A Game of Thrones - TV Show Discussion Thread

[regexcellent]

Beware named characters with minimal backstory or screentime because they frequently are the abused objects of the horrible creatures known as fanfic writers, who mold such characters into their own image. See for example every minor character in the Harry Potter books.

[Ecthy]

What I find hilariously interesting are the non-intellectual characters and their lack of backstory: both Hodor and Patchface might yet be used for ****ing weird twists...

edit: although both are likely to remain what they've been presented as, vaguely mysterious lackwits, though the drowning experience of Patchface (I keep typing 'Moonboy' instead...) will probably be elaborated upon in some later book, it seemingly being cause to all those predictions..

[regexcellent]

Spoiler:

One of the big advantages to the whole R+L=J theory is that it explains a ton of stuff that otherwise makes a lot less sense. For instance, Lyanna was actually into Rhaegar and not whatshisface who was King at the beginning of the book. Moreover, they didn't murder her; she just died in childbirth. And on top of that, being of Targaryen blood, Jon actually has a claim to the Iron Throne.

[Koyaanisqatsi]

While this is a good and likely theory, I have to imagine GRRM's love of subverting tropes means he's exactly who we've been told he is.

Note that, if this is the case, he's one of the greatest trolls of western civilization.

[Dinner]

So the theory is Ned did have an affair with the daughter of the fisherman/boatman but she didn't get pregnant and instead Jon is his nephew who also is the rightful king? Well, it would be a twist but I guess we'll see (in 12-18 years if GRRM doesn't die first).

[Guynemer]

Spoiler:

there are also Ned's flashbacks, "Promise me, Ned," Lyanna being in a "bed of blood", which is an obvious allusion to a birth...
It isn't obvious on first reading, but if one re-reads the books after hearing the theory, it is screamingly obvious.

[Ecthy]

Ironically enough, the one theory concerning Jon Snow's birth that seems to have most following among fans is the only one that so far has not appeared in the books. Thus, as far as Jon Snow is concerned, not only has he no knowledge of this theory, it isn't even part of the reader's knowledge as drawn from the narrative.

Spoiler:

There's three theories mentioned on different occasions. Ashara Dayne, the ferryman's daughter and then Wylla the wetnurse who I seem to recall lives in house Dayne and who is also the only name that is provided in the TV show. The Rhaegar/Lyanna stuff seems to be mostly from the fact that Lyanna's "secret" is so well-kept (only Howland Reed lives to know of it), as well as the fact that her being kept in the tower and guarded by three kingsguard members seems so mysterious that one could guess there's a potential heir to the Targaryen claim born from their relationship. But there's no evidence to this theory whatsoever, except "Jon looks like Arya", which doesn't say a lot.

[Dinner]

I haven't really read most of the books, just had significant amounts of plot (voluntarily) spoiled to me. I don't actually have the patience for the books, can't really seem to get into them. They're absurdly dark. I don't really like that.

That's just how the medieval world looked. People were rather blood thirsty and unenlightened. You can hardly blame him for trying to make it feel realistic-ish (excepting for the presence of fantasical beasts/monsters and the small amount of magic in the world; at least he doesn't have all powerful mages destroying everything a la AD&D).

[Dinner]

Today in "Oerdin is Always Wrong": the above post.

Also, no one dead in Dany's band on the TV show is in any way important. There is only one important member of her band at this point on the show, and he is very much alive. We will hopefully meet some others in the new season.

There are several second tier reappearing characters which have an impact on dany's story which are now dead. Sure, they can write new characters to fill the same role but one of the cool things about Martin is he never wastes a character and that makes the stories more realistic and emotionally fulfilling. Just look at all the changes (three very full web pages) and as each season goes on
the differences are just going to pile up higher and higher.

[Hauldren Collider]

If you have to ask......sounds like there is still some doubt.

But isn't this thread specifically about the tv series so that those of us (myself included) who have read the books don't spoil anything for those who have just seen the TV series? What's with all the spoiler talk about what has and hasn't happened by the end of book 5?

I haven't really read most of the books, just had significant amounts of plot (voluntarily) spoiled to me. I don't actually have the patience for the books, can't really seem to get into them. They're absurdly dark. I don't really like that.

[Guynemer]

Today in "Oerdin is Always Wrong": the above post.

Also, no one dead in Dany's band on the TV show is in any way important. There is only one important member of her band at this point on the show, and he is very much alive. We will hopefully meet some others in the new season.

[Dinner]

My bet is

Spoiler:

Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen

Spoiler:

He has the wrong hair as supposedly hair color is some how magically connected to houses in this world. It would be a cool twist but my money is on that fisherman's daughter.

[Dinner]

By the way, the Jon Snow's mom question has basically been settled, right?

It seems so though Jon Snow himself was never told about it. So the info is out there but it hasn't reached the right person yet and it may never as he looks set to die though my money is on him croaking (dying the true death) but warging into another body much like Mormont's raven is actually holding what's his name's personality.

[Sparrowhawk]

Yeah, that's the prevailing theory. I think there's not much doubt anymore, is there?

If you have to ask......sounds like there is still some doubt.

But isn't this thread specifically about the tv series so that those of us (myself included) who have read the books don't spoil anything for those who have just seen the TV series? What's with all the spoiler talk about what has and hasn't happened by the end of book 5?

[Hauldren Collider]

Yeah, that's the prevailing theory. I think there's not much doubt anymore, is there?