Lest you think the 5.5 million viewers (6.8 million if ya count the second airing, too)is an anomaly, viewership has set records each of the past four weeks, leading me to believe that American audiences actually get off on being confused. Sick bastards.

Maybe the writers will reward this sort of popularity with some action, or, failing that, breasts or dragons.

While this sounds like a big burden, it might be the best possible use of the author’s time since signing a new development deal with HBO. Since he’s admitted he’s about 3,000 or so pages away (for reals) from completing A Song of Fire and Ice, any project that he’s got a head start on is probably ideal, rather than one that he’s starting from scratch.

Maybe he’ll harken all the way back to the time that Eddard Stark had a head.

Will we see him tortured? Will he be a sellsword?? A rival eunuch??? Luckily, we here at Screen Junkies have some pull in the industry and have scored an exclusive still of Martin’s appearance.

Makes a lot of sense. (Deadline)

If you chose Game Of Thrones dialogue, you are correct.

Man, has this thing been rewound a whole bunch of times.

And dragons. Fully grown dragons f&*%ing up people’s sh*t. Here’s hoping this is the season where Joffrey will be impaled on the Iron Throne. Why else would there be swords all over that thing?

Singer tweeted, “Officially like to welcome #PeterDinklage from #GameOfThrones to #XMEN #DaysofFuturePast Very very excited!” And that’s all we know. No word on which role Dinklage will play. Deadline reports that Dinklage will play a key role, while others speculate he’ll play Puck from Marvel’s Alpha Flight series or a rebooted version of Toad. Which isn’t very nice, you guys. How about a CIA agent or brilliant scientist?

Sheesh. Next, there’ll be rumors he’s playing Wolverine’s Mini-Me.

If you’re not nodding, then I’m hoping that George R.R. Martin is reading this (HI GEORGE!) and nodding his head, because upon reviewing a lengthy talk he gave a couple years ago at a Higher Learning function, where he takes a break from talking about his journey to rail on the Olsen twins and Full House (“This goddamn thing became a hit”). Sure, it’s not a new video, but unless you invested the full hour, it’s probably new to you.

The big takeaway from GRRM:

That’s why I’ve always hated the Olsen twins. And still do to this day. [Hilariously weird cackle]

Here’s the video (go to 20:00, or click here for us to take you there)

Here we’re introduced to several new players. Here you’ll get your first looks at Ciaran Hinds as Mance Rayder, the King Beyond The Wall, Dianna Rigg as Lady Oleanna, the grandma from House Tyrell, Clive Russell as Bryndon “The Blackfish” Tully, Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Jojen Reed, and Paul Kaye as the red priest Thoros. Expect to see them all naked at some point.

Game Of Thrones returns to HBO on March 31st.

The brewery states that the beers will “directly tie into themes, characters, and nuances” of the show, so if your beer tastes like incest or ambition, don’t worry. It’s supposed to taste that way.

The first beer comes out on March 31, corresponding to the third season premiere.

“OH MAN! THIS IS ALL A CHEAP PUBLICITY STUNT!!!!”

Said the slow gentleman from the back of the room.

Nothing spoilery revealed here. It’s what you’ve come to expect — walking around in the desert, walking around in the forest, walking around in snow, and Arya getting terrorized by adults. The uje.

Just like its living counterpart, the prosthetic George W. Bush head has inspired some pretty passionate emotions, with some conservative groups calling for a boycott of HBO. The people at HBO has responded to these accusations of political bias in a statement: “We were deeply dismayed to see this and find it unacceptable, disrespectful and in very bad taste.”

David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the actual people behind Game of Thrones had an even better explanation for putting George W. Bush’s decapitated head on a spike, saying that it wasn’t meant to be a political statement but instead was just a matter of using the means available to them:

“We use a lot of prosthetic body parts on the show: heads, arms, etc. We can’t afford to have these all made from scratch, especially in scenes where we need a lot of them, so we rent them in bulk.”

Despite this explanation, HBO has ordered all images of George W. Bush’s decapitated head removed from future copies of Game of Thrones on DVD, and presumably from future broadcasts. The former president has not been reached for comment. (The AV Club)

The writers always give him the best lines but its time he gets a catchphrase. “Talk to the Hand,” perhaps?

Okay. Just spit-balling anyway.

You made the right choice. Now let your problems melt away as the sirens play you away toa  simpler, happier place. Like Winterfell.

Wait…

Game of Thrones first season was controversial for it’s liberal use of nudity. While some found it crass, it did help to make boring expository scenes totally enthralling. Like SUPER enthralling. Another criticism of the show has been that there are far too many characters, and following all of their plotlines gets difficult. To those with that complaint, sorry. The cast of Game of Thrones is about to grow from a large amount of people to every single actor in England. But it shouldn’t be that confusing once you get pulled into the story. To help those who need a handy point of reference while watching, we’ve decided to break down all of the new faces we’ll be seeing this April.

Stephen Dillane – Stannis Baratheon

Stephen Dillane of John Adams and King Arthur fame joins the series as Stannis Baratheon, the rightful heir to the throne. He knows that he is next in line and wants what is his. He even goes so far as to align himself with a supernatural priestess who uses a mysterious power to help him.

Liam Cunningham – Davos Seaworth

It wouldn’t be Game of Thrones without creepy quirks for the characters. Liam Cunningham plays one such character. Davos Seaworth (aka The Onion Knight) earned his knighthood by smuggling food to Stannis Baratheon during a siege. Not only did Stannis thank him with knighthood, but he also punished him by cutting the fingers off his left hand. Agreeing with his king’s decree, Davos happily wears his finger bones on a necklace. Let’s hope he takes it off during sex.

Oliver Ford Davies – Maester Cressen

Maester Cressen plays an elderly adviser to Stannis who finds himself in opposition of Lady Melisandre. The two repeatedly struggle against one another for the King’s trust, but there can only be one winner. I hear Wal-Mart’s hiring though, gramps.

Carice van Houten – Lady Melisandre

The Queen B causing everybody stress, Lady Melisandre is the priestess who backs Stannis 100%. It’s one thing to wear a campaign button or change out your Facebook avatar, but to actually start spell-casting to kill his rivals is a bit above and beyond. I guess it’s good to be passionate about something, though.

Gwendolyn Christie – Brienne of Tarth

Not only does Season Two of Game of Thrones feature a witch, but it also has a lady knight! Brienne of Tarth joins Lord Renly’s guard while secretly harboring an attraction to him. The awkward and ugly Brienne is sarcastically referred to as Brienne the Beauty. Series writer George R. R. Martin has assured fans that Gwendolyn is plenty ugly enough for the role when not wearing makeup. Wow. Even for a fantasy writer, not smooth.

Gemma Whelan – Yara Greyjoy

The stand up comic has had roles in The Wolfman and Gulliver’s Travels. But don’t hold that against her. **rimshot**

Whelan will play the long-lost sister of Robb Stark’s best friend/emissary. In the book, she’s known as Asha Greyjoy but will be referred to as “Yara” in the television series. Probably because it sounds like a name that’s easier for a pirate to pronounce. She is a badass warrior that commands a fleet of ships after all.

Patrick Melahide – Balon Greyjoy

Theon’s pops is Lord of the Iron Islands where Theon hails from. He’s sent to bridge the gap between the two families, but seeing as Theon was essentially kidnapped by the Starks, his dad is all like, “Oh, HELL NO!”

Karl Davies – Alton Lannister

This seems to be the only character created specifically for the show. Though it is assumed that he is based on Cleos Frey from the books. One thing is for certain: either way, he is a Lannister. Which means you’d better keep him away from Cersei. She probably wants to put her cougar paws all over him.

Tom Wlaschiha – Jaqen H’ghar

To say anything about Jaqen H’ghar may reveal far too much about the second season for anyone hoping to be in the dark. But rest assured, the German actor is certain to make an impression this season.

Nonso Anozie – Xaro Xhoan Daxos

You may have seen him in this past summer’s Conan the Barbarian or various British series. You’ll now have a chance to Nonso Anozie play the merchant Xaro Shoan Daxos. Though kind of a shady and slippery dude, he offers help to Daenerys as she needs it.

Natalie Dormer – Margaery Tyrell

When Renly proclaims himself as king, he needs to take a queen. Cue The Tudors and Captain America hottie Natalie Dormer to play Margaery Tyrell. It is arranged marriage obviously as Renly is far too busy gettin’ busy with Margaery’s brother Loras, “The Knight of Flowers.” I can’t decide if that’s just plain wrong or the plot of a future Jennifer Aniston movie.

Just know that we appreciate you Margaery.

Tyrion Lannister has proven unstoppable all week long. While other favorites were knocked off along the way, The Imp continued on like hoard of White Walkers, besting Jon Snow in the final. The only real chance to take him down fell to Arya Stark in the semi-finals, but even the beloved tomboy could not overcome Tyrion’s sarcastic charm. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: people love whore-mongering dwarfs.

Click on the image below to see all the results, and thanks to all who participated.

We’re down to the final four, and surprisingly, there’s only one #1 seed left in tournament‘ class=’linkify’ target=’_blank’>the tournament. Unfortunately for the competition, it’s the odds-on favorite, Tyrion Lannister (1).

Arya Stark (2) pulled off on upset against her dear old dad, but now she’s facing off against The Imp. As charming as this character is, I don’t think she has what it takes to defeat the whore-mongering half-man, but only time will tell. Jon Snow (3) and Syrio Forel (3) also advanced, and will go head to head, but whoever wins this battle is a major underdog going into the final. The last match-up might not be until Monday, but I have a feeling the tournament will be decided today.

Let the voting begin.

Click the bracket for a larger version…

Day Five’s Match-Ups…

Voting is now closed: Tyrion Lannister (1) wins.

Voting is now closed: Jon Snow (2) wins.

Day four of the “Best of Westeros” Game of Thrones Tournament is here, and were down to the elite eight. For the most part, there haven’t been a lot of surprises with the exceptions of Sandor Clegane (6) and Petyr Baelish (4).

I suppose Baelish, a four seed, isn’t that surprising. I didn’t expect him to knock of King Robert (1), but I shouldn’t have underestimated a man who owns whore houses. Sandor Clegane, on the other hand, is a bit of a shocker. When the six seed won against Joffrey, it made sense, since Joffrey is arguably the biggest asshole in the Seven Kingdoms. However, I didn’t expect him to knock off Jamie Lanister (2) so easily. I figured his hideously deformed face would be a turn off to voters, yet here we are.

But I’m guessing Sandor’s Cinderella story will end today, as he goes head-to-head with fan favorite Tyrion Lannister (1). Elsewhere, Ned Stark must face his tomboy daughter Arya (2), Baelish (4) and Syrio (4) face off, while Dany (1) and Jon Snow (4) fight for control of their region. Let the voting begin.

Click the bracket for a larger version…

Day Four’s Match-Ups…

Voting is now closed: Arya (2) wins.

Voting is now closed: Tyrion (1) wins.

Voting is now closed: Syrio (3) wins.

Voting is now closed: Jon Snow (6) wins.

Day two of the “Best of Westeros” Game of Thrones Tournament has come and gone, yielding another day of predictable results. My apologies to all six fans of Janos Slynt.

But with the first round completely behind us, it’s time to move on to the more interesting match-ups. How will Ned Stark do against the new King in the North, his son Robb? Everyone loves Drogo, but does he have what it takes to beat the bastard Jon Snow? And do I have what it takes to get through writing any more of this pointless copy? Only time will tell!

Click the bracket for a larger version…

Day Three’s Match-Ups…

Voting is now closed: Ned Stark (1) wins.

Voting is now closed: Arya (2) wins.

Voting is now closed: Tyrion (1) wins.

Voting is now closed: Sandor (6) wins.

Voting is now closed: Baelish (4) wins.

Voting is now closed: Syrio (3) wins.

Voting is now closed: Dany (1) wins.

Voting is now closed: Jon Snow (2) wins.

The first day of the “Best of Westeros” Game of Thrones Tournament was a predictable one. All of the favorites moved on, with only the match-up between Catelyn and Sansa Stark proving relatively close, although Catelyn still won by more than 100 votes. However, there was one small surprise: While they both lost to their respective challengers, Rickon Stark did pull in three more votes than Tywin Lannister, gaining 11 to his 8. This proves once again that people just don’t seem to care for child-murdering war lords. #TywinAndKony2012

With day one behind us, logic dictates that it’s time for day two. Today’s match-ups feature warriors from King‘s Landing, The Wall, and even a few exiles and savages from Essos. Enjoy.

Click the bracket for a larger version…

Day Two’s Match-Ups…

Voting is now closed: King Robert (1) wins.

What’s not to like about King Robert Baratheon (1)? He’s fat, he’s funny, he’s constantly banging whores and leaving them pregnant. Good times for all! Of course, there is the matter of his wife beating, which under normal circumstances is considered “bad.” But considering he’s married to Cersei Lannister, you should go ahead and give him a freebie on that one. Are you going to give Janos Slynt a freebie for betraying Ned Stark? Probably not.

Voting is now closed: Petyr Baelish (4) wins.

In season one, Grand Maester Pycelle came across as a doddering old fool, at least until we figured out it was all an act, a revelation which added a much more interesting element to the character. Petyr Baelish was interesting to begin with, but his unscrupulous actions are sure to hurt him in a popularity contest like this. Will his charm be enough to overcome his treachery?

Voting is now closed: Syrio (3) wins.

Fans of the books might have a more favorable impression of Renly Baratheon, but fans of the TV show didn’t really get to know him. Sure, he tried to help Ned Stark. And sure, he likes banging dudes. But other than that, he didn’t get much screen time. Then again, neither did Syrio Forel, but every time he was on screen he was charming. Plus Syrio saved Arya Stark, which should get him some real street cred round these parts.

Voting is now closed: Varys (2) wins.

It’s hard to get a read on Lord Varys (2). Is he good? Is he bad? Is the spot where his testicles used to be smooth, or covered over with scar tissue? These are questions that must be left for season two, but there’s no denying that Varys is fascinating character. Loras Tyrell (7), on the other hand, pretty much just jousts and gives blow jobs, both of which seem fun, but he’ll need more than that to beat Varys.

Voting is now closed: Dany (1) wins.

Daenerys Targaryen (1) is a hot, blonde queen who has her own dragons. Jeor Mormont (8) is a fat old man who has his own crow. Granted, the crow can talk, but still, Mormont’s in for some trouble.

Voting is now closed: Jorah Mormont (4) wins.

Jorah Mormont (4) is Knight who was thrown into exile for selling slaves. Not exactly the noblest of pursuits, but he did it for love, so I guess it’s OK, right? Uh, yeah. Then there’s Viserys Targaryen (5), who is an interesting character. However, he suffers from the same affliction as King Joffrey. By “affliction,” I mean everyone hates him and wants him dead.

Voting is now closed: Khal Drogo (3) wins.

You don’t f*ck with Khal Drogo (3), unless, of course, you want molten metal poured over your head. But apparently people do f*ck with Benjen Stark (6), since he spent the bulk of the first season missing in action beyond the wall. Today, I expect his supporters to be missing in action, as well.

Voting is now closed: Jon Snow (2) wins.

It’s hard to put Jon Snow (2) up against Samwell Tarly (7), mainly because the two are good friends. But I’m also worried that Snow might let Tarly win, just like he did in Night’s Watch training.

It‘s time for the Screen Junkies “Best of Westeros” Game of Thrones Tournament! This year, the Iron Throne isn’t the only thing the citizens of Westeros have to fight about. Sure, it’s good to be the king, but what of the most important contest of all? Of course, I’m talking about a popularity contest.

With both Game of Thrones: Season Two (April 1st) and March Madness (March 15th) just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to combine the two into a winner-take-all March Madness-style bracket to determine the most popular character from season one. Aren’t we clever and original? Well, maybe we were somewhat inspired by The Wire bracket over at Grantland. Who’s to say?

Click the bracket for a larger version…

Now is your chance to bring democracy to The Seven Kingdoms and decide who can rightfully claim the top spot as the Best of Westeros. Petyr Baelish vs. Jaime Lannister? The Hound vs. The Mountain? Tyrion vs. Jon Snow? It’s your choice, so head over to our Facebook page and vote for your favorites as we turn 32 characters against one another. Who ya got?

Day One’s Match-Ups…

Voting is closed: Ned Stark (1) wins.

Obviously Ed Stark (1) deserves the number one seed, and should win easily over his youngest son, Rickon (8), who is arguably the least interesting character on the show thus far. I think Ed’s severed head had more lines than poor Rickon.

Voting is closed: Robb Stark (4) wins.

Fans of Game of Thrones who have read the books might have an easy time choosing between Robb Stark (4) and Theon Greyjoy (5). But since this tournament is based solely on season one of the show, the two are pretty evenly matched.

Voting is closed: Catelyn Stark (3) wins.

Who’s it gonna be? Catelyn (2) is tough as nails and out for revenge. But her daughter Sansa (6), while sympathetic, is as dumb as a box of rocks. Then again, maybe you have a thing for gingers?

Voting is closed: Arya Stark (2) wins.

Arya Stark (2) is one of the most likable characters on the show thus far. And while Brandon (7) is also likable, it’s hard to get excited about someone who spends most of his day in bed. Just ask my ex-girlfriend.

Voting is closed: Tyrion Lannister (1) wins.

Tyrion (1) is the odds-on favorite to win the whole tournament, proving once again that everyone loves a whoremonger regardless of his size. So if “The Imp” somehow manages to lose to his father Tywin Lannister (8), a ruthless child murderer, chances are it’s the work of some really bored hackers.

Voting is closed: Bronn (4) wins.

Even though Bronn (4) is a unscrupulous sellsword who fights for the highest bidder, he’s still slightly more likable than Cersei Lannister (5). Still, this should be a close one.

Voting is closed: Sandor Clegane (6) wins.

I feel Joffrey (3) is the more interesting character, but I’m not sure if people will be able to turn off the hatred and vote objectively, which could send The Hound (6) on to the next round. The boy king is basically the LeBron James of the Seven Kingdoms in that you’ll keep watching because you want to see him lose. And by “lose,” I mean die a painful death. Am I talking about Joffrey or LeBron? Yes.

Voting is closed: Jaime Lannister (2) wins.

What’s it gonna be? A guy who kills kings and screws his sister, or an evil knight who killed his own horse in a fit of rage? I’m not a fan of incest, but I do hate animal cruelty. Decisions, decisions!

Always good to see the monorail getting some use.

Please don’t ask me to explain Minecraft beyond that, because I’ve been looking at the description for like three minutes and a can’t make heads or tails of it.

Anyway, once the areas are built, players can tool around and do whatever they do in Minecraft, only this time they can pretend they’re the dwarf or the crippled kid or even The Hound!

Take a look and see how many of the images you recognize. If it’s more than five, you’re probably a fan.