Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones
Anyone else watching this show? Heard of the book series but didn't get to it before the show came out. It's been a pretty good show so far. Listening to the theme song alone is worth checking out an episode.
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I pretty much love it more than all other things combined, but I'm such a huge fan of the books, I can't really tell how good the show is, objectively. One impression I get, though, is that it's fucking difficult to follow if you haven't read the books; watching with friends who are new to the whole thing, I find myself constantly answering "who the fuck is that guy again?" type questions. Though I've been impressed with the ways they've gone outside the books to exposit some difficult-to-explain characters. Theon, for example.
And I gave up reading Slate [except Hitchens' column] after reading this article. Not because of the article, but it was the final indication that the people who write for that site are not my kind of people.
And I gave up reading Slate [except Hitchens' column] after reading this article. Not because of the article, but it was the final indication that the people who write for that site are not my kind of people.
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I admit that it was a bit hard to get into things because they introduce a lot of different characters at once and at times it was a bit hard to keep track of. Especially the fact that they don't necessarily explain everyone's background and leave a lot to the imagination and perhaps even to encourage people to pick up the books. But I think I've got a fair grasp on things right now, so it just requires some patience and perseverence.
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That article is kind of messed up. Game of Thrones starts with the stereotypical white European fantasy culture, so the savages outside the gates are going to be brown. Alternatively, I guess there could be no brown people, but then the complaint would be about whitewashing. The Dothraki are savage, but I think the show is doing a good job of showing the positives of their culture as Daenarys grows to accept and love them. Oh, but now we're in Dances with Wolves territory. Can't have that. Hmm..AtemHutlrt wrote:I pretty much love it more than all other things combined, but I'm such a huge fan of the books, I can't really tell how good the show is, objectively. One impression I get, though, is that it's fucking difficult to follow if you haven't read the books; watching with friends who are new to the whole thing, I find myself constantly answering "who the fuck is that guy again?" type questions. Though I've been impressed with the ways they've gone outside the books to exposit some difficult-to-explain characters. Theon, for example.
And I gave up reading Slate [except Hitchens' column] after reading this article. Not because of the article, but it was the final indication that the people who write for that site are not my kind of people.
Those who can't, teach. Those who can't teach, become critics. They also misapply overly niggling inerpretations of Logical Fallacies in place of arguing anything at all.
Yes, that's true, and a good example also (I was wondering what was going on with that exact character). But I find the best dramas tend to work this way, with a large ensemble of characters interacting in their various ways. It takes some time to get oriented.AtemHutlrt wrote:One impression I get, though, is that it's fucking difficult to follow if you haven't read the books; watching with friends who are new to the whole thing, I find myself constantly answering "who the fuck is that guy again?" type questions. Though I've been impressed with the ways they've gone outside the books to exposit some difficult-to-explain characters. Theon, for example.
Uh huh. It's a slow day. Let's look pretty hard for some racism and talk about it!And I gave up reading Slate [except Hitchens' column] after reading this article. Not because of the article, but it was the final indication that the people who write for that site are not my kind of people.
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I haven't been able to keep up with the series, but I like the look and feel of what I've seen. Still, while I'm watching, there's a Wikipedia page open in the background with the list of characters on it; I never have any idea who anyone is, or what's going on, or what people's names are, or what their stories are, without constant reference.
I'm not great about this stuff, anyway - my memory doesn't do "people" - but this series seems positively calculated to obscure...and I don't mind. It's kind of like how Alien drops you into the middle of this larger space, and doesn't bother explaining anything about it, and lets you infer the presence of a larger canvas. This is very in media res, and very nonchalant: rather than establish and specify, it simply shows the scene as it would take place, as if there were no camera or viewer or television series. In a word, verisimilitude. And I like it, mostly, but I'm very confused all the time, and I can't help but feel I'd rather not be.
It's also cripplingly slow. I feel like I could read the books out loud faster than this. There's really no action at all, and you have to go into it knowing that: it's the War of the Roses in fantasy, a political intrigue with magic birds. If you're looking for Conan or even Lord of the Rings, look elsewhere.
Of course, magic birds is about all the magic you'll get, and it all seems to happen off-stage. I know more of this will come as seasons go by, but it's still disappointing to me how low fantasy the setting is. It is what it is, and I'm glad it exists, but there are other things I'd like to see.
[spoilers]
Yet doesn't manage to present the most clear counter-argument, which is that there is an inverse relationship in the series between someone's barbarity and their essential morality. The Starks - swarthy and dark-haired - are all backward northerners, but they're the only honest people in the land; Jaime Lannister is the fair blond palace dandy who's fucking his sister and trying to kill children. More extremely, the Dothraki are savages, but they're morally honest at least, while the white-skinned, white-haired son of the former king is the most morally worthless character in the show. Tyrion's tiny, but the "best" Lannister.
I mean, isn't this the whole point of the series? The best things happen to the worst people, the worst things happen to the best people. The people who look prettiest are the least pretty on the inside, and those of inner worth are often physically deformed, or at the least physically unimpressive. The savages are the most honest, the most civilized people are the most deceitful. And then the exceptions to the rule - Daenerys, for example - are those who provide the dramatic tension. That's how the series works.
[/spoilers]
Yeah, slow news day. Someone needed to write a post about a thing, and didn't have anything to write about it. I get that. Still lame.
I'm not great about this stuff, anyway - my memory doesn't do "people" - but this series seems positively calculated to obscure...and I don't mind. It's kind of like how Alien drops you into the middle of this larger space, and doesn't bother explaining anything about it, and lets you infer the presence of a larger canvas. This is very in media res, and very nonchalant: rather than establish and specify, it simply shows the scene as it would take place, as if there were no camera or viewer or television series. In a word, verisimilitude. And I like it, mostly, but I'm very confused all the time, and I can't help but feel I'd rather not be.
It's also cripplingly slow. I feel like I could read the books out loud faster than this. There's really no action at all, and you have to go into it knowing that: it's the War of the Roses in fantasy, a political intrigue with magic birds. If you're looking for Conan or even Lord of the Rings, look elsewhere.
Of course, magic birds is about all the magic you'll get, and it all seems to happen off-stage. I know more of this will come as seasons go by, but it's still disappointing to me how low fantasy the setting is. It is what it is, and I'm glad it exists, but there are other things I'd like to see.
That's the most amusing part of the article: it asks a provocative question, provides support for its provocative conclusions, and then easily defeats the logic of every conclusion, and yet still comes to the final decision: "not sure." I mean, "Are the Dothraki racist? Clearly, no, so I'm not sure." What, is she Australian?Raygun wrote:Uh huh. It's a slow day. Let's look pretty hard for some racism and talk about it!And I gave up reading Slate [except Hitchens' column] after reading this article. Not because of the article, but it was the final indication that the people who write for that site are not my kind of people.
[spoilers]
Yet doesn't manage to present the most clear counter-argument, which is that there is an inverse relationship in the series between someone's barbarity and their essential morality. The Starks - swarthy and dark-haired - are all backward northerners, but they're the only honest people in the land; Jaime Lannister is the fair blond palace dandy who's fucking his sister and trying to kill children. More extremely, the Dothraki are savages, but they're morally honest at least, while the white-skinned, white-haired son of the former king is the most morally worthless character in the show. Tyrion's tiny, but the "best" Lannister.
I mean, isn't this the whole point of the series? The best things happen to the worst people, the worst things happen to the best people. The people who look prettiest are the least pretty on the inside, and those of inner worth are often physically deformed, or at the least physically unimpressive. The savages are the most honest, the most civilized people are the most deceitful. And then the exceptions to the rule - Daenerys, for example - are those who provide the dramatic tension. That's how the series works.
[/spoilers]
Yeah, slow news day. Someone needed to write a post about a thing, and didn't have anything to write about it. I get that. Still lame.
It has been moving slowly, but after the last episode, it seems like it's about to ramp up. I get the impression that up to now they've just been trying to give you time to get emotionally invested in all of the characters so that it means more when the shit finally hits the fan. 'Winter is coming' and all that.3278 wrote:It's also cripplingly slow. I feel like I could read the books out loud faster than this. There's really no action at all, and you have to go into it knowing that: it's the War of the Roses in fantasy, a political intrigue with magic birds. If you're looking for Conan or even Lord of the Rings, look elsewhere.
But again, haven't read the books, not sure what's next.
And he gets dealt with accordingly.while the white-skinned, white-haired son of the former king is the most morally worthless character in the show.
I think Arya is probably my favorite character in the show so far.
Last edited by Raygun on Wed Jun 01, 2011 12:04 am, edited 1 time in total.
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I think the books are better for precisely this reason. On top of that, it's somewhat difficult for the TV show to depict people's motivations without their internal monologue. Ned isn't nearly as stupid or naive as he appears in the show, and I don't think Tyrion's conflicted feelings regarding his family have been depicted particularly well either. And Littlefinger wasn't shown being nearly as slimy as he has in the show, at least not so quickly - he owned brothels, yes, but he didn't use one as his personal office. Guess they had to get their money's worth out of that set, though.3278 wrote:It's also cripplingly slow. I feel like I could read the books out loud faster than this. There's really no action at all, and you have to go into it knowing that: it's the War of the Roses in fantasy, a political intrigue with magic birds. If you're looking for Conan or even Lord of the Rings, look elsewhere.
To their credit, the things they've added to the show - Robert's war stories and other reminiscence, the very polite conversation between Varys and Littlefinger - have all worked perfectly.
See, the prevalent but not total lack of magic is what I love most about the books.Of course, magic birds is about all the magic you'll get, and it all seems to happen off-stage. I know more of this will come as seasons go by, but it's still disappointing to me how low fantasy the setting is.
I had some other stuff here, but it was spoilerish, so it's cut.
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For some reason I thought low-fantasy gave you some sort of mythical super-boner.3278 wrote:Of course, magic birds is about all the magic you'll get, and it all seems to happen off-stage. I know more of this will come as seasons go by, but it's still disappointing to me how low fantasy the setting is. It is what it is, and I'm glad it exists, but there are other things I'd like to see.
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Loving it. Never having read the books I have no problem following the different threads. Even if I miss a character's name, having the visual cues me immediately to where I am in the flow.
I think both actors are more than capable of expressing this duality in tone, expression and body language. Ned as stupid and naive, no. A few steps behind and in over his head? And learning to play a game in weeks the others have played their whole lives? Definitely. Not knowing the story, I wouldn't be surprised if the Imp is instrumental in setting the 7 Kingdoms to rights. I suppose it's a foregone conclusion the Starks will do the heavy lifting.Salvation122 wrote:On top of that, it's somewhat difficult for the TV show to depict people's motivations without their internal monologue. Ned isn't nearly as stupid or naive as he appears in the show, and I don't think Tyrion's conflicted feelings regarding his family have been depicted particularly well either.
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And others, such as Littlefinger telling Sansa the story of the Hound's face rather than the Hound doing it, don't work nearly as well. Sansa and the Hound interacting with one another are some of the most interesting and intriguing scenes from the books, but the show is never going to be able to actively convey just how complicated those moments are without falling into a cliché of some sort. It's possible to convey it otherwise, of course, but I think that the director of the series just isn't good enough to do so within the time frame he's been given.Salvation122 wrote:To their credit, the things they've added to the show - Robert's war stories and other reminiscence, the very polite conversation between Varys and Littlefinger - have all worked perfectly
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So much to say to this, but I know I shouldn't.paladin2019 wrote:Loving it. Never having read the books I have no problem following the different threads. Even if I miss a character's name, having the visual cues me immediately to where I am in the flow.I think both actors are more than capable of expressing this duality in tone, expression and body language. Ned as stupid and naive, no. A few steps behind and in over his head? And learning to play a game in weeks the others have played their whole lives? Definitely. Not knowing the story, I wouldn't be surprised if the Imp is instrumental in setting the 7 Kingdoms to rights. I suppose it's a foregone conclusion the Starks will do the heavy lifting.Salvation122 wrote:On top of that, it's somewhat difficult for the TV show to depict people's motivations without their internal monologue. Ned isn't nearly as stupid or naive as he appears in the show, and I don't think Tyrion's conflicted feelings regarding his family have been depicted particularly well either.
Oh, and having read the books, I really love watching Arya's scenes.
Those who can't, teach. Those who can't teach, become critics. They also misapply overly niggling inerpretations of Logical Fallacies in place of arguing anything at all.
It would be surprising to me if any portion of this story involves setting anything to rights.paladin2019 wrote:Not knowing the story, I wouldn't be surprised if the Imp is instrumental in setting the 7 Kingdoms to rights.
And this is why it'll lose me, probably sooner rather than later: it's a miserable show. It's depressing. It's gloomy. I know lots of people really enjoy that sort of thing, but believe me when I say I get all the gloom I need just waking up in the morning. There is no need in my life for me to grow attached to likable characters who will just end up raped, stabbed, imprisoned, hung, or otherwise tortured for hours of screen time. It doesn't interest me, and I don't understand the need for torture porn that makes it interest other people. Seriously, four seasons of Battlestar Galactica? Shoot me in the fucking face.
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So you're not a fan of drama then? Drama doesn't work without tragedy. Opinions will definitely vary, but I thought BSG actually struck a good balance of tragedy and triumph over the whole of the series (though not in a given, single season). I'm a sucker for drama. I couldn't love Heat otherwise.3278 wrote:And this is why it'll lose me, probably sooner rather than later: it's a miserable show. It's depressing. It's gloomy. I know lots of people really enjoy that sort of thing, but believe me when I say I get all the gloom I need just waking up in the morning. There is no need in my life for me to grow attached to likable characters who will just end up raped, stabbed, imprisoned, hung, or otherwise tortured for hours of screen time. It doesn't interest me, and I don't understand the need for torture porn that makes it interest other people. Seriously, four seasons of Battlestar Galactica? Shoot me in the fucking face.
Screw liquid diamond. I want to be able to fling apartment building sized ingots of extracted metal into space.
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Don't worry, 32. No one will be hung. Hanged, maybe
But by setting to rights, I expect the Lannisters to get their comeuppance and some peace achieved between the Starks and Danaerys/Dothraki. Probably involving an apology and a commitment of troops north of the wall. Perhaps negotiated/orchestrated by the Imp.
You know, the beautiful people are bastards and the rest are reasonable and honorable and willing to work for the greater good theme.
But by setting to rights, I expect the Lannisters to get their comeuppance and some peace achieved between the Starks and Danaerys/Dothraki. Probably involving an apology and a commitment of troops north of the wall. Perhaps negotiated/orchestrated by the Imp.
You know, the beautiful people are bastards and the rest are reasonable and honorable and willing to work for the greater good theme.
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Drama can be something I enjoy, but the palette with which it's painted has to be broader than just grays and blacks. Galactica had some moments of victory, yeah, but five minutes of "whoo-hoo!" doesn't balance 35 minutes of crushing ennui. And it never made me laugh.Jeff Hauze wrote:So you're not a fan of drama then? Drama doesn't work without tragedy.
So is Game of Thrones terrible, then? Not at all. It's awesome, and well-made, and beautiful. It just may be too glum for me, without any counterbalance of levity or positivity. That maybe seems ridiculous coming from the man utterly without levity or positivity, but that's precisely the point.
That's what I was gonna say. Drama = torture porn?Jeff Hauze wrote:So you're not a fan of drama then? Drama doesn't work without tragedy.
Coincidentally, I recently started watching BSG too, so I must really be into the torture porn. Hmm. Learn something new every day!
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Also, I'd really recommend not calling it torture porn. It actually does a whole lot of disservice to the hatred that should be directed at actual torture porn, like Hostel.
Edit: And apparently, the Module and I watched two very different BSGs. I found a whole lot more triumph in there than five minutes.
Edit: And apparently, the Module and I watched two very different BSGs. I found a whole lot more triumph in there than five minutes.
Screw liquid diamond. I want to be able to fling apartment building sized ingots of extracted metal into space.
But. Aww, man... It is a pretty good way to work torture porn into a conversation.Jeff Hauze wrote:Also, I'd really recommend not calling it torture porn.
I must take your word for it.It actually does a whole lot of disservice to the hatred that should be directed at actual torture porn, like Hostel.
Yeah. It's a decent show, I think, so far. There's triumph and positiveness and an awful lot of perseverance, but there's not a lot of levity or wit. I don't personally think that makes it a bad show, though. There is some levity, in the bits between Baltar and Six mostly, but that's not a lot. At the moment I'm just getting through the first season.Edit: And apparently, the Module and I watched two very different BSGs. I found a whole lot more triumph in there than five minutes.
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Uh oh. Ned's fucked.
Run, Arya! (Syrio's the shit.)
Go, Robb!
We may be wholly dependent upon the imp for hahas, I think.
Ohhhhh Shit. Look out, John Snow. Better figure out how to make matches.
Barristan was pretty pissed. He better come back and start stompin' on some asses. Spring Ned and join up with Robb or something.
Run, Arya! (Syrio's the shit.)
Go, Robb!
We may be wholly dependent upon the imp for hahas, I think.
Ohhhhh Shit. Look out, John Snow. Better figure out how to make matches.
Barristan was pretty pissed. He better come back and start stompin' on some asses. Spring Ned and join up with Robb or something.
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"Not today!"Raygun wrote:Uh oh. Ned's fucked.
Run, Arya! (Syrio's the shit.)
Go, Robb!
We may be wholly dependent upon the imp for hahas, I think.
Ohhhhh Shit. Look out, John Snow. Better figure out how to make matches.
Barristan was pretty pissed. He better come back and start stompin' on some asses. Spring Ned and join up with Robb or something.
Those who can't, teach. Those who can't teach, become critics. They also misapply overly niggling inerpretations of Logical Fallacies in place of arguing anything at all.
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I don't think they're that out-there.Salvation122 wrote:It amused me that they killed Syrio off-screen as well, since there are a couple of (admittedly rather out-there) fan theories that he didn't actually die in the books.
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I just watched the most recent episode, and, I gotta say, they left the Syrio business even more ambiguous than in the book. Both of the people I watched it with, having never read the books, were like, "wait, so did they kill that guy?" It was nice to be able to say, "shit, man, you tell me."AtemHutlrt wrote:I don't think they're that out-there.Salvation122 wrote:It amused me that they killed Syrio off-screen as well, since there are a couple of (admittedly rather out-there) fan theories that he didn't actually die in the books.
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32: If you're watching, skip the bit when the witch brings the horse in.
Is Daenerys ritahdid?
I hope they go into more detail about Mormont.
Way to go, Robb!
hahaha Fuck you, Jamie!
I understand why Ned did what he did, but... Suck. Where the fuck was Barristan?
Sansa: Learning the hard way.
Somebody better whack Joffrey soon. What a little bitch. *cue tune from Deliverance*
Is Daenerys ritahdid?
I hope they go into more detail about Mormont.
Way to go, Robb!
hahaha Fuck you, Jamie!
I understand why Ned did what he did, but... Suck. Where the fuck was Barristan?
Sansa: Learning the hard way.
Somebody better whack Joffrey soon. What a little bitch. *cue tune from Deliverance*
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Because the plot says so!!!!!!! McGuffin Device!!!!!!!3278 wrote:Something that's not really clear from my watching of it: why would anyone travelling from Winterfell to King's Landing ever go through The Twins anyway?
Seriously, it may most efficient/only crossing for an army of Robb's size. Perhaps it's a bit like Stirling Bridge.
Oh, and, "Not today."
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THPOILERTH3278 wrote:Something that's not really clear from my watching of it: why would anyone travelling from Winterfell to King's Landing ever go through The Twins anyway?
They weren't going directly to King's Landing - they're heading to the Riverlands to kick the shit out of Tywin Lanister's army, which is both raiding Catelyn's homelands and the largest active military threat in the realm. They can raise new levies from the Riverlands, which are sworn to Catelyn's father, and directly threaten the Westerlands, which are the Lannister's ancestral seat of power.
Theoretically they could have crossed at the Crossroads, but that was where Tywin was encamped waiting for them, so the bulk of Robb's force crossed upriver and captured Jaime at Whispering Wood, while a feint marched south to delay Tywin's main force.
There's a really nice interactive map available at HBO's website that may help clear things up. Whispering Wood is just to the northwest of Riverrun.
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EVERY PAGE.Salvation122 wrote:Oh, also:
And yes, Daenarys's guard is the son. The book does a better job of explaining her mental state, but that happens with a lot of characters. Everyone is acting with imperfect information and fighting with the army they have instead of the one they want. Which is part of the charm.
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TASTE THE RING AGAIN, YOU BANJO-PLAYIN' SON OF A BITCH!!Salvation122 wrote:Oh, also:
Something fucked up is going on in that tent is all I know. You know Jorah is all "Oh, this was a bad idea. I probably shouldn't haWHAT THE FFFFFFF... I really shouldn't have brought her in here."paladin2019 wrote:Danerys Wee Todd Ed? <wild as speculation mode on>She's THE fucking dragon.</off>
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It's taken some getting used to, but I also kind of dig how a lot of things the reader learns about through rumour before going to a character who was actually there to find the truth. We all get the chance to be wrong.AtemHutlrt wrote:This. A thousand times.WillyGilligan wrote:Everyone is acting with imperfect information and fighting with the army they have instead of the one they want. Which is part of the charm.
Those who can't, teach. Those who can't teach, become critics. They also misapply overly niggling inerpretations of Logical Fallacies in place of arguing anything at all.
I've started reading the first book now, and it's impressive how accurately the show represented the tone of the book's writing. I thought the scenes were isolated, disjointed vignettes because it was an HBO show and thus had to be awkwardly paced, the same way many pretentious meals have some unpleasant taste to prove what you're eating must be haute cuisine; it turns out, though, that this slice-of-lifing is a very accurate portrayal of the book itself, and not an artifact of itself. It's very different, more like reading a very detailed history than like reading a narrative, and it suits the story well. Reading the book is making me appreciate the series - which I've come to some peace with - even more.
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I think this is the right perspective. I recommend thinking of it less like standard narrative, with heroes and villains [though, of course, it is also that], and more like a detailed chronicle of an interesting time. The seven kingdoms have seen much sound and fury throughout the centuries, and this is just one of those instances, told contemporaneously in the third person. It's history being made.3278 wrote:It's very different, more like reading a very detailed history than like reading a narrative, and it suits the story well.
And it's also worth noting the obvious: the story proper really hasn't begun yet. The true story here doesn't begin until after Ned's execution, and the...incident in the Dothraki tent.
The sun shines in my bedroom
when you play;
and the rain it always starts
when you go away
when you play;
and the rain it always starts
when you go away
Re-watching scenes I've now read is very interesting: it's distressing, if not particularly surprising, how much of the nudity, debauchery, and sex just isn't in the book at all. Profanity, too, come to think of it. Many of the scenes with Daenerys and Drogo are gratuitously raped-up, as well. Again, it's like someone at HBO is assigned to Bizarro Broadcast Standard & Practices.
edit: And yet in the scene in which Catelyn appears nude in the book, she's clothed from neck to ankles in the series.
edit: And yet in the scene in which Catelyn appears nude in the book, she's clothed from neck to ankles in the series.
- SumDumQuim
- Tasty Human
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Sun Mar 20, 2011 8:23 pm
It's interesting to note that Game of Thrones is turning in numbers lower than Firefly's average, around what SciFi was getting with the first season of Battlestar. There are two major factors Game of Thrones has going for it: it's on HBO and not SciFi [or Syfy] or network television; and its ratings are going up. Up. That's...rare.
Now, if only someone would make a literate, serious, realistic space-based television show on HBO...
Now, if only someone would make a literate, serious, realistic space-based television show on HBO...
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- Wuffle Trainer
- Posts: 1537
- Joined: Thu Apr 25, 2002 5:33 pm
- Location: Hawai'i
- Contact:
It's possible but space geeks are far more anal than history geeks. And can you imagine the effects budget for the zero gravity boobs alone?
Those who can't, teach. Those who can't teach, become critics. They also misapply overly niggling inerpretations of Logical Fallacies in place of arguing anything at all.