George R.R. Martin SLAMS House of The Dragon for ‘Toxic’ Changes in Deleted Blog Post

[@AvatarAdrian]

BTW: Here’s a playlist of my reactions to all episodes of season 2 of HOTD: kzbin.info/aero/PLFVFNTzYxr89yLWPqJ8CUpH3sQvJklmx1 If you wanna watch my season 1 reactions/reviews make sure you check out this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLFVFNTzYxr8-Z4W0iOfcbozLpI8Jrgj_9 Check out the exclusive video content I’ve posted to my patreon at: Patreon.com/AvatarAdrian

[@areebariz1639]

Also Grrm said this: "And there are larger and more toxic butterflies to come, if HOUSE OF THE DRAGON goes ahead with some of the changes being contemplated for seasons 3 and 4..." MAAANNNN these show creators WON'T learn. Apparently we got more fucked up changes coming up 🤣

[@BDollScream]

I can't give George tens until the books are done. But he gets an eight for this solid read 😂

[@areebariz1639]

"I have no idea what Ryan has planned if indeed he has planned anything" George is funny as FUCK 😭 Read them to filth my GOD. This is too funny bc Ryan Condal wouldn't leave a single chance to shit on show's audience for any minor constructive criticism, during last season, constantly hiding behind George and using him a shield to dunk on viewers who criticized the creators for valid reasons (him trynna be condescending to people as a result of Sara Hess' grape apologist statements). This is what happens when you got too much dip on your chip

[@nostalgicbliss5547]

Condal is a company man and a simp.

[@whatareyoudoingoverthere1425]

This was heartbreaking to watch. GRRM deserves so much better smh. HBO really annoys me sometimes like how hard is it to just stick to the story

[@ValyrianPrince]

If u can tell it’s a general trend going on in all of Hollywood. Remember The Witcher? Rings of power? Wheel of time? I understand why toxic channels are blowing up everyone sees it happening and are silent

[@_Asvaria]

@@ValyrianPrinceAdd The Last Airbender to this, even original creators left this project when Netflix started to make stupid changes in story, characters and even lore.

[@D3athL1vin]

these showrunners love to smile in grrm face telling him theyre gonna be faithful to his work and then go behind his back

[@sunfire5790]

They’re jealous of grrm and think that hbo’s popularity will surpass good writing.

[@user-dx2dm8oq8g]

Shows like Succession were successful, the early seasons of GoT were amazing, they made the Sopranos... HBO was known for quality and now they're sloppy. In my opinion it's the showrunners and writers, just hire talented people who have the same vision and get the creator's opinions to review and fix things that slip.

[@HisameArtwork]

ikr. at this point I'm rooting for Studio 24 to take over this show :)) but I know they don't have the money for it. it's not cheap, but simple changes could have been made: plastic doll for Maelor baby. Have Jace talk to Jayne in front of that gate they already had, talk to Cregan more at the wall about allying.

[@anbuookami13]

I think you're missing grrms point on b&c. It's not about the violence It's about the choice and trauma it implements on Haelena

[@BingeThinker1814]

100%. For them to cut Maegor, and then give Halaena these scenes where she's minimizing her right to grieve, and then suddenly she's supposed to suicidal next season without anything triggering that. The way they've written her on the show, it makes no sense for that response to develop into suicidality because it was left unchucked.

[@asalwaysashntir]

The thing is Maelor is not a small character to change. For them to make that change shows how little they care.

[@SuperStella1111]

The show improved a very, very melodramatic scene. Sorry, George.

[@publiusventidiusbassus1232]

​@@BingeThinker1814 I honestly didn't want to believe it, but the reason Helaena wasn't allowed to grieve is because she lost a MALE child. The show legit hates men, it is the most misandrist narrative of the modern age. They protrayed Jaehaerys as a spoilt, unruly brat to make audiences dislike him beforehand and treated his murder like a Home Alone gag. Helaena didn't even offer her own life like in the books, but some jewelry. She then gave up her son like nothing. Then any grief for Jaehaerys was shut down because "he's dead, who cares". And in his parade scene, his body was shown no dignity even in death by the showrunners. The way season 2 butchered all male characters and whitewashed all the female ones, is clear HBO wants to take a highly dinamic story of moral ambiguity and the folly of political intrigue ans turn it into some self-absorbed twitter rant.

[@thesupremecoven2866]

Glad George gathered them in this blog. Did you see HBO response? 😭

[@moustik31]

No, what did they say?

[@1slummzzs]

Won’t they learn. Change is only meaningful when it adds new meaning to the plot or is accepted by the viewers.. Dafuk, it’s seems as we know, these show runners only care for the bag 💰

[@sabrinawilson5244]

And this is why you should not sell all your rights away or give up total control of your work.

[@Rjonesy101]

I have given up on him finishing the books.

[@seth_fitzgerald]

I think he learned by now given what happened to GOT, that he should stop giving all rights to the show and stay writing the WOW

[@itsniquenique45]

He can’t even write overdue novels. What makes you think he’s gonna write 8-10 episodes per season 😒

[@nyeishaclark95]

George said that when he expressed his disappointment of removing Maelor, Ryan said that Maelor was merely being postponed but that’s an obvious lie because he had Aegon admit in season 2 that his dick had burst into flames so how can he and Haleana still have children. Also SPOILER ALERT but technically at this point in the show and books, Aegon and Haleana are never going to see each other again. This just proves that Ryan lies and talks out of his ass. It’s clear George has more he wants to say but won’t either because contractually he can’t or he is trying to be respectful, but he only focused on issues with the first 2 episodes, I’m sure the other 6 pissed him off as well to be honest!!!!

[@DomMajal]

would love to hear what he has to say about nettles not even being in it anymore. because rhaena’s dragon within the books is important. i feel like they just wanted to give rhaena importance quickly rather than hiring another black actor for nettles, and it’s strange bc they could’ve gave rhaena importance and dive more into her feeling of not having a dragon and how it affects her and could’ve made her very interesting.

[@moustik31]

Right? They act as if having 3 Black actresses on set is a stretch! 🙄 Also, showing Daemon triping about sleeping with his mother is ok but him cheating on Rhaenyra with Nettles is too much?! They could have aged her up if that was the issue. Also, didnt he murder his 1st wife in season 1? Daemon isnt a good person.

[@sunfire5790]

Nettles is the portal to explore the world of dragons and the bond of the riders. HBO ain’t 💩 for cutting her out.

[@chikaa578]

I haven’t read the books but this last season of HOTD is so bad that I don’t mind spoilers.

[@Heemi30]

Season 2 definitely suffered due to budget constraints. Events that should've taken place on screen happened off screen. The redundancy with the dialogue and scenes. If this is the best HBO can do, then we don't want it. Don't bother unless you have the budget.

[@psychedelicyeti6053]

👏👏👏

[@OoOMonkeyCoFreakOoO]

I can see that side but then I just think about the wasted time they used on other scenes like Harrenhal

[@hotfunyunsop6196]

Ive accepted the fact the books will never be finished. Martin is in his 70s and STILL hasn't finished it just due to his own indecisiveness.

[@redgurlbrick916]

He just needs to move it to Netflix or Amazon since HBO is being cheap!!! Might save him the grief of watching his work being butchered to save a dollar!!

[@psychedelicyeti6053]

Not sure if animation would makenit cheaper but i think it could be adapted better

[@Megshroom]

A literal c-section in the first episode of the first season was ok, but apparently a more authentic Blood and Cheese was too much. Oh ok. Watching season 2 was like watching a whole other show. I suspected writers would mess it up at some point but I didnt think it would be the second season. Its giving GoT seasons 6-8.

[@Hear.myvoice]

At least GoT s6-8 had actions beside the horribly written story... Now we have nothing with HotD.

[@tylesehickman4958]

Mr. Martin. You got paid already. They are not listening to you Sir.

[@d.m.k5599]

This keeps happening and he keeps going forward with giving them access to his work. I think GRRM is apart of the problem, he's the only common denominator. I think he's gonna have the same problem with whoever heads the show about Aegon's conquest.

[@u-we7sq]

Just because GRRM is associated with somethings gone bad doesn't mean he's the problem. The writers and show runners make writing and show decisions. They don't care bout what fans want which motivates them to just do the minimum to finish their jobs and get paid.

[@moustik31]

Im not a book purist but I do expect changes to be meaningful and respect the spirit of the story. Heleana has already so little screen time, not allowing to put her own life on the line to save her son's is a stupid choice. 😤

[@champadin1755]

2024 does not miss

[@AkodoGarou]

Im all for his fury, but at the same time, leave the post up. You put all this time and effort in pre saying, you're going to do it, and you do it, but delete after. Like cmon either stand by what you said, like you do with the trash at writing help you have, or dont say anything and collect your money. But you cant have it both ways. Additionally, finish the damn books!

[@piotrfijoek1095]

He has a good point. Small changes in the story's beginning may have escalating consequences on the narrative. The example he gave about Helena, Blood and Cheese is a perfect example of it. Suddenly, you have to make up different reasons why certain characters would end up the way it does in the books. With a well-written story, the setups for later events are in place early and if someone messes with that, the whole character arc can be ruined. It's even more evident when the writer wants the get pay off, the writer didn't earn *cough* character assassination of all characters in Season 8 GoT *cough* Especially Daenerys Targaryen getting mad in just 3 episodes even though she had been written as a hero for whole 7 seasons.

[@thedragondemands5186]

Martial isn’t fighting Condal, he’s fighting the studio: notice he’s focused on CUTS in Season 3. Because they cut the episode count they have to cut story elements that even Condal doesn’t want to cut.

[@Dotthel]

So happy I have interview. It may be a small fandom but we’re all fed well here.

[@glittermethis]

Yes, Rolin Jones & team would nevah! You can tell that the show runner of Interview With The Vampires show loves the VC book series. Same with the co leads of the show. They made changes in the show, but the overall story arcs are still very much grounded in the source material. This project is definitely a labor of love for all involved and it’s evident when you are viewing the show.

[@ThandoNdlovu-zr3ld]

So HBO being lazy is ruining the show typical.

This makes me question so many other things about the show. Like I wonder if the late addition of Daeron is a genuine change or if GGRM had to fight tooth and nail for his addition in the show. Maybe he got sick of the story changes and not adding Maelor finally did it for him. I just hope that this gives him fuel to finish the books. No body can tell his story like he does.

[@lukesguywalker]

I’m curious what kind of contract he signed. Can it not be renegotiated?

[@jesuscortez6047]

Finish your books George.

[@liyue993]

This all can actually be fixed easily by the show-runners, all they have to do is make the last two episodes of season 2 to make it a complete 10 episodes for that season and fix the Maelor problem - here's a outline of those two episode's *Episode 9*: 1. Alicent arrives back in KL to secretly take Helaena and Jaeheara into hiding. 2. Aemond who somehow finds out about his mother's plan about selling them out to Rhaenyra and making a run for it. goes to confront Alicent, and finds them already gone. 3. Aemond decides not to act rashly this time, and proceeds to come up with a plan by having a meeting with the council of lords on the next course of action. 4. All the while Alicent is having a hard time transporting Helaena and Jaeheara because, for them to escape they couldn’t take any guards or courage's just some horses and so for some reason Helaena is having a hard time riding and walking for a long period of time. Which is slowing them down. 5. As the council meeting is underway Aemond is asking for guidance on what to do next about Rhaenyra, Daemon, Aegon’s and Larys, and Alicent’s treachery, Helaena, and Jaeheara’s disappearance. While he alone is KL’s only line of defense, during the meeting the master maester informs Aemond that princess Helaena is with child. 6. Aemond, after hearing this, proceeds to ride Vhagar to find his mother, Heleana and Jaeheara. When he does find them he confronts Alicent about her meeting with Rhaenyra, and finally her plan of abandonment. He proceeds to say she is under house arrest at a tower in KL for going AWOL, and making off with the future heir to the throne. Making Alicent look at Helaena in shock. Maelor fixed *Episode 10*: (*Extend the Dance - Time-Skip two or three years have passed*) (*Maelor’s age fixed*) 1. Alicent is let go from house arrest but has more problems with Aemond cause he stripped her of the power she had left. 2. Helaena is slowly becoming a shell of herself which is affecting Jeaheara and Maelor. She loves Maelor but it is worse for her to be around him because at times he looks more like Jaehaerys. Which is making her slowly lose her mind. 3. Aemond finding out about Jaehaera and Maelor’s neglect, confont’s Helaena about how he’s starting to think she doesn’t love them. And when Helaena here’s this she says to Aemond that it wasn’t true and all Aemond was doing was pushing his insecurity on Maelor because Alicent didn’t pay him as much love as he should have gotten. In a condescending way. (We know Aemond does not like feeling he’s being made fun of, from Lucerys and Aegon.) 4. So Aemond, after hearing this, smiles meanly and picks up Maelor. Then looks to Helana and says. “ Let’s be honest dear sister, you wish Maelor was Jaehaerys, just be honest.” 5. Helaena shakes her head harshly and realizes that Aemond is standing where Cheese once was. Which then proceeds through this interaction of her mind flashing from Aemond to Cheese as Aemond is questioning her. 6. Aemond while holding Maelor smiling asks her. “Which one your grace would you choose to save, you can’t save them all. Just speak the truth, your grace. ” As he sees Helaena silently crying. 7. Helaena who’s under the impression she’s back with Blood and Cheese points at Maelor. 8. Aemond seeing this says. “So much for a mothers love.” which breaks Helaena out of hallucination she starts to cry and says “No.. no…. I- I didn’t mean-” Which Aemond cuts her off with. “You just showed how you would trade Maelors life for Jeahaery’s.” Then Aemond lifts Maelor to face him and while smiling says. “Did you hear that Maelor, your mommy wants you dead.” There, please HBO use this and fix everything.

[@kysngaming7787]

I always viewed Maelor as proof that Aegon and Heleana held some kind of romantic love for each other. The couple didnt need to have more children, but at some point they became closer in marriage and finally had the baby that was theirs by choice. GRRM probably explained this to the show writers and they replied "nah that makes the Green kids appear human"

[@MourningCoffeeMusic]

Even though I agree with George, I still think he needs to give up on all these shows and finish his legacy (THE BOOKS) 🐲

[@rajond7881]

9:03 “ONLY” the book readers 😒 Said like we’re unimportant

[@gemini3399]

Thank you! Arya killing the Night King was the worst decision ever made in a TV show. They went for subverting expectations instead of making the story and character arcs make sense. I already was feeling in HOTD S2 that they were going to do the same thing. The Alicent going to Dragonstone scene was BS. And they are trying to keep Rhaneyra until the end like they did with Cersei on the main show. They fall in love with characters or actors and keep them…story be damned

[@TheSReaction]

As a writer, I get it that he’s just wanting the show runners to stay as true as possible. He was okay with certain changes but it sounds like they’re taking it toooooo far.

[@christop-3]

I agree with you. I like that he chose such a minor example because it was actually a change I didn’t mind. And in fact I still don’t mind. But it made me realize the emotion he applies to his plotlines and of course, his butterfly metaphor is brilliant. I think what’s sad is that you’re prob right about the showrunners & HBO; they prob don’t really care what he thinks and they are unlikely to change course.

[@thanaaabdullah3452]

He need to shut his mouth and finish Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring. He sold out to HBO and no wants to throw shade and be sassy and the side lines. I don’t even care, HBO already showed him their true colors and like of respect for his work, you sold out your creative property for fame and a check now they gonna continue giving us season 8 of Game of thrones…can’t do ish about it now

[@22s22a]

HBO being cheap will be their undoing

[@zani4876]

Is uncle a water sign? Sooooo many feelings 😫

[@SaintJawn]

I was glad they didn’t include Maelor in HoD. No one wants to see them tear a baby apart, we see enough of that on the news. It’s not entertaining. And if it wasn’t in the budget then it rly makes no sense for them to have had him. That was the best change they made imo

[@AliciaWells-uk8sr]

GOT was a disaster, not just the last season. They disregarded the source material.

[@avanna_ee]

That’s it I’m going to HBO HQ

[@LilBrownieD]

16:18 🤣

[@psychedelicyeti6053]

I feel grrm held a lot in with GoT. HotD is done, so no excuses with them 😂😅

[@yanyan9356]

So what I'm getting is......stop watching. Save myself the investment of time

[@vanessaamesty6739]

George refuses to put out anything that is less than perfect; that's the reason he hasn't finish the series. Is his worst defect but also his best virtud. The reason why the series is the best fantasy series ever. I imagine him seeing this lame as writting and getting SICK.

[@saeres9288]

i never do this, but im lowkey hoping season 3 goes to shit and the show is cancelled! So tired of watching perfect stories being destroyed by piece of shit directors who think they can do a better job than the originator. its honestly insanity. they have been doing grrm dirty for over a decade now, and they will continue if they dont face backlash. just imagine the bullshit they will pull with all the other got spinoffs.

[@ginapustai2499]

Ugh you’re so dang negative now and it really kills the vibe for sure. Can’t we just have fun ? There are enough people criticizing the show. As a book reader yeah its different but there are zero details

[@moustik31]

Here comes the toxic positive activist. 🙄

[@LilBrownieD]

fake fan who doesn't even listen to the original author...

[@asli9812]

Just fire Ryan condal & Sarah Hess atp

[@lukesguywalker]

I’m curious what kind of contract he signed. Can it not be renegotiated?