Almost Golden! - A Golden Crown Review

Game of Thrones is perhaps the best show that aired in the history of television. In just a matter of 5 episodes on its First Season, the show was able to pull off a gigantic web of stories coming from different angles and perspective with a nature of uncertainty to the fate of its characters.

The only thing I'm certain about for this show is that I'm hooked to it. Yes, I can say that now. As with the other TV shows I've spent sleepless nights to, I judged this show based on its first five episodes to see if it sticks with me or not. Apparently, the odds were high that I'd stick to it given the show's production value alone. But my words don't end on the fifth of things.

In fact, this is just the beginning! So, after the maddening final scenes of 'The Wolf and the Lion', the sixth episode starts with wordy exchanges between the Hand and the King. From there we can breathe again and worry about the conflicts budding in the tents of Dothraki's - perhaps with a heart- gobbling Danaerys Targaryen in the center of it. Meanwhile, the little imp held capture by the Tully Sisters fights for his freedom with a new character that spells unpredictable and bad-ass. To when the show will stop introducing characters as deux ex machina I don't know. But given the poetic death of Jory, it is only welcome that someone on the other side of the realm gets his own squire or assistant - whatever!

Still with the Lannisters, Joefrey abruptly changes his pads and smoothtalks the ever gullible Sansa. Honestly, these two characters are written rather poorly or was it because they're teenagers and teenagers tend to change their minds so easily? Well whatever it is, it's frustrating because the actions of these two main characters will really put a dent to the story. The romance is just too forced!

It's good that this episode centers on the bursting jealousy of Viserys to his sister. Despite being a two-deminsional white haired ass, Visery's character was solidly written and nicely portrayed. His imprudence paralleled with Ned Stark's audacity however drastic. Both plotlines were so dangerously delicious with Ned realizing the truth and Visery's never realizing how pain in the ass he is.

What started off as an imbalanced mess ended with a draconian death of which the "No Dragon" rightly deserves. The last few minutes of 'A Golden Crown' was pure gold but the events in Vale of Arryn falls flat that it couldn't save this episode from getting an average score of 3/5.

Savage - The Wolf and the Lion Review

Before I decided to dedicate a blog chronicling my thoughts on each episode of the Game of Thrones, I braved myself for spoilers and read the most recent reviews out there just to see how I'd make my reviews different from the bunch. The bunch seems to be full of the most obvious edge of Game of Thrones among other cable programs and that's the show's boldness, risque content and violence.

More often than not these reviews share one word in common. If you guessed it right, yes it's the F-word. I really don't want to drop the F-word on any of my reviews here but this episode had the balls to make me say the 'F' after another. This was an F-ing explosive episode. Brian Kirk goes fast and furious on this episode with each scene designed to have you on the edge of your seat.

From the jaw-dropping mountain rage, shortly followed by an ambush to the epic last scenes. This is the mother of all episodes! This is a turning point to the story and I'm still on the 5th episode. What? Yes, that is how bloody good things went.

This is a very clever episode with the story moving and subplots subtly crossing each other with direct reference to the title. Say for example, this scene pretty much says the title! Notwithstanding the Sigils, personal history or where they came from, the Hound is a family of the wolf and Ser Loras Tyrell just looks a hell lot like a lion.

Finally we learned how much hatred there is in between the Lannisters and the Starks not only by the extended exchange of words but with the brutality involved at the end. And whilst action happens metaphors run wild through more conspiracies foreshadowing the inevitable change of tide. And on this episode, it was a red tide of brotherly fight, balls in little boxes, dragon skulls, crazy sister, homosexuality and an eye-opener for the wolves, especially for Jory Cassel. Gosh! It just keeps getting better and better. I'm ready to give another 5/5! :D

The Tender Spot! - Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things Review

Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things pretty much sums up what's going on this redeeming episode from the disappointing 'Lord Snow'. Brian Kirk takes a good grip on the events foreshadowed in the last episode which I just found out he also directed. I'm just happy that finally this episode has achieved the developments I wanted to see on the previous episode.

This episode starts with a dream sequence where the iconic three-eyed crow appeared to Bran in his dream. I don't know what the dream means but when the camera panned a bit on Bran's feet as he walked, I thought the episode would feature the child's desperation of walking. But there was none. There was only but a sense of depression, brief denial and from his tone, I could tell, a bit of acceptance.

After realizing the wall is humongous for a dwarf, Tyrion stops by at Winterfell and shows his tender spot for cripples, bastards and broken things. And just then, we know where he's really coming from. Some of you might consider it contrived but I find it amusing when a character mentions the title of an episode or the show itself. But shortly after showing an act of kindness, the dwarf went high on his horse and remembered his surname as he talked to the Stark's squire.

Finally we got to know more about Jon Snow and the tale of his surname. Then, Samwell Tarly entered the screen and you just can't help but explode into Tolkienian pieces because Samwell Tarly and 'Samwise Gamgee' happens to share their first four letters and fall under the same 'BFF' stereotype. And surprise surprise! Jon Snow the BASTARD has a tender spot for porkchops.

On the mountainous region of the land, where we relax a bit to the great landscapes and the warm atmosphere comes yet another shocker for the cocky Viserys. After being choked in the last episode, the King-wannabe gets crippled from his delusional state by no other than his sister. Danaerys fought back and stood with her head held up high as she said "I am a Khaleesi of the Dothraki! I am the wife of the great Khal and I carry his son inside me. The next time you raise a hand to me will be the last time you have hands." If the makers really wanted the pants off their audience, then I'd say taboos and erotica doesn't do much, but those words has not only dropped the pants of mankind but has empowered the ovaries of women.

There's a lot of things going on this episode so I think it's aptly titled but the last 10 minutes had me gripping! Even though Tyrion was innocent I felt a sense of justice coming. I think I have a tender spot for women empowerment, embracing of stereotypes and a sense of justice while danger is lurking ahead. And yey! 'GHOST' (Jon's direwolf) appeared! 5/5

Unforgiving - Lord Snow Review

The episode, Lord Snow, starts with establishing the politics and socioeconomic shit that seemed needy of Ned's stern and Northern leadership. Fortunately, they dropped it halfway because we don't really care about that shit do we?

Anyway, for an episode of which is titled from the show's character 'Jon Snow', I feel like he didn't get the 'focus' he deserves. The episode was stagnant with the characters just wandering around conspiring, exchanging stories and building intrigues.

It may be a good break to the pace of the first two episodes but midway I wished for frights. There were only a few memorable scenes in this episode, for example, Syrio Forel's dance, Tyrion standing on top of the wall pissing off on the edge of the world as promised and that creepy sounding old lady who told Bran about frozen kings and women smothering their babies.

Tyrion Lannister pissing off the edge of the World. / Season 1 Episode 3 - Lord Snow

I don't mean to nitpick but I really think the script needs a bit more polishing. Some lines just sounded too poetic for my taste, it was as though they were directly torn from the book. If they keep it like that Game of Thrones would probably feel like a play of intonations than swords. Well, given I'm three seasons behind, I can only hope. 

Also, there's something I forgot to include on my previous review. Luckily, it was given light on this episode so I'll just discuss it here.The petty conflict at the Kingsroad took two lives and at the end of it, I felt a sense of heartbreak to the unforgiving state of their justice system. Even if Sansa did tell the truth it won't matter because in a game of thrones and like what the Queen said to his son, "The truth will be what you make it." 2.5/5

A Much Needed Howl! - The Kingsroad Review

The direwolves of the north didn't just serve as pets to the Stark children. They were the Sigil of Lord Eddard's House. So the moment they were spared from death as motherless puppies, although not obliged, they carried a certain burden of responsibility to guard their masters. And the same were given to the children so they'd take good care of the pups.

When Ned said the words 'You will train them yourselves. You will feed them yourselves. And if they die, you will bury them yourselves.', I knew the direwolves would play a significant role to the Starks. A role that would identify these children and set them apart. This was evident in 'The Kingsroad'.

Bran and Summer. / Season 1 Episode 2 - The Kingsroad

While Tim Van Patten continued building the characters and weave stories with a splash of humor at the Night's Watch, a little heart-attack at Bran's room and the gratuitous Targaryen kamasutra, the wolves majestic and vicious presence gave the episode a much needed emotional lift. The 'feels' was there when they howled. It was there when Summer saved the day, when Nymeria attacked Joffrey and was shooed away, and lastly when Lady was killed.

Whether it's intentional or poor writing - even if it's too early to tell - characters Sansa and Joffrey seemed like they were reduced to the stereotypical easy-girl and cocky Prince which is a let down given the developments on their Moms, Lady Catelyn and the Queen, respectively.

All the technical edges I mentioned in the pilot were consistent on this episode. There's also the dragon talk that gives a sense of mystery and fantasy for no monster (White Walkers) appeared in this episode. But then again it's the wolves that kept me going. It's the wolves the stuck with me. All in all, The Kingsroad, is a good follow up to the promising pilot but all thanks to the wolves! 4/5

A Promising Start! - Winter Is Coming Review

The creepy child in Game of Thrones 'Winter Is Coming' episode.

The pilot episode of Game of Thrones was a great nod to the book. A grisly start to George R.R Martin's cold-blooded medieval epic fantasy. They built a lot of characters on the pilot which was quite a struggle but the show's unhurried pace gave us enough time to acquaint with the nomenclature of the seven kingdoms and its people. For a tv series which started about 3 years ago, I'd like to acknowledge that the elaborate set pieces, costumes and production value takes the spine out of some movies we have today. All the more reason to agree with David Lynch when he said "It seems like the art house has gone to cable." Or in my case, on torrent. This show, together with another 21st century classic 'The Walking Dead' had caused a paradigm shift in the entertainment industry.These shows should be applauded for raising the bar and putting up an erect middle finger to the money-raking bastards at Hollywood. Going back, the pilot episode delivers as far as direction is concerned. Tim Van Patten eyes on intricate details letting the show's barbaric scenes, immoral acts and dark turns crawl into your skin. Accompanied by Tolkienian music and stunning cinematography, Game of Thrones' Winter Is Coming episode, took all the necessary steps to promise its audience a great journey ahead of them. Yes, I have just started watching Game Of Thrones, so no spoilers please! The least I expect from you is respect. But if you can't give me that then I'm gonna have to swing my sword and sentence you to die! 3.5/5