Finally, a real one.

http://www.hbo.com/video/video.html/?autoplay=true&vid=1145144&filter=game-of-thrones&view=null

And now, the "inside" featurette, which covers enough to whet just about anyone's appetite. I'm in full blown nerdgasm mode about this now. So happy to see this coming out as good as this looks to be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EVKp5nYxyI

And now a full length one!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfAE3hIaPm4

2 episodes in and i'm hooked and not just for the all the nakedness. I never read the books so the story is fresh for me. if you havent been watching i recommend you do.

I'm trying to not critique it too much and just enjoy it. Some things about the casting of the characters bug me but overall it's doing a good job IMO. Whole pages of dialogue are right from the book.

I think they absolutely nailed Arya, Danerys, and Viserys. I was miffed the first episode week :) I just hope GRRM sticks to his July 12th date for a Dance with Dragons and that it doesn't suck.

The Queen is a whore. Poor Dire wolf. That really pissed me off. :(
:devil

Is the Queen banging her own brother?

Is the Queen banging her own brother?

It gets better than that but yes, yes she is.

It gets better than that but yes, yes she is.

omgz!

The first 2 episodes are awesome. This is definitely going to be a favourite series of mine.

And unlike Vel, the main reason is all the nakedness. There's some hot titties in there!

Episode 3 was top notch too. Ep 2 has been the best so far, as it had the most boobies. But 3 is a contender, not on the booby front, but story-line front.

3 also introduced Barristan Selmy, who is one of my favorite characters. I think it's interesting that they're deviating from the book, not just in dialog but in adding scenes that weren't in the text. I don't mind dialog deviation, generally I dislike adding/removing scenes from a book, but it's working really well so far. I like that with the additional dialog, they're giving more depth to characters that didn't have much face time in the books.

Examples include: Rakharo, Doreah (who is also a solid 8), and especially Robert.

That's the thing about solid source material. Sometimes motion pictures can add missing dimensions. They did it best in Fellowship of the Ring with the mountain scene and Boromir; he said in one line 'so much fear and doubt over so small a thing, such a little thing...' which took the book many chapters to establish.

Yeah, whenever I see a new scene, it's like seeing something that got cut from the book because of the PoV Narrative structure. It's awesome.

Sounds like not reading the series makes this better as I have no preconceived notions about the characters or the narrative and can just enjoy what is some fantastic television.

And Halo i said nothing about not enjoying the fantastic teetaas. just that this would good even with out them.

You must enjoy the teetaas!!!

It's well done and seems to get better each week. Funny, I don't even notice the teetaas lol. The additional scenes are helping fill in some stuff for people who haven't read the books (i.e. Leah). Each episode I've had to explain less and less. LOL, she was pretty lost in the at first episode :)

I haven't read them either and, like Vel above, I think my viewing experience is better for it. Cannot wait for next week's. Here's hoping for more teetaas!!

I guess I wasn't clear. I meant that reading the book after watching the series might give you the feeling that THE BOOK left parts out. There are an equal number of things that the series makes clear that take much longer for the books to make clear as there are of things that the books make clear early that aren't explained quite as well or quickly in the series, due to time and budget constraints. They aren't just doing a good job representing the series, they are adding to it, creating scenes that feel like we missed them in the book due to its narrative structure, so the book had to add the information via internal memories or dialogue.

I.E. all that awkward expository dialogue is actually making book readers squee about the extra time they get to spend with minor characters that had less face time in the books.

Just remember that half of the information you get is crap, and half of the billions of minor introduced characters will remain minor and aren't worth remembering. Even the ones that ARE worth remembering usually aren't worth more thought than, "Wow, we've seen this guy since episode x, and he's only NOW getting the spotlight? Well that puts a new light on all those scenes that i thought were throw aways"

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2011/05/game-of-thrones-recap-csi-westeros.html

- Quite a funny review of Sunday's episode.

I really love the Tyrion character. Peter Dinklage is just superb.

I really love the Tyrion character. Peter Dinklage is just superb.

Worked with Peter Dinklage on a pilot of a TV show that never made it past the Pilot. He was a quiet guy on set who had a tall cute wife/girlfriend who was all over him and it was WEIRD!

He was great when it came to the acting though... Believable at whatever he did!

Yeah, he was also amazing in Death at a Funeral.

Though I didn't like him as much in Death at a Funeral.

I must admit, I enjoy his screen time the most. Getting a bit bored of events on The Wall. The final scene was awesome.

I'm not sure why, but seeing Viserys on a screen makes me loathe him even more than I did reading the book. Also, I agree about Dinklage. Easily one of the strongest characters right now, ahead of Sean Bean even. More Jaime Lannister backstory/expose too please. Thanks.

I'm not sure why, but seeing Viserys on a screen makes me loathe him even more than I did reading the book. Also, I agree about Dinklage. Easily one of the strongest characters right now, ahead of Sean Bean even. More Jaime Lannister backstory/expose too please. Thanks.

This!! Sooooo this! :)

I can't wait to see him get his; I cheered when I read that in the book so I'm sure I'll feel equally happy when I see it onscreen. I want to see his face melt!!

I don't think I've seen a bad episode of this show yet. 5 was awesome too.

I love the controversy this show is causing... be it a kid sucking on nipple at a very inappropriate age or the killing of a wolf people get all beside themselves. :D

I love the controversy this show is causing... be it a kid sucking on nipple at a very inappropriate age or the killing of a wolf people get all beside themselves. :D

Yea... is the kid sucking the nipple legal?

Yea... is the kid sucking the nipple legal?


the word is that it was probably a "stunt boob" rofl. No idea though but yeah it was a little odd...but having read the books I was expecting it.

I'm pretty sure there is an industry term for a "stunt boob", though I can't figure out what it is.
Semi related, the "merkin" is a rather unusual industry term I learned shooting a re-enactment for AMW. Feel free to google that bad boy.

This is one hell of a damn good show!

"I want my golden crown!" be care full what you wish for! yea this is damn good television for sure.

After many issues I finally got to see episode 7 last night right after episode 6. I'm guessing HBOGO wasn't expecting the load they had. Fortunately comcast had it on xfinity; screw HBOGO and that shitty app/service :P

So should I watch the show and keep myself in suspense or is there enough difference that I can read the book and still enjoy the show?

they definitely add stuff in the show that is lacking in the book but honestly so far the things they are adding I think help the story. though, sometimes when I watch it I wish I was a virgin to the series so I wouldn't know everything that's about to happen. I envy you if you've never read the series and get to see the show.

Id say jump on in Bini as its way too much fun and read the books later as I plan to do. I can only think of 2 other shows i have enjoyed this much. the shield and battle star galactica.

they definitely add stuff in the show that is lacking in the book but honestly so far the things they are adding I think help the story. though, sometimes when I watch it I wish I was a virgin to the series so I wouldn't know everything that's about to happen. I envy you if you've never read the series and get to see the show.

After the 3rd episode I checked wikipedia and read about everything that is going to happen for the next five seasons :mad::(:eek: Oupz))

Viserys got owned. Christ.

Loved last night's episode, as usual. My only criticism, however, has to be that the further in to the series we go, the slower the narrative, which is becoming somewhat painstaking. Obviously this is due to the intensity of the plot twists and the massive scope of characters and stories attempting to be covered in each episode. This has detracted from the viewing experience, as when the credits roll often very little has actually happened, or moved forward.

AND WHERE ARE THE TITTAS?!?!

Loved last night's episode, as usual. My only criticism, however, has to be that the further in to the series we go, the slower the narrative, which is becoming somewhat painstaking. Obviously this is due to the intensity of the plot twists and the massive scope of characters and stories attempting to be covered in each episode. This has detracted from the viewing experience, as when the credits roll often very little has actually happened, or moved forward.

AND WHERE ARE THE TITTAS?!?!


I think they replaced tittas for full frontal of both men and women apparently lol.

If you haven't seen episode 7 yet I could see how you'd think it's slow....in 7 a lot changes. :D

That gold crown was so disturbing.

:devil

that was so perfect and awesome to see onscreen. that's one of those parts where upon reading it I cheered outloud. There are many such scenes in the book that evoked emotion while reading. So, it's so neat to see some of these things on screen to see if how I envisioned it is how others saw it. this series is full of some serious OMG twists; I can't wait for later events.

What witchcraft let you see episode 7 fildien? I thought it didn't air until the 29th. Share your secrets with me!111.

HBOGO

or if you have comcast xfinity you can watch from that too.

Hax! Though I guess I shouldn't complain, since I acquire every episode through the internet. Why they don't have episode 7 is beyond me.

I'm sooo pissed, take that fucker Jamye's head in payment! how do you feel about your little sweetheart now Sansa?

I have to wait until tonight to see episode 9 so I'm ignoring your post Velv!

Will let you know later what I thought of the ep. Hope it's as meaty as last weeks.

I'm sooo pissed, take that fucker Jamye's head in payment! how do you feel about your little sweetheart now Sansa?


The thing is Ned deserved it; he was too honorbound and in the end a coward. He was terrible at the Game of Thrones. As the series progresses your feelings about him will change. I was pissed/sad/frustrated he died so soon but later on I changed my mind about him. Having said this, if you've not read the books don't get too attached to any of the main characters. GRRM is not bashful about killing people off at the least expected time. Ned, was dead the moment he went to King's Landing. All Hands in recent history have died with the exception of Tywin.

Ho. ly. shit.

I was expecting that like I was expecting my own death. That came out of left-field like you wouldn't believed.

I'm stunned. Literally.

FUCK!

LOL my friend and I were talking about the show today and we basically wondered how long can the series be when your going to kill off all the major cast members before the end of season one.
Will be interesting to find out if Drago does indeed go bye-bye as well. that will suck for Jason Mamoa, he was really fantastic in the role.

Wtf... Spoilers!

I hate all of you

Omfg what an episode!

So, um...now ya'll know why I've been fanboi-ing about this series since..like...forever...

Ho. ly. shit.

I was expecting that like I was expecting my own death. That came out of left-field like you wouldn't believed.

I'm stunned. Literally.

FUCK!

Sucks that I knew what was going to happen because of Maylen and his douche bagedness in the "Fandros Thread". Talk about killing a crazy twist. Thanks Maylen, I hope you fracture your shin and the bone breaks through the skin.

:devil

LOL my friend and I were talking about the show today and we basically wondered how long can the series be when your going to kill off all the major cast members before the end of season one.
Will be interesting to find out if Drago does indeed go bye-bye as well. that will suck for Jason Mamoa, he was really fantastic in the role.

You just don't get it. This is what makes this story so amazing. Everyone is fair game and honestly I don't consider either of them "major" characters. This is a long series but GRRM tricked everyone into liking a key player and then killing them. This is not a typical fantasy series this is all about drama and politics with a little fantasy undertones. It gets so much better too :)

I'm not sure it translates well onto screen with that kind of 'outrageous' plot twisting. Sean Bean is an anchor actor who can carry a series. You of course have to be true to source material, but I can't help but feel it has taken something away from the series. I don't even know whether I'm that interested in watching the season finale now.

I guess I consider myself 'tricked'.

Sean Bean is an increadible actor for sure and actually made me like Ned Stark again. But honestly, Stark is/was a coward and clueless about the Game. He had multiple opportunities to use his knowledge. He could have completely changed the game but he didn't so he got what he deserved.


"When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground."


I really like this recap.
http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/06/game_of_thrones_recap_a_newbie_6.html

speaking of Sean Bean....

http://www.cinemablend.com/celebrity/Sean-Bean-Stabbed-Outside-London-Bar-Remains-Fully-Awesome-32789.html

The thing is, halo, you now have this question nagging the heck out of you:
How the hell can this series top that?

This question will bring you back, like it did to all of us.

I was in need of new Avatar anyways :D

Yeah, yeah. I'm already out of my emotional funk, induced mainly I think by my love of the Beanster. I think you invest emotionally in characters in a different way with TV series as with monographs; either way, looking forward to Monday's finale. Can't say the same for my wife, who has banished it from our house since Ned was killed (she can only cope with predictable plots with happy endings, bless her).

Wait, we're already at the season finale? God damn it.

Losing Ned was almost as emotionally painful as losing Pia early on American Idol.

:devil

See, everything works out in the end, everyone gets exactly what they always wanted:
Jon gets to be a part of an exciting excursion of the Nights Watch north of the wall to find his uncle!
Arya gets to live an adventure just like a boy.
Sansa gets to marry the King and be Queen!
Danaerys gets the authority that only a real Targ can wield.
Jaime finally found some competition.
Rob lives up to his fathers expectations!
Tyrion gets the recognition from his Father that he's always wanted.
Theon gets to prove his loyalty!

See? Happy endings for everyone!

And then they get strafed by an A-10A.

You forgot Cersei has a never ending supply of brothers to keep her happy. happy endings indeed.
One thing I did have figured about the show was that Daenarys(sp) was going to hatch the eggs somehow. In such dramatic fashion? did not see that.
I am sad to see Kahl Drogo gone was a neat character and Jason Mamoa was doing a great job with it. the good news is he will star as Conan in the new re-make due out next year. I think.
I am very happy that they at least left off with an excellent Ta-Ta shot.

See, everything works out in the end, everyone gets exactly what they always wanted:
Jon gets to be a part of an exciting excursion of the Nights Watch north of the wall to find his uncle!
Arya gets to live an adventure just like a boy.
Sansa gets to marry the King and be Queen!
Danaerys gets the authority that only a real Targ can wield.
Jaime finally found some competition.
Rob lives up to his fathers expectations!
Tyrion gets the recognition from his Father that he's always wanted.
Theon gets to prove his loyalty!

See? Happy endings for everyone!

I'm borrowing this!

Question? did season 1 pretty much cover book 1? I am eager to read the books but only as long as I can do so without pacing the series. the newbie shock factor is just way to delicious.
If not I still have a back log of about 50 fantasy novels to tie me over

I thought the finale was a bit of an anti-climax. While I know zilch about media, I think I could have edited that episode down by at least 30 minutes and kept the main storyline going without a problem. They have way too much filler going on, IMO.

I thought the finale was a bit of an anti-climax. While I know zilch about media, I think I could have edited that episode down by at least 30 minutes and kept the main storyline going without a problem. They have way too much filler going on, IMO.

You should be whipped for such a comment

Question? did season 1 pretty much cover book 1? I am eager to read the books but only as long as I can do so without pacing the series. the newbie shock factor is just way to delicious.
If not I still have a back log of about 50 fantasy novels to tie me over

Season 1 ended at exactly the same point book 1 did. As long as they keep on this path, you should be okay to read the book after the equivalent season ends.

Also, I think the season has been paced strangely (tip of the hat to Halo), but I think that's because the book was paced strangely too. There'd be sudden violent bursts of action, then sort of an even keel, then oh god he's a head short now.

As a matter of fact, I think the tv series spoils the book more than the book spoils the series. A lot of the characterizations in the book you only see hints of, and you have to infer as the reason for the actions that they take. In the tv series, they spell out their character via the extra scenes up front. Case in point: Renly and Loras. A lot of book readers hadn't even figured out what was shown in their scene, despite abundant hints throughout the first 3 books.

'then sort of an even keel, then oh god he's a head short now.'

- LOL! Yes, you're right. But the thing with a TV series, is that most scenes need to have at least a reasonable connection to the immediate story, ie that particular episode. Having the eunuch and brothel-owner stand around for the tenth time talking about gashes and waging a witty battle just feels boring and nonsensical.

The only good bit in the finale was the khalesee and her dragons; the Sansa scene was pretty good too. But the rest? Really could have been trimmed. It even made events on The Wall seem boring, which has never been the case previously.

Anyone else think those baby dragons looked like something out of the Muppet Show?

:devil

I was focused elsewhere in that scene, and for some reason every time I watch it again I get distracted...

This series follows the pattern of "the wire", in that the bookmarks for the story threads are the beginning and ending of seasons rather than episodes. This makes them good as DVD purchases rather than network TV.

It isn't until the beheading that you realize that the game has always been "bet you can't guess who the protagonist REALLY is".

'I was focused elsewhere in that scene, and for some reason every time I watch it again I get distracted...'

- I hear you. She went straight into my spank bank. Daddy like.

Congrats to mister Dinklage on his winning the Golden Globe for best supporting actor. is it April yet??

New Season 2 trailer just hit the web!! 2 mins of tease!


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/25/game-of-thrones-season-2-trailer_n_1301599.html