'Game of Thrones' Sparks Intense Reactions

[cali]

Game of Thrones surprised viewers with game-changing plot developments in last night's episode, and fans have immediately taken to Twitter with their own strong reactions. Last night's "The Rains of Castamere" featured the infamous and bloody Red Wedding, prompting viewers including Ed Sheeran, Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz, Seth Meyers and Zach Braff to share their shock over the big twists. A parody Twitter account called Red Wedding Tears also popped up, retweeting fans' tortured reactions.


i dont know what just happened in game of thrones. i'm in shock.
11 hours ago

sethmeyers
Seth Meyers@sethmeyers
It's usually right around the time the DJ plays the Electric Slide that I think, "I wish this was a RED wedding." #GoT


Sam Williams@offensivename
George RR Martin is a horrible, horrible man.

petewentz
Pete Wentz @petewentz
#gameofthrones wtf

solegrace
moonlight@solegrace
NOPE I'M OUT I QUIT I'M DONE GAME OF THRONES HAS KILLED ME GOODBYE CRUEL WORLD IT WAS NICE LIVING

http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/game-of-thrones-sparks-intense-reactions-20130603

[Pragdem]

1. That's what they get for not having a book-reading friend with a big mouth.

[ellenfl]

2. i threw up my hands. did not like it. will have to root for the khaleesi to win the throne. eom

[Bluenorthwest]

3. Who were you rooting for previously?

nt

[ellenfl]

118. the stark family. been a long time fan of sean bean and even tho' he's off the show,

the starks still have the most integrity, imo. although i do like tyrion and jon

[WolverineDG]

144. don't count the starks out yet

just sayin'

[FreakinDJ]

5. The little Stark girl will get it

[Lizzie Poppet]

12. Arya out of your mind?

See what I did there...?

[msanthrope]

85. Nicely played. nt

[rhett o rick]

160. Good

[Xithras]

74. I'm still of the opinion that it will end up in the hands of Jon Targaryen...err, Snow

[dionysus]

105. i agree, you know what's up ;)

[lapislzi]

123. SHHHHH!!!!

It's called "A Song of Ice and Fire" for a reason. Jon = ice. Who's fire, hmmmm? (Hint: not evil red sorceress)

But Peter Dinklage had better live and come out the better for it. Just sayin'.

[Xithras]

132. I dunno. It's a theory like any other.

Of the four theories of Jon Snow's origins, that one is certainly my favorite. Still, a big part of me expects GRRM to eventually reveal something completely different (Jon Snow is a lost Lannister!) just because he's a sadistic bastard who likes to screw with his readers

[MattBaggins]

137. shhhhhh

[WolverineDG]

145. me too

[MattBaggins]

136. SPOILER: Hodor wins the throne

[Pragdem]

9. She'd be quite the progressive monarch, too. nt

[MattBaggins]

138. She is an ineffective little twit on the verge of believing her own nonsense

[lapislzi]

140. Don't kid yourself (don't read this post if you haven't read to book 5)

She's a cold-blooded little killer. I've lost count of her confirmed kills by the end of book 5, but it's not insignificant.

Of course, she is somewhat less sympathetic in the books, and, in my opinion, more believable. She's had the shit and the sentimentality scared out of her.

[MattBaggins]

147. She is a killer indeed and a twit. [Spoiler]

She is also ineffective as a ruler.

My biggest beef with her: she has unleashed Dragons on the world and thus brought back magic, but does she spend more than a few minutes training them? No, instead she is off trying to conquer cities and neither her nor the two stupid knights from Westeros, so much as suggest that she try to find a Maester or other person who might be able to research Dragons and figure out what to do with them.

Dragons? Ummmm I know, I'll stick them in a giant cellar and just hope that turns out OK.

I'm kind of rooting for Victarion to steal them away from her with the horn.

[Xithras]

158. She is a Targaryen.

One point that many Dany fans from the book tend to overlook, and that the TV show has largely avoided addressing, is that she is the fruit of a LONG line of genocidal sociopathic inbreeders. Her brothers were murderous psychopaths, her father was a murderous psychopath, and her largely branch-free family tree was fully of them going all the way back to Aegon. They were like a cross between the Habsburgs and the Kim's of Korea, with a bit of Stalin thrown in for good measure. There's a reason that the kingdoms rebelled and exterminated them.

While her fans may not look at it, GRRM himself has dropped many hints in the books suggesting that Dany herself may end up going down the same path. If I had to guess at an ending, I currently believe that the story will conclude with some sort of confrontation between a borderline genocidal Dany and a cooler headed Jon (who may also be a Targaryen).

[1-Old-Man]

4. I finished reading the 5 books about a year ago. I told people not to miss last night

And next Sunday's Season Final will be even more shocking.

[Pragdem]

6. Next Sunday is the episode I've been waiting for since the end of last season. nt

[titaniumsalute]

40. My wife just finished book 4 and has told me to hang on to my hat

for next week's episode. I just finished book 1 (which has really helped plug a lot of holes and help me with names of families, geography, etc.).

I don't know if I can handle "more shocking".

My wife did slip one thing (which I won't reveal anything) and I have a feeling what she slipped is about to happen.

[bravenak]

41. Me too!

I wanna see Lady Stonehart. And the pigeon pie scene.

[Bolo Boffin]

65. I think we'll only see the latter this season.

Although when she appears, Lady Stonehart is going to be amazing.

[NewJeffCT]

94. What do you expect next episode?

I am pretty sure we'll see the [font color=white]Purple Wedding[/font] in Season 4 - they haven't introduced the Dornish yet. I'm hoping for Antonio Banderas as the Red Viper, though it's kind of a long shot unless he's a fan of the show.

I don't think we'll see [font color=white]Lady Stoneheart[/font] yet, either. I do think we'll see the [font color=white] Robb/Grey Wind swap and Cat being dumped into the river[/font], and the previews have the Hound & Arya overlooking the fires & massacres from a distance, so viewers will know it just wasn't a few tables of Starks, the dire wolf and the wedding party.

Since Episode 10 is entitled Mhysa, I'm guessing Dany being [font color=white]surrounded by the Yunkish masses chanting "Mhysa" [/font]will play a big part of it. Plus, Joff celebrating the news and Tyrion having to tell Sansa.

[lapislzi]

124. Everyone who was crying on Sunday will be cheering.

No spoilers.

[Godhumor]

141. They will have to cheer next season

Next season is the second half of the book.

[alittlelark]

7. Having read the books I thought it was well done

Not quite true to the letter, but well done.

[1-Old-Man]

87. I agree with you. It really made me appreciate the job of the screen-writer

Other than all the stuff they have thrown into the last several episodes to string out the end this season requires they have been very true to the books. But what I did notice, even in comparing the first segment of the first episode to the first chapter in the book, was that through the changes were there to be seen (a reversal of character roles in the example cited) the end result was the same. Oh, and one thing that strikes me more odd about Martin's writing than the portrayals seen in the TV series, is how young everyone is in the books compared to contemporarily appropriate ages as see on the tube. I expect Sansa to look the age she does on the TV, not to look like a 14-year-old, which is her age in the first of the books.

[Mz Pip]

8. I really tried to get into that show

I got through the first 9 episodes of Season 1 and gave up after that. It was just too bleak and violent for me. Endless characters with few redeeming qualities all determined to off each other for reasons I never fully got just didn't entertain me much.

Mr Pip read all the books and the series seems to follow them pretty closely.

[ananda]

42. I got through season 1 but haven't seen any of season 2.

I'm not sure I want to watch it now.

I just can't watch shows that go too far over the top. I watched
the first episodes of American Horror Story and The Following...
and then no more.

I really like that new Canadian show "Motive" though. It's really good!

[ellenfl]

119. i'm skipping motive because i'm tired of the female casting.

can't they use normal looking women instead of playboy centerfolds? the following is too violent and current. game of thrones is more a period piece for me but i had to turn off the volume and avert my eyes for the torture scenes. not good with gore . . . except leslie and al .

[Skidmore]

10. The stupidity of the American public never ceases to amaze me.

I will wager that at least half of those viewers do not even know that this series is based on a set of books.

[Warren DeMontague]

59. Oh FFS.

People voting for Dubya? Yes, stupid.

People being shocked at a development on a fairly well-made, complex HBO drama? Shit, at least they're not watching Dancing With The Stars.

[Skidmore]

60. No. People who never seem to register

that not everthing on a screen exist freestanding. There are a good number of people who never pick up any book unless told to do so by an instructor.

[Warren DeMontague]

63. I guess. Personally, I'd never heard of the books until I watched Season 1.

Then I went out and read all of them.

To be fair to the viewers, too, looking at 5 books can seem awfully daunting.

[dionysus]

107. yes, but also thrilling to read. the downside.. you're 3 years ahead of the show ;)

[Warren DeMontague]

115. I can deal with that. Waiting for the next book, though, is tough.

[SomethingFishy]

151. I doubt that.. this isn't broadcast TV

It's HBO. For the most part these aren't people who watch Honey Boo Boo. Plus HBO makes no bones about where the story comes from, if you watch the show you know it's based on a series of books. Plus George R.R. Martin has written some of the episodes. HBO has made it very clear about the books, I doubt anyone who watches the show thinks it's an "original" story...

[Zorra]

167. I'm so stupid I never even heard of the game of thrones until this thread.

It appears to be a TV series based on a series of fantasy novels. Judging from the names of the characters it seems to have roots in Northern European mythologies, sort of like the Lord of the Rings does.

[didact]

174. Wrong!

it's about the last living member of a knightly order known as gunslingers and the last of the line of "Arthur Eld". Politically organized along the lines of a feudal society, it shares technological and social characteristics with the American Old West but is also magical. Many of the magical aspects have vanished from Mid-World, but traces remain as do relics from a technologically advanced society. Roland's quest is to find the Dark Tower, a fabled building said to be the nexus of all universes. Roland's world is said to have "moved on", and it appears to be coming apart at the seams. Mighty nations have been torn apart by war, entire cities and regions vanish without a trace and time does not flow in an orderly fashion. Sometimes, even the sun rises in the north and sets in the east.

...oh, wait...

[Gothmog]

11. I am still reading the books but even I knew what was going to happen

My middle and youngest children have read all of the currently published and knew what happen. I admit that I cheated at looked at Wiki summary of the plot and knew what was coming. Last night's episode was great and followed the books very closely.

[Democracyinkind]

13. One of the few episodes that utterly failed to do the book justice.

But yeah, it is quite the game changer.

[hootinholler]

18. The Starks time in Kings Landing should have been 3 episodes

There are things Aria learned there that appear in subsequent episodes as nonsequitors.

Then again every episode could be vastly expanded. It's like they made the series from the Reader's Digest condensed version of the books.

[Democracyinkind]

23. Indeed.

Obviously they can't just replicate the book scene for scene, and they're doing a good job so far.

But the Red Wedding chapter is among the very best scenes ever written in fantasy. Right up there with Tolkien at his best. The way Martin set the scene up - the dialogue, the food, the music... it was breathtakingly ominous... in yesterdays episode though... the whole massacre part was just an addendum to an otherwise normal - and thus unforeboding - wedding. I found it slightly off the mark. Little Embryo Stark in the Novels is still alive for all we know so far since Jeyne is alive. So I found the belly-stabbing very confusing.

Not really a response to you... just felt like spelling out what I meant above...

[shawn703]

32. The episode where we learned that Talisa was pregnant

Was written by GRRM himself, and I assume he knew what was going to happen to her in the next episode. Maybe it's his way of telling his readers to forget about any possible progeny of Robb Stark?

[Democracyinkind]

47. Maybe... I just grew fond of the idea of another stark

[wickerwoman]

154. I think the writers were in a bit of a bind.

To do the Red Wedding justice, it really should have been a whole episode just of that (like Blackwater in Season 2). But if they hadn't cut to other things, non-book watchers would have been tipped off that something was happening (i.e. why are they spending a whole hour establishing who is sitting where, etc.) I'm just hoping at the beginning of the next episode we get Greatjon Umber taking out some Freys.

The bits I didn't like were Grey Wind killed in the stables instead of killing a bunch of Freys (obviously for budgetary reasons) and the silly rubber eagle attack on Jon.

The downside of cutting the wedding with other stuff is all of the great moments in other scenes that are drowned out by the Red Wedding awfulness. Sam's heart grows three sizes when Gilly calls him a wizard, Jorah's soul is crushed when Dany asks about Daario, Jon and Ygritte face the inevitable, Bran starts to realise what he's capable of.

And in the books I thought it was pretty clear there is no Little Embryo Stark because Tywin Lannister intimidates the Westerlings into sneaking abortificants into their daughter's tea. Possibly it didn't work and she is pregnant but nobody knows about it if she is.

[hootinholler]

14. BWHAHAHAHA!

George is fucking ruthless with his characters! It's one of the reasons I love him as an author. I hope he can finish the series before he dies.

For those of you who were shocked by the TV series and hadn't invested the time in the books, the mind fuck of this plot twist is much better in the books. The characters are so much better developed I felt as if it was my family or close friends that had been murdered.

EDIT: James is the other author I like that I always confuse with George.

[Bluenorthwest]

16. The author's name is George RR Martin. He's 64, not exactly teetering over an open grave.

The rest I agree with wholeheartedly as a fan of his for the last thirty odd years....

[hootinholler]

36. Aaaarrrrgh! Totally screwed teh pooch with his name.

Well, my boys are always like I hope he finishes before he dies!

[Warren Stupidity]

49. he is, um, large, and his _book_ fan base was agonizing over his

historic writers cramp that delayed a dance with dragons for years, truly terrified that he would in fact die before getting the books out, as have other series writers in the genre. The fan fighting with Martin himself is stuff of internet legend.

[NewJeffCT]

92. There was a running joke on the internet

every time somebody asks Martin when the next book comes out, he kills another Stark.

[Scootaloo]

101. There's a reason he's known as "The Great Bearded Glacier"

[HiPointDem]

17. who is james?

[hootinholler]

28. If you must know

James is a mis-remembered author name and in my brain farted mind I was thinking I must have confused Mr Martin with Glen Cook who obviously isn't a James either

[HappyMe]

21. So are the books well written,

or is it popular drivel like that Twilight crap?

[cali]

24. no, it's nothing like the twilight crap

the books are reasonably well written

[HappyMe]

26. Okay. I didn't want to waste my

time on some dopey bs.

[Marr]

30. Very well written. Crafted, even.

I'm re-reading the series (on the fifth book right now), and I've been continually impressed by the way Martin foreshadows events that won't occur for several books. His characterizations are what people always talk about, and he's certainly very good at that, but it's the crafted quality of the writing that I enjoy most. Lots of symbolism, lots of foreshadowing, and an almost ridiculously consistent, cohesive world.

[HappyMe]

31. I'll head to the library tomorrow

to look for the first book.

[hootinholler]

39. I know nothing about Twilight

I wouldn't say it's an easy read, but it is enthralling. The first couple of chapters are work and for the remainder the pages turn themselves.

[backscatter712]

64. Oh fuck yeah! The Game of Thrones series is damned good! n/t

[MattBaggins]

139. Many people place The Song of Ice and Fire alongside Tolkien.

[CincyDem]

80. Ruthless with characters = courageous writter

With all he has invested in Rob and Katlyn, he still wipes them out in a few pages...confident that he can do with out them and still hold a reader glued to every page. Yep, that's courage in a writer.

[hootinholler]

90. I highly recommend the books

The guy can weave storylines with amazing depth. Plus to carry a two volume setup for a mindfuck like that, lol. When The elder Stark is killed you think it's a classic line of the hero son, then in the next book WHAM! Almost sounds sadistic when I put it like that, lol.

So much of that richness is lost in translation to film. Things that make me favor particular characters.

[MineralMan]

15. Every Monday morning, I get a recap on the episode.

I shrug. I'm not interested in this series. I always ask, after the recap, "So, who was naked this week?" Apparently nobody in last night's episode, so I'm even less interested.

[Bluenorthwest]

20. If it does not interest you, why get a recap and then comment about it?

That's the sort of disinterest that every show would like to have.

[MineralMan]

25. I get a recap because it is interesting to my wife.

She gives me a recap, because she is interested in the series.
I listen to the recap, because it is interesting to my wife.
I listen to my wife, because she is my wife, and I am interested in my wife.
I ask about the nudity, because it's my way of laughing at the show.
I commented here, because it amused me to do so.
I replied to your reply to me because I try to reply to all replies to me.

I hope my answers are satisfactory for you, and I thank you for taking the time to read and reply my post, as always. I don't ask why you read my posts and reply to them, because I know why.

[dionysus]

109. you're a good guy MM, but don't be dismissive. it's a good show (and better series of books)

[ellenfl]

131. lol, lucky wife! eom

[Bonhomme Richard]

19. I tried to watch the series because I really enjoyed the books.

I can't do it. I prefer the images and story in my head over the TV version. I am currently reading A Dance with Dragons which I am enjoying thoroughly.

[NewJeffCT]

96. Wait till the end

some shockers there...

[RayOfHope]

125. Same here. I started the first book last summer at this time

and proceeded to read my way through all 5, non stop.

I tried to watch the show after that, but visions I'd created in my head were so firmly ingrained, especially Tyrion's, that I couldn't get into it.

[Epiphany4z]

22. I have not read the books

so it was wow...quite a shocker...can't wait for more....and yea, now I have to read the books.

[MFM008]

27. never watched it

It may be a bit highbrow for me, I only follow the 'Walking Dead'. Its easy---who gets eaten and who gets shot in the head.

[shawn703]

34. I'm also a fan of the Walking Dead, especially the moral dilemmas the characters face

It's very interesting how different people I talk to who watch that show will have different opinions on whether certain choices were good or bad, and what they would do if they were placed in that situation.

[Poll_Blind]

29. People still watch these things on TV? Rooting for this guy or that guy to win?

So strange.

PB

[cali]

44. I actually think you might like this PB

there's really nothing strange about people following compelling drama whatever the medium, and whatever else Game of Thrones is about- and it's about many things- it's not a narrative that elicits the "rooting for this guy or that guy to win" response. That, one learns quickly, would be futile.

[MuseRider]

33. I have not heard from my son. :-(

I read the books and I do watch the show. My son is only watching the show. He loves it, really loves it. He wants to talk about it but is afraid I will give away something. So I did not give this away. Red Wedding? How nice. *snort* I wonder how long it will be before he calls me?

[Buns_of_Fire]

35. Colonel Mustard, in the Library, with a French Tickler. There. nt

[bravenak]

37. It took all of my energy not to spoil it for people.

It was hard, so hard! But it was worth it to see the look onmy husbands face when it happened. Next stop, lady stonehart and purple wedding! And I want the jousting little people !

[SharonAnn]

99. I called my friend last night at the end to ask what she thought. She taped it and hadn't seen it.

So she said, why did you want to know "what did think about it?" I had to hold my tongue and I said, "Oh, it's just an interesting plot twist." That got her curiosity up so she watched it right away and then called me back saying "How could you not tell me?"

LOL, it's so hard not to tell someone what comes next.

[bravenak]

113. My sister was still on season3 episode 2.

It was stressing me out so bad. Today she caught up on the season and called me freaking out about the Starks. She's like" Are they just gonna kill all the Starks?" I'm like, "maybe.?" I'll never tell.
I've enjoyed this altogether too much.

[Aerows]

38. Read the books

you get all that you can stand.

I still think at the end he's going to kill off Arya, simply because he can, and he's that evil. Daenarys will be the one to take the Iron Throne, and Tyrion will be suffocated by the weird jester, no no no.

Drowning the dwarf is heartless and sad
bad bad bad
They sleep under the water though
no no no

[BainsBane]

53. SPOILER

That sucks. You ruined it for us.

[Godhumor]

54. Don't worry, none of that has happened

The poster was speculating on how the books might end.

[BainsBane]

56. Oh good

I thought she was saying they are going to kill Tyrion next week. I couldn't handle that. I saw someone post something about the show last night, only that you can't get attached to anyway in the show. I spent the whole show in anxiety over who would be killed. I was thinking it might be Rob or Jon Snow, but I didn't think so many would die.

I just bought the first book so it will take me a while to get to where we are now in the story.

[Aerows]

78. No, I was just fooling around

speculating and such. I know nothing other than the books, and none of what I stated was in them.

Yet.

[hootinholler]

55. YES!

It's ruined forever for you BWAHAHAHA!

[Marr]

75. I think it's going end up that...

Jon Snow is a Targaryean, and Ned's nephew rather than his son.

[Aerows]

77. The way the plot goes

Snow could end up being Ned's uncle.

[FarPoint]

84. That is exactly what I think...

Ned knew Jon would be killed if he was identified as a Targaryean....Plus, I don't think Lyanna Stark love Robert Baratheon either...it was all one sided by Robert....she loved Rhaegar Targaryen and ran off with him...died in childbirth with Jon.

[alittlelark]

102. 'The seed is strong' ... Jon looks like a Baratheon

The Targaryeans are all Platinum blonde.

[TDale313]

111. Yep. I'm kinda guessing...

Jon Snow may be the son of Robert Baratheon and Ned's sister. Just a guess, not a spoiler.

[MattBaggins]

143. No he has Lyanna's hair

Jon Targaryen.

[WolverineDG]

148. the Starks aren't nt

[NewJeffCT]

95. If anybody has plot immunity

It's Tyrion and Arya.

Don't forget, R+L=J

[alittlelark]

100. I think Arya, Daenerys and Brandon will be riding the dragons

2-3 books from now.

[Chuuku Davis]

168. Uh NO

But one of them does survive til Book 5

[LanternWaste]

43. Aside from Sean Bean's performance, I've been thoroughly underwhelmed by it.

I bought seasons 1 & 2 a few months ago and finally got around to watching them. Aside from Sean Bean's performance, I've been thoroughly underwhelmed by it.

But, I have some friends who are really into it and think it's the greatest thing since Alain de Botton's plans for a temple in London, I'm usually bored for sixty minutes each Friday we go out for drinks and burgers.

[sufrommich]

48. I love Sean Bean in anything,although his showing

up as a character is usually a good sign that that character is going to die.

[LanternWaste]

121. There's a wonderful series of 14 some odd-movies called Sharpe's Rifles that Bean stars in

There's a wonderful series of 14 some-odd movies called Sharpe's Rifles that Bean stars in. He's a British soldier during the Napoleonic Wars raised up from the ranks to an officer. Really rousing stuff.

Bean at his best.

[sufrommich]

129. I've seen all of the Sharpe episodes! I think that's why I have

a soft spot for Sean Bean.I did enjoy the series.

[sibelian]

170. Total opposite for me.

Sean Bean - zzzzzzz. However, I'm from the UK and we're already saturated with him over here.

Everyone else - waaaah the aweseomeness. Particularly Peter Dinklage.

[AnnieBW]

45. Are they doing the Royal Wedding next week?

It didn't look like they were doing Joffrey and Margaery's wedding next week from the previews. They might hold that one until next season.

[Godhumor]

50. I highly doubt they're doing it next week

Episode 10 of each season trends to wrap up the season and prep for the next...not add a shock that overwhelms the climactic episode 9.

Going to guess the royal wedding is either episode 2 or 3 of next season.

[Scootaloo]

106. No, they follow the arc of the books

Each season is one of the books. Season 3 = Book 3.

However this does cause a problem; there are some significant plots still hanging; the Royal wedding of course, but also Mance Rayder's army, the Sansa / Littlefinger subplot, and little bits with Catelyn, and Daenerys / Mormont.

Either episode 10 is going to whittle these all down to a fast sequence of events, or there's going ot be an extra episode, or some parts will be shunted into season 3.

My bet? Episode 10 contains the Royal wedding and its aftermath, a good look at Jon and the Wall, and a teaser of Sansa / Littlefinger. The other bits will be the opener for Season 4; book 3's epilogue becomes Season 4's prologue, essentially.

[AnnieBW]

110. Actually, they've split Book 3

I agree that they're doing the aftermath of the Red Wedding, plus focus more on Bran, Sam, Gilly, and the King's Landing arc.

[Godhumor]

130. As stated below, Season 4 is book 3 part 2

Producers decided it was too big for one season (And to give Martin an extra year to write, so they don't catch up too quickly).

[sufrommich]

46. I'm a liitle surprised the title of the episode didn't

give it away. As soon as I saw that The rains of Castamere was the title, I figured there was a slaughter coming. The story of Castamere is used a few times in the series to remind people that the Lannisters will mow down anyone in their path.

[orpupilofnature57]

51. I'm still reeling .

[Arkana]

52. If they'd read the books they'd have seen it coming.

[cbdo2007]

57. what's so shocking?? was it just super violent??

You can spoil it for me, I'm not going to watch it....just wondering why such an intense reaction...

[sufrommich]

61. It actually wasn't any more shocking than most of the

violence in Game of Thrones. I think what is really shocking some is that it's not following a well established story line where the good guys win. If fact, the moral of Game of Thrones seems be be that the throne will be held by whoever is bloodthirsty enough to hold it, I think a lot of watchers may be disappointed that it isn't likely to reward good behavior as most fables do.

[cali]

62. I guess what's so shocking (and it's only shocking for those who don't know the books)

is that it's the death of characters that viewers like and are invested in. GoT is as much about a group of families battling for power as it is anything and with these deaths, it appears to be the end for one of the few families in the epic that has redeeming qualities.

[backscatter712]

66. Spoiler...

....
....
....
....
SPOILER
....
....
....
....
....

They killed some Starks!

....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....

[wickerwoman]

155. SPOILERS

As a book reader, what I found shocking was that they invented a pregnancy that didn't otherwise exist simply so that they could end it in the most gruesome and explicit way possible.

Also Michelle Fairley was heartbreaking and totally deserves an Emmy.

[cbdo2007]

159. Ok, I can see how that is shocking....

extreme violence doesn't get to me anymore but I could see "invented a pregnancy that didn't otherwise exist simply so that they could end it in the most gruesome and explicit way possible." being pretty shocking to regular viewers. Hmmm, maybe I'll watch it after all.

[Warren DeMontague]

58. I read all the books, so I knew it was coming.

I actually thought it was going to be worse.

Ol Walder Frey is sort of a dick, though, i'nt he.

[yardwork]

67. Right. So I'd never seen the show before last night. I tuned in for the first time with no clue.

Never read the books. Haven't been following the show at all. I just got cable for the first time in years, with free HBO, and I asked my son what was good to watch on HBO. He mentioned this show Game of Thrones that has a lot of buzz. So I tuned in last night for the first time about halfway through the episode. Had no idea what was going on. Started looking up the characters on my cell phone so that I could follow the plot. Then suddenly they all got massacred. I thought, "Hm, it appears that a king and two queens who are central to the plot just got betrayed and massacred. They even killed the wolf. This can't be good."

[cali]

68. lol. oh dear, what a place to tune in.

[yardwork]

69. Yeah. lol!

[Warren DeMontague]

76. If you've got HBO, you may be able to get HBO GO, too- and watch the old episodes on a device like

an ipad or an xbox 360.

I'd start at the beginning, although you've got 3 seasons to get through.

ps. nice to see you.

[yardwork]

86. Thanks. Nice to see you too. I don't know that I will watch the show again.

I mean, the wolf is dead. He was my favorite of the characters I watched last night.

[Warren DeMontague]

88. It's all one heck of a yarn.

I watched Season 1 and then went out and bought the books, read 'em all. Some great storytelling. GREAT Characters, both bad and good and a mix of both. I actually think the two most Compelling Characters are Danerys and Tyrion, who is played by Peter Dinklage on the show-- and who actually, unless I'm mistaken, didn't make an appearance at all in that episode.

It's not a straight, linear shot of a story by any stretch; and 5 books out I still don't know where it's going. One assumes it's going somewhere, but in the meantime I'm hooked.

[hootinholler]

103. There's still plenty of meat on those bones

You did fall into possibly the worst possible time to pick up the plot, or maybe not since this episode is such a change to the plot.

You would enjoy the story more by reading it IMHO.

[kaiden]

134. There are still more direwolves. All the Stark kids have/had one.

[LittleBlue]

70. It's all downhill from here, folks, as book readers can attest

So much crying over this. It is one of the major series climaxes.

Frankly, don't expect much from the next two books. They are generally viewed as not up to par with the previous three. It isn't just me who feels that way, go compare Amazon reviews of books 4 and 5 with the first three.

You've just experienced the best the series has to offer, now prepare for at least 2 years of bleakness.

[Inkfreak]

79. You're kinda right, but

I found Arya's storyline interesting and love Tyrion's also. What faltered for me was the Kalise sitting in the desert and not really a fan of Bran.

[LittleBlue]

82. Same

There were some gems. I also liked watching Cersei's descent into paranoia, that was brilliant. I even liked Bran.

But Brienne's POV in Feast was very boring. And yes, Dany (for me, she's the main character) basically does nothing for 2 books. Even Tyrion's POV in book 5 stunk.

[Warren DeMontague]

81. I'd imagine there are several million people who will not tune out at the very least

until they see a certain widely despised character die.

[LittleBlue]

83. Haha, very true

Me included

[ozone_man]

142. Just one?

I want to see that Bolton bastard die. And all of house Frey.

[NewJeffCT]

97. some great stuff next year, too

But, I'm not sure how all the stuff with the Ironborn and the Dornish will play after that, even if it's mixed in with Dance with Dragons material. Are people suddenly going to care about Arianne Martell and Asha (Yara) Greyjoy? Not to mention pulling AT out of thin air... though not quite so thin if you re-read book 1.

Season 4 will have its awesome moments as well.
below -
[font color=white] The Purple Wedding, the arrest & trial of Tyrion, The Mountain vs the Red Viper, Tyrion's escape & killing his father, Jamie confessing to Tyrion about Tysha... the arrest of Jon Snow (if it doesn't happen next week), the battle at the Wall, Stannis arriving, Jon being offered Winterfell and then becoming Lord Commander, Dany's conquest of Meereen and sending Ser Jorah away... and, one of my favorite moments - Arya and the Hound battle Clegane's men, with Arya asking if there is gold in the village (though, the Tickler died on the show) I think the Mountain vs Red Viper is a great scene as well. [/font]

[TDale313]

112. I've read the books,

And while there's something to what you say, there are several events coming up that I really enjoyed. I will also be very excited to see where books six and seven take us, assuming Martin ever gets around to finishing them The middle books may be somewhat filler (thousands of pages of filler, admittedly) but I'm hoping the author has a really good end-point in mind.

[RedCappedBandit]

156. I disagree.. Four was slow, but Five is really an excellent book, imo!

[exboyfil]

162. Better than 4 but no where

near the level of Books 1-3. Way too many years to wait to advance the plots of the most interesting characters, and they really don't get advanced very far.

[RedCappedBandit]

163. Perhaps by the time I read five, I forgot just how good one to three were,

and was just relieved it wasn't as bad as four.

[exboyfil]

164. Probably true

The other letdown was the Audiobook. Roy Doltrice did the narration on the first three, and they were a work of art. John Lee did the fourth, and he was not very good. Doltrice did the fifth, but time has not been kind, and he did a horrible job with the women's POV. On the other hand his Tyrion was still great (I think Tyrion is Doltrice's alter ego). I see he has rerecorded A Feast for Crows. I have to decide if I want to spring for the credits to get that version (I rejoin Audible every time a new Ice and Fire comes out and stay a member for about a year building enough books in my library until the next release).

[Yavin4]

71. in 70s movies, it was common for the hero/protagonist to die.

Easy Rider, Klute, Chinatown, Looking for Mr. Goodbar, etc.

In the 80s, movies were expected to always have an "up" ending. The heroic protagonist had to win, and the bad guys had to lose. This fits into the Reagan mythology where bad/good guys are clearly identified, and the good guys had to win.

Ever since, movies and TV have been dumbed down. I was positive that most people could not handle last night's episode.

[cali]

72. My guess is most viewers handled it just fine

and will continue to follow the show

[Yavin4]

89. You're right. I should not have said "most"

I should have said "some" viewers.

[NewJeffCT]

93. Martin himself said

He lost some readers with the Red Wedding, but gained many more.

[exboyfil]

165. Yes but that ending terminated the movie

The story continues with a major character removed from the board. I like Martin's investment in the characters. We get to see their plans and dreams and hopes and start to fix our reality on that goal, and then someone comes along and cuts that character's head off. The only major movie I can think of like this is Psycho which was masterfully done. I am sure their are other examples, but it is difficult to do it in a 2 hour movie. Godfather with Luca Brasi and Sonny Corleone - not really.

[Generic Other]

73. The last book I read ended in an incoherent breaking of character

and a note from the author apologizing for being a lazy ass and not finishing his series.

Does anyone know if he ever finished? Or is he still gorging at some huge banquet?

I can't wait to watch the Red Wedding!!

[Ilsa]

91. I was horrified by the ending.

But I loved it! I feel for Caitlyn because she died not knowing if any of her kids were still alive.
I wonder if her death will affect Littlefinger?
I haven't read the books. Honestly, I don't have time. But the story is fascinating. I've already looked up a few spoilers.

[NewJeffCT]

98. Red Wedding Reactions caught on video

http://winteriscoming.net/2013/06/red-wedding-reactions-caught-on-tape/#more-27289

[dionysus]

104. it was brutal, but well done in line with the book (with one exception)

[exboyfil]

171. Yes and I have to wonder

if that will really cause a future departure from the book series. Jeyne I think still has an essential role in the series unless this event is telling us she will be removed from the board in the books.

[dionysus]

172. and how about replacing vargo hoat and the bloody mummers with a generic character called Locke?

[Matariki]

108. Oh, didn't read the book did they?

Well, every time someone asks George Martin when the next book is coming out, another Stark dies.

[TDale313]

114. Love the books and the show.

Very well done IMO. Some of the most complex characters I've come across. Good storytelling. Be warned that it is very violent and has really adult themes, and you are well advised not to get too attached to any of the characters. Other than that, I highly recommend it.

[exboyfil]

116. I have found Game of Thrones unwatchable

In most movies there is a build up to the sex scenes. In Game of Thrones sex begins the scene. I can't have that in the house with my teenage daughters. I watched Seasons 1 and 2 when they came out on Amazon streaming, but I have lost interest and am probably not going to get Season 3 (I wait and don't pirate them - I don't steal from G.R.R. Martin's pocket).

I do love the books even with the sex which seems to advance the plot a little more than HBO's approach.

[B Calm]

117. Most people watch for the boobs,

no boobs, crappy show. . .

[cali]

126. nonsense. it's a beautifully realized show that succeeds at creating its own world

production values are high, the acting is good.

I can assure you that I'm not in the minority of people who watch it for reasons that have nothing to do with boobs.

there are a lot of other shows with bare breasts that don't have the audience GoT has.

You may not like it and that's fine, but you're in a very tiny minority of those that think it's a "crappy" show.

I did find`one negative review. Its from wingnut (but talented) Orson Scott Card

https://www.facebook.com/notes/game-of-thrones-fans/harsh-game-of-thrones-review-by-orson-scott-card/218357401509977

[sibelian]

120. I bet there isn't a single fantasy fangirl under the age of 30 out there that doesn't secretly

...want to be Denaerys Targaryen.

I'm a 42 year old man and I want to be Denaerys Targaryen.

[exboyfil]

166. Tommen - SPOILER ALERT

Just give him a couple years to appreciate the joys of older women. Just like Anakin he gets to marry his babysitter.

[sibelian]

169. I'm not worried about spoilers. :)

The series is so elegantly realised that, for me, spoiling it doesn't change anything.

[telclaven]

122. Sad that no one reads anymore

Have been wondering how this would be handled by HBO.

[WilliamPitt]

127. Alternate Headline: Everyone Who Did Not Read The Books Learns Hard Lesson

About Not Reading The Books.

[kestrel91316]

128. I thought "Game of Thrones" was a video game.

Shows you how much TV I watch.

[RedCappedBandit]

157. It's the first in an epic high fantasy series of novels.

[Apophis]

133. I knew the Red Wedding was going to happen when I first read about it 13 years ago.

Don't people read anymore? Oh. I guess they do when it's teen fiction.

[MattBaggins]

135. FFS. "when you play the game of thrones you win or you die"

what did these people expect?

George R R Martin loves to kill of the popular characters. You can tell the people who have not read the books.

[dipsydoodle]

146. 25 Steps To Get Over Your Intense "Game Of Thrones" Depression

http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/steps-to-get-over-your-game-of-thrones-sadness

[MattBaggins]

149. SPOILER>>>SPOILER

[dipsydoodle]

150. No - this is a spoiler

[MattBaggins]

153. This is how it is done

[WCGreen]

152. Solyent Green is People....

[rhett o rick]

161. WHAT? And I thought it just meant Organic. I will have to have a chat with Trader Joes.

[Matariki]

173. 24 Reasons Why George R.R. Martin Is The Biggest Troll In Literature Right Now

http://www.buzzfeed.com/ryanhatesthis/24-reasons-why-george-rr-martin-is-the-biggest-troll-in-lite