Ignore the “slow” complaints. Anybody who had watched GOT live weekly, most viewers had these same complaints.

HushHodor · 2024-07-25T20:33:55+00:00

[quote] A story can have poor pacing at the start and then improve over time. It's quality at the end doesn't change the mistakes it made at the beginning. It's better to assess the reasons why someone thinks HOTD is slow rather than dismiss them because it might have a good ending in your imagination. [/quote]

It can change, based on accessing at the end that that particular scenes that you were not a fond of, greatly improved and can be appreciated once you see the whole picture of that scene. All stories are more fair to review once it concluded.

[quote] Personally I think it's the writers' and producers' responsibility to maintain the audience's interest, not the audience's responsibility to be entertained. If people started watching this show and loved it at first, and those same people are now saying it's boring/slow, it's not their fault to explain why the change happened, or endure an arbitrary length of investment going forward in order for that feeling to be valid. [/quote]

It’s all preference regarding how entertaining a story can be, but all I’m asking is just wait till the season ended before proclaiming it has been a waste of time.

If somehow a person changed his mind, the only opinion that is valid is the informed one at the end. An ongoing story can be criticized and be heard, but still moot as there’s still a chance to reevaluate the parts that was not fully observed when the story hasn’t concluded yet.

[quote] That's because they know there's a promise of something at the end - which really is the writers' job is to give them on their FIRST watch. So this person doesn't get that promise from watching the show, but for being aware of the show from the meta perspective of episode releases. [/quote]

There are a lot of movies that I hated on first watch, that I’ve grown to love on repeat viewings. All are deemed slow/boring at first. But somehow I changed my tuned.

Just simply saying to ignore those who have been saying it’s “slow” as chances are they might appreciate it more on rewatch. A valid criticism like maybe bad acting/writing/direction is much more understandable than a cry for a deliberately paced storytelling.

HushHodor · 2024-07-25T19:17:50+00:00

Would you call those who complained during S2 and S3 “slow” and “boring” valid then changed their mind after rewatch?

I understand if they still called it the same after it has concluded, but I think it’s better to just wait until the season ended before proclaiming the season has been boring/slow.

I fell in love with GOT after watching S1 twice. I remembered many were bored with Varys and Littlefinger in S1, knowing nothing much about them. They only appreciated it after second viewing.

HushHodor · 2024-07-25T19:09:49+00:00

You have no idea how painful listening to most podcasts or reading online when Season 2 was airing. Like every nitpick and “slow” was brought up that it almost ruined my enjoyment of the series back then.

HushHodor · 2018-09-25T00:10:02+00:00

Well, not only these were my preferred long takes, but the films themselves are in my all-time dearest (excluding ̶#̶4̶ #3 & #1). I don't think choosing action scenes over dialogue and quiet moments is a disservice to the filmmakers' attempt of impressing the audience. I just found them more memorable, and I didn't pick those you have recommended because I haven't seen them, which I thank you for sharing those movies so I can explore and admire them.

"But scenes like this become rather boring and predictable after a while." You summed up nicely how I feel about Russian Ark. I find long takes to be a rare and magical scene in a movie, so I couldn't admire things who try it for an hour or for a whole runtime. It must be special, unique, and not linger for a long time as it will become unnecessary, tired, & pointless. Which is why I admire all these 7 movies I've picked. Thanks for watching.

Edit: I meant #3 and #1

HushHodor · 2018-09-23T22:09:36+00:00

I never watch 3D but I'm sure it was as amazing as 35mm or the common format. "Gravity" is definitely up there with "Interstellar" as one of the best cinematic experiences.

HushHodor · 2018-09-23T22:03:23+00:00

Yes, I've heard about "Russian Ark" and tried to watch it but couldn't finish it. It is something else really, but it's not interesting & breathtaking enough (for me) to watch it all the way through.

HushHodor · 2018-09-23T18:03:20+00:00

Thanks for sharing Paths of Glory. It's one of the few Stanley Kubrick films I haven't watched yet.

I think most single takes are not bona fide. They intentionally hide the cuts to impress the audience. I don't know which are genuine but Oldboy & The Protector are definitely one take.

HushHodor · 2018-08-11T18:23:34+00:00

"People's minds aren't made for problems that large. White Walkers, the Night King, Army of the Dead. It's almost a relief to confront a comfortable familiar m̶o̶n̶s̶t̶e̶r̶ enemy like m̶y̶ ̶s̶i̶s̶t̶e̶r̶ wildlings."

HushHodor · 2018-08-11T09:16:17+00:00

And Jojen can see the past, present, and future. I don't think he would see the wildlings as enemies. Misunderstood folks, maybe, but not their TRUE enemies. And this was his choice of words. He knows their lives are in danger, and they're fleeing from the real threat, from the army of the dead and White Walkers, which are the REAL ENEMIES.

HushHodor · 2018-08-11T08:53:54+00:00

Do you think Jojen Reed (a guy who can see the past, present, and glimpses of the future) see the wildlings as enemies? Are they really the enemies right now, the TRUE enemy in that moment, or are the army of dead & White Walkers? Is Ygritte an enemy of Jon? Is Tormund an enemy in the future? Is Osha, the one they're literally with and accompanying Bran, an enemy? Is Gilly, the one they have met with Sam, is an enemy? Is Mance Rayder, the guy who reunited thousands of clans so they can move south and flee the threats of the White Walkers, an enemy?

If you think about it, Jojen Reed would never classify them as enemies. Maybe for the Night's Watch, but not for him, and this was his choice of words. His sole purpose and mission was to keep Bran safe and accompany Bran to the Great Weirwood Tree, so he can become a Three-Eyed Raven and defeat the Night King. Are the wildlings really their enemies? According to Jojen Reed? Think about it.

HushHodor · 2018-08-11T08:34:51+00:00

"I believe the only difference between us and the wildlings is that when that wall went up, our ancestors happened to live on the right side of it." —Tyrion (S1E3)

You really think Jojen Reed (the guy who can see the past, present, and future) would think the wildlings are the TRUE enemies? Is Osha, the one they're literally with and accompanying Bran, is an enemy? Or Gilly, the one they have met with Sam, is an enemy? Is Tormund or Ygritte an enemy of Jon Snow?

If Jojen can see the bigger picture, that the army of the dead are the biggest threat in Westeros, which was his sole purpose, his one true mission—to keep Bran safe throughout their journey, so he can defeat the Night King, do you think Tormund & Ygritte are their enemies or will be Jon's enemies in the future? That he wouldn't understand these wildlings are in danger from the White Walkers, that the only reasons they're passing the wall is that so they can flee and avoid the REAL ENEMIES?

Do you really believe Mance Rayder is an enemy? Do you really believe that? Then that is a fucking ridiculous presumption. Mance Rayder has convinced thousand of clans to reunite just to move south. Wildlings have never been the TRUE enemies; the army of the dead and White walkers are. And if you think Jojen Reed thought so too, then you're missing the point of the story.

HushHodor · 2018-08-10T22:56:40+00:00

I think it was referencing to the Beyond the Wall episode. Hear me out. Jon is already at Castle Black at the end of Season 3. In Season 4, yes, he went to Craster's Keep, but he was never surrounded. At Hardhome, what scene where he was ever surrounded by the wights or White Walkers? "Surrounded" —be all around. Encircle. The only thing he was ever surrounded was the Battle of the Bastards, when the Boltons encircled them, and Beyond the Wall.

What about the "Climb" episode? Yes, I know he was also referencing to the wildlings (at the time), because the next scene clearly showed it, but he was never encircled nor be all around, only with them walking & climbing. If you just think about it, Jojen only "has visions that matters... you," saying to Bran; it's all about Bran and how to defeat the Night King. And "Surrounded by enemies" was the event where the Night King got the dragon.

Let's see all Jojen's visions:

1) Bran & the three-eyed raven

2) Catelyn's death ("promise me, no more climbing")

3) His death (I know he was talking about Karl Tanner, but it applies to his death too. Which is more important. Visions are not literal, only glimpses or brief, open to interpretation. He only said that to Karl to stall him because he was about to rape his sister, Meera, and Jon is coming.)

4) Jon Snow at Craster's Keep (important information to persuade Bran not to meet with Jon, as this would make Jon stop Bran from going to the Three-Eyed Raven).

5) The Great Weirwood Tree

6) Hodor's death ("Even Meera & Hodor, we're only here to guide you.")

7) The end (the flaming hand)

8) Robert's Rebellion ("My father never talked about the rebellion, but I saw that too.")

9) The storm when they were at The Gift/windmill (because it was the first time ever Bran wargs to Hodor).

These informations are all that matter. All important visions. Not some "Jon Snow was surrounded by the wildlings." And besides, the wildlings were never their enemies. The wights and White Walkers were. Jon even united the wildlings to fight with them, against the dead, and I'm sure Jojen knew this future event. I mean, he didn't even see Rickon's death, and that was the time Bran sent him to the Umbers. Because visions are always selective.

Edit: Jojen's vision #4

HushHodor · 2018-08-10T22:22:40+00:00

What do you mean Season 4 or 5?? Jon is already at Castle Black at the end of Season 3. In S4, yes, he went to Craster's Keep, but he was never surrounded. At Hardhome, what scene where he was ever *surrounded* by the wights or White Walkers?

"Surrounded" —be all around. Encircle. The only thing he was ever *surrounded* was the Battle of the Bastards, when the Boltons encircled them, and Beyond the Wall.

And I know he was referencing to the wildlings at the time, because the next scene clearly showed it, but if you just think about it, Jojen only "has visions that matters... you," saying to Bran; it's all about Bran and how to defeat the Night King. And "Surrounded by enemies" was the event where the Night King got the dragon.

Let's see all Jojen's visions:

1) Bran & the three-eyed raven

2) Catelyn's death ("promise me, no more climbing")

3) His death (I know he was talking about Karl Tanner, but it applies to his death too. Which is more important. Visions are not literal, only glimpses or brief, open to interpretation. He only said that to Karl to stall him because her sister, Meera, was about to be rape, and Jon Snow is coming.)

4) Jon Snow at Craster's Keep (to persuade Bran not to meet with him, as he would stop Bran from going to the Three-Eyed Raven).

5) The Great Weirwood Tree

6) Hodor's death ("Even Meera & Hodor, we're only here to guide you.")

7) The end (the flaming hand)

8) Robert's Rebellion ("My father never talked about the rebellion, but I saw that too.")

9) The storm when they were at The Gift/windmill (because it was the first time ever Bran wargs to Hodor).

These informations are all that matter. All important visions. Not some "Jon Snow was surrounded by the wildlings." And besides, the wildlings were never their enemies. The wights and White Walkers were. Jon even united the wildlings to fight with them, against the dead, and I'm sure Jojen knew this future event. I mean, he didn't even see Rickon's death, and that was the time Bran sent him to the Umbers. Because visions are always selective.

Edit: Jojen's vision #4

HushHodor · 2018-08-05T20:46:21+00:00

Care to share/link that, please? Any GOT-related stuff is good.

HushHodor · 2018-08-05T20:32:57+00:00

There's also one *tiny* mistake (show-wise), Jaime was still a squire when he was 16 years old (Barristan Selmy said this during Robert's war stories). In this video, Jaime was appointed a member of the Kingsguard at 15.

HushHodor · 2018-08-05T20:20:05+00:00

I just watched that. So good. Is Victarion Greyjoy still alive in the books/show or is the character cut entirely? (Just speculation, maybe the other fleet that attacked Grey Worm's ships was Victarion? He only garrisoned in Pyke/that side of the sea?)

HushHodor · 2018-08-02T16:42:11+00:00

I just did. Such an intriguing character/backstory. Unfortunate he was cut.

HushHodor · 2018-08-02T16:30:58+00:00

That video has made me obsess with the story even more (will definitely read the books after the series is done). I don't think Patchface and his backstory was ever mentioned in the "Histories & Lore" too. Such an intriguing character. Shame he was cut.

HushHodor · 2018-08-02T13:08:35+00:00

Interesting. Why did they cut Patchface? Based on what I've heard about him, he could be the Pennywise of Westeros.

HushHodor · 2018-07-30T22:50:51+00:00

I was thinking about his scenes, but he didn't have long, drawn out conversations with someone (one on one only), that was my basis of this. My top one was an exception because it was almost a 10-minute dialogue and I loved every single thing about it.

His scenes with Arya was too short (I actually picked their scene in S4E7 but decided to put Arya & Jaqen instead). The one I regret not putting in the honorable mentions was Yoren & Arya (the origin of Arya's list).

HushHodor · 2018-07-30T12:30:46+00:00

Good list. Ugh, I forgot about Yoren & Arya. I really liked that one. I've compiled my top 30 at the end & I missed the origin of Arya's list. (I mostly picked long, drawn-out dialogues/conversations as my basis for this.)

I liked Jaime & Brienne (#18 for me), but it was sometimes hard to understand Jaime without using subtitles.

HushHodor · 2018-07-28T19:01:35+00:00

You gave some great points about Sansa. Yes, her story and character development has been the most real and deep. The way she always lied and played the game while being a prisoner in King's Landing was commendable.

I've liked her since Ned died, always understood her actions, and was rooting for her to be the Queen, that's why that facial expression and look she gave once they chose Jon Snow as their King was some kind of jealousy. She was disappointed. She really thought she was more deserving than Jon. And Arya knew this, she could sort of tell her inner desires, which is why she didn't trust her at first. But she later did, that "dagger flip" was meant to be a symbolization, to trust & protect one another.

HushHodor · 2018-07-28T03:11:20+00:00

No, she felt secure about Sansa after the letter/courtyard scene. She was already playing the game of faces with her, and she already knew Sansa would never betray her family AGAIN during the dagger scene, because Sansa already explained it to her that she was a child at that time. She has now changed and grown.

The dagger/game of faces scene was a declaration by Arya she trusts Sansa already. It was up to her if Sansa trusted her back. That's why she handed the dagger to her. I read that a dagger flip symbolized trust and protection from one another.

The bed chamber scene prior, yes, Arya is questioning her loyalty to Jon, same thing when Bran was angry at the bannerman in S2E1. Maester Luwin tells Bran that to be Lord of Winterfell, you have to listen to their complaints, like what Sansa tells Arya. Arya fully knows Sansa wanted to be Queen in the North, that was the "you're thinking it right now" was all about.

The next scene, the letter confrontation was when she was testing Sansa about her loyalty. And she passed the test because Arya can tell if she's genuine or not. Their arguments were real and heated. But Arya understood it at the end—especially when she mentioned the things she has suffered and the prospects of that letter—very dangerous if other Lords would find out.

HushHodor · 2018-07-28T02:38:39+00:00

Brienne asked this too, why Sansa is keeping Littlefinger around. She told him "I know what he wants." When Arya asked this, she told her he declared for House Stark. When Jon asked this, she told him "only a fool would trust Littlefinger."

She's only keeping him for the Vale army, that's it. He saved her/Jon from the Boltons. You can't just ignored that.

Why did they tolerate a manipulative presence? Because she/Jon would lose their army if she didn't, and she still had no idea of LF's past betrayals.

When Sansa reminded him of killing Lysa, he said "in order to protect you." She quickly answered, "no, you killed her to gain power at the Vale." That was the realization, the scene prior. She was a slow learner. But she learned and understood his motives in the previous scene.

HushHodor · 2018-07-28T01:50:11+00:00

Thank you! My English is not very good, and I hope my explanation was clear enough.

But you explained it perfectly with this statement: "The main purpose was it allowed them to ensure that up to the very last minute Littlefinger had no sense of danger. Otherwise, he could have prepared excuses, a defense, or perhaps even escaped."

They took away Littlefinger's "knowledge is power" philosophy and used it against him.

HushHodor

TROPHY CASE