Deep Thoughts On Season Three of GoT

So Game of Thrones season three has come and gone and left the world reeling in the wake of the Red Wedding.  I’m not sure if I can think of any other TV event that has created such a stir (maybe J.R. getting killed in Dallas? But I was too young for that, and it turned out to be a lame dream in the end).

I am one of those snooty guys who read the books so I knew it was coming and I secretly couldn’t wait to see people’s reaction. I was also interested in seeing how they pulled it off. I have to admit, even knowing what to expect, it was still incredibly traumatic to watch. HBO pulled it off perfectly.  It was simply brutal in its violence and betrayal and to sit there watching Walder Frey enjoy it even makes it even worse. Having Robb’s pregnant wife be there getting stabbed in the belly was a painful twist that wasn’t even in the books (she doesn’t go to the wedding in the books) so there was something new for us who knew what was coming.

Season three (and book three) marks a huge turning point in the series. The Red Wedding breaks the Stark power and Robb’s death marks the death of any real chance of justice for Ned’s death. The Stark’ s played fair and lost, which is one reason the Red Wedding is so tragic. The nice guys really did finish last.

I remember during the season one Comic-con panel it was either David Benioff or D.B. Weiss that when asked about where they would like to take the series responded that they felt if they could get to one specific point they would be satisfied, even if the show was canceled after that. He said the initials for that point were “RW”. At the time I hadn’t read the books and me and my friends assumed it meant “Robb’s  Wedding” which was obviously wrong. Well, they reached that spot and the show is no danger of being canceled, seeing as how it is now HBO’s flagship show.

R.I.P. Robb

As for the rest of the cast, there is plenty ahead for them. Khalessi continues her rampage through the free cities but some very hard times are ahead. John Snow’s plot is starting to finally get interesting and he will take more prominence in the episodes to follow. We also finally get to see a little more of what may be in store for Brann. I do wish Sansa’s plot would go somewhere but even in the books she does little thus far.

Some fans wondered if the show will catch up to the books. I doubt it will and if it does it won’t be anytime soon.  Book six is half written and more importantly A LOT happens in book three. They can easily, and should, be able to get another season out of it. Which is good for us because it gives us that much more to watch, although I really wish they would do a fall and spring season or at least do more than ten episodes, but then again, I also wish Robb had lived and the Frey’s were all dead.

 

Does Reading Game Of Thrones Ruin The Show?

I, along with millions of other people, am a huge Game of Thrones (GoT) fan on HBO. I can’t get enough of it, and I may even have an addiction to all things Westeros. So it was at the end of season two I found myself tempted to read the books.  I had been putting it off reading them since I didn’t want to ruin the TV show but I kept hearing about how good they were and I had to quench my thirst for more GoT.  So I broke down and read them, which leaves the question: does reading the books ruin the TV show?

The answer is both yes and no. First of all, let me just go ahead and be that guy that says the books are better. The TV show is brilliant but the books add so much more to the world and that is why it doesn’t ruin the show. There are so many minor characters explained, so much backstory being told and so much information about the world that it really enhances your overall understanding and appreciation of the show. Like the rug on the Dude’s floor in The Big Lebowski, the books really tie the show together.

It also ruins the show because I know more or less, what is going to happen. There are no more “WTF, I can’t believe they just did that,” moments because you already know what is going to happen.  That being said, that being said it is so well done that I still enjoy watching it transpire. The episode from a couple of weeks ago with Daenerys Targaryen leading her army out of Astapor still sends chills up my spine.

To read or not to read is you own decision but personally I am glad I did. Besides, do you really want to wait four more seasons to learn what happens? I think  not.

Game of Thrones Season 3: Production Trailer

Are you excited? I sure am!

Wired Cafe at Comic Con

This year, Babbleon5 had the privilege to be invited to Wired Cafe’s Oasis bar during the Con. We were treated with Game of Thrones themed drinks, snacks, and some awesome swag- all while rubbing shoulders with Celebs and Industry professionals. Definitely, a needed break from the Comic Con craziness. More pics after the jump.

Mondo Tees Has Game of Thrones and Many Surprises in Store for SDCC!

It’s here! San Diego Comic Con International 2012 starts tonight! For all you art print collectors, Mondo Tees has a lot in store for this year’s SDCC. They’ll be at booth #437 and will be releasing over 15 new posters as well as a few of their archives throughout the con.

Most of the posters won’t be revealed until the moment they go on sale at the booth. They’ll be announced via twitter (@MondoNews), so keep on eye out.

Mondo did tease us with a pretty nice reveal for a few of their posters. In partnership with HBO, they will release a series of Game of Thrones screen prints by 3 different artists – Vania Zouravliov, Daniel Danger and Martin Ansin (posters pictured below respectively). Each poster will be priced at $50.

Prometheus, Sci-fi, and Rotten Tomatoes?

podcast5

Announcing the Nerdist!

Well everyone, it may be spring but as far as we are concerned not only is winter coming, but it has already arrived in a full force gale. That’s right, Game of Thrones, the super-duper, ultra awesome, mega hit show from HBO started up again last night and it did not disappoint one bit. Any concern as to whether they would pick right up where they left off has been erased and I would even argue they took it to an even higher level than last year. Also added some nice new characters and showed once again why Peter Dinklage won an Emmy.  If there was any doubt about it before, this show is definitely my favorite (sorry Breaking Bad and Dexter) and I am already completely hooked and looking forward to the Comic-Con panel this summer!

On another nerdy note, we are excited for the launch of The Nerdist channel on YouTube. We got a chance to see some of the at the Wondercon panel and it looks hilarious. Chris Hardwick (the Nerdist) is partnering with Neil Patrick Harris, Weird Al Yankovic, Rob Zombie and several other nerdy types to bring you some very original programming. Be sure to check it out and maybe even subscribe to it?

Happy Groundhog’s Day!

Okay, I wish I could take credit for this but can’t. Thanks God of Nerds, whoever you are!

"Happy Groundhogs Day!"

Game of Thrones Season 2- ‘Cold Winds’

Here at Babbleon5, we LOVE ‘Game of Thrones’ and watch it weekly as a group. So, this teaser has gotten me excited again for the new season coming April, 2012. Winter is coming and it looks cold.

Dark Horse and HBO Partner Up for Game of Thrones

Season 2 of Game of Thrones doesn’t kick of til 2012, but fans of the show and collectors will have something else to look forward to next year, as Dark Horse Deluxe and HBO are teaming up to debut a product line of Game of Thrones merchandise that will launch March 2012.  The product line will include a large variety of items including: statues, busts, and action figures; prop and jewelry replicas; and barware, stationery, and other collectibles.

Here’s a bit of the official press release from Dark Horse:

Dark Horse Deluxe is proud to announce, in partnership with HBO, a vast Game of Thrones product line debuting in the spring of 2012, leading up to the show’s second-season premiere in April. Licensed product categories derived from the series will span a large range, including statues, busts, and action figures; prop and jewelry replicas; and barware, stationery, and other collectibles. This exciting new line of products debuts with a range of branded magnets, patches, playing cards, coaster sets, and more.

“We are delighted to be part of HBO’s licensing roster for Game of Thrones. We are big fans of the television adaptation,” said Dark Horse’s VP of Product Development, David Scroggy. “We are working closely with HBO to develop a line of products inspired by the series that will delight the fan base.”

I wonder if a full sized throne replica will be made.  I need one to sit upon regally while hosting a Season 2 Premiere Game of Thrones viewing party. What sort of Game of Thrones Merchandise would you like to see produced?

Nom, Noms…

And the winner is...everyone who sees this.

So another Emmy awards has come and gone and once again leaves me feeling more than a little – meh. For starters, I am never entirely sure if the Emmys are based on pure popularity or originality and creativity.  Enter in what feels like a good dose of network string pulling politics and who can really say how honest it is? For example, Arrested Development won numerous awards, a great show that was only mildly commercially successful. This makes me think it is based on creativity, but when you look at some of the other shows that win, it leaves me scratching my ginger head.

That being said, here are some thoughts.

The Good:

Style – Apparently hot red dresses and cleavage are in vogue this year. I can’t complain.

Game of Thrones – Serious props to Peter Dinklage for his win as outstanding supporting actor in a drama series! We love this show, and we love the Dinklage.  GoT also had a couple of other nominations, including outstanding drama. I do wish it had gotten a few more props though.

Friday Night Lights – The show that gave us Minka Kelly also gave us Kyle Chandler (coach T!) Okay, this  show doesn’t really fall into the nerd category, but some of us at B5 really like it (especially since half of us are from Texas) Chandler is a great actor and deserves the credit. That being said, I couldn’t help feel like this was making up for the fact he didn’t win in previous years when the show was stronger.

Boardwalk Empire – Several noms, no wins, but at least HBO is getting credit.

Louie – Louis C.K. has become my favorite stand-up comedian (another Ginger as well.) After his failed show Lucky Louie, he has rebounded with his new show also named Louie. In fact, this show is doing quite well and earned him an Emmy nod. It just goes to show, if at first you don’t succeed…

Big props to Dexter , Conan, O’Brien, Parks and Recreation, The Office and30 Rock as well for their noms.

The Bad:

Modern Family – Okay, this show is pretty funny. I give it credit, but it SWEPT the Emmys at an absurd level. I don’t think it deserved all the accolades it got. Especially not when there is…

Okay, so maybe it's good Joel didn't wear a low cut red dress.

Community – I still say this is hands down the best comedy on TV. If you haven’t watched it, you really should. It is witty, filled with pop culture savvy references,   incredibly original, and has Annie’s boobs (Community inside fan joke) thus earning it ZERO, yes zero, nominations at all. Danny Pudi could easily have been outstanding  supporting actor in a comedy.

Steve Carell – How has The Office been so popular and Michael Scott been so iconic that after (I counted on IMDB) SIX…SIX outstanding actor in a comedy series noms, Steve Carell has never won a single award for his amazing performance (That’s what she said.)  REALLY!

Parks and Recreation – This show also has arguably had its best season yet and while Amy Poehler is great and at least got a nom, Nick Offerman really deserves a win as well. He didn’t even get nominated. At least Parks and Rec got an outstanding comedy nod. Oh, and if you watched the show it was Poehler’s idea to have the outstanding actress nominations do a beauty pageant spoof.

Dexter – As popular and good as this show has been, and as many nods as it has had, it has yet to win any major Emmys other than John Lithgow’s Emmy for his chilling season 4 performance. It has had a couple minor, technical wins though.

Breaking Bad – Where the hell was this show!!! I didn’t see it get a single nomination! Critically acclaimed, Golden Globe and Emmy winning acting, and it isn’t even nominated for anything? I will say it has won past Emmy’s including two for Brian Cranston,  but no nominations seem a little harsh, especially with…

Mad Men –   This show just won it’s 5^th outstanding drama Emmy. YES, it is a good show, even great. Yes, they nail the 60s upscale New York culture perfectly and yes, they even make you want cigarettes and scotch, but 5 years in a row? Especially, since no real plot developed until season 3 or so. I blame it on the cool, 60’s chic factor.  Oh, and the apparent hotness of Don Draper. Speaking of multiple wins…

The Daily Show – Just won its 9^th Best Comedy, Variety something or other award. NINE. Once, again, I love this show, it is one of my favorites, but really, nine years of nothing new? Personally I would have interrupted this run with an Emmy for Chappelle’s Show in 2004, but he isn’t white enough for mainstream America. Additionally, he beat out Conan O’Brien for the Emmy even though Coco is having an amazing year.  No love for another Ginger who probably deserved it.

Well Babblers, let me know your thoughts on this list. Your own pros’ and con’s and things that got left out.

Game of Thrones Pwns.

"Yes I can kill you with just my stare"

<spoiler alert>

Hullo dear babblers. Right now I have a tough competition with what is my favorite show but it as most of you know, it comes down to these two: Community and Game of Thrones,  followed closely by Breaking Bad and Dexter (but I digress)

If you are a GoT fan then you should check out this blog, winter-is-coming.net. I can’t tell if it is an official blog or not but they really know their stuff. That being said, Season 2 of GoT is going to introduce some new characters, yes, more names to learn.

I don’t really know much about these characters since I haven’t read the books and to be honest, I haven’t decided if I will. I don’t want to spoil too many plot points on the show.

One new character is a Lannister..yes, more bad news I am sure. All I want to know is, does this Lannister also sleep with his relatives?

Another will be Stanis Baratheon, King Robert brother, which should be very interesting as well.

Lastly, I heard rumors, and mind you these are only rumors, that there was some talk about trying to bring Jason Momoa back as Khal Drogo. Look, Khal was awesome, and sadly, we never got to see him in all his combat glory, but the need to put this fire out right now.  Here is why.

Part of the greatness of Game of Thrones is that they have gone out of their way to establish that nobody is save and that they are more than willing break the rules of TV. If they do bring Khal Drogo back, I will be very disappointed with them, for essentially selling out.

Personally, I don’t think they will. I think this rumor is pretty much fan based hype more than anything else.

I will say this, I impressed with how popular his character was. For a character that didn’t really do a whole lot plot wise, people are crazy about him (he was awesome). Or maybe they are just crazy about Jason Momoa? Either way,  I can’t wait for the next season.

P.S. BTW, the pastor at my church keeps saying, (for our church) that he believes winter is over. Is it bad every time I hear him say that I think to myself, “No, you are wrong. Winter is coming?”