Game of Thrones

[Davina, The Modster]

Anyone seen this? If yes, what is it about? Is it any good? Not sure where I heard this from, but apparently its about ancient Norse mythology which could be interesting to watch, I think, if they get the cast and stories right.

[TinaNoir]

Davina, the HBO series is based on the first book, A Game of Thrones of an extremely popular epic fantasy series known as The Song of Ice and Fire written by George R R Martin. It isn't Norse based, it is a fantasy retelling of the Wars of the Roses. I love the written series and have been a fan of it for years.

It is supposed to be 7 books long but the most recent book #4 was written 6 years ago. His fans have been frothing at the mouth (your truly included) for book 5. It is finally coming out this July.

In the meantime we've had the HBO series to look forward to. So far, the fans have not been disappointed. The casting is uniformly excellent and the production values are stellar. And in the first two episodes it has been pretty darned faithful to the book.

Unless you are a fan of door-stopper fantasy novels (book #3 clocks in at 1,000 pages) I don't recommend it. But I do say take a look at the first episode to see if it'd appeal. Since it is fairly faithful to the book you'd get a good idea of what the book is like.

[Michelle]

Davina wrote: "Anyone seen this? If yes, what is it about? Is it any good? Not sure where I heard this from, but apparently its about ancient Norse mythology which could be interesting to watch, I think, if they ..."

I haven't watched it yet, but I've heard wonderful things. I didn't know it was based on a fantasy series. Now I'm debating watching, or adding the series to my very long list of books to read instead.

[Samantha]

I haven't heard of this.

[Davina, The Modster]

Apparently my brother is a huge fan of the books (jeez I didn't even knew he read!!!). Just found out he recorded the first 2 episodes so I'll catch it at his place later. I'm curious about it. The books are far too long for me to read so if the TV show is true to form then I'll have to do with that.

[Davina, The Modster]

I caught up with this show the other day and it looks promising. At the moment its weighed down by too much dialogue and too little action, but I have hope that it will get better as the series progresses.

There's a budding romance between a very HOT barbarian called Khal Drogo and the sister of a future king. I'm hoping it lasts.

[Samantha]

Maybe I'll have to check this out.

[Davina, The Modster]

I think you should. Jason Momsa is slowly growing on me and he's super fine. Think Crixus , except cuter and taller.

[TinaNoir]

Jason Momoa was absolutely inspired casting for Khal Drogo. Like I said above, the casting is spot on with the books. Whoever was responsible either read the books themselves or had GRRM on hand as final approval.

The only thing is, Cersei is being portrayed a lot more sympathetically than in the books, In the books, she is an unrepentant, evil, witch. Awful woman.

[Samantha]

I don't know if I have the energy to read the books. Do you think I can just jump in and watch instead?

[The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears]

Two words: SEAN BEAN.

That's my second biggest reason for tuning in faithfully. Just...him...

[TinaNoir]

Yeah, ginormous fantasy epics aren't for everyone. The tv show is a great sub as so far it is being pretty faithful to the first book.

[Davina, The Modster]

Tiina, GRRM executive produced and even wrote a couple of the episodes so I imagine he was very influential in developing the production. I think that's awesome because giving/sharing creative control with authors is very unusual for the industry.

By the way, is Cersei Drogo's wife? I thought her name was Danyres? Or are you referring to the queen? I seem to have gotten the names mixed up. Hmm, I'm actually looking forward to Sunday night! I'm still shocked at the incident that took place between the siblings (hope you know what I mean since I don't want to spoil it for Sam) and hope Bran remembers.

[Samantha]

you aren't spoiling it for me. I'm thinking this must be good if all of you guys are enjoying it.

[TinaNoir]

Danerys is Khal Drogo's wife. Her family used to be the rulers of the Seven Kingdoms until Robert (the current King) came and killed her father and usurped the throne. So she is a real problem for the current rulers because people can still rally around her, that is why she is so far away drumming up support. It doesn't quite work out the way Viserys (her brother) plans though.

Cersei is the current queen and wife of Robert. Her family are the very powerful Lannisters. Her twin brother is Jaime (he of the shocking scene) and their other brother is the dwarf Tyrion -- one of the best characters in the series hands down.

Eddard Stark is best friends with Robert and goes to King's Landing to help Robert out. The whole Stark clan are the sympathetic centers of the entire series (well maybe not Sansa because she is an idiot even four books later). And they are woefully unprepared for the duplicity, backstabbing, and plotting that goes on in Kings' Landing. Eddard is noble and honorable where none exists around him.

I won't spoil you guys but GRRM has no fear with killing off sympathetic characters. None. Four books later and my mind is still reeling with OMG, did he just do that?

Ok, maybe I will spoil you a bit:
(view spoiler)[Since the series is called a Song of Ice and Fire, many speculate that Dany (fire) and Jon(ice) will eventually end up together at the end and rule the Seven Kingdoms. In book three both of these characters are simply fierce. Dany is a queen and does some power-mojo shit where she is. And Jon has become the power behind the Wall. So two of the least powerful people in the first book have become quite powerful by the fourth book. They don't know each other at all, but still many people (myself included) believe that somehow Jon and Dany will discover each other. (hide spoiler)]

[Davina, The Modster]

Ok I haven't looked at the spoiler and I won't since the series consist of only 10 episodes, BUT Ned, his wife, Drogo, his wife and the dwarf are my favourite characters so far. Please don't tell me one of them gets killed off???

Answer yes or no, but don't tell me who. My heart is already bleeding at the thought.

[Samantha]

LOL!

[Davina, The Modster]

Haha ... I just know it's gonna be one or more of my faves. I can tell since Tina is avoiding my question.

[TinaNoir]

OMG! Davina, I was totally avoiding your question. LOL.

I refuse to say anything. Just watch the show.

**whistles while walking away from the thread**

[Davina, The Modster]

I have a strong feeling about who it's going to be and I hate the thought. Aw well ... see why I can't stand to read books written by men??? Their stories can be so bloody macabre and melancholic.

By the way, Tina, since you've read (are reading?) the series do you have any idea how many of the books will be adapted? I know HBO has already renewed the show for a second season, but I understand the second season will still be based on the first book A Game of Thrones. Any clues?

[Davina, The Modster]

So no Khal Drogo and Dany for the past two weeks. Disappointed. But at least something is starting to happen.

That Lannister pretty boy has it coming! Can't wait til Sunday.

[Davina, The Modster]

I knew it was coming, but I can't get over episode 9. I had really hoped it wasn't true since we didn't actually see the deed, but having visited various blogs and threads my hopes are dashed. I'd resigned myself to it, but I wasn't expecting to happen so soon. This is horrible. I hope Drogo isn't next.

[TinaNoir]

Since I read the books, I knew exactly what was coming. But I was curious to see what happens around the interwebs for people who only know the story from the show. I must say people were FREAKING. OUT. A GR reader from another group and members of many other review boards including TWOP posted a youtube video from a guy named Larry Williams who has been watching and you-tube-reviewing the show each Monday. He is incredibly invested, and his reaction is both typical of many new viewers and hilarious. You can see it here:

Larry's reaction

I love the comments regarding this around the blogosphere I especially love (view spoiler)["They killed my nigga Ned!" needs to be on a t-shirt. (hide spoiler)]

Davina I have to say in all honesty, I did not watch this episode. I knew what was going to happen. It is the sole reason I have a hard time re-reading the first book.

[Davina, The Modster]

LOL@Larry.

He's got a point. This is messed up. Now I'm not so sure about reading the books. I internalize things I read far more than things I see/watch. This emotional turmoil ... don't like it one bit. I'm still in shock. Based on how the episode was shot, I'd hoped that it wasn't true (that somehow, even though I know it will happen, it wouldn't be now), but all hope is loss. I'm on pins and needles waiting for the season finale tonight. I just have a sick feeling Drogo is next.

[Davina, The Modster]

(view spoiler)[First Ned, now Khal Drogo. (hide spoiler)]

How am I going to survive???

[TinaNoir]

I thought about you when that episode aired. There, there. It'll be ok. (view spoiler)[ Their deaths have purpose later. (hide spoiler)]

BTW, I read somewhere that Sean Bean heard about Larry's freak-out and was tickled by it.

[Samantha]

Davina, I'm finally going to watch this series. So I can't wait to discuss this with you all :)

[Davina, The Modster]

Well it's about time! ;)

[Samantha]

Lol. I figure you would say that but why the hell did I fall asleep while trying to watch last night.

[Davina, The Modster]

The series is slow to build, but my anticipation that it would rise to a pinnacle at by the end was spot on. Stay with it. It'll get better ... and once Khal Drogo comes on the scene you'll wanna keep watching. ;)

[Samantha]

LOL. It wasn't boring. I was just tired after all of the 4th of July activities. I plan to watch it. I want to know what all the hype is about.

[Samantha]

Now that I don't have my Idris fix (oh wait I got to catch the next season) I'll try this again.

[Davina, The Modster]

This is too weird. I just asked you about this on the Conan The Barbarian thread!

Maybe we are sisters from another mister! LOL

How far in the season did you get?

[Samantha]

I'm going to start episode 1 tonight...I know! I know! What the hell was I doing all this time? LOL.

[Davina, The Modster]

You're missing out. That's all I gotta say! :)

[Davina, The Modster]

Can't wait for its return!