How can season 2 be as good as season 1? The scene on the Kings Road with the King reminded me how truly great an actor Bean is. With him dead, exactly who carries season 2?

I haven't read the 2nd book, but it appears that Robb, Renly, Jon, Cersei/Joff and Dany will play the critical roles. Dany's a boring character, so I don't think she can carry a show. The rest of them just don't have strong enough actors to really carry a show. Even if Cersei becomes a spectacular character; a raw villain w/ her 'baggage' at that point couldn't carry a show. Nobody's going to be okay with Ned's killer as the central figure.

Who steps up and carries that show without Sean Bean? Who is your noble hero to push that kind of story forward? Do the actors that play Robb and Snow really have the chops for it? I gotta tell ya, I don't see it.

Oh man....with you not having read book 2, trying to pick and choose words carefully.

Lets just say, that Tyrion kicks ass, Jaime has a lot more to him, and there are some good characters that haven't even been met yet. If I hadn't read the books already, I would have the same concerns as you as far as losing a character like Ned, but as far as characters go, GRRM does a great job of filling voids. Losing Bean is something beyond that, but I am guessing there will be plenty of flashbacks to get him cameos as well.

I agree with allen_kcCard, and wanted to add that there are a few other characters that you don't meet in the first book that play a pretty significant role in carrying the story forward.

I'm always guilty of wanting to know more than I should, but surely Jaime doesn't become a noble figure. This kind of show needs a hero to drive it; it can't be fueled just by hatred of a central villain.

And you're right, I'm less concerned with the books (they'll be fine) as I am the show. Losing Bean as an actor will be a nasty blow to that show, IMO. I suppose you're right, flashbacks could keep him in it, but they won't be enough to built around. I hadn't considered Tyrian, but throughout its seemed like he's going to be a completely different character than we first thought he was. While the actor's been fantastic in the role, can a dwarf really be that guy?

I wouldn't go so far as to say noble, but far more complex most definately. And, the idea of a central villain for you might be way off as well. And, as for the last part...I could read an entire series based on this particualr dwarf and love it I think.

There is one important character you're forgetting about, one who's pretty chilly right about now. He and Tyrion both have some great stuff in books 2 and 3.