After the shocking beheading of Ned, the Game of Thrones finale, “Fire and Blood,” was a bit anti-climatic, but it was still packed with greatness. The finale picked up right where “Baelor” ended with Ned’s execution and the immediate aftermath. It was heart-breaking to see the hurt Joffrey’s actions caused the Stark daughters.
Yoren’s protection of Arya and determination of making her look like a boy was oddly unheartfelt. He seemed to be driven by loyalty rather than any emotional connection to Arya and her plight. Personally, I can’t get enough of Arya. Out of all the characters, if she was to die, I don’t know if I could recover. George R.R. Martin has created a world where everyone’s life is in danger any time, but if she dies, I’m not sure I could continue to enjoy the world of Westeros. That is my line in the sand; while I love other characters, her demise would hurt too much.
Sansa seems to be in the most precarious position of all the Starks, one wrong move and she will be killed. I’m not sure why Joffrey and his mother continue to want the marriage. What do they have to gain? Do they expect it will help them maintain control over the North? As I stated after the last episode, I hope Sansa gets rid of the whiney, insufferable Joffrey. As much as I don’t care for Sansa, I despise him infinitely more.
In this world of Westeros, loyalty and betrayal are commonplace, but I never expected to see the outpouring of support for Robb. The scene when he is named the King of the North was something I never saw coming, primarily due to the questioning of his strategy prior to the battle. After the sacrifice of 2000 men and their overall victory over the Lannister’s, it was impressive to see this unquestioned loyalty to him.
A few episodes ago I mentioned that I didn’t feel any connection to Robb, but in a short amount of time I see the appeal of him. He was on the backburner for most of the season, but he has become a full-fledged headliner of the story. I can almost see him filling void left by Ned … almost. I suspect if he survives long enough, he will be the head of household that Ned was and perhaps even more.Robb was not the only one who found their leadership role in “Fire and Blood.”
Daenerys may not have sacrificed 2000 men, but she perhaps sacrificed much more. She lost not only her son, but her Sun and Stars. She sacrificed him to take her rightful head of the dragons. The rebirth through fire of both Daenerys and the dragons was a beautiful sight; I think the most gorgeous scene of the whole season. I can only imagine the reaction of Westeros to the re-emergence of the dragons. I was glad to see that Ser Johan is still by her side. His support of Daeryns is refreshingly honest. I just hope it doesn’t become more than a steward by her side – no romance, please!
Other thoughts:
Now that the first season is over, I have considered reading George R.R. Martin’s first book in the series, A Game of Thrones, but I am hesitant. Generally speaking, as I’ve mentioned before, I don’t read the source material for television shows I watch. I struggle with this decision, because I think reading it now would supplement the first season I have already watched. My fear is I won’t have the self-control to stop after the first book; I really enjoy watching the show as a newbie and have enjoyed writing this column. If I do read the book, I would continue this series and write about my takeaways from the book. I figure those who don’t want to read it will benefit from additional background knowledge and those who also read the book may enjoy it as well. So, the question is … do I read the book or not?
Please share your thoughts on the finale episode and this question in the comments!
Clacked by Carla Day 
on Jun 27, 2011 @ 22:19 EST5EDT
Read the books…but not until the series has ended. If were’ lucky, that won’t be for another 8-9 years from now. By then, not only will the books provide far greater depth and detail, but you’ll have forgotten no small amount of what you’ve seen on the screen.
Read the books. They’re worth it and they add so, so much more enjoyment. Every little line has some meaning and things you’d have missed as a newbie take on a whole new context. Just read the first book and rewatch the season – you’ll love it much more.
Also, there are clear advantages of keeping Sansa and having her marry a Lannister. I won’t spoil it but it will be revealed.
Hi Carla
I have the opposite dilemma. I’ve read the books and can say, while I can imagine the TV adaptation is good the detail, pacing and surprises in the books are exceptional.
It is fun to read a new persons point of view. I just finished book four last month.
*POST AUTHOR*
Hey, Aaron! If you haven’t watched the series, I’d recommend it. I don’t think it will take anything away from the book. From interviews I did w/ the show creators and GRRM the series stayed very faithful to the books. There were some added and deleted scenes, but generally speaking the story remained the same.
I really want to read the books, but I think I’d prefer to see the series at this point and then read the books. But, I’m not sure if I have self-control to wait. I want to know what happens next!
I gotta say please don’t read more than the first book at this point. I also read recaps on a couple of other sites (one which I cannot name) where the bloggers had read the whole series and I felt like it totally ruined their perspective on the show. I thought your recaps were waaaay better since you didn’t know what was coming, and I really enjoy your predictions at the ends of them (and you were right many times). On the other hand I have already downloaded the book series, but I really doubt I’ll be able to stop after reading the first one, so I’m gonna try to wait, but it’s a long time until season 2 begins…
*POST AUTHOR*
Thanks! That’s my biggest concern – once I start reading I won’t be able to stop. I love books and I’ll just go through them quickly.
I would definitely read the books. While the show is excellent, the book adds so much more depth! Each chapter is written in third-person perspective from a different character and relies so heavily on internal dialogue and narration that the show just can’t capture it.
*POST AUTHOR*
@Alan, @Lok, @Smalltown – you all have persuasive reasons. Hmm … what to do … what to do?!?