On Sunday night, the Writer’s Guild of America held their annual awards ceremony and Game of Thrones was nominated for two awards, although, sadly, it did not win. However, it did give another opportunity for Thrones writers to talk about the series. Hollywood.TV caught up with writer/producer David Benioff and his wife Amanda Peet on the red carpet and were able to ask them some questions about season two.
Winter Is Coming: David again mentions the moving of material from the third book into this season. What does everyone think they will move up?
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88 Comments
Caloo Calay!
First!
McKee AndrusQuote Reply
I hope that the prologue of ASOS is the last scene of the second season. I don’t need the whole battle against the others or anything like that. Only the horn blasts and if that’s not enough, then maybe a glimpse of an shadowy army far away or something like that. The last scene of the second book will feel so lackluster after the Dany ending of season one.
But can you guys come up with cool first scenes for the third season if they have already used the prologue?
agorQuote Reply
I didn’t know he was married to Amanda Peet. I just saw her in a really good movie called Please Give, which also featured Oliver Platt and one of my favorite actors, Catherine Keener.
So Amanda Peet has seen season two! No fair!
Wahhhhhhh!!!!!!
HollyoakQuote Reply
Hollyoak,
she was also in Identity, which was a pretty cool psychological thriller
KevinQuote Reply
IMO the perfect ending would be the NW at the Fist when the three horns blow.
A far shot slowly pans in to the top of a hill where the Others appear through some sparse trees running towards the Fist, the camera zooms in slowly towards one othe others eyes or maybe a sword strike and ends with a black screen.
…To be continued
ConorQuote Reply
I thought his remark about some stuff being put off till a future season was more interesting.
Did he just mean the introduction of Edmure and Riverun or could there be some truth to the theory that the Bran/Theon plotline is being slowed down.
MormegilQuote Reply
The ending of season 1 was praised by critics because it wasn’t a cliffhanger. I think the horn blast would be too much of a tease. Sounds like a cheap ending to LOST instead of a set-up for Season 3.
David has showrunner diplomacy down to an art.
MegQuote Reply
I’m betting we’ll get more of Jamie’s adventures. He spends virtually all of Book 2 in the dungeon at Riverrun. To give us more Jamie, and to avoid the awkward weirdness of Robb hauling Jaime all over creation with his war party (since Riverrun has apparently been written out of season 2), I expect we’ll have several added intense encounters between Jamie and Cat, culminating with Jamie’s release, a lot earlier than we see them in the books.
ChrisQuote Reply
agor,
This was my thought as well, although it’s anyone’s guess really. If they use this to end the second season, there will still be a lot of substance to be told at the beginning of season three, either as a straightforward account of the battle itself, or, as in the books, shots of Sam fleeing with flashbacks of the battle.
Sam DeGreeQuote Reply
I’m betting Jamie is going to be one hand shorter in the end of this season.
OlisgoodQuote Reply
All I’m expecting them to put in is the SOS prologue and Jaime and Catelyn’s first chapter. They can’t advance the story for Jaime too much, or they would have to release him before the scenes of Theon in winterfell and Catelyn would look like an even bigger fool.
sunspearQuote Reply
Agree x1000. Bran watching the burning of Winterfell is the perfect thematic closure to the season. Horn blast would be shoehorning in a “kewl” ending that doesn’t fit in this season at all.
As to what they’ve moved up, clearly Jaime stuff. Perhaps Karstark’s beheading as well?
AndrewQuote Reply
Jamie and Arya and Dany storylines moved up for sure.
AngelaQuote Reply
I found that “some stuff is shoved back for later” line much more interesting.
I grow hopes that the whole buzz about “no reek, no reeds, no tully!” is going to be unfullfilling and all this is just put back for season 3. then they would certainly have enough material to make 2 seasons of that + book 3.
Also, as they stated some charakters die who are still living in the book while others may survive …
What about Jiqhui or Irri dieing in place of Doreah?
MichaelmannQuote Reply
I love Amanda Peet excitement..she seems totally blown away by season 2..can’t wait ! …
Coltaine777Quote Reply
I too find more interesting what he said about postponing some plots and characters for other seasons (than moving material from the third book into this one). This would explain the absence of Reek, Tully´s and the Reed siblings I guess.
For season 2 they´ll probably expand Jaime / Brienne´s story and some of the NW? I have no idea what they´ll do with Daenerys´ arc.
andreaQuote Reply
My money is on Karstark beheading
“White walkers are coming” on the Fist of First men.
And perhaps some Jaime/Brienne dialogues.
The RabbitQuote Reply
You think Amanda Peet could be cast for some role in future seasons?
VirtusQuote Reply
I dunno… there’s no real connection or interest in Karstark to make it much of a big deal (to me). Even the book was that way for me. I “get” his importance, but there was no emotional connection or anything. It was basically just, “Good job, Robb!”
EdQuote Reply
I’m with you on that one. That particular storyline in the book did nothing for me as well. And I’m a big Robb fan. I’m hoping they can increase the emotional impact in the show.
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
Virtus,
Myranda, perhaps? :)
Michael HarperQuote Reply
Ed,
I agree.
But if they already recast him – I am pretty sure that his importance is going to be bigger in the show.
The RabbitQuote Reply
Seems like Bran’s story is the one that’s going to be held back. I’d hope that Jaime’s story will be advanced given that besides his botched escape, he doesn’t do too much in ACOK.
SteveQuote Reply
They’ll need to move up Jaimie’s story arc because he features in one chapter If I remember correctly.
The KingslayerQuote Reply
My guess would be Jaime, though it doesn’t really fit if they’re holding Bran’s story back like some people suspect. Catelyn only releases Jaime because of the “deaths” of Bran and Rickon, so I have to think Bran’s story won’t be held back that much.
Ed,
I didn’t really care about Karstark, but I thought the chapter with his beheading worked well just in showing how Robb’s support and war for King in the North was slowly crumbling.
It could be a reference to Robb’s storyline. We know Jeyne has been cast, presumably her last name is Westerling. Technically she meets Robb during the events of ACOK but it’s not until ASOS that she shows up. I doubt it will be Davos, Sansa, Arya, or Jon. Neither the Queen of Thorns or Mance Rayder have been cast yet, so it makes no sense to move up Jon or Sansa’s storyline. Davos’ ends in a great way on the blackwater, and Arya killing the guard at Harrenhal is also a great arc ending, unlike in AGOT where it made sense for them to include her first chapter from ACOK in the season finale. Might be moving up some of Dany’s arc, since she does so little in ACOK. I don’t her expect her to take Slaver’s Bay in season 2, but they could move up her first chapter from ASOS where Jorah comes on to her.
JorgeQuote Reply
Matching the emotional climax of the first season will be impossible for S2, and I don’t think we should be worrying about what critics think is best or how they’ll compare one cliffhanger or another to ep9 of last season; nothing they can do will shock viewers as much as the death of Sean Bean/Ned.
Ending with the third book’s prologue would be fine as a set up for the next season, just as Dany’s dragons was for S1. For the more emotional climax, I think Tyrion’s fate will be used; I hope ep9 doesn’t end of a cliff hanger over whether Tyrion is dead or not, as that would be repetitive and a fake-out. In the book Tyrion’s last chapter was quite the fall from grace: he saved the city, yet his exploits were largely dismissed as his father took the glory. Then he was demoted, having essentially lost the game of thrones to Cersei.
Then there’s the issue of Jon and whether he’ll kill Halfhand in the ninth or tenth episode. That could be quite an effective scene depending on how Halfhand is handled throughout the season; if he just comes off as a side character it won’t work well, but if he’s portrayed as the mythic badass Jon and the others look up to, it will work well.
More Rice CooksQuote Reply
The only problem I have with moving Jaime’s story up is..Catelyn released him because she was grieving at the loss of her children. If Bran/Rickon are still “alive” and Robb is still doing well in the war(remember this will be before blackwater bay) then there is absolutely no reason for Catelyn to free Jaime. It would be the dumbest thing to ever happen.
SamQuote Reply
They can’t just have Jamie sitting in a cell for the majority of the season, it’s a waste of a talented actor and a fantastic character. I am sure they can work out a way to get Jaimie on the road midway through the season.
As for not equaling the shocking climax of season 1 I disagree, When Winterfall was burned to the ground and Maester was slain I was genuinely heartbroken.
Although nothing has left me distraught as to what happens in ASOS and no I ain’t talking about the Red Wedding
The KingslayerQuote Reply
Sam, there was a casting announcement where they were seeking a young red-headed boy Art Parkinson’s age as an extra, and then the actor who plays Dagmer Cleftjaw tweeted that he spent the day beheading children, or something like that — so I think it’s pretty clear that the faking of Bran/Rickon’s deaths will be included this year.
Accordingly, I do not believe for a second that S2 will end with Theon still in control of Winterfell. His storyline is essentially over after he fakes their deaths. Roose will take Winterfell in Ep 10 and send Theon off to the Dreadfort, where he’ll meet Ramsay in a future season.
AndrewQuote Reply
Curious to see how they’ll handle that scene with Theon, with the internet and trolls on message boards it’s going to be difficult to keep his fake death a secret until season what 6?
The KingslayerQuote Reply
The Kingslayer,
I wouldn’t be surprised if they showed some of Ramsay torturing Theon before Dance to keep him in viewers minds
DavidQuote Reply
I think we’ll definitely see Bran & Rickon’s “deaths” this year, but not the burning of Winterfell. They can do the deaths w/o Reek, and then Cat releasing Jaime, and the Karstark beheading, makes sense. I think the final Winterfell scenes this season will be Asha visiting Winterfell, then the reveal that the kids are still alive, hiding in the crypts.
the goatQuote Reply
You have to have Winterfall burning, it’s such a pivotal and earth shattering moment for House Stark.
The KingslayerQuote Reply
Amanda Peet is soo sweet, and its so cool to see her be so excited about Season Two! It was so hilarious when she said that the show has become an issue in their marriage…LOL …nerd alert…
David is such a champion of the show and it is great to see how he acknowledges George, “A Song Of Ice And Fire” and its legions of fans…
Can’t wait until Fool’s Day!
loco73Quote Reply
I think they will include some of Davos’s early story line from ASOS. They don’t want to leave the audience guessing, whether he’s dead or alive. We might see his return to Dragonstone, maybe even end with his imprisonment for planning to kill Mel.
VirtusQuote Reply
The Kingslayer,
Oh, sorry if I implied we wouldn’t ever see it. I just don’t think it will happen til next season.
the goatQuote Reply
the goat,
I sure hope we’ll see the burning of winterfell! ACOK isn’t exactly jam-packed with action, so if they start cutting things…
sjweningsQuote Reply
Winter Is Coming,
We’ll likely get to know Tion and/or Willem a little better so it is more shocking when they get the chop.
KGQuote Reply
sjwenings,
Just don’t see how they can do it w/o Ramsay. Roose going up to WF and burning it doesn’t work for several reasons.
the goatQuote Reply
I’ll have to check that out. Thanks.
HollyoakQuote Reply
the goat,
Any chance that they’ve withheld casting information for Ramsey because his identity is a plot devise–that is, because his posing as Reek might be ruined for viewers by a casting announcement of the actor as Ramsey? I guess that theory wouldn’t hold with “Yara” if they plan on keeping her little prank on Theon.
Sam DeGreeQuote Reply
Sam DeGree,
Anything’s possible, but if he had been cast this year, I’m sure they would’ve just announced him as Reek.
the goatQuote Reply
Ed,
It’s not so much the audience’s connection with Karstark that makes it shocking or have us emotionally invested it’s our connection with Robb and the fact that he executes one of his liege lords. I personally cared about the implications it would have for his character, not necessarily Karstark himself.
DogmayorQuote Reply
Amanda seems to excited about the season, but it’s almost like the reporter is ignoring her, lol.
David says he hopes it continues for a few more years. We’ll need more than that to cover the whole saga! I seriously believe if we can get to the RW, there will be serious hell to pay if HBO didn’t give at least another season.
I really liked the way they ended season 1. Episode 9 was such a downer and shocker and would have been a terrible way to end the season. Episode 10 gave viewers a reason to come back for more: revenge, exploration beyond the wall, dragons. It got viewers pumped up about the stories to come. I hope episode 10 of season 2 is less a cliffhanger and more of an exciting setup for the next season.
DreamlifeQuote Reply
I think Jaime will get his hand lopped off after he tries to escape. Wil end the season being released one handed with Brienne
I think Bran and Hodor will leave Winterfell and start north and Osha will take Rickon. No Reeds
I think we will see Davos after the Blackwater
Not sure about Theon. We might see him being flayed a bit.
I think we might actually see a shadow kill Balon and Asha head back for a Kingsmoot
Robb’s marriage on screen while Cat is away watching Renly getting killed
Dan SpicerQuote Reply
Hollyoak,
If you like Amanda Peet and good writing check out Studio 60, such a good show that only got 1 season.
AdenhartQuote Reply
I think many people need to re-think their analytical approach to the expected story arcs. Instead of looking at this only on a story basis, you must consider this from a practical basis as well.
When GRRM sends a character off screen for an entire book or two, it does not matter to George. GRRM’s character is still there when the author needs the character to come back. GRRM’s characters don’t need to pay rent/mortgage and work to earn a living when they aren’t appearing in a season of GoT. The character does not take on another job as a consequence, leaving HBO in the lurch when they want that character to come back in a subsequent season.
So it isn’t just about story pacing, it’s about the reality of not being able to sit an actor for an entire season, either.
It is for this reason that:
- We can expect Jaime’s release from bondage earlier;
- We can expect Theon’s arc to be pushed back later so that Winterfell does NOT burn in Season 2;
- We can expect Bran will have to have something more to DO in Season 2 – a new storyline will have to be introduced here;
- We can expect Rob and Jeyne to be front and centre and doing things earlier;
- We can expect that Dany’s arc in ACOK isn’t simply a matter of moving things forward from ASOS, but for entirely NEW things to occur to make her journey in Season 2 more interesting;
- We can expect Arstan to appear in Season 2 and not sit until season 3 (unless they have resolved to accept that they may have to hire a new actor for Barristan)
Additionally, D&D have the ability to reorder some events in the timeline for dramatic flair (and practical casting purposes) as they know things in Season 2 that GRRM never knew when he was writing ACOK. D&D know, specifically. what is going to happen in Books 3, 4 and 5 and when. Put simply, GRRM didn’t know these things when writing ACOK as he had not fully developed those plots yet. Some of the major events he foreshadowed and had already planned when he was writing ACOK — but many (if not most) of those events he “discovered” along the way when he wrote them subsequently.
End Result: D&D have other fish to fry and story is only a part of it. They need to juggle a vast ensemble cast and do so in a manner so as to permit them to NOT have actors missing an entire season wherever and whenever possible.
Theon Greyjoy is NOT going to vanish for two seasons folks because Alfie Allen needs to be able to work. Won’t happen. The story is going to have to change in order to deal with that reality.
Steel_WindQuote Reply
The way I see it, there are four possible scenarios for handling the Winterfell storyline. All of them, however, have Bran and Rickon’s supposed deaths, the reveal that they are alive, and Bran starting North to the wall by the end of Season 2. As several commenters have noted, Catelyn freeing Jaime makes no sense unless she has learned about the “deaths” of her sons. Since Jaime’s storyline seems likely to be moved up (though likely not to the loss of his hand – that would be a great ending for the first episode of Season 3), their “deaths” will likely need to happen around Episode 7 or 8 (Episode 9 will be mostly/all Blackwater, Episode 10 about the fallout and setup for next season). Theoretically, they could hide in the crypts until next season, but that seems pretty unlikely to me.
In order of decreasing likelihood:
1. Winterfell remains unburned at the end of season 2, but Theon finds himself in an increasingly precarious position (Northern forces – including the Boltons – closing in, if not already at the gates). The final development could be Yara asking Theon to abandon Winterfell, and Theon deciding instead to cling to his new seat against all odds. The burning and his capture then happen in early-to-mid Season 3. This development would allow Theon’s storyline to be stretched into the next season, when he’s otherwise completely offscreen. Personally, I think it’s a bit anticlimactic. Still, without Reek, it’s probably the most likely.
2. The burning of Winterfell happens as in ACOK, only it’s Roose who somehow sneaks back up North and takes Reek’s role in burning Winterfell. This introduces several timing problems, namely that Roose has to somehow get back down to the Riverlands in time to be at Harrenhall when Jaime and Brienne show up there and later meet up with Rob prior to the RW without Rob suspecting that Roose has betrayed him. It also makes Roose himself a far more explicit malice, which could undermine the surprise of the RW for some viewers who haven’t read the books.
3. Winterfell is sacked and burned by the Boltons as in ACOK, but they are either lead by an invented stand-in character or they do it without any giving us any specific faces or names. This would keep the timeline current, though it does raise the question about why Theon decides to open his gates to them (maybe he meets Rodrik outside, and the Boltons take them all by surprise?)
4. The burning of Winterfell happens as in ACOK. Reek is played by a minor actor, and his face is mostly hidden by a hood or something (similar to how they disguised Jaqen last season). He will then be replaced during later seasons and somehow all knowledge of this has escaped the many spies hovering around the production who have scooped up all other relevant casting news.
Other storylines that are candidates to be moved up:
Robb’s wedding to Jeyne (I think this one is very likely to happen), the Others arriving at the Fist of the First Men (we would probably only get the hornblows, not the battle itself), Dany’s arrival at Slaver’s Bay (but not her conquest) and a scene of Stannis and Mel regrouping after Blackwater, with Davos being imprisoned.
All of the King’s Landing storylines have natural breaking points at the end of ACOK and will likely stay put. Same for Arya: her story can’t advance much further beyond Harrenhall without her meeting the BwB, none of whom have been cast (other than Beric Dondarrion, who will likely be recast for Season 3).
JaredQuote Reply
Steel_Wind,
Amen my friend. I agree with you on every point, and I have a strong feeling that’s exactly what is going to happen. It also gives us a bit of hope that the Reeds, Reek and the Brave Companions will show up in season 3. As well as use the next season’s budget for Riverrun and cast some Tullys.
The more we resign ourselves to the notion that the source material will provide the narrative framework and that the writing and acting will continue to validate Martin’s central themes than the less disappointed we will be with what has been changed. We must deal with both the modifications that occur when translating the text from one medium to another and the constantly shifting financial and political sea that is the television industry which holds this production in its thrall. Now from a purist perspective, this argument is moot, but I look forward to see how loyal an adaptation D and D can deliver given the ever changing nature of the field they work in.
As for Barristan Selmy to be possibly recast, I certainly hope not. I came to love the character even more so because of Ian McElhinney’s (sp?) dignified performance. That to me is the best thing about this show, the small character actors you never heard of just giving it their all and bringing Martin’s characters to life. Because of Game of Thrones, I am now aware of Iain Glen, Conleth Hill, Jerome Flynn, Michelle Fairley, Ian McElhinney etc. Hopefully if all goes well performance wise people will be adding Stephen Dillane, Carice Van Houten, Gwendoline Christie, Liam Cunningham, Simon Armstrong et al to their own lists.
Joshua TaylorQuote Reply
Jared,
I would point out that the timing of Jaime’s release can, oddly, be better explained by Catelyn learning of “Arya’s death” somehow.
Frankly, Catelyn’s release of Jaime after Bran and Rickon were dead was always a fool’s errand. Sansa’s potential claim to the North was at that stage FAR too attractive to the Lannisters. While Robb, Bran and Rickon remained alive, there was a real REASON that Tyrion might have traded Sansa for Jaime. With them both dead? It would NEVER happen.
There are also real reasons why having Sansa back could help the North shore up their alliances by planning to marry Sansa off. To a Greyjoy or even as an offering to the Tyrell, a Martel or yes, even to the Freys. It could be motivated by hearing of Tyrion’s offer and then having to deal with Robb’s disastrous marriage to Jeyne. Robb might approve of it out of guilt for screwing things up and out of a sincere desire to get Sansa back for political as well as personal reasons. We don’t need the river chase scene — or at least — not necessarily being chased by Tully bannermen in pursuit of an escaped Jaime.
So I disagree that releasing Jaime only makes sense because of Bran and Rickon’s supposed “death”. It might be because of that, sure, but there is no must to it. There is more than one way to skin that cat(elyn).
Steel_WindQuote Reply
Jared,
Could not Ramsay Bolton and his exploits be referred to at several key moments in season 2? That will lay the groundwork for the future, allowing Ramsay to show up in full armour at the end of season 2, played by an extra. We would lose the name Reek, but there’s no reason why Theon can’t be called Reek by Ramsay in subsequent seasons when Ramsay Bolton is cast.
Or….it is believed Bran and Rickon are dead when Theon takes Winterfell. Theon does what he does vis a vis the heads of the Miller’s children/his bastards without Reek/Ramsay’s involvement, and Reek gets introduced in season 3.
Personally, I believe that to let Winterfull be burned down by the Boltons a season prior to the Red Wedding will take away the surprise of Bolton’s betrayal for the Unsullied audience. Having Winterfell burned down by Ramsay near the end of season 3 and a raven reaching Bolton will be the ‘go signal’ in accordance with his plotting with Tywin to betray Robb at the Twins. The final gut punch of course will be accompanied by the ‘Rains of Castemere’
Joshua TaylorQuote Reply
Your system screwed up my spoilers by exposing the middle paragraphs and then PREVENTED ME from editing to fix em. I had plenty of time left, too. (8 mins and 30 seconds, supposedly) Sorry. Please fix.
Steel_WindQuote Reply
Sam DeGree,
But don’t you think that Reek/Ramsay is a far more crucial part of the story to conceal in terms of casting than a three to five minute Twelfth Night style jape between two siblings?
Joshua TaylorQuote Reply
Exactly this. The Karstark situation isn’t about Karstark. Its about Robb and how he handles the situation, and what it says about Robb as a leader and a king.
Personally, I found it difficult to read those pages because I felt so bad for Robb being forced into this situation. Then when he actually attempts to behead Rickard Karstark, he does such a lousy job and has to get it done with multiple strikes. At this point all eyes are upon him–having to execute one of his lords was already an unpopular call–then when he does, it appears to the other lords he doesn’t even know what hes doing, putting further doubt into their minds about their king. That’s why I found it difficult to read, because I felt sorry and embarrassed for Robb. I could give two nuts about Rickard Karstark.
Argilac the ArrogantQuote Reply
Thinking about this further, the decision to film Season 3 and 4 back to back, if it in fact goes ahead, potentially deals with other issues too:
If the sacking of Winterfell is pushed back to the middle of Season 3 — and Season 4 is filmed directly after Season 3, then Alfie Allen does NOT have to sit idle for all that time. At least, not for any considerable period of time than the REST of the cast will also have to sit.
So yes, it deals with the growth of the kids in a serious manner, but it’s not only that. It lets Theon miss Season 4 without leaving Alfie Allen out of work for all that time if they film it back to back, too.
Steel_WindQuote Reply
Argilac the Arrogant,
To me, that scene was the first time in the books I cared for Robb as a person outside of being the possible saviour of his family and Ned’s avenger. It’s also fitting that he is carrying out his father’s legacy with the execution. It made the Red Wedding even more devastating in my opinion. An ominous, foreboding scene in its proper context. I can’t wait to see that on screen.
Joshua TaylorQuote Reply
For me, the Karstark thing was one of the most memorable and pivotal scenes in terms of Robb’s character development. A very uncomfortable and morally difficult situation. Especially for a young leader like Robb.
LexQuote Reply
Expanding on my “Catelyn learns of Arya’s death” theory as a possible spur to the early release of Jaime, the question which should follow that positively unbridled speculation is HOW Catelyn could learn of such a thing and believe it.
Well, Littlefinger could tell her that — couldn’t he? He certainly believed it to be true. And it appears that those two are destined to meet again in Season 2, if the trailer is to be believed (and the trailer may just be artful editing that does not show a real meeting at all). Still, it’s a certainty that Catelyn would ask Littlefinger about news of her children were such a meeting to occur, right?
Point is, this is an adaptation folks. Some things are going to have to bend a little. Don’t get too locked down on the whys and wherefores.
Steel_WindQuote Reply
I suppose that’s true. But to be fair, that isn’t saying much. It isn’t hard to be a “pivotal scene concerning Robb Stark’s character development” when there was so precious little of it.
GRRM’s Robb Stark was more of a plot device than he was a character. We have already seen more of Robb in GoT than we ever did in the novels — and we will end up seeing more of him, too.
If we can have Sansa never go to the Queen to tattle on her imminent return to Winterfell, it we can lose the entirety of the Blackfish, have Jojen and Meera potentially VANISH from the tale completely — and have the rest of Catelyn’s entire damn family never see the light of day, we can certainly pretend Rickard Karstark never existed. It’s a minor event that can be lost without skipping even half a beat.
Steel_WindQuote Reply
Steel_Wind,
Strange how you say Theon can’t burn Winterfell because Theon needs more story in season three, AND then you say they’ll have to “create a new story” for Bran in ACOK to fill this gap. What?
If they really want to keep Alfie Allen employed, the solution is much simpler than all this plot shuffling: they create a story for him in season three! As opposed to trading the high drama of the book’s ending for… what exactly?
Also, does anyone else remember when we were told the final shot of the season involves Bran? Can anyone remind me who said that?
Jared,
Roose does not need to be at Harrenhall. Roose does not need to be at the Red Wedding. He goes north, he betrays the Starks, Robb hears of it right after he marries Jeyne and realizes what a mess he’s in. It’s that simple.
ZachQuote Reply
Steel_Wind,
We haven’t a Jeyne Poole yet… Maybe this could work… Only the problem result how the Boltons can bind the North to hem in Season (4)/5/(6)? Because when Catelyn believes Arya is dead, why should the North doesn’t know?
I didn’t think that the Jaime ‘Hand’-some scene happened in Season 2 or even in Robbs Camp. The North wants the Kingslayer dead not crippled. The risk that the Lannisters revenge such a humiliation on Ned Starks daughters is too big.
My guess:
- Reek is hidden casted. Maybe they use the Jaqen Trick and he is this time only an extra and they change the actor in season 4.
- Else I bet on the Theon-Asha ‘I will stay in Winterfell’ Ending
- The Death of Bran and Rickon happens in ep 7 that’s trigger Robb-Jeyne and Cat-Brienne-Jaime
- Jaime has a dialog with Robb in an early episode and in ep 7/8/10 he travels with Brienne (and Alton?).
- I’m sure Bran, Rickon, Osha and Hodor leave Winterfell this season. But travel aimless in the Wolfswood. There they find the Reeds!
- Kings Landing is the same like the Books
- Arya same like Boks
- Robb marry his Jeyne
- We see expanded Davos, Stannis and Mel after Blackwater (Some possible End scene, like ‘It’s a long march to the wall and winter is coming’ from Yoren)
- I’m not a Fan of the ‘Others attacking the Fist’ theory. It’s a creepy cliffhanger. After a season the audience should not think ‘survive they’ instead ‘what could they do next’ It’s like ‘Is Dany burned in the fire’ or ‘Wow Dany has now dragons, but can 3 dragon pups bring a girl without an army to her throne?’
- So I wish me a ‘Jon kills Halfhand and joins the wildlings’ Ending. The camera zooms out and maybe we see some dark shadows in the ice waste around the fist but no attack.
No-OneQuote Reply
Zach,
It was mentioned earlier in this thread that Bran was the last scene filmed, not necessarily the last scene that will be shown this season…
Coltaine777Quote Reply
As far as some major roles has been cast secretly or being performed by temporary actors that have to be replaced on later seasons, HBO can introduce almost anything.
We may see some Brotherhood scenario, brand new or book referenced.
We can get a first glimpse of the Martells and a certain revenge mention.
We may be hint the love affection of a kingsguard and a little princess.
We may be introduced to the Citadel.
We may hear about the crow’s eye.
But most of all, what we all missed and wish to see in the series are many meaningful flashbacks that fabricate some of the most intriguing mysteries of the book. It’ll be a huge plus for the story. Besides, some (long) dead characters can be used to fulfill them. Just saying.
What I wish for though, is meeting characters that we all feel they should be in season 2 such as the company of Bran, Catelyn’s other family, some Tyrrels, some (more) wildlings, some more Stark’s bannermen. Most of them has important roles in ASoS and further on.
I hope Benioff refers to them.
Kael of the LakeQuote Reply
No-One,
Mate, one of those just can’t happen because Yoren will be deader than a doornail.
Matt ChungQuote Reply
I think the stuff being pushed back to season 3 will be everything to do with Reek and Theon.
Dickon ManwoodyQuote Reply
I think these are a mistake, so take advantage while you can. Best Buy exclusive blu-rays $34.99 for Stark and Targaryen. You can’t get to these through the Best Buy site. I found the links through Google Shopping.
Stark
Targaryen
And don’t forget to click the link for the free keychain!
You’re welcome!
TomQuote Reply
Matt Chung,
This was a referent of the end of season 1 in compare with my possible ends in season 2.
By the way, I also know that Dany didn’t get additional three dragons :-P
No-OneQuote Reply
Correction… you can get to those blu-rays normally from the best buy site. They just don’t show up as $34.99 until you get to the product info or checkout pages.
TomQuote Reply
So I guess it’s not a mistake on Bestbuy.com. I must’ve just gotten there before they fully updated the sales this morning. I think it might be a week long offer.
Anyway, it’s the best deal I’ve heard about yet. $34.99 for Blu-ray and $29.99 for the DVDs w/ exclusive covers, free keychain, and free shipping.
TomQuote Reply
Tom, nice find! That’s a really good deal. Tempted to get it myself just for that sexy Stark cover…
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
Yes, I think that’s true. I have no idea how casting announcements generally work, and how secretive productions are able to be when they want to hide a character/actor’s identity.
Sam DeGreeQuote Reply
Gahhh, now I’m thinking about getting both. Then I would have to decide if I should return the one from HBO w/ the bonus disc. I could just buy the bonus content to stream online, but then I wouldn’t have the nice collectable. It occurs to me that I need to make more money to support my GRRM addiction.
TomQuote Reply
Tom,
Dude! Thanks for the heads up. Got mine ordered now. That’s a steal of a price.
dizzy_34Quote Reply
Tom,
thx for the heads up ..damn shame they don’t ship to Canada ! we have to pay double that price up here …
Coltaine777Quote Reply
Coltaine777,
As a Canadian myself I feel your pain. I find HMV and Best Buy sometimes have great opening day prices. I miss working at HMV, I had a great discount. Although that discount was negligible when it came to brand new releases.
Joshua TaylorQuote Reply
Steel_Wind,
Yeah but Karstark has been cast, so it’s possible they are going that direction. To me, it’s the type of scene that HBO would show, placing a likeable character such as Robb in a position like that. I remember how pissed off I was with Rome when Pullo brutally killed Eirene’s slave lover, but then I remembered that this is the Pre-Christian world and life was cheap. That and how it tied into the overall fabric of the narrative when all was said and done.
Only given the swooning fan base that Richard Madden has acquired, there’s a chance that a lot of that fanbase may be turned off by Robb’s brutal measure against Karstark. Will HBO allow this and bring some real drama ala it’s previous master-works or will they ‘True Blood’ (see ‘sell out’) the scenario? Will art or commerce prevail here? Hard to say.
No offence to those who enjoy True Blood intended.
Joshua TaylorQuote Reply
Zach,
While I see your scenario is very possible, even as a non-purist who is fully aware of certain sacrifices that have to be made when adapting a book to film, I would be more than disappointed if we are denied the iconic moment when Roose Bolton calmly drives his sword into Robb’s heart before his mother and says “Jaime Lannister sends his regards.” Having Bolton merely take Winterfell and have Black Walder or one of the myriad Freys do the dirty work will take a considerable edge off Roose’s character. At least in my opinion.
Joshua TaylorQuote Reply
Thx for the tip…I will wait till the opening day and see what prices are then..
Coltaine777Quote Reply
Few more years? Do you mean 7 years, David?
LalaQuote Reply
I’ll just note that D&D said the same kind of thing last year, that some events would be moved up from book 2. The actual changes were pretty minimal though – Jon & Arya starting their respective marches north, Arya’s fight with Hot Pie & Lommy – and that’s about it.
So lacking further evidence, I wouldn’t read too much into this kind of statement. A Clash of Kings is eventful enough as it is – moving large sections of A Storm of Swords into the season would only serve to make the narrative more cramped. And it would lead to other problems later on.
For instance: if say half of Jaime’s book 3 story gets moved into the second season, what the hell are they going to do with him when season 3 comes around? Once he reaches KL Jaime doesn’t actually do much until freeing Tyrion, which wouldn’t take place until the end of season 4 in all likelihood. I just don’t see it.
Maxwell JamesQuote Reply
Is there any way to view spoiler text when viewing the mobile site?
Pastor_of_MuppetsQuote Reply
I copy and paste it into my search bar. Cumbersome but effective.
Delta1212Quote Reply
Tom,
Thanks so much for posting that! I pre-ordered the blu-ray last month so Best Buy and I just had a long chat and re-order over a twenty dollar price difference and a key chain.
Joshua Taylor,
Speaking as one of those swooning types, I’d be furious if there was any attempt to change or reduce the brutality of Robb’s decision to behead Karstark . It’s too important as an illustration of his desperate grasp on leadership and the crumbling of his Northern support.
tumblefellQuote Reply
Anyone else catch that?
Benioff: “It looks… in my money, much better than Season 1.”
In my money? Is that a normal expression, or did he fumble “In my mind”?
ViolentosQuote Reply
Maxwell James,
Also the Cat – Jaime confession scene, which is the only Jaime scene in the book. So yeah, I think they’ll move up his release somewhat and give him some scenes with Brienne. It certainly appears that he will have more “captivity” scenes as well (hopefully including the escape attempt), since he gets dragged around with Robb’s army rather than rotting in Riverrun’s dungeon. And obviously he and Cat will have another conversation when she releases him, which should continue to draw on the great unused material from the book, but that’s still not very much screen time. I don’t think he’ll become a lefty this season though.
Zach,
That’s certainly possible, but like Josh said, I’d just hate to lose Roose at the RW. Also, if it happens your way, I’m pretty sure we lose Reek altogether. I guess they could introduce him later (“Hey, look guys, I also have a psycho bastard you’ve never heard of til now!”) if GRRM tells them he’s indispensable. But that would suck.
the goatQuote Reply
tumblefell,
Cool. Didn’t mean to generalize “swooning types” there, only looking at it from a demographical perspective is all. If anything I am thinking of the Unsullied portion of that fanbase.
Joshua TaylorQuote Reply
I think we shouldn’t consider that “jaime being given more screentime than in the books” as to mean that he will be in ALL 10 episodes, and that we’ll be seeing him right, left and center. Richard Madden had a lot of screentime last season, and we saw great development of his character, and yet he wasn’t in most of the episodes. So I think if we have good, well written scenes with him (like we had with Richard in S1), it wouldn’t be necessary to have tons of them.Someone mentioned above Jaime being released around episode 7, and I think that wouldn’t leave room to advance that much on his ASOS storyline, so it would’nt hinder that much Catelyn’s and Robb’s storylines as well.
ValyrianQuote Reply
David seems a little bit like Eric Bana, to me.
and geez, he’s handsome. his wife is gorgeous too. nice couple ^^
and cool interview!
Thiago SlashQuote Reply