I think that's the episode you wrote... I can't wait to watch it!! Unfortunately I have to wait until season two comes out on Netflix... and then wait until it actually becomes available on Netflix... and if season one was any indication, season two will be in my queue a long time before I actually get to see it....

I'll be there. It'll be nice to meet you.

I'm excited to meet you at MisCon this weekend! I'll be in the merchant's room most of the weekend but I hope you have an excellent time! I'm really looking forward to the episode, too.

Hurray! Looks fantastic. :)

I can't believe season 2 is almost over! I am really looking forward to the DVD release next year as Clash of Kings was my favorite book.

Sort of off topic but speaking of watching I really want to read your review of The Avengers. I was watching it last night and I couldn't help but think of your comment to the effect that the best Marvel movies are the ones that follow Stan and Jack's original vision closely and that largely informed my opinion of the film.

Cool. But, unfortunately, I'm not interested in the 100's of channels and thousands of shows that I would have to buy in order to watch the only two shows that I would ever watch (Game of Thrones plus Formula One Racing). If there was some way for me to just purchase those two shows then I would, but the cable and satellite providers around Boston just won't allow it. I'd have to spend like $150 a month just to watch two shows.

But, I will definitely buy the DVD or BlueRay when it comes out.

Sooooooo excited!!!!

pls confirm my paranoic suspicion that Mance Rayder will be played by Chris Gallagher - `Lannister Scout` from `The Pointy End` (S01E08).

Edited at 2012-05-22 01:12 am (UTC)

can't wait!!!! i remember how excited i was when you posted last summer you had finished the first draft for this episode and how San/san would be included- and even if it's diffrent from the book, i am realy happy to finally be seeing my favorite moment from the books brought to life :D

I am loving the show so far ... but they removed some of my most memorable moments from the books like weasel soup :( I hope the chain is in though :D

I noticed he left Twitter after taking some abuse from fans. Not sure what the complaints were about. Wondering if you have talked to him? I hope he realizes 90% of AGOT fans love what he is doing and appreciate it. Most people realize things had to be changed due to time/money constraints.

That said book three is perfect in every way and anything cut out will be hard on readers.

You'll be so close to Calgary....perhaps your Bestselling Writer Vibes will emanate all the way up to here and I'll actually be cured of my RPG addiction and write something publishable. LOL!

Can't wait for next Sunday. I wish I had a time machine.

EPIC!

You haven't had anything to say in regards to season 2 since it started airing but I figured you'd break the silence for this one. I'll be interested to hear some of your thoughts on the season once the interviewers have caught your scent and hounded you down again. Certainly a lot more changes from the books this season. I have to admit to being disappointed in the structuring of the season to this point, though the acting and visuals have been exceptional. The Qarth storyline has been an improvement to the books but the rest falls far short.

This looks incredibly awesome!!! Best show on TV keeps getting better. I'm loving G.O.T. the book too. I'm almost done and i'm about to start A Clash of Kings! You've successfully gotten me hooked to this story and these characters Mr. Martin so major kudos to you sir. Please come to Dallas!!!

can't wait to see it in Germany finally. Will still take some time though :(

argh!! It's too exciting! You are pure genius. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world. xo

hello!

this is a dialouge of lord rickard karstark in episode 8 season 2 when he is talking to catelyn and robb.

"I would carve out my heart and offer it to the father if he would let my sons wake from their graves and step into our prison cell." .

The northerners except for the manderlys are all followers of the old Gods. I just want to help you guys, maybe you overlooked this small detail.

There's a little trepidation mixed in there. I hope a certain dwarf's tactical genius didn't wind up on the cutting room floor, so to speak.

... eagerly looking forward to this episodes after last weeks' put the franchise back on course.

Nice to have the master at the wheel, even if it is just for one episode.

Can't wait. The episode looks FANTASTIC!!!!

I gotta say, George. The series has been great! My wife loves the show, too. We should likely be going to ChiCon. Hopefully we'll see you there. We can drink beer and chat football!!!!

Can't wait!

So excited for this episode! I also just finished ADWD and can't wait to see what marvels come next!

Looks epic and plus you wrote it :D Go Stannis!

Dear Mr. Martin

When Brienne and Jaime are about to enter the small boat, Jaime says something along the lines of "there are about three men in this world who could have a chance of beating me, and you are not one of them". As I have read through all of the books twice (part from dance), I can not say I remember Jaime saying that. Me and my friends are often debating who the best fighters in westeros are (living and dead) and I for one am curious to know which three men Jaime is speaking of. My own guess would be Selmy, one or both of the Clegane brothers and/or Oberyn Martell. Please do tell!

Sincerly

Edited at 2012-05-22 04:07 pm (UTC)

Loras Tyrell? I think not. While he is a gifted tournament fighter, I have a hard time seeing him excell in a one on one sword fight. he did get beat by Brienne (at least in the series, my memory of the books are a bit foggy) and Garlan Tyrell (the man who trains by fighting three opponents at once)is aknowledged as a superior swordsman. In my opinion both Areo Hotah and Bronn would be better candidates than Loras, and they are not any candidates of mine.

You are quite right, but we are not talking about the best ultimate fighters either. Jaime is not trying to goad Brienne into untie his hands, grab a horse and a lance each and go on about it tournament style. Had we been discussing tournament fighters, or even the best allround fighters, then Loras Tyrell might be a potential candidate.

You said it yourself, Jaime is talking about a one on one sword fight(notice how he starts to goad Brienne after she unsheats her sword after they ditch the horse).

As previously stated, Loras is talented, but his brother Garlan is a better swordsman.

Tyrion clearly states in the books that Bronn is an amazing swordsman, almost as good as his brother Jaime. Loras is cheaper version of Jaime. As such, I rank Bronn higher than Loras in regards to their sword skills.

It matters little that Jaime does not know about Sandor Clegane being knighted. I am quite sure he knows that Sandor is a skilled fighter, knight or no knight.

Areo Hotah is a mean mean axe machine, but we (and presumably Jaime) knows too little about him. I just threw him in the mix because I think he is superior to Loras (lets not forget, he did get beat by Brienne, at least in the series.).

"martell is way better with short lance than with sword." Unless you are confusing Oberyn Martell with Loras Tyrell then I am quite sure you are thinking about a speer, not a short lance.

Episode 19? I wish!!! :) Can't wait!

The last two episodes were great and everything, but to be honest I've simply been waiting for THIS episode! They have done a great job with costume design and making the world authentic, and the acting is outstanding. In the books Tyrion and Jon are probably my favs, but in the show, I think Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance) is doing an OUTSTANDING job! Great casting!

I can't wait!!! The show really needs you right now.

I found Episode 8 a bit underwhelming; but am very much looking forward to Episode 9. Will Tyrion's chain appear? Will Sansa sing? Will Stannis grind his teeth? I'm staying tuned!

Theon, though far from my favorite character in the books, has been amazing to watch this season.

I'd like you to know that Blackwater was probably my favourite episode of any TV show, ever. And this is coming from a fan of The Wire. Amazing work.

Loved the episode! I'd say definitely my favorite of the season. Loved the inclusion of "The Rains of Castamere."

Fantastic episode, and the Rains of Castamere during the credits was chilling, and haunting, and beautiful, and just perfect. Easily my favorite episode of the season, a fantastic job Lord Martin!

The praise for Blackwater has been universally glowing. With many people commending the dialogue and the pacing. Perhaps there's yet another successful career for you at HBO Mr Martin, writing True Blood episodes perhaps ;)

Good job, all around!

I missed the chain, but I understand technical / budget limitation.
Also I think non-readers are missing the "Renly's ghost" bit; the Rain s of Castamere nailed it perfectly!

Wow, and to think I was missing the "chain". This one is going to win awards. Best hour of entertainment, ever. I think I've watched it 4 times.

I am so glad the boys gave you this episode. I loved the changes and additions to the story of Blackwater. The cast and crew are fantastic. The scene on top of the wall might be my favorite part. Peter is so good at being the imp and casting Roy as the Pyromaniac was brilliant. Facial expressions told the entire story on the wall. If you ever need to cast a King Aerys, Roy would be perfect. I am so glad he got to be part of this Epic Show.

Castemere, is a catchy tune by the way.

I loved your addition of the Bronn/Hound scene! It's been fun (most of the time at least) watching scenes that were not in the book but could have easily happened. Keep it up!