Game of Thrones

[kilcher]

Is there not already a thread on this show? I couldn't find one.

Just wanted to remind everyone there's a 15 minute preview of the first episode tonight at 9pm ET on HBO. :)

[billypritchard]

There has been a long thread in the Happy Hour about it, since it started as a book thread.

Good reminder though. I think we'll have episode threads when the show starts.

[Amnesia]

Is there not already a thread on this show? I couldn't find one.Seeing as how the first episode doesn't air for another two weeks, I don't find that too surprising...

[firerose818]

That was the fastest 15 minutes of TV I've seen in a long time.

The scenery was just gorgeous...I can't wait to see this!

[billypritchard]

That was the fastest 15 minutes of TV I've seen in a long time.

The scenery was just gorgeous...I can't wait to see this!

+1

I thought, that wasn't 15 minutes!

[Aniketos]

Really nice. Some changes from the books, but all understandable. Two more weeks...

[hummingbird_206]

I don't have HBO, so just watched the preview online. Looks good! The Wall looked very imposing! I think I'll have to call Comcast and get signed up for HBO. Wonder if they are having any specials?

[sieglinde]

Online? I will start searching.

[hummingbird_206]

Sorry, didn't think to post the link.:o Here's where I saw it.
http://io9.com/#!5788750/watch-the-first-12-minutes-of-hbos-game-of-thrones-now

[Odds Bodkins]

I haven't read the books in years but the first 15 minutes were enough to have memories come flooding back. Can't wait!

[JETarpon]

Did anybody catch the throw-away line at the beginning of Monday's Chuck?

[IndyJones1023]

Does this story have magic, or is it all just political intrigue?

[dcheesi]

Does this story have magic, or is it all just political intrigue?Both. But most of the early story is heavy on the intrigue; the magic is mostly on the fringes.

I was actually mildly surprised to see them referencing some supernatural activity right up front (though if you didn't know what you were seeing, you may not have realized it). I halfway expected them to drop all of that for the TV show, and just focus on the courtly intrigue, a la The Tudors, etc.

[JETarpon]

I was actually mildly surprised to see them referencing some supernatural activity right up front (though if you didn't know what you were seeing, you may not have realized it). I halfway expected them to drop all of that for the TV show, and just focus on the courtly intrigue, a la The Tudors, etc.

That supernatural activity comes straight out of the prologue for the book, as I recall.

[dcheesi]

That supernatural activity comes straight out of the prologue for the book, as I recall.Yep, pretty much straight up, except you actually get a much better description of things in the book.

But there's nothing that says that the TV writers/producers have to use every element from the books. The non-magical aspects of the books are more than enough to be compelling on their own. And adding the supernatural can be risky, as some folks who love a good medieval period piece are turned off by anything that smacks of scifi/fantasy...

[sieglinde]

I don't get HBO so hopefully without any spoilers, I have read all the novels. It reads more like historical fiction than Tolkien does. Watch for an historical parallel with British history.

[Bob Coxner]

I don't get HBO so hopefully without any spoilers, I have read all the novels. It reads more like historical fiction than Tolkien does. Watch for an historical parallel with British history.

Many providers are having HBO free preview weekend this week. It's already started on DirecTV.

[whitson77]

Does Dish have a free HBO preview this weekend? If they do, I haven't read about it.

[whitson77]

Dish has HBO free this weekend. I checked when I got home.

[JETarpon]

I'm guessing it's everybody. Even my crappy cable company has free HBO right now.

[dbranco]

HBO posted this useful viewer's guide. It has an interactive map of the kingdom, plus a house-by-house family tree with pictures of each family member.

http://viewers-guide.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/#!/map/

[sieglinde]

Mediacom is not offering an HBO preview but the next novel in the series is coming out in mid-July. Yay, People won't be bugging George RR Martin about it at Worldcon. :)

[kilcher]

HBO has also said there will be a "very special pre-show" 15 minutes prior to the premiere tonight so you might want to check that out as well.

[john4200]

Mediacom is not offering an HBO preview but the next novel in the series is coming out in mid-July.

Except that Martin is still working on, as he calls it, "Kong". He talks about it on his blog. Hopefully there is no more delay, but less than three months between finishing the final manuscript and book release is cutting it close.

[cheesesteak]

Emilia Clarke. Yowsa!

[Steveknj]

I didn't want to post this in the episode thread, because I haven't watched yet. But how did everyone like it? I've read a lot of mixed reviews so I'm a bit apprehensive. I'm not a big "fantasy" fan (thought Lord of the Rings was boring as context), but HBO usually does a solid job on things...and there seemed to be enough gratuitous sex to at least give it a shot :) One review called it a fantasy show for people who don't like fantasy. Another said it was VERY hard to keep track of all the characters (something I really hate). So what's the verdict without giving much away?

[billypritchard]

It's got a Metacritic score of 82. That's not really mixed, that's good. However, most of the negatives have been from people who are not big 'fantasy' fans, so take that under advisement. It's mostly swords and intrigue, not much fantasy especially at the beginning. I think you should just give it a shot, if it doesn't strike you, drop it.

[Lori]

I didn't want to post this in the episode thread, because I haven't watched yet. But how did everyone like it? I've read a lot of mixed reviews so I'm a bit apprehensive. I'm not a big "fantasy" fan (thought Lord of the Rings was boring as context), but HBO usually does a solid job on things...and there seemed to be enough gratuitous sex to at least give it a shot :) One review called it a fantasy show for people who don't like fantasy. Another said it was VERY hard to keep track of all the characters (something I really hate). So what's the verdict without giving much away?

The Viewer's Guide that dbranco linked to above is a must-have. It will help you keep everyone straight until you learn who they all are. I kept glancing at the family trees while I watched, just to make sure that I knew who was actually doing what. :)

[Steveknj]

The Viewer's Guide that dbranco linked to above is a must-have. It will help you keep everyone straight until you learn who they all are. I kept glancing at the family trees while I watched, just to make sure that I knew who was actually doing what. :)

If I need a "viewer's guide" before I watch, it's usually not a good omen I will like the show. But if there's enough going, I can usually get past the confusion.

[spikedavis]

I'm still on the first book, but I recall Martin saying that he planned on having 7 books total, and the 5th one is due this year. If that's the case-will the show just stop production if it "catches up" and the final book isn't ready yet? :/

[Lori]

If I need a "viewer's guide" before I watch, it's usually not a good omen I will like the show. But if there's enough going, I can usually get past the confusion.

I thought that it was really good, and I'm not a HUGE fantasy person. But it was beautifully shot, and there were, you know, beheadings, and quite a few naked girls. :)

I am just a little obsessive with knowing who everyone is at all times. So, for example, (not much of a spoiler, as it has very little plot implication, but...)

when the king visits the home of one of the main protagonists, Ned, he immediately asks to be taken to the family crypt. I didn't understand why that was important, till I clicked onto the family tree and saw that he had been engaged to Ned's sister, who died. They talk *around* that in the scene, but I liked *knowing* and not just *supposing*. So, the guide is really good for that sort of thing...the stuff that you would have gotten via exposition in the book.

[Rob Helmerichs]

I'm still on the first book, but I recall Martin saying that he planned on having 7 books total, and the 5th one is due this year. If that's the case-will the show just stop production if it "catches up" and the final book isn't ready yet? :/
I suspect the contract with Martin takes that into account, one way or the other (either they get to go their own way, or he has to supply them with an outline). If the show is still going strong at the time they catch up (and really, isn't it just a matter of "when" and not "if"?), there's no way HBO won't have prepared for it knowing the author's history.

[billypritchard]

I suspect the contract with Martin takes that into account, one way or the other (either they get to go their own way, or he has to supply them with an outline). If the show is still going strong at the time they catch up (and really, isn't it just a matter of "when" and not "if"?), there's no way HBO won't have prepared for it knowing the author's history.

I think I read a comment or story with Martin where he essentially said what you've stated here. He would share what he had, but the show could always go it's own way while he finished.

[speedy4022]

I'm still on the first book, but I recall Martin saying that he planned on having 7 books total, and the 5th one is due this year. If that's the case-will the show just stop production if it "catches up" and the final book isn't ready yet? :/

IF the show becomes a hit one of two things will happen either the author will hurry the books to beat the series or the writers of the series will move ahead on their own. I have never heard of a series shutting down to wait for the books to finish. They should to keep the quality of the show intact but rarely do. However all this means nothing if the show fails to get the ratings HBO wants.

[astrohip]

I thought that it was really good, and I'm not a HUGE fantasy person. But it was beautifully shot, and there were, you know, beheadings, and quite a few naked girls. <snip>
Exactly this. I rarely watch fantasy, and never read it, but this show was really good. I had no problem following it (never read the books, nor heard of them until now).

Watch it!

[cheerdude]

We watched it tonight and really enjoyed it. Having been reading GoT, it was a bit easier to follow along. I do wish that, when the character first appeared, they would have shown who it was; like they did with the locations.

So far, the characters look like I pictured them while reading; especially Jamie, Tyrion & Viserys.

[tlc]

Is it clear why wifey can't go south too? It seemed like they just started talking about how he'd have to leave her.

[spikedavis]

Is it clear why wifey can't go south too? It seemed like they just started talking about how he'd have to leave her.

The rest of the family will have to stay behind to run the Stark house-Winterfell in Neds absence.

[tlc]

It's a nit, but it bugged me that there were glass windows in the doors to the tunnel through the Wall. I don't remember if there was glass anywhere in Winterfell. It doesn't really fit the level of tech and it wouldn't be practical there if it did. But it did make a better opening shot. :)

Is this show going to have magic and dragons? (I hope not.) Or is this a post-magic world?

I just dropped Camelot. This started much better.

[john4200]

Is this show going to have magic and dragons?

If it follows the books, yes. But not much magic or dragons for quite a while.

[fmowry]

So is this the official thread for the pilot? Can the title be changed to reflect that? This started as a thread discussing the series before the airing of the pilot. I'm not a spoiler Nazi and assume it contains spoilers, but someone might care.

[Steveknj]

So is this the official thread for the pilot? Can the title be changed to reflect that? This started as a thread discussing the series before the airing of the pilot. I'm not a spoiler Nazi and assume it contains spoilers, but someone might care.

There is a thread for the pilot. I was hoping this would be a general discussion on the series without spoilers. I haven't watched this yet...probably tonight, although I'm considering saving this for the summer and watching a marathon.

[Rob Helmerichs]

So is this the official thread for the pilot? Can the title be changed to reflect that? This started as a thread discussing the series before the airing of the pilot. I'm not a spoiler Nazi and assume it contains spoilers, but someone might care.
The official thread for the pilot (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=468296) is the official thread for the pilot.

[fmowry]

Don't know how I missed it. I guess I just assumed since this was on the top, people were posting in this. I didn't read threads above mine to avoid seeing anything spoilery as I haven't watched it yet.

[Aniketos]

It's a nit, but it bugged me that there were glass windows in the doors to the tunnel through the Wall.

On my rewatch it looks to me like it's just barred and open air, not glass.

[murgatroyd]

The official thread for the pilot (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=468296) is the official thread for the pilot.

But Rob, didn't they re-cast and re-shoot? Therefore "Winter is Coming" is properly S1E1 and not "the pilot".

[JETarpon]

But Rob, didn't they re-cast and re-shoot? Therefore "Winter is Coming" is properly S1E1 and not "the pilot".

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=468296

[mwhip]

Started watching this a week ago and I am three episodes in. I am enjoying it but I was finding myself confused from time to time. Anyone have a good resource site on the characters, geography and history of the people and land? I feel like I need to be watching this with a cheat sheet.

[Anubys]

Started watching this a week ago and I am three episodes in. I am enjoying it but I was finding myself confused from time to time. Anyone have a good resource site on the characters, geography and history of the people and land? I feel like I need to be watching this with a cheat sheet.

Actually, the episode threads at the beginning contained a lot of info and places to use...let me know if you can't find them and I'll link to them when I have a little more time...

[sieglinde]

There is actually a Song of Ice and Fire Wikki but that is full of spoilers since it is based on all the books (including the recently released 5th one.)

[billypritchard]

Started watching this a week ago and I am three episodes in. I am enjoying it but I was finding myself confused from time to time. Anyone have a good resource site on the characters, geography and history of the people and land? I feel like I need to be watching this with a cheat sheet.

Check out the Viewers Guide at HBO.com. It gives you just the right amount of knowledge, since it doesn't want to spoil you for future seasons.

Game of Thrones Viewers Guide (http://viewers-guide.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/#!/guide/)

[robojerk]

The EW recaps were good for me when watching the series.
http://tvrecaps.ew.com/tv-show/game-of-thrones/

[Rob Helmerichs]

If you're in the mood for some serious coolness, this is an FX reel that consists of a bunch of fades between what the camera saw on the set and what we saw on TV. It gets pretty spoilery towards the end if you haven't seen the whole season yet.

xkptadiDABo

[mwhip]

Check out the Viewers Guide at HBO.com. It gives you just the right amount of knowledge, since it doesn't want to spoil you for future seasons.

Game of Thrones Viewers Guide (http://viewers-guide.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/#!/guide/)

The EW recaps were good for me when watching the series.
http://tvrecaps.ew.com/tv-show/game-of-thrones/


Those are both excellent, thanks!

[Anubys]

If you're in the mood for some serious coolness, this is an FX reel that consists of a bunch of fades between what the camera saw on the set and what we saw on TV. It gets pretty spoilery towards the end if you haven't seen the whole season yet.

xkptadiDABo

That is totally cool. Absolutely awesome. Thank you so much for posting that link.

If you have not finished the season, just stop watching at about the 2:45 mark or so.

The music is so damn good!

[Waldorf]

If you're in the mood for some serious coolness, this is an FX reel that consists of a bunch of fades between what the camera saw on the set and what we saw on TV. It gets pretty spoilery towards the end if you haven't seen the whole season yet.


If you're like me and into FX / behind the scenes stuff, they show these types of reels during the VES Awards which usually air on the REELZCHANNEL in the winter. I'm sure Game of Thrones will get several nominations.

REELZCHANNEL is DIRECTV channel 238, Dish Network channel 299, Verizon FiOS 233

[mwhip]

About 6 episodes in and there is a lot I am missing but reading the threads and looking at the Wiki is helping.

One thing about this show I love, a lot like The Wire, is there is not one wasted scene. Everything matters to the story. Maybe not this episode but maybe two or three down the road. Love when I finish watching a show and have to sit back and think about what I just saw.

[Rob Helmerichs]

One thing about this show I love, a lot like The Wire, is there is not one wasted scene. Everything matters to the story. Maybe not this episode but maybe two or three down the road. Love when I finish watching a show and have to sit back and think about what I just saw.
Probably tends to happen when you have to boil almost a 1000-page book down to 10 hours!

The down side is, there's a ton of cool stuff that got cut out. Hopefully, they did that skillfully enough that people who haven't read the book won't notice (having read the book, I wouldn't know).

[ducker]

I'd suggest watching each episode multiple times. That worked for me for keeping as much as possible straight.

[astrohip]

I'd suggest watching each episode multiple times. That worked for me for keeping as much as possible straight.

Funny, just today I was thinking about this. I started reading book two today (Clash of Kings?); I was going to wait until a couple weeks before season two starts, but decided I can't wait. I'm afraid to read any reviews or anything about the new book for fear of learning who lives & dies in the earlier books, so I just gave in and started reading book two.

And I realized how much I missed in watching season one, since I didn't start reading the book until episode 6 or 7. So I am going to change my SP to record all eps, so I can rewatch season one (this is assuming HBO reruns it sometime). I can't recall the last time I watched repeats. I *never* watch repeats.

[pendragn]

Funny, just today I was thinking about this. I started reading book two today (Clash of Kings?); I was going to wait until a couple weeks before season two starts, but decided I can't wait. I'm afraid to read any reviews or anything about the new book for fear of learning who lives & dies in the earlier books, so I just gave in and started reading book two.

I'm about to finish A Storm of Swords (book 3) and I'm in the same boat. I wanted to wait, but I just couldn't. I'm afraid to open the Happy Hour thread about the books because of spoilers. I'm hoping after I finish book 3 I can pull myself away and read something else before I read book 4, but I'm not confident that I have that kind of discipline. :)

tk

[Rickvz]

I'm about to finish A Storm of Swords (book 3) and I'm in the same boat. I wanted to wait, but I just couldn't. I'm afraid to open the Happy Hour thread about the books because of spoilers. I'm hoping after I finish book 3 I can pull myself away and read something else before I read book 4, but I'm not confident that I have that kind of discipline. :)

tk

I know the feeling. I finished the third book just about the time the latest book came out. I decided to continue ahead but am reading books 4 and 5 at the same time reading two or three chapters in one then two or three in the other. I have followed the book thread since folks there have used spoiler tags with info from the last book.

[JETarpon]

Rickz, one thing I can tell you about reading them both at the same time that way: When you get to a scene in ADwD that takes place in Dorne, everything from then on takes place AFTER AFfC, so stop reading ADwD (Don't read the Dorne chapter) and finish AFfC.

[sieglinde]

There is so much material on the internet covering all 5 books that catching up or trying to remember what a character was doing is easy. Yes, you will get spoilers but I had to know if some characters survived book five so I peeked. :)

[Rob Helmerichs]

There is so much material on the internet covering all 5 books that catching up or trying to remember what a character was doing is easy. Yes, you will get spoilers but I had to know if some characters survived book five so I peeked. :)
Isn't there a book-specific site where you tell it which book you're on, and it only gives spoilers up to that point?

(Heard about it; never used it.)

[robojerk]

I believe this is the site.
http://towerofthehand.com/

I've just been plowing through the books. Half way through AFFC.

[pendragn]

I finished A Storm of Swords this morning. I can't decide if I want to jump right into book 4 yet or not. I haven't read anything else for several months. If I read 4, should I read 5 at the same time? I think I'll miss my favorite characters if they aren't in book 4.

tk

[robojerk]

I'm on book 4, from what I can tell so far, I wouldn't recommend skipping it for book 5.

[pendragn]

I'm on book 4, from what I can tell so far, I wouldn't recommend skipping it for book 5.

I wasn't suggesting to skip 5, I was suggesting reading the chapters of 4 and 5 at the same time.

tk

[JETarpon]

I finished A Storm of Swords this morning. I can't decide if I want to jump right into book 4 yet or not. I haven't read anything else for several months. If I read 4, should I read 5 at the same time? I think I'll miss my favorite characters if they aren't in book 4.

tk

I would read them at the same time. It makes 4 a better book. Things they reference in 4 that are actually occurring in 5 make more sense.

[Rob Helmerichs]

Some day, some enterprising, OCD super-fan is going to make a synced bootleg of 4+5.

[stellie93]

I've just finished book 1, and I don't get this reading a chapter of 4 and then a chapter of 5??? Is there something unusual about the chronology here that I don't know? This is not how I ever considered reading sequential books. :confused: (no spoilers past book 1 please--hope that doesn't mean you can't answer my question. ;))

[Rickvz]

Books 4 and 5 use the same general format as Book 1, that is the chapters are from the Point of View of a specific character. While books 1-3 are sequential, books 4 and 5 actually cover much the same time period. Some characters that were in books 1-3 are not in book 4 (or are in 4 but not in book 5). I have enjoyed reading both and find they fit together nicely so far (I'm about 1/3 of the way through 4 and 1/4 of the way through 5.)

[Rob Helmerichs]

To elaborate a little, when Martin was writing Book 4, he got about a thousand pages in and realized he was nowhere near finished. So he decided to split it into two books, and he decided to do it by splitting the viewpoint characters. So Book 4 contained one set of characters, and Book 5 was supposed to have the other set during the same timeframe.

But as work on Book 5 went on, and on, and on, he realized that if he continued leaving things hanging in the air from Book 4 for another God knows how many years he might have a mutiny of the readers on his hands, so instead of stopping Book 5 at the same point as Book 4, he kept going for a while, only with the complete set of characters.

So the first 1/2 or 2/3 of Book 5 is simultaneous with Book 4, and the rest is what would have been the first part of Book 6.

All clear? :D

[Bryanmc]

How would you know when to jump back and forth?

[pendragn]

How would you know when to jump back and forth?

I'm assuming someone that's read both will provide a script of when to switch back and forth. i.e. "After reading chapter 4 in book four, then read chapters 1-3 in book five, then come back to chapter 5 in book four. "

tk

[Rickvz]

I'm assuming someone that's read both will provide a script of when to switch back and forth. i.e. "After reading chapter 4 in book four, then read chapters 1-3 in book five, then come back to chapter 5 in book four. "

tk

I haven't found it to be that critical as to order. I just read two or three chapters in one and then switch to the other and do the same. Things do not seem to be moving that quickly in the 4th and 5th books, perhaps due to the number of characters and locations being covered compared to the first three books.

[john4200]

Things do not seem to be moving that quickly in the 4th and 5th books, perhaps due to the number of characters and locations being covered compared to the first three books.

:rolleyes: Things do not move much at all in books 4 and 5, compared to the first three. I think Martin really lost his sense of pacing after the first three. Hopefully he gets it back with the next book, and the HBO series can fix the problems in books 4 & 5 when they get to it. I think 4 & 5 could be combined into one HBO season, editing out all the useless stuff Martin wasted time on. Could be a rare case where the video adaption is better than the books.

[stellie93]

Clear, but sounds like a weird way to write a series... I'll figure it out when I get there. Thanks.

[Rob Helmerichs]

Clear, but sounds like a weird way to write a series... I'll figure it out when I get there. Thanks.
Maybe he should have had this taped to his monitor...
http://www.residentialmarketingblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/plan-ahead.gif

[astrohip]

To elaborate a little, when Martin was writing Book 4, he got about a thousand pages in and realized he was nowhere near finished. So he decided to split it into two books, and he decided to do it by splitting the viewpoint characters. So Book 4 contained one set of characters, and Book 5 was supposed to have the other set during the same timeframe.

But as work on Book 5 went on, and on, and on, he realized that if he continued leaving things hanging in the air from Book 4 for another God knows how many years he might have a mutiny of the readers on his hands, so instead of stopping Book 5 at the same point as Book 4, he kept going for a while, only with the complete set of characters.

So the first 1/2 or 2/3 of Book 5 is simultaneous with Book 4, and the rest is what would have been the first part of Book 6.

All clear? :D
Thanks, great info. As a "just started Book Two" reader, I was totally confused as to why some of y'all were talking about reading 4/5 concurrently. This cleared that up.

By the time I get to 4/5, I'll look for the reading guide.:D

[Legion]

http://tvovermind.zap2it.com/cable/hbo/game-of-thrones/game-thrones-meet-faces-season-2/86984

Peek at some of the cast for season 2.

[cherry ghost]

Rickz, one thing I can tell you about reading them both at the same time that way: When you get to a scene in ADwD that takes place in Dorne, everything from then on takes place AFTER AFfC, so stop reading ADwD (Don't read the Dorne chapter) and finish AFfC.

How far into ADwD is this chapter?

[robojerk]

This post I found is where someone tried to put the chapters in chronological order.

Link may contain spoilers, etc, etc, don't get mad at me for clicking it, may make your head explode, blah blah blah.
If you just read the chapter orders you'll be fine.
http://www.sffchronicles.co.uk/forum/532665-affc-and-adwd-combined-chronologically-by-chapter.html#post1516518

[JETarpon]

How far into ADwD is this chapter?

About halfway. 2/3? Somewhere in there.

[gschrock]

How far into ADwD is this chapter?

Almost exactly 50% of the way through based on the info my Kindle gave me on where I was in the book. It was pretty noticeable that things had caught up at that point.

[cherry ghost]

About halfway. 2/3? Somewhere in there.

Almost exactly 50% of the way through based on the info my Kindle gave me on where I was in the book. It was pretty noticeable that things had caught up at that point.

Thanks!

[Anubys]

I know the answer to this question but I will ask it anyway just to be sure.

I would like to try and read the books AFTER a given season. We'll see how that goes. While I bet I will not be able to wait, that is the plan right now.

So is it safe to say that I can now read book 1 since I saw season 1 of Game of Thrones?

[Rob Helmerichs]

Yes.

[pjenkins]

I know the answer to this question but I will ask it anyway just to be sure.

I would like to try and read the books AFTER a given season. We'll see how that goes. While I bet I will not be able to wait, that is the plan right now.

So is it safe to say that I can now read book 1 since I saw season 1 of Game of Thrones?

i wouldn't, you'll want to go read book 2 and 3, and then 4 and 5, asap after doing so. i had every intention of keeping with the show, lasted about 15 minutes after book 1 concluded...

[stellie93]

Same here :up:

But why wait?

[Anubys]

yeah, I figure I will weaken and read them. I don't know if it's good or bad. After reading book 1, I'll probably know whether I would have liked to have read the book first or seen the first season first. I have so many books in my queue that I am dying to read that I may be able to control myself.

Maybe what I will do is not start book 1 until very close to the second season. That sounds like a good way around this...

I am quite sure that I would not have enjoyed the season had I known what was going to happen. The big surprise that we all know about would have been spoiled and I would not have enjoyed that. So I appreciate your warnings.

[Dawghows]

I'd never heard of these books prior to the show, so I read the first book after having watched the first season. Generally I'm a read the book first kind of guy; I think this is the first time in my life that I've done the reverse. I have to admit I really enjoyed it. Given how often I've read comments about how many characters there are to keep up with in the books, I think it may have made the book seem a little more manageable having already been introduced to the characters via the show. I'm planning to read book 2 before the next season, so I'll see then which way I prefer to continue. Basically at this point I feel like the story is so good you can't go wrong with either method.

[Shaunnick]

This is the dilemma I am facing. I read book one after the season, and now I have finished book 2. I am so torn. I want to read three, but another part of me wants to experience the show week to week. There is something to be said for experiencig slowly and being able to discuss it with other s while NOT knowing what is going to happen next.

Dare I say, I spoiled myself? :eek:

[cherry ghost]

I've read all five books since since the season ended and I'm glad I did.

[Rickvz]

I've read all five books since since the season ended and I'm glad I did.

I've read the first four and am a little more than halfway through the fifth. I look forward to how they portray the events in the series.

[netringer]

I just watched the whole season of Game of Thrones On Demand. It was great.

I can see why fans are sreamiong that the wait for the next season is too long.

It drove me nuts until I did an IMDB to find out that familiar guy with the smart-alek, sly but not so hateful attitude was Tommy Garcetti. Also Mark Addy looks and carries himself amazingly differently from King Robert in say, Robin Hood. They must be actors or sumthin'.

Why do I have this fear that about 5 of the 8+ threads will never be advanced in the next season? There's an awful lot going on on awful lot of fronts.

I'd never get though reading any one book with my short-attention-span. I'd go with audio books but that could be worse.

Oh, and it occurred to me:
Peter Dinklage duh dwarf is declaring dat Dinklage's dinkle (or peter) is disportionately not as diminutive as would be derived from duh dimensions of duh diminutive Peter Dinklage the Dwarf.

[VegasVic]

Since HBO2 is rerunning all 10 this week I decided to record and watch. This typically isn't my normal area of interest and I did not read the books. But I absolutely loved the first episode. Especially the end :) Can't wait to watch the other 9 over the weekend.

[Steveknj]

Since HBO2 is rerunning all 10 this week I decided to record and watch. This typically isn't my normal area of interest and I did not read the books. But I absolutely loved the first episode. Especially the end :) Can't wait to watch the other 9 over the weekend.

If you loved the first episode, then you will be in for a treat the rest of the way, especially the last half of the season. It only gets better. I almost quit watching after episode 3, as it was also not my normal area of interest, but I stuck it out, and the show was probably my favorite of last year.

[vertigo235]

Finally got my wife started on this too.

[DavidTigerFan]

I'm jealous that you get to watch it all for the first time again.

[Rickvz]

I just got through watching all 10 episodes again through HBO On Demand. It was even better the second time around. I also finished reading all of the books in the series since watching the first time so it was interesting seeing the first season again and wondering how the second will follow the plotlines of the second book.

[Bryanmc]

I can't imagine how difficult it must be to decide which story lines to keep and which to toss out for the show.

[whitson77]

It will be back in April. I wonder what will happen when the show catches up to where Martin is in the books. Will they take a 5-6 year hiatus? :D

[john4200]

I wonder what will happen when the show catches up to where Martin is in the books. Will they take a 5-6 year hiatus? :D

Hopefully they will write their own ending. It seems like Martin has lost his way. At the very least, HBO should combine the most recent two books and remove all the dead weight to make one season out of two crappy books. And if Martin hasn't found his way again to a good ending by then, I would rather some of the HBO writers come up with their own ending.

[Rob Helmerichs]

Hopefully they will write their own ending.
I believe Martin said that if it comes to that, they have his blessing.

Kind of like Scott Pilgrim, where the movie was made before the last graphic novel was written, resulting in the comic series and the movie having different endings.

[whitson77]

Hopefully they will write their own ending. It seems like Martin has lost his way. At the very least, HBO should combine the most recent two books and remove all the dead weight to make one season out of two crappy books. And if Martin hasn't found his way again to a good ending by then, I would rather some of the HBO writers come up with their own ending.
I thought the last couple of books were still great. I don't know why you think he has lost his way. It has taken a long time to come out. But I wouldn't say it was dead weight.

[sieglinde]

I watched it at a friends house in two one day marathons. yikes. I wish Netflix streamed HBO stuff but not this stuff. Must make arrangements.

[john4200]

I thought the last couple of books were still great. I don't know why you think he has lost his way.

I cannot go into specifics in this thread. But it is not just me who thought the last two books were significantly lower quality than the first three. Read the amazon reviews or any of the SoIaF forums.

[robojerk]

I cannot go into specifics in this thread. But it is not just me who thought the last two books were significantly lower quality than the first three. Read the amazon reviews or any of the SoIaF forums.I agree.. The first three had the sense of building of momentum towards a climax, then last two, while excellently written, just seemed to have lost that momentum. The author added a lot of new characters I didn't have the same emotional connection to, and put some of the characters I loved in what seemed like endless situations that felt long and drawn out.

I think the TV series will actually make the last 2 books actually better since the show will need to condense a lot of what's going on, and it might not seem so drawn out.

I'm trying my best not to spoil anything for anyone, if you want to read the books don't let my opinion stop you, I still think reading them is a rewarding experience. I'll probably still read the next book and so on.. Unless the author completely goes off the reservation.

[stellie93]

I loved all 5 books, although I thought 3 was the best. I can't imagine getting to the end of book 2 or 3 and not continuing. I hope no one does that. I did hate the weird way 4 and 5 overlapped in time, but I still couldn't put them down.

[VegasVic]

I've watched 5 now and still love it. I find some of it hard to follow, who's aligned with who but I eventually figure it out. Looking forward to the last 5.

[robojerk]

I've watched 5 now and still love it. I find some of it hard to follow, who's aligned with who but I eventually figure it out. Looking forward to the last 5.I followed the EW recaps when watching (before I read the books)
http://www.ew.com/ew/package/0,,20470532,00.html

[sieglinde]

I think it would be hard for any writer to sustain this story over the number of books that have been written. I suspect he needs two more books to finish this up. (and several thousand fans will breath a sigh of relief)

[VegasVic]

The recaps are just what I need, thank you.

[Ereth]

I loved all 5 books, although I thought 3 was the best. I can't imagine getting to the end of book 2 or 3 and not continuing. I hope no one does that. I did hate the weird way 4 and 5 overlapped in time, but I still couldn't put them down.

I think it was a mistake to split them by characters and not chronologically. I think had they been split in the traditional way there would be a lot less of the fan complaints you see now.

[Rickvz]

I think it was a mistake to split them by characters and not chronologically. I think had they been split in the traditional way there would be a lot less of the fan complaints you see now.

I would agree with this to a degree. I actually read the last two books at the same time and it was interesting to compare the different perspectives. I would read a few chapters of book 4 and then a few in book 5. I found a recommended order somewhere online that mentioned where the timeline continued forward in the last book so I was sure to finish book 4 before I got there. The advantage was not having to completely forget about some favorite characters while reading book 4.

[pendragn]

I flew through books 1, 2, and 3. Loved them. Couldn't put them down. I'm about 40% of the way through #4 and I've lost interest. So many new characters, and unfortunately it turns out the characters I like the most must be the ones in #5. When I was reading 1 - 3. I read them without interuption. I've started reading another shorter book while reading #4, I just lost interest. I'm sure I'll pick it up and finish it eventually, but I'm kind of bored with it.

tk

[john4200]

I think it would be hard for any writer to sustain this story over the number of books that have been written. I suspect he needs two more books to finish this up. (and several thousand fans will breath a sigh of relief)

I doubt he'll manage two more books. I think the reason the most recent two books took so long is that he knew they were not up to the quality of the first three, and he kept hoping to come up with a way to get them up to snuff. But he never did.

I think the only hope for the rest of the story is that, when he first started many years ago, he never really planned out the middle of the story very well (resulting in the disappointment that is AFfC and ADwD), but that he did have a good plan for the end. In which case maybe he will get Winds of Winter and Dream of Spring published before he dies or loses interest. But I would not bet on it.

[john4200]

I think it was a mistake to split them by characters and not chronologically. I think had they been split in the traditional way there would be a lot less of the fan complaints you see now.

I agree it was a mistake, but that is not what makes the most recent two books such a disappointment. It is the story and the characters that are not as good as the first three books.

[photoshopgrl]

Okay not having read the books (or heard of them) I have now finished the first episode. I'm obviously a bit confused on who's who but I think reading Sepinwall's review and looking up faces/names on IMDB and Wiki is helping immensely. So far, other than trying to keep up, I'm enjoying it more than I thought I would.

[VegasVic]

Keep going PSG :) I just finished #7 and enjoy it a lot. I really like how fast the plot moves. On some shows it would take 3-4 seasons to move as fast as this one has moved.

[cherry ghost]

Okay not having read the books (or heard of them) I have now finished the first episode. I'm obviously a bit confused on who's who but I think reading Sepinwall's review and looking up faces/names on IMDB and Wiki is helping immensely. So far, other than trying to keep up, I'm enjoying it more than I thought I would.

The HBO site helps a lot also

[photoshopgrl]

Okay episode 2 down. I think I'm following it all now. Not at all happy with the ending of this one. Hating the little jackass blonde prince.

[sieglinde]

DVDs come out in March for those who have not had a way to watch this yet.

[photoshopgrl]

Okay I'm not going to reply to each episode thread because frankly I'm moving too fast to read them all. I'm on episode 7 now. This show is awesome! I am having no issues at all getting what's going on and who's who. :up:

[VegasVic]

You are about caught up to me. I hope to finish the last 3 hours tonight and/or tomorrow. It's fun "discovering" a series you missed the first time around and it's great that this one is just beginning. I wish there was more than 10 though.

[Rickvz]

Okay I'm not going to reply to each episode thread because frankly I'm moving too fast to read them all. I'm on episode 7 now. This show is awesome! I am having no issues at all getting what's going on and who's who. :up:

Glad you are enjoying it. When I rewatched it last week I was the same way. Once I finished an episode I had to start the next. I look forward to your thoughts on the last episodes. I think I will reread at least the first book before the series resumes in April.

[photoshopgrl]

And I'm already rewatching the first episode. HA! Do you think I'm hooked? There was just so much that I didn't get that first time that I'm sure will make sense now.

[JETarpon]

You could always read the book.

[Rickvz]

It is interesting watching it the second time knowing what is coming and seeing hints along the way. I've watched the last the episodes several times.

If you like reading it would be safe to read the first book now without really spoiling anything else. Of course when I did that I got hooked on the books and had to continue until I finished them as well. I started the first book are the first couple of episodes so I knew some of the surprises before they were on the series.

[photoshopgrl]

I could but without this break for the holidays I'd never have been able to catch up on my shows enough to even watch this 10 episodes in a row like this. Now I'll get behind a bunch again with little time starting tomorrow. I just don't have time to read that much. I wish I did. I used to read like no tomorrow.

[JETarpon]

Audiobooks. Roy Dotrice, who reads them, is great. You'd have to read the print version of A Feast for Crows because John Lee, who I've liked for other books, sucks at that one.

[photoshopgrl]

Well if I had time for Audiobooks, I'd have time to read the actual books, I'd think. I might pick up the first one and see how far I can get before Season 2 starts. I'm not holding my breath it'll be far though.

[JETarpon]

Well if I had time for Audiobooks, I'd have time to read the actual books, I'd think.

Not necessarily. I never sit and read anymore, but can listen to Audiobooks while driving, cooking, mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, doing laundry, etc.

[tiassa]

Okay episode 2 down. I think I'm following it all now. Not at all happy with the ending of this one. Hating the little jackass blonde prince.

You ain't seen nothing yet! (well actually you have, because by the time you have read this I suspect that Joffrey will have pissed you off even more, but I felt compelled to comment).

[photoshopgrl]

You ain't seen nothing yet! (well actually you have, because by the time you have read this I suspect that Joffrey will have pissed you off even more, but I felt compelled to comment).
haha! Yes, I finished the season.

[VegasVic]

I finished tonight. #9 was my favorite of the season. The finale was my least favorite. But overall very enjoyable and I look forward to April.

[photoshopgrl]

Okay I have all the audio books but I just can't bring myself to listen to them. I almost don't want to know what's going on next and I'm quite sure I don't want to know how different the first season was to how the book is. Is that weird??

And seriously, April is so close but so far away. I'm officially addicted to this show. I've watched it twice through now, even at the expense of catching up on other shows I desperately need to watch.

[Rickvz]

Personally, I thought that the series followed the book pretty well. There were a couple of things in the series that are actually in the second book. The biggest danger in reading the first book is that you will be as addicted to the books as to the show and will not be able to stop at one book. I'm looking forward to seeing how they depict things grim the second book.

[photoshopgrl]

Personally, I thought that the series followed the book pretty well. There were a couple of things in the series that are actually in the second book. The biggest danger in reading the first book is that you will be as addicted to the books as to the show and will not be able to stop at one book. I'm looking forward to seeing how they depict things grim the second book.

eeeek! Yeah I don't want that. I love the fact that I didn't see any of the shocking events coming, even if they made me mad.

[Rickvz]

eeeek! Yeah I don't want that. I love the fact that I didn't see any of the shocking events coming, even if they made me mad.

The first book won't spoil anything but the second and third books might contain some surprises. :)

[netringer]

I started to rewatch Season 1 for, in some cases, the third time. It is amazing how much more of happenings and comments in early episodes make sense once you know who's who and what they're talking about.

Like: I didn't exactly match up that the Hand John Arryn was the king of the crazy queen sister's reign, and the Lannister's talk about what he might have told. I know what they're talking about

The Queen cries that her beautiful "dark haired" boy died of a fever. Bitch killed him, too - the same "fever" way as John Arryn - for being Robert's real son and not being an inbred Lannister like Jeoffrey.

I just looked again on HBO.com to see which character was which because I was wondering who ends up being Tyrion's champion. It's a whole new guy.
There certainly is no shortage of characters, there, George R.R.

It had to be a bear for them to figure out how to lay it all out for television.

[Rob Helmerichs]

Like: I didn't exactly match up that the Hand John Arryn was the king of the crazy queen sister's reign...

Not exactly...John wasn't king, he was the Lord of the Eyrie. Crazy Lady isn't Queen, she's the regent for her son, who's now the Lord. There's only one king, at least in most of the first book, and that's first Robert, then Joffrey, although Robb being named King in the North is a new wrinkle that threatens to greatly complicate things.

[netringer]

Not exactly...John wasn't king, he was the Lord of the Eyrie. Crazy Lady isn't Queen, she's the regent for her son, who's now the Lord. There's only one king, at least in most of the first book, and that's first Robert, then Joffrey, although Robb being named King in the North is a new wrinkle that threatens to greatly complicate things.

Yeah.

I was thinking how she held court in the Eyrie, as if the houses had their own "sub" kingdoms with castles. As in "Robert Baratheon, King of the ?? kingdoms of the Realm" You're saying Lady Arryn has the same position of Lady of the house as is Lady Stark of Winterfell. Got it.

[netringer]

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/7116/37514010150678043754588.jpg

[Ereth]

That's awesome!

[sieglinde]

That would have so changed the fortunes of the House of Stark. <I am Iron Man, dadadada da da da>

[tiassa]

There certainly is no shortage of characters, there, George R.R.

It had to be a bear for them to figure out how to lay it all out for television.

Martin has stated that he wrote the books in part because he was pi**ed off at having to write stuff for TV/Movies. GoT was written to be (in his mind) to be "Unfilmable" -- that's why to a certain extant there are no "bad guys", and why he in the first book killed off 3-4 characters that one thought would have been important to the entire series.

HBO is the only way that these could ever been filmed

[allan]

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/7116/37514010150678043754588.jpg

When will I learn not to drink Coke while browsing TCF?

:D :) :up:

[mwhip]

Anyone know any twitter accounts associated with the show? Actors, writers, producers or really anyone.

[steverm2]

Just finished season one last nite.got hooked and after ep.2 signed up for HBO(@ten bucks a month for a year!)Ill be watching some episodes over to get characters straight.I have SE02EP01 recorded and am psyched

[Anubys]

It was mentioned earlier that the priestess of the Light's pendant glowed while she was drinking the poison (too lazy to go back and find the post). Which supposedly protected her.

I re-watched the whole episode and looked out for that. I did see it glow, but it was long after (many seconds) the poison should have worked (and didn't). The flow also may have been a function of how she turned to face the fire in the room as opposed to internal glow of the stone.

Certainly interesting to wonder "did it glow or did it not".

[tiams]

Just finished season one last nite.got hooked and after ep.2 signed up for HBO(@ten bucks a month for a year!)Ill be watching some episodes over to get characters straight.I have SE02EP01 recorded and am psyched

I hope you find more than GOT to watch for $120.

[photoshopgrl]

Anyone know any twitter accounts associated with the show? Actors, writers, producers or really anyone.
Not that I have seen but every character has a twitter and keeps it active.

[steverm2]

I hope you find more than GOT to watch for $120.

new season of true blood,at least.Several series that I was always too cheap to pay for.I can find lots of other ways to waste $120.Im real good at that!:D

[sieglinde]

The latest novel "A Dance with Dragons" has been nominated for the Hugo Award to be awarded during the World Convention of Science Fiction and Fantasy in Chicago over Labor Day weekend.

[photoshopgrl]

I am ridiculously excited for tonight, I don't even care that it means my 3 day weekend is almost over.

[mwhip]

Season 3 is official:

http://tvline.com/2012/04/10/game-of-thrones-renewed-season-3/

[Shaunnick]

Was there ever any doubt? ;)

[netringer]

What I just found funny are the accents on the show.

Everybody short of the Dothraki are speaking like Americans with only a touch of British accent reading lines with only a touch of Shakespeare influence.

This, when the most of the actors are actual Brits and Aussies. Think about it. Those have to put on an American accent and then bend it slightly to British, while Peter Dinklage just does a semi-pretentious British take.

Even Clarke tones down her Brit to be princess/kahleesse.

Amirite?

Also, in the credits they cite two organizations and authors for coming up with the Dothraki language. Look for some dedicated GoTthers to learn how to speak Dothraki like they learn Klingon.

[robojerk]

What I just found funny are the accents on the show.

Everybody short of the Dothraki are speaking like Americans with only a touch of British accent reading lines with only a touch of Shakespeare influence.

This, when the most of the actors are actual Brits and Aussies. Think about it. Those have to put on American accent and then bend it slightly to British, while Peter Dinklage just does a semi-pretentious British take.

Even Clarke tones down her Brit to be princess/kahleesse.

Amirite?The only thing I can think of is that Brit's slur their words together a lot. Having watched Law & Order: UK there was a lot of dialogue I couldn't comprehend. I think the actors are toning down their accents so the American audience can understand them without question.

[Anubys]

I always watch GOT with the CC on.

[photoshopgrl]

I don't use the CC but I do hit the volume up from my normal level 8-10 depending on the show all the way up to 15 for this show. :)

[heySkippy]

I always watch GOT with the CC on.

I tried that this week because I was watching early in the morning and wanted to keep the volume down and I was amazed at how bad the captioning was. Garbled words, random fonts, gaps with nothing. It wasn't totally useless, but very poorly done.

[photoshopgrl]

I tried that this week because I was watching early in the morning and wanted to keep the volume down and I was amazed at how bad the captioning was. Garbled words, random fonts, gaps with nothing. It wasn't totally useless, but very poorly done.
Isn't this the case for a lot of shows? Makes me impressed with how astrohip keeps things straight so much!

[netringer]

Isn't this the case for a lot of shows? Makes me impressed with how astrohip keeps things straight so much!

The CC was good on "Luck."

[cheesesteak]

I tried that this week because I was watching early in the morning and wanted to keep the volume down and I was amazed at how bad the captioning was. Garbled words, random fonts, gaps with nothing. It wasn't totally useless, but very poorly done.
That's usually how my HBO cc is but it's been pretty good for me on Game Of Thrones for the last two weeks. Normally my HBO cc is horrible.

[photoshopgrl]

Oh my this is awesome!
Ned Stark Cake Pops!

http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m20ilzVItC1rsg038o1_500.jpg

http://gameofthrones.tumblr.com/post/20785049210/ned-stark-cake-pops-based-on-season-2-teaser

[astrohip]

I tried that this week because I was watching early in the morning and wanted to keep the volume down and I was amazed at how bad the captioning was. Garbled words, random fonts, gaps with nothing. It wasn't totally useless, but very poorly done.
With just a few exceptions, most shows are captioned fairly well. It's the transmission that screws them up. A bad cable system can wreak havoc on captions.

Luckily for me, Comcast in Houston has excellent captions. Very few problems. I also have DirecTV at our weekend place, so when I have captioning issues, I compare captions between the systems.

I just caught up on Mad Men, and the captions are not very good. Lots of missing sentences. I'll rewatch a few scenes on DirecTV this weekend and see who's to blame. Then go stand in my front yard and yell at 'em.

Isn't this the case for a lot of shows? Makes me impressed with how astrohip keeps things straight so much!
You remembered! How sweet.:):up:

[Lars_J]

Anyone know any twitter accounts associated with the show? Actors, writers, producers or really anyone.

Here is a list I found of cast members with verified twitter accounts:
http://wicnet.tumblr.com/post/16883662478/game-of-thrones-cast-twitter-roundup

[photoshopgrl]

Here is a list I found of cast members with verified twitter accounts:
http://wicnet.tumblr.com/post/16883662478/game-of-thrones-cast-twitter-roundup

Figures, none of the main cast I'd want to follow. :)

[cheesesteak]

Aw, man. Prince Joffrey doesn't have a Twitter account? I can't send him "I hate you!" tweets?

[netringer]

Anyone know any twitter accounts associated with the show? Actors, writers, producers or really anyone.

Aw, man. Prince Joffrey doesn't have a Twitter account? I can't send him "I hate you!" tweets?


@KhalDrago
@TheImp
@KingSlayer
@MadKing
@WhiteWalker1
@KingoftheNorth
@Hodor
@KingRobert
@LadyArryn
:rolleyes:

[photoshopgrl]

You remembered! How sweet.:):up:
Yeah I did remember and have I mentioned your avatar being so small makes it appear that you have on Mickey Mouse ears? LOL

[Anubys]

@KhalDrago
@TheImp
@KingSlayer
@MadKing
@WhiteWalker1
@KingoftheNorth
@Hodor
@KingRobert
@LadyArryn
:rolleyes:

HODOR! :D

[cheerdude]

Hodor?

[netringer]

HODOR! :D

Hodor?

What funny is, on rewatching, when King Robert arrives at Winterfell Hodor is there standing and kneeling along with the rest of the House Stark staff. You'd think he'd need someone to cue him.

[astrohip]

Yeah I did remember and have I mentioned your avatar being so small makes it appear that you have on Mickey Mouse ears? LOL
Sunglasses!

Here's the original pic (and I'm straying really off-topic here).

Guess I need to change my avatar. ;)

[photoshopgrl]

Sunglasses!

Here's the original pic (and I'm straying really off-topic here).

Guess I need to change my avatar. ;)
Ha! I assumed they are sunglasses. Don't change it, it makes me giggle when I see your posts because I hear the Mickey Mouse theme in my head.

[Rob Helmerichs]

I always thought they were filed-down horns, like Hellboy...

[photoshopgrl]

I always thought they were filed-down horns, like Hellboy...
awww that ain't right :down: :D

[astrohip]

Oh great, now I can't look at my avatar without seeing Mickey. Or hellboy.

Time to change it to my dog or something. :D

[photoshopgrl]

Oh great, now I can't look at my avatar without seeing Mickey. Or hellboy.

Time to change it to my dog or something. :D

Don't you dare! :)

[Ereth]

Perhaps we could start a theme where everybody updates their avatar to have sunglasses on their heads.

We did it before, only with oranges and blonde wigs. But that was a VERY long time ago.

[netringer]

Perhaps we could start a theme where everybody updates their avatar to have sunglasses on their heads.
...

Can I have sunglasses wrapped around the back of my head like Guy Feire?

[photoshopgrl]

I'm sure I have multiple pics with sunglasses on my head! :)

[Zarisa]

Anyone else depressed that HBOGO isn't premiering Episode 3 early? Was this a one time thing they did with episode 2? MUST HAVE MO GoT's NOW! Feel like the little girl in Willy Wonka. I WANT IT NOW NOW NOW!

[danterner]

Speaking of GOT and HBOGO, has anyone else been enjoying the interactive features HBOGO provides for the show on its iPad app? It's really very slick. Lots of behind the scenes stuff as well as maps and character info, all timed to what's happening on the screen. You can choose to display it or not, so it's not distracting at all but is still all right at your fingertips. It's pretty much the best implementation of "pop-up-video" that I've ever seen. Very feature-rich but not at all annoying. Here's a link to a story about it which includes screenshots (and minor spoilers from prior episodes):

http://www.slidetoplay.com/story/game-of-thrones-interactive-features-on-hbo-go

[netringer]

Speaking of GOT and HBOGO, has anyone else been enjoying the interactive features HBOGO provides for the show on its iPad app? It's really very slick. Lots of behind the scenes stuff as well as maps and character info, all timed to what's happening on the screen. You can choose to display it or not, so it's not distracting at all but is still all right at your fingertips. It's pretty much the best implementation of "pop-up-video" that I've ever seen. Very feature-rich but not at all annoying. Here's a link to a story about it which includes screenshots (and minor spoilers from prior episodes):

http://www.slidetoplay.com/story/game-of-thrones-interactive-features-on-hbo-go

The "annoying" is having to sign in every time with typing a convoluted account email address and password on a touchscreen keyboard. Is there any way to make HBO Go remember your login?

[danterner]

I find that more often than not it does remember - only occasionally does the cookie seem to expire.

[Lars_J]

The "annoying" is having to sign in every time with typing a convoluted account email address and password on a touchscreen keyboard. Is there any way to make HBO Go remember your login?

They seem to have improved that a lot this year. I have yet to be challenged again for an account (re)logon these last few weeks - and that is for both computer viewing and the iPhone app.

Perhaps clearing your cache and logging in again will make it 'stick'.

[Shaunnick]

Speaking of GOT and HBOGO, has anyone else been enjoying the interactive features HBOGO provides for the show on its iPad app? It's really very slick. Lots of behind the scenes stuff as well as maps and character info, all timed to what's happening on the screen. You can choose to display it or not, so it's not distracting at all but is still all right at your fingertips. It's pretty much the best implementation of "pop-up-video" that I've ever seen. Very feature-rich but not at all annoying. Here's a link to a story about it which includes screenshots (and minor spoilers from prior episodes):

http://www.slidetoplay.com/story/game-of-thrones-interactive-features-on-hbo-go

Just to be clear, the interactive features are not exclusive to the iPad. I mean I realize it is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but just because the iPad has something does not always mean it is the only thing that has it. :)

[netringer]

They seem to have improved that a lot this year. I have yet to be challenged again for an account (re)logon these last few weeks - and that is for both computer viewing and the iPhone app.

Perhaps clearing your cache and logging in again will make it 'stick'.

Just to be clear, the interactive features are not exclusive to the iPad. I mean I realize it is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but just because the iPad has something does not always mean it is the only thing that has it. :)

Well...I couldn't figure out how to get out of the show when in full screen on the Android version on gingerbread on the HP Touchpad. It removes the on-screen controls.

I watched the Game of Thrones and it's obviously very much compressed and pixelated. I know. I should be happy enough for the miracle of being able to see it at all.