Game of Thrones Mid-Season(ish) 7

Warning: Spoilers ahead…I mean, it’s Friday, I’ve given you a lot of time to watch the episode from Sunday.  The fact that you’ve been able to stay away from spoilers this long while doing anything online makes you some kind of internet ninja…regardless, consider yourself warned of spoilers.

We’re through 4 of 7 episodes for this (sadly short) Season 7 of Game of Thrones.  So let’s do a quick recap and some fan theories –

1.  First, we learned that not even the Freys enjoy Walder’s dinner parties any more.

Image credit: HBO

To be fair, Robb, I don’t think Walder is a fan them anymore either.  After all, the North does more than just remember now…

2.  Series symmetry!

Okay, so as a writer/nerd I have to point this out – In the beginning of the series, all of our Starks were at Winterfell before scattering about the land on their own adventures.  Each of the Starks were tested in their own grueling way, until there were only 3 and well, Jon.  Also, the series began with Jon and Tyrion meeting each other and having their own bonding moments.

And now, we find ourselves in series 7, and bursting with symmetry –

• All of the Starks have returned to Winterfell (still waiting for the Jon-Arya reunion though)
• Arya with the “that’s not you” comment to Nymeria as a throwback to her “that’s not me” comment to her Dad on being a lady living in a castle
• Jon and Tyrion meeting again
• Frey dinner parties – first, symmetry with the red wedding and then, with the stories old Nan used to tell

Series Symmetry! Love it.  It’s like closing the loop.

And there may be another bit of symmetry coming up, and that’s…

3. Jaime is probably going to be captured by his enemies (again)

Ah yes.  Oath-breaker, you attempted to kill another Targaryen when their back was toward you.  Fortunately for Daenerys, her bad-ass dragon was there to stop you.  

(Long side note:  Can I start using ‘dracarys’ in every day speech…I mean, without seeming overly weird?  Also, while we’re on the topic, who else was torn with Bronn and the dragon?  I mean, I was going to officially disown him if he killed Drogon but I wasn’t quite ready for him to become a mass of flames either…)

ooh Burn! (Image credit: HBO)

Anyway… Jaime, you devilish oath-breaker, you find yourself with Bronn sinking to the bottom of the lake.  But…we all know you’re not dead.  Why?  Well, sir there are a few reasons – 1) you’re a main character and main characters don’t die like that, 2) aforementioned symmetry, 3) I think you’ve got a bit of prophecy to fulfill yet…

4. The valonqar still has to kill Cersei

This hasn’t been covered in the HBO series (yet), but along with the prediction that Cersei’s children would die and another, younger queen would unseat her, Maggy gave one more prediction.  It was that the valonqar (younger brother) would kill her.

Now..this is tricky, since Cersei has two younger brothers (even if Jaime is only younger by a minute or two).   I think it’s reasonable to assume that she thinks the man in this prophecy is Tyrion.  After all, she’s always been mean to him and has actively sought out his death.  But has this whole relationship with Jaime been a bit of a hedge as well?  I mean…what better way to ensure your safety than to align yourself with the stronger of the two and seek to control him through….eww gross incest.

But why would Jaime kill Cersei?  It’s clear throughout the WHOLE series that he loves her and has only ever been with her.  Cersei on the other hand, well, I’m pretty sure power is her only love.  Mayhap after Cersei refuses to step down after Tyrion attempts to use Jaime as a bargaining chip, Jaime would be motivated to kill her.  Maybe if she joins her forces with the Greyjoys through matrimony, it would be enough.  Or maybe, Jaime finally realizes that Cersei is not a good person and certainly not a peaceful ruler (a lot of people have been telling him that, after all).

Or maybe…hmmm.  You know, I am partial to Arya.  I really am.  And Cersei is on her list.  Maybe Jaime will die and Arya will use his face to fulfill the prophecy… ooooh wouldn’t that be awesome?

Either way, Cersei isn’t getting a happy ending.  Though I doubt that will happen this season.

5. What about the white walkers?

I mean, these cold fools have been pretty quiet this season.  We know they’re making progress from north of the wall.  And we know – based on previews, that Beric Dondarrion is supposed to have a flaming sword…which I’d assume he could use against the white walkers. So, an easy prediction here – sometime before this season is out, we’ll see what the Night King has been up to. 🙂

But…rumor has it that they would cross the wall by the castle that Tormund Giantsbane is currently defending.  Does this mean that the man could perish??  Leaving us without his delightful fawning over Brienne?  Let’s hope not.  I really like that guy…

6. Grey Worm and Missandei

It finally happened.  You know what.  They never used to show that on TV or in movies, and even implying it would grant you a NC-17 rating.  So, when it did, I was literally squealing in my apartment.  Literal. Squeal.

But seriously – I’m really glad that these two characters were finally honest with each other about their feelings.  And the scene was done so very well.  You could see the longing and fear of rejection on Grey Worm’s face (it almost broke my heart), and then the sweetness and open honesty of their feelings.  Tots adorbs.  Thanks, HBO for granting us some sweet romance for two great characters – it was really lovely.

Speaking of which….

7. Jon and Daenerys

I feel like this is going to happen, folks.  I just have to wrap my head around that they’re related and it’s going to happen anyway.  Ugh.  The Targaryen’s are into that sort of thing though…  Maybe Bran will tell Jon beforehand, which should allow Jon to engage in what he does best – serious brooding.

Hope you’re looking forward to Sunday’s episode…I know I am. 🙂

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Fan theories ahead of Season 7

Alright…on the glorious day of the Season Premiere, we must engage in fan-girling and fan theories.

1. The problem with with 2 extra dragons

So, we know Dany’s direwolf type of animal (familiar?) is a  dragon (Dragon). But who will the others form an attachment to?  I mean, it wasn’t until last season that we realized (for sure) that Daenerys isn’t the only Targaryen.

Despite that in the beginning I really, really wanted Jon Snow to secretly be the son of Robert Baratheon and Lyanna Stark.  Foolish, really.  After learning more, I slowly came around to the inevitability that he is the son of Lyanna and Rhaegar Targaryen.   As a result..I’m thinking that he gets to eventually ride Rhaegal, the dragon named for his father.  Maybe, Jon will even let Bran worg into the dragon, since Bran was promised to fly…

And that leaves Viserion without a rider.  Tyrion has always been the odd man out at house Lannister.  And like Jon, his mother died in childbirth – a terrible occurrence that has happened in the past to Targaryen’s.  Also, there was that bit about his father saying he was “no son of mine.” Maybe Tyrion is actually Daenerys’ half…brother?  If so, maybe he gets Viserion, the dragon named for her brother.  Tyrion did, after all, always want a dragon of his own and managed not to get eaten when he visited them last season.

2. ….and then there were two (direwolves)

Please, HBO and George R.R.  Please stop killing direwolves.  We’ve only two left – Ghost and Nimeria, who we haven’t seen since Season 1.  I’m thinking that Arya (our favorite badass assassin) will reunite with Nimeria at some point.  Really, it’s what I hope – but we can’t be too sure it’ll happen this season.

3.   Little Finger is still creepy as hell

This one is an easy prediction, I think Little Finger is going to continue to skulk about in the background, strategizing and whispering unhelpful things to Sansa.

4.  Family reunion

Speaking of Starks and direwolves….where is Arya going?  Is she traveling to Winterfell to reunite with Jon and Sansa? Or is she hell-bent on trimming down that list of hers?  Speaking of which….isn’t there a big character who is still on that list of hers?

5. Cersei and Jaime Lannister

So, neither of these two are going to win the game of thrones (obviously). But when will it all go down for them?  How will it happen? I’m hoping it’s Arya that gets Cersei, by the end of the season.  Maybe for the season finale?  

And what of Jaime?  Hmmm…unsure.  Out of the two, he’s more redeemable. So, maybe he’ll live through this season.

6. Also, where the heck is Gendry?

Last seen rowing away from a certain death, Gendry has been missing for quite some time. But who will come across him first and add him to their team – Jon, Davos, Arya? Or Beric Dondarrion with that badass, flaming sword of his?

GoT fan theories

Get a fandom big enough, and you’ll get more fan theories than you know what to do with. As a writer or a writer for a show, fan theories have got to be a huge marker of a successful series.  As a writer, it would make me positively gleeful.

Also as a writer, and what I’d call and active reader/watcher, I can’t help but theorize myself.  There are times when I watch a show or read a book, and in my free minutes (of not reading, going to school, or working) I’ll puzzle through what’s coming next.  There are always a lot of possibilities, a lot of things that could possibly work.  But the question is, what is the one that makes the most sense and fits the story the best (yep, I really am that much of a nerd).

So, what are my theories on this – the eve of Game of Thrones Season 6 – Season finale??

• Cersei’s trial – a whole lot of people are gathering at the temple in King’s landing and there have been whispers of stores of wildfire under the city.  Since she can no longer get a trial by combat, Cersei’s options are severely limited.  Being desperate and angry, her decision will be to burn it all down (literally).  Unfortunately, Tommen is there and wearing gold (remember the witch’s prediction of all of Cersei’s children dying before her and in golden shrouds?).
• Dinner with Walder Frey – this is always a bad idea.  Robb can attest to this.  I’ve said before that Jaime can’t survive this whole series.  Is this where Jaime will meet his sticky end?  Maybe Arya will make an appearance or maybe Lady Stoneheart?   I’m not sure, but guests of the Frey’s don’t generally enjoy their dinners, just sayin’…

• Jon’s parentage – this has been teased ALL season.  While it’s possible that they’ll continue teasing us (there will be a lot of ground to cover with Cersei’s trial), I’m hoping we get a peak.  Please?
• Night King – we haven’t heard from/seen him in a while, maybe a quick appearance?

What will tonight’s episode of GoT bring?  Can’t say for sure, but I know it’ll be a long wait until next season.  And if last season is anything of a hint, we’ll be in for a serious cliffhanger.  Enjoy, only a few hours to go…

The Unburnt

Game of Thrones Season 6, Episode 4 Review

Before we get a new episode of Game of Thrones today, let’s review the top lesson learned from last week’s episode – 

Pay attention to how people introduce themselves. 

If someone’s name is Holly the plumber or Steve the vet, I feel like you know what’s in their wheelhouse. So, if someone’s name is long and has in it “….the Unburnt” maybe don’t be rude to them in a small, flammable room filled with little pots of fire. 

Just a thought 🙂

Also, how amused am I with Tormund Giantsbane trying to seduce Brienne of Tarth during dinner? So amused. Looking forward to more amusing bits on this season’s Game of Thrones (as I attempt to watch while on vacation in Europe). 

GoT Oathbreaker Review

<Spoilers below GoT fans – you’ve been warned>

Game of Thrones is all about giving the fans what we want this season:

1. Jon Snow alive again

2. Promise of answers on the genesis of Jon (R + L = J??)

3. Arya’s eyes back

4. And… #JonSnowButt

Thanks HBO and hello #JonSnowButt.  Which brings me to an update for life lessons from Game of Thrones, squats…squats do a body good.

I digress (#JonSnowButt is a worthy topic though) but back to the GoT writers giving us what we want:

#5. Jon Snow leaves the Night’s Watch

Why do we want this?

Because plot!

Sorry, that was my writer side coming out.

We want it because for the past several seasons, our main characters have drifted apart (some to the far reaches of the world) to have their own adventures.  Jon leaving Castle Black is the beginning of another trend – main characters beginning to meet again and converge around a main area (or begin to make their way there).  Which is a good thing and a bad thing.

Good – because we’ll start seeing big questions answered (the genesis of Jon) and comeuppances for super evil characters (I’m looking at you, Ramsay), but also…

Bad – because it’s the beginning of the end.  Even though we have two more seasons after this one, I’d imagine we’ll have some payoffs coming soon:

1) Revealing Jon’s parents (though, goodness…how long is the three-eyed raven going to drag this out?)…is it too late to hold out hope that the R in R+L = J is Robert?  I’m still hoping, I like that idea but I don’t think I’m right anymore.

2) Bran-muffin’s time traveling and possible past/time interactions (oooooooh maybe we can change something?!)

3) Ramsay’s death at Winterfell.

Then season 7 will be mostly setting up for the last season and hopefully not being a slogging mess.

Now, go ahead and scroll back up to see more #JonSnowButt…you know you want to.

The Genesis of Jon

You’ve been warned, spoilers and theories below.

Season 6 Episode 2 gave fans (are there fans that didn’t want it to happen?!) what we’ve wanted since leaving us with Jon Snow bleeding in the snow at the end of Season 5.  Finally! They also gave us an update for our life lessons by Game of Thrones – no one loves you like your dog.  Everyone left that room, except for Ghost.  He never gave up.

Aww.  Dogs are great. 🙂

But back to our topic of today – the Genesis of Jon and why the writers behind Game of Thrones are ready to reveal it.

#1. Jon coming back to life makes his background relevant to the story again.  It’s true.  If he were actually gone, while some of those mysteries would continue to tickle many fan brains, they wouldn’t necessary be solved (which is the worst).  Now we can find out if Jon has a real claim to the Iron Throne, as so many fans believe…

#2. Bran Stark, Three-Eyed Raven, and time travel = GoT mystery wagon.  Yep.  While Bran is supposed to learning about how to defeat the white walkers, the three-eyed raven lets him see his father, uncle, and  Hodor as children as well as Lyanna…And if Bran can control where they go, why wouldn’t he watch as much as he could?

R + L = J …..but which R?

<Sigh> Jon…Lyanna makes you a Stark. As for your father, who knows?  But I hope we find out this season.

And now for more Season 6 forecasts:

1. Awkward reunion at the Wall…  Jon to Olly: Remember that time you tried to kill me?  lols.  Now go clean my chamber pot.
2. Arya gets new eyes…but how?
3. Sansa shows up at Castle Black slightly ahead of Ramsay’s men and convinces him to help her retake Winterfell.  Side note: Does being murdered mean that Jon’s life dedication to the night’s watch has been served?
4. Amusing anecdotes when Brienne of Tarth meets Tormund Giantsbane (pleeeeease?)
5. Jaime and Cersei versus the High Sparrow…and maybe Jaime’s death.
6. And where the f*ck is Baelish?  I don’t want to say I’m missing him…but I’m missing him.
7. Hodor’s background solved, but what will it be? Kicked in the head by a horse?  Hurt by someone named Hodor?  Something happened to him that caused Benjen to become a crow?

Just a few days left until the next episode.  Are you ready?

 

Of blood and snow – GoT Season 6.1 revisit

Because I’m an active reader (and viewer), I like to ponder what will happen next with characters. This happens all the time, if there’s a plot mystery, I will sit and puzzle it out as though I were the writer. It’s something I’ve always done and will probably always do.

But on to what this post is really about –  Game of Thrones (and what I really hope they’ll cover in episode 2…or, come on HBO, episode 3 at the latest?!) –

SPOILERS AND THEORIES (some half-baked) below:

Jon and the blood in the snow –

1. Is he dead or not?

The show’s writers seem to be teasing us. The good guys have his body, so it hasn’t been burned. The Red Woman is at Castle Black and we know the Lord of Light has brought people back before….

I feel like most fans are leaning toward the theory that Jon will be brought back. Either that, or George R. R. Martin likes to torture us more than we thought possible.

2.  Blood in the snow and ink blot tests

There are some fans who think the show’s creators are trying to give us a clue about who Jon’s parents really are by hiding a dragon in his blood  –

This is an interesting theory and certainly not an old one in the fandom. In order to protect his nephew, Ned Stark takes the baby of his sister (Lyanna) and Rhaeagar Targaryen, after his sister dies in childbirth.

It’s a plausible theory.  It’s also possible that people would try to kill a baby Targaryen because that’s what happened to most of them.

But…if he were a Targaryen, wouldn’t Jon have those long, flowing, white locks?

Methinks so. Which brings me to a perhaps more plausible theory –

Jon is the son of Robert and Lyanna, taken by Ned Stark to protect his friend from being executed for getting in the way of Rhaeagar Targaryen (or perhaps, allow protect the baby during Robert’s war).

Jon’s got the dark hair of House Stark and House Baratheon. And what’s more, the Red Woman was very much interested in seducing him (perhaps to make another smoke baby?).

But who knows, the mystery of his origins may not be solved until the very end of the series and maybe not even then. Alas, some mysteries are never truly solved and as time goes by…the answers may not even prove relevant.

In the meantime, let’s hope for a Castle Black episode tonight with the Wildlings and the Red Woman to coming to the rescue…and, if we can be greedy – an answer to if Jon is coming back to life or not.