Opening episode of GoT S2 reaction post

[salinea]

So I wonder how well the series will hold now that the cast and story is so spread out - I mean, they were already, but as we start a new season, pretty much every plot thread is on its own, and besides a comet and too many kings, there isn't that much to hold them together. I wonder what the nonreader watchers feel on that front.

I liked Stannis' introduction. The editing of the letter was brilliant, as was his interaction with Davos. I'm not quite sure if I like this interpretation of Davos yet, but seems good enough so far. Unsure about Melisandre too, but then again, I was never good at having an opinion on Mel.

Cersei oscillates between badass and stupid. Despite the improvement of the show compared to the series, I think she still comes across as somewhat too stupid - the power is power scene is a good demonstration, but it seems a bit weird in how it brought out. Would Littlefinger be that blatant? I know he was with Ned, but the Lannisters are another beasts - and would Cersei act this way against one of the key player who allowed her to put Joff on the throne not so long ago? - well book!Cersei would of course, I was hoping the tv show version was a bit smarter. Also I dislike how disrespectful to her Joffrey was.

Tyrion was great. Sansa was okay. I hope we'll get more Sandor soon.

Robb and Jon continue to bore me, I'm afraid.

Overall not that much happened, mostly reminding us of where we'd been left before, introducing Stannis, and Tyrion being put on the King's Landing's board.

Comments

[williamjm.livejournal.com]

I just watched the episode. I agree the cast being so spread out could be a problem for the pacing of the episodes, and if it follows the books that'll only get worse over time.

I quite liked the episode, but it was mostly set-up for the rest of the season without a huge amount actually happening.

I agree the actor playing Stannis seems good so far, he does seem to live up to the "personality of a lobster" description Loras gave him last season ;)

I thought Mel seemed good as well, I haven't quite decided about Davos yet, but he'll probably be OK.

I'm not sure about the Littlefinger/Cersei scene either, Petyr seemed to lack subtlety (and not for the first time in the TV adaptation).

[etrangere.livejournal.com]

Yeah, Petyr lacking subtlety has been a motif in the adaptation. I mean, on the one hand, it's not like he's always the most subtle of men - he is arrogant and likes the idea of acting brazen especially with Ned - but it definitely feels too much in many of those scenes.

[williamjm.livejournal.com]

I think the show's interpretation of Petyr has been a mixed success. At times I think they have got it right and Aidan Gillen has put in some decent performances, he had some great scenes sparring with Varys in the first season, and most of his interactions with Ned were done well, but at other times he has had some quite poorly-written scenes such as the infamous 'sexposition' scene from the first season.