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Sex #2

Andy Haigh
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Sex #2

Simon reflects on his retirement with Annabelle the club owner and receives a gift from a mysterious benefactor. The Old Man makes a disturbing point and Keenan has a plan for his package.

It’s hard to tell whether ‘Sex’ was just intended to be an attention grabbing title or maybe even an ironic statement as this issue unfolds.

Simon the repressed and now retired former protector of Saturn City doesn’t seem too convinced about this whole retirement thing and neither does Annabelle who it is revealed used to be ‘Shadow Lynx’ before she gave up her life of crime and became a club owner.

A bewildered Simon is lead on.
A bewildered Simon is lead on.

There’s plenty of potential in this relationship and seeing the confused and bewildered Simon walking through an orgy with Annabelle commenting on how ‘This is just human nature’ shows the contrast between the two has continued despite neither of them wearing a costume anymore.

A flashback scene with Keenan provides a jolt of action as he is seen blazing down a road on his bike trying to evade some pursuers vaulting over cars with a mystery package in his backpack.

Whilst The Old Man features in one of the most disturbing scenes so far whilst making a point to two of his heavies.

There’s plenty of potential here and it’s intriguing as to where this story is headed and how these characters relate to each other and the ending of this issue leaves questions to be answered.

The art from Piotr Kowalski is good if not overly detailed and Brad Simpsons colours really make some of the panels pop especially the sequence with Keenan.

Keenan makes a break for it.
Keenan makes a break for it.

For something that’s bold enough to call itself ‘Sex’, it really isn’t anywhere near as explicit as you would think. The two page spread of Simon walking through the club is rendered in shadow and lacking any real detail. It’s as if the idea of featuring explicit sex and an engrossing story is somehow not possible or breaking the rules. Several other titles feature far more explicit representations of sex Avatar’s Ferals being one of them so anyone expecting a Druuna style affair here will be rather disappointed.

90’s Classic Flashback Gets Remake

James Buckingham
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90’s Classic Flashback Gets Remake

If you’re an old Amiga, Atari ST, Mega-Drive (Genesis) or SNES gamer, then you’ll remember the classic platformer Flashback… and you may be happy to find out that Ubisoft have confirmed that it’s being remade for the PS3 and Xbox 360.

FlashbackIf you’ve not heard of Flashback, or if it’s a little before your time – it’s prettymuch a science fiction version of the classic Prince of Persia games, but with some more spatial puzzle-based elements to it. The player-controlled character has realistic movement & abilities which were beautifully animated at the time of the game’s release.

Published by US Gold back in 1992 (just saying US Gold makes me nostalgic – they published prettymuch every 90’s game going!) and developed by Delphine Software International, Flashback was like a “spiritual successor” to yet another of my favourite games of the 90’s, “Another World“.

The cinematic nature of the game helped to immerse the player in it’s lush jungle and cityscape environments, and because of this I lost many hours of my life to this game. Another awesome, yet small aspect that I really enjoyed was that the SNES & Mega Drive versions of the game had a Marvel comic enclosed with the instructions to explain the initial story.

The protagonist is a guy who’s suffering from amnesia and equipped with a gun, a force shield and a portable force field. He quickly finds out that his name is Conrad and he’s an agent for the Galaxia Bureau of Investigation on a quest to stop the destruction of the Earth by shapeshifting aliens.

The level design, story and animation along with some of the frustratingly-trixy puzzles made this an instant classic, and a sequel was produced for the Playstation called Fade to Black, but this didn’t capture the essence of the original as well, in my opinion.

However this game getting a remake for current-gen consoles is great news, and the best thing is that it’s the same core programmers who are undertaking the task.

Check out the announcement trailer below, and see what you think.

 

Month of Movies: Update 1

ScarlettNight
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Month of Movies: Update 1

It’s the end of the first week so I present you with my first weeks round up. I have tried to be funny but I decided that if I don’t try too hard then I can’t epically fail. Also, I don’t think it’s quite acceptable to say that The Prestige is about Wolverine and Batman battling it out using illusions while Alfred gets caught between the two (because Alfred has a heart of gold *breaks down remembering TDKR*), especially as that’s NOT what the film is about (although that is such a good idea for a film… Alyson, get back to the job at hand). Yes, sorry so here are this week’s watched films with a brief summary of the film and my thoughts. Feel free to disagree and feel even freer to tell me why you do. 
Films watched: Memento, Zodiac, Wreck-it Ralph, The Prestige, Sixteen Candles, Ghost busters and Stay.

Film: Memento (2000)
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Director: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano
Trailer: http://youtu.be/UFuFFdK7i44

memento

I started off with a Christopher Nolan film in the hopes that he wouldn’t disappoint me and he certainly didn’t. The movie follows Leonard (Guy Pearce) as he hunts down his wife’s killer whilst suffering memory loss problems. The film is shown in short sequences using two timelines, one going forward and one going back which sounds hard to follow but definitely adds something to the film. Memento is full of twists and surprises and definitely keeps you interested and guessing the whole way through. The story is fantastic, the acting is great (although Guy Pearce continuously reminded me of other actors throughout the film which slightly distracted me) and, as you would expect from Nolan, the directing is great.

In short: This film kept me fully interested, continuously guessing whilst immersed in the story. A great film to start the month off with.

Rating: 9/10

 

Zodiac (2007)
Director: David Fincher
Genre: Crime/Drama
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo
Trailer: http://youtu.be/bEvnwKFUnI0

zodiac

The storyline of this film, based on a true story, follows the Zodiac killer and the attempts by police (including Mark Ruffalo’s character, not the Hulk unfortunately) to catch him. Robert Downey Jr. and Jake Gyllenhaal work for a newspaper with Downey being a crime reporter (again, not Iron man unfortunately)  and Gyllenhaal being the cartoonist. Although the performances were of a good standard, each actor seemed to play their usual kind of character so the acting standard wasn’t surprising. The storyline is definitely interesting but with about an hour and a half of setting the scene before the action starts, it feels a little long winded. The film as a whole is 2.5 hours which, in parts, was hard to get through (it would have moved a lot faster if it was Hulk and Iron man). I really wanted to enjoy this film due to my own interests in forensic linguistics (which is touched upon in the film) but I was left a bit disappointed.

In short: Overall a good and interesting movie but shame about the length.

Rating: 6.5/10

 

Stay (2005)
Director: Marc Foster
Genre: Drama/Mystery/(Psychological) Thriller (Psychological Thriller)
Cast: Ewan McGregor, Ryan Gosling, Naomi Watts
Trailer: http://youtu.be/L6GGsl6XUNU

stay

The storyline follows a psychiatrist trying to prevent the suicide of one of his mysterious patients while his own mind starts to play tricks on him. Stay seems to be quite unknown even though its cast of Ewan McGregor, Naomi Watts and Ryan Gosling is pretty strong and the acting, particularly by Gosling, is great. The reviews for the film state it as mediocre but I have to say that I really enjoyed. I was hooked from the start and desperate to know the meanings of everything. The end was a bit anticlimactic but the directing and cinematography really had me captivated. I was clueless, confused and absolutely loving it. I imagine this film would be better to watch with someone else so that you can have a discussion about the film afterwards.

In short: An interesting film with good acting but a possibly predictable ending.

Rating: 8/10

 

Wreck-it Ralph (2D) (2012)
Director: Rich Moore
Genre: Animated/Comedy/Adventure
Cast: John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Sarah Silverman
Trailer: http://youtu.be/btB8tb8fLYM

wreck it ralph

Wreck-it Ralph focuses on a video game villain who is tired of being overlooked for being bad and wants to be cherished and good. Wreck-it Ralph is full of fun and suitable for adults and kids alike. Filled with references to video games, it’s good fun for geeks and the references to food are also fun but leave you feeling hungry, so make sure to have snacks prepared. The film is uplifting and a good ride with fun characters. The graphics are great and immerse you in a world of bright colours. I have to admit there was a bit in this film that had me emotionally hooked but the rest was bright and fun. I know other geeks who have seen this film and loved it, so definitely worth a watch.

In short: A colourful and fun journey into the world of games.

Rating: 8.5 /10

 

Ghostbusters (1984)
Director: Ivan Reitman
Genre: Comedy/Fantasy
Cast: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Remis, Sigourney Weaver
Trailer: http://youtu.be/cyRqR56aCKc

ghost busters

I’m sure I don’t really need to tell you what Ghostbusters is about (the title’s pretty self explanatory too) but for those who don’t know, Ghostbusters follows a trio of unemployed professors interested in the paranormal, who set up a ghost removal service. I was a bit concerned that I wouldn’t enjoy the film seeing as I had high expectations because of its reputation but I had nothing to worry about. Yes, I know, I should have seen it before. The last and biggest paranormal entity had me laughing out loud at 3a.m., which was totally worth risking waking the house up for, and of course Bill Murray is his usual great self.

In short: Good 80s comedy with a fun twist.

Rating 8/10

 

Sixteen Candles (1984)
Director: John Hughes
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Cast: Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Justin Henry
Trailer: http://youtu.be/WcKqtzj8LAg

sixteen candles

When I set myself this challenge I had already decided that I wanted to watch some more John Hughes movies. Having already seen Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and The Breakfast Club I decided to watch this movie. Sixteen Candles starts on the main character’s birthday and follows that day and the next with her disappointments, her embarrassments and the start of her life as a 16 year old. It has the usual charm of a John Hughes movie, including breaking the fourth wall and following the ins and outs of teenage life. It’s not overly romantic so any skeptics won’t need a sick bucket. I wouldn’t score it on par with the films I’ve already mentioned but I did enjoy it.

In short: Funny, cringe-worthy and  with an ending able to provoke a single girl to be completely jealous.
Rating: 7/10

 

The Prestige (2006)
Director: Christopher Nolan
Genre: Drama/Mystery/Thriller
Cast: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johannson
Trailer: http://youtu.be/a1AqrIkD7vU

the prestige

I hadn’t heard of The Prestige which surprised me when I saw the impressive cast and of course Nolan as director. The Prestige forms the third part of a magician’s trick and as you can guess from that clue, the film centres on the rivalry of two magicians and the ultimate trick.

It’s definitely a film that requires a few viewings to totally understand the complicated story twists (or a quick cheeky search for the meaning online) but when you fit all the pieces together you are presented with a great film. The cast are great, of course, although I admit at first I chose to instead picture Wolverine and Batman, and Alfred, although that got confusing because Bale’s character was called Alfred, anyway, I told myself to concentrate and I’m glad that I did. Although it’s quite dark and serious, its conclusion is brilliant and definitely surprised me cementing its place as a film that you can discuss for a good while with your fellow viewers. 

In short: A magical piece of work by Nolan (surprise, surprise).
Rating: 8.5/10

 

So those were this week’s films, a bit of a variety there I think. If I had to choose a film or two to recommend I’d definitely say Memento and… it’s a tossup between Wreck-it Ralph and The Prestige. Personally I really enjoyed Stay but due to the other varying reviews, I’ll avoid putting myself out there for people who’ll complain that they thought it was terrible (it’s myyy precioussss).
Check back next week for the sequel 🙂

XO: Manowar Volume 1: By The Sword

Ben Fee
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XO: Manowar Volume 1: By The Sword

It is with some confusion and no small amount of embarrassment that I look back upon a life of comic-book reading and realise that, apart from the odd issue of Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, I have never really explored the Valiant Universe. Back in the 90s Valiant was the third largest comic book publisher in the world, so why have I only read about one of its fifteen hundred-odd characters? This is a wrong I mean to put right and what better place to start than the offerings generated by last year’s “Summer of Valiant”?

For those of you who, like me, have had their attention caught for too long by Secret Invasions and Infinite Crises, last Summer Valiant Entertainment rebooted their creative universe and released new stories and origins for five of their biggest hitters; Harbinger, Bloodshot, Shadowman, Archer & Armstrong, and X-O Manowar. Like you I’d heard of them, maybe even seen a few copies in my local comic book shop’s back issue boxes, but never really dived in. Well, pass me my goggles, ‘cos I’m about to cannonball this mother.

X-O Manowar: By The Sword collects the first four issues of X-O Manowar and tells the story of a young 4th century Visigoth warrior who, while defending his people’s recently acquired Northern Italian real estate from some understandably peeved Romans,   is captured by a mysterious alien race known as The Vine. The X-O Manowar in the title refers to a strange religious artifact that grants the wearer all kinds of lovely abilities and firepower, if only the damn thing wouldn’t keep killing everyone that tries to wear it. Suffice to say our young hero, Aric, manages to get his uncivilised hands on the suit through some good old-fashioned rough and tumble and begins his revenge on those that have wronged him. With lasers.

Not pictures: lasers
Not pictures: lasers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For an origin story this was pretty fantastic. It’s hard to be totally original with what is essentially  a traditional superhero story, but Robert Venditti keeps things interesting enough with the whole “barbarians vs aliens” vibe which is always fun, along with some nice plot seeds that I’m interested to see grow. Characterisation is a bit on-the-fly, but there’s not much breathing space between swords-in-the-gut and lasers-in-the-face so we get enough fluffy stuff to be rooting for the right guy by the end of a very action-heavy couple of issues. And speaking of action. I have been a massive Cary Nord fan since his artwork on Dark Horse’s Conan series back in 2005 and this man knows his barbarians. The initial battles between the Visigoths and the Romans are a gory treat, full of visceral stabbings and darkly satisfying decapitations and the later, when the action takes on a more sci-fi tone, his rocket blasts and explosions are the absolute business.

If you’re looking for something new to cut your teeth on, X-O is only a small part of a much larger universe of characters Valiant have to offer and, with the recent reboot, this is a good opportunity to get in on the ground floor. I left this volume with my interest well and truly piqued and shall definitely be taking a look at what else this re-emerging publisher has to offer.

-Sidebar: If you have a QR reader, this volume contains a code you can use to hear X-O Manowar speak. I don’t know if it’s crazy-awesome or just plain crazy-crazy but I am downloading the app as we speak.

I’m drooling – Batman: Arkham Origins announced

James Buckingham
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I’m drooling – Batman: Arkham Origins announced

Warner Bros. Montreal just made my bank scream at me a little more by announcing Batman: Arkham Origins yesterday, the much anticipated prequel to the critically acclaimed Arkham series for PC and consoles.

Batman vs Deathstroke in Batman: Arkham Origins

Coming from US publication Game Informer by way of C&VG, there’s a plethora of information provided on the forthcoming title, as well as screenshots.

The first thing that I, and colleague Sai Mealing expressed concern on was that Rocksteady (the awesome studio behind Arkham Asylum & Arkham City) aren’t helming this game unfortunately, however upon learning a little more I’m happy to say that they’ve been consulting with WB Montreál heavily.

There’s a buttload of information coming with the screenshots as well, and here’s my highlights of what C&VG posted:

  • Batman: Arkham Origins TortureOrigins takes place on Christmas Eve early in Batman’s career, before the events of Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. The tale is inspired by Batman: Year One and Legends of the Dark Knight.
  • Eric Holmes, who served as lead designer of The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction and has experience writing Transformers: Megatron Origins for IDW, was selected to drive the creative vision. He also worked at Epic Games, and so is familiar with the Unreal Engine.
  • Rocksteady offered guidance on tech, mechanics and engine, but WB Montreal was left to handle story entirely
  • Batman can call the Batwing to get to the northeast coast, where Penguin’s base of operations is. Players don’t pilot Batwing directly, but it is part of the story sequences and a form of fast travel.
  • Glides, ledge takedowns and sleeper holds are back, along with the fluid free-flow combat system: “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it” says senior producer Ben Mattes, though WB Montreál have added to it, providing  “new layers, new opportunities, and new tactics.”
  • A new gadget, the Remote Claw, functions much like the grappler in Just Cause 2. Batman can target two objects and pull them together. It can be used to knock enemies together, launch objects at enemies or string up enemies.
  • In a later segment Batman is in a room and uses his first-person detective vision to figure out the events that occurred in it. Bullet paths and holograms act out his theories as he mutters information and scans points of interest. The Batcomputer runs simulations, which the players can watch as much as they need to, and from multiple angles, in slow motion, pause and scrub it.
  • Old Gotham district is only half of the game world, another area called New Gotham also exists. It doubles the size of the game world in Arkham City.
  • Dynamic events dubbed “Crime in Progress” occur in the city. The example given is of saving cops from a group of thugs, or stopped a snitch from being thrown off a roof. Completing these impact Batman’s notoriety.
  • A “Most Wanted System” lets players pursue villains outside of the core assassin story
  • The Dark Knight system offers tasks that escalate in difficulty. They’re not tutorials, but do train players to be better at combat and stealth. Completing challenges grants XP or upgrades for a particular skillset. This system doesn’t replace Challenge mode, which will be included “in one form”

Batman: Arkham Origins - Perching

I’m really excited for this release – to be honest I was excited for all the other releases in the series too, and despite Rocksteady’s diminished involvement, I have high hopes for this one. With any luck, there’ll be something playable at Eurogamer and I’ll be able to give you an idea what it’s like

Doctor Who: A Big Hand For The Doctor – 7GPPs

Becca Harper
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Doctor Who: A Big Hand For The Doctor – 7GPPs

A Big Hand For The Doctor is the first in a series of e-shorts celebrating the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who. Each one will feature one of the Doctors and are written by a children’s author. Naturally this adventure revolves around the 1st Doctor and his granddaughter Susan. With all the hi-jinx and adventure we have come to expect from The Doctor, this story already has the advantage of being written by a personal favourite author of mine, Eoin Colfer (Artemis Fowl series, The Wish List) and I certainly recognise his style. 

The story is easy to read and combines a seemingly lovely little Peter Pan-esque tale with a gruesome twist of organ snatching, patchwork Soul Pirates, whom have already had this Doctor’s hand (yes it seems the Doctor has a habit of losing hands). Throw in some bio hybrid tech in the form of a temporary left hand and a little peril and you’re left with a neat stand alone adventure.

hartnell_420x284

I have very limited experience of the William Hartnell’s portrayal of the first Doctor but did feel the mannerisms conveyed in the story to be much like the Doctor we have seen of late and I found it harder to imagine the first in this role. The Doctors inner monologue rang a little more true, reflecting his cranky old gentlemanly style, and I certainly enjoyed the insight into his relationship with his granddaughter. His protective and genuine concern is touching; plus we also get a tiny glimpse into his own childhood. 

As well as the obvious historical references appropriate for the era we also find a little out about other aliens living in the London area. I won’t spoil it with details but I very much enjoyed the negotiations between the Xing surgeon and the Doctor, very telling of a time before the Time War and a less lonely Doctor. 

Interestingly the story gives a nod to the 11th Doctor and I can only presume it is someway connected to the much anticipated anniversary episode on 23rd November. Similarly, like the very recent episodes, the theme is focused on rescuing children. Now, I’m not at all saying it is significant but I will certainly be looking out for this in the next books.

The story is soaked in pop culture references such as Harry Potter, which felt a little cheap, but then I am an adult reading a story that I believe is aimed at a younger audience.  This is no taxing piece of literature but an whimsical short adventure that is a must read for Doctor Who fans and anyone who enjoys a touch of swashbuckling in their day. Plus there may be clues to upcoming story lines and that is something I wouldn’t want to miss.

60% Off Telltales’ Walking Dead On Steam!

Ben Fee
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60% Off Telltales’ Walking Dead On Steam!

Hurry up! Stop shambling you rotting corpses! You only have until 11pm on Thursday (4pm PST) to take advantage of Steam’s latest sale and pick up all five episodes of what is arguably one of the greatest games to hit us right in the feels in the last few years. Don’t even finish reading this! Buy it now!

If, however, you need further convincing, check out our review of the game here and have a butchers at these shiny videos showing you exactly what you’re missing…

Now this is cool – Laser Tag, but anywhere

James Buckingham
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Now this is cool – Laser Tag, but anywhere

You remember that scene in Spaced where Tim, Daisy and their compatriots are involved in a slo-mo gunfight using imaginary guns? (if you don’t, go and watch it again… now! Check below 😉 ) We’ve all done it… well a new Kickstarter project is looking to let you do something similar, but better – play laser tag anywhere, using anything as a gun.

Laser tag made with basic hardware items

The cool arc reactor-style receiver

“No blasters. No body armor. The targets work beneath everyday clothing. The “guns” fit into everyday objects.“

This is the tagline for the Kickstarter page in question – an almost do-it-yourself Laser Tag kit where you can fit the components of a gun into almost anything… after all running around in public brandishing something that looks like a gun probably isn’t going to be a great idea. You can even set the “gun” part of the apparatus as a standstill trap rather than taking the shot yourself.

The Kickstarter project dubbed “Laser Tag for James Bond, not RoboCop” is seeking $10,000, and is currently just shy of $2,000 with a little under a month to go – the final date is May 4th.

Backing the project gives a range of benefits from getting a thank you (when you pledge $1), to receiving your own kit to make a “gun” and receiver (for pledging $49) and more, based on what you’re willing to invest. They will ship outside the US, but a $10 shipping charge applies.

Either way it’s a reasonable ask for something with so many cool applications – the lower tier options where you pledge $25 give you the schematics for the “gun” and target (along with the required software chip of course), and tell you how to build them using readily available electrical components, so it’s well worth investing in.

Plus I love the target receivers… is it just me that’s associating them with a Tony Stark-esque Arc Reactor?

Check out the Kickstarter page if it sounds interesting to you – I think I’ll be investing in a kit as the price is pretty reasonable. Just in case you need further convincing though, watch this:

Then watch this:

300: Rise of an Empire Looks Suitably 300-like

James Buckingham
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300: Rise of an Empire Looks Suitably 300-like

The prequel/sequel to Zack Snyder‘s adaptation of Frank Miller‘s 300 graphic novel is looming closer, and has a lot to live up to. Can Noam Murro pull it off?

300: Rise of an Empire

Looking at some new images, it looks like Murro is doing a good job with 300: Rise of an Empire, at least aesthetically-speaking anyway.

Two new images have surfaced by way of USA Today, featuring Sullivan Stapleton in his role as Themistocles and what looks like a seafaring contingent of Greek warriors getting ready for some ass-kickery.

Sullivan Stapleton as Themistocles

Greek warriors prepare to kick some ass

For the uninitiated, 300: Rise of an Empire takes place before the Persian conflict with Sparta, and deals with the same awkward Persians lead by Xerxes (reprised by Rodrigo Santoro) and his naval commander Artemesia (Casino Royale’s Eva Green) causing trouble in their aspirations of ruling Greece.

Director Noam Murro described the the movie briefly, making it sound much larger in terms of scope than 300:

[quote]”[the story] happens over time in many different locations. The opportunities for the six distinct battles are even greater with different locations and tactics… The few against the many is still here. It’s hundreds vs. hundreds of thousands. It’s about taking on the mightiest power of all with wisdom and tactics.”[/quote]

When asked about the primary antagonist of the movie, Artemisia – played by Eva Green, co-star Stapleton said: “She does most of Xerxes’ dirty work in this film. She’s seeking revenge, and she does it well. She’s a force to be reckoned with.”… and it seems Murro agrees wholeheartedly, saying “She’s got sex appeal, she’s ruthless and conniving. All the things that kill men. And she has a sword. I wouldn’t mess with her.” I like the sound of her already!

Eva Green

Lastly Murro described Sullivan Stapleton’s character Themistocles, making him sound like a character with a bit more depth than Butler’s King Leonidas:

[quote]”Themistokles is battle-scarred and a warrior, but at the same time he’s a politician. He’s not the king. He has to rule in a democracy. It’s a different complexity of character.”

“These people don’t want to fight, they even say that they are not Spartans. They are common people who have to do this to not be in under the rule of a dictator. This is not a duplicate movie or a cookie-cutter. It’s a very different story to tell in keeping with the original flavour of 300.”[/quote]

Now I loved 300 – the characters rocked, and Gerard Butler‘s career skyrocketed as a result of it (unfortunately he didn’t want to reprise his role as King Leonidas). 300 is one of the most visually engaging movies I’ve watched, along with Robert Rodrigeuz‘s Sin City (also based off a great Frank Miller graphic novel series).

So if Murro can pull of the look & feel of 300, that’s half the battle won… now let’s hope he can bring the rest of the movie together, and that it stands up to scrutiny.

300: Rise of an Empire is due to hit theatres on August 2nd, and will also feature returning characters Queen Gorgo (Lena Heady) and Ephialtes (Andrew Tiernan).

Game of Thrones – Season 3 – Episode 2 – And They’re Off

SeanPWallace
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Game of Thrones – Season 3 – Episode 2 – And They’re Off

I own a ’99 Skoda Octavia. It is not the most fashionable, expensive or even functional car sometimes. One of its quirks is how long it can take to get going; chugging away for a while before the engine eventually catches and bursts into life, becomes a still respectable machine.

Image from paperblog.com

Season 3 of Game of Thrones is like my car, then; as it took a while but it’s really gotten going.

Rather than going through each individual scene – this will get tedious for both you the reader and I the writer as the series progresses and some characters get only a few minutes of screen time per episode – I’m going to concentrate on the strongest moments and the overall impression the episode gave. And the overall impression was very good.

Many of the key characters missed in Seasons 1 and 2 or introduced in Book 3 of A Song of Fire and Ice, make their way on screen during this second episode of the series and they have very strong showings: the Queen of Thorns, Lady Olenna, puts in a stellar appearance by holding a woman’s tea with Sansa and asking about King Joffrey. One of the many moments I laughed aloud was the “We will have cheese when I say we do” moment; Jojen and Meera Reed accost Bran on his way North, with Meera in particular being as much of a badass as I imagined her in the books; Thoros of Myr and the Brotherhood without Banners are introduced and again thrill and entertain fanboys like myself; and the sharp-eyed among you might even have noticed the rather excellent casting of the Bastard of Bolton.

One of the main themes of the episode was the politicking of Margaery Tyrell, starting with her presence at the Lady Olenna’s lunch and continuing with Cersei warning her son the King against her intelligence. In a later scene between Margaery and King Joffrey, her shrewdness and her cunning come into play when she not only turns the vicious Joffrey her way whilst he threatens her with a fancy crossbow but manages to gauge Sansa’s judgement that he is a monster whilst making him think she’s aroused by him. Margaery as a whole has been very well-handled in the series to date, one of the better points for them to expand upon and stretch book three out into two series.

The episode also did a great job of keeping most of the plot threads ticking along nicely; we check in with Sam, Jon, follow Robb in his march back North and have a very poignant scene between Jeyne Westerling and Caetlyn Stark, in which Cat blames herself for all that has happened to House Stark because she made a promise to the Seven to love Jon Snow but couldn’t. It’s an excellent and well-placed downbeat.

The Brotherhood without Banners are well-portrayed as well, with the excellent Paul Kaye adding his own spin onto the Red Priest. The subtle marking on his forehead was a wonderful touch and the dialogue between him and Arya, whom the Brotherhood discover on their travels, is nicely delivered and well-written. This impression only intensifies when the Brotherhood take a captive, the Hound, and he reveals who Arya really is…

The writing as a whole was much stronger in this episode, showing us Theon’s torture at hands unknown and giving us some excellent scenes between Jaime and Brienne. Brienne is one of my favourite characters and Gwendoline Christie does an excellent job portraying her. She drags Jaime through the countryside, continuing on her quest to return him and reclaim the Stark girls, but Jaime frees himself and a swordfight ensues. A poorly directed one, I must say, which really got going once Brienne claimed the upperhand. But before she could tie Jaime back up some bannermen of Lord Bolton appear to reclaim the Kingslayer and we end on a cliffhanger, leaving us wanting more.

There was more, no doubt. that I’ve forgotten. Tyrion and Shae had a nothing of a scene which annoyingly didn’t get across Tyrion’s fear for Shae’s life and they keep harping on that LITTLEFINGER MUST NOT BE TRUSTED but it was still a very, very good episode which made me laugh, fangasm and look forward to episode 3.

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