Recap: Episode One

[Dog Wednesday]

I can help with the WOT question. I am one of the fans that stuck with it during the 'still good but less than great books'. I love WOT for what it is, it will always have a special place on my bookshelf and I am eagerly awaiting the finale. As for ASOIAF, i read through the books back in 2006 and just finished a 2nd reading in anticipation for Dance. Ice and Fire is fantastic. Read the books and by the time you finish Dance should be out (for real this time!)

 

[ThaBenMan]

Ahaha, a very amusing recap (lol at Fat King Bob and Uncle Benji). I'll definitely read the future ones as well. And these will probably be quite useful to folks who haven't read the books - I'm still not sure how coherent this episode was for them.

I'm not sure if it was mentioned - have you read the books, Susan?

 

[Ensiferum]

This first episode really felt like a mixed bag for me. I loved the Starks, Jon, Bran and especially Arya (I can't wait to see more of her antics). What I didn't like was how "HBO'd" up the story seems to have been. Granted there is plenty of sex in the novel which I don't mind, but this first episode seemed almost exploitative with its liberal use of nudity and the word "fuck" (for example, rather then say "fucking" in the novel like he did in the show, Robert used "wenching," which seems much more appropo to a story set in a fantasy land where language evolved differently. Granted it has the same inference and doesn't really matter, but they seemed to be using the word just for the sake of being offensive, hence "HBO'd" up). The other thing I thought was REALLY poorly handled was the consummation scene between Drogo and Dany. In the novel it was the first time that Dany learned that despite his outward harsh appearance, Drogo could be quite gentle and loving towards her. In the show that really didn't come across and it seemed too much like rape.

Overall the acting and story is quite good (and for someone who isn't even much of a fan of the novel, that's saying something) but I just hope as the series continues they aren't "trying too hard" to be controversial for controversialities' sake at the expense of story.

 

[Malgan]

I came into this show when I had only seen a huge poster. With no knowledge about it I watched an hour, and I can already say I'm a fan. High budget, good acting and sets the foundation for a good story. Even though I did not enjoy the lighthaired people, who I just refer to as the elves due to their appearence and the kings personalit, but it showed of a bit of the broadness of the world, so I guess it was a good thing.

I'm a huge geek for good shows, and this one was quickly added to my list.

FYI: the bro and sis with the light hair are the last remains of the former ruling dynasty back across the sea in Westeros, the Targaryens. They got chased out by a rebellion led by Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark, largely sparked by the madness of the last Targaryen king. They were big fans of Dragons, too btw. King Robert wants them dead because their family killed his wife-to-be, Ned's sister, as is explained in the first episode.

Wow, things suddenly made so much sense. Thanks a lot!

 

[Spacewolf]

stansa and dany seem older than they are described presumably because of what happens to them later

 

[Susan Arendt]

Ahaha, a very amusing recap (lol at Fat King Bob and Uncle Benji). I'll definitely read the future ones as well. And these will probably be quite useful to folks who haven't read the books - I'm still not sure how coherent this episode was for them.

I'm not sure if it was mentioned - have you read the books, Susan?

Yep. Well, didn't finish the fourth one because I was bored out of my mind, but otherwise, yep.

 

[Torque669]

per book 4 sansa yes, alot of people like more more after she become alyane

Yeah, while Sansa got a lot more interesting, Cersei got a lot more boring and predictable. What a trade-off.

Also, I'm looking forward to who they cast for Brienne.

I was wondering about that too. I wouldnt want to be hired to play an intentionally ugly character, one of my favourites characters in the entire book though.

So far I loved the first episode but I dont remember that whorehouse from the book. Nice of Jaime to do that for his brother though.

 

[Seneschal]

I'm thoroughly hooked at this point, and luckily I have a friend who's a fan and eager to explain every little detail, and recaps like this to keep me sane.

It's intriguing as hell, but also very confusing. Thank you, Ms Arendt!

 

[Frapple]

Yep. Well, didn't finish the fourth one because I was bored out of my mind, but otherwise, yep.

I nearly gave up on book 4 (well book 3, part 2) but stick with it. The last third/quarter of the book is a massive page turner really drew me back in.

 

[Triaed]

Great summary, Susan. Comprehensive and lighthearted. It explains well the plot (without revealing spoilers) to folks who have not read the books.

In the spirit of explaining what is happening in the story, please let me clarify 3 points that I found in the summary:

- Viserys is a bastard, yes, but the whole getting Danny naked is not so outrageous if we explain that the Targaryens use to marry each other (brother and sister). This is also an excuse that Cersei uses for bumping and grinding Jamie, even though they are Lannisters and not Targaryens

- The "servant" who brings in the note from Lady Arryn is Maester freaking Luwin! He is a bit more prominent than a servant, he's earned his chain links. Donald Sumpter does a great job in portraying him

- Although we may feel more used to the term "Sir" to refer to a knight, the actual term in the story is "Ser" (same thing in my opinion); thus Ser Jorah Mormont. This makes no difference really, only to emphasize that the story is set in a different world and not medieval UK.

I am looking forward to watching the rest of the season and hoping it will go for the full 7 seasons (GRRM has 5 years in which to write the last two!).

Tyrion is, by far, my favourite character. Pete is fantastic as the Imp... we can already infer a deep intellect emanating form him.

 

[fealubryne]

It was interesting. I'd read the books and had been looking forward to the show for awhile now. My sister, on the other hand, hadn't read any of the books and knew nothing about the series or the world or anything. We watched the premiere of the show together, and while I ended up explaining a few things here and there to her, she actually managed to get the gist of the story herself and ended up really enjoying it. I was glad I watched with her because it gave me a whole different perspective on things.

To some extent I almost wonder if people who haven't read the books might enjoy the show more than those who have read them and feel the need to nitpick over every detail. If you don't go into it with all the expectations and knowledge you may find yourself enjoying it for its own sake, with the high production quality and, honestly, really well done acting and writing. Not saying that someone who's read the books don't have the potential to love it so far - I did, even though things were obviously clipped in some places, or changed around, it happens when adapting things to film - but there's definitely something to seeing it with an open mind.

Of course... I can't help but hope people who enjoy the show give the books a try. I know the first one might seem a bit long (introducing the world, and the characters, and the history) at first, but the Song of Ice and Fire series is easily among my top three favorites of all time. G.R.R.M.'s writing is by far some of the best I've ever had the pleasure of diving into and I'm glad it's being so well adapted in the show.

 

[Steve Butts]

Great summary, Susan. Comprehensive and lighthearted. It explains well the plot (without revealing spoilers) to folks who have not read the books.

In the spirit of explaining what is happening in the story, please let me clarify 3 points that I found in the summary...

Susan wanted to keep these summaries limited just to the information presented in the show. While fans of the books (which we all are) may know some of the bits that are left out or foreshadowed, these recaps are meant to treat the show as if the viewer had no prior knowledge. I even edited out a short bit that I felt gave too strong a hint about the big twist that's coming for the Stark family.

Please keep in mind that some people reading this board may not know what's going to happen next, so let's try not to ruin the surprises.

While Susan is writing about this as a stand alone series, Greg Tito's write up [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/misc/8804-Talking-About-Game-of-Thrones] gets into some of the finer points of the adaptation. It's the best way we could come up with to satisfy both audiences.

 

[Triaed]

Great summary, Susan. Comprehensive and lighthearted. It explains well the plot (without revealing spoilers) to folks who have not read the books.

-Snip-

Please keep in mind that some people reading this board may not know what's going to happen next, so let's try not to ruin the surprises.

While Susan is writing about this as a stand alone series, Greg Tito's write up [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/misc/8804-Talking-About-Game-of-Thrones] gets into some of the finer points of the adaptation. It's the best way we could come up with to satisfy both audiences.

I did not think I was spoiling the story with my comments but providing background info.

Spoiler

incest seems rampant in Westeros

I see how the comment about the Targaryens and Lannisters can be taken as spoilers and I apologise for it. I want new readers and viewers to fully experience the sense of discovery!

I trust the Maester Luwin and "Ser" clarifications are not taken as such.

Greg's article and subsequent thread are great! (careful reading, there are some spoilers in it)

 

[Steve Butts]

I did not think I was spoiling the story with my comments but providing background info.

Spoiler

incest seems rampant in Westeros

I see how the comment about the Targaryens and Lannisters can be taken as spoilers and I apologise for it. I want new readers and viewers to fully experience the sense of discovery!

To be honest, I wasn't necessarily calling you out. I was just kind of putting it out there for the sake of everyone who's joining in the discussion.

The weird thing is we know a lot of stuff from the books that aren't revealed during the same scenes in the show. I don't think they ever really tie what's going on in Pentos to what's going on in King's Landing in the show, but it's pretty obvious in the books.

 

[Zom-B]

It's all kinda seems aimed at spotty adolesents.. oooo boobles and swearies. I know there's such a thing as context, but to me it all seems a bit jarring, if it was really trying to be mature about it then I think it would have succeeded more had they not bothered and just got on with telling the story. There's a big difference between the written word and visual media, you can set the tone better in writing and it's not always the more mature option to splash it on screen.

Gotta agree with you on this one. I mean, personally, I enjoyed the breasts on display, but I watched the episode with my wife and she ended up being pretty disgusted by the misogynistic overtones. I realize that it's a sort of realistic portrayal of how women have been historically treated in medieval settings, but I really think the show could have down played those elements.

For example, was it really necessary for the lingering close up on Daenerys' breast as Viserys caressed it? It was gratuitous and unnecessary, imo. Viserys' creepy familiarity and objectification of Daenerys could have easily been portrayed without that, or without any nudity at all. As far as the wedding scene between her and Drogo, it was almost tasteful in comparison, but still, could have faded out before the nudity.

Anyway, yeah, the rampant titties and swearing I think took away from the show as "serious" film making, as it seemed mostly tacked on and gratuitous. Hopefully once they get a few episodes in, things settle down and there's less of a sensationalistic feel to the series.

 

[Jamboxdotcom]

Good recap. I wasn't sure if that really was the Queen in that last scene. 'Flowers in the Attic', lol, er, I mean... icky!!!!!

I think I may have to read the books now. If only to find out sooner what horrible thing happens to that white haired wanna be king asshole. I'm guessing/wishing he gets what he deserves by the end. But no need to spoil anything for me, I'll read and find out.

Any Wheel of Time fans here that have read all of these? I was wondering how Game of Thrones hold up to my favorite fantasy series, even tho one seems more based in a more realistic world, and the other has more 'magic'.

i love Wheel of Time. but i love A Song of Ice and Fire even more. both are extremely well written, entertaining, and thoughtful. but ASoIaF is much more realistic than WoT. to me, WoT is like Star Wars: it's great fun, and we love cheering for Mat Solo, i mean Han Cauthon, i mean... (ok, you get it, i'm sure). beyond that, it's really hard for me to explain what i like about both. suffice it to say i love both.

 

[Susan Arendt]

Great summary, Susan. Comprehensive and lighthearted. It explains well the plot (without revealing spoilers) to folks who have not read the books.

-Snip-

Please keep in mind that some people reading this board may not know what's going to happen next, so let's try not to ruin the surprises.

While Susan is writing about this as a stand alone series, Greg Tito's write up [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/misc/8804-Talking-About-Game-of-Thrones] gets into some of the finer points of the adaptation. It's the best way we could come up with to satisfy both audiences.

I did not think I was spoiling the story with my comments but providing background info.

Spoiler

incest seems rampant in Westeros

I see how the comment about the Targaryens and Lannisters can be taken as spoilers and I apologise for it. I want new readers and viewers to fully experience the sense of discovery!

I trust the Maester Luwin and "Ser" clarifications are not taken as such.

Greg's article and subsequent thread are great! (careful reading, there are some spoilers in it)

Given that you have no idea how Maester Luwin is unless

Great summary, Susan. Comprehensive and lighthearted. It explains well the plot (without revealing spoilers) to folks who have not read the books.

In the spirit of explaining what is happening in the story, please let me clarify 3 points that I found in the summary:

- Viserys is a bastard, yes, but the whole getting Danny naked is not so outrageous if we explain that the Targaryens use to marry each other (brother and sister). This is also an excuse that Cersei uses for bumping and grinding Jamie, even though they are Lannisters and not Targaryens

- The "servant" who brings in the note from Lady Arryn is Maester freaking Luwin! He is a bit more prominent than a servant, he's earned his chain links. Donald Sumpter does a great job in portraying him

- Although we may feel more used to the term "Sir" to refer to a knight, the actual term in the story is "Ser" (same thing in my opinion); thus Ser Jorah Mormont. This makes no difference really, only to emphasize that the story is set in a different world and not medieval UK.

I am looking forward to watching the rest of the season and hoping it will go for the full 7 seasons (GRRM has 5 years in which to write the last two!).

Tyrion is, by far, my favourite character. Pete is fantastic as the Imp... we can already infer a deep intellect emanating form him.

Yes, I know it's Maester Luwin, and you know it's Maester Luwin, but you haven't read the books, you have no idea who that is and/or why it might matter. Given that a whole lot of new names and faces were just thrown at a brand new audience, "a servant" will do for now, because it really doesn't matter within the context of the episode who handed Ned a piece of paper, merely what's on the paper.

 

[cainx10a]

so what did we learned today is: it's ok to rape your wife as long as you give her a horse first

Back in those days, it's not like noble women had much say with who they will be betrothed to. But from the first 150 pages I read in the first book so far, you might enjoy how her character will develop.

It's all kinda seems aimed at spotty adolesents.. oooo boobles and swearies. I know there's such a thing as context, but to me it all seems a bit jarring, if it was really trying to be mature about it then I think it would have succeeded more had they not bothered and just got on with telling the story. There's a big difference between the written word and visual media, you can set the tone better in writing and it's not always the more mature option to splash it on screen.

Gotta agree with you on this one. I mean, personally, I enjoyed the breasts on display, but I watched the episode with my wife and she ended up being pretty disgusted by the misogynistic overtones. I realize that it's a sort of realistic portrayal of how women have been historically treated in medieval settings, but I really think the show could have down played those elements.

For example, was it really necessary for the lingering close up on Daenerys' breast as Viserys caressed it? It was gratuitous and unnecessary, imo. Viserys' creepy familiarity and objectification of Daenerys could have easily been portrayed without that, or without any nudity at all. As far as the wedding scene between her and Drogo, it was almost tasteful in comparison, but still, could have faded out before the nudity.

Anyway, yeah, the rampant titties and swearing I think took away from the show as "serious" film making, as it seemed mostly tacked on and gratuitous. Hopefully once they get a few episodes in, things settle down and there's less of a sensationalistic feel to the series.

And all the men should cover up too, to hide that broad chest and manly pecks. Also, what's wrong with nudity? I have more problem with watching a man guts get spilled out than an alien (if that's the same actor, he is awesome) from SG: Atlantis humping some dragonspawn (dragonspawn, get it?).

 

[cainx10a]

sorry for double post.

 

[Zom-B]

And all the men should cover up too, to hide that broad chest and manly pecks. Also, what's wrong with nudity?

Well that's just it, isn't it? There wasn't and usually isn't any male nudity in tv or movies. In the first episode of Game of Thrones, we get Daenerys naked, Tyrion (clothed) romping with no less than 4 naked women and a handful of breast-baring Dothraki women, compared to what? Shirtless Dothraki men? Double standard much?

I don't have a problem with nudity, but I do have a problem with the double standard that female breast, buttocks and even pubic hair is okay to portray on television and film, but one penis immediately gets an R or NC17 rating and is generally considered obscene.

It's an unfortunate fact that most pop culture perpetuates this double standard, and works like Wheel of Time and Game of Thrones perpetuate it, despite the fact that they do include strong female characters. The problem is that those strong females are still objectified and sexualized, whereas male characters are just as stereotypically portrayed as sexual carnivores, collecting women as trophies where ever they go, as those same women prostrate themselves at the males manly feet, face down, ass up.

As usual,the nudity in Game of Thrones was one sided and gratuitous in nature, rather than tasteful. The scene with Tyrion and the prostitute was the only one that didn't feel forced, that is, until Jaime brought in three extra, giggling, happy whores to service him. Hell, with a name like Peter Dinklage, I kind of expected to see his junk.