Jana Mathews explains laws governing clothing in Medieval England. Arthur Njamfa covers Tyrion’s visit to the Wall. And comic Steve Ausburne is shocked to see post-puberty Bran Stark.
Kim Renfro is back to talk about the tournament at Harrenhal and GRRM’s big payday. Tara Jenkins (Anthony’s sister!) covers Jon’s introduction to the Night’s Watch. Steve and Anthony wonder why there aren’t more fat zombies.
A.Ron defends Littlefinger’s HBO outcome. Philosopher Tripp Fuller compares Littlefinger’s play to a DM from an old flame. Steve and Anthony talk about the action-packed episode “Blackwater.”
A.Ron ranks his top five TV shows based on first seasons. Medievalist Jana Matthews talks about Bran and zoological symbolism. Steve and Anthony talk about Hot Pie, debate pineapple on pizza, and (gross!) spiders. Jan Doolittle Willson and I talk about Dany’s outcome in the show.
A.Ron and Anthony disagree on who among the HBO cast is the worst actor. Medievalist Jana Matthews talks about Joffrey’s metaphorical sword and Sansa’s metaphorical box. Steve discusses the proper etiquette of decapitation and what to do with unwanted projectile spittle.
A.Ron admires Pedro Pascal’s versatility. Language creator David Peterson (inventor of Dothraki, Valyrian, etc) covers Tyrion’s second POV chapter and gives a proper etymology of the name “Vhagar.” Steve is vexed by Mel’s “smoke babies” and Anthony interviews Professor Chris Keith about ancient book culture.
A.Ron considers the suggestion that Lyanna Stark is the true villain of the series. Anthony and A.Ron debate which is better: Snake Eyes or Storm Shadow. Chad Carmichael experiences a rare moment of frustration with his beloved Ned Stark. Steve predicts that Joffrey will win the war of five kings and talks about the time that a dog peed on him.
A.Ron and Anthony talk trial by combat. Jan Wilson and Anthony discuss Dany’s wedding night and the seeds planted for her larger story. Steve anticipates Sam’s probable death, pirates, and monster trucks.
Aron is back! Jan Doolittle Wilson talks disability relative to Bran, Tyrion, Jaime, and Hodor. Steve preps for the big climax of season 1. Aron and Anthony compare and contrast the Lannister brothers. Anthony answers an email about alternative narratives.
Anthony finally gets to talk about his favorite character! Lisa Woolfork talks about Sam and Arya. Robert Rouse talks about chapter 7 and discusses medieval travel narratives and cartography. Steve and Anthony get deep into the plot and themes of season one. Gregory Webster explores Arya’s complex identity. Anthony suggests four ways that Roman religion influenced Martin’s world: why is the number seven significant?