Game of Thrones - Season 4

[Scalito]

It is interesting that Mad Men has held onto Jon Hamm so long, because he is a solid B list movie actor now.

I dunno. Why would he leave? He makes a small fortune filming 13 episodes a year and can do whatever he wants the other 10+ months of the year.

I really don't think there is as much incentive for most actors to jettison popular cable television shows that make them rich stars these days. Most of them work on shows with shorter seasons than the old sitcoms, leaving them plenty of time to do other things, and Hollywood's less driven by movie star names than ever before. It's all about brands and franchises now. Build up TV fandom, and you can easily get inserted into whatever comic book role needs a semi-known actor/actress (see January Jones in the X-Men or, as you noted, Clarke in the upcoming Terminators).

 

[nelsonmuntz]

I dunno. Why would he leave? He makes a small fortune filming 13 episodes a year and can do whatever he wants the other 10+ months of the year.

I really don't think there is as much incentive for most actors to jettison popular cable television shows that make them rich stars these days. Most of them work on shows with shorter seasons than the old sitcoms, leaving them plenty of time to do other things, and Hollywood's less driven by movie star names than ever before. It's all about brands and franchises now. Build up TV fandom, and you can easily get inserted into whatever comic book role needs a semi-known actor/actress (see January Jones in the X-Men or, as you noted, Clarke in the upcoming Terminators).

I agree on the short seasons for filming. The problem the old sitcoms and dramas had was that the TV actors only had a few months to do anything else between seasons. That is why Harrison Ford was Indiana Jones and not Tom Selleck. So when they got to the end of a contract, the old TV stars had to think very hard about renewing.

The problem is that Mad Men does not pay that well at all. I think Hamm makes $250k per episode for a 12 or 13 episode season. Once he is done paying advisers and the government, that is not much for a star. The supporting cast gets much less. I don't imagine Game of Thrones pays much either with the size of its cast.

 

[BlueHen]

There is some buzz about this now. Apparently HBO referred to the creature that turned the baby into a White Walker as "the Night King" on a website or something. Martin had never put the Night King in the books, or confirmed that such a creature even exists. I wonder if this is a subtle dig by HBO to encourage Martin to get his ass in gear and finish the next two books or HBO will release more spoilers on the books. Martin won't sell a ton of copies of a book that was already a TV show.

I haven't read the books, but I was told that the "Night King" is mentioned as part of a legend that was told to the Stark children in the first book. I don't know if mention of him appears in print anywhere else, but HBO has now confirmed his existence. I hope that is part Martin's plan for the series.

 

[Scalito]

I haven't read the books, but I was told that the "Night King" is mentioned as part of a legend that was told to the Stark children in the first book. I don't know if mention of him appears in print anywhere else, but HBO has now confirmed his existence. I hope that is part Martin's plan for the series.

There is a Night King in the series, I think, but I am fairly certain that was a title given to a rogue leader of the Night's Watch. It wasn't in reference to an Other.

 

[BlueHen]

There is a Night King in the series, I think, but I am fairly certain that was a title given to a rogue leader of the Night's Watch. It wasn't in reference to an Other.

That's the one. The legend is that he married a woman with cold white skin and blue eyes.

 

[August_West]

" the greatest swordsmen whoever lived killed by Meryn F@ckin' Trant ?"

I'm still laughing

The arya and hound scenes are worth the whole series. So good. They should do a spinoff called " the adventures of Arya and the hound"

 

[nelsonmuntz]

" the greatest swordsmen whoever lived killed by Meryn F@ckin' Trant ?"

I'm still laughing

The arya and hound scenes are worth the whole series. So good. They should do a spinoff called " the adventures of Arya and the hound"

That was awesome. Good episode overall last night.

The show is at its strongest with the cat and mouse 1-on-1 scenes, and there were some great ones last night. Cersei and Margaery was awesome. Cersei is clearly suspicious about the Tyrell's and their role in the death of Joffrey, but Tywin and her need them. Tywin trying to pin Cersei down to a date to marry Loras was really good too, when both know that Cersei has no intention of ever marrying him.

The show has absolutely nailed the Lysa Arryn character. The only problem I had with that scene is that Littlefinger would never allow a halfwit like Robin to know such a big secret.

I liked the Locke character a lot even though he wasn't in the books. While I knew he would have to go, I was hoping he would last a little longer. It was pretty cool how the show had Snow and Bran dispose of a threat to the Starks without either knowing the other's role in doing it.

 

[babysheep]

Just kinda wish we got a liiiittle more detail on what exactly Danny wants to do. Seems like she's staying put for now, but for how long?

I was distracted by some herb and a female, during the conversation between Lysa and Baelish... so we now know that Baelish did have a big hand in Joffrey's death? Did he not mention orchestrating the younger brother becoming king when he and Sansa first got to Lysa? Also in that conversation, Lysa mentioned something about writing a letter to Cat about something about the Lannisters like she was deceiving Cat or something, then Baelish cut her off I guess because they were in front of Sansa and Robin. What was that?

 

[Deepster]

Just kinda wish we got a liiiittle more detail on what exactly Danny wants to do. Seems like she's staying put for now, but for how long?

I was distracted by some herb and a female, during the conversation between Lysa and Baelish... so we now know that Baelish did have a big hand in Joffrey's death? Did he not mention orchestrating the younger brother becoming king when he and Sansa first got to Lysa? Also in that conversation, Lysa mentioned something about writing a letter to Cat about something about the Lannisters like she was deceiving Cat or something, then Baelish cut her off I guess because they were in front of Sansa and Robin. What was that?

It came out that Lysa (per Littlefinger's doing) is the one who poisoned her own husband when he was Hand to King Robert. Then she wrote a letter to Cat to blame it on the Lannisters. While I am jealous of your herb/girl Sunday night combo platter, you should probably go back and rewatch that scene!

 

[SubbaBub]

Just kinda wish we got a liiiittle more detail on what exactly Danny wants to do. Seems like she's staying put for now, but for how long?

I was distracted by some herb and a female, during the conversation between Lysa and Baelish... so we now know that Baelish did have a big hand in Joffrey's death? Did he not mention orchestrating the younger brother becoming king when he and Sansa first got to Lysa? Also in that conversation, Lysa mentioned something about writing a letter to Cat about something about the Lannisters like she was deceiving Cat or something, then Baelish cut her off I guess because they were in front of Sansa and Robin. What was that?

Dany's storyline is the most true to the page in the series. She is right where she is supposed to be. Unsure about a lot of things.

 

[babysheep]

It came out that Lysa (per Littlefinger's doing) is the one who poisoned her own husband when he was Hand to King Robert. Then she wrote a letter to Cat to blame it on the Lannisters. While I am jealous of your herb/girl Sunday night combo platter, you should probably go back and rewatch that scene!

Oh I am tonight! Mainly for that scene actually. I love the Arya/Hound scenes as well. Also, Hodor breaking necks.

edit it was more like a three course meal: first something to get me ready for the main course, which was Game, then her for desert. But I have to say, between Lysa literally howling with Baelish inside, her confrontation with Sansa, and Jon's raid, this definitely wasn't an episode to put a girl in the mood

 

[businesslawyer]

Oh I am tonight! Mainly for that scene actually. I love the Arya/Hound scenes as well. Also, Hodor breaking necks.

edit it was more like a three course meal: first something to get me ready for the main course, which was Game, then her for desert. But I have to say, between Lysa literally howling with Baelish inside, her confrontation with Sansa, and Jon's raid, this definitely wasn't an episode to put a girl in the mood

I'm missing your point somehow. It is important to you whether your girl was in the mood?

 

[ffg53]

You should read The Expanse series. It's written by two GRRM protégés. They publish a book a year and novella in between. It's the best space sci fi/opera done in years. I am purposefully a book behind so that I can read 3 and 4 together.

I agree. It's a fun series.

 

[BlueHen]

Loved the episode, as always. I like that they are making minor changes from the books, but I thought the Locke storyline was kind of weak. What exactly was Locke's plan? He should have killed all the kids and Hodor as soon as he had the chance. Instead he grabs Bran and leaves the rest alive. What was he going to do? Race 60 miles back to the wall with Bran with Jon in hot pursuit?

 

[babysheep]

I'm missing your point somehow. It is important to you whether your girl was in the mood?

hahahaha well, she is very..... I'll say "small," at least for me, so yes, some warm-up is necessary!

 

[John]

hahahaha well, she is very..... I'll say "small," at least for me, so yes, some warm-up is necessary!

maybe you should relax your grip a little.

 

[ZooCougar]

I agree. It's a fun series.

Cool to hear someone else is reading this. If I ever get done with LSAT prep I may finish book 3.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

I watched a replay of Oathkeeper last night. The scene with Margaery and Tommen is rising in the ranks of more disturbing scenes in the entire series. I am surprised that the Producers seemed to have drawn the line at having Tommen engage in self-abuse after Margaery visited his bedchamber. It is particularly surprising since if someone as hot as Margaery entered the bedroom of any 14 year old boy and flirted with him like that, self abuse would be a near certainty afterward.

 

[Deepster]

I watched a replay of Oathkeeper last night. The scene with Margaery and Tommen is rising in the ranks of more disturbing scenes in the entire series. I am surprised that the Producers seemed to have drawn the line at having Tommen engage in self-abuse after Margaery visited his bedchamber. It is particularly surprising since if someone as hot as Margaery entered the bedroom of any 14 year old boy and flirted with him like that, self abuse would be a near certainty afterward.

Do we know how old Margaery is supposed to be in the books? When I read the first book, I was a little taken that Khaleesi was only like 14 when she married Khal Drogo. There were some pretty graphic scenes there considering she was that young in the book.

 

[SubbaBub]

Do we know how old Margaery is supposed to be in the books? When I read the first book, I was a little taken that Khaleesi was only like 14 when she married Khal Drogo. There were some pretty graphic scenes there considering she was that young in the book.

The book kids are much younger. Robb stark is only 16-17. Tommen is 8-10. Margaery is older than Joffrey who I think was 14.

 

[businesslawyer]

I watched a replay of Oathkeeper last night. The scene with Margaery and Tommen is rising in the ranks of more disturbing scenes in the entire series. I am surprised that the Producers seemed to have drawn the line at having Tommen engage in self-abuse after Margaery visited his bedchamber. It is particularly surprising since if someone as hot as Margaery entered the bedroom of any 14 year old boy and flirted with him like that, self abuse would be a near certainty afterward.

Afterwards? Why wouldn't you assume he was done before she left?

 

[Scalito]

Do we know how old Margaery is supposed to be in the books?

I think she is supposed to be 16. For whatever it is worth, I also think she is a virgin in the books. I am pretty sure the television series has diverted from that aspect of the books as an excuse to get her naked, though that is an open question and subject to dispute.

 

[Pmurph678]

I think she is supposed to be 16. For whatever it is worth, I also think she is a virgin in the books. I am pretty sure the television series has diverted from that aspect of the books as an excuse to get her naked, though that is an open question and subject to dispute.

Virgin! She drinks moon tea like water in the books.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

Other than Sansa, I think every major female character in the book above the age of 14 gets her freak on.

 

[Scalito]

Virgin! She drinks moon tea like water in the books.

She procures moon tea like water in the books, according to Cersei Lannister's favorite Maester. We never actually see her personally drinking the moon tea or hear from others who have seen her take a single sip. I tend to believe that she's procured it, nowithstanding the source of the testimony, but I don't think she's been drinking it. I won't go into my reasons why (this isn't a spoiler thread after all).

 

[junglehusky]

heh..

 

[junglehusky]

You should read The Expanse series. It's written by two GRRM protégés. They publish a book a year and novella in between. It's the best space sci fi/opera done in years. I am purposefully a book behind so that I can read 3 and 4 together.

Hm, I'll have to check that out. Have you read Vernor Vinge? I haven't read much sci fi / fantasy of any genre since college, but Vinge's Fire Upon the Deep & A Deepness in the Sky were excellent.

 

[Rocktheworld]

Jaime fighting for Tyrion in the trial by combat?

 

[SubbaBub]

Jaime fighting for Tyrion in the trial by combat?

I would call that a spoiler if answered. But, it appears the TV has diverged from the books on a the manner and reasons the various characters interact. Timing and motives has also been altered, but the major events still appear to be on course.

It is interesting and a bit frustrating at the same time, but I think non-readers will be happy and surprised at this seasons payoffs.

 

[coachcap]

Had relatives visiting from out of state last night over to watch GoT. There was a collective NOOOOO! shouted out as last night's episode ended & rolled the credits. Everyone wanted the episode to continue. Next week's edition is eagerly anticipated. (which, of course, is what the production staff intended).