TV Series Passing the Books?

[Jessica]

Skimmed through some the comments above.

I have to say I'm kind of angry that Martin has admitted people have guessed the ending. That's like someone ruining a book for you. I don't want to know people/fans have guessed it. I want the enjoyment of reading his work and finding that out on my ine show or not. He just opened my Christmas present for me and now it tastes like he pissed in my Cheerios. Not cool in my book.

Rant over...hopefully the anger shall pass.

[Scott]

Well from watching the first episode of season 5 it looks like the show had already passed the books in at least and maybe two of the story lines.either that or the show is making major diversions from the books.

[Chris , The Kingslayer]

Anyone watch The Walking Dead? Or read the comics?

Reason I ask is that though the show is based on the idea of the comics, it is a completely different entity. Since about episode 2, they haven't matched up and are almost parallel universes. Each is successful on its own and well loved by fans. From the beginning, they've had the proper approach and recipe for making a show that is awesome on its own without having to rely religiously on the source material.

I think the reason this hasn't worked with GOT fans is that they did such a wonderful job following the books from the beginning. And now that they're steering off into new territories, it is rubbing book fans the wrong way.

I'm trying to look at the show as something different and enjoy it as it is. I'm having a great time doing so. I loved last night's episode and can't wait for the next one.

But even so, I can't help but notice differences. And the purist in me does twitch at things that are missing/extra. At first. Then I let it sink in and take it for what it is and I feel better about it.

They don't have to be the books. We have the books for that.

[Jessica]

Chris wrote: "Anyone watch The Walking Dead? Or read the comics?

Reason I ask is that though the show is based on the idea of the comics, it is a completely different entity. Since about episode 2, they haven't..."


I agree on one hand but on the other I don't.

I have read and seen The Walking Dead. They are the perfect depiction of how to successfully stray from an already written story, imo. I, honestly, like the show more simply because the character development has been stronger....
That being said, I think GoT has done this unsuccessfully. I am one of the angry fans who doesn't like/appreciate what's being done. If they were going to stray from the books, it should've been done so from the beginning. To do this in the middle of the series? It's just maddening and bad writing. I have to wonder if it was a decision made because Martin hasn't progressed any further with the books? It makes sense. They couldn't foresee the future. However, it does make me irritated with Martin (be angry, whatever...his ego is getting old).

Now, I have to decide if I want the ending spoiled or just watch it. Because let's be honest, if I choose to wait for the books, the ending would be spoiled at some point via facebook, goodreads, or some other social media crap. So I have to decide if I want to become a hermit for however long it takes Martin to finish writing or just watch the show. It makes me feel like my choice has been forced before I can choose. I would much rather read the ending...process it on my own, mourn deaths...enjoy the theorizing. Now the things I enjoy about doing all of that are kind of being flushed down the toilet.

It comes across the money has taken precedence over the story. To each their own.

It's one thing to have difference and little things that just can't be fit into the show. It's another thing to change the storyline, kill characters, etc halfway through the show. Those are two totally different things. And like I said...it irritates me. I give them credit they warned us...but I don't have to like it either.

[Chris , The Kingslayer]

It probably helped The Walking Dead that Kirkman has always been an active writer of both show and comics.

Your concerns for the ending are worthwhile, and something I guess we'll all have to live with. GoT spoilers are about impossible to avoid. Even if you turn off the computer.

The way Martin guards his secrets, I'm half expecting to find out one day that he gave HBO a red herring, false ending.

Then he'll be getting hate mail when the final book comes out about how unfaithful he was to the source material (of the show).

[Silvana]

Chris wrote: "It probably helped The Walking Dead that Kirkman has always been an active writer of both show and comics.

Your concerns for the ending are worthwhile, and something I guess we'll all have to live..."

I would love this to happen!

[Jessica]

Chris wrote: "It probably helped The Walking Dead that Kirkman has always been an active writer of both show and comics.

Your concerns for the ending are worthwhile, and something I guess we'll all have to live..."

I actually wouldn't mind that happening. It would make up for all the anger I have now, that's for sure.

[Maureen]

I LOVE reading a book and then watching the show/movie adaptation after. I thoroughly enjoy seeing the story come to life in front of my eyes instead of in my head. That is what upsets me about the show deviating from the books... I love to see the story come to life on screen.

I am all for a red herring. And even if GRRM doesn't do the ending as one, I think he will add enough details/additional story in the books to make the books fans go, "YES. THIS IS WHAT I WAITED DECADES FOR!"

[Chris , The Kingslayer]

An Open Letter to HBO from House Greyjoy

[Amie]

Hahaha that was awesome, thanks for sharing!!

[Silvana]

It is awesome. Thanks Chris, am sharing all over social media I'm in. HBO should pay the iron price!

[Ross]

To be frank, I'm going to handle the creative deviation the tv series is perpetrating the only I know how, by rereading the books again and thanking good sense that I have not bought into the pretender tv series any further than the end of season 2. If they are going to butcher the original story and go into non-canon deaths and such then the series has ceased to be credible to me, and holds no further interest.

[Maureen]

Hahaha, oh House Greyjoy. Third most-hated house in Westeros?: 1. Frey 2. Bolton 3. Greyjoy? Debateable.

[Scott]

I wish I knew if greyjoy's are even important to the story. Maybe if they get ahold of a dragon otherwise not. I like the approach HBO seems to be taking by not adding story lines and characters that probably will not be important to the end game of the series.

These story lines are great in the books but I'd rather they be left out of the TV show.

[Amie]

Scott wrote: "I wish I knew if greyjoy's are even important to the story. Maybe if they get ahold of a dragon otherwise not. I like the approach HBO seems to be taking by not adding story lines and characters th..."

I love the Victarion story line. (view spoiler)[I'd say the Hell Horn carries some weight in that story. Moqorro's visions? What do they mean? And since he will be in the Meereen battle, who knows what could happen. My favorite idea is that he has his 3 guys blow the Hell Horn, and he summons a Kraken!! (hide spoiler)] In that case, I'm glad it's not in the series, because what a reward that would be for us book readers!!

[Scott]

Victorian was in the earlier books but not the shows. I think it would hard to develop the character in the show at this point. Especially if they want to wrap the show up in 7 seasons.

[Amie]

Scott wrote: "Victorian was in the earlier books but not the shows. I think it would hard to develop the character in the show at this point. Especially if they want to wrap the show up in 7 seasons."

I doubt he will ever be cast, as much as I'd love to see him with his armor and kracken great helm, charging through Slaver's Bay with his super spooky Red Priest. Again, a bonus for readers. The Unsullied just don't know what they're missing.

[Scott]

I really hope they do something cool with the sand snakes this season on the show.

[Scott]

Having watched the first 4 episodes I think one of the characters is being merged with a book character from dance with dragons instead of covering material from winds of winter.

[Amie]

Scott wrote: "Having watched the first 4 episodes I think one of the characters is being merged with a book character from dance with dragons instead of covering material from winds of winter."

Scott, I did too, and yes, that's what's happening. (view spoiler)[Sansa's journey is like watching a car wreck. I don't want to see what terrors lie in Winterfell for her, yet I can't wait to know. It makes perfect sense to replace the Jeyne Pool storyline with Sansa's, and it will provide the Unsullied and book readers alike with new, terrifying, haunting, and awesome storytelling. (hide spoiler)]

[Scott]

(view spoiler)[
I'm very impressed with the first 4 episodes. The merging of Sansa Stark and Jeyne Pool is a great idea. I guess it's out of the fire and into the pan for Sansa. Seeing Sansa kill Ramsey or Roose would be spectacular if it happens. I also think merging the kindly man with Jaqen H'ghar in the house of black and white is another great idea. There was talk of a character dying the show that hasn't in the books. I'm not sure who they are talking about. I don't think we can positively say either Grayworm or Sir Barnaister are dead. I doubt both are and maybe neither. Great cliffhanger I'm almost suspicious HBO is really behind the leaks. It certainly didn't cause any drop in viewership and just adds more to the buzz. I'm wondering if the show will cover both books 4 & 5 this season or continue into next season.
(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Amie]

Scott wrote:

(view spoiler)[I don't think the kindly man is Jaqen. I did at first, but I re-watched it and he tells Arya, he is not Jaqen. (I think ep 3) So, he's just wearing the same face, I guess?

I have been wondering like so many others, who the death would be, and I read every little tidbit, trying to figure out who it would be as well. So many possibilities-

Jaime, since they are doing the crazy mixup with Jaime and Bronn in Dorne, could be either one in place of the fallen Kingsguard, in a possible Myrcella rescue attempt.
Or Sam, since it doesn't look like Jon will send them away to Oldtown, with the lack of the sacrificial child in the tv storyline.
Brienne, in an attempt to rescue Sansa, dies by crossbow at the hands of Ramsay, making him the most hated dude ever.
GreyWorm, since they seem to really want to play up the GW- Missandei love affair. (Waste of time!)
But it does kinda look like it will be Barristan. Everything fits. And that's sad. I am really hoping it isn't Sam. But hell, I'm sure we'll get plenty more deaths this season! And totally, a cliffhanger extraordinaire! (hide spoiler)]

[Scott]

Yes the first four are very good. Can't wait until they air and we can talk more about them.

(view spoiler)[
The other big thing is why is Cersei calling Littlefinger back to King's Landing. They showed the note but I couldn't read it. Another possible death is Sir Loras. He was arrested by the faith so maybe he'll get executed. Sam, Brienne, Greyworm or Barristan would be very dramatic. It could be Jamie but I think he has a date with Cersei in the future. I looked at the stills from season 5 in Maureen with Tyrion and Dany. Neither Greyworm or Barristan or in these so it's possible they both could be dead. Or is possible this is intention so we wouldn't know who died (if either) in episode 4. Maybe Theon will try and rescue Sansa and get killed. So many possibilities I can't wait to the rest of the season airs. Another possible death is Myrcella.

(hide spoiler)]

[Chris , The Kingslayer]

What good does it do to have a spoiler hidden if the quoted spoiler is revealed in the text of the reply?

Damn broken Goodreads.

Amie, can you fix that? Just remove the quoted text that should be hidden...

[Amie]

Fixed, and that is lame. So Sorry guys. We will wait to talk more about the unaired episodes.

[Chris , The Kingslayer]

Thanks, Amie...

[Maureen]

I am usually able to read all spoilers except for those directly above ::sigh:: Soon though! Can't wait for Sunday.

[Eyehavenofilter]

I know there is a horrible scene coming for Sansa so I really want Sansa to rip Ramsy's " toy" off and stuff it in the nearest opening, but then I'm out for his blood.
I know that the show couldn't possibly contain all of the threads that have been woven together in the vast tapestry of the books, however, I too am angry that so much has been ripped out if the original story.yes, yes I know nips and tucks had to be made, but some scenes that were left in were boring and some that were left out were maddening. ( I'm with you Chris!)

[Sophie]

I think even if fans have guessed the ending, it'll still be fun to read. I'm one of those people who started reading the series knowing a few major spoilers from the show already, but it was still great to read the books and see how the story got to those points.

[Ross]

I for one had not guessed the ending of the books, why would I want to? That said the possibility of the ending might have crossed my mind, given the natural tendency to extrapolate known storylines, but if it proves surprising, all the better, just so long as it makes sense and doesn't come out blue.

[Eyehavenofilter]

I like surprises.... But then again in these books that usually means the death of a character you have grown to love, so I'm coming ahead for some anxiety meds.