I can't believe no one is talking about this....
I love how uncompromisingly vicious and nasty this show is.

and haha joffree, you sadist piece of shit.

Haven't seen any of the new season. Gotta catch up.

you need to get on that before the internet spoils it for you

On it.

SPOILERS****

I was shocked by that episode.  

I had envisioned Joffrey's death as this epic scene where one of the Starks got right up in the boy king's face, let him know who was about to end him, and then dispatch him via sword, knife or possibly brass knuckles.  He was the character you loved to hate, so while it was satisfying to seem him draw his last breath, I have to admit I'll miss his psychotic little brain.  

Very clever how virtually everyone at the banquet had a reason to kill him.  EVERYONE.  And they all had their chances.  Gotta love how this show is not afraid to slay its mains.

it will be interesting to see who was the one who did it. the cup he drank from was given to him by the House of Burrell(?)

my guess though is his wife killed him....
She can't stand him and he represents everything she's against... however she's an idealist with seemingly big plans and a savvy politician. it makes perfect sense right?
1. Marry the King to get a seat at the Royal Table
2. Kill the King.... one who has so many obvious enemies... that no one would ever suspect her.


did you guys notice Joffree's younger brother has blonde hair and not dark hair?  hahaha

Jamie and Cerci have been busy.

I've only seen episode 1 so far, avoid spoilers until the next hour of GOT is over.

That was the most epic COCK STAB I've ever seen on television. Actually, it's the only cock stab I think I've ever seen, but it was a doozy! Enjoy your chicken dinner tonight Hound, you've become one of my favorite characters. And Arya delivers a payoff 3 seasons in the making. Outstanding!

Nice haircut Jaime Lannister, bad haircut Brienne. Good to see that he still fancies his sister. I am starting to get tired of Daenery's story, but I'm sure there's a payoff somewhere in the near or distant future.

Episode 2...

:o :o :o :o

Oooohhhh mannnn!!!

:o :o :o :o

I'm caught up.

After tonight's episode, yeah...

Game of Thrones is the truth.

Game of Thrones is the best. And I was a reluctant convert - anything with dragons is going to make me balk a bit but now... I love it!

Did you watch the latest Libby? Spoiler alert - I think I pooped me britches  ;D :D :-/ :(

;D Pooped your britches!
Ah no, don't worry, I expect we're way behind. So, no telling. I deliberately didn't read anything of your previous post - think I saw the word 'haircut' which could mean anything in Thrones land.  ;D

Been watching GOT from the start.

Show is difficult to follow and get invested in, if, like me, you haven't read the books and don't read up online on the storylines.

I often found myself at the start of seasons going like "who was this now?" when a character shows up. They'll mention someone's name, and I'd be like - "who?".

There are so many characters and so many storylines and most of these are cut down from the books, so you're left with very tiny clues about what's going on. Taking a 10 month break not thinking about the show every year doesn't help. This season I decided to read up on some stuff and I watched those History and Lore videos. Things became much more clear and the world became much richer.

Hope they don't go into the magic stuff too much. Magic I think will remove some of the grittiness of the show.

There are some interesting characters like: Jorah Mormont, Varys, Little Finger, Cersei, Stannis etc. Never liked the ones that are made out to be the heroes: Jon Snow, Daenerys. I find those boring, even worse the actors playing them lack charisma and acting ability.

This was four seasons in before I finally gave it a look.  A couple of weeks (and no social life) later I was all caught up…  Not sure I could get into the books, not my thing, but…  

I agree with Demento, the more morally ambiguous characters are a joy to watch.  I’m still hoping the Hound pulls through.  Though I can honestly say I've never wanted to see a fictional character get his comeuppance more than Roose Bolton...  That's some effective character writing right there.
  
Seems like they’re really drawing out the story-lines this season -- less action, more intrigue.  Though this last episode was a real treat.  Good to see the giants back -- though disappointed there was no mammoth riding this time round…

Occasionally I’ll sit down and try to work through all the current story-lines -- I usually give up pretty quickly.  Solid show.  And it’s good to see winter finally arriving.  Feels like we've been watching a bunch of sad-faced weathermen for four seasons...

I binge watched the show and found it all easy enough to follow without having knowledge of the books.

I can imagine watching it in hurly chunks it was harder.

This series was very poor until the last couple of episodes, but it's heating up nicely again.

There are some major problems at the moment. It's great that the show is unpredictable in what will happen to some characters but the downside is we've lost so much charisma from the series. People like Charles Dance, Sean Bean and that bisexual guy were simply levels above a lot of the remaining cast in sheer acting ability.

At least three of the major story-lines are almost entirely devoid of charisma...the Daenerys one in particular. She has been boring the place out since the beginning and the boredom has reached profound levels. As an actress she is incredibly one-note and she is constantly in "emperor" mode. Same intonation, same conflicts week after week. Dull as dishwater.

There's also the Blonde Bore..is it Breanne? Or Brionne or something. The Knight, sworn to an oath who comes along and sends us to sleep every once in a while.

And the young Stark girl who just got married. The script seems to be written to keep her as subdued and uninteresting as humanly possible.

A more minor problem is that the good actors/characters left have been split up so their interesting interactions are now missing from King's Landing...people like Little Finger, The Spider etc. Their plotting holds little interest in of itself in a fantasy world...who cares what happens to a world that doesn't exist? The interest came from their human battles and witty dialogue.

Still an avid watcher, but they need to get some charismatic actors back into it.

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films I binge watched the show and found it all easy enough to follow without having knowledge of the books. I can imagine watching it in hurly chunks it was harder. This series was very poor until the last couple of episodes, but it's heating up nicely again. There are some major problems at the moment. It's great that the show is unpredictable in what will happen to some characters but the downside is we've lost so much charisma from the series. People like Charles Dance, Sean Bean and that bisexual guy were simply levels above a lot of the remaining cast in sheer acting ability. At least three of the major story-lines are almost entirely devoid of charisma...the Daenerys one in particular. She has been boring the place out since the beginning and the boredom has reached profound levels. As an actress she is incredibly one-note and she is constantly in "emperor" mode. Same intonation, same conflicts week after week. Dull as dishwater. There's also the Blonde Bore..is it Breanne? Or Brionne or something. The Knight, sworn to an oath who comes along and sends us to sleep every once in a while. And the young Stark girl who just got married. The script seems to be written to keep her as subdued and uninteresting as humanly possible. A more minor problem is that the good actors/characters left have been split up so their interesting interactions are now missing from King's Landing...people like Little Finger, The Spider etc. Their plotting holds little interest in of itself in a fantasy world...who cares what happens to a world that doesn't exist? The interest came from their human battles and witty dialogue. Still an avid watcher, but they need to get some charismatic actors back into it.

I am current on the series and agree with much of this - although I think I like some of the earlier stuff much more than you did.

Like the Sopranos - I appreciate that they don't mind killing a character off here and there - it adds intensity.

I concur on the one beat actors versus those that demonstrated far more depth and interest - more of the latter please.

If I had to change one thing it would have been to nuke a few of the story lines are together. There are just too many of them which means that the juicy ones get short shrift and the tale becomes much more confusing then it need be.

I will give them an A++ for production values.

When they first started killing off the primary characters I wasn't happy. Now I think it's been too long.

I got the first book, as I was in a store trying to find my wife and gave up. Why is it you wander around searching for someone in a store, then keep seeing the same three people, but never the one you want?

Anyways, I gave up on seeing these three as they were beginning to suspect something I wasn't doing, so instead I picked up the first book to wait by the checkouts to catch her. My better half I mean, I wasn't looking for a victim or anything.

I'd read the start once or twice before and thought no, I'm not gonna get into this. There's too many books, they're too bloody big and it's too out there. There's dragons in it for the sake of fuck. Lordy.

But I was there for a while, waiting. So I read a few pages. This time I loved it. I could see it. I was there. I could feel it. So I bought it. I'm in about two hundred pages and it's fucking great. I can see the second book from where I type. My better half bought it for me. Despite the waiting she no so bad.

I've started watching the series again from the start. Have to say it's almost flawless. As Clive James said recently, or something along these lines, "I never thought I'd like anything with dragons in it, but now I'm hooked."

Hooked and sinkered. I read and I watch. It don't get much better.

Highly impressive.

R

Bump... in light of tonight's premiere. Anyone watching?

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

...am I right?

Quoted from James McClung !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...am I right?

Lots to like, even though I kind of thought we were done with Dorne.  Guess not.

Another thing that bugs me -- they made such a big deal about Sansa and Reek jumping off that high castle wall.  Even repeating the scene with "previously on..."  Like it was a big cliffhanger or something.

Then they were just like, oh, here they are, running through the woods.  No worries.

That seemed lazy.  Maybe they had to make cuts for time?

I did like the final scene quite a bit.  Nice middle finger to everyone who watches for the T&A haha.

I loved it overall. Lots of appeals to a broader audience with the action sequences and quips from the funnier characters. And indeed Dorne was lame in S5. But I thought it was cool how they kicked things off with all characters working from their most basic resources in pretty much every sense. Super stripped down, immediate and harsh, even for Game of Thrones. Couldn't be more stoked for this season.

It's guuwd.  It's guuwd.

Thought it was a solid start. Every character dropped down a peg or on the verge of completely broken, will be interesting to see them claw their way back. Are we at the point where the show is ahead of the books? Either way I have faith in David Benioff to keep things at a high level.

Quoted from MarkItZero Thought it was a solid start. Every character dropped down a peg or on the verge of completely broken, will be interesting to see them claw their way back. Are we at the point where the show is ahead of the books? Either way I have faith in David Benioff to keep things at a high level.

I think most of the storylines are ahead in the show now.

I liked the opener from last night. And, my God Melisandre was spooky!

Not sure how this passed me by all these years, but I'm on it now.

I watched Season 1 yesterday and will have Season 2 done today.

Absolutely love it!  Great characters, set pieces, action, story, violence, nudity, and most of all, acting.  Great across the board.

I may be caught up by the end of the weekend at this pace, as this appears to be my weekend...along with a little libations.

One of the best things ever.

Quoted from Dreamscale Not sure how this passed me by all these years, but I'm on it now. I watched Season 1 yesterday and will have Season 2 done today. Absolutely love it!  Great characters, set pieces, action, story, violence, nudity, and most of all, acting.  Great across the board. I may be caught up by the end of the weekend at this pace, as this appears to be my weekend...along with a little libations.

Enjoy - just be prepared for the coming off cocaine type let down once you realize that your serial binge is over and you have to wait for new episodes like the rest of us.

Jeff, try to catch all the way up. This past season you will love. Epic.

Always a treat to see people watching GOT for the first time. Enjoy. Good to have a new recruit to sweat it out with the rest of us until Summer 2017.

Quoted from Dreamscale Not sure how this passed me by all these years, but I'm on it now. I watched Season 1 yesterday and will have Season 2 done today. Absolutely love it!  Great characters, set pieces, action, story, violence, nudity, and most of all, acting.  Great across the board. I may be caught up by the end of the weekend at this pace, as this appears to be my weekend...along with a little libations.

Season 3 is a slower season. I struggled with it. But there are some very important things that happen that have lasting reverberations throughout the series. Stay with it and you will be rewarded.

Season 4 is great.

Just started as well.

We have just finished season one and watched the first episode of season two last night

Quite nice to come late to the party to find out there are over 50 episodes to watch

In terms of the young king Joffree I do feel they have taken some liberties on this character but I enjoy it all the same

I'm on Episode 4 of Season 3 now, but I doubt I'll be able to watch any this weekend.

Season 3 is my least favorite so far, but I'm still loving it!

I should be able to finish Season 3 next week.

One of my main problems watching this show was that there are so many characters and I've been watching the show since the first episode aired. So, since 2011 I would watch an episode a week as they came out and I've continued that pace since, following along.

But when you watch the show like this, you watch 10 eps then you take a break for a year, then you come back to it. Most characters, especially new characters have very limited screen time when they first appear and if you haven't read the books or follow along on forums, if you're a casual fan and not someone that's hardcore into the show you forget their names or who they are. Because characters get added every year, and some disappear for a season or two then come back. I'm talking about minor characters, not the main ones.

I remember watching Season 4 and the Hound was talking about Meryn Trant. I was all like - "Who?" This happened to me a few times. I can't remember a character that showed up for 2-3 mins, a year ago. Similar to the Blackfish. MINOR SPOILER - He was in Season 3 for like 5-6 minutes total, then I don't see him for 2-3 years and they start talking about someone named the Blackfish. If you showed me a picture of the actor, I would remember that he was previously in the show, but by name I'd probably have no idea what you're talking about.

This is not really a criticism of the show, just something that kept happening and irked me a bit. I would assume binge watching the show clears this issue up.

there's a lot going on in this show. it's not for the casual viewer. that's for sure.

i came in between seasons 2 and 3. my first time through i felt like i had no idea what was going on but i was absolutely riveted.
so before season 3 started i went back and watched the first 2 seasons until i knew who every character was and wtf everyone was talking about. lol.

since i got caught up i watch every episode twice. once when it airs...and once before the new one airs. i hate missing stuff.

Surprised no one has posted here, and we're already 4 episodes into the new season.

As always, I'm more than impressed and entertained.  I really wish this could go on forever, as there's just nothing like it, as far as I know.

It's interesting as all these various characters come together now...who to root for?  Who to cheer?  Who to hate?  Everyone is such a rich 4D character, who's been good, bad, and in-between.

Great stuff!!

Quoted from Dreamscale Surprised no one has posted here, and we're already 4 episodes into the new season. As always, I'm more than impressed and entertained.  I really wish this could go on forever, as there's just nothing like it, as far as I know. It's interesting as all these various characters come together now...who to root for?  Who to cheer?  Who to hate?  Everyone is such a rich 4D character, who's been good, bad, and in-between. Great stuff!!

Concur! Me and the misses re-watched all six seasons in prep for the new one - they were even better than I remembered. This series does an outstanding in combining great action sequences with dialogue, great story lines and great characters. The production value is off the charts.

Only been one character that I've always rooted for, never rooted against, and always gets my attention when she pops up - Arya Stark.

Quoted Text I really wish this could go on forever, as there's just nothing like it, as far as I know.

Agreed, It's definitely going to leave a massive hole once it's gone.

SPOILERS!!!!!!


Did anyone re-watch that sick sparring match between Arya and Brienne like a hundred times? Cuz I did.

Also, what'd people think of Sansa's reaction? I still can't tell if she's disappointed her sister got transformed into such a killing machine. Or, if she's jealous Arya's this amazing warrior who doesn't need protection from anyone. Maybe a little of both?    

Quoted from MarkItZero SPOILERS!!!!!! Did anyone re-watch that sick sparring match between Arya and Brienne like a hundred times? Cuz I did. Also, what'd people think of Sansa's reaction? I still can't tell if she's disappointed her sister got transformed into such a killing machine. Or, if she's jealous Arya's this amazing warrior who doesn't need protection from anyone. Maybe a little of both?

I didn't take it as either of those - to me it was more of a mystery - i.e., how the hell did she turn from that little girl to this warrior.

I've actually never watched this show. I know about it. Hard to miss with everyone else around the world watching it. From what I know and seen, it doesn't look like something I would be interested in. Dragons? Really? But, since I seem to be totally alone here, I decided to give it a shot last week. I watched half of the first episode. I'll watch the other half next time I have some free time.  ;D

Btw, how can everyone have so much time to watch all these supposedly amazing shows out there? How many hours every day do you watch TV shows and movies?

Quoted Text I've actually never watched this show. I know about it. Hard to miss with everyone else around the world watching it. From what I know and seen, it doesn't look like something I would be interested in. Dragons? Really?

That's actually the same reason I also wasn't interested in it at first, but it's not really a "high fantasy" series. I thought it'd be like Lord of the Rings, but it's not even in the same genre, not truly.

The fantasy elements, at least in the early seasons, are considerably subdued than in other popular fantasy series. Magic is an old, unknowable force, and it's horrific when it occurs, more Lovecraftian than anything really. Apparently George R.R. Martin didn't even want to include dragons in the story at first, but a fellow author egged him on to do it, and so he did.

The show is more about the noble rivalries and the political aspects of the world it takes place in. Fans of historical fiction tend to love it; even though it's not historical fiction, it's nevertheless written with a similar amount of detail and intricacy.

I think another reason it's been successful is simply the wow-factor of the production, which is pretty much unrivaled by any other show on television, except maybe The Walking Dead. Television in general is much higher in quality today, and I think Game of Thrones kind of helped start that trend. I can barely stand to watch older shows anymore--the quality of newer shows has completely spoiled me. It's like watching a short theatrical movie every week.

Quoted Text Btw, how can everyone have so much time to watch all these supposedly amazing shows out there? How many hours every day do you watch TV shows and movies?

For me, it's become harder now that I'm engaged. Also, graduating from college meant no more summer vacation, so there's also that. I used to binge-watch the hell out of shows. Nowadays it's just not realistic for me to do that. I probably watch one or two episodes a week with my S.O. I could NEVER watch just half of anything though; it would drive me nuts. :)

If a show is really good and isn't overly long, we'll binge a bit on a weekend if nothing else presents itself that day. But for the most part we're pretty reasonable about it. So I guess 1-2 hours a week is our current standard.

-Julio

There's been a marked decrease in writing quality since the series has outpaced the novels, but somehow the showrunners can still belt some absolutely epic, showstopping episodes that are on par with the best in the series, not to mention the production value and level of sophistication in the filmmaking at this point are far beyond that of the earlier episodes or anything else on TV, really. Plus the world and characters at the series' base are so detailed and compelling that really only the most blatant incompetence could derail it outright. Perhaps not the most consistent show, but certainly the most exciting at present.

Quoted from Grandma Bear Btw, how can everyone have so much time to watch all these supposedly amazing shows out there? How many hours every day do you watch TV shows and movies?

You make time, of course. All a matter of priorities. :)

Quoted Text There's been a marked decrease in writing quality since the series has outpaced the novels

Been noticing that in the dialogue lately. Most of the dialogue in the early seasons was straight up beautiful, and a significant portion of it was taken from the books. Without the books to fall back on, the dialogue in the newer seasons sounds significantly more plain and pedestrian to me.

Quoted from ReaperCreeper Been noticing that in the dialogue lately. Most of the dialogue in the early seasons was straight up beautiful, and a significant portion of it was taken from the books. Without the books to fall back on, the dialogue in the newer seasons sounds significantly more plain and pedestrian to me.

Some of the dialogue has been atrocious. It's really weird.

Quoted from Grandma Bear I've actually never watched this show. I know about it. Hard to miss with everyone else around the world watching it. From what I know and seen, it doesn't look like something I would be interested in. Dragons? Really? But, since I seem to be totally alone here...

Maybe in this thread, you're alone... but I don't know anybody that watches this.

Anything that runs longer than six hours in total is too long.

Quoted from DustinBowcot Maybe in this thread, you're alone... but I don't know anybody that watches this. Anything that runs longer than six hours in total is too long.

You've never watched a series/mini series that you thought was worth it?

Quoted from eldave1 You've never watched a series/mini series that you thought was worth it?

Lots up to 6 hours... after that they get samey, or drop off.  The furthest I ever went was 11 episodes of Gotham, but the last 5 of those were forced. I loved Westworld, the whole concept, but again, I watched only 5 episodes then got bored and stopped caring about the end.

Quoted from DustinBowcot Lots up to 6 hours... after that they get samey, or drop off.  The furthest I ever went was 11 episodes of Gotham, but the last 5 of those were forced. I loved Westworld, the whole concept, but again, I watched only 5 episodes then got bored and stopped caring about the end.

Interesting. Different strokes - I would much rather get immersed in a long series (Sopranos, Breaking Bad, Seinfeld, etc. etc.) then a one time movie.  I understand the samey issue, but I do like the immersion.  I can't say you're missing anything if it ain't your cup of tea.

Quoted from Grandma Bear I've actually never watched this show. I know about it. Hard to miss with everyone else around the world watching it. From what I know and seen, it doesn't look like something I would be interested in.

+1

Never watched it either and I'm not interested at all. Just not my cup of tea...

Wow...what an episode from last Sunday! Unbelievable.

Can't believe this weekend is the finale already, and we have to wait another long time for the final season.

Yep. That sucks

The only series I've watched is all 7 seasons of The Shield. Watched all of Deadwood but that was only 3 seasons.

Never watched GOT, doesn't interest me though I did have a crack at the books - gave up 100 pages into the 5th book.

I would rather read or play video games than watch tv or movies anymore lol

Quoted from stevie Never watched GOT, doesn't interest me. I would rather play with my crack lol

Great season over all

HOWEVER - not at all a fan of the "big" reveal and was so hoping they would not go that route (those who watch know the topic). Hated it!

PS - how much more interesting would have it been and we discovered that Jon had actually been born a Lannister???????

I was hoping for more in the finale, but the last few minutes sure packed a punch.

Now, the wait begins again.

I think I'm going to cancel HBO, actually, as there are very few movies I watch now...as in very few new movies show up on HBO, and the new Westworld is also a ways away.

My last post was after Episode 4. Definitely spoke too soon. Easily the worst season of the series with Episode 6 being borderline catastrophic. There were some spectacular moments in the latter half of the series, but the majority of them felt either unearned or inherently tainted by sloppy writing.

I've been a big-time apologist for the show throughout the "post-Martin" seasons and have generally tried to be hopeful/enthusiastic even when the flaws were especially obvious. Now I'm conflicted. The show's pulled some proper silly shit this season that at one point I wouldn't have thought possible from the writers and has definitely crossed the line for me at times in terms of suspension of disbelief. Obviously, the show's always divided fans one way or another, despite the fact that most of us have still stuck around, and I've done my share of nitpicking, but it's hard not to sweat some issues when the initial standard of the show was set so high. Definitely stoked to see what happens in the next season, but this is the first time in four years I don't think I'll fret waiting for it.

Quoted from Demento Some of the dialogue has been atrocious. It's really weird.

You notice it the most with the Tyrion and Little Finger characters....

Just goes to show that George RR Martin is in another stratosphere as a writer.

Quoted from MarkItZero Also, what'd people think of Sansa's reaction? I still can't tell if she's disappointed her sister got transformed into such a killing machine. Or, if she's jealous Arya's this amazing warrior who doesn't need protection from anyone. Maybe a little of both?

It was that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you realize you're the only one in the family without superpowers....

Quoted from Penoyer79 It was that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you realize you're the only one in the family without superpowers....

Yup, I'd say that sums it up pretty well.

I've enjoyed season 7 from a purely entertainment point of view but you can sure tell that the author isn't at the helm of the story ship and this is now a TV show by the numbers.

Some of the action has been ludicrous, some fantastic. It has that 'Lost' feeling where they seem to be making stuff up as they go along and yet it now feels safe and predictable, whereas before I had genuine dread that certain characters would not survive an episode.

Still looking forward to the conclusion in 2019 but interesting to see which direction George has taken when he finally (if ever) finishes writing the books.

Quoted Text I've enjoyed season 7 from a purely entertainment point of view but you can sure tell that the author isn't at the helm of the story ship and this is now a TV show by the numbers. Some of the action has been ludicrous, some fantastic. It has that 'Lost' feeling where they seem to be making stuff up as they go along and yet it now feels safe and predictable, whereas before I had genuine dread that certain characters would not survive an episode. Still looking forward to the conclusion in 2019 but interesting to see which direction George has taken when he finally (if ever) finishes writing the books.

This is pretty much how I feel. I still enjoy it, but the show writers are really showing their shortcomings now that they have no books to base themselves on. I'll admit that the finale had a pretty decent Jaime scare though!

More than the ridiculous time-skips in the middle of virtually all the recent episodes (s7e6 was by far the worst offender in that regard) I'm particularly disappointed with the lack of attention to detail in the later seasons.

Example 1:
In season 2 or 3 when he fights Clegane, Beric seems to have to really concentrate in order to get his sword to fire up, with the added drawback that the steel becomes easier to break while it's on fire (which is how he loses that fight).

But in the penultimate season 7 episode, he and Thoros switch the swords on like they're lightsabers with no damage to the steel whatsoever. WTF? It was also implied in the earlier seasons that the process of lighting the blades was more alchemy-related than magical, which is NOT how it was portrayed in season 7.

Example 2:
Gendry runs back to the wall on foot? Abolsutely insane. In no logical world does that make sense. Not even in GoT's Fantasy world. It would have been at least a day of pure running in freezing temperatures. That was a face-palm moment for sure.

Quoted from ReaperCreeper Gendry runs back to the wall on foot? Abolsutely insane. In no logical world does that make sense. Not even in GoT's Fantasy world. It would have been at least a day of pure running in freezing temperatures. That was a face-palm moment for sure.

Dude! I know! Wtf