Section 1: The Realm Reviewed
IS THE FUTURE OF GAME OF THRONES IN JEOARDY?
Waiting or not? Last week's premiere of Game Of Thrones: Season 5 was tossed a curve ball with the piracy downloading of episodes 1 - 4, this created a whirlwind of spoilers, bootleg links and impatient fans just prior to the long awaited new season. Sources estimate the episodes have been downloaded well over 2 million times already and steadily climbing. With out the ill-gotten copies floating around, last Sunday's premiere could have potentially reached 10 to 12 million viewers.
Many administrators and webmasters had to maintain damage control within the first 48 hours prior and expect to do so for the next few weeks. I'm sure most of us hope no more episodes illegally get released so we can experience the show the right way but at the same time I can't blame someone for wanting to absorb as much as possible of this amazing series. It's already rumored that even more episodes are being torrented, this will only hurt HBO and the series itself for the seasons to come. TV show budgets are determined by viewer patronage from its intended sources. I don't know how much blow back this has actually created but one thing is for sure - at the end of the day, it's not cool! Most of the masses patiently waited months for the epic event and to have it tainted is truly disappointing. Properly analyzed viewer ratings equals more money to invest in a shows infrastructure, pirating episodes is a knife in the back of both HBO and George R.R. Martin himself. I personally pledge as a writer and an avid fan to continue watching and recapping the show episode by episode with out any questionable downloads for the sake of the realm.
That said, the premiere was huge and amazing with a reported 8 million + viewers. It looks like my prediction of a flashback for the opening segment was correct. Cersei visiting Maggie the Frog is all in continuity of the volengar or little brother prophecy. Many speculate this could mean Jamie or Tyrion since technically, Jamie was not first out of the womb. Jamie is capable of this, but Tyrion clearly has more motive to fulfill Maggie's predictions. Perhaps more insight to the prophecy will come since it finally appears to be taking form somewhat. Also, Jon Snow killed Mance Rayder out of mercy right in front of King Stannis, bold, stupid or both? A king is indeed a king, but the ancient order of the Nights Watch predates just about any dynasty in Westeros. Tyrion made it to Pentos with a serious backache, the Mother of Dragons still isn't feeling too motherly, Littlefinger is trucking along with his grand scheme and Brienne wants to ditch Podric. Will the Spider's faith in Tyrion show as true and warranted? Will Deanerys gain control back over her dragons? All of our questions stir around in the kettle waiting to be answered, At least for those of us who haven't jumped ahead!
Section 2: Collecting Westeros
A HALF-MAN HAS MUCH MORE TO OFFER
Deals made & Debts paid. Tyrion Lannister (portrayed by Peter Dinklage) is the youngest son of the late Tywin Lannister former Lord of Castely Rock, Hand of the King and Warden of the West. Having a powerful family usually makes life easier but this is far from the truth in his regard. Born a dwarf and judged for his abnormalities far too much in life, Tyrion is truly one of the most complex characters in the saga. He's been wrongfully accused of murder more than once. He has faced death several times, always averting the the outcome some way somehow. He's a man of words and information with verbal cunning as his weapon. He has served as acting Hand of the King, Master of Coin and orchestrated the defense of Kings Landing from invading forces lead by Stannis.
The Funko Legacy Collection Game of Thrones line features 3 different Tyrion action figures all numbered as 2 of 12. The original figure is him with the Battle of Blackwater armor with the double sided axe, the second is a Funko Convention Exclusive just like the original but also includes the helmet, and the third is a Walgreens Exclusive with his Hand of the King outfit and a dagger. The packaging is identical in all 3 figures except for the sticker on the second and third figures in the front bottom right portion of the box. Anyone not well versed in toy collecting might completely overlook or misunderstand the parameters of having 14 pieces to a 12 piece set especially with only subtle differences between 2 of them and the third being only storefront available 1 place and 1 place only.
Having three separate action figures within a single toy line says a lot about a character's popularity and importance to the saga. I only wish they would have made a Bronn or Podric to go with him........you can keep Shea though, I can surely do with out her. I hope to see new Game of Thrones Legacy Collection Figures coming out soon with another season rolling now. Will there be another Tyrion? Perhaps him with a beard and a decanter of wine? Honestly 3 is more than enough in comparison to the others with just 1 and some characters that have none, at least not yet. Just like watching the series every week, only time will tell what's yet to come. Funko has always made great toys and this assortment of exclusive Tyrion's rein supreme.
Section 3: Fan-Fair
A CANADIAN COSPLAYER WANTS TO COMPETE IN THE U.S.
Dany in the North - Today's fan feature is brought to you by Meagan D, she's a leatherworker who's been a cosplayer for 15 years now and frequents local conventions around Toronto & Ontario. Shes been to only one U.S. con but would really love to get a chance to attend more in the future! She hasn't really been in the competition side of cosplay as yet, but Is considering entering a few maybe next year at some point. Megan is a dedicated Game of Thrones fan and cosplayer, please enjoy her Deanerys Stormborn with baby dragon, it's my favorite!
Interested in more of her pix? Find her here!