[Porthos]

She was right. The only purpose they have is to show sex. Telling us the names of the Dragons and Littlefinger making a ridiculous analogy between power and sex isn't needed and was there only to justify the existence of the sex, not the other way around. Just cutting out the sex would leave behind a bunch of mostly unimportant boring scenes. Cutting out every scene involving Ros entirely would make for a vastly improved show.

Many disagree, especially about the first scene. But even if the only purpose they have is to show sex, then so what. Nothing wrong with that and not every scene has to have a "purpose". Also, as it has been established, HBO and sex is a given.

[Loofy]

All the sex scenes progressed character development. Probably the only one that didnt was theon banging the girl on the ship... and that was the one thats actually in the book.

If you want gratuitous nudity watch spartacus.

[Supermanisdead]

littlefinger, fingerbang, duh

[Arment]

Man, this thread really falls apart in between Sundays. That map posted earlier is awesome though. Spent like 20 minutes staring at different locales. :3

Yeah. I've read the books a few times but I never bothered to look at a detailed map for some reason. I glanced at the map in front of the books a few times, but they're no where nearly as detailed at that one. Gave me some perspective.

All the sex scenes progressed character development. Probably the only one that didnt was theon banging the girl on the ship... and that was the one thats actually in the book. If you want gratuitous nudity watch spartacus.

We learned about salt wives during that scene. We also learned a bit more about Theon as a person.

[Fuzzy]

We learned about salt wives during that scene. We also learned a bit more about Theon as a person.

And it was fun to see Theon in control while on the ship then lose all control once he got home.

[KingK]

Many disagree, especially about the first scene. But even if the only purpose they have is to show sex, then so what. Nothing wrong with that and not every scene has to have a "purpose". Also, as it has been established, HBO and sex is a given.

If I'm watching a sex scene with no relevant plot then I'm wasting my time and might as well masturbate to some porn.

[apana]

If the sex scene is in the book then they should put it in the show, if not then they should shy away from adding it unless they have a truly compelling reason.

[JGS]

If the sex scene is in the book then they should put it in the show, if not then they should shy away from adding it unless they have a truly compelling reason.

There is compelling reason, it's just not relevant to the story.

To think of all the things they have cut for the glory that is boobies and full frontal/backal.

[Lactose_Intolerant]

edit, wrong thread

[Lothar]

And it was fun to see Theon in control while on the ship then lose all control once he got home.

This is the one defense of a sex scene on this page that I buy. It's actually a really good justification. On the other hand, I still hate the scene because it's incredibly corny and retarded that the guy is giving the history of his people while he's having sex.

(Sexposition is lame. Either give us sex and don't hide it for what it is or give us exposition and if it's not interesting on it's own, don't include it.)

[PhoenixPause]

The question of whether a sex scene was "relevant" to the story isn't the question to me. It's whether the scene is good, for the most part. The Littlefinger scene in S1 simply was not good - Aiden's performance was off, and it was poorly written. The dragon exposition in the Viserys bath scene was also rather heavy handed; and while I'll continue to argue the exposition in that scene was unnecessary, many people disagree so no need to re-litigate that.

The Theon scene this season was fine in part because it seemed self conscious from a writing perspective. A woman talking on and on about her father during sex would be weird, and Theon naturally pointed that out. Too often those types of scenes feature the writer directly talking to the viewer, saying "here is information, take it while these people have sex" which results in a sense that doesn't feel natural or realistic. That scene worked because that wasn't the case.

[Big-E]

Why do you even need to justify the Theon scene? It plays out pretty much exactly like in the book. It is an important scene which solidifies the douche he is when coupled when he finger bangs his sister. If you think the Theon scene is unnecessary than bitch to GRRM.

[Arment]

This is the one defense of a sex scene on this page that I buy. It's actually a really good justification. On the other hand, I still hate the scene because it's incredibly corny and retarded that the guy is giving the history of his people while he's having sex. (Sexposition is lame. Either give us sex and don't hide it for what it is or give us exposition and if it's not interesting on it's own, don't include it.)

I can buy talking while having sex. It lends to how casual it is for him. Plus she's the one initiating the conversation because she wants a lord to rescue her from being a captains daughter.

[Subitai]

lolwut

Yes, Mel and SanSan lol.

[JGS]

The sexposition isn't the main problem, it's the direction. The sex scenes are out of place with the quality of the show. They come straight of of Cinemax late night.

There was mention of the sex scene with Viserys in the first season. I liked that scene because it was more sensual. It was slow going and the conversation simply flowed better. They had time to actually act instead of spending half their time concentrating on various positions & thrusts.

In fact, any sex scenes involving The Dothraki side were pretty good.

[Lothar]

Why do you even need to justify the Theon scene? It plays out pretty much exactly like in the book. It is an important scene which solidifies the douche he is when coupled when he finger bangs his sister. If you think the Theon scene is unnecessary than bitch to GRRM.

The book isn't under time constraints and forced to leave out many great scenes because of that. Every scene in the show must be able to be justified.

Also, I greatly prefer

“Take me with you, milord,” the captain’s daughter begged. “I don’t need to go to your castle. I can stay in some town, and be your salt wife.” She reached out to stroke his cheek. Theon Greyjoy pushed her hand aside and climbed off the bunk. “My place is Pyke, and yours is on this ship.” “I can’t stay here now.” He laced up his breeches. “Why not?” “My father,” she told him. “Once you’re gone, he’ll punish me, milord. He’ll call me names and hit me.” Theon swept his cloak off its peg and over his shoulders. “Fathers are like that,” he admitted as he pinned the folds with a silver clasp. “Tell him he should be pleased. As many times as I’ve fucked you, you’re likely with child. It’s not every man who has the honor of raising a king’s bastard.” She looked at him stupidly, so he left her there.

this dialogue after the sex

to "He'll call me a whore" "But I haven't paid you" and much of the same dialogue as the above while they're having sex.

[KingK]

The sexposition isn't the main problem, it's the direction. The sex scenes are out of place with the quality of the show. They come straight of of Cinemax late night. There was mention of the sex scene with Viserys in the first season. I liked that scene because it was more sensual. It was slow going and the conversation simply flowed better. They had time to actually act instead of spending half their time concentrating on various positions & thrusts. In fact, any sex scenes involving The Dothraki side were pretty good.

Yeah, that's actually a really good point. The Viserys hot tub scene really wasn't very necessary to the plot at all or anything, yet I didn't really have any problems with it and I didn't even feel awkward watching that scene with my mom at all. And that's probably a direct result of the direction.

[beelzebozo]

http://www.salon.com/2012/04/27/tvs_best_villain/

TV’s best villain "Game of Thrones'" teen ruler Joffrey Baratheon is the rare bad guy who can make you viscerally, physically angry

“Game” is a show full of so many complications, so many plots and characters, each with their own struggle and story and ethical compromises, that watching is a sort of mental and emotional jujitsu. Compared with all of these messy, draining human characters, the one-note Joffrey plays like a brilliant blast of pure, keening, clarifying hatred.

[Rentahamster]

We've been over this. This scene is totally 100% worthless. It added nothing to our knowledge about dragons besides their names. Everything it told us about Viserys was told better elsewhere.

Not really. There's more to the scene that just dragon names. It gives backstory to the history of the iron throne and the overthrow of the Targaryans. It shows the decline of House Targaryan via metaphor regarding the size of the dragons' skulls. It shows Viserys' resentment over Robert.

The scene also gives context to the master/slave relationship in the world, and contrasts Viserys' seemingly nice personality at the beginning of the scene to his rapid shift to a cold, mean personality at the end of the scene.

[Cornballer]

Just watched ep 206 of #GameOfThrones. Wow. Possibly the best ep of the season, while departing significantly from the novel. #asoiaf Yep, my favorite episode of Season 2 so far.

.

[KingK]

departing significantly from the novel? Judging from the episode description I'm guessing the departure involves (COK) Theon and Winterfell plus the executions of "Bran and Rickon"

[devilhawk]

I am guessing ACOK that the major difference from the books is the shadow baby killing Renly and no mention of Storm's End. . Many in the thread have been saying this for weeks.

Edit: guess that will be for episode 5.

[Memles]

What I'll say about Ep. 6, which I just watched tonight as well, is that nothing feels "new" (ironic, given the dramatic book->screen departure Jace alludes to): for the first time this season, everything is a continuation of narratives/dynamics/developments that we've seen introduced in previous episodes. It creates an incredibly dynamic sense of progress, with each storyline moving quickly but resonating based on those connections with earlier sequences.

[Jeels]

I am guessing ACOK that the major difference from the books is the shadow baby killing Renly and no mention of Storm's End. . Many in the thread have been saying this for weeks. Edit: guess that will be for episode 5.

Do you mean the deviation is Renly not dying?. I would be so happy if that were true.

[Harry Potter]

Seeing this picture pisses me off even more about the recast. 7'1" 320lbs



LOL

[devilhawk]

Do you mean the deviation is Renly not dying?. I would be so happy if that were true.

No, just that ACOK shadow baby in the cave actually occurs after Renly's death.

[Dany M]

Do you mean the deviation is Renly not dying?. I would be so happy if that were true.

I wouldn't.

[Cornballer]

- An Actor's Fantasy Role on 'Game of Thrones' - Nonso Anozie (Xaro Xhoan Daxos) talks diversity on the HBO show and opportunities for black actors in the U.S.

[John Harker]

The only thing people did back then is drink, fight, and fuck. If you don't show enough of the three, you aren't being true to the realities of the era. At least this series gives a lot of power to women; that certainly wasn't the norm back in the dark ages. Not liking it is one thing, but denying that it's properly setting the tone, look, and feel of how this world runs in that area is just demonstrating a personal distaste. Far too often, imo.

[ezrarh]

I'm super hyped for the upcoming episodes. Interested to see how they deviate from the books.

[agrajag]

Conan Stevens is a badass. I wish he was in every movie and TV show, even kids shows and romantic comedies.

edit: and his name is fucking CONAN! A 7'1" 320lbs. guy whose name is Conan. Anyone named Conan is a total badass. Ex. Conan the Barbarian, Conan O'Brien etc.

[vitaminwateryum]

What are the odds of Conan coming back for season 3/4? Since his departure was due to scheduling conflicts, is there a chance of him coming back?

[Krogan]

What I don't understand is why did they give the new Mountain Lannister armor when he had badass armor in season 1.

[Cornballer]

- WiC.net with The Daily Raven Special: Interview with Richard Madden

[Steelyuhas]

What are the odds of Conan coming back for season 3/4? Since his departure was due to scheduling conflicts, is there a chance of him coming back?

Well apparently he wasn't asked back by D&D/HBO before the scheduling conflict. They planned to replace him either way, so I don't think we'll see him back.

series spoiler I read Gregor vs the viper with Conan Stevens as the Mountain, it's going to be odd to see it otherwise.

- WiC.net with The Daily Raven Special: Interview with Richard Madden

Great interview.

I love Madden as Robb, the character explodes on the screen in a way he doesn't in the books. Great performance.

[Fuzzy]

What I don't understand is why did they give the new Mountain Lannister armor when he had badass armor in season 1.

Looks like the same armour. He's just not wearing the shoulders/arms part and he has on a different helmet. The reasons for the changes probably just boils down to him having on the other parts and a different helmet in season 1 because it was during the Joust.

[jett]

I wonder what was HBO's reason for changing actors

[Funky Papa]

I wonder what was HBO's reason for changing actors

Conan has tried to "explain" the situation several times, but he always ends tip-toeing around and saying that HBO wanted to take "a different direction", whatever that means.

I think he didn't get along well with the producers, because I cannot understand how a struggling actor would say no to such a tremendous opportunity.

[Jakabok]

Maybe he just can't act for shit?

[SerArthurDayne]

Both guys are the same height, and both are in good shape. But the new Gregor is built significantly smaller, like 40-50 pounds leaner. Baskeball player build vs. (giant) body builder build. I don't understand why they took the arms/shoulders off the armor, as those would do a ton to give the illusion that he was bigger. I mean, they gave him a huge bushy beard to cover his narrow face/jaw.

I still like his look, though, and he seems to have a pretty good voice for an actor that rarely ever gets to say anything on screen, so I'll see how it plays out. I like the Lannister helmet on him, I think they look badass, especially with the enameled eye pieces. Completely impractical, but whatever.

[suzu]

He just needs big ol' shoulder pads if he isn't going to bulk up.

[WyndhamPrice]

Maybe he just can't act for shit?

It's not like the Mountain has to do anything other than look menacing and kill things.

[jett]

Maybe he just can't act for shit?

Whoever plays The Mountain doesn't need to act.

Conan has tried to "explain" the situation several times, but he always ends tip-toeing around and saying that HBO wanted to take "a different direction", whatever that means. I think he didn't get along well with the producers, because I cannot understand how a struggling actor would say no to such a tremendous opportunity.

Maybe, I guess. Must've been some severe friction on set.

[Zabka]

I'm surprised they didn't pad him out more. Dude looked pretty big as a Predator.

ETA: The crazy thing is that Conan Stevens actively campaigned to the ASOIAF community to play Gregor since auditions began for the pilot 3 or 4 years ago. I can't imagine him not trying to make the schedules work.

[Bootaaay]

I just think that, in a show that's already highly confusing in terms of the sheer number of characters in the story, it's silly to recast someone when the original actor is still available. None of my friends who watch the show but haven't read the books realised that was the Mountain in the latest episode - they all assumed he was another new character.

[Dany M]

I forgot they recasted when watching the episide. I knew it was the mountain but eh. It is not like they recasted Tyrion or something.

[Speevy]

Yeah I didn't realize it was him either.

[Funky Papa]

I'm surprised they didn't pad him out more. Dude looked pretty big as a Predator.

Ian Whyte is actually pretty ripped. The problem here is that he had to replace a gigantic bodybuilder (ie: a freak).

[Lactose_Intolerant]

Yeah I didn't realize it was him either.

They just need to give him back his cool armor instead of the lannister armor

[Jibbajabbawockky]

departing significantly from the novel? Judging from the episode description I'm guessing the departure involves (COK) Theon and Winterfell plus the executions of "Bran and Rickon"

Yeah, you kind of figure that (COK) with the seeming absence of Reek/Ramsay, the whole Winterfell/Theon storyline is going to play out differently than the book.