S05E08 - Hardhome - Have READ The Books

MrWalsh

I always thought the ice cells would play a part in preserving Jon Snows body.

I'm not sure they're gonna do the stab party this year.

How rubbish has Prince Doran been? 2 minutes screen time? What a waste.

tommy2bad

MrWalsh wrote: »

I always thought the ice cells would play a part in preserving Jon Snows body.

I'm not sure they're gonna do the stab party this year.

How rubbish has Prince Doran been? 2 minutes screen time? What a waste.

Complete waste! The entire dorn thing could have been left out so I have to guess Dorn matters in the scheme of things enough to get a nod this season so it won't just come from nowhere when it does become important.
Just hope the budget gets upped.

pq0n1ct4ve8zf5

Felt like a total gibbering fangirl watching that last 20 minutes tbh, which has been a feeling sorely missing from this season. This was me but with a lot more facial expressions

awec

I keep wondering when they are going to introduce Lady Stoneheart.

Also where are Bran and Rickon, they haven't featured this season at all.

Turtyturd

I reckon next time Bran is seen he will be part tree and barely recognisable.

Wondering if Varys will be seen again or is he back in Kings Landing to take up his book storyline.

tommy2bad

awec wrote: »

I keep wondering when they are going to introduce Lady Stoneheart.

Also where are Bran and Rickon, they haven't featured this season at all.

I haven't given up on Stoneheart but admit it's looking unlikely.
Bran and Rickon are about where they are in the books, stuck under a tree somewhere north of the wall or thereabouts. They don't really play much part in the events covered this season.

awec

This season to me (until this episode) has come across as a bit of a bridging season. Setting up various plots and storylines for a much more interesting season 6.

Washington Irving

awec wrote: »

This season to me (until this episode) has come across as a bit of a bridging season. Setting up various plots and storylines for a much more interesting season 6.

Indeed, very much the 'AFFC/first half of ADWD' of the TV series

Conall Cernach

juneg wrote: »

Jon in the tv series has never shown much awareness of having the ability to be a warg either.
I had thought after he was stabbed he would warg into his direwolf.
Any thoughts on that?

I think this too. I also think that at some stage he will warg into Drogon. In the Robin Hoob Assassin series the main character

is killed and "wargs" into the mind of his companion wolf

awec

donkeyoaty0099 wrote: »

When he is stabbed she's going to want to be on hand fairly lively as I'd imagine they'll burn the body almost immediately. Don't want no undead John Snow coming at you, no sir. I don't really know how they'd play that out unless red woman legs it back to the wall in the next episode.

Yea in the book she stayed at the wall as far as I remember, in the tv show they've taken her south.

OneOfThem Stumbled

Mr Freeze wrote: »

Haha no, I think the show writers seem to be giving the characters they like more to do or making them better or more skilled than their book versions, Like Brienne and Ramsay.

Ramsay won no victories in the books if I recall correctly, only by deceit. Yet in the show, practiacally naked he routed some ironborn.

YOUTUBE

MrWalsh wrote: »

I always thought the ice cells would play a part in preserving Jon Snows body.

I'm not sure they're gonna do the stab party this year.

How rubbish has Prince Doran been? 2 minutes screen time? What a waste.

I think everyone can agree that Dorne has been a waste of time. They're obviously trying to tie it to the consequences of Oberyn's death - but it just seems like a pointless diversion: more unnecessary characters and a fairly charmless plot. Haven't actually read the books on this area (which I do know doesn't involve Jamie). Presumably it must have been a lot more interesting by GRRM... but in reality I what to know what is happening to Riverrun and Dragon Stone! Those are places we actually know!

awec

How many episodes are left this season? tv.com just lists 1, wikipedia lists 2.

Jofspring

awec wrote: »

How many episodes are left this season? tv.com just lists 1, wikipedia lists 2.

2 episodes. 10 in a season.

Todd Toddington III

Conall Cernach wrote:

I think this too. I also think that at some stage he will warg into Drogon. In the Robin Hoob Assassin series the main character

Great read those. Thanks for the reminder, couldn't remember who the author was

That was some episode. I knew shít was about to go down near the end, but nothing like what it actually amounted to.

Tormund demonstrated literally the most effective way of finishing a verbal argument ever portrayed on screen. As gruesome an end as it was for Rattleshirt, I couldn't help but laugh at the outcome.

For years now, up to 20+ for some of you, we have been told that when this next Winter comes around the terror it will bring with it will be unprecedented. The threat of the White-walkers and their army of undead has been long hyped. For me, the show completely delivered on that threat and puts all of the wars for the Iron Throne south of The Wall into perspective. Hey Ramsey, if you're traveling North I suggest taking more than 20 men!

The sight of the 'Four Horsemen' on the cliffs above as their soldiers wreaked havoc below was chilling and epic. By the time the Night's King and Jon Snow were having their bro-down at the end, I thought anything could happen. When the NK raised his arms, my first thoughts were that the lake/water was going to freeze, but raising zombies was even more chilling than any icy outcome could have been.

The show continues to wink its left eye dry at book viewers this season with nods to upcoming events and their heavily theorised aftermaths. Sam's "...he always comes back" is just teasing us at this stage. It's a win/win for the show; If Jon does come back form the dead and/or be revealed as the offspring of R+L, they can point out how they were hinting at it all along. If they don't come through on these predictions, they can just go ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ and say "we have no idea what you are talking about, but hope you like Hodor - the 999th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch."

I'll say it again, Olly is stabbing Jon. Poor Sam inadvertently made the decision for Olly and all! By now though, I kinda wish Olly was the one getting the stabbing. I know he had to watch his parents, life and village get wiped out, but none of the soldiers in the NW have a happy story. The NW and Jon especially took him in and gave him a chance at a new family. The returning Jon, Ed, Tormund and co. will surely make a few believers out of some skeptics at The Wall, but not enough to prevent the upcoming 'For The Watch' scenario.

Outside of the Hardhomme action, I loved Tyrion and Dany's interactions. Finally, a cast-iron link between the story-lines in Westeros and Slaver's Bay, no disrespect to Barristan the Fallen. I was surprised to hear Tyrion strongly advise against Dany going for the Iron Throne, but his reasoning was sound and shows why she needs him on her council. No matter what, I can't help but think that their pairing is only temporary with Drogon on his way back to whisk Dany off. There have been many 'big' Dany statements and moments over the seasons, or at least they were planned that way and some fell flat, but hearing her say "I'm not going to stop the wheel, I'm going to break it" at the culmination of her and Tyrion's scene did get my blood going.

When Ja'aqan sent Arya to the harbour I thought she was going to run into Meryn Trant pretty much straight away and therefore that would be a little too quick and convenient. I like that it is another mission which will more than likely lead to her crossing paths with one of the names on her list. One other thing about Arya's storyline; That other girl who is constantly antagonising her and bitching to Ja'aqan about her. Who is she and why hasn't she gotten at least one of the five 'Quiet, you!' slaps on the jaw that she should have gotten so far?! Probably just another graduate like Arya will soon be, and is treating her just the same as Ja'aqan or another peer treated her during her own training.

With everything else that happened in the episode, it's easy to overlook the comparatively brief scene in Winterfell where Theon finally bared part of his soul to Sansa. Having gone through a season or two of the physical and emotional torture which Theon has endured, it was hard even if it was understandable to hear Sansa say that she's glad that Theon went through what he did, and she would have done it herself if she could have. But now that the Bran and Rickon cat is out of the bag, how does she feel? As well as as some Stark revenge for Sansa, there could be some redemption for Theon on the horizon.

So, back to Ramsey and his "20 good men". We have previously seen from Yara Greyjoy's attempt to rescue Theon that Ramsey is a bit of a mad bastard in the heat of battle and does not fear or cower from a threat. There was no way he could have known at the time that Yara and her Ironborn's brains would shít themselves and not actually throw the axes at the armourless Ramsey! My point is, if Ramsey is traveling North, he is going there to do genuine damage to the Stannis threat.

I have been getting the feeling as the episodes go by that Stannis could be not long for this world. He is nearly too perfect in his scenes and has become quite likable compared to the character who was introduced in the 2nd season. This is not a good thing for the life expectancy of a character in GoT. As strong as I feel the TV Ramsey is, I really hope that he is not the one to take Stannis out with this commando mission and that the Mannis will live into at least next season.

Cersei is clearly losing it in the Sparrow's custody. Within two sentences she went form one extreme to the other in her pleas for freedom with the septa; 1) I will make you a rich woman 2) I will make sure you die screaming. While I'm not nearly there in a 'feeling sorry for her' capacity, I can see it happening soon when Jamie inevitably turns his back on her. Lena Headey is playing the role very well. Also must me noted how awesome a job the actor who is playing Qyburn is doing. The part is almost understated, but you always get the sense that Qyburn has a trick or two up his sleeve.

Finally, it's hard to tell where Jorah's arc is going to take him. It's clear that death is the eventual destination for him unfortunately, but is that merely it or is he planning on taking a few more with him via his contagious disease or something else? I missed it in the episode but saw it speculated elsewhere - When Jorah flipped that coin to the slave-owner, might it have gotten a rub of the grey first? Shireen contracted greyscale from an inanimate object as we were reminded in a recent episode, so maybe that could come into play in Jorah's journey.

I wasn't growing as weary or unimpressed by some other viewers this season, but the quality of this episode did show me what was lacking so far. Those moments that really get your heart-rate going, this episode had more than one or two. I am very eager to see more of each of the story-lines, but know that all too soon will be left waiting another 10 months for further progression. As a book reader, the wait between seasons hasn't been too bad in the past, but now that we are into 'beyond the book' territory it is going to be a bit more agonising.

Top notch episode, 9/10 without doubt.

EagererBeaver

tommy2bad wrote: »

I haven't given up on Stoneheart but admit it's looking unlikely.
Bran and Rickon are about where they are in the books, stuck under a tree somewhere north of the wall or thereabouts. They don't really play much part in the events covered this season.

Rickon isn't with Bran. He's off with Osha.

Given the way they encountered Rattleshirt, does that mean that it *actually* was Mance dying in the opening episode of the season? Obviously his rescue mission to Winterfell isn't relevant for the show any more.

Kunkka

First time in a few seasons that I have been dying to see what happens next. Sign of how great that episode was.

I want to know more about the Night King, I presume the only person that will get that insight next season is Bran.

Drogon is coming.

csallmighty

Yeah I don't like how Ramsey and Brienne seem overpowered in the show either. Same goes with Jamie being able to fight sand snakes with one hand. There are a lot of little things to nit pick at but you really need to put it to the back of your head or you won't enjoy the show.

So valyrian steel is confirmed dragonsteel. Will longclaw become lightbringer?

pinkypinky

tommy2bad wrote: »

I haven't given up on Stoneheart but admit it's looking unlikely.
Bran and Rickon are about where they are in the books, stuck under a tree somewhere north of the wall or thereabouts. They don't really play much part in the events covered this season.

I'm not so keen to resume the "Bran becomes a tree" storyline.

Jofspring

Watching thronecast there and according to them there are rumoured to be 200 pieces of valeryian steel spread out in westeros. I always thought it was only the handful of swords.

Jofspring

Jofspring wrote: »

Watching thronecast there and according to them there are rumoured to be 200 pieces of valeryian steel spread out in westeros. I always thought it was only the handful of swords.

Probably a good few daggers and such too. They can't be outrageously rare if the likes of Mormonts and Tarlys have them but I could just be underestimating the size of those families due to the fact we haven't got much from their homelands.

stankratz wrote: »

Finally, it's hard to tell where Jorah's arc is going to take him. It's clear that death is the eventual destination for him unfortunately, but is that merely it or is he planning on taking a few more with him via his contagious disease or something else? I missed it in the episode but saw it speculated elsewhere - When Jorah flipped that coin to the slave-owner, might it have gotten a rub of the grey first? Shireen contracted greyscale from an inanimate object as we were reminded in a recent episode, so maybe that could come into play in Jorah's journey.

I reckon he'll get killed by Drogon in the fighting pits when he jumps in front of Dany to shield her from the fire or some such thing. Also wouldn't completely rule out some weird plot with Tyrion but it's unlikely.

Mickeroo

Todd Toddington III wrote: »

Great read those. Thanks for the reminder, couldn't remember who the author was

Great series, book number 15 is out this August.

Mormegil

Jofspring wrote: »

Watching thronecast there and according to them there are rumoured to be 200 pieces of valeryian steel spread out in westeros. I always thought it was only the handful of swords.

Tyrion is the one who comes up with the figure of 200 blades (not sure if he's counting knives in this) in the 7 Kingdoms. It's when Tywin has the two new Lannister swords made so it is probably just swords Tyrion is thinking of.

Valyrian steel blades were scarce and costly, yet thousands remained in the world, perhaps two hundred in the Seven Kingdoms alone.[4] ”
– thoughts of Tyrion Lannister

chanelfreak

+1 to Ser Friendzone becoming Ser Friedzone in the pits (sorry, I couldn't resist that one)

Cannot WAIT to see my brother's reaction when Drogon swoops in and lets loose

Definitely think Olly is on for stabbing Jon Snow, but I'm interested to see whether or not they will leave us hanging to see what happens to him, just like ADwD did...

Also, I read what I can only hope is pure speculation as opposed to a genuine spoiler for the last episode but I am going to be P1SSED if it turns out to be true. Dunno how to do the spoiler text, so will say nowt for the moment.

MrWalsh

chanelfreak wrote: »

+1 to Ser Friendzone becoming Ser Friedzone in the pits (sorry, I couldn't resist that one)

Cannot WAIT to see my brother's reaction when Drogon swoops in and lets loose

Definitely think Olly is on for stabbing Jon Snow, but I'm interested to see whether or not they will leave us hanging to see what happens to him, just like ADwD did...

Also, I read what I can only hope is pure speculation as opposed to a genuine spoiler for the last episode but I am going to be P1SSED if it turns out to be true. Dunno how to do the spoiler text, so will say nowt for the moment.

To do spoiler text you type your text then surround it with [] and []

Inside the first set of square brackets put the word spoiler.
Inside the second set of square brackets put this: /spoiler

If you quote this post you will see how it should look:

like this

Mormegil

MrWalsh wrote: »

To do spoiler text you type your text then surround it with [] and []

Inside the first set of square brackets put the word spoiler.
Inside the second set of square brackets put this: /spoiler

If you quote this post you will see how it should look:

like this

Or just use the Spoiler tag button on the reply box (at the end next to the youtube button).

MrWalsh

Mormegil wrote: »

Or just use the Spoiler tag button on the reply box (at the end next to the youtube button).

Oh I never noticed that before! I always type my own tags.

Peregrine

You can use the wrap spoiler tag button on the full site. You have to type it yourself on the touch site.

paulbok

Mormegil wrote: »

One theory doing the rounds is that both Stannis and Jon die.


Mel knowing it can be done (from Thoras) tries to bring back Stannis.

However during her incantation she calls him the Lord of Lights Chosen One or AA or the PtwP (if they want to bring those terms onto the show).

Nothing happens and Stannis stays dead.


We then cut to The Wall where Jon is about to be cremated, his eyes open and he sits up (end of season).

Good shout this. If John Snows is

really a Targaryen

, then cremation may have no affect on him, it could even restore him?

Mr Freeze

paulbok wrote: »

Good shout this. If John Snows is really a Targaryen, then cremation may have no affect on him, it could even restore him?

Targaryens aren't fireproof though.

They might have some heat resistance, but they will still burn. Dany has some resistance, but Drogons fire has burnt her.

Plenty of Targaryen kings in Westeros history have thought themselves fireproof and burnt to death as a result.