[Mike!]

I think it's already out there that they're casting the Martells and the Sand Snakes, so Dorne is a go for S5. Haven't heard much on casting for the Iron Islands storyline, though they'll probably pick that up too.

The fourth book was such a drag... all the damn new characters and nothing about Tyrion (and Jon shown only from Sam's perspective). I'm glad the show is basically taking everything chronologically, even if it's stuff from the 5th book like Theon/Reek and Daenerys in Mereen.

 

[Seabird]

The timeline mashup makes sense given how much Martin jumps everyone around. I don't mind the character and story consolidations for the show. I have to laugh at the viewers having anxiety about the good villains being killed off, like we aren't going to be introduced to any new ones.

Remind me, what was the name of the house that Davos goes to solicit, but they imprison him in order to look loyal to the Lannisters?...

 

[SpiffyGTI]

Jojen fulfilled his role. He's an easy character to kill off. The story arc re Mance's baby son is missing. Maybe they'll bring him in next season. Also, no Cold Hands. I am surprised he's been left out, but then no one who only watches the show will probably remember Uncle Benjen.

Was the last book or the next to the last book that literally starts in Dorne? I'm thinking that Doran Martell will show up next season. Braavos will be a big player next season, I think. Arya's story is there exclusively at this point forward, Sam and Gilly show up there, and Tyrion passes through on his way east.

As for the Iron Islanders, I'm wondering if Theon's three uncles won't show up next season with that magic horn, et al... Rumor has it, its the same one that's capable of bringing down the Wall.

Coldhands is an awesome character. I would've like to seen him escorting Bran and company but I get why they didn't. I loved how they did the scene with Bran and crew finally getting to meet the last greenseer, and one of the children of the forest bombing the wights that are popping up out of the ground trying to attack them.

I like how they brought Brienne/Pod to cross paths with the Hound/Arya. It's different, but I like that.

Book 4 starts in Dorne. That's where Doran Martell, Arienne Martell, the sand snakes, and all that good stuff.

There's so much to cover about the whole Iron Born fight for the crown but they'll have to address it at some point.

 

[Mike!]

The timeline mashup makes sense given how much Martin jumps everyone around. I don't mind the character and story consolidations for the show. I have to laugh at the viewers having anxiety about the good villains being killed off, like we aren't going to be introduced to any new ones.

Remind me, what was the name of the house that Davos goes to solicit, but they imprison him in order to look loyal to the Lannisters?...

Lord 'Too Fat to Sit a Horse', Wyman Manderly of White Harbor. He became a surprisingly awesome character in ADwD.

 

[Seabird]

Riiiiiiight! LOL, the people who just watch the show have no idea what's about to happen. I'm also looking forward to seeing who they cast as Jon Connington. I think he's going to be a badass character, too.