Game of Thrones Episode 7.04 Beats Record for Most Watched Episode
As you may or may not know, episode 4 of the hit HBO series Game of Thrones “The Spoils of War” got leaked online last Friday, just a couple of days before the episode premiered Sunday night.
However, this did not stop the show from breaking a new record.
“The Spoils of War” is now the most watched episode of the show, drawing 10.2 million viewers. 7.04 beat beat 7.01, “Dragonstone,” which grabbed 10.1 million viewers.
Game of Thrones breaks this record rather often, as the season 6 finale held the most watched title previously with 8.9 million viewers and the season 5 finale before that with 8.1 million viewers.
REVIEW: Big Little Lies, Episode 103
Big Little Lies continues to surprise and conquer with episode 3 entitled “Living the Dream”, which sounds a bit ironic since all characters are definitely far from living their dream life.
The episode continues with Madeline’s attempts to sabotage Amabella’s party, organizing and founding “Disney on Ice” tickets. I continue to say that this is unfair for Chloe, because she makes it clear she would rather go to the party, than that “stupid show”. Chloe is a smart girl and she is also Ziggy’s friend and I think if Madeline had talked to her about it, she would be OK with doing this.
But while Chloe preferred to stay, Perry would like to go to the “Disney on Ice”, but Celeste is not particularly fond of this idea. Of course Perry didn’t want to go to see all those princes and princesses dancing on rollerblades, but to spend more time with his two sons. I think Celeste loves her husband, but she prefers the long distance relationship they have while he is away, than while Perry is in town. And I also think that Perry loves his wife too, he simply doesn’t really know how to love her and how to continue to make her love him, so instead of the Sweet Nothings, Perry uses violence. This may seem illogical to all of us in the outside, but maybe in his head it makes sense, maybe he doesn’t mean to hurt her. Maybe this is the language he speaks because that could be what he used to see in his home, and so it is normal to him. All of these could be explanations. Of course none of these makes the beating OK, but it helps us understand his situation. I don’t want to judge Perry (at least not yet) because we don’t really know a lot about him. But it seems like we will find out.
Speaking of this problematic couple, it was really amazing the scene in which they go to the couple’s therapist. It looked like Celeste didn’t want to tell the therapist about the fight, and she also made it seem like the beating was her fault too, because she put it as “we fight” and “we get angry”. It is totally not unusual that couples fight (it may even be one of the most common things there are), but what is not normal is that it leaves bruises (both psychological and physical). At least Perry had the decency to admit what he does, which is definitely a step in the right direction. Making him the one who mentions this might mean that Perry wants to change, but he simply doesn’t know how. One thing is for sure: going to see a therapist was definitely a great idea and it also seems that it started paying off, because Perry and Celeste finished the episode dancing, so maybe things will change. Or not, since it seems like those two go back and forth. We’ll see.
But Perry and Celeste are definitely not the only ones with troubles in paradise, because it looks like things are starting to blow up on Jane’s face. I think it was last episode that the teacher asked the first grade class to make a family tree and I thought that meant more complications for Jane and turns out I was right. Seems like Ziggy doesn’t know much (or at least much of the truth) about his father, but he really wants to know at least his name, giving the excuse of having to put it in the tree. This leads us to find out what happened: Jane tells Madeline the actual story and we find out that Jane was also a victim of domestic violence (or kind of). I read some comments of people saying they think Ziggy’s father is Perry, but I don’t think so. Jane knows Celeste and, even though we didn’t see a scene that showed that, I am sure Celeste showed Jane pictures of her family and Jane would have recognized him. There was also a really great and intense scene in the end of the episode in which Jane saw someone breaking into her house and so she grabbed a gun to protect herself. This turned out to be kind of a hallucination, but it showed that she is afraid Ziggy’s father might come back someday, or she wouldn’t have a gun.
Not being able to happen in any other way, Madeline is also far from “Living the Dream”. Her play is looking more and more in danger and, like this wasn’t enough, Abigail left to go live with her father and Bonnie, because she feels like she is living the life her mother wants her to live, instead of living it in her own way. It was really funny when, while “handing over” Abigail to her ex-husband, Nathan said that Ed was always looking at him, watching him. Nathan is starting to feel threatened by Ed, and he definitely should be, because Ed looks like that kind of badass that no one sees coming.
It is also starting to look like the murder that will happen will be a rushed crime of hate, since it is said that there is a lot of blood and broken bones. Will Perry lose control and kill Celeste? Will Celeste kill Perry in an attempt to protect herself? Will Ziggy’s dad come back and kill Jane, or Jane ending up killing him? Is this related to Madeline and Renata’s war? Looks like we will have to continue to tune in for answers.
This was a great episode and I can’t wait to see more of these 3 moms and their struggles through life. I am giving this episode an 8.2/10.
Stay tuned for my next review of the fourth episode entitled “Push Comes Shove”.
REVIEW: Big Little Lies, Episode 102
In episode 102, “Serious Mothering”, of Big Little Lies we continue to see the struggle of these 3 mothers to live their lives and raise their children the best way they can.
Reese Witherspoon has done a lot of movies and her acting is always on point, but here in Big Little Lies it feels like she is not just perfect for this role, but beyond perfect. In fact, there may not even be a word that describes how well this role suits her. Her Madeline is funny, loyal to her friends, mean to her enemies, a great wife and an amazing mother. All the characters are different in their own way, but Madeline is my favorite character in this show. But no one is flawless and it was a little unfair of her to use Chloe to ruin Amabella’s party. I understand she is trying to protect her friend, Jane, and she should definitely continue to go for it, but she shouldn’t use her daughter like that, since she hadn’t even talked to her about it (not even after saying that).
All shows nowadays try to touch on a sensible subject, and Big Little Lies “chose” domestic violence. But what we see in this show isn’t really what we usually see: man and woman argue, man beats woman, woman cries and stays defenseless and then man leaves coming back later to apologize. Here we see that Celeste and Perry start arguing and he slaps her, like what usually happens on TV’s domestic violence. The unexpected about this is that Celeste fights back. Right after she gets slapped, she slaps Perry back. Then he pushes her, apologizes almost immediately and they have make-up sex (which kind of felt like rape). This is to say that, unlike what TV makes us believe in, there is more than one kind of domestic violence, and just because one of them fights back doesn’t mean that it is any less a crime. Celeste later mentions this to Madeline and, probably against what she thinks, she should see on Madeline’s face that this isn’t normal. The problem is that she probably thinks that it is. She is in a good relationship with a younger and a good looking man, she hears people say that their relationship is the best, and so maybe she thinks that there has to be a price to pay, because not everything in life can be good. That last part is obviously true, not everything in life can be good. But shouldn’t we be able to feel safe in our own home, with our own family? Yes, of course we should.
In this episode we are pretty much introduced to Ed (Madeline’s new husband). I know that he was in the pilot, but he also wasn’t at the same time. Sure we saw him in some scenes, and heard him speak a few lines, but I think all we learned about him in last episode is that he is Madeline’s husband. I don’t think we even knew that he was Chloe’s father (I actually thought Nathan was). But I understand that some characters have to be sidelined in some episodes for others to shine, because there isn’t enough time for everyone to be in the spotlight in the same episode. Happily, he wasn’t sidelined this time and we learned more about him. We even saw him being a little bit badass in the scene he spoke with Nathan. It appears that in this show the roles are reverse, because man are usually more direct than women. However, in the scene with Nathan, Ed definitely left his intentions clear, but in a more indirect way. It was an amazing scene though.
I thought that Madeline didn’t like Bonnie because she was her ex-husband’s new wife, and it seemed like she was overreacting a bit to what concerns her, but my perspective definitely changed in this episode. Bonnie took Abigail to the “Planned Parenthood” and that was completely not her job. Even though it was Abigail who asked for it, she should have called Madeline. But this is not the reason why I think she is a little bit of a bitch, at least not on its own. After Ziggy kissed Amabella (the poor kid was just trying to make amends) and after the school director said that Skye incited the kiss, Bonnie said that she didn’t believe Skye would do that, since she is very peaceful. This is definitely a big piece of sh*t. She doesn’t mind lecturing other girls about whatever she wants, but when it comes to her own daughter things obviously change. I guess she is not as OK about the subject as she seemed.
This was a great episode and it seems that the flash-forwards are getting more and more close, because Renata already started talking about a fundraiser dinner, which is probably THE fundraiser dinner (you know, the one where someone will get killed). I am giving this episode an 8.0/10.
Stay tuned for my next review of episode 103, because it seems that things are starting to heat up because “war” was already announced and our new favorite TV mothers will be “Living the Dream”.
REVIEW: Big Little Lies, Episode 101
Big Little Lies begins with an episode that totally fits its name: “Someone’s Dead”. We found out there is a body but we still have no idea who is dead and if it was or wasn’t a murder (it probably was).
Before I actually start reviewing the episode, let’s take a moment to appreciate the killer cast this show brought together: Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern… And these are just some of the big names. This is definitely one of the reasons this show was successful. Of course the story contributes, but a new show must always catch people’s eye so that they watch it. And a cast like this is totally a big eye catcher. And because of this, of course this show couldn’t possibly be left out of the Emmys. It is nominated for 16 Emmys including both Outstanding lead and supporting actress, Outstanding limited series, Outstanding supporting actor, amongst others.
The episode followed both present and future (or present and past, depending on your point of view) and that is nice to watch because gives it a faster pace. In the flash-forwards we see the police questioning some suspects that knew the people involved in that found raiser and possibly the victim. I was assuming we would find out who died by the end of the pilot, but I guess I was wrong. But at least it is a miniseries, or it would end up like “Pretty Little Liars”. It was a good show, but it was a very long one for the story they had to show and so they repeated the same idea over and over. As a 7 part show, this will probably not happen here. I do love a good mystery and that is what “Big Little Lies” seems to offer.
We see the struggle of 3 moms about to “lose” their children to first grade. Things are definitely changing in their lives and some of them feel uneasy about that. That first day the daughter of Renata Klein, who is Madeline’s “enemy”, had bruises in her neck and she blameed Ziggy for them. It may not seem like much of a dig deal, but according to what we hear in flash-forwards, that was when it all began (or maybe a bit before when Madeline tripped and twisted her ankle, according to another person). The point is that there wasn’t really a big event, a big explosion of anger. Something smaller happened and the butterfly effect managed to do the rest.
There was also something that caught my eye (and my ear) in the episode. We saw Celeste and Perry in the beginning of the episode, and then through the course of it, and they seemed really sweet (maybe too sweet according to a lady in a flash-forward). But of course that things aren’t always butterflies and there is something going on underneath. Celeste told Perry the incident at the school and how Amabella blamed Ziggy for what happened to her and Perry said he didn’t want their kids near him, just to be safe. After Celeste replayed that she was sure she girl was lying or mistaken, Perry got violent and grabbed her. This is to say, if you think that someone’s life is perfect while yours sucks, then stop, because there is no such thing as a perfect life, and when someone makes their life look perfect, that is usually because their life sucks more than yours.
It was also really great to see Madeline’s side of things. Usually in movies or shows someone like her is the bitch mom no one likes, but I am glad this isn’t the case. It was nice seeing her struggle with her daughters and especially that last part when she and Abigail talked. I think Madeline is a bit like Renata and I thought it was weird they didn’t like each other, but maybe the reason for that is because they are so alike.
This was a nice first episode. As I said, I was hoping to find out more in the flash-forwards, but this way is good too because I get to make my theories on who is dead and who killed who. I will give this episode a 7.8/10.
Hope you guys check my next review of episode 102, because there is some “Serious Mothering” coming our way.
Game of Thrones‘s Hot Pie Sells Direwolf-Shaped Loaves IRL
WARNING: Spoilers for Game of Thrones Season 7 ahead.
Fans of Game of Thrones in the U.K. had a chance to try that delicious bread Arya love made by Hot Pie himself.
In anticipation of last Sunday’s episode, “Stormborn,” Ben Hawkey, the actor who plays Hot Pie on GoT, partnered with Deliveroo, a London-based food delivery service to open up his own shop.
The online shop was called “You Know Nothing John Dough” (because of course it was), and it was selling direwolf-shaped loaves for £1.
Hot Pie made a surprise appearance on last weeks episode, followed by the comeback of Arya’s long-lost direwolf, Nymeria, so the loaves came at a very convenient time.
There was no physical location for the bakery, and unfortunately, the window for orders has already closed.
Hawkey said via High Snobiety:
“Hot Pie’s Direwolf loaves are a favorite for Game of Thrones fans, and people are always asking me for the secret of my recipe. I can’t share that, but Deliveroo customers will have the chance to try them themselves. You don’t even need to take a dangerous walk down the King’s Road to visit, it comes to you.”
Sorry, Game of Thrones Fans, but Those Spinoffs Won’t Air Anytime Soon
HBO chief Casey Bloys has confirmed that the Game of Thrones spinoffs currently in development will not hit the network anytime close to the series finale.
Bloys spoke to the press on Wednesday at the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour.
He told reporters:
The No. 1 priority in all of this is the final season of Game of Thrones. I don’t want to do anything with a spinoff or anything that detracts or distracts from that.
That season will happen, and my guess is it would be at least a year before you saw anything else. What I don’t want is the attention to be drawn from the final season, which I think is going to be epic and amazing, and somehow have the distraction of a new Game of Thrones airing right after that. It’s best to separate it and that’s what we’ll do.
If season 8 of the highly acclaimed show does indeed come out in 2019, that would mean we won’t get a spinoff until at least 2020!
For now, at least we can just relax as we watch our favorite characters die while watching the current season.
Big Little Lies Season 2 In Early Development
Our girls are getting ready for an encore!
HBO is close to officially announcing a Season 2 for Big Little Lies. The premium cabler’s programming president Casey Bloys confirmed during the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour on Wednesday that he has asked author Liane Moriarity to “take a crack at” coming up with a story for a potential second season. “I’ll be very curious to see what she comes up with,” he added.
Emmy Award nominees Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon have both expressed interested in continuing the story. But, executive producer / director Jean-Marc Vallée, who directed all seven Season 1 episodes, has been the sole naysayer.
[WPGP gif_id=”6252″ width=”600″]
Vallée: “There is no way; there’s no reason to make a Season 2. That was meant to be a one-time deal, and it’s finishing in a way where it’s for the audience to imagine what can happen.”
Bloys is a bit more positive that Vallée can be swayed. “I know [Jean-Marc] said that… but Nicole and Reese can be very persuasive. First we have to see the material and see if it’s worth everyone’s time. And if it is, [we’ll have a] conversation about directors.”
Maybe those 16 Emmy Award nominations and the boffo ratings Season 1 received might make for a convincing argument?
H/T: TVLine
HBO Let’s You Relive THAT ‘Game of Thrones’ Reunion from 7.02
SPOILERS AHEAD.
“That’s not you.”
Sunday night saw the long-awaited reunion between Arya Stark and her direwolf, Nymeria.
It was beautiful to watch Nymeria recognize her human friend, and even though she didn’t accompany Arya home, we are sure this is not the last we’ll see of the direwolf.
As for that “that’s not you” line, it’s a throwback to season 1 of the show. Ned talks to Arya about becoming a lady and having boy who rule castles, and she responds “no, that’s not me.”
Relive the moment:
*SPOLER ALERT*
“I’m finally going home. Come with me.”
Watch a clip of Arya from “Stormborn.” pic.twitter.com/QyNle1Dos7— Game of Thrones (@GameOfThrones) July 24, 2017
Kit Harington’s ‘Audition Reel’ for ‘Game of Thrones’ Released by Jimmy Kimmel
In anticipation of season 7 of Game of Thrones, Jimmy Kimmel released Kit Harington’s (who plays Jon Snow) “audition reel” on his talk-show.
In the hilarious clips, we can see our favourite bastard auditioning for the roles of Cersei Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Hodor and others.
Needless to say, The King in the North has some range:
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWfDEDCobpM[/embedyt]
The new season premieres this Sunday on HBO.
Check out our trailer breakdown.
Three First Episodes of ‘Game of Thrones’ Now Have Titles and Details
HBO has released the titles for the first three episodes of the seventh season of Game of Thrones, and they are very cryptic.
Check them out:
Episode #61: “Dragonstone” (July 16)
Jon (Kit Harington) organizes the defense of the North. Cersei (Lena Headey) tries to even the odds. Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) comes home.
Written for television by David Benioff & D. B. Weiss; directed by Jeremy Podeswa.
Episode #62: “Stormborn” (July 23)
Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) receives an unexpected visitor. Jon (Kit Harington) faces a revolt. Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) plans the conquest of Westeros.
Written for television by Bryan Cogman; directed by Mark Mylod.
Episode #63: “The Queen’s Justice” (July 30)
Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) holds court. Cersei (Lena Headey) returns a gift. Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) learns from his mistakes.
Written for television by David Benioff & D. B. Weiss; directed by Mark Mylod.
Not very informative of you, HBO, but we’ll take it.
While you wait for the new season to air on July 16, check out our trailer 2 breakdown.
Source: Entertainment Weekly.