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Game Of Thrones Season 2: Throne Harder SPOILER FREE - Page 15

post #701 of 2123
4/26/12 at 10:31am

mSUjE.jpg

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post #702 of 2123
4/26/12 at 12:06pm

Are we supposed to infer there's a higher level of control between Robb and his Direwolf, that goes beyond master/ dog status?

 

The link between the two seemed almost psychic in this episode's opening.

 

 

(...cue multiple cries of, "Well...DUH!!!", from the cheap-seats...)

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post #703 of 2123
4/26/12 at 12:29pm

Bran certainly has a higher level of connection with his, so it doesn't seem like such a stretch that the other Stark children would too.  Although my guess is that Robb's is much less likely to turn into a major plot point than Jon or Bran's.

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post #704 of 2123
4/26/12 at 12:33pm

Or Arya's!  I've been wondering when hers will show up again.

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post #705 of 2123
4/26/12 at 2:10pm

Where the fuck is Rickon?  Kid's been MIA all season.

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post #706 of 2123
4/26/12 at 2:13pm

Well, Robb's off fighting a war, and Bran can't walk, so he's out of legs to wrap around and cry on, so he's just sulking in the crypt, probably.

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post #707 of 2123
4/26/12 at 2:34pm

BAM!  ORPHAN BURN.

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post #708 of 2123
4/26/12 at 3:21pm

...how many direwolves actually still exist in this series now?

We saw Sansa's offed...so there are STILL a few...

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post #709 of 2123
4/26/12 at 3:31pm

Rickon, Robb, Brann and Jon all still have their direwolves.  Arya encouraged hers to run away to avoid being killed on the Kingsroad.

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post #710 of 2123
4/26/12 at 3:31pm

Only Sansa's was killed, and Arya's released, but I believe all the boys still have theirs, so Robb's, Bran's, Jon's, and I guess Rickon's (aka Sir Not Appearing in this Film.)  So, four still as companions, with a fifth out there somewhere.

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post #711 of 2123
4/26/12 at 3:33pm

Rickon's direwolf was seen down in the Stark crypts when Brann went to visit.  That was back in the middle of the first season.

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post #712 of 2123
4/26/12 at 9:06pm

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Draco Senior View Post

Rickon's direwolf was seen down in the Stark crypts when Brann went to visit.  That was back in the middle of the first season.

 

That was in the season finale, just before Bran found out that Ned was dead.

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post #713 of 2123
4/26/12 at 9:34pm

Right you are.  Thanks.

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post #714 of 2123
4/27/12 at 5:01pm

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Graham Milne View Post

 

Maiden, mother, crone; child, witch, whore; the meek and the bold, the submissive and the dominant, the loving and the cruel. The infinite and mesmerizing complexity of the feminine was embodied by the incredible women of Game of Thrones in this past episode, "Garden of Bones." While the show can come off as a man's world in which kings, knights, lords, gentlemen and brutes alike vie for power, "Garden of Bones" reminded the audience that even as they strut in their armor and proclaim their mastery of all they survey, the men are but pieces in this grand game, and that the women are holding the board -- with a flick of their elegant wrists this precarious world will collapse. That they have not yet done so speaks to the quiet bemusement with which they allow the boys to go about their manly and yet hollow pursuits.

That the men of Westeros are ultimately servants to the other half of the sky is evident in several scenes where men attempt to assert their dominance only to see their egos undercut by feminine power. The arrogant Littlefinger, his very moniker a comment on his masculine limitations, waltzes into Renly Baratheon's camp, first confronting Margaery Tyrell about Renly's love that dare not speak its name, then presenting his unrequited crush Catelyn with Ned's remains and dangling a chance to reunite her with her captive daughters. In both instances the women will have none of it.

Margaery knows well that her marriage is a sham designed to secure a political alliance and is content to act her role, and Catelyn is not so naïve that a shameless appeal to her maternal instincts will excuse Littlefinger's betrayal of her late husband. On the other side of the realm, Robb Stark is struck speechless by the simple healer Talisa when his military victory is utterly diminished by her simple comments to him in the battle's aftermath, as she accuses him of massacring a bunch of innocents and having no greater plan for the future of the Seven Kingdoms.

Where Littlefinger and Robb respond to their encounters with powerful women with silence, a more sinister path is taken by another profoundly insecure man attempting to assert his dominance over the female -- in the skin-crawling scene where petulant King Joffrey commands a prostitute to beat another bloody. He cannot master them with masculinity, so he uses the coward's fallback of fear and brutal violence instead. Joffrey's understanding that he can never equal Robb Stark as a military commander, the more traditional masculine role, leads him to compensate for his shortcomings by mistreating Sansa. Interestingly, while the delicate, virginal Sansa appears to be displaying battered woman syndrome in her continual proclamations of love for Joffrey despite his abuse, she is doing so not out of misplaced devotion but self-preservation -- biding her time until she is freed of this monster. Her sister, Arya, utterly defeminised by circumstance (even commenting to Lord Tywin that being a boy made it easier) is likewise still a reserve of indomitable strength, going to sleep each night muttering, like a mantra, the name of each man she means to see dead.

Indeed, the only male character who seems not intimidated by the power of women (at least in this episode) is the one whose masculinity has always been dismissed by his fellow men: Tyrion Lannister. In fact, it is his knowledge of his cousin's weakness for Queen Cersei's feminine wiles and his ability to manipulate that awareness that allows him to gain a spy against his scheming sister.

The two sides of motherhood, giving nurturer and ferocious protector, are also on display with the "Mother of Dragons" Daenerys when she is petitioning for entrance to the desert city of Qarth, first pleading that a refusal to admit her people would condemn them to death, then threatening to use her dragons to burn the city to the ground when she is rebuffed. She is the mother of her clan of ragtag Dothraki as much as Catelyn finds herself mother and counselor not only to the Starks but to the men who would be king (treating the battling brothers Baratheon as if they were her own misbehaving children). Where her gilded sibling Viserys was an entitled prat cut from the same unearned royal cloth as Joffrey, Dany's leadership qualities are being forged through fire.

And speaking of fire, there is Melisandre, the enchantress, trying to tempt grizzled old Davos Seaworth with the secrets beneath her robe. When he finally beholds her stunning (and very pregnant) naked self, the Onion Knight comes face to face with a depiction of the primal fear of all men, what they cannot understand and have never been able to control since the Garden of Eden: the magical temple of life and sexuality that is the woman's reproductive system, from which emerges in a Freudian ecstasy of smoke and shadow the darkness and horror that Melisandre had cautioned Renly about earlier. To see this sheer force step forth and take shape as the sorceress smiles, at once incomprehensible and weirdly compelling, is the final affirmation in an episode already packed with revelations that the women have written the rules of the Game of Thrones, and they are its referees. For all the talk of the old gods, even Melisandre's repeated comments about the "Lord of Light," it is the Goddess, in all her magnificence, elegance, vulnerability, bravery, mystery and cruelty, all her many forms, young and old, beautiful and ugly, wise and foolish, who is running the show.

 

 

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post #715 of 2123
4/27/12 at 6:37pm

That's a bit reductive of stuff that doesn't fit the thesis, but it's a fascinating read, and there's no question at this point, the women on this show are among TV's best written by far.

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post #716 of 2123
4/27/12 at 7:30pm
Decent read, but certainly some projection by the author. Westeros is NOT a place where women have much power (Melisandre being an exception). It is merely a place they should. She is correct about the men and their failings. But I agree that women are infinitely fascinating. Reminds me of Deadwood in that regard.

I do expect the women to get their time. But there isn't some secret Goddess pulling strings. Part,of the problem with Westeros appears to be the marginalization of women. That seems to be part of Martin's point.
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post #717 of 2123
4/28/12 at 5:33am

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by First Class 782 View Post

 She is correct about the men and their failings.

 

It's more interesting that you're assuming the writer of that piece is female.

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post #718 of 2123
4/28/12 at 5:44pm

got-game-of-thrones-30585120-567-640.jpeg

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post #719 of 2123
4/29/12 at 12:32pm

Just bought Season 1 on blu-ray. I haven't seen many of these episodes since they first aired and was continually caught off guard by how telegraphed Ned's death is among other things. Also, in the first (and only as far as S1 is concerned) full blown white walkers scene, I only just noticed that there are like three or more of them in the background behind the "hero" white walker in the foreground. I blew through most of the episodes, and though this story is very much about throwing curve balls, I'm edging closer and closer to the thought that Jon Snow and Daenerys are, by the end of it all, going to take the reigns of the narrative in some shape, form, or fashion. A Song of "Ice and Fire" and all that.

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post #720 of 2123
4/29/12 at 3:57pm

interesting read

 

http://www.medievality.com/torture.html

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post #721 of 2123
4/29/12 at 5:05pm

More like stomach churning, horrifying, weep for your ancestors and humanity read, but yeah. 

 

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post #722 of 2123
4/29/12 at 5:37pm

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by JacknifeJohnny View Post

Just bought Season 1 on blu-ray. I haven't seen many of these episodes since they first aired and was continually caught off guard by how telegraphed Ned's death is among other things. Also, in the first (and only as far as S1 is concerned) full blown white walkers scene, I only just noticed that there are like three or more of them in the background behind the "hero" white walker in the foreground. I blew through most of the episodes, and though this story is very much about throwing curve balls, I'm edging closer and closer to the thought that Jon Snow and Daenerys are, by the end of it all, going to take the reigns of the narrative in some shape, form, or fashion. A Song of "Ice and Fire" and all that.

 

I agree with that prediction.  Jon and Daenerys are an interesting study side-by-side in how they differ and how they are, in many ways, on remarkably similar journeys. 

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post #723 of 2123
4/29/12 at 7:13pm

Upset to see Renly go like that, not just because he was probably the best candidate for the throne, but because Stannis collecting his forces removes a layer of complexity from the clash of kings and I'm not sure how I feel about magic being such a decisive factor in a conflict that was humming along nicely without it. 

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post #724 of 2123
4/29/12 at 7:26pm

God damn stick-in-his-ass cheater Stannis. Renly and Cat finally hammer out a deal that benefits the realm and back to chaos... Cat seems destined to be the world's worst diplomat. I hope the Lannisters kick Stannis' ass. 

 

Everything about this episode was phenomenal. One of my favorites of the series I think. A needed breather from the relentless evil of late week's episode.

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post #725 of 2123
4/29/12 at 7:52pm

Also, because it needs to be said each and every week, Dinklage is continuously incredible, whether he's devastating Lancel with boredom-inducing ease or sniping with Cersei ("Plotting and scheming are the same thing") or usurping command of the city's defense.  I may have clapped my hands and squealed like a little girl when he casually mentioned that Joffrey was a lost cause and he is just trying to make sure that the family outlives him. 

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post #726 of 2123
4/29/12 at 8:50pm

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Schwartz View Post

...and I'm not sure how I feel about magic being such a decisive factor in a conflict that was humming along nicely without it. 

 

But they've done a good job to make it clear that wasn't some sort of magic wand they trotted out.  Not seeing Melisandre at all this week really underlined what a toll it took to conjure up that thing.  It's not like she's going to be squirting out shadow demon babies every week.

 

Moment that got the most pleasure out of me:  Littlefinger's sly reaction to Maergery's "I want to be the queen."  He catches himself before it turns into a full-on shit-eating grin.

 

And while it's easy to sing the praises of Dinklage every week, can we talk about how amazing Maisie Williams is?  Holding her own with the human charisma machine that is Charles Dance is no small feat, and she pulled it off in spades.

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post #727 of 2123
4/29/12 at 9:13pm

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Dickson View Post

But they've done a good job to make it clear that wasn't some sort of magic wand they trotted out.  Not seeing Melisandre at all this week really underlined what a toll it took to conjure up that thing.  It's not like she's going to be squirting out shadow demon babies every week.

 

I don't think not being there underlined things one way or the other, as the show is so sprawling that major characters are constantly omitted from entire episodes (I think Cersei is the only cast member to appear in every episode so far).  And she doesn't have to squirt one out every week, as this one is still apparently knocking about.  Book readers, please do not tell me if that is the case or not.

 

As for Maisie Williams, she is indeed fantastic.  After another strong Sally episode on Mad Men tonight, it would be odd but imo entirely fitting if this year's Supporting Actress Emmy came down to a battle between two prepubescent girls.

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post #728 of 2123
4/29/12 at 9:17pm

While some were shorter than others, there was a nice balance between each storyline this week.  The pacing just felt very much right.

 

I have a much clearer idea as to where Jon and Daenerys are headed with their storylines now, which I appreciated the most.  Daenerys in particular got a fair bit of progress in Qarth.

 

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post #729 of 2123
4/29/12 at 9:36pm

"Rickon SMASH!"

 

I agree on Maisie Williams.  Her delivery of "anyone can be killed" was chilling.  

 

 

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post #730 of 2123
4/29/12 at 9:41pm

Gwendoline Christie (Brienne) is also deserving of some singling out, I think.  She carries herself exceptionally well and has been a very welcome addition to the cast.

 

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post #731 of 2123
4/29/12 at 10:13pm

"A daemon monkey?"  Line of the night for me.

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post #732 of 2123
4/29/12 at 11:32pm
Though I appreciate the movement in Daenerys' story, I can do without Qarth; it reminds me too much of the Star Trek stuff many of you guys seem to be into. Also, I think we moved past Renly too quickly, which could have been solved by rolling back on Tyrion and Bronn's stroll a bit, at least to the point where it retained the info that we needed. Otherwise, I dug the episode. Brienne and Catelyn walked away with it tonight. Fairley doesn't do fireworks, she does sustained, fascinating sparks of character and humanity.
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post #733 of 2123
4/29/12 at 11:32pm
Double post
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post #734 of 2123
4/30/12 at 12:59am

When I finally...er...acquire...my yacht, I plan on rechristening her the Sea Bitch.

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post #735 of 2123
4/30/12 at 1:09am

I've been out of town and my "GoT buddy*" was kind enough to let me watch last week's and the new one tonight. I actually find it works better in a two hour block.

I love this show to pieces. I've never read the non-existent books, and she has, and it's just great all around. Perhaps my second favorite still-running show after Breaking Bad, and they couldn't be more different other than the "unexpected deaths" factor.



*That sounds a bit dirty

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post #736 of 2123
4/30/12 at 1:27am

God damn it Dany!  That amazing speech and you're still not going to let your body guard get his rocks off?!  That whole speech was maybe the most romantic thing I've ever heard.

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post #737 of 2123
4/30/12 at 1:35am

I gotta say, and this may sound cheesy, but something about the rendering of that little dragon that captures my imagination like nothing in a long while. I feel how I felt as a kid watching stop-motion Ray Harryhausen flicks. It's really perfect looking. It's the icing on an unbelievably satisfying cake. 

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post #738 of 2123
4/30/12 at 1:36am

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Freeman View Post

God damn it Dany!  That amazing speech and you're still not going to let your body guard get his rocks off?!  That whole speech was maybe the most romantic thing I've ever heard.

 

The path to becoming Alec Guinness is a rockless one.

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post #739 of 2123
4/30/12 at 2:30am

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Schwartz View Post

 

 

I don't think not being there underlined things one way or the other, as the show is so sprawling that major characters are constantly omitted from entire episodes (I think Cersei is the only cast member to appear in every episode so far).  

 

I believe Cersei was absent from last week's episode. I don't think there's any one character who has been in all fifteen episodes to date.

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post #740 of 2123
4/30/12 at 2:35am

Arya possibly?

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post #741 of 2123
4/30/12 at 3:55am

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Freeman View Post

Arya possibly?

 

Or Tyrian. Both have had super brief scenes in episodes but have still been around. Obviously Tyrion is more prominent. I love what they're doing with him this season. He's more of a king than all the others... dude knows what's what.

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post #742 of 2123
4/30/12 at 4:40am

Last week was the first episode without Cersei.  Arya and Tyrion have both missed episodes.

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post #743 of 2123
4/30/12 at 4:57am

Bronn knows what's up.  Using that fire stuff is a HORRRRRRRIBLE idea.

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post #744 of 2123
4/30/12 at 5:11am

Speaking of which: This appears to be the week of the shit-eating grin, between Littlefinger's reaction to "I want to be THE queen" and Bronn's "I fucking LOVE my job" grin watching Tyrion torment Cersei's boy toy.

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post #745 of 2123
4/30/12 at 6:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schwartz View Post
I'm not sure how I feel about magic being such a decisive factor in a conflict that was humming along nicely without it. 

 

I really like how Davos brings up essentially this very issue with Stannis, letting him know that if Melisandre marches with them to King's Landing, the people will think it was her victory and not his.

 

But yeah, another great episode.  This always feels like the shortest quickest hour of the week.   

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post #746 of 2123
4/30/12 at 7:02am

70ed775454c4c3ad15a0a562ad5a250c1119eb3e-Tyrion-Lannister-Wildfire-01-2012-04-30.jpg

 

"death by fire is the purest death"

 

I love the long setups

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post #747 of 2123
4/30/12 at 7:10am

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackyShimSham View Post

I gotta say, and this may sound cheesy, but something about the rendering of that little dragon that captures my imagination like nothing in a long while. I feel how I felt as a kid watching stop-motion Ray Harryhausen flicks. It's really perfect looking. It's the icing on an unbelievably satisfying cake. 

 

 This bears repeating. That was a fantastic piece of work.

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post #748 of 2123
4/30/12 at 7:27am

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Schwartz View Post

Upset to see Renly go like that, not just because he was probably the best candidate for the throne, but because Stannis collecting his forces removes a layer of complexity from the clash of kings and I'm not sure how I feel about magic being such a decisive factor in a conflict that was humming along nicely without it. 

 

I agree I'm not a fan of a magic cheat.  I just hope there is drawback to using dark magic.  I like the fantasy elements-dragons, magic-I just want it as a crutch.

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post #749 of 2123
4/30/12 at 7:36am

Stop worrying about the magic, people.

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post #750 of 2123
4/30/12 at 7:46am

On the one hand, the smokeghost didn't really accomplish something that a human assassin couldn't have, which makes it less of a narrative cheat but also somewhat unnecessary.  I suppose its magical nature allowed for the blame to fall on Cat and Brienne, while avoiding making the latter seem shit at her job, so it brought a little something to the table.  I'm leaning towards allowing it, so long as they quickly establish a reason why Stannis can't use this same superweapon to easily take out Joffrey and Robb as well. 

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