1. David Hamburger

   On the Afterbuzz show, when Ryan said that some people in the chat were saying that Gregor was going to fight the Hound, I really thought that Kyle was faking his surprise and excitement at the idea! (And I commented as such on YouTube.) I’m still surprised that he hadn’t heard the CleganeBowl theory before that.

   As to Rickon, yes, Bran told him to go to the Umbers back when they split up. But at his age, he probably wasn’t in any situation to understand any political complexities.

   The show gives a very specific reason why the Umbers are siding with the Boltons. Jon Snow allowed the Wildlings through the Wall, and the Smalljon is claiming that those Wildlings are now raiding the Umbers’ lands. That may not seem like a big deal, but think about it. He allowed the ancient enemies of the North free reign to attack them on their own land. It’s likely that they have killed some of their people. That’s a very big deal. If it’s true, of course.

   Plus, remember that like it or not, Roose Bolton was legally appointed the Warden of the North by the (admittedly now dead) King Joffrey. While some of the great houses may not like it, it is still legally binding. Remember that while many book fans believe the Great Northern Conspiracy, it is still just a theory, at least until TWoW comes out, which may still be quite a while away,.

   In the show, at least, it’s very possible that they’ve been holding Rickon and company without harming them. But once they started getting attacked by the Wildlings Jon allowed through, they decided they’d had enough of the Starks. Or maybe something more complicated is going on. I guess we’ll find out.

   May 13th, 2016

2. Terry L

   CleganeBowl hype!

   May 23rd, 2016

3. Emanuel

   One reason to keep Rickon alive could be to know where the other Stark male heir (aka Bran) is… maybe.

   May 13th, 2016

4. Kevin

   Honestly, it seems liked you guys don’t care anymore. It’s not that I disagree with your analysis of the episode, it’s the utter lack of research and thought put into it from a listener’s perspective. Lots of the “Uhhh, I don’t know” moments could have been solved with a simple google search.

   When Jon hangs the traitors, the Targaryen music plays.

   The sword Arthur Dayne stabs into the ground has the sun symbol on the pommel. Which could be seen as their interpretation of dawn.

   The Greatjon left the show and they’ve said it multiple times that he’s dead. Died at the red wedding.

   Bran sends Osha to the Umbers in the show. Also, notice how the Umber refused to swear loyalty to Ramsay, he gave a very good reason not to swear it. Osha and Rickon didn’t scream or struggle. They didn’t look hurt at all. It’s a trojan horse, the Umbers are playing the Manderly roll from the books.

   The scene in Mereen with Tyrion, GreyWorm, and Missandei was used to show how out of place Tyrion is in Mereen. Think of when he played the same game with Bronn and Shae contrast that with this scene.

   Tommen manipulating the High Sparrow? After Tommen gives the same “I am the king” line that Joffrey gives? The same line that Tywin scolded him about? Pffft. I’m surprised that Amin didn’t cut your mic.

   Get the girls back into the podcasts or just let Amin do them. Kyle’s commentary is reminiscent of the thoughtful depth of a college fratboy watching Jersey Shore.

   May 13th, 2016

5. Thom

   I am a fan and supporter of the podcast. I also agree with Kevin’s sentiments.

   When this podcast started, all you needed to do to have a successful podcast was to put it out consistantly, so that those familiar with the topic and podcasts would develop some loyalty. Today, it’s a whole different ballgame. People take their podcasts very seriously.

   I like the personalities on the podcast, and still listen because I developed loyalty early on, but when I hear Amin plug the podcast for podcast award nominations it makes me giggle.

   If you want us to vote for APOIAF, you need to earn it. If you don’t want to put the time and effort in, I’ll still listen, but don’t mistake loyalty for a vote for greatness.

   /vent over

   May 21st, 2016

6. Terry L

   Greatjon did not attend or die at the red wedding. A simple google search would have told you that. I agree with your points, except that the Umbers are straight up traitors.

   May 23rd, 2016

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