HALF-MAN! HALF-MAN! HALF-MAN!
I can't believe I'm doing this.. I promised myself I would not put a review on Game of Thrones until the end of the season so I could do it as a whole, but this last episode was simply to "EPIC"(haha); but seriously, the only show before this on television that I have gawked at the TV screen for an entire hour was LOST.
SPOILERS AHEAD!!
Firstly, before I get into the nitty gritty of what made this episode so great, I should state that I do not intend to repeat what or will refrain as much as possible from repeating what I've read in the IGN Review which by the way I totally endorse. For Fans of the Show.. READ THIS PLEASE:
http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/28/game-of-thrones-blackwater-review
Okay, So what made this episode as good as SEX. Firstly, The Half-Man was truly phenomenal in this episode. We all know that the only reason that we hesitate when we say we want the Lannisters to Crash and Burn s because Tyrion is a Lannister. He was truly brilliant in this episode perfectly balancing brave/ fearful/humorous and inspiring. The scene where they chant Half-Man makes you feel as though you are right there on the battle-field with him enjoying the spoils of his brilliant mind, only to end with the perfect "FUCK ME" as to what happens next...
Personally, I kind decide if I'm a fan of Stannis Baratheon yet, and I reckon that was the intent of George R R Martin when he created this magnificent series. He's emotionless, cold, fair and just. He's an odd combination, and despite not being able to relate with him; you feel as though his claim to the throne should be rewarded because after all- it is HIS BY RIGHTS! Stannis was the complete opposite to the pussy that is Joffrey, staying at the front lines... doing whatever it takes to win back what is rightfully his. He is Oddly inspiring in this episode, despite majority of his people getting screwed by Wildfire, including the Beloved "ONION KNIGHT"... It truly is impossible to hate him. He is the most logical and reasonable man on the show.
Oh Sansa, How I used to Hate you so!! You have truly become the character on screen that is portrayed in the book. That's right people, I'm one of the readers, but I vow to never divulge information regarding the series which I will have from my prior reading from the book. Sansa is cursed with the worst luck, and every G.O.T watcher must have a little pity for her, she literally can't catch a break! In this episode however, we see how her struggles have made her stronger, how as much as she is afraid, she is still the source of comfort for all the Women and Children at the Castle; we see her scared shitless by the Queen only to stand strong when approached by the Dog.. She truly did perform!!! A++
And Finally, Sandor Clegane!! I always felt that Rory Mccan never really got much airtime on the show, and they failed to really impact on the character of Joffrey's dog. Well, Not in this episode. He was magnificent. From the early scene with Bronn when they were butting heads, to the battle itself and he came face to face to his one true enemy: FIRE. "Fuck The King's Guard, Fuck the King".... Fuck The King Indeed.. Good for you, Dog.. Joffrey is a piece of shit anyway.
ONE FOCUS; ONE EPISODE. This season has struggled with giving each character/ scene portrayed in the stories in the book it deserves, however the Battle of Baywater got exactly what it deserves. Written by George R R Martin, just like Baelor in Season 1 which was obviously the best episode of the season; there is absolutely no doubt that this is the best episode of the series so far.
With the Emmy's so close, if G.O.T does not win Best Drama Series, It will become clear that the Emmy's are run by idiots who know nothing about great television.
Recently I've been searching for television shows to watch because the fall/spring seasons are almost over and God knows there are never enough summer shows to keep one going. So, I decided to finally venture into some of the news shows that were introduced in the fall of 2011. When I start I new show, I find it easier to allow many episodes to build and then watch, because once I begin; I will be hooked week in, week out. There have been a few shows I tried that simply didn't work out, namely; Ringer, New Girl (unless I'm really bored), Playboy Club (cancelled after 3 episodes)... so I decided to keep to my usual! In the last 2 weeks however, I ventured into new territory again- first with Revenge which I have already shared my thoughts on and Now with "Once Upon A Time." I am only 12 episodes into this show, but boy oh boy, it is a beauty! I mean, you shouldn't expect anything less from Lost Alum executive Producers, but this show certainly surprised me and was much more than what I gave it credit for from the previews.
I will do my best to avoid Spoilers, We all Hate Those, and since I still have several episodes to watch myself; everything I know now could be meaningless anyway. Let me start by saying that the Plot for this series is just too damn creative and imaginative. It has given perspective to some Disney classics, and completely twisted the stories of others to make them dark and perhaps even more human. What is a fairy-tale without a Happy Ending? This show continuously asks this question; all the while giving audience hope that there might in fact be a happy ending after all this. However, as a new fan, i find myself asking what the happy ending in this scenario would be? Several stories are intertwined, particularly those of several fairy-tales.. and as much as I have a few thoughts on what one of the happy endings would be, its difficult thinking of one that encompasses all the characters, particularly when I'm not sure who all the Bad and all the Good Characters are!! Disney made it real easy; Once Upon a Time creators are much more clever in creating an alluring mystery that makes you recall your favorite bedtime stories whilst appreciating a whole new version of the story. Some of the things that have been thought of are simply pure genius and you cant help but feel roped-in, into this story.
A useful skill that the writers of this show utilise is exploiting the brain's need for completion. Like LOST with the flashbacks, and the desire for the audience to understand the characters motives and emotions.. The audience of Once Upon A Time are given two worlds; and as we get to know our characters in the Real World, we want to make a connection and know their stories in the previous world, and that intrigue and curiosity drives our interest in the show, at least for me. The characters are well thought out, most with interesting stories, others not so much ( they can't all be a home-run, even LOST wasn't that good), however the acting for the show is better than Most.. exaggerated at times, but they can get away with it because its telling the stories of Fairy-Tales!!
Most people will know Jennifer Morrison(House M.D), Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love, He's Not that Into You) and perhaps Robert Carlyle(Formula 51, 28 weeks later, The Full Monty).. but most of the cast is relatively unknown. I would mainly just like to speak about Lana Parilla ( who I've only seen on 24 as Sarah Gavin in 24-but didn't really prove to be anything more than a standard actress). In Once Upon A Time, Lana Parilla really impresses me as the Evil Queen/Madame Mayor of Storybrooke. The role of a villainous character is often much tougher to portray, and it is often not done well. She does an excellent job in this show for being manipulative,bossy, bitchy and just outright mean that you cant help but hate her or more accurately love to hate her- she gives you every reason too and when you think she may have gentle motives in one scenario or another as most tend to, she screws you as much as she screwed the character in the show. Her performance is pretty damn good on this show and is definitely worth watching!
Now that I am Half-way through the season I am eager to catch-up with the show because it is that interesting. Trust me Ladies and Gents, This one- you will not be sorry! This is the creativity we need in Hollywood instead of the thousand NYPD cop shows being constantly re-created.
Review of Show 8.5/10.
A special thanks to Tish Gumbs who urged me to watch this show earlier than I intended too.
