Cusm

I just remember him and halfhand having a discussion and him telling Jon to do whatever it takes to win over the wildlings.

Mordred

The people I watched the show with were all confused as to who razed Winterfell, and also why the hell Bran and Co. would leave. Last we (and the characters!) knew it was surrounded by Stark men. I think the audience and the characters are supposed to assume that the Iron Islanders burned it, but if so, why wouldn't Bran wait for his brothers men to rescue him? Leaving makes little to no sense in the context of the show.

Mordred

In the books Jon just lets Ygritte go, he doesn't chase her and never gets separated from Qhorin. The wildlings track Qhorin's group for a while, until it's just Qhorin and Jon left. Qhorin tells Jon that he has to gain their trust and join the wildlings as a spy and orders him to do whatever it takes. The Wildlings surround them and Jon surrenders. They order him to kill Qhorin and they fight until Ghost jumps in and helps Jon kill Qhorin. Rattleshirt still wants to kill Jon, but the rest accept him.

Dave99

Because most people in westoros are assholes, especially roose boltons bastard.

superdeluxe

The wife who has not read the series thought Bran and company GTFO because Luwin told them to get out of there.

Mordred

Right, but there was no context for why he told them that. "They might come back" with no information as to who "they" are, is very confusing. The Iron Islanders aren't going to come back because they presumably burned the place and were leaving. If Robb's men come back, that'd be a good thing you'd think.

Also, while presumably they were just exploring the area around Winterfell, I got the impression they were already leaving before they happened upon Luwin. That might just be because I've read the books though.

Tommy Ceez

Are we to assume that Needle is gone for good in the show? I was sure Jaquin was going to give it to her.

Cusm

I really hate the way they rewrote the Robb marriage. In the book it made so much more sense with him giving up his honor where in the series it just seems like teenage lust.

superfro

I read the books and honestly that's what it felt like in there to me as well.

Mordred

In the books he (presumably) didn't set out to sour the Frey marriage, it just happened naturally when he slept with Jeyne as she was nursing him back to health. Then honor demanded he marry her, despite him realizing it was a mistake. In the show he knows exactly what he's doing the whole time and decides he's going to break his vow.

I liked the way it was written in the book better, because the relationship seemed a little forced in the show. Also, there's no discussion of the girl's honor which means his entire motivation is different. It's still impetuous lust, but he comes across a lot better in the books in my opinion.

Dr. DVD

Okay, I have a future book question that may or may not pertain to the series:
DO NOT CLICK IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE THIRD BOOK



FWIW, I haven't read the 4th or 5th book yet, I'm giving Martin some time to make progress.

Groucho

pinata242

It's explained more later, but you really do have enough information to piece it together yourself by the end of book 3.

Hiro11

Agree.

Also, regarding sack of Winterfell, my theory is that it was Dreadfort/Bolton men outside. The Iron Islanders bartered Theon to the Boltons in exchange for free passage out. Two problems with this theory:
1. Why would the Boltons then sack Winterfell? Out of spite? It's possible, because they're murderous bastards, but who knows.
2. I can't see the Boltons just letting the Iron Islanders walk out of there, no matter what they bartered with. If it's Ramsay out there, he'd take great pleasure in flaying them.

Perhaps Dagmar is actually Ramsay?

Hopefully this will all be cleared up next season.

Lastly, really confused on the direction with Osha. I think at the end of book 2, she takes Rickon off while Bran goes with the Jojens and Hodor to the wall. Now, with no Jojens, they're all together. I can't see Bran going off alone with Hodor (they clearly both need "adult supervision") so Osha's probably got to stick with them (unless ).

So, if Osha sticks with them what happens to Rickon? Does he just hang out with Bran?

It will be interesting to see how they untangle this.

Dave99

the answer from the book regarding the destruction of winterfell


as for the journey north, the reeds were cast for season 3, so I'm guessing they are just delaying the meeting a bit, and then will split up and head their separate ways.

superdeluxe

About the Reed Twins

Dr. DVD

Hodor?!?


(That's my confused response.)

Josh-da-man

What do folks think of the depiction of the White Walkers/Others now that we've finally seen them up close?

Seems like it's quite a departure from the books, where they are more like elves or faeries and not as much like some creature one would find on the cover of a heavy metal album.

Click here to see an artist's depiction of "The Others" from a calendar.

starman9000

I wasn't a big fan of them last night, but it's not a deal breaker. It never felt like they were all that important in the books.

superfro

Mordred

People like you are the reason the Night's Watch is short on men.

sven

From a technical stand point I thought they looked nice. But I'm not a huge fan of the overall look. I expected something a little more badass instead of an iced version of my grandpa.

Hiro11

Yes, Reeds, sorry. And that explains it.

sven

A real fan of the Reeds would know they aren't twins.

starman9000

Let the North deal with 'em!