Just when you think Game of Thrones can’t deviate from the books any more than it already has…well, it does. But unlike some previous episodes that had me upset due to changes, “Hardhome” got everything right.
Beware, there be spoilers ahead!

After last week’s rant, we now return to our regularly scheduled programming.
Thus far in season 5, our huge ensemble cast has gotten themselves into the following situations: Cersei has allied herself with religious fanatics hoping to regain the power she once had; Jaime is on a suicide mission in Dorne; Tyrion has been kidnapped by Ser Jorah and subsequently captured by slavers; Arya is beginning her mysterious training at the House of White and Black; Sansa has been married off to Ramsay Bolton at Winterfell while Brienne waits and watches from afar; Jon has become Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch; Daenerys has decided she must wed for political reasons; and last, but not least, Stannis Baratheon marches from Castle Black to Winterfell on his mission to take back the North and put Roose Bolton’s head on a spike.
*Spoilers ahead*
Even those who don’t watch HBO’s Game of Thrones with any regularity have undoubtedly heard about the backlash created by Sunday’s episode, “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken.” The groundbreaking show, which has always been unafraid and unapologetic about showing unwarranted violence and sexual assault, may have finally crossed one too many lines. Is “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken” the straw that broke the camel’s back?
Trigger warning: this post discusses a gratuitous rape scene. If this is a trigger for you, please read no further than the summary.
Spoilers ahead.
Thus far in season 5, Cersei has allied herself with religious fanatics; Jaime is on a covert mission to the dangerous country of Dorne; Tyrion is on his way to meet the Mother of Dragons; Daenerys has a group of murderers and her wild dragons to deal with; Sansa is engaged to Ramsay Bolton; Arya is becoming no one; and Jon Snow is Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Also, blood and boobs. Boobs everywhere.
Proceed with caution!
Though it isn’t the first time Game of Thrones has deviated from its source material, some things took a drastic turn away from the books in episode 4, “Sons of the Harpy.” As it stands, not even those who have read Martin’s work can predict what will happen next.
If you dislike spoilers, venture no further.
In this recap, we cover the last two episodes of Game of Thrones, so there are even more spoilers than usual. If you haven’t had a chance to watch anything from this season yet, sign up for a free trial with HBO Now.
Proceed with caution.
Game of Thrones premiered Sunday night, and boy, what a way to start off the next nine weeks. We were immediately thrust back into a world where blood, backstabbing, and boobs reign—and we can already see the deliciously twisted story arcs that will dominate season 5.
Spoilers ahead.
Galavant ended on Sunday night, leaving us with more questions than answers. Spoilers ahead!
The next to last episode started off strong, with a surprise appearance from Uther Giles Anthony Stewart Head as Galavant’s father. After a short song, in which young Gal is essentially told that a hero must hide his feelings, we fast forward to the dungeon. Isabella tells everyone that her cousin is on his way to save them, but Gal assures them that it isn’t necessary, as he has a plan. Again.
“Now, at last begins our true adventure—
Epic, wild, a real butt-clencher!
So, huzzah and tally-ho! Sit back, and here we go!
Attend the tale of Galavant!”
This week’s set of episodes begins with Gal, Isabella, and Sid arriving on the coast of Valencia. (I would have liked to have seen the pirates again, but alas…) The princess, in another attempt to save Gal’s life without actually admitting her part in the king’s evil scheme, delays him from storming the castle by convincing him he should bathe first. She takes him to the most revered monastery in Valencia, where all the monks have taken a singing vow. While Gal is getting ready, Isabella confesses her betrayal to one of the monks (enter Weird Al Yankovic). But instead of offering some useful advice to the visibly distraught princess, his guest appearance is wasted on him wishing that he could be singing with his brothers in the courtyard instead of, you know, doing his job.