Week 3 (S2E03-S2E08)

Episode 13: What is Dead May Never Die

“They are the knights of summer, and winter is coming.”

Major Plot Points: Tyrion hatches a plot to discover a mole. Sansa meets her new hand maiden. Jon gets the Night’s Watch evicted. Arya’s plans to head north get cancelled. Bran has some furry dreams.

Observations from a Book Reader:

Bran is not the only Stark to have wolf dreams. Arya and Jon both have them frequently. We never see from Robb or Rickon’s POV, but it is safe to imagine they also have them, indicating all of the Starks are wargs.
Brienne was madly in love with King Renly. This was due to him being the only person in the war camp that was kind to her. Btw Renly named his Kingsguard the Rainbow Guard in the book. Way too on the nose for a tv show, although GRRM claims it was only named that due to there being 7 colors in a rainbow. Ok George.
Margaery is 16. It is also hard to tell if she is politically savvy or actually an innocent pawn of Olenna Tyrell.
The priest that baptized Theon was believed by many to be his uncle, Aeron Greyjoy, but this was later proven false when the show introduced us to the actual Aeron Greyjoy in season 6. Better known as “Damphair” (That’s Damp-hair not Dam-fair) Aeron was once a reaver like his brothers but ended up a devout priest of The Drowned God. Theon’s other uncle (besides Euron), Victarion Greyjoy, was removed from the show.
Amory Lorch is the knight who kills Yoren. Polliver is the man responsible for killing Lommy and stealing Needle. Arya often recites their names in her list.

Other Points to Notice

This is the first time Jon sees a White Walker.
The Greyjoy words are “We Do Not Sow”, although most people know them by “What is Dead May Never Die”. These are words of their religion.
Tyrion’s plan to discover the loyalties of the Small Council is a masterstroke. I do wonder if he planned to actually marry Myrcella off to Theon/Robin Arryn if Varys/Littlefinger snitched.
First time we hear someone doubting that Margaery is a virgin. In the very next scene Margaery herself makes it seem even more doubtful.
Cersei was correct to worry about Myrcella going to Dorne to marry Trystane Martell. Gregor Clegane raped and murdered Elia Martell (late wife of Rhaegar Targaryen), then murdered her 2 infant children, all for Tywin Lannister.
“Power resides where men believe it resides” Remember this Varys quote.
We see Arya grouping Sansa in with the Lannisters in her anger filled memories. She has no idea Sansa tried to convince Joffrey to save Ned. It also seems like Yoren is the one to give her the fireside “prayer of names” idea.

Stray Observations

Jon saw Craster sacrifice a child. Hard to feel like he made a mistake here.
I can’t remember if Gilly is ever shown again with the trinket Sam gave her. This is something I will look for as the series continues.
First sighting of Margaery Tyrell and Brienne of Tarth. \
Giving Theon a ship named “Sea Bitch” was far too good to be true.
What an incredibly awkward Lannister/Stark family dinner. But then we see Sansa be a huge bitch to Shae and all of a sudden you remember how awful she was to everyone in Season 1.
If Theon sent that letter to Robb, so much would have changed. I may even not hate Theon at this point.
Is this the first time all season we see one of Tyrion’s Mountain Men? I almost forgot about them

RIP: Yoren. A true Man of the Night’s Watch

Episode 14: Garden of Bones

“There’s no cure for being a cunt”
I had no choice but to use this quote

Major Plot Points: Arya and Gendry head to Harrenhal. Robb grows very interested in the field of nursing. Dany finds The Greatest City That Ever Was or Will Be. Tyrion gives Joffrey a birthday present. Cat observes a brotherly reunion.

Observations from a Book Reader:

Harrenhal was known as being a cursed castle. Most of the previous rulers died spectacularly. It was said Lord Harren made the castle bigger than any others around, and the mortar was mixed with human blood.
Roose Bolton was more of a cartoonish villain. Pale blue eyes, long hair, and rarely spoke above a whisper. He was also obsessed with being leeched to keep his blood clean.
Robb married the daughter of a minor lord, Jeyne Westerling. Not Talisa the nurse. He married her because they slept together and, fearing she was pregnant, his honor obligated him to not let their child be a bastard.
Daenerys found out about Qaarth from her scout, but her scout brought with him 3 people from the city to welcome her. 2 of those 3 (Xaro Xhoan Daxos and Pyat Pree the warlock,) were shown waiting for her at the gate. The 3^rd we do not see this episode.
The scene between Renly and Stannis was a bit different. At one point, Renly reaches for his belt, and to the surprise of Stannis, pulls out a peach. Stannis is enraged by this and questions him why. Renly offers him a bite and says “A man should never refuse to taste a peach. He may never get the chance again. Life is short, Stannis. Remember what the Starks say. Winter is coming.” Renly and his peach torture Stannis’ thoughts for years to come.
The secret gate Davos brings Melisandre to, is the same secret gate he used to deliver onions to Stannis when he was under siege by the Targaryen army in Robert’s Rebellion.

Other Points to Notice

The Lannister soldiers in the beginning of the episode serve as a reminder that soldiers are pretty much the same on both sides. Fighting and dying for lords they never even meet.
It began to grow extremely obvious that Joffrey would never marry Sansa. How could he marry someone that he made the entire royal court watch be tortured and stripped.
Tyrion asks Ser Meryn Trant what kind of man beats a young girl. We eventually find out Meryn Trant actually beats little girls on his own time for fun in brothels. Thankfully Arya took out the trash.
Renly truly does have the numbers. He has by far the largest army of the 5 kings. Not to mention he isn’t already occupied with an ongoing war.
We see the first recast of The Mountain this episode. It is hard to tell that The Mountain is even The Mountain, since the recast is so awful. Just a generic tall skinny guy.
The Tickler asks prisoners “Where is the Brotherhood”. He is referring to The Brotherhood Without Banners, led by Beric Dondarrion.

Stray Observations

First time we meet Roose Bolton. I do not believe that he planned to betray Robb at this point yet.
Fun fact, Talisa the nurse, is played by Oona Chaplin. Grandaughter of Chaz Chaplin, the famous silent actor with the Hitler moustache.
Tyrion sent Joffrey the 2 whores that we have previously seen sleeping with Old Man Pycelle. One of course was Ros, the only whore in Westeros.
Joffrey is very young to have such…unconventional desires.
Littlefinger ABSOLUTELY betrayed Ned. There really is no gray area here. What a boss though, lying through his teeth.
Gotta say, Season 2 is definitely the most boring Daenerys storyline. Almost nothing of note happens besides her vision quest.

Episode 15: The Ghost of Harrenhal

“I dreamt that the sea came to Winterfell. I saw waves crashing against the gates and the water came flowing over the walls flooded the castle. Drowned men were floating here in the yard. Ser Rodrik was one of them.”

Major Plot Points: Catelyn sees something supernatural. Tyrion begins to hatch a fiery plan. Arya gives a man a name. Dany sees a magic show. Bran comes to the defense of his bannermen.

Observations from a Book Reader:

Hard to tell in the show, but the shadow that killed Renly was described as looking exactly like Stannis. If you look really closely, you can almost make it out.
This was not the only time Melisandre sent Shadow Stannis to kill someone. After Renly died, Stannis laid siege to his childhood home of Storm’s End. The knight holding the fort in Renly’s name, Ser Cortnay Penrose, refused to give in to Stannis’ demand of handing over one of Robert’s bastards stashed in the castle. He was no match for a shadow monster.
The Targaryens are responsible for the Alchemist Guild brewing so much Wildfyre. The Targaryens always believed they had a special bond with it. One in particular, Aerion “Brightflame” Targaryen died from drinking it, believing it would turn him into a dragon.
Quorin Halfhand was described as one of the greatest rangers the Night’s Watch ever had. Jon traveled with him for a much longer, frantic, period.
Quaithe (the masked woman) almost speaks entirely in prophecy. Many of the things she tells Dany stick with her throughout her journey.

Other Points to Notice

One of the reasons that Stannis was always bitter towards his brothers, was that after the Rebellion, Robert gave Stannis Dragonstone, and Renly got Storm’s End. Dragonstone was the original home of the Targaryens, and while it was a formidable fortress, it had no land for farming or political power. Storm’s End was the ancestral castle of the Baratheons, and Stannis believed it was rightfully his, as the next eldest under Robert.
Stannis may not have seemed upset about his brother dying, but he does eventually tell Jon Snow that looking back he was disgusted by the act and he realized he still did love Renly at the end. Can’t remember if this was in the show, I doubt it because D & D seem to have a hate boner for Stannis.
Arya serving as Tywin’s cupbearer is the best decision the show made that was independent of the books. Through Arya’s eyes we get to see Tywin actually has somewhat of a soft side. For some reason I can’t explain, Maisie Williams and Charles Dance have incredible on screen chemistry, I really wish they had more scenes together.
The oath that Brienne and Cat swear to one another, is the oath that is usually reserved for a Lord and a Knight. It seemed appropriate at the time.
Qarth law mandates that if Dany and Xaro Xhoan Daxos were to wed, she would have to give him half of all her possessions, including 1 of her dragons.

Stray Observations

Robb and Renly would have made a great alliance, and almost certainly would have beaten the Lannisters.
It is still hilarious Theon has to captain a ship called “The Sea Bitch”
Last time Jon and Jeor Mormont ever see each other. That makes it 1 biological, and 2 adoptive fathers Jon has outlived.

RIP: The Tickler. Best interrogator in Westeros

Episode 16: The Old Gods and the New

“Gods help you Theon Greyjoy. Now you are truly lost.”

Major Plot Points: Arya learns about Tywin’s childhood. Sansa is indebted to The Hound. Dany becomes desperate. Catelyn and Robb learn who is babysitting Bran and Rickon. Theon is blinded by love.

Observations from a Book Reader:

Ser Rodrick Cassel was not present at the siege of Winterfell. He was killed by Ramsey Snow when Ramsey took back Winterfell from Theon much later. Theon instead beheaded one of the main townspeople.
During his tenure as Lord of Winterfell, Theon freed a prisoner named Reek from the dungeons. This was of course Ramsey in disguise as one of his old servants. He made the switch with him to save his own life when Rodrick Cassel found them pillaging and raping across the north. After he was freed he went back to the Bolton home (the Dreadfort) and raised an army to attack Winterfell.
Xaro Xhoan Daxos constantly begged Dany to marry him, but he pretended it was from a place of love. Dany was much quicker to see through this ruse, especially since she could tell he clearly was not into the ladies.
Meera and Jojen Reed were already in Winterfell with Bran before Theon took Winterfell. They fled with the Stark boys from the very beginning.

Other Points to Notice:

Osha was very quick to remember that Theon has a weird thing for her. She immediately saw her opening and took it. It did not work the first time, but it sure did work the second time.
Theon is not able to behead Rodrick in one blow. The show seems to make a point that not being able to do this in one swing indicates an internal moral struggle. Ned was always able to behead men in one swing, because he was following his code of honor and had no qualms about it. Later in the series this is revisited with Robb.
It is not clear if Littlefinger identified Arya, but for a split second it seemed like he was about to say something. Either way it never comes back up. The conversation he has with Tywin also effectively sets up the end of the season when Tywin and the Tyrell army arrive at King’s Landing to defeat Stannis.
Once again, the Hound goes out of his way to save Sansa. This time if he didn’t arrive she would have truly suffered. He claims he did not do it for her, but that is clearly a lie since Joffrey never ordered her saved.
The Spice King, although a dick, was smart to not give Dany ships. At this point she had no army, and her dragons were babies. She would have lost immediately in Westeros.

Stray Observations

Props to Maester Lewin for getting his raven out that fast.
Since Kit Harrington and Rose Leslie are actually married now, it is funny to imagine that the scene where he pulls back her hood was actually the first time the 2 ever laid eyes on each other.
Osha tries the seduction trick on Ramsey many years later. It does not go well.

RIP: Ser Rodrick Cassel. The best mutton chops in all of the Seven Kingdoms.

Ser Rodrick Cassel. He even had sick chops in the books.

Episode 17: A Man Without Honor

“So many vows. They make you swear and swear. Defend the King, obey the King, obey your father, protect the innocent, defend the weak. But what if your father despises the King? What if the King massacres the innocent? It’s too much. No matter what you do, you’re forsaking one vow or another.”

Major Plot Points:

Theon goes on a hunt. Robb helps a nurse get supplies. Jaime makes an escape attempt. Dany witnesses a power play. Tyrion and Cersei have a heartfelt conversation.

Observations from a Book Reader:

Arya was in Harrenhal a long time. But before she escaped, it came under the control of Roose Bolton, who held the castle for Robb. She was his cup bearer and often had to cover him in his leeches, which as I once mentioned, was something he was very fond of doing.
Jon captured Ygritte, but he never was separated from his group. He secretly let her go in the night. The very next night, Jon had a dream he was Ghost and could see all of Mance Rayder’s army and the group of wildings following them. He then woke up when he was attacked by a hawk. The other rangers realized that Jon was a warg, and found the hawk and an injured Ghost. Jon’s warging abilities are never explored in the show.
Jaime never killed his cousin while in captivity. He was a dick, but not a completely monstrous one. It seems like the show added this scene just to give Jaime something to do, since he was immediately recaptured. Also to make his redemption more drastic? I think it was a waste of time.
Pyat Pree and Xaro Xhoan Daxos absolutely did not make a power play on The Thirteen. It makes it more dramatic though.

Other Points to Notice

Almost everytime Theon talks , there is a camera shot that shows Dagmer (tall balding ironborn soldier) is completely laughing at him on the inside.
Tywin talks about his legacy again in this episode. It becomes more clear throughout the series that the idea of his legacy is all that he cares about, much more so than his actual children.
This is the first time we hear “You know nothing Jon Snow”. Only about 50 more to go.
Theon mentions that if he doesn’t find the Stark boys, he will be treated as a failure and a eunuch among his people. Funny enough, he is technically right.
The First Men that are always referenced, were of course the first settlers of Westeros. They mostly lived in the North, while the south was later invaded by the group of people known as the Andals. This is why the Starks claim to have the blood of the first men, while southern houses do not.
This is the only time we ever see Tyrion comforting Cersei

Stray Observations

Jon seemed to get very mad when Ygritte made fun of his balls. Jon’s facial reactions really made this scene hilarious.
This is Daenerys at her worst. She just walks around screaming and yelling at everyone for quite some time. Hard to watch.
Cersei is almost motherly to Sansa after she has her period. The whole scene I was just waiting for her to become a huge bitch to her.
Even though it was not Bran and Rickon, what Theon did to those 2 children makes him borderline irredeemable in my eyes.

RIP: The Spice King of Qarth. For all his faults, he was a hilariously dickish character to watch.

Episode 18: The Prince of Winterfell

“A day will come when you think yourself safe and happy, and suddenly your joy will turn to ashes in your mouth, and you’ll know the debt is paid.”

Major Plot Points: Tyrion plans for a siege. Arya gives a man his own name. Robb breaks a promise. Bran feels guilty. Jon heads for Mance Rayder’s army.

Observations from a Book Reader:

The “Lord of Bones” is also known as Rattleshirt. He remains a thorn in Jon’s side the entire time he infiltrates Mance’s army
Jaime was kept in the dungeons underneath Riverrun, the home of the Tullys. Robb and his army were based out of there for much of their campaign.
Cat and Jaime had a much longer conversation before she freed him. Her decision to free him was a horrible idea tactically speaking, but we do not know if Cat’s gambit would have worked since Jaime arrived at King’s Landing after Cat and Robb were already dead.
Qhorin was much more explicit about his plan to get Jon inside Mance’s army. Here it seems like Jon is genuinely confused when he gets pushed.

Other Points to Notice

Yara is legitimately angry with Theon for killing the Stark boys. Imagine he told her that they actually got away? Theon is pathetic.
When Jaime was freed, you can start seeing the cracks in the foundation in Robb’s army. Rickard Karstark is justifiably furious about his escape.
Arya knows that as soon as Tywin leaves she is in immediate danger. The Mountain would probably end up killing her one night for looking at him wrong.
We receive our first clue about the importance of dragonglass. It is from this pile that Sam gets the piece which allows him to kill a White Walker.
Tyrion was truly in love with Shae. It is hard to tell if she truly feels the same for him. It was even harder to tell in the books.

Stray Observations

The prisoners that Arya questions about Jaqen’s whereabouts are the other 2 she freed from the burning prison cart. Rorge and Biter.
Tyrion and Bronn bickering over Bronn cutting his nails is peak television.
What was wrong with Sam’s teeth? They looked extremely dirty.
Was there any doubt that Cersei would bring out Ros? After all, she is the only whore in Westeros.
On the surface it seems like such a triumphant moment when Talisa and Robb hook up. But in reality it may be the single most tragic moment in the entire series.

RIP: Farm Boys. Technically they died last episode, but now we know.

This week I really fell behind. Probably going to get worse as we go on, but that’s alright. Next up is the Battle of the Blackwater, which is many people’s favorite episode of the series. I’m also really excited to get to season 3 this weekend which, along with season 4, marks the peak of the show

Things I Liked:

There were a lot of great things that happened in this block of episodes. Every Ygritte and Jon scene, the casting of Davos, and watching Tyrion as Hand of the King. But by far my favorite part was watching the scenes between Arya and Tywin. It never happened in the books, and yet it felt like it belonged more than almost any other scene that actually was from the books. It was the only opportunity we as viewers had to view Tywin in a non-warlord light. It also ensured that Arya got to stay up to date with her family’s whereabouts.

Things I Did Not Like:

I really hated the scene when Jaime kills his cousin. It served no purpose whatsoever, and just made Jaime seem like a complete dick. Also Daenerys’ storyline was extremely sparse. They surely could have written more for her to do.

Week 2 (S1E07-S2E02)

(This week I realized I would have no time during the weekend to write this blog, so I decided to do it a bit early. It will work out for the best, since now if you are following the binge schedule, you can read each synopsis after you watch the episodes.)

Episode 7: You Win or You Die

“I did warn you not to trust me”

Major Plot Points:

Ned confronts Cersei with the truth of Joffrey’s parentage. Jon is worried when his uncle does not return from his journey. Dany discovers people from her ancestral home are plotting against her. Jaime gets some advice from his father.

Observations from a Book Reader:

Tywin had a clean shaven face and pronounced sideburns. But Charles Dance captured the role so well that I would argue he has overtaken book Tywin as the definitive version.
There were no “How to be a Prostitute 101” courses by Littlefinger
Osha referenced “The Long Night”. This is a term for the generation long winter that took place in Westeros over 8000 years before the Targaryen conquest. White Walkers descended upon the populace in a struggle known as the ‘War for the Dawn’. Little is known about how the White Walkers were defeated, but it is said the Wall was formed directly after this conflict.
Ned asks Littlefinger for the help of “The Goldcloaks”. This is the official name for the city guard of King’s Landing. They served whatever benefactor paid them the most.

Other Points to Notice

First scene with Tywin. Notice he is skinning a stag, symbolizing how the Lannisters will destroy the Baratheons from the inside out. During the filming of the scene, Charles Dance claimed the stag corpse was so cold he nearly got frostbite.
This is the last time Cersei is openly honest with someone about her incestual relationship until season 7. It shows her confidence in being able to get Ned killed, or at least discredited.
Littlefinger was talking about Catelyn Stark (then Catelyn Tully) to Ros and the other girl in his brothel. He was raised in her home, and spent most of his boyhood madly in love with her. When he came of age, he challenged her betrothed, Brandon Stark, to a duel for her hand. He of course lost, and Brandon won the right to marry Cat. Their betrothal lasted until the Mad King executed him, and little Ned Stark had to marry her instead.
Robert calls off Daenerys’ execution on his deathbed in a final act of redemption. It rings hollow upon remembering that when Robert first took the throne, Tywin Lannister laid the bodies of Rhaegar Targaryen’s infant children at his feet in a crimson blanket. He did this as an act of loyalty to the new king, an act which Robert readily accepted. This disgusted Ned, and caused him to leave Robert’s side. They remained estranged for 9 years, until circumstance forced them together again when they both had to join forces to fight against Balon Greyjoy’s rebellion. (Balon is Theon’s father).
When Jorah received the royal pardon in Vaes Dothrak, he realized that Dany was about to be assassinated. Because of this, he knew to stop her from drinking the poisoned wine. It was at this point he stopped reporting on her to Varys. I guess he bought into her bullshit, so to speak.
Renly gave Ned an incredible offer, especially when you look back and see the volume of people Renly was able to recruit to his cause in season 2. But Ned refused to turn on the rightful heir Stannis. Littlefinger also gave him a good offer, but Ned’s honor would always be his undoing.

Stray Observations

Tywin informs Jaime that he gave him command of half of the Lannister forces, 30,000 men. I guess they have a total around 60,000. Later in the episode, Jorah claims Khal Drogo has 40,000 men total.
Seems like Theon always had a thing for Osha the wildling. This ends up being his downfall. Not soon enough. Fuck Theon.
Jon really is a dick. He told Sam being made a steward was honorable, until he himself was made one.
Take a mental note of the letter Ned sends to Stannis, it comes up again in season 2.
What a speech by Khal Drogo. Although I can’t help but think that even if he made it to Westeros, his forces would be destroyed by the combined power of the pre-war seven kingdoms.
Littlefinger betraying Ned is one of the most pivotal moments in the series. It is at this point when you realize just how intense this show will be.

Episode 8: The Pointy End

“What do you want Bronn? Gold, women, golden women? Stick with me and you’ll have them all”

Major Plot Points:

Arya and Sansa have to deal with the fallout from Ned’s arrest. Jon encounters an ancient threat. Tyrion meets with the Hill Tribes. Dany gets to see firsthand what a Dothraki raid is like.

Observations from a Book Reader:

Arya was more obviously changed by her cavalier murder of the stable boy. She often thought about it when remembering the day she ran from the tower of the hand.
Robb Stark was never more than a secondary character. We only really saw him through Cat’s eyes. It is at this point in the show he starts taking more of a protagonist role.
The mountain men Tyrion recruits were mentioned semi-frequently when they got back to King’s Landing. Shagga Son of Dolf, and Timmet son of Timmet got into quite a few hijinks in the capitol.
When Jon grabbed the lantern, it severely injured him. Afterwards, he constantly flexed his hand to get feeling back in it , a habit that he never gave up on, even years later when it was fully healed. The injury also shows that not all Targaryens are immune to fire like Daenerys seemingly is.
Barristan is the first and only Lord Commander of the King’s Guard to be released from duty, a title that is usually given for life. It is a grievous insult to him, and Tywin later mentions it was a large error on Joffrey’s part to let him go.

Other Points to Notice

The main King’s Guard fighter that attacks Syrio is Meryn Trant, a terrible person who is always quick to carry out Joffrey’s more sadistic requests. Arya never forgives him, and includes him on her future hit list.
When Varys visits Ned in the cells under the Red Keep, it is the first time we see him being honest and open about his motives. In his own way, all of his actions are for the betterment of the common folk. And in the next scene we see him, he is back at Cersei’s side, accusing Ned of treason.
Arya finds the letter Sansa wrote to Robb in season 7. She was not happy.
Tyrion tells Bronn he will double any offer he gets in the future. He tries invoking this when Bronn is employed by his brother Jaime.
First time we see wights in the show. We saw White Walkers already in episode 1. I wonder what would happen to Jon if he didn’t save the Lord Commander. Presumably Thorne would take charge and immediately hang Jon for attempting to stab him earlier in the mess hall.
It is a shame that the actor that played Greatjon Umber (the loud guy who lost his finger to Grey Wind) leaves the show after season 1. It would have been cool seeing him with Robb in future episodes. He was written off the show after the actor demanded more money and did not receive it.

Stray Observations

We never see Syrio die, he could still technically be alive still maybe.
Sansa makes an incredibly poor decision here, for some reason she still insists that she should marry Joffrey. The Lannisters were clearly her enemy and she didn’t care one bit.
Quite a bit of time passes in this episode. In one scene Sansa is being told to write a letter, in the next her brother is already reading it. Then later in the same episode, the entire north has been assembled and marched a significant distance south.
Hard to hate Alliser Thorne. He’s such a complete dick head to Jon that it almost borders on comedy.
Considering Osha just attempted to kill Bran, it is shocking she is allowed to wander unsupervised to where Bran is now praying.

Episode 9: Baelor

This is it, the episode that put Game of Thrones on the map

“Ser Ilyn, bring me his head”

Major Plot Points:

Ned pleads for mercy. Robb makes an unfortunate deal to help his army. Jon has to decide where his loyalties lie. Dany consults the help of magic. Tyrion enjoys his first taste of battle.

Observations from a Book Reader:

The Twins (Stronghold of Walder Frey) serve as the only viable option for armies marching south/north to cross the trident, an area of the country where 3 large rivers meet. Robb was entirely at his mercy when he agreed to wed his daughter.
Longclaw, the sword Jon receives from Jeor Mormont, is known as a bastard sword, since it is in between a short sword and a long sword in length. A bit on the nose.
Aemon Targaryen was actually the uncle of Jaehaerys Targaryen, who in turn was the father of Aerys, the mad king. But the show changes this and eliminates Jaehaerys from the picture entirely. Not entirely sure why.
Tyrion was conscious for the full battle, and through his POV we were able to see all the details of it. The main reason that Tyrion was knocked out so early in the show was due to the production team not having the budget to show a full battle. Things have changed since then.
Tyrion thinks of his ex-wife, Tysha frequently. It ends up being revealed that she was not a whore, and her feelings for Tyrion were genuine. Tywin forced Jaime to tell Tyrion that story. This revelation greatly changes Tyrion as a character. I don’t believe she comes up again in the show.
Ned was able to see Arya in the crowd, and signaled to Yoren to shield her from watching him die.

Other Points to Notice

The title of the episode “Baelor” references the location where Ned is beheaded, the Sept of Baelor. It was commissioned by King Baelor The Blessed, an insane Targaryen king who made the official Westerosi religion the Faith of the Seven. He died while fasting.
Jon still doesn’t know this, but Maester Aemon is actually his great-great-grand uncle. Aemon also probably would have liked to know, especially since his dying wish was to meet Daenerys, who he believed to be the last member of his family.
Tywin placed Tyrion and his mountain men in the vanguard, which was the first unit at the front lines in battle. It could have been a death sentence for him and his men, which is why he was not amused to be sent there.
It is not entirely clear if Mirri Maz Duur purposely infected Drogo’s wound. She definitely did not help the situation with her blood magic that killed Dany’s unborn child though.
Tywin believed that Robb was heading directly for his battalion with his full 20,000 men, because of the scout that Robb released from his camp. This move allowed Robb to capture Jaime by surprise. Very rare to outsmart Tywin in a battle, but Robb was truly a prodigy when it came to battle.
The only reason Ned renounced his claim of Joffrey being a bastard, was for his daughter. This is the 2^nd and last time we know of him ever lying.

Stray Observations

The show does a great job at showing you how disgusting Walder Frey is, in just one scene.
The “actress” that plays Shae was an amateur porn actress in Germany.
Bronn claims, indirectly, to have been north of the Wall during Tyrion’s truth or lie game. Not sure if this ever comes up again but it is interesting.
Joffrey really kicked the hornet’s nest by ordering Ned to be killed. There was no way Robb would ever surrender after this.

Episode 10: Fire and Blood

“Why shouldn’t we rule ourselves again? It was the dragons we bowed to and now the dragons are dead.”

Major Plot Points: Arya heads north. Sansa is bothered by Joffrey’s pranks. Robb receives a new title. Jon commits to a life of celibacy. Dany is reborn.

Observations from a Book Reader:

Bran and Rickon both foresaw their father’s death in vivid dreams. Maester Luwin tried to convince them that their dad was fine, but they both seemed to prophesize the event correctly. It is hinted that all the Starks are wargs, but in the show we only focus on Bran’s ability.
The last King in the North, Torrhen Stark, was known as “The King who Knelt” he surrendered to Aegon Targaryen when he saw the destruction that 3 dragons could do to an army.
Dany annoyingly recites Mirri Maz Duur’s prophecy in her head constantly throughout the series “When the sun rises in the west and sets in the east blah blah blah”.
Jon left his sword behind on purpose when he fled Castle Black. It brought him shame to look at it. He knew breaking his vows would betray Jeor Mormont, who already had a son betray him.
Dany’s hair was burned off when she walked out of the funeral pyre. Makes sense she kept it here, since it is extremely identifiable. Also marketable let’s be serious.

Torrhen Stark, the last King in the North, bowing to Aegon the Conqueror.

Other Points to Notice

The episode title “Fire and Blood” is a reference to the official words of House Targaryen.
The Hound always favored Sansa. This is the first act of kindness we see from him towards her. She had very mixed feelings about him but saw the good side deep down.
It disgusts me to see Theon declare loyalty to Robb. He betrayed him at the first chance he got.
Lancel Lannister somehow never recovers from being Cersei’s concubine. The shame of the whole ordeal is what drove him to become a religious zealot under the High Sparrow.
This is one of the only times, if not the only time, that Tywin acknowledges Tyrion as capable.
We see Grand Maester Pycelle with Ros, the only whore in Westeros, and afterwards when she leaves he engages in some incredibly acrobatic calisthenics. It is very apparent he is not as old and weak as he pretends to be.
There are theories that the only reason the dragon eggs hatch in the funeral pyre, is because of Dany sacrificing Mirri Maz Duur. This rings especially true when you consider how often we recently heard “Only death can pay for life”

Stray Observations

Hitting a sword against a tree is very bad for the blade. Not a great warrior move by Robb.
Most people know this by now, but in the scene where we see Ned’s head on a spike, in the original broadcasting a fake head of George Bush was also shown on a spike. It was a leftover prop from another HBO show. People were not cool about this.
Mixed feelings seeing Robb be declared King in the North. It ends so badly and ruins the greatness of the moment a bit.
The actress who plays Shae…really is not the best actress.
HOT PIE. Also we see Jaqen H’Ghar in the back of the prison wagon.

Daenerys Boob Counter: 1

Overall Count: 2.5

Episode 11: The North Remembers

“You love your children, it’s your one redeeming quality, that and your cheekbones”

Major Plot Points: Bran tries to be a lord. Tyrion begins his rule as hand. Dany tries to find a place to live. Arya heads for The Wall. Jon heads away from The Wall. Robb torments his captive

Observations from a Book Reader:

Ser Dontos Hollard makes his first show appearance. As a jester, we see him often during Sansa’s time at King’s Landing. He meets her secretly in the gardens frequently and promises to help her escape the Lannisters.
Almost every single faction uses the display of the red comet to justify good fortune for themselves. My opinion is that it was just an incredible coincidence.
Dany names her 3 dragons, Viserion, Rhaegal, and Drogon. Named after her brothers, Viserys and Rhaegar, and after her late husband.
The Night’s Watch use Craster’s Keep as lodging in almost all of their northern travels. Everyone hates the man, but they try to keep relations cool with him due to the ideal location.
Stannis retreated to Dragonstone (the ancestral home of the Targaryens) when King Robert headed north to recruit Ned. He anticipated a war after Jon Arryn’s death, and wanted to prepare.

Other Points to Notice

The Hound once again goes out of his way to assist Sansa. The whole “nameday tradition” was completely fabricated.
The white raven used to signify the end of Summer, was actually a regular raven colored white, since a real albino raven is hard to come by. A white raven always signifies the passing of a season in Westeros.
The random brother with Jon, Grenn, and Pyp, is none other than Dolores Ed Tollet. For some reason we only see him in the show now, but he remains as a close friend to Jon for the rest of the series.
Mance Rayder is talked about quite a bit in this episode. Born a wilding, he was taken by the Night’s Watch as a child and eventually left them to go back to the north and raise an army.
Melisandre believes that Stannis is Azor Ahai reborn, the prophesized savior who will use his flaming sword, Lightbringer, to save the people from death. I also believe this. Stannis is the fucking man.
The pouch Davos wears around his neck contains his old fingerbones that Stannis had removed.
Fuck Theon. Why did Robb listen to him. One of the few things that Catelyn was ever right about.

Stray Observations

I feel like the show wasted this title early. The North does not get any semblance of revenge for an insanely long time.
We still see the original actor and actress for Tommen and Myrcella this season.
Tyrion is whistling “The Rains of Castemere” as he walks into the Small Council Meeting. We also hear it again in the background when Cersei threatens Littlefinger.
I love Maester Luwin. What an absolute gem of a person.
For all the flak he gets, Stannis is very honest. He insists on only truth in the letter to the realm about Joffrey.
That was some fast acting poison that Maester Cressen drank.
Is “cum” an anachronism? I am not expert on medieval terms but it seems a bit weird.
Imagine Joffrey killed his mom after she slapped him?
Surprised the show didn’t get more flak for the mass infanticide that went on. Robert was said to have had 16 bastards.

RIP: Maester Cressen? He sure did try to poison Melisandre I guess.

Episode 12: The Night Lands

“It seems unfair for one man to have so many wives. Surely one or two would suffice”

Major Plot Points: “Dany gets bad news from her scout. Jon tries to calm down Sam. Arya learns she is not the most wanted member of her caravan. Tyrion takes out the trash.

Observations from a Book Reader:

The other 2 prisoners in the cage with Jaqen are men named Rorge and Biter. They occasionally show up in the Riverlands throughout the books.
The Whitewalkers are seen far less, and are described as a bit more human looking. It is possible they can communicate with wildings somehow. That would explain just how Craster set up his truce with them, in which he donates his male children.
Not sure I have mentioned this yet, but Ros “The Only Whore in Westeros” was not a character. Rewatching now I see that they used her to serve as a familiar face in many scenes that gave us character background information.
Theon’s sister (the one he finger-blasted) was named Asha. She had her name changed to Yara in the TV show, as to not confuse viewers with the wildling in Winterfell named Osha. It is easier to distinguish between the two names while reading I guess.
Davos had seven sons, not one.
The map on which Stannis shags Melisandre, was created by Aegon the Conqueror. He first landed and built Dragonstone, and used that map to plan his conquest of Westeros.

Other Points to Notice

There are many theories as to why Jaqen was imprisoned. Most people do not believe for a second that a Faceless Man could ever be thrown in jail without wanting to.
Daenerys proclaims that the rival Khal’s would pay for what they did to Rakharo. It takes a very long time, but eventually she does seek revenge against the Dothraki.
The milk maiden that Theon bangs on his ship. may be the last person he is able to sleep with for the rest of his life.
Tyrion did the entire world a service by sending Janos Slynt to the Wall. Unfortunately, when he got there he became a huge thorn in Jon’s side.
The Iron Islands, while a very strong naval presence, are not geographically significant. They have been trying to free themselves from the crown since it was incepted, but never successfully.
Cersei is beginning to see that Joffrey is a complete monster and this knowledge is beginning to severely wear her down.

Stray Observations

Tyrion did not look happy to see Shae talking with Varys.
Fish pie is a euphemism for hair pie. Also this scene adds fuel to the “Varys is secretly a merman” theory
Littlefinger’s voice is beginning to get his signature raspiness. I wonder if it was done on purpose, or as the show went on Aiden Gillen found it more natural to speak that way in character.
You will never see Bronn and Cersei in the same scene. They used to date before the show and now despise each other.
Gendry and Arya have an instant rapport.
I miss old drunk and bitchy Cersei.

RIP: Rakharo,a loyal member of Daenerys’ khalasar

Another week down. I am very glad to get out of Season 1, since I have seen it far more than any other season. Season 2-4 are what I consider the peak of the series and I am looking forward to seeing all of it unfold again.

THINGS I LIKE: I actually really like how the show decides to focus more on Robb Stark than in the books. It makes his story more meaningful, and sets up one of the greatest all time TV moments. Also I love this part of the show where Tyrion is Hand. We get to see him at his snarkiest, and most powerful.

THINGS I DID NOT LIKE: Not much to complain about at this point of the series. I don’t particularly love the casting of Yara Greyjoy, she was described as a much different character in the books. A bit more cocky and good looking. This actress grows on you after a while.

Week 1 (S1E01-S1E06)

Episode 1: Winter is Coming

First off lmfao that’s the title.

“The man who passes the sentence, should swing the sword”

Major Plot Points: A party from the Nights Watch encounters a White Walker. King Robert goes to Winterfell to recruit Ned to be his hand. Bran gets crippled by Jaime. Daenerys gets married to Drogo. Jon wants to join the Nights Watch.

Observations from a Book Reader:

9 Years since Ned and Rob saw each other. Last time they met was for Balon Greyjoys rebellion.
The bearded Nights Watch Ranger from the first scene, Gared has no ears in the book. Kinda mad he has ears in the show.
The dickish guy from the first scene, Ser Waymar Royce got such an epic fight against the White Walkers. He just gets absolutely slaughtered here
They were called The Others in the books guys, not the white walkers.
Cat was the main reason Ned went to Kings Landing. It was her idea. Not here in the show though.
Still bothers me the Targaryens don’t have violet eyes. It can’t cost that much

Other Points to Notice

The statue of Lyanna Stark that Robert visits really is not brought up again for many seasons
Fun fact: Emilia Clarke got the role of Daenerys because she was the only actress that could portray both the timid scared version of Dany, and the bitch ass queen version.
Tyrion and Jons bromance begins here. Its probably the most important bro ship in the series.
Important to remember. The letter Cat gets from her sister was completely fabricated by Littlefinger in his attempt to start a war. He killed it with this plan.

Stray Observations

Glad they didnt stick with bleach blonde Tyrion
Poor Jaime, he only ever wanted Ned’s respect, but Ned was always a dick to him.
Ned beheads Will the deserter. Foreshadowing alert!
The scene when Robert enters Winterfell is the first and last scene we see all the Starks together

Daenerys Boob Counter: 1

Episode 2: The Kingsroad

Major Plot Points: Dany moves with Khal Drogo to the Dothraki capital. Cat has a hard time with Bran being in a coma. Ned and company journey to Kings Landing. Joffreys true colors show, and both Sansa and Arya lose their direwolves. Jon heads for the Wall

“First lesson, stick em with the pointy end”

Observations from a Book Reader:

Jorah Mormont is portrayed as a giant hairy bear of a man. Not this dignified string bean.
Robb is supposed to be only 17, and Jon 15. Thats clearly not the case in the show.
Ned and Jon never have that last conversation, when Jon asks him about his mother.
Arya’s wolf Nymeria, is named after the warrior queen Nymeria from Dorne, who unified the southern lands.
Its never explicitly stated who sent the assassin to kill Bran. The best theory is that it was Joffrey, in a misguided attempt to make his dad proud of him after Robert comments it would be a mercy if Bran died instead of living as a cripple.
The Targaryens first invaded westeros as a trio, led by Aegon the conqueror and his 2 sisterwives.

Other Points to Notice

The actor and actress who play Tommen and Myrcella Baratheon (respectively) have major recasts later in the series.
When Cersei and Catelyn speak in Bran’s room, it was actually the first scene Lena Headey (actress who plays Cersei) filmed for the series.
Jon and Arya really come across as close siblings here. They literally don’t see each other again for 7 seasons.
Jon tells Robb “You Starks are hard to kill” Jon was never the smartest guy, he never sees Robb alive again.
Arya never gets over The Hound killing the butcher’s boy. She brings it up again in season 3 when the Hound is put on trial by Beric Dondarrion and the Brotherhood Without Banners

Stray Observations

Tyrion bitchslapping Joffrey will never not be awesome.
Jon is definitely more of a brooding loser in the early episodes, but he still comes across as honorable.
This is when Cat first starts losing her shit.
The actor who plays Ilyn Payne (scary mute guy, they call The Kings Justice) left the show to deal with late stage pancreatic cancer. He ended up beating it and is alive and well, but I think his character will stay written off the show at this point.

Episode 3: Lord Snow

“Gods I was strong then”

Major Plot Points: Ned Arrives in Kings Landing and gets the lay of the land. Jon finds the wall not as fun as he imagined. Catelyn gets to see Ned’s new digs. Dany gets more comfortable with her new Khaleesi position. Arya takes dancing lessons.

Observations from a Book Reader:

The iron throne isn’t nearly as cool in the show. Check the picture below
They did a great job with casting Arya. Especially when you remember that she is supposed to be a mini version of Lyanna Stark, Ned’s long dead sister.
Old Nan (lady that bored Bran with her stories) is actually the great-grandmother of Hodor.
Robert mentions his first kill was a Tarly. The Tarlys were one of the last houses to pledge to Robert after the Rebellion. Too bad he didn’t kill Randyll Tarly, then we wouldn’t have to deal with fat Samwell this whole series.
The man Jaime tells Robert he killed “from the brotherhood” is a reference to the Kingswood Brotherhood. The leader, known as The Smiling Knight, was defeated by non-other than Ser Arthur Dayne, The Sword of the Morning. Arthur Dayne knighted Jaime (his squire) after his victory.
We do see Benjen Stark again in the show, as an undead protector of Bran. But in the books, this is the last time we see him. The undead knight, known in the books as Coldhands (lol) is confirmed to not be Benjen in the written series.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Syrio. But he is supposed to be a tall, lanky bald guy, not this plump fancy curly haired man. But it still works somehow.

Other Points to Notice

Ned walking in on Jaime in the throne room is a direct callback to when Ned walked in on Jaime sitting on the throne after he killed Mad King Aerys
In the original Game of Thrones pilot, there was a flashback scene that showed Ned’s brother and father (Brandon & Rickard) being executed by the Mad King.
Its hard to blame the rest of the Night’s Watch for not liking Jon at first. He comes off as way too much of a hardo. “I’m better than everyone else!!!!!!!”- He literally says that.
“Petyr is like a little brother to me Ned” poor Littlefinger.
The scenes with Jon at the wall are filmed in a very hot location. If you look closely you’ll notice all the actors are sweating constantly.
Jeor Mormont, Jorah’s pops, is the current Lord Commander of the Nights Watch. Ppl forget that.

Stray Observations

Littlefinger has a completely different voice in season 1. As the show goes on you can hear it get weirder and raspier.
Wild that Ned lets Arya keep her sword. Yea she’s definitely a wild kid but still, a fucking sword??
Margaret John (Old Nan) died shortly after season 1 aired
Last time Ned and Catelyn ever see each other.
Maester Aemon is incredible, in the books he is a 100 year old blind man. And in the show he is played by a 100 year old blind man. Arguably the best casting of the entire show.
The next time Jon and Tyrion meet are in drastically different circumstances. Jon as a King and Tyrion as the Queen’s Hand

Daenerys Boob Counter: .5

Total: 1.5

Episode 4: Cripples Bastards and Broken Things

“I have a special place in my heart for cripples, bastards, and broken things”

I’m a sucker for title drops in dialogue

Major Plot Points: Jon meets a new hefty buddy at the Wall. Tyrion journeys with Yoren to King’s Landing. Dany arrives in the Dothraki capitol. I hate how the words capitol and capital are different. Excessive. Ned starts investigating Jon Arryn’s untimely demise.

Observations from a Book Reader:

The scene between Tyrion and Theon does not take place, but it does an excellent job giving the viewer some backstory on why Theon is even at Winterfell. Also FUCK Theon.
Viserys name-drops the dragon Meraxes during his bath tub scene. Meraxes was ridden by Queen Visenya, one of Aegon the Conquerors sister-wives when he took over Westeros.
Jon Arryn was more of a talked about character. He essentially raised both Ned and Robert in their youth when they were sent to the Eyrie under his care. This was a regular practice, you send your sons to other lords so they can learn the ways of the world.
Sam Tarly is fat in the written series too guys. The main difference between book Sam, and show Sam, is that show Sam is a relentless horndog. Ah fuck it I’m still a fan of him.
When Jon threatens Rast with Ghost, the scene actually really angers book readers. Ghost never once makes a single sound. It is his most identifying characteristic and helps give him the extra air of menace. Here however, he growls very loudly.

Other Points to Notice

You would think the Stark’s would be more appreciative of Tyrion’s saddle blueprint for Bran. It was a no strings attached gesture of kindness.
We meet Janos Slynt here. He is the guard advocating to Ned about throwing a tournament. He is better known as being the bitch ass guy Jon beheads when he is Lord Ruler later in the series.
Arya tells Ned “That’s not me” when he tells her she will one day be married to a Lord. In season 7, when Arya runs into Nymeria, her wolf, in the woods outside Winterfell, she pleads with Nymeria to return to her side and travel with her. When Nymeria leaves Arya asides “That’s not you”.
Ned sends Jory Cassel, the captain of his guard to interrogate Ser Hugh of the Vale. Jory is the nephew of Rodrick Cassel, the old guard with the epic mutton chops that are tied together.
Jaime recalls Thoros of Myr, who is a major character later in the series. The red drunk priest.
Jon tells Sam about how he almost boned a red headed gal. I guess he has a type.
In the last scene, at the Inn at the Crossroads, if you look carefully to the right you can see Bronn. Who knew he ended up such a major player. Also there are Freys here. Gross

Stray Observations

I have a feeling the 3 eyed raven from Bran’s dream is going to be important. Nah never mind.
At least Viserys got one steamy sex scene. He is the rightful heir, so at the very least he deserves one.
Littlefinger starts laying his plans immediately. He brilliantly sets up Ned to find out the secret of the Lannisters.
First time we hear of the dick bag that is Sam’s father. We meet him personally in season 6. Still a dick bag
Jory and Jaime have a nice conversation outside of Robert’s chambers. Jory tells him one of the Greyjoys nearly took his eye. It’s ruined when you remember Jaime kills him a few episodes later with a dagger to the eye.
Ned is instantly suspicious of Grand Maester Pycelle. He was right.
Dany gets married off to a Khal and immediately seizes power with it. Poor Viserys never had a chance

Episode 5: The Wolf and the Lion

“Give me ten good men and some climbing spikes, and I’ll impregnate the bitch”

Major Plot Points: Ned gets closes to the truth about Joffrey much to the chagrin of Jaime. Cat and Tyrion get to the Vale. Bran is not happy about anything that is going on.

Observations from a Book Reader:

Ned is not exaggerating when he tells Barristan he is glad they never fought. Barristan is a top 5 sword fighter in the series. I would only put Arthur Dayne, possibly Jaime in a straight up sword fight against him
Robert was much taller and far more imposing, but Mark Addy plays him too well for me to actually complain about it
When Arya overhears Varys speaking to a friend in the basement of the Red Keep, the friend he is speaking to is Ilyrio Mopatis. He is the guy Viserys and Daenerys stayed with in the first episode. He is much more visible in the books as one of Varys’ closest partners.
Yoren (the traveling member of the Night’s Watch) was written as a much more disgusting man. He always smelled like alcohol and was permanently covered in lice.
Robert hates all Targaryens because in his mind, Rhaegar Targaryen (Dany’s older brother) kidnapped and killed his childhood love Lyanna Stark. We later find out she married Rhaegar on her own free will, and also probably never liked Robert at all.
Crazy Lysa Arryn’s son, was named Robert. For some reason his nickname was Sweet Robin, and everyone called him by that. Probably why in the show they just named him Robin.
The scene between Cersei and Robert discussing their marriage is my favorite non-book scene in maybe the whole series. It does such a good job at characterizing both of them. Also, Cersei never had a miscarriage with Robert’s child.
Ned and Jaime did not get in an outright sword fight. If they did Jaime would destroy him very quickly.

Other Points to Notice

The original actor who plays The Mountain (Conan Stevens) is actually 4 inches taller than the current actor (Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson). He quit the show to play an orc in The Hobbit. Hilariously, they didn’t even use him, since his orc ended up being entirely CGI
If the mountain men didn’t attack Tyrion and Cat, I really think he could have convinced her he wasn’t culpable in the attacks against Bran.
Ned really should have listened more to Varys. He’s a slimy little guy, but he does have more morals than Littlefinger. Who doesn’t though.
The conversation with Varys and Ilyrio sets up nicely just how predicted and manufactured the war between the Lannisters and the Starks truly was.
If Ned didn’t follow Littlefinger, he would have made it out of King’s Landing before Jaime could confront him, and all of this would be avoided. It’s almost like Littlefinger distracted him on purpose.
Interesting the 2 main protagonists of the show are not in this episode at all.

Stray Observations

Ok how fucking sick was it when The Mountain sliced off his horse’s head.
CLEGANEBOWL PART 1 GET HYPE!!!!11!!!!!
Ros is actually the only whore in all of Westeros.
Ok I feel for Bran looking back now. His whole family ditched him.
Arya chewing out the king’s guards was an unreal TV moment.

RIP: Jory Cassel. Eye still have a hard time watching him die. ;]

Episode 6: A Golden Crown

“You don’t fight with honor” “No. He did”
Yeah I used back to back Bronn quotes. The guy is a quote machine what can I say

Observations from a Book Reader:

When Ned was recovering from his wound, he had an extremely detailed dream. It depicted him and his sworn banner-men fighting Ser Arthur Dayne and other members of the Kingsguard outside a tower. It ended with Ned finding his sister in a ‘bed of blood’ exclaiming “Promise me Ned” repeatedly. This dream gave birth to all the (now proven) theories that Jon Snow was actually the son of Prince Rhaegar and Lyanna Stark. (R+L=J)
It is stated that if Dany were to throw up after eating the horse heart, she would not be worthy of bearing Khal Drogo’s son.
The sky cell that Tyrion is spending his time in, was described as having a slanted floor. Most prisoners couldn’t sleep because of fear of rolling out of the cell, and ended up jumping anyway after they lost their minds.
The Moon Door was a vertical door out the side of the castle. I do like the trap door effect, but it certainly does bring up weird architectural structure questions.

Other Points to Notice

Something broke inside Cersei when Robert hit her. She really goes onto the attack for the rest of the series after this.
Theon was very eager to get Robb to start the war. He was equally eager to betray him. Fuck Theon.
Syrio’s speech about the God of Death really affects Arya as a character. His influence has a continuing affect (effect?) on her journey.
Viserys is entirely correct, Jorah does lust for Dany HARD. Can’t blame him, she even makes eating a heart look good.
This is the first time Tyrion attempts to tell the “jackass and a honeycomb in a brothel” story. It will not be the last, it’s a recurring joke throughout the series that we never get to hear the end of it. I’ll bring it up the next time it surfaces if I somehow am still doing this ridiculous blog. It will be worth sticking with just so I can publicly rant about how bad the writing is for the Sand Snakes.
Ned sends none other than Beric Dondarrion to bring The Mountain to justice. Yes, that is the same Beric Dondarrion that is later recast and heads the Brotherhood without Banners in season 3. (He is the guy with the eyepatch that rolls with the red priest, Thoros of Myr).

Stray Observations

The actress that plays Osha, the somewhat attractive wilding woman, also plays Tonks in the Harry Potter movies.
The heart that Dany eats, was made of the same material that gummy bears are made of. Emilia Clarke did not enjoy this scene as much as I did.
Tyrion had 4 incredible masturbation euphemisms.
Bronn vs. Ser Vardis Egan is one of the all time great fights in the series. We barely know who Bronn is at this point, but this fight expertly shows you all there is to know.
Love how Tyrion pays his debt to the jailer. It says a lot about him. Also Mord was criminally underused as a character. I demand a spin-off
Joff is such a good guy. He even told Sansa he will never be cruel to her again.

RIP: Viserys Targaryen, third of his name. Rightful King of the Andals and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms. Protector of the Realm.

Week 1 Summary:

I really did not think I would have this much to write about in every episode. I anticipate as this continues, I won’t have AS much book input, but who knows. One week down, 10.25 to go.

Things I Liked:

I really loved how well D&D (David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the showrunners) did at showing us the nature of the main characters, instead of telling us through contrived dialogue. They clearly planned these first few episodes out for years and it shows. This is not always the case with the series going forward. But we will get there

Things I Did Not Like:

Ill preface by saying that Jaime’s character arc is my favorite in the series. I did not appreciate how hard the writers tried to portray him as the bad guy here. Some of his non-book scenes served no purpose other than to show how big of a dick he was. Most notably was his first conversation with Ned in Winterfell where he bragged about how good he was at fighting, and when Jaime kills Jory. (Jaime was not present in this attack in the books) The show does eventually show his redemption but I wish they did a better job of humanizing him in the beginning.

The Lemons Game of Thrones Binge Spectacular

The time is finally here. After 8 seasons, 68 episodes, and seemingly endless amounts of weird internet fanfiction and theories, the end of Game of Thrones is finally upon us.

Like many other fans of the show, I will be following the below weekend binge schedule in order to experience the entire show one last time. I will be using this forum to record my thoughts, basic summaries, and just general observations/complaints (REALLY? Thats how you killed Ser-fucking-Barristan???) as I binge my way to April 14th.

At this point, I’m sure you have a few questions. So ill do my best to address them so we can get this shit underway

1)What makes you so special? Why would anyone care what you have to say about Game of Thrones?

Excellent question. I’ve been a fan of the series for years, and have read George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire twice now. Although that was several years ago, and even with that I am still probably in the bottom tier of hardcore fans. BUT fuck you I think I’m interesting god damn it, and Im gonna write whatever I want.

2) What kind of content can we expect?

For every weekend going forward, I will post one entry, usually around Monday evening, that contains basically all of my thoughts from the episodes I am watching. This will also cover basic plot summaries, and I will try to inject all of the book and greater world knowledge I have into each post. Its gonna be a long haul folks, Ill keep trying to improve the format. By the time the show is back on I may actually produce something readable.

3) Yea that all seems great, but seriously why bother? there are like a million other podcasts and blogs by much better people than you

True, Joanna Robinson does an incredible job with her reviews and I am a huge fan of her work, but I really need a new hobby, and at least my mom will always read them.