TV REVUE – Game of Thrones: The Bear and the Maiden Fair

We could arrange to have you carried. – Tywin

Well that one was certainly jam-packed, even by normal GoT standards. But at least it departed from last week’s tell-rather-than-show episode. Daenerys’ exact objective continues to elude me, I thought she wanted the crown to rule the Seven Kingdoms? If so, why does she insist on taking all these detours to do semi-noble things like free slaves? Why risk attacking a heavily fortified city like Yunkai when you are only 200,000 strong? Take the crown back and then return when you’re basically the world police of Westeros and Essos? She just needs to get going already and right the rest of the wrong in the world later on.

TV REVUE – Game of Thrones: The Climb

Face, tits, balls– I hit ‘em right where I wanted to. – Arya

It seems as though no matter how exposition-heavy episodes of this show can be, we can still manage to learn next to nothing in the span of an hour. Take the case of Theon who is being tortured by a yet-to-be identified assailant. While it’s been riveting to watch Theon’s agonizing pain these past few weeks, the mind games his tormentor plays on him are just as maddening for the audience. But last night he did let it slip about knowing Bran and Rickon were still alive. Since this implies he is connected to Winterfell, I have an idea of how he is connected and to whom, but don’t want to speculate out of accidentally venturing into spoiler territory (keep in mind I have not read the books). Theon’s pinky meets the pointy end through piercing and what appears to be flaying, and it appears things will only get worse before they get better for him.

TV REVUE – Game of Thrones: Kissed By Fire

I like you boy, but if  you lie to me, I’ll pull your guts out through your throat. – Tormund

After a somewhat sluggish season premiere, the fifth episode of this season ‘Fire’ continues the recent streak of excellence. One thing I’ve noticed this season thus far is the use of balance. In the first two seasons, it felt as though the writers tried to cram every character into every episode.  So far throughout this season though, a handful of characters usually get left out, but get their due the following week, which is an approach I find preferable. In ‘Fire’ Arya got to witness a terrific trial-by-combat-duel between The Hound and Beric, ending with Beric’s chest cavity exposed, only to be resurrected for a sixth time courtesy of some strong faith in the Lord of Light. First Hot Pie and now Gendry too is leaving Arya’s side to run with the Brotherhood, because they “chose their leader.”  While that does suck as the story will likely no longer follow either of them if they separate from her permanently, at least their departures were of their own volition and not because they met the pointy end of a sword, unlike many other likable characters who came before.

American Winter Debuts March 18th on HBO

SPOTLIGHTING CHALLENGES FACING MIDDLE-CLASS AMERICAN FAMILIES IN ECONOMIC CRISIS, THE NECESSITY OF 211 SOCIAL SERVICE HOTLINES

AND THE RAPID DECLINE OF SOCIAL SERVICE SAFETY NETS,

AMERICAN WINTER DEBUTS MARCH 18, EXCLUSIVELY ON HBO

Real Time with Bill Maher: New season begins Tonight

            REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER returns for its 11th season FRIDAY, JAN. 18 (10:00-11:00 p.m. live ET/tape-delayed PT), exclusively on HBO, with an instant replay at 11:00 p.m. following the live presentation. Allowing Maher to offer his unique perspective on contemporary issues, the show includes an opening monologue, roundtable discussions with panelists, and interviews with in-studio and satellite guests.

HBO and Martin Scorsese partner for documentary on William Jefferson Clinton

 

HBO and Martin Scorsese will partner for a documentary spotlighting William Jefferson Clinton, 42nd , it was announced today by Richard Plepler, recently named CEO, HBO and Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming. Made with Clinton’s full cooperation, the film will explore his perspectives on history, politics, culture and the world, with Scorsese producing and directing, and Steve Bing producing.

Picture Paris, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, debuts Dec. 17

 

 

QUIRKY SHORT FILM PICTURE PARIS, STARRING

JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS, DEBUTS DEC. 17, EXCLUSIVELY ON HBO 

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Announces 2013 Inductees

 

28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

Ceremony to Air May 18 on HBO

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Tickets for Ceremony on Sale Beginning Jan. 25 

Real Time with Bill Maher: Season finale this Friday

 

 

REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER presents its tenth-season finale FRIDAY, NOV. 16 (10:00-11:00 p.m. live ET/tape-delayed PT), exclusively on HBO, with an instant replay at 11:00 p.m. following the live presentation. Allowing Maher to offer his unique perspective on contemporary issues, the show includes an opening monologue, roundtable discussions with panelists, and interviews with in-studio and satellite guests.

Louis CK returns to HBO for stand-up comedy special next year

 

Red-hot comedy star Louis CK will return to HBO next year in an all-new stand-up comedy special, it was announced today by Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming. To be taped at one of the stops of his sold-out 16-city tour, which wraps in February, the exclusive presentation will be his second hour-long special on the network and will be directed by Louis CK.