March 19, 2013

Silly Stuff: Kick-Ass 2 Trailer, Game of Thrones Premiers In London
— Ace

Via @comradearthur, a sequel to a movie that actually tanked at the box office but apparently pleased audiences in the after-markets of DVDs and TV airings.

I was one of the only eight people to see Kick Ass in the theater and was surprised it got so little buzz.

None-too-subtle insinuation: I liked it first so I'm better. I saw it with Hipster Han Solo.

hipstersolo.jpg

I also saw it with Hipster Luke.

hipsterluke.jpg

Meanwhile, Game of Thrones had a London Premier. How does a TV show premiere? I don't know. I guess they just put it on a Really Big TV.

It comes back on this... Easter Sunday, March 31. Uh, not really the best day to premiere a show about betrayal, murder, incest, rape, murder, incest, and murder.

Mini-Reviews of the Game of Thrones Books:

Book One: Awesome.

Book Two: Pretty good.

Book Three: Almost as good as the first one but not.

Book Four: Eh well whatever I guess.

Book Five: You lost me.


Posted by: Ace at 02:31 PM | Comments (240)
Post contains 187 words, total size 2 kb.

1 Fist

Posted by: Ashley Judd at March 19, 2013 02:32 PM (XvrTA)

2 Foist?

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at March 19, 2013 02:32 PM (+z4pE)

3 Shazbot!

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at March 19, 2013 02:33 PM (+z4pE)

4 Barack Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a malignant traitor.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at March 19, 2013 02:33 PM (xN73L)

5 Game  of  Thrones?   More   like   Gheym  of  Thrones!   Suck   on  that   fanboys!

Posted by: Parker and Stone at March 19, 2013 02:33 PM (wIgpo)

6 All of this stuff is a vice too. Probably worse than porn.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 19, 2013 02:34 PM (GHpOB)

7 >>>Game of Thrones? More like Gheym of Thrones! Suck on that fanboys! You shut your mouth. You're probably the gay one. You just shut your gay mouth.

Posted by: ace, Game of Thrones SuperFan #1 at March 19, 2013 02:34 PM (LCRYB)

8 I just saw GoT seasons 1-2. Holy hell and hand grenades, this was one awesome series (and GRRM wrote some of the scripts).

I'm just afraid of what happens to the series when it reaches the point in the books where the story sort of falls apart.

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at March 19, 2013 02:34 PM (QTHTd)

9 >>>I'm just afraid of what happens to the series when it reaches the point in the books where the story sort of falls apart. so are the producers! So they're doing Book 3 as two seasons.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 02:35 PM (LCRYB)

10

Heh. I played a gig down the street from ComicCon last Saturday. I saw  (in no particular order) Droogs, Abe Lincoln teh Vampire Slayer, The Joker, some  chick in a skin-tight superhero outfit (boobehs!) and a guy in a full Storm Trooper uniform that looked real.

 

Green Aliens, all the way down.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at March 19, 2013 02:36 PM (+z4pE)

11 Never saw GoTs. I'm holding back so I'll have something to watch as I huddle in the burned out rubble.

Posted by: Daybrother is not Hip at March 19, 2013 02:37 PM (+paCV)

12 I only watch shows about idiots that try to mine gold.

Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at March 19, 2013 02:38 PM (+lsX1)

13 Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 06:35 PM (LCRYB)

I think they're safe for a few more seasons.

It is, at least for me, acting driven rather than plot driven.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 19, 2013 02:38 PM (3Mkrp)

14 So, Game of Thrones: Gay, or Supergay?

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 19, 2013 02:38 PM (GHpOB)

15

"It comes back on this... Easter Sunday, March 31. Uh, not really the best day to premiere a show about betrayal, murder, incest, rape, murder, incest, and murder.  ~ Ace

 

Well yeah, but HBO loves doing things like that.

They  like giving the middle finger to Christians.

 

Posted by: wheatie at March 19, 2013 02:38 PM (rwujx)

16 "15 "It comes back on this... Easter Sunday, March 31. Uh, not really the best day to premiere a show about betrayal, murder, incest, rape, murder, incest, and murder. ~ Ace Well yeah, but HBO loves doing things like that. They likegiving themiddle finger to Christians. Posted by: wheatie at March 19, 2013 06:38 PM (rwujx) " Giving the middle finger to Christians is edgy. Because no one ever does it.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 19, 2013 02:40 PM (GHpOB)

17 They likegiving themiddle finger to Christians.

Posted by: wheatie at March 19, 2013 06:38 PM (rwujx)

Shut up and go to the drugstore...I'm out of birth control pills.

Posted by: Sandra Fluke at March 19, 2013 02:40 PM (3Mkrp)

18 uhh, the trailer for KA2 was, um, unfunny.

Should I hope they did the exact opposite of the normal trailer and kept the funny stuff out?

Oh, and Chris Mintyfresh Plotz has worn out his 15 min.

He and Jay Baruchwhatever need to find another hobby.

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at March 19, 2013 02:41 PM (UCv7P)

19 "17 They likegiving themiddle finger to Christians. Posted by: wheatie at March 19, 2013 06:38 PM (rwujx) Shut up and go to the drugstore...I'm out of birth control pills. Posted by: Sandra Fluke at March 19, 2013 06:40 PM (3Mkrp) " Sandra, listen to me. Are you listening? This is important: Put a sock in it.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 19, 2013 02:41 PM (GHpOB)

20 You said "incest" twice.
(not even going to look at how many other commenters made that joke)

Posted by: steevy at March 19, 2013 02:41 PM (9XBK2)

21 I only watch shows about Cajuns hunting alligators.

Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at March 19, 2013 02:42 PM (pLvWv)

22 our motto is,  "NO ONE rides first class.....so get in your narrow seat and enjoy it"

Posted by: Southwest Airlines at March 19, 2013 02:42 PM (Dll6b)

23 It comes back on this... Easter Sunday, March 31. Uh, not really the best day to premiere a show about betrayal, murder, incest, rape, murder, incest, and murder. And yet, Ace, it is probably the superior choice for the feast of the Resurrection of The Lord in comparison to a half hour of the Lena Dunham frumpy jiggly brigade of not-so-virgins.

Posted by: Kevin In ABQ at March 19, 2013 02:43 PM (Lyytz)

24 Wow! Somebody hacked AOSHQ, because there are five reviews in this post with a total of 20 words, and we all know that is impossible.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 19, 2013 02:43 PM (3Mkrp)

25

20 You said "incest" twice.

 

And "murder" 3 times.

Posted by: wheatie at March 19, 2013 02:44 PM (rwujx)

26 OT, sorry. But there is a great Bette Davis movie on TCM where she shoots this guy "in self defense" because he tried to "make love to her". Oh lord, I love these movies. They just had a wonderful line where the guy, I think some kind of police, or official, or something says, "Well, it seems to me that some of the shots were fired after he was lying on the ground." BWAHAHAHAHA. Good ol' Bette.

Posted by: nerdygirl at March 19, 2013 02:44 PM (9H+iJ)

27 two 'incests' and three 'murders' make a full house

Posted by: Lanny the poker man at March 19, 2013 02:44 PM (Dll6b)

28 I do like Game of Thrones but I'm leery of shows that get ridiculous adulation(plus,Martin has been revealed to me as an enormous asshole)

Posted by: steevy at March 19, 2013 02:44 PM (9XBK2)

29 I need to find a place in CO which does screenings of the show.

Back in Houston, one of the (few) perks of living in that malarial swamp was that Alamo Drafthouse would play the "Lost" seasons for us. And serve foodz and beerz.

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at March 19, 2013 02:44 PM (QTHTd)

30 "24 Wow! Somebody hacked AOSHQ, because there are five reviews in this post with a total of 20 words, and we all know that is impossible. Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 19, 2013 06:43 PM (3Mkrp) " Meh. Longer is better.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 19, 2013 02:44 PM (GHpOB)

31 Heh again. That trailer was funny. "Yeah, there's a dog  on your balls."

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at March 19, 2013 02:45 PM (+z4pE)

32 Game of Thrones or a Tennis Helmet. Quien es mas gayer?

Posted by: Navin R Johnson at March 19, 2013 02:45 PM (RRbuy)

33 Yeah, it is a bummer that Martin is a dickhead. It was probably by his insistence that they had a George W Bush mask as one of the severed heads on King's Landing.

But despite Martin, the story he's given us is conservative. Reactionary, even. It gets right out there and shows you what happens when the Mandate of Heaven is broken.

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at March 19, 2013 02:46 PM (QTHTd)

34 6 got shot at Sikh Temple, Obama orders flags to half-staff. 7 Marines killed, no formal statement or flag lowering.

Posted by: Baldy at March 19, 2013 02:46 PM (opS9C)

35 Paying for HBO keeps Bill Maher in business.

Posted by: zsasz at March 19, 2013 02:46 PM (MMC8r)

36 Be like Han.

Posted by: Cicero, Semiautomatic Assault Commenter at March 19, 2013 02:47 PM (8ZskC)

37 So, I thought Game of Thrones was about remodeling bathrooms. Is that not correct?

Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at March 19, 2013 02:47 PM (pLvWv)

38 32 They did do a gay oral sex scene with loud and obnoxious slurping noises.

Posted by: steevy at March 19, 2013 02:47 PM (9XBK2)

39 At the latest by the end of Book 3, you knew Martin was just going to be an asshole and jerk you around forever.

Posted by: Waterhouse at March 19, 2013 02:48 PM (tLaBd)

40 So, Game of Thrones: Gay, or Supergay?

I've heard there's naked ladies in it, so: supergay.

It's in the closet. Doing things with the vacuum. While staining its Game Of Thrones™ Distressed House™ Stark Fleece blankie with sinful tears. And also with the sad jizz and regretful butt-sauce of the stifled supergay.

Posted by: oblig. searched "game of thrones blanket" at March 19, 2013 02:48 PM (cePv8)

41 It is, at least for me, acting driven rather than plot driven.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 19, 2013 06:38 PM (3Mkrp)

 

 

Which is CBD's way of saying "I like the naked actresses."

Posted by: tsrblke at March 19, 2013 02:48 PM (GaqMa)

42 I liked book 5. It's a lot better than 4. But that's a low bar.

Posted by: Jay in Ames at March 19, 2013 02:48 PM (XLiyq)

43 If I remember, KA2 (comic book) has a lot of rape in it. Not really a topic you can make funny with a lot of dick and ball jokes. And I do love Chloe Moretz since the first one. "Alright you cunts. Let's see what you got!"

Posted by: EC at March 19, 2013 02:49 PM (doBIb)

44

Where is ace and what did you do with him?!?!?!  This fake ace has written 5 book reviews that, taken all together, are shorter than a single sentence of a movie review from the "real" Ace. 


Real ace just can't process infomation that efficiently!!!!


Posted by: imp at March 19, 2013 02:49 PM (oGrkY)

45 Maybe the HBO series will take some liberties with George R.R.R. Martin's original work so it won't suck soon. They could tell him they're making changes "to keep the audience guessing". He seems stupid so that might work.

I really liked Kick Ass, and all it stands for.

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 19, 2013 02:49 PM (AWl8t)

46

Be like Han.

 

Um, no.

Posted by: Greedo at March 19, 2013 02:49 PM (+z4pE)

47 GoT (I'm a super fan) is a great story. And the author is a major lefty that has th Read the first 4 books to get ready for the "HBO" version, then I read the first 4 to get ready for book number 5. I think Danerys and Alex TC are the same person.

Posted by: TheThinMan at March 19, 2013 02:49 PM (U3JvR)

48 "34 6 got shot at Sikh Temple, Obama orders flags to half-staff. 7 Marines killed, no formal statement or flag lowering. Posted by: Baldy at March 19, 2013 06:46 PM (opS9C) " 'Hating the Troops is patriotic.' -- Obama (Might not be an actual quote, but sounds like something a Leftist might say.)

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 19, 2013 02:49 PM (GHpOB)

49 It would be nice if they could find some American actors to put in the thing(only the little guy is American I think).

Posted by: steevy at March 19, 2013 02:49 PM (9XBK2)

50 >>>so are the producers! So they're doing Book 3 as two seasons.

Does anybody seriously believe George R.R. Martin is ever going to finish the series?  Shit, is it even possible at this point?  He just seems to be going farther and farther afield with each successive book.

Posted by: Jeff B. at March 19, 2013 02:50 PM (/COnL)

51


They did do a gay oral sex scene with loud and obnoxious slurping noises.
Posted by: steevy


Oh for fuck's sake.  Does everything have to have a little token gayness in it now?  And graphic shit at that?  Yeesh.  Glad I never DVRed it.

Posted by: imp at March 19, 2013 02:51 PM (oGrkY)

52 Too bad GRRM is such a libtard asshole. And yeah, Book 5 pretty much sucked.

Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at March 19, 2013 02:51 PM (GEICT)

53 Took my daughter ( or visa versa ) to see Kick-Ass at the theater too. I kind of liked it.

Posted by: Bosk at March 19, 2013 02:51 PM (n2K+4)

54 50 Like Jordan with his never ending Wheel of Time I think he will die before he finishes it.

Posted by: steevy at March 19, 2013 02:51 PM (9XBK2)

55 Kic-Ass was advertised like it was some Disney kids film. It wasn't until I was with some friends and they put it on that I realized that is wasn't a Disney kids like show.

Posted by: The Political Hat at March 19, 2013 02:52 PM (XvHmy)

56 Win the Powerball jackpot of $260 million.  Might be able to afford a flight or two in the Me-262 B-1a then.

BTW with the closure of NAS Willow Grove what has happened to the Me-262 B-1a they used to pattern these aircraft from?

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 19, 2013 02:52 PM (RTZ9e)

57 51 There has been some girl-girl action too.No one objects to that.

Posted by: steevy at March 19, 2013 02:52 PM (9XBK2)

58 I Want My Dragons!

Posted by: TheThinMan at March 19, 2013 02:53 PM (D1+Gk)

59 Oh,and the gay guy got murdered by a living shadow.

Posted by: steevy at March 19, 2013 02:53 PM (9XBK2)

60 "44 Where is ace and what did you do with him?!?!?! This fake ace has written 5 book reviews that, taken all together, are shorter than a single sentence of a movie review from the "real" Ace. Real ace just can't process infomation that efficiently!!!! Posted by: imp at March 19, 2013 06:49 PM (oGrkY) " He's just being lazy (now that he's some sort of big shot). Not really progress... More like Progress.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 19, 2013 02:53 PM (GHpOB)

61 48 Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 19, 2013 06:49 PM (GHpOB) - ------ He just made a short statement today at St Pat's event... It seems to me, at the very least, a formal statement would be appropriate. 7 Marines killed in one day should be treated with more reverence...

Posted by: Baldy at March 19, 2013 02:53 PM (opS9C)

62 I'm sick of all the incest in television shows these days.

Posted by: Ghostly Aspiration at March 19, 2013 02:54 PM (PP8La)

63 Was the violence in Kick Ass supposed to be viewed ironically? I enjoyed it either way.

/Fuck hipsters

Posted by: Adam Smith's Invisible Pimp Hand at March 19, 2013 02:54 PM (NzBQO)

64 The girl-girl action was by two prostitutes who must have been told that their characters were supposed to phone it in. And it went on... and on... and on. It was nothing like as good as the stuff Ace posted here "by accident"

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at March 19, 2013 02:55 PM (QTHTd)

65 Didn't realize Kick Ass did that poorly. I liked it a lot more than I thought I would.

Posted by: Dave S. at March 19, 2013 02:56 PM (UvR6d)

66 If Han was a hipster he wouldn't just have the glasses,he'd also have ironic facial hair and one of those beanies.

Posted by: steevy at March 19, 2013 02:56 PM (9XBK2)

67 10-episode seasons insult me. Especially when it takes 10 episodes for the story to actually progress.

Posted by: soothsayer, of the Righteous & Harmonious Fists at March 19, 2013 02:56 PM (+oin+)

68

@54 Like Jordan with his never ending Wheel of Time I think he will die before he finishes it.

---------------------------------------------

Does that mean that Brandon Sanderson will be finishing Game of Thrones as well?

 

 

Note that I like Sanderson's own stuff.  I didn't read any of the WoT books that he did, however.

 

Posted by: junior at March 19, 2013 02:56 PM (UWFpX)

69 I guess full reviews of the GoT books only comes with the platinum edition AoS membership?


Speaking of books, and not on the Sunday thread. . . anyone else read the Temeraire series? Loved it, very excited that Peter Jackson optioned it. A TV series is the only way to do all the storylines justice, hope he goes that route! Could be the next GoT if treated right.

Posted by: LizLem at March 19, 2013 02:56 PM (8wqqE)

70 oh, if I might ask: how would an intrepid googler find the first GoT show for season 3?

Posted by: TheThinMan at March 19, 2013 02:57 PM (D1+Gk)

71 "61 48 Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 19, 2013 06:49 PM (GHpOB) - ------ He just made a short statement today at St Pat's event... It seems to me, at the very least, a formal statement would be appropriate. 7 Marines killed in one day should be treated with more reverence... Posted by: Baldy at March 19, 2013 06:53 PM (opS9C) " I guess Obama does not agree. :-/

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 19, 2013 02:57 PM (GHpOB)

72 64 Yeah,that scene was long.That was the only one?

Posted by: steevy at March 19, 2013 02:57 PM (9XBK2)

73 Jim Carey is in Kick Ass II? Does he owe the IRS money?

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 19, 2013 02:58 PM (AWl8t)

74 Did someone say Game of Bones?

Posted by: Bawney Fwank at March 19, 2013 02:58 PM (0Zx73)

75 (plus,Martin has been revealed to me as an enormous asshole)
Roland Martin is in GoT? Why did he need CNN then?

Posted by: andycanuck at March 19, 2013 02:58 PM (ORGYc)

76 The thing I enjoyed about the first Kick-Ass was you have this slacker kid with no special powers.  And he stands up and says no to bad things happening around him.  Even as he is being beaten up and his peers are giggling idiots filming him being beaten, he still is willing to stand up and say no such violence is wrong.  And suffer the consequences. 

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 19, 2013 02:58 PM (RTZ9e)

77 George Martin is a poopie face. Seriously, though, the man has lost interest in writing the series. He's having too much fun going to conventions, comic book signings, and cavorting with TV show execs.

Posted by: Book at March 19, 2013 02:58 PM (JL40w)

78 Later, all. God bless. :-)

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 19, 2013 02:58 PM (GHpOB)

79 I've only seen the series once so I'll have to get back to you on the F/F pr0nz. Just for research purposes you understand

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at March 19, 2013 02:59 PM (QTHTd)

80 I think bammer kept it low key because of hairys statement. Don't want to bring any undue attention front and center.

Posted by: Bosk at March 19, 2013 03:00 PM (n2K+4)

81 My GoT reviews: 1) Mind-blowing good 2) Solid second volume...a bit of 'middle volume syndrome.' 3) Very good, though I had to wonder at how everyone named 'Stark' had to be a moron. A problem that creeps into the rest of the series (not just with Starks. But the general 'solution' to a conflict is to have 1 side operate on moron-level). 4) Really? I waited five years for THIS? George, when did you let Robert Jordan write your stories for you? 5) Another 5 years? And you only start figuring out your plot again at the END? Meh. And thanks for 10 cliffhangers too many, too. And oh, George, insulting your fan base for daring to suggest your unending search for side-projects might be damaging your writing pace is NOT the way to maintain their loyalty. Neither is insulting your fans for daring to believe that a picture ID might be a nice thing to produce when voting. Dolt. Thanks for turning me off in time to sell my copies of your books. I'll stick with Jim Butcher. Writes every year, did a 6 volume epic fantasy WHILE keeping up his writing pace in the best urban fantasy series on the market, AND is a genuinely classy guy who legitimately cares about his fans.

Posted by: Shawn G at March 19, 2013 03:00 PM (/lltO)

82 Game of Thrones? More like Gheym of Thrones! Suck on that fanboys!

Ready to have your minds blown?

Star Wars was really about Luke and Han's secret gay love affair.

Princess Leia never existed.  She was a figment of their imaginations.  She was a construct, a projection. 

Han and Luke were really gay lovers. 

Sha-pow!

Posted by: Phinn at March 19, 2013 03:00 PM (oFH2D)

83 It's been so long, for example, I forget what was happening on the frozen wall. Something about zombies and shit, but that was like two years ago, so it's hard to recall. And the youngest daughter, the one with her little sword "Pokey" or "Stabby"? Yeah, she's like 17 now but she's still playing an 12 year old.

Posted by: soothsayer, of the Righteous & Harmonious Fists at March 19, 2013 03:00 PM (052zE)

84 Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at March 19, 2013 06:57 PM (GHpOB) ------- Yes. ---------------- Note when one has to say "clearly" they are lying:  "The president's thoughts and prayers go to the families of those who were lost and those who were injured," White House press secretary Jay Carney said. "It's a tragedy, clearly."

Posted by: Baldy at March 19, 2013 03:00 PM (opS9C)

85 Did they ever put the Malazan series onto TV? or a movie?

I've said before that I literally cried at the end of "Deadhouse Gates".

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at March 19, 2013 03:01 PM (QTHTd)

86 'Thrones'   is   shite!    Peter   Dinklage   is   shite!    'The  Station  Agent'?  Shite!    My   dink   is   closer   to   the   ground   than   his!     SHITE! 

Posted by: Bitter Warwick Davis at March 19, 2013 03:02 PM (wIgpo)

87 Seriously, though, the man has lost interest in writing the series. He's having too much fun going to conventions, comic book signings, and cavorting with TV show execs. When such an ugly little man gets treated like a rock star, it's going to go to his head. Seriously, this dude couldn't get laid in Middle Earth.

Posted by: zsasz at March 19, 2013 03:02 PM (MMC8r)

88 83 Plus,didn't they send a guy to the capital to  warn them that shit was stirring on the other side of the wall?They seem to have forgotten about that guy.

Posted by: steevy at March 19, 2013 03:02 PM (9XBK2)

89 Yeah, that's pretty much my GOT review too. I'd heap more praise on books 1-3, I think it's the best fantasy written up to it's time. And then....book 4/5. Yeah. Nevermind. It's not the journey, it's the destination after all.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at March 19, 2013 03:03 PM (8lDWO)

90 I like the blonde chick with the dragons, if she dies I'm done with the show.

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 19, 2013 03:03 PM (AWl8t)

91 Kick Ass was alright. Awful at the beginning but redeemed itself by the end. I would never see it twice, though. Same goes for SUCKER PUNCH. What I really liked is DEFENDOR with Woody from Cheers.

Posted by: soothsayer, of the Righteous & Harmonious Fists at March 19, 2013 03:04 PM (NLH1M)

92 90 Yeah,she has a nice pair of dragons.

Posted by: steevy at March 19, 2013 03:04 PM (9XBK2)

93 Hate to disappoint, Dr. Spank, but...

Posted by: Jay in Ames at March 19, 2013 03:04 PM (XLiyq)

94 I still remember in George R.R. Martin's Wild Card series how the writers had fun portraying Dan Quayle as this simple minded idiot easily distracted. 

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 19, 2013 03:05 PM (RTZ9e)

95 The books all suck. In the fantasy genre, I'd put Martin as about one of the worst authors out there. He really needs an editor who will cut out about 75% of the pointless dog shit that he writes. And if his editor is already cutting out a bunch of dog shit, he's an even worse author than I'm giving him credit for.

Posted by: gm at March 19, 2013 03:05 PM (/kBoL)

96 Haha, JUST KIDDING!

maybe

Posted by: Jay in Ames at March 19, 2013 03:06 PM (XLiyq)

97 Off,  dead   green alien sock.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at March 19, 2013 03:06 PM (+z4pE)

98 He really needs an editor who will cut out about 75% of the pointless dog shit that he writes.

Stop talking crazy.

Posted by: Stephen King at March 19, 2013 03:07 PM (QTHTd)

99 Game of Thrones season 3 trailer very epic, love the music http://youtu.be/R4XSeW4B5Rg

Posted by: Jose/ningrim at March 19, 2013 03:08 PM (zc/sw)

100 And the obligatory Hipster Leia.

http://bit.ly/YEQT3M

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at March 19, 2013 03:08 PM (gA69l)

101 Posted by: Jay in Ames


Please tell me your joking and not giving away the plot.


92 90 Yeah,she has a nice pair of dragons.
Posted by: steevy


She has 3 dragons which is the maximum she can fit under her top.

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 19, 2013 03:08 PM (AWl8t)

102 And the youngest daughter, the one with her little sword "Pokey" or "Stabby"?
It's not little and I call him "Needle Dick" because calling a sword "Palin Steele" would be stupid.

Posted by: arya stark at March 19, 2013 03:08 PM (ORGYc)

103 So did hipster Han shoot first or no? KA was awesome fun. Still is. Chloe rocks.

Posted by: Lightening McQueen at March 19, 2013 03:09 PM (0vWqa)

104 They seem to have forgotten about that guy. Exlaxly, steevy.

Posted by: soothsayer, of the Righteous & Harmonious Fists at March 19, 2013 03:09 PM (uaJ2E)

105 83 I can't believe no moron did a Roman Polanski sock post about that.

Posted by: steevy at March 19, 2013 03:10 PM (9XBK2)

106 98 He really needs an editor who will cut out about 75% of the pointless dog shit that he writes.

Stop talking crazy.

Posted by: Stephen King at March 19, 2013 07:07 PM (QTHTd)


Fo serious.

Posted by: Quentin Tarantino at March 19, 2013 03:10 PM (8wqqE)

107 Game of Thrones, weird, I can't keep up with all of the story line and plots but it doesn't seem to impair my ability to enjoy it.  I have bought 2 seasons on DVD.

Posted by: navybrat at March 19, 2013 03:10 PM (3M8g3)

108 Ace, your movie reviews suck, but you're on to something with the books. I wouldn't go so far as "you lost me" on book 5 though. I just felt like it was a colossal waste of time. Martin seems to have lost his way in that one. Hopefully he can get back on course. Similar phenomenon to Robert Jordan, sadly.

Posted by: Nessuno at March 19, 2013 03:10 PM (KBh73)

109 >>>98 He really needs an editor who will cut out about 75% of the pointless dog shit that he writes. Stop talking crazy. Posted by: Stephen King at March 19, 2013 07:07 PM (QTHTd)>>> Martin is so long winded, he makes Stephen King look like Calvin Coolidge. (Figuratively, obviously. If that fat ass were to try to speak for more than 2 or 3 sentences, I'm sure he'd pass out from fatigue.)

Posted by: gm at March 19, 2013 03:11 PM (/kBoL)

110 I read the first 'Game of Thrones' book.  And all I could think of was Akira Kurasawa's movie 'Ran.'  Because its basically the same plot.  You have one family which has managed to put various smaller kingdoms under its power but now it's later.  And families who were supplanted, ie the second son's wife in 'Ran,' is now busy getting revenge while trying to stay on top.  Plus the real world historical events that are similar.

So I never bothered with any of the follow on books.  The basic plot was boring and none of the characters were appealing.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 19, 2013 03:11 PM (RTZ9e)

111 Austin Powers was a movie that didn't "do much" at the box office, but due to rentals at Blockbuster (remember them), it got sequels, and the sequels did much, much, much better.


http://tinyurl.com/cjgavsj

Posted by: Ashley Judd's Puffy Scamper, aka MrCaniac at March 19, 2013 03:12 PM (Zd/NW)

112 Seriously You Guys, this site is killing me.

http://tinyurl.com/af89os9

Posted by: Warden at March 19, 2013 03:13 PM (HzhBE)

113 Yeah, she's like 17 now but she's still playing an 12 year old.
And the actress who plays the red-headed daughter, Sansa Stark, is just one year older than the young daughter.

Posted by: andycanuck at March 19, 2013 03:14 PM (ORGYc)

114 112 Seriously You Guys, this site is killing me.

http://tinyurl.com/af89os9


So. Full. Of. Win.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at March 19, 2013 03:15 PM (gA69l)

115

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 19, 2013 07:11 PM (RTZ9e) 


How goes the writing? Are you doing Nano's summer camp by any chance? Trying to decide whether to sign up.


Posted by: LizLem at March 19, 2013 03:15 PM (8wqqE)

116 New DrewM post to ignore.

Posted by: steevy at March 19, 2013 03:17 PM (9XBK2)

117 If you want some pretty good fantasy set in its own world that owes nothing to Tolkein or elves, a convoluted plot, and interesting multi-faceted characters; then I most humbly recommend Pat C. Hodgell's books.

The first two - 'God Stalk' and 'Dark of the Moon' are now available from Baen as 'The God Stalker Chronicles.'

This is the opening of Chapter One of what was 'God Stalk' -
"THE HILLS ROLLED up to the moon on slopes of wind-bent grass, crested, swept down into tangled brier shadows. Then up again and down, over and over until only aching muscles distinguished between rise and descent, climb and fall. A night bird flitted overhead. Jame paused to watch it, thinking enviously of wings. For a moment it showed clearly against the moon-silvered clouds, and then the wall of mountains to the west swallowed it. How near the Ebonbane seemed now that night had fallen. The range loomed over her, an immense presence filling half the sky, blotting out the stars. Two weeks of walking had at last brought her out of the Haunted Lands into these foothills, but that in itself was no help. Clean earth or not, this was still a wilderness. What she needed now was civilization—even a goatherd's hut—but something, and soon.

Thin, high voices called to each other behind her. Jame caught her breath, listening, counting. Seven. The haunts had found her trail again."

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 19, 2013 03:17 PM (RTZ9e)

118 >>>Martin seems to have lost his way in that one. Hopefully he can get back on course. Similar phenomenon to Robert Jordan, sadly. Posted by: Nessuno at March 19, 2013 07:10 PM (KBh73)>>> Jordan's worst books were about 100x better than Martin's best. Though Brandon Sanderson, who finished Jordan's books, is better than either of them - hey, maybe Sanderson can finish Martin's books after he croaks? I might actually finish reading the series then. Even Terry Goodkind's books are better; and his message is actually individualist/conservative. And Steven Erikson's books are better than all four. Gene Wolf is good too. And a bunch of other guys. But, one thing they have in common - they're all better than Martin.

Posted by: gm at March 19, 2013 03:17 PM (/kBoL)

119 Ran
/book n film must-see list

Posted by: andycanuck at March 19, 2013 03:19 PM (ORGYc)

120 LizLem.  Still writing the novel I started for the November NaNoWriMo.  As for the April Camp NaNoWriMo.  Still debating if I want to divert energy into writing another story when I got so much I am already working on.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 19, 2013 03:20 PM (RTZ9e)

121 Jim Butcher > George Martin Terry Goodkind > George Martin - although he drew out his series as well, at least he was productive and finished the thing. Brandon Sanderson > George Martin - no contest. Neal Stephenson > > > George Martin - WAY better. Although he's not really a fantasy author, his writing is still phenomenal. Patrick Rothfuss > George Martin - He's another slow writer, but that's just because he's slow. Not because he's oogling some actress's tatas and playing RPGs instead of, you know, WRITING.

Posted by: Book at March 19, 2013 03:24 PM (JL40w)

122 I use the same review for the Dune books.

Posted by: kurtilator at March 19, 2013 03:26 PM (juh4Z)

123 I just came to the realization that I am in favor of Game of Thrones.

Posted by: Rob Portman at March 19, 2013 03:27 PM (lG3E4)

124

@121 - Brandon Sanderson > George Martin - no contest.

------------------------

Sanderson's got, what, three books (two of the YA, but still) coming out this year?

 

The contrast could not be sharper...

 

Posted by: junior at March 19, 2013 03:28 PM (UWFpX)

125 Ace, add to that list that George is a liberal c**ksucker and general f**kup who let the series languish for years.

F him and the Dragon he THINKS he rode in on.

(overrated as a writer) Some parts of the first three are a real slog.

but I was game and then the prick let the series slide for years without a word on what was happening.


Bought the 4th when it FINALLY came out but then said what's the point in getting involved? He'll probably decide to go do something else for 5 years.

Hell Robert Jordan provided for the finish to his series Wheel of Time BEFORE he died. It wasn't as good as it good have been but it wasn't bad considering. It might have been better to have written one more as some stuff never got wrapped up or explained.


Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That at March 19, 2013 03:28 PM (Kpn/z)

126 122 Yeah,the later ones are horrible and the ones by his son.....

Posted by: steevy at March 19, 2013 03:29 PM (9XBK2)

127 >>>Very good, though I had to wonder at how everyone named 'Stark' had to be a moron. I understand what you mean but I don't think they're morons. They're highly ethical, which is great, but then they... extend those ethics towards people who do not reciprocate. I think the book's main point is that ethics are great, and they're what makes the hero, but at some point the hero has to maybe just cut someone's throat and be done with it. Just suck it up, just say "I'm doing this for me and my family."

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 03:29 PM (LCRYB)

128 I love the series(never read the books) but it appears to have a fatal flaw, which is- it's a GAME of Thrones. ie. a never-ending rondole of betrayal and assassination based on who momentarily has the power with no one to really root for because you know whoever is on top now will get their ass-kicked next season/book/chapter. Since Martin is a big time lefty, this is probably his view of governance. No principles, no rules- just who has the stronger whip hand at the time. (see current President for similar view).

Posted by: naturalfake at March 19, 2013 03:30 PM (G9qZk)

129 On the other hand- George Martin > Stephen King.

Posted by: Book at March 19, 2013 03:30 PM (JL40w)

130

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 19, 2013 07:20 PM (RTZ9e)

You are probably on the new thread, but hope things are going well with the book!

Posted by: LizLem at March 19, 2013 03:31 PM (8wqqE)

131 the thing is, too, that the Starks come from the more ethical, more honorable North*, and so "their world" is one in which honor and ethics "work." When they get out into the scheming world, they're a little unprepared for it. They don't realize how truly rotten most people are. * a world they kind of helped build and maintain to be that way.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 03:32 PM (LCRYB)

132 I guess I'm cooler than most , because I had enough of Grr Martin before the first of the Game of Thrones books were published. I like Wild Cards but he writes very little of that. In fact, I get the impression the only reason he gets star billing on the series is that the other contributors were lesser names who lacked the clout to get the ball rolling with the publisher. (Roger Zelazny did part of the first book but was only peripherally involved in the gaming group and universe design.)

Posted by: epobirs at March 19, 2013 03:32 PM (kcfmt)

133 Just read some of the other comments.

Glad to see I'm not alone in my disdain for Mr. Martin.

Typical liberal entertainer; piss off your public for political or personal
reasons.

Won't bother watching the series on TV as those hardly ever are satisfying and given the material and George's heavy hand, I'm pretty sure I might lose a TV.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That at March 19, 2013 03:32 PM (Kpn/z)

134 129 Stephen King wrote some good stuff,his last good suff was like 30 years ago though.

Posted by: steevy at March 19, 2013 03:32 PM (9XBK2)

135 If they follow the comics there should be a Hit-Girl movie, then a finale Kick Ass III. They'll probably need to recast some roles due to the actors getting too old. They needed to shoot them all back to back to make this work or treat it like a long TV mini-series.

Posted by: epobirs at March 19, 2013 03:35 PM (kcfmt)

136 The Stark matriarch is doing the family no favors. You'd think she'd be less gullible being old and shit.

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 19, 2013 03:37 PM (AWl8t)

137 I love the Starks. Who doesn't? They're very wise, basically good people. Ned is an exemplar. But this restricts what they do and how they think. They think in terms of honor and honorable people and fairness and just outcomes. Virtually no one else in the world (with a few exceptions, here and there) thinks like they do. Everyone else is ruthless and vicious.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 03:38 PM (LCRYB)

138 >>>he Stark matriarch is doing the family no favors. You'd think she'd be less gullible being old and shit. she's not a Stark, she's a Tully. All emotional and stuff.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 03:38 PM (LCRYB)

139 IDK, Kick Ass I was: too bloody and violent (for a kids movie, right?) kind of boring (for a kids movie, right?) superfucking ghey (for a kids movie, right?) killed off a major character in a majorly gruesome way (for a kids movie, right?) oh, what? It's not a kids movie? It's gritty and for adults? Fine, let me recap my issues with KA: too bloody and violent kind of boring superfucking ghey killed off a major character in a majorly gruesome way

Posted by: joeindc44 says God bless Francis I at March 19, 2013 03:38 PM (QxSug)

140 by book 5 you realize he's just recycling ideas and there never will be a decent ending.

Posted by: sanity at March 19, 2013 03:41 PM (YV/s9)

141 You'd think she'd be less gullible being old and shit.

And then... there's the nice Congregationalist ladies who got together and gave us all Senatrix Elizabeth Squatting-Bull Warren. Because she's for the middle class.

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at March 19, 2013 03:41 PM (QTHTd)

142 When she let Jaime Lannister go, with a gay escort no less, I think I shit myself.

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 19, 2013 03:41 PM (AWl8t)

143 Thanks for the well wishes LizLem.  Tonight is scheduled to be more writing.

Good luck with your writing also.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 19, 2013 03:42 PM (RTZ9e)

144 129 Stephen King wrote some good stuff,his last good suff was like 30 years ago though. ****** It's hard to believe that the Stand and company are all that old. I gave up on the gunslinger series a decade ago.

Posted by: joeindc44 says God bless Francis I at March 19, 2013 03:42 PM (QxSug)

145 Y'all know the story behind "A Feast For Crows" and "Dance With Dragons" right? So, Dance was supposed to be Martin's 4th book. But he wanted it to be set about 5 years past the end of his 3rd book. In order to get himself there, he started to write a prologue - the freaking prologue became a beast of its own and he decided instead to rely on flashbacks to tell about what happened in the interim. But then the flashbacks were getting too convoluted as well, so he trashed everything he'd written that year and let everyone know that he was going to have to add a book, a "tweener" to set up DWD. The book that was once a prologue and then was a series of flashbacks intermingled with his actual STORY turned into AFFC. Oh BUT THEN! He was taking so damn long to tell the Feast story he decided to split THAT thing into two books as well. Half the characters' stories would be told in AFFC, and the rest of the story was told in DWD. So now the prologue is two freaking huge books long and at the end of it, the plot is advanced Not. One. Bit.

Posted by: Book at March 19, 2013 03:42 PM (JL40w)

146 >>>by book 5 you realize he's just recycling ideas and there never will be a decent ending. he does have a great ending -- it's all over the internet (people figured it out) -- but he's padding, churning out filler books, rather than getting to it.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 03:43 PM (LCRYB)

147 145 It's like ace writing a  movie review.

Posted by: steevy at March 19, 2013 03:45 PM (9XBK2)

148 book, you're saying everything I always say. Fiasco. Should have stuck with the original plan of Book 3, five year gap quickly covered with prologue, into the climax. In fact, he's gone a little batty, because he's created a series of cliffhangers and plot points that NO ONE CARES ABOUT in books 4 and 5 that still have to be resolved before the climax.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 03:45 PM (LCRYB)

149 George Martin > Stephen King.
Posted by: Book at March 19, 2013 07:30 PM (JL40w)

Well George is probably SANER  than Stephen.

I think that van mirror took some of his brain when it hit.

He was strange before but now he's just weird and icky.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That at March 19, 2013 03:47 PM (Kpn/z)

150 You know what deserves some popularity?The Kane stories by Karl Edward Wagner.

Posted by: steevy at March 19, 2013 03:49 PM (9XBK2)

151 That is the kicker Ace, Martin is saying 'being honorable means being bent over in far worse ways.'  Nihilism at its finest one could say.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 19, 2013 03:50 PM (RTZ9e)

152 148- Exactly. Personally, I think he's pissed that everyone figured out where he was going with the series and decided to add new characters and plotlines, either to confuse the issue, or to try to give people other stuff to wonder about and then be surprised over. Not going to happen. He's just annoying and boring his fan base. Which is maybe why he's turning to HBO instead.

Posted by: Book at March 19, 2013 03:50 PM (JL40w)

153 Louie Anderson high diving,hilarity ensues?

Posted by: steevy at March 19, 2013 03:51 PM (9XBK2)

154 134, King's talent involves his ability to describe scenes. His prose is excellent, but he relies far too much on stereotypes to make his characters. Seriously, how many religious-folks-who-are-actually-crazy-and-evil is he going to pack his books with? It's just lazy writing.

Posted by: Book at March 19, 2013 03:54 PM (JL40w)

155 154 Yeah but in in my favorite book of his,Salems Lot.the religious character is a good but flawed man who fails only because he has a crisis of faith.After the vampire "Barlow" was destroyed I wonder if Father Callahan was freed.

Posted by: steevy at March 19, 2013 03:57 PM (9XBK2)

156 I would love to see Jane Lindskold's story about Firekeeper made into something for the screen.  But HBO nor Skinimax would because there is no sex scenes.  Just people trying to stay ahead of calamity, sometimes with finger breaths of skin to spare.  Plus talking giant wolves.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 19, 2013 03:58 PM (RTZ9e)

157 Spent an hour or so reading the wiki on Game of Thrones.

Yeah, a big time suck that was going to go nowhere and just piss you off the whole time.

With probably some sort of lesbian marriage at the end to unite the two lands.

So, I watched the first season, read the wiki and said, "f it." Didn't need to fund HBO anyway.

Posted by: RoyalOil at March 19, 2013 04:00 PM (VjL9S)

158 >>> That is the kicker Ace, Martin is saying 'being honorable means being bent over in far worse ways.' Nihilism at its finest one could say. I don't see how that is nihilism or objectionable. The entire point of a moral code is to *restrict your actions* to those ones which are justifiable morally. It is no insult to the moral to state that their moral code inhibits their actions and *frequently restricts them from making their most self-serving play.* Again, this is the whole point of a moral code. If a moral code does not so limit your actions to the noble and just, then it's not a genuine code.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:06 PM (LCRYB)

159 Kinda random but the longer I look at that pic of Hipster Solo the more I think he looks like a gamer chick's facebook profile pic. He's all "I unbuttoned my shirt so you can see my cleavage, I'm so flirty! Hee hee!" ::bats eyelashes::

Posted by: Book at March 19, 2013 04:07 PM (JL40w)

160 Ned has had numerous opportunities to make the plays that benefited him and the Starks the most, without regard to how those actions might affect others (such as Cersei's children). He was even advised to commit such actions by others. He couldn't, or, at least, he didn't, because his conception of morality is such that it does indeed require him to court a little danger to himself (and even to his kids) if he feels that morality and justice require him to do so. Morality and justice and most noble aspirations demand, from time to time, the ignoring of the *self's* own needs for the general good of others. But Ned aspired to make the highest moral choices. Such choices are not cost-free. If they were cost-free, we would have no need to praise such choices. They do come at a personal cost. I don't see what is nihilistic or morally relativistic about that. Ned chose the tougher path, the more dangerous path, the more heroic path, over the easier path, the safer path, and the more cowardly/selfish path. OF COURSE there's a cost to that. How could there not be?

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:10 PM (LCRYB)

161 I think the disconnect here is that in most fiction, the hero sacrifices, or puts himself in danger for a noble purpose, but there's a Magic Bubble of Hero-Protection that makes sure everything works out for him. And Martin pierces that bubble, so it gets interpreted as "nihilistic." But I don't think Happy Endings are required for the purpose of making a point about nobility. Sometimes it's good to see that the Right Way to do things DOES come at a cost, and not at a fake cost, a cost dodged at the last possible minute and a little deus ex machina, but a real cost, and a cost paid in misery and blood. Again, this is what makes noble choices noble-- that they come with a degree of self-sacrifice.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:18 PM (LCRYB)

162 What I am saying Ace, Martin has written the Starks into a corner.  I only read the first book and quit, I realised it was pointless for me to waste more time on a story and characters I did not care about.  Do not have HBO and not read the Wiki entries.

This is how I see it.  The Starks will be noble and self-sacrificing.  And they will die.  Except the one who was sent north.  He will avenge the Starks but by deeds terrible.  Thus completing the defeat of the Starks and driving the point home that honorable men end up in unmarked graves.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 19, 2013 04:21 PM (RTZ9e)

163

I dunno, Ace.  Sacrificing is one thing.  Even sacrificing a lot can be justified.  But Martin completely destroys the Starks.  It starts when Ned is executed at the last minute instead of banished (which was the original plan), and goes downhill from there.

 

Posted by: junior at March 19, 2013 04:22 PM (UWFpX)

164 >>> This is how I see it. The Starks will be noble and self-sacrificing. And they will die. Except the one who was sent north. He will avenge the Starks but by deeds terrible. Thus completing the defeat of the Starks and driving the point home that honorable men end up in unmarked graves. honorable men do end up in unmarked graves -- and so do the dishonorable! John Snow, north at the wall, hasn't shown any desire to make immoral decisions. He his, however, working towards some rule-breaking ones (but those are rules of ethics and tradition and not morality per se-- like he wants to make a deal with the Wildings, itself a sound decision both in terms of morals and tactics). And while the good guys do die in the books.... the bad guys die too. It's not like the bad guys are "winning." The "bad" house, the Slytherin of Westeros, House Lannister is (spoiler alert) decimated by Book 5. So is Winterfell. But it's not like "evil is winning."

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:25 PM (LCRYB)

165 After reading almost the entire fifth book, I concluded that George RR Martin is a sadistic asshole who can die of gonorrhea and rot in hell. Then I took the book back to the library without finishing it.

Posted by: packsoldier at March 19, 2013 04:26 PM (yvirV)

166 >>> But Martin completely destroys the Starks. It starts when [redacted] and goes downhill from there. When you play the Game of Thrones you play to win or you die. Ned didn't even want to play this game. He wanted to stay north with his family, ruling over his well-administered kingdom.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:26 PM (LCRYB)

167 I have a feeling the Bad Guys of the books -- the Freys, the Boltons -- are going to come to very gruesome ends.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:29 PM (LCRYB)

168 Carcetti voiceover on the first trailer bodes well.

Posted by: Knemon at March 19, 2013 04:29 PM (W8wah)

169 Ned Stark was an idiot. You may want to act nobly and ethical but assuming your rivals/enemies will is just naive.

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 19, 2013 04:30 PM (AWl8t)

170 >>>and goes downhill from there. it didn't all go downhill from there. Without getting into too much spoiler material, Robb essentially moved from victory to victory for the next two books, and was declared King of the North, and basically was in a strong position to either defeat the Lannisters or at least sue for a peace whereby Winterfell would become independent. But in world wars, there are going to be some setbacks and some deaths.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:32 PM (LCRYB)

171 >>>Ned Stark was an idiot. You may want to act nobly and ethical but assuming your rivals/enemies will is just naive. he has a special emotional drive to spare children-- who are often killed in these "games" -- which causes him problems. It's Ned's special mission of protecting children which is the whole Secret Mystery of the series.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:33 PM (LCRYB)

172 I hope the current boy-king gets murdered then ass-raped

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 19, 2013 04:33 PM (AWl8t)

173 King's talent involves his ability to describe scenes. His prose is excellent, but he relies far too much on stereotypes to make his characters. Seriously, how many religious-folks-who-are-actually-crazy-and-evil is he going to pack his books with? It's just lazy writing.
Posted by: Book at March 19, 2013 07:54 PM (JL40w)


This.  King could write a page and a half on brushing your teeth and make it interesting as hell.

But he hasn't come up with a story that was worth a squirt of piss in the last 20 years.

And he's a lefty fucktard.

Posted by: Portnoy at March 19, 2013 04:33 PM (A5Abh)

174 It's Ned's special mission of protecting children which is the whole Secret Mystery of the series.

Posted by: ace


How is he going to protect anyone while headless? Please no spoilers that he's being reincarnated.

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 19, 2013 04:35 PM (AWl8t)

175 Or resurrected.

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 19, 2013 04:35 PM (AWl8t)

176 "Again, this is what makes noble choices noble-- that they come with a degree of self-sacrifice." Ace, I like the way you view this, and I think it's perfectly applicable to the way life works. I have no idea if Martin agrees with you or not, I'm not sure he has any respect for morals or nobility, to be honest. Especially considering his commentary on the Iraq war back around 04 or there-abouts. As for Jon Snow (the Stark on the Wall in the north) - he IS a good guy and seems to me to be the only character thus far who hasn't attempted to bend his morals. But he is kind of an idiot and not too clever. He never works his way out of a situation, stuff just seems to happen around him. I don't see him reigning vengeance down on the Lannisters, unless Martin starts writing a new personality for him.

Posted by: Book at March 19, 2013 04:36 PM (JL40w)

177

it didn't all go downhill from there. Without getting into too much spoiler material, Robb essentially moved from victory to victory for the next two books, and was declared King of the North, and basically was in a strong position to either defeat the Lannisters or at least sue for a peace whereby Winterfell would become independent.

------------------------------------

I read up through book 3, though I'd lost what interest I had by the time book 4 came out.  But because I made it through to the end of book 3, I happen to know that what you're describing is not the state of affairs at the end of "two books later".

 

Posted by: junior at March 19, 2013 04:36 PM (UWFpX)

178 Ned did not warn cersei out of any regard for cersei. he warned her because of her children. He knew Robert could easily murder her innocent children once he found out he'd been cuckolded. The Great Big Secret Which Anyone Who Searches On the Internet Knows is that Ned already sacrificed himself to protect another innocent child of an enemy. He's not an idiot. He is perhaps too good for the world he lives in.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:37 PM (LCRYB)

179 >>>As for Jon Snow (the Stark on the Wall in the north) - he IS a good guy and seems to me to be the only character thus far who hasn't attempted to bend his morals. But he is kind of an idiot and not too clever. He he's bending/breaking ethical rules left and right. He want to involve the Night's Guard in the wars of man, and I think it's pretty clear he's going to end the Night Guard's vow of celibacy and marry them into the Wildlings. But as far as moral transgressions, he's remained pretty moral.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:39 PM (LCRYB)

180 Jon Snow died in the fifth book.

Posted by: packsoldier at March 19, 2013 04:40 PM (yvirV)

181 at this point I don't even know what John Snow is -- I think he's essentially a Wildling himself, AND a Night's Guard, AND a Stark-- basically he has three mutually-exclusive affiliations. But a bad guy? No, he got seriously screwed by circumstances into being in this devilish situation of conflicting loyalties.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:41 PM (LCRYB)

182 Yea, but watch Martin change where he first intended to go with The Big Secret. He likes surprising his readers far too much and I think it annoys him that people figured it out by the 3rd book.

Posted by: Book at March 19, 2013 04:42 PM (JL40w)

183 >>>Jon Snow died in the fifth book. he got stabbed in the fifth book. I'll believe "died" when I see the burial. If the Great Big Secret That Everyone Knows Is True (and I don't see how it can't be), John Snow is too important to die, at least to die just yet, before the Secret is revealed.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:43 PM (LCRYB)

184 At this point in GOT on HBO, Ned HAS proven that he is too good for the world he lived in, and now he doesn't live in it anymore. HIS kids are in constant danger, his family is at war and, I suspect, that there are a lot of innocent kids being harmed by the war. So while idiot may be a bit strong, how about Ned is a moron?

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 19, 2013 04:43 PM (AWl8t)

185 >>>Yea, but watch Martin change where he first intended to go with The Big Secret. I read him discussing this very idea and he seemed to come down on the side of, "Look, the whole book builds to this secret, how can I change it now? And besides, is a Surprise the most important thing? The logic of everything points to the Secret."

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:44 PM (LCRYB)

186 I was one of the only eight people to see Kick Ass in the theater and was surprised it got so little buzz. - The comics were sour. The movie was better. But it was off to a bad start with no real fan base to appeal to.

Posted by: Chromoly Man at March 19, 2013 04:45 PM (eY6Xz)

187 Posted by: packsoldier

Dick.

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 19, 2013 04:45 PM (AWl8t)

188 if you want to know the secret google "L+R=J" It makes complete sense, works with the chronology, explains a bunch of mysterious things (and things vaguely describe by Martin), and jibes with much of the symbolism in the various prophecies we've seen.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:46 PM (LCRYB)

189 it also jibes with a statement by Martin, that the key to the books was "the events of 16 years ago..."

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:47 PM (LCRYB)

190 185 And besides, is a Surprise the most important thing? - The answer has to be no. Otherwise you turn into M. Night Shyamalan.

Posted by: Chromoly Man at March 19, 2013 04:48 PM (eY6Xz)

191 he's bending/breaking ethical rules left and right. He want to involve the Night's Guard in the wars of man, and I think it's pretty clear he's going to end the Night Guard's vow of celibacy and marry them into the Wildlings. But as far as moral transgressions, he's remained pretty moral. ++ Pish. Those rules had nothing to do with Northern Morality (for lack of a better term.) They were put into place for the survival of the different people above and below the wall, but didn't really rely on right and wrong. For the sake of survival, those are rules that could be changed. But, I think you're right in that Martin is pushing Snow a bit toward breaking his vows in order to take a crown. Maybe. On certain terms.

Posted by: Book at March 19, 2013 04:48 PM (JL40w)

192 warning, though: It's a pretty damn good secret so if you read it, you will be SPOILED for its revelation.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:48 PM (LCRYB)

193 Type BJ in google for more secrets.

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 19, 2013 04:49 PM (AWl8t)

194 >>>Pish. Those rules had nothing to do with Northern Morality (for lack of a better term.) They were put into place for the survival of the different people above and below the wall, but didn't really rely on right and wrong. he swore an oath to the Night's Watch. One of its biggest laws is that the Night's Watch does not involve itself in the wars of men. I think he's obviously building towards making a Wilding/Night's Watch army to do just that.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:49 PM (LCRYB)

195 >>>But, I think you're right in that Martin is pushing Snow a bit toward breaking his vows in order to take a crown. maybe not a crown but he is going to lead an army south and not north.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:50 PM (LCRYB)

196 wait he almost did take a crown didn't he? Was that at the end of book 5? I skimmed 5 so fast I forget. Was he doing a Julius Caesar thing at the end of that?

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:52 PM (LCRYB)

197 Heading home people, gonna watch 0 Dark Thirty.

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 19, 2013 04:53 PM (AWl8t)

198 well whatever, he's virtually King of the Wildlings now. Kind of problematic, as he's also the leader of the Night's Watch, and the Wildings are their sworn, eternal enemies and all. Awwwwkward.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:53 PM (LCRYB)

199 190- No, surprise is definitely not the most important thing. Not that that means anything to Martin. He's already compromised the quality of his books to scratch his own metaphorical itches. 185- GOOD. I hope he sticks with that.

Posted by: Book at March 19, 2013 04:53 PM (JL40w)

200 Some comic book story-lines also turned to garbage when everybody guessed the big surprise, and the writers (and editors) decided to cross everybody up with a different surprise real villain ... that didn't work. (I'm thinking mostly of Hawk / Captain Atom, but I vaguely recall that that's not unique. Any truly messed up story line, such as the spider-clone sage, seems almost required at some point to have the writers and editors to decide to overturn the agreed and relatively logical story line to surprise the audience.) You just have to go with it, and to hell with the spoilers.

Posted by: Chromoly Man at March 19, 2013 04:55 PM (eY6Xz)

201 chromoly man-- yeah. You know in TV and comic books they usually don't even have a good idea of the ending. they write month to month. I think some of the biggest let downs come from them just creating a big mystery at the beginning (like in Lost or Twin Peaks) but without any idea of the solution in advance. I think they think it will "challenge" them to come up with a good ending, and that they'll "discover" it along the way. They usually don't, of course.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 04:57 PM (LCRYB)

202 200- LOST had that issue. There were too many theories and the producers of the show were so stuck on the idea of "Let's Surprise Everbodies!" that they never completed a single story line or put closure to any mysteries. It was all "boom. And then they died and went to purgatory the end. BET YOU DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING."

Posted by: Book at March 19, 2013 04:57 PM (JL40w)

203 >>> It was all "boom. And then they died and went to purgatory the end. BET YOU DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING." everyone saw it coming. everyone realized it was the only dopey explanation that could possibly halfway explain the kooky shit. everyone said that from the get-go and the producers swore, "No, serious you guys, it's not Purgatory." They thought they would think of something better. They didn't.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 05:00 PM (LCRYB)

204 As referenced upthread, no matter the disappointments with the last couple of books (though I actually thought that ADWD, while not remotely up to the standard of books 1-3, kinda sorta moved things forward after the lameness of AFFC), I'm in for the long haul just to see lots of Freys and Boltons die horribly. Preferably at Ayra's hand.

Posted by: Croaker at March 19, 2013 05:03 PM (NlXRb)

205 Book 6 will feature not one but 5 Greyjoys I don't give a crap about, the sister, the brother, and three uncles. It will also feature some more people I don't care about from Dorn-land or Martell-land or whatever. So that should be really exciting.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 05:03 PM (LCRYB)

206 Best Ace review ever. Reason: I actually managed to read it instead of passing out half way through.

Posted by: Rich at March 19, 2013 05:04 PM (arczc)

207 >>>As referenced upthread, no matter the disappointments with the last couple of books (though I actually thought that ADWD, while not remotely up to the standard of books 1-3, kinda sorta moved things forward after the lameness of AFFC) book 5 may have been marginally better than 4 but I view them together, as they were intended to be released as a single volume. Further, while I could have sucked up one waste-of-time filler volume of 4, the follow-up filler volume of 5 added insult to injury. Yes, a few more things happen in 5. Still, it's not much. The most compelling characters in 5 are Davos, Stannish, and that Waverly guy, the fat one. It's nice to see the B-team sinking some baskets but the A-Team is very boring in both 4 and 5. Tyrion, for example, does nothing but travel by ship and play stupid chess-like games.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 05:07 PM (LCRYB)

208 Ah, screw you. The Martells are awesome. One of the best lines in the books was when the sickly Prince finally reveals he wants revenge and tells his daughter he wants "fire and blood." Also, the young daughter that vague references are made about, who "plays" in Oldtown and is, at the end of book 4, found with the Alchemist at the Citadel. Love trying to figure out that shit and whats going on.

Posted by: Rich at March 19, 2013 05:07 PM (arczc)

209 Ok, not gonna get sucked into this. I thought Book 5 was the best of the series, but arguing it is like arguing which race is better, Dwarves or Elves. It's going no where and quickly.

Posted by: Rich at March 19, 2013 05:09 PM (arczc)

210 >>> The Martells are awesome. One of the best lines in the books was when the sickly Prince finally reveals he wants revenge and tells his daughter he wants "fire and blood." yeah... that's okay. But it's more "Something Big Is Coming" stuff. Less foreshadowing, please. Let's have some actual events. the "Sand Snakes" are goofs. They're like Fox Force Five (a fake TV series referenced in Pulp Fiction). I did like the one dude poisoning the shit out of Gregor.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 05:10 PM (LCRYB)

211 LOST's problem was the show had far too many writers with no one agreeing to the basic story arc. So by the end, there were a bazillion different mysteries, but no way to tie them all up. I don't know if you were aware of this- but in the middle of season 3 (I think, around thereabouts) there was the LOST online experience thing going on. It was brilliant. Hard to explain in a comment, but you can google it. It was incredibly involved, and made the show something that people participated in rather than just watched. I've seen a few other shows attempt something similar but nothing nearly as interesting or engaging. Anyway, the "LOST Experience" did a hell of a job explaining the mysteries of the island- but right in the middle of one puzzle, they just folded up shop and ended it. It was like some dick-wad decided it was taking up too much time and money to do, so they stopped all work on the project. Around that time, the show's plot started to suck too. I think that's really what killed LOST for people- too much involvement by studio execs. Too many writers. Not enough consensus. Too much emphasis on surprises on the show and not enough focus on the central purpose.

Posted by: Book at March 19, 2013 05:13 PM (JL40w)

212 >>I don't know if you were aware of this- but in the middle of season 3 (I think, around thereabouts) there was the LOST online experience thing going on. It was brilliant. I didn't watch lost but did read some on Wikipedia. All of the interesting stuff about it seemed to come from the writers of the online experience.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 05:14 PM (LCRYB)

213 Ok, not gonna get sucked into this. I thought Book 5 was the best of the series, but arguing it is like arguing which race is better, Dwarves or Elves. It's going no where and quickly. Posted by: Rich at March 19, 2013 09:09 PM (arczc) Put down the crack pipe.

Posted by: Book at March 19, 2013 05:15 PM (JL40w)

214 All of the interesting stuff about it seemed to come from the writers of the online experience. -Yurp. You'd be right.

Posted by: Book at March 19, 2013 05:16 PM (JL40w)

215 >>Yes, a few more things happen in 5. Still, it's not much. The most compelling characters in 5 are Davos, Stannish, and that Waverly guy, the fat one. It's nice to see the B-team sinking some baskets but the A-Team is very boring in both 4 and 5. Tyrion, for example, does nothing but travel by ship and play stupid chess-like games. Yep that's exactly what i had in mind, finding out that the Northern lords are still in the game was a long-awaited "fuck yeah" moment after the gut punch at the end of ASOS and not much happening since. I like the Brotherhood Without Banners stuff too even if its not the most original plot line. Completely agree re: Tyrion, after the 85th "where do whores go?" it was a challenge not to just skim his chapters.

Posted by: Croaker at March 19, 2013 05:17 PM (NlXRb)

216 it's a sign of how filler-ish books 4 and 5 are when you actually hear yourself saying "Oh good, a Sansa chapter."

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 05:20 PM (LCRYB)

217 Aside from the utter badass Red Viper, I find it takes an embarrassing amount of concentration for me to distinguish between the Tyrells and the Martells, even though one controls the breadbasket of Westeros and the other seems to rule over a damn desert.

Posted by: Croaker at March 19, 2013 05:21 PM (NlXRb)

218 >>> I find it takes an embarrassing amount of concentration for me to distinguish between the Tyrells and the Martells, even though one controls the breadbasket of Westeros and the other seems to rule over a damn desert. gun to my head, I don't know the difference, and I don't know who the Dorns are (or is that just a region?) and who the Sea Lords are (are they even in this book?)

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 05:22 PM (LCRYB)

219 Martells rule Dorne, the Tyrells rule High-garden. Both are high houses and are two of the seven kingdoms. They are on different sides of the war by the end of book 5. Super nerd, engage.

Posted by: Rich at March 19, 2013 05:26 PM (arczc)

220 Dorne is a region but yeah, no idea which house it's affiliated with. Sick wine though apparently. Not sure about the Sea Lords - Storm Lords maybe? I think that's the Baratheons, if I remember right their sub-kingdom within the Seven Kingdoms was called the Stormlands.

Posted by: Croaker at March 19, 2013 05:29 PM (NlXRb)

221 Too late, thanks Rich.

Posted by: Croaker at March 19, 2013 05:30 PM (NlXRb)

222 Kick-Ass sucked balls

that is all.

Posted by: SGT. York at March 19, 2013 05:33 PM (H1IKD)

223 I agree w/ Ace about not caring about the Martells and Dorne and all that, but the Greyjoys are great characters.  The Greyjoy chapters in book 4 were excellent reads.

Crows Eye can be a major force and player. Damphair is interesting, and Asha is second to Arya as least annoying female.

Posted by: AlphaBase1 at March 19, 2013 05:46 PM (eFZd5)

224 See, I'm not the only one who thinks Euron Greyjoy (Crows Eye) is the baddest of the bads. Respect.

Posted by: Rich at March 19, 2013 05:48 PM (arczc)

225 Definitely not the only one. Gotta hear more from Crows Eye. Where's he going? Is that the Horn of Winter? How's he going to play into the big story?

Posted by: AlphaBase1 at March 19, 2013 05:55 PM (eFZd5)

226 Using the term "sick" to describe "good" ought to be a beheading offence.

Get. Off. My. Lawn.

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at March 19, 2013 06:02 PM (QTHTd)

227 Ace, I get the point of the Starks getting smoked. Ned got what he deserved for being foolish and trusting too readily (including the man who wanted his FREAKING WIFE), and it made sense in story. But then Caitlin, and Robb, and the whole sorry bunch make the same list of mistakes? Really? When they KNOW a certain character has a vengeful streak a mile wide? That's just a serious bit of stupid. Well beyond honor. Anyway, I'll agree with what another poster said: Jim Butcher> by light years over Martin Neal Stephenson > Martin (though I've had a hard time with his last couple books. Everything up to and including the Baroque Cycle is freaking epic, however) Larry Correia> Martin though in Larry's case, it's total guilty pleasure, and I know it. But his action scenes are incredible, 2nd only to the guy at the top of this list.

Posted by: Shawn G at March 19, 2013 06:35 PM (/lltO)

228 getting in here late. i've read all five books since new years and haven't had to deal with the stigma of waiting 5 years for the garbage that was book 4 (you just can't pack up and go home with your 3 best characters for almost 700 pages) and the marginally better 5th installment. I loved the first three books. If GRRM was a great writer as some (no one here) but some claim he is, he would have found a way to make book 4 and the first 500 pages of book five happen with much less clusterfuckery. I just finished book 5 the other day and did find myself enjoying it, more from the aspect that we are finally going to have some real shit taking place soon. i generally agree with ace on his take on the starks. morality in a world that has no room for it. i disagree though in that it is grating to have 3 or 4 characters POVs added that really brought nothing to the table i did really enjoy seeing other aspects of the universe in places such as dorne. They helped add to the history of what was going on which was cool and i thought added value. Plus the Oberyn v. The Mountain battle was the best fight scene of the entire series. ace i can see how you would be out after the jerking around and uneventful 4th and 5th books. But i feel like even though a lot of the storyline maybe predictable 'L+R=J' and general sense of where the books are going. are you really out when finally the story seems like it's in a place where it can rev up again with some shit starting to fly around?

Posted by: ElDeuce at March 19, 2013 07:39 PM (RgPE7)

229 >>>When they KNOW a certain character has a vengeful streak a mile wide? I may be forgetting but Walder Frey wasn't presented as vengeful. More just like a bitter old lecherous weasel. As a reader I didn't get the impression they were crossing Dr. Evil. I got the impression they were crossing a bit of a joke, ha ha, and would just pay the sad old man off with some trinkets. Nope.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 08:31 PM (LCRYB)

230 >>>Plus the Oberyn v. The Mountain battle was the best fight scene of the entire series. I liked that Oberyn poisoned him so much the healer that diagnosed the Mountain said something like, "This man is so poisoned, even his poisons are poisoning the other poisons. Entire organs have been replaced with sacs of poisons, which are in turn being eaten away by still-more-lethal poisons inside of them." I mean, he didn't really say that but that was the idea.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 08:33 PM (LCRYB)

231 >>> are you really out when finally the story seems like it's in a place where it can rev up again with some shit starting to fly around I don't think it is ready to rev up. I think he's going to announce he needs to write ANOTHER book just to tie up the dead-ends he introduced wasting our time in books 4 or 5. He has a number of subplots going on which logically need resolution (but which I have zero interest in). He has also said something like "We haven't even explored Ashahai (sp) yet!" Great. More tramping about in faux-Asiatic countries I don't care about. Obviously -- maybe this isn't obvious to GRRM -- the actual center of action is Westeros. I'm very tired of these diversions. We've spent the better part of two books on other continents.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 08:36 PM (LCRYB)

232 is Dany ever going to actually leave Faux-Asia/Faux-Arabia? How many cities is she going to liberate, lose, and then re-liberate? What about this new pretender? I mean the pretender who's still alive, not the Doppleganger Pretender who died. (I think he died. I skimmed. I could care less. Obviously characters introduced in books 4 and 5 are not important.) When is Aria finally going to start getting vengeance on people instead of just talking about it and training for it? And, importantly, who the hell is even left to get vengeance on?

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 08:41 PM (LCRYB)

233 How long do I have to dick around with the Greyjoys who, spoiler alert, are not going to be major players in the climax? Who's this Doctor Frankestein dude? Again, another late entry into the book. So Doctor Frankenstein built a Frankenstein out of the poisoned corpse of The Mountain. What's up with Zombie Lady and her Merry Men? The whole Lighting Lord/Thoris subplot just seemed to be padding to give Arya something to do when traveling (endlessly) on the road. This is just Robin Hood + zombification. I don't find this interesting. It's silly. We're getting far away from the politics/intrigue/war stuff that the stories hooked us with.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 08:45 PM (LCRYB)

234 There's an old rule that a gun shown in Act One must be fired by Act Three. Conversely, any gun fired in Act Three must be shown in Act One. So I keep talking about these late entrants because I know, per the rules of fiction, they are not important for the ending. If they were important for the ending, they'd have been introduced early. I see them all as further padding in an already ferociously padded series. the important elements which should be around in the end are the things that were introduced early: Starks, Lannisters, Dany, dragons, Wildlings, Others. I suppose Stannis and the Red Witch were introduced early-ish and have grown in importance to be big players. But all these dudes introduced in books 3, 4, and 5 are obviously just going to be pawns in the war and will probably all die. I don't mind pawns, and I don't mind having some Spare Characters around to kill, but seriously, we are now at 80% filler to 20% substance. Even the main character chapters -- Arya, Sansa, Tyrion, Dany -- are like 75% filler themselves, now, at least in the later two books. Jon Snow, a character I didn't particularly like, is at least *doing stuff* in most of his chapters. He seems to be building to something that could be of importance in the endgame (some kind of proto Great Kingdom of the North involving both Winterfell and the North Beyond the Wall?). Bran, who's a little kid, at least seems to be building towards something as he seems to be a likely dragon rider. People talk about Rickon being important, and how he's been signaled as a potential monster/werewolf (in spirit if not if in flesh). Fine but we're 5 1000+ page books in -- when does the *foreshadowing* stop and the payoff begin?

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 08:53 PM (LCRYB)

235 It's as if he's just forgotten the first book is called "Game of Thrones," and the thrones we're talking about are in Westeros, specifically the Iron Throne, and specifically not the throne of Pentos or whatever other faux-Asian/faux-Middle Eastern countries we never leave.

Posted by: ace at March 19, 2013 08:57 PM (LCRYB)

236 hard to argue with any of that. i watched the show and got into the books and i think i'm so fresh off banging out the books. i need the refractory period of honesty and mental clarity to kick in. The fact that there is so much fluff added into the story is hard to get around. if about 15 to 30% of the late addition characters don't start getting axed off in the first 150 pages of the next book I think you're right that there is another book added to the fray to sort out all the unresolved BS in 'a song of ice and fire 7/8 the search for more money' Arya training has been like if there was an entire star wars movie where yoda rode around on Luke's back for 120 minutes of screen time asking him if he was really really positively sure he wanted to learn the force. the dany arab spring has gone no where for way too long. If the original goal was to use these last two books as time to let characters grow up and the dragons get bigger that seems to have been an utter failure. i still have hope and will definitely complete the series but it definitely lost its luster after book 4. Most of these characters that have been off in their own spheres certainly need to start gravitating back into each other's arcs because like you said there needs to be a payoff at some point. if we're hanging our hats on characters like rickon who are idk in the single digit age range the series is screwed. And a payoff certainly isn't happening with characters of even fair to middling importance hundreds to thousands of miles apart from each other. You made the point way earlier about the producers uncertainty based on the fact that they have dragged season 3 into 2 years worth of episodes. When i heard that it was a red flag. These are allegedly the only other people who have seen the notes and story boards for what's supposed to happen over the course of the 4th 5th already written books and the potential 6th and 7th books either they're milking the cow for all she's worth or there really isn't much going on from here.

Posted by: ElDeuce at March 19, 2013 09:26 PM (RgPE7)

237 Aces is here this late? Can you give me a reprieve on Skyfall, on which your review I trashed ?

Posted by: L, elle at March 19, 2013 09:34 PM (0PiQ4)

238 Characters with places to go and appeal such as tommy littlefinger carcetti baelish or varrys that have real political intrigue and plotting going on just take a back seat to random stocky martel dragon fodder and the entire greyjoy faction was pretty uninspiring. All while having one of the best characters devolve into someone who only pontificates about whores and gets into a pseudo emotional relationship with some random dwarf chick i hope dies every time i turn the page. i think Harry Reid said it best after he read the fifth book and said that Dany's war for dragons in the desert is a quagmire and unwinnable. i think he was also quoted to say that while he was really into the incest aspect he could go for more man boy love.

Posted by: ElDeuce at March 19, 2013 09:39 PM (RgPE7)

239 A Game of Thrones: Great introduction to the series.
A Clash of Kings: Excellent sequel, even better than the original.
A Storm of Swords: Martin's magnum opus.
A Feast for Crows: A major letdown that introduced too many new characters that we don't care about, spent too much time on just a couple of characters and gave short shift to/just outright ignored awesome characters.
A Dance With Dragons: Essentially the same as A Feast for Crows, in terms of its problems, though it was a better-written book overall. Still, the one word I associate with the last two books is "filler."

Posted by: John at March 20, 2013 11:05 AM (S32Hg)

240 "Plus the Oberyn v. The Mountain battle was the best fight scene of the entire series."

It's a good one, but I've got to go with the Hound v. Beric Dondarrion.

Posted by: John at March 20, 2013 11:47 AM (S32Hg)

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