GAME OF THRONES

[Quintus 5,399]

Sexposition is bad in all its forms. There is no justification for it, ever!

[Incanus 5,715]

Sexposition is bad in all its forms. There is no justification for it, ever!

Well yeah. I agree.

Plus I find it typical that in the series this Renly/Loras relationship was basically thrown into our face with no subtlety at all. In the novels it was hinted at very subtly in words and actions of people but was left pretty ambiguous for a long time. Infact one of my friends hadn't figured it out by the 4th book yet before I mentioned it to him. Film is a different medium yes, but I still think "show it all" mentality of these modern series could use some toning down. But they have not shown that much subtlety in depictions of most relationships in the series. Of the carnal kind I mean.

[Brónach 1,302]

I haven't seen the new episodes but by the way you describe it, it does sound like a waste of screentime.

[KK 3,307]

Did anybody see the Game Of Thrones bit on SNL this weekend? Hilarious

http://gawker.com/59...game-of-thrones

Oh god I haven't seen those episodes yet, but I just know they're gonna wind me up. The juvenile gratuity FUCKING RUINS this show.

Yup. Sadly there are even transitions from bed to bed in the second episode.

That was an absolutely horrid scene...done with no class whatsoever. While I absolutely adore the show, the sex remains one of its big flaws...but I'm betting that a lot of its viewers come on board because of the sex or the fabled rumours of the sex...perhaps thats why they're so persistent with it. Although the SNL video proposes a very solid theory too

Sexposition is bad in all its forms. There is no justification for it, ever!

Well yeah. I agree.

Plus I find it typical that in the series this Renly/Loras relationship was basically thrown into our face with no subtlety at all. In the novels it was hinted at very subtly in words and actions of people but was left pretty ambiguous for a long time. Infact one of my friends hadn't figured it out by the 4th book yet before I mentioned it to him. Film is a different medium yes, but I still think "show it all" mentality of these modern series could use some toning down. But they have not shown that much subtlety in depictions of most relationships in the series. Of the carnal kind I mean.

Spot on! Its extremely subtle in the book while the author barely hints at it in some chapters. I must confess, even I was blinded. I recall watching the episode in the first season where Loras gives Renly a blowjob, and I was like WTF?! First I came think "Oh boy...here's another series that seems to think making popular characters gay in carnal fashion is the latest trend!" because lets face it, a LOT of historical fiction series (especially ones based in the Middle Ages) seem to enjoy exploiting that aspect. But then I re-read the books shortly after that and came to realize that the author does hint at their relationship and that it was all legitimate. But still, WHERE IS THE SUBTLETY?! Its yet another thing that makes the books so fantastic...

I haven't seen the new episodes but by the way you describe it, it does sound like a waste of screentime.

Not the latest episode. Yes there are moments of sex in it, but at least it was handled better than the ep before that. People have to keep in mind that while the show features gratuitous sex, the show has a lot of merits going on for it (the great sets, the fabulous acting, the intelligent writing, the intricate character nuances, etc.). Especially the latest episode (best of the bunch I must say). It is most definitely not a waste of screen time.

[Quintus 5,399]

But the sex IS a shameless waste of precious screen time - remember: we get a miserly ten episodes per season. I wouldn't mind the stupid shagging if this were a thirteen+ episodes show, but it ain't. Every single minute is vital to the development of characters and story; there is no room for wastage - especially in the form of cheap titillation.

I've only watched E1 so far, but if it's as bad as you guys make it sound in subsequent instalments I can see myself getting very annoyed and ultimately left disappointed with this (otherwise great) show in general.

The makers of Game of Thrones need to grow the fuck up.

[KK 3,307]

They need to fire that 13-year old who runs this thing

Anyways, the sex is at its worst in ep. 2, during the particularly unpleasant montage. But in all other aspects, the show only gets better. Especially in the 3rd episode which was absolutely fantastic, if you can get past the sex, it'll be worth it.

I have a feeling that we've gone through the worst of it and the sex will be toned down from this point forward. Although it has come to my attention that trailer did show an upcoming scene with Robb...oh boy...

Regardless, it does get better in the other installments...eventually.

[Brónach 1,302]

A writer whose blog I read sometimes defends sex as a potential intelligent form of characterization (she wasn't talking about this show in particular). But the matter is tricky, in my opinion if one is looking to create drama and tension you have to be careful with sex because it tends to imply the opposite.

[Quintus 5,399]

There's definately some truth in that, but the makers of GoT clearly lack the maturity and the skill as film makers to successfully convey sex with any degree of sophistication. The sex in GoT is by design ratings bait, nothing more; except I'm not even convinced the makers approach the titillation with even the slightest bit of irony.

Stanley Kubrick, amongst others, would've made the sex as challenging drama, work.

[Joni Wiljami 1,206]

There's definately some truth in that, but the makers of GoT clearly lack the maturity and the skill as film makers to successfully convey sex with any degree of sophistication. The sex in GoT is by design ratings bait, nothing more; except I'm not even convinced the makers approach the titillation with even the slightest bit of irony.

Bait indeed, nothing more.

And I, as an old impotent, sometimes even like to watch porn.

[Quintus 5,399]

Just watched the second episode. Can anyone who has read the book tell me whether or not the ridiculously sinister scene between Little Finger and the prostitute (from Winterfell) happens in it? That part stretched my suspension of disbelief to breaking point. A first.

[Incanus 5,715]

Just watched the second episode. Can anyone who has read the book tell me whether or not the ridiculously sinister scene between Little Finger and the prostitute happens in it? That part stretched my suspension of disbelief to breaking point. A first.

No it does not happen in the novels firstly because this prostitute character is not in them and secondly because Littlefinger does not frequent brothels in the story nor is he a point of view character so we wouldn't know if he did.

[Quintus 5,399]

So the writers invented it. Ugh. It was truly awful, I thought. Just major overkill with all the subtlety of a hammer blow to the head. So far that scene is for me the series low point.

Just as well there's plenty of greatness peppered around it, but I still can't shake the feeling the writers might lose control further in.

[KK 3,307]

Wait till you watch the 3rd ep, it gets better! And hopefully it'll continue to improve with the episode on Sunday.

[Docteur Qui 1,544]

I think it's hilarious how you people react to the sex scenes, considering the level of violence that is also on display on the show. It baffles me. Do you want a realistic interpretation of the setting or not?

Also, yes, the Loras/Renly relationship was subtle in the books.... But they were also written a good 15 years ago, when the literary and televised worlds were a lot more homophobic. Not saying GRRM is, but just saying... it wouldn't have been as accepted as it is now.

[Brónach 1,302]

I think it's hilarious how you people react to the sex scenes, considering the level of violence that is also on display on the show. It baffles me. Do you want a realistic interpretation of the setting or not?

Sex = good = relaxing = adds little = might hinder narrative under time constraints.

Violence = bad = tense = adds a lot = it rules.

It's not about realism.

Of course, put this way, it might sound like we're overreacting, but that's not the intention.

[Quintus 5,399]

I think it's hilarious how you people react to the sex scenes, considering the level of violence that is also on display on the show. It baffles me. Do you want a realistic interpretation of the setting or not?

What has violence got to do with it? We don't cut away from one dramatic scene to another to see it introduced with slit throats and laced with hewn-in-half bodies strewn amongst the interiors.

[Incanus 5,715]

Just finished watching the 4th episode! Pure gold this time, pacing excellent, things happening on all fronts, performances continuing strong and the plot is thickening satisfyingly. They showed that they can very effectively advance most storylines in one episode and I guess the first three episodes were more of setting the foundation and starting point for everything. Only one semi-sexposition (whore torture) scene which only showed how little it is needed in this series when the drama itself is enough to keep you watching.

Ser Gregor Clegane's actor has been changed for some reason. Odd.

Oh and finally Lord Tywin is back! Wohoo!

The ending of the episode was awesome, almost exactly how I imagined it from the novel! Powerful stuff.

[Quintus 5,399]

Nice!

[KK 3,307]

I agree with Incanus. This was a fantastic episode; the best so far. And it's clear proof that the show is still at its A-game. The drama was far more intense, the pacing was brilliantly done and the storylines were managed with excellence. It was extremely engaging and the sets and visuals really impressed in this episode. Harrenhal was even more gruesome than I imagined it. The ending was also brilliant and as Incanus said, it was JUST as I imagined it. On that note, I am really liking the actors for Stannis and Melisandre now. At first I was hesitant, but they really made an impression on me with this episode. Dinklage was brilliant as usual. And it's nice to see Tywin again. The ep was also largely sex free! Yay! Of course with the exception of the brief scene with Joffrey but even that was not as horrible as past episodes and it actually effectively served the purpose of showcasing Joffrey's madness. That scene gave me the chills.

The music was however horrible as expected. There was a very nice reprise of the Starks theme, but other than that, there was nothing to enjoy. And no sex theme too!!! So what's the Djabadabada if there's no sex theme?!?!?

[Datameister 2,044]

Although I haven't been around in this thread, I've been watching the new season, and I still feel about the same about the show. There's something about it that keeps bringing me back, even though I'm not sure I actually like it. I am finally getting better at remembering who all the characters are, though.

And yeah, the sex remains pretty gratuitous and tasteless. I mean, I've said it before - I love boobies as much as the next guy, but this is just unpleasant overkill.

[Docteur Qui 1,544]

Holy crap, Joffrey actually seems worse in the show than in the books... didn't think that was possible. As horrible as he is, I'm loving Jack Gleeson's portrayal of him. I hope he doesn't get too much crap in real life for the character, cause he's seriously nailing the role.

And the cliffhanger was one of my favourite, jaw-dropping moments from the book. They couldn't have done a better job of it. So disturbing.

I'm still on the fence about Margaery though... I think I preferred her being a dainty, young wallflower, but I suppose there isn't much time to develop her slowly.

[Incanus 5,715]

They introduce Margaery Tyrell sooner than in the novels, where she is only mentioned in the second book and then comes to fore later. But the series producers/writers probably did as they did so that they don't have to do introductions later in the series which would eat up episode running time. Plus since there are no strict point of view characters in the show, they had to do these deviations from the plot to follow the normal course of drama, not omitting people when they obviously should be there.

[Docteur Qui 1,544]

Oh that's right, you don't really see her much till the 3rd/4th books, it's been a while since I read them. It's probably best they're showing her now, it's a good foundation for what's to come.

[SF1_freeze 131]

What can i say about the second season so far, just... fabulous (only exception is the music but considering the quality of the show the musical problems don't diminish the enjoyment)

Episodes 1 and 2 were good and necessary setup episodes to introduce most of the new characters and places and especially for the non book readers to get in touch with the show again. In Episodes 3 and 4 the story picks up the pace and GOT gets gold again.

The visuals and the set design are astonishing and in my opinion even better than in the first season. The new actors are perfectly cast and do their job well. HBO continues to rule with this show and won't stop any time soon!

[BloodBoal 7,538]

[Quintus 5,399]

Tonight we watched episode 3. This is more like it, one of the very best installements of the show so far. I'm just loving the various plot threads and their twists and turns. Greyjoy's own thread is brilliantly played, I honestly can't wait to see where his story takes me - the unpredictability of this thing in general is key to its appeal I think. I really do not know what to expect next. And did I hear some passable score in there this time? I think I did.

[Incanus 5,715]

LOOK! IT FEELS LIKE THINGS ARE FINALLY IN MOTION!

Nonsense. That was all the action you are going to get in the next episode. It will be more people talking in tents. No sword swinging, no gratuitous sex, only talking. Jon will get one line "Oh, Samwell, you fat fool." and that's it.

And it has taken the season some time to get going yes but I am hopeful the momentum will keep from 4th episode forward. Btw BloodBoal, there would have been more trudgery on the way to Harrenhal if the writers hadn't cleverly moved some of the events to the castle before and after Lord Tywin (for the win) arrived. Wasn't it such a kick ass moment when he appeared, all sneers and with a "look at me, I am rich and powerful and a lord" look and poise?

Melisandre and Stannis were excellent, both actors having claimed their roles with great performances. Stannis is getting more to say and do and not just grinding his teeth (which is his main occupation in the novel as well). Davos Seaworth is just perfect as a sympathetic loyal man who is caught between conscience and politics, not quite knowing where to turn. Quarthians are suitably colorful group of power mongers and slimy merchants. Daenerys might actually do something for a change instead of slowly dying of thirst in the desert. Yay!

[Charlie Brigden 7]

Haven't read the book for a while, but

was Arya revealed to be a girl so early in the book?

[KK 3,307]

Haven't read the book for a while, but

was Arya revealed to be a girl so early in the book?

Yes.

[BloodBoal 7,538]

[Incanus 5,715]

Quarthians

Qarthians, you dimwitted idiot!

Right, I stand corrected Boalster.

[BloodBoal 7,538]

[Incanus 5,715]

Funny more like it. Especially how Jon tries to sneak in but is forbidden.

[BloodBoal 7,538]

[Incanus 5,715]

A-head indeed.

[BloodBoal 7,538]

[Brónach 1,302]

Just stumbled upon this...

Genealogy or blasphemy? Discuss!

I saw that on twitter, I love it

[Incanus 5,715]

5th episode was again pure gold. The pacing was good, showing us all the different strands of the story and still making wonderful progress and character development. A lot of great scenes and dialogue, action and intrigue. Hallyne the Pyromancer was great as was Pyat Pree. I am just amazed how much they succeeded in including in this one episode. Excellent.

[BloodBoal 7,538]

[Incanus 5,715]

Were there still people talking in tents?

In tents, in the woods, in castles, on the streets, in the icy wastes you name it. And some sword swinging was involved. And oh oh I know this will shock most of you in the most delightful way: no sexposition!!!

[BloodBoal 7,538]

[Incanus 5,715]

You should skip a couple of seasons then, perhaps three.

[BloodBoal 7,538]

[SF1_freeze 131]

The episode was great, even the score was better for two episode in a row now.

[KK 3,307]

The episode was great indeed! And of course there's more talking BloodBoal, this is a talking kind of show! But as Incanus mentioned above, I was really impressed with how they managed to cover so many different storylines in one episode. And its not just random stupid character development lines, but actual important narrative progress. There weren't any big moments like the end of the 4th episode, and the beginning of this episode was a tad bit disappointing. Regardless, this was a fantastic episode. And acting was top-notch. I know thats the usual standard with this show, but I appreciated the high quality acting even more in this episode than others.

Oh and bonus: no sex!!! Two sex-less episodes in a row! They're on a role! Let's hope they don't screw it up.

And SF1 is right, the score is a bit better but its still pretty bad. Lots of themes show up in this episode. The dread motif, the Melisandre/Red God motif, the Starks theme, etc. There was also new material for Harrenhal which I actually found interesting. But other than that, it was still the same old bland music. Someone ask him to get a real orchestra please!

[Brónach 1,302]

But other than that, it was still the same old bland music. Someone ask him to get a real orchestra please!

Or he could actually do something original with synths and a few instruments.

[KK 3,307]

But other than that, it was still the same old bland music. Someone ask him to get a real orchestra please!

Or he could actually do something original with synths and a few instruments.

Too bad he failed at that...

[Brónach 1,302]

Yeah. This show always makes me think "if I were a composer and scored this, I would have enjoyed the shit out of it."

[Quintus 5,399]

Watched the middling fourth episode earlier this evening. I hope now that magic has been introduced into it proper, it doesn't get a bit daft. No CG spells please.

On another note, that red headed priestess is quite dirty looking, isn't she. Immaculate bod on her as well.

[BloodBoal 7,538]