There’s considerable debate about who the next “Arrowverse” superhero should be. There are a lot of good candidates. Some people hope for a Green Lantern or a Doctor Fate spinoff, but there’s a great superhero story that no one seems to be talking about: Alan Moore’s Saga of The Swamp Thing. There are three compelling reasons why The Swamp Thing would make a great new TV superhero series.
One: Location
Most superheroes defend a city. The Swamp Thing operates out of rural Louisiana swampland, defending nature. Smallville worked rural, but nothing, even outside of DC, has done quintessentially southern. There are just not superhero movies taking place in the American South. For that matter, there aren’t a lot of TV series period that take place in the South, save for shows like Hap and Leonard. The American South is a completely unexplored area for the Arrowverse and would offer a big and unique opportunity.
Two: John Constantine would return
Fans were disappointed when Constantine was canceled, but if someone did a Swamp Thing series, John, by necessity, would appear. He’s the Swamp Thing’s biggest name ally and, arguably, closest friend. He first appeared in a Swamp Thing comic. There isn’t really a way to write a Team Swamp Thing without Constantine as a member. It might even serve as a great bridge to a renewed Constantine.
Three: It deals with serious issues
The Swamp Thing story deals with major issues: alcoholism, abusive relationships, the question of who someone really is. But the main issue is, “What does it mean to be human?” The Swamp Thing isn’t technically human; he’s a plant. He comes to terms with the fact that he isn’t Alec Holland, the human, but that he’s still a “person” in the eyes of his friends and himself. It’s a very serious and classic science fiction theme that could be explored in depth in an extended series.
I don’t have any reason to believe that CW execs or writers are actually looking to tackle The Swamp Thing in any form. It’s entirely unlikely that he’s at the top of most lists of possible or likely adaptations. The Swamp Thing story would make a great TV series that could go in interesting new directions.
We’ve known for several months now that Thor: Ragnarok will co-star Mark Ruffalo, meaning the Hulk will make at least an appearance in the film. Now, plot details have come out discussing just how “Planet Hulk” this thing might be when all is said and done.
The film will definitely have the Planet Hulk element in it, operating as a kind of mash-up with the Ragnarok story. How Thor ends up on the planet in question is unclear, but he will definitely be involved in some gladiatorial games run by none other than Jeff Goldblum’s Grandmaster. In terms of Hulk’s appearance in this portion of the film, he will be rocking the one-shoulder armor as seen in the comics, so expect him to be decked out in the familiar Planet Hulk look.
There’s also a video explaining in detail Hulk’s involvement in Thor: Ragnorok. Oh yeah, and the video also discusses the new villain in Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2:
That’s right, the villain in Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2 is Ayesha the blonde goddess with many different names. Elizabeth Debicki, who previously appeared in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and The Great Gatsby, should be playing Ayesha. Joblo also gives an extensive description of Ayesha and her impact on the MCU moving forward:
Now, the significance of Ayesha in GUARDIANS 2 and the greater MCU is rather huge, especially when you consider that she was created by The Enclave, a group of scientists dedicated to taking control of the world, starting with the creation of the perfect genetic beings, made to restart humanity. Their first version of this, called HIM, would later evolve into the character known as Adam Warlock, who escaped The Enclave. However, The Enclave made a second being, which became HER aka Ayesha, who also escapes and goes looking for HIM, who she considers to be her perfect mate to start a new perfect race.
Thor: Ragnarok hits theaters November 3, 2017, and Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2 May 5, 2017.
The Lobster is as likely to frustrate and distance viewers as it is to captivate and engage them. It’s a film built around a critique of modern preoccupations with relationships and closeness that deliberately distances audiences from the film’s characters with its stark, clinical approach. It’s certainly not for everyone, but if you have a taste for the dystopian and the absurd in film or literature, it may be worth your while.
What’s it about?
The Lobster focuses on David (Colin Farrell), who wears glasses to correct his short-sightedness (an important detail), and his search for the love that will not only change his life, but literally save it. When his wife leaves him, he does what all suddenly single people do in his society: check into “The Hotel,” declare to the management his sexual preference, and begin the process of finding a suitable life match among The Hotel’s other rejected, dejected, or otherwise forlorn and overlooked guests.
There are many rules at The Hotel, but one rule above all dictates the tone of existence within its grounds: if guests do not find a suitable match within 45 days of checking in, they will be transformed into the animal of their choice. When asked upon his check-in what his choice of animal will be should he “not make it,” David answers “a lobster.”
In the days that follow, David watches as other guests, in particular two other men he befriends, one with a limp (Ben Whishaw), the other with a lisp (John C. Reilly) attempt to find or in some cases fake connection with others in order to avoid being transformed. They attend seminars and workshops focused on the advantages of being part of a couple, and awkward dinners and mixers meant to encourage courtship and familiarity.
However, at any time when a particular alarm sounds, all guests retreat to their rooms, arm themselves with tranquilizer rifles and darts, and go out into the nearby woods to hunt “loners,” people choosing to live alone in the wilderness and thus breaking the law. For every loner caught and brought back, guests get another day added to their stay, another day to put off transformation and continue their search for “love.”
Being neither very charming nor an accomplished hunter, David finds his allotted days running short. After one final, catastrophic attempt to avoid his fate, he runs from The Hotel into the woods and joins the loners, where he meets and is instantly drawn to a woman (Rachel Weisz) with whom he shares much in common, including short-sightedness.
The Loners and their leader (Léa Seydoux, SPECTRE, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol), however, have their own rules about connection, making David and his new friend’s mutual attraction problematic. A future together seems within their grasp if they can just reach The City and get lost among all the other couples living there.
Of course, in this world, that’s an “if” that’s almost as improbable as finding true love at “The Hotel.”
Taking things to their logical conclusion
As absurd as the premise behind The Lobster might sound when written out in a synopsis like the one above, there’s real imagination and creativity in the premise and the world built around it. Writer-director Yorgos Lanthimos (Venice 70: Future Reloaded) takes into account Western society’s inherent social pressures and prejudices regarding people living alone past a certain age along with governmental laws and regulation affecting unmarried people and puts forth a somewhat logical conclusion, a direction in which we as a society may be heading.
Is it extreme? Of course it is — such is the nature of dystopian satire. But in that extremity lies insight. If The Lobster succeeds at anything, it’s putting forth a thoughtful, if depressing, critique of societal structures and mentalities regarding how single people are viewed by the “conventional” masses and, conversely, how those who choose to seek out and actually find fulfilling companionship are looked dimly upon by those who do not.
That said, the film does have some pacing issues, and a fair argument can be made that it belabors its point once that point has been made. The Lobster is certainly not cinema for those seeking immediate gratification, but perhaps even that is deliberate. After all, isn’t “love” in 21st Century Western society at times considered a “thing” that people are able to just go out and get without time or trouble? Match.com would certainly have you think so.
Worth seeing?
As an alternative to the summer movie season’s mindless bombast and crowd-pleasing fare, yes, The Lobster is certainly worth audiences’ attention. It’s a difficult film to wholly embrace, just because it can be so harsh and unflinching in its premise and execution.
However, given the chance, it’s a film that’s sure to leave you thinking. It features solid, if understated, performances from its A-list cast bringing to life a truly unique and unconventional film experience.
Just don’t expect anything uplifting or romantic in any way, shape, or form in that experience.
The Lobster
Starring Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, John C. Reilly, Ben Whishaw, Léa Seydoux, and Olivia Colman. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.
Running Time: 118 minutes
Rated R for sexual content including dialogue, and some violence.
The marketing for Suicide Squad is kicking into high gear as Warner Brothers posted this new video to their page today. It’s poking fun at soccer fans by showing off the team like they’re about to take on Manchester United. It’s amusing even if it doesn’t tell us much more about the characters themselves. With Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice receiving less than favorable reviews there is a lot more pressure on Suicide Squad to justify the DC Cinematic Universe so expect WB to push this one hard in the coming months.
Suicide Squad comes out August 5th and is directed by David Ayer and starts Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jared Leto, Joel Kinnaman, Jai Courtney, and Cara Delevingne
After “Faith” viewers were probably looking for an episode that didn’t contain quite as much despair and misery. Outlander gave viewers the respite they were looking for with “The Fox’s Lair.” Although “The Fox’s Lair” did contain threats of rape and execution, no one was actually attacked in this episode aside from Lord Lovat‘s seer, Maisri, and that was just yer run-o-the-mill servant whooping. It seems that, unsurprisingly, Fergus may have abandonment issues. And, still very much in love with him, Laoghaire MacKenzie craves forgiveness from Jamie after having accused Claire of practicing witchcraft in Season One. Get thee to a recap …
“The Fox’s Lair” – My Recap
The Frasers are back in Scotland! Gone are Claire’s outrageously large bustles and low-cut necklines, exchanged for slightly smaller bustles and necklines that are more suited to Scotland’s cold and damp climate. The Lord and Lady, and Fergus, get a much-needed pastoral rest at Lallybroch: Jenny and Ian have a new baby and Jamie, likely compensating for the loss of his daughter, puts in some time with the little tyke one night when no one can sleep.
Jamie curses when he receives a letter from Charles Stuart on which he finds his signature forged in support of the Pretender to the throne. Stuart, having widely circulated this letter, has effectively named Jamie publicly as a traitor to the British crown (you knew his pardon wouldn’t last). Claire suggests they ride out the rebellion in Ireland but Jamie won’t have it. He knows that his tenants, not to mention his beloved highlands, will suffer at either the hands of the Brits or the Scots if he flees. Jamie, with really no other options left to him, decides to make a stand with Stuart: he’ll gather men to fight in Stuart’s rebellion.
“Dad, you can’t stab your way out of everything!”
In order to amass troops, Jamie must pay a visit to his grandfather, Lord Simon Fraser of Lovat. Lord Lovat, Jamie reveals, is Jamie and Jenny’s grandfather by way of an illicit union with one of his maids. This makes Jamie the son of a bastard who has no honourable claim to anything of Lord Lovat’s. It also means that Lord Lovat views Jamie as competition rather than as an heir. Jamie fears that due to the older man’s lecherous and greedy nature it won’t help to make appeals to Lord Lovat’s domestic side: his loyalty and the loyalty of his men come at a price.
All that being said, Jamie still believes that the only way to try to avoid the death of Highland culture is to fight with the Jacobites and win, thereby altering history. So, he’s forced to make a trip to his grandfather’s estate to sue for his help. The Frasers leave Fergus in the capable hands of Murtagh and start out on their trip to meet one of the worst grandparents in history. Once they arrive, they’re greeted by Colum MacKenzie who’s also come on business. Only his business is to convince Lord Lovat to sign a neutrality pact with him that will keep both of their clans out of the rebellion. He assures Claire that he had nothing to do with trying her as a witch and that the servant who was responsible has been beaten (ah, good!). Then, in bursts Lord Lovat who calls Claire a sassenach, and not in an endearing way like Jamie does. The elder Fraser, misogynist at large, orders Claire out of the room so that the men can talk politics.
“I thought her name was Larry!”
While Jamie and his relatives talk rebellion, Claire runs into Laoghaire seeking to absolve herself of her sins against the Frasers, she was the servant who accused Claire of practicing witchcraft. Claire says she doesn’t hate her, she pities her (snap!), and storms away while Laoghaire weeps. Claire also runs into Maisri, Lord Lovat’s seer. She witnesses Maisri get tossed bodily out of Lord Lovat’s room and hear him yell at her for withholding information.
The men’s meeting over, Claire asks Jamie if his grandad will allow her to dinner. Jamie explains that Lord Lovat will allow it if she’s seen and not heard. At dinner Jamie tries to convince Lord Lovat of the righteousness of the Jacobite rebellion, Colum strategically undermines Jamie in an effort to convince Lord Lovat of the need for neutrality. It also becomes obvious during dinner that there’s some tension between Lord Lovat and his legitimate heir, young Simon. Simon, an angry young man who’s sick of the British, voices his support of the Jacobite cause but Lord Lovat shoots him down.
Claire remarks on Simon’s public humiliation at his father’s hands but Jamie assures her that the elder Simon is only trying to toughen his son up. They also suspect that Lord Lovat, greedy as he is, is pitting Jamie and Colum against each other in an attempt to get something from somebody. Jamie’s suspicions are confirmed when Lord Lovat later offers to pledge his men to the Jacobite cause in exchange for either the deed to Lallybroch or a night with Claire. A very theatrical Jamie, illustrating his point by throwing a bottle of alcohol in his grandfather’s fire, explains to Lord Lovat that Claire is a white witch and threatens that any man attempting to rape Claire will have his genitals frozen off and his soul will burn forever … in Hell!
Lord Lovat’s offer on the table, Jamie and Claire regroup. Their new plan of attack is to play matchmakers and use Laoghaire to bolster Simon’s confidence, the young lord having made some pretty obvious eyes at Laoghaire over dinner. With a little female encouragement, they think, Simon will stand up to his father and convince him to pledge his men to Charles Stuart. Claire, using Jamie’s forgiveness as bait, entices Laoghaire to pay some attention to Simon.
Claire and Simon set out for a walk to the chapel and who should be lurking behind a large tree picking mushrooms but Laoghaire? Claire makes up an excuse to leave the two saying that she’d like to be alone in the chapel, and Simon makes an awkward attempt at reciting poetry. In the chapel Claire comes upon Maisri who tells Claire that she saw a vision of Lord Lovat’s execution by axe but didn’t tell him in order to avoid worse treatment. Laoghaire interrupts the witches’ exchange by telling Claire that Simon ran off after she let him peek down the top of her dress (he’ll remember to use that poem again!).
Colum begs Jamie to give up on the Jacobite cause, trying to convince him that Lallybroch is worth more than a few of Lord Lovat’s men. Jamie only promises to try to protect the things that they both hold dear.
That night Lord Lovat holds a meeting where he presents two documents, one that legally transfers ownership of Lallybroch from Jamie to him and the other a neutrality contract between him and Colum that will keep both clans out of the rebellion. Jamie, out of options, is about to sign when Claire fakes a vision, repeating what she heard Maisri tell her in the chapel, adding an embellishment of her own that implies that Lord Lovat will be executed by the house of Stuart. As Maisri predicted, Lord Lovat strikes out at Claire with a dagger but is stopped mid-stab by young Simon who reiterates his support of the Jacobite cause.
In what appears to be a show of machismo, Lord Lovat signs the pact of neutrality with Colum and everybody drinks. The next day, after a meaningful goodbye to Colum, Jamie and Claire leave the Fox’s lair with the Fox’s heir in tow. Jamie is concerned about what he’ll be able to bring to Stuart’s rebellion, but as the trio of Frasers come upon a hill they see a line of Scotsmen at its summit. Lord Lovat rides down to greet them and explains that with the neutrality pact signed he won’t have to fear repercussions from the British should they stamp out the rebellion. But, he has no problem sending some of his men off to follow his son in a cause he believes in. Jamie reminds Lord Lovat that he still doesn’t have Lallybroch but, as his grandfather reminds him, there’s still time for that.
“The Fox’s Lair” – My Critique
Like I implied earlier, “The Fox’s Lair” represents a rare win for the Frasers and comes after a long line of losses. I knew that Jamie wouldn’t give the OK for his grandad to have his way with Claire but I didn’t know whether or not Jamie would give up Lallybroch. I thought that Claire’s faked vision was a natural solution to the problem at hand: if she’s already been outed as a “witch” then why not push the envelope, especially if Lord Lovat is known to be superstitious?
The ending to “The Fox’s Lair” could’ve only come in the episode after the heartstring-pulling episode “Faith.” If Faith had been born healthy or the Frasers had experienced other recent wins, Lord Lovat’s provision of men in “The Fox’s Lair” would’ve seemed unreasonably kind, perverted codger that he is.
Life is a hectic affair these days and the time to sit down and invest time in a computer game is a precious luxury few people can afford so mobile gaming has stepped in to give people the chance to play their games on the move to make every second count.
Going Mobile
It was not that long ago that mobile phones were plastic bricks in your pocket. They had the ability to do two things. Ring somebody and show the time. If you were lucky it was three things with the capabilities of text messaging. Even then, text messages had to be within a number of characters that would have made tweets look biblical.
However, over the past 10-15 years, mobile devices have evolved at an incredible pace. The average smartphone now has the ability to take photos, access the internet, video chat with friends and family, and host a range of mobile apps that offer a huge selection of services. It is also now possible to even play games on your smartphone.
The popularity of smartphone gaming really took off with titles such as Angry Birds, Candy Crush Saga, and Flappy Bird. Angry Birds was created by Rovio Entertainment and witnessed over 3 billion downloads worldwide and a movie based on the franchise has hit cinemas. Candy Crush Saga was developed by King and released in 2012. At its peak it had over 6.7 million users and has experienced over 500 million downloads. Flappy Bird was developed by an individual called Nguyen Ha Dong and at its most popular it was alleged to have been earning £35,000 per day through in-app purchases.
These games were the trailblazers. Recent releases such as Clash of Clans, Mobile Strike, and Game of War have attracted huge global attention and the use of A-List celebrities such as Liam Neeson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Kate Upton to promote their games during the Super Bowl emphasize the power they hold in society. It is a golden age for mobile gaming.
Cost
The reasons for the success of smartphone gaming are quite varied. One of the main reasons is the cost of the games being so low. It is regularly talked about how these games create millions of dollars through their in-app purchases but it is easy to forget that these purchases are not compulsory. These are voluntary payments made by players. Most apps cost less than £3 to download with many available for free to download.
Now if you compare those cheap prices to the astronomical fees you would be expected to pay for a computer console and the computer games to go with that console then it is no contest. To get some perspective, the hotly-anticipated Uncharted 4 hit the shops recently and was £45. If you want to pick it up as part of a bundle with the PS4 then you are looking at £330. There is no competition. Mobile games are proving to be more cost-effective in an age where every penny counts.
Convenience
As mentioned above, we live in a time when every second makes a difference. People eat breakfast on the go, live by the motto of “sleep when I’m dead”, and constantly fail to cram enough things into the light of day. So mobile games offer exactly what your modern day player desires. A game that you can play without having to set aside a good couple of hours in your own living room or bedroom.
Mobile games can be played on the train, bus, or plane. They can be played if you’re waiting in a queue. They can be enjoyed if you are on the phone waiting to have your query dealt with by customer service. They can even be played while you are having a cheeky poo. This is a level of convenience that computer consoles can not offer. In fact, this is a level of convenience that nothing can offer.
Social
A large part of the appeal of smartphone gaming is the manner in which these titles cater for social interaction. If you take all the biggest titles out there at the moment such as the likes of Clash of Clans, Game of War, and Mobile Strike it is this social interaction that is their major selling point. You can work with or against your friends and other people playing the game. Invite friends to play. Send them rewards.
This is a time when social media has developed a life of its own and there is a hunger from society to constantly seek social interaction in the digital arena. The option to be sociable from the comfort of your own home is an attraction that lures many players to play these games. Computer consoles like the PS4 and Xbox have attempted to create this social aspect but none of their games manage it as well as the top mobile titles.
Casino Gaming
The past decade has also seen an increase in popularity of mobile casino gaming. Online casinos have sensed the interest in the mobile market and have developed mobile apps and mobile versions of their websites to appeal to a new demographic.
There are also apps such as Zynga Poker, Royal Baccarat, Big Win Slots, and Big Fish Casino combine gambling with the social element to offer a unique mobile gaming experience that has proved to be a big hit across the mobile platform. Mobile gaming revenues are increasing at a rate of 50% every year and that has transferred to mobile casino gaming. It is a growing market.
In fact, the market already has so many online mobile players gambling and so many different games available. Trying to the find one that suits your style is the trickiest part, especially if you’re new. If you are wondering why this marketing is growing and how you can win real money today on your mobile – OnlineGambling.ca is a great resource to find your perfect Android or iOS gambling game.
The Future?
It looks like there is no end in sight to this rising popularity of smartphone gaming. Mobile technology is improving on a daily basis and it appears that the evolutionary process of smartphone gaming is only just getting started. Titles released over the past 12 months such as Angry Birds 2, Transistor, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, and Badland 2 show that the graphics and gameplay has evolved so much in such a short space of time.
As virtual reality technology starts to makes its way into the mainstream conversation once again it has become clear that there is almost no limit to the potential of smartphone gaming. This is only the beginning and it’s a very exciting time to be playing your games on the move on your smartphone.
Every character in Game of Thrones truly acts like they believe the circumstance of tradition affects their eventual lot in life. They spout rhetoric based on ancient texts and familial history but stab their friends, fathers and loved ones in the throat right when it serves their story the best. That is the actual Game of Thrones and, for the most part, our heroes have been the blissfully ignorant fools who forget that history doesn’t reward the penitent. ‘Blood of My Blood’ gives our heroes the chance to reclaim their legacies as people who learn from past mistakes and are grateful to still have their heads.
Coming hot off the heels of Game of Thrones‘ latest chestburster, we catch up with Bran and Meera just as the wights catch up to them in the woods. I questioned Hodor’s ultimate sacrifice last week for its ability to give the duo enough time to escape the undead horde. There still needs to be more justification but we’re granted our first steps toward that when Bran and Meera are saved by Coldhands himself*, Benjen Stark. During this rescue, Bran is downloading the entire history of the world from the consciousness of the Three-Eyed Raven, which Bran now is. We see glimpses of the “Mad” King Aerys Targaryen and are given hints as to what will come from that past plot line. Having learned all of this family history in such a quick fashion and while still being relatively immature, Bran will likely make brash decisions that will probably forsake the history and the future of the Three-Eyed Raven. The questionable time warping nature of an old know-it-all in a tree could be what saves the world from the Whitewalkers. We should welcome it.
In Braavos, Arya is left with her last opportunity to prove herself just A Girl and kill an actress with whom she has no personal history. Arya is a character who has come to The House of Black and White with a deeply personal kill list and has been forced to leave these desires behind in order to become something greater. Or is it actually greater? Arya did come to this city an immature girl with hate in her heart and much to learn. Jaqen H’gar was there for her when she was in need and also the tough teacher necessary in pushing Arya past the ignorant, vengeful girl she was. Much to the chagrin of The Many-Faced-God, Arya isn’t actually meant for this life as she learns from another person of many faces, an actress, that she doesn’t need to follow the path set in front of her. Arya chooses to save her particular target and is now a marked girl in the eyes of H’gar. He clearly laments this loss but there is something underneath that suggests Arya won’t let tradition drag her into an early grave.
Another character beholden to a broken and ridiculous family standard is Samwell Tarly. He was sent to The Wall by his father, Randyll Tarly, because of his absolute ineptitude to be anything remotely manly or Tarly-esque as a first-born. We’ve seen that Sam and we’ve said goodbye to that Sam as he’s become more of a man than his father and family could possibly comprehend. Sam bringing wilding Gilly under the guise of basically a Northern whore with baby Sam is a direct move against his father. Sam’s brother, sister and mother are very much ignorant but well-meaning people who enjoy Sam being back in their great hall. His father, however, is able to break Sam down like only disapproving parents are capable of and Gilly is forced to out herself as a loathed wildling in his defense. Even though Gilly’s strength is showcased, it looks as if we are getting back our cowardly lion, Samwell Tarly…
…Except, just as Gilly’s confidence in her new, strange attire lead us to believe, Sam hasn’t forgotten the actual evils he has defeated that are much worse than his father. Taking his rightful heirloom, “Heartsbane”, a Valyrian steel sword meant for Sam but guaranteed to not go to him because of his father’s wishes, Sam steals Gilly and Sam Jr. away to continue making it on their own. Because f#*$ a silver spoon.
Back at King’s Landing, Margaery seems as if she’s turned the corner and is prepared to atone for her sins. As an audience, we’re left wondering just what Margaery’s end game is here and if we’ve truly lost her powerful spirit to the weight of pressure from the High Sparrow. She even convinces Tommen that what he did for her was necessary for she had become too deceitful and arrogant. Margaery isn’t wrong! I believed every word of her contrition because she hasn’t been a genuine person in all of her kindness. She’s good so that people can see her being good. Now, the foundation is there for Margaery to be a truly good person but her doubt is a logical step that we buy outright.
She should also sign up for that theater troupe in Braavos because she’s still playing the Game of Thrones.
Jaime gathers Lord Tyrell, who would never allow his daughter to perform the walk of atonement, and takes their army to the steps of the High Sept. They will fight the Sparrows to the last man and they will win that battle. Except there won’t be a battle because King Tommen accepts the Faith as an equal companion to the Crown and walks out to stand next to Margaery and the High Sparrow. Margaery’s acting was a little too good, forcing Tommen to become the High Sparrow’s most powerful ally yet and delaying the moment of Jaime’s sweet revenge. Jaime’s sent to deal with our long, lost friend, The Blackfish aka Brynden Tully, as a punishment, forcing us to open up those old Red Wedding wounds after all.
All of these characters have the power to change their destinies on a dime and ‘Blood of My Blood’ gives us that. What once was no longer needs to be. Though they might want to be careful in how far they stretch their truths because overreaching tends to find a way to bite back; right down through the heart.
“He can bloody well try.” – Sam
Show Notes:
The budget of this show! We weren’t treated with any huge battles in this episode but it’s the little things from vista views of Sam’s home at Horn Hill to the gorgeous statues of the Seven Gods in the High Sept that prove we’ve come a long way since season one.
I’m starting to wonder if Game of Thrones biggest accomplishment is going to be getting audiences to root for an incestuous, murderous and sexually abusive relationship in Jaime and Cersei. Because I’m starting to do that.
That speech at the end of the play given by Lady Crane (the great, Essie Davis) was a truly moving and poignant touch and completely redirects Arya’s view on her life. It was lovely.
Check out my reviews of previous episodes of ‘Game of Thrones’:
Given that it’s been roughly a week since the release of DC’s Rebirth, and the general plot has been out and about, I’m safe to assume this is no longer within the realm of spoilers. However, there might be a few who haven’t read the book yet, so if you haven’t you may want to reconsider reading this.
Still here? Great! Let’s continue, shall we?
The ending of the one shot issue Rebirth brought the Watchmen universe into the main DC canon, an interesting decision, if not one some would call controversial. Personally, I felt this was an excellent way to bring the two together without relinquishing the importance of one for the other.
Yet, there is one major issue that will need to be addressed; how to defeat Dr. Manhattan. Dr. Manhattan is a major character in the Watchmen series by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons and John Higgins. Of all the “superheroes” in the story, Manhattan is the one who actually has powers. Technically Ozymandias showed above human abilities, but one could argue he underwent the process similar to Captain America.
Still, Dr. Manhattan comes with a multitude of powers that makes him a real pickle to handle in a fight. Just checking his abilities on Wikipedia is astounding, and a tad intimidating. The guy has all the traditional set of superpowers and can walk on the sun, has a full perception of time, can live outside of time and space, and has no need for food or water.
Not someone you can pin down and force him to say “Uncle.”
Alan Moore made this guy into a blue nude god in order to help emulate how having such powers can literally divorce a person from their own family and friends. Dr. Manhattan is a tragic figure in the Watchmen’s series because the freak accident that gave him his powers figuratively ended his life.
It is easy to see how this would make Dr. Manhattan cold, unfeeling and even ruthless, a perfect opponent to the DC heroes. But how they’re going to overcome this guy is definitely a mind puzzler given how he’s got mastery over virtually every power that’s been thought up.
What do you guys think about the problem? How do you think Dr. Manhattan could be defeated?
Summertime is typically when we aren’t in front of the television or laptop, but with shifting viewing habits and growing demand for content, streaming services, cable networks and TV are filling the desire for new and returning shows. Here are 5 programs to sit by the pool, backyard, or just hide inside with.
The Last Ship – TNT
Beginning season 3 on June 12 on TNT, The Last Ship, based on the 1988 novel of the same name, tells the story of the USS Nathan James and her crew enduring a global pandemic and attempting to survive in a new world. Starring Eric Dane (Grey’s Anatomy), Adam Baldwin (Firefly), and Rhona Mitra (Strike Back), The Last Ship has evolved from a military action thriller to include an array of fleshed out characters and a fairly comprehensive look at what the world may look like if 75 percent of the world population was wiped out by a super virus.
Hell On Wheels – AMC
The fifth and final season starts this summer photo: AMC Networks
June 11 is the start date for the fifth and final season for what has quietly become one of AMC’s better dramas. When the show began, Cullen Bohannon (Anson Mount) was a man looking for revenge. As the series progressed, it showed the effect that the United States’ expansion westward reshaped the country. It has also addressed themes of religion, racism, slavery, and evolving social attitudes.
American Ninja Warrior – NBC
June 1st brings the eighth season for American Ninja Warrior. It took seven seasons for a contestant to complete the Mount Midoriyama course, and even without a winner for almost seven seasons, ANW has become a huge success for NBC as competitors come from far and wide in the hopes of even making it on the show. The great thing about American Ninja Warrior is that no matter the contestant, be it an Olympic athlete, professional bodybuilder, or a park ranger from Georgia, all are equal before this ruthless obstacle course.
Shooter – USA
Shooter starring Ryan Phillippe Photo: USA Networks
New this summer, Shooter is based on the novel by Stephen Hunter and the 2007 film of the same name. Starring Ryan Phillippe and Omar Epps, the show seems to take hints from both the novel and the film. Phillippe plays Bob Swagger, a retired Marine Corps sniper who is framed for a political assassination and his attempts to discover who the real killers are.
Killjoys – Syfy
Season 2 Of Killjoys premieres July 1 photo: Syfy
Last summer’s surprise hit returns in July with the continuing adventures of Dutch and the Jaqobis brothers (Hannah John-Kamen, Aaron Ashmore, and Luke Macfarlane). Leading the charge for Syfy’s foray back into serious genre programming, Killjoys showcases excellent writing, solid character development, and the ability to fill that Firefly shaped hole in your soul that has been craving another space Western.
