
In news that will please many and surprise few, HBO announced earlier this afternoon that they are renewing “Game of Thrones” for a third season. As we have breathlessly explained over the past few weeks, the show has gotten both excellent ratings and high critical praise, so it was all but a formality that HBO would want to extend its run. According to Entertainment Weekly, producers of the show are planning to split the next book in George R.R. Martin’s series, A Storm of Swords, into two seasons, so it’s fairly safe to assume that the ten episode third season will focus on the first 600 or so pages of the 1200-page behemoth.
“As George and all his fans have said for a long time, there’s no way to do it in a single season, so it’s being broken into two,” said executive producer David Benioff during a recent interview with EW. “We’re still kind of figuring out exactly what goes where. We don’t want it to feel like a two-part season … From the beginning we’d always prayed we’d get to season three at least because, you know, two of our favorite scenes from the entire saga are in season three.” [EW]
Now, I haven’t read the books because I still get horrifying flashbacks to law school anytime I pick up something longer than 300 pages, so my analysis of this situation is as follows:
- I know it doesn’t make financial sense to pick up, like, five seasons at a time, but, on the other hand, PLEASE PICK UP ALL OF THE SEASONS GEEZ WHY WAIT. I think you see my point.
- A Storm of Swords is an incredible title, for pretty much anything. Even a cereal.
- Speaking of swords, someone should make a video of “Game of Thrones” highlights set to the title track off GZA’s 1995 album Liquid Swords. I would like that.



“So deep its picked up on radios in tunnels” remains my favorite rap lyric.
I was always partial to “Lyrics are weak, like clock-radio speakers,” but your point is noted.
NO SPOILERS!!!!
SOMEONE GETS KILLED!!!
AND FUCKED!!!
AT THE SAME TIME!
Despite the awesomeness of Liquid Swords, GZA didn’t do much in the rest of the Wu Tang saga.
You mean this is all based on books? I’ll be damned. I thought those things were outlawed in the 50s.
YOU’RE NOT MY DAD.
But I’m too considerate to post spoilers.
*pats self on back*
If you tell us about a spoiler in advance is that a spoiler?
Yessssss. Storm of Swords kicks so much ass
Without spoiling anything, it’s safe to say I’m looking forward to Season 3A ending with THAT THING and Season 3B ending with THAT OTHER THING.
Also, more boobs and dragons.
Yes and yes. I imagine that’s what they’ll do.
I dunno, personally, I think they’ll end it with THAT OTHER THING!
Oh, and, of course, I am talking about Season 3A. Obviously 3B would end with “that other thing”.
Don’t spoil anything, but I’m assuming, having not read the books, but seeing the progression so far, is we will get more sexual positions in 3A and 3B. We’ve had several so far, but still have plenty left before 101 (number attained before someone pulls a hamy and insurance rates go up).
SPECIAL TECHNIQUES
As someone who has read the books through a bunch of times, A Storm of Swords is without a doubt the high point. The only thing I disagree with them about is that there aren’t 2 GREAT scenes, there are probably 4 that will make people gasp
Smart move, GoT is only going to grow its audience.
THEY WOULD NEVER CANCEL GAME OF THRONES.
It’s a crossover hit!
/bathroom joke
Spoiling anything for anyone from A Storm of Swords means you are a terrible person.
A thread rapist?
More like Jorden Van der Spoiler
“When a nigga steps out of place, and gets slapped in his goddamn face” syncing up with Tyrion bitchslapping Joffrey would give me a smile that would last no less than the rest of my life.
I can imagine this news was warmly greeted by any underemployed British character actor yet to land a role. The eunuch community must be pretty excited too.
Critical and ratings success is one thing but is the show making HBO enough silly money so that they can ambitiously throw millions more into the budget and securing the talent? I bloody hope so.
Agreed with all your points. HBO has the money, GoT is their biggest draw at the moment, why not go nuts?
I want some Storm of Swords cereal. Marshmallow swords, some kind of powder that mildly electrifies milk, and jagged metal O’s!
I bet Theon could do without another season of that awkwardness. [twitpic.com]
I made the GZA video! here you go!
“Liquid Thrones”
[www.youtube.com]