They've ruined Edd

[H.P.]

I'm talking of course about Eddison "Dolorous Edd" Tollet. And by "ruined" I mean that he's not only totally different in the show from the books, but that in the show, they've taken away the whole point of the character.

Show-viewers who haven't read the books may not know who the heck I'm talking about - and I don't blame you. In case you're wondering, he's the guy in the Night's Watch who in the last episode stood up and spoke up against Jon's plans.

So what's Edd like in the books? Here's the simplest and most accurate explanation: He is Karl Pilkington. Sure, he has a different name, different job, and is described as looking (at least slightly) different, but personality-wise he's 100 % Karl Pilkington.

"Who the hell is Karl Pilkington?" you might ask. If so, I recommend you to spend the next 30 minutes looking him up on Youtube. It may be your best spent half hour this year so far. After that, return to this post.

Furthermore, Edd is always loyal to Jon.

So, as for "the point of the character", I see it as this: Mainly comic relief. And boy, is it good comic relief. His funniness level is way up there with Tyrion or Littlefinger (yes, Littlefinger is really funny in the books, funnier than in the show IMHO).

The second point of Edd is being one of the few senior crows who is "good", who is very loyal to Jon and Sam, as well as not without wits or courage.

And what is Edd's point in the show? I haven't really noticed any. He's just a random crow. In fact, I don't even see the point in naming him "Dolorous Edd" in the show, since he's so different from his book counterpart. And so pointless.

Thoughts on this, my fellows?

[ShelbySmythe]

You are spot on with the comparison with the K-man! I wonder if Edd has ever played Rockbusters with his Sworn Brothers?

In all seriousness, Eddison's personality probably isn't a main point D&D are focused on. I guess he's basically a background character that we are familiar with. And I'll be honest, his personality isn't the worst thing they've cut. But still, it would have been nice if Jon received at least a little support in his decision.

However, when you change one thing others must follow. Grenn and Pyp survived the Battle for Castle Black in the book, and so Edd was more tolerant of Jon's decision. Since Grenn and Pyp died in the show, it wouldn't really make sense if Edd gave his approval to let the wildlings through the Wall.

[Primalsplit]

I think he's just another livestock in the show. They will dispose him for dramatic effect at the first opportunity.

[H.P.]

You are spot on with the comparison with the K-man! I wonder if Edd has ever played Rockbusters with his Sworn Brothers?

In all seriousness, Eddison's personality probably isn't a main point D&D are focused on. I guess he's basically a background character that we are familiar with. And I'll be honest, his personality isn't the worst thing they've cut. But still, it would have been nice if Jon received at least a little support in his decision.

However, when you change one thing others must follow. Grenn and Pyp survived the Battle for Castle Black in the book, and so Edd was more tolerant of Jon's decision. Since Grenn and Pyp died in the show, it wouldn't really make sense if Edd gave his approval to let the wildlings through the Wall.

I do indeed understand D&D's decision to basically omit Edd. Cuts have to be made, and the musings of the E-Man certainly aren't most vital to the story. However, a little bit of Edd would have gone a long way. If they hade let him moan for as little as 30 seconds per season, it would have provided a welcome spark in an at times humorless show, AND made the character memorable, instead of just another rank-and-file. You could have given him 30 of Pip's and Grenn's seconds, D&D!

[ni2tre]

Edd hasn't had many funny lines since S3 or so but I'll just say that he's loyal to Jon in the show too, he said he will follow him everywhere so he sticks with Jon even though he doesn't like the wildlings.

[yanmaodao]

His life peaked at getting to yell, "drop the scythe, boys!"

[Arkash]

Ben Crompton is terrific, but so damned underused !!! I hope he'll shine at Hardhome and make it out alive !

[ShelbySmythe]

I do indeed understand D&D's decision to basically omit Edd. Cuts have to be made, and the musings of the E-Man certainly aren't most vital to the story. However, a little bit of Edd would have gone a long way. If they hade let him moan for as little as 30 seconds per season, it would have provided a welcome spark in an at times humorless show, AND made the character memorable, instead of just another rank-and-file. You could have given him 30 of Pip's and Grenn's seconds, D&D!

30 seconds wouldn't make much difference to the show, I agree. If he was given even a little time, I'd be well content. It'd make a nice change to all the bleakness of the Watch.

[of man and wolf]

They give Bronn a ton of time. Edd could use a lil more too.

[H.P.]

They give Bronn a ton of time. Edd could use a lil more too.

Interesting that you use Bronn as an example because he and Edd have slightly similar, dark humor. I suggested swapping Pyp-and-Grenn-time for Edd-time earlier. Maybe Bronn-time would be a better swap, since one of Bronn's roles in the series - dark comic relief - is shared by Edd.

[Drogonthedread]

i just got one thing to say

prepare for his death next episode

[H.P.]

i just got one thing to say

prepare for his death next episode

I don't really care.

Now, if they hadn't ruined him, I'dve been heartbroken.

[Roose on the Loose]

Ben Crompton is terrific, but so damned underused !!! I hope he'll shine at Hardhome and make it out alive !

Yea, casting isn't the problem. Crompton is actually perfect to play book Edd. If you doubt me watch a BBC show called Pramface. But they give him all the wrong lines.

I've always assumed that Edd was based on Eyore.

[Borodin]

I'm talking of course about Eddison "Dolorous Edd" Tollet. And by "ruined" I mean that he's not only totally different in the show from the books, but that in the show, they've taken away the whole point of the character.

Edd gets about 21 minutes of screen time in the first 4 seasons. That's about 5 minutes a season - about the same amount of time as Ros, who is way more developed that Edd. Yet another case of when they could have easily been more faithful to the books.

[TepidHands]

Olly gets more screen time nodding than Dolorous Edd does cracking wise.

Of course, the showrunners also cut off Tormond's HARS! and holding forth on his physique.

[roxWolfox]

I wouldn't say that they've ruined Edd, but he has been sidelined for most of the series. My biggest fear of Hardhome was him dying, and for a few minutes I began to mourn him in his absence...then there he was! I had to fistpump.

As much as I love the actress who played Karsi (I know of her from Borgen, a great tv show), I was puzzled by how much time and effort they spent on her character in this one episode, while poor Edd has basically been background material for years now. A damn shame, that, as some of his lines are like little flickers of light in the vast darkness of the Wall.

[Bridgeburners]

I do remember him making a few funny comments earlier on (second season or so). But since then, you're right.

Edd certainly isn't the only one who is very different from his book counterpart. Have you noticed how deathly serious Tormund Giantsbane is all the time? In the book, he's the exact opposite. Even in the most tense moments, he's always cracking wise, slapping his belly and yelling "HAR!" Then there's Tyrion who's a moral white knight in the show, and basically a rapist/killer in the books.

With Edd, I suppose it's more the case that they don't have time to fit in his witty anecdotes, rather than wanting to make him a different character.

[Rise Above]

The actor's portrayal of Edd is great, but I agree he's been way underused.

[roxWolfox]

I do remember him making a few funny comments earlier on (second season or so). But since then, you're right.

Edd certainly isn't the only one who is very different from his book counterpart. Have you noticed how deathly serious Tormund Giantsbane is all the time? In the book, he's the exact opposite. Even in the most tense moments, he's always cracking wise, slapping his belly and yelling "HAR!" Then there's Tyrion who's a moral white knight in the show, and basically a rapist/killer in the books.

With Edd, I suppose it's more the case that they don't have time to fit in his witty anecdotes, rather than wanting to make him a different character.

Oh, I've noticed. But, I do love Tormund and his bristling beard, so I'll give him a pass. The one they mauled beyond recognition, imo, was Qhorin Halfhand. When watching the WW lieutenant striding after Jon in the meeting hall, I couldn't help think to myself that he was perfect for a wighted Qhorin. Spot on perfect. I'm not dissing the actor that portrayed the Halfhand...it's just that he wasn't imposing or awe inspiring in any way. He was just a weather-beaten little old man that had spent most of his life running around in the frozen north. BookQhorin, on the other hand (no pun intended) scared the bejeezus out of the Wildings.

[ShadowKitty]

Ben Crompton is terrific, but so damned underused !!! I hope he'll shine at Hardhome and make it out alive !

Agreed. Havng seen him in Pramface, he's a great comedy actor and nails the Karl Pilkington-esque type of character he's meant to be playing. They need to give him more screen time on the show!