The Watch S8 E1

Published April 17, 2019 · Updated July 6, 2022

Hello Shat Team,

I’m thrilled to have you all back three times a week! You’ve been doing great work on the other Shat programs as always, but GOT remains my favorite show. Now, on to the new season!

I agree with you all that this was a very handily crafted, scene-setter of an episode. I certainly expect more sparks to fly this week. Specifically, I believe Jaime’s reception by those at winterfell will be cold at first, but ultimately they’ll realize he has valuable dirt to share vis a vis Cersei and Euron. I also think that news will travel quickly that Cersei is pregnant; not that anyone cares who the rightful heir to the 7 (at best 3) kingdoms is whilst the army of the dead marches south, but Jaime will put 2+2 together as the one person who can debunk the claim of Euron’s parentage… I do believe that it will be Jon, the voice of reason in any meetings with Jaime. He will be tasked with pleading Jaime’s case to the North (better with us than against us). This will inevitably piss off Daenarys. Speaking of that, I believe that Ep. 1 definitely setup tension to take place between those two. The mention of the lines “nothing lasts” and “you gave up your crown, would she do the same for you” was not just fluff, it was as subtle of a hint of a rift to come as King Robert getting off a horse. Thud.

Next, what is up with the Greyjoy rescue? You mean to tell me that Reek is able to swing up to King’s Landing, slip through the largest armada of ships in the world, board the “mothership”, capture the most precious hostage, murder crew on the way, and slip back out undetected? It was just a really weak idea to me. I get it- they want to advance the Yara/Theon storyline, but it was all just way too easy IMO.

Arya’s spear is certainly going to be bad ass. Is it possible that it’s not for her? I think she will gift it to Jon, just as Jon gifted her Needle in a very touching moment between the two. Just spit balling.

I think the tie-ins to seasons past have been very smart, particularly the quote by Ned from S1 to Jon that “next time we see each other, we’ll discuss your mother.” Of course, Jon is standing is the shadow of Ned’s tomb and his true mother’s tomb as Sam tells him the truth. Very poetic.

The Targaryen/Children of the forest logo thing is a bit overblown, I agree with you guys. It’s possible it’s just a mandala. Nothing more. But, I still enjoy the idea that the Night King may have Targaryen blood seeing as how the imagery is similar to the sigil AND the guy is the only other person besides Jon (a Targaryen halfie) that can ride a dragon. Is that because of his special powers, or does that Targaryen connection with its riders remain even after it becomes a member of the army of the dead. Hmm..

Finally- any thoughts on the lady Stoneheart theory? Not sure if I recall you guys discussing it on the show…

There’s a lot more I could discuss, but I’ll leave it there. Thanks so much shat team for all that you do, love that we have some King Bee action. I know how much of an undertaking this is for you guys and it’s much appreciated.

PS: To those who listen and haven’t donated yet- share the love! These guys aren’t PBS, your taxes aren’t paying for them. A little can go a long way. I have gotten days worth of entertainment for free, it only seems fair to give a little something in return.

Best,

Mitch
Longtime listener and fan of all things Shat

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