I should have been watching Game of Thrones from Day 1. I know. I get it. But instead I stood by from the sidelines, watching as everyone and their mother became immersed in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and I had no idea what I was missing.
Then a couple of weeks ago on a rainy Saturday night I downloaded Season one and had my first experience with Game of Thrones. Before I knew it it was 24 hours later and I had watched the entire first season in one day. Why? Because it was that good. Not only does it take you on a journey through a very far away, and mythical land, but it makes you feel that somewhere, right now, that land really exists. After one of the most gruesome and shocking deaths of a main character in the second to last episode, I wondered how the season would end, and then we learned....with dragons being born obviously! Sunday night the second season of the show returned to HBO and my giddiness was only dimmed by my realization that I was going to have to be patient and watch this season one week at a time! Ugh. It didn't help that what I can say was a fairly good episode, was a just a tad bit boring since it seemed to be more concerned with setting up the events of what we can expect will be the majority of this season....discovering who will ultimately take over the throne.
At this point I'm going to claim SPOILER ALERT, although if you're reading the review of an episode that has already aired, I'm assuming that you intend to be "spoiled..."
It seemed that many are throwing their hat - ahem, crown - in to the ring. For the first time we actually see the appearance of Stannis Baratheon, whom we all know is the true and rightful heir to the throne. But, with that weird priestess sorcerer by his side, is that really what we want anymore? Then, there is the proclaimed King of the North - Robb Stark, who has bravely lead his men in the fight to win many battles. We see him telling the captured Jaime Lannister that he has sent word to King's Landing to make an offer for peace, but since we all know that little brat of a King Joffrey will not accept his terms, we are pretty safe to assume that Robb will still be stuck in the battlefields for many episodes to come. And, then, can we talk about that asshole King Joffrey for a second? Am I allowed to say asshole? Because if I can, he is. He single-handedly waged war on the Starks by beheading the beloved Ned Stark for treason after he had accused him of being an illegitimate son of incest (which he is). Which is why when his mother, Queen Cersei, reaches out and slaps him across the cheek, I cheered....out loud and everything. All I can say is, more of that, pretty please.
This then brings me to Tyrion Lannister, the charming little imp. After being given just the slightest bit of power, he comes back and tells Queen Cersei (his sister) that he will now be the Hand to the King and there is nothing she can do about it. Yes! It might be because I usually have a thing about rooting for the under-dog, but if I had my choice, I would make him King. Yup, I said it; I want Tyrion Lannister to rule Westeros
Oh! But, let's not forget about those dragons. Does anyone else want to reach out and hug one? I know that if Daenerys Targaryen is ever able to find the end the Red Waste of land that she seems to have been trapped walking through for the last year, her dragons will grow up and help her conquer all of the kingdoms by being all brutal, scary and viscous, but for now, I just think they look cute.
So, this is what we know so far. Winter is coming. There are some White Walkers looming in the woods, in addition to what may be many other supernatural beings. King Joffrey is still an asshole and not the rightful king. There are many men willing to go to war to prove that they deserve to sit in the iron chair. All in all, what I know is that I love this show so much I am already wondering why it isn't next Sunday already.
The episode seemed to just act as if it was the next episode in Game of Thrones season 1 rather than a new season. Which is great for fans, but I wonder if it will be good for bringing new people into it? Not that I suppose they have much of a choice, they have a shedton of stuff to get through over the next few seasons so they can't afford to hang around.
756 words of inane nothingness....seriously. Perhaps a little harsh but there really is nothing here :/
The show is great but I could do without a simple plot summary like this, what did you actually think of the show apart from 'cute dragons XD' and 'Joffrey is still an asshole'. I watch the show myself, I know all these things.
I just wanted something a bit more in depth I suppose...
EDIT: Main page link to this is also broken.
Never thought I'd miss the old days this quickly.
As others have already stated, this is a boring (and borderline lazy) piece.
@evilmonk3y said:
You ain't kidding. Also that last sentence got fixed but that "all though" is just hanging out being wrong.
I think I might be sticking to the AV Club recaps. I'm not trying to be a dick, but I need something more substantial than plot summary.
@Napalm said:
If they have any prior experience writing about movies and television, then they should know that users on a movies/TV website are looking for something far more substantial than a plot summary.
@BrianP: alllllll fixed. thanks for the tip.....
Less summary more feelings. We've all watched the last season and this episode, we know what happens. Have a look at Pope's previous write-ups, just try and fuel discussion; How did you feel about the CGI wolf replacement; that scene with the purging of the bastards was pretty messed up and sets the tone similarly to Bran getting thrown out of the tower in Season 1. (Time get kinda picky, some minor spelling errors ("Thrown" instead of "Throne" in the first paragraph) and could you embed big pictures those small ones are freaking me out.)
@Tomrock: From reading the books I can assure you that shit will certainly kick off, this is just a nice ease your way in exposition episode to remind you what's what.
Speaking of CGI wolves i'm glad they finally just went with it, it was obvious that using real dogs was just limiting what they could do and some interesting scenes were omitted from season 1. I feel they did it just in time, with the Dragons now in play the CGI wolves feel less jarring. I also can't wait to see the new Ghost!
I was particularly impressed by the ending, it built the tension perfectly and is a justification of how the show can improve on the book. Although I was disappointed by the lack of Maester Cressen, his whole sub-plot just felt kinda rushed and took out some of the punch from Mellisandre's fucked'up-ness. Oh and as usual the casting seems perfect I wasn't sure about Stannis but I think played it quite well and they cast a pitch perfect Davos; exactly how I imagined him.
All in all, it feels good to be back in Westeros.
Don't be rude when you provide feedback. Makes it hard to have someone listen to you.
I miss Rorie.
@Dany said:
If you were talking about me, sorry, not trying to be an asshole.
@Dylabaloo: Thanks Dylabaloo! This helps to hear more of what you guys are wanting. Know this is a strange process, but just trying to figure out what the community wants. More feelings - less re-cap - got it.
Oh, and btw, I think it is possible that I was so traumatized by the scene of them going around killing the bastards, that I blocked it out, but you are right, I should have opened up my brain and talked about that. I agree that it feels good to be back in Westeros. It's like visiting old friends again.
I've been all over the various forums since Sunday night, and what shocked me most is that a lot of book-readers (especially on westeros.org....) hated the Littlefinger/Cersei scene. I started reading the books years ago, and I gotta say that I absolutely loved that scene. The naysayers think it was out of "character" for both people, but I thought it perfectly portrayed them both: Littlefinger thinks he always has everything under control, and Cersei pretty much acts without thinking ahead. Add what I'm assuming was one of Varys's little birds eavesdropping on the whole thing, and that scene ruled.
@staceywi said:
It was pretty brutal, even by HBO's we do what we want standards. Oh I almost forgot Robb's scene with Jamie was fantastic, I love how they're handling his character. No problem, it's your first time posting, must be nerve wrecking!
One article, and everyone's gone batshit.
@staceywi: Most of us are patient enough that we'll stick with you until you find your proper footing. We're all about feelings and subjectivity here. Say whatever is on your mind!
@staceywi: I'm curious as to who are thenew staff and whether or not they/you are going to do a podcast or any video features?
Guys, we all miss Rorie, but give the new writers time to find their feet. I'm sure some constructive criticism is welcome, but don't be rude about it.
@Tomrock: Well if a new viewer is "legally" watching the show, they should have HBO. And if you have HBO, you have HBO Go which means you can freely view the entirety of season one on it