OT- Game of Thrones S04E06: The laws of gods and men
Once again it's on! Tyrion is back on the scene trying to save his neck. Stannis is on his way to the Iron Bank for a loan so he can get back into the game of thrones. Happy Mothers Day to all, especially to the mother of dragons. Please, no book talk. Enjoy!
We Do Not Sow
I want to start in in the books. Trying to pick a good time.
Still predictable but it's closing fast, specially in some storylines, things like the king of the whitewalkers or whatever that is isn't in the books yet, I guess he'll appear in the next book, but he's new to me.
It hasn't caught up, but it's pulled ahead a few bits of material here and there. For the most part it's approaching the conclusion of the third book, with two more books' worth of material to go yet.
Not sure what you mean by a good time to start. The sooner the better, I would argue - I suspect if I'd seen the show before the books instead of vice versa I might find the books a little slow to get to the point. (On the other hand, I've found they're worth a second read just for the sake of finding missed details or things that didn't seem important at first but really were trying to tell you something. So maybe the first read for you can really be like a second read. I dunno.)
the best time is right now...
I think the show does well at keeping the reader guessing. The show also has answered countless subtle questions from the text (such as Rob stark not having an heir) and showing the land of always winter (last weeks episode where the baby was taken north).
jdon
So the show is much closer to catching up in some storylines than others. However, I think it is safe to say that with the 5 books out right now, I am generally expecting it to be almost entirely caught up with all aspects of the books AND have some material from books not yet released by the end of Season 5. We already are seeing some show-ahead-of-book moments as far as readers can tell. Obviously we don't know for sure if exact scenes are in the books, or if they are just interpretations of some subtle hints in the books.
As for reading, I would recommend reading soon after the fourth season ends. That way you can work to complete the books before the new season starts and you won't be confusing book details with show details (it can be hard to keep them straight).
not yet.
My wife and I read all the books 4-5 years ago, right when we heard about the show and started watching it. Anyone whose read them more recently, we can't remember Stanis going to Bravos for money. Another scene we don't remember happening is Bran at Cruster's Keep. Obviously not a big deal, but as I watch these, my memory is tested at times.
They've certainly changed things over the years. Shae's character for one. And Rob Stark's wife was a major change. But all is good.
You're all in for some more surprises. I can't wait!
my wife and I discussed the same thing. I don't recall Stannis ever going to Braavos...Bran at Crasters never happened.
I think they're going to dramatically change Bran's story line because of....stuff...
me think I'm not off my rocker. Will be interesting to see how these new storylines go. I've been told that Martin has told people how he envisioned the series ending, if he was to die. Maybe they're going in that direction whithout us knowing because he won't finish the freaking books! Like the white walker baby thing to the other White walkers. We haven't read that yet.
I feel the same way about Bran. He has to end up where he does in the books but they can take him any direction they please, I guess.
Some were rushing to stand, meanwhile Prince Obeyren stays seated and doesn't acknowledge his presence.
I have been excited to see him make his entrance on the show as he was one of my favorite charaters from the books and he hasn't disappointed. Of course he wasn't exactly how I pituced him but I can't imagine who would be better after seeing him in a couple of episodes.
Do you know why all the world hates a Lannister?
Amazing episode. It may be my favorite of the series, thus far. Hard to think of another that was so impactful in every storyline it addressed: The stunning view of Bravos, the slap of reality given to Dany, the attempt to rescue Theon, and of course, Tyrion, Jamie and Tywin. Masterful acting by Dinklage. Chalk up another emmy with that closing monologue.
Also, although I had breezed the upcoming episode titles, I had yet to put 2 and 2 together with the trial by combat.
So thanks, Yeezus, for continuing to spoil things.
He was a little forward, true... but in his defense, there's plenty of public information out there - episode title, trailers, comments from the writers (it was mentioned above that the show hasn't used the nickname Viper yet, but the writers already did) - it all points that direction and IME it's not really fair to expect people to account for people maybe not noticing all of it. As a book reader my knowledge is biased, but I have to think, even without that, that if I knew who the Mountain was and I knew who the Viper was and there was an episode called "The Mountain and the Viper", that would be a fairly dead giveaway as to what happens in that episode.
Well, the Viper/Mountain thing has been set up all year even ignoring previews and episode titles. You know that showdown was coming well before Tyrion demanded trial by combat.
Yeezus also eliminated the chance that Tyrion could fight himself, which the show left as a possibility at this point.
Regardless, I'm interested to see which way the choices fall. I can make arguments for Tyrion picking either. Or if Tywin chooses first, I can see that choice going either way.
I suggest you consider listening to them on discs or on audio books unabridged. The reader (a guy named Dotrice) is spectacular with different voices for all the different characters. If you have a long commute every day or a long trip planned this is wonderful way to make the time pass. I have read all the books and i am now listening to the story at about the same place in the story as the HBO show is now. I love all three and have found that each experience has been exceptional in its own way. HBO has really done an amazing job of adapting these stories to film and as usual on HBO the acting is superb. PS Was there a thread on True Detective? This was amazing TV as well.
I'll vouch for this. As someone in a long distance relationship, I spend a lot of time in the car. The audiobooks are outstanding. Also, local libraries have a lot of audiobooks for free, so check the local library's website before purchasing.
If you're a person of questionable moral character, like me, you can download the audio books for the low, low price of $0.00.
I will have to go back and read the comments since I loved the show.