The Winds of Westeros

Yes, I have been spreading the word to my colleagues about watching Game of Thrones.

Happy to say that two more people are on board.

Because, I'm pretty persuasive.

And more importantly, because Game of Thrones is THAT awesome!

:)

So, I've heard and read a lot about major plot changes for the coming two seasons of Game of Thrones.

It's hard to say what's rumour and what's reality, especially with so many fan sites on the internet.

I've heard that Hodor and Bran will not be part of Season 5. I've heard that they recast the actress who portrayed Marcella Baratheon. I've heard that a major s--t storm is on the way for Westeros, courtesy of House Dorne.

I've seen the new cast members for the various new characters that will be introduced for Season 5. A lot of new faces, particularly from House Dorne. Also heard a tidbit that Mark Gatniss is confirmed to be back for Season 5.

Now, if only I could find out whether or not the premiere date for Season 5 is March 22, March 29, April 5 or April 12?

If anyone knows which one of those dates it is, please feel free to comment. I've seen a lot of fan threads with those four dates. They seem to be the favourites.

Very stoked! I just ordered my first three prints from a website called Society 6.

They have all kinds of neat items for sci-fi geeks and nerds. Naturally, I had to order three of the character prints, framed, from this site.

Arya Stark's caption is "Cat of the Canals."

Margaery Tyrell's caption is "The Little Rose."

Olenna Redwyne's caption is "The Queen of Thorns." Very fitting for the dame, indeed!

Next three choices: Ellaria Sand, Osha the Wildling and Brienne of Tarth. :)

Oh yeah! New faces, new places for Season 5!

Spain will be the stand in location for Dorne. Awesome.

Alexander Siddiq and Jonathan Pryce are going to be in Season 5. I can't wait; I've seen both these actors in films and they both bring a majestic presence to the screen.

And for all the fans who are freaking out about what's going down in Dorne, just think: if you think that Eddard Stark's death set in a motion a chain of catastrophic events, just wait until you meet the infamous Sand Snakes!

San Diego Comic Con 2014!!! Last year, I lamented about how I wanted to come to this year's SDCC.

Alas, I cannot. I am working this summer. Maybe next year? I'll post all the links I can find.

I know my older brother wants to make the journey to SDCC. Maybe next year for my 40th! :)

Lots of speculation about new casting locations. Spain is one. Apparently, another part of Croatia is being scouted, due to its' historical buildings.
I say - Come to Canada!!!
We have something for everyone!
Mountains!
Lakes!
Snow!
Provincial parks!
A province that speaks French and has fantastic food and jazz festivals!
We have different climate zones!
Lots of culture!
Good looking people!

Come on up to Canada, HBO. You won't be disappointed! :)

Good grief!
280 odd days to go until Season V.


So many rumours about locations being scouted in Spain. I think it's for Dorne. And what better locale than Spain?


I'm going through some pretty severe withdrawal. So are hundreds of thousands of fans.


I'm still a little bit ticked about the fact that there was no important dialogue between Jaime and Tyrion in the dungeons.


And of course.....the HUGE question on a lot of people's minds was: WTH was up with the fight between Brienne and the Hound?


And where on earth was Lady Stoneheart?!


Good grief!!

Well. I just don't know what to say. As a book reader, there were many things that were left out of the finale and because of that, I was frustrated and disappointed.

I don't know? Maybe it's me? I'm a book purist at heart? I actually went with some people to watch it in a movie theatre. It was jam packed, too. However, next year, if HBO decides to have the season finale in a theatre, I am going to forego it.

I am really hoping that Dan and David include a few MAJOR THINGS in the next season because the more I think about it...the more disappointed I am. Loose ends weren't tied. Certain things that took place in the finale DID NOT take place in the books...which leaves fans bewildered.

I am hoping that The Winds of Winter will come out sometime next year as a consolation.

I just don't know what to say.


I knew this day was coming. Time has a funny way of marching to a quicker pace when you are truly enjoying something, and at other times, goes at a snail's pace when you are bored stiff.


Tomorrow night is the season finale of Game of Thrones. I have purchased tickets to go see it at a movie theatre. I plan on going early, because the hysteria and mass fandom that will occur, I want to be in the front of the line, rather than the back of it.


I feel as though this season went by so fast - so many plot changes and a lot of things deviated from the books. Friends and colleagues have asked me - "What do you think is going to happen next?" I wish I could answer them, but the truth is that I can't.


I have read all the books but because a lot of material has been cut from the series, it's hard to tell where the focus will be for the season finale.


The title is called "The Children." I have a couple of good ideas as to what will take place. I have 3 big ideas in my head but I will not place any spoilers on my blog.


Here's to the Imp. Long may he live.


Here's to the young wolf pup, Arya. May she grow to be a tremendous assassin and avenge House Stark.


Here's to the Kingslayer. May he stray far away from the evil clutches of his depraved sister.


Here's the to flower of Highgarden. May Margaery best Cersei, personally and politically.


And who knows: maybe the White Walkers are completely misunderstood. Maybe they are meant to clean up the scourge and filth in the Seven Kingdoms.


Still miss Oberyn Martell, tho.

A lot of people were lamenting about why an entire episode was devoted to a big fight.


If you're a book reader, you understand how important that event was and what happens next. If you are not a book reader, well, all I can say to you is that you don't have the whole picture and are missing out on a lot of detail.


Read the books. Don't ask book readers for spoilers. There is simply too much detail that goes on and it would either confuse you or maybe it would bore you. The point is that an entire episode needed to be aired strictly about the attack on Castle Black and just how beleaguered the Night's Watch is because you have to look at it from a few perspectives: Mance, Jon, Sam and the Wildlings and just how fierce the attack was going to be.


My personal opinion is that the series should have 12 episodes instead of 10. There is more than enough material to use and it would actually be a good thing; certain plot lines and character arcs would be explained in more detail. Not to mention the added bonus of having 2 more episodes to watch.


The battle was hard fought and hard won, but the Brothers of the Night's Watch barely made it. They incurred some serious damage and unfortunately, Jon's good friends Pip and Grenn were killed by some of the Wildings. That just stinks but then again, they have to make it so that way the audience feels more pity, sympathy and anger for both Sam and Jon.


And to think, this was just the first round of attacks. If the Brothers think that they've won the war against the Wildlings, that was only the first round. There is plenty more coming their way.

If you are a die hard fan and want the chance to watch the Season IV finale on the big screen, then Google Cineplex and Season IV screening. There are a number of movie theatres that are participating around the Greater Toronto Area, so get your tickets early!!!!


I am so stoked for this!!!!

I have told many people - friends, family members and colleagues - NOT to get attached to any characters in Game of Thrones. I guess I don't take my own advice very well.


What a tragic, painful and very grotesque death Oberyn Martell experienced at the hands of that brutal killer, Gregor Clegane.


To quote Ben Kenobi from the very first Star Wars (1978) - "I felt a great disturbance in the force. It was as if a million voices cried out in terror."


So many people are devastated, and with good reason. I have been very cranky since Sunday evening. This was the "Ned Stark" moment of Season III for so many people. I wait on this and trust my gut instinct, for there may be more revealed.


Now, the stage is set for the Sand Snakes. And, as a book reader, let's just say that Oberyn didn't raise his daughters to be pale, shy wallflowers. No, sir. He raised them to be vicious, sly and very cunning.
Speaking of cunning, Sansa was finally learning to take part in the game, rather then be an abused pawn in it.


Arya and the Hound....well, there was ironic comic justice there. Tyrion and Jaime: two heads are better than one and they will have to remain like this in order to outwit, outsmart and outdo that scheming witch, Cersei. And where the wild things are....er, wildlings!!! Ygritte, having a moment of compassion towards Gilly and baby Samwell, well, I was surprised. VERY surprised.


Two more episodes to go. I can't believe it's almost the end!

OH SNAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Lots of goodies in this episode.


First off, I am getting annoyed with the Daenerys Targaryen story line. Although, I did not mind seeing a little more of Daario Naharris. Ladies, do you agree?!


The Hound and Arya: nice to see some personal interaction. It makes the Hound a more empathic character. Yes, he's a cold blooded killer but don't forget: look at who is father and brother were. He was brought up in a household that praised brutality. His own brother disfigured and scarred him for life. His own father defended the Mountain for burning him. How would you feel if you were on the run, a price on your head, with hatred in your heart for anything related to the Lannisters or your psychotic brother?!


And Arya: learning to kill without a shred of remorse. A girl needs to do what has to be done in order to survive the harsh brutality of Westeros.


And can I just say how much I ADORED the scene between Oberyn and Tyrion? Talk about raw, unbridled emotion. Tyrion is at his lowest point. He knows that everyone has lost faith and have turned their backs on him. He knows his head could potentially be severed from his neck. And during the darkest hour of the night, a visitor comes calling. Oberyn Martell: from the beginning he saw through Cersei's lies and saw her cruel treatment of Tyrion, right back to when they were children.


And he wants vengeance against those who killed his sister, Elia Martell, and his late niece and nephew.


"I will be your champion."


There had better be Emmy nominations for both Peter Dinklage and Pedro Pascal!


And Sansa and that kiss.....ewww.....with Littlefinger! And of course, the jealous aunt Lysa. Well, she should have thought it through because having Littlefinger as your husband doesn't necessarily mean that you are 100% safe from any, 'accidents.'


Yeah. A little late for that one!

I attended the third Game of Thrones exhibition downtown Toronto. It was good, with lots of props, story boards and costumes from the first three seasons. It also included some new costumes and banners from the fourth season.


My only bone to pick is that it was held at the Bell TIFF Light box. Which is a very small space, especially for something enormous as Game of Thrones.


I had a good time, went strolling through the displays and took over 200 pictures. They also had a new feature - the "Oculus Rift" - where fans stood in line for over 45 minutes to experience a 3-D virtual reality ascension of the Wall. I did it and it was fun but it only lasted 2 minutes.


I enjoyed the exhibition last year - please HBO Canada, make sure you book the Design Exchange. THAT is an event location that is large and spacious and hint, hint: you can have A LOT MORE displays for next year!

After watching May 14's episode, and sitting on the edge of my seat seeing Peter Dinklage unleash fury and vitriol on the court masses of King's Landing, all I have to say is:

JUST GIVE HIM HIS SECOND EMMY ALREADY!

As an aside, I am starting to get a little annoyed with the Meereen and Daeneyrs storyline.

Mad respect to Ser Davos. He got the gold!

Hell.

Those two are just so evil, and they totally deserve each other! Fans finally find out just exactly who murdered poor Jon Arryn.....his darling, devoted wife, Lysa Arryn. And how she basically started the lies and the machine that created hostilities between House Stark and Lannister.

Can we say 'green eyed monster?' Not for a second did I believe anything that came out of her mouth when she was speaking to Sansa, who will be going by Alayne. How convenient that Lysa and Petyr are together now, and we find out that long ago, they had been intimate with each other. Except that Lysa is a poor substitute for Catelyn and (ew) Sansa. And HOW creepy was it to watch Lysa flip out on Sansa?! Jealous, much? Controlling and insecure, hmm that sounds like the Lady of the Vale. Although, I have to say that I am finally starting to warm up to Sansa. She is learning the value of deception. If she can continue to lie and put on one heck of a performance, then perhaps she will start to develop a love of intrigue. And get good at it.

And how about Cersei, sucking up to Margaery, Tywin and....Oberyn (!). It doesn't take much to realize why....because she wants Tyrion dead and also because (gasp!) House Lannister NEEDS House Tyrell on their side. Something about the Iron Bank of Braavos. I wouldn't want to be in debt to them, that's for sure.

They sound pretty omninous.

Dany staying behind makes sense, as she needs to rule those she means to liberate and show that she can and will develop good leadership and diplomatic skills. You have to wonder how it is that the folks in King's Landing are made aware of her every move....hm, perhaps there is a spy in her midst?

Hopefully Tommen and Margaery get married REAL soon. As for Arya, loved the water dance sequence but totally disliked the Hound for smacking her. I have a feeling that the next batch of episodes are going to get really interesting....

Well, while I enjoyed some aspects of last night's episode....I was rather confused.


As in, I went back to my book to see if I had forgotten any minor plots.


Nope, it looks like I didn't. So, last night's episode had a lot of changes. To be honest, I didn't mind some of them (the scene between Margaery and Olenna really cracked me up, I howled with laughter). I loved the Bronn, Jaime and Tyrion scenes.


Again, some of the other changes....well, I don't know why they were made. I'm guessing for the time constraints and having to shave off a lot of material.


I am STILL waiting for something major to happen....hinting at a female character.


I get that change can be a good thing. But, what if some of these changes confuse book readers?!


On that note, I am totally looking forward to next week's episode.


REALLY hoping that Margaery wipes that smug look off Cersei's face!


#TeamTommen


#TeamMargaery


#TeamTyrion

Once again, the good folks over at HBO have decided to court controversy.


The scene in the Sept was highly uncomfortable. Fans who watch the show think that's the gospel truth. The reality is in the books, that scene is consensual, with Cersei coaxing Jaime on, even though they are inside a holy place, with their dead son only a few feet away.


Anyway you slice this scene, it's still gross.


Many women were up in arms about the scene. A lot of book readers were, too.


My opinion is this: I wish they would show more about Cersei's power hungry and immoral behavior. Book readers know that in A Storm of Swords, Cersei sleeps with the Kettleblack brothers, as well as Lancel, and couldn't care less about staying faithful to her brother/lover, Jaime.


I do not condone assault on any level. But I can't feel sorry for Cersei, even in the scene. Why, you ask?!


Let me do a recap of what she has done over the years (*potential spoilers*)


- had an incestuous relationship with her twin for years;
- killed one of her childhood friends over the prophecy that was told to her when she was a teen;
- killed her first born child by Robert Baratheon;
- went out of her way to have three children by her brother and passed them off as her husband's during her reign as Queen;
- cultivated a sociopath for a son, whose cruel and vindictive behavior caused so much uproar in the Seven Kingdoms;
- cheated on her brother/lover with her cousin (I guess she knows how to "keep it in the family");
- continually plotted against her enemies, real or imagined;
- continually at odds with her younger brother Tyrion, because he calls her out on her behavior and has the guts to stand up to her;
- felt no remorse at a young child being thrown out the window;
- chastised her late husband for drinking and whoring...and yet, look at what she's started to do the last two seasons;
- has become mentally unstable;
- goes out of her way to try and undermine Margaery Tyrell (and to some degree, Lady Olenna)
- tries to intervene when Margaery and Tommen get married by getting the Kettleblack brothers to spy on her and seduce her, thus catching Margaery in an act of treason.


I don't care for Cersei at all and she deserves whatever happens to her. A woman in her position could use power for good.


She has only EVER USED IT for BAD.

Happy 2nd birthday to my blog! :)


I can't believe it's been two years since I started this. Initially, this was a suggestion from my second cousin, as she joking said that I should channel all of my energy into some sort of blog to entertain the masses.


Thank you, Daniela, for planting the seed.


I am looking forward to tonight's episode and see the fall out from the Purple Wedding!

Long live the King!

King Tommen, first of his name! In case you didn't already think of this, Tommen is next in line and the only living son left. The BIG difference between Joffrey and Tommen, is that Tommen has no evil bone or thought in his body. We all know how Joffrey was.

So many feelings associated with the epic Purple Wedding. Who killed Joffrey? What was the motive? Who will gain from it? And how well did everyone sleep after knowing that King Joffrey, the sick, sociopath and malevolent King was now dead?

So many things that went on this episode and you can read my episode review of The Lion and The Rose on the HBO Watch website.

A lot of speculation as to who killed Joffrey. Interesting to note that Joffrey went out of his way to deliberately insult so many people at his wedding feast, including his own uncle, his aunt through marriage, his brother in law, his own wife and others.

Wicked respect to Prince Oberyn Martell and his equally sensuous paramour, Ellaria Sand, who boldly put Tywin AND Cersei in the dirt with their pointed remarks. Well played, Oberyn.

The smug sense of satisfaction that I felt in knowing that we wouldn't have to put up with that depraved jerk ever again kept me grinning from ear to ear.

We still have Cersei and Ramsay Snow to put up with. Patience is a virtue. And Karma always comes back.

Always.

April 6 arrived.

Season IV, episode I "Two Swords" premiered.

It was 59 minutes in length.

AND IT WAS AWESOME.

While not every single character was showcased, we have to remember that you can only have so many people featured. Highlights included meeting Prince Oberyn Martell and Ellaria Sand. They are HOT with a capital "H."

Tyrion is excellent; showing us the nature of sympathy and empathy as he tries so hard to be kind to Sansa and all she does is cry and recoil from him. Yes, I get it - she is grieving for what happened to her mother, sister in law and brother. However, Tyrion did not know about it and did NOT give the command. He is the best Lannister, in my opinion.

Jaime and Cersei seem to have become alienated, which is a good thing: hopefully Jaime will realize his twin sister has not been quite so faithful and he'll grow distant from her. She is a malevolent influence on him.

Tywin melting down House Stark's sword "Ice" was symbolic: it shows the fact that House Lannister has crushed House Stark. Or have they?

All sorts of spies abait in King's Landing: Shae longs for Tyrion and doesn't realize that the other handmaid is a spy. Qyburn is the maester of preference, at least with Cersei. I don't blame her in that respect.

Can we say that grandmother Olenna has got major swag? Sending out all the little handmaids of House Tyrell to get the best jewellery was a sly move on her part: House Tyrell will have the best of the best jewels for the Purple Wedding and everyone else will be in the shade. Love that woman. Love Brienne, too, for speaking with Olenna and Margaery. And for holding Jaime responsible to his vow about protecting both Stark girls.

Speaking of which, can we get totally frenzied over Arya and The Hound?!

WHAT UPPPP Hound! The man is a BEAST. He just happens to be 'mentoring' Arya, even if he doesn't consciously realize it. And ARYA!!!!! OMG!!!!

She got her horse AND got Needle back. So, the episode started with two swords: both from House Stark. Will Arya be the Stark that rises from the ashes?

One can only cling to hope.

Another fabulous cake, made by The Vanilla Bean for tomorrow night's premiere party.

Awesome indeed. Tyrion Lannister would approve.

Less than 30 hours to go!

Alright, Ladies and sers!

Two more days! So many articles being posted on the Internet. Not that I'm complaining!

:)

Well, that does it! There's going to be a 60 hour Game of Thrones marathon, starting on Friday.

For those of you who want to get into the series, now is your chance.

I'm going to go off the grid this weekend. Between cleaning my house for Sunday night's party and going through this marathon, I don't want to be disturbed.

I'll check in either Sunday morning or Monday afternoon.

Cheers!

We are officially down to single digits.


On that note, it's been a very long winter and even worse, a longer wait for this season.


However, the time is almost upon us. Preparations for a season premiere party have been made. Invitations have been issued. Food is going to be prepared. A cake has been ordered to celebrate this occasion.


I've also bought the Vanity Fair and Entertainment Weekly magazines that came out this week, with new pictures and behind the scenes musings about Game of Thrones, D B Weiss, David Benioff and of course, George RR Martin himself.


I bought 2 copies of the Vanity Fair magazine. One for my possession and the other for my friends and family to look at. Yes, it's a peculiar habit I have, but oh well. Deal with it! LOL