Game of Thrones Season 1 | Season 2 & Collector's ED

[nametag]

For those wanting to get a 'complete box set' (which I'm sure will eventually come out) you could always buy the individuals, then sell them and buy the complete set when it comes out in like 4-10 years! May cost a bit more overall but stretched over that long period of time I'd be willing to go that route.

[ikms]

Originally Posted by retablo

So theoretically, 2 seasons of GoT would equal 1 season on network... therefore, it could last a long while without getting stale.

The other difference is that TPTB and many fans already know (within a book or two) how "stale" the series will (or not!) get. A problem with an open ended series, even like ones as critically lauded as Mad Men or Breaking Bad, is that they can hit rough patches, creatively, and lose viewers and traction with the networks. Season 4 of Breaking Bad had an ending point pre-determined, but was created ep-by-ep "on the fly"... and unfortunately, to me, the listless direction of the narrative showed through painfully. S4 of Mad Men also felt rudderless, with any character progression in the previous three tossed out, as the paired down cast started treading water in a near self-parody. I watched both of these series straight through for the first time in the last year (I am slightly out of reach of AMC's signal, so late to the party ) and in both cases the drop-off was unexpected, but palpable. GOTS might have a divided reputation based on the success of individual book releases, but at least the creators know this going in, can (and have) spot weaknesses and address them with expanded/contracted narrative. Engaging the book after watching the first season I was impressed how Benioff and Weiss smoothed over some rough spots and added great character moments in others (Robert and Cersi dialog scene being the most talked-about addition). The only thing for HBO to decide, moving forward, is how much the budget needs to be cut/padded to match the sales (in discs/subscriptions/international TV). Unlike Rome, they have complete control over this property, are not dependent on anyone else for funding. Unless they expected 10 million viewers per episode, and an equal number of units moved, there is very little reason to suspect a premature demise. That they would have greenlit a second season with only 2m watching the pilot, seen a 50% increase in viewers over the course of the first, won multiple Emmy's and Golden Globes all but guarantees a 3rd/4th. The 5,6,7th are already "on the books," so there is very little that could possible derail the train at this point. Listening to the way the producers talk about future seasons (in the various podcasts) speaks to this conviction... something I can't remember in any other production so early in its run.

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by retablo

The difference so far is that this is only a 10-episode season, compared to cable's usual 13 episode or network's 19-24 episode seasons. So theoretically, 2 seasons of GoT would equal 1 season on network... therefore, it could last a long while without getting stale.

This is true, but the opposite effect can be had here. Instead of a long episode season getting drawn out, and shorted one can go too fast and leave viewers(esp readers of the book) scratching their heads.
Again, I'm all for this show lasting as long as possible and being uber-successful in my greedy hopes that it paves the way for someone to pick up the Wheel of Time series!!

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by ikms

The other difference is that TPTB and many fans already know (within a book or two) how "stale" the series will (or not!) get. A problem with an open ended series, even like ones as critically lauded as Mad Men or Breaking Bad, is that they can hit rough patches, creatively, and lose viewers and traction with the networks. Season 4 of Breaking Bad had an ending point pre-determined, but was created ep-by-ep "on the fly"... and unfortunately, to me, the listless direction of the narrative showed through painfully. S4 of Mad Men also felt rudderless, with any character progression in the previous three tossed out, as the paired down cast started treading water in a near self-parody. I watched both of these series straight through for the first time in the last year (I am slightly out of reach of AMC's signal, so late to the party ) and in both cases the drop-off was unexpected, but palpable. GOTS might have a divided reputation based on the success of individual book releases, but at least the creators know this going in, can (and have) spot weaknesses and address them with expanded/contracted narrative. Engaging the book after watching the first season I was impressed how Benioff and Weiss smoothed over some rough spots and added great character moments in others (Robert and Cersi dialog scene being the most talked-about addition). The only thing for HBO to decide, moving forward, is how much the budget needs to be cut/padded to match the sales (in discs/subscriptions/international TV). Unlike Rome, they have complete control over this property, are not dependent on anyone else for funding. Unless they expected 10 million viewers per episode, and an equal number of units moved, there is very little reason to suspect a premature demise. That they would have greenlit a second season with only 2m watching the pilot, seen a 50% increase in viewers over the course of the first, won multiple Emmy's and Golden Globes all but guarantees a 3rd/4th. The 5,6,7th are already "on the books," so there is very little that could possible derail the train at this point. Listening to the way the producers talk about future seasons (in the various podcasts) speaks to this conviction... something I can't remember in any other production so early in its run.

Where did you read this? Or do you mean the actual books as in novels? ;-)

[KoukiR]

Originally Posted by Ken Brown

Ah! I read over it again and again but had a feeling I was missing at least one mistake somewhere. And to miss an entire Stark...

Thanks for catching the error. It's been corrected. I also took your advice on the placement of Snow in the list. Good suggestion

Your review was great. I just say that little mistake and thought I would say something. It's understandable though he was barley in the series. But this season, watch out.

Originally Posted by rickah88

Where did you read this? Or do you mean the actual books as in novels? ;-)

I thought the samething at first. But I think he means the books. As far as I know he's not close to being done with the 6th book yet.

Your forgetting another thing this show has that the others don't. HBO! There are things that network tv can say or do. But HBO... HBO can do almost anything. That's why they made all the kids older in the series compared to the book. Especially Robb & Danny. Robb because watching it in real life; who would believe a 15(I forget his age in the first book)year old can lead an entire army to war. And Danny, I don't think a 14 year old getting

[Show spoiler]raped

would go over to well with viewers.

HBO has a licence to creativity that most other networks don't. Yea on CSI you see a guy with his head cut off but you don't see the murderer actually do the act itself.

[Lope de Aguirre]

Originally Posted by KoukiR

I hope we don't have another Rome and Deadwood happen.

Why does everyone forget the great "Carnivale".

[x melio x]

Originally Posted by Lope de Aguirre

Why does everyone forget the great "Carnivale".

I def didn't forget. Still waiting on a blu release.

[retablo]

Originally Posted by Lope de Aguirre

Why does everyone forget the great "Carnivale".

Love Carnivale... it's a shame only 1/3 of the story got told. I'd love to at least see an outline of the unfilmed 4 seasons.

Never seen GoT but my interest is peaked.

[Snicket]

I watched the first episode sampler and one thing that really threw me for a loop was the constant usage of the F-word. Was it in use at that time? It really pulled me out of the experience, and it seemed really silly for them to be using it. But it kinda made me want to research the history of the F-word.

[Aragorn the Elfstone]

It's fantasy, not history. If you can find official documentation that they weren't using the f-word at this time in the fictional land of Westeros, I'd be very interested.

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by Snicket

I watched the first episode sampler and one thing that really threw me for a loop was the constant usage of the F-word. Was it in use at that time? It really pulled me out of the experience, and it seemed really silly for them to be using it. But it kinda made me want to research the history of the F-word.

The story takes place in a fictional world, so any/all language can be used as there would be no historical reference from "our" point of view.
Your query would be better suited to a show like Spartacus on Starz. They constantly drop vulgarities, and don't label things with possession much:
For example, we say: "I put my foot in my mouth
On the Spartacus show: "Put foot in mouth"
Except "foot" & "mouth" can be replaced with other body parts!
Not sure if that type of dialect of Ancient Rome has been found to be true, or not.

[Snicket]

Originally Posted by Aragorn84

It's fantasy, not history. If you can find official documentation that they weren't using the f-word at this time in the fictional land of Westeros, I'd be very interested.

Originally Posted by rickah88

The story takes place in a fictional world, so any/all language can be used as there would be no historical reference from "our" point of view.
Your query would be better suited to a show like Spartacus on Starz. They constantly drop vulgarities, and don't label things with possession much:
For example, we say: "I put my foot in my mouth
On the Spartacus show: "Put foot in mouth"
Except "foot" & "mouth" can be replaced with other body parts!
Not sure if that type of dialect of Ancient Rome has been found to be true, or not.

I know its fantasy, just thought it was odd. A quick Wiki search for the F-word lists its first written usage as 1475, but not quite with the vulgarity we associate with it today. Interesting little piece though, wiki it next time you get the chance.

[Stinky-Dinkins]

Originally Posted by Snicket

I watched the first episode sampler and one thing that really threw me for a loop was the constant usage of the F-word. Was it in use at that time?

No, in that actual time in Westeros they never used the F-Word.

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by Snicket

I know its fantasy, just thought it was odd. A quick Wiki search for the F-word lists its first written usage as 1475, but not quite with the vulgarity we associate with it today. Interesting little piece though, wiki it next time you get the chance.

I've gotta be honest...I don't think I care that much as to the origins of the F-Bomb. All I know is it's there when I need a brief stress reliever during sporting events that don't go my way!

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by Stinky-Dinkins

No, in that actual time in Westeros they never used the F-Word.

SOURCE!

[Stinky-Dinkins]

Originally Posted by Snicket

I know its fantasy, just thought it was odd. A quick Wiki search for the F-word lists its first written usage as 1475, but not quite with the vulgarity we associate with it today. Interesting little piece though, wiki it next time you get the chance.

That's because people didn't start speaking English as you know it until around then, sometime in the 15th century.

If you could travel back 1,000 years and visit England you wouldn't be able to understand what they were saying or speak and be understood. Old English and Middle English would sound like a foreign language to you. Google "Beowulf manuscript." That's what "English" used to look like 1,000 years ago.

[Snicket]

Originally Posted by Stinky-Dinkins

That's because people didn't start speaking English as you know it until around then, sometime in the 15th century.

If you could travel back 1,000 years and visit England you wouldn't be able to understand what they were saying or speak and be understood. Old English and Middle English would sound like a foreign language to you. Google "Beowulf manuscript." That's what "English" used to look like 1,000 years ago.

I read the original Beowulf back in my high school days. I'm glad we had the discussion on the F-word history though. In needed to be done.

[Drew664]

There is a popular youtube video of the history of the F word.

lol, I opted not to post because I didn't want to get banned.

[Snicket]

Originally Posted by Stinky-Dinkins

You read a translation of it, you wouldn't be able to read the original (which was my point).

No, I meant what I said, it was the original. Our english teacher was a nut for that sort of thing.

[KoukiR]

GRRM has said countless times that ASoIF is set in Medievil Europe. It's just in an alternate universe. I don't really see what the big deal about the word is anyways and why people get so offended by it. It's just a four letter word.