Maclowery wrote:Watched it. Almost every actor nailed it, for all intents and purposes. In the books, all the kids are about three or four years younger, and they were ramped up so it isn't as creepy, for instance, to have a naked 13 year old Daenerys semi-raped by her barbarian husband.
Regarding that scene: It was the only minor change from the books that irked me. In the books, Drogo keeps saying No, and Dany is terrified of the whole losing-virginity-to-a-huge-barbarian thing. But, after some uncomfortable fondling and more No No No, she says "Yes" and pulls him close, etc. Basically, it seemed like he raped her the first time in the show, when in the books she accepts the sexin's. I think it's an important change in the characterization. Dany's pretty awesome. Her actress seems up to it; she's one of the more challenging roles, I'd say. Arya being easily the most difficult, as you'll see once this season continues.
Regarding Ned, Jaime, and every other plotline: I won't spoil a thing for you, and I extremely recommend not reading forums that might spoil anything. I can say, though, that there are some [expletive]-hits-the-fan moments in these first 10 episodes that will kick your ass.
edit: 4.2 million viewers for the first episode! Zowie! HBO already picked up the show for a second season (the second book is called A Clash of Kings, but I guess they're keeping A Game of Thrones as the title, which is fine, fine fine). George RR Martin, the author (who scripted the first episode we saw) is writing a pivotal battle scene in the second season, which I can't fathom how an HBO budget will rightfully capture. But! Who knows! Go Tyrion Go!
Awesome.
And interesting about the marriage and all. Thanks for not spoiling what happens in the future. I know it's all based on books so everyone that's read them knows what happens. Still, it's all new to me!