Archive for A Game Of Thrones
Game of Thrones – A Man Without Honor
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This week’s Game of Thrones episode certainly seemed to center on the concept of honor. We see it from many different angles, and the portrayal of how different characters view this concept is very telling. Almost everyone gets into the act at some point and each family seems to have a very specific way of expressing it. Of course, for some like Theon, the idea has become so twisted that it is almost unrecognizable. For others, such as the elder Lannister son, Jaime, it is an integral part of how he identifies himself, even if we don’t see it that way. But then, he learned from his father Tywin, who is a master in seeing honor from a very personal point of view, such as how history will view his role in the current role. So – what is honor?
The Lannister Family
This week’s Game of Thrones really zoomed in on this family, in fact to the point where it felt like it was a show about the Lannisters and not about the five families’ vying for the same throne.
Tywin shows himself to be in possession of honor of a sort, when he confronts Ayra about her lineage. He knows she is noble born and tells her how she can better blend in, for her own good. My guess is he may have figured out she is of noble blood, but that she is a Stark is another matter. There is a strange bond building between her and the head of the Lannister family. On the other hand, his coldness is illustrated by his decision to have his henchmen burn down a few farms until he can find out more about the Brotherhood Without Banners, an underground group that he thinks were actually trying to kill him when Lorch went down by a poisoned dart last week. But we know different – how Arya ordered that killing to prevent Lorch from revealing what she is to Tywin.
And if the conversation between Cersei and Tyrion are any indication, Cersei is finally ready to admit she has born a monster. Her comment that everything that is happening is a curse laid on her family for her sins (as in her having incest with her brother) is telling because it admits she feels some guilt about all of it. Perhaps we will see a glimmer of honor coming from the Lady Cersei yet?
The question of honor really comes to a head with Jamie- still held a prisoner by the Stark Family and kinda MIA lately on Game of Thrones. I guess it is hard to write much in the way of interesting dialogue for a guy who is basically chained up in a cage. But his conversations, first with his cousin that he eventually kills to escape and then later with Catelyn about his views on the vows he has taken are revealing. He has been someone who has tried to stay true to his vision of honor, even with a cold and self-serving father and a madman for a king. In the end, all he has left is his belief in himself, and that he seems to still have. For all his faults, you can’t help but admire him. Of course – his taunts at Catelyn may have gone too far, we will have to see in next week’s Game of Thrones if she really does kill him with Brienne’s sword.
The Stark Family
Starting up north, Jon Snow wakens to find he is very much liking this snuggle up to the wilding he has captured, and gets teased about it plenty. Ygritte tries very hard to seduce him, in her own fashion. It seems that his code of honor does not include bedding those you have captured and he seems determined to return to his group and live up to his oath as a member of the Night Watch. Not that it does him much good, as he ends up surrounded by her kinsmen in the end.
Sansa gets some good air time in Game of Thrones this week, and we get to see a sensible side to The Hound. He seems to not have quite the loyalty to Joffrey that the boy thinks he has, if the Hound’s comments on being the one between her and Joffrey when she is Queen can be taken literally. Maybe there is some honor within him as well.
But for Bran, who with the help of Osha, Rickon and Hordor managed to escape in the night, there is no justice or honor. As they try to make it by on nuts and berries while on the run from Theon and his gang of thugs, they come upon a farm where they could find shelter and food. But Bran, like his father, does not want to put the farmer’s family at risk, so they move on. Unfortunately it doesn’t help the family, for when Theon and crew track Bran’s group to the farm, Theon is frustrated by the lack of information and in the end kills and hangs the two children of the farmer. This is a grisly reminder that Theon has become someone who truly has no honor at all.
The Targaryen Family
Well, this week’s Game of Thrones shows Daenerys just how ruthless her suitor Xaro is, when he reveals that the dragons are at the House of the Undying (Vampires?) and that they will hold them there for her to raise, while Xaro rules the city. We then get to watch as they proceed to kill the rest of The 13, and we are left with the poor girl once again running for her life. If she and Jorah run off without her Dragons, with the rest of “her people” dead, she is once more just a lost soul in a foreign country trying to survive. Only this time instead of being with her brother she is with Jorah. I am not so sure how that is a step up in any way. But she certainly seems to be understanding that just showing up back home will not guarantee her the throne. Who even knows she is alive still?
The Baratheon Family
There are plenty of references to Stannis and his threat to Kings Landing, but not much action from him again in this week’s Game of Thrones. On the other hand, you can’t cover every family every week – so I expected to see plenty of him soon.
The Greyjoy Family
Well, Theon is proving what a complete and total ass he is and this week’s Game of Thrones really adds to it. We know that everyone hates him and the fact he was sleeping off having had the wild thing with Osha while Bran escaped just solidifies for everyone that he isn’t much of a leader. Even those around him who try to temper his inhumane treatment are beginning to have their doubts about the man.
Here is someone with absolutely zero sense of honor, and who whines constantly about how it is all because he was given away by his father to the Starks as a condition of surrender. Seems to me he was probably not the only one this happened to – the time period this is being based on saw this exchange a fair amount. So why is it so particularly bad with him?
And who is Cleftjaw really? It seems a new mystery to be revealed in Game of Thrones as even Asha doesn’t really know.
So that is how it rolled out on this week’s Game of Thrones – with lots going on and every side story seeming to move forward just a tiny bit. The body count remains high, but I have been noticing that when the body count goes up, the nudity tends to drop. Perhaps the powers that be don’t want both running at full tilt? But it is HBO after all, so you have to expect a certain amount of each.
So- do you think Catelyn will kill Jaime? Will Tywin reveal he knows who his cupbearer really is? Will Bran get away and live long enough to find his brother Robb and return for revenge? Can’t wait to see what happens on next week’s Game of Thrones episode!
Game of Thrones – Episode 6 The Old Gods and the New
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There are many things going on in Game of Thrones this week, on all fronts. Winterfall has fallen, Peter Balish continues to show just how conniving he can be and the Lannisters get a taste of what they deserve when the “good people” decide they have had enough. And then there is the situation with the dragons. Shall we take a look at this week’s Game of Thrones episode family by family?
The Lannisters
Even for Game of Thrones, this was a truly brutal scene – when the folks of the city decided that they had enough of being starved to feed the fat cats in power. Tyrion is the only one who from the start knows something bad is going to happen when he tells the guards to get the women to safety but even he is taken by surprise at how fast and vicious the crowd turns. That one councilor being torn apart by the crowd was a telling touch – but of course the worst was when Sansa is brutalized and almost raped by a gang of thugs who take advantage of the situation.
She is bewildered by why they attacked her and even when Shae tells her that her horse is better fed then their kids, she just says she would give them bread. She doesn’t really get it, but this is one more thing to harden her for when the time comes in Game of Thrones for her betrayal of Joffrey. The fact that he was more than willing to ignore that she was missing is not something anyone will forget.
The Starks
Tough times indeed from the get go for the Stark family in this week’s Game of Thrones episode, as Bran is rudely awoken to the news that he has lost Winterfell. He watches in horror as Theon fulfills his dream when Sir Roderick, ever the loyal captain refuses to back down when he is captured and taken before Theon as a prisoner. I will give Theon credit, he truly did not want to kill the old man, but his First Mate was correct in saying that to retain the loyalty and respect of his own men he needed to kill Roderick for refusing to recognize him as the new Lord of Winterfell. But he was weak to do it for all the wrong reason.
There was a bit of a feeling of flashback as we watch him do the deed himself, for when we saw at the beginning of Game of Thrones that Ned had to take discipline in his own hand for desertion, he did it with one swift blow. But poor Sir Roderick had to suffer through Theon hacking repeatedly at his neck and then finally kicking the head off the severed stump of a neck. Gruesome but also very telling!
Arya, meanwhile is still in the employ (or is it slavery?) of Lord Tywin as he discussed battle plans with his men. She almost gives herself away when it becomes obvious that she can read; something only the upper classes can do in this world from the sounds of it. You have to wonder if Tywin actually believes she is the daughter of a stonemason, from the way he questions her. Her best answer was when he asked what killed her father and she answered, “loyalty”.
Then Petyr Baelish shows up with news from the Lannister camp, and she is trying desperately to not have him recognize her. I kept wondering if at this point Lord Tywin is toying with her and actually knows all along just who she is. Though if he does, why he doesn’t use her to get his son back would be puzzling, as it is obvious that he is desperate to do so. And Baelish is obviously trying hard to argue for Marguerite as Queen, but what does he hope to gain from it? As usual, he is trying to find a place for himself in the scheme of things. And now there are three women who would be queen in Game of Thrones.
But in the end we get to see Arya make her getaway. She finds a note that tells her where Robb is and plans to find her brother, only to be stopped by a stupid lout who hates her because she showed him up earlier when she could read a book he could not. Now he wants to betray that she has taken the note, so she must find a way to stop him. Lucky for her she has her pagan warrior Jaqen, who still owes her two more deaths. We never see how he does it but he manages to kill the lout with a mysteriously appearing dart to the neck just as he is about to deliver his message of Arya’s betrayal. That leaves one more to die – will it be Lord Tywin?
And where is Robb during all of this? Why still at war, of course. We see a sweet little interplay between him and the “nurse” he met last week at the beginning when she was hacking off someone’s leg. She says she is no lady, but it is hard to believe she is some country girl with the way she acts so self-assured. He is obviously smitten, and his Mother returns in time to see it and remind him he is promised to another when this war ends.
But he is shocked when he hears of Winterfell’s fall, and it is easy to understand why he wants to drop everything and ride to take it back. But they are right in pointing out he cannot abandon the campaign for this – there are others who can ride and take it back. Theon only has the barest of men at the place now. Of course, they don’t know a raven has been sent for his sister’s 500 men. Robb tells them to bring Theon to him alive so he can confront his treachery face to face. Poor Robb, he loses everyone around him and now someone he thought of as like a brother has shown just how weak he can be.
And least we forget, Jon Snow is still north of The Wall, trudging through the snow. Only this time he has a girl captive that he can’t quite make himself kill, even though he knows he should. She is a wilding and will betray him the moment she gets away – but he can’t make himself chop off her head so he is stuck with her. It is cold, they are “cuddled up” for warmth and you know something is going to show up soon.
The Targaryens
Daenyrs is still in the city and trying hard to find a way to convince someone that she should be given ships. Her arguments are just not taking anyone in, though why she continues to turn the wealthiest man in town aside with his offer of marriage in return for ships is hard to imagine. But she wants the ships on her own terms, no marriage strings attached.
She is really dynamic when she declares “I am no ordinary woman – my dreams come true!” I guess that Bran isn’t the only one to have prophetic dreams, though in his case it would have been better if his were wrong. But in the end all is lost, for someone has broken into her home, killed all her followers and taken the dragons. What good does it do to be Queen of the Dragons if they are not yours anymore?
The Baratheons
Don’t see much at all of Stannis this week on Game of Thrones . Actually, didn’t see much of any of the Baratheons although how many are even left anymore? I am assuming that the next Game of Thrones episode will see us return to more of his happenings.
The Greyjoys
Theon is trying to prove himself by betraying the Starks and capturing Winterfell. He still isn’t too good at acting the lord and no one at Winterfell sounds like they want to have much to do with him. But my guess is he will find more ways to screw things up, as that seems to be his pattern. Bottom line is that he is weak and always looking for approval. It is why he decided in the end to not listen to reason and to kill Sir Roderick even though it was certain to put a target on his back. He just doesn’t understand how much that act will make him hated, while before he was simply despised.
Theon may not be a good guy but in Game of Thrones even someone like Theon has his reasons for acting the way he does. Sure, the guy is weak of character and we know he must have some serious Dad issues. In the end he is more to be pitied for who he is, and who he wishes he could be. A great example of Theon and bad decisions is his decision to take Osha to bed when she offers herself. We see her after he falls asleep get herself and the others out of there and head for freedom. They are probably the only ones in Winterfell that manage to get out.
And so with this week’s episode of Game of Thrones we see many failings in our characters, from Joffrey’s over reaction to a flung ball of dung that in the end caused a riot to Theon’s inability to stand up for doing the right thing for Sir Roderick to Daenerys not quite understanding that claiming her birthright is not the same as taking it. They all have much to learn and in Game of Thrones we can hopefully watch it grow.
Game of Thrones Episode 5: The Ghost of Harrenhal
Posted by: | CommentsThis week’s Game of Thrones show started off with a scene that seemed full of hope. We have the offer of a possible alliance that could end the war here and now and it sounds really possible. But of course, that whole option turns to ashes when Melisandra’s spirit being shows up and kills Renly.
All is lost and soon we see his army of thousands ready to swear allegiance to Stannis. In the end Catelyn and Brianne must flee- but that alliance may prove even more important in time then the one she was about to make with Renly. But then things moved quickly in this week’s Game of Thrones and there were so many other revelations this show, it was almost hard to keep track of them.
The Starks House
We saw Catelyn at the beginning of this week’s episode of Game of Thrones making plans that all came to nothing, but something tells me her pledge to Brianne will have consequences. This is not a warrior to mess with. We got to see a bit more of Jon Snow this time, though it didn’t feel like they did much except trudge through the snow and acknowledge that perhaps there was something going on outside the wall. There was an air of expectation in that scene though – you know that something big is about to happen now in Game of Thrones with Jon heading further into the Wilding territory with the legendary Ranger Halfhand while the others return to The Wall. He says something while they are at The Fist of the First Man that has the feeling of portending doom. When Sam and Jon talk about who were the First Man and why did they come here, Jon says “I think they came here to get away from something, and I don’t think it worked.” Could it be that what they came to get away from is back? More mysterious questions as they tend to have on every episode of Game of Thrones.
But it was Arya that seemed to break my heart again this week. For she manages to listen into plans to kill her brother, and then finds out that one of the men from the cage that she rescued is perhaps every bit the killer he claimed to be. He tells her he owes her a debt and that she can “name three deaths and the deed is done” to repay it. She names “The Tickler” – the one that tortured them when they were held prisoner, and sure enough he is found dead that day. He keeps his word. Will she name Lord Tywin next? As she points out to Tywinn himself when he questions her about her knowledge of the Stark family, anyone can be killed. Perhaps even the Lord of The Lannisters himself. Just so long as it isn’t Gendry, and he keeps taking his shirt off now and again for those of us that lust for that kind of thing.
And Bran- Bran still dreams. This Game of Thrones it is dreams of the sea invading his home and drowning them all. But as Osha points out to him, the sea is miles away so how can this be. But we know the ships are on their way from the Iron Islands.
The Lannisters House
Tyrion is on screen plenty this week, and that is great! I particularly love the scene where he is walking the streets with Bronn and they are listening to a street corner preacher. Tyrion comments “The King is a lost cause” and it makes me wonder what he really is up to. When he discovers that his dear sister has been commissioning Wildfire for the upcoming siege, you know he has to investigate. Bron’s comment on how easy it is in war for a mistake to create errors is an apt one, made by someone who has seen plenty of it. He and Tyrion make an interesting and formidable odd couple pairing. But what exactly can Tyrion have in mind when he tells them that they will stop making any more Wildfire for his sister, and it is now his?
The Targaryens House
Daenerys is being courted by not one but two men. How she can continue to think she can reclaim the Iron Throne with just her little band is beyond me, but when she is offered marriage to Xaro, one of “The 13” and a powerful man who understands how to overcome poverty, she waits. I found it interesting that she denies that Jorah is anything more than a friend, but then when she sees him again she tests him. He reveals his feelings, though not directly. So now she must choose – between a man who is foreign and unknown to her but obviously has power and a man she knows and trusts but who for all his sly ways is simply an outcast looking for a way to return home triumphant. It makes me wonder how much of a pawn in both men’s play for power she is willing to be to get what she wants. And hey – we got to see a bit more of the dragons this Game of Thrones episode and they are getting bigger!
But who is the strange woman in the mask who warns of danger and are the “undead” vampires or just fools who play with ritual as is claimed by Xaro?
The Baratheons House
Well, of course the big news is that with Renly dead the battle between brothers is now reduced to the battle between houses, as the Stark Family and Stannis fight it out. But no one seems too concerned that Renly was killed by a creature that looked like Stannis but wasn’t. I found it telling that this has not stopped Margaery from continuing to want to be not just a queen, but The Queen. Watch out Cersei because when it comes to a Game of Thrones bitch fight, you may be in for a fight from this one.
Even if Davos seems shaken by the use of this creature, Stannis isn’t and in fact doesn’t seem to even want to acknowledge it. Though he does in the end see Davos’s reasoning that if they are to invade King’s Landing they need to leave her behind. And now Stannis, who has the knowledge to lead an army, has the army he needed all along to lead. Where does this leave Robb Stark and is Stannis as invincible as he seems to think he is?
The Greyjoys House
Ah- finally on Game of Thrones we see that Theon is finally getting his ship – in a way. The crew doesn’t seem too happy to see him, or even acknowledge he is their captain. But then, it isn’t as though Theon has any clue what he needs to do to be a true Iron Captain. But something tells me with this new First Mate, he is about to learn. As he is told, Iron Islanders do as they are told, until they do as they care. So plans to land on the coast and pillage a few villages get shelved as they head for someplace more enticing to the crew then the Stony Shores.
All in all, the lesson for this episode of Game of Thrones was that magic is indeed afoot, and it is winning battles for some people. Strange beings kill pretenders to the throne, magical fire is being created to defend the city and a mysterious death happens in Tywinn’s hold. Yes, death can happen to anyone in a Game of Thrones – magical death at that. No one is safe in the world of Game of Thrones – that is the lesson here.
A Review of Game of Thrones Episode 4: Garden of Bones
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This week on Game of Thrones there was plenty happening on both sides of the sea – and probably more “ugh” moments then I generally see. I mean, we start with a guy getting his leg sawed off and it just gets worst from there! But then, I like that they keep the show pretty gritty, it fits the story so well. So – here is where things stand as of now.
The Starks
Now we know why we didn’t see much of Robb in last week’s Game of Thrones, he was kinda busy at the war. Which is pretty much what I thought was happening since we saw the Lannister side last week. I think the Lannister’s may have underestimated our boy Robb, who is turning into quite the warrior. His DireWolf is looking pretty scary too! And I think I maybe smell a bit of romance being set up with that sassy nurse who doesn’t hesitate to talk back to the King. Plus she made a good point – Robb doesn’t know what he wants to do after he wins. He can’t just pick up his toys and go home after.
And poor Sansa, I wish she would show a little pluck but I think that Joffrey has pretty much beaten it out of her at this point. I particularly liked the scene where Tyrion rescues her from being publicly beaten by her husband-to-be (well by proxy, he doesn’t seem to like to get his own hands dirty) and offers her a chance to let him know she wants out. She doesn’t take the bait, probably doesn’t trust him. I don’t know if I would either.
Not like her little sister Arya, who seems to be in her own particular brand of hell. Just when I thought she might make it home, the whole lot gets taken prisoner and she is in the worst place imaginable. That whole scene with the rat/bucket/fire torture was gruesome. I don’t know if I want to know who thought that one up! These guys aren’t soldiers, just rent-a-swords out for some jollies at the expense of the villagers. I never thought of Lord Twywin as someone to save anyone’s hide, but he came just in the nick of time. So what exactly does a cup bearer do? And why does he see she is a girl but the others didn’t? I just hope Arya keeps her head about her because this is not someone to screw up with. If she tries to kill him and doesn’t succeed he will have no mercy.
The Baratheons
Finally, we get to see Renly and Stannis face off, and it was kinda anti-climatic. Though the fact that Renly seems pleased that Stannis doesn’t buy into the hocus pocus is interesting. Still, just a bit of chit chat and no one really gets pissed off. But I guess what did I expect, that they would throw down gloves and go at it? Stannis did make an offer since he sees himself as the named rightful heir, but no surprise that Renly wasn’t interested in stepping aside.
Renly has the manpower but Stannis has the knowledge. Too bad they couldn’t come to terms, but we knew that wasn’t going to happen. But Renly has the numbers and sounds pretty kingly. Of course, word is getting around about his Knight of the Flowers, but then I don’t see anyone saying they won’t follow him because of it. If it’s a secret, it’s a badly kept one at this point. Still, Margaery is a force to be reckoned with in Game of Thrones already and knows what she wants and how to get it. I’m thinking she has always known about her dear brother and Renly.
But it appears that it is brother Stannis who seems to have made a deal with the devil here. That last scene where Melisandra births the black smoke monster thing – wow! Stannis just may have the manpower, or at least demon power after all.
The Lannisters
Ah- I just can’t get enough of Tyrion! This week’s Game of Thrones, he proves his worth to us all when he storms in and rescues poor Sansa. And his handling of the thug by telling him quite plainly the difference between educating the king and threatening was priceless. Too bad he screws up by sending Joffrey the two whores, thinking all that the king needs is some action in bed. Unfortunately the only action Joffrey gets a kick out of has to do with watching someone else be tortured at his command. He is one sick puppy!
It seems at this point of Game of Thrones that Tyrion is the only Lannister left with any shred of decency, but even he has a twisted view of life. It is amazing to me that Peter Dinkle manages to make him someone we want to root for, when he does some pretty scary things. But the political maneuvering and his sarcastic tongue in Game of Thrones are wonderful to watch.
Cercei didn’t come out exactly on top this episode. When she slapped Joffrey I was waiting for something terrible to happen, and it almost did. You could see the light go on, she knew she had stepped one step too far that time. I think she may finally realize just what a monster he is. But he is her monster, after all.
The Targaryen
We finally get to see more dragons! Well, a bit anyways, Game of Thrones can’t blow the whole budget on her stuff! But I am always glad to see more of Daenerys and this time she may have found a refuge and even perhaps a savior in Daxos. Plus, that city reminds me of paintings by Andrew Wyeth! Man, how do I find my way to that place? Let’s hope she gets some help for her and her people now in the next episodes of Game of Thrones. And I hope the dragons get the right food to grow into great big guys!
That’s it for this week’s Game of Thrones – lots of things moved forward and I am looking forward to seeing the consequences of the thing in the cave! Until next week…watch for dragons!
Game of Thrones Review: S 2 Ep 3: What is Dead May Never Die
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This week saw a huge step forward in the storytelling, some very sparse but well done editing and once again some superb acting from the entire cast. Well, those that were there because I must admit not seeing either Robb or Daenerys was just a bit disappointing.
But we picked up pretty much right where we left off last week and everything moved forward at a pretty good pace. I felt that once again we got a chance to really see the inside story of much of the political maneuverings in Kings Landing and still had time for some character development. I did a character guide last week to help everyone along and found the format of following the show by looking at the prevalent houses that saw action to be really helpful, so I decided to stick to that format again this week. Let me know if this helps, there is just so much to absorb with this show.
Here is highlights on how this week ran:
The Baratheon House
Well Renly scores a big one this week when he shows up with an army and a half! Wow! Not only does he have the promised 100,000 strong army but some members of it may count as more than one, especially “The Beauty” Brienne of Tarth who is a giant woman warrior.
Also- points go to Renly’s “wife” Margaery, the sister of his secret lover Loras. She obviously knows the way the two men’s true feelings lay and is fine with them as long as she gets the power she needs from the marriage. This is a woman who knows how to play the game every bit as well as Cersei. And with this army behind him, Renley may actually do as he promised and bring Catelyn the head of King Joffrey after all.
Stannis, meanwhile seems to be spending a bit too much time on his magical pagan rituals on the beach and not enough time putting his army together. What happened to that cold tough battle-hard brother we first saw?
The Stark House
I sure hope that the Starks have not put too much faith in their old housemate Theon, because from the looks of things he has decided to betray them. The old man misses war and the north looks ripe for the pickings to him. You would think after his old man tossed him to the Starks as hostage and Robb and he bonded as brothers that Theon would feel more loyalty to the Stark house. But I guess it just goes to prove that Tyrion is right and Theon is not a member of the Stark family after all, for a Stark would not have burned that letter. To be bought off by one measly ship hardly seems worth it. Plus, we know that Robb was counting on him.
We didn’t actually see Robb this episode; he was probably too busy fighting a war. But the machinations behind him were quite obvious from watching what was happening on the Iron Islands.
Meanwhile, back at King’s Landing we can see that Sansa is getting more and more ready to do something about this guy on the throne who killed her Dad and now is trying to kill her brother. If anyone can show her how to have the little twit eating out of her hands it’s her new handmaid and Tyrion’s playmate Shae.
And Bran seems to be having more dreams, and they are about wolves this time. I am beginning to wonder if the boy is a shape shifter or some kind of wizard in training. But he is listening to old Nan’s stories more and he seems to be gaining strength from them, so perhaps it is all for the best that he listens to the old tales when he has these dreams. All we know is something is happening with the kid and it isn’t normal.
But at least he isn’t having the kind of day her sister Ayra is having. The red cloaks have finally caught up with the group and many, including Yoren, must pay the price. I was really getting to like Yoren too! Having just about slaughtered the whole gang, they drag Ayra off to Harrenhall. The only good thing is that she lies and tells them they killed Gendry, when in reality he got away.
The Lannister House
I would say that Tyrion was in fine form this episode, with the scene of his manipulations of the small council amongst his finest hours so far. Playing them off of each other was a master stroke and it quickly became apparent who he could trust and who he could not. Of course, it was evident that Pycelle was a puppet for Cersei but this really made the point.
Tyrion’s conniving with Petyr regarding marrying off Myrcella to Robin of the Vale is a fair touch and one we will enjoy watching if he pulls it off. He knows Petyr wants power and the offer to make him one of the Lords is intoxicating, but if anyone can outfox Tyrion, it is probably Petyr.
As for the Boy King – he seems to finally be seeing that he may sit on the throne but he is not the one calling the shots. The real struggle for power here is between Cersei and Tyrion.
The Targaryen Family
No sign of Daenerys or the dragons this week! I miss them!
The Night Watch
The glimpse of what may or may not be White Walkers was enough to give us all the chills deep down. It was a good mood setter for the rest of the show.
Poor Jon Snow! He just can’t believe they are willing to let go the fact that Craster is killing his own babies as offerings in sacrifice. But he has to accept it from Mormont, they need someone with Craster’s abilities right now. Meanwhile, Samwell and his mother’s thimble are soon parted ways, but for a good cause. I like that Samwell wants to assure Gilly that he will be back to care for her and their baby.
All in all plenty of things happened this week, and we got to even get another glimpse of what may be the creepiest bad guys yet in the show, the White Walkers. I hope they keep them kind of hard to pin down as they have so far, it just makes them more effective.
Let’s hope we get to return across the water for more looks at dragons next week. I want to see Daenerys succeed in her plans, though right now it seems all she wants to do is just survive. And of course I just love any scene with Tyrion in it. Did you have a favorite scene in this week’s episode?
A Game of Thrones Guide
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Based on the very popular fantasy series A Song of Fire and Ice by George R.R. Martin, the HBO television series has succeeded far beyond anyone’s expectations. Because the story is so complex with so many characters, we decided to write up a Game of Thrones guide to help anyone who hasn’t read the Game of Thrones Books, called A Song of Fire and Ice. We are hoping that with this Game of Thrones guide you can more successfully watch and enjoy the show Game of Thrones. Of course, reading the Game of Thrones books might also be helpful and we suggest it if you are a reader as well as someone who tends to enjoy good television. Here is where the story begins:
In the House of Stark the watchword is “Winter is Coming” and for the people of Winterfell this is no small thing. The Lord of Winterfell awaits the coming of King Robert with dread. Together they rode in rebellion, overthrew a mad King and established a new dynasty. Now all Eddard “Ned” Stark wants is the peace and quiet of ruling his northern keep and preparing for the years-long winter and deep dark. But it soon is apparent that the King needs Lord Winterfell at his side, for he is surrounded by untrustworthy aides and his closest advisor, The Hand of the King, has died under mysterious circumstances. He arrives with his family: the lovely but cold Queen Cersei, her brother the renowned swordsman Jamie and their sibling Tyrion- a dwarf with a crippled body but a devious and brilliant mind. For it soon is apparent that the King has other plans in mind for his old friend Ned.
Across the Narrow Sea, the last remaining inheritors of the mad king’s throne, the arrogant Prince Viserys and his naïve beautiful sister Daenerys plot to build an army that will regain Viserys the Iron Throne that rules all seven kingdoms.
The best way to understand and follow the story is to know the principal players. In a struggle amongst seven families for control of the throne, only one can succeed. Here is a brief introduction to the major players in each house and the role they play in the Game of Thrones.
The House Baratheon
Robert Baratheon (Actor: Mark Addy)
Robert, the King of the Seven Kingdoms is still in love with Lyanna Stark, the woman he originally planned to marry, which is the root to much of the hatred his wife Cersei holds for him. But it is this love that also keeps him connected to the Stark family emotionally. He became king when he led a rebellion against the mad King Aerys II Targaryen after the Targaryen family kidnapped Lyanna, Ned’s sister, and then killed Ned’s father and brother when they went to King’s Landing to reclaim her. As retribution the entire clan of the Targaryen was slaughtered during the rebellion except for those who managed to escape the kingdom entirely. Robert became king because his family was the closest relative to the Targaryen family.
Now left with no wars to fight and only political intrigue to surround him, he has grown fat and lazy. He hates his wife Cersei and knows she hates him, and has no connection to his three children which aren’t his kids in any event. Of course, he doesn’t know this, but you have to wonder if he suspects. He has gone through the kingdom’s resources and is now in huge debt to his wife’s family. In the end, he will die in a “hunting accident” that is no doubt set in play by Cersei to ensure he doesn’t suspect that his son the heir is not even related to him.
Stannis Baratheon (Actor: Stephen Dillane)
This hard and brooding man is the brother of Robert Baratheon and Lord of Dragonstone. He has a steadfast sense of justice and is always alert for slights real or imagined. When his brother Robert laid dying, Ned sends him a letter appointing him heir to the throne and it is this letter that convinces Stannis he must challenge Joffrey for the Iron Throne.
Renly Baratheon (Actor: Gethin Anthony)
The Lord of Storm’s End is the youngest brother of Robert as well as the Master of Laws that sits with the Small Court. He is good at jousting, though not at fighting and would rather be throwing a lavish party then participating in a war. In short, he is someone who likes a good time, which you would think would make him not exactly the best of friends with someone like Ned. Renly’s secret lover, the Knight of Flowers, convinces Renly that it is these qualities which make him so popular with the masses that would also make him a better king then his two older brothers. But Renly cannot convince Ned to back him up so he flees south when Robert dies. But when Joffrey ascends the throne, Renly decides he must challenge his right to it, not perhaps the wisest decision.
Characters Associated with this House:
Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish (Actor: Aiden Gillen)
When we first meet Petyr he is a smiling and friendly family friend of the Starks. We quickly learn that in the past he had tried unsuccessfully to woo Catelyn who was to become Ned’s wife. He cloaks his hurt in charm and initially offers help to the Starks when Ned first returns to court. As Master of Coin (he controls the king’s money) he sits in the Small Council with Ned and warns Ned at first to not be too trusting of him. It turns out to be prophetic for when Ned tries to arrest Joffrey and Cersei, Petyr betrays him.
Littlefinger loves to have his spies everywhere and he lives for intrigue. There is little in the kingdom he doesn’t know about and his resentment at Ned for winning Catelyn and continued petty grievances make him a dangerous enemy for anyone. He also has ambitions for the Iron Throne as payback to all the nobles who snubbed him in the past.
Melisandre (Cast: Carice van Houten)
An advisor of Stannis Baratheon and priestess to R’hllor she has magical powers and claims to be able to see into the future. It is this prophetic power that leads her to declare that Stannis is the intended ruler of the Seven Kingdoms and will be its deliverer.
Davos Seaworth (Actor: Liam Cunningham)
One of Stannis Baratheon’s most trusted advisors because he is utterly loyal to him and considers Stannis almost a god. This is probably because Stannis elevated him from the former smuggler he was to be a knight, with all the perks that come with the role.
The House Lannister
Queen Cersei (Actor: Lena Headey)
Queen of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, she is Jamie and Tyrion’s sister and the wife of King Robert Baratheon. When she married Robert she continued the incestuous relationship she has had with her brother Jaime since they were children. In fact the three children she has are from her brother and not her husband though neither husband nor children are aware of it.
She is conniving, cold and power hungry, never a good combination, although a great deal of her ambition is for her family as much as it is for herself.
Jamie Lannister (Actor: Nicolaj Coster-Waldau)
He is the twin brother to the Queen and a member of the Kingsguard. Jamie and Queen Cersei have had an incestuous relationship since childhood. In fact he fathered all three of the Queen’s children including Joffrey who is heir to the throne. The difference between Jaime and Cersei is that Jaime truly loves her and would go to the ends of the earth, commit murder, do anything she asks for her love. Cersei may care for him but she manipulates his love for her and uses her sensuality to control him.
His nickname “Kingslayer” was earned when he killed mad King Aerys II, the king that reined before Robert, even though he was at the time a member of the Kingsguard and sworn to protect him. He saw his deed as necessary when the king went completely mad and because he and his father’s part in Robert’s Rebellion that deposed King Aerys was pivotal, he was allowed to keep his position in the Kingsguard. Most, including Robert, fail to take him seriously and don’t believe he deserves the honor.
Jamie’s main redeeming quality is that he seems to genuinely care about his brother Tyrion, as opposed to his father and sister who so obviously despise him. This trait, along with his admiration for Ned makes him a bit more of a sympathetic character, though not very much.
He considers himself a great warrior and indeed he was famous even before the rebellion throughout the kingdom as a great knight. His two loyalties are tested when the accusations against Tyrion arise, and he challenges Ned to a duel while arresting him, though it is interfered with by one of Jaime’s men. Jaime is a complex character, with much in him to despise such as his vanity and loose sense of morals. But in the end he is still a person who has his own code of honor and tends to stick to it. It is this sense of honor that leads him to join his father’s campaign at The Riverlands and in the end has him captured and held prisoner by the Stark family.
Joffrey Lannister (Actor: Jack Gleeson)
A pivotal character in the show, we first see Joffrey as the Crown Prince of the Seven Kingdoms when he visits Winterfell at the beginning of the show with his family. His cruel and cowardly nature is soon revealed when he decides to torment a baker’s son who is playing at swordfight with Ayra. Her direwolf senses Joffreys threatening of Ayra and attacks Joffrey biting his hand. In revenge, since Ayra’s direwolf has run off and hidden, he directs the direwolf of his betrothed Sansa to be killed instead. This act is the beginning of his ongoing torture of Sansa that results in her hatred of him.
He, like his brother and sister, is the result of the incestuous relationship between his mother Queen Cersei and his “uncle” Jamie. It is Ned Stark’s discovery of this relationship and Joffrey’s illegitimate status, that cause Joffrey to decide to have Ned publicly beheaded instead of banished, as he had promised both his mother and betrothed. He cares nothing for anyone else, even his mother who has killed for him, and cares only for himself. His cruelty and cold-hearted treatment of those around him is second only to his cowardly behavior the moment a sword comes near him.
Upon Robert’s death he takes up the throne against the wishes of Robert’s will. There his cruelty knows no bounds as he not only has Ned publicly executed but makes Ned’s daughter Sansa watch. The North rebels against him and his two uncles Renly and Stannis challenge his claim to the throne.
Tyrion Lannister (Actor: Peter Dinklage)
The younger brother of Cersei and Jaime Lannister, his nickname is “the imp” because he is a dwarf. His father Tywin blames him for his mother’s death in childbirth and in the beginning appears to not think very highly of his youngest son. Because of his size many underestimate him, but Tyrion is cunning and can be sly.
At the beginning of Season One there were no ill feelings between him and the Starks. However, after being wrongly accused of killing Jon Arryn and conspiring to kill Bran Stark he was captured and put on trial, a trial engineered by Lady Catelyn. Because of this he is motivated to join his father in war against the Starks. The Lannisters lose in their initial bid and his brother Jaime is captured. With Joffrey’s two uncles challenging King Joffrey’s rights to the throne and the war with the Starks not yet resolved, his father Tywin finally recognizes Tyrion’s intelligence and cunning and assigns him the task to rule in his stead as “Hand of the King” while Tywin continues to lead his army.
(Tyrion’s role is critical throughout the show and actor Peter Dinklage was one of only two actors named as pivotal for the show’s success from the beginning. No one else was ever considered to play the role of Tyrion besides Dinklage. This has certainly paid off handsomely as Dinklage has won a host of supporting actor awards including an Emmy, Golden Globe, Scream Award and Satellite.)
Tywin Lannister (Actor: Charles Dance)
A ruthless and calculating character (but then, in this show who isn’t?) the Lord of Casterly Rock is father to Cersei, Jamie and Tyrion. He is also Warden of the West and Shield of Lannisport, so he commands power easily. Back in the day of the mad King Aerys, he was Hand of the King and after Ned’s arrest Joffrey asks him to return in this role. He does so but once Ned is executed, his son Jamie taken prisoner by the Starks and Joffrey’s stand as heir to the throne questioned by Renly and Stannis, Tywinn decides he is better serving the king on the battlefield and hands the responsibility of the Hand of the King to his son Tyrion.
Characters Associated with this House:
Bronn (Actor: Jerome Flynn)
This sardonic sell-sword (mercenary) came into Tyrion’s payroll when he agreed to fight for him as proxy when Tyrion was accused of the attempt on Bran Stark’s life by the Lady Stark. The relationship is strictly mercenary and they both agree that Bronn will always sell his sword to the highest bidder. Tyrion only stipulates that he have a chance to outbid first, which Bronn agrees to. Although dark he is brutally honest about his own set of morals.
Shae (Actor: Sibel Kekilli)
She is a camp follower that Tyrion first falls in love with and later becomes a friend of his.
The House Stark
Eddard “Ned” Stark (Actor: Sean Bean)
Eddard Stark, also called Ned, is the Lord of Winterfell and the Warden of the North. He is a very honorable man, the perfect portrayal of “the last good man”. When we first meet him he seems content to live his life in the North with his wife and family, but King Robert has other plans. He is asked to return to the capital and be the Hand of the King, an honorary title that means he is to represent the King in all aspects whenever the King isn’t present. For Robert it means he can go back to his whoring and feasts and leave the hard work of running the kingdom and dealing with the political machine to Ned. He tells Ned he is the only person he still trusts.
It is when Ned is doing the work of The Hand that he comes across information that leads him to believe that the Queen and her brother Jamie are having an incestuous relationship that has led to the birth of three children. When he confronts the Queen, expecting her to flee as this is an act of treason, she instead accuses him of treason and has him arrested and locked away. Joffrey promises to spare him, they tell Ned he will be banished to the Nights Guard, but in the end Joffrey has him publicly executed, in front of his daughter who is betrothed to Joffrey.
(Sean Bean is the other actor that the show originators considered key to making the show successful. Like Dingle, no one else was even considered to play this role and all the initial marketing was centered on Bean. This may be why it was so shocking that he is killed in the ninth episode of the first season, but then his character is pivotal for much of what rolls out in the plot.)
Catelyn Stark (Actor: Michelle Fairley)
The wife of Eddard “Ned” Stark and Lady of Winterfell, she is the daughter of the Lord and Lady of the Riverlands. Her sister is Lysa Arryn who is Lady of the Vale and Mistress of Eyre. The relationship between Catelyn and Ned is one of the healthiest in the stories, made all the more poignant when Ned is killed and turns Catelyn from a doting and domestic mother and wife as we see in the first few episodes to a vengeful woman.
This vengeance soon takes shape as she accuses Tyrion of attempting to kill her son Bran (wrongly, of course because we see that Jaime is the one who pushes the boy out a window) and captures him to bring him to trial. Tyrion is found innocent in a trial by combat and when her husband Ned is arrested by King Joffrey, her eldest son Robb goes to war to rescue him but Ned is executed. At this point Catelyn joins Robb’s war council and vows vengeance on the Lannister family.
Robb Stark (Actor: Richard Madden)
The eldest son of Ned and Catelyn Stark and heir to Winterfell, he is the only Stark family member who never seems to tell the story from his point of view. As a result he remains a bit of a shadow character. When his father Ned is arrested for treason he takes up the cause of war against the Lannisters. He leads an army composed of his family’s bannermen and his mother’s family allies and even successfully captures Jamie Lannister. When his father is executed, The North and The Riverland declare themselves independent of the Seven Kingdoms and proclaim Robb the “King in the North”.
Jon Snow (Actor: Kit Harington)
He is one of the first characters we meet in the show and remains a minor character that helps us see the others more clearly. He is the bastard son of Ned Stark and although raised in the Stark family has never truly felt he was a part of them, primarily because Catelyn made sure he knew he wasn’t welcome. He is close to the children though, and refers to them as sisters and brothers. Ned tells Jon that his mother was a wetnurse named Wylla, but we are pretty sure from Ned’s conversations with Robert that she was more to him than just a quick fling. Jon has joined the Night’s Watch at The Wall to prove himself and because he truly has nowhere else to go.
Sansa Stark (Actor: Sophie Turner)
When we first see Sansa, eldest daughter of Ned and Catelyn, she is sitting in a circle with other girls, having her stitches appraised in a very lady-like setting. She is a delicate girl, raised to believe in all the good things young girls should grow to be: such as good dancers and humble wives. She has a naïve belief in a fairy-tale life as a princess and at first is enthralled by young Prince Joffrey. When King Robert suggests a marriage between Sansa and Joffrey she is pleased to think of herself as a princess in waiting and doesn’t begin to see Joffrey’s true side until he has her pet direwolf killed to appease his sense of vengeance over a minor bite from another direwolf.
This is the first time she gets an inkling of Joffrey’s true nature. When her father is arrested for treason she is assured by Joffrey that he will protect him, but he has Ned executed. This is the final straw for Sansa who has now been completely changed from the delicate flower we see at the beginning of the show to a vengeful girl who will stop at nothing to murder Joffrey.
Arya Stark (Actor: Maisie Williams)
The plucky tomboy daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark is far more at home riding a horse through the woods then she is in a drawing room sipping tea. She longs to be able to ride and fight, like the boys around her, with her direwolf Nymeria at her side. To indulge her desires, her father Ned arranges for her to have “dance lessons” from Syrio Forel, a formidable swordsman who teaches her the art of “water dancing” which is a form of swordsmanship. It is her teacher who helps her to escape when her father is executed. She soon falls into the company of Yoren the Night Watch’s recruiter who disguises her as a young orphan boy amongst his group of recruits to get her back to Winterfall.
Bran Stark (Actor: Issac Hempstead-Wright)
One of the younger sons of Ned and Catelyn Stark, he is a typical 10 year old boy who loves to climb when we first meet him at the beginning of the show. It is while he is climbing the surrounding walls of Stark keep that he accidentally sees Cersei and Jamie committing incest. At first Jamie isn’t too concerned that Bran will tell, but when Cersei becomes frantic he casually pushes Bran out the very high window. Bran recovers to find he is crippled and the discovery of a second attempt on his life becomes the catalyst for a war as Bran’s mother Catelyn looks to discover who tried to kill her son.
The House Targaryen
Daenerys Targaryen (Actor: Amelia Clarke)
The exiled princess of the Targaryen family, she and her brother are amongst the only remaining members of her family. Her brother Viserys torments her and in fact barters her virginity to Drogo, the leader of the native Dothraki tribe, as a bride in exchange for an army to take back his kingdom. At first fearful of her new husband, Daenerys proves herself smart and resourceful when she applies the sexual lessons of one of her slave girls to her new husband and not only gains his love and trust but her own self-worth. She then refuses to be intimidated by her brother, embraces the Dothraki culture and soon discovers she is pregnant, which enhances her status among the tribe.
Upon her brother’s death Drogo swears he will win the Seven Kingdoms for her and their unborn child, but he is killed by an infection from a fight. Daenerys tries desperately to save him through the skills of Mirri a local healer, who betrays her. Instead the child is sacrificed in a magic ceremony and Drogo survives as a catatonic, forcing Daenerys to kill him. She has her revenge when she condemns Mirri to die in a fire pyre that is used to hatch the dragon eggs she has carried with her ever since she received them as a wedding present. She now is working to gather her tribe together, find new allies and survive long enough to reclaim the Iron Throne.
Viserys Targaryen (Actor: Harry Lloyd)
This “beggar king” who is forced to make alliances with people he considers barbarians in order to raise an army to regain the Iron Throne is the exiled prince and heir to the throne of the mad King Aerys II Targaryen. He is cruel, self-centered and it is soon apparent on the long march to the Dothraki capital that he does not have what it takes to lead an army anywhere, let alone to regain a throne across the water.
This doesn’t stop him from continuing to threaten his sister even as she gains respect amongst the Dothraki people. When she finally stands up to him and his hateful belittling ways, he threatens to kill her unborn child because a prophecy has said it will be the child and not him that will regain the throne. He finally goes too far when he threatens Drogo and insists that Drogo give him the army he promised in trade for the marriage of his sister right now. Drogo, tired of his tirades and bad manners kills Viserys by giving him what is known amongst the Dothraki as a “golden crown”, he covers his head in molten gold.
Characters Associated with this House:
Khal Drogo (Actor: Jason Momia)
The warlord of the fierce nomadic tribal people called the Dothraki. He is the Khal, which is a leader for the tribe in war and he has never been defeated in battle. He decides to barter with Viserys for a bride because he wants a princess, which he sees Daenerys as being, and offers him his army. In the end he comes to love his bride and decides that Viserys is unworthy of his army so he kills him. When he is injured in a fight with another Dothraki warrior it becomes infected and he is deathly ill. In an effort to save his life, Daenerys asks the slave Mirri to help with blood magic. But instead of curing him, the sacrifice of the blood of his child kills the child and puts Drogo into a vegetable state from which he will never waken. Daenerys in the end must kill him to save him from such a life.
Ser Jorah Mormont (Actor: Iain Glen)
When we first meet Jorah he is an exiled knight living amongst the Dothraki and has been enlisted to help Viserys and Daenerys learn their language and customs. He has all the moves of a well-travelled man and seems to support Viserys in his desire to return home and regain the Iron Throne. However, we quickly learn that there is more to him then first seen, as we discover that he became exiled because his wife’s extravagant lifestyle caused him to sell local smugglers into slavery, an act that is illegal in the Seven Kingdoms. He fled rather than face the wrath of Lord Stark and is considered one of their own by the Dothraki. He has stayed current with the political and cultural happenings in the Seven Kingdoms and it is soon apparent that he has little respect for Viserys. When Daenerys is left without brother or husband, Jorah makes the decision he will protect the woman he has come to love and help her to regain the Iron Throne.
The House Greyjoy
Theon Greyjoy (Actor: Alfie Allen)
The youngest son of Lord Balon Greyjoy of the Iron Islands, he was sent to live with the Starks as a hostage and ward when he was very young when his father’s rebellion failed. Theon has basically grown up with the Stark children, was educated with them and treated as a member of the family since a child, and is very close to Robb Stark. Tyrion planted a seed of doubt about the Stark family when he remarked that contrary to Theon’s belief that they considered him part of the family, Tyrion says they treat him and think of him as a servant of the family. But his loyalty to Robb is unshakable and he supports the North’s declaration of independence from the Seven Kingdoms.
Balon Greyjoy (Actor: Patrick Malahide)
The Lord of the Iron Islands wanted to continue the warlike ways of his people nine years ago when he rebelled. He lost that rebellion and had to give up his son Theon to the Starks as ward and insurance against Lord Greyjoy rising up in rebellion again. He also has a daughter, Yara who is a wild and independent woman with her own ship and her father’s warlike nature.
The Night’s Watch
At the far northern end of the Seven Kingdoms sits The Wall. It has been there for thousands of years and looks like it will easily be there for several more. It was built during the great battle when the White Walkers were driven north and is a barrier to keep them from once again invading the kingdoms to the south. The Night Watch are a military group who man The Wall and sit as the primary defense for the Seven Kingdoms.
At the time of the story in Game of Thrones the Night Watch are led by Lord Commander Jeor Mormont from the Castle Black. Although the Night Watch will accept anyone for service, including criminals, all must go through vigorous training and in the end forsake family (including ever having sex again) and kingdom loyalties to swear allegiance to the Night Watch alone. They are the only family a member of the Night Watch has and call each other brothers.
When a person graduates to become a Night Watchman, he is assigned to one of three groups based on his skills. The first and most coveted spot is as a Ranger for these are the ones that will defend The Wall and patrol The Haunted Forest beyond it. The second group is Builders and they will maintain The Wall. The final group is Stewards who support and feed the other members of the Night Watch.
Samwell Tarly (Actor: John Bradley)
Once the heir to Lord Randell Tarly, he was disowned by his father because he is fat and cowardly and joined the Night’s Watch when he discovered his father was planning to kill him and call it an accident because he was ashamed of him. Jon Snow befriends him and although Samwell is not strong or brave he proves to be smart and his outsider nature makes him insightful of those around him. He survives his induction and becomes a Steward under Maester Aemon.
Mance Rayder
Although mentioned from time to time in the show, he is never seen in the first two seasons. This is because he is the King Beyond the Wall and so until third season will not have an actor to play the role. But he was a sworn brother of the Night Watch at one time and his presence is mentioned in the first two seasons. He will be an important character in the coming seasons.
Other Characters
The White Walkers/Others
Called The Others in the books, these are almost mythological beings, named in old stories but not seen for thousands of years. In the old tales this ancient race of creatures caused war and chaos to be brought to Westeros and in the end were defeated and driven back north. The Wall was built to keep them up in the north and gradually they have faded to myth and legend. But the wildings who live on the other side of The Wall say that they have seen signs of their return.
The Wildings
These are a loose confederation of tribes and villages who live beyond The Wall. Some of them are fairly sophisticated and many are little more than savages, but from time to time they will unite under a single leadership. Right now they are united under the King Beyond the Wall, Mance Rayder. Those who live in the Seven Kingdoms think that The Wall was built to keep out The Wildings, but the Night Watch knows differently, as do the Wildings. The Wall was built to keep out the White Walkers, and the Wildings have seen signs they are returning.
We hope that this Game of Thrones guide will help all our readers to continue to enjoy the show and follow along in the episodes with us. I know that putting this together, even after reading the Game of Thrones books, has helped me with keeping straight the various characters and families that people the Game of Thrones show.
New Graphic Novel Release: Game of Thrones Graphic Novel – Volume One
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If like so many others you have fallen under George R.R. Martin’s spell with first the novels for the series Game of Thrones and now the television show, you will be happy to hear that there is also a Game of Thrones Graphic Novel that has just come out. It is based on the books, not the television show so if you have not read the books but only watched the show you may be in for a bit of a surprise.
The Graphic Novel is actually the first six issues of the comic book series Game of Thrones that was done recently with the well-known novelist Daniel Abraham at the writing helm and illustrator Tommy Patterson doing the art chores. It is a fairly close interpretation of the novels, which means that it will include some characters that did not make the cut in the show. The book has hundreds of minor characters, but then it is far easier to introduce a minor character in a book with a few lines of type, in a television show that character is going to take far more work to create.
I haven’t actually read it yet, though I hear rumors that my cohort in crime here is arranging to send me a copy so watch for my review soon. But I have looked through some pages on Amazon. The art is really nicely done while the writing is clear without being simply a straight adaptation from the books. With the kind of writing that Martin does, that would be an impossible task so I was glad to see that they brought in someone like Abraham who has been nominated for Hugos and Nebulas more times than I care to mention. If anyone could take on a task like this it is Daniel Abraham, and it shows in the handful of pages I cruised through on the Amazon site.
As I said, I will be checking out the book in person and give you back a report as soon as I have read it. This is me going out on a limb and assuming that it is smashing, since I make it a habit to not do bad reviews. There are too many good books out there to waste time with bad reviews. But with the team they have for the GN, I know I can safely say this looks to be a great way to get yourself into the story if you haven’t read the books. For those of us who have read the books, watched the show, and dabbled in anything else GofT we can get our hands on, the GN is going to be just one more treat. Stay tuned – I will have more soon!
