I'm a little disappointed that Tyrion's little victory in battle was replaced with a drinking game (even though I do adore Bronn), but I was really startled by Shae. She's not even close to the book version. What's the point of that?

Oh, NED.

::sniffle::

Yes, they completely changed her. Is she Dornish? Is this a way from them to introduce Dornish culture?

Oh, I hope not. "Foreign" ought to be outside the seven kingdoms. I don't know where they're going with her backstory, though.

I don't know where they're going with her backstory, though.

Exactly. And I like book!Shae's genuine affection for him. At least that's the way it read to me.

I know it makes her betrayal even more bitter (spoilery for book 3.)

Yeah, I hope they don't lose that aspect of their relationship, whatever else they are doing with her.

Just as I was thinking that someone should tell Westeros about Truth or Dare, Tyrion invents it on the spot.

Knowing what I know about the future in the coming books, Westeros would have been infinitely better off if Joffrey hadn't been needlessly cruel so that Ned took the Black and could have stopped Robb's war right there.

I agree.

And everyone but Joffrey knows that. Cersei had no idea he would think for himself and fuck up so badly, but the boy-king ain't right.

GoT:

I haven't read the books at all, so I was shocked by Stark's death. I thought for sure they are going to save him somehow.

I've watched most of the season over the last two weeks, and I was finding it difficult to keep everyone straight for a while, but I am really liking the show.

Can someone explain to me the whole people with dragon blood who aren't actual dragons thing?

I'm really hoping that Arya gets to grow up to be a great warrior and kills Joffrey.

How far has the story taken us in terms of the books?