[Ransom]

In the series they are older. They changed the ages for TV.

I don't have any problem with misogynistic settings (hell, I like Scott Bakker), but friends I trust in the parsing of gender have described increasing discomfort with the books that speaks more to the narrative or the author than the setting.

I can see the argument for that change, but it's part of a pattern of alterations from the book to the series that make Cat look dumber or rob Daenerys of her agency - if I recall the list of changes right, she stood up to Viserys a lot more firmly in the book in scenes like

Spoiler:

his attack on her during the horde's transit through the grasslands.

Hrm. I hadn't picked up on that. To be honest my first thought would be that those changes could be intended to create a more pronounced arc for Daenerys in the absence of her internal monologue, but I suppose we'll see.

I feel like Cersei is a counter-example. She's had several new scenes that add depth the first book never gave her. The frank discussion between her and Robert a couple of episodes ago being the main one.

[General Battuta]

That scene was one of my absolute favorites and I was shocked to learn it wasn't in the book. It really added a lot to Cersei.

[Ransom]

For sure. I'm very glad the series has been willing to give the dialogue room to breathe.

I wonder how many of these alterations can be attributed to Martin. Many of them seem to have the events of future books in mind. Considering Martin apparently doesn't plan things out too far ahead, I'm beginning to wonder if he's using the series to quietly revise pieces of the story.

[Pred the Penguin]

*snip*

Joffrey is 11~13 at that time in the book I think. Also the first book doesn't focus on Cersei much.
I know... I broke my promise. Sue me.

[mxlm]

The only thing I find weird is that everyone is older than they should be. I mean, Bran is supposed to be 7, but looks at least 10, Joffre is also supposed to be 7, but in the show the kids look much older. Jon and Robb are supposed to be 14, they look at least 20. Though then again, since GoT has very different seasons then we do, with summer and winter lasting years, then maybe their years are longer than ours I just haven't picked up  on that in the books yet.

They aged up the kids for legal reasons.

Considering Martin apparently doesn't plan things out too far ahead

What?

Yeah, there are a number of weirdly misogynistic changes from the already kinda misogynistic books. I wish I could dug up the article that enumerated them well.

I don't necessarily disagree, but the example being pointed to there was much more problematic in the book than it was in the series.

[Ransom]

What?

Sorry, that was vague - he seems to know the destination, certainly. But from interviews it sounds like he prefers to discover the rest as he writes. That's the sort of detail I'm referring to. Jaime is another example: the series has hinted at characterisation the books didn't touch upon until much later.

[MP-Ryan]

Wife and I are watching this and really enjoying it.  I'd heard of the books before, but never read them.  Think I'm going to have to now =)

[mxlm]

There is only one word which can properly encapsulate the events of the most recent episode: pwnt.

[Pred the Penguin]

I got a question, who is your favorite character so far? So you won't get yelled at, go by the TV series...

[mxlm]

Ser Jorah Mormont. I don't know what it is, but I adore the guy. Dany is a close second.

[The E]

Tyrion Lannister.

[Pred the Penguin]

heh, Tyrion Lannister is awesome in any version.

[Nohiki]

Tyrion Lannister and Arya Stark FOR THE WIN.

[Ravenholme]

I'm fond of Tyrion and Brandon.

[The E]

This series is just full of awesome characters.

Spoiler:

Also, Ned Stark? He is sooooooo ****ed.

[General Battuta]

The opening credits always make me think this damn series is set inside a Dyson sphere

[Pred the Penguin]

That opening is my favorite part.

[General Battuta]

watching now, christ Tywin Lannister is a huge bamf

ed: so is this wilder woman

ed: you ****ing idiot Ned you haven't distributed the secret, you're the only one who knows, you need SECURITY

ed: okay now he has, at least littlefinger knows

ed: haahahahaha wow EVERYONE is going for this damn iron chair

ed: teehee, schlong

hahahahahahah ned is so ****ed

[General Battuta]

GIF DUMP

[Mongoose]

I've owned the first book in this series for a long time, but I never got around to reading it, I guess partially because I've heard it's all sorts of grimdark.  Judging from this thread, though, I must be one of the only people here who doesn't get HBO.