I understand everyone's emotional response to the burning. What I don't understand is the criticism on the build-up of that scene. It shouldn't have come as a surprise and I believe it was well executed.
I love the brutal nature of Game of Thrones. Shireen's death was telegraphed from a mile away, but sensible viewers held out hope because A) it seemed too obvious and B) surely they weren't going to kill a child in such a brutal manner. On-screen, no less.
Nope.
What the series (starting with Martin, of course) has done masterfully is make nearly everyone vulnerable at any time, which creates a tension and even a feeling of dread that is impossible to replicate when other shows rely so heavily on their main characters.
Granted, some characters undeniably have plot armor, either permanent or temporary, and it's hard to see the big 4 in Daenarys, Tyrion, Jon Snow, or Arya going down any time soon, but I wouldn't be shocked if one of those 4 bites the dust sometime next season to up the ante yet again.
The foreshadowing was heavy. The only problem is that those scenes made me less likely to believe Stannis would go this far. This is a guy who held Storm's End for a year eating rats during Robert's Rebellion, but now he burns his only heir? In the book his men are eating horses and each other but he is still staying put. It's just another difference in the adaptation, I guess.
Huge book spoiler
They're also heavily foreshadowing that the kid is going to be one of the conspirators who stabs Jon next episode. I don't necessarily like it, but at least he has a reason that's been building up over time.
I love the brutal nature of Game of Thrones. Shireen's death was telegraphed from a mile away, but sensible viewers held out hope because A) it seemed too obvious and B) surely they weren't going to kill a child in such a brutal manner. On-screen, no less.
Nope.
What the series (starting with Martin, of course) has done masterfully is make nearly everyone vulnerable at any time, which creates a tension and even a feeling of dread that is impossible to replicate when other shows rely so heavily on their main characters.
Granted, some characters undeniably have plot armor, either permanent or temporary, and it's hard to see the big 4 in Daenarys, Tyrion, Jon Snow, or Arya going down any time soon, but I wouldn't be shocked if one of those 4 bites the dust sometime next season to up the ante yet again.
A couple thoughts:
1. For all those complaining that the first couple episodes were dull should STFU after the last two.
2. Glad to see that Lionel Richey looking MFr get it.
3. LOL at the first fight in the pit and the debate about little guys vs big guys. I actually did LOL.
4. A bunch people that jumped on Team Stannis early in the season when he told of his devotion to his daughter now are probably off Team Stannis.
5. Things in Dorne continue to be the most implausible part of this season. It's like Entourage where everything works out
6. Jorah touched Dany - won't that transfer the Greyscale? Hmmmm.
A couple thoughts:
1. For all those complaining that the first couple episodes were dull should STFU after the last two.
2. Glad to see that Lionel Richey looking MFr get it.
3. LOL at the first fight in the pit and the debate about little guys vs big guys. I actually did LOL.
4. A bunch people that jumped on Team Stannis early in the season when he told of his devotion to his daughter now are probably off Team Stannis.
5. Things in Dorne continue to be the most implausible part of this season. It's like Entourage where everything works out
6. Jorah touched Dany - won't that transfer the Greyscale? Hmmmm.
Dorne has been the biggest waste of time this season. I would rather have watched Jaime spar with Bronn for 10 episodes and learn how to fight with one hand. I could not care any less about Myrcella. Her being played by a terrible actress doesn't help things, either.
Dorne has been the biggest waste of time this season. I would rather have watched Jaime spar with Bronn for 10 episodes and learn how to fight with one hand. I could not care any less about Myrcella. Her being played by a terrible actress doesn't help things, either.
