Mathematician Pádraig MacCarron has charted the character relationships in A Song of Ice and Fire. Anthony does his best to keep up. Also, Jon gets a fancy sword. Pádraig also helps to theorize the true identity of Mormont’s raven.
A.Ron, Jim, and Anthony discuss the new House of the Dragon trailer. Then comic Steve Ausburne reacts to Samwell’s barf montage and the Ed Sheeran cameo.
Comic Steve Ausburne emotes about the season six finale. Medievalist Brian Pavlac explains how kings were selected after a dynasty ends (with a different take on how the show ends!). Then Anthony answers listener feedback.
Electric Bookaloo hosts our first ever roundtable discussion. Guests include Stephanie Barbé Hammer, Iain MacInnes, and Jan Doolittle Wilson to cover Cat’s negotiations with Walder Frey. I.e. this roundtable sets the table for the Red Wedding.
Professor Chad is back to talk about the final Ned POV. Then Anthony posits his most egregious bit of Varys propaganda yet: Varys is GRRM’s Bilbo Baggins.
A deep dive into Battle of the Bastards
Prof. Brian Pavlac explains how oaths fealty worked between lords and kings. Then Steve accidentally predicts Tyrion’s final scene in the show.
Linguist David Peterson is back to talk about his two favorites: Tyrion and Tywin. Steve is surprised by the return of the Hound. Anthony asks: where is the climax of this book? Email your answer to book@baldmove.com.
Kris Swank compares Cat to Grendel’s mother and explains the concepts of peace-weaving and the blood eagle ritual. Steve and Anthony discuss Bran’s personality shift.
Arthur Njamfa discusses Dany’s designs on conquest. Steve and Anthony argue over Hold-the-Door time travel. Then medievalist Carol Jamison talks about Hodor’s place in the story.