The Books Are Always Better
I’m gonna defend Talisa and TVShow!Robb here. Robb does not see hot chick (Talisa) and bang her, like most Westerosi men would. He sees a pretty girl, is attracted to her for both her looks and the fact that she challenges him. She is also intelligent and a skilled medic. Their relationship develops in a courtship-like style. They talk to each other, confide in each other (things a good relationship should be built on). They give in to their passions. Robb decides his love for Talisa is more important than his sworn word and marries her. The fact that Talisa is foreign adds an additional aspect and will enrage Frey even more.
So, people may not like Talisa as much as Jeyne (I personally like her better), but Robb’s storyline with her is not shallow.
I don’t think this post was meant to say anything negative about Talisa. Anyone who follows me knows I stan Talisa pretty hard and consistently write whole essays defending her. She’s awesome and I love her. But Robb’s storyline was severely fucked up and therefore his characterization and presentation to an entire demographic of viewers who I now have to defend him (and my love of him) to. Which sucks. Did Robb care about Talisa? Yes. Is he actually in love with her? lol. I dunno, but love was really never the point (although I think it’s fair to say that at 17 and being a virgin whose never been in a relationship, Robb doesn’t know the difference between wow I really really really want to hold you and kiss you and cuddle you and sleep with you and talk to you all the time…and actual, work at it every day, hardwon love). It was Robb’s decision to accept the consequences of a bad, hasty decision for the sake of another person’s honor and the sympathetic situation that made the book audience say, okay that was dumb but I understand why you did that, I still root for you because that was a sacrifice and you’re in a tough spot right now. The situation in the show just makes Robb look like a brat and he’s not and that’s what pisses me off.