Game of Thrones: As the Death Toll Rises

After the much anticipated season finale of Game of Thrones, we are left with a trail of dead bodies. We've lost quite a few important characters consistently since the beginning of the season. Last night's episode did not hold back, losing 4 more characters. Again, I'm reminded to not get attached to any characters. I think throughout the season we've been shocked, overjoyed, and saddened; some taken too soon, and others a blessing they're gone.

So now we must endure 10 months of waiting to see what will happen to Arya, and her journey to Bravos, or will Littlefinger continue to be really creepy and what are his plans for Sansa? What will happen to Khaleesi and her dragons and will Drogon come back to the Mother of Dragons? What will become of the Nights Watch, now that Stannis' men have come to aid them in the battle with the Wildlings? And where is the ship headed with Tyrion inside, what will his fate be? So many questions....

So instead of pondering what will happen, because that's just agonizing, I'd like to remember those beloved (and not so beloved) characters we lost this season. So below is my top 10 deaths from Season 4! Enjoy!

10. Grenn - Grenn was a recurring character in all four seasons of GoT. He was a member of the Nights Watch, and trained along side Jon Snow. In the Battle at the wall, he died defending the gate, but not before killing the giant....Kudos to your bravery Grenn!

9. Jojen - Totally unexpected, was the death of Jojen Reed. In the search for the three eyed raven, Jojen meets his death as the group is attacked by wights (skeletons with axes and swords). Jojen, severely hurt and dying, urges his sister to leave him, and before running to safety she slits his throat. 

8. Ser Dontos - We first met Ser Dontos is the second season, as Sansa saves him from Joffrey's evil request to have him drink himself to death, literally. Instead he makes him the court fool. Then in season 4, Ser Dontos finds Sansa, and gives her a necklace strung with seven amethysts, which he tells her is a family heirloom worn by his mother and grandmother. Little did we know what was really in those stones. But Dontos was a fool to think that he would be safe, and so Littlefinger killed him, collateral damage and such.

7. Ygritte - The feisty red-head, in love with Jon Snow, ready to kill him for breaking her heart. I'm not sure she could have done it. Yes, she had put 3 arrows into Jon before, but none of them killed him, and she was fairly a good shot. I believe he truly loved her too, the way he held her as she died in his arms. "You know nothing Jon Snow."

6. Shae - Not much to say besides I'm happy she's dead. I'm even happier that it was Tyrion who did it. I never liked her, and she always seemed like she was up to no good. After her false testimony at Tryion's trial, I completely lost all respect (what little there was) for her.

5. Lysa Arryn - In love with Littlefinger, and jealous of her sister Catelyn, she was an unstable character. And in one quick moment, the game changed again, "What wife would do the things I've done for you? What wife would trust you the way I trusted you? When you gave me those drops and told me to pour them into Jon's wine. My husband's wine. And you told me to write a letter to Cat telling her it was the Lannisters..." Enough said...oh yea, and her beloved pushing her through the Moon Door to her death, was so gratifying. 

4.The Hound - I am so sad to see the Hound go, I truly loved his character. He was feared and brutal and raw, but we got to see a soft side of him with Arya, and he became endearing. I loved their chemistry together, and seeing their interaction with each other will definitely be missed. 

3. Tywin Lannister  - I didn't see that one coming, and on the toilet no less. What a way to go. And as with Shae, it had to come from Tyrion. Essential Tyrion has nothing to lose, he's lost everything, but he does have control over the fate of his father in that one moment. And he seized that moment.

So we're down to the last 2 characters, and I struggled with who to put as number 1. On one hand there's the most hated character, and on the other hand a character so beloved, and gone too soon. So here goes...

2. The Red Viper, Prince Oberyn - I have never fallen for a Game of Thrones character so quickly, that was mistake number one, don't get attached! With the start of the season he made his grand entrance, he made his intentions known, he was charismatic, and dangerous. Mistake number 2, don't get super attached. I thought for sure he would make it to next season...but no, within a second of hesitation it was over. I, like many just sat there, shocked...thinking I didn't see what I just saw...not possible! Oh my dear Prince Oberyn, you will be missed. 

1. King Joffrey  - The best, most deserving death EVER! He truly was one the most hated characters. He tormented and tortured, he was sadistic, and foul, and it is a far better place without that piss-ass! All Hail the Death of King Joffrey!!!!

So, in all we lost some great characters, and will not mourn some of the others. I think it'll be safer to dislike everyone going into season 5, that way its a little less gut-wrenching when the good ones go. 

Trial By Fire: Game of Thrones

Last night's episode seriously needed to be longer. It went by way to fast, and it was so good. First, let me start off by stating how much I've missed my favorite Imp! Tyrion has been locked away, for a crime he didn't commit, and awaiting trial. Well, said trial has begun, and he is PISSED!!! It was so gratifying watching his anger build and build, then.....rage!!! As he shouts in front of everyone..., “I wish I was the monster you all think I am,” followed by him admission that though he did not kill Joffrey, he wished he had been the one to do so and eludes to fact that he'd gladly trade his life to to see each lord and lady poisoned as well.

And Shae, to betray Tyrion like that, with that false testimony, made me so angry. So who put her up to that and why? What will she get out of it, given that Tyrion made sure she would be safe. Why come back, or did she ever leave?

After learning last week that Littlefinger has been behind just about every major event since the beginning, equally Varys is playing his game of chess. Those two are always behind every move, plotting and planting seeds with whoever they come into contact with. I guess we just have to wait and see what their ultimate motive will be.

Back to the trial, Grand Maester Pycelle, also spits out his lies against Tyrion. And he shows the necklace that Sansa was wearing which held the poison that ultimately killed Joffrey. However, last time we saw that necklace, Littlefinger was on his boat showing Sansa what was in the necklace. So how did Pycelle get the necklace, or how many poisoned necklaces are there?

Even though the trial was the focal point of last nights episode, I need to address the sadistic (which is an understatement) Ramsey Snow. First off, shirtless and bloody, he looked kinda hot (my opinion), then bathing Reek (formally Theon Greyjoy) as reward for his loyalty....hmmmm.....Lastly, Ramsey asks Reek to pretend he's someone else in order to help him out...and who does he want Reek to pretend to be, none other than Theon Greyjoy. I'm curious to see how this is going to play out. One thing is for sure, Ramsay is the master of control and manipulation.

Sex, Orgies & Littlefinger

After last week's shocking episode of the Purple Wedding, and the end of the Vile King Joffrey's reign..viewers expected this week's episode to be more anticlimactic, thereby setting the stage for the eruption that is sure to follow his untimely death. As the show begins, you see what one might think is a tender moment between Cercei, her dead son, and his real father Jaime (Who is also his uncle). well - that thought didn't play out as I expected. Instead Jaime forcefully decides to have his way with his twin sister, in front of their dead son, the King. Now, you know its bad, when even Cersei repeatedly yells out it isn't right. Now, as much as I've grown to actually like Jaime, that was soooooo WRONG. Can Jaime truly redeem himself? I'm not sure given that quite disturbing scene.

In keeping with the theme of sex, Prince Oberyn is my new favorite character. All is fair in sex and sex. He'll take it any way he can, and he fully embraces his desire for all beings. There were plenty in that bed of his last night. However, it'll be quite interesting to see how his role plays out (not so much in the bedroom), but at the trial of Tryion and landing a coveted spot on the small council of King's Landing.

And finally Littlefinger shows his face. We knew it was only a matter of time before he crept up. And creep he did, popping up like a jack-in-the-box when Sansa boarded the ship. As you recall he's been missing since the middle of season 3, but that doesn't mean that he hasn't been lurking and plotting behind the scenes, as we saw last night. And in case you forgot, back in season 2 he had a very important conversation with Margaery Tyrell. I'll leave you with that....

All Hail the King...Oh Wait, He's Dead!!

One of the best episodes of Game of Throne was definitely last night's. I think I can say confidently that King Joffrey's horrible death was one of the happiest moments in Game of Thrones history. Joffrey will go down in the history books as being one of TV's greatest villains.The despicable king is dead! The despicable king is dead!
Since the beginning of the series, Joffrey has been one of the most hated characters. Most times I just wanted to reach through the TV screen and ring his little neck. The only downside to his death, is that Cersei is blaming Tyrion. Hasn't Tyrion suffered enough at the hand of Joffrey. He was so cruel to Tyrion, even more so then in the pas episodest. Tyrion aside, no one has every been safe from Joffrey's wicked ways. Joffrey is synonymous with being sadistic and vile. Here are some of Joffrey's most loathsome acts.

Forces to Reckon With....

Every Monday at work, several of us would gather in our offices and discuss Sunday night's episode of Game of Thrones. I've missed these Monday morning conversations before the start of a hectic work week. So today it felt good to discuss the season 4 premier.

Robb Stark may be dead, and the war is over...but the Lannisters are far from safe. Their are some new players, who we met last night, and some old favorites patiently plotting. I think the 3 major players we need to watch out for are Margaery, Arya, and newcomer, Prince Oberyn from House Martell.

I have to say that I'm quite intrigued by whom they refer to as the Red Viper of Dorne. Prince Oberyn is out for blood, and vengeance. Tyrion seemed quite nervous as he greeted the House Martell, and learning that Prince Dorin indeed wasn't going to make it, but instead we meet the hot Prince Oberyn. As the Prince simply put, " The Lannisters aren't the only ones who pay their debts," If I were a Lannister I would be a bit nervous.

Though we didn't see much of Margaery in last nights episode, she spent all of last season cozying up to the hated King Joffrey. And I give her props for playing up to that little piss head.  Last season, she stated that she didn't want to be a queen, but THE Queen, and she has played her cards well so far. When Brienne of Tarth pulled her aside, she tells Margaery that one day she will avenge their king, Renly Baratheon. Margaery simply replies, “Joffrey is our King now,” She is fierce in a subtle and seductive way, with no swords, no bloodshed, just using her wits and cunning nature.

The only Stark that I don't feel too bad for is Arya. Since the beginning of the series, she has been a little spitfire. We've grown accustom to seeing her get out of precarious situations, and fending for herself. I know some are questioning if she's becoming a sociopath, but I think she's a fierce warrior not just because she has to be, but because she wants to be. I enjoy the dynamic she has with the Hound. I don't think they necessarily like each other, but they respect each other, which was evident in last nights episode. And quite frankly, she is just BADASS!!!!

So what was your favorite scene, and what are you most looking forward to this season?

Winter is Coming

Five days and counting, and Game of Thrones is back!!! It feels like an eternity since the infamous Red Wedding...In the spirit of the start of the new season I thought it would be fun to rehash some of the crazy moments of last season. I thought it would be fun to do a top ten list, so here goes....

10. Walder Frey - Please refrain from ever including him in your wedding plans, he has a history of inviting people to a wedding and murdering them all at the reception. At least he waited till their bellies were full of food and wine

9. Samwell Tarly - He may appear timid, but do not underestimate Sam. He saves babies and women - so he's a pretty cool guy!

8. Theon Greyjoy - No one has pissed me off more then Theon. He completely betrayed Robb Stark by conquering Winterfell, thereby forcing Bran and Rickon into hiding to save their lives. However, despite my dislike for Theon, the Bastard son of Bolton sure knows hows to torture and torment Greyjoy.

7. Melisandre - Now she is one cray cray character. Seducing Gendry (who is a little too young for her), and then putting leeches on him to extract his blood...she's just creepy

6. Oleena Tyrell - She's the feisty Grandmatriach of Margaery and Loras Tyrell. She is not the person to mess with, and she will not bat an eye to put anyone in their proper place.

5. Ygritte - She's foul-mouthed, fierce, and a wildling. And she sure has fallen for Jon Snow...But seriously, who wouldn't! It was a HOT scene, seeing them strip all those layers and furs off, for some real HEAT.

4. Margaery Tyrell - Joffrey's fiancée who knows how to play the game. I think she'll be a force to reckon with in the upcoming season. She doesn't just want to be a queen...she wants to be The Queen. Cersei look out!!!

3. Jaime Lannister - I have to admit despite his good looks, I despised his character in the beginning. But in season 3, we got to see a more endearing side to him, a more human side, we got to hear his story...that was the game changer.  Too bad the Kingslayer had to lose his hand, however one hand lost is not going to stop a Lannister!

2. Arya Stark - She is by far one of the most engaging characters, since the beginning of the series. She's had everything taken from her, and at the end of the season it was Arya (after journeying for so long to find her family) that witnesses the murder of her brother and mother.

1. Catelyn & Robb Stark  - Murdered at the wedding of Edmure and Roslin Frey, by the hands of Frey's men. It was a shocking, emotional roller coaster. Also included in the slaughter was Robb's wife Talisa. There was no mercy, as they paraded around Robb's decapitated body with the head of Robb's wolf. A moment of silence for the Starks

So that is my top ten. Feel feel to post your favorite scenes or characters, or what you're most looking forward to in the upcoming season.