Game of Thrones Episode 9: Baelor Reactions

[Ganolyn]

People are just too funny. Perusing reader's negative reactions to the books was almost as entertaining as the books themselves and now this last episode's reactions are just as fun to read. People refusing to watch anymore because they killed off Sean Bean's character and how shocked they were that HBO could advertise his image all over the place and then ruin it for them like that. When it happend in print, many people said they threw the book across the room in disgust. Everyone was used to and expecting the same old tropes of good winning over evil and that somehow the good guy scrapes through to triumph in the end. I get invested in characters as much as the next guy, but when I first read it I was shocked, then really intrigued as to how Martin was going to write his way out of it. I wasn't disappointed either. Now HBO is weathering a s**tstorm of criticism from new viewers who haven't read the books and high praise from those who have. I hope these new "fans" come around and stick with it. I'd hate to see such a good adaptation get thrown under the bus because some people can't see the forest for the trees.

[nolaureltree000]

im not sure how i feel about it yet (will have to wait and see if the results of this event justify it), but i will give the writers props for really bringing ned stark's character to a head.

[danotmano1998]

People are just too funny. Perusing reader's negative reactions to the books was almost as entertaining as the books themselves and now this last episode's reactions are just as fun to read. People refusing to watch anymore because they killed of Sean Bean's character and how shocked they were that HBO could advertise his image all over the place and then ruin it for them like that. When it happend in print, many people said they threw the book arcoss the room in disgust. Everyone was used to and expecting the same old tropes of good winning over evil and that somehow the good guy scrapes through to triumph in the end. I get invested in characters as much as the next guy, but when I first read it I was shocked, then really intrigued as to how Martin was going to write his way out of it. I wasn't disappointed either. Now HBO is weathering a s**tstorm of criticism from new viewers who haven't read the books and high praise from those who have. I hope these new "fans" come around and stick with it. I'd hate to see such a good adaptation get thrown under the bus because some people can't see the forest for the trees.

I find it amusing how people get so set on the books, they can't bend in the slightest when the movie comes out. There are LOTS of examples of this. They rage and criticize and cry because things aren't EXACTLY the way they were written. Really?
*sigh*
It's fiction. Get over it.

(Yes, I'm loving the Game of Thrones. Good stuff. At first I wasn't too excited and watched it for my wife's sake. Now I'm invested and can't wait for more.)

[grodon9999]

You mean people didn't Google the plot?

[voodoogroves]

That scene in the books is the big one that lets you know this isn't your mother's softball novel. It is what hooked me, for sure.

[cdbd3rd]

People are just too funny. ....

Can't justify getting HBO for one show - am SO hoping this gets out on DVD soon.

[Ganolyn]

You mean people didn't Google the plot?

Some people like to be surprised and boy were they ever!

[fognozzel]

Watching my wife's reaction was classic. I have read the books so obviously knew what was to happen, but didn't want to spoil it for her. She was actually yelling for Arya to charge up and save the day. When the sword came down she yelled out a "what?!?". She was pretty into the show to begin with, but now she can't wait till Sunday for the final episode and is already bugging me to tell her what happens in the second book. I guess everybody takes surprises like that differently.

[kernal42]

That scene in the books is the big one that lets you know this isn't your mother's softball novel. It is what hooked me, for sure.

Agreed.

Before that scene, it was an interesting and well-written story. But that moment in the books really set it apart from so many other fantasy novels.

-Kernal

[mournbladereigns]

One does not simply walk out of a George R.R. Martin novel!

Also, I don't think HBO has enough money to get Martin to go with a Hollywood ending on it

It was a serious kick in the Tropes. Reminds me of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant.

[Battlehawke]

I must say, Lord Stark was my favorite character, and I was hoping that HBO would drift from the Novels with his death, and find a way to keep him alive. It is dissapointing, but, WOW, what a great show! I can't wait for more.

[9Crows]

i thought the preamble set the tone for the series you kinda thought at least book version that one of those guys was your "guy" untill they all got slaughtered

[dkyle]

You mean people didn't Google the plot?

I don't want spoilers, and this seems to be the show that is most willing to surprise and subvert expectations the most out of any other show, and thus reward avoiding spoilers the most.

In any other show, that Ned would've gotten out of there alive would've been a forgone conclusion. But given that they'd already killed what seemed to be at least a major supporting character (that idiot Targaryen boy), I honestly didn't know what would happen. Which is rare for television.

[fool101]

I was contemplating getting HBO for this, but was on the fence since I wasn't sure they would do the storyline justice. In retrospect I wish I would have gotten it, but will have to wait for the DVD.

I stopped in the series after book 2 for a while but recently started up again and am halfway through the 4th one. I have to put them down every so often due to certain plot twists.

[Battery]

I agree with the OP. I haven't read the books and didn't know it was coming so I was totally shocked. I had Ned pegged as a main character but then I also had the king that way too, really seems like a lot of the one's I thought would be around are already gone. I love it though because it's not following the formula of the hero always wins.

A little off topic but is the guy playing Khal Drogo the same guy in the new Conan movie?

[Leatherneck]

I have not read his books and after watching the series so far I feel I may have to. That said, I was sincerely ****ed off to see Lord Stark get executed. A great way to channel the viewer into the story though. I can not wait to see the young/pompous/etc... King recieve justice that's for sure. A real shocker and if in fact that is how it happened in the book itself it is nice to see the director/producers follow the Authors' storyline and not their own interpretation.

[Ganolyn]

A little off topic but is the guy playing Khal Drogo the same guy in the new Conan movie?

Yes he is, but sadly from what I have seen of it I don't have high hopes.

[Molotov]

That scene in the books is the big one that lets you know this isn't your mother's softball novel. It is what hooked me, for sure.

same, I stopped trying to figure out who was what as soon as I read what happened to lord stark

[mournbladereigns]

I have not read his books and after watching the series so far I feel I may have to. That said, I was sincerely ****ed off to see Lord Stark get executed. A great way to channel the viewer into the story though. I can not wait to see the young/pompous/etc... King recieve justice that's for sure. A real shocker and if in fact that is how it happened in the book itself it is nice to see the director/producers follow the Authors' storyline and not their own interpretation.

George R.R. Martin, the author of the books, is co-executive producer of the series, and has been majorly involved in it. He also did a lot of TV work back in the 80s, he was a writer for the Beauty and the Beast series.

[SaisMatters]

God I love this show.

I'm man enough to admit I shed a tear at the end of the episode!