I'm guessing Varys will replace JonCon next season and LS will still appear but only when she meets up with Brienne, to amp up the shock value.
Maybe, but I think it more likely he'll just be in Pentos for a couple of episodes then disappear till near the end of the season when he turns up in KL again and kills Pycelle and presumably Kevan.
Not too surprised they killed off Jojen, with Bloodraven to teach Bran Jojen's role is pretty much over.
I don't buy into the Jojen Paste theory but I do think his time in the books is limited.
What did people think about replacing Tysha with Shae as the reason Tyrion kills Tywin?
They should have had Jaime reveal the truth about Tysha either this episode or instead of the conversation about Cousin Orson.
Not too sure about the CotF being able to throw fireballs
Yes they do have magic in the books, very powerful magic if the legend of them shattering the land bridge to Essos is true but Fireballs seem a bit flashy
No mention of Tysha . Tyrion did have ample reason to blow Tywin away, but still, Tysha was a major part of his reason for doing it, and I don't think Shae would have been enough. I liked that he was still friends with Jamie, but it didn't feel right, the Tyrion that left Westeros in his crate was in a very dark place with not a friend in the world or any family left.
Brienne beat up The Hound? No chance, totally unbelievable.
Arya made it to the boat far too easily.
Stupid skeletons looking like they'd come out of a computer game, not impressed, and the child didn't look or sound at all the way I was expecting.
So, all in all, not the greatest episode I've seen, and not really much of a finale I didn't think.
I did like Jon taking Ygritte north of the wall though.
Have to admit, with missing the chance of ending with the LS reveal, this is probably the first time the way the show has been done has really peeved me off.
I'm at a loss. An absolute loss as to why Lady Stoneheart wasn't introduced here.
I've read very interesting things online about why they didn't do it. And I feel the need to de-bunk them.
1. Michelle Fairley is a brilliant actress, and the writers didn't want to bring her back to just be a mute zombie. OK, firstly, GOT has masterfully extended characters that, in the books, are not that impactful. Look at Margaery. Look at Shae. They could easily have bulked up Stoneheart's role. How about the inner turmoil of who she was and who she now is. Beric didn't come back a nutcase, and the only reason Catelyn is like that is because of what happened to her. So much stuff to explore here!!!!
2. It's too weird. Too fantasy. It would spoil the show. Urm... didn't we spend HALF THE SEASON last year with the Brotherhood Without Banners, setting up the fact that Thoros of Myr can bring back the dead? The fact that we know Beric keeps coming back just made it seem like the writers wanted to firmly cement that in the GOT universe, this is very possible. In fact, I was positive that was the only reason.
If I'm honest, everything had been lain into place. Sansa referenced back in episode 1 that they threw Catelyn's body into the river. We had the entire Brotherhood thing last year. Hell, in this very episode they made another reference to Catelyn being dead. We spent so much time with the Brotherhood last year, it's obvious they were going to do it at some point. The past 2 seasons have just felt like an intake of breath, and all the pieces were lined up.
I mean, come on. They basically had one of the best cliffhangers a TV show could hope for, and they didn't sodding well use it! I just don't get it, and it did tamper for me what was, otherwise, an amazing final. It just would have been so bloody perfect.
I'm sure they'll do it eventually, but damn am I not disappointed. Now, no matter when they do it, it's going to seriously lack the impact it would have had at the end of this episode. I'm sure the writers have their reasons, but god damn what a let down.
I'll be honest, I was disappointed when I heard this morning that Lady Stoneheart wasn't in this episode but when I actually sat down and watched it, I completely forgot about her.
Agreed on the skeletons, wasn't keen on them and the cgi hurt my eyes (looked almost like 3d but without the glasses!) but other than that, I enjoyed the episode.
Thought it was a great last episode overall, though the non inclusion of Lady Stoneheart probably shocked me more than it happening would have shocked everyone else. I watched through all the credits thinking they might do it as a end credits scene bit like you see in films, I was fairly dissapointed, it would have had everyone talking which is important when show wont be on again for 10months. I'll trust that they have a plan for it however, maybe season 5 opener.
Actually think they generally did a decent job improving some of the more tedious bits of source material, minimising Daenary's screen time in Meereen and I quite liked the addition of the Hound vs Brienne clash. It shouldn't have any real butterfly effect and it helped show Arya's dark descent in that she wont put her trust in anyone anymore. Maisie Williams was just brilliant all the way through the scene for me, she's brought her character to life from the books more than any other in my mind.
Not sure quite how to feel about how Tyrion's escape was handled, I do understand why all the Tysha stuff was cut since I suspect at least half the audience wouldn't even know who they were talking about but Shae felt like a rather weak motive for his actions. Tyrion and Arya are both meant to be walking down very dark paths at this stage, while I think they did Arya perfectly with Tyrion I just think they lost it a bit after the utterly brilliant trial speech.
I'm at a loss. An absolute loss as to why Lady Stoneheart wasn't introduced here.
I've read very interesting things online about why they didn't do it. And I feel the need to de-bunk them.
1. Michelle Fairley is a brilliant actress, and the writers didn't want to bring her back to just be a mute zombie. OK, firstly, GOT has masterfully extended characters that, in the books, are not that impactful. Look at Margaery. Look at Shae. They could easily have bulked up Stoneheart's role. How about the inner turmoil of who she was and who she now is. Beric didn't come back a nutcase, and the only reason Catelyn is like that is because of what happened to her. So much stuff to explore here!!!!
2. It's too weird. Too fantasy. It would spoil the show. Urm... didn't we spend HALF THE SEASON last year with the Brotherhood Without Banners, setting up the fact that Thoros of Myr can bring back the dead? The fact that we know Beric keeps coming back just made it seem like the writers wanted to firmly cement that in the GOT universe, this is very possible. In fact, I was positive that was the only reason.
If I'm honest, everything had been lain into place. Sansa referenced back in episode 1 that they threw Catelyn's body into the river. We had the entire Brotherhood thing last year. Hell, in this very episode they made another reference to Catelyn being dead. We spent so much time with the Brotherhood last year, it's obvious they were going to do it at some point. The past 2 seasons have just felt like an intake of breath, and all the pieces were lined up.
I mean, come on. They basically had one of the best cliffhangers a TV show could hope for, and they didn't sodding well use it! I just don't get it, and it did tamper for me what was, otherwise, an amazing final. It just would have been so bloody perfect.
I'm sure they'll do it eventually, but damn am I not disappointed. Now, no matter when they do it, it's going to seriously lack the impact it would have had at the end of this episode. I'm sure the writers have their reasons, but god damn what a let down.
Completely agree. All signs were pointing to a big set up at the finale with a shot of Stoneheart. Instead we get a rushed Arya, sailing off into the sunset. As a reader I feel a bit cheated. I am going to go back to the books because it has cemented the fact that the books do it so much better.
Lets be honest. What exactly is the point of Brienne's storyline without the inclusion of Stoneheart? She's just on a road trip for the rest of the duration with Pod for company? Brienne's chapters always had me feeling like they could and should have been condensed because nothing actually happened until she met The Brotherhood Without Banners.
The lack of LSH could simply be that Michelle wasn't available - she's a bit busy kidnapping the US President at the moment
I've already posted that I don't get the LSH stuff and personally would prefer they just left it all out. I think lessens the impact of character deaths if the viewer/readers are lead to believe that anyone could be brought back at any point. But i'm sure they'll include it next season with a slightly beefed up role. Obviously she won't have a speaking part though given the slashed throat!
My biggest shock moment in Storm of Swords was Stannis coming to rescue the Black Watch - it just came out of nowhere. I would have preferred if that was the cliff hanger but then I appreciate the imagery of Ayra sailing away towards new horizons.
Ok, a question for book readers - do you think any character of note (i.e. an existing, well known one) will die in season 5? For a show that's known for killing off it's favourite characters I was actually struggling to think of anyone that dies in the novels. I think that GRRM finally got attached to them
Completely agree. All signs were pointing to a big set up at the finale with a shot of Stoneheart. Instead we get a rushed Arya, sailing off into the sunset. As a reader I feel a bit cheated. I am going to go back to the books because it has cemented the fact that the books do it so much better.
Lets be honest. What exactly is the point of Brienne's storyline without the inclusion of Stoneheart? She's just on a road trip for the rest of the duration with Pod for company? Brienne's chapters always had me feeling like they could and should have been condensed because nothing actually happened until she met The Brotherhood Without Banners.
I quite like the meanderings of the characters in the books, because it shows how bloody difficult their lives are, and what the Westeros world is like now, since all the upheaval. You couldn't just have Brienne going somewhere, fortuitously meeting up with both Stark sisters and then escorting them to safety (wherever that may be, as pointed out so well by The Hound). The journey is going to be long and difficult, with many setbacks on the way, and horrible people who have other ideas about what they should be doing.
I didn't however, like the show version of her meeting up with The Hound and Arya. For all her fighting brilliance, there is no way she would have bested The Hound, that fight sequence, as far as I'm concerned, was totally unrealistic.
I didn't however, like the show version of her meeting up with The Hound and Arya. For all her fighting brilliance, there is no way she would have bested The Hound, that fight sequence, as far as I'm concerned, was totally unrealistic.
It would have made more sense if they played up The Hound's injury; to make it clear that he was fighting with a disadvantage.
The lack of LSH could simply be that Michelle wasn't available - she's a bit busy kidnapping the US President at the moment
I've already posted that I don't get the LSH stuff and personally would prefer they just left it all out. I think lessens the impact of character deaths if the viewer/readers are lead to believe that anyone could be brought back at any point. But i'm sure they'll include it next season with a slightly beefed up role. Obviously she won't have a speaking part though given the slashed throat!
My biggest shock moment in Storm of Swords was Stannis coming to rescue the Black Watch - it just came out of nowhere. I would have preferred if that was the cliff hanger but then I appreciate the imagery of Ayra sailing away towards new horizons.
Ok, a question for book readers - do you think any character of note (i.e. an existing, well known one) will die in season 5? For a show that's known for killing off it's favourite characters I was actually struggling to think of anyone that dies in the novels. I think that GRRM finally got attached to them
I was expecting Balon Greyjoy's death to happen at some point this season. I'm sure it happened before Tywin's death in the books.
Though they seem to have pretty much abandoned the Iron Island storyline this season, apart from a couple of brief scenes.
To be fair, there's enough floating/disperate plot elements up in the air as it is without introducing another featuring characters we've barely met. Better to save it for next season when it can have room to breathe, especially given the apparent dearth of interesting book material to fill Season Five.
I was expecting Balon Greyjoy's death to happen at some point this season. I'm sure it happened before Tywin's death in the books.
Though they seem to have pretty much abandoned the Iron Island storyline this season, apart from a couple of brief scenes.
I'm currently reading A storm of swords: Part 2... Robb is on his way to The Freys for Edmures wedding, and someone has just arrived and told him that Balon Greyjoy is dead, got blown off a bridge! Although I realise he could be being told a lie....
I'm enjoying the books and excited that I can finish reading them now before next season starts....
I was expecting Balon Greyjoy's death to happen at some point this season. I'm sure it happened before Tywin's death in the books.
Though they seem to have pretty much abandoned the Iron Island storyline this season, apart from a couple of brief scenes.
I assume they'll slot his death in early next season, if/when they introduce the rest of the Greyjoys. It's not like his death is a huge climactic moment in the books. We don't even get to witness it. I wonder what they will do about the Greyjoys in general next season. They're not exactly the most likeable bunch and the show already has it's fair share of morally grey characters. Plus they have so many new characters still to introduce, some are bound to get lost in the shuffle.
I loved the books and it's excellent seeing it as a series but I forget some of what happened and so don't see the changes from book to series
I prefer the books though but the series is great
Ok, a question for book readers - do you think any character of note (i.e. an existing, well known one) will die in season 5? For a show that's known for killing off it's favourite characters I was actually struggling to think of anyone that dies in the novels. I think that GRRM finally got attached to them
I'll put this in spoilers just this once since we have someone posting who is only on book 3.
Jon's death will probably be in Ep 9 or 10 of next season. Of course he's unlikely to remain dead. Pycelle and Kevan will most likely die next year as well.
I'm currently reading A storm of swords: Part 2... Robb is on his way to The Freys for Edmures wedding, and someone has just arrived and told him that Balon Greyjoy is dead, got blown off a bridge! Although I realise he could be being told a lie....
I'm enjoying the books and excited that I can finish reading them now before next season starts....
To be fair, there's enough floating/disperate plot elements up in the air as it is without introducing another featuring characters we've barely met. Better to save it for next season when it can have room to breathe, especially given the apparent dearth of interesting book material to fill Season Five.
I'm currently reading A storm of swords: Part 2... Robb is on his way to The Freys for Edmures wedding, and someone has just arrived and told him that Balon Greyjoy is dead, got blown off a bridge! Although I realise he could be being told a lie....
I'm enjoying the books and excited that I can finish reading them now before next season starts....
I assume they'll slot his death in early next season, if/when they introduce the rest of the Greyjoys. It's not like his death is a huge climactic moment in the books. We don't even get to witness it. I wonder what they will do about the Greyjoys in general next season. They're not exactly the most likeable bunch and the show already has it's fair share of morally grey characters. Plus they have so many new characters still to introduce, some are bound to get lost in the shuffle.
Thanks for your replies. I guess it makes sense that they didn't focus on the Iron Islands much this season when so much was going on elsewhere. I just felt that a brief scene in one of the episodes depicting what happens to Balon would have been necessary. Particularly given the leech scene with Melisandre and Gendry towards the end of Season 3, where Joffrey, Robb and Balon were named specifically as Usurpers to destroy to make way for Stannis. For Stannis, having Balon die as well as Joffrey, plus getting the funding from the Iron Bank, would have made him even more powerful this season. And I think his arrival at the Wall in episode 10 would have had more of an impact if that had been the case. Instead, he still has one more (well, two if you count Tommen - bless him!) usurper to defeat, even if Balon is less powerful than the other two. Though I'm hoping they don't focus too much on the other Greyjoys next season, as I found their storyline to be terribly dull in Book 4. So yeah, I'm only really concerned about Balon's death in the context of Melisandre's prediction and the effect it has on Stannis.
I'll put this in spoilers just this once since we have someone posting who is only on book 3.
Jon's death will probably be in Ep 9 or 10 of next season. Of course he's unlikely to remain dead. Pycelle and Kevan will most likely die next year as well.
He dies
His spirit wargs into Ghost.
His body is kept in the Ice Cells under the Wall (so it doesn't rot)
Mel then resurrects him/transfers his spirit back into his human body.
All the above have been foreshadowed/hinted at in the story.
My worry with watching next season is the potential for spoilers will have gone up massively. Depending on how fast they take things.
I'll put my reasons in spoilers because it discusses later books and unshown material and just to be safe for others.
Anything involving Sansa for example is spoilerific for everyone now because we don't know if they are taking content from the unpublished Winds of Winter.
Characters like Tyrion, Daenerys, Jon, Cercei/Jamie, Brienne & Arya still have some stuff coming up from Dances with Dragons but I imagine some of those people wills surpass their book counterparts by the end of Season 5 in which case, are we then viewing TV only material or are we viewing content from TWoW or a mash up of both? We won't know till publication but the surprise factor will be gone if the seeds have been planted by the TV show. If I'm reading and events follow what I watched in Season 5 I'll be thinking "oh no this is going to end with ...." then if that's how it ends, no surprise. I'll be expecting that outcome.
I'm not overly concerned about potential spoilers for the books. We don't know whether it's made up for tv or really will be played out in the books and I do enjoy not knowing what happens when watching the show sometimes!
I don't know why it bothers me so much because I've read the books but I'm certain there are book readers (or at least people who have read spoilers) detailing what's going to happen next as though they are making a wild guess in the other thread. Part of me wonders if it really is that obvious in terms of future storylines playing out but I don't think so. Does it bother anyone else?
I've not yet seen this series (have to wait till the dvd comes out >:(:( ) but have been following the other thread to see what happens (I'm not too bothered about being spoiled :D )
I'm under the impression that Gendry hasn't appeared this season - so was just wondering if you book readers could tell me if he does appear at a later date.
I don't need to know details about his storyline (if he has one) - just need to know if we've seen the last of him?
I've not yet seen this series (have to wait till the dvd comes out >:(:( ) but have been following the other thread to see what happens (I'm not too bothered about being spoiled :D )
I'm under the impression that Gendry hasn't appeared this season - so was just wondering if you book readers could tell me if he does appear at a later date.
I don't need to know details about his storyline (if he has one) - just need to know if we've seen the last of him?
Thanks in advance
He appears briefly in Book 4 but the changes to his story in the show makes it unlikely he'll end up in the same place as in the books.
So in the show (come Season 5) they may drop him completely or give him a brand new plotline.
I thought season 4 was tremendous and the finale staggering. But we are now at an interesting point.
Just in terms of dynamic you'd want your main story lines moving on or else viewers will feel season 5 has just marked time. I can see how the authored story lines for Arya, Daenerys and Cersai maybe don't need to be extended for season 5. But I feel Tyrion's will have to move on more.
And while, with 4 seasons to go, we can stand a couple of whole new strands opening up, I don't see how that can be done at the expense of other main characters not appearing at all without viewers feeling hard done by.
It would make sense for GRRM to agree new material with the producers for season 5 and to release the next book around the same time as season 5 airs. That will be his last chance to lever the TV series anyway I think, it seems likely to me he wouldn't release another book until the whole TV series is over - which must affect his motivation for completing the series, and people's enthusiasm for buying the final two or three books .
The perfect solution would be to have just two more books - with one released at the start of series 5 and one at the end of season 8. But I can't see GRRM managing that.
Comments
Maybe, but I think it more likely he'll just be in Pentos for a couple of episodes then disappear till near the end of the season when he turns up in KL again and kills Pycelle and presumably Kevan.
Not too surprised they killed off Jojen, with Bloodraven to teach Bran Jojen's role is pretty much over.
I don't buy into the Jojen Paste theory but I do think his time in the books is limited.
What did people think about replacing Tysha with Shae as the reason Tyrion kills Tywin?
They should have had Jaime reveal the truth about Tysha either this episode or instead of the conversation about Cousin Orson.
Not too sure about the CotF being able to throw fireballs
Yes they do have magic in the books, very powerful magic if the legend of them shattering the land bridge to Essos is true but Fireballs seem a bit flashy
No mention of Tysha
Brienne beat up The Hound? No chance, totally unbelievable.
Arya made it to the boat far too easily.
Stupid skeletons looking like they'd come out of a computer game, not impressed, and the child didn't look or sound at all the way I was expecting.
So, all in all, not the greatest episode I've seen, and not really much of a finale I didn't think.
I did like Jon taking Ygritte north of the wall though.
I've read very interesting things online about why they didn't do it. And I feel the need to de-bunk them.
1. Michelle Fairley is a brilliant actress, and the writers didn't want to bring her back to just be a mute zombie. OK, firstly, GOT has masterfully extended characters that, in the books, are not that impactful. Look at Margaery. Look at Shae. They could easily have bulked up Stoneheart's role. How about the inner turmoil of who she was and who she now is. Beric didn't come back a nutcase, and the only reason Catelyn is like that is because of what happened to her. So much stuff to explore here!!!!
2. It's too weird. Too fantasy. It would spoil the show. Urm... didn't we spend HALF THE SEASON last year with the Brotherhood Without Banners, setting up the fact that Thoros of Myr can bring back the dead? The fact that we know Beric keeps coming back just made it seem like the writers wanted to firmly cement that in the GOT universe, this is very possible. In fact, I was positive that was the only reason.
If I'm honest, everything had been lain into place. Sansa referenced back in episode 1 that they threw Catelyn's body into the river. We had the entire Brotherhood thing last year. Hell, in this very episode they made another reference to Catelyn being dead. We spent so much time with the Brotherhood last year, it's obvious they were going to do it at some point. The past 2 seasons have just felt like an intake of breath, and all the pieces were lined up.
I mean, come on. They basically had one of the best cliffhangers a TV show could hope for, and they didn't sodding well use it! I just don't get it, and it did tamper for me what was, otherwise, an amazing final. It just would have been so bloody perfect.
I'm sure they'll do it eventually, but damn am I not disappointed. Now, no matter when they do it, it's going to seriously lack the impact it would have had at the end of this episode. I'm sure the writers have their reasons, but god damn what a let down.
Agreed on the skeletons, wasn't keen on them and the cgi hurt my eyes (looked almost like 3d but without the glasses!) but other than that, I enjoyed the episode.
Actually think they generally did a decent job improving some of the more tedious bits of source material, minimising Daenary's screen time in Meereen and I quite liked the addition of the Hound vs Brienne clash. It shouldn't have any real butterfly effect and it helped show Arya's dark descent in that she wont put her trust in anyone anymore. Maisie Williams was just brilliant all the way through the scene for me, she's brought her character to life from the books more than any other in my mind.
Not sure quite how to feel about how Tyrion's escape was handled, I do understand why all the Tysha stuff was cut since I suspect at least half the audience wouldn't even know who they were talking about but Shae felt like a rather weak motive for his actions. Tyrion and Arya are both meant to be walking down very dark paths at this stage, while I think they did Arya perfectly with Tyrion I just think they lost it a bit after the utterly brilliant trial speech.
Completely agree. All signs were pointing to a big set up at the finale with a shot of Stoneheart. Instead we get a rushed Arya, sailing off into the sunset. As a reader I feel a bit cheated. I am going to go back to the books because it has cemented the fact that the books do it so much better.
Lets be honest. What exactly is the point of Brienne's storyline without the inclusion of Stoneheart? She's just on a road trip for the rest of the duration with Pod for company? Brienne's chapters always had me feeling like they could and should have been condensed because nothing actually happened until she met The Brotherhood Without Banners.
I've already posted that I don't get the LSH stuff and personally would prefer they just left it all out. I think lessens the impact of character deaths if the viewer/readers are lead to believe that anyone could be brought back at any point. But i'm sure they'll include it next season with a slightly beefed up role. Obviously she won't have a speaking part though given the slashed throat!
My biggest shock moment in Storm of Swords was Stannis coming to rescue the Black Watch - it just came out of nowhere. I would have preferred if that was the cliff hanger but then I appreciate the imagery of Ayra sailing away towards new horizons.
Ok, a question for book readers - do you think any character of note (i.e. an existing, well known one) will die in season 5? For a show that's known for killing off it's favourite characters I was actually struggling to think of anyone that dies in the novels. I think that GRRM finally got attached to them
I quite like the meanderings of the characters in the books, because it shows how bloody difficult their lives are, and what the Westeros world is like now, since all the upheaval. You couldn't just have Brienne going somewhere, fortuitously meeting up with both Stark sisters and then escorting them to safety (wherever that may be, as pointed out so well by The Hound). The journey is going to be long and difficult, with many setbacks on the way, and horrible people who have other ideas about what they should be doing.
I didn't however, like the show version of her meeting up with The Hound and Arya. For all her fighting brilliance, there is no way she would have bested The Hound, that fight sequence, as far as I'm concerned, was totally unrealistic.
It would have made more sense if they played up The Hound's injury; to make it clear that he was fighting with a disadvantage.
Even the director, Alex Graves thought it was a bit odd to have spent so much time on the Thoros of Myr and the resurrection storyline of Berric Dondarrion, only to skip the resurrection of Catelyn altogether. Here's the interview: http://www.vulture.com/2014/06/game-of-thrones-season-4-finale-director-alex-graves-stoneheart-wight.html
Though they seem to have pretty much abandoned the Iron Island storyline this season, apart from a couple of brief scenes.
To be fair, there's enough floating/disperate plot elements up in the air as it is without introducing another featuring characters we've barely met. Better to save it for next season when it can have room to breathe, especially given the apparent dearth of interesting book material to fill Season Five.
I'm currently reading A storm of swords: Part 2... Robb is on his way to The Freys for Edmures wedding, and someone has just arrived and told him that Balon Greyjoy is dead, got blown off a bridge! Although I realise he could be being told a lie....
I'm enjoying the books and excited that I can finish reading them now before next season starts....
I prefer the books though but the series is great
I'll put this in spoilers just this once since we have someone posting who is only on book 3.
Well that's the official story
Thanks for your replies. I guess it makes sense that they didn't focus on the Iron Islands much this season when so much was going on elsewhere. I just felt that a brief scene in one of the episodes depicting what happens to Balon would have been necessary. Particularly given the leech scene with Melisandre and Gendry towards the end of Season 3, where Joffrey, Robb and Balon were named specifically as Usurpers to destroy to make way for Stannis. For Stannis, having Balon die as well as Joffrey, plus getting the funding from the Iron Bank, would have made him even more powerful this season. And I think his arrival at the Wall in episode 10 would have had more of an impact if that had been the case. Instead, he still has one more (well, two if you count Tommen - bless him!) usurper to defeat, even if Balon is less powerful than the other two. Though I'm hoping they don't focus too much on the other Greyjoys next season, as I found their storyline to be terribly dull in Book 4. So yeah, I'm only really concerned about Balon's death in the context of Melisandre's prediction and the effect it has on Stannis.
Come on, he doesn't actually die!
Most likely scenario is
His spirit wargs into Ghost.
His body is kept in the Ice Cells under the Wall (so it doesn't rot)
Mel then resurrects him/transfers his spirit back into his human body.
All the above have been foreshadowed/hinted at in the story.
I'll put my reasons in spoilers because it discusses later books and unshown material and just to be safe for others.
Characters like Tyrion, Daenerys, Jon, Cercei/Jamie, Brienne & Arya still have some stuff coming up from Dances with Dragons but I imagine some of those people wills surpass their book counterparts by the end of Season 5 in which case, are we then viewing TV only material or are we viewing content from TWoW or a mash up of both? We won't know till publication but the surprise factor will be gone if the seeds have been planted by the TV show. If I'm reading and events follow what I watched in Season 5 I'll be thinking "oh no this is going to end with ...." then if that's how it ends, no surprise. I'll be expecting that outcome.
I don't know why it bothers me so much because I've read the books but I'm certain there are book readers (or at least people who have read spoilers) detailing what's going to happen next as though they are making a wild guess in the other thread. Part of me wonders if it really is that obvious in terms of future storylines playing out but I don't think so. Does it bother anyone else?
I've not yet seen this series (have to wait till the dvd comes out
I'm under the impression that Gendry hasn't appeared this season - so was just wondering if you book readers could tell me if he does appear at a later date.
I don't need to know details about his storyline (if he has one) - just need to know if we've seen the last of him?
Thanks in advance
He appears briefly in Book 4 but the changes to his story in the show makes it unlikely he'll end up in the same place as in the books.
So in the show (come Season 5) they may drop him completely or give him a brand new plotline.
Just in terms of dynamic you'd want your main story lines moving on or else viewers will feel season 5 has just marked time. I can see how the authored story lines for Arya, Daenerys and Cersai maybe don't need to be extended for season 5. But I feel Tyrion's will have to move on more.
And while, with 4 seasons to go, we can stand a couple of whole new strands opening up, I don't see how that can be done at the expense of other main characters not appearing at all without viewers feeling hard done by.
It would make sense for GRRM to agree new material with the producers for season 5 and to release the next book around the same time as season 5 airs. That will be his last chance to lever the TV series anyway I think, it seems likely to me he wouldn't release another book until the whole TV series is over - which must affect his motivation for completing the series, and people's enthusiasm for buying the final two or three books .
The perfect solution would be to have just two more books - with one released at the start of series 5 and one at the end of season 8. But I can't see GRRM managing that.