Game of Thrones: Tower of Babble Breakdowns

For the past nine years we've shared a piece of our collective Sundays and we weren't quite ready for that to end. A week removed from the finale the ToB crew got together to record another Live show and discuss the season with the benefit of a couple nights' sleep. After a quick overview of the season, and series at-large, the conversation naturally turned to the characters; the people and interweaving events that made the show so endearing.The dour bastard boy with a white wolf and a secret destiny; the scrawny little girl changing names and faces until finding her own; the man without honour who had to lose his sword to earn his knighthood; the one they called a half-man who rose above the bitterness and shaped the history of Westeros; the crippled boy, full of dreams, who traveled to the end of the world and back again; the naive, enchanted young lady who became a formidable political force, commanding nations, demanding respect; the bitter lioness who held too tightly, smothered her cubs, and poisoned a country; and of course, the prodigal princess who ignited the world only to fall victim to the corruption she fought againstTurns out the show went longer than expected. Turns out it's hard not to.

Here we are at last: Journey's End. After nearly a decade of plots and betrayals, wars and magic, politics and prophesies the Song of Ice and Fire has come to an end, The final season has been nothing if not controversial, but still represents the culmination of a series that captivated countless fans around the world, and has irrevocably influenced all our lives. This has been a transformative experience both for us personally and for pop culture in general. We truly appreciate the tight, vocal community we've stumbled into and look forward to finding new and better ways to engage with you all. Tyrion searches for, hoping never to find, the remnants of his family; Jon comes to terms with the devastation of King's Landing; Grey Worm protects Dany's interests, with the unflinching Iron Fist of a zealot; the Mad Queen proclaims her final solution; Tyrion abandons his role as Hand of the Queen; Dany finally reaches her ancestral throne; Tyrion helps Jon see an unpleasant reality; and Jon Snow, the Prince who was Promised, sacrifices his true love to protect the realm. All things must end, as all men must die, and yet.. The road goes ever on and on...

The penultimate episode of each season is typically cataclysmic and, being the final season, S8E5 really took this trend and ran with it. While this will likely prove to be one of the most divisive and, to some, unforgivable episodes, it was nothing if not surprising. I don’t wanna get into it here, but the condensed nature of this season is having some serious repercussions. Dany is betrayed once again, the Northern army camps outside King’s Landing, Tyrion pleads for one last chance at peace, Arya and the Hound infiltrate the capital, the Lannister brother share a solemn farewell, Qyburn tries to protect his Queen, the Iron Fleet burns in Blackwater Bay, The Hound finally faces his fraternal nemesis (foe if you’re into alliteration), the Lannister army surrenders to the invaders, and the bells of King’s Landing ring desperately for salvation, before all hell breaks loose… Arya struggles to survive the calamity, the Northern army gives in to their bloodlust, a wounded Jaime comforts Cersei, while the city without honour crumbles, as Daenerys Targaryen, first of her name, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons, burns them all.

With the Long Night averted we all needed an episode to decompress, surviving characters included. The episode opens with the aftermath of the battle as the remaining characters light funeral pyres, hail the victorious dead, and prepare their depleted forces for one last fight. Jaime and Brienne play a drinking game, Daenerys recognizes Gendry’s usefulness, Tormund challenges basically anyone to a drinking contest, Dany demands Jon keep his true name secret, Sansa forswears herself in front of the Heart Tree, Arya reunites with the Hound, Tyrion defends Dany’s leadership qualities, the Northern armies honour their promises to Dany, Varys hatches a desperate plot, Cersei is offered a final chance at peace, and Dany is punished for her clemency.

As far back as the Season 1 prologue the White Walkers have been an omnipresent and insidious undercurrent of the series; while the Great Houses squabbled over precedent, weddings, trials, and subterfuge, the Army of the Dead was slowly building power in the North. Now their time has come. The Long Night, the Battle for the Dawn, the greatest battle sequence ever put to film, call it what you will the episode delivered an intense and harrowing experience. From the final fiery charge of the Dothraki, to the iron will of the Unsullied foot, to the relentless, merciless onslaught of the Army of the Dead, the episode is filled with the epic battle sequences we’ve come to expect from director Miguel Sapochnik, as well as some intimate character moments in the face of insurmountable odds. This is Day battling Night, Hope in the face of Despair, Life vs. Death… Ice and Fire.

ToB is back to breakdown Season 8 Episode 2: “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”, which proves to be a predominantly light, genuinely heartwarming, and endlessly joyful episode; a rarity among GoT episodes and feels almost too good to be true.. Jaime receives a cold welcome in Winterfell, Dany questions Tyrion’s value as the Hand of the Queen, Brienne vouches for the Kingslayer, Theon vows to protect Bran, the remnants of The Night’s Watch reunite in Winterfell, Arya celebrates life in the face of imminent death, Dany opens up to Sansa, Tormund tells a campfire story, Jon reveals his true identity to Daenerys, Jorah once again wields a Valyrian Steel sword, and Brienne earns a title befitting of her character… all whilst preparing for the greatest battle of their lives. This is the deep breath before the plunge and it is a celebration of the characters, relationships, and story that has brought us to this point. Game of Thrones Theme: Orchestral Cover - Rihards Libietis Orchestra If you enjoy the show please subscribe and leave a nice review on Apple Podcasts, and check out Patreon.com/TowerBabbleCast to become one of our latest patrons. Don’t forget to head over to https://troll-socks.myshopify.com/collections/game-of-thrones and use code: babble10 for 10% off your order of their fabulous GoT Character Socks

Here we are at last, the much-anticipated Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 1 "Winterfell" has arrived. Eight years of intricate storytelling, twists, turns, betrayals, plots and schemes have been leading up to this point (I know, plots and schemes are the same thing).  This is the beginning of the end and, with so much riding on it, the first episode manages to exceed expectations while maintaining an impressive pace and plenty of heart.  Daenerys' army arrives in Winterfell, the Army of the Dead encroaches on the North, Euron delivers the Golden Company to King's Landing, the Northern Lords question Jon's leadership, Tormund and Beric explore the home of House Umber, Arya reunites with Jon Snow, Dany admits to the execution of Sam's family, the Night King leaves a grisly warning at Last Hearth, Jon (finally) learns of his true parentage, and Jaime comes face to face with a ghost from his past.  Game of Thrones Theme: Electric Guitar Cover - Kfir Ochaion If you enjoy the show please subscribe and leave a nice review on Apple Podcasts, and check out Patreon.com/TowerBabbleCast to become one of our latest patrons.

We’re only a week away from the beginning of the end of Game of Thrones. It’s a sad and unfortunate reality. I know you probably want to soak up as much GoT over the next 6 weeks as you possibly can, and luckily ToB is here to help.

With a cold gust of wind, and snow the season 2 rewatch comes to an end. Just in time too, because the eighth and final season looms large on the horizon. Julian and Daniel look back at season 2 as a whole and discuss the details of this finale. A finale that capped off what was widely considered to be one of the shows worst seasons. Though it’s hard to deny that it was sometimes rocky and poorly paced, Game of Thrones’ sophomore season still has a lot to love, especially on a rewatch. With hindsight, and a deeper knowledge of the world, certain moments shine bright as they drip with subtext and foreshadowing. All the more casting a larger shadow on the season’s less than stellar scenes. In the season 2 finale Tyrion is stripped of all his power, Littlefinger is gifted a castle, Varys recruits a new spy, Jamie and Brienne are questioned on the road, Sansa is released from an obligation, Robb makes a questionable decision, Stannis has regrets, Theon rallies the troops, Arya stays with her friends, Bran says goodbye to an old friend, Jon earns some respect, Dany is tempted by ghosts of her past and future, and Sam stares death in the eye (for some reason).

With the War of the Five Kings ravaging the Riverlands, Stannis brings the fights to the Lannister’s front door in the first of the series’ full-episode battle sequences. Tyrion rallies the city’s defenders, Davos leads the royal fleet into battle, Cersei drinks, The Hound loses his nerve, Sansa comforts the ladies of the court, Cersei drinks, Bronn springs Tyrion’s trap, Stannis climbs the walls of King’s Landing, Tywin meets with the Tyrell forces, while Cersei prepares to take one final drink.

Having missed the latest trailer by mere hours last week, the guys start off with some brief reactions to this and some other Season 8 news before diving into the the episode. Yara arrives in Winterfell, Jon reunites with the Halfhand, Tywin marshals his forces at Harrenhal, Robb forsakes his vow, Catelyn releases her sworn enemy, Tyrion prepares for the siege of King’s Landing, Arya gives Jaqen her final name, Dany hides from the King of Qarth, Cersei threatens to harm Tyrion’s lover, Jaime probes for kinks in Brienne’s armour, Davos is named Hand of the King, and Osha keeps Bran and Rickon safe in the crypts. Game of Thrones Theme: Double Bass Solo Cover - Teseoguitar If you enjoy the show please subscribe and leave a nice review on Apple Podcasts, and check out Patreon.com/TowerBabbleCast to become one of our latest patrons.

Theon loses his prisoners and his cool, Jon and Ygritte butt heads, Tywin enjoys Arya’s company, Robb receives Cersei’s envoy, Ser Alton helps Jaime escape, Dany desperately searches for her dragons, Cersei teaches Sansa the joys of womanhood, Xaro Xoan Daxos stages a coup, Catelyn defuses tensions amongst the Northmen, the Wildlings capture a valuable prisoner, Pyat Pree reveals the dragons’ location, Catelyn meets with Jaime for the last time, and two small bodies are hung above Winterfell’s gate. Plus, with February come and gone, we announce the winner of our first Patreon giveaway! Huge thanks to all those who have contributed to the show, past and present, we hope to do much more of this kind of stuff going forward. Game of Thrones Theme Cover (feat. Brooke Wilson) - Blazé: If you enjoy the show please subscribe and leave a nice review on Apple Podcasts, and check out Patreon.com/TowerBabbleCast to become one of our latest patrons.

Things start to ramp back up this week as the Ironborn take Winterfell, damning Theon in the process, Jon meets a new wildling, Littlefinger visits Tywin at Harrenhal and nearly blows Aria’s cover, Jaqen H'ghar grants another wish, Marcella is shipped to Dorn, a riot breaks out in the streets of Kings Landing, Danny negotiates (poorly) for ships in Qarth, Robb continues to court Talisa, and Osha helps the young Starks escape.

King Renly’s campaign comes to an end, Dany mingles with the Qartheen nobility, The Night’s Watch reaches an ancient stronghold, Cersei withhold’s valuable information, Stannis absorbs the remnants of his brother’s army, Arya serves at Twin’s war council, Tyrion visits the Alchemist’s Guild, Xaro demonstrates his ambition, Jon embarks on a covert mission, and Arya whispers her first name to the God of Death.

Robb wins another surprise victory but Sansa pays the price, Tyrion offers Joffrey a belated nameday gift, Littlefinger arrives at Renly’s camp with the Lannister’s terms, Daenerys travels to Qarth, Arya is brought to Harrenhal and quickly adds new names to her list, Talisa chastises the King in the North, Catelyn is reunited with Ned, Tywin chooses a new cupbearer, the Baratheon brothers meet one final time, and Xaro Xoan Daxos invokes Sumai… whatever that is. Game of Thrones Theme Cover by Allan Preetham If you enjoy the show please subscribe and leave a nice review on Apple Podcasts and head over to Patreon.com/TowerBabbleCast to become one of our latest patrons.

Picking up immediately following last week’s cliffhanger, Episode three maintains the slow-burn and deep character work that make Game of Thrones so endearing. Craster evicts the Night’s Watch, Catelyn meets the full chivalry of the South, Tyrion conspires to forge a new alliance, Brienne earns her place in Renly’s Kingsguard, Cersei torments Sansa over dinner, Balon reveals his war plans, Varys poses an iconic riddle, Arya loses another mentor, and Theon… Theon is just the worst New bonuses announced for Patreon subscribers! Check it out and help support the show to get fun extra bonuses (Including additional ToB content)! Head over to Patreon.com/TowerBabbleCast for all the details and become one of our very first patrons. Game of Thrones Theme: Piano Cover ft. Igor Kratovic - Smart Classical Piano If you enjoy the show please subscribe and leave a nice review on Apple Podcasts.

Its week two in the ToB rewatch series, Julian and Dan are back to breakdown Season 2 Episode 2: “The Night Lands”. While the season is still building momentum this episode focused mostly on some much appreciated character development… mixed with a bunch of naked people. Yoren defends Gendry from the Gold Cloaks, Varys makes his presence known, Sam tries to save Gilly, Rakharo returns to the Khalasar, Craster gives the gods their due, Arya reveals herself to a friend, Theon receives a rude awakening, Janos Slynt is duly rewarded for his service, and Westeros’ two newest kings draw up their battle plans. New bonuses announced for Patreon subscribers! Check it out and help support the show to get fun extra bonuses (Including additional ToB content)! Head over to Patreon.com/TowerBabbleCast for all the details and become one of our very first patrons. Game of Thrones Theme: Violin Cover - Duo Laruan If you enjoy the show please subscribe and leave a nice review on Apple Podcasts.

ToB Breakdowns are back! We aren’t patient enough to wait for Season 8, so the ToB crew is back for a Season 2 re-watch series! We all know how smoothly 2 leads into 8, right? Julian and Dan got together to breakdown Season 2 Episode 1: “The North Remembers”; which somehow manages to touch base with all major story arcs without feeling too erratic. Joffrey celebrates his name-day; Tyrion embraces his new position in the capital; Jaime tries to provoke Robb; Jon meets a true Northman; Bran acts as de facto lord of Winterfell; Cersei accepts Tyrion’s help, out of desperation; and Dany makes her own desperate decisions. Fair warning: this episode went a little long, but it’s been awhile since we’ve had the chance to talk GoT… We also have a very special announcement to make! We’re launching a Patreon! A new exciting way to help support the show and get fun extra bonuses (Including additional ToB content)! Head over to Patreon.com/TowerBabbleCast for all the details and become one of our very first patrons. Game of Thrones Theme: 11 Instruments - One Man Band Cover - TheMultiplayer

With the first appearance of dragons, season one of Game of Thrones comes to an end. Julian and Dan sit down to discuss all the nitty-gritty details of the show's first season finale as the youngest Stark's have visions, things get even worse for Sansa, Arya becomes Arry, Tyrion gets a new job, Jon tries to desert, the Lannisters retreat, and Danny acquires three new friends.

A day late but never a dollar short, Julian and Dan break down the penultimate episode of Game of Thrones' inaugural season. The guys discuss how the iconic ending overshadows a stellar episode in which Ned puts family first, Catelyn brokers a deal with Walder Frey, Tyrion meets a new friend, Robb wins a major victory, Jon receives a gift, Drogo falls ill and Danny makes a difficult decision.