The Brainerd Dispatch - Today's Entertainment Magazine
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/494518
2 April 12 - 18, 2015 Br ainerd Dispatch By Rory MacDonald-Gauthier TV Media W inter may have come and gone here in North America, but for the citizens of Westeros, winter is still coming, and at an alarming rate. Dragons have evolved from myth to threat, self- proclaimed kings have been dis- posed of, and the safety of the realm is at stake. Luckily for us, the much-anticipated return of "Game of Thrones" is in sight. The new season of the critically acclaimed fantasy drama premieres Sunday, April 12, on HBO. For those unaware, "Game of Thrones" is the television adapta- tion of author George R.R. Mar- tin's seven-part fantasy novel se- ries, A Song of Ice and Fire. While the first book in the series, "A Game of Thrones," was released in 1996, there has been little infor- mation presented as to when the sixth novel, "The Winds of Winter," will be released. In January, Mar- tin's publisher stated that there was no new information on the expected delivery date of "The Winds of Winter," but it likely won't be in 2015. Since then, Martin has canceled several appearances at various conventions, stating that he has too much to work on. Optimistic or not, fans hold mixed feelings — the demand for new content is high, but the necessity of that con- tent being flawless is greater. And let's be honest — while Martin has joked that every time someone asks him when the next book will be completed he kills a Stark, we've learned not to poke the pro- verbial bear. Season 4 focused heavily on the unraveling of the powerful Lannis- ter family. The Lannisters, like their neighbors to the north, suffered their own version of the infamous "Red Wedding," which resulted in the poisoning and death of the greatly despised and twisted child-king Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson, "Batman Begins," 2005). With Joffrey dead, his younger brother Tommen (Dean-Charles Chapman, "Before I Go to Sleep," 2014) is set to take over his broth- er's role — in all aspects. The royal tween will wed Joffrey's widow, Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer, "The Tudors"), who is now on her third fiancé, shortly after his coro- nation as king. Bad things do come in threes, as they say. The Lannisters, however, are just one piece in the Game of Thrones. A major development in season 4 was set thousands of miles to the north, with Jon Snow (Kit Harington, "Pompeii" 2014) protecting the realm from the Wildlings, who intended to raid the Seven Kingdoms by passing through the Wall, an immense for- tification made of solid ice. After the Wildlings' failure to take the Wall, Jon's plans to broker a peace with their leader, Mance Rayder (Ciarán Hinds, "Rome"), are im- mediately interrupted by the arriv- al of Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane, "The Tunnel"), who plans to put Mance on trial for his crimes against the realm. Season 5 will play out this trial and lay the groundwork for the fu- ture of the Wildlings, Stannis' claim to the throne, and Jon's in- ner struggle of sworn duty vs. his own beliefs. It's important to remember that Jon, bastard by birth, is still half a Stark by blood. As for the Stark children who are still breathing, Arya (Maisie Williams, "Robot Chicken"), rumored to be dead, is in fact on her way across the Nar- row Sea to the free city of Braavos, and Sansa (Sophie Turner, "The Thirteenth Tale," 2013) has fled to the Eyrie with the aid of Petyr Baelish (Aidan Gillen, "The Wire"). Still AWOL and believed to be dead, Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright, "The Awakening," 2011) and Rickon (Art Parkinson, "Drac- ula Untold," 2014) won't be mak- ing an appearance in season 5. This season will also expand upon the Martell family, which rules the independent nation of Dorne. The "Sand Snakes," a group of bastard daughters of Prince Oberyn Martell (Pedro Pascal, "Graceland"), seek retribution for the death of their father. Obara Sand (Keisha Castle-Hughes, "The Almighty Johnsons"), Nymeria Sand (Jessica Henwick, "Silk") and Tyene Sand (Rosabell Laurenti Sellers, "Mia and Me") will spend the bulk of season 5 plotting, mis- leading and eliminating all those who stand in the way of providing justice for their slain father. Speaking of justice, season 5 will explore the responsibility of power in Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke, "Dom Heming- way," 2013), who is struggling to keep the peace in her conquered establishments. In retaliation of her forced authority and dragons murdering innocent civilians, a group of rebels known as the Sons of the Harpy begins a shadow war against Daenerys and her military. She may not be alone in this strug- gle, however, as one Tyrion Lannis- ter (Peter Dinklage, "X-Men: Days of Future Past," 2014) will find himself upon Daenerys' shores af- ter fleeing Westeros at the end of season 4. In a recent interview with the Oxford Union, HBO's "Game of Thrones" creators Dan Weiss and David Benioff confirmed that once this season wraps up, the show and books will be on par. "Luckily, we've been talking about this with George for a long time, ever since we saw this could happen, and we know where things are heading," Benioff said. "There might be a few deviations along the route, but we're heading towards the same destination. I kind of wish that there were some things we didn't have to spoil, but we're kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place. The show must go on ... and that's what we're go- ing to do. Sophie Turner and Aidan Gillen as seen in "Game of Thrones" Bridging the gap 'Game of Thrones' plot is about to catch up with the novels Cover Story this week 7788 Fairview Rd, Baxter 218-829-1739 Like us on Facebook to receive info and specials at Baxter Country Kitchen www.BAXTERcountrykitchen.com Guest Check on guest checks totaling $18.00 or more (Before Tax) Coupon Exp. 4/16/15 Not valid with any other offers or discounts. One coupon per table, per person, per visit. No cash value. Customer pays all applicable sales tax. Valid at Baxter location only. Off $ 3.00 One coupon per table, per person, per visit. One coupon per table, per person, per visit. Sunrise & Shine Menu! REAL Cappaccino, Latte & Hot Cocoa $ 1.00 CAFÈ STYLE BEVERAGES Lattes, Mochas, Cappuccinos, Specialty Co ees, Gourmet Hot Chocolate Not valid with any other offers or discounts. One coupon per table, per person, per visit. No cash value. Customer pays all applicable sales tax. Valid at Baxter location only. One coupon per table, per person, per visit. One coupon per table, per person, per visit. Coupon Exp. 4/16/15 Off 001215264r1 From $ 4.29 Monday - Friday 6-10 A.M. "Your One-Stop, Locally-Owned Medical Supply Company." FREE Delivery in our service area! 8-5:30pm M-F, 9-12 Sat. 206 W. Washington, Tyrol Hills Center Brainerd 218-829-2100 BRAINERD MEDICAL SUPPLY We Process Medical Assistance, Medica, Blue Cross, Medicare and Most insurance. 24 Hour Emergency Oxygen Service 001230183r1 Stop in and see our "NEW" Serta lift chair! Lift chairs Available in a variety of styles, sizes and colors. Independant Living Home Bed Rail is a durable fall prevention and mobility aid that protects you or your loved ones while they sleep. Variety of styles and brands available.