Well… I think Joffrey is certainly psychotic to the extent that he'd happily chop your head off just for looking at him funny, but I don't think he'd hire an assassin to kill a bedridden kid whom he'd never really even met.  That seems a little too far out of his way.

Yeah, I don't think they've spoken Osha's name at all in the show.  Once at most.  Bran might've said it.

It was pretty obvious from the context that he was talking about Stannis and Davos though.  If you've been paying attention, there have been one or two scenes where Davos' lack of a functional right hand has been noted — in last week's episode, we saw Davos picking up that flaming sword from the beach in an awkward…

Yes, the harshness of the "period," as it were, is definitely one of the big things that sets Game of Thrones apart from most of the other fantasy stuff I've seen.  Things like Ned's beheading, the Lannister-Targaryen history, the Hound killing Mycah, etc., really separate this story from the norm.  Although it also…

Indeed; but I'm also wondering whether Margaery has any idea about the Renly-Loras relationship, or if she really thinks Renly is 100% into her, or if she's completely aware that she's just a "beard."  Presents some interesting caveats in any case, but I guess I'm hoping it's that 2nd option; I'd rather feel sorry for…

I dunno, between his "Everything there is" speech in that scene with Ros and the other chick, and the "It's difficult for them to simper and bow without heads" scene with Varys, I do think Baelish at least wants the throne; although he may not be actively plotting to take it.

Yeah, grain of salt… much of that is liable to be trolly lies, or creeps acting creepy with pretty ladies and being treated accordingly.  But then again, I wouldn't be surprised if they just get fed up with that kind of behavior and form some thick walls that also affect regular decent people.

Ain't opinions a bitch.  Though I can't imagine anyone seriously thinking Fringe is terrible.  Mind you I love it, so I'm biased, but someone actually calling it "terrible" seems quite hyperbolic.

Yeah!  I was really scratchin' my head about that hand when Tyrion brought up the message from the Night's Watch this week.  Maybe Thorne got lost along the way.  Or the hand came to life and strangled him to death, haha.

Haven't seen much mention of Yoren in the discussion thus far.  I meant to mention him in my main comment but I forgot, haha.  Definitely a badass; glad to see he ain't taking any shit from those southern pansies.

I'd say it's more character-based than LotR, but yeah, obviously there are some similarities. 

Not sure if that'd make sense, but I hope you're right.  I've always hoped Nymeria would show up again.

And also that douchey smirk he gave when Ser Barristan was being forced to retire.  Grr.

@avclub-d0cf409eb912cc0cc950b41b6d892d07:disqus Yeah, like a protection racket sort of thing.  Your debt is never paid.  I think that brothel in Winterfell was probably a very different sort of organization in which Ros had a lot more independence than she does in King's Landing.  Reckon she probably didn't expect to…

Yep… as smart and witty as you might be (by whore standards, at least), you're ultimately nothing more than a commodity.

Seems like the kid's already 100% onboard.  Guess she might bone him by way of convincing him to torch Davos, but I'm not expecting that (the sex) to happen.

Indeed, I hadn't thought of that.

Different character.  I'm looking forward to finding out what her motivations are; whether she just wants the power, or if there's something more to it.

This is true.

It turned out Tyrion was set up… but that also seems like the kind of thing that Cersei would do.  It doesn't make complete sense, given the way she went off on Jaime with the "What were you thinking!?" after the assassination attempt, but I can't imagine Jaime would be stupid enough to arm the assassin with Tyrion's…