So You Want to Start Watching Game of Thrones

A Guide To Starting Game of Thrones

Lately all your friends are talking about is Game of Thrones. What are the hell are they on about? What is a Daenerys? A Baratheon? An Unsullied? Do the Lannisters always pay their debts? More importantly, what is a Lannister? You don't want to feel left out but you are not completely sure that the show is for you. What they are talking about sounds seriously weird. Read on! Basically I've just compiled a list of things that I think are important to know and make sure before you get into it if you are a little apprehensive. 

Before we get started, I would just like to say that no matter what kind of genre of television you like, I can guarantee you will love this show. I have not heard of anyone who doesn't. No one I know has started it and been like 'meh, I didn't really like it, I'm not going to watch it again'. It's got mystery and crimes, it's got romance (although some is a little incestual!), it's got action and politics, it's a tragedy and a comedy (definitely more a tragedy though). 

Also, in this post there will only be very minor spoilers, which are revealed in the first episode anyway. I will write when there are going to be spoilers before any of these just in case you really don't want to know. I talk mainly about the television series, but also a little of the books. I sort of go off my own experience which was to watch the first season of Game of Thrones and then I started reading the books while waiting for the second season to start. I've just finished the third book (A Storm of Swords) and am up to date with the current season airing on HBO.

Now all that stuff is out of the way here is what you need to know:

This awesome show is based off George R. R. Martin's book series, known as 'A Song of Ice and Fire'. Currently there are five books published, with two more expected to complete the series. The television series is known as 'Game of Thrones' which is actually the name of the first book in the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series. 
HBO are currently airing the third season, based off the events in the third book 'A Storm of Swords'. The first season aired in 2011 and the second in 2012 and each have ten episodes that are just under an hour in length. We are currently up to the fifth episode of season three. If my maths is correct, and you start watching them straight away (and don't leave it until another week goes past!) then you will be able to catch up in 25 hours. That's only a day and one hour, and personally, I think that's a day well spent. Forget sleeping, Game of Thrones is calling. 

Now, when I got into this show it was because my friends at work had been watching this show from the beginning (I think I started when Season 1 was about half way through) and some had even begun reading the books. I had a lot of help from them to understand the show. I think if you are watching the show without reading the books you do need some sort of help. This is because there are just so many characters. Reading the books, you'll get used to it and sooner or later the names begin to sink in. It does take some time though, especially as new characters are always being introduced too. However, watching the television series it's a little harder because a) you don't have the full background the books provide and b) if you are watching it each week you don't have long enough to really delve into it and get used to remembering who is who. I'm not trying to say that you need to read the books to watch the series, but don't expect to get by on just the television series and you'll understand everything perfectly. There are just way too many plot lines and characters for that to be possible, so it is understandable if you don't get it immediately. 

Game of Thrones is essentially a medieval fantasy. It is medieval in the fact that there are different "houses" and families. There is a Lord of each house and they live in castles etc. The costumes are medieval and so is the manners and customs of the characters. It is fantasy because there are things such as dragons, and "Others" weird supernatural people, and there is some magical elements to the storyline. It's a fantastic combination of the real and the magical. 

All the main action in Game of Thrones is set in a land known as Westeros. Each chapter in the books takes on a different point of view, and the television series is very similar. This is because the main characters are set out all across Westeros and so you get to see the plot unfold from all different angles and characters. 

In the first couple of episodes all you really need to know is that there are four main houses in Westeros: the Baratheons, the Starks, the Lannisters and the Targaryens. Okay, deep breath, this is where it gets difficult (and a little bit spoliery). Robert Baratheon is the King of Westeros and he is married to Cersei Lannister. Robert and Cersei have travelled with their children and a bit of entourage up north to visit the Stark family at their home known as Winterfell. Basically, Robert is there to ask Lord Eddard (Ned) Stark to be his Hand. A "Hand" is basically the King's right hand man, and does a lot of the boring, important political stuff that the King doesn't really want to do. Robert and Ned have been best friends for years. The whole reason why Robert is the king is because together they led a rebellion around seventeen years earlier against King Aerys Targaryen (also known as the Mad King). All the Targaryens were killed except for two of Aerys children: Viserys and his sister Daenerys. At the start of Game of Thrones they fled Westeros and are now grown up into young adults, living in the "Free Cities" across the Narrow Sea. Viserys is trying to build up an army in order to take back the throne which he believes is now rightfully his. Got all that? 

This is my favourite character: Renly Baratheon. 

So now you know all the basics, here are two questions you need to ask yourself:

1. Are you prepared to become obsessed? This show is addictive! You won't think so at first, or I didn't, it took a few episodes to get in to but it's only because the storyline can be a little confusing and there are so many characters. Once you've got a good understanding, you are going to be on your way to obsession. 
2. Are you prepared to put in some time? Like I said earlier, if you want to catch up to the current season, you have to watch about twenty five hours worth. Sounds like a chore, right? Trust me, you'll be wishing it was more soon. Apart from the time watching the show, if you do decide you want to read the books too (which I also recommend) they are a huge series. The books are massive, with tiny print and so far there are five of them . . . with two more to come. You are going to need some time. 

Okay, so now that I've given you a little bit of the low down and you've answered the questions above, here are some of the reasons why you should be watching it:

1. There is no predictability. None. You might think you know what's going to happen; but you don't. You better get used to it.
2. This show has strong female characters. It is not some typical medieval show where women are shoved to the back and only play a part in the romantic parts of the story. If you want that kind of show, don't even bother starting this one. In this show, "the women are the strong ones".
3. There are amazing actors. Ned Stark is played by the one and only Sean Bean. And one of Cersei Lannisters brothers is played by Peter Dinklage. Seriously though, everyone in this show is a perfect actor and the casting is just amazing. There has not been one casting decision which I have not agreed on 100 per cent. 

Anyway, this has been a really long post but even if it just gets one person watching Game of Thrones, then I've done my job!

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But It's A Classic, Right?

He's so handsome. Just like his reward posters. 

Source: Daily Classic Disney

The other day I was messaging Sara about what movie we should watch on our upcoming "Pop Tarts and Movie Night". We had both excitedly agreed that it should be a Disney classic. She asked me what I had in my Disney DVD collection and I replied "Robin Hood" because I really felt like watching it again. Basically she said no, which was fine, but I sent back something like: "whatever, cool foxes aren't for everyone" because I was trying to be funny, but I was really just being lame. She didn't reply for ages which I just assumed was because she thought my joke was horrible (which it was), however the next day she sent me a message saying "Foxes? Isn't Robin Hood a man?" I literally could not stop laughing, she must have been so confused by my "cool foxes" message.

Source: Daily Classic Disney

Then I got to thinking. Why didn't Sara understand the my (terrible) joke? Had she not seen Disney's version of Robin Hood? So the next day at work I asked her and she said that she had never even heard of Disney's version before I had sent her that message. I was shocked. Robin Hood was one of my favourites. I paid forty dollars for it when it was released from the vault a few years ago. That's how much I loved it. I won't even pay $38 for Cinderella now, and I'm earning more than I was back then. So then I was worried, if Sara hadn't heard of it, who else was missing out on the amazing-ness of Robin Hood? I asked a few more of my colleagues. Out of the four others that I asked, all around my age, only one knew what I was talking about. So now here I am: spreading the word.

Source: Daily Classic Disney

Disney's Robin Hood is definitely a classic. I believe this is for one main reason: it's hilarious. I honestly think this is one of the funniest classic Disney movies there is. It's definitely up there, along with Aladdin, for sure. Can you think of any others? Let me know in the comments if you can! I would also mention Toy Story but I'm almost 100% sure that's a Pixar film and not Disney, although I'm totally confused by the whole Disney-Pixar Studios thing now. Todays post isn't really a review of Robin Hood, more just a note to let you know it exists and that you should watch it. If you haven't seen it, you're missing a little piece of your childhood.

Watching it has made me want to re-watch all my old favourites and add to my collection of Disney movies. Right now I'm trying to find a copy of Peter Pan on ebay, and I'm thinking about renting The Sword in the Stone this weekend. What are you favourite Disney classics?

And Now His Watch Has Ended

Hei hei, 

How are you guys? I've had a very long day at work today but came home to catch up on Doctor Who from yesterday, and Game of Thrones that came out this morning (in Australia). A great way to end the day if you ask me. 

This is just going to be a quick post about some of things I thought about the latest Game of Thrones episode "And Now His Watch Has Ended". If you haven't watched it yet (why are you here?) don't read this because this is all spoilers or you won't really understand what I'm talking about. Also, this is basically just a rambling post and I'm writing this at nearly two in the morning so you'll just have to excuse me today. 

Source: fygot

• How cute are Jaime and Brienne?! They just have the most adorable friendship, and although this is my least favourite part of their little adventure to Kings Landing, I still absolutely loved it. 
• I thought the silence from Jaime after Brienne asked him why he saved her and told them the lie about the Sapphire Isles was very beautiful, and more telling than anything Jaime could have replied. Plus, the fact that he starts eating again after her little speech just hits me right in the heart.
• I did not like her comment "you're acting like a bloody woman". I am thinking, however, that perhaps Brienne said it because she was trying to use things she thought Jaime would relate to and understand, and  saying that would help Jaime to see he was being ridiculous. Not because it was something she herself really believed women were like. At least I'm hoping this is what the writers meant. 
• What was with the story from Varys? Yes, very interesting and it's a good backstory for him. Yes, good on you Varys for finally being able to get revenge. But do I care? No, not really. We could have had Robb in the episode during that time. I would have appreciated that much more. 
• It's like the Pod story from last week (which unfortunately continued again this week, if only for a little tiny bit when Varys is talking to Ros - whom I like very much). Do I care about Pod and his amazing sex life? No, not at all. Why do we have to waste time with this? Will we find out what Pod really did? I don't really care. I would actually prefer not to because it's just wasting more valuable actual POV character time. 
• LOVED the Margaery/Joffrey scene. I thought that was brilliantly done. Especially when you put it together with the Olenna/Varys scene and add the Margaery/Sansa scene. Tyrell's have the power. 

Source: fygot

• I do NOT like how they have paired Sansa and Loras. I knew this would happen. I understand why they did it, because it saves some time and doesn't add another character (Willas Tyrell). Just like they cut the middle man Ser Dontos and have made it only Littlefinger. I understand why they do it. But I don't understand why they got to all that trouble only to add scenes like the Pod and Varys ones I've just ranted about. They are picking the wrong things to cut and add and it really frustrates me. Loras is meant to be a Knight of the Kingsguard and therefore cannot marry Sansa. I know they haven't said this in the television series, but really? They can't add this in but we can have Olenna going on and on about how "Growing Strong" is the worst house motto for like five minutes? Funny, yes. As is the Pod story. It is also unnecessary. 
• Interesting little flashback scenes they are doing with Bran. A couple of weeks ago it was Robb and Jon and now it's Catelyn. I actually hope we get to see more of these, it makes Bran's storyline a bit more enjoyable. Otherwise it's just Jojen being really cryptic and weird. 
• Great scene with the Hound and Arya. So looking forward to next week to see the actual fight with Dondarrion. I'm also interested to see how it plays out because I remember being a little confused with the details of that part in the book. Hopefully it clears that all up. 
• I CANNOT TALK ABOUT THEON. I'm tearing up again just thinking about it. All I have to say is this: "My real father lost his head at Kings Landing". 
• And also Alfie Allen and Iwan Rheon are amazing actors. 

Alfie Allen

• I had totally forgot about that whole Night's Watch scene. I remember now reading the book and just being totally shocked and couldn't put the book down during that chapter. This scene was just as good, and took me totally by surprise. 
• Burn Goodman. Who is he meant to be? Is he an actual character or is he just there for a filler type character? I love him as an actor. I mean how can you hate someone who has been in both The Hour and The Dark Knight Rises? But who exactly is he? 
• No Robb or Talisa. However the preview for next week looks promising. 
• Daenerys' scene was absolutely perfect. I think this is my favourite of her scenes ever. It's up there with the one where Viserys is "crowned in gold" in Season 1 and the House of the Undying in Season 2. I think it might just beat them both. 
• Seriously though, she was perfect. I loved that no one else spoke during the epic scene either. There was a little from Missandei and Kraznys but other than that it is solely Daenerys. It's a real "you go girl" moment.
• Overall I cannot believe that we are half way through the season. Unbelievable. It's going too quickly!
• I think this is the best episode yet, however, there will definitely be better as this show is improving with every episode. Although I've been quite negative with some of my thoughts, I love this show with all my heart and I'm only so hard on it because I have such strong feelings for it. 

Hope you all enjoyed the episode too, and I'd love to hear what you thought in the comments :)

Now time for bed! 

Have You Been Watching Hannibal?

Killing must feel good to God, too. He does it all the time. Are we not created in his image?

source: misha-collins

This show is clever. It's very clever.

If you have not yet watched an episode, then go. Seriously, go and and watch it. So far you are only three episodes behind, and that's not much to catch up on. Don't forget to come back though!

NBC's Hannibal is definitely in my list of favourite shows at the moment. Every single episode has had perfect dialogue, beautiful cinematography and skillful acting. It is sharp and I am absolutely loving it.
I know it might sound weird when I say that the cinematography is beautiful, but really, it is. Their use of colours and lighting is just stunning and so rich.

Source: ladymargaerytyrells 

So maybe you're not into watching cannibalism? Understandable. I have seen Silence of the Lambs (which Hannibal is meant to be the prequel to), I watched it because my mother made me when I was around fifteen. My mum is kind of obsessed with scary/horror films and she was just trying to educate me on the "classics". Admittedly, I did watch most of it through the tiny cracks of fingers as my hands were covering my eyes when I would get too scared. It is because of her that I grew up watching crime shows (real life and drama series) from a very young age, and I share her enthusiasm for them (not so much the horror films though, to her disappointment). So I'm actually glad this show has come along, because I think it's just the next step up. Yes, it is definitely worse than CSI. Yes, it is definitely worse than Criminal Minds. Yes, it is worse than Luther.

Source: libranta

Have you guys seen Luther? I love that show. If you are nervous about watching Hannibal because you're worried it might be just that little bit too gruesome, just ask yourself of whether you could deal with worse than Luther? Nothing massive, just lots more blood (especially in the first episode) and more graphic crime scenes. Have a look at some of the photos I've posted and see whether you could look at them for a little while longer.
If you haven't seen Luther either so you can't compare it, then go. Seriously, go and watch it. And while you're there just have a think about what you've been doing with your life so far.
All that said, most of all the episodes so far are talking. You have moments where Will Graham (portrayed perfectly by Hugh Dancy) will re-enact the murder in his imagination to try and fit the pieces of puzzle together in his head and sometimes he dreams scary details of the murder but the majority of the episode is always the discussions between characters.
I can assure you that you will not regret starting to watch this show. Even if it is just for the fact that you get to witness Mads Mikkelsen as Hannibal Lector. The subtleties in his face are just a privilege to watch. This man can act.

Source: hiddlesy

If you do watch the show, let me know what you think, I would love to hear some more opinions!
Also, if you are up to date with the episode, you might want to check out NBC's Hannibal website before watching next weeks episode. They are cutting what was meant to be the fourth episode of the show because the creators felt that due to the events in Boston this week it was perhaps too disturbing. Important clips for the shows continuity will be put up on the shows website. From what I understand the full episode will be available when the DVD comes out.

Inspiration!

“Live the life you’d be envious of if you saw someone else living it. This is my personal mantra. Whenever I’m going through a difficult time, like a breakup, and I’m wishing to be the person who could get over it and move on, I tell myself to be that person. Instead of waiting to be inspired by someone else and being jealous that they’re living a life I wish I had, I tell myself not to wait for that moment and to start being the person I want to be. If you wish you were the woman who went for that big promotion, learned a second language, dumped that guy who cheated on you, then just be that person. Think, if I have the energy to wish for it, I have the energy to do it.”

—	Olivia Munn

I love this quote. This is basically what I have always believed for a long time, I've just never put it so eloquently. 
Lately, however, I've been feeling a bit sore. Basically, it's because I know I haven't been living by it. I haven't been taking any chances, and I haven't been meeting my goals. 
There are SO many things that I want to do in my life. I'm a person that really loves to plan, set goals and think about the future, and sometimes that can be really stressful for me because more often than not, these things just don't happen. Sometimes it's because it just doesn't work out, but a lot of the time it's because I'm not putting the effort in. 
I want to change that. 
It's not going to happen overnight, but it's going to start now. I just want to make sure that I'm living life properly, and not wasting my time. I know that sounds so weird, but the thought freaks me out. It's like my biggest fear in life and sometimes I really get quite anxious about it. 
Anyway, I'm sounding a bit depressing now and that's not what I want at all! Here is a cool saying from sprinkleofglitter (who has a great youtube channel) to inspire everyone: 

Current DVD Wishlist

I wish it was Christmas again. I don't know about you, but at the moment I have so many things I want to buy but can't possibly afford. I shouldn't complain, because I could buy them, however I've banned myself because I'm saving up for my trip to Europe in June. I know, poor me, right? Instead, I've compiled a list of everything I'm wishing for at the moment and so when I get back I can print out my list and buy them one by one (or how I usually do, which is three or four at a time). 

By the way, if there is an * then I haven't seen it yet, but I just want to buy it because I know I'll love it. 

1. Community Season Three
2. Game of Thrones Season Two
3. Mad Men* (any season, but I'd prefer to start with one)
4. Pulp Fiction
5. The Borgias Season One* (I've started it!)
6. Girls Season One*
7. The Avengers
8. Crossfire Hurricane
9. Sherlock Holmes (1 and 2 please!)

The one I absolutely want to buy, and I might just give in before I get to Europe is Game of Thrones Season Two. 

ESPECIALLY now that Season Three has started. It's like throwing it in my face every week: "hello, you haven't bought Season Two yet, what are you doing? Don't you want to look at Renly and Loras together again? Remember when Renly was alive, and Loras wasn't  all sad, with his sad little smile and remember when Margaery was married to Renly rather than engaged to the creepy Joffrey?". Yes. I do. However, I would also like to be able to afford food on my three week trip to Europe. Otherwise it might be a little problematic.

Anyway, hopefully sometime later this week I'll be able to write about Game of Thrones a bit more! I've just handed in my last thing before the mid-semester break, so now I'll have some time to sit down and write! How exciting, I know you guys are looking forward to that. 

What DVD's do you guys want to buy at the moment? Or are you like me, and you've banned yourself too?

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