"GoT Wedding." Topic

"…The main thrust of the episode though came with the wedding of Tyrion and Sansa, every moment of which was brilliant and excruciating. Though we didn't get anything particularly new from it (Joffery is still a heinous little , Tywin is a badass enforcer, Sansa is powerless, Tyrion is a gentleman when it comes down to it, Cersei is miserable and the Tyrells are cautiously jovial), the way it played out was great. Most of the characters have had side conversations together throughout the season, whispering in hallways and in gardens, planning and scheming. But for once they all came together and shared a screen for the union of two of the purest souls among them. Neither Sansa nor Tyrion desire the alliance and union, but in the end it's truly not a bad match…"
From
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Was this Wedding like the book?
I like very much that part. Not so interesting the others, save Kaleese which is day by day a most beautifull woman.

John?

Amicalement
Armand

Was this Wedding like the book?

Suggest you read the book to find out.

Major Bumsore seems a little testy this morning…

I was going to say the same thing as the good Major. You should go ahead and read the books if you haven't. The marriage (and especially the lead-in) was handled completely differently in the books, and IMO far better.

I'm still waiting for the local library's copy to free up so I can read it.

I think all the major points are the same. The Tyrells weren't present, as the whole affair was taking place behind their backs. That way make a lot more sense, but I can see why they needed to set it up that way; time's running out on setting up the season finale.

And of course Shae's role and attitude is very different. I'm not sure what "HBO-Shae" expects Tyrion to do. He's miserable enough without her bad attitude. Wimmins, I tell ya!

Cersei and Loras are not engaged in the books. Loras is already in the Kingsguard where vows of celibacy, at least as it applies to women, are not that big a deal. He has two brothers who are not needed in the series.

I had to laugh reading some on line commentary last night where it was revealed that "one actress" had put her foot down about nude scenes. Far too many in the first season! No more boobage! So, the writer was congratulating Amelia Clarke on putting her foot down, and there she was last night!
If the story is true, I think that would be Esme Blanco, Ros. Five nude scenes first season, none for Two or Three. So, to thank Ros for her firm stand, they let Joff use her for target practice.

There are two more weddings to go to acheive Book three's devotion to the Holy sacrament of Matrimony. Edmure probably in 2 weeks for episode 9. (HBO is taking a week off…)
Joffrey's will probably be next season, and for that reason, we need a Martell or two.

So, how did the Ladies like Fabio last night?

So, how did the Ladies like Fabio last night?

I was SO thinking he just screamed "bodice-ripper"!

Thanks for your comments boys (some of you).

Amicalement
Armand

It is the wedding of a more crimson nature I am excited and a bit worried about. Without spoilers, I can see how they could *really* screw the pooch doing that one right.

Also, loads of people might give up on the show after said wedding, if they do it right. Those people, will of course, be those who have not read the books. ;-)

"Nice work, Game of Thrones, for somehow finding yet another way to gross everybody out! Especially since I suspect there wasn't any particular need to affix that particular leech in that particular spot on Gendry–unless penis blood has more magical properties than regular blood? (Look, I'm not a wizard. I don't know the rules.) Plus, this scene contained what might be my favorite Davos scene ever. Not because of anything he said, but because of the look on his face when he saw the kinky stuff his beloved Stannis has been getting into. "Seriously?" Davos' face says as he stands there, watching a good ol' penis leeching. "Seriously, guys? I'm down in the dungeons for like three episodes–bettering myself, learning to read, for the gods' sake–and then you bring me up here to show me how you turned Dragonstone's guest suite into Westeros' creepiest sex club? GAAAHHH. Let me back in the dungeons!"

Regarding the episode's intentional comedy: Laura, you mentioned that Tyrion is legitimately drunk on the show but only pretending to be drunk in the books, which hits on something that's always bugged me a bit: TV Tyrion is far more loveable than Book Tyrion. Don't get me wrong, Book Tyrion is still really likeable, and there's a reason he's a lot of people's favorite. But he's also a lot creepier, a whole lot physically uglier, and a great deal more conniving. The difference between the two Tyrions is embodied pretty well in this moment, since there's a big difference between pretending to be drunk and actually being drunk.

The show opts for the latter, which makes Tyrion into more of a victim of circumstances, not unlike Sansa. Plus, it's funnier! (Peter Dinklage was fantastic in this episode, trumped only by Lena Headey, I think.) But as fun as Drunk Tyrion is, it does make me a little sad to see Tyrion getting played instead of playing everyone else. For the most part, Game of Thrones‘ showrunners have made exceedingly smart changes to the books, but the subtle shading of Tyrion being both likable and kind of weird and gross is something I wish they hadn't lost.

Showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss recently did a great interview with Elvis Mitchell—the complete recording is available here—and it's must-listening for Game of Thrones fans. Benioff and Weiss discuss their decisions to put certain actors together based on wanting to see them play off each other, which is why they focused so much on Arya and Tywin kickin' it last season. This particular episode of the show felt like a whole hour of that, and while it didn't feature certain characters–including Jon, Bran, Jaime, Brienne, Theon, Catelyn and Robb–it spent serious time with the other characters and really let them talk to each other.

We got a great dialogue between Stannis and Davos, and a fantastic scene with a hesitant Gendry being pretty sure he's being tricked by Melisandre (but wanting to get laid anyway). Most importantly, we spent time at Tyrion and Sansa's wedding, which featured a slew of incredibly entertaining interactions like Joffrey and Tyrion. Tyrion and Sansa. Tyrion and Tywin. Tyrion and wine! Cersei and… well, I'm gonna leave Cersei to you, Laura. I really want to hear what you have to say about Cersei in this episode.
Spoiler, but interesting article here (with comparisons with the books).
link

Amicalement
Armand

Did anyone who saw Lord of the Rings seriously expect Boromir to survive? Or were upset that he died?

By the time they get to the Red Wedding people will be ready for it. Actually, maybe killing Ros was to remind the audience that no one is safe!

Tyrion is not quite so lovable and cuddly when he gets his Revenge Face on. Trust me on this.

We saw part of that face with Joffrey at Tyrion's wedding. Cersei is an evil wench with no redeeming values.

Tyrion said she loved her children and has lovely cheekbones. Beyond that…

What do you mean? Tyrian just loves necklaces and the ladies.

Jami3 gets more like able and Tyrion goes the other way a bit…if they do it right. I love the darker Tyrion too though

I don't think Major Bumsore meant to be grouchy

Yes there are subtle differences between the book and mini-serias the characters in the book are much more complex and human but you just can't summarize the differences in few sentence post.

The good news is that even after watching the mini-serias there are plenty of nuiances to be gained from the books.

The bad news is that you will have lost the surprise factor.

TomT

I checked out the linked reviews. Not bad. The site "Westros" has very good reviews (they call it analysis) well worth checking out.

TomT

Thomas, there are major plot differences between the TV series and the books. That's not to say that overall the HBO show isn't entertaining and very, very good. But they're two very different animals.

IMO, some of the characters in the series fare better by not being POV characters. Made for much better drama.

In this season, Jamie in particular; he hides behind his nasty quips until putting it all out there for Brienne in the baths. Not being privy to all his thoughts worked better for a villain weighed down by his contempt for pretty much everybody and everything, especially himself.

And again, who doesn't love the daddy-issues stag-dressing scene from Season 1?

I think certain characters like Jaime are improved. In the books, you first see Jaime through the eyes of people who hate him, and he's a straightforward villain. Then they ease him into revealing dialogue, and eventually POV chapters. By that point, his Heel-Face turn is clear.

Meanwhile, I think other characters are less of a success. Cersei! The actress is good, but she missed a good opportunity. She's worked hard to soften Cersei and make her more grey, more sympathetic. I find that unfortunate. ASoIaF has plenty of grey characters-- but it doesn't lack for delicious, full-throated villains as well. The HBO Cersei is less deliciously evil, more muted and in the background than her book equivalent.

When I was imagining Cersei for the series, I was hoping for someone like Atia from Rome: larger than life, audacious, vicious, and a fun straight-up villain.

The other thing I miss is Rhaegar. We heard a few mentions of him, but he was so pivotal, so frequently remembered and discussed by the other characters that I feel his absence. You get a good feel for him second-hand in the books.

I rather liked the book approach where Jamie appeared to be one thing in the POV characters eyes but something else in his own head (ie his POV). It possible we may come to like if not admire someone who throws a child out of a window…

Agree about Cersei – needs more bite. Also adds another aspect of Jamie – he's madly in love with her. Tyrion is less grey in the HBO version.

Catlyn Stark has suffered the most. Mis-caset (the originally had Jennifer Ehle) and reduced to looking worried instead of the key player and quite realistic "medieval lady" she is in the books.

TomT