4141

Well they needed to make it more obvious to the audience. I think the one time that Qhorin mentioned anything to Jon was 2 episodes ago, before he kicked him down the slope. Like I said, the two viewers that watched with me didn’t know what was going on, and I wouldn’t say they are dense.

4142

Yeah, but they replayed that scene in both “Previously, on GoT” bumpers this week and last week, so unless someone FFs through that, they’re probably pretty well filled-in.

4143

Yeah if only my brain was more capable…it’s rough being me, let me tell you…

Anyway, the most powerful warlock in Qarth, the one that just took down the entire ruling council on his own, is done in by a tiny little belch of flame. I didn’t realize hot dogs were so powerful as well.

And yes, I was completely bamboozled by the show’s trickery - I wasn’t at all coming at it from the point of view of a non-reader. I thought the scene could have been done much better.

4144

But at no point do they ever show Jon understands what he must do to fulfill his oath to the Watch so it doesn’t come across as powerfully as it does in the book. I’m just always worrying that non-readers will miss out due to some of the show’s changes.

4145

The lesson here is to not give a shit about what other people might get or not, and just enjoy it for what it does for you. Or not.

So far I haven’t seen a single book change that I didn’t agree with or at the very least understood. Some of them even has made the story better.

4146

Enjoyment factor, sure. However, as readers we obviously have a certain love and affinity for the books, and frankly this series does not survive with that alone–it survives on its outreach to all of the non-readers. The converts are the people that help HBO renewing this show every year and approving big budgets. In this sense, we have a vested interest in keeping these people attached and understanding what’s going on.

I want this show to continue, but I also want the people that haven’t read the books to get the best, closest experience that makes the most sense that we can get.

— Alan

4147

Exactly…this is the reason why I kept after my bro-in-law for a few years to get him to finally start reading the books. And in turn, my sister was hooked when the show started and finished books 1-5 in a few months time. I love seeing the series get its hooks into new converts. And if the show continues to do the books justice then those new viewers are more likely to pick up the books and get the full story.

4148

I haven’t read the books, and I found it plainly obvious that the entire fight/sacrifice was a plan to get Jon on the inside w/ the Wildlings.

4149

Fantastic end to another fantastic season of this show. I have some small nitpicks, but in the grand scheme of things, who-the-fuck-cares.

4150

I thought it was pretty obvious too.

— Alan

4151

The finale broke 4.2 million for the first viewing, which is a high for the series, and 38-percent over the Season 1 finale. (Blackwater dipped, but that can be blamed on the Memorial Day Weekend).

Thrones also helped Veep and Girls hit series highs, too.

Count in all the encore viewings, on-demand, streaming, etc, and HBO is pretty damn happy.

4152

Maybe they can share some of that happiness, and up the CG budget. Fewer dragon crates please.

4153

You really don’t want to be reading this thread, then. Especially as season 3 rolls around.

4154

Thought it was a good closer, my minor quibbles were overshadowed by the awesomeness of everything else.

Jaqen / Arya parting was well done.

Love the Theon scenes. Missed Davos :(

Shae / Tyrion scene surprisingly touching. Makes me wonder if they are going to sub in someone else to mock him as the “Giant of Lannister” …times like this I wish I wasn’t a kwisatz haderach from reading the books…

Jon Snow/Quorin…meh. They could’ve had Quorin wink at Jon or something before the coup de grace, I suppose. But yeah, it ends up looking like Jon was just mad at being called a traitor’s bastard son of a whore.

Final Scene…got shivers. Liked how there were some dead “crows” mixed in with the other wights.

I have to find something else to look forwards to on Sunday night… :(

4155

Halfhands last line is the tell if you needed one… “I am the watcher on the walls.”

He takes his last breath to remind John Snow of his oath, and what they set out to do.

4156

I remember him saying, “We are the watchers on the walls,” which is a subtle reminder that they both share the oath.
But maybe I misheard.

4157

It actually kind of boggles my mind that anyone who actually saw the earlier episode with Jon Snow and the older Watch dude didn’t see this for a fake fight (well, a real fight with fake motivations) playing to the crowd to make Jon look good.

If they hadn’t seen the earlier episode, okay, maybe, but otherwise, it’s one of the oldest gags in TV and movies. You’d have to be pretty non-media- savvy to not get it.

4158

Yeah, this is my take. I’m still just happy it’s even on TV. :P

4159

I think I need a kickstarter for this. HBO lets you buy the Iron Throne.

4160

Needs some antiquing. I used to work at a place that did that… rusting up the Iron Throne would have made it the best job ever.

Edit: Woah, it’s fiberglass.