Games of Thrones 4th season

[Mecha82]

Thing is in book it was also different. In it Jamies had just come back while in series he had been back for several weeks or more so he and Cerci already had more time together than in book. So it was not reunion either like in book and Cerci's dialoge and reaction were not fitting to sittuation in that time line like G.R.R: Martin himself has explained regarding this.

[Jal Phoenix]

I don't think there's anyone who wasn't disappointed by that scene.  This is what happens when TV producers think they know better than a best-selling author. 

I didn't see much to be excited about in that episode.  In fact, I barely remember it.  Too many changes, like Sam depositing Gilly in Molestown (which looked pretty damn above-ground to me).  I can tell it was done to give her something to do when the wildlings attack Molestown, but still.  If they were going to introduce Styr and his Thenns, why does Tormund still need to be there?  He's got some important stuff to do much later, and you just know they're going to kill him.

I liked Nu Darrio's dispatching of Mereen's champion.  I don't miss Strong Useless at all, since I can't think of a single thing he did besides defeat the champion.  That was a change I can live with because it tightens the story and removes a pointless character.

Littlefinger.  I think Sansa might now suspect a few things, but... Nah, she's Sansa, a synonym for gullible and stupid.  At this point in the books Littlefinger told her everything.  I watched it with my dad again and he did pick up on one thing - How does Littlefinger know the king is dead?  I'm still curious as to how much they'll change that.

[Tai Dai Cultist]

I liked Nu Darrio's dispatching of Mereen's champion.  I don't miss Strong Useless at all, since I can't think of a single thing he did besides defeat the champion.  That was a change I can live with because it tightens the story and removes a pointless character.

There was also the locust-eating situation, but when we get to that in the TV show it can also be easily resolved by some other character as well.  But yeah I get your point, between those two events I don't recall him doing anything in the books either.

Jaime's recent scene aside, I like what they're doing with the TV adaptation.  GRRM made a great creation, but it could still be improved upon by a collaborative effort.. and generally I think the GoT powers-that-be are successful in that.

[I am Belch II]

I saw the episode, it was ok. I didn't think the rape thing was that horrible.
Seeing more scenes with the Hound is good, liking that guy.

[Darth Nichos]

This was interesting episode- I was hoping that the writers would draw out the mystery of Joffrey's Murder but they seemed to outright declare it in tonight's episode.

Also the end with the White Walkers was unexpected but satisfying.

[Jal Phoenix]

I kind of expected the end.  In the books, when Sam leaves Craster's with Gilly and her baby, two of Craster's older wives escort them out.  They told Sam to leave now because the boy's brothers would be there soon. 

[Lord Harlock]

And apparently, that was the Night's King at the end. For those who own the discs and watch the lore videos or book readers, that actually means something. 

[Jal Phoenix]

Hmm.  I thought he just had horns, but yeah, I guess that could have been a crown.  The Night's King, though?  I thought him and his bride were executed.

[Tai Dai Cultist]

I've been hoping they'd throw some 'serious' wrinkle in the TV adaptation.. if only just to screw with the book readers.  I'm pretty excited to see where they go with Bran's storyline now in the TV show.  In the books that storyline was a borefest for so long; existing solely to expose the reader to the backhistory behind the current storylines that matter. 

It's pretty fun actually not knowing what the hell is gonna happen to some of the characters now.

Even if they don't meaningfully change any other storylines, the shot across the bow has been fired:  we can't take the books' plot for granted and there's that extra bit of heightened danger whenever a favorite is in peril; just because it worked out one way in the books we can't KNOW it'll work out that way on the tv show anymore.  That brings a whole new element of fun to the show, at least for me.

With the hindsight of this episode; I'm far less concerned about that infamous scene between Jaime and Cersei last week; it's fun now seeing the divergence rather than jarring.

[Jal Phoenix]

I'm okay with most of the divergent stuff because it gives some characters more to do than they had in the books, and for the most part it's well written and adds to the story.  This week's new path for Bran is a good example.  Whatever happens next will be much more interesting than them slogging through the snow, even with Coldhands to add an air of mystery.

Jon, not so much.  I guess they needed more for him to do, because defending Castle Black against a wildling raid, then defending the Wall, all with about 100 guys must not have been good enough.  The role reversal between Janos Slynt and Thorne is a kind of pointless change, too. 

Big spoiler, book readers only!:  With Thorne as acting commander instead of cooling his heels at Eastwatch, he'll have the Castle and the Wall when the wildlings come.  In the book, the wildling band arrived on Jon's heels, and he had to take command when Donal Noye (acting commander in the book) died. Without Jon taking command and rallying the Castle to defense, what reason will the brothers have for electing him Lord Commander?  Especially over Slynt and the other candidates who have more command experience?  This is the kind of change I'm irritated with because it affects serious character motivations.

[Jal Phoenix]

Also, am I really the only one who wants to see Stannis drowned, brought back by the Damphair, hung, resurrected by Thoros, gelded, have his nose cut off. and finally have antlers nailed to his head and be catapulted over King's Landing's walls, to land in a bay full of wildfire?

[Tai Dai Cultist]

Big spoiler, book readers only!:  With Thorne as acting commander instead of cooling his heels at Eastwatch, he'll have the Castle and the Wall when the wildlings come.  In the book, the wildling band arrived on Jon's heels, and he had to take command when Donal Noye (acting commander in the book) died. Without Jon taking command and rallying the Castle to defense, what reason will the brothers have for electing him Lord Commander?  Especially over Slynt and the other candidates who have more command experience?  This is the kind of change I'm irritated with because it affects serious character motivations.

I think it's an open secret that the 9th episode climax will be Stannis's arrival.  Which gives us serious time for Jon to resolve whatever's about to happen at Craster's and still get back in time to rally the defense until Stanns shows up and kill-steals the wildling army... so I don't see this new twist to the story negatively effecting Jon's presumed fate.  Assuming, of course, we don't see something bizarre like him dying at Crasters :D

Also, am I really the only one who wants to see Stannis drowned, brought back by the Damphair, hung, resurrected by Thoros, gelded, have his nose cut off. and finally have antlers nailed to his head and be catapulted over King's Landing's walls, to land in a bay full of wildfire?

I find your lack of faith disturbing.

[Marwynn]

I don't think this is the traitor Night's King but rather his son. He was a Stark after all, according to Old Nan, and he was killed. Maybe the wife got away and gave birth and he's been biding his time in the Land of Always Winter.

I'm fine with the deviations as long as they hold consistency together. Last night's episode had me feeling surprise and wonder, these things were in the books and I couldn't predict what would happen.

At this point I don't think the writers proceed much without some consultation with GRRM.

[monbvol]

I do love the books but I too have enjoyed some of the steps they have taken to speed things up and change things around a bit just so that even those of us who have read the books can have a few surprises to look forward to.

[Lord Harlock]

I think it's an open secret that the 9th episode climax will be Stannis's arrival.  Which gives us serious time for Jon to resolve whatever's about to happen at Craster's and still get back in time to rally the defense until Stanns shows up and kill-steals the wildling army... so I don't see this new twist to the story negatively effecting Jon's presumed fate.  Assuming, of course, we don't see something bizarre like him dying at Crasters :D
I find your lack of faith disturbing.

Stannis rocks!

I don't think this is the traitor Night's King but rather his son. He was a Stark after all, according to Old Nan, and he was killed. Maybe the wife got away and gave birth and he's been biding his time in the Land of Always Winter.

I'm fine with the deviations as long as they hold consistency together. Last night's episode had me feeling surprise and wonder, these things were in the books and I couldn't predict what would happen.

At this point I don't think the writers proceed much without some consultation with GRRM.

Personally, I always had a theory that the Boltons were possibly an offshoot of the Night's King, but I'm up for multiply types of offspring of the Night's King besides its a title rather than a name.

And for us book readers, I like the show doing its thing. And considering the nature of the perspective in the books, the description of what happened at the end of last night episode would be two paragraphs as Melisandre starred deeply into the fire. Probably the only time when we will get a good description of the the fortress of the Others in the books will be as Jon Snow rides a dragon to battle the horned Other to the death. The show to keep things going is having to add to what was in the books due to closing in on material from the forthcoming Winds of Winter and getting over the dead weight which is a A Feast of Crows, and for the most part, it has in my opinion been good. Now if they could just add more L+R=JS hints, I'd be a happy camper.

[DEZOAT]

 O0 This season shaping up to be real big. I love Jamie and Brom training , but  Jamie and Tyrion in      the cell was pure classic if you know what mean. The Battle at Caster Keep is good to. Now coming up is Tyrion trial.

[Jal Phoenix]

Yeah, I noticed they gave Biter's death to Karl, but seeing as Biter is absent from the show that's okay with me.  I like how they've done more with Bran than just Coldhands taking him to Treebeard, but I'm still not happy about Jon knowing he's gone beyond the Wall.  That he thought all hos brothers were dead is one of the things that kept Jon at the Wall. 

Cersei being anything but hostile to Margaery was jarring and makes no sense for the character.  The real Cersei would never, ever admit that Joffrey was a monster, especially to Margaery. 

Now we get to see that Targaryen tart prove how inept she is, and I'm looking forward to it.  A brutal streak and the belief that everyone will do your bidding because you want them to does not a ruler make. 

Littlefinger.  Baalish is behind everything!  He is the most capable ruler the land has.  He should sit the Iron Throne, with Tyrion as hand. 

It's high time Stanny boy ventured beyond the Wall.  Here's your glass dagger, might king, go defend us.  Nope, you're not the true king, nor the prophesied savior.  Go make yourself useful by nourishing some hungry Thenns. 

[monbvol]

I kind of expect that entire scene between Cersei and Margaery was nothing more then Cersei realizing that the game of thrones had entered a new round and the old tactics would not be as effective now.

[Reaver]

I would have thought it transparent what Cersei was doing.  She wants vengeance for Joffrey.  She blames Tyrion for doing it.  Tywin Lannister, Oberyn Martell and Mace Tyrell are the judges.  So who did she have conciliatory talks with?  Tywin Lannister, Oberyn Martell and Mace Tyrell's daughter . . . whom her last words to were "talk to your father," right after dangling the queendom in front of her.  I would have thought the implied quid pro quo would be obvious.

Which is how Cersei works, really.  Sure, she thinks she's clever, but she's pretty fumbling with anything but the most obvious and hamfisted attempts to wield actual power.  It would have been interesting what she might have been if her father had thought of her as anything other than a useful bargaining chip and actually tried to train her up as Olenna clearly did with Margaery.

[Marwynn]

I think it was in the books where it was mentioned that Cersei isn't as smart as she thinks she is. This was played quite well in that sequence. Margaery sees right through it and calls her 'sister' despite Cersei's threat from before, and she knew she had the upper hand. Tywin simply shut her down, the man is not easy to manipulate. And Oberyn himself looked unconvinced, uncharacteristically quiet too.

This was well played by Lena. She was showing just how out of her depth Cersei truly is in the game of thrones.

[Jal Phoenix]

That's part of my point.  Cersei is inept, and part of that ineptitude is being unable to contain or conceal her hate.  She hates Margaery because she's jealous of her beauty and thinks Margaery wants to usurp her as queen, which of course she does.  Cersei lacks the ability to perceive Margaery as anything more than an enemy, and the idea of using her to influence Mace Tyrell in her favor is too subtle for Cersei.  In the context of the episode it makes sense, but in the greater context of Cersei's character, it falls flat. 

[Reaver]

Well, the thing is, Cersei isn't inept.  She's just deeply, profoundly misguided about how knowledgeable and skilled at the game she is.  She's just smart enough to recognize that people like Margaery are playing the game and Sansa isn't, but not smart enough to know that she's closer to Sansa on the competence spectrum than Margaery.  So this was something that actually struck me as perfectly in keeping with Cersei's character:  trying to play the other people, but being only slightly less obvious than Monty Python's "The Man Said Knowingly" bit.

[monbvol]

Well, the thing is, Cersei isn't inept.  She's just deeply, profoundly misguided about how knowledgeable and skilled at the game she is.  She's just smart enough to recognize that people like Margaery are playing the game and Sansa isn't, but not smart enough to know that she's closer to Sansa on the competence spectrum than Margaery.  So this was something that actually struck me as perfectly in keeping with Cersei's character:  trying to play the other people, but being only slightly less obvious than Monty Python's "The Man Said Knowingly" bit.

I tend to concur with this assessment.

[ds9guy]

I agree with you guys on Cersei.

In terms of Stannis, I thought he was a slightly more sympathetic character in the books than on the show.  Slightly. 

Other differences.  Hm, well Littlefinger I think is much less subtle on the show.  They have characters flat out telling you what he is doing on the show while in the books you have to wait for stuff to unfold. 

[ColonelCody]

That's more the requirements of visual medium as opposed to a text based one.

[disgruntled]

Well Tyrion is still the man.

[Jal Phoenix]

Tyrion is the man, and Dinklage just plain rules. 

[Lord Harlock]

Honestly other than the Dreadfort scene, this episode could be called the speech episode. And I did enjoy Cunningham's speech as Davos to the Iron Bank as much as Dinklage as Tyrion finally letting loose. I was kind of indifferent to the petition scene in Meereen.

[Jal Phoenix]

The Mereen scenes are starting to show Dany what a terrible ruler she is.  Which is good, she needs to know that.  She can't have any more children, which means no heirs, no line, and a return to the current succession wars chaos once she dies after sitting the Iron Throne.  Her duty is to conquer and leave more competent people in charge, then go die in the north. 

Once again, Stannis proves he's unfit to rule.  He's showed up in that department, again, by his lowly smuggler, who has saved his bacon time and again, yet whom he continues to belittle and threaten.  Davos needs to wake up and put a knife in Stan and dump him into the Narrow Sea where he belongs.

Varys, the only man actually fighting for the good of the realm.  Well, I suppose Tyrion was, but he's out of power now.  I'm really reaching the point where I want Varys to win.  He doesn't want the throne for himself, he seems to genuinely want what's best for the realm.  Fortunately, he's realized that it isn't the Great Houses.

I'm curious, I really am, how Pycelle managed to have the necklace that Littlefinger smashed aboard his boat.  I guess he dropped it onto Ser Dontos' corpse and left him floating in the river.  A sad change, since Littlefinger isn't that careless or stupid, and the book makes that clear, but I guess they needed that scene for the TV-educated audience.

Ahsa:  I'm going to take 50 guys and go 500 miles to assault a place called the Dreadfort.  Smart.  I'm still very, very confused as to what exactly happened there.  I saw it as her men killing everyone but Ramsay, and then them all just standing there watching while he opened a cage full of dogs, then the next scene is her just getting on her boat. 

Oh, and in case I didn't mention it, Dinklage rules!

[monbvol]

Yara's scene in the Dreadfort makes a certain amount of sense.  The Greyjoys and their ilk needed to make a statement that Bolton wasn't going to get away with his proclamation and continuing to hold Theon.  Theon turned out to be too far gone and Yara knew time was not on her side despite the fact that she probably could have won that fight against Ramsay and his dogs.