I know we're YEARS away and it's been talked to death... but I'm really interested to see how they handle Books 4 & 5 on screen.

True but one reason for hurrying the story along is the ages of the young actors. It's fine that they went older than the books, but it does give them less time. Jackie Gleason is already getting taller than I ever envisioned Joffrey being. By Season 3 he's going to look almost grown-up, which might make some of the story elements problematic.

I call bullshit. Margaery Tyrell would turn any gay man straight.

I'm only on season one but the two q_ueers were fast forwarded,
no one wants to witness that filth.

The differnces in the show from the book are becoming more pronounced now. I did like the scene where Theon makes his choice and burns the letter to Robb, the idiot. ANd Tyrion making the Small Council dance his dance was entertaining, as well. Didn't Pycelle actually get the snip job in the book?

http://media.screened.com/uploads/0/...r_01_super.jpg

BLAM Renly, you're no longer gay, nttiawwt.

I don't need Loras and Renly making out, but Margery Tyrell was excellent (and hot!), so that made up for it a little bit. I loved it when she asked him if he wanted her brother to get him started or if he wanted her to turn over so he could pretend she was Loras. Awesome!

They did a good job handling Tyrion's little game which could have been very confusing but wasn't. Pycell's beard being cut follows the book, as does his admission to being involved in John Arryn's death which is what started everything when Robert replaced him with Ned.

We are at the part where the Reed siblings would come in if they are going to, so I guess we'll find out in the next episode or two whether they will even have those characters. The conversation between Bran and Maester Luwin was almost word for word from the book.

Theon's part was also well done I thought. They covered a lot in a short time as far as understanding Theon. He really is stuck a bit between competing loyalties, and you can't blame him for siding with his family I guess, but his ultimate actions are still unforgivable.

Arya's part was good too, Yoren was great, killing a bunch of them after getting shot by the arrow.

The differences from the book are actually good to me. They advance the plot in the right way most of the time to remain consistent with the book, but they keep it interesting for me. But less guys kising, ick.

The trick photography and fixed perspectives they used for Brienne made her look at least 6" taller than she actually is. She looked ginormous.

I'd say the hard part is making her look bulky and masculine which they did well with her armor, her bow-legged walk, and that awful haircut. The actress is 6'3". Give hear some lifts and she'll tower above many actors.

That actress playing Brienne is pretty tall. I remember seeing her in heels in Dr Parnassus' Imaginarium. She looked gigantic then too, but hotter.

No they announced awhile back during the casting that the Reeds were not going to be in the show. Bran's companions will be Hodor and Osha. No clue what they intend to do with Rickon.

Episode 3 was great. Good mix of characters and action. Tyrion's "double coin" of Pycelle's whore had me busting up laughing. Dinkledge rocks. Also loved Caetlin's bit of acting with Renly. She's seeming more likable this season. Only little disappointed that Sansa was such a little snot to Shae. This is where I started liking Sansa more in the book. But I suppose it does make sense if they're setting up for certain future events.

I never started liking Sansa in the books. I think they're making her way more likeable in the series. I almost feel sorry for her, whereas I just wanted her to DIAF in the books. She was pretty shitty in the Shae scene, though.

Well, Sansa would have every reason to be rude to a strange girl in her room claiming to be a hand maiden but having no idea what to do. Very suspicious. She would asssume Cersei or Joffrey sent her to spy on her... or worse.

I'm 1/2way through the 3rd book, how long before there's more exposition/reveal on

Not having the Reeds ****s it all up. That's a huge mistake if they do that.