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A Scene of Ice and Fire

The Game of Thrones podcast that examines the show scene by scene with Andrew (@MearnsPSA) and Manu (@ManuclearBomb).
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Now displaying: 2018
Sep 12, 2018

Andrew and Manu hit a true watershed moment in the history of television with the finale of "Baelor," where Ned Stark is stunningly executed right after his son, Robb, wins the Battle of the Whispering Wood and takes Jaime Lannister captive. Yowza.

Along the way, Manu brings up a theory that he's discussed on Twitter before with Malora Hightower: the decision to behead Ned was not just Joffrey's violent instinct but also an idea planted by Littlefinger himself. There's more evidence to this than you might think, so take a listen.

This all-timer features some excellent character work by Sean Bean, Michelle Fairley, Maisie Williams, and many others, so let's get right into it.

Aug 29, 2018

It's the penultimate podcast on the penultimate episode of season 1. Andrew and Manu watch as Tyrion learns that he and his Hill Tribes pals will be on the front lines for the upcoming Battle of the Green Fork, which forebodes a dismal fate.

Chagrined, Tyrion consoles himself by playing drinking games with Bronn and Shae, the sex worker the sellsword brought to him. Tyrion grows fond of Shae's sass, but she does force him to tell the awful story of his marriage to Tysha and how Tywin reacted to his son marrying a commoner. Manu helps delve deeper into Tyrion's background, and how it both defines his character & the slight divergence between the books and the show going forward.

The episode doesn't actually show the Battle of the Green Fork, but the aftermath tells us what we need to know -- the mighty Tywin has been fooled by the young wolf.

Aug 23, 2018

Andrew and Manu stick to Essos for a few scenes, as Daenerys scrambles to 1) Keep the ailing Drogo alive and 2) Retain some semblance of control over the quickly dissenting Dothraki. Drogo has fallen from his horse and no longer commands the respect that he once did among the likes of his bloodrider Qotho, so their loyalty to the Khaleesi will not last for long.

The tension boils over when Dany turns to the witch Mirri Maz Duur in a desperate hope to save Drogo's life. She goes against Dothraki custom (and Jorah's advice to run) by asking Mirri to use blood magic to save him, and they revolt.

Along the way, the show uses some super-creepy aesthetics to make the setting even more unsettling. (RIP Drogo's horse, gone far too gruesomely.) So let's talk about it!

Aug 1, 2018

Andrew and Manu travel to the Wall in "Baelor" through the eyes of Jon Snow. Since he saved Lord Commander Mormont, the Old Bear gifts him the Valyrian sword Longclaw, a Mormont family heirloom. They talk about the sword and Alliser Thorne, and afterward, Jon learns from Sam that Robb Stark is marching south.

Conflicted, Jon is summoned by Maester Aemon, who has a heart-to-heart with him in which he explains his Targaryen roots and the similar hardships he faced watching from the Wall as his house fell to ruin during Robert's Rebellion.

Every word from the late Peter Vaughan is chilling and moving, so we try to give this moment its due. It's incredible and chalk full of connections to the story writ large. Let's get to it.

  • Jon talks with Jorah about Jeor Mormont and tries to give him Longclaw back in season 7 (which we also touched upon in our podcast recap of that episode)
  • Helpful video with graphics explaining the Targaryen family tree (Note: The show simplifies it by skipping a generation and making the Mad King the son of Maester Aemon's younger brother Aegon the Unlikely, rather than the grandson)
  • Once more: Manu's appearance on the "Not a Cast" podcast discussing Bran IV
  • Just watch the scene with Maester Aemon and Jon again. It's too perfect.
  • iTunes link
  • Google Play link
Jul 25, 2018

Andrew and Manu have finally made it "Baelor," one of the most transcendent episodes of TV from this decade (and maybe ever). Appropriately, they start off with Varys' second visit to Ned Stark in the black cells of King's Landing, as the Master of Whisperers tries to convince him to support Joffrey to save Sansa.

Then, it's off to the Riverlands, where through his mother Catelyn, Robb enters into negotiations with the nefarious Walder Frey. We're introduced to the creepy environment of the Twins, and Manu provides some of House Frey's history and Walder's background with Cat's father, Hoster Tully.

Robb is presented with ominous terms, as he must agree to marry one of Walder's daughter to cross. He does so, but yeah, that doesn't work out well for him once he goes back on his promise.

Jul 11, 2018

A mere month after the Game of Thrones spin-off about The Long Night was announced (and discussed), another one is in the news! It's not official yet, but check out this Watchers on the Wall story about another Thrones series: "Empire of Ash," directed by Max Borenstein about the Doom of Valyria.

Andrew and Manu chat about the rumored details behind the prequel and also briefly touch on the update about the Long Night spin-off possibly going into production in October. Then, it's back to "The Pointy End," which came to its own pointy end in a series of scenes: Tyrion & the Hill Tribes meeting Tywin in the Lannister camp, Robb showing his mettle when a scout interrupts his War Council, and King's Landing, where Barristan Selmy is unceremoniously dismissed from the Kingsguard and Sansa begs for her father's life.

Tywin & Tyrion's oh-so-complicated relationship is explored, as are the Hill Tribes, Barristan's great respect, the Lannisters quietly orchestrating Sansa's request, and the show's subtleties with wine, furtive glances, camerawork, and more.

Away we go! Next up is "Baelor." Get hyped.

Jul 3, 2018

Andrew and Manu kick off July with a podcast on "The Pointy End" that mainly centers around Robb Stark. His events begin and end the scenes today, as he first stands up for himself against Greatjon Umber with the Northern lords gathered at Winterfell, then talks with Bran briefly about his planned early departure, and closes out the show by meeting up with his mother, Catelyn, who has tracked his army down. Richard Madden's superb acting offers plenty to discuss, as do the emotions behind Robb's actions.

Robb's not all there is to this episode, though. We also have eerie premonitions with Bran and a saddened Rickon, Sam Tarly musing on the wights burning at the Wall, and Osha talking to Bran in the Godswood about the old gods. Oh, and we also see Hodor's package. There's a big man!

Onward.

Jun 26, 2018

"The Pointy End" continues as we pick up with Tyrion & Bronn making their way through the Eyrie. Bronn agrees to serve as Tyrion's well-compensated shield and is put to the test when the hill tribes descend on them. Andrew and Manu briefly explore their history and how Tyrion displays his aptitude for the titular game of thrones in turning Shagga (son of Dolf) into his ally.

Up at the Wall, news of Ned's imprisonment has circulated and Thorne goads Jon into trying to attack him, which earns Jon solitary confinement. Ghost helps Jon make up for it by alerting him to danger: a wight attacking Jeor Mormont in his chambers. Jon saves the day!

Dany realizes that the process of coming to Westeros isn't going to be as clean as she might've hoped when she witnesses the Dothraki slaughtering the Lhazareen. She does what she can to try to spare some, including the priestess Mirri Maz Duur, and Drogo affirms her decision by fighting his angry subordinate Mago to the death, though he suffers a fateful wound.

Points to Jason Momoa for telling the writers that we should see Drogo fight!

Jun 19, 2018

Andrew and Manu journey around Westeros in "The Pointy End" as Jon, Sansa, Robb, and Catelyn gradually hear the fateful news about Ned Stark being thrown into the black cells of King's Landing for treason. For Jon, this also comes on the heels of bringing the bodies of his uncle Benjen's companions back from beyond the Wall. After being goaded by a letter from Sansa (that Cersei and others force her to write) to swear fealty to Joffrey, Robb makes the decision to call the banners for the North and march on the capital.

At the Eyrie, Catelyn hears this news at the same time as she reads about Ned's imprisonment, and is furious at her sister Lysa for both withholding the information and refusing to take a side in the coming war.

Tensions are running high, and the actors & actresses of Thrones are called upon to do some heavy lifting. So there's plenty to talk about in this podcast! Jump in.

Jun 11, 2018

Andrew and Manu's cup runneth over with Thrones news. First, they discuss the pilot written by Jane Goldman that was greenlit for a GoT spin-off based thousand of years in the past, around the Age of Heroes before the Long Night. There are many possibilities for new directions where this could go, and it's all very exciting!

Manu also provided a Con of Thrones recap, with news on the several panels he either participated on or merely saw. Oh, and he got Gendry (Joe Dempsie) to take a photo cradling a picture of Gendry (Manu's cat). It's wonderful.

Finally, the two begin "The Pointy End," which starts with Sansa, Arya, and Ned dealing with the fallout of Lannisters taking over Kings Landing. Septa Mordane and Syrio Forel fall, and only Arya makes her escape. Meanwhile, Varys has a beautifully shot tough talk with Ned in the black cells.

It's a jam-packed 41 minutes, so dive right in!

May 22, 2018

Andrew and Manu reach the end of "You Win or You Die," where Jon & Sam swear their Night's Watch oaths before Ghost gives them a, shall we say, unsettling graduation present. In Vaes Dothrak, Drogo swears to Dany that he will get vengeance Westeros for the attack on her life, and back in King's Landing, Robert's death allows Cersei to put Joffrey on the throne and turn the City Watch against Ned Stark, who is betrayed by Littlefinger. Womp.

There's so much to talk about, from the specific words of the vows to the exact moment that you can see Lena Headey as Cersei realize that she has Ned completely trapped. 

May 8, 2018

Finding a job in the real world can be tough after graduation, but on the bright side for Jon, the Night's Watch already has one prepared. On the unfortunate side, it's as a steward, which was not the role he wanted. Sam and Pyp help bring him back to earth and realize that it could be an even better role than he imagined.

Meanwhile, Ned first defies Renly, and then Littlefinger, who both try to tell him that he cannot support Stannis for the Iron Throne in wake of Robert's death. Andrew and Manu delve into Ned's choice, as well as some of the details behind the Night's Watch scenes, like Jon once again not realizing his privilege. At least he has Sam. We all have Sam.

May 1, 2018

Welcome, friends, to the last moments of Robert of the House Baratheon, the First of His Name, King of the Andals and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm. A dying Robert shares some final words with Ned Stark, who must then dwell on his death briefly with Varys and Barristan Selmy.

Immediately after this scene, Dany tries to convince Drogo to sail across the Narrow Sea to take the Iron Throne for his future son, Rhaego. Drogo is unmoved, but a later assassination attempt on Dany by a wine seller at the market might very well change his mind. Jorah decides to ignore the royal pardon he receives from Varys and intervenes, saving Dany.

Apr 24, 2018

On the latest podcast, Andrew and Manu grapple with one of Game of Thrones' most explicit examples of sexposition to date with Littlefinger's monologuing and then talk about the positives of one of the show's better original scenes -- Theon trying to intimidate Osha before Luwin shuts him down. Jon also gets some bad news about his uncle. More on that later.

Lots of show notes for this one, so try to check those out!

Apr 17, 2018

Andrew and Manu celebrate the 7th nameday of the Game of Thrones TV series by beginning the 7th episode of that fateful first season! This episode is called "You Win or You Die," and Cersei not only says the name of the episode in her scene with Ned Stark discussing her children -- she also says the name of the show! Exciting times, to be sure.

Before all that though, we are introduced to the intimidating Lannister family patriarch, Tywin, who dresses down the normally unflappable Jaime in the first scene of the episode. Stay tuned at the end for Manu talking about his upcoming Con of Thrones appearance.

Mar 29, 2018

It's time to close the book on "A Golden Crown," so it's also time for Andrew and Manu to close the book on one Viserys Targaryen, who overplays his small hand and ends up dead at Khal Drogo's hands from a molten gold crown present. Whoops!

In the two other scenes, Theon grudgingly has to bid Ros adieu since she is heading south to King's Landing, and Ned has his "eureka!" moment about Joffrey's parentage when telling his daughters that they must leave the city. This podcast is not from the mouths of babes, but hey! It's a podcast. Enjoy.

Mar 20, 2018

Official business is definitely afoot in the penultimate podcast of "A Golden Crown." Standing in for Robert, Ned responds to reports of chaos in the Riverlands with the bold move of calling for the Mountain's head and for Tywin to come to court. Bronn then fights for Tyrion's life against Ser Vardis in The Vale and Joffrey gives a Lannister necklace to an extremely smitten Sansa.

Andrew and Manu discuss the ramifications of Ned's power play, compare the trial by combat to the book, and marvel at the beginnings of sassy Sansa with her septa.

Mar 7, 2018

Sit down, kick back, and listen to Andrew and Manu on Tyrion Lannister getting a meeting with Lysa Arryn through Mord and the majesty of his "confession." A little bit of the history of trial by combat is also mentioned, as is Robert Baratheon's fateful hunt and his confrontation with Renly about just how good those "good ol' days" were.

Take it away, Dinklage.

Feb 28, 2018

"A Golden Crown" continues, as Tyrion pleads with Mord the jailer, Syrio urges Arya to focus on her training and not grieve too much on her family's troubles, and Dany wins Dothraki favor by consuming a horse heart. Jorah and Viserys watch the adulation, and a jealous Viserys tries to steal the dragon eggs.

The last scene in particular leaves plenty for Andrew and Manu to talk about with Viserys' somewhat-legitimate gripes and the revelations of Jorah's feelings for Dany.

Feb 20, 2018

Andrew and Manu watch the beginning of "A Golden Crown," which starts off with a rude awakening for Ned Stark, as Robert & Cersei are at his bedside, ready to cause some immediate strife. After a quick trip across the Narrow Sea to Daenerys trying to heat up a dragon egg, we jump to the North, where Bran can ride a horse again. That only causes trouble for Robb and Theon, though, who must save him from a group wildlings that includes future fan favorite Osha. Oh, and they're arguing, too.

Ready to break down the conflicts? Let's go.

Feb 14, 2018

Andrew and Manu watch and comment as the plots from "The Wolf and the Lion" come to a head in its final segments. We meet Lysa Arryn, who wastes no time throwing Tyrion in a terrifying sky cell, Loras encourages Renly to step up and press his claim, Cersei & Robert have a rare and emotionally powerful heart-to-heart, and finally, Jaime takes on Ned outside Littlefinger's brothel.

Shit gets real (RIP Jory), and not just in the fight. The Robert/Cersei scene has so much to explore. Dive in!

Feb 6, 2018

Tensions are brewing in Westeros, moreso than usual! Andrew and Manu talk about Yoren informing Ned of Catelyn kidnapping Tyrion, just as that duo arrives at the Bloody Gate of the Vale (where Bronn utters an iconic line). Then, Ned and Robert get in a heated argument at a Small Council meeting over whether or not to kill the now-pregnant Daenerys. Ned rage quits over it, but is kept from leaving King's Landing by Littlefinger, who convinces him to make one more stop.

Let's get feisty.

Jan 30, 2018

Manu has a wonderful cat. His name is Gendry and he is a beautiful boy. This comes up in this episode since Arya chases after a cat (possibly the Targaryen kitty, Balerion).

Oh yeah, and he also talked about "The Wolf and the Lion" with Andrew, specifically the scenes with Varys chatting with Ned and then Illyrio while Arya overhears in the dungeons. Littlefinger found out about it too, and he mentions it during a tête-à-tête with Varys.

Jan 24, 2018

"The Wolf and the Lion" continues as Andrew and Manu watch Bran grudgingly learn some lessons from Maester Luwin, Theon get taken down a peg by Ros, and the Tyrion/Catelyn crew fall under attack by the hill tribes of the Vale. Oh, and Bronn flashes some of his patented badassery for the first time. It doesn't suck!

Come for the fight, stay for the Thrones/Star Wars crossover cameos.

Jan 17, 2018

The long night since the last podcast is over, and Andrew and Manu are ready to talk some "Wolf and the Lion." Ser Barristan and Ned reminisce about their days on the Trident while musing over Ser Hugh's grim fate, Robert messes with Lancel and has to be talked out of jousting by Ned, and the audience gets its first exposure to the glory of Cleganebowl.

We also spent a little time at the start discussing possible prequels and spin-offs given HBO's talks about it and the word that such a show wouldn't come until at least 2020.

May we get one more Cleganebowl before this show ends.

 

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