View Full Version : Game of Thrones
So HBO is making a series out of George R.R. Martin's The Song of Fire and Ice series. Game of Thrones is the first book, and will be the first series.
http://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/index.html#
Go here, click on the picture on the left, and watch the first 15 minutes of the first episode.
Usually when fantasy books are put on screen, I don't have high hopes for them. A great example is how Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series was put on regular television and called "Legend of the Seeker." That was a decent series, that was complete, unwatchable, garbage when it made it onto television. I read all 12 books and have watches less than 10 minutes of the series because it is so terrible.
With Game of Thrones being on HBO, and with the series being one of the best I've ever read (Top 5 for sure), I have very high hopes for this series. Even from the trailer, everything happens pretty much exactly like it does in the book. The whole first scene in snow, is one of those scenes that is important to a book, but would get cut from the screen 99% of the time.
I won't try and explain why the series is so great, you're better off just reading the books, but expect this to be awesome.
*If you're read the Sword of Truth series, I know SAFriday has, this series is MUCH better and more complex.
Oh yeah, and one of my most favorite quotes is right in the first 15 minutes of the whole show as well.
Great-Kazoo
04-05-2011, 21:24
we shall see. it premieres the 17th yet i noticed it shown in the HBOL time slot this past sunday. too bad i only comprehend poquito espanol
Curious as to the quote you like.
You pass the sentence, You swing the sword?
Curious as to the quote you like.
You pass the sentence, You swing the sword?
That's the one. I seem to remember it being a little bit more elaborate than that in the book though. At least the concept is more elaborate. Basically, don't give someone a sentence that you are not willing to carry out yourself.
Probably why the death sentence is going the way of the Dodo in this country.
CrufflerSteve
04-05-2011, 21:40
They had a 15 minute preview. I tend to like HBO stuff. They respect the material and do a great job. I loved the Sopranos and the Wire. Band of Brothers was amazing in its portrayal of the US citizen soldier. The Pacific was also a powerful series. It made me appreciate my Dad's good fortune to be in MacArthur's Army group. He preferred to go around the Japs and let them starve rather than going head on like the Marines.
I have high hopes for the series. I just finished the first book and it was great. It was popular enough you can find them in the used book stores.
Steve
That's the one. I seem to remember it being a little bit more elaborate than that in the book though. At least the concept is more elaborate. Basically, don't give someone a sentence that you are not willing to carry out yourself.
Probably why the death sentence is going the way of the Dodo in this country.
My short paraphrase takes away some of the eloquence from the writing.
I just started the book yesterday while I was at the Tattered Cover. Thanks for the link to the trailer. Boromir and Richard Sharpe...what tough guy can't Sean Bean play?
ronaldrwl
04-05-2011, 21:51
I didn't read the books but I liked "Legend of the Seeker". Better than most anything else on regular tv.
Ron, I strongly encourage you to give the books a shot, they were much, much better. You wouldn't even feel like you were just reading the same thing that you just watched either, since the series didn't really bother to follow the plot of the book much. Generally, I'd feel bad telling someone that something they liked was garbage, but I can only say that in comparison to the books. I've heard that people that didn't read the books liked the show a lot. I would literally start swearing and change the channel every time I tried watching the show. hehe. If you do end up reading the series, you'll find that it is a lot more gritty, gruesome, and adult than anything they'd dare put on regular ole television.
I'd lend you the books, but I don't really get down to Littleton much.
Cstone: I'm looking up who Richard Sharpe is, I'm not familiar with the character.
ldmaster
04-05-2011, 23:01
The books are WAY better than the series, which was, in my opinion somewhat better than a LOT of the series that ScyFY channel has put out. The chracters in the book are very complex and the ultimate messages and interactions make it a very satisfying series.
The biggest thing I had against the Legend of the Seeker series was that they turned it into another "pretty boy meets pretty girl" thing. And it SO wasn't about that in the books, while romance DID happen, it was never a lightly treated thing as the series portrayed it.
I don't know, Martin seems to be did a good deal of copying of subject matter from Tolkein and McCaffery. The series itself was quite a bit bloodier than I think it needed to be, he seemed enchanted by the idea that murder was ALWAYS involved in intrigue.
We'll see though.
I hope they don't do an abortion of it, the way they did with the "battelfield L.A." thing - god that sucked.
Was Battlefield LA a book too?
I don't really think that Martin copied Tolkein. It's kind of difficult to write such a complex epic, without bringing in several different species, countries, continents, etc.
ID, check out this interview with Martin. I found it pretty interesting. They ask him about comparing his book with Tolkein. Song of Ice and Fire is supposed to be loosely based on Europe's War of Roses by the way.
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/01/his-beautiful-dark-twisted-fantasy-george-r-r-martin-talks-game-of-thrones/
For those who think to themselves, "Well, fantasy isn't really my bag," then this is exactly the series for you. It is very grounded and realistic. There are elements of magic, but most of the characters don't believe in it, and believe it to be long extinct.
Irving, Regarding Sharpe - http://www.bernardcornwell.net
Speaking of The Cousins War (War of the Roses) I also just started Philippa Gregory's The White Queen - http://www.philippagregory.com/work/plantaganet/the-white-queen/
ronaldrwl
04-06-2011, 08:59
The costumes were awesome. The first season was really good. I told my wife how impressed I was that they really did kill the main bad guy. I was a little disappointed when they found a way to revive him ala "In Search of Spock".
Dirt Diver
04-06-2011, 09:01
I gotta say, I am pretty excited for this one to come out... The preview looks pretty good, and I am usually not one for books made into shows/movies...
But I will be giving this one a chance. :)
The costumes were awesome. The first season was really good. I told my wife how impressed I was that they really did kill the main bad guy. I was a little disappointed when they found a way to revive him ala "In Search of Spock".
Yeah, the main bad guy is killed in the first book. But he comes back as a spirit in other books, and there is later a much greater threat. You know you want to read the books Ron.
GoldFinger
04-16-2011, 20:31
Set your DVR's for tomorrow night. I'm just a huge fan of the books so I'm really hoping that the series is as good as all of the previews make it out to be.
If you have HBO they are showing it 3 times in series tomorrow night.
[Beer]
I didn't read the books but I liked "Legend of the Seeker". Better than most anything else on regular tv.
You should totally read the books.. The series left out SOOOOO much, and I stopped watching it after a few episodes. It just wasn't as... good.
'Wizards First Rule' got me hooked...
GoldFinger
04-16-2011, 20:49
You should totally read the books.. The series left out SOOOOO much, and I stopped watching it after a few episodes. It just wasn't as... good.
'Wizards First Rule' got me hooked...
+1 - Thought the books were good, but the series... not so much.
patrick0685
04-16-2011, 20:52
Set your DVR's for tomorrow night. I'm just a huge fan of the books so I'm really hoping that the series is as good as all of the previews make it out to be.
If you have HBO they are showing it 3 times in series tomorrow night.
[Beer]
ya im excited...i need to set the DVR still though
Is there any way to watch this on something like Hulu? I don't have and can't afford HBO.
Half Live
04-16-2011, 21:46
If you have DirecTV HBO is free this weekend.
patrick0685
04-16-2011, 23:19
Nah, just Comcast.
They raised my bill I called and bitch, so the lowered my rate and I made them give me free HBO for 6 months
patrick0685
04-19-2011, 00:02
i watched it, never read the books so im still a little lost but it has been good so far
You're not allowed to be lost during the first episode!
You're not lost, there are just 75ish characters that are introduced throughout the whole series. Think of it like trying to completely grasp the complexity of either of the World Wars in a single, one hour program. Not going to happen.
patrick0685
04-19-2011, 00:21
ya thats what i figured, overall i liked it and have my dvr set to record the whole thing.
GoldFinger
04-19-2011, 06:56
I thought it was great. It might be tough to get into it unless you've read the books, though. I definitely will be watching the rest of them but I'm not sure the wife will watch anymore. Her comment was "no wonder you like this they show lots of boobies". I replied "I only watch it for the stories".
[Coffee]
I didn't read the books, but reviews of the series from people who did read the books, their primary question is why was the "marriage night" scene in the tv series so rapey, when in the books the guy was nice to her?
H.
ghettodub
04-19-2011, 09:14
I recorded it but haven't watched yet. Looking forward to it
I replied "I only watch it for the stories".
[Coffee]
Haha. Well played Hef.
Troublco
04-19-2011, 20:55
Wow, what timing. I'm 2/3 through Game of Thrones right now, picked it up in the Myrtle Beach airport a week and a half ago on a parts run. I wasn't too sure when I picked it up but it sucked me right in. It seems more like it ought to be a couple books all by itself; I can hardly wait to get the rest. I may have to order them straight off Amazon. With as much time as I have to read nowadays, they ought to last for months! [ROFL1]
Wow guys. They have NAILED this! I just watched the first episode. Hats off to HBO. Everything was absolutely perfect. I didn't think they'd have the Dire Wolves in the series. It was so perfect, that I don't even feel like I have to read the series again. Or get an update from Wiki.
Hoosier: The marriage scene was pretty much how I remembered it from the book. He was being nice to her, but she was scared and from an outsider's perspective, it'd look quite "rapey." I mean she just watched some hoes getting nailed on the dance floor. Plus, she knew what was coming and that there was no stopping it. Pretty much rape back then at all times.
GoldFinger
04-20-2011, 07:24
I may have to order them straight off Amazon.
One thing that absolutely pisses me off about this aurthor - George RR Martin - is that he has delayed releasing his last book for about 5 years now. The first 4 are available at most book stores, though.
Hoosier: The marriage scene was pretty much how I remembered it from the book. He was being nice to her, but she was scared and from an outsider's perspective, it'd look quite "rapey." I mean she just watched some hoes getting nailed on the dance floor. Plus, she knew what was coming and that there was no stopping it. Pretty much rape back then at all times.
That's what I thought too. The Dothraki are some crazy f*^kers, just the way they roll.
Damn- I learned how to multi-quote. Good things are gonna happen today.
[Weight]
Asha'man
04-21-2011, 22:16
My buddy downloaded it and burned it for me so I'm planning to watch it tomorrow night. I have satellite internet so downloading 1.5 gig files isn't an option. I haven't read the books in a few years but I'm sure it'll come back. Looking forward to it (and the boobies :D ).
patrick0685
04-21-2011, 23:38
It came on HBO2 tonight, so I watched it again...I think its gunna be a great series
Episode 2 continued the perfection. The Kingsroad is the name of the episode. Everything was done perfectly, just as it happened in the book.
If anyone has questions about any background, or trying to figure out what is going on, I will gladly answer questions that won't spoil anything.
GoldFinger
04-26-2011, 06:00
Episode 2 continued the perfection. The Kingsroad is the name of the episode. Everything was done perfectly, just as it happened in the book.
+1 - Reminds me why I got sucked into the bucks for hours on end. They are really doing a good job of portraying the written story, and I'm still impressed with the attention to detail.
I was so happy to hear that they decided to include Rickon, even if it was just a passing reference so far. Also, the kid that is about Robb Stark's age that is still in Winterfell; what is his name? It is Greyjoy or something right? He's from that other kindgom as an apprentice under Ned Stark right? What's the name of the kingdom again? Iron something? Salt something? I like when he goes home for the first time and runs into his sister. I forget which book that is in though.
Only read this if you've read ALL the books. I'd send a PM, but I'm not sure who all has read them.
>I'm concerned with how they are going to handle Bran's relationship with his wolf. I'm sure it is doable, but just concerned how/if they'll accomplish it.<
GoldFinger
04-26-2011, 21:12
I was so happy to hear that they decided to include Rickon, even if it was just a passing reference so far. Also, the kid that is about Robb Stark's age that is still in Winterfell; what is his name? It is Greyjoy or something right? He's from that other kindgom as an apprentice under Ned Stark right? What's the name of the kingdom again? Iron something? Salt something? I like when he goes home for the first time and runs into his sister. I forget which book that is in though.
Only read this if you've read ALL the books. I'd send a PM, but I'm not sure who all has read them.
>I'm concerned with how they are going to handle Bran's relationship with his wolf. I'm sure it is doable, but just concerned how/if they'll accomplish it.<
It's Theon Greyjoy, son of Balon Greyjoy who is the lord of the iron islands. Theon was more a hostage than apprentice since he was given to Ned after Ned and King Robert put down a rebelion against the iron throne by Balon. I think this all begins in the second book, but I can't recall. I'll have to look through them later.
[Beer]
That's right thanks. If you just go to the Wiki page, you can get a great reminder without having to read the books again.
I'm going into my crawl space tonight to dig the books out tonight. I'll either read them again, read them to my fiance, or have them ready in case any of my friends want to read them.
My top 5 list of all time favorite books/series goes like this, in no particular order:
1. Mistborn
2. Song of Ice and Fire
3. Harry Potter
4.
5.
If anyone is on the fence about whether they want to read this series, I can't say enough good things about it.
GoldFinger
04-26-2011, 23:20
That's right thanks. If you just go to the Wiki page, you can get a great reminder without having to read the books again.
I'm going into my crawl space tonight to dig the books out tonight. I'll either read them again, read them to my fiance, or have them ready in case any of my friends want to read them.
My top 5 list of all time favorite books/series goes like this, in no particular order:
1. Mistborn
2. Song of Ice and Fire
3. Harry Potter
4.
5.
If anyone is on the fence about whether they want to read this series, I can't say enough good things about it.
I haven't head of Mistborn, but I'll have to check it out. Song of Firen and Ice is definitely #1 on my list, though.
Thanks for the lead on that one.
Brandon Sanderson is the author. He is brand new and awesome. I've talked about the series/author before in the book section.
As far as Game of Thrones though, knowing what I know, I know that my fiance is going to seriously love/hate the series and will probably be angry for days after certain parts. Oh George R.R. Martin, you wily rascal!
So who is still watching? We're still enjoying the series, but they are doing things differently than I would prefer. Alas, I understand why they are making the changes that they are making. At this point, if there are say 12 scenes in an episode, perhaps only 4 of those scenes actually happen in the book Game of Thrones. Many of the interactions with the characters may have happened during the time line of Game of Thrones, but you don't actually hear about them until book 2, 3 or even 4. Despite having made up character interactions that don't specifically follow the book, they've done so in the spirit of the book, and only to help flesh out the plot, and the characters for those who've not read the books.
I dug all my books out of my crawl space because I figured one friend or another would want to read them. It only took about two days of me looking at them stacked up next to my bed before I started reading them again. Now I'm about 170 pages in Clash of Kings (book 2). I've got book 5 (to be released in July, finally) on order.
So who's still watching? Any questions on what the heck is going on?
patrick0685
05-28-2011, 19:22
Im still watching, actually watched the last episode last night, I also started reading the book and have finished the first and am waiting on my wife for the second, its been pretty good I think
Beprepared
05-28-2011, 19:23
I'm 3/4's through with the first book. Don't have HBO and won't watch the series till video. Pretty good read so far. I jumped to the end of this thread, if I read from the beginning, will their be any plot spoilers?
There shouldn't be any plot spoilers in this thread that I can remember. I do have one major complaint about this last episode (Episode 6) but I can't say anything about it, without it being a plot spoiler for people reading the books.
theGinsue
05-30-2011, 00:42
I don't have HBO so I'll be missing this series like so many other good ones that have only been shown on the premium channels.
I was @ Banres & Noble last weekend and really gave Game of Thrones a strong look but wasn't sure it was my kind of story. I take it that most of you would really recommend this book?
Don't let the genre dissuade you. A good story is a good story. In this case, it's a great story.
Only one episode left for this season. I loved reading the responses of the people who didn't read the books, and in some cases don't even know this is based on a book, after last night's episode. I laughed myself to sleep about it.
The book series is excellent, glad book 5 finally released. I'm enjoying the HBO series pretty well. It doesn't have to follow 100% to be better than just about anything else out there. So far it's doing that pretty well.
I've got book 5 already ordered, and I am so glad that I decided to read the whole series again. There is just so much stuff that I forgot. I can go through and name one major event from each book, and that's about it.
Last episode of Game of Thrones was tonight. Anyone watch it all? Who is reading the series, and where are you now? I think Trouble picked up the first book at the airport or something.
Ginsue, you said you didn't think this was your genre. Did you like Braveheart? This is similar, but much, much better.
patrick0685
06-20-2011, 06:52
i watched it last night, it was pretty good, had some more stuff from book 2 in it but ended just like 1 did (if i remember correctly) still havent started book 2 bc my wife wont finish it[Rant1]
CrufflerSteve
06-20-2011, 09:18
I watched last night and it is good. I'm about halfway through the 4th book and it is still great. I'd read some of his stuff before but tend to avoid fantasy series since they usually suck but he has nailed it. My only quibble is the battle Tyrion was in. I think the book had him actually fight in it but here he was knocked out before it began.
Steve
I have many quibbles with the show, but Tyrion getting knocked out is my biggest one for sure. That was super lame. The whore Shae seems retarded in the series. I didn't like how they threw stuff from other books into this series to help build character development. The reason those scenes happen in other books, is because you're not supposed to know about them now! The scene with Catlyn Stark talking to Jaime Lannister doesn't even happen until the very END of book two.
patrick0685
06-20-2011, 21:09
well i guess i know that he stays alive till then
[Tooth]
Don't worry, I haven't spoiled anything in here.
patrick0685
06-20-2011, 23:37
i was just giving you a hard time...
enthusiast
06-21-2011, 15:04
I found the whole series (1-4) in epub format if anyone wants them.
Book signing in Denver in case anyone is interested:
http://www.tatteredcover.com/event/george-r-r-martin-dance-dragons-song-ice-and-fire-book-five
Very interested, thanks for sharing!
Finally got the fiance to start reading Clash of Kings, because she can't wait until the series comes on again. She is kind of lost as to what is going on though, since she only got the watered down version from the TV series.
Bitter Clinger
06-08-2013, 12:43
Holy crap! Did anyone watch Sundays episode? How crappy....
I've been waiting for that episode since this series first started... Bwahahahaha
I've been waiting for that episode since this series first started... Bwahahahaha
The funnies thing I have seen on the net in reference to the episode was a quote...
Now you know why 5 years ago all your friends who read the series were depressed for about a month.
LOL
SouthPaw
04-29-2016, 14:54
Bringing this one back from the dead if anyone still watches it...
Great-Kazoo
04-29-2016, 14:59
Bringing this one back from the dead if anyone still watches it...
Caught it sunday.
Jefe's AR
04-29-2016, 17:50
He was only mostly dead.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/64/cb/c2/64cbc2a9459e303bb63154f38babab6c.jpg
And I'm NOT talking about Jon Snow.
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