GoT, Season 8, Episode 3
May 1st, 2019 by Proprietor
In my previous post, I wrote about the first two episodes of Game of Thrones, and made predictions about how the Battle of Winterfell would play out. I gave either/or pairings of the main character, and odds of dying. Even predicted odds of some of the secondary characters that people were familiar with. I am humble, and I suck to some extent, but the season is only half over. The writers for Game of Thrones chose not to extend the battle against the Night King over two episodes, but chose to have an extra long episode, 82 minutes, to tell the tale.
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Based on everything I have read, it seems too anti-climactic. The Night King was the big super magical all powerful being whom loomed over the entire story of the show. Arya slew the Night King with a dagger, and that was that. Seems too God from a Machine, but logical to some extent. The Night King created all the wrights and other White Walkers, and if the Night King was destroyed, all his creations were destroyed.
Now instead of splitting the final six episodes into three distinct acts, the writers have chosen, major battle, reflection, and major battle, with wrap up approach. If the writers had taken the three distinct acts approach, all the Dothraki and Unsullied whom died would still be a distinct disadvantage for the heroes to take the throne from Cersi, but another dragon dying… Danny still has two dragons, which gives a very solid advantage to her. Even though Cersi might have numbers, 20,000 fried mercenaries aren’t going to be advantageous. The fourth episode will have some surprises, but the fifth episode will be the battle for the throne. The final episode will be how Westros settles under Danny’s rule. If Danny does rule?
Whom died? Not any major characters, just some secondary and tertiary characters. Even then, it was sparse.
Melisandre shows up, ignites the Dothraki swords, and ends of dead. Sort of committing suicide when she takes off her amulet, and just dies.
Jorah Mormont dies defending Daenerys. I predicted this, and his odds were high that he would die.
Theon Greyjoy died defending Bran. I thought he would die defending Sansa. His odds were high he would die, but he was not the wild card I thought he was.
Lyanna Mormont, well she was only a small part. Died killing a zombie ice giant.
Lord Beric Dondarrion, well, he was going to go at some point. From what I read, I am surprised it was not the Hound. There is still plenty of time for the Hound to die defending Arya. Too many people think he is going to live and possibly marry Sansa. Seriously? If he does make it to the end, Sansa might realize the Hound was the only guy who treated her right, and respected her. Maybe.
Viserion, the Ice Dragon. Once the Night King was destroyed, well, anything the Night King created was destroyed.
Game of Thrones has had its ups and downs. Unfortunately fan favorites tend to die in surprising fashion. Though, it seems like the bad guys eventually get what they deserve. If you think about it, good guys do die, but they are only minor to some extent. Even Ned Stark, Katheryn Stark, and Robb Stark, though fan favorites, and considered major good guys were only minor players in the overall Game of Thrones arc.
Looking back, Sansa & Arya were removed form Winterfell, then took two different journey’s home. It stands to logic that the two sisters were intended to live out the entire show. Danny was returning home to Westros, though she does not remember any of it. Jon Snow was removed from Winterfell, only to return.
Jamie, Tyrion, and the Hound were reprehensible to some extent, and now are serving a greater purpose. So, more than likely they will survive.
Thanks for stopping by.
Game Of Thrones, Season 8
April 24th, 2019 by Proprietor
Warning: I have not watched any episodes, what I am bringing up is based on reviews or other posts on other sites, combine with my own theories. If I somehow post a spoiler during this, and you would be upset, read no further.
Game of Thrones season 3 was halfway through, when I finally decided to see what the hype was about, and purchased season 1 on DVD. After watching the first episode, which has some bearing on what I will write about, I almost stopped watching completely. Rather than give away a good set of DVDs because I was not happy, I decided to continue watching. The show won me over. By the end of season 1, I purchased season 2. I was always perpetually behind due to having to wait for the DVD sets to come out. Even with the ability to now stream, I have decided to carry on my tradition. Unlike many people, I do not mind reading about the episodes, and some details, because I always want to see for myself. Besides, knowing and seeing are two different things.
Season 8 is going to be only 6 episodes long, so already, the season is a third over. Season 8 will follow a very tight 3 act arc. The arc will not be spread evenly out over all six seasons. The first act was the first two episodes. You are introduced to the characters, set up for conflict is beginning, then the second act happens. The second and third acts will be very intertwined. The war with the White Walkers, and final battle for the throne, will be one big event over the next four episodes. Though the conflict is with the White Walkers, the resolution is whom sits on the Iron Throne.
My predictions as to what happens, and who dies are divided into four categories. The first is the main characters, second is minor characters, third is King’s Landing characters, and fourth is wildcard or outlier characters. I will give percentages as to the likelihood of who will die.
First the major characters. These are characters whom the show introduced to us in the beginning. Whether the characters have had extensive face time or not does not matter. All were introduced in the first episode. With the major characters, I have paired them, with one exception. One of the pair will die, and the individual will die for sure.
Sansa or Arya: The Stark sisters. Sansa 75% chance of dying, Arya 25% chance of dying. They have survived a lot, and grown up differently. Now reunited at Winterfell, as the White Walkers approach, one will more than likely not live. Sansa is the heavy favored to die. Though a wonderful character, she is the most expendable. Arya has too many plot threads woven into her story. Her list includes the Mountain and Cercei. Arya is also the best equipped to survive a battle, and Sansa always needs a champion. The only way Arya would die before Sansa is if Arya sacrifices herself to save her sister. There are too many other champions whom can be sacrificed for Sansa instead of Arya. Though Sansa might survive, she would be low hanging fruit to pick and somehow drive home the point of how dire the circumstances are.
Tyrion or Jamie: The Lanister brothers. Tyrion 20% chance of dying, Jamie 80% chance of dying. Jamie has always been the protector of his brother. Jamie has betrayed his family defending his brother. Jamie will not die protecting his brother this time, more than likely Jamie will die protecting Bran. A sort of apology and restitution for having shoved Bran off the tower, and crippling him.
Jon or Daenerys: The Targarians. Jon 20% chance of dying, Danny 0% chance. Both are protected by plot armor and dragons. Han Solo and Chewbacca will come to Qi’ra’s aid, as will Aquaman… wrong shows. Jon is a reluctant leader, as well as a terrible one. Sansa won the battle of the bastards. Danny was raised and groomed to be a leader. If Jon does die, it will be in the final episode, either defending Danny or Arya.
Bran Stark will die, but he will live on. Bran wants to lure the Night King into a trap, and that will get Bran killed. Bran will end up being slain by the Night King, but will Worg into either Samwell Tarly or baby Sam in order to keep the memory alive. Bran is no longer really Bran, so there will be no recriminations about taking over someone else.
The minor characters are people whom have been introduced throughout the show, and serve as champions for the main characters. Because of these characters being champions, they may also be the sacrificial goat to keep the main character alive to the end.
Brienne of Tarth: 80% chance of dying. Brienne has a weird Wookie Life Debt to Katheryn Stark, and has sworn fealty to Sansa. Brienne was knighted by Jamie, so she is now a protector of the realm. With all of this selfless honor and loyalty, she is a major target to die saving someone. Brienne almost wants to die saving someone. Brienne will more than likely die protecting Sansa.
Thormund Giantsbane: 80% chance of dying. He loves Brienne and will sacrifice his own life for her. Because of this, he has the same odds of dying as her. He is the only reason she might survive. More than likely he will die to save Brienne or die helping Jamie save Bran during his ill advised attempt to trap and slay the Night King.
The Hound: 90% chance of dying. The Hound is a changed man. There are numerous ways he could die. Helping Jamie save Bran or saving Sansa. More than likely his life will be taken while watching Arya’s back. His dying request will be for Arya to kill his brother and Cercei on his behalf.
Podrick: 50% chance of dying. Pod is Brienne’s squire, and has shown to be capable of saving someone in battle. He saved Tyrion. With Brienne’s training he is becoming a more capable fighter. If Pod does die, it will be defending Tyrion or Sansa or trying to prevent Brienne from dying.
Davos Seaworth: 40% chance of dying. He is Jon’s hand, and in the best position to not die. He is also a bad fighter, and so will not put himself in harms way needlessly. If he does die, it will be something noble, like saving Gendry.
Gendry: 20% chance of dying. This guy is now plot armored up. His romance with Arya puts him in a great position to not die. If he does die, it will be to protect Arya.
Samwell Tarly: 10% chance of dying. Though a coward, and probably will stay as far away from the fighting as possible, he has taken on the big boys when necessary, and won. Sam is also willing to take a beating for those he loves, and a just cause. When he was protecting Gilly from being raped, he was really badly beaten. Chances are Samwell will be around when Bran dies, and so may end up being Worged into.
Jorah Mormont: 60% chance of dying. His love for Danny will get him killed. He survived a horrible disease on her orders, and so is willing to do anything to protect her. Jorah will die protecting Danny.
Lord Varys: 10% chance of dying. Hardly a noble guy, but likable, he will stay away from combat as much as possible. His chances of dying would be due to something really stupid or bad happening.
Grey Worm: 50% chance of dying. Leader of the Unsullied, he will be in the thick of battle. Plot armor protects him, and he will not die unless it is to save Danny directly. If he does not die, he will be the commander of the Queen’s guard.
The King’s Landing group will die. Everyone on the following list has 100% chance of dying. How and by whom’s hand is really subject to debate.
Euron Greyjoy: He will die by either Bronn’s hand or Theon’s hand. Long odds will be by Arya’s hand or Danny’s dragons killing him. If Cercei orders the Mountain to kill him, then it will be done, but highly unlikely.
The Mountain: He will kill a major character before he dies. Odds are it will be Jon Snow, because Arya will try to kill the Mountain, may end up close to dying, and Jon will die to give Arya the opening she needs. Either that or the Mountain will come closes to killing Danny, and Jon will die preventing him from doing this. Which means setting up Arya for the kill or Danny’s dragon will scorch the mountain.
Cercei Lanister: The most poetic death will happen for Cercei. Arya will pose as Jamie, seduce Cercei, then stab her with the dagger intended to kill Bran. Either that or Danny feeds Cercei to her dragons.
The wildcard or outlier characters contains characters whom could have been included amongst the other groups, but due to their plot threads are capable of tying up loose ends or changing the pattern.
Bronn: 50% chance of dying. Hired by Cercei to kill her brothers. He is fond of Jamie and does like Tyrion, but neither fulfilled their promise. Cercei has delivered in the past. Bronn might end up killed by Grey Worm while defending Tyrion. Bronn may change sides and end up killing Euron. If Bronn does kill Euron, he will more than likely marry Yara.
Theon Greyjoy: 60% chance of dying. His affection and protectiveness of Sansa puts him at a higher risk of dying. If he is not killed at Winterfell, he will kill his uncle, but may die at the hands of the Mountain. If he survives to the end, he may end up serving Danny in some capacity.
Yara Greyjoy: 20% chance of dying. Though she was rescued and went back to the Iron Islands, she may feel some sort of loyalty to Danny and her brother, and help in the final battle. If Bronn lives, and kills Euron, she will marry Bronn. Yara is not a lesbian, she maybe bisexual with a strong affection for women or even fluid sexually.
Darrio Naharis: 30% chance of dying. Leader of the Second Sons and Danny’s paramour before she came to Westros. He might have found out about Cercei hiring the Golden Company, and decide to bring the Second Sons to Westros to help. Another option is he infiltrated the Golden Company with the Second Sons and will turn on Cercei.
Jagen Ghar: 50% chance of dying. Just because he let Arya go does not mean he is fine with the decision. Cercei hired Bronn to kill her brothers, she might have hired the Faceless Men to kill Jon and Danny. Jagen still might show up, and change things. He might end up dying at Arya’s hand.
Melisandre: 50% chance of dying. She may not be welcome in Winterfell, but she still may play an important part. She can resurrect the dead, as she did with Jon Snow, but she ended up needing more time. Can she resurrect someone before they turn into a wight? She may end up saving the life of a character whom would have died. Jon Snow could die, and return again.
Now for some weird stuff that could happen, but are slim odds.
Jon kicks Danny to the curb, and hooks up with Arya. 1% chance of happening. Arya is said to be like her aunt whom gave birth to Jon. Jon has always had an affection for Arya. He is already committing incest with his aunt. His cousin would not be too far of a stretch.
Jon hooking up with Sansa. No chance. Sansa was never warm to Jon, and Jon thinks she is a dullard. They simply tolerate each other. Sansa wants him out of Winterfell. Kissing cousins might save Sansa from death.
Sansa and Tyrion consummating their marriage. 2% chance. They were never unmarried or divorced or annulled. When Tyrion and Sansa fled their separate ways, the marriage was assumed over. This is based on Sansa surviving. Which won’t happen.
Gendry taking the throne and making Arya his bride. 2% chance. More than likely Gendry will marry Arya and become ward of the north.
Bronn marrying Sansa. 1% chance. Sansa might end up taking a shine to Bronn, if he turns out to not be a bad guy. Then again, I have Sansa picked for being dead, so the odds are low.
Cercei remaining on the Iron Throne, but consenting to Danny being Queen of the North. 1% chance. Cercei cannot be trusted, but if it means saving herself, she might consent to the arrangement. Though Arya would have to end up dead somehow.
These are my own theories, not based on anything really, except maybe some observation. If anything happens as I predicted, damn I was good.
As always, Thanks for stopping by.
Is It Worth It?
April 17th, 2019 by Proprietor
Friends whom go out to Las Vegas for the first time often ask me for advice. Basic advice, wear comfortable shoes. Sometimes when a friend is booking a hotel room, that friend asks if getting a strip view room is worth the extra money. My reply “Depends on where you are staying.”
When you spend an extra $20-30 per night for a view of the Las Vegas strip, you are not guaranteed the best view, just a view. My most recent trip to Las Vegas, I stayed at the Cosmopolitan. I booked a fountain view suite. Because I enjoy staying in suites at this point, and I was willing to pay the extra money for the fountain view. It was worth the money, and spectacular. Look at the photos.
About ten years ago, I stayed at the Bellagio, I paid for a fountain view room. Yes, I could see the fountain, but I was all the way at the far north end of the hotel tower, so my view of the strip was limited. It was sort of worth the money, but I felt a bit ripped off. Yeah, looking out at Paris lit up at night, and seeing the fountain show was great, but I had to put my forehead against the window, to see further south, and my view north was partially blocked.
Paying for a strip view room at Mandalay Bay, Luxor or Excalibur is sort of a moot point. Your view will be either of the airport or if you get a decent placed room, you might be able to look further north to see the strip lit up. Not worth spending the money.
MGM Grand, New York-New York, Tropicana, and even the Park (formerly Monte Carlo) offer strip view rooms, but again, placement. Not really worth spending the extra money.
Waldorf Astoria, Vdara, and Aria, can offer decent views, but that is up to you to spend the extra money.
Cosmopolitan, if you want a strip view or fountain view, you pay extra. For my stay, worth it. I had a great view of the fountain and Las Vegas lit up at night. I could not look south, but no big deal.
Bellagio itself, depends on where you are located. If you are closer to the center of the hotel tower, you have more spectacular views.
Planet Hollywood, and Paris are across the street from Bellagio, and the strip view rooms depend on location. If you get a center hotel room at Planet Hollywood, facing the fountains, you will have spectacular views.
Forget about Bally’s to some extent. The way the towers are angled, there really is no good view.
Caesars Palace is another iffy proposition. Cromwell does offer some decent views. Then you have Mirage, Linq, Flamingo, Harrah’s, and Treasure Island, all offer some strip view rooms, but you have to decide is it worth paying the money, for a possible decent view.
Venetian, Palazzo, Wynn, and Encore, might as well forget paying the extra money, and sink the money into a different upgrade.
When it comes to a strip view, do you really care? For me, I have been to Las Vegas twenty times, I have been lucky enough to get rooms with decent views, I have paid specifically for the view, and been somewhat disappointed. What it comes down to is how much will you pay? A suite with a strip view will more than likely offer a great view, compared to a standard room.
As I stated before, when asked if getting a strip view is worth the money, “Depends on where you stay.”
Thanks for stopping by.
What Happens In Green Bay…
April 10th, 2019 by Proprietor
I read the article by Tyler Dunne. I have not watched professional football in a few years, but I still follow what is going on. Knowing something about professional sports is a very good conversation starter, and way to interact with the vast majority of people.
The article is not overly shocking. It does explain somethings that have been going on for a long time. Not being an armchair coach, but I have seen enough of the Packers to know that there was something not right.
When should alarms have gone off? When should upper level management taken care of the situation?
I joke to people that Mike McCarthy owes me $1000. Back during the 2011-2012 season, the Packers went 15-1, and had a very easy playoff schedule. The teams the Packers could have faced were not of the same level, and the Packers, whom won 15 games could blow out any of the opposing teams. The Packers had beaten the Giants in the regular season, and would have beaten the 49ers the following week, but the Packers lost to the Giants. Why? McCarthy had decided to not play many of the starters, because the game against the Lions was meaningless. When I heard this, I almost threw away the tickets I had from a trip to Las Vegas. I had bet a total of $150 for the Packers to repeat the NFC Championship and Super Bowl. The total payout would have been $1000 had the Packers done so. My first thought was “Was McCarthy not aware of the Colts?” Years previously the Colts coach sat out the starters for a meaningless last game. The Colts lost in the first round of the playoffs, after the bye week.
When starters are sat the last game, it means the starters will not have played a football game for three weeks. Those starters tend to get out of pacing. Going into playoffs, where the games are that much more aggressive, not being in tune or at pace with the game is disastrous. Even if McCarthy played his starters a few downs or even half a quarter, the players would have been in football mode. Instead the Packers went stale. The game against the Giants looked as if the Green Bay high school team had put on Packer uniforms.
After that season, the Packers slid into mediocrity. Becoming perpetually competitive and in the playoffs, but never getting to the Championship again.
Alarms should have been going off!!!
Upper level management is as much to blame in wasting many years of Rodger’s life, and denying fans more Super Bowl victories, as McCarthy. Allowing any animosity to continue, and accept just being in the playoff picture, rather than demanding Super Bowl wins, is the fault of upper level management.
I personally do not care if Rodgers did not like McCarthy. Ultimately Rodgers is the one who throws the ball, and wins games. A brick with googly eyes glued to it could be a coach, with Rodgers as QB.
The sad part, McCarthy was a decent guy, a decent coach, but his past record after a Super Bowl win shows he might not be as good as he thinks. People can blame the Packer’s defensive coach, and other coaches, even players, but last season showed, McCarthy had ridden a Super Bowl win for too long. I do wish him well.
Now the Packers, even Aaron Rodgers have to move into a mode that will help deflect the attacks. Most Packer fans are now scratching their heads, and ready to nit pick. Matt LeFluer was more than likely aware of problems within the Packer organization. Men do not take coaching jobs for teams they feel they cannot coach because management is too micromanaging or the players too un-coachable.
I will not be watching many games this year, but I will be paying attention to the drama that will sure be coming out in sporting news.
Thanks for stopping by.
Brady Bunch Funko Pops
April 7th, 2019 by Proprietor
Unboxing of the Brady Bunch Funko Pops collection. Enjoy them, but there is one disappointment.
