(BEWARE SPOILERS) Book Lovers beware this episode was better than we expected

[Bilbo Baggins]

Basically, you aren't interested in debating against people that disagree with you.

I'm not interested because you aren't having a debate. You're constantly restating, "It's shit. It's shit. It's shit.It's shit" You clearly show no intention of ever letting anyone sway your opinion and you're so far stuck up your own ass with superiority, so what's the point? Any debate with you is not only pointless, but it's frankly off-topic.

[Miodrag]

You clearly show no intention of ever letting anyone sway your opinion and you're so far stuck up your own ass with superiority, so what's the point?

Once again you're proving that, when missing those hypothetical debates with you, I'm missing nothing actually.

[Starksmustwin]

and the point is? In the four years the series has been on I have seen literally no one state that they want a verbatim picture of the books on screen.

Then you really don't read this board much. One guy was even calling the series "Game of Fanfic" because this new Bran/Jon Story line wasn't in the books. There's at least one person on this board that gets upset over every minute change. So, you're either literally lying about not seeing anyone like that or you literally don't read the comments on this board..

[basilisk312]

That sounds like one of those good problems.

lol... you could be right, i do recall <almost> getting bored thru some of that

[Blazfemur]

Book lovers beware this thread was better than we expected.

[roxWolfox]

After reading all these posts, I'm reminded of what Ken Taylor (instrumental in rescuing hostages in 1979) said after Argo won the Best Picture Oscar. Poetic licence. That's what 'based on' or 'adapted from' mean when a story from one medium is crafted into another medium. Also, considering that George RR Martin himself is writing episodes for the HBO adaptation, I can't get my head around the 'fanfic' accusations.

On one hand you have an author spending little money when crafting a story/characters/world, on the other hand you have two ASoIaF book nerds having to budget for dozens of main characters (some being acclaimed actors who would command quite a paycheck), hundreds to thousands of extras, hotels/motels/food/shelter of some sort, special effects crews, directors, writers, and all that while having to figure out what filming in several countries entails. They have to cut scenes from the books, or the project would be more expensive than the rewards.

Both my husband and I have read the books (I have reread them three times), and while the books are stories that warrant re-reading, tv viewers don't necessarily rewatch unless doing a marathon of sorts. So the producers/writers have to keep that in mind. They didn't show the Liddle and the conversation that led us readers to believe that the northerners know Bran (because of Summer and Hodor) is alive, so they had to go another route. Hence Sam spilling the beans to Jon. It's believable simply because Sam is so in awe of Jon, and would want to ease the sorrow that Jon felt when losing his little brothers. It did fall flat in that we don't really get to feel Jon's pain. Nor do they relate the sense of loss of Ghost to Jon. Again, odd that they wouldn't show this to the tv watchers, but they probably have their reasons.

There were moments that I absolutely adored in this episode. When Dolorous Edd stood up to answer Jon's request, I literally did a fistpump and yelled out a 'yeah! Dolorous Edd to the rescue' which my husband thought was way too funny in itself.

Jaime and Brienne's entire interaction had me on the verge of tears. And yes, I was fully prepared to still have a hate-on for Jaime's violating his sister from the last episode.

And then there was Barriston's reaction to Dany 'meeting injustice with justice'. He definitely had a flashback to Aerys (or even Joffrey for all of the 5 seconds that he was in Joffrey's KG)

While I admit I have a difficult time with sex scenes in any show (The Tudors, Spartacus, The Soprano's) when they don't really serve any purpose other than to shock/titillate and I more or less just find something to do (like dishes or sweeping) until the scene is over, Craster's Keep scene had me fixated. Perhaps it was the level of horror I felt, or just the over the top acting/speech given by Burn Gorman. Either way, I couldn't look away ... and throwing Bran and company into the mix just raised my horror a whole new level. The scene with the WW touching the baby was strangely caring/gentle in comparison.

So yes, the books and show have taken different paths in the story telling, but from someone who enjoys great acting and great scenery, I find the show just as compelling as the books. I used to be one of those that raged about tv/movie adaptations being so far removed from the source that the shows lose substance (almost every Stephen King adaptation, Micheal Crichton as just two examples), but many, many others consider what I originally found to be substandard storytelling to be 'classic films' ... and over the years I've learned to appreciate them for what they are.

[Lyanna<3Rhaegar]

But no one believes in the books that Bran is alive. That's half Theon's character is that he is a kinslayer, turncloak, etc. And in the books only Sam knows the truth

Jon knowing Theon didn't kill Bran could have some major plot upsets.

[Blazfemur]

Bottom line, i truly feel The Others arent evil, ad thwey actually have a purpose. I think the Wall, was put up, not as a benefit, but as a way of segregation. The biggest twist, will be finding out these superpowered beings have a purpose, and not just all the evil theyre making them out to be,

[jentario]

I loved it--totally loved it. Bran at Craster's, Ghost locked up, Summer in a trap, and that mind-blowing reveal at the end. The White Walker Boss Guy. WTF?? Loved it, every minute of it.

http://imgur.com/0Orkkbs

This. I know a lot of book readers didn't feel comfortable with it, but I already knew they would make some changes in the mid-season (considering there wasn't enough material for a full season in ASOS and they have to end around ASOS anyway because of the big climaxes at the end)- and I just loved it. This episode was really well made- well written, well acted, well shot, the sets were fantastic, the CGI as good as ever... Even if you hate that they've shown us that last scene, you have to admit it was epic and awesome. I really can't complement this episode enough. It just worked.

[Blazfemur]

This. I know a lot of book readers didn't feel comfortable with it, but I already knew they would make some changes in the mid-season (considering there wasn't enough material for a full season in ASOS and they have to end around ASOS anyway because of the big climaxes at the end)- and I just loved it. This episode was really well made- well written, well acted, well shot, the sets were fantastic, the CGI as good as ever... Even if you hate that they've shown us that last scene, you have to admit it was epic and awesome. I really can't complement this episode enough. It just worked.

i agree. in other threads, ive used the analogy, i felt like a show-watcher watching it for the first time, and as a book reader, i truly didnt know what was going to happen. i loved it. it kept me guessing. even Locke (aka vargo hoat), have NO idea whats going to happen there.

[sj4iy]

i agree. in other threads, ive used the analogy, i felt like a show-watcher watching it for the first time, and as a book reader, i truly didnt know what was going to happen. i loved it. it kept me guessing. even Locke (aka vargo hoat), have NO idea whats going to happen there.

^This. Loved the tension and not having any clue what's coming next. I'm probably more excited about next week than I was for Joffrey's death. I've never been a purist...while I love the books, I also love the the show and the differences between them only increase my understanding of the story and give me a different view of the characters.

[Mother of Flagons]

It was a really good episode.

What I will always fail to understand is why certain people believe deviations from the novel lessen the quality of the show.

A. The books aren't perfect

B. They are separate entities

C. Some of this stuff is really, really cool

Couldn't agree more. These new deviations enhance the show, for me at least. I like being on the same page (nearly) as nonreaders.

[Blazfemur]

^This. Loved the tension and not having any clue what's coming next. I'm probably more excited about next week than I was for Joffrey's death. I've never been a purist...while I love the books, I also love the the show and the differences between them only increase my understanding of the story and give me a different view of the characters.

Seriously, next week, we're right on par with the show-watchers. i mean, as book readers, whenyou know whats going to happen, yes the excitement is there, but it lacks a certain... anticipation. id liek to thank d&d for what they're doing, they're bringing back the antici.......PATION

[ipsuel]

I'll admit it. I'm kinda a book purist, and really don't enjoy most of the changes.

However, I think they improved Bran's story for me. And yeah, its nice that I have no clue what is coming next for Bran and Co.

So even the purist in me has to say... well done :)

[Cas Stark]

How is it people don't know what's going to happen now?

The mutineers are going to be killed and Bran and co. are going to head North. Jon will get Ghost back. We will either have a cheesy Jon/Bran reunion or a cheesy Jon/Bran 'near miss' number two.

[Blazfemur]

How is it people don't know what's going to happen now?

The mutineers are going to be killed and Bran and co. are going to head North. Jon will get Ghost back. We will either have a cheesy Jon/Bran reunion or a cheesy Jon/Bran 'near miss' number two.

See here's the thing, who's going to save them? Ye si know it's implied Jon with Locke, however, wouldnt ittake awhile to get to craster's keep? Why would Karl keep them alive that long, he's kinda....unruly.

If I were writing the episodes... this is a PERFECT time for Coldhands to appear, slay the rebel NW, and escort them to Bloodraven.

[Blazfemur]

If it ends up being Jon that finds them, obviously thats when Locke turns because he's hunting Bran. Then what?

"Hey bran long time no see, how are you?" said Jon.

"Thanks for saving me bro, time to go up north."

"Wait, youre leaving?"

"Yeah."

"uh, ok, guess ill headback now after saving your ass."

it just doesnt work well in theory

[Blazfemur]

Locke should leave for Skagos, or wherever Osha took Rickon after finding out from Bran. Locke should be the enemy in his storyline that eventually gets confronted inadvertantly by Davos/Osha.

[Cas Stark]

See here's the thing, who's going to save them? Ye si know it's implied Jon with Locke, however, wouldnt ittake awhile to get to craster's keep? Why would Karl keep them alive that long, he's kinda....unruly.

If I were writing the episodes... this is a PERFECT time for Coldhands to appear, slay the rebel NW, and escort them to Bloodraven.

I kind of like this idea, it would leave Bran's fate a mystery for Jon, but it would be a weird scene of the NW getting to Craster's and there being nothing there but dead bodies and Ghost, wouldn't it?

[Blazfemur]

I kind of like this idea, it would leave Bran's fate a mystery for Jon, but it would be a weird scene of the NW getting to Craster's and there being nothing there but dead bodies and Ghost, wouldn't it?

he reunites with ghost, hmm.. a stray survivor that they threaten spills that they said they were heading north, the fight between jon and locke occurs, hmm.

it's exciting i dont know whats coming haha