bunkaroo

The point is, asking those questions in a rhetorical or speculative manner is what drives many of the threads in TV talk where the stories aren't already available to read.

So basically it comes off like those who have read the books have a sense of entitlement to take over the threads simply because they've read the books. Not to mention for someone like me who's trying to get through the books, I have double the risk of being spoiled for the book and the show.

So I ask those who feel they should be able to discuss book spoilers freely in this thread point blank: why do you feel this show's discussion should be exception to typical spoiler rules for the forum?

pinata242

Because people who ask in a rhetorical or speculative manner know there are people that know the answer and ask anyway without specifying they're rhetorical or speculative.

aktick

Aaaah, thanks...couldn't remember exactly how that played out.

I think when any questions are asked, if it hasn't already been explained in the show, simply saying that is probably the best option. I'm making the assumption that nobody will spoil anything in this thread...that should all be in the other thread.

Though I know that's a shitty assumption to make, and why I still wish there was a weekly thread of people who haven't read the books. Sure, we often won't get our questions answered as quickly or in as much detail, but I'm fine with that. The only series threads I've followed this closely were the Lost ones, and the speculation is half of what made those so great...it's impossible to do that here because there will always be an asshole or two who "speculates" correctly, to make himself look smart, but in reality he's read the books.

wishbone

The Night's Watch is a shadow of its former strength with only three manned castles left to guard The Wall and less Builders to maintain it.

CRM114

Right. I expect a certain amount of spoilage. It's not like anyone said "So does Renly die in the next episode or the one after that?"

pinata242

I'm sorry, what has been spoiled in this thread exactly? What are we bitching about other than just bitching?

aktick

I haven't been spoiled at all, but it's like walking on eggshells every week in these things...for us non-book readers, and I'm assuming for those of you that have read the books, trying to be helpful without spoiling something.

CRM114

So is it Winterfell and then the wall going up or is it Winterfell and then the wall being a giant dropoff?

I imagined it being Winterfell and then a giant wall going up meaning the Wildlings would have to go down the wall to invade Winterfell. Is that correct? Or is it just a wall with drops on both sides?

CRM114

Nothing as far as I know but I'm not the one going around jumping on everyone's shit. I believe some things were intimated at being spoilers earlier on in the thread. Whatever was said didn't bother me. But like I said, I expect a bit of it given the nature of book vs series stuff.

pinata242

Rhetorical or speculative?

You've seen both sides of the wall.

CRM114

I've seen a wall and then I've seen a bunch of dudes north of the wall standing around in snow.

pinata242

Literally the first seconds of the series show you the north side of the wall.

Then the scenes on the south side of the wall also show it towering. Plus there's the hand-cranked elevator.

CKMorpheus

I can't wait to finish the second book and read the rest so I'll never have to avoid a spoiler button again.

wishbone

North of The Wall



Castle Black, south of The Wall

CRM114

Wow, in my mind, I had it totally reversed. So after "Castle Black" is a drop off?

CRM114

As in last year?

Astrofan

Minor example:
Now let me see, who said that?

pinata242

No, are you blind?

Oh jesus...

And after 5 out of 10 episodes you think he's a prominent figurehead so far?

CRM114

We have never seen an aerial shot of the wall. But don't fucking bother replying again.

focker

The castle (Castle Black) is at the base of the wall on the south side. There is an opening in the base of the wall to get out. To get to the top, there is an elevator of sorts. Winterfell is a good ways south of the wall.

wishbone

No drop off other than being atop The Wall.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-MxfsYUoDzM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

This is one of the supplemental videos included on the blu-ray set.

pinata242

Good luck, wishbone. Maybe if you physically glued those pictures together it would be clear enough. But you'll just have to do it every week because who can be bothered to remember all the way back to previous episodes.

CRM114

That's what I'm confused about. There is an elevator to get to the top of the wall. What is up there? A drop off (like a traditional wall) or is it flat at the top going northwards?

So I was right at least in my initial thought. Riding north from Winterfell, you would approach a mammoth wall at the base of which is Castle Black. At Castle Black you'd ride the elevator up to the top, walk off to a flat land north of the wall. In other words, you don't need to go up the wall and then down the other side.

So my first impression was right despite the attacking posts that followed. The Wildlings traveling south would have to either ride the elevator down or somehow repel DOWN the wall. They would not have to climb a wall.

Noonan

They show it during the opening sequence. The wall is literally a huge wall of ice. Castle black is right outside the wall on the south. The rangers get to the other side using a gate/tunnel at its base. They also patrol the top of the wall by taking an elevator. In season 1, Tyrion pissed off the north edge of the wall from the top.

starman9000

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