metdude wrote: As much as I like the show I almost wish I could unread the books to fully enjoy the experience. Knowing what's coming really does take away from the fun and appreciation. 
I do wonder how much I'd get if I wasn't armed with the prior knowledge though. Like that bit at the end last night. Did you non readers of the series get that those were all robert's bastards being slain? Because I'm not sure I picked that up from the show. I knew. But not from anything I felt I'd viewed last night other than the hint of Joffrey talking about them to his mother. And the barely audible mention of Gendry who Ned had peiced together as Robert's last season.

You definitely have to pay attention in both the book and the show.

dcmets wrote: I havent read the books either, but follow the show avidly. My biggest concern for the show is what Nutz mentioned - I just think viewers will want to see some pay off to the hated characters after too long. Again, I dont know the books, but I would hope HBO would just come out and say, we are doing only 4 season or something like that, so people knew when it would end. Even last night, you can tell that that the story could end up getting too broad.

Walnutz15 wrote:

dcmets wrote: I havent read the books either, but follow the show avidly. My biggest concern for the show is what Nutz mentioned - I just think viewers will want to see some pay off to the hated characters after too long. Again, I dont know the books, but I would hope HBO would just come out and say, we are doing only 4 season or something like that, so people knew when it would end. Even last night, you can tell that that the story could end up getting too broad.

I'm fine with letting the books play out on-screen.  However they'd like to take care of that, it will all be "new" to me - considering I've only read the 1st book.

I'm not looking for any quick "pay-offs" - but that doesn't change the fact that I'd like to see Joffrey's head on a pike at some point.  Kid just annoys the piss outta me.

Also agree with BIMM - in that the "cast of thousands" actually adds to my enjoyment of the series.  The way they've gone about the storyline hasn't gotten cluttered yet, which is impressive - and you hope it continues along this path.

I've really been loving it so far, when the genre couldn't possibly be any further from what I typically like.  I had watched the 1st season in doses; and it's times like these that make me wish I could just skip out on watching week-to-week - in favor of a few episodes at a clip.

Hate to wait!

minkusdominkus wrote:

metdude wrote: As much as I like the show I almost wish I could unread the books to fully enjoy the experience. Knowing what's coming really does take away from the fun and appreciation. 
I do wonder how much I'd get if I wasn't armed with the prior knowledge though. Like that bit at the end last night. Did you non readers of the series get that those were all robert's bastards being slain? Because I'm not sure I picked that up from the show. I knew. But not from anything I felt I'd viewed last night other than the hint of Joffrey talking about them to his mother. And the barely audible mention of Gendry who Ned had peiced together as Robert's last season.

You definitely have to pay attention in both the book and the show.

Yes, they set it up that whole episode, especially the scene you mention with Joffrey and Cersei.  You really do need to pay attention, but you can almost always tell what is happening if you've been paying attention.

Shows like the Wire really teach you HOW to watch these kinds of shows.

minkusdominkus wrote:

metdude wrote: As much as I like the show I almost wish I could unread the books to fully enjoy the experience. Knowing what's coming really does take away from the fun and appreciation. 
I do wonder how much I'd get if I wasn't armed with the prior knowledge though. Like that bit at the end last night. Did you non readers of the series get that those were all robert's bastards being slain? Because I'm not sure I picked that up from the show. I knew. But not from anything I felt I'd viewed last night other than the hint of Joffrey talking about them to his mother. And the barely audible mention of Gendry who Ned had peiced together as Robert's last season.

You definitely have to pay attention in both the book and the show.

Yes, they set it up that whole episode, especially the scene you mention with Joffrey and Cersei.  You really do need to pay attention, but you can almost always tell what is happening if you've been paying attention.

Walnutz15 wrote:

minkusdominkus wrote:

metdude wrote: As much as I like the show I almost wish I could unread the books to fully enjoy the experience. Knowing what's coming really does take away from the fun and appreciation. 
I do wonder how much I'd get if I wasn't armed with the prior knowledge though. Like that bit at the end last night. Did you non readers of the series get that those were all robert's bastards being slain? Because I'm not sure I picked that up from the show. I knew. But not from anything I felt I'd viewed last night other than the hint of Joffrey talking about them to his mother. And the barely audible mention of Gendry who Ned had peiced together as Robert's last season.

You definitely have to pay attention in both the book and the show.

Yes, they set it up that whole episode, especially the scene you mention with Joffrey and Cersei.  You really do need to pay attention, but you can almost always tell what is happening if you've been paying attention.

Was a pretty great close-out to the episode.....not all that comforting to watch with a pregnant wife by your side, but - we pretty much expect the unexpected when it comes to watching the show by now.

We both knew what was happening there, and neither of us have read the books (again, only Book 1 for me).

I was actually wondering when Arya (or is it Arry?) would make "his" appearance.  Interesting to see that she's latching on with Gendry - after he saved her from those dopey bullies at the end of Season 1.  Figured it would happen, but I just have inklings that I know where it might go with them......quite interesting indeed.

Show's got both, me and my wife hooked.

PhilaMet wrote:

Walnutz15 wrote:

minkusdominkus wrote:

metdude wrote: As much as I like the show I almost wish I could unread the books to fully enjoy the experience. Knowing what's coming really does take away from the fun and appreciation. 
I do wonder how much I'd get if I wasn't armed with the prior knowledge though. Like that bit at the end last night. Did you non readers of the series get that those were all robert's bastards being slain? Because I'm not sure I picked that up from the show. I knew. But not from anything I felt I'd viewed last night other than the hint of Joffrey talking about them to his mother. And the barely audible mention of Gendry who Ned had peiced together as Robert's last season.

You definitely have to pay attention in both the book and the show.

Yes, they set it up that whole episode, especially the scene you mention with Joffrey and Cersei.  You really do need to pay attention, but you can almost always tell what is happening if you've been paying attention.

Was a pretty great close-out to the episode.....not all that comforting to watch with a pregnant wife by your side, but - we pretty much expect the unexpected when it comes to watching the show by now.

We both knew what was happening there, and neither of us have read the books (again, only Book 1 for me).

I was actually wondering when Arya (or is it Arry?) would make "his" appearance.  Interesting to see that she's latching on with Gendry - after he saved her from those dopey bullies at the end of Season 1.  Figured it would happen, but I just have inklings that I know where it might go with them......quite interesting indeed.

Show's got both, me and my wife hooked.

As far as keeping up with what was going on, for the first few episodes I read some on-line recaps to make sure I followed everything, but once I got my arms around it, that was no longer necessary (though I still do like to read them).  And I did get the whole bit with Robert's bastards.

And speaking of Arya, just another great thing about this show, I can't recall another show I've ever watched with a more impressive lot of child actors, specifically Arya and Joffrey.

Walnutz15 wrote:

dcmets wrote: I havent read the books either, but follow the show avidly. My biggest concern for the show is what Nutz mentioned - I just think viewers will want to see some pay off to the hated characters after too long. Again, I dont know the books, but I would hope HBO would just come out and say, we are doing only 4 season or something like that, so people knew when it would end. Even last night, you can tell that that the story could end up getting too broad.

I'm fine with letting the books play out on-screen.  However they'd like to take care of that, it will all be "new" to me - considering I've only read the 1st book.

I'm not looking for any quick "pay-offs" - but that doesn't change the fact that I'd like to see Joffrey's head on a pike at some point.  Kid just annoys the piss outta me.

Also agree with BIMM - in that the "cast of thousands" actually adds to my enjoyment of the series.  The way they've gone about the storyline hasn't gotten cluttered yet, which is impressive - and you hope it continues along this path.

I've really been loving it so far, when the genre couldn't possibly be any further from what I typically like.  I had watched the 1st season in doses; and it's times like these that make me wish I could just skip out on watching week-to-week - in favor of a few episodes at a clip.

Hate to wait!

minkusdominkus wrote:

PhilaMet wrote:
As far as keeping up with what was going on, for the first few episodes I read some on-line recaps to make sure I followed everything, but once I got my arms around it, that was no longer necessary (though I still do like to read them).  And I did get the whole bit with Robert's bastards.

And speaking of Arya, just another great thing about this show, I can't recall another show I've ever watched with a more impressive lot of child actors, specifically Arya and Joffrey.

Shameless...

dcmets wrote:

Walnutz15 wrote:

dcmets wrote: I havent read the books either, but follow the show avidly. My biggest concern for the show is what Nutz mentioned - I just think viewers will want to see some pay off to the hated characters after too long. Again, I dont know the books, but I would hope HBO would just come out and say, we are doing only 4 season or something like that, so people knew when it would end. Even last night, you can tell that that the story could end up getting too broad.

I'm fine with letting the books play out on-screen.  However they'd like to take care of that, it will all be "new" to me - considering I've only read the 1st book.

I'm not looking for any quick "pay-offs" - but that doesn't change the fact that I'd like to see Joffrey's head on a pike at some point.  Kid just annoys the piss outta me.

Also agree with BIMM - in that the "cast of thousands" actually adds to my enjoyment of the series.  The way they've gone about the storyline hasn't gotten cluttered yet, which is impressive - and you hope it continues along this path.

I've really been loving it so far, when the genre couldn't possibly be any further from what I typically like.  I had watched the 1st season in doses; and it's times like these that make me wish I could just skip out on watching week-to-week - in favor of a few episodes at a clip.

Hate to wait!

Yeah, I would continue to watch.  Was just starting the discussion.  I would hate to see the show pulled prematurely.  It's gotta be incredibly expensive to make.  HBO does have a lot more leeway, but they do stop shows when the numbers arent there.

You said it.

HBO had to stop "ROME" because of costs.

............something tells me they were saving up for "Game of Thrones"!  ---- or at least right now, I'm hoping that's what the plan was. 

They'll definitely need to put a ton of money in the show to give the audience what they want.  From the time those dragon eggs were introduced in Season 1, I started envisioning massive Dragon scenes!  

That's gonna be bonkers; and would really be somethin' else to see from an HBO production.

Walnutz15 wrote:

dcmets wrote:

Walnutz15 wrote:

dcmets wrote: I havent read the books either, but follow the show avidly. My biggest concern for the show is what Nutz mentioned - I just think viewers will want to see some pay off to the hated characters after too long. Again, I dont know the books, but I would hope HBO would just come out and say, we are doing only 4 season or something like that, so people knew when it would end. Even last night, you can tell that that the story could end up getting too broad.

I'm fine with letting the books play out on-screen.  However they'd like to take care of that, it will all be "new" to me - considering I've only read the 1st book.

I'm not looking for any quick "pay-offs" - but that doesn't change the fact that I'd like to see Joffrey's head on a pike at some point.  Kid just annoys the piss outta me.

Also agree with BIMM - in that the "cast of thousands" actually adds to my enjoyment of the series.  The way they've gone about the storyline hasn't gotten cluttered yet, which is impressive - and you hope it continues along this path.

I've really been loving it so far, when the genre couldn't possibly be any further from what I typically like.  I had watched the 1st season in doses; and it's times like these that make me wish I could just skip out on watching week-to-week - in favor of a few episodes at a clip.

Hate to wait!

Yeah, I would continue to watch.  Was just starting the discussion.  I would hate to see the show pulled prematurely.  It's gotta be incredibly expensive to make.  HBO does have a lot more leeway, but they do stop shows when the numbers arent there.

You said it.

HBO had to stop "ROME" because of costs.

............something tells me they were saving up for "Game of Thrones"!  ---- or at least right now, I'm hoping that's what the plan was. 

They'll definitely need to put a ton of money in the show to give the audience what they want.  From the time those dragon eggs were introduced in Season 1, I started envisioning massive Dragon scenes!  

That's gonna be bonkers; and would really be somethin' else to see from an HBO production.

PhilaMet wrote:

minkusdominkus wrote:

PhilaMet wrote:
As far as keeping up with what was going on, for the first few episodes I read some on-line recaps to make sure I followed everything, but once I got my arms around it, that was no longer necessary (though I still do like to read them).  And I did get the whole bit with Robert's bastards.

And speaking of Arya, just another great thing about this show, I can't recall another show I've ever watched with a more impressive lot of child actors, specifically Arya and Joffrey.

Shameless...

huh?

minkusdominkus wrote:

PhilaMet wrote:

minkusdominkus wrote:

PhilaMet wrote:
As far as keeping up with what was going on, for the first few episodes I read some on-line recaps to make sure I followed everything, but once I got my arms around it, that was no longer necessary (though I still do like to read them).  And I did get the whole bit with Robert's bastards.

And speaking of Arya, just another great thing about this show, I can't recall another show I've ever watched with a more impressive lot of child actors, specifically Arya and Joffrey.

Shameless...

huh?

Sorry, should have been more clear.  The kid actors on Shameless (on Showtime) are every bit as impressive, if not moreso, than the kids in GoT.

PhilaMet wrote:

Walnutz15 wrote:

dcmets wrote:

Walnutz15 wrote:

dcmets wrote: I havent read the books either, but follow the show avidly. My biggest concern for the show is what Nutz mentioned - I just think viewers will want to see some pay off to the hated characters after too long. Again, I dont know the books, but I would hope HBO would just come out and say, we are doing only 4 season or something like that, so people knew when it would end. Even last night, you can tell that that the story could end up getting too broad.

I'm fine with letting the books play out on-screen.  However they'd like to take care of that, it will all be "new" to me - considering I've only read the 1st book.

I'm not looking for any quick "pay-offs" - but that doesn't change the fact that I'd like to see Joffrey's head on a pike at some point.  Kid just annoys the piss outta me.

Also agree with BIMM - in that the "cast of thousands" actually adds to my enjoyment of the series.  The way they've gone about the storyline hasn't gotten cluttered yet, which is impressive - and you hope it continues along this path.

I've really been loving it so far, when the genre couldn't possibly be any further from what I typically like.  I had watched the 1st season in doses; and it's times like these that make me wish I could just skip out on watching week-to-week - in favor of a few episodes at a clip.

Hate to wait!

Yeah, I would continue to watch.  Was just starting the discussion.  I would hate to see the show pulled prematurely.  It's gotta be incredibly expensive to make.  HBO does have a lot more leeway, but they do stop shows when the numbers arent there.

You said it.

HBO had to stop "ROME" because of costs.

............something tells me they were saving up for "Game of Thrones"!  ---- or at least right now, I'm hoping that's what the plan was. 

They'll definitely need to put a ton of money in the show to give the audience what they want.  From the time those dragon eggs were introduced in Season 1, I started envisioning massive Dragon scenes!  

That's gonna be bonkers; and would really be somethin' else to see from an HBO production.

Yes, I too worry about it meeting the same fate as "Rome".   Not only did they cancel it, but they pretty much ruined the second and final season by trying to cram so much in, which is a shame because it also was a great show.  Game of Thrones seems to generating a ton of buzz though, so hopefully they're getting more viewership to justify the costs (which have to be extremely high).

hobson54 wrote: interesting article on the rising costs for season 2.  it cost $60 million for season 1 and about 15% more for season 2 

(minor spoiler in article...just want to give warning for anyone who doesn't want to know anything that may be happening)

http://online.wsj.com/article/...2008018946.html

minkusdominkus wrote:

PhilaMet wrote:

minkusdominkus wrote:

PhilaMet wrote:
As far as keeping up with what was going on, for the first few episodes I read some on-line recaps to make sure I followed everything, but once I got my arms around it, that was no longer necessary (though I still do like to read them).  And I did get the whole bit with Robert's bastards.

And speaking of Arya, just another great thing about this show, I can't recall another show I've ever watched with a more impressive lot of child actors, specifically Arya and Joffrey.

Shameless...

huh?

Sorry, should have been more clear.  The kid actors on Shameless (on Showtime) are every bit as impressive, if not moreso, than the kids in GoT.

metdude wrote: Good to hear everyone is following the plot despite it's complexity and subtleties. Heard many people who weren't sure what was going on at the end so I just wondered if it's being alluded to enough. You guys might be an especially attentive bunch.