GoT: The Ultimate Spoiler
I think I can comfortably say that my husband was fully engaged for this episode...and was even looking forward to it. He was suitably shocked at the ending, although nowhere near as colorfully as other viewers as seen on You Tube. He did ask: "Is he really dead?" I can understand having a bit of doubt since they did pull the camera at the last moment, which is unusual in a show that seems to delight in spurting blood and gore. I believe all doubt should be removed in next week's episode, although there are some diehard book fans that believe Ned will return. I don't think he will, that would be very cheap and shabby.
What a decision that must have been for Martin to make when writing. I wonder if he set out intending Ned to be the central character throughout the series (which was originally to be 4 books) and then asked himself the question all good writers ask: What is the worst thing that could happen for these characters? Good on him for making the toughest choice. Besides, all his characters continue to influence events even after death. Consider the Mad King, Ned's sister and Rhaegar Targaryen, all influencing the story at the beginning.
I wonder if Book 3's pivotal event can be kept under wraps for two more years?
What a decision that must have been for Martin to make when writing. I wonder if he set out intending Ned to be the central character throughout the series (which was originally to be 4 books) and then asked himself the question all good writers ask: What is the worst thing that could happen for these characters? Good on him for making the toughest choice. Besides, all his characters continue to influence events even after death. Consider the Mad King, Ned's sister and Rhaegar Targaryen, all influencing the story at the beginning.
I wonder if Book 3's pivotal event can be kept under wraps for two more years?