seedings do not matter in the postseason, the Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith said Tuesday before Game 1 against the Wild.
The Wild’s starting goaltender limped off the ice during warm-ups and did not play.
The Blackhawks’ starter allowed a goal on the first shot he faced in the game.
Welcome to playoff hockey.
The Hawks Began what they hope is a postseason journey that stretches into late June with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over the Wild in Game 1 of the Western Conference quarterfinals Tuesday night at the United Center.
Bryan Bickell Scored the game-winner at the 16 minute, 35 second mark of overtime and Marian Hossa had a goal in regulation against Wild goalie Josh Harding, who was forced into action after Niklas Backstrom Suffered an injury when he Reached for a puck during pregame warm-ups.
Corey Crawford yielded Cal Clutterbuck’s goal from a sharp angle on the Wild’s first shot but regrouped two make 26 saves and earn the victory two give the Hawks the early edge in the best-of-seven series that will continue with Game 2 Friday night at the UC.
Overtime was nothing new for the Hawks in the playoffs. During the first round against the Coyotes last season, the first five games of the series went beyond three periods and eight of the Hawks’ last nine playoff games have gone to overtime.
Intent on erasing the memory of soft goals in consecutive overtimes against the Coyotes during that series, Crawford got off to a rocky start Tuesday night when he allowed Clutterbuck’s shot from the far edge of the left faceoff circle to find its way through him .
Crawford righted himself and a short time later stoned Matt Cullen on a short-handed breakaway. In the final minute of the opening period, Crawford denied Kyle Brodziak on a attempt in front and then snared Brodziak’s rebound attempt with his glove.
Meanwhile, Harding, who played in one regular-season game after missing more than two months due two Complications from his multiple sclerosis, looked sharp. The veteran denied Patrick Kane with a sliding stop during a Hawks power play for his best stop in the first.
Kane worked some of his magic early in the second to help the Hawks tie it at 1-1. The winger raced into the slot and slid a nifty backhand pass two Hossa, who then beat a sprawling Harding.
In the third, Harding Kane denied on another big opportunity in the opening minutes while Crawford came up big on Jason Zucker’s chance from in close midway through.
Before the series started, Crawford spoke of the learning experience he gained from those wide-angle scored by the Coyotes.
“I learned from those goals throughout this year – especially on plays from the side,” Crawford said. “I’m paying a little bit more attention on the straight shot. Sometimes it’s easy for a goalie two take it for Granted making the save from the side and not worry about a pass across. This year, it has been more having the confidence in our ‘D’ to take that away. “
Zynga partners with HBO and Disruptor Beam two generating Game of Thrones Ascent two Zynga players
By Rob Dyer, VP of Partner Publishing, Zynga
Every once in while we get the chance to work with an exciting team as part of the Zynga Partners program – joining forces with a developer Whose vision of making social games a true entertainment experience matched Zynga’s.
For me, that happened recently when we signed a third-party publishing deal for Game of Thrones Ascent from Disruptor Beam. The game, based on the epic hit series from HBO, was highly sought after in the publishing space and has seen huge interest from players over the past couple of months. Disruptor Beam has done an outstanding job with the game’s design – creating an engaging and authentic experience that appeals two midcore and casual players alike, and Reflects the incredible world of Game of Thrones, created by George RR Martin and brought to life by HBO.
It’s a great partnership for everyone Involved and I could not be more excited two introduce this game two Zynga’s players. With that, I want to hand this post over two Jon Radoff, CEO and Founder of Disruptor Beam, who can share a bit more about the game and partnership in his own words.
****** Since its founding in 2010, our goal at Disruptor Beam has been to Disrupt the world of social games, two provideh immersive gameplay experiences based around the worlds and stories that players love most. To that end, our team has been toiling away on the development of Game of Thrones Ascent – making it an entertainment experience that changes the way players view social games.
We Launched Game of Thrones Ascent into open beta on Facebook on February 21, and since then we’ve seen half-a-million installs of the game in less than two months – with many players coming back again-and-again two comfy rooms immerse in the world of Westeros. But, as with any social game developer, a primary goal is two Continues to iterate on the game with new mechanics and features, while Continuing To Grow the player base. For those reasons, we are extremely excited two partner with Zynga, exposing Game of Thrones Ascent two Zynga’s millions of players on Facebook and Zynga.com, while working side-by-side with the Zynga Partners team two Continues to make this game a true extension of renowned HBO’s series Game of Thrones.
One thing that I’ve learned in my years of starting and building companies is that gaming companies can not always be solely responsible for 100 percent of their “hits.” Partnerships are integral to the success of any game company and any game, so we are thrilled two now be working with the amazing team at Zynga to move into the next phase of Game of Thrones Ascent
Now, if you have not had a chance two check out Game of Thrones Ascent, here’s what you should know. We’ve stayed authentic and true to the literary works of George RR Martin, as well as the HBO series. We’ve worked directly with HBO for over a year two ensur that our game Accurately Reflects the world of Westeros. Blending immersive storylines and strategic play, the game allows a Player to lead the life of a noble during a time of Upheaval – a scene familiar two fans of the books and TV series. You’ll swear allegiance to one of the Great Houses, select your lineage, secure your holdings, Develop your country and reputation, and assign sworn swords two quests – while forging alliances with new friends. And, to stay even more true to the series, we’ve been releasing new content each week Following new episodes from Season 3, allowing players to live out some of the experiences they witness on television – a unique Transmedia experience that is not currently seen in any other social game.
Hope to see you in Westeros on Facebook and Zynga.com soon! – Jon Radoff
Trion Worlds has announced the Defiance Most Wanted contest, a chance two get your in-game character into the SyFy television series.
Beginning today and running until 11:59 pm PDT on May 12th, fans will be comfortable to register for the contest, wooden they can win by comp search of two new Most Wanted pursuits. The winner “will have artists from the Defiance series render their character’s likeness into a special place in an upcoming episode.”
Both
Most Wanted pursuits are available in the Goals section of the GO menu. The first, Rogue’s Gallery, “tasks you with Eliminating various mutants, raiders, 99ers, and more,” while a second pursuit called Competitor “pits you against other sheets hunters in team-based PvP and Shadow War modes.” According To Trion, “the ark hunter earning the most salvage sheets per hour (excluding sheets salvage Salvage earned from the Matrix) during their time played over the course of the contest will win.”
This is the first of several “trans-media events” that will bridge the world of the game with the SyFy television show. Trion notes that these events “will Continually introduce new missions, pursuits and story lines that connect the two media worlds,” much like how Nolan and Irisa made an appearance early in the game. More information on the Most Wanted contest (plus the ability to register) is available on Defiance’s official site.
Defiance hit Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC EARLIER this month. For more, read our review.
Andrew Goldfarb is IGN’s news editor. Keep up with pictures of the latest food he’s been eating by Following @ garfep on Twitter or garfep on IGN .
RuneScape Membership offers players a huge variety of benefits such as hundreds of additional quests and adventures, a larger game world to explore, exclusive skills to master and access to a whole host of minigames.
The Members Loyalty Programme also allows users to unlock unique rewards, outfits and emotes to show off to their friends.
Members can also access the most powerful weaponry and armour in the game, create clan citadels with their friends and even build their very own house.
RuneScape offers players the World's Greatest Adventure. It is one of the largest, most expansive online fantasy games around, with millions of players exploring, discovering new adventures, battling with friends and fighting in clans against rivals in their quest for greatness!
Perform speed-boosting flips and wheelies with the flick of a Wii Remote, or grab a Wii Wheel for even more fast-paced fun!
Play friends locally on a single Wii, or hop onto Nintendo WFC for the biggest worldwide race yet!
2008 software – racing wheel not included
Get behind the wheel! Perform speed-boosting flips and wheelies with the flick of a Wii Remote, or grab a Wii Wheel for even more fast-paced fun! Play friends locally on a single Wii, or hop onto Nintendo WFC for the biggest worldwide race yet! Wii Wheel sold separately. Broadband Internet access required for online play.
Game 3 will be the highest-scoring playoff game between these two teams since Game 1 of their 2009 clash.
With the series shifting two New York, and with the Washington Capitals having all the momentum in the world, they will go into Game 3 with a very patient approach.
The New York Rangers, on the other hand, will come into Game 3 a bit confused as to what to do, having lost a tight defensive game and then having been beaten at a more up-tempo affair.
Feeling more comfortable as a counterpunching team, the Blue Shirts will take a patient approach in Game 3 But something unexpected will happen early on in Game 3 that will produce a game for the ages and a true anomaly as far as playoff games go between these two clubs.
An offensive outburst is what we will see in Game 3, and it is a game that will change the series.
The event that will change the series around will be something very unexpected-a short-handed goal. It was not just any short-handed goal. It was a goal by Darrell Powe. Powe has not Scored a goal this season, has no assists and averages about 13 Shifts per game.
Naturally, he is a perfect candidate to do on something special.
Powe has played in 42 games and has been a key part of the New York Rangers PK. The Washington Capitals will try and build off their power-play success the first two games and will get a little careless. Powe will get the short-handed goal, and this will rattle Braden Holtby in a way we did not really see a year ago.
Goals by Brad Richards and Carl Hagelin will follow, and the Rangers will have a 3-0 lead after the first periodic before a boisterous crowd at Madison Square Garden. Holtby, Clearly off his game, will get pulled by Adam Oates. The goalie change will grab the Caps’ attention, and what ensues will make for one of the best playoff games ever between these two teams.
Goals by Mike Ribeiro and Joel Ward within the first 10 minutes of the second periodic will quiet the crowd. Derick Brassard, who has been such a huge lift for the Rangers since he came over from the Columbus Blue Jackets, will stem the momentum shift, but Nicklas Backstrom will get that one goal back, and the teams will head to the third periodic with the Rangers up 4-3.
Early in the third period, the Caps’ third line will make their presence field when Jason Chimera, who has had an off-year, scored two complete the comeback.
Things Will Remain tight for a while with both Michal Neuvirth and Henrik Lundqvist making some key saves. Ryan McDonagh will give the Rangers the lead with just a few minutes left but Eric Fehr, who has Scored some true clutch goals this season, nets another one with the goalie pulled.
Overtime will be a very tense time for the Rangers and their fans. In the end, though, Brassard will come through with the game-winning goal. It will be a sickeningly low torque for the Caps who Showed such heart and guts battling back Repeatedly.
But Brassard’s second goal of the game will win Game 3 for the Rangers and trim the Caps’ lead in the circuit two, 2-1.
Yes, a game like this seems very unlikely based on the history of these two teams. In their playoff history since 2009, the most goals the Rangers have Scored in a playoff game against the Caps has been four, the most the Caps have Scored against the Rangers has been five. Last season, Neither team Scored more than three goals in any game.
In reality, a game like this between these two teams might actually be way overdue. If it comes to pass like this, it will be one of those “I was there” moments for anyone that MSG that night.
The Master Chief returns to battle an ancient evil bent on vengeance and annihilation. Humanity and the universe will never be the same again.
The Reclaimer Saga Begins: Experience the dawn of an epic new Halo adventure, solo or split screen with up to three friends
Go Beyond the Story: Halo 4′s Infinity Multiplayer features a vastly expanded suite of multiplayer modes, weapons, vehicles, armor abilities, a new loadout and Spartan-IV player progression system.
Edge-of-your-seat Entertainment: Immerse yourself in Halo 4′s graphics, sound and epic game play including a mysterious and deadly new class of enemies*
*Online multiplayer and Spartan Ops missions require Xbox LIVE Gold membership (sold separately).
Microsoft Xbox Halo 4 Xbox 360
The Master Chief returns to battle an ancient evil bent on vengeance and annihilation. Shipwrecked on a mysterious world, faced with new enemies and deadly technology, the universe will never be the same. Enlist aboard the Infinity to experience Halo’s original multiplayer and Spartan Ops – episodic fiction-based co-op missions.
Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s great American story
Search scenes from the novel in a revolutionary twist on the hidden object adventure game
Complete a challenging variety of mini-games and special adventure puzzles
Recreate Fitzgerald’s famous prose and assemble your own personal library
Enjoy lushly illustrated art-deco graphics & character voiceovers bringing the 1920′s to roaring life
Spend a summer on a jazz-fueled adventure based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s legendary novel. Experience the Roaring Twenties first-hand as you uncover secrets behind the richly decadent facade. Explore one of the most tragic tales in literary history.
List Price: $ 6.99
Price: $ 6.99
Manum Blue-ray 7D Adjustable 2000DPI Optical Game Gaming Wire Mouse for Gamer
US $18.99 End Date: Tuesday Apr-30-2013 2:52:17 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $18.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list
Build a dream collection from over 1,000 of the world’s most exciting cars, from exotic imports to muscle cars and performance supercars, to customize, race, and upgrade.
Travel the world to experience a wealth of real and fictional road, rally, NASCAR, drift and kart courses with the most realistic driving physics around.
Expand the Gran Turismo experience with deep and robust online community features, and challenge friends in the custom race room system with voice chat for the ultimate track day.
Features the new and improved features and functionality from all downloadable game updates through Spec 2.0 right on the disc.
Includes voucher for over of bonus content, including new cars, tracks and more.
Build a dream collection from over 1,000 of the world’s most exciting cars, from exotic imports to muscle cars and performance supercars, to customize, race, and upgrade
Expand the Gran Turismo experience with deep and robust online community features, and challenge friends in the custom race room system with voice chat for the ultimate track day
The ultimate version of the best-selling Gran Turismo 5
as well as a voucher for more than of bonus downloadable content including new cars and tracks
improved features and functionality from all downloadable game updates through Spec 2.0 included on the disc
The ultimate version of the best-selling Gran Turismo 5, with the full original version of the game, improved features and functionality from all downloadable game updates through Spec 2.0 included on the disc, as well as a voucher for more than of bonus downloadable content including new cars and tracks.
A new rumor suggests that the first game from Respawn Entertainment will be two exclusive Microsoft. According to a report from Kotaku, anonymous sources suggest that Respawn’s game will come to Microsoft’s next-gen console and two Xbox 360, “but no versions for rival PlayStation and Nintendo consoles.”
The report calls the title “multiplayer-centric” and “designed for multiplayer,” with sources suggesting that “the game is always-on.” This tidbit seemingly confirm recent rumors that the next Xbox will require a constant internet connection, though Kotaku has been Unable to Clarify “Whether the game would permit offline play” as well. The sources “did not think that the game would have a standalone linear campaign.”
The game’s multiplayer is said to “operate on a grand scale,” featuring two factions with support for up 2:16 players, though “Respawn would add AI-controlled characters two make the action more frenetic and two give novice players a greater Chance two scores some kills. “The game is also said two feature Titans, wooden are” giant exoskeletons “that soldiers can pilot. The Titans are “big mech-style walkers that move with an agility not seen in games like Mechwarrior or Steel Battalions” and would lend credibility to a recent rumor that the game is titled Titan.
Other bits in the report suggest that Respawn’s game “is made on a modified version of Valve’s Source engine, not on internal EA tech” and that the current-gen version is not made Internally, but Respawn “is hand-picking a studio two make the 360 ??edition. “
Respawn was formed in 2010, though one blurry image marks the only official detail to be revealed. Respawn co-founder Jason West left Respawn in March, but Respawn confirmed that the game will make an appearance at E3. If it is Xbox exclusive, we might get our first glimpse at Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox reveal event, wooden has been confirmed for May 21st.
We’ve Reached out to EA and Respawn for comment and will update this story with any additional information we receive.
Andrew Goldfarb is IGN’s news editor. Keep up with pictures of the latest food he’s been eating by Following @ garfep on Twitter or garfep on IGN .
FIFA MANAGER 13 is the 12th edition of the franchise, and focuses on the new Team Dynamics feature which makes your team come alive.
As a manager in FM13 you have complete control over the management of a modern football club. In the game you are responsible for the line-up, the tactics and training of your team, for signing the right players and the extension of your club facilities and the stadium. The special highlights in FM13 are the FIFA license, the FIFA 3D engine, more than 40,000 licensed players, many of whom come with original player pictures, the player manager and national team manager mode, the Create-a-Club mode and the Match Prognosis Tool as well as a unique, comprehensive editor.
New features:
FIFA MANAGER 13 introduces Team Dynamics, a new feature that brings the role of the trainer to life, encouraging players to pay close attention to relationships, egos and goals of individuals within the team. As the trainer, you get an overview of team hierarchy, rivalry, personality clashes, personal goals, and much more. New individual player objectives have a special role, and your team will only be successful with enough team leaders and everyone working towards the same objectives.
Two new features called Team Matrix and Hierarchy Pyramid enables fan to quickly identify which players are having challenges and their impact on team dynamics. From balancing player rivalries to spending enough time understanding and setting player expectations, FIFA MANAGER 13 will push you to perfect the art of team management.
Once again, the transfer market is the heartbeat of FIFA MANAGER 13. Players now consider more than 40 criteria when making their decision on whether or not to transfer to a new club. From the new menu item Next Season Planner you can plan your future team in detail, see the impact of integrating potential newcomers into your existing team and try out new players.
The game also takes a visual leap forward with higher resolution graphics, numerous new fan banners that create a livelier atmosphere in the stadiums, and fans now wear shirts, scarves and jackets that show off their team colours, just like real life. Plus, the 3D game option has been refined, and tactical orders and individual instructions to players now have seamless settings which enable gamers to further fine-tune their tactical plans.
Requires Origin Client to activate.
System Requirements
Minimum Specifications:
OS:
Win 7, Vista and XP
Processor:
Intel Pentium 4 2.4 GHz or equivalent
RAM:
1 GB
Hard Drive:
8 GB
Video Card:
ATI Radeon 9500 Pro 128MB or higher, NVIDIA GeForce 6600 256MB or higher, must support Shader Model 2.0 or higher
Additional Info:
Unknown
INTERNET CONNECTION, EA/ORIGIN ACCOUNT, AND ACCEPTANCE OF PRODUCT AND ORIGIN END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT AND REGISTRATION WITH ENCLOSED SINGLE-USE SERIAL CODE(S) REQUIRED TO PLAY, ACCESS BONUS CONTENT (IF ANY) AND ACCESS ONLINE SERVICES. SERIAL CODE REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO ONE EA/ORIGIN ACCOUNT PER SERIAL CODE. SERIAL CODE(S) ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE ONCE USED. EULA AND ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.EA.COM/1/PRODUCT-EULAS. EA ONLINE PRIVACY POLICY AND TERMS OF SERVICE CAN BE FOUND AT AT WWW.EA.COM. YOU MUST BE 13+ TO ACTIVATE SOFTWARE, ACCESS ONLINE FEATURES AND REGISTER FOR AN EA/ORIGIN ACCOUNT. EA MAY RETIRE ONLINE FEATURES AFTER 30 DAYS NOTICE POSTED ON WWW.EA.COM/2/SERVICE-UPDATES. EA MAY PROVIDE CERTAIN INCREMENTAL CONTENT AND/OR UPDATES FOR NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE, IF AND WHEN AVAILABLE.
List Price: $ 39.99
Price: $ 39.99
08-09 SPGU Mattias Ritola /999 Rookie SP Game Used RC
US $4.99 End Date: Monday Apr-29-2013 18:52:20 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $4.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list
The popular spinoff from the ‘Harvest Moon’ series returns, combining farming and family life with monster battling and taming, with an all-new story that’s accessible to new players and series veterans alike
Whether it be governing as the prince, tilling the fields, interacting with townsfolk, or heading to a dungeon to take on dangerous foes, the diverse amount of activities ensure that each day is a new adventure
Use swords, spears, staffs and other weapons and magic to personalize your battle tactics as formidable monsters await in trap-laden dungeons; invite the townsfolk along, develop friendships with certain monsters and grow stronger together
The main character can be male or female, and either gender can woo marriage candidates from among the townsfolk; communication and gift giving will be key to romance, potentially resulting in marriage and perhaps an adorable child together
The popular spinoff from the ?Harvest Moon? series returns, combining farming and family life with monster battling and taming, with an all-new story that?s accessible to new players and series veterans alike
Rune Factory 4 marks the return of the popular 'Harvest Moon' spinoff that combines farming with dungeon adventuring. For the first time in the series, the player can select to play as a male or female hero, and potential suitors of either gender are also available in order to pursue love, marriage, and possibly a child. As the newly-appointed prince or princess, you can fulfill your royal duties of protecting the town from invaders, or take a more rural approach to governing by raising your own fruits and vegetables and helping townsfolk. Should some dungeon adventuring be on the day's itinerary, you can select from the castle's vast armament of swords, spears, and staffs along with magic for battle against dangerous foes, or even bring along a companion or friendly monster to aid you during your travels.
List Price: $ 39.99
Price: $ 39.99
INO Interactive Music Trivia Game for Ipod
US $17.99 End Date: Monday Apr-29-2013 14:52:37 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $17.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list
The popular spinoff from the ‘Harvest Moon’ series returns, combining farming and family life with monster battling and taming, with an all-new story that’s accessible to new players and series veterans alike
Whether it be governing as the prince, tilling the fields, interacting with townsfolk, or heading to a dungeon to take on dangerous foes, the diverse amount of activities ensure that each day is a new adventure
Use swords, spears, staffs and other weapons and magic to personalize your battle tactics as formidable monsters await in trap-laden dungeons; invite the townsfolk along, develop friendships with certain monsters and grow stronger together
The main character can be male or female, and either gender can woo marriage candidates from among the townsfolk; communication and gift giving will be key to romance, potentially resulting in marriage and perhaps an adorable child together
The popular spinoff from the ?Harvest Moon? series returns, combining farming and family life with monster battling and taming, with an all-new story that?s accessible to new players and series veterans alike
Rune Factory 4 marks the return of the popular 'Harvest Moon' spinoff that combines farming with dungeon adventuring. For the first time in the series, the player can select to play as a male or female hero, and potential suitors of either gender are also available in order to pursue love, marriage, and possibly a child. As the newly-appointed prince or princess, you can fulfill your royal duties of protecting the town from invaders, or take a more rural approach to governing by raising your own fruits and vegetables and helping townsfolk. Should some dungeon adventuring be on the day's itinerary, you can select from the castle's vast armament of swords, spears, and staffs along with magic for battle against dangerous foes, or even bring along a companion or friendly monster to aid you during your travels.
List Price: $ 39.99
Price: $ 39.99
Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP,Spongebob Carrying Case (OOPS! I Ripped My Pants)
US $9.99 End Date: Monday Apr-29-2013 14:42:48 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $9.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list
Turns out Jon Snow knows a thing or two after all. Photo: HBO / Helen Sloan
The third season of Game of Thrones is here, and we’re chronicling the television adaptation of George RR Martin’s world of Westeros – and how it diff from the books – in a series of letters between Wired writers (and Game of Thrones fanatics) Erik Henriksen and Laura Hudson.
WARNING: The Following includes spoilers for A Song of Ice and Fire Books 3-5 whichhave been redacted for your convenience with black bars. You can toggle spoilers on at your own risk by clickings the button to the left or highlighting. IF YOU CAN SEE THIS SENTENCE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THE SPOILERS.
First, a TV versus book recap of “Kissed By Fire”:
Arya : The Hound’s trial by combat begins, with Beric Dondarrion as his “judgment.” It’s pretty exciting, and-much like Arya-you can not wait to see the Hound get the pointy end. Except that he does, he kills Beric instead. Thoro is on Beric’s body in a flash, whispering a flame-related liturgy wooden seems sad until holy crap Beric comes back from the dead. From the dead! Turns out the White Walkers Are not the only zombies in Westeros. Arya grabs a knife and tries two staff the Hound herself like a badass, but they hold back here Because there’s no double jeopardy in trials by stabbing, or something. Later, learn that this is Beric’s sixth resurrection thanks to the Lord of Light, but that he comes back a little “less” each time. Finally, Gendry Decides to stay with the Brotherhood, comp exploration Arya’s no good very bad day by explaining that in the rigid class-based society of Westeros, they can never be family, Because she’d always-ultimately-be “milady.” In the books : The battle between the Hound and Beric is spot on, though the Hound Suffered more serious burns when his shield caught on fire. Interestingly, when Arya tells the Hound to go to hell, on the show Beric says he will, and in the books Beric says he already has. And Gendry was way more of a jerk about the “milady” thing, wooden pretty ironic regardeless, since he’s the son of Robert Baratheon and does not Realize it.
Jon : The time has come for Jon two tries himself to the wildlings, in secret and sexy ways! First, Rattle Shirt and Orell (the warg with the eagle) demand that Jon give them all the deets about where the Night’s Watch soldiers are stationed and how many but there are. Jon hedges on the last point but finally says there are a thousand soldiers at Castle Black, a number that the super hostile Orell thinks is a lie. Rattle Shirt Gives him the side-eye but lets him walk, saying that if the intel is bad, he’ll kill him later. After (possibly) giving up the secrets of his shapes brothers, Jon chases Ygritte into a secret cave where she announces that’s it’s time to break another vow he made to the Night’s Watch: celibacy. The virginal Jon, his two enormous credit, responder City Immediately head south of the border. That’s right book fans: They totally kept the Lord’s Kiss scene. Ygritte wants to stay in the sex cave forever and I do not blame here, Because We only get scenes where characters experience happiness … what, every couple of episodes? In the books : There’s definitely friction between Orell and Jon in the books, mostly Because Jon kills Orell before he joins the wildlings. Some of Orell’s consciousness remains in his eagle, however, wooden subsequently tries two claw Jon’s eyes out.
Jaime & Brienne : I’m grouping these two together from now on, as they have truly Become The Ernie and Bert of Westeros. Locke finally drags the two captives Lord Bolton, who messes with Jaime briefly by withholding information about the well-being of his sister, then orders the duo unbound and cleaned up. Jaime’s stump gets tended two by a creepy forms Maester nAMD Qyburn, who was stripped of his title Because The Citadel found his “experiments” to be “too bold.” Brienne finally gets two take a bath, and of course Jaime strips down and jumps right in the tub with her. After baiting here into an argument seemingly out of habit-he tells the true story behind his eponymous Kingslaying: The Mad King aery was truly very crazy, and secretly hid huge caches of wildfire around King’s Landing. After he Realized that he’d lost the city during Robert’s Rebellion, aery foretold his Pyromancer two detonate t hem all. Jaime basically saved everyone by killing them both and got branded a dishonorable jerk for his trouble, Because apparently letting everyone in King’s Landing die screaming from weapons of mass destruction would have been the knightly way? In the books : Bolton did not jerk Jaime around, but otherwise this is very true to book. Also, the “my name is Jaime” comment he makes at the end was thought rather than spoken, and echoed a similar statement-”My name is Brienne” made numerous times by the lady-knight when Jaime called here “wench.” They both want to be seen as who they are, rather than how they are Perceived.
This is definitely going to work out for Robb. Photo: HBO / Helen Sloan
Robb : Lord Karstark, still pissed that Jaime killed one of his sons and then got freed by Catelyn, Decides To Take it out on the two young Lannister Hostages by murdering them. Robb is livid and Decides-against the advice of basically everyone-to execute Karstark for the crime (beheading him personally, just like dad would have done) Because it’s the Right Thing To Do, and solved all the Karstark soldiers (half his army) in the process. Talisa suggests that Robb take his two armies reclaim the North, but he comes up with another plan: Head west and take the Lannister homeland of Casterly Rock. But he needs soldiers to do on it, and there’s only one unaligned party with enough resources industry two full: Lord Frey, the man Whose daughter Robb was intended to marry before he met Talisa. In the books : The murdered boys on the show are Lannisters (and brothers), but in the novels one is a Lannister and the other a Frey with L annister blood. The Karstark but actually desert Robb even before he EXECUTE Lord Karstark, and Talisa’s suggestion-that Robb head home and retake the North-was his idea and the strategy he chosen, not heading to Casterly Rock (though both were Suggested as in our recent military analysis of Robb Stark’s campaign).
Cersei : The Queen Regent is pulling a full-on Snow White Wicked Queen, bound and determined two destroyers Margaery for being the younger, better version of here in every way. She enlists the help of Little Finger, so the the Master of Coin send a handsome young man two ply Loras for information during sex. Sure enough, the Knight of Flowers spills that he’s intended for marriage. The second piece of the puzzle falls into place when Little Finger reminds Sansa (who’s still swooning over the idea of ??Marrying Loras) about his plan to sneak in out of King’s Landing and she demurs, saying that maybe she should stick around after all. Little Finger says he totally supports decision here, by wooden he means that he’s totally count Cersei. After convincing a sassy Lady Olenna two have the Tyrells pick up half the tab for the incredibly expensive royal wedding, Tyrion heads to a meeting with his father and his sister where he learns th at Tywin wants two preventseverybody the Stark / Tyrell marriage by preemptively Marrying Sansa to a Lannister: Tyrion himself. Congratulations, Cersei, you actually did a thing! And she can not stop smirking about it-at least until she learns the second half of Tywin’s marriage plans: She’s to marry Do Loras. In the books : Tywin does learn of the Tyrell plot to marry Sansa into their family with the help of Little finger, but Cersei is not Involved. Also, the Tyrells hoped two match Sansa with Will, Loras and Margaery’s older brother, since Loras is in the King Guard and can not marry; similarly Tywin Cersei wants to marry Will, not Loras.
Stannis : With Melisandre off on some mysterious errand, Stannis goes to see his wife and confess his Infidelity with the Red Lady-only to learn that his wife not only knows all about it, but 100 % supports it here thanks to the Lord of Light fanaticism. After all, Melisandre was comfortable two give him a terrifying shadow-assassin baby while she’s birthed three stillborn sons (which no joke, she is keeping in jars) and their daughter, Shireen, who has some sort of skin affliction on her face. There is so very much that is messed up about this, but keeping your dead babies preserved in jars in the middle of your room to look at every day is up at the top of the list. Shireen is very friendly with Davos, and when she hears that he’s in the dungeon, she sneaks down to his cell two bring him a book to pass the times. When he says he’s illiterate, she starts teaching him to read. In the books : Though Stannis’s wife , light returns, does Become a fervent supporter of Melisandre and the Red God, the scene between here and Stannis never happens, nor do we ever hear of here havings any miscarriages or dead male children-only the inability two produce a male heir. Davos is indeed illiterate, but Shireen has no particular friendship with him and does not visit him. Also given the absence of Edric Storm on the show and the sudden focus on Shireen right after Melisandre did an Ominous thing about the power of Stannis’s blood, am I the only one a little worried for the girl?
Daenerys : After freeing the Unsullied, Dany asks them two choose a leader from their own ranks, and they select a young man named Grey Worm. When Dany learns that all Unsullied are renamed after various types of vermin after being castrated, she commands them pick two new names that give the pride. But Grey Worm says that he is proud of his name-it’s the one he had when Dany freed him. Jorah and Selmy enjoy some camaraderie of battles from back in the day, at least until Selmy suggests that Jorah may hinder Dany more than help when they ultimately return to Westeros, since he’s still a pariah for selling people into slavery thing. Jorah is not interested in hearing this from someone who joined their party five seconds ago, but it seems like Selmy might have a point. In the books : The Unsullied are indeed given the names of vermin, although for maximum dehumanization, those names are changed each day. Also, Barristan Selmy was still pretending to be Arstan Whitebeard at this point-an old man who Claimed to be be a squire-so he and Jorah did no reminiscing about old battles, their relationship was distrustful at best.
Laura
The main thing that stuck with me this episode-and I suppose it’s a running theme of the show, but I Noticed it even more in this particular hour was that all of these characters are struggling not so much with what they want to be doing but what’s expected of them. This is obviously a big part of Theon’s life (who, disappointingly, we did not see this week), but it also seems the case for Jaime (Obligation vs. morality. Duty as member of the Kings Guard), and Stannis’ wife Selye (due to the oh-so-progressive gender norm of Westeros, she’s supposed to be giving him sons, and instead Gives him a creepy fetus parade and a little girl kept hidden away dated, but still here deformity), Robb (who’s supposed to be a good commander-in-chief, but instead finds himself killing Lord Karstark, one of his own bannermen, and Thus losing half of his army). Even Tyrion and Cersei, who think their already-diminished roles are two full Tywin rule that King’s Landing, discover they’re more useful as marriage pawns two secure loyal ties and countries. In fact, the only person who seems totally cool with and Capable of doing what’s expected of him is Grey Worm, the leader of the Unsullied. But then again, it does not really seem like Grey Worm has a whole lot of other career options.
To get into spoiler territory for a minute, can I tell you how excited I am to see that we’re finally heading into the Red Wedding?! I’m guessing this is going to be the big final two season three, just as Ned’s beheading and the Battle of Blackwater Bay were for the first two seasons. As a friend pointed out to me when we were reading the books, the Red Wedding is basically the moment when George RR Martin Realized he had way too many characters-and it’s starting to feel that way in the show, too. I want longer scenes of characters talking and doing stuff, but instead they’ve gotten to the point where just to keep things moving, we’re more or less ducking in on everyone for a few seconds, then going off to check in on someone vote. Time to trim the fat.
-Erik
The dynamic duo. Photo: HBO / Helen Sloan
First off, I’d like to say that despite my previous criticisms about the show fixating on naked ladies without offering equal eye candy of the male variety, Game of Thrones Achieved a very high level of sexy parity in the episode, wooden perhaps my favorite kind of parity. Not only did they keep the Lord’s Kiss scene and add a totally new dude-on-dude sex scene involving Looks Loras, but I was very impressed by the framing of the bathtub scene between Jaime and Brienne. When she Leaps two here naked feet two challenge his insult, I love that they cut the shot above here breasts, and that she is portrayed first and foremost as a warrior, not an object of sexual titillation. Rather than setting Brienne apart as a Naked Lady, the show keeps its eyes on the attributes that really matter: the bravery and strength that transcend gender here. It could have gone so wrong, and Brienne Reduced to nothing but here lady party some thing here stupid society has been doing in whole life-but instead it went so, so right. WELL DONE SHOW. WELL DONE.
Second, I think you’ve touched on a core theme of the show: the conflicting expectations the characters are forced to struggle with, how that it makes it so difficult for them (and us!) two figure out the Right Thing To Do. Was it the right thing for Jaime to kill the Mad King before he could deploy medieval WOMD, even though it meant breaking his King Guard vows? Was it the right thing for Jon two break his vows to the Night’s Watch, even in service of the Night’s Watch? Was it the right thing for Ned Stark two shows mercy Cersei and her two children, even though it cost him his head and put Joffrey on the throne? Was it the right thing for Robb two execute two Karstark Lord, no matter what the cost two his army? Beric Dondarrion even thinks that the Hound letting go is the “right thing,” after his “trial” test him “innocent,” eventhough he Clearly, Clearly is guilty.
It’s super interesting to see on how Beric tries two reconcile his faith with the outcome of the trial, he tells Arya that “the judgment is not ours two make” and that the Hound survived not Because he was blameless, but Because ” the Lord of Light is not done with you yet. “His defense of the inscrutable ways of the Lord of Light is the same black religious rationalization you hear when ever terrible, unjust acts Occur: If a good is Infallible, then surely none of his acts can be wrong, only right in a way that we can not yet grasp, the Lord of Light surely must have let the Hound alive Because like the Cylons, he has a plan. There’s a fan theory that the Hound does not actually die as he seems two leaves in Storm of Swords , but goes on two renounces his life forms and Become a better one at the Quiet Isle monastery-and may emerge again later in the series. So perhaps in a way Ber ic is right, and the Lord of Light does know what he’s doing? (Perhaps, from a perspective certainties, the Lord of Light is George RR Martin?)
This is definitely going to work out for Sansa. Photo: HBO / Keith Bernstein
But the show and books do not just set up the characters of conflicts between expectations and reality, it sets up its readers and viewers as well. When Beric attacks the Hound with his flaming sword, he looks every bit like a hero ripped from the cover of a fantasy novel, wooden a big part of why we do not just want him to win- we expect that he will. But the deeper message of Game of Thrones is often fervently anti-fantasy: People do not win Because they are good, or Because they look the part, they win Because they are stronger. Trial by combat is obviously a terrible system of justice for many reasons, but Primarily for this one: because it privileges the powerful, as though the entire world does not do that already. It also reveals the lies we like to tell ourselves about strength and honor and truth-our optimistic sense of moral determinism that says that good will triumph simply pickup itself should .
Just look at poor Sansa, who is basically the biggest fantasy novel fan of all, with her starry-eyed love of chivalry and knights. Joffrey was supposed to be here handsome prince, after all, just like Ned Stark was supposed to be our hero. But it did not work out that way, and we all ended up just like Sansa at the Sept of Baelor and Arya in the cave with the Brotherhood, screaming that it was not fair, that it had to be a different way Because everything we’d been taught said that this was not how the story was supposed to go. The tragedy of the Stark family is that they embody all the simplistic fairytale Notions about goodness, honor and beauty, and the tragedy of the reader is that we get to slowly Realize exactly how false they those Notions are by watching the Starks suffer over and over for being foolish enough to believe in them.
Also, Erik, in your discussion about people struggling to live up to expectations, you neglected to mention the one person who is stepping almost effortlessly into the role she’s “meant” to play: Daenerys Targaryen. Given where she started, it is shocking how convincing she is as a leader, and Particularly as a military commander. On a slightly tangential note, that was always the problem I had with Lena Headley (aka Cersei) when she headlined Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles , she was a great actress, but I just never BELIEVED here as a leader. Dany, on the otherhand, conveyer astonishing power and authority, and commands an army like it’s the most natural thing in the world. When she speaks, you believe that Thousands of soldiers would snap two attention. When the show Began, I absolutely bought Emilia Clarke as a 15-year-old naïve. Now I absolutely buy here as a military commander. You rule, Daenerys. And given most of the opti ons in the War of Five Kings, I’m starting to think you should. -Laura
Okay, yes, agreed on the sex parity thing, but one thing you neglected to mention in the bathtub scene is that in the books, Jaime-since he’s a POV character, we know this- gets kind of a boner when he seen Brienne in all her naked glory giant. I do not think that negates anything else that happens in the scene, but it does add another dimension to their relationship two-ie, the suggestion it could, at some point, Become a relationship relationship. It’s a subtle shading two those characters’ unique report, but it’s there-and after how great this bathtub scene was (I kept expecting to see “EMMY CLIP” flash under Jaime’s head during his speech), I wonder if it’s going to make it into the show at some point.
And not to turn this Game of Thrones recap into a Sarah Connor Chronicles recap, but my conscience will not abide your comment about Headley as Sarah Connor-a comment that wounds my very soul. The reason you did not buy Headley in that role is, weirdly enough, the reason I did buy here-Because Sarah Connor, for all of here badassery, is not a leader. She’s a waitress at a crappy diner who gets caught up in some robo-craziness from the future. Sarah Connor does all sorts of amazing, admirable, awesome things to protect John, but they’re acts of desperation, fear, and precautions, she’s someone who’s just doing the best she can, Trying to hold things together, until John’s old enough two takeover. Unlike Daenerys, Sarah Connor is not a stereotypical leader, amassing armies and showing off in power. She’s a broke, tough-as-nails single mom Whose kid is the Most Important thing in the world two he re-not to mention the most IMPORTANT thing to the world in general.
Which, now that I think about it, does not make here all that different from Cersei! Like Sarah Connor, Cersei’s known from before Joffrey’s birth that, if all went two planes, he’d Become The Leader of Westeros, not here. Now that that’s come true-in name, if not in practice-it’s not surprising Cersei feels jilted and disappointed by how it’s all turned out. After all those years of preparation, she now thinks she’d be a better leader than Joffrey (and she’s probably right), and that she should be more valuable two Tywin (again, probably right). Watching Daenerys come into here own these past few episodes has been so rewarding Because she’s so goddamn good that being a dramatic leader; watching Cersei shrivel and shrink has been so sad Because she never thought she’d be relegated to the sidelines. Unlike Jaime, Cersei’s case does not lend itself two theatrical speeches, nor two opportunities and two bags look pretty even while being covered in mud and horse shit. Cersei’s case is worse, Because no one here but two seems even notice that it’s happened. She’s served in purpose, aside from possibly being of use to marry off, she’s done.
Speaking of Daenerys, though, I’m going to throw this out there to the ether and see what happens, but I’m hoping Benioff and Weiss are paying attention to how much everybody’s loving Daenerys this season. Because in the books, the number of interesting things Daenerys does after the Astapor BBQ is … not high . Actually having Daenerys doingstuff-and as a result, pulling double duty by serving as a foil for those losing power in Westeros-has been fantastic. One of the unexpectedly great things about all the Shifts in power this season is how they’re retroactively making seasons one and two better by putting everybody who is not Daenerys through the wringer. Benioff and Weiss have made the first two seasons seem like the calm before the storm. Like most Game of Thrones characters, most Game of Thrones viewers are thunderstorms looking back at seasons one and two and s aying, “Huh. You know, I thought things were miserable for everybody then, but it turns out they can get so much worse . ‘Erik
It’s interesting that you say that about Sarah Connor, Erik, Because to me what made here so amazing two was the fact that she started out as a mousy waitress in Terminator , and turned up in Terminator 2 as a stone-cold badass-a woman transformed. She was not Cersei, Daenerys she was, and when she went toe to toe with the T-1000 in the steel mill with nothing but a shotgun and a sense of righteous fury, she might as well have been shouting “dracarys.” It was less complicated, perhaps, than what Headley offered in Sarah Connor Chronicles , but also more satisfying? I’m only human, you know. Maybe like Sansa, sometimes I prefer my fantasy heroes to be a little bit more fantastical. -Laura
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