Game of Thrones General (Non-Book Related) Discussion Thread - Part 1

[DACrowe]

True. And with the condensed episode count, I doubt they'll bring him in. The harp in the crypt theory may come into play.

Speaking of Meera though, was anyone else annoyed by Bran's sudden emotionless act? The other Three Eyed Raven seemed capable of normal emotion, and Bran also was still acting normal after the "download" and he escaped the Night King under the tree. It was something that just came out of nowhere in season 7.

Maybe this is his version of "I just spent a semester in college and I know everything now!"

Actually, I just realized if the Starks have rallied all their bannermen to Winterfell, and there are few more loyal than House Reed, Howland and Meera should both be floating around Winterfell somewhere, so they COULD bring them out for a confirmation. But I still don't think they will.

 

[Infinity9999x]

Maybe this is his version of "I just spent a semester in college and I know everything now!"

Actually, I just realized if the Starks have rallied all their bannermen to Winterfell, and there are few more loyal than House Reed, Howland and Meera should both be floating around Winterfell somewhere, so they COULD bring them out for a confirmation. But I still don't think they will.

Ha, it's a combination of that and apparently some reeeeeaaaal strong weed. I was thinking the same thing though. I kept expecting them to pop back up. Guess Meera's still pissed.

 

[Infinity9999x]

They did already introduce Howland in that first Tower of Joy flashback, and he has been mentioned a few times so there is little bit of set up for him, and it wouldn't cost (the writers, the audience, the story) very much to have him step forth and say something supportive if necessary. No more than it was to have old Manderly show up and voice his opinion at the gathering of lords in Se06Ep10. No big deal.

But I still like the idea of retreating to Greywater Watch and giving us a little more.

They could do it, and I would love to see him, I just don't think it's likely given how condensed their time is. If anything, they might have them pop up at Winterfell since they've called all their bannermen.

 

[Fist of Khonshu]

They could do it, and I would love to see him, I just don't think it's likely given how condensed their time is. If anything, they might have them pop up at Winterfell since they've called all their bannermen.

Wouldn't take very much time -mere minutes for a scene. This season's length is the equivalent of a trilogy of movies where quite a lot can be said and done, and their pacing is more like that now.

 

[DACrowe]

Well this conversation with y'all has convinced me to want this to happen. Whether it does though, it'd be a nice surprise to see Meera pop up again too.

 

[Infinity9999x]

I really hope it happens too. If I had to bet I'd lean on it being a no, just because we already have Bran and Sam to confirm it, plus the possible harp reveal in the crypts, but it would be really cool to see Meera pop up again, and get to meet an adult Howland. I also felt like Meera never got a satisfactory conclusion with Bran, so it would be nice to maybe see that get resolved better. Maybe she can slap some humanity into him.

 

[Lencho01]

Qyburn: Poor girl. The pox will take her within the year. Bronn: Which one?

 

[Fist of Khonshu]

I really hope it happens too. If I had to bet I'd lean on it being a no, just because we already have Bran and Sam to confirm it, plus the possible harp reveal in the crypts, but it would be really cool to see Meera pop up again, and get to meet an adult Howland. I also felt like Meera never got a satisfactory conclusion with Bran, so it would be nice to maybe see that get resolved better. Maybe she can slap some humanity into him.

Meera's a good fighter with experience killing a White Walker so she must join the war at some point. I'm not sure about her nor her pop lurking in Winterfell unseen though, and even though Reed is a loyal bannerman, his warriors are mostly Crannogmen who fight in the swamps of The Neck region with guerrilla tactics, so I kind of doubt those were brought North. Meera told Bran she was leaving to be with her family for "when they come" i.e.The Dead.

If Winterfell falls (and I think it will), and the survivors must flee, some may go south to Moat Cailin or Greywater Watch where the Cronnogmen may be of more use. We may also need Howland for confirmation purposes if Sam and/or Bran dies or becomes separated from Jon and the rest when it comes time for a big reveal (Ep 4?).

Going south also brings in the possibility for Edmure Tully (on the assumption that he was released because House Frey is extinct) to muster up some troops out of the Riverlands to help.

 

[Lencho01]

True. And with the condensed episode count, I doubt they'll bring him in. The harp in the crypt theory may come into play.

Speaking of Meera though, was anyone else annoyed by Bran's sudden emotionless act? The other Three Eyed Raven seemed capable of normal emotion, and Bran also was still acting normal after the "download" and he escaped the Night King under the tree. It was something that just came out of nowhere in season 7.

I was. I didn't understand why they had him act that way. Maybe they felt having him be all weird would make for better scenes. Plus, the memes.

 

[Fist of Khonshu]

 

[Marvolo]

‘Game of Thrones’: John Bradley on Sam Realizing Dany Is “Morally Bankrupt”

It was not morally bankrupt to execute the Tarly's. Especially when they were in open rebellion against the true heir to the Throne, serving Cersei, someone with zero claim to the Throne. Theyd just robbed and murdered one of Dany's allies too. And even after she offered them mercy, Ol Piss and Vinegar Tarly spit it back at her. And leaving him alive without him bending the knee was too big a risk. He'd have just been trouble and a potential knife in the back or a cumbersom prisoner to deal with.

Sam's brother was just a well meaning idiot. I get why he did what he did. I understand wanting to face death with your father. But in his brother's position it wasnt the smart or right thing to do. He should have bent the knee for the security of House Tarly. And yes Dany could have pulled him aside and spared him, but he would have never accepted that his father had to die so he'd have been one more future enemy and the leader of House Tarly.

Sam's seeing this all from an emotional POV and not from a military or pragmatic POV. Plus Sam has a big ol heart. So I dont expect him to ever be ok with Dany executing his brother Tho I think him whining about his father is a bit much. His father forced him to join the NW or he would murder him. He mentally abused him throughout his childhood. He should be happy that bastard can no longer abuse and humiliate him.

P.S. I know Jon is technically the true heir but that wasnt known to any of those involved at the time of the Tarly's execution.

 

[Marvolo]

The designers have gotten a little bit carried away with the facial spikes.

 

[BatLand]

I honestly think they should have somehow saved Sam telling Jon about his parentage to next episode. We should've gotten more in depth with Dany and Jon's relationship, see their love grow deeper and deeper. Then, next drop that bomb on Jon. It would've been more devastating if we'd see them fall deeper in love. It's just that they have so much to cover this season so they pretty much have to rush some things along.

I'm thinking Jon won't tell Dany. I hope so anyway. We don't need more drama before the big battle. The worst case would be Jon telling Dany, Dany get's mad an pulls her troops and dragons away, comes back last minute to save the day (again). I honestly have no idea how they're going to resolve this, it's going to be interesting.

 

[Lencho01]

It was not morally bankrupt to execute the Tarly's. Especially when they were in open rebellion against the true heir to the Throne, serving Cersei, someone with zero claim to the Throne. Theyd just robbed and murdered one of Dany's allies too. And even after she offered them mercy, Ol Piss and Vinegar Tarly spit it back at her. And leaving him alive without him bending the knee was too big a risk. He'd have just been trouble and a potential knife in the back or a cumbersom prisoner to deal with.

Sam's brother was just a well meaning idiot. I get why he did what he did. I understand wanting to face death with your father. But in his brother's position it wasnt the smart or right thing to do. He should have bent the knee for the security of House Tarly. And yes Dany could have pulled him aside and spared him, but he would have never accepted that his father had to die so he'd have been one more future enemy and the leader of House Tarly.

Sam's seeing this all from an emotional POV and not from a military or pragmatic POV. Plus Sam has a big ol heart. So I dont expect him to ever be ok with Dany executing his brother Tho I think him whining about his father is a bit much. His father forced him to join the NW or he would murder him. He mentally abused him throughout his childhood. He should be happy that bastard can no longer abuse and humiliate him.

P.S. I know Jon is technically the true heir but that wasnt known to any of those involved at the time of the Tarly's execution.

There's a little bit more there too...

‘Game of Thrones': John Bradley on Why Sam Thinks Daenerys Is ‘Psychopathic’ After Season 8 Premiere

For me, it brings up the question of how others will accept Daenerys given her own actions and that of her father (and family). The perception will always weigh heavily.

 

[jolldan]

This bit had me legit nearly in tears laughing. Nowhere near to this degree but I remember dating a girl who had a huge Rottweiler who would give me similar looks

 

[BatLand]

All the Bran memes on Freefolk crack me up.

I do hope they build some ramps up in Winterfell so he can get out of the courtyard at some point.

 

[Deck Rickard]

Seriously, why IS he just sitting in the courtyard? It’s as if none of the other cast members can stand him so they just put him out there so they don’t have to deal with him, lol.

 

[DACrowe]

I honestly think they should have somehow saved Sam telling Jon about his parentage to next episode. We should've gotten more in depth with Dany and Jon's relationship, see their love grow deeper and deeper. Then, next drop that bomb on Jon. It would've been more devastating if we'd see them fall deeper in love. It's just that they have so much to cover this season so they pretty much have to rush some things along.

I'm thinking Jon won't tell Dany. I hope so anyway. We don't need more drama before the big battle. The worst case would be Jon telling Dany, Dany get's mad an pulls her troops and dragons away, comes back last minute to save the day (again). I honestly have no idea how they're going to resolve this, it's going to be interesting.

No, this is the premiere to the final season and the reveal was the only major plot development past the opening scene of Daenerys arriving in Winterfell. We spent the whole episode seeing them "fall deeper in love" with the dragon riding. I think anyone who knows this show knows that it's not going to last (there have been hints both this week and during the s7 finale that it was doomed), so with six episodes I am fine with the shoe dropping now.

 

[HKpowerup]

A few more observations from S8E1:
- The look on Jamie's face when he saw Bran after getting off the horse, what great acting, even if it was just a few moments worth of screen time.
- Ditto for John Bradley as Samwell Tarly upon being told of his father's & brother's executions.

 

[HKpowerup]

LOL. I thought the romantic dragon ride was rather pointless, it was as if they had excess CGI budget to play around with, but it did end on a funny note.

 

[Leo Zelinsky]

So, I'm watching the "Game revealed" video on YT... I guess I missed that Arya was so in love in Gendry, she thought she'd spend the rest of her life with him or whatever.

Arya: "I could be your family!"


She was clearly interested in him even back then.

 

[Infinity9999x]

No, this is the premiere to the final season and the reveal was the only major plot development past the opening scene of Daenerys arriving in Winterfell. We spent the whole episode seeing them "fall deeper in love" with the dragon riding. I think anyone who knows this show knows that it's not going to last (there have been hints both this week and during the s7 finale that it was doomed), so with six episodes I am fine with the shoe dropping now.

Agreed. There's no time. And they ended season 7 with "we have to tell him." To have them all sit on the information wouldn't have made sense.

 

[Marvolo]

LOL. I thought the romantic dragon ride was rather pointless, it was as if they had excess CGI budget to play around with, but it did end on a funny note.

This is the start of a new season after 2 years and its typical for shows' seasons to reestablish major plot elements at the beginning. The showrunners said they wanted to have a chance to reestablish their romance and have a light hearted moment for them. Considering what is coming in the next 5 episodes I think it was necessary. And Jon/Aegon needed some flying practice before the battle.

It was a bit underwhelming tho. I was hoping Jon would be more of a natural and would get his bearings quicker. Maybe he'll do something really awesome with Rhaegal in the battle.

Seriously, why IS he just sitting in the courtyard? It’s as if none of the other cast members can stand him so they just put him out there so they don’t have to deal with him, lol.

He was waiting for Jaime. Even more creepy is he may have been watching Jaime's whole journey North.

 

[Fist of Khonshu]

I honestly think they should have somehow saved Sam telling Jon about his parentage to next episode. We should've gotten more in depth with Dany and Jon's relationship, see their love grow deeper and deeper. Then, next drop that bomb on Jon. It would've been more devastating if we'd see them fall deeper in love. It's just that they have so much to cover this season so they pretty much have to rush some things along.

I'm thinking Jon won't tell Dany. I hope so anyway. We don't need more drama before the big battle. The worst case would be Jon telling Dany, Dany get's mad an pulls her troops and dragons away, comes back last minute to save the day (again). I honestly have no idea how they're going to resolve this, it's going to be interesting.

I'm having a hard time buying it honestly, it feels..."forced" with no real chemistry. The setup was contrived by other peoples lines like Davos telling Jon that he noticed him staring at her chest etc. even though we weren't shown that. The actors are good, platonic friends and admitted that these scenes felt awkward, and I think some of that's bleeding through.

 

[Fist of Khonshu]

LOL. I thought the romantic dragon ride was rather pointless, it was as if they had excess CGI budget to play around with, but it did end on a funny note.

I understand having Jon get used to Rhaegal and riding since he will probably have to in battle soon, but something this significant (another Targaryen mounting a Dragon) ended up being somewhat underwhelming.

If they had excess CGI, then I would rather some of it spent on Ghost! Where is he!? -1 point for no Ghost! He should have been perched by Jon at the Godswood when Arya came.