NOTE: I’ll open a SPOILER thread at the bottom of this post’s comments section. Please contain all “upcoming on GoT” talk to there. If you mention something that hasn’t happened on the show yet outside of said thread, you’ll be banned. The only way to be unbanned: giving me all your dragons. No dragons, no dice.
What made "The Old Gods and the New" one of the strongest episodes of the season wasn’t because of Ygritte’s grinding against Jon Snow or the Ultimate Joffrey Slap (more of a punch, really), though both of those helped. Rather, it was because the show stayed with individual stories longer than it usually does.
Take, for instance, the opening scene, where incestuous, treacherous Theon "conquers" the undefended Winterfell. After an awkward bit of exposition, where Theon tells Bran what he’s done, I expected the show to cut away to another character, as it often does during a setting change. Instead, we follow everyone to the courtyard for the clumsy, yet brutal execution of Rodrik Cassel by Theon. The whole thing only takes about five minutes, but it’s an effective way of making the show fell less hectic, something that’s occasionally bugged me this season, as well as letting the scene's message sink in: that Theon’s a miserable prick.
“The Old Gods” also had a lot of Jon Snow, who’s now f*cked in the middle of Hoth (and might soon be f*cking his redheaded, wilding capture, Ygritte – man, Ned Stark sure raised his non-sons to love wildings, didn’t he?), and the ever-clever Arya, learning all she can from Lord Tywin, while simultaneously hiding her face from Littlefinger. Plus, the aforementioned Joffrey Cowpie Punch, which we have a GIF of after the jump.
- Seriously, Theon’s awful. He’s in over his head and knows what he’s doing is wrong, yet can’t help himself because he has serious daddy issues. One thing that bugged me: why didn’t Osha kill him while he was sleeping? She could have done that and still escaped with Bran, Rickon, and Hodor.
- Hodor.
- Do you think Lord Tywin knows who Arya actually is? I can’t remember if it’s been established that they ever met, but he sure seems like he does.
- Loved Arya’s smirk when Lord Tywin said she should devise the next battle plan. Give that girl all the awards. Also enjoyed Jaqen’s sigh that he had to kill Amory “NOW!”
- This was a particularly gorgeous episode of the show. The cinematography in the scenes Beyond the Wall was stunning.
- Joffrey attempting to escape from the grasp of the Hound looked like a mouse trying to break out of a trap. Also, did the Internet explode when Tyrion hit Joffrey? I think it did.
- “You blind, bloody fool! We've had vicious kings, and we've had idiot kings. But I don't know that we've ever been cursed with a vicious idiot for a king.” Obviously the line of the night.
- Not a spoiler, but the theft of Dany’s dragons isn’t in the books, so I’m as curious as the non-readers to know where this is going, though I have a theory, which I’ll post in the comments below.
- “Game of Thrones” is obsessed with grammar.
- Attractive Women of “Game of Thrones” Power Rankings: #5. Osha (I feel my Osha fandom has been justified), #4. Daenerys, #3. Shae, #2. Ygritte, #1. Talisa
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![[image]](http://cdn.uproxx.com/wp-content/thumbnails/130/110/2013/05/gameofthrones-lulz-chicken1-150x150.jpg)
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I think Osha deserves to be higher than #5 this week. And I’d also drop Shae in order to give the lovely-before-she-got-killed Irri one last mention, but that’s just me being sentimental. And I don’t like Shae.
Anyway, this episode was fan-fucking-tastic (and strangely hilarious much of the time), as is that Joffrey gif.
I also would like to drop Shae.
On her face.
I want to know where Bronn was while the riot was going on.
[www.buzzfeed.com]
Updated Game of Thrones Power Rankings on BuzzFeed
Dany’s gotten ridiculous. She’s turned into an entitled bitch like her brother.
“Sorry your application for a loan has been declined”
Dany “I AM THE MOTHER OF DRAGONS! I WILL TAKE WHAT IS MINE hur”
For a minute I thought Arya was feeling a little Stockholm-ish with that smirk to Lord Tywin.
Has anyone else noticed that this Talisa girl might indeed be Jeyne Westerling in a certain way? Her grandmother was from Volantis, and known then as Maegi (Maggy the Frog?); the family name Talisa gives Robb certainly sounded like it.
Or I’m just giving too much thought to a small detail, which is far more probable.
You can’t rip someones arm off…that was Bullshit!
You sir have obviously never been to Somalia.
or Zombieland.
You get enough people pulling you can
I have personally ripped a leg off of a turkey. How is this any different?
Also, You are bullshit! So there.
Sorry again, my mistake, please don’t ban me. Is there a way to delete something after you post it? I tried to delete this once I hit post but couldn’t figure it out.
Well, it was kinda. I mean I picked up something I didn’t know, so not a good post.
(Don’t ban the guy, just move the post to the bottom thread or something)
Only after going online and reading these recaps and comment sections did I realize that Theon Greyjoy was a clear antagonist and the entire world hated him. I was actually lightweight rooting for him and his come up. I guess I should stop that then…
Yeah, Maserati, he’s not getting the Boromir tragic hero treatment. I find him mildly sympathetic, too, but that’s apparently just the actor doing too good a job.
@prof talc: I’ll respond below so that we both avoid the ire of Josh & co.!
What the fucking fuck, man.
Please don’t tell me Doreah has been killed by those
Fecking Dragon stealing Baw bags.. She still has to give Shae a bath … Panda Tears…
Can someone please explain how the feck the Raven messenger service works??? How did last raven from Winterfell know how to find Rob Stark?
Is it like twitter ? Are they stuck to 140 characters ???
Also not read books where’s good to start don’t want to get ahead of this fine series ?
Season one stuck pretty close to the first book and the current season is most of the way thru the second book so don’t worry about spoilers if you start reading.
I do not think I have ever been so happy over someone getting bitch slapped in a show, than I was when Joffery got his.
Every time Oona Chaplin gives you a boner, you can officially refer to it as your Little Tramp.
Win.
I had to google that but holy shit!
Seconded.
Did any of the gays that lurk this site ever gif Hodor’s cock from episode 8? I need it right now to cheer me up as the pirate ghost that lives under my fridge has quit speaking to me recently ;(
I would love to see a gif of Rob getting cockblocked by Mom.
seconded… it was hilarious cause of her troll face smile too
wait i’m a doucher, its on slide 11 already!
Nah my ‘puter is the doucher. 11 didn’t even load.
i really hope they kill greyjoy off already, i can’t stand his character
Oh please keep paying attention, Theon Greyjoy gets just what he deserves.
Somebody better be fed to a bear in the next couple episodes.
book spoilers
Amory Lorch (the guy who got the dart to the neck) was fed to a bear.
Swag Rankings:
1.Tyrion
2. Jaqen
3. The Hound
4. Osha
5. Sir Rodrik
Normally, anyone who bitchslaps Joffrey should get the nod, but this week, it’s a 3 way tie between Tyrion, The Hound and the arm ripper.
The way the Hound kills, not out of rage or even out of duty, but just as if he were taking out the trash. Just killing some dudes, no biggie.
Totally agree about the Hound. Clegane is my second fave character in both the book and the show.
I thought Rodrik edged out the arm ripper for going out strong and telling Theon what a little bitch he really is.
your point is valid and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.
I have no problem bumping the Hound up to #2, he definitely earned it. Jaqen is always top 3 for me for a spoilery reason I cant get into so lets just say “Valar Morghulis”.
5. Guy who threw the turd
4. Sir Rodrik
3. Tyrion
2. Jaqen
1. The Hound
Talisa looks like octomom, y’all.
you are very, very wrong.
Oona Chaplin is hot, but I think he’s onto something. How about this? If you combined the DNA of Oona Chaplin and Sarah Silverman Twins-style, so that one kid got all the good DNA and the other kid all the terrible DNA, the kid with all the good DNA would be Octomom. Or did I get that backwards again?
Good lord was Dany annoying last night. I could barely keep my boner.
Tywin was also the bad guy from last action hero
“in this world jack, bad guys can win!”
I would give away a few cheeseburgers to the guy that made a gif of that moment when Tywin and Arya shared that look where she goes “anyone can be killed” and when it cuts back to Tywin he has that Smiley-face Contact lens in.
I wish I knew how to make those damn things Cause that would be numero uno on the list.
That is a fabulous idea, Surly. But sadly I too am unable to make gifs. I mean, I can make gifs, but I lack the requisite source material.
Sigh…Yeah I guess I should break down go buy a new ‘puter. At least the staff at the library will stop giving me shit for being on Bang Bus all day…
Did somebody here lose an arm? Found it.
your are the hero of the internet
also, no hyperbole
Awesome! Made doubly so by keeping Tyrion’s reaction.
Pat yourself on the back. That should be easier now!
What do you think they did with the arm once the rioting died down?
Josh – there’s still a lot of meat on that bone. Put it in a pot with some water, a few vegetables, baby, you got a stew goin’
@ JoshK – Have you ever heard of “The Stranger”?
Joshk, Same thing you’d do with a severed hand if it’s still warm.
Otto you effing rock guy.
Happy to help.
Like all good things on the internet, I didn’t make it. I simply stole it from someplace else.
You guys are more imaginative than I (in a depraved way) – I’d have just run up and down the street using it to high-five everybody.
“Theon holds the castle with a skeleton crew. Let me send word to my bastard at the Dreadfort. He can raise a few hundred men and take Winterfell before the new moon.”
*Chills*
Yeah, I loved that foreshadowing.
Yeah, I raised a cheer.
Ramsay’s comin’ yo!
Ramsay’s comin’ yo!
I was unreasonably pleased to see 3 of the 5 remaining wolves. And, Cersai’s threat to Tyrion without actually ever looking at him was just so, so cold.
+1. NOW BRING BACK NYMERIA!!
Dont worry Jim, Nymeria has been very busy…
making more direwolf babies? Please say direwolf pups.
That Professor Lupin was a lucky guy to have that before they both bit it to Death Eaters… wait, what? #CrossingtheStreams
As soon as Tonks got nekkid I count help but immediately wonder how fast Josh gave himself an indian burn “down there”.
Putting the Joffrey slap right in the middle of the episode was brilliant. I think I really pissed off my neighbours with my obnoxious “DINKLAAAAAAAAGE!” shout, though. SUCH a great episode!
I do think that Dinklaged is the new PWND!
I hope in next week’s episode we get to see Theon chopping more heads off. Motherfucker needs the practice.
Did anyone else think that Osha was, umm, a little well groomed for a wildling? Not that I was disappointed or anything, just saying is all… #expectedabiggermerkinforwildlingwomen
This.
Mfs. JfJ and I agree. Was pretty sure she was Westerosi down below. A King’s Landing strip.
King’s Landing strip.
kudos, Surly Badger
I think I speak for everyone when I say, nay I shout, WHY IS THERE NO GIF OF THE SEVERED ARM BEING WAVED IN THE AIR!?
Now that scene made me laugh because apparently I’m a horrible person.
I only watched it six times.
They waved it in the air as if they just did not care.
I want that to be my IMDB credit some day. “Guy waving severed arm.”
I looked for the GIF last night, but alas, couldn’t find it. Maybe you could give a hand (BOOOOO) and find it for me?
I don’t often say “Home_Erectus speaks for me,” but when I do, it is in regards to the waving of a severed arm in the air.
I’m no search master. And I find it somewhat ironic that when I tried to google “gif game of thrones severed arm”, my comment that started this conversation is #1. Dang, google is fast.
#9 may be the definitive Joffrey Bitchface! I can’t stop laughing.
love it
I drank twice.
I lol’ed when Lorch died.
Me too, that was great.
Ygritte has vaulted to #1 with a Bullet in the Carl Spackler Power Rankings.
Indeed. Also speaking of the Power Rankings, I am worried that the hot handmaiden is a turncoat since she was the only person I did not see dead.
At least she is presumably still alive.
Also, bonus points for getting Tonks completly naked this episode.
HOLY SH*T!. I didn’t even realize that was Tonks.
Nussy, she might’ve just been out making someone “happy” in order to get more information about Xaro. Her unusual affection for the dragons sort of makes her a suspect, I guess, but the status quo seems good enough for her in that regard that she shouldn’t want to change it.
Bet Rodrik wishes he taught Then how to use that sword better now. Ouch. Mary Queen of Scots style.
Or maybe taught him how to sharpen it.
The hound knows how to kill. Disemboweling was great. Bad Ass of the night award.
I thought it was weird he left the one guy in the corner alive.
Osha blade slice was pretty neat too.
And of course Theon is the worst. I laughed when he had to kick the head off.
Danny looks more like a gelfling with those Qarth clothes, not that theres anything wrong with that.
Jaquen was pretty bad ass but I think the badass award should go to the Hound for beating peasants and rapists left and right.
Is there an “Ostriches that look like Sansa Stark” meme yet? The Hound calling her “Little Bird” all the time is baffling. She’s bigger than Hodor.
I think its supposed to refer to the fact that she just parrots what people tell her to say, like a caged songbird.
She should hang out with Dee Reynolds.
Hodor?
I only watched Tyrion slapping Joffrey three times. I’m sorry to disappoint you all. I did wake up my girlfriend when I cheered for that scene, if that helps my reputation.
I loved when the Hound disemboweled that gang rapist.
No, no. I don’t like the sound of that “bowel” in there. Hmm. “Gutted” him. Ah, le mot juste!
As someone who has not read the books, I’m really pulling for an epic Hound vs. Brienne battle …
NERD DEBATE: Brienne would totally kick the Hound’s ass. I’d say Jaime is her only match.
Mom! More hot pockets!
Bronn vs The Hound PPV $70.00
There is no way Tywin knows who Arya is. If he did he would of snatched her ass up and put her in a holding cell asap. Along with Tyrion, Tywin might be the most scrupulous character in the story.
I don’t think he’d be dumb enough to leave that piece of paper on the table, though. Maybe he’s going for some end game that we don’t see yet?
Brother Numpsey doesn’t have a clue, but Mayor Carcetti sure does.
Normally, I wouldn’t think Tywin would be bothered playing war and mind games with a little girl. But Littlefinger totally knows, and the note was left conveniently after he saw her and after the conversation we didn’t hear about Tyrion’s offer to Catelyn regarding the daughters. So I think Tywin knows now.
I don’t believe that either of them knows. It would actually disappoint me a bit if they did.
I feel like Carcetti knows just by the way that he emphasized “daughterS” while talking to Tywin.
@ guitarjustin I like your use of “scrupulous” in reference to Tywin. There is something sympathetic about his authority.
Did anyone get a verbatim read of the note? Something something troops coming?
After more though, I could see Littlefinger knowing – but I think it’s information too valuable to share with Tywin without getting something in trade. And given Littlefinger’s noted fondness for Tully women, it seems unlikely he’d sell Arya out for anything that wasn’t pretty huge.
I’ll leave this here for the Brother Numpsey reference.
[s5.tinypic.com]
He doesn’t; they never meet in the books.
Thanks, Earthworm.
No love for Benedict from Last Action Hero?
Agreed. I’m finding Tywin’s becoming one of my favorite characters and I hate it.
As you wish, Mo.
@Charlie Br0nze- The note said that Robb’s army was moving south through the westerlands and that Tywin’s host would circle around them and form a trap against the coast.
SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS THREAD
The dragons being taken from Dany will lead her to the House of the Undying, right? It sure looks like Pyat Pree in that final shot.
That was my thought as well. Another reason for Drogon to burn that fucker down.
Definitely the Undieing. Gets to add a little more oomph to her laying waste to em now that they be thieving her dragons.
If I had a complaint (which I can always find something) its that Tyrion hasn’t told the story about his first wife. Without it, Tywin seems like a justifiable character on the show. When in reality (ha!) he is a massive prick.
Didn’t Tyrion tell the story to Bronn and Shae right before the battle we never see?
@guitarjustin: Didn’t Tyrion tell that story to Bronn and Shae in season 1?
Is it just me, or are they making Tywin a bit less ruthless? That may not be the right word I’m looking for, but they are making him a bit softer. Are they showing his softer side to show the distinction between him and Ramsey, who will be brutal just for brutality’s sake?
Yeah he did, it was just kinda watered down. Maybe it’s the repetition in the books of it in Tyrion’s mind that stokes my hatred for The Daddy which I am not getting in the show. I LOVE THE SHOW. Just a little complaint.
Anyone else think the Jon chasing Ygritte instead of just letting her go seem stupid? I liked the way the books made it a test of Jon by Qhorin. It let Qhorin knowwhat kind of man Jon is. Also helps Qhorin give him the order to do what is necessary. Also makes the Rangers leaving him look dumb.
If someone would care to explain…
BOOK 3 SPOILER
How does Tyrion disembowel Tywin with a crossbow and fill the room with shit? I’m reading book 5 now and Tyrion keeps bringing it up in his thoughts. Are cross bows really that bad ass?
I wonder how they’re going to work in the whole Weasel soup thing, Tywin needs to GTFO out of harrenhall, have Harrenhall be ruled by some dumbass who captures Roose, and then have Arya do her thing. Theres only 3 episodes left, I guess they’ll push the Weasel soup stuff for season 3.
Amory Lorch’s dying at the hands of Jaqen – was that a poison dart? – means there’s a bear trainer out there pissed that he’s not getting paid.
Agreed, One More Round. I can get behind the changes that are the result of adaptation and condensing, but the changes for the sake of change are a bit tiresome.
@hee moy: He shoots him in the gut while he’s sitting on the privy. So…in the process of shitting + death shitting = double shitting, I guess.
I don’t know if he’s “Watered Down”. Tywin is the brains of the Lannister operation. He uses his pawns (The Mountain, the Freys, etc.) to do his dirty work. He only loses his cool demeanor when confronted with idiots.
You have the inner demons at work in Lord Tywin. He has one of the most able-bodied sons in all of Westeros who is a sisterfucker (and apparently a dyslexic). His real loathing is that he does have two heirs who are equally as clever and ambitious as Tywin, but they are 1) a woman and 2) an imp.
Obligatory bear attack clip: [www.youtube.com]
@ zack
I read the book over a year ago, and I didn’t realize he did mid-shit. Metal.
And I take it you’ve read book 5? Lot of people say plot doesn’t move much, but I’m only 1/4 through and I’ve found it to be way better than FOC so far.
Tywin is ruthless and tactical. They almost told the story of his father that comes later in the book series about his father losing their fortune and a young Tywin ruthlessly pushing his father aside. Tywin Arya scenes have been fantastic. Give them both Emmys.
i would have liked to see how the Reeds, especially Jojen, would have been portrayed on the show but I guess Osha has that role
Yea I think they’re going to avoid having her see the things she sees in the House of the Undying because it would reveal too much of the story to the viewers.
Forgot to finish my comment. I think instead of Dany going through the House they’re just going to burn the thing down to get her dragons back.
@One More Round, I bugged me, too. It was just a bit TOO convenient that the Rangers would leave Jon to kill Ygriette alone.
I remember Drogon torches that place, but how is he supposed to do that when they showed him to be smaller than a toy poodle?
I could sum up how many of the departures from the book were goofy and dumbed down in a way the books never were, but the good bros and bro-ettes at westeros.org already did here: [www.westeros.org]
As much as I’ve pondered how much better the book did things than the show the past couple of episodes, I will give the show credit for mostly maintaining the themes that made the book great.
After the Ser Rodrik slaying at the hands of Theon and the implications that had for the involvement (lack of) of a key character, did anyone else cheer when Roose Bolton told Robb that his bastard son was on it?
House of the Undying is gonna’ be so badass.
And I don’t think Drogon burned the whole thing down, did he? I thought he burned their weird floating heart thing, and that set off a chain reaction that killed all the warlocks. I think. It’s been a while.
I will venture a twist – Ser Jorah took the dragons
I don’t think Drogon torches the house of the undying, I think that come later in Yunkai, when Danny gets her army.
@miamidiesel, Do you think the lack of the Bael the Bard and Lady Stark story is something that’s going to come back and hurt the show? It’s an interesting tale, and something that ties Ygriette together with Jon, but is it needed?
Oh, and it looked like it in the preview for next week, but this season needs more Jaime. The Kingslayer has one of the best character archs in the story and we’ve only seen him once so far this season.
Im a super Homer for the books so I was actually disappointed in this episode. Mainly the change of Jon’s scenes. Quorin leaves him knowing he’s unable to kill Ygritte basically cus he’s not a stupid crazed killer. I’m guessing that Jon gets caught before getting back to the rangers which leaves out Jon having to kill Quorin…Lame!
@JoshK: the back story of Bael the Bard and the winter rose would have been cool to include, but ultimately I don’t think it’s necessary for purposes of moving the show along. More disconcerting to me is how they’ve changed the Ygritte/Jon storyline and the treatment of the Night’s Watch generally. The way it played out in the books was excellent; from a practical standpoint in the show, does this mean that Ygritte is now along for the rest of Jon and Halfhand’s mission, and she’ll be there when Halfhand gives Jon his final command? That would be odd to say the least. Moreover, in the books, Jon and Sam are maniacally committed to their vows as part of the Night’s Watch, and feel conflicted about their urges towards Ygritte and Gilly, respectively. There’s some real tension in the books when Jon decides to get with Ygritte and Sam ultimately gives in to his desires and bones Gilly, and it makes Dareon’s abandonment of Aemon and Sam (followed by Arya subsequently killing Dareon) in the 4th book resonate that much more. In the show, you’ve already got Sam lovesick over Gilly and Ygritte and Jon spooning. I’m struggling to see why they would change all of this up in the way that they have, but I keep telling myself it’ll only be fair to judge after the storylines have played out.
Yeah, that’s how they are going to reconcile Dany going to the House of the Undying. Instead of telling the story of her exploring the House because Pyat Pree was one of the three (two?) who came to “court” her when she got to Qarth
@Charlie br0nze
Yes. I exclaimed loudly when Roose mentioned his son.
@miamidiesel Good points all. Hadn’t thought so far ahead, in terms of what eventually happens to Ygriette. Maybe she’ll escape again and only rediscover Jon after he does his “final command,” as you say? That would be kind of disappointing, but it’s not as if she can be there with him, either.
Am I the only one who feels like they’re trying to eventually make Dany “insane” just like her daddy? She’s got a lot of crazy eyes recently.
@JoshK: I’m really curious to see how they reconcile that. If Ygritte does get away or is set loose only to rediscover Jon after his last command from Halfhand, it would kind of make the Jon/Ygritte scenes from this episode throwaways (though I suppose no matter what they were a good excuse to shoot a chase scene on foot in Iceland). Separate (but related to the storyline), I’m still hoping they work in the eagle-warg that keeps tabs on Jon and Halfhand.
Following Drogon on Twitter.
#DontfuckwithDrogon “The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire. We don’t need no water let that muthafucka burn” lolz
@miamidiesel and JoshK — I think the Bael the Bard story is necessary at some point because it forms the basis for the inference that Mance is the singer who infiltrates Winterfell to get “Arya”/Jeyne Poole back and ends up getting in a TBD-amount of trouble with Ramsay. That’s important because it is the impetus for Jon’s ill-fated plan to march the NW and Wildings to Winterfell, which leads to, ya know.
Also I would think Jon and Ygritte have to split at some point before Jon and the Halfhand go at it because for the rest of their time together she is earnestly arguing/vouching for Jon with Mance, which probably doesn’t explicitly secure Jon!s acceptance by the Wildings, but it does seem like it smooths his path. If she knew he was a double agent that would be more awkward, since she doesn’t seem like the beguiling type (at least in that way).
@prof talc: that’s a great point regarding the Bael the Bard story. Though I imagine that for purposes of the TV show, they will bring that up much closer to the time that the viewer needs to make that inference. Otherwise, we’ll basically be getting periodic reminders of the Bael the Bard story for the next 4-5 seasons until it’s time to draw that connection to Mance when the show catches up to A Dance With Dragons (similar to how we had Catelyn reminding Robb of his debt to the Freys in this episode, when that doesn’t really come up again in the books until book 3 and… well, you know).
The only rationale I can see at this time for the Ygritte/Jon scenes is they’re trying to truncate their romance from the third book. But again, in the absence of some major changes to the story from the books, this would be a really clumsy way to do it. In the book, Jon wants to stay true to his Night’s Watch vows and doesn’t get it on with Ygritte until it becomes necessary for him to prove to the wildlings that he’s turned on the Night’s Watch. After that he falls for her and they have that whole scene in the cave where they talk about staying in the cave together forever. I’m guessing they cut some of that stuff out next season in favor of building up their relationship this season so that it still seems like a big deal when Jon goes back to the Night’s Watch and abandons Ygritte and the wildlings.
God, I’m starting to loathe myself for being such a book nerd on all of this.
Dragons look to be way too small to be burning anyone down. Drogon could barely char a small scrap of meat a couple episodes back.
So much to say… Alright I could maybe see Mormont stealing the dragons though I doubt its true but where the hell was he? And most likely all three dragons will be involved in burning down the HOU.
In regards to Arya and Tywin and Littlefinger… Tywin doesn’t know who she is but certainly suspects something, possibly that she’s of noble birth but in hiding and on the lam. But no way he’d have a Stark in his hands and not act.
I do believe Littlefinger could have planted the note to inform Arya of her brothers location and give her both direction and motivation for escape as I’m sure it will play out different than the book.
But if Vargo Hoat doesn’t show up I’ll be pissed.
That’s all I’ve got for now but I’m sure I’ll be back.
Well, we pretty much know Dany won’t be imbibing any Shade of the Evening at the aforementioned House of the Undying. Looks like it’s going to be something of a showdown instead… which is sort of a bummer, but I guess a hallucination-sequence might’ve come off cheesy on screen. Oh well.
I’m just stoked we’ll be seeing my favorite dog fancier on the show next season. “Reek”, it rhymes with “you’re SO fucked, Theon”.
@prof talc: regarding Robb and Talisa, the show hasn’t been subtle about Robb’s attraction to her. I see it playing out exactly as you said; she tends to him at some point, they have a little back and forth about how the common folk always get screwed in war regardless of who wins along the lines of their first conversation, and then they eventually can’t resist each other and give in to that. Despite being a book purist, I think this will probably play out better on screen since there will actually be some build-up to Robb getting into a relationship that causes him to break his promise to the Freys, rather than the random, out-of-the-blue nature of Robb’s marriage to Jeyne in the third book. Though I really hope the nature of Robb and Talisa’s conversations about the effects of war becomes less cliched because it’s been featured in so many similar shows and films in the past. One of the strengths of the novels is that they do such a great job of avoiding cliche, which is what makes the books so much fun to read and talk about.
part of me has been wondering all season if the show isn’t just either going to go in it’s complete own direction after book 3, or simply end. The way they’re addressing certain characters like Rob, and putting some heavy changes on other longer lasting characters like Jon and Dany make me think this might be the case.
Regarding Bael the Bard.. itll most assuredly come up later in the show, after Stannis’s host crushes the wildlings and Mance is captured. Hell, we might not hear about it until season 5 or 6. The thing about the show is that there’s always a great chance that new viewers are joining in each episode without necessarily seeing the previous ones, as opposed to the reading the books, where you wouldn’t pick up and start reading in the middle of the saga. So leaking a story like that before its necessary on-screen means it will be lost on a lot of people when the time comes for it to actually be relevant.
On another note, anyone else think that Alfie Allen has done a tremendous job this season? As good as Dinklage and even Maisie have been, I think Allen’s stolen this season so far. I really hope he gets some emmy consideration. If not now, perhaps once the Reek transformation happens. It’ll be tough, but I think he can pull it off, and when he does, it will be awesome.
Is everyone agreed that Littlefinger recognized Arya? I’ve watched that scene three times and keep going back and forth. He’s smart enough to deduce it, but then, why would he keep the fact that she’s alive to himself for the rest of the series? That seems like one hell of a bargaining chip to get into Catelyn’s skirts and then after that to dangle over Sansa. But, one of the main plots of the book is that all the main characters think Arya’s dead. Adding Littlefinger to the equation seems like an unnecessary complication to an already complicated area.
But, if he didn’t recognize her, that just adds on to the show’s continual dumbing down of Littlefinger – which I’m really disliking.
I think in the show, he knows its her. He’s fairly sure Tywin doesnt know, which means he’s fairly sure he’s the only one who realizes it. Obviously he’d love to get her out of Harrenhall, but she’ll be making her escape soon enough though, before LF has a chance to act on it. LF is always pulling strings. He might be my favorite character. To date in the books, he has positioned himself as Lord Protector of the Vale, and has with him the trueborn, eldest Stark in Sansa, the eldest bastard of Robert (Mya), and Lord Robert Arryn. And no one but him knows this. Chessmaster.
relevant – [westeroscommunitycollege.tumblr.com]
I don’t really have a problem with Dany going, as was said, “crazy eyes.” I think this fits her story perfectly well. She becomes impressed with her own credentials, gets drunk with power, then gets complacent, and gets screwed over in the end. I think that, once her story returns in the books, we’ll see a more mature, pragmatic Dany.
@defrobot: well, we know the show’s creators have said all along that they just wanted to get to book 3 (which they would split over two seasons) because they think it holds the potential for three of the greatest moments in TV history. If that’s really their intention, I could buy that they may put everything they’ve got into bringing book 3 to screen and then calling it a series. But with books 4 and 5 already out there, if the show were to continue past book 3, I don’t think they can really just take the show in some totally different direction after that. Maybe they’re in part banking on doubts that Martin will ever actually finish the series (even with the lead time Martin has now given that it would take 4-6 more seasons for the show to catch up to where the books are already), and setting things up so that they can conclude it in line with the broad strokes that Martin has given them (or that they themselves envisioned for the story)?
I just hope that when the time comes, the show will follow a linear path, rather than the parallel path the books take.