Martin said there are going to be some differences in the T.V. series. I just hope they don't push certain happenings or events into the 2nd season that are from SoS.

They've already said there will be events from ASoS in season 2. Brace yourselves.

Yes and no. IMO they've done a pretty good job adapting the story for TV. That said, I feel that the experience you get from reading the books is 1000% richer. There is a lot of character development (especially with characters that aren't absolutely vital to the central plot threads) that was simply tossed out for the TV series. Several major changes have also been made to fill in the gaps left by the removal of content, as well. The series has still be enjoyable (albeit a little confusing at times for folks that haven't read the books), but I feel the story is framed much, much better in the books.

This exactly. My mom had to rewatch the last episode to understand the one just released. She asks me certain questions all the time about certain characters or things, since she knows I read the books.

Anyone else see the GoT reference in the latest South Park? It was pretty funny.

And I'm enjoying season 2 so far, probably going to read the books this summer.

Hey guys I just watched a new episode! Anyway, you know the long-haired dude that Arya rescued and who talks like a Khajiit? I really like this guy, anyone have some info on his story? Hope he survives for a while anyway.

That's Jaqen H'gar. He's the one Arya rescued when the fire was close to burning the three prisoners in the cage.

You don't want to know more than that. His character is supposed to be mysterious.

Since I've only read the first book, I have no idea who the red-headed, cult leader woman is and so far, as presented, I don't care. I find her and the way the actress protrays her annoying and over the top. It's grating. Go away.
I can't keep track of all the wanna-be-King's or why they think they should be King. They're very one-dimensional when you have no in-depth book background to refer to.
Tyrion's arc/s (and occasionally, the Wall stuff) is still the reason I watch the show. The Stark daughter plotline is becoming a bit more interesting now, however.

This doesn't mean I think the show is terrible, however. I'm still watching and I'm enjoying the production. But it's been done more for those who've read the books, I think....unlike, say, LotR films, which (I think) many could enjoy/understand most everything (in terms of as a movie) without reading Tolkien. Those films had a story flow. This series has little sensation of narrative "flow" - it's mostly a series of short character vignettes...which work ok in novel form (I know the books skipped around like that too) but less so in filmed form...imo. (edit: yes I know they all tie together eventually/sometimes, just saying it's very choppy on-screen, making it hard to empathize/get to know or care much about what's going on)

The red witch is Melisandre, and...

I've heard it said a few times that book 3 will be split into two seasons, so four years. With the teenage kids (Bran, Arya) I suppose they could still be plausible teens in their early twenties (and HBO Sansa is practically advlt already) but it's going to be tricky with younger kids like Rickon and Tommen.

Actually, seeing a six-foot Bran dangling off Hodor would be pretty weird. So yeah, it'll be interesting to see how the TV series handles the kids growing up.

I wouldn't put too much stock in GRRM's estimations and promises. I'm not bitter about it (so much other good stuff around) but he's been bad at keeping deadlines in the past.

In the next season you find out that he's this poor fellow who's been possessed by a half-cat from... elsewhere. Spoiler alert.


EDIT: Forgot to talk about this week's episode! I especially loved all the scenes in Qarth. The Dothraki debating about how to cart off the gold statue killed me.

I wonder when Tywin will connect the dots - "I hear from my daughter that the younger Stark girl is missing. More wine, bold dark-haired northern girl who's the same age and lied about her home!"

That seemed out of character for Tywin. He's not the kind of guy who would shrug off being lied to or be willing to accept an implied threat.

The Tickler's end was soooo much better in the book.

An observation on Harrnehall (spoliers):

Well, yeah. Prepare to be disappointed since "go away" she certainly doesn't.

That's ok...I can go outside and pet my cat when she's on.

I think she's awesome. Both character and actress.

Just to be clear, I have nothing against the actress herself. I'm not familiar with her, she may be awesome in other stuff. The chr. just rubs me the wrong way I guess, or something. Happens.

. . .but the night is dark and full of terrors. . .

...but I don't find her scary either. She reminds me of certain Star Trek:OS women maybe. The hair perhaps.

Have you ever seen Repo Men? She played the wife of Jude Law.

The actor does a stupendous job of portraying a despicable character who I really hate very much indeed.

It's normal to hate Melisandre. You're in good Westerosi company there. And she hasn't even really warmed up yet. *ba dump bump*

What's funny is I saw a medieval type movie with Sean Bean and the actress that plays Melisandre. It was about people raising from the dead.

I noticed that, too...I think the movie was called "Black Death"

That was a very good movie.


Anyone interested in watching it - And no its not about zombies, its about religion and such.

Ah that looks like a creepy movie. I wanted to watch it a while ago but somebody told me it was lame. However, I have trouble believing anything starring Sean Bean in a medieval setting is lame.