Yes... after one year, HBO:s drama returns, and with it - me. And, more importantly to the subject, your favourite incest/regicide Jaime Lannister, the Kingslayer. And Cersei, Joff, Tyrion, Tywin, and all those without the surname Lannister. Insolent and treacherous against my preferences, I watched the trailer as soon as released (though not the 16-second teaser released for those who didn’t bother wait for the 100-second trailer). And so we got our first look on HBO:s own goldhand (anyone else read that “Phantom” Comic?), Meereen, and the Red Viper of Dorne. I had vague, private hopes for Swedish actor Rikard Wolff, who (in spite of his complexion) might have pulled it off beautifully and provided the subtitles of the second-to-last episode (I’d place my bet that’s where they’ve put the Great Showdown towards the end of “A Storm”) with a thoughtful score (“You raa-ped hee-er... You ki-i-i-lled her... You... mu-u-urdered her chi-i-ildreeen...”). Would strike quite solemnly only moments after Ser Gregor’s fist... don’t agree? Well, I relish everything yet unseen more than my pitiful expectations. The Mountain’s fall is bound to make my blood shudder. I hope the Red Viper will as well. Señor Pascal certainly seems intriguing, as long as he doesn’t stick in any of the clichés that HBO has so far steered remarkably clear of - or remade in their own amazement.
The first season I adored. The second I shunned, but it was alright (not having set the standard with reading “A Clash”, “alright” would have seemed an insult; indeed, had I missed episodes 4-7, it would nearly have lived up to my expectations), the third great. A rift is creaking, but making it all the more interested for us book fans as the great sensation is unfolding on the solid screen. My great fear is for the actors replacing those dropped out - and for Peter Vaughan. After losing Tommen, Daario and the Mountain (twice - once ignominiously, once with a redemption) we can't afford to put a second face on The Great Aemon. Hang in there.....
Excellent - Feeble - Great. Regardless of what comes next, it will be intriguing to watch. Which I will.
The Red Viper of Dorne and his Ellaria. (Yes, Niobe survived the fall and no, her new bedmate seems no less handsome, prone to father children or dedicated to other causes.)
The King at the Wall - soon to be beheld in flesh? If so (and everything else would be preposterous) I'd like to see the flaming sword again. It's just not the thing you leave at the beach.
And will we finally know if Tywin Lannister does shit gold?
