Asha tries to bring her mother’s family to her aid in gaining the Seastone Chair. But she  hadn’t heard of her uncle Aeron’s call to a Kingsmoot. She thinks she can win by force of reason, but her family think that uncle Euron’s wealth and magic might prevail. Mackelly and Simon rattle Nagga’s bones. Chapter Review Asha Greyjoy is on Harlaw, the wealthiest and most populous of the Iron Islands. Her mother was a Harlaw, and their Lord Rodrik has called his bannermen to support Asha’s claim to...

Sansa considers the two sides of Petyr Baelish’s character. She witnesses Marillion falsely implicating himself in the murder of Lysa Arryn, and Nestor Royce being wooed by Baelish. Simon and Mackelly wonder if these life-lessons are standing her in good stead. Chapter Review: Sansa is being kept awake by Marillion’s singing. A problem with those sky-cells being so open. Apparently he’s only got his voice left, as Mord has taken care of several fingers and both eyes. She assumes that when...

Brienne continues to search for Sansa Stark. None of her leads pan out in Duskendale. But not all is lost, she gets a fancy sigil on her shield. She considers Sansa’s possible alternative locations and gets awfully close to the truth. She discovers that a familiar face (to us) is following her. Simon and Jenny wish Brienne would follow her instincts. Chapter Review: Brienne of Tarth arrives in Duskendale; her first official destination on her journey to find Sansa Stark. Her House Lothston...

Jaime might’ve bitten off more than he can chew with standing vigil over his father for seven days and nights. While battling sleep, he recalls his last conversation with Rhaegar Targaryen as well as his recent one with the chief undergaoler. He’s visited by Cersei and again rejects her plea to be Hand of the King. Finally, he brokers a lunch for Cersei and feeds her exact steps to success. Simon and Mackelly wonder if she’ll still muck it up. Chapter Review: While Jaime Lannister stands...

Busy day for Queen Cersei. She fends off mourners expressing regret and vying for her favor and works to keep the Tyrells off the Small Council. She bonds with Qyburn before finally having a highly contentious dinner with her uncle. Mackelly and Simon are in shock that Kevan went there. Chapter Review: Queen Cersei Lannister and King Tommen kneel before her father Tywin’s body. The odor emanating from the late Hand of the King is not missed by those in attendance, so all are glad when the...

Arya arrives in Braavos. Inside the temple of the Many-Faced God, she meets a man who isn’t fooled by her aliases. He tests her on her fear of death, and she passes with flying colors. She hopes to feed a hunger, but it’s not for food. Mackelly and Simon wonder what it is she’s hungry for. Chapter Review: Arya Stark, or “Salty” as she’s known by the ship’s crew, sees the lights of Braavos on the eastern horizon. Soon the enormous titan statue that guards the city comes into view. As her ship...

Lord Commander Jon Snow sends Sam to Oldtown to earn his maester’s chain. Gilly, her baby, and maester Aemon are to go with him. Simon and Mackelly dream of a warmer future. Chapter Review: Samwell is scouring the Castle Black libraries for information on the Others. Pickings are surprisingly slim. He’s tired and hungry so he heads up to the castle. In the yard, he’s met by Edd, Grenn, and Pyp. Jon wants to see him. The guys think that Jon is too good for them now he’s Lord Commander, but...

Brienne begins her wild goose chase in the hunt for Sansa Stark. She meets some unusual travelers on the road and makes some unexpected travel companions, on her way to Duskendale. She also learns that she’s not the only one looking for the Stark girl. Simon and Mackelly worry about saddle sores. Chapter Review: Armed with Oathkeeper, Brienne of Tarth rides through the Crownlands asking all and sundry if they have seen a high-born maid of three and 10 riding with a portly knight or a fool....

Cersei is awakened to the news that her father is dead. She can hardly believe it, but is not exactly broken up about it. At least her little brother is locked up and will be a head short by this evening. Ah, about that: he’s escaped. Mackelly and Simon spot many of Cersei’s character flaws, while ignoring their own. Chapter Review: Cersei dreams of sitting the Iron Throne. It’s a great dream until Tyrion appears, and her clothes disappear. Then it takes a nasty turn. She gets cut and the...

Areo Hotah observes as Prince Doran Martell is visited by three Sand Snakes, each with a plan to seek revenge for their father Oberyn’s murder. The prince hears each niece out but makes no commitments. Doran does commit to sending Areo to round up all the Sand Snakes and confine them in the palace indefinitely. Simon and Mackelly worry about their venomous bite. Chapter Review: Areo Hotah, the Captain of Guards for Prince Doran Martell, bars Obara Sand's way, as she attempts an unscheduled...

Aeron “Damphair” Greyjoy, learns of his eldest brother Balon’s death and their brother Euron’s claiming the Sea Stone Chair. He is not happy with that outcome and calls for a kingsmoot to decide the next king. Simon and Mackelly consider the options. Chapter Review: Aeron Greyjoy is drowning men in the sea (to bring them back with the kiss of life) when news arrives that his brother King Balon is dead. Aeron doesn’t break down or anything, but he recalls Balon with awe and reverence for his...

The Citadel novice Pate and his fellow maester-hopeful friends discuss the existence of dragons, while Pate dreams of winning the love of Rosey the tavern girl. Later, Pate sells a stolen key to the Citadel to a man known as “the alchemist.” When the transaction is complete, Pate becomes suddenly dizzy and collapses. Mackelly and Simon fear the worst for Pate. Chapter Review: Pate the Citadel novice sits at the Quill and Tankard Inn with his fellow maesters-in-training. They’re celebrating...

Merrett Frey is lured to a ransom payment by the Brotherhood without Banners. They have his great nephew Petyr Pimple. Upon arrival he learns that his kinsman is dead, and that he’ll be joining him because Catelyn Stark points the finger at him for his involvement in the Red Wedding. Simon and Mackelly are almost as speechless as she is. Chapter Review: Merrett Frey heads toward Oldstones with ransom money to secure the release of his great nephew Petyr. He bemoans his rotten luck that has...

Sansa builds a snow-castle, and squabbles with Robert Arryn. Petyr Baelish kisses her against her will. Lysa confronts Sansa about trying to steal Littlefinger from her and threatens to push her out of the Moon Door. Baelish intervenes and pushes Lysa out instead. Simon and Mackelly try to pick up the pieces (not of Lysa, that would be nasty).   Chapter Review: Sansa Stark wakes early to snow falling. It makes her wistful for Winterfell. She dresses and builds a snow castle, which quickly...

Jon decides that he will accept Stannis’ offer and become Lord of Winterfell. But at that moment Ghost returns, reminding him of his belief in the old gods and his outsider status to the Starks. He joins his brothers for the vote for the new Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch and is surprised as anyone when he wins. Mackelly and Simon start drawing up a transition team. Chapter Review: Jon Snow spars in the yard of Castle Black with Iron Emmett. A ringing blow to the head brings back...

Sam and the men vying for Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch attend an audience with King Stannis. Stannis wants a Lord Commander chosen tonight. Sam hatches a plan to consolidate the votes between the leading contenders. Both men agree a new candidate might suffice. Sam knows just the guy. Simon and Mackelly pick up what he’s putting down. Chapter Review: Samwell Tarly assists Maester Aemon to a summons by King Stannis Baratheon. They are accompanied by the current vote-getters for Lord...

Tyrion is rescued from his cell by Jaime, but learns the awful truth of Jaime’s previous betrayal. Tyrion, in turn, tells Jaime he killed Joffrey. The two part ways acrimoniously. On his way to freedom, Tyrion stops to visit his father. He finds a familiar face waiting in Tywin’s bed and Tywin in the privy. Tyrion deals with them both in similar fashion. Simon and Mackelly wallow in the sadness and betrayal. Chapter Review: Tyrion Lannister prepares to attack, as the door to his cell opens....

Please enjoy some outtakes, miscues, and general mayhem that we suffered through and saved just for your listening pleasure. Thank you all for being part of this journey. Support the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com,...

Jon is summoned by King Stannis. The king offers Jon his dream come true; the title of Lord Stark of Winterfell. Stannis also plans to let the wildlings through the Wall, if they bend the knee. Jon agrees with the wildling plan but needs time to think about being legitimized and made lord of Winterfell. Simon and Mackelly consider shopping for castle-warming gifts. Chapter Review: Jon Snow spars in the yard of Castle Black with Satin. Melisandre interrupts; King Stannis wants a word with...

Sam and Gilly have made to Castle Black. Gilly has taken on a second baby to feed. Sam has a crafty idea to ensure Gilly and son are cared for. Janos Slynt is making waves in the vote for Lord Commander. Mackelly and Simon consider voter fraud to keep Slynt out of the top spot. Chapter Review: Samwell Tarly, Gilly, and Gilly’s baby have finally made it to Castle Black. Gilly has begun feeding Mance and Dalla’s newborn son. Dalla’s sister Val has heard that Melasandre plans to burn Mance and...

Arya and the Hound return to the Inn at the Crossroads, where they meet some of the Mountain’s men. Trouble ensues, leaving three dead and the Hound mortally wounded. Arya refuses him mercy and leaves him to die. Finally, she uses her mysterious iron coin to earn her passage out of Westeros. Simon and Mackelly wish Arya a bon voyage.   Chapter Review: Arya Stark and Sandor Clegane (AKA the Hound) find themselves back at the Inn at the Crossroads. As soon as they enter, Arya knows there’s...

Jon gets a reprieve from the ice cell and noose that Thorne and Slynt had promised. Hooray! It's so he can go on a suicide mission to assassinate Mance Rayder. Boo! But at the last second redemption comes from an unlikely source. Simon and Mackelly consider the new power structures at the Wall. Chapter Review: Jon is lowered down the north face of the Wall in a cage. It beats the tiny ice cell in which he’d been held for the last 4 days. Thorne and Slynt’s plan to hang him had been foiled by...

Jaime has a curious goodbye with Arya Stark. He refuses to leave the Kingsguard, despite a strong push from his family. He resists an advance from his sister, which results in a heated argument between the two. Finally, he gives Brienne a jaw-dropping gift and then tasks her with a surprising mission in return. Simon and Mackelly squint hard at “Arya Stark.” Chapter Review: Jaime Lannister grows bored of watching the king sign documents that offer rewards or punishment to houses, for their...

Daenerys has taken Meereen, but Astapor and Yunkai are backsliding. She forgives Barristan Selmy for his failures to protect her family, but banishes Jorah Mormont from her sight. She’ll stay in Meereen and rule. Mackelly and Simon settle in to watch some dragons grow. Chapter Review: Daenerys Targaryen surveys Meereen from the great pyramid. She’s bothered by flies who’ve gathered to feast on the many dead, including the 163 she crucified as payment for what they did to the slave...