Ep. 54: The Creepy Crossing Guard

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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.

• Manu's appearance on the "Not a Cast" podcast discussing Bran IV
• One Perfect Shot: Fire lighting Ned's eyes
• Andrew's Always Sunny-themed Catelyn/Walder Frey tweet
• Jaime Lannister's rebuttal to Catelyn about all the conflicting vows you have to take
• iTunes link

Ep. 53: Valyrian Prequel and the Pointy End

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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.

• In advance of Manu's appearance on the "Not a Cast" episode about AGOT Bran IV, our older episode on when Tyrion presents Bran with his saddle design in the show
• Jorah & Tyrion traveling through Valyria
• Ozzy Man reads the alluded epic tale of Barristan's escape from King's Landing
• iTunes link

Ep. 52: Robb Takes Charge

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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.

• The "Not a Cast" crew on the ancient library at The Wall and the grim fate that likely awaits it (and others)
• iTunes link