GAME OF THRONES, EPISODE TWO: THE NOT-EVEN SLIGHTLY OFFICIAL SCREENPLAY OUTLINE
INT. WINTERFELL – LIBRARY - DAWN
Tyrion Lannister puts a book aside and wakes his sleeping servant as dawn breaks. Tyrion himself couldn’t sleep because of the wolves howling outside his window all night long, and instead spent his time sorting through Winterfell’s various tomes. Tyrion leaves. [1 page]
EXT. WINTERFELL – COURTYARD – CONTINUOUS
Tyrion encounters Prince Joffrey and The Hound. After hearing more than a few snide comments about Bran “dying quietly,” Tyrion slaps Joffrey and admonishes him. Joff runs off. The Hound implies a bad end for Tyrion if he treats the future king poorly. [2 pages]
INT. WINTERFELL – GUEST HOUSE MORNING ROOM – MORNING
Tyrion joins Ser Jaime, Queen Cersei, Princess Myrcella, and Prince Tommen for breakfast. They discuss Bran’s injury, and the fact that he is still alive; it is clear Tyrion does not know the details of the past day’s events (or his brother and sister's direct involvement), but he seems suspicious of something. [3 pages]
INT. WINTERFELL – BRAN’S BEDCHAMBER – DAY
Jon Snow enters to say his goodbyes to Bran; he is leaving today to make his journey to the Wall. Lady Catelyn Stark is with Bran, dead-eyed with grief. “It should have been you,” she tells Jon. [2 pages]
EXT. WINTERFELL – COURTYARD – DAY
Jon encounters Robb Stark amidst the hustle and bustle of leaving. They say their goodbyes; Robb says Benjen is waiting, but Jon has one more goodbye to make. [1 page]
INT. WINTERFELL – ARYA’S BEDCHAMBER – DAY
Arya is having a packing disaster, and Nymeria’s “help” isn’t helping. Jon gives his favorite sister a parting gift: Needle. “Stick them with the pointy end.” [2 pages]
EXT. KINGSROAD CAMP – PRE-DAWN
Lord Eddard Stark is awakened by King Robert Baratheon; the king desires to speak in private with him, and wants to ride. [Half page]
EXT. HILLS – DAWN
Ned and Robert outdistance their guards, coming to a halt on a hill far off the kingsroad. They talk of fond memories growing up in the care of Jon Arryn, and Robert speaks of his wish to simply ride away and forget his responsibilities. The subject of Jon Snow’s parentage comes up and Ned immediately halts that line of conversation. They argue about Robert ordering the death of Daenerys Targaryen, and about Robert making Jaime Lannister the Warden of the East. Ned is vocal about his distrust of the Lannisters. [Possible flashback inserts: “Promise me, Ned,” and Eddard encountering Jaime sitting on the throne] [6 pages]
EXT. NORTH HOLDFAST – DAY
Benjen Stark remains aloof and unwelcoming to Tyrion as the Wall-bound party stops outside a holdfast. Introduction of YOREN and the two rapers he’s bringing to the Wall. Tyrion notes Jon’s ill look once the boy realizes these criminals will soon be his “brothers.” [1.5 pages]
EXT. NORTH CAMP – DUSK
[Possible flashback beginning: Tyrion first discovering the massive dragon skulls at Kings Landing.]
Tyrion is tucked within the roots of a tree outside the camp, reading a book about dragons. Jon walks up with Ghost in tow, and they talk. Tyrion mocks the “nobility” of service on the Wall; he reaches to pat Jon in apology, and Ghost nearly attacks him. It’s soon forgotten amidst quietly-placed barbs. It’s clear the two get along relatively well. [5.5 pages]
INT. WINTERFELL – BRAN’S BEDCHAMBER – NIGHT
Catelyn continues to sit with her unconscious son. Maester Luwin tries to rouse her with talks of everyday business but she will have none of it; even the appearance of Robb does nothing. Catelyn finally stirs when Robb notices the glow of a fire in the distant stables. Robb and Luwin rush out. Moments later a KNIFE-WIELDING MAN enters, clearly intent on killing Bran. “You weren’t s’posed to be here,” he mutters to Catelyn. He comes at her; Catelyn is able to fight him off until Bran’s wolf charges through the door and kills the would-be assassin. [5 pages]
INT. WINTERFELL – CATELYN’S BEDCHAMBER - DAY
Catelyn awakes to discover she’d slept for four days. She is much more lucid now, however. Maester Luwin, Robb, Ser Roderick Cassel, and Theon Greyjoy visit, discussing the attempt on Bran’s life. The assassin wielded too fine a blade; Catelyn suspects the Lannisters are behind the attempt. Catelyn determines she and Ser Roderick will take a ship to Kings Landing in order to show the knife to Eddard. [3.5 pages]
INT. THE CROSSROADS INN – COMMON ROOM – DAY
Sansa picks at her breakfast fare, feeding her wolf Lady scraps beneath the table. Septa Mordane reminds her they are invited to travel in Queen Cersei’s wheelhouse today, and tells her to go make sure Arya is dressed for it. Sansa leaves. [1 page]
EXT. THE CROSSROADS INN – CONTINUOUS
Sansa moves through the camps set outside the inn, looking for her sister. The sprawl of tents and wagons is impressive, and the queen’s wheelhouse, in the distance, is massive. [Half page]
EXT. THE TRIDENT – DAY
Sansa arrives at the riverbank, none too pleased by the sight of muddy Arya trying to brush mud from the pelt of her wolf Nymeria. Nymeria uses the opportunity to wriggle free of Arya and escape. In typical fashion, the sisters argue; Arya refuses to travel in the queen’s boring wheelhouse. Arya runs off to chase after her wolf. Sansa leaves, furious. [3 pages]
EXT. THE CROSSROADS INN – DAY
Sansa notices a crowd has gathered outside the queen’s wheelhouse, and wanders over. Introduction of RENLY BARATHEON, SER BARRISTAN SELMY, and SER ILYN PAYNE, all come to give a proper escort to King’s Landing. Ilyn Payne frightens Sansa, as does an appearance by the Hound, but soon Joffrey is there, supporting her gallantly. Sansa summons her courage and identifies Renly and Barristan, showing her knowledge. Queen Cersei suggests to Joffrey he should take her riding; Sansa happily leaves with her noble prince. [4.5 pages]
EXT. KINGSROAD WOODLANDS – DAY
TRAVEL MONTAGE: Sansa and Joffrey ride horses through fields and lightly-forested woodlands.
Sansa and Joffrey pause while cresting a hill on their horses. They both hear the sounds of wood hitting wood, somewhere down near the river. Sansa is suddenly nervous, but Joffrey wants to investigate, so they ride toward it. [1.5 pages]
EXT. THE TRIDENT – DAY
[Possible flashback beginning: Robert fighting Rhaegar in the waters of the Trident. Rhaegar falls, Robert’s hammer descends, crashing into his chest. Rubies and blood join the rushing waters... ]
Arya is practicing fighting with wooden swords, dueling with MICAH the butcher’s boy on the banks of the Trident when Sansa and Joffrey arrive. Joff mocks Mycah, who is older and larger than Arya, and challenges him to fight someone with a real sword, drawing his blade “Lion’s Tooth.” Mycah, clearly frightened, refuses. Joff cuts him on the cheek -- and then Arya hits Joffrey over the head with her sword. When Joffrey spins to attack her in a fury, Nymeria savages his arm, dragging Joffrey to the ground. Arya calls Nymeria off while Sansa screams at her. Arya, still enraged, picks up Lion’s Tooth and hurls it into the river. Mycah is already gone, so Arya runs off. Sansa tries to help Joffrey up, but he jerks away from her in contempt. [5 pages]
INT. DARRY HOLDFAST – PRIVATE CHAMBER – NIGHT
Eddard Stark is notified that after a two-day search, his daughter Arya has been found by Jory Cassel. [Half page]
EXT. DARRY HOLDFAST – CASTLE YARD – CONTINUOUS
Eddard strides across the courtyard calling to his men. We get an idea this is a strange new place (Darry-liveried guards, etc.), and tension is in the air. [Half page]
INT. DARRY HOLDFAST – AUDIENCE CHAMBER – NIGHT
Eddard enters. King Robert is there, as well as Queen Cersei, Prince Joffrey, and Renly Baratheon. JORY CASSEL is here, standing with Arya and Sansa. Arya runs to her father. She’s filthy and crying. The events are retold by her, but Joffrey calls her a liar, as his version of the events are quite different. Sansa is asked which is the truth but she says she can’t remember. Arya is furious with her. Cersei demands the pelt of Nymeria as payment for her son’s scarring, and Robert acquiesces, but Nymeria has not yet been found. Cersei instead demands the pelt of Sansa’s wolf Lady. Ned is forced by Robert to comply. Cersei calls for Ilyn Payne, but Ned insists he will do it himself. [6 pages]
INT. DARRY HOLDING CHAMBER – NIGHT
Ned executes Lady with Ice. He tells Jory to have Lady’s corpse delivered to Winterfell. [1 page]
EXT. DARRY HOLDFAST – CASTLE YARD – NIGHT
Ned encounters Lannister riders in the yard. With them is the Hound, who has a bloody bag slung over his horse. It’s opened, but within is not the corpse of Nymeria, as Ned feared -- it’s Mycah. The butcher's boy as been cleaved in two. “You rode him down,” Ned accuses the Hound. The Hound laughs and replies, “He ran. But not very fast.” [1.5 pages]
Winter Is Coming: Good stuff, AYH. My initial thoughts are that they will probably have Dany show up in the episode at least once. I also think the beginning, with all the Winterfell goodbyes, might be condensed a bit so we can get to the more meaty stuff later in the episode. They also will likely be adding a few new scenes that didn't appear in the books. Some of you might remember, they had added a scene between Cersei and Catelyn at Bran's bedside that appeared in the casting sides. Unless that has been written out, that would fall into episode 2. Lastly, I like the final scene with Hound but I think that the assassination attempt should come right before it. This way you end the episode with a bang in both storylines.
What does everyone else think?
Is it appropriate that I'm .... first?
ReplyDeleteI think that an interesting way to begin the episode would be a flashback to Jaime's killing of Aerys and Ned finding him on the throne, followed shortly after with Ned and Robert's conversation about making Jaime warden of the East. Ned's distaste for Jaime is then highlighted by the transition to the early Tyrion scenes. Only then does the story move to Bran, who everyone will have been discussing, but who we haven't yet seen. Just my two cents.
ReplyDelete[Taken from the last thread]
ReplyDeleteThere will probably be a scene or two added. We still have 2 pages to play with to get to 60, unless we cut something. Adding the Bran dream / wakeup scene at the very end would probably fit. End it with "His name is Summer."
One of the things that struck me during an older conversation was the fact that the leaked pilot script encompassed 95 pages of an 807-page book, and was even able to add some additional scenes. So if we take the book-to-script example verbatim, we'd be looking at a 9-episode series. And it's not going to be nine episodes - multiple sources have told us we're looking at 12.
So while extended bouts of dialogue would still likely be shaved down, there still needs to be something. So I'm betting on more Jaime and Cersei scenes, as well as more stuff for Daenerys.
If the production is looking to save money, they can drop the Darry Holdfast location and just keep the Arya/Ned reunion / Lady's execution at the Crossroads Inn. I always found it a little odd that they had all left the area Arya had last been seen anyway.
Silverstar mentioned the added scene in which Cersei speaks with Catelyn in Bran's chamber. I would add that too, probably right after the breakfast sequence. Silverstar, do you remember how many pages that was?
All happens too fast. The journey to Kings Landing should be later, episode 3 perhaps. There's too many important exhanges and dialogues getting skipped to get this far in the story. End the episode with Eddard accepting the invite to become Hand.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I do like the idea of a number of flashbacks. We have to be introduced and reminded of Lyanna and Rhaegar.
Silverstar, do you remember how many pages that was?
ReplyDeleteNope, I never actually read the scene, just heard about it over on Westeros.
I'm likely in the minority here, but I hope they keep flashbacks to a minimum. This series will be pushing the boundaries with the number of faces and locations its watchers are expected to remember. I'd prefer they introduce the important dead characters and past events through the dialogue of the living. This would not only avoid confusing the audience, it would also allow more screen time and character development for the main characters. Keep the action in the her-and-now.
ReplyDelete*here-and-now that is....
ReplyDeleteI would insert a Dany scene and put the Hound delivering Mycah at the beginning of the third episode because it seems like a good episode opener and the execution of Lady would be a good final scene. Very fun read though. Wonder if we could get Episodes 3-12? (A lot of work I know).
ReplyDeleteWe definitely need Some of Dany and Drogo here. It can't look like it's only a story about a bunch of kids...
ReplyDeleteWell done, very well written.
@AYH and Silvestar
ReplyDeleteAs far as I remeber that scene between Cersei and Cat, it was in the casting sides for Cersei audition - reading.
And I think (although I am not 100% sure), someone just retold the scene.
We have not seen the whole and exact dialogue.
great ending, feels like HBO, I must disagree with W.I.C tho about the assassination attempt scene, I think it should be before the wolf execution, so that the viewers will comprehend the importance of the wolfs, that way the execution is much more omening.
ReplyDeleteand I think izakmo is right about the flashbacks, must be kept to a minimum.
Throw in some Dany-Drogo storyline and I LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteExecuting the direwolf and then seeing (or - more likely - finding out about) Mychah's butchering at the hands of the Hound will be shocking.
Honestly, name another show that has had either the cold-blooded killing of a beloved animal character or a small innocent boy. It will push the envelope and be shocking to anyone who hasn't read the book.
It would be a great ending to episode 2.
We could probably move the assassination attempt to the end, or not, and I think I think it could have the same effect either way; having Summer rescue Catelyn before Lady is executed acts as proof of the wolves' worth, whereas if Lady is killed first and THEN we see how valuable the wolves are... To me, that's more of an "Uh oh," feeling.
ReplyDeleteReally, it could go either way. The message is the same.
The only reason I structured them together the way I did was simply because GRRM did the chapters that way. We (and HBO) have the leeway to take a scene and move it around here or there.
Oh, and John, I don't see how we could possibly have enough material to justify them not being on the Kingsroad in episode two. Not enough happens at Winterfell.
The leaked pilot script had 33 scenes (34 if you count the opening montage which actually accounts for a full page of script), and the longest scene by far was the Winterfell Great Hall feast scene, which had 8.5 pages, and was almost three scenes in one. A very busy scene.
The (unofficial) second episode conversely has 23 scenes - nearly a third less than than the pilot. I allowed for longer scenes with some of the dialogue kept in that might not normally be kept, so there are probably a few scenes that could be shortened in order to make room for the extra scenes people have suggested.
Oh, and Ned does accept King Robert's offer to be the Hand in episode one, in the scene that takes place just before Bran falls. From the leaked pilot script:
Ned stands. The two men clasp hands.
NED: I hope I’ll serve you well.
ROBERT: You will. And I’ll make sure you don’t look so fucking grim all the time.
I'm not saying we need to move the assassination attempt scene after Lady's execution, just directly prior to it. You would then have to move Catelyn waking up and deciding to go to KL to episode 3.
ReplyDeleteI just think ending on the 1-2 punch of assassination/execution would be awesome.
The scene with Catelyn waking up seems like something that would go well at the beginning of an episode. It reviews what happened last week, gives new information, and sets the course for further developments. (Later in the episode we might have Catelyn's subsequent chapter in King's Landing.)
ReplyDeleteI think Lady's execution is much more poignant if it comes after the assassination scene.
my two cents. this looks great, but i believe that episode 2 will closer to the book text, with scene 1 being tyrion and jaime talking about bran and what that means to the trip to king's landing. then it will cut to jon walking up the steps to bran's bedchamber.
ReplyDeletei'd also wonder how to fold in dany into this episode. i am willing to bet they are going to include the scene with her crossing the dothraki sea and learning she is with child.
it's great stuff though, and fun to see the speculation in a more tangible form. anyone write a spec script for episode 02 yet? if so, please post.
:)
...ryan
Here's a quick "extra" Daenerys / Pentos scene I whipped up that could easily be inserted into episode two.
ReplyDeleteClearly I want more Illyrio.
EXT. GATES OF PENTOS – DAWN
Magister Illyrio Mopatis stands outside the gates with a number of other MAGISTERS, watching as the massive Dothraki khalasar begins to head east. The horses have already kicked up a cloud of dust that drifts over them all. A few cough, but most of them maintain polite (and altogether fake) fake smiles.
TALL MAGISTER: (quietly) At last they are gone. Barbarians.
SHORT MAGISTER: (nodding, smiling) And so cheaply this time.
Illyrio says nothing, a thoughtful look in place.
View of: Viserys, struggling with the hem of his cloak, which has caught on his horse’s saddle. He is not happy. Nearby is Ser Jorah Mormont, looking stoic.
Daenerys is riding next to her brother. She is on her silver mare, but garbed in the Dothraki fashion, looking wilder than we are used to seeing her. She glances back at the city with only the shortest wistful look. After a moment she looks forward, her eyes going to:
Khal Drogo, far ahead and ahorse, leads his khalasar into the rising sun.
Back at the Gates of Pentos, the fake smiles have faded; arrogance returns, as per the norm.
TALL MAGISTER: And with them go the last of the Targaryen dynasties. How low they’ve fallen.
SHORT MAGISTER: The blood of old Valyria. The beggar king and his sister, now a slave wife.
TALL MAGISTER: Sad, she might have been a queen one day.
ILLYRIO: (quietly) Today she is “khaleesi.”
SHORT MAGISTER: (scoffing) And what will she be tomorrow?
Illyrio smiles as though he knows some sweet secret.
ILLYRIO: Tomorrow?
Close on Dany – the sun is bright on her face and the wind tosses her hair. She’s smiling.
ILLYRIO: (cont’d, O.S.) Who can say of tomorrow?
Back on the Pentos Gates. Illyrio claps his hands and his servants bring his palanquin to him through the gates. Some of the other Magisters are shoved rudely aside in order that Illyrio might have less steps to take.
Pull back and up: Illyrio is helped into his palanquin. The palanquin is ponderously turned and soon disappears through the gates.
Back and up: We see all of Pentos, and we see the Dothraki khalasar heading off to the east.
ILLYRIO: (cont’d, V.O.) Who can say?
Ryan: Venardhi over at the Westeros forums has been working on a spec script for episode 2. Here is what he has done so far.
ReplyDeletePretty good IMO. Could probably use a little trimming, but not a bad start.
Great post Winter and great draft AYH! This is exactly why this site rocks the mostest!
ReplyDeleteA few notes that occured to me while reading. The scene with Jon, Ghost and Tyrion by the tree on the way to the Wall seems weak. In the book ghost actually attacks Tyrion. Then you get the whole Snarks and Grumkins talk. Its a good scene to establish the loyalty of the wolves. It might work though if they decide to keep the wolves at normal size since a smaller Ghost would look silly tackling Tyrion.
I like the travel montage idea, but I would use it to track the progression of the king's party and not Sansa and Joff's "date". The travel montage would be a great form of establishment.
I love your ending point. It will contrast nicely with the arrival at KL at the start of the next episode. What will unfold in the new city after the tensions of the road and all that. I also like Winter's idea of holding the assassination attempt to near the end. It adds drama and frees up more time for Dany or other possible new scenes.
I've always been a proponent of adding new scenes to the series. While the initial euphoria of watching the series on the small screen will have long time readers giddy with excitment, I thing interest will fade over the long run if it just becomes a complete rehash and there isn't anythng fresh. The trick is the enhance the story and character personalities and relationships without altering the tale in any significant way. Maybe we could get something new along the travel route. I'd love to see some sort of forshadowing upon arrival at Moat Cailin.
The flashback scene ideas would both be interesting, but I say cut em for different reasons. The Tyrion scene is a good idea, but it will take away from the scariness of the upcoming Arya scene when she discovers them.
I'd love to see the Battle of the Trident scene, but I don't want it done piecemeal or suggestively and I frankly don't think the budget extends to doing it properly. Maybe there could be some sort of recap story telling of the event around the campfire when the party comes to the banks of the Trident. Perhaps Arya and Mycah could look at each other and smile as they hear of the rubies still buried in the muddy waters. The next morning they cold head out in search of treasure before the Septa Mordane/Sansa scene and everything could be set for the wolf attack.
One last thought. It might be a cool nod to have a scene (either in ep. one or before the fire in ep. 2) that shows the catspaw somewhere in the vicinty of Joff. Nothing that would give anything away to new viewers, but a sort of easter egg for the astute long-time series fans.
All-in-all a great job AYH!
Responses to posts so far
ReplyDelete@ Kyle I want to see the Jaime/Ned Flashback, but I think it should be in the next episode when Ned, after arriving in KL, comes to the throne room and first gazes upon the empty Iron throne. It would mean exponentially more if placed at that point. Its also a doable flashback because the setting and the two principles (Jaime and Ned) are already bought and paid for. Aerys could just be a corpse with no discenable features on the floor.
@ AYH Maybe as I mentioned above they could do something more with Arya and Mycah. You could show her adventerous spirit and also get viewers to care more about the "butcher's boy" than we did in the books before he meets his fate.
@WiC Again. I love your pacing here. Not to get too far ahead, but in ep.3 you could have a talk with Ned and Arya about how horrible it all was and you could get a flashback (maybe partially from Nymeria's perspective) of Jory and Arya throwing rocks at the wolf to ward her off.
@AYH Love the Dany scene. It gives us more Illyrio and is chock full of foreshadowing.
My take on flashbacks: if they include them, I would like a specific style of them - no dialogue, possible voice off following from the previous (non-flashback) scene, and consisting of crucial shots without much camera movement - sort of tableauxs, dioramas if you wish. Robert crushing Rhaegar with his warhammer, rubies scattering. Ned shown from behind walking in the throne room, we see Jaime sitting on the iron throne across his shoulder.
ReplyDeleteReading this got me thinking... Do you think that there are people reading this site who are eager to see the show (because they have felt the buzz for example) but do not know what the story is about, or is it only us hardcore fans? Because if they exist then it might be a good idea to warn them of spoilers, not that the big capital 'EPISODE TWO' sign is not a good hint... :)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I also think they will try to show Dany as much as they can, possibly tweaking her scenes a bit so that she can be on the screen more.
Overall, I think it's pretty good. I also liked that Illyrio scene added, but I would cut it down a bit, so not to have too much screentime on the other magisters, who are not important to the plot.
ReplyDeleteBTW, GRRM updated Not-A-Blog, and after the football he mentions he finished a Tyrion chapter... good to hear progress is being made.
I like the idea of flashbacks for to explain the situation with Lyanna and Rhaegar and Robert and how Ned came to marry Catelyn. It's integral to the story and has implications later on for various characters (especially if, as many suspect, John isn't the son of a wet nurse). It also eliminates the need for a long excessive exposition by Robert in the crypt, visiting the dead with Ned before they leave, to explain the same things. A flashback there works well.
ReplyDeleteAnd if people can't handle a great number of important characters, they should be forced to go read Anna Karenina or War and Peace, with not just a large cast of characters but multiple name spelling conventions for each of them as patrynomics and pet names and gender differences in identical family names. Then they can come back to A Game of Thrones in which the characters at least have the same spelling of their name throughout the story, with the exception of a few easily recognized nicknames.
Surely the excessively pampered television viewing audiences (especially in the US) can manage to deal with many characters if they can follow their favorite soap operas, casts of reality shows and several hundred off-key singers on one or another talent(less) show.
what do you think about introducing some of the later characters earlier? Maybe Euron Greyjoy sailing to Valyria or Arienne Martel & the Sand Snakes.
ReplyDeletejwsnasa
ReplyDeleteI don't know if either Euron or the Sandsnakes are really important enough to the plot of the early books to warrant adding them in.
But I do think one character who they SHOULD introduce early is...Stannis Baratheon. As a contender to the throne and Robert's heir once the Cersei-Jaime connection is made, he is vital to the plot right from the get go. He's a huge part of "the Game".
I think it would be relatively easy to introduce Stannis at King's Landing, since he was on the small council before being sent off to Dragonstone. It would be simple thing to have him on the council when Ned arrives, and then have Robert send him to Dragonstone. Then he sit - brooding - off-screen until season 2.
Mention of GoT at http://www.aoltv.co.uk/2010/01/06/hbo-luck-pilot-order-david-milch-michael-mann/ and http://www.slashfilm.com/2010/01/05/michael-mann-and-deadwoods-david-milch-team-up-for-luck-an-hbo-horse-racing-drama/
ReplyDelete@shadallion
ReplyDeleteI disagree with adding Stannis early and this is why. The first time we see him is the first chapter of book 2, what this allows a tv series to do is hire a bigger actor for that part than if they had to fit him into the season 1 budget. Basically the money going to Sean Bean could be used to find an equally impressive actor to play Stannis a character that will play a major part in the rest of the series (or so i assume as i don't think he will killed off in the books anytime soon).
Also by putting this decision off they can gauge the reaction to the show's first season in making casting decisions and budgeting for the next season.
to me it makes too much sense to leave such a big casting until the second season and just have his name dropped into every other conversation just as the books did it.
I think flashbacks can add a lot, especially in the early parts of GOT which includes a lot of important setup.
ReplyDeleteMy dream scene: The exchange between Jon and Tyrion sends us into a flashback to the Field of Fire. We see Tyrion's ancestor and his comrades rousted and roasted by Aegon the Conqueror, and end with a thoughtful Tyrion and impressed Jon considering the majesty and terrible power of dragons.
It would be a great opportunity to show the Targaryen dragons in battle in their prime and also to introduce a truly spectacular battle scene, which otherwise we wouldn't see until season 2.
@The Boat
ReplyDeleteI agree with you from a money/actor/show sense, and disagree from the perspective of making the series make more sense to the viewer.
I would not be upset either way. Good comment!
@damnyanqui
ReplyDeleteThat would be a very cool flashbook from a fanboy prospective, but I have two practical concerns:
1) That just sounds very unnecessarily expensive, especially for a show like this where budget is going to be an issue in determining if it goes forward or not; and
2) I'm hesitant to flood the average viewer with too many fantasy elements early on. I really like how the audience is generally eased into the fact that this is a fantasy series.
While overall I'm in agreement with "The Boat," I would love if they could find a way to get us some more of the Red Viper. His character would absolutely kill on-screen.
ReplyDeletehttp://tunedin.blogs.time.com/2010/01/06/hbo-adds-to-stable-with-milch-mann-horse-drama/
ReplyDelete"...On the other hand, Game of Thrones—the fantasy saga whose pilot is now in postproduction—would be an ambitious series from a non-usual-suspect if it gets picked up. And I'm glad to see that, following the surprise success of True Blood, that HBO isn't just trying to look for clones of that show. (You could argue that Thrones is an effort to replicate its genre success, but—at least in the books it's based on—it's much more in the vein of Deadwood-style darkness and dirt than the sexy, escapist True Blood.)
In any case, I'd watch anything Milch attempted, and I have high, high hopes for Luck. But I also look forward to some fresh horses for HBO.
It's funny to see how many fans are concerned about the show overrunning the budget. Personally, I hope the producers don't feel too constrained in what they can and can't show based on how much cash is available.
ReplyDeleteI don't mean any insult by my previous comment--it's just rare and kind of cool to see fans thinking so pragmatically about their passion.
ReplyDeleteI agree with not showing live dragons too early, even in flashbacks. I think that would take some of the "whoa" factor away from the pyre scene with Dany that will (likely) be the jaw-dropping capstone to season one.
ReplyDeleteThe show, like the books, should treat them like the extinct dinosaurs everyone thinks they are.
Dany takes her eggs into the pyre with her...
...and for the first time in hundreds of years, the night came alive with the music of dragons.
>Ned shown from behind walking in the throne room, we see Jaime sitting on the iron throne across his shoulder.
ReplyDeleteNed doesn't walk into the throne room. That wouldn't be badass enough. He _rides his horse_ into the throne room, and is still on horseback when he encounters Jaime on the throne. It's in the text.
100% agree with not introducing dragons too early. I have managed to get a lot of non-fantasy reading friends to read these books - because by the time the major "fantasy" elements are introduced, they are well and truly hooked. If the average viewer turns on episode one, and is not a fan of dragons (and believe me, there are a lot of people that will simply refuse to read/watch something because it has dragons in it) they will simply switch off. They need to get hooked by the politics, the characters, their interactions and the surprises, prior to seeing dragons.
ReplyDeleteOne of my fears for the show is that the average viewer will get lost. On that note I sure hope HBO do not go down the ROME style opening of foregoing the recap at the beginning of the episodes in favour of a far too long opening sequence. With the complexity of the story and (presumably) a week between episodes, the previous weeks' recap is a must.
@Abraham
ReplyDeleteseeing the red viper more would be fantastic no doubt but even in my wildest dreams i wouldnt extend him earlier than third season, there is just so much that must be known about the kingdom and the politics i think before his introduction.
the reason i think holding off on stannis works is bc of both the contrast and affirmation of his character as opposed to what you have heard of him. so he is still rigid but now you are introduced to him with the knowledge he has made a deal with the devil in Melisandre. I don't know for me more is gained by holding off on introducing Stannis in person, that way he is more rumor and uncertainty that hangs over season 1. I could see introducing him at the very end of the season in the manner that say True Blood introduced the MaryAnn character at the end of season 1 and she became a main villian of season 2 but i think pragmatically and artisitically a lot is gained by refraining from showing Stannis.
@Dennis: Aye, have just reread it a day or two ago, and it escaped me when writing that. Shameful :P
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this script, but I can tell you that it's terrific based on a hunch.
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of a "What's Happenin'?" episode, but set in a fantasy world and with less African Americans.
Keep up the good work!
I'm sure as big fans of the series we'd all love to see scenes with Stannis and the Greyjoys. Hell, I'd be even more interested to see what the Queen of Thorns and Maester Marwin are up to during the early events of the story.
ReplyDeleteAdding new locals and characters(expensive actors) isn't the way to go though in a show that is already rumored to have a budget that may be a negative for a series pickup.
My feeling is that the way to go with any flashbacks or additional scenes should by and large be done with existing actors on existing sets. The Jaime/Ned throne scene is a great example. The Lyanna scene could also work this way if done artistically perhaps with a womans voive, maybe her hand and blue rose petals falling against a black backdrop. Any unessential flashbacks with new actors, locals or expensive CGI should be pruned. The biggest exception to this rule would be Bran's dream. I think this is an area where the CGI coffers needs to be opened.
Also if Stannis were introduced at KL when Ned first arrives it would kind of make Neds "who dun it" search relatvely pointless.
As to the spoiler warnings, is it really neccessary to place spoiler warnings in a topic that discusses what episode 2 might look like? I try to be cognizant of spoilers where appropriate, but seriously, read the books first then come on back into the discussion with your knowledge of the series well-honed. Anyone wanting to save the surprises for the series would be doing themselves a favor by skipping topics that ask us to speculate about what might occur.
Hehe once again WiC and AYH I want to say what a great topic. Its the first time I'm slammin the refresh button since the pilot was filmed.
ReplyDeleteA very easy and cheap method of handling flashbacks is via dioramas, as previously suggested. This works especially well with the tyrion/jon dragon flashback, as he's refering to a book anyway, and this can easily translate into voice over static archaic drawings in the same style that they make the intro flyover map.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I want to see this series picked up, I would hate to have it look like it was "done on the cheap". To me, dioramas wouldn't do the story justice.
ReplyDeleteI also feel like HBO would get a great return on investment for dollars put into vfx, especially creature cgi. If they cheap out on that, it's going to turn off a lot of people, hardore fans included.
A flashback like damnyanqui suggested showing how terrifying and awesome the Targaryen dragons were would add a nice layer of anticipation to Dany's storyline. And never underestimate the power of eyecandy.
What is the next Dany scene in the book? Does anything happen with her before the chapter where Viserys is punished for attacking her in the grass?
ReplyDeleteThe breakdown I did for Episode Two ended at the end of page 159 [Eddard]. The next chapter is the Bran wakeup chapter ("His name is Summer."), then a Catelyn, a Jon, an Eddard, and a Tyrion chapter.
ReplyDeleteFollowing that is the Daenerys chapter where she is crossing the Dothraki sea. In it, Viserys tries to reassert himself over her again and she shoves him away. He then gets yanked away by Jhogo's whip and is made to walk instead of ride. That chapter ends with Dany making love to Drogo under the stars (all things of importance must be done under the open sky), and finally, "Khaleesi, you are with child."
I agree that Dany shouldn't be in episode 2. She's only got 9 chapters and 2 are already in the Pilot.
ReplyDeleteBut we don't want the average viewer forgetting who she is... two weeks between Dany scenes is too long. The remainder of her scenes need to be fleshed out a bit, or the script writers can take a few liberties with the text of the book and add in some additional surprises to keep those who have read the books guessing...
ReplyDeleteI think the two characters who are going to see the most original scenes (i.e. those scenes not present in the books) are going to be Dany (bc she needs to be in every ep so the audience is as connected to her) and Jaime bc he isnt a big character until book 3. This is just a gut feeling but it makes the most sense to me to add scenes for them.
ReplyDeleteDioramas? As in models? Sorry not interested here. Maybe if they interposed them with CGI similar to the John Adams footage we've seen, but then you are talking about more cost.
ReplyDeleteI really think its more important to focus on the dialogue between the major players anyway, especially at this early stage. Let the bells and whistles grow as the story unfold similar to GRRM's writing methods.
The more "magic" you get early on (via flashbacks or not) the less of an impact it will have later when crazy stuff starts to happen. I remember the chills I got when (SPOILER) I read the shadow man scene in ACoK for the first time. It hit me like a ton of bricks.
[ spoilers in this post ! ]
ReplyDeleteI agree with lordnedshead in that I hope the writers keep the "magic" use as close to the books as possible. The "shadow man" scene with Melisandre and Davos also hit home for me, second only to Drogo's funeral pyre scene, with the hatching of the dragons.
I wonder if visualizing the dragons and other magical elements early on, and in greater amount than we see them in the books,in flashbacks and such will water down the "ta -da" moments for the viewers? Following the books model allows for "tension" and curiosity to build, I think, by leaving viewers to wonder... "ok, what else are they going to throw at us?"
My opinion, keep it simple the first season. Let Dany's final scene have its huge impact...
I think that episode 2 almost screams for an additional Dany chapter somewhere between the khalasar's departure from Pentos and the scene whith Viserys and the whip. I'm not sure if all of this could be wedged in here (maybe if the fire/assdasination is oushed back to the ending there would be more room) but how about this for Dany. Scene 1:(approx 1 min 20 secs; I acted it out and timed it lol) AYH's Illyrio scene. It really works for me. Its short, establishes the setting, foreshadows some things nicely, gives more screen time to Illyrio and provides opportunity to watch Dany from afar wihout dialogue giving Tamzin an opportunity to show her chops without even having to speak. Scene 2(approx 3 mins): Another new scene showing Dany saddle sore and still not fitting in with her husband or other Dothraki. She's still scared in a new place and aside from a stoic Jorah her only companion is her brother who is consumed with revenge and not at all interested in the needs of his sister. Scene 3: (2-3 mins)The whip scene. Its the turning point for Dany. Scene 4:(2-3 mins) Making love out in the open. She comits herself to Drogo for better or worse and for the first time she is starting to feel the khalessi that Illyrio mentions in scene one. Her story ends this episode with her finally beginning to embrace her new life.
ReplyDeleteThis gives the Dany storyline about 10 mins for the episode. Giving that an hour-long HBO episode actualy runs around 55 mins or so this wouls still leave 40-45 minutes for the rest of the story,
I figure you could devote another 10 to scenes at Winterfell leading up to the departure, maybe 3-4 to the Jon/Benjen/Tyrion scene, around 8 mins for the Winterfell material after the King's party leaves and the remainder of the time for the journey down to KL (20-25 mins.) Does that time allotment sound like it could work?
Maybe someone with more time could see how those scenes would fit in woth the rest of the proposed script. I think it might be enough to build Dany's story so the audience doesn't lose interst in her and also still allow plenty of time for the journey south, journey north and Winterfell scenes.
What about the scene Jaime remembers happening in Darry? He jumping over a drunk and slept Robert to make love with Cersei and she asking him to kill Arya? Another Jaime/Cersei nude scene and adds some concern for Arya's fate until Jory finds her ;)
ReplyDeleteI think we need an extra Dany scene showing how tough life is for her in the khalasar. Show that she's having trouble coping, Drogo doesn't understand her yet and Viserys is being odious as ever. Show her trying to fit in, to learn the language, and struggling with it. I'd then include a second scene with her thoughts of suicide, and the dream that changes her mind. Leave the lovemaking and realisation that she's pregnant for another episode, use this one to emphasise the lows before the highs.
ReplyDeleteHi all,
ReplyDeleteGreat topic.
It's been a while since I've read aGoT but I was thinking that you might want to do a re-write to give Rerun more facetime since he is my favorite character. Also, I didn't notice Dwayne Wayne at all in this episode. It's essential he makes an appearance to make his greeting at the very least.
I was thinking that if you give Rerun a monologue for about 4-5 minutes which if you substract the total amount of the show which is approximately 53 minutes give or take credits and previously on GoT and minus elaborate sex scenes (I'm guessing about 15 minutes), you still have about 20 minutes for the rest of the story. Which, considering Benioff's track record, is about 19 more minutes than is needed to tell this story. Some master story tellers, like Benioff, make it look all too easy. One minute to tell the rest of the story will cut costs. Moreover, it will make the show accessible to Americans who are used to processing vast amounts of data in 30 second commercials without losing concentration.
Now you might think Rerun doesn't deserve such a lengthy diatribe, but he is literally the Falstaff of the 21st century. Shun Rerun and you shun all the world. He's like Varys but with a pair.
My two cents. BTW--awesome post. I have been clicking refresh so many times to keep up with the overwhelming updates that I almost nearly broke my F5 key and I even almost sprained my F5 finger!!! Lawsuit!!
There seems to be an emerging debate about purity vs. changes. Chapter and page counting?? I'd like to see the producers apply the Peter Jackson formula and make whatever tweaks necessary to bring in new fans. If it means trading purity to make the story interesting and clear to the non-reader fans out there, then make the changes. So I agree with "shinyteapot", add a Dany scene so the viewer sees her struggle. (hell, they're already added the brothel scene to help character development, so that barndoor is already open).
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't suggest "saving" the magic and wonderous beasts, either. Take a lead from LOST and tease us with it. Please, keep in mind that for this to succeed it has to appeal to the huge population of fans that didn't bother reading it. Give 'em homeruns and explosions or you'll lose them.
@John
ReplyDeleteplease be funny next time you're trying to be funny. your unfunnyness disgust me.
^agreed we expect much more than Rerun and Dwayne Wayne jokes from our Trolls around here. If you feel the need to "troll it up", bring the funny man!
ReplyDeleteOn Stannis: does this character require a well known actor to play him? I don't think so. He may be a powerful figure, but as far as I recall, he doesn't do too much. Also, he's kind of an "unloved nerd", insisting on his rights to the throne and stopping at nothing to push his claim.
ReplyDelete(SPOILER)
But until he shows up at the wall, he kind of keeps sitting on his bloody, pathtic island, at least in my mind. So I would cast a complete unknown for his part - there are more than enough characters to introduce in season two than to spend all the money not longer needed to pay Mr. Bean on Stannis...
I'm all for scenes conveying Dany's struggles. I'm not convinced they need to be in this episode though. Here's the thing: ASoIaF has a lot of plot lines. We don't need to fit them all into every episode. If Dany is in an episode I want more to happen than "she's having a hard time". Even, "she's having a hard time and considers suicide before chilling out" isn't much of a conflict (it's more establishing character than premise threat). Of course that's the reason GRRM didn't end her chapter there...
ReplyDeleteIt's true that there is a bit of tension between purity and changes. Personally, I lean toward purity. I agree that changes should be made, but I believe that it's hard to improve on the source material. Changes should almost always try to account for the difference between TV and books, in particular the POV structure. We don't get internal dialogues, so show that information in other ways. We can show establishing scenes (like the brothel) away from the POV characters. However, when possible I'd avoid it. ASoIaF is an amazing work and well suited to the screen as written, that's why it's being adapted.
BTW, the Peter Jackson comparison isn't compelling to me. Frankly I hated 90% of the content he added to LotR. I agreed with most of his cuts though.
Back on topic. How do people like the cutting of Arya I. There's a lot of character establishing content there, but I think I agree that we can do without it.
-Jon & Arya's relationship is handled in the Needle scene.
-Arya get's the muddy Nymeria scene.
-Jon gets a lot of screen time.
-Joffery is establish in the Tyrion scene with him.
-The interplay between Robb and Joffery isn't too important.
Seems like the major bases are already covered. I'd want to make sure the part about Stark looks doesn't get entirely neglected (it's also in a Sansa scene, but as internal dialogue), but that shouldn't be too hard.
I agree that just showing Dany "having a bad time" isn't enough to warrant a scene. However, they could easily dramatize Dany's hardships through some sort of mishap involving her brother, or maybe Qotho, who embodies the crueler side of the Dothraki. This could foreshadow Vicerys' crowning or the eventual show down between Qotho and Jorah.
ReplyDeleteI agree that not every character needs to make every episode, but I think Dany definitely needs to be in episode 2 or watchers will be lost when she shows up in episode 3.
@ Dunkeltroll
ReplyDeleteI think Stannis requires someone big if for no other reason than he is the biggest mover and shaker in the books that is not introduced right off the bat. Plus i don't see him as the unloved nerd as you put it, (though he is certainly unloved) i see him instead as being cold and rigid. For instance i imagine that he is pretty much always at attention, never slouches, has hard eyes etc. In my head at least there are a lot of similarities between him and Tywin only Tywin is malicious and calculating whereas Stannis is more naive and uncaring towards others. But they both are old guard military men that take their command and authority as a given.
So no it doesnt require a big name actor but i think it is the best opportunity to inject one into the cast if season 1 does well.
@The Boat:
ReplyDeleteWell, I guess we have a different perception of Stannis. To me, he's more like "It's me birthright! How dare they not handing the kingship to me on a silver plate! Traitors, all of them! Send in the fleet to capture Kings Landing!"
---Fleet is lost---
"Damn, I won't give up! Let's try a new faith and some kind of dark magic! The Iron Throne is mine!"
I kind of expect him to meet Dany early on her arrivel, and saying something like:
"Wow, they fucked you even harden than me! I rest my case and follow you! Let's show 'em!"
But noone can know how it all will develop, so let's wait and see... the faithful readers should know my opinion on that matter... ;-)
I wonder about Vincent Regan as Stannis. It's the eyes...
ReplyDeleteMore nudity please! Where's the depravity? Where's the sexytime?
ReplyDeleteIt only now occured to me that we have a perfect Varys in Slovenia :) Not that he is a candidate for the role, sadly. Check the photos of this Slovene actor: Ivo Godnič.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I agree with the comments saying no early introduction of later-season characters, and most especially that the introduction of fantasy elements (like dragons) should absolutely not be rushed.
ReplyDeleteAt the same time, I agree that it's reasonable to add scenes and change the order of some events if necessary for clarity and movement of the series. But with the way GRRM writes, I don't think many changes will be needed. More Dany might be in order, as well as more nudity in general, plus some scenes to show relationships between people and to make us like them better and scenes to show us grim dirty harshness.
I have every confidence in the writers and producers to make wise decisions.
I don't think I've ever heard the phrases "more nudity" and "might be in order" in the same sentence before.
ReplyDeleteActually, the Ned-naked-at-the-window and the Catelyn-naked-at-the-fireplace-in-front-of-Maester-Luwin scenes weren't in the leaked pilot script. Probably to help entice the actors.
Don't tell the Sean Bean fanclub though.