HBO’s Game of Thrones: Top 5 Moments of Episode 9~Baelor

Episode 9 of Game of Thrones is the one book fans have been dreading since the inception of the series.  It will forever be rememberd as [SPOILERS] the one where Ned dies, and everyone else pretends to be frat boys–The Night’s Watch chanting for Longclaw, the Hill Tribes chanting for the halfman, Tyrion, Shae, and Bronn playing drinking game in the middle of the night….Here are the…

Top 5 Moments of Episode 9~Baelor

5. Jorah Gets Lucky

Context: Drogo is near death after last week’s fight. One of his bloodriders does not take kindly to Dany’s use of blood-magic and threatens the Khaleesi and her unborn child. Jorah decides its time to put on his armor.

If only that sword was Longclaw…

Reasoning: Jorah Mormont is a character who never jumped off the page for me, but Iain Glen brings the disgraced knight to life.  Although much of this episode’s Dany-centric plot was poorly paced (so…how far along is she?) this scene stands out.  Jorah shows his skill with a sword (and with a little luck) takes down the Dothraki rider with a swift slice to the face. We also see his willingness to protect Dany, even though he’s been spying for the crown. The Dothraki might be badass, but now they know why armor is a good idea.

HBO’s Game of Thrones: Top 5 Moments of Episode 8~The Pointy End

The circumstances become dire in the George RR Martin penned 8th episode of Game of Thrones. Ned is arrested for treason, Robb goes to war, and Khal Drogo proves once and for all you don’t want to make him angry. Which scene tops the list?  Here are the…

Top 5 Moments of Episode 8~The Pointy End

5. Ned Talks to a Spider

Context: After an accusation of treason and the slaughter of all his men, Ned finds himself deep in the dungeons of the Red Keep.  Varys, the Spider, pays him an unexpected visit.

This Spider isn't itsy-bitsy

 Varys: I trust you know you’re a dead man, Lord Eddard.

Reasoning: Varys asks one of the questions we were all dying to know the answer of. Why on Earth would Ned tell Cersei he knew the truth?  Ned answers in a truly Ned way.  It was mercy and honour and all those things that make Ned, Ned.  But in Westeros, truth, justice, and honour doesn’t mean success, and seeing the great Lord Eddard defeated in a dungeon brings that to the forefront of the series.

HBO’s Game of Thrones 1-5: Top 5 Ned Stark Moments

For part 2 of our Game of Thrones recap, we take a look at the honourable and sometimes rigid Eddard Stark. Sean Bean was a fan favourite even before the show was cast, and lives up to expectations. morally good characters tend to come off as 1 note and boring but Bean’s Ned is nuanced and sympathetic. We see many sides of the stoic Lord Stark in the first 5 episodes. Let’s take a look at the…

Top 5 Ned Stark Moments

5. Beheading the Deserter~Episode 1

Ned: In the name of Robert of the house Baratheon, first of his name, king of the Andals and the first men, lord of the seven kingdoms and protector of the realm, I Eddard of the House Stark, Lord of Winterfell, and warden of the North, sentence you to die.

Reasoning: This scene was released as a 15 minute preview before the actual premiere. We saw it in a dozen promotions and trailers. When the first episode finally aired, I would bet my direwolf that I wasn’t the only one who could recite it verbatim.  Still, it is the perfect introduction to our heroic Lord Stark, and the cold cruelty of the North. He’s powerful, and unyielding, but takes no pleasure in what he has to do. From the get go we see he’s ruled by duty, honour, and family. Maybe he should have been born a Tully.

HBO’s Game of Thrones 1-5: Top 5 Arya Moments

It’s hard to believe, but HBO’s Game of Thrones has reached the halfway point, and what’s a better way to celebrate this milestone than to take a look back at some of our favourite character moments? I can’t think of a thing. This week we’ll be showcasing fan favourites beginning with the…

Top 5 Arya Moments

Maisie Williams (the young actress playing Arya Stark) has proven she’s a force to be reckoned with. Already a scene stealer, Maisie has impressed not only fans, but cast and crew alike. She brings heart and depth to the tomboyish Arya and holds her own with screen veteran, Sean Bean.  With so many great moments, it was hard to narrow it down to 5 but we’ve done our best.

5. A Needle from Jon~Episode 2

Jon: First lesson, stick’em with the pointy end.
Arya: I know which end to use.

Reasoning: The emotion in this scene is palpable. The misfits of the Stark household say their goodbyes and Jon presents his little sister with one final gift. Receiving Needle is a defining moment for Arya and I think this scene is everything book fans hoped for. It’s heartfelt, funny, and a great introduction to the character. We even get to see a direwolf!

Casting Clues and Odds and Ends

Game of Thrones

It’s another busy week for Game of Thrones.  George RR Martin has been working diligently on A Dance With Dragons, but took some time out to give yet another set of casting clues. 

You’re too dumb to make this soup the way they’re making it in Belfast. Start with Becky, Tom, and Boss. Take away two fathoms. Now you want the second course. In the dark the breaker of rocks seeks the living stone. But take away the fat guy with six wives, and the babe with the bumbershoot as well, that salty wench. Out, out. What’s left tastes good, but just remember, there is no gamecock in aurochs stew. IMDB? What’s that? I’m Dumb Boy? Won’t help you here, no way, no how.

GRRM upped his game on this one, but still the detectives narrowed it down to Mark Stanley.  Martin confirmed the guess via his blog.  Fans believe Stanley is a student at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, although this is not certain.  He will be playing Grenn. With so few parts left to cast, I will be sad to see the clues end.

Filming is already in progress and cast members are heading to Belfast.  Conan Stevens (Gregor Clegane) blogs that he is on his way for training and fittings, Luke McEwan tweets that he will be filming soon, and a picture of Sean Bean and Mark Addy out on the town has surfaced. 

Now how long until we get actors in costume?

Winter is Coming: Game of Thrones Teaser & Image

Sean Bean As Eddard Stark Photo credit: Helen Sloan/HBO

George RR Martin  fans were holding their breath an hour ago, during the True Blood Pre-show, hoping to catch a glimpse of HBO’s adaptation of Game of Thrones.  HBO did not disappoint and aired a 20 second teaser before the True Blood recap.