“The Mountain and the Viper” is a reminder that in George R.R. Martin’s unforgiving Game of Thrones universe, some things are inevitable… …bloodshed, for example. Or that whenever there’s a cursory shot of buff, shirtless men… …there’ll be a series of leering close-ups on naked women shortly afterwards. (Not that I’m especially complaining about getting…
There’s been a wealth of conversation recently about the increasing homogenisation of superhero films: Matt Zoller Seitz kicked off the discussion with his piece on “Things Crashing Into Other Things” and I can’t dispute his points. Even if you enjoy most of the new wave of big budget superhero pictures, it’s hard not to notice…
The Game of Thrones season three finale begins amidst a maelstrom of chaotic violence, Stark bannerman hacked to pieces surrounded by hellish flames. It’s a confronting opening even before the “young wolf” is brought forth, but it’s not representative of the episode as a whole, which takes the opportunity for reflection after the enormity of…
(Extended Cut posts are articles where I’ll exceed my usual 200-word limit to allow for more detailed discussion) Well, that happened. With one deft swoop, Game of Thrones sealed its title as the least fan-friendly show on television. The show has carefully spent three seasons developing the Starks as well-meaning, sentimental types, a rare beacon…
(Extended Cut posts are articles where I’ll exceed my usual 200-word limit to allow for more detailed discussion) Game of Thrones has always had sex as a major selling point, and it hasn’t always been particularly thoughtful about its use of sex and nudity. Of course, this isn’t necessarily a problem! As a fan of…
This week’s episode has the same problems as last week’s – predictable, drawn-out plot developments – but some gorgeous cinematography and crisp writing made for a more engaging hour. The best two scenes of the episode had much in common. Both were precisely photographed and both pertained to a verbal power struggle between two imposing…
The title of “The Climb” refers to the precarious ascent of Ygritte and Jon Snow up The Wall and a key phrase in Petyr’s speech about chaos (a speech which wasn’t half as meaningful as the show believes). It’s also an effective description of the purpose of this episode. Game of Thrones regularly reaches dazzling…
(Extended Cut posts are articles where I’ll exceed my usual 200-word limit to allow for more detailed discussion) Game of Thrones tells the story of a world with a rich and detailed history, and this history – both recent and ancient – weighs heavily on this week’s episode, “Kissed by Fire.” Much of the episode…
“And Now His Watch Has Ended” was an excellent example of why Game of Thrones, allowing for the difficulties presented by the impossible density of its plotting, is such great television. It can take Jaime, a sneering, hateful character, and render him so wretched it’s impossible to view him without pity. Or provide a payoff…
I’m quickly realising that Game of Thrones needs more than two hundred words to discuss – it’s not even enough to summarise the episode! And even in a strong episode like “Walk of Punishment,” not every sliver of plot is going to succeed. The difference between a plotline flourishing or floundering seems to have direct…
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