Latest news with #TheWindsofWinter
Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
One of TV's best and 'most chilling' episodes ever aired 9 years ago today
Viewers have described this season finale as 'the best episode of anything ever' (Picture: HBO) There are two types of Game of Thrones fans. You either religiously watched each episode every week as it aired live on television, or you waited until everybody raved about how good it was and binged it one go, enjoying the luxury of being able to fast-forward through the ad breaks. As a member of the latter, it feels peculiar reading some of the negativity towards season 6 of the HBO series adapted from George R. R. Martin's novel series. A critic from the Guardian described the season as 'patchy' at times and claimed that 'the dialogue has certainly lacked the subtlety of earlier years'. Perhaps when you're not forced to wait an entire week for a new episode to air, the viewing experience becomes slightly different. But following the season six finale 'The Winds of Winter', the same critic described it as 'heart-stopping and spine-tingling'. Today, 9 years after it originally aired, I think both sets of Game of Thrones fans can agree on one thing – that it is one of the single greatest episodes of television ever. Jon Snow is named King of the North! Don't tell him it's short lived (Picture: HBO) Bran finally learns the true parentage of Jon in this scintillating episode (Picture: HBO) Set amidst the backdrop of the High Sparrow's growing religious movement in King's Landing, Cersei stands trial at the Great Sept of Baelor for incest, adultery, and the murder of King Robert. However, in a breathtaking opening sequence, we see Cersei destroy the Sept with wildfire, killing all of her enemies – including Margaery Tyrell, the High Sparrow and her uncle Kevan Lannister. Witnessing such destruction, Tommen Baratheon decides he cannot take it anymore and commits suicide. In the North, Jon Snow is declared King. Meanwhile, Bran Stark finally learns the true meaning of his visions and that Jon's true parents are Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. Daenerys also manages to set sail for Westeros with Tyrion Lannister and her forces. And, if that wasn't enough to satisfy us, Arya Stark completes one of the most stunning revenge arcs in TV history as she kills the Frey family, who were responsible for the infamous Red Wedding. As Entertainment Weekly wrote at the time of its release – 'Boom. On every level, boom.' Boom indeed. Viewers have described series 6 episode 10 as one of the 'greatest season finale that has ever been on TV' (Picture: HBO) Daenerys sets sail for Westeros with Tyrion Lannister. This can only make me think about how disappointing that last season was (Picture: HBO) Written by series co-creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, and directed by Miguel Sapochnik, @RoarReximus described it as 'one of the best episodes in the history of television!' on X, while @inevitablejae said: 'This was drama at its peak.' Writing on imdB at the time of its release – where the show still to this day has a rating of 9.9 out of 10 – jwcalifo described it as the 'best episode of anything ever', writing: 'As long as you've been keeping track of this show since season 4 or 5, you will agree this is the best episode ever.' Hh-22896 also wrote: 'The best episode I have seen in my entire life Perfect writing, perfect direction, perfect acting. What an episode!!!!' Depressingly good television Our TV reporter Milo Pope shares his thoughts on what fans have described as the 'best episode of anything ever'… 'The Winds of Winter' has stuck in my mind for that incredible opening 25 minutes that sees the explosion of the Sept and Tommen Baratheon jump from a window of the Red Keep. Within a series that is packed with so many breathtaking moments, it's a compliment in itself that an opening to an episode can hold such weight in your mind. But after re-watching what can only be described as a TV masterclass, I had completely forgotten what happens in the following 45 minutes or so. To think that this was the same episode as when Arya finally reenacted revenge on the Freys or that Jon was made King (it still hurts to think about how badly his storyline ended, so for the sake of our sanity, let's pretend it never happened). But it's also the smaller details, like how a piano was used as the primary instrument for the show's score – which was unusual in comparison to the rest of the series – to create this sense of unease and impending doom. It's not just brilliant and life-affirming but also inspiring at the same time. It's also, sadly, a little depressing too. This is an episode of television from 2016 that we're still reminiscing about, and I can't think of the top of my head what series has made me feel close to this way since. Perhaps we, as an audience and the wider TV landscape as a whole, have become less willing and patient with shows to build a story arc in the first few seasons that can then, in turn, deliver such dramatic finales like this. Whatever era we're in, days like today, where we can celebrate a piece of TV history like this, feel like they're not going to come around as often in the future. Ethanvdub added: 'My favorite scene in all of television. The first 25 minutes of this episode was some of the best directed and written television I have ever scene. Absolutely chilling.' Thejokerdodig commented: 'The greatest season finale that has ever been on TV.' Jerianne-13906 also claimed: 'This was the best episode, if I dare say, of the entire show. From the piano/cello duet that is throughout, to every persons part of the story. So so good.' Jonathan Pryce as the High Sparrow in the Sept before it explodes (Picture: HBO) Earlier this month, it was the ten-year anniversary of another Game of Thrones' season finale, which critics claimed 'crossed a line'. But if you're still craving some Game of Thrones action, perhaps Amazon Prime's new dark comedy starring Maisie Williams, best known for playing Arya Stark in Game of Thrones, could be up your alley. In the six-part series, she plays 'strange young misfit' Kim, who was just a small child when her father died in mysterious circumstances. Soon after her mum, Kim – played by Fleabag's Sian Clifford – whisked her away to a remote rural life of seclusion and bizarre survival techniques. When the show was released, critics praised it as 'one of the best shows of the year' despite it largely going under the radar. 'One of 2020's best new shows, Two Weeks to Live leans into the witty humour of classic British comedies like Hot Fuzz and Brassic,' NME wrote in its review. Fans also said it was 'gripping', 'action packed with splashes of comedy', and an 'absolute gem of a show'. Game of Thrones is available to watch on Sky Atlantic. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. Arrow MORE: JK Rowling reveals how involved she is in Harry Potter TV reboot after backlash Arrow MORE: Ralph Fiennes warns new Voldemort in Harry Potter TV series of danger Arrow MORE: Harry Potter fans spot major casting problem – but there's a simple answer
NBC News
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
George R.R. Martin vents about fans who say he'll 'never finish' next 'Game of Thrones' book
Winter is coming very, very slowly for fans of "A Song of Ice and Fire." George R. R. Martin, author of the fantasy novel series that led to HBO's wildly popular "Game of Thrones" television series, voiced his frustration this week about readers who think that the sixth book, "The Winds of Winter," will not be completed. In a post on his official blog on Wednesday, Martin was originally announcing his involvement with an animated project unrelated to his hit fantasy franchise. But he then took a moment to address the skeptical fans of "A Song of Ice and Fire." "I know, I know," Martin wrote. "Some of you will just be pissed off by this, as you are by everything I announce here that is not about Westeros or THE WINDS OF WINTER. You have given up on me, or on the book." "I will never finish WINDS," Martin wrote."If I do, I will never finish A DREAM OF SPRING," referring to what would have been the series' seventh book. "If I do, it won't be any good," he wrote, seemingly repeating accusations from critics. "I ought to get some other writer to pinch hit for me… I am going to die soon anyway, because I am so old. I lost all interest in A Song of Ice and Fire decades ago. I don't give a s--- about writing any longer, I just sit around and spend my money." Although he didn't say when or if he would finish the next books in the series, he explained he does still care about the franchise and its characters. "The Starks and Lannisters and Targaryens, Tyrion and Asha, Dany and Daenerys, the dragons and the direwolves, I care about them all," Martin wrote. "More than you can ever imagine." But he said he also has a passion for the rest of his work that he believes his fans "don't care about." Martin mentioned a few short stories he wrote long before "A Game of Thrones," such as "A Song for Lya" and "This Tower of Ashes," in addition to compilations of short stories that he edited more recently, like the 2013 cross-genre anthology "Dangerous Women." Martin said recently he signed on with Lion Forge Entertainment to adapt the late Howard Waldrop's 1989 novella "A Dozen Tough Jobs" — his take on the Twelve Labors of Hercules — into an animated feature, news the author credited The Hollywood Reporter with breaking on May 21. "It saddens me that he did not live long enough to see the film; I hope we do him justice," Martin wrote.
NBC News
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
George R.R. Martin says he will 'never finish' next book in 'Game of Thrones' series
Winter is probably no longer coming for "A Song of Ice and Fire" series fans. George R. R. Martin, author of the fantasy novel series that led to the wildly popular "Game of Thrones" television series, wrote on his blog Wednesday that the sixth book, "The Winds of Winter," will likely not be completed. "I will never finish WINDS," Martin wrote."If I do, I will never finish A DREAM OF SPRING," referring to what would have been the series' seventh book. Martin said he "lost all interest" in the series that has been out on shelves since 1996 with the its first installment, "A Game of Thrones." He explained that while he does care about the unfinished sixth novel and the franchise's characters, he also has a passion for the rest of his work that he believes his fans "don't care about." Martin called out a few short stories he wrote long before "A Game of Thrones," such as "A Song for Lya" and "This Tower of Ashes," in addition to compilations of short stories that he edited more recently, like the 2013 cross-genre anthology "Dangerous Women." The 77-year-old author cynically wrote he is 'going to die soon anyway' and does not 'give a s--- about writing any longer.' Martin recently signed on with Lion Forge Entertainment to adapt Howard Waldrop's 1989 novella "A Dozen Tough Jobs" — his take on the Twelve Labors of Hercules — into an animated feature, news the author credited The Hollywood Reporter with breaking on May 21. "Some of you will just be pissed off by this, as you are by everything I announce here that is not about Westeros or THE WINDS OF WINTER," the author wrote when announcing the screen adaptation of his late friend's work. "It saddens me that he did not live long enough to see the film; I hope we do him justice," Martin wrote.
UPI
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
George R.R. Martin assures fans 'Winds of Winter' still a priority
May 30 (UPI) -- Best-selling author George R.R. Martin has assured fans that completing his next Game of Thrones novel, The Winds of Winter, is still a priority, even as he works on other projects. "You may hate everything else I have ever written, the Hugo-winners and Hugo-losers," Martin, 76, told his readers through a post on his website this week. "You don't care about any of those, I know. You don't care about anything but WINDS OF WINTER. You've told me so often enough," he added. "Thing is, I do care about them. And I care about Westeros and WINDS as well. The Starks and Lannisters and Targaryens, Tyrion and Asha, Dany and Daenerys, the dragons and the direwolves, I care about them all. More than you can ever imagine." Martin made the remarks as he serves as an executive producer on Dark Winds and the upcoming Wild Cards series. He also has confirmed he is working on an animated feature adaptation of Howard Waldrop's novella, A Dozen Tough Jobs. The TV version of Game of Thrones ran on HBO 2011-19 and remains popular in repeats. The last Game of Thrones book, A Dance with Dragons, came out in 2011. It was the fifth of a planned seven-book series. 'Game of Thrones' cast attends Season 8 premiere
USA Today
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Books like 'Game of Thrones' to tide you over while you wait for 'Winds of Winter'
Books like 'Game of Thrones' to tide you over while you wait for 'Winds of Winter' Expecting new 'Game of Thrones' books anytime soon? You know nothing, Jon Snow! It's been over a decade since George R.R. Martin last published a book in the "Song of Ice and Fire" series, but fantasy fans have been well fed with the show (though perhaps left hungry by that last season) and 'House of the Dragon' spin-off series. Martin is currently working on his next novel, 'The Winds of Winter,' but calls it 'the curse of my life.' In an interview with TIME following his pictures with real-life dire wolves, Martin said, 'There's no doubt 'Winds of Winter' is 13 years late. I'm still working on it. I have periods where I make progress and then other things divert my attention.' Books like 'Game of Thrones' If you're far too impatient to wait for 'The Winds of Winter' and Season 3 of 'House of the Dragon,' check out these seven high fantasy books with similar themes to 'Game of Thrones.' 'Assassin's Apprentice' by Robin Hobb Martin himself called this 'fantasy as it ought to be written." The first book of the Farseer trilogy follows a prince's bastard son who is treated as an outcast by all except for the king. King Shrewd secretly trains young Fitz as an assassin, harnessing his ancestral magic. Now grown up, he's thrust into dangerous missions where he's both the key to saving the kingdom and the biggest threat to the throne. 'The Dragon's Path' by Daniel Abraham Also loved by Martin is 'The Dragon's Path,' which follows the paths of three characters that lead to a looming all-out war. Marcus has sworn off the battlefield, but when his men are conscripted, he'll have to get creative to stay out of a battle he wants no part of. Cithrin is an orphan tasked with smuggling gold across a war zone, fluent in the secret language of commerce. And Geder is simply a pawn, the heir of a noble house and a lacking soldier who'd rather wax philosophical than wield a sword. 'To Shape a Dragon's Breath' by Moniquill Blackgoose If Daenerys and her dragons were your favorite part of 'Game of Thrones,' you might like 'To Shape a Dragon's Breath.' The story follows 15-year-old Anequs who finds and bonds with a dragon hatchling. She's revered by her Indigenous community, who haven't seen a dragon in generations. But the Anglish conquerors of her land have different ideas about how to raise a dragon – ideas that don't involve Anequs at all. Reluctantly, they let her enroll in Anglish dragon school, but at a cost. If she doesn't succeed, they'll kill her dragon. 'The Ruin of Kings' by Jenn Lyons In the first book of the 'Chorus of Dragons' trilogy, a man who grows up in the slums discovers he's a long-lost prince, the son of a treasonous royal. Suddenly, Kihrin finds himself swept up and essentially imprisoned by his new family, who harbor ruthless political ambitions. As he gains a new understanding of the world and what the storybooks of his childhood lied about, he'll have to understand whether he's meant to save the world or destroy it. 'The Emperor's Blades' by Brian Staveley If you're still mourning Ned Stark, 'The Emperor's Blades' might be for you. The story starts after the emperor of Annur is murdered and follows his three children as they live out the destinies he set for them. Kaden, the heir, remains sequestered in a remote monastery where he must master an ancient power. Valyn is training as an elite soldier oceans away. And Minister Adare is determined to prove herself to her people, but she'll stop at nothing to avenge her father. 'The Grace of Kings' by Ken Liu Loved the warring houses in 'Game of Thrones'? Try 'The Dandelion Dynasty' series, which starts as two unlikely friends come together to rebel against tyranny. Charming bandit Kuni and fearless, royal-born Mata become allies after an adventure filled with fighting armies, airships and shapeshifting gods. But once they've overthrown the emperor, they're left on different sides of the new order as rivals. 'She Who Became the Sun' by Shelley Parker-Chan 'She Who Became the Sun' is perfect for 'Game of Thrones' fans seeking fantasy with vengeance and political stakes. Set in 1345 China under harsh Mongol rule, two children in the Zhu family are given two very different fates – their eighth-born son is destined for greatness, while their second daughter is destined for nothingness. But after a bandit attack leaves the children orphaned, the son dies. The girl must use her brother's identity to escape death, avoid her fate and rise to power. Still looking for the right book? USA TODAY Books has you covered. Taste is subjective, and USA TODAY Books has plenty of genres to recommend. If dystopian sci-fi is your thing, check out the books we suggest reading after "Red Rising" by Pierce Brown. If you want something with lower stakes and loveable characters, see if a "cozy mystery" or "cozy fantasy" book is for you. Or, take a look at our most anticipated reads of summer 2025. If you want the most popular titles, check out USA TODAY's Best-selling Booklist. Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY's Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you're reading at cmulroy@
