feels like HBO is trying once again to be "edgy" and throwing it in for no real reason. I'm not saying there shouldn't be any sex scenes ( I understand the books are pretty graphic?) but for example
I understand what characters are gay by the subtle looks and nods without seeing them going down on each other. Same goes for that flaccid sex scene that seemed so incredibly fake and forced it took me right out of the show.
Other than that I do really enjoy GOT. Since the only TV I really follow are comedies, talk shows or dramas, it's refreshing to have a quality fantasy series to look forward too.

Also, while I agree the action and fighting is some of the best you can expect from a series, I do have to say I'm not exactly "impressed". I know most people would disagree (and maybe I'm accustomed to films that have really good choreography when it comes to sword fighting) but some of the fights or battles seem a little ... rehearsed? It just looks like they are swinging at each others swords instead actually trying to hit each other. It's almost easy to spot how they cover it by using quick shots, shaky cams and having violent death scenes with lots of blood to make it seem more graphic and intense. It works to a certain extent but in the end I haven't been impressed by the actual choreography of the fighting.

Still love this show though, and honestly Tyrions story is the one I find most intriguing (that actor is absolutely amazing). I also like John Snows story just because of setting, and I agree Ramen, the actor who plays Snow is growing on me as well. It's kinda funny actually, the best performances in the show so far seem to be the "villains". Sean Bean hasn't exactly blown me away. But all the Lannisters are perfectly cast IMO (again I haven't read the books), but they sure as hell no how to push my buttons :serpico: I also didn't realize it but the guy who plays Littlefinger (Aidan Gillen) is actually one of my favorite actors. Ever since I saw him in this film called Buddy Boy years ago I've always thought he was great. Nice to see him get a good role like this.
 

Walter

Administrator
Staff member
Oburi said:
One thing that I find myself rolling my eyes at is some of the sex scenes. It just feels like HBO is trying once again to be "edgy" and throwing it in for no real reason. I'm not saying there shouldn't be any sex scenes ( I understand the books are pretty graphic?)... I understand what characters are gay by the subtle looks and nods without seeing them going down on each other
Sex is in the books. It's not too graphic, but yes, there are a few sex scenes. But the way it's portrayed in the show to me implies that the producers are shooting for a certain audience: the True Blood crew.

Also, that gay scene you're referring to isn't in the books. The relationship there is only implied in the books, never confirmed. Most people don't catch it on their first read-through. But for the show, full on blowjob action, just in case you missed the subtle nods! They've really ruined Renly's character in this show. He's not nearly as much of a flaccid turd in the books. He's as quick-witted as Littlefinger.

I haven't been impressed by the actual choreography of the fighting.
Well, same here. But I never thought the fights were supposed to look impressive or flashy. Most combat situations involve characters fighting for their lives, not for an audience. All that being said, I rather liked Bronn's fight. He's one of my favorite characters, and it was nice to see him take center stage. "...But he did." :ganishka:

It's kinda funny actually, the best performances in the show so far seem to be the "villains". Sean Bean hasn't exactly blown me away. But all the Lannisters are perfectly cast IMO (again I haven't read the books), but they sure as hell no how to push my buttons :serpico:
That's no surprise. The Lannisters have much more versatile personalities than most of the Starks. It's a gold mine for actors. Yet Jaime's always comes across flat to me. Oh well. And indeed, Sean Bean is utterly terrible in GoT. It looks like he's phoning in his performances for every episode. It's not entirely his fault though. He doesn't have a lot to work with. Ned's a boring, one-dimensional character.

I also didn't realize it but the guy who plays Littlefinger (Aidan Gillen) is actually one of my favorite actors. Ever since I saw him in this film called Buddy Boy years ago I've always thought he was great. Nice to see him get a good role like this.
I like him too, but he's not exactly a no-name actor. He had a very prominent role on HBO's The Wire, which is where most people know him from.
 

Griffith

With the streak of a tear, Like morning dew
Oburi said:
One thing that I find myself rolling my eyes at is some of the sex scenes. It just feels like HBO is trying once again to be "edgy" and throwing it in for no real reason. I'm not saying there shouldn't be any sex scenes ( I understand the books are pretty graphic?) but for example
I understand what characters are gay by the subtle looks and nods without seeing them going down on each other. Same goes for that flaccid sex scene that seemed so incredibly fake and forced it took me right out of the show.

It's a common trait of the whole sword-and-sandal genre, violence and soft-core porn are required, even when unnecessary or outright inappropriate. Not that I used to complain, but with the numerous cable forays into the genre it's become more crass than ever.

Walter said:
Particularly, the True Blood crew.

Do you watch True Blood? I doubt anyone on Game of Thrones is twisting another characters' head around backwards during sex. :carcus:
 

Walter

Administrator
Staff member
Griffith said:
Do you watch True Blood? I doubt anyone on Game of Thrones is twisting another characters' head around backwards during sex. :carcus:
Nah, I've never seen any full episodes. Just a few laughable scenes via YouTube (sex in a dumpster?). Anyway, it's nothing to do with the specifics of the sex. It's more how it's sensationalized by the music cues, the lighting, the camera, etc. It's all very on-the-nose... "And NOW... they're going to HAVE SEX! YYYYEEEEEEH!"

With Daenerys in particular, they're also leaving out pretty key bits of internal monologue that gives context to what she's going through. Those who haven't read the books may be under the impression that she's basically a sex slave. But in the book, she very quickly accepts her role as this savage's wife, and is pleased with it. But it's more controversial (STEAMY!) to keep that sex slave angle in there, I suppose.
 

Griffith

With the streak of a tear, Like morning dew
Walter said:
Nah, it's nothing to do with the specifics of the sex. It's more how it's portrayed. The music cues, the lighting, the camera, it's all very on-the-nose... "And NOW... they're going to HAVE SEX! YYYYEEEEEEH!"

Haha, or yeah, rather than suggesting something, you could always SHOW IT, for five minutes.

BTW, just so you know I wasn't kidding before (NSFW):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10mqJvKCV6w#t=1m43s

:ganishka:
 

Walter

Administrator
Staff member
Griffith said:
Haha, or yeah, rather than suggesting something, you could always SHOW IT, for five minutes.

BTW, just so you know I wasn't kidding before (NSFW):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10mqJvKCV6w#t=1m43s
Wow, that's some truly stupid shit.

JudeauChop said:
Nope, I made the mistake of watching episode 7 on HBOGO.com (or whatever). It was a great episode, but now I have to wait 2 weeks for episode 8 (arrrrrg).
Ahh, yeah. You're right. Confused me at first though. I checked just now and saw it was posted as "early premiere!" For some reason, I read that earlier as just an "early preview." I'm also watching it on HBO Go. Pretty cool service.
 

Scorpio

Courtesy of Grail's doodling.
Having only heard of the books by name and not even realizing the show was based off them in the first place, I am enjoying the show a lot. I think the set up that is going on right now is very interesting and I'm looking forward to seeing all these pieces start to clash together in, hopefully, the near future. Although there are certainly better actors and more interesting characters, I have to say that my favorite so far has been the Bob Ross of sword-fighting. If only because he is the Bob Ross of sword-fighting.


Walter said:
Those who haven't read the books may be under the impression that she's basically a sex slave. But in the book, she very quickly accepts her role as this savage's wife, and is pleased with it. But it's more controversial (STEAMY!) to keep that sex slave angle in there, I suppose.

I disagree. As soon as she learned how to ride cowgirl I thought she was on the up and up, and now I feel like she is already becoming more influential than her husband and is destined to do some very impactful things.
 

Walter

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Staff member
Scorpio said:
I disagree. As soon as she learned how to ride cowgirl I thought she was on the up and up, and now I feel like she is already becoming more influential than her husband and is destined to do some very impactful things.
Sure, she grows into it, as her character is supposed to. But the first two episodes aren't faithful to the book in that regard.
 
Walter said:
Sure, she grows into it, as her character is supposed to. But the first two episodes aren't faithful to the book in that regard.


http://collider.com/george-r-r-martin-interview-game-of-thrones/86337/

As much as some of the changes might bother fans, George Martin himself said that he would have made the same changes. They get 1 hour per episode. Personally to me it's more important that George Martin is involved in the direction this tv series goes than for it to be 100% faithful to the books.
 

Griffith

With the streak of a tear, Like morning dew
Ramen4ever said:
http://collider.com/george-r-r-martin-interview-game-of-thrones/86337/

As much as some of the changes might bother fans, George Martin himself said that he would have made the same changes. They get 1 hour per episode. Personally to me it's more important that George Martin is involved in the direction this tv series goes than for it to be 100% faithful to the books.

I recall the case of a more infamous George that refutes this sort of blanket claim. :carcus:
 

Walter

Administrator
Staff member
Ramen4ever said:
Personally to me it's more important that George Martin is involved in the direction this tv series goes than for it to be 100% faithful to the books.
That's nice, but irrelevant. Miura helped with the Berserk anime adaptation, and those extra Adon episodes sure did suck ass.
 

Griffith

With the streak of a tear, Like morning dew
Call me an ungrateful cynic, but I have almost no faith in even my most favorite artists. There's transcendent art, but no transcendent artists. The best of the best are hit and miss, they ebb, they flow, they rise, they peak, they fall, and on the other end of the spectrum even a broken clock is right twice a day (and most creators of transcendent works probably fall into this category anyway). Bearing this in mind, there should be an organization like Child Protective Services to protect creative works from their own authors. Ya know, just because you brought them into the world doesn't make it alright for you to rape them. So yeah, the whole "it's OK if THE CREATOR sez so" mentality? It's for the birds. If you got it right the first time, don't push your luck, because that's probably what it was.
 

Aazealh

Administrator
Staff member
Griffith said:
If you got it right the first time, don't push your luck, because that's probably what it was.

I wouldn't say that George R. R. Martin got it right the first time. :iva:
 
Walter said:
That's nice, but irrelevant. Miura helped with the Berserk anime adaptation, and those extra Adon episodes sure did suck ass.

I don't think it's irrelevant at all. It's the difference between a new group of people taking the story in whatever direction they want or the author also having a say in what they will include, what will be cut and what will be altered.


Griffith said:
Call me an ungrateful cynic, but I have almost no faith in even my most favorite artists. There's transcendent art, but no transcendent artists. The best of the best are hit and miss, they ebb, they flow, they rise, they peak, they fall, and on the other end of the spectrum even a broken clock is right twice a day (and most creators of transcendent works probably fall into this category anyway). Bearing this in mind, there should be an organization like Child Protective Services to protect creative works from their own authors. Ya know, just because you brought them into the world doesn't make it alright for you to rape them. So yeah, the whole "it's OK if THE CREATOR sez so" mentality? It's for the birds. If you got it right the first time, don't push your luck, because that's probably what it was.

Nicely put, I like the way you related the authors work to an innocent child and altering it in any way to being a pedophile rapist.

I think an author is free to do whatever the hell they want to their own works. It's not for other people to decide in the first place. All readers/viewers can do is drop the series if they hate it so much. And really, not all changes are bad. It's an exception(s) to the rule kind of situation.
(Eg, Rurouni Kenshin Trust and Betrayal. Those 4 Ova's are far superior to the original manga source of that portion of the story.)

It may not bode well for Game of Thrones. The smaller changes don't bother me in the slightest, the only change I'm really worried about is that rumored death that's going to take place this season when it normally happens in book 3. It'll either break the tv series or it'll end up as just "Game of Thrones. The barely inspired adaption by HBO"
 

Griffith

With the streak of a tear, Like morning dew
Ramen4ever said:
I don't think it's irrelevant at all. It's the difference between a new group of people taking the story in whatever direction they want or the author also having a say in what they will include, what will be cut and what will be altered.

It's irrelevant to the changes being good or not, unless one is confusing authenticity for quality or is simply a devotee.

Ramen4ever said:
Nicely put, I like the way you related the authors work to an innocent child and altering it in any way to being a pedophile rapist.

Oh, don't get your panties in a bunch, the point is that it's no better for a creator to fuck up their work than anyone else. I'm not saying that's the case here, just dismissing the idea any changes are validated as long as the series' godhead supposedly gives his blessing.

Ramen4ever said:
I think an author is free to do whatever the hell they want to their own works. It's not for other people to decide in the first place. All readers/viewers can do is drop the series if they hate it so much.

You tell 'em!
nerdrage.gif
 

Walter

Administrator
Staff member
Ramen4ever said:
As much as some of the changes might bother fans, George Martin himself said that he would have made the same changes. They get 1 hour per episode. Personally to me it's more important that George Martin is involved in the direction this tv series goes than for it to be 100% faithful to the books.
So, I went back and read the full interview in question (he sure is a chatty motherfucker). But that's not what he says, as far I've read. If I missed it, please point it out for me. Martin says he likes what he's seen so far, but he expressed misgivings on surrendering authoritative control over his characters.

"The only thing you can do is make sure you put them in the hands of good people. ... I’ve put them in the hands of the best people I can find, and that’s the same with the actors and the directors. They’re all taking good care of my kids, as far as I can tell. Knock wood that that continues."
That's a "good enough, I guess" approach to this whole adaptation process. Not "I completely agree with everything and I wish I were as smart as those brilliant directors."

Also, regarding that character who will die in the first season, but dies in book 3-4 in the books, Martin apparently wasn't totally happy with it. But the directors didn't pay him much mind.

..."There is one character who dies in the first season of the television show, who does not die in the books until the third or fourth one, and who dies differently than the way they had him dying. I flagged them to that, so that they were aware of it, but they decided to go ahead and keep their take on it."
Guess you have to pick your battles, George!

All this nonsense aside, I'd like to reiterate that so far, I like most of the changes and additions in the show. They've generally enhanced the characters. And for those of us already familiar with the canon, it's refreshing to see new scenes with these characters. The only exception I take is to how they handled Dany and her relationship with Drogo in the early episodes. That felt salacious to me.
 

Scorpio

Courtesy of Grail's doodling.
Walter said:
The only exception I take is to how they handled Dany and her relationship with Drogo in the early episodes. That felt salacious to me.

I guess it's hard for me to say, considering I haven't read the books, but from how you described it from your original post I see nothing wrong with how they handled it. She wasn't thrilled with the arrangement to start with but she decided to make the most of it and quickly adopted her position and now finds it to her liking. I don't see any contradiction.
 
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