Dr. Valerie Garver (NIU) explains Arya’s advantages and disadvantages as she travels north and talks a bit about wolf lore. Then Dr. Iain MacInnis (UHI) helps Anthony explore the origins of dragon lore. Have a look at Val’s book!
Arthur Njamfa returns to discuss Bran’s claustrophobic childhood, the magical properties of the comet, and Naruto-inspired sprinting. Then Anthony provides his official season one review of House of the Dragon.
David and John introduce their plans for the upcoming Season Two of Amazon Prime’s The Wheel of Time before speaking with Dr. Michael Livingston, author of the new book, Origins of the Wheel of Time. Michael discusses meeting Team Jordan and beginning the project, the importance of fantasy as an academic discipline, and his thoughts on The Wheel of Time Season One.
Is Varys really for the realm? Was Shae a spy from the beginning? Pádraig MacCarron returns to discuss Tyrion’s first POV in A Clash of Kings. Then Arthur Njamfa challenges Maester Anthony’s leal service to the House of the Dragon fandom.
Sansa is now a pup alone, surrounded by lions. Joffrey is a monster and Cersei rules in his name. Will Ned’s daughter be savvy enough to recognize the Hound and Tyrion as allies? Jan Doolittle Wilson returns to talk it over. Then historian Iain MacInnis discusses House of the Dragon and historical parallels.
The Arya roadshow begins! Author Stephanie Hammer joins the program to talk about Arya’s development in A Clash of Kings. Then Anthony and Steve talk about the rules of dragon magic.
House of the Dragon continues to generate drama even in the interim. Comedian Steve Ausburne and NFL analyst Fran Duffy take Maester Anthony’s survey to see if they’re leal to HOTD or the original series. Then Anthony talks with various experts on the show and the books.
Kim Renfro, entertainment reporter for Insider and co-host of A Cast of Kings joins A.Ron to talk about the book reader perspective on this season of HOTD. We talk the impact of the Song of Ice and Fire prophecy on the show and how it might connect with the other GOT spinoff series, compare notes on what it’s like to be the book reader with a non-reader co-host, discuss GRRM finishing the books and debate the wisdom of rebooting the original Game of Thrones series. We wrap things up with some well marked spoiler speculation on the fate of Laenor Velaryon!
It was a tale of two houses, one Green and the other Black. To our delight, the GOT universe made a triumphant return to the small screen. From enormous time jumps, rotating cast members, and a great expansion on lore, I think we can agree the season pulled off some impressive plays. As we eagerly await the next season, let’s dive back into the first once again.
Now that the first season is in the rear view, let’s talk about it! Should you read the books? Who took the first shot in this war? Were the Targaryens always fated to fight? Can a rider breathe at dragon cruising altitude? Is Aemond a warrior or idiot kid who can’t control his emotions? King Jimhaerys and Ser A.Ron are here to impart their wisdom.