Yeah. Most of the people that I know that watch the show (almost all of whom hadnt read the books) didnt even realize that Qhorin did that on purpose. They didnt really seem to highlight that Qhorin is complete badass - and that Jon (by himself) would have no hope of slaying him.

So what you are saying is that there is no possible way that they could have introduced Ygritte without Jon looking like an incapable, hapless idiot? Sorry, but I just dont think that that is the case. He may be hapless when it comes to the ladies, but Jon is not some green boy like most of the Nightswatch.

It (their antagonism) was definitely in the fore in the novel - especially from Tyrions POV... The beard cutting was especially traumatic in the books and had a much more lasting impact - making Pycelle into a mostly broken man thereafter.

I think that they appreciate honor and glory as much as most - but they knew that their situation offered little of either - and Winterfell (like you said) is no prize to the Ironborn. Id guess that they would easily go down in a blaze of glory on the Iron Islands or in some lopsided battle at sea.

Im almost certain that they were there at the Fist - some riding zombie snow bears if Im not mistaken.

The whole Reek deception in the book was brilliant though... Not sure it could even work in a TV series (so its not a big deal that it wasnt included), but it was really interesting in the books knowing that Ramsay barely escapes death by bearing witness to his own crimes.

I only get pissed when they change our perceptions of characters... Jon Snow came off as completely incompetent this entire season - which just doesnt really make sense. The other things that are nitpicked I dont really care about, though Dany's time in Qarth left a lot to be desired (Id rather not focus on her, than…

I like the books and the show a great deal, but some of the departures are a big negative (though Arya/Tywin is a big positive). I really only take issue with the departures when they alter the viewers perception of a character, because this series (if nothing else) is almost 100% character-driven.

much cooler than - "they were used for homework."

You touched on it at the end there... Pacing is the issue, but long movies tend to go awry on pacing much more often (and more noticably) than the 80-90 min. movies. The only reason Id be worried about this being 2hr45min is that often means that its probably edited poorly (like most non-LOTR Peter Jackson films -…

Kind of hard to do in any professional sport.

So says the author. Of course you think your voice is important, but no one else seems to concur.

The only reason I ever wore compression shorts was to prevent skinning my legs when sliding - and avoiding the dreaded "ball slap" that occurs with quick lateral movement. Works pretty well for both.

(not a goatee or pointed beard - though Sobchak is my hero)

I cant post pics at work, but where is Dewey Cox?

I am certainly no expert, but I am certainly not above making my speculation sound as if it were fact.

The assertion isnt necessarily the work of the scientists - just the research... Which is why it says:

Do you mean for someone to actually answer all these questions or do you just feel the need to type rhetorical questions over and over and over.

She stays behind to be certain (as many storylines depend on her staying there). The only big difference in the show vs. the books is - she fears when he comes in that he is going to rape her, but he only asks for a kiss and she obliges. Its kind of a big deal considering he mentions it quite a few times later in the…

Intent is paramount, and I would say that very few people say "That sucks" in some sort of homophobic parlance. Any slight would be largely imagined. This would be polictical correctness taken to its most absurd conclusion, as that would mean using words representing genitals would also somehow be sexist (because it…