The early reviews for Game of Thrones continue to come in and each one is more positive than the last. This latest review comes from The Hollywood Reporter, a major trade publication with a lot of influence. So a positive review from them is a big deal. And this review isn’t just positive, it is positively gushing. Tim Goodman writes:
Barely a few minutes into HBO’s epic Game of Thrones series, it’s clear that the hype was right and the wait was worth it.
Based on the bestselling fantasy book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin – often referred to as “the American Tolkein” – HBO is betting that fans of The Lord of the Rings will come to this for a sprawling, interwoven tale of feuding families, swords, sex, carnage, beasts, frayed loyalties, deception, intrigue and the pursuit of power.
As well they should. Game of Thrones has all the elements (many described above) that lure viewers to shows like The Sopranos, et al. That it’s a fantasy series shouldn’t scare anyone away, because – like Lord of the Rings – there’s a real allure to costume-dramas that pair dense mythology with all of the crowd-pleasing elements of war, honor, pride, lust, power and, yes, even humor. Thrones has all of those in spades and supports them with exceptional storytelling, strong writing, superb acting and some stunning visual effects.
Winter Is Coming: The review continues on like that for paragraph after paragraph. Not even a token criticism that I could see. I’m a couple hours away from popping in the first episode myself and I have to say, this review has gotten me more hyped than ever.
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143 Comments
Well of course I’m waiting on YOUR review Winter!
KnurkQuote Reply
This actually is a big deal–Tim Goodman used to write for the San Francisco Chronicle, and he consistently picks shows that are winners. I have relied on him for years to decide what shows to watch, and I know I’m not the only one. He will drive viewers to the show with this review. Yay!
BethQuote Reply
An hour or so from watching the first episode?! I’m alarmed by how jealous I am right now.
MattQuote Reply
I’ve read a number of different reviews on Twitter from those who have seen the first six episodes and I am LOVING the fact that not one of them is “meh”. I’m looking forward to the official Winter-is-coming review, though. I really don’t want to watch the fifteen minute teaser tomorrow, but I’m not sure I’m going to be able to hold myself back from it.
Rufus MacSandlebergQuote Reply
I was reading that review waiting for a ‘But….’, thinking surely there must be a small criticism at some point – but no. Game of Thrones is going to be amazing and I couldn’t be more excited!
Gytha OggQuote Reply
The first of what is sure to be a swarm of glowing reviews.
I can’t believe I have to wait another two weeks.
KeatonQuote Reply
I saw the first episode myself last week, and it was mind-blowingly good, way better than I even hoped. I plan to post my review tomorrow on my blog.
Andrew GavinQuote Reply
I am going to repeat what I said in the other thread:
I am eagerly awaiting your review of the DVD. With great gifts come great responsibility?!
The reviews so far are very encouraging. Looks like it is going to be a smashing succes.
DahnQuote Reply
I wish you all the best for the first viewing.
Must be more exciting than first sex.
JennyQuote Reply
First off I must say I’m impressed with the Syrio-esque endurance that must be required to not pop in the screeners the minute they arrived, Winter!
Thus far the reviews and tweets consistently point out the show isn’t just a pretty, expensive spectacle. The acting, writing, pacing, etc are all being mentioned as strong points and also areas that separate it from shows like Camelot.
I’m trying not to get my hopes up, but it sounds like HBO really has a hit on their hands. I really hope that’s the case so we get more seasons. Plus, think of all the great actors and actresses out there seeing these reviews/hype/etc and thinking “hmm, maybe my agent should look into this…”
More Rice CooksQuote Reply
I’m more interested in the general audience’s opinion of the show. For that we have to wait for the 17th.
Not that I am not loving the fact GoT is getting the thumbs up from critics.
Jessica C.Quote Reply
Grab your wife, a beer, and some veggie snacks and get a-crackin!
Eric DeBruinQuote Reply
I am surprised you didn’t pop the first six episodes in when you got home at 3 in the morning, and sleep be damned!
I would have been sorely tempted were I in that situation.
I’m a little jealous :P
MikeLQuote Reply
I really can’t even be jealous; I’m too excited for you. Sounds like an awesome Saturday…not that we’re not already pumped, but feel free to excite us further once you’ve watched it :) Enjoy!!
Jake StormoenQuote Reply
This is awesome!
Relief rising… worries fading… :D
LexQuote Reply
I need to stop reading these websites. I’m almost terrified of watching the show, due to the solely positive feedback, and words like “mindblowingly good”. It’s pure Gregorian torture!
JonesQuote Reply
That’s a great review. He said that he wanted to see the next nine episodes immediately.
I also like that he said it stands out from shows like Camelot. I watched Camelot the other night and I have to say, regrettably, it is just …off. It’s hard to pinpoint it. The acting was a bit overwrought and the writing could have been better. For all they spent on it, it looked like it could have aired on the SciFi Network.
I am just so glad that David Benioff and D.B. Weiss know what they are doing. It seems like the writing is great and the acting is superb.
This is going to be one heck of a ride, folks. Just imagine, in a few weeks, we can watch each episode not once, not twice, but as many freakin’ times a we wish! Just imagine how great it will be on second and third viewings to soak in all the details.
Can’t wait for the sneek peek tomorrow at nine!!!
HollyoakQuote Reply
This is amazing momentum for the show. All the people saying they’re not normally into fantasy, heaping praise nonetheless, should do a lot to boost the viewing numbers for the general public. And get them watching, and I think they’ll stay watching.
As others have already noted, your review as a mega-fan is quite important for us! I’ll try and be patient though, I’d want to savor the moment if I were in your place.
ZackQuote Reply
It actually wasn’t that hard to wait, only because I’ve waited so long already another day wouldn’t kill me. And the first time I watch the show I want the conditions to be just right. I don’t want to be too tired to appreciate it (watching it last night) or have my kids distracting me (watching it during the day today). So once the kids are in bed (which will be soon!), we’ll pop up a big ole bowl of popcorn and be able to just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
EEeek!! So excited for you that you got the 1st 6 episodes WiC! I almost feel like I got copies since I’ve been reading this blog since the start. Thank you HBO! You rock!
-One of “The Fans”
Melanie BuiQuote Reply
Um, Winter, can you Skype me so I can watch too? LOL
HollyoakQuote Reply
Second season in the bag, I reckon. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!
Gytha OggQuote Reply
Hilarious article on HBO and their marketing for Thrones:
HollyoakQuote Reply
does anyone know what time the preview is aring tomorrow? I live in georgia, and i still can’t figure out if it’s 8PM or 9PM
Elena AmiciQuote Reply
Such an enthusiastic review! Scarcely two weeks to go!
wingQuote Reply
Nine Eastern.
HollyoakQuote Reply
Let me try that again:
HollyoakQuote Reply
Its 9PM Eastern, 8PM Central.
Dale RippkeQuote Reply
Winter Is Coming,
Sit back and enjoy! You’ve earned it, Winter! I’m not even jealous. And I await your review with more anticipation than any other reviewer.
One little wish, though: Put the review up as soon as you find it doable.
sjweningsQuote Reply
Really like the “strong start” theme going on in these early reviews, hope that continues. If for nothing else, so I can singsong “Ha!Ha!” to all those I’ve talked to who have been skeptically dismissive after seeing the previews.
Oh, and I suppose I’ll add my voice to the general din of “I’m jealous!” and “Get reviewin’ already, Winter!”
JWestfallQuote Reply
Hollyoak,
haha just type in the link!
KnurkQuote Reply
Due to a nice traffic surge, I decided to just post my review of the first episode.
READ IT HERE
Can’t wait for the rest of the season!
Andrew GavinQuote Reply
Awesome for you guys! A little envious, but you all do a great job here. Good to hear you are getting a few perks.
Erik KluthQuote Reply
WiC: Are you intending to watch all the 6 eps in one go?
sjweningsQuote Reply
http://www.pajiba.com/trade_news/hbos-game-of-thrones-marketing-has-gone-nutty.php
HollyoakQuote Reply
Yeah, eat CROW, suckas! (Ok, ew, maybe don’t.. :/) So happy with all this happy news about the series. Ah dreams of seven seasons!
You GO WiC!! We who are about to burst salute you!
Franny BeeQuote Reply
Andrew Gavin,
Great review! I’m so jealous knowing there are people out there watching full episodes already.
Avalanche3319Quote Reply
I stated from the previous review (Den of Geek) that I didn’t know the reviewers tastes and body of work reviews so I didn’t know quite how to take his review. That isn’t to say I didn’t like it or appreciate it, it just takes time and reviews to have it all fill in.
So, this review, by a publication and a reviewer I am more familiar with, helps me more.
It would be difficult to rave much more than he has done without sounding silly. I do indeed believe the series is about to change popular culture and television forever. Congrats to the many fans here who have hoped and dared to dream that the series might approach excellence. Our earnest hopes and cares and passion for being fans is about to be rewarded. I am, for myself, completely certain of it.
The only thing left to me now is to arrange the finishing touches on my man cave for the weekly Sunday viewings that commence very soon. Any of you are invited to drop by, but email first!
Larry D CurtisQuote Reply
Beth,
Indeed. I have also been a Tim Goodman reader for years, and his record of picking shows that succeed is pretty good. Also, he’s always been a big fan of good serial drama series including ones with sci-fi or fantasy elements (Lost, Battlestar Galactica) while not being an ubergeek himself, so I take his stamp of approval as one that non-readers will enjoy this too. I was awaiting his review and it did not disappoint.
KatranQuote Reply
Reading right now, thanks!
IkertzekeQuote Reply
Kinda off-topic, but I got a question:
Is the 15 minute preview that’s airing tomorrow going to be put up online afterward? I remember reading it somewhere but can’t find it. I think Making Game Of Thrones said it.
Corey BrooksQuote Reply
Corey Brooks,
Yes, I believe it will go up on HBO’s site/youtube channel after airing.
NicoleQuote Reply
WiC
Post proelium praemium.
After the battle, the reward.
After two years of manning the battlements, deliverance is in sight for you guys. Watch once just for pure enjoyment, then go back and analyze.
We’ll all be right here waiting. :)
DH87Quote Reply
Just got done watching the first episode and I will repeat here what I said on Twitter…
Holy shit, they actually did it. They made A Song of Ice and Fire into a TV series. A KICKASS TV series.
Sorry about the vulgarity but there are times when only certain words can express how you really feel. This is one of those times.
Basically what David & Dan did was took George’s work and made it their own. Without violating the spirit of the original. Brilliant stuff.
I’ll have a full non-spoiler review up as soon as possible. I need some time to think about what all I want to say. So awesome. So, so awesome.
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
Goddammit, how will I sleep tonight?
TastesLikeTheSeaQuote Reply
Winter Is Coming,
Please hurry :-)
NicoleQuote Reply
Winter Is Coming,
Sweeet! And please, don’t be afraid to channel the inner vulgarity, I know I wouldn’t be able to hold back…
JWestfallQuote Reply
Holy crap.
HollyoakQuote Reply
Winter Is Coming,
First of all, THANK YOU for the vulgarity. I have to say, Ran’s first impressions were interesting but left me really cold. He liked it, but did not express the kind of enthusiasm or excitement us fans are dying to hear. His posts were anticlimactic for me. Your tweets are exactly what I was hoping for! So, thank you!
Secondly, I FULLY understand how you feel about watching the show early. You’ve been one of the fans all along, so it’s natural you’d feel guilty watching the show early. I’d be torn as well. I know this may be impossible, but I’d actually recommend maybe watching the first two and then trying to wait with the rest of us. :)
LexQuote Reply
Andrew Gavin,
Nice review!
Though the fact that you’re the Crash Bandicoot Dude is almost as cool. It’s Crash Bandicoot!
WiC,
I … have no words.
(That’s a first.)
Fire And BloodQuote Reply
Another fantastic twitter review from a nonreader
AprilMac ended epi 4 of #gameofthrones – not since SOA S1 have I been so taken w/ series, no hyperbole, absolutely adored it.Dinklage is Emmy caliber
JamesQuote Reply
Could not have said it better. SQUEEAAALLLLL!!!
Kristen WeaverQuote Reply
Lex,
Whereabouts are Ran’s posts on the topic?
Steve Hugh WestenraQuote Reply
Thought I would be able to resist the 15 min preview tomorrow, but the reviews today (including Winter’s) are making it IMPOSSIBLE to be patient. Anyone got any useful waiting strategies/distractions?
MegQuote Reply
This really is an exciting time. I mean its really happening. Like a dream come true. All these great reviews and now a thumbs up from Winter. I’ve been gravitating to this site all day, and just sort of walking around in a light headed daze. Not really being able to express to anyone I know just how cool this is.
Luke likelyQuote Reply
I came to “Game of Thrones” as an HBO fan. A friend of mine and I were talking about Deadwood, and he told me they were going to do for fantasy what they had done for westerns.
I knew GRRM very well from “Wild Cards,” when I was younger but had stopped reading fantasy for a while. I still liked fantasy as a whole, but my relationship to books was changing.
I figured if HBO had decided to do a series based on the books they must be good. My friend who had told me about HBO buying the rights to the series gave me AGoT, and I was hooked. I became a big fan of the books, and I loved all of our discussions.
Now things are gearing up to the premier, I’ve come full circle again. While many are mostly excited to see ASoIaF come to life, I’m in this to see how HBO does fantasy.
Winter’s review carries a lot of weight with me on that score, and I can’t wait.
paulgudeQuote Reply
She’s the one who apparently hates fantasy, too. Awesome news.
LexQuote Reply
He made a few short posts, in this thread. Doesn’t want to give a full review yet. He liked it, but mainly raves about the opening title credits (which is also good news!).
LexQuote Reply
It’s funny, yesterday she was going on about how much she hates fantasy. Today she’s already telling other people on twitter that they “must watch it”!
Also, after episode 2 she says “I officially hate the Lannister Queen Cersei, love little Arya!” It’s the same exact reaction first-time readers tend to have! This is gonna be really weird, seeing people discover the story via the show instead of the books! I guess this show will spoil the first book for non-readers, but they may pick it up regardless to find out what happens in the rest of the series.
LexQuote Reply
Here’s another goody for everyone, if you haven’t seen. Over on HBO’s site, there are some cool family sigil Wallpapers. Enjoy!
http://www.makinggameofthrones.com/production-diary/2011/4/2/game-of-thrones-sigil-wallpapers.html
PaintknightQuote Reply
enjoy WiC… you totally deserve it. I am actually more afraid of your review simply because your opinion weighs tons more than the pro-reviewers. I still can hardly believe it that we are getting the show so soon. thanks a lot to all of you for a great journey so far and for the one still to come.
always support the bottom
marzmanQuote Reply
marzman,
Alright….what’s the inside joke of “always support the bottom?”
greenie88Quote Reply
greenie88,
When WiC received his Maester’s box, he was looking for hidden clues. The back of the map had very faint letters that said “Always Support the Bottom”. At first we thought it was a clue, turns out it was just some kind of mistake (apparently the words are sometimes printed on containers, kind of like “fragile”). A google search shows that the words often appear on the bottom of aluminum pans. It’s also apparently important when picking up a rabbit!
Since then, it has become the house motto for House Gatewach (AKA this site). HBO even slipped the words into one of their later Maester puzzles as a joke for us. It also appears on a character’s shirt in a comic strip about Game of Thrones this week. It’s totally caught on!
LexQuote Reply
Lex,
Thanks for that!
Always support the bottom, indeed.
PaintknightQuote Reply
I honestly can’t even believe the Tsunami of positive reactions, laying waste to critics stereotypes of the fantasy genre, and expectations of fans of the books. I think we all expected mixed reactions, especially to the first few episodes. For example, I watched the first episode of “the wire” and there was absolutely nothing compelling me to watch episode two. Same with Spartacus(which might be my favorite show to date now). But for a great show to kick off with a bang… and go flawless with reviews so far(I haven’t heard 1 negative thing about it), this is almost surreal.
and along those lines…
Camelot is getting mixed reviews. We all have seen some negative things said, but IGN gave it rave reviews, as well as Den of Geek, and I must say after watching the first two episodes, I thought it was pretty good. Made me want to watch more.
(this makes me even more stoked with all the great reviews Thrones is getting) including somebody saying that the first episode of Thrones “smokes” Camelots.
The DarkStarQuote Reply
Tsunamis laying waste to stereotypes? That might be a slight exaggeration at this point. We have, what, two or three full reviews and a handful of tweets? I agree with you, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet.
I also agree that it’s great to hear that the first episode leaves you wanting more. That’s often been a problem with HBO shows (even The Wire, Rome, and Deadwood took about 3 or 4 episodes before I was hooked).
LexQuote Reply
Fire And Blood,
:-)
Andrew GavinQuote Reply
Winter Is Coming,
*eeee*
Erm…ahem..
I should probably wait to do that until you’ve gone as in-depth as possible with a full (spoiler free review) but still, this is killer news. Congrats!
I’m going to kick up my audiobook-listening to another level to see if I can finish it for the series, or at least keep pace with the episode every week.
ZackQuote Reply
I think you both make good points. I think one of the things to remember here is that Thrones is going to be filling a role that hasn’t really been filled yet. As it’s been stated, Camelot and The Borgias seem to be doing things that have more or less been done; in that the Arthurian Legend (as awesome and timeless as it is) has been done over and over ad infinitum, even to the point where Monty Python made a comedy about it years and years ago; and The Borgias is filling the role of a historical drama much like The Tudors (which was also excellent).
If you look at recent shows, such as Legend of the Seeker and Merlin, amongst others; most fantasy that has been attempted on television just hasn’t had quite the right strength behind it. The shows will be centered around magic when there isn’t a budget to make it come off as convincing, or the story and or acting will be campy or cliche; etc. From what I’ve seen, fantasy, as a genre, hasn’t ever been looked at with a serious eye for the material and with a steadfast dedication to what it is and what makes it great.
HBO, as it’s been said, has certain advantages that other stations (such as NBC, ABC, CBS, etc) don’t have, in that they have much more creative freedom considering their business model. Also, on top of that, they have a reputation for creating TV series that are, essentially, film quality productions (the John Adams production for example). I think these things, combined with the fact that people, I think, are waiting to see if fantasy can truly be done right, line up to create some pretty ideal circumstances for the show to make its debut in.
I’m so excited for this, it’s ridiculous. Winter, I’m crazily jealous that you got your mitts on not one, but SIX episodes of what I’m guessing is some of the tastiest television in one helluva long time. I’m rooting for this show to go the distance and here’s hoping that in 7 or 8 years, we’ll see A Dream of Spring realized for our o-so-lucky eyes!
Always support the bottom!
PaintknightQuote Reply
“
Lex,
Lex, I’m getting so fuckin excited.
WE ARE AT T-MINUS TWO WEEKS!!
All tweets and reviews from readers and non-readers are thumbs up.
Quoting WiC “Holy shit, they actually did it. They made A Song of Ice and Fire into a TV series. A KICKASS TV series.”
Can’t wait to watch the 15 minutes tomorrow, and talk to hear everyone’s thoughts.
The DarkStarQuote Reply
Lex,
Let’s not forget our arms:
So when are we ordering the shirts?
KGQuote Reply
I’m not trying to suppress any excitement, trust me… I’m freaking out! :)
But I’ve always been a bit nervous about what the critics will say, and I want to keep my hopes somewhat low just in case.
LexQuote Reply
@wic
I do not know if you can answer this but what was the order in which the cast appears in the opening credits. Is it in alphabetical order or order of importance. If it is the latter who were the top 8 in order.
Jessica C.Quote Reply
Just watched the first episode of Camelot. Not as bad as I expected. If it wasn’t possible competition for GOT, I’d probably have actually been excited about this! But now that I’m less worried about the competition aspect, I’ll probably enjoy watching this (and Borgias), for the costumes and eye candy if nothing else. So nice to have some good shows to watch, again!
LexQuote Reply
I’m literally freaking out – both from jealousy and hype. Jealousy because WiC is seeing the first six episodes right now, and hype because today (tomorrow in my time zone) we’ll all see the first 15 minutes, the premiere is only two weeks away and there’s nothing but enthusiastic reviews!
It’s finally happening! Always support the bottom!
DomQuote Reply
Winter Is Coming,
fortunately we dont know where youre living. imagine all the fans making a pilgrimage to your house, carrying torches and waving house banners, demanding a seat next to the tv :D
BeneQuote Reply
I don’t think WiC will watch all six, not yet at least. He’s been waiting for this moment for nearly three years, he wants to make it last. I’d feel the same way, although it would be hard to resist having an instant marathon. :)
LexQuote Reply
Oh boy, another paid review…
… just kidding. ;)
AnvilQuote Reply
I remember someone writing a review that they didn’t like the fact that Game of Thrones was being filmed as a TV series because they simply won’t have the budget to make George’s world come to life (and he goes on to talk about how to him, one of the best things about the series was Martin’s descriptions of the epic landscapes, cities and structures)
King’s Landing and The Wall looked good though!
Some of them are going to be a bit harder to bring to life (such as the walls of Qarth, I’m sure some artist will have fun painting those) and Braavos etc
Jordan HealeyQuote Reply
OMG!!!! I’m bursting with excitement, maybe my dark feelings about Thrones being a complete disaster (according to general ratings) might prove itself false and I couldn’t be happier about it (well that is if I didn’t have an important exam tomorrow :p).
I’m so glad to be part of this and so of course: Semper Suspendi Imum! ( a possible way to say ‘Always support the bottom’ in latin, though I couldn’t find a good translation for ‘bottom’ in my dictionary, but ‘imum’ means something as ‘the lowest part’)
p.s you so earned this Winter!
p.p.s Yes my exam is about Latin ;-)
LiesieQuote Reply
I hope that we get that amazing intro with 15 minutes tonight/tomorrow (in my timezone)! GOT hype is on and s*** just got real :D
m4st4Quote Reply
This is all shaping up so incredibly well! It was always possible (and still is, mind you) that the reviews would be worse than us fans hoped, but luckily the scales sway to the opposite side it seems. As it turns out, we the fans will most likely be the most critical (re)viewers out there ;-)
Still 14 days to go, but I cannot imagine how I could get even more psyched out than I feel right now already – this show lets me explore new levels of excitement I never even suspected to excist! :-)
Haha, nice one Liesie! With the origins of ‘Always support the bottom’ in mind, we of course cannot change them to another language, but I like the sound of the Latin version. (and good luck with your exam!)
Tar KidhoQuote Reply
http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/57949765.html#cutid1
The comments there are quite entertaining. ;) :
wtf is this show about?
-Incest and dwarf sex.
–You’re forgetting all the rape!
—And lemoncakes
—-Backstabbing and inappropriate shipping
—–Sex, betrayal, fantasy, and every character you ever love dying a grisly death.
etc.
well, one can’t argue that this is not true…
(please delete if this is not allowed to post)
SchlafmohnQuote Reply
Very long time lurker and reader (been keeping up with HBO’s production ever since they optioned the rights back in oh…2007? Hard to remember), but I must say that all this excitement, the positive reviews, the 15-minute preview, and the real thing airing in just 2 weeks has made it impossible to remain silent any longer. I’m looking forward to wasting many an hour discussing the series with all you wonderful people, squealing with joy over how certain beloved scenes were executed so faithfully and screaming in horror when the icing on the lemoncakes should have been one shade brighter.
It’s been a fun ride so far, but the best is yet to come. See you all tomorrow night at 9:15 :)
onionmeisterQuote Reply
I watched 3 eps of Camelot tonight, and I am not ready to flay it as some here have. It wasn’t horrible and in fact, it was pretty OKAY. But I wanted a lot better and it just didn’t deliver.
I think Arthur is badly cast. Sure they wanted him to be young and vulnerable and let him grow into being king but instead, he was just weak and I didn’t buy him for a second.
I liked Eva Green, especially after the first Ep.
The bigger point is, we hope GOT is a helluva lot better than “okay”.
Larry D CurtisQuote Reply
yeah I liked Eva Green in ep 2, although I am not sure if I’ll keep watching, if I’m bored I suppose.
The Borgias was good though :)
Jordan HealeyQuote Reply
I totally know just what you mean. I’ve been following for a good long while now too and the more things are coming to a head the more I want to talk about it. Welcome to the comments from one new guy to another!
PaintknightQuote Reply
Tar Kidho,
Haha thank you and I would never even dare to propose to change the motto of our famous house ;-) Though I’m always at your service to translate something :-p
LiesieQuote Reply
The 15 minute preview will be available on Making Game of thrones right after airing. Cool stuff!
sjweningsQuote Reply
Honest to God, I am close to tears here. This is pathetic!
I don’t know about always supporting the bottom, but right now it is my bottom that needs supporting!
dimensionallyTQuote Reply
Has anybody squeed yet? No? Okay. SQUEEEEEEE!
Blackfish BluesQuote Reply
Winter Is Coming,
Oh man, tears have come to my eyes ONLY by reading this.
I wonder what I’m going to do when I actually see the first episode. AHHH!! My heart won’t be able to withstand so many emotions!
Rinoa De la PicaQuote Reply
it aint getting better.
im facing 2 weeks of exams and still i just cant stop going online every hour to check if theres something new.
i am addicted to this site.
and im happy with it :D
BeneQuote Reply
I beat you to it, I’m afraid ;)
ZackQuote Reply
I’ve been reading your fantastic weblog since november 2008, shortly after the pilot was ordered by HBO. Your very first post back then was:
You (together with Fire and Blood and Hear me Roar later on) did all this and you did it outstandingly well. Keep it up! And thank you very much!
Reading Larry D Curtis’ article that was posted here three days ago, I suddenly remembered the time when I (as a teenager and new to the internet) followed every bit of news about Jackson’s Lord of the Rings at theonering.net – quite a flash of nostalgia for me. ;) Your weblog has done a job as great for Game Of Thrones and all friends of Mr Martin’s novels. If there is anyone who deserves a special treat from HBO, it’s you! Enjoy the episodes — and better get those reviews online damn quickly! :)
Herr FickQuote Reply
Sounds great that Winter is so satisfied with the first episode. When I’ve heard that, plus the great reviews the show is getting elsewhere, I’m actually not even jealous of the people getting the first 6 episodes to watch, just because it’s harder to get a good flow of the series with that.
The by far best way to watch a season is when you have it all from the start, but second I actually prefer to get it in a steady pace. The wait is actually easier now than it was before as I can now just savor the fact that I almost know I’m waiting for something great. Better to wait for it than to have it all done with.
Tywin’s BastardQuote Reply
Indeed!
Winter is Coming – Supporting the bottom since 2008!
EirikurQuote Reply
Apologies, good ser… Then I’ll give an enthusiastic GURGLE!
Blackfish BluesQuote Reply
Easier for me too. Must be the anti-anxiety meds.
Mike ChairQuote Reply
Well said, Herr, um, Fick. As a lowly kitchen scullion of House Gatewatch, I second that motion.
HollyoakQuote Reply
Lately I have been only reading and not writing into here, for the news have been coming at the speed of machinegun and working isn’t best friends for reading blogs. But how awesome news they have been. Even though there is always the fear that “critics love but nobody watches” -happens but with this many non-readers/non-nerds loving it, it would seem impossible for GoT to fail. Also if WiC loves it, it’s enough for me. And non-spoiler review but full of fanboyishm is welcomed.
Funny to see people already asking about the “always support the bottom”, must be one of the most weirdest community slogans. Felt like just yesterday when we tried to photoshop what actually reads in the WiC’s pergament and then laughing like fools when we found out what it actually was. And now the show is just 14 days away. Hot damn, I can’t actually even understand it yet.
rorschach-Quote Reply
I just can’t wait for the 15 minute preview today… and I seriously hope it’s available for viewing here in Europe too!
Fabrizio MarcucciQuote Reply
Fabrizio Marcucci,
Apparently it’ll be up on the HBO website for everyone to watch as soon as it’s aired :D it’ll be 2am for me!
Gytha OggQuote Reply
Liesie,
I would suggest Sustinete semper fundum, using the 2nd person plural imperative of sustineo, sustinere, with fundus, fundi as the direct object.
Using an imperative gives it a “you must support the bottom” emphasis, but you could use the jussive subjunctive sustineatis instead, if you wanted more of a “you should support the bottom” emphasis.
I prefer fundus, fundi for bottom, since it means something more like foundation rather than a meaning like lowest or deepest for imus, ima, imum. The former also has the benefit of being a noun, rather than being used as a substantive adjective.
I am definitely not an expert at Latin, so take the above with a grain of salt! The geekery is provided for those who’d like additional options, not as a critique of your choices.
Anyway, what a great idea to translate the motto into Latin! I hadn’t thought of that at all, despite Latin and GoT‘s current battle to take over my brain. Good luck on your exam (my Mediaeval Latin final is Wednesday).
Carol WittQuote Reply
I like how WiC is suddenly being hounded for his thoughts on the series.
It’s somewhat reminiscent of the Man himself being hounded for ADWD.
All I can say is: WiC is not your bitch!
Oh and hurry up with the review Winter.
Jim HiggittQuote Reply
Damn time zones! We will have to wait till monday methinks.
SebQuote Reply
Gytha Ogg,
Thanks! I’m even more excited then :D
Fabrizio MarcucciQuote Reply
Seb,
Yes, everyone should go by Greenwitch Mean Time. Things would be so much simpler.
Tywin’s BastardQuote Reply
Winter-is-coming.net needs a Cafepress account. I’m sure a bunch of us would like “Always Support the Bottom” T-shirts and hell, it might give you guys a little income. Just a thought. I’d definitely buy a shirt reading “Always Support the Bottom” with http://www.winter-is-coming-net in smaller letters underneath
Phoenix_tornQuote Reply
Winter Is Coming,
hmmm.. do I trust a biggest-fan type review? Biased much? I challenge HBO to send a review copy to grumpy-shut-in.net.
Sides, I already know the series is going to bomb. Why do I know this? The first tell-tale sign was they didn’t hire Gillian Anderson to be Cersei. Then, they didn’t hire GA to be Catelyn. Then they didn’t hired GA at all.
And when Tamzin Merchant mysteriously disappeared from the earth, and was replaced with a young woman who in a white wig looks like a Russian Photoshop job, I knew this show was going to be an absolute travesty.
Other reasons this show will bomb: They didn’t hire Mr Bean.
Trust me! I’m a confirmed source of things that have yet to pass. Now, to top it off… suddenly GRRM is done with his next installment. Sh’yeah.. people wake up… TOO MUCH GOOD NEWS = BAD NEWS. p.
Fat Sword of DoomQuote Reply
Fat Sword of Doom,
Yeah she was totally excellent in Bleak House. And Mr Bean is like, a totally amazing actor. He’s a CHAMELEON. His real name is Rowan Atkinson btw.
DaveyQuote Reply
Rowan Atkinson for Dolorous Edd.
Gillian Anderson for Mel.
The Others take Fat Sword of Doom.
Mike ChairQuote Reply
The dude who played Captain Picard wasn’t selected to be Littlefingers OR Syrio. That’s just hard to imagine. He’s like a duh moment choice you know.
Whiney the PoobarQuote Reply
Whiney the Poobar,
Sh’yeah. That guy is WILEY in other roles. I haven’t seen the other roles but I heard about one time he was in another role (besides Prof X).
Fat Sword of DoomQuote Reply
Patrick Stewart for Stannis.
Mike ChairQuote Reply
So I just received my latest entertainment weekly article turns out they did try the purple eyes but they were problematic for the actors. NCW mentioned how he read pages of comments about people saying he could not play Jamie because of his nose. I wonder if he was talking about WIC. They play up the sex in the article more than anything else. Great shot of bean, ncw, momoa, and Clarke in character taking a pic together.
Jessica C.Quote Reply
… I don’t know. I don’t think Stannis is.. you know… (gay).
DaveyQuote Reply
hrmmmphjj.. inconveniently my subscription to EW seems to have been expired when I realized I could read it for free at the dentist’s office every 6 months. Any chance you can take a shot of that picture with your cell darling and then post it on the webs?
Whiney the PoobarQuote Reply
what a gluttony of sock puppets.
Amir MishaliQuote Reply
Yeah, because it’s well known gay actors can only play gay characters…-.-
I for one totaly see Stewart as Stannis
ThorrgalQuote Reply
You can find the scans there:
http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/57949765.html#cutid1
AnvilQuote Reply
Winter Is Coming,
I saw your tweet on my feed when I got in last night and was jumping up at down! No higher praise could be said I think. Looking forward to it even more now! Can’t wait for your review post!
DarthRachelQuote Reply
Carol Witt,
first things first: Loved to read your reaction!
Yes you’re right I thought about those options as well but the reason I chose ‘suspendere’ is because it’s means supporting in the most litteraly sense of the word (and it offers a nice alliteration!) and I chose singular because well… I don’t know it should have been plural of course! ( I blame it on an overload of Latin these past few weeks, since I was a ‘little’ behind schedule, but of course that’s not an excuse ;-))
I almost picked ‘fundum’ as well but I thought ‘imum’ was the best way to leave the meaning of ‘bottom’ as ambiguous as possible.
But I don’t think you should use a subjunctive because you express a statement with ‘Always support the bottom’ It’s simply something you always have to do. By using a subjunctive in this case you’d express that it’s either a possibility to support the bottom, or a wish, or an exhortation.
*looks at the time, is startled, runs off to go studying again*
LiesieQuote Reply
Jessica C.,
yea, honestly it’s not a big deal to me if they don’t have purple eyes. but it’s nice to know they were attentive enough to detail, that they tried.
DarthRachelQuote Reply
I would never make such a crass generalization. I meant he can only act in gay roles.
And …is Patrick Steward gay? I just thought he played one on the TV.
DaveyQuote Reply
Anvil,
Much obliged!
EirikurQuote Reply
Okay now I just had to do this ;-)
Hibernum venturum (Winter is coming)
Audite me mugire (Hear me roar)
Ignis sanguisque (Fire and blood)
Non seminamus (We do not sow)
Furor nostro est (Ours is the fury)
LiesieQuote Reply
Winter Is Coming,
I love your comment about D&D making it their own. They have to, or it would suck. You can’t copy the books word for word. I’m less interested in how it’s changed from the books. But how does it stand as a television series.
Targaryen FanboyQuote Reply
Ser, by that rationale you mean to say that Littlefingers and Syrio go ‘the other way’. I tend to disagree, as there is no evidence in the GRRM canon. Much unlike the rainbow army and Renly in particular.
Whiney the PoobarQuote Reply
Liesie,
Its been a while since I took latin but wouldn’t Fire and Blood be Ignis et Sanguis?
Eric JonesQuote Reply
Eric Jones,
Yes that’s possible as well but -que indicates a VERY close relationschip between to words so I thought that was a perfect fit :)
LiesieQuote Reply
No, the subjunctive in Latin can be used more broadly than that, iirc – including in a jussive sense. As, indeed, it can be in English (“long live the king”).
“Sustineo” is better than “suspendo” – the latter is for hanging up, rather than holding up or supporting. “fundus” is the bottom of any thing, or more metaphorically the foundation. “imum” would be the deepest one, or the last one.
However, personally (and not being an expert myself), I’d go for the gerundive : so “fundus sustinendus semper est”.
[The gerundive would strictly mean "the bottom is to be supported always" or "the bottom is something that should always be supported", so more impersonal than the imperative - but I think that goes better with the gnomic, proverbial nature of mottoes. Besides, it can often be used with the implication of requiring action from others: "Karthago delenda est" was a call for its destruction, not just a philosophical conclusion.]
WastrelQuote Reply
Wastrel,
Gerundive YES that’s it!
I’m aware that there are more uses of the subjunctive but those are the options of (and now my english is failing me) the subjunctive praesens in the *uhh* main sentence. And since ‘Always support the bottom’ is cleary such a sentence you only have those options chose from while translating the subjunctive.
But what we actually need is a gnomic imperative of the aorist, too bad the aorist disappeard quite early from the Latin language… Maybe we should try greek ;-)
LiesieQuote Reply
Just because I can’t get it out of head right now. In conclusion it should be:
Semper fundum sustinendum est!
(It’s also possible without ‘est’ I know ;-))
LiesieQuote Reply
Even better: How’s this?
KGQuote Reply
WTF are you people talking about, Patrick Stewart is not gay.
LexQuote Reply
No, no, no … that’s just Davey. He brings out the best in people.
le crapaud coquinQuote Reply
That nose is sexy as hell. The mark of a warrior.
KGQuote Reply
Elio and Linda have a quite lenghty write-up of their first impressions.
I’m quite stunned by all the rave reviews. I definitely thought that GoT had all the ingredients to be a show people would like, but every review I’ve read has been enthusiastic! It’s going to be interesting to see what kind of ratings it gets on opening night (and on Easter).
Waiting has become easier for me these last weeks. Another two weeks pass by so quickly; it was harder when it was two years. Before we know it the first season will have ended :(
Johan SporreQuote Reply
Liesie,
this is great! i like ignis sanguisque and furor nostro est most. and the small homoioteleuton (do you call it like that in english as well?) at Hibernum venturum. audite me mugire seems quite odd to me – just dont like the “me” in between. but hell – my latin exam was like 11 years ago!
i would ask you to translate my name into latin as well, if it wasnt latin already :D
BeneQuote Reply
Well, someone had to – why not me?
Tada Cafe Press!
KGQuote Reply
What Beth & Katran both said. I owe a lot of my viewing over the last ten years or so to Tim Goodman’s impeccable taste…and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one.
Tom HiltonQuote Reply
Qué gran suerte tenéis vosotros.
Además de poder ver HBO y todas sus series, lo podéis hacer en inglés, es decir en versión original y para colmo de envidia, después podéis escribir en ese mismo idioma lo que se os ocurra sobre esas series.
Aquí en España, no sabemos hablar en inglés, no entendemos nada de lo que decís y tampoco podemos ver esas cadenas ni HBO, ni AMC.
FernandoQuote Reply