I remain pretty confident that season 1 will never be topped as it was almost flawless. The combination of classy actors and the fact they pretty much adapted 90% of the book produced a sensational season of television.
Yeah season one had the benifit of dealing with less characters so scenes could breathe and the show had more focus and felt less rushed. It might never get that again, well, maybe season 7 after 80% has been killed off.
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"Robert was never the same after he put on that crown. Some men are like swords, made for fighting. Hang them up and they go to rust.” -DN
I personally think season 3 marked quite a few improvements over season 2.
This season had lots of significant big story moments ( Dany's Army purchase, Hound's firefight, Jon's climb, Jaime's hand and bear party ) all spaced out throughout the season, whereas season 2 was mostly flat till episode 9 blew up ( literally! )
Secondary characters like Sam, and others got to shine, new characters like Margaery and Lady Olenna got to make a good impression. Main characters got to expand and show more dimension than every, like Jaime and Varys.
The only part that did not work all the way were the Theon scenes, his escape was very well done and Iwan Rheon was delightfully demented, but in the end it was a bit pointless and could've worked differently.
Observations:
I guess it is always a good thing to want more ( where The Walking Dead less is better), but even only adapting half of book 3, some parts still felt rushed. Especially the early Jon/Wildling scenes, where we have a great actor like Ciarán Hinds mostly undercooked.
Still I really liked this season, if I had to give it a score.
Season 1: 9.5
Season 2: 8
Season 3: 9
What do you guys think?
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"Robert was never the same after he put on that crown. Some men are like swords, made for fighting. Hang them up and they go to rust.” -DN
Overall I felt season 3 was pretty solid, when it came to the pivotal moments almost everyone involved in the show delivered.
My only real complaint would be with how D & D have structured and paced Theon's arc, they've kinda ruined it with too much tinkering. I get you can't leave Alfie Allen on the sidelines for a couple years but they've really rushed his story way too much IMO.
I remain pretty confident that season 1 will never be topped as it was almost flawless. The combination of classy actors and the fact they pretty much adapted 90% of the book produced a sensational season of television.
This was definitely the worst season for me. There was no structure or common theme to hold the season together. Just a hodgepodge of scenes (some really great ones, the best of the show so far but alot more poor ones) and Charles Dance reminding us how terrible a father he is in EVERY scene.
I actually felt that The Ramsay and Theon scenes were one of the highlights. That and Jaime. And drunk Dinker.
S1 8.5
S2 8
S3 7
-- Edited by Rygar on Tuesday 18th of June 2013 09:19:01 PM
-- Edited by Rygar on Tuesday 18th of June 2013 09:26:16 PM
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"If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt." - Dean Martin
Yeah season one had the benifit of dealing with less characters so scenes could breathe and the show had more focus and felt less rushed.
Just like the first book. What S1 did very well is that it built momentum, something I didn't really see in later seasons, maybe because the source material had the same problems. After reading book 1, or watching S1, you just *feel* things are about to happen, and many of those things you expected simply don't. Instead the story keeps hitting you in the head with more characters (many of them wonderful), and more characters, and more storylines that diverge into more storylines, with many of them still in the air, waiting for a resolution of some sort. And I really don't see a way for them to be able to juggle with that, even *if* the writing improves. Because the bone structure (which is the books) will never allow this show to be more than it already is, IMO.
Personally, I've enjoyed S2 more than S1, and S3 more than S2, for a number of reasons - the introduction of characters I wished to see, favorite book moments, better cinematography, the ever growing sense of scale, better music (although I think the soundtrack for S2 is better than S3). However, if I were to judge it objectively, I'd say S1 rathes higher in terms of cohesiveness and story-telling. I wouldn't rate S2 above S3 though; S2 is largely Blackwater and not much else. Both seasons had tons of problems, but S3 felt more relaxed to me, despite the big moments and the jumping around. The scenes felt more natural, the acting was better and there was a lot of unexpected humor, which always wins me over.
The only storyline that I've felt was really badly handled was Bran's. Theon's? No. His transformation had to make sense, and I think the decision to do that in a single season was the right one.
-- Edited by Macha on Wednesday 19th of June 2013 05:52:06 AM
I remain pretty confident that season 1 will never be topped as it was almost flawless. The combination of classy actors and the fact they pretty much adapted 90% of the book produced a sensational season of television.
Yeah season one had the benifit of dealing with less characters so scenes could breathe and the show had more focus and felt less rushed. It might never get that again, well, maybe season 7 after 80% has been killed off.
Totally agree, the weakness of season 3 is it's lack of coherence, it gives the feeling of being patchworked even thought some of the best scenes of the whole serie were in that third season.
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Je voudrais un croissant et une chaussette mignonne...
I agree Macha, it is not the show's problem but the source material. The show has a finite amount of time to tell it's story, and with so many characters scattered in so many locations, it HAS to jump around. This season the show was smart and would leave characters offscreen and concentrate on "location centric" episodes. Like King's landing during Sansa and Tyrions wedding.
They also were adapting roughly half a book, to make it seem like everyone had a natural arc was tough and some worked better than others. I am glad they split it tho, can you *imagine* what this season would've been if they did the WHOLE book?
Bran's story was not bad, his story chapters are quite anemic in book 3 compared to others aren't they?
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"Robert was never the same after he put on that crown. Some men are like swords, made for fighting. Hang them up and they go to rust.” -DN
Bran's story was not bad, his story chapters are quite anemic in book 3 compared to others aren't they?
Spoiler
Bran's whole storyline in the books is anemic, compared to others. He's completely disconnected from all the other main events, and he's currently sitting in a dark cave and learning how to become a tree, ffs. How much juice can you squeeze from that? And I say this as someone who loves Bran's chapters. There is only one scene that could be worked into a cliffhanger for the show (him meeting Bloodraven), and that's basically it. For what, 2 seasons at least? They'll have to find another way to tackle his scenes, especially since they're not keen on doing dreams and visions on the show. Because if GRRM doesn't get him Bran out of that cave,or D&D work something up, we'll be stuck with nothing more than short scenes with lackluster dialogue.
I loved all of Brans chapters. But I agree being away from the "action" is a huge problem for an adaption. Thats why Danysstoryline in the show lacks umpf.
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"If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt." - Dean Martin
As a non-ASOIAF reader, I've got to confess to being bored with Bran and the Reeds. They aren't engaging at all. I don't know if it's the acting or the storyline. Maybe now that they're north of the wall, things will be more interesting. Unfortunately with the loss of Osha, it might get worse, not better.
The only storyline that I've felt was really badly handled was Bran's. Theon's? No. His transformation had to make sense, and I think the decision to do that in a single season was the right one.
-- Edited by Macha on Wednesday 19th of June 2013 05:52:06 AM
Great minds Machachachachachachachachachacha!
Reek would have been impossible to explain without a graphic depiction. I really enjoyed the Theon scenes. (not just because of my crush on Stephanie Blacker) I personally enjoyed the reaction of Balon and Yara. His castration is explained so vaguely in the novels. I think that is why there was such an outrage of his story arc this season. But HBO had to go for it.
I am a BranFan as most of you know. I was up in arms over the exclusion of the Reeds in season 2. If they had been introduced, or if certain tournament was talked about than this year's scenes would've had a larger impact. While I agree that the Brans scenes were mostly lame I believe that the Samwise meeting was quite a poignant moment. Other than that awesome season.
As a non-ASOIAF reader, I've got to confess to being bored with Bran and the Reeds. They aren't engaging at all. I don't know if it's the acting or the storyline. Maybe now that they're north of the wall, things will be more interesting. Unfortunately with the loss of Osha, it might get worse, not better.
You're not missing much Bran's story is pretty dull in the books too. His arc is probably my least favorite out of them all.
The loss of Osha is going to hurt Bran's future scenes and frankly D & D would have been wise to morph the Reeds into her.
I was indifferent about Osha in the books, I hate her in the show. The crazy " Girl, Interrupted" angle she plays on screen just ruins it for me. I hope to Christ that Rickon eats her.
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"If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt." - Dean Martin
I was indifferent about Osha in the books, I hate her in the show. The crazy " Girl, Interrupted" angle she plays on screen just ruins it for me. I hope to Christ that Rickon eats her.
Poor choice of words when you've got a perv like me around.
Lady Black, I think because the season is based of half a book. And season 4 is based on the other half, you might see the whole picture better after that one is over.
Personally I think season 3 and 4 when viewed back to back to get the full scope of the story and the flow will make more sense.
I agree the show is sprawling and I am sure it is no surprise to you more characters and places are coming, everyone is asking for more episodes/running time ( which I guess it's a good thing as many shows need less.)
But HBO already said the show is redlining their production and financial piplelines, while I also want more, I understand why it is not possible.
But boy how great would it be if we had a 12 episode season with 90 minute premieres and finales? A dream!
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"Robert was never the same after he put on that crown. Some men are like swords, made for fighting. Hang them up and they go to rust.” -DN
Overall, I liked this season, but it felt disjointed. I loved the events that happened. Absolutely fantastic twists and turns that I could not have predicted. (Thanks for not spoiling me!!) The story is so enjoyable that I don't worry about stylistic things as much when I watch. I'm too mesmerized by what's actually happening to notice nitpicky things when I watch for the first time.
The season lacked a cohesive feel. Lots of things happened, but not much of anything happened in any one storyline. Unless you're Robb Stark, that is. As has been discussed previously, I think the main issue is too many people/places/events in too few episodes. And the content was spread out unevenly among the episodes. Some episodes plodded along while others gave you whiplash. They need at least a dozen episodes per season, if not more. There is far too much ground to cover to limit it to less than ten hours of action.
The limited time and my dislike of hints about what's to come made the "previously on GoT" segments at the beginning of each episode excruciating to sit through. Stop wasting time. We know what has happened. Just show us what comes next. I could start paying attention three or four minutes into the episode without missing anything but the credits. So it's a personal thing, but the addition of that in every episode bothered me far more than it should have.
Maybe one of the problems with this season was that it wasn't working towards one central event, such as Blackwater or Ned's death, where the after effects reverberate well into the next season. Yes, we had the Red Wedding, but so what? We know where one piece of the final puzzle goes as a result. I expect all the other moving parts to be relatively unaffected by the defeat of the Starks. And I'm fully aware of the fact that this is half of a book, so that's a lot to expect from this season. My point is that it still feels like the series is moving around characters to get everyone in place for the next big event, which we probably won't know about until the end of S4 (or even later than that).
Despite my griping, I wouldn't miss this show for anything. Unlike the rest of the members here, I don't watch any other tv series. None of them interest me enough for me to watch every single week. I just don't care that much about anything fictional. So Game of Thrones really is something special. I feel sorry for all you people who already know what's coming next. I honestly wouldn't watch if I had read the books. So yeah, ready for Season 4.
That would be a dream. It's easy for those of us who aren't in the business to ask for more without any idea of the money or logistics that would be involved in actually giving us what we're asking for. But I still want MORE.
The "previously on Game of Thrones" segments are vital as they always link to what's about to happen next. It's a good refresher. However I would love more cold openers and extended episodes. The Wire finale was 90 mins!!!
Even with a split season, it was still the weakest and least cohesive of them all. I rate them low because the writing is so poor it knocks off a point for each season.
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"If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt." - Dean Martin
The "previously on Game of Thrones" segments are vital as they always link to what's about to happen next. It's a good refresher. However I would love more cold openers and extended episodes. The Wire finale was 90 mins!!!
That's the entire reason they piss me off. I don't want even the slightest hint of what's happening next, even if it's only to tell me which characters we'll be seeing. It spoils my fun. So I look away till the credits are on. I'm such a whiny baby.
So I haven't watched season 3 again. Mostly because my internet is a little too slow for HBO Go. There's a lot of waiting involved. But I was thinking it might be a good time to rewatch season 3 and post new thoughts on the episodes as I go through them. D&D seem to like telegraphing their punches, so I'm sure there's a lot I missed. Would anyone like to join me? Otherwise I'm going in alone!
As soon as I get blurays I would love to go back into it. Haven't seen the show since it first aired myself, we might notice some new things. And the cast and crew insights might help discussion also.
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"Robert was never the same after he put on that crown. Some men are like swords, made for fighting. Hang them up and they go to rust.” -DN
So I haven't watched season 3 again. Mostly because my internet is a little too slow for HBO Go. There's a lot of waiting involved. But I was thinking it might be a good time to rewatch season 3 and post new thoughts on the episodes as I go through them. D&D seem to like telegraphing their punches, so I'm sure there's a lot I missed. Would anyone like to join me? Otherwise I'm going in alone!
I'm in , I was thinking of re watching before S4 any ways :D
As soon as I get blurays I would love to go back into it. Haven't seen the show since it first aired myself, we might notice some new things. And the cast and crew insights might help discussion also.
Any idea when the release date is for blurays and dvds? *impatient*
“Fear is a strange soil. It grows obedience like corn, which grow in straight lines to make weeding easier. But sometimes it grows the potatoes of defiance, which flourish underground.”
"Kissed by Fire" is still one of my faves! It's good to see some things remain the same. Loved everything about the ep.
Random small things I noticed that have no bearing on the actual story:
1. one Lannister boy that got killed by Lord Karstark is in fact our new King Tommen! Bet you lot knew that. I just noticed.
2. Shireen sings Patchface's song I forgot that.
3. Equal no of nekkid butts! Two men and two women. My fave? Can't decide! All four were Brianne's still is the cutest. (sorry: NWC, guy who played Olyvar, and Ygritte)
Interesting hearing Melisandre tell Arya last night that they will meet again! I remember the excitement at getting this promise of spoiler at the time. I wonder if they'll be friends? Maybe not. Do the Red God and MFG share the parish?
Good God! I need to stop the rewatch. I'm starting to talk with myself. Never a good sign.
Ooooh, I had forgotten about that. I guess Mel and Arya will be around for a couple more seasons, because I don't think Arya will be back in Westeros for a while. Or maybe someone dropkicks Mel out of Westeros, and they meet up in Braavos? Can Arya find Jaqen and drag him by the hair back to Westeros please? That girl has a lot of work to do, and time's a wastin'!
I'll be starting my rewatch as soon as my schedule gets more normal in a few weeks.
Ahhh, Basi! I finished season 3 somewhere in the middle of this week! Let me know when you get to Season 4 though. I'll join you. Can't do a re-watch now with the extra work on my plate but later on- definitely.
It's easy for those of us who aren't in the business to ask for more without any idea of the money or logistics that would be involved in actually giving us what we're asking for. But I still want MORE. 
Let's do eeeeet!
It's good to see some things remain the same. Loved everything about the ep. 
Bet you lot knew that. I just noticed. 
I forgot that.
Brianne's still is the cutest. (sorry: NWC, guy who played Olyvar, and Ygritte)
I approve!