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[Vector]

The Thrones Finale was absolutely incredible. What a magnificent cliffhanger. I think I'll stick to my original plan and hold off on reading A Clash of Kings until Season 2 airs because the show is just THAT good. The books are great, but honestly, I like the show that much.

"Fire and Blood" SPOILER:


Spoiler:

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Also, here's a good analysis by IGN that compares the book to the TV show:

http://tv.ign.com/articles/117/1177070p1.html

Some things were left out, some things were added -- a necessity in the jump from words to images.

[Trent]

Agreed with the above, what a finale!

[alexdz]

^Agreed there! Extra careful guys!

So right now I'm running through the series again with my father, I think there is a lot to learn from this story. Should be interesting when we get to the Spoiler:

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lesbian scene

LOL.

I think the scene with Spoiler:

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the gay guys shaving each other

will be much more awkward.

[Trent]

That was definitely messed up. Thankfully, there is a mature level watching this stuff with the old man. We seemed to laugh through it than anything. Have to admit though, it's not any short of awkward. Haha.

[valentinesdead?]

Just watched the finale last night. Wow, what an episode! This show is totally hitting just starting to hit its stride. The last batch of episodes have really dazzled compared to the earlier ones. I think the creative team has certainly found it's voice. The show is hopefully now HBO's flagship show like The Soprano's was back in its run. The jump in quality in the latter half of the episodes really puts it on par with that or Dexter(seasons 1 and 2, anyways). I'm sure most people shit bricks when

Spoiler:

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Dany emerged with her dragons. That was by far the best scene in the series, and the most important effects wise. Ever since the series was annouced, I was really wondering how that scene was going to turn out.It really was near perfect. The cinematography, the music. What a way to end the season, and really leave people wanting more.

The finale is also how the book ends, though it was interesting how a few things from A Clash of Kings were sprinkled throughout the episode, but I liked those nods.

Can't say I blame you Vector for wanting to hold out on the books since the series is actually starting to carry its on weight. If the quality of the latter batch of episodes is consistent through all of A Clash of Kings, it just might be worth it from the perspective of someone who was introduced to the story by the series. But anyone who likes the series should definitely read the books at some point, as the characters are even more fleshed out and wonderfully crafted. That's really what makes the story so damn good--the characters. It's why I have such an attachment to the series. It's so far from silly fantasy tripe.

With all that said, I can't wait for HBO to offer the ridiculous priced blu ray set. Bring it on!

[Darkmoon]

Finally watched the last two episodes. Wow, just wow. Now, this isn't a spoiler - I have no idea if it will happen or not. But...

Spoiler:

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Joffrey dying like the weasel he is will give me great pleasure. And here I was thinking the asshole 'Dragon' being crowned would be my personal highlight for killing off morons.

Very cool show. Looking really forward to starting the books once I've finished reading the current books of the Wheel of Time.

[valentinesdead?]

Now, this isn't a spoiler - I have no idea if it will happen or not. But...

Spoiler:

show spoiler

Joffrey dying like the weasel he is will give me great pleasure. And here I was thinking the asshole 'Dragon' being crowned would be my personal highlight for killing off morons.

The Song of Ice and Fire series has one unique quality that is pretty rare for me. . .that being, I actually hate and detest the villians. Usually, I'll like a villain despite him being an asshole or a psycho--but Martin's protagonist are so well done that I too--despise Joffery, as well others at times like Littlefinger, Lysa Arryn, The Hound, Maester Prycelle, Tywin Lannister, and Cersei(though, she does have a couple good points). But that's how you know an author truly is the shit when he can make you HATE the antagonist your supposed too.

[Branden_Lucero]

Man vs. Food Nation

[Alexia_Ashford]

The Song of Ice and Fire series has one unique quality that is pretty rare for me. . .that being, I actually hate and detest the villians. Usually, I'll like a villain despite him being an asshole or a psycho--but Martin's protagonist are so well done that I too--despise Joffery, as well others at times like Littlefinger, Lysa Arryn, The Hound, Maester Prycelle, Tywin Lannister, and Cersei(though, she does have a couple good points). But that's how you know an author truly is the shit when he can make you HATE the antagonist your supposed too.

I second this. Now, people here may notice I like villains. Alexia, Kerrigan, Callisto, Alice Morgan from that Luther show. But Joffrey, pardon my French, is an utter cunt. A stupid little shit brat who thinks he is it but when it comes down to it, he's a scared little boy who isn't fit to be King. Look at his face when Arya twatted him over the head with a stick and threw his sword away, and when Tyrion slapped him. I'LL TELL MUMMY! Just like Viserys Targaryen, a weakling who thought he was powerful and thought he could treat others like crap, but didn't deserve the throne. I'm glad Viserys is dead (even though I do like the Targaryens) and I want to see Joffrey dead. Daenerys and Khal Drogo were my favourites.

[Trent]

This is interesting, because to be honest, Viserys Targaryen was indeed the heir to the throne. He was tricked by the Khal tribe, was he not? So in essence, the bad people here are Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen. Even though Viserys behaved like a moron towards his sister and the others, the deal that they initially made was not honoured. Khal Drogo got what he deserved due to his arrogance. And I wish Daenerys the best of luck further, I think she learned quite a lot of things.

I have a question for you book readers;

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If Jamie Lannister stabbed the mad king in the back, why was he not killed by the other guards loyal to the king? Did he have some sort of deal with Robert Baratheon and the rebellion? Seems odd to me that he survived this ordeal.

[Mr. Spencer]

Now, people here may notice I like villains. Alexia, Kerrigan, Callisto, Alice Morgan from that Luther show.

Luther's an awesome show!

[Alexia_Ashford]

This is interesting, because to be honest, Viserys Targaryen was indeed the heir to the throne. He was tricked by the Khal tribe, was he not? So in essence, the bad people here are Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen. Even though Viserys behaved like a moron towards his sister and the others, the deal that they initially made was not honoured. Khal Drogo got what he deserved due to his arrogance. And I wish Daenerys the best of luck further, I think she learned quite a lot of things.

I have a question for you book readers;

Spoiler:

show spoiler

If Jamie Lannister stabbed the mad king in the back, why was he not killed by the other guards loyal to the king? Did he have some sort of deal with Robert Baratheon and the rebellion? Seems odd to me that he survived this ordeal.

Not really. If you honour the Targaryen bloodline then I guess he was the next in-line, but the Baratheons are the Royals now. Khal Drogo wasn't really arrogant, he cared for Dany (that is a lot more obvious in the book) and essentially Spoiler:

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killed Viserys

to protect Dany because he threatened her and the unborn child. There was no evidence to prove Drogo wasn't going to honour the deal in his own time, which is what Ser Jorah tried to tell Viserys. Don't push it, Dothraki do things in their own time. He was too impatient.

Spoiler:

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The Lannisters joined the battle against Aerys at the last minute, and because of that Ned never forgave them. They got Aerys to open the gates to Kings Landing swearing to protect it against the rebellion, but they were on the side of the rebellion and stormed Kings Landing. Aerys swore no one would have it if he couldn't, and set about burning the whole thing to the ground. I dunno how many guards were inside the chamber Aerys was killed in but not many I imagine, given Jaime (yes, that's how it's actually spelt, weird) sat on the Iron Throne chilling out just after he'd done it. And bearing in mind Kings Landing was swarming with people loyal to the Lannister house at this point in time, similar to when Joffrey was crowned and everyone disloyal was arrested/killed.

[Darkmoon]

This is interesting, because to be honest, Viserys Targaryen was indeed the heir to the throne. He was tricked by the Khal tribe, was he not? So in essence, the bad people here are Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen. Even though Viserys behaved like a moron towards his sister and the others, the deal that they initially made was not honoured. Khal Drogo got what he deserved due to his arrogance. And I wish Daenerys the best of luck further, I think she learned quite a lot of things.

He was the former heir to the throne. With no support, no cash and no followers? Not really the heir any more. And we don't know if Drogo intended to give him the troops or not. At least, I don't. Given the time frame seems to have been months Viserys was being a little too hasty given the numbers involved. Although he only seems utterly determined to attack and claim the Iron Throne once they try to assassinate Daenrys. But that was with his entire force, not the part he'd offered tool-boy.

I dunno if Drogo got what he deserved. His end was pretty horrible. But I'm pretty sure Daenerys' new friends are going to make her a force that will shake the world.

[Alexia_Ashford]

But that was with his entire force, not the part he'd offered tool-boy.

Cos he loved and wanted to protect his wife and son. He actually turned out to be a pretty nice guy. I liked him even more since I read the book. In the show, on their wedding night, it seems like he rapes her and only likes her when she gives him a good shag. In the book, he caresses her on the wedding night and then asks her if she still doesn't want him to touch her, and she agrees because she is shocked that this barbarian is actually so sensitive and gentle with her, and that's when they start to fall in love - right away. Drogo and Dany are my favourite characters.

[Darkmoon]

They're certainly a lot of fun. It helped that I have a man-crush on Jason Momoa...