2.03: Game of Thrones - What is Dead, May Never Die

[ctg]

This week episode sounds really interesting. It's written by the story editor Bryan Cogman and it is directed by the cinematographer Alik Shakarov , and I don't know how to put myself, as they might fix the last week c**kup in this single episode where:

Catelyn Stark treats King Renly in the hope of winning an alliance, while Tyrion undertake a complex plan in King' Landing to expose an enemy. In the other hand Bran's dreams are getting weirder and they start seriously to trouble him.

In the regards of where last episode ended, I keep wondering about red lady's true motives. Is she going to take over the kingdom?

 

[Conor]

Looking forward to the episode tonight, especially after last weeks left me feeling a bit underwhelmed.
One big plus is I feel they got the direwolves right!

 

[Mouse]

I love the Renly/Loras/Maegery(sp?) stuff so much! It's better than in the books, though I wish they'd cast Renly properly so he looked how he was supposed to look and not this pug ugly dude they've given us. *sigh* I find the dynamic between two male characters far, far more interesting that if it'd been between a man and a woman. I mean, can you imagine if a female character had acted the way Loras acted in bed there? She would've gotten a slap.

Brienne looked pretty damn good. That actress is one gurt big woman! Slightly disappointed with Loras's armour though, is that the first time we've seen it?

Um. I can't remember much else of the episode, to be honest! I'm starting to really hate Tyrion. Urgh. And I liked him in the books! In this I just find him so smug it's irritating. And he speaks so slowly that I've zoned out before he's finished talking.

I liked the Arya/Gendry stuff again.

 

[Winters_Sorrow]

I thought after the slightly disjointed feel of the last episode (for me anyway), this episode was stronger across the board.

We got introduced to Renly & his merry band and everyone involved pretty much nailed it, although Catelyn's "They are the knights of summer and winter is coming" speech worked a lot better in the book in my opinion. Here it just looked forced.

I'm not surprised that they shortened the Ayra/Gendry escape & recapture bit.
Looking forward to more Jaqen from now on!

The Iron Islands stuff was very interesting and I was very pleased to see it as a lot of that stuff (and Theon's conflict) wasn't really present all that much in the books as I remember. This episode made it feel much more like a horrible choice and Alfie Allen sold it well and made me believe his character wasn't entirely (just mostly!) about himself. Of course the book readers know that more is coming in that regard...

The Tyrion bits I quite liked, although Bronn is in serious danger of stealing every scene he's in and Shae is still yet to grow on me.

Brienne was excellent in the few shots she had, but there was precious little chemistry between her & Lady Stark, who I felt was more empathic in the books than she came across onscreen.

The girl who played Margery was brilliant too - I think she was in the Tudors as Anne Boylen and she came across as a younger power-mad Queen to be, which is perfect. Cersei 2.0

Roll on the next episode and series 3 on the way. Woohoo!

 

[Mesanna]

Mouse, I hear ya on the Loras/Renly stuff. I may watch that scene again. Ahem.

I was annoyed at the way Renly looked in the first series, but I suppose I've got used to him. It was kinda fun to see Loras get his arse kicked by Brienne.

Have to disagree about Tyrion. I love him! I think he steals every scene he's in. I think the slow speaking is maybe just an American trying to do a posh British accent?

I'm really liking Varys too. I think Varys, Tyrion and Arya are the best characters so far this season. They've taken their roles and just owned them to the point where you simply couldn't imagine anyone else playing the part.

Oh, and I do like Sam. I liked him in the books too, and when I see that big round face with his kind heart, I just adore him!

I want more Jaime with his beard.

 

[Mesanna]

The girl who played Margery was brilliant too - I think she was in the Tudors as Anne Boylen and she came across as a younger power-mad Queen to be, which is perfect. Cersei 2.0

Yeah, I agree with this completely! I was watching her face during a couple of scenes, and you could almost hear her analysing scheming! I think she's going to be playing a far more dominant role than book Margaery.

 

[Winters_Sorrow]

I'm really liking Varys too. I think Varys, Tyrion and Arya are the best characters so far this season. They've taken their roles and just owned them to the point where you simply couldn't imagine anyone else playing the part.

I was just saying to a friend of mine that there are 5 actors who are playing the role so well, I can almost close my eyes and see them as those characters.
Donald Sumpter as Maester Luwin
Jerome Flynn as Bronn
Maisie Williams as Arya
Conleth Hill as Varys
and Miltos Yerolemou as Syrio (despite the appearance!)

There are some other fine performances and Peter Dinklage is great as Tyrion, but he's not 'living' the character as the others I mentioned above seem to be I'm perhaps being a little harsh but the others seem to understand exactly how to look, speak and act their characters to the point where I almost forget it's a role for them.

My 2c anyway

 

[Needle]

This is my favorite episode so far this season. All around loved it!

Agree with Mesanna, Renly has kinda grown on me!

So far so good with Brienne, and yes Loras getting his butt kicked by a girl was great!

I feel vindicated with Margaery! Always knew she wasn't the sweet young lady her father made her out to be! "Shall we get my brother in here to get you started?" My jaw hit the floor, loved it! She will surely be playing a bigger role, hope so anyway!

Watching Theon make his choice (as if he really had one) was kinda brutal. Never felt sorry for him till later on, now I am feeling it already. Balon is the perfect (insert dirty word here) by the way.

Arya is forever my girl! Actually really liked the shortened fight/capture. Bring on Jaqen soon too, can't wait!

 

[Mesanna]

Brienne did look pretty dam ugly. They did a fine job with her. I can't wait to see her interactions with Jaime. I hope they've got some good chemistry together.

I actually felt for Theon too. Though when he burned the letter to Robb, I wanted to scream "Traitor!" Was that Damphair that did the blessing thing by the water, or was it just some random Iron Islander?

 

[Mouse]

The Tyrion bits I quite liked, although Bronn is in serious danger of stealing every scene he's in and Shae is still yet to grow on me.

I agree with that. Bronn steals those scenes from Tyrion. (Mind, Bronn's one of my faves in the book.)

Mouse, I hear ya on the Loras/Renly stuff. I may watch that scene again. Ahem.

Already done!

Have to disagree about Tyrion. I love him! I think he steals every scene he's in. I think the slow speaking is maybe just an American trying to do a posh British accent?

I just think he's smug and he bores me. I can't concentrate when he's on screen so find myself flicking over to other windows (I watch on the computer).

So far so good with Brienne, and yes Loras getting his butt kicked by a girl was great!

Yeah I liked that, and that he sulked about it too! Always good when a woman kicks arse.

 

[TK-421]

Hi all.

I've been away for some time so good to be back.

The first three episodes from this season have far from disappointed. Varys is perfectly playes and Littlefinger not far behind.

I ADORE Margery and who they cast. She is awesome and her portrayal confirms what role she plays in the power struggle and the Tyrell ambitions.

I am very much liking Davos and Melissandre as well. Davos is certainly true to his feelings on things.

Theon's story of very well put together. You get the conflict in him. His uncertainties, confusion of who he is and where his loyalties lie and his low self-esteem. I truly feel for Theon.

Sam the Slayer is emerging before our eyes. When Gilly said he was very brave, it was well done.

My ultimate favourite character Tyrion is fantastic. I can't help smiling when he's on screen.

Sighhhh. Alas, my sweet Asha (aka Yara) is not cast as sweetly as I hoped. For those pining for a more handsome Renly or Jaime, I pine for my sweet Asha as I dreamed of her...

 

[Conor]

Brienne did look pretty dam ugly. They did a fine job with her. I can't wait to see her interactions with Jaime. I hope they've got some good chemistry together.

I actually felt for Theon too. Though when he burned the letter to Robb, I wanted to scream "Traitor!" Was that Damphair that did the blessing thing by the water, or was it just some random Iron Islander?

I think Brienne was perfect! She is one of my favorites from the books, I actually pictured her more homely yet not blonde. I hope they don't shorten her scenes with Jaime.

I believe they expanded Theons role for the show at least at this point.
I think it wsa Damphair. Theon will be very interesting to watch..squeek!

 

[svalbard]

This was my favourite episode so far. Just like the first series, this one is gathering momentum as it moves along. Alfie Allen as Theon is the standout actor in this series at the moment, although I am happy to see Conlith Hill continuing his great portrayal of Varys.

Brienne was just as I imagined her. Great job so far and looking forward to next week.