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Game of Thrones Refresher Course: Episode Recap For Season 1

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1          “Winter Is Coming”                                                            April 17, 2011

Robert Baratheon (King of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros) and his Queen, Cersei Lannister, travel north to make his old friend Eddard “Ned” Stark – Lord of the frozen land of Winterfell – an offer he cannot refuse. Across the narrow sea in Essos, the exiled Prince Viserys Targaryen forges a new alliance to regain the Iron Throne; he will trade his sister Daenerys in marriage to the savage Dothraki warlord Khal Drogo in exchange for Drogo’s army. Back in Winterfell, Ned’s wife Catelyn receives a clue that may implicate members of the royal family in a murder, and their young son Bran makes a jaw-dropping discovery.

 

2          ”The Kingsroad”                                                      April 24, 2011

Bran’s fate remains in doubt. Having accepted his new role as the King’s Hand (the King’s closest confidant and chief bodyguard), Ned leaves his home in Winterfell with his daughters Sansa and Arya, while Catelyn stays behind to tend to Bran. Jon Snow, Ned’s bastard son, heads north to join the brotherhood of the Night’s Watch, protectors of the Wall that keeps the vicious “Others” and the savage wildlings from entering civilised Westeros. Tyrion Lannister, the Queen’s brother, decides to forego the trip south with his family, instead joining Jon’s entourage heading to the Wall. Viserys bides his time in hopes of winning back the throne, while Daenerys focuses her attention on learning how to please her new husband, Drogo.

 

3          “Lord Snow”                                                             May 1, 2011

Ned joins the King’s Small Council at King’s Landing, capital of the Seven Kingdoms, and learns just how poorly Westeros is being managed. Catelyn decides to go covertly to the south to warn her husband, but is intercepted by an old friend, Councillor Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish. Jon struggles to adapt to life on the Wall, as he trains with a number of low-born recruits who are not impressed by his bloodline. Tyrion, also visiting the Wall, is beseeched by the Watch Commander Lord Mormont to plead the King and Queen to send more men to join the Night’s Watch, for powerful enemies are massing beyond the Wall. Bran, now awake, is unable to recall how he fell. Daenerys, now possessing no small measure of control as Drogo’s “Khaleesi”, begins to stand up to Viserys.

 

4          “Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things”          May 8, 2011

Ned searches for clues to the unexplained death of Jon Arryn (the former King’s Hand), and in the process uncovers King Robert’s illegitimate son. Robert and his guests witness a tournament honoring Ned. Jon takes measures to protect Samwell Tarly, an awkward and friendless boy, from the abuse of the Night’s Watchmen; a frustrated Viserys clashes with his newly-empowered sister; Sansa dreams of life as a queen, while Arya envisions a far different future. Catelyn rallies her father’s allies to make a point, while Tyrion finds himself caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 

5          “The Wolf and the Lion”                                        May 15, 2011

Robert and Ned have an argument over how they should deal with the advance of the Targaryen/Dothraki alliance. Catelyn and Tyrion arrive at her sister Lysa’s home in the Eyrie. News of Tyrion’s kidnapping reaches King’s Landing where Jaime Lannister, the Queen’s twin brother, demands answers from Ned.

 

6          “A Golden Crown”                                                   May 22, 2011

Viserys threatens Daenerys’ safety when Drogo refuses to pay his debts. Ned is left in guard of the Iron Throne while the King goes to hunt, and learns the secret left by Jon Arynn.

 

7          “You Win or You Die”                                             May 29, 2011

Ned confronts Queen Cersei over the truth of Jon Arryn’s death as Robert, mortally wounded during his hunting, prepares to name his successor. Jon Snow takes the vows of the Night’s Watch. Khal Drogo summons his army to invade Westeros after Robert conspires to poison Daenerys. Robert appoints Ned as Regent of the Iron Throne, who will rule until his heir is of age. Ned brings the King’s declaration before Cersei, Joffrey (eldest of the King’s children), and the Small Council. Ned asks Baelish to secure the cooperation of the City Watch in removing the Lannisters from the throne – Joffrey is not Robert’s son but Jaime’s, he reveals, making Stannis Baratheon (Robert’s older brother) the true heir. However, the loyalty of Baelish and the City Watch lies with the Lannisters: Ned is swiftly captured, and his men killed.

 

8          “The Pointy End”                                                     June 5, 2011

As the Lannisters press their advantage over the Starks, Ned’s eldest son, Robb, rallies his family’s allies to war. Sansa pleads with Joffrey to spare her father’s life while Ned, still captive in the dungeons, finds an unexpected ally in Councillor Lord Varys. Jon and the Night’s Watch confront an ancient evil from beyond the Wall, while across the Narrow Sea, Drogo’s army marches west towards the Seven Kingdoms.

 

9          “Baelor”                                                                    June 12, 2011                      

As the Stark and Lannister armies prepare for their first battle against one another, Tyrion leads his barbarian allies into battle while Robb and Catelyn bargain for a renegade Lord’s help. With Drogo dying from his infected wound, Daenerys goes to desperate measures to save her husband’s life by using a witch’s blood magic, much to the horror of the Dothraki. At the Wall, a Targaryen reveals himself – and the price of loyalty – to Jon, who worries about events outside of the Wall. In a final bid to save his daughters’ lives, Ned falsely confesses to conspiracy and swears fealty to Joffrey as the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. To the horror of Ned’s daughters – and delight of the assembled crowd- Joffrey has him executed regardless.

 

10       “Fire and Blood”                                                     June 19, 2011

The news of Ned’s execution quickly spreads to all corners of the Seven Kingdoms, triggering seismic events for each member of the Stark family. The North secedes from the Seven Kingdoms and proclaims Robb as their King. With Jaime captured by the Starks and Robert’s brothers challenging Joffrey’s claim to the throne, Lord Tywin Lannister assigns his son Tyrion as King’s Hand to keep Joffrey and Cersei in check. Jon plans to desert his post at the Wall to avenge his father; his friends convince him to stay, and he joins the Night’s Watch in an expedition to confront the foes massing beyond the Wall. Daenerys learns to her sorrow that her unborn son is dead and her Drogo has been left in a vegetative state due to the witch’s treacherous magic. Unable to bear her husband’s ruin, Daenerys ends his life and lights a funeral pyre. She burns the witch alive alongside Drogo’s body and her three dragon’s eggs, and walks into the flames herself as the fire reaches its peak. When the embers die the following morning, Daenerys rises, unharmed, flanked by three newborn dragons.

Game of Thrones Refresher Course: Notable Characters

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Yesterday I covered the two major warring families, The Starks and The Lannisters. But there are a lot more characters at play that don’t belong to either one of those families. You can see some of the notable characters from season one below.

:::Note: There might be spoilers ahead if you haven’t finished season 1, or read the novel series by George R.R. Martin.:::

  • Daenerys Targaryen: The exiled princess of the Targaryen dynasty. “The Stormborn” Sister to Viserys. She and her brother were smuggled to Essos during the end of Robert’s Rebellion. She spent 17 years under the care of her brother, only to have him marry her off to the powerful Dothraki warlord, Kahl Drogo. Even though she is first afraid of her new husband, she learns their ways and their language; she genuinely falls in love with him. The more she embraced the Dothraki culture, the more powerful and courageous she became and later rebels against her brother who is still trying to control her. She becomes pregnant, and her baby is prophesized to be a conqueror that will unite the world. Unfortunately, she loses both her husband and her unborn child due to the tricks my Mirri. In revenge she kills Mirri by burning her into a pyre, but this ends up hatching the three dragon eggs Daenerys carries with her.
    • Played by Emilia Clarke.
  • Viserys Targaryen: The exiled prince and heir to the Targaryen dynasty. People call him the “Beggar king” because of his search for an army that will help him reclaim the throne. He is incredibly arrogant, and self-centered and abusive both physically and mentally to his sister. He marries his sister off in exchange for an army to recapture the throne but the Dothraki are less than receptive to his disrespect of their culture and their new queen, his sister. In a drunken rage he threatens Drogo and Daenerys. Drogo kills him by pouring melted gold over his head; giving him the “golden crown” he always wanted.
    • Played by Harry Lloyd.
  • Petyr Baelish: The Master of Coin in King Robert Baratheon’s Small Council. He grew up with Catelyn Stark and had actually fought Ned’s brother for her hand in marriage. He knows most of the ongoing affairs across the Seven Kingdoms because of several of his spies. Petyr is initially thought to be an ally of Ned, but he secretly resents him for marrying the love of his life Catelyn. He also aims to take the Iron Throne and punish the powerful nobles who look down on him.
    • Played by Aidan Gillen.
  • Jorah Mormont: An exiled knight I service of Daenerys. In order to fund his wife’s lifestyle of the wealthy, he sold poachers on his land to slave traders, which is illegal.  Instead of being punished, he fled to Essos where he banded with the Dothraki. They know him as Jorah the Andal. He also serves as an advisor and translator for the Targaryens for all things going on in the kingdoms. Jorah is actually a spy for lord Varys in exchange for pardons on his crimes. But he falls in love Daenerys and ultimately decides to help and protect her.
    • Played by Iain Glen
  • Theon Greyjoy: A hostage and ward of the Starks stemming from a failed rebellion. Despite this, he is loyal to Ned and is good friends with Robb and Jon. He never questions his position until Tyrion tells him he nothing more than a servant. Nevertheless, he remains loyal to Robb when he goes to war against the Lannisters and supports the decision of succession.
    • Played by Alfie Allen.
  • Robert Baratheon: Former king of the Seven Kingdoms. He was originally meant to marry Ned’s sister Lyanna, but she was killed and he entered into a political marriage with Cercei Lannister. He becomes deeply indebted to Cercei’s family during his reign. He is killed while hunting, and unknowingly leaves no rightful heir.
    • Played by Mark Addy.
  • Renly Baratheon: The Lord of Storm’s End. He is the youngest brother of King Robert and Master of Laws in the Small Council. He is handsome and well liked among the people. He is also secretly the lover of Ser Loras Tyrell, the Knight of the Flowers. Renly challenges his nephew, Joffrey’s, claim to the throne.
    • Played by Gethin Anthony.
  • Tywin Lannister: He is the Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport and Warden of the West. He was the former Hand of the King to King Aerys II. He is also the father of Cercei, Jaime, and Tyrion. He given the Hand of the King position again by Joffery, but after Ned is executed, and Joffery’s claim to the throne is questioned, Tywin decides to remain in the field commanding forces.
    • Played by Charles Dance.

Game of Thrones Refresher Course: The Lannisters and The Starks

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The politics between the two major families of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” can get a little confusing. You can see a breakdown of the major characters from both families below:

:::Note: There might be spoilers ahead if you haven’t finished season 1, or read the novel series by George R.R. Martin.:::

The Lannisters:

  • Tyrion Lannister: A dwarf nicknamed “The Imp”. He is the younger brother of Cersei and Jaime Lannister. He was blamed for the death of his mother during childbirth. He described as being the “cunning” brother and often uses his wits and quick thinking to his advantage when in tight situations.  Unlike the rest of his family, he initially does not hold any ill feelings towards the Stark family. That does change when he is wrongly captures and imprisoned by Lady Catelyn. He is later sent to rule as Hand of the King.
    • He is portrayed by Peter Dinklage.
  • Cercei Lannister: Queen of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and the wife of King Robert Baratheon. Despite being married to the king, she has carried on a lengthy incestuous affair with her brother Jaime since childhood. She does claim to have loved King Robert once, but due to his never-ending love of Lyanna, she grew to hate him. Her current three children are actually she and Jaime’s.  She wants nothing but her family to be all-powerful.
    • She is portrayed by Lena Headey.
  • Jaime Lannister: A member of the Kingsguard and the Queen’s twin brother. Spent his life having an incestuous relationship with her and fathered all three of her children. He is nicknamed the “Kingslayer” because he killed the previous king, Aerys II, even though he had sworn to protect him. He truly hates the fact that no one feels he deserves his rank and position. Despite the constant animosity between Ned and Jaime, Jaime does respect him. He considered Ned to be a great warrior and his equal. Unlike his father and his sister, Jaime cares a great deal for Tyrion. Going so far as to attack Ned when Tyrion is imprisoned. Jaime later joins his father’s campaign at the Riverlands but is later made a prisoner of the Starks.
    • He is portrayed by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
  • King Joffrey: Eldest son of Cersei and her brother Jaime. Even as a child he is vicious and cruel and will lie and cheat to get what he wants or get out of trouble.  But when someone actually confronts him he is a coward. He does not know that Jaime is his real father. He is made king, against his father’s will. He is a puppet king, taking orders from his mother. His downfall begins when he refuses to honor the promise of sparing Ned’s life and instead has his executed. His kinghood is threatened when Jaime is captures by the Starks and his uncles Renley and Stannis challenge his claim to the Iron Throne.
    • He is portrayed by Jack Gleeson.

 

The Starks:

  • Catelyn Stark: The Lady of Winterfell and wife of Lord Eddard. She had figured out that the Lannisters were to blame for the attempts on her son, Bran’s life. During a chance encounter with Tyrion, she arrests and imprisons him. After Ned is arrested and her eldest son Robb goes to war, she joins her son’s war council. After learning Ned was executed, she vows that the Lannister family will pay for the act with their lives.
    • She is portrayed by Michelle Fairley.
  • Eddard “Ned” Stark: The Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. Serves as The Hand of the King after Jon Arryn’s death. His sister Lyanna was kidnapped during Robert’s Rebellion. Ned cares little for politics and prefers to rule with honor and law. While investigating the death of Jon Arryn, he uncovers that all of the Queen’s children were fathered by her brother. When he confronts her about it, he gives her a chance to flee before telling the King. Instead she imprisons him and accuses him of trying to steal the throne from Joffrey. After being promised e would serve on the Night’s Watch, Joffrey has him executed.
    • He was portrayed by Sean Bean.
  • Bran Stark: The second son and fourth child of Ned and Catelyn. He called his direwolf Summer. He accidently catches the Queen and Jaime during a romp, and Jaime then shoves him out the window almost killing him, and ultimately crippling his legs.
    • He is portrayed by Isaac Hempstead-Wright.
  • Robb Stark: The eldest son of Ned and Catelyn and the heir to Winterfell. He named his direwolf Grey Wind. Robb becomes involved in the war against the Lannisters after he father is arrested for treason. He called upon his father’s bannerman and his mother’s allies to lead a war effort against the Lannisters and they successfully capture Jaime. After Ned is executed, the North and the Riverlands declare independence from the Seven Kingdoms and proclaim Robb as their new King.
    • He is portrayed by Richard Madden.
  • Sansa Stark: The first daughter and second child of Ned and Catelyn.  She is set to become the future bride of Joffrey. She named her direwolf Lady. Sansa lives in a world of naiveté and fairytales. She is unwilling to see the harsh realties of the world around her especially in regards to the politics and rivalries forming. Her world first begins to shatter when Lady is killed and her father is arrested. She becomes a hostage to the Lannisters in order for them to have a claim to the North. She finally sees the world and Joffrey for what it is after he executes her father despite promising her he would spare him. Sansa plans to kill Joffrey to avenge her father.
    • She is portrayed by Sophie Turner.
  • Arya Stark: The youngest daughter and third child of Ned and Catelyn. A tomboy through and through. She would rather train with weapons than sew or worry about who she will marry. She named her direwolf Nymeria. She takes sword-fighting lessons from her “dance” teacher Syrio who later manages to help her escape the Lannisters. She disguises herself as an orphan boy by a Night’s Watch recruiter, Yoren, in hopes of getting back to Winterfell.
    • She is portrayed by Maisie Williams.
  • Jon Snow: The bastard son of Ned. He joins the Night’s Watch. Ned claimed that his mother was a wet nurse named Wylla. He named his direwolf Ghost because of its albinism and quite nature. He also has the best hair ever seen.
    • He is portrayed by Kit Harington.

New Teaser Trailer For True Blood Season 5

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The first actual teaser trailer for season 5 of HBO’s “True Blood” has finally be revealed.

Joining the cast for season five will be Christopher Meloni. Details on his character have yet to be released. Also joining the cast is Scott Foley as Patrick, Terry’s old war buddy. Louis Herthum as JD, Alcide’s father, Kelly Overton as Rikki, a new werewolf curious how Marcus died, and Carolyn Hennesy is expected to be Rosalyn Harris, a Texas vampire with twang.

Season five will be 12 episodes long and premieres this June.

“True Blood” is an American television series created and produced by Alan Ball. It is based on The Southern Vampire Mysteriesseries of novels by Charlaine Harris, detailing the co-existence of vampires and humans in Bon Temps, a fictional, small town in the state of Louisiana. The series centers on the adventures of Sookie Stackhouse (played by actress Anna Paquin), a telepathicwaitress.

Two More Game of Thrones Trailers Released

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The popular HBO television series based on the books of George R.R. Martin will begin anew come April 1st. With this rapid approach of the season 2 premier of Game of Thrones, we can watch online as marketing gears up for the upcoming coming war.

No, not the war depicted in the storyline, but the war for our consumerist souls. HBO at this point expects a huge viewership turnout for the season premiere, but it wants more. AMC’s The Walking Dead broke cable rating records simply with a mid-season premiere. From what I can tell, the success of this was based on the infectious nature caused by the season 1 fanbase, trailers, teasers, stills, and rocking posters, exactly like what a movie production does. So HBO’s marketing team must have noticed this because it’s seems to have revved up their campaign as of last month.

Since December, we’ve seen multiple production trailers shot at exotic locations; anywhere beyond the city or town you live in is exotic really. Lots of behind the scenes talking to the cast either enjoying their lovely stay in tropical where ever, or freezing their butts off in depressive Iceland.

Then after The Walking Dead did it’s thing on television in February, we got hit with Game of Throne teaser posters, tag lines “War is Coming!”, stills and the release of the first full trailer for season 2, which they call Power and Grace. Yes, they even named their trailers.

Of course, there’s a reason for going to all this trouble. It’s because HBO stands to make a lot more merchandising. There’s the HBO branding and their affiliated products; like online players; DVDs, props; I’m sick of seeing these GoT swords everywhere. The new hot button item that’s going to come out are the two new GoT video games. One of them which is a massive multiplayer online role playing game. Sure it’s free to play now, but how much would a hardcore GoT fan pay for their own dire wolf? A dollar? Ten? How about a hundred?

Not to be outdone by The Walking Dead, HBO’s marketing team has gone a step further and released two new trailers, more hip and cool than the last. One trailer is called The More You Love, which examines the theme of love and how all characters entwined to it seem to walk a path of death and agony in the GoT. It’s loaded with imagery combined with intense words and phrases, like the image of a shadowy Arya Starks simply stating, “Anyone can be killed.” The trailer ends with a jaded viewpoint, “The more people you love, the weaker you are.”

I wouldn’t be surprised if the HBO marketing team was split into two and pitted against each other. Their task, to create a better trailer, because the second trailer takes an entirely different path in drawing attention.

The second trailer is called Seven Devils, and like really good trailers for movies, has a really cool song attached to it. It’s exactly like an Apple commercial at this point. It has lodged an annoying catchy songs in my head and I can’t stop hitting repeat on my music player. The song is also called Seven Devils and it’s by an English indie pop band called Florence + The Machine. So there isn’t a mainstream saturation of this song; yet. If this band wasn’t popular before, I would not be surprised if this trailer puts the band on the map or on the charts.

The sound of this song has the biorhythm beats like early Sarah McLachlan, vocals like Annie Lennox, mixed with the primal sound of a shaman’s drum. It’s the the touch of Celtic that makes the entire trailer and actually makes me excited to watch the Game of Thrones for once.

Check out the latest Game of Thrones trailers below and judge for yourself.

Trailer #2: Seven Devils

 

Trailer #3: The More you Love.

Game of Thrones MMORPG: Cash Grab is Coming

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Cable network HBO has signed a deal with Bigpoint to develop a new online game.  This new game will be a massive multiplayer online role playing game based on HBO’s series” Game of Thrones”, which in turns is adapted from George R.R. Martins original A Song of Ice and Fire book series.

The German game developer Bigpoint has already had some experiencing developing MMORPGs, creating one based on the Battle Galactica television series.  The “Game of Thrones” online game will also be available as a free-to-play and set in the fictional world of Westeros.

Bigpoint CEO Heiko Hubertz had this to say:

“With a rich and complex story, expressed through an amazing level of detail, it’s easy to see why the HBO series Game of Thrones has amassed an army of fans worldwide.”

“We intend to build a game that resonates intimately with its diehard community of followers, while also creating an authentic gaming experience that attracts newcomers to the franchise.”

Jack Wulff, Artplant’s founder and executive producer has said,

“Our goal is to be one of the worlds leading developers of 3D MMO browser based games…”

“As a fan of fantasy it’s a dream come true to be working with Game of Thrones, and there’s hardly any other fantasy license in the world with a bigger potential”, Jørgen Tharaldsen, the games producer added.

Here’s the hitch, while HBO has signed a deal with Bigpoint; a German video game developer; the game will actually be developed by Norwegian games studio, Artplant.

Why’s this?

First off, Bigpoint makes games for stand-alone browser-based games.  Think flash games and social media games.  It also runs a gaming portal website already with a lot of browser based MMORPGs. Meanwhile, the biggest name in MMORPGs right now is World of Warcraft.  That game originally required purchases of DVDs and expansion packs, coupled with many downloads.  The graphics are amazing.  There isn’t much a browser-based MMORPG can do to compete against WoW in terms of quality.

So at this point, the expectation for the imagery of Westeros is set pretty high.  The goal is most likely get that realistic medieval feeling one gets watching the television show.

That’s why Artplant was brought it.  Why not just go to Artplant or another developer then?

I think it’s because HBO likes Bigpoint’s business model for online games.  Bigpoint is currently one of the leaders in the fast-growing free-to-play gaming industry.  Free-to-play means that you don’t have to purchase the game, an activation fee, or a monthly fee.  The catch is that if you want any perks to the game, you have to pay for it.

Take Dark Orbit for example.  Dark Orbit is a game which was developed by Bigpoint.  The game is set in outer space; where flying ships are easier to render than the illusion of walking and riding around on terra firma.  Players control a spaceship in a battle against non-player characters and other players. In these battles they can be supported by combat drones.  There are different levels of drones ranking up to the 10th drone; the Zeus; which is very rare.  In order to obtain one, you need to have all 9 previous drones and the blueprints to make it.

The game has over 7 million registered users and amongst them, a fraction will actually pay an exorbitant fee for in game advantages.  The cost of bypassing all the rules to get a Zeus drone was offered for the low price of 1000 Euro Dollars.  That’s around $1300.00 U.S for those people who love the game, perhaps their primary source of enjoyment.  To them it may seem like good value.

Unlike most social media games that try to nickel and dime with minor in game perks; like buying into the in game monetary system; the business model of the Bigpoint is not to get everybody to spend a dime, but to get the addicted gamers to spend a whole lot.

As of today, they already have over 250 million registered users and I think HBO wants a piece of that online pie.  This is in addition to the console adventure game being developed by Cyanide studios.  Their game perk is currently an art book that comes with pre-orders; while supplies last.

While I look forward to wild incestuous sex and nudity in an online game, in the end, this is basically another HBO cash grab.  It’s only a matter of time before there’s a MMORPG for “The Walking Dead.”

The second season of “Game of Thrones” begins on April 1.

New Game of Thrones Season 2 Poster Released

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With little less then a month to go till the season 2 premiere of “Game of Thrones”  HBO decided to reveal its new season 2 poster. It is similar to the first poster released as it features the “war is coming” thematic element, but is a bit more artistic then its minimalist counterpart. You can see the new poster above.

The second season that premieres on April 1st, is said to be focusing primarily on the events of “A Clash of Kings” the second book in the “A Song of Fire of Ice” series.

Game of Thrones is the HBO series based on the book series written by George R.R. Martin. The series was highly anticipated even in the early stages of development. The first season was very well received by both viewers and critics. It was so highly rated that the second season was picked up only two days after its premiere in 2011.  It was nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Drama Series for the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards and Best Television Series – Drama at the69th Golden Globe Awards; Peter Dinklage also won both ceremonies’ Best Supporting Actor award (Emmy and Golden Globes). Other accolades include an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series and an Emmy win for Outstanding Main Title Design.

Season 2  had to introduce many new characters into casting for the second season that began in May 2011. Owing to the very large cast of characters in Martin’s novels, the producers had to fill a great number of additional speaking roles.

  • Stephen Dillane was cast as Robert’s younger brother, Stannis Baratheon, one of several pretenders to the Iron Throne.
  • Carice van Houten is set to play Melisandre of Asshai, the “Red Priestess” of the foreign god R’hllor, an influential advisor to King Stannis Baratheon.
  • Liam Cunningham was given the part of the former smuggler Ser Davos Seaworth, a bannerman of Stannis.
  • Gwendoline Christie was cast as Brienne of Tarth, a female warrior who joins Renly Baratheon’s guard and becomes a follower of Catelyn Stark.
  • Natalie Dormer appears as Lady Margaery Tyrell, a noblewoman from the Reach promised to be the wife of Renly Baratheon.
  • Gemma Whelan was chosen to play Yara Greyjoy, the Ironborn captain and sister of Theon. Named “Asha” in the novels, the character’s name was changed to avoid confusion with the Wildling Osha, Bran Stark’s companion.
  • Tom Wlaschiha was cast as Jaqen H’ghar, a prisoner and recruit of Yoren, as well as an assassin of the Faceless Men.
  • Rose Leslie will appear as Ygritte, Jon Snow’s love interest among the Wildlings.
  • Daniel Portman took the part of Podrick Payne, the squire to Tyrion Lannister. The 19-year-old Portman plays Podrick as about 16 years old, instead of about 12 as in the novels.
  • Among the other new cast members are Nonso Anozie as Xaro Xhoan Daxos.
  • Kerr Logan as Matthos Seaworth;
  • Oliver Ford Davies as Maester Cressen;
  • Roy Dotrice as Pyromancer Hallyne, an elderly alchemist at King’s Landing;
  • Karl Davies as Alton Lannister, a character who does not appear in the books;
  •  Ben Crompton as ”Dolorous Edd” Tollet,
  • Michael McElhatton as Roose Bolton;
  • Robert Pugh as the Wildling chief Craster;
  •  Hannah Murray as Craster’s daughter Gilly,
  • Patrick Malahide as Balon Greyjoy, lord of the Iron Islands and father of Theon;
  • Ian Hanmore as Pyat Pree;
  • Fintan McKeown as Ser Amory Lorch.

You can see the set of teaser images from season 2 here, and watch the HBO GO trailer below:

Pre-Orders of the Game of Thrones Video Game Bundled with Bonus Art

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Game of Thrones had a game under development before the HBO show came around. However, it seems that a late deal was reached to incorporate some familiar faces and voices into the video game from the television series. So from how things stand now, there will be a mixture of game development that combines the vision of Cyanide Studios; the game developer; ATLUS; the game publisher; and HBO’s vision; the television show adaptation.

The original story for the game was written under the supervision of George R. R. Martin, author of the Game of Thrones book series. The game promises to deliver an interactive role-playing experience for avid fans. Gamers will visit Martin’s world of Westeros, containing within its own plane familiar locations and characters straight from the book. Fans of the intellectual property who can’t get enough just simply reading or watching the story will have a chance to take an active role, immersing themselves in the drama as it unfolds.

But wait, there’s more! Those that pre order the upcoming Game of Thrones RPG will also receive a hardbound art book, Game of Thrones: Visuals from the RPG. This offer is only available from participating retailers while limited supplies last. So those with impulse buying issues or want to have the extra swag, pre-order your game from from Amazon, GameStop, EB Games, or the HBO Shop.

The bonus art book offers sixty-four full color pages that include sketches, concept art, photos, screenshots and renders from the game, complete with DVD Commentary like text from the game’s developers. The package will also include behind the scenes materials, like a special message from Martin; possibly telling us to drink more Ovaltine; and a portrait of the development team. That’s what I’m missing from my life, more portraits of development teams. The bonus book measures at 8.5″ wide and 11″ tall, hardbound and printed on the most premium of stock papers. You know, the hard glossy kind that resists fingerprints and could kill children with paper cuts.

With the collector’s edition quality here in the bonus book, some may just want to get their hands on the art rather than the game. If they do, they’ll have to shell out $60.00 for it like everyone else. Though I’m sure that if you wait long enough online, you’ll be able to find the book being resold somewhere; to offset the cost of games and all. Yes, people will do it. I remember buying the Vampire: The Masquerade video game just for a hardcover Book of Nod. I ended up just giving a friend of mine the game.

In an official press release, The Game of Thrones: The Game, has been described as follows:

“In this 30-plus hour action RPG, players will enter the gritty and medieval fantasy world of Westeros. As one of two original characters with disparate motivations, both former soldiers of Robert’s Rebellion, players will forge alliances and wage battles as they play a pivotal role in the ongoing war for power of the Seven Kingdoms. Their journey will span numerous quests, during which they will interact with many characters and make key decisions that impact the realm.

Standing before the majesty and bitter isolation of the Wall or walking through the streets and alleys of King’s Landing, players will not simply pass by locations and characters integral to the series; they will explore and interact with them, meeting and learning about the people and history that defines them and their importance. Key decisions and major events will have meaningful impact on Westeros, allowing the player to witness how the game world evolves over time based on their actions or inactions. Moreover, “Game of Thrones” introduces an innovative “active slowdown tactical combat engine” in which combat mirrors the series’ thoughtful approach to war and politics: fighting slows but never stops entirely, forcing the player to make quick, pressured choices before their enemy strikes again.”

Isn’t the slowdown tactical combat engine basically Matrix bullet time? I’m pretty sure they did that in the Max Payne video games and Prince of Persia. Either way, it remains to be seen whether or not the game lives up to the acclaim that Martin and HBO have brought to the franchise.

Check out the game trailer below.

True Blood Loses Part of Its Bite: Alan Ball Steps Down

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HBO, the cable network announced on Monday night that writer and television producer, Alan Ball, would not remain the show runner for their hit show, “True Blood.”

Based on The Southern Vampire Mysteries novel series by Charlaine Harris, “True Blood” is about the co-existence of vampires and humans in a fictional world were vampires have revealed themselves to be unliving amongst humans. The American television series, which was created and produced by Ball will have to go without him for the potential sixth season. Yes, the same Ball who’s been recognized in the industry, winning an Academy Award for writing American Beauty and an Emmy for directing the pilot episode of his HBO series Six Feet Under. As much as Six Feet Under annoyed me, I couldn’t look away. It was also impressive to watch Dexter play an impressive such a neurotic role.

HBO states:

“When we extended our MULTI-YEAR overall deal with Alan Ball in July 2011, we always intended that if we proceeded to True Blood’s sixth season that Alan would take a supervisory role on the series and not be the day-to-day showrunner. If we proceed to season six, the show will remain in the very capable hands of the talented team of writers and producers who have been with the show for a number of years. This is the best possible world for both HBO and Alan Ball.”

One slight problem. “True Blood” just completed it’s fourth season and is gearing up for its fifth. HBO has yet to announce a sixth season. Even though it’s almost unthinkable to end a show that’s been lucrative; drawing more than 5 million viewers for new episodes, not including downloads; stranger things have happened. I still miss “Firefly.”

The cable network also went on to mention that Ball “will remain available as executive producer to consult and advise on “True Blood” and he will be free to develop new shows for both HBO and Cinemax. “Banshee”, on which Alan serves as executive producer, is the first in house series for Cinemax and is expected to begin production this spring.” In addition to this, Ball is also in the development process for a new HBO show, a medical drama about an abortion doctor.

“True Blood has been, and will continue to be, a highlight of not only my career but my life,” commented Ball. “Because of the fantastic cast, writers, producers and crew, with whom I have been lucky enough to work these past five years, I know I could step back and the show will continue to thrive as I look forward to new and exciting ventures.”

So what Ball and HBO are saying is that breakup from True Blood is mutual. Which when a couple say that, it’s often never the case. One of them will often be crying, sitting in a darkened room drinking a bottle of Jack. Listening to Linkin Park is optional, but often classic.

It’s sad to think that Ball and “True Blood” are breaking up. Especially when Ball recently casted the role of an ancient Authority vampire to a nine year old child actor. Just think how scarred the child will be if he only lasts a season on the show and never finds work again. Think Macaulay Culkin. No one wins when children are involved.

New Trailer For Game of Thrones Season 2

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HBO GO recently revealed a new “First Look” at the upcoming second season of “Game of Thrones.” The second season that premieres on April 1st, is said to be focusing primarily on the events of “A Clash of Kings” the second book in the “A Song of Fire of Ice” series.

Game of Thrones is the HBO series based on the book series written by George R.R. Martin. The series was highly anticipated even in the early stages of development. The first season was very well received by both viewers and critics. It was so highly rated that the second season was picked up only two days after its premiere in 2011.  It was nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Drama Series for the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards and Best Television Series – Drama at the69th Golden Globe Awards; Peter Dinklage also won both ceremonies’ Best Supporting Actor award (Emmy and Golden Globes). Other accolades include an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series and an Emmy win for Outstanding Main Title Design.

Season 2  had to introduce many new characters into casting for the second season that began in May 2011. Owing to the very large cast of characters in Martin’s novels, the producers had to fill a great number of additional speaking roles.

  • Stephen Dillane was cast as Robert’s younger brother, Stannis Baratheon, one of several pretenders to the Iron Throne.
  • Carice van Houten is set to play Melisandre of Asshai, the “Red Priestess” of the foreign god R’hllor, an influential advisor to King Stannis Baratheon.
  • Liam Cunningham was given the part of the former smuggler Ser Davos Seaworth, a bannerman of Stannis.
  • Gwendoline Christie was cast as Brienne of Tarth, a female warrior who joins Renly Baratheon’s guard and becomes a follower of Catelyn Stark.
  • Natalie Dormer appears as Lady Margaery Tyrell, a noblewoman from the Reach promised to be the wife of Renly Baratheon.
  • Gemma Whelan was chosen to play Yara Greyjoy, the Ironborn captain and sister of Theon. Named “Asha” in the novels, the character’s name was changed to avoid confusion with the Wildling Osha, Bran Stark’s companion.
  • Tom Wlaschiha was cast as Jaqen H’ghar, a prisoner and recruit of Yoren, as well as an assassin of the Faceless Men.
  • Rose Leslie will appear as Ygritte, Jon Snow’s love interest among the Wildlings.
  • Daniel Portman took the part of Podrick Payne, the squire to Tyrion Lannister. The 19-year-old Portman plays Podrick as about 16 years old, instead of about 12 as in the novels.
  • Among the other new cast members are Nonso Anozie as Xaro Xhoan Daxos.
  • Kerr Logan as Matthos Seaworth;
  • Oliver Ford Davies as Maester Cressen;
  • Roy Dotrice as Pyromancer Hallyne, an elderly alchemist at King’s Landing;
  • Karl Davies as Alton Lannister, a character who does not appear in the books;
  •  Ben Crompton as ”Dolorous Edd” Tollet,
  • Michael McElhatton as Roose Bolton;
  • Robert Pugh as the Wildling chief Craster;
  •  Hannah Murray as Craster’s daughter Gilly,
  • Patrick Malahide as Balon Greyjoy, lord of the Iron Islands and father of Theon;
  • Ian Hanmore as Pyat Pree;
  • Fintan McKeown as Ser Amory Lorch.

You can see the set of teaser images from season 2 here, and watch the HBO GO trailer below: