This episode focuses on not only the tales of Jon Snow, his major battle, and growth at the Wall, but also specific events that were major plot points for not only season four but also the series as a whole. Included is our take on the Purple Wedding, what transpires there, as well as some surprises that revolve Petyr Baelish and all the way to pre-dating the events in the show!

Further discussion is about Bran and the tree; what is going to happen to Tyrion and all the Lannisters; further curiosity on what’s going on up North with Stannis and the Boltons. We also give some predictions on what’s going to happen in the future. Will the show veer off and diverge from the books? Will new characters be introduced or will the show runners choose to merge them? Here us out before the start of season five. And remember, the night is dark and full of terrors.

Though minor that they may seem to be, series directors Alex Graves, Michelle MacLaren, and Neil Marshall are not returning for the new season, nor is George R. R. Martin writing one episode as he has in the prior four seasons. The new format includes five directors in which they will direct two each back to back, a first for Game of Thrones. So there are some interesting changes it seems both behind and in front of the camera.

With season four having arrived on disc, Dark Discussions decides to recap the prior season in gearing up for the new season. In this first of a two part episode, our focus begins with the story lines of Daenerys Targaryen, Jorah Mormont, and the dragons. Also we focus on Brienne of Tarth, Podrick Payne, Arya Stark and Sandor “The Hound” Clegane and their adventures. Co-host Eric even makes a bold prediction of what he thinks may happen with the dragons.

Season 3 follows the ensemble cast on their many different and divergent journeys. King Stannis has returned to Dragonstone after his defeat at Blackwater. Can he regroup in time to hold onto power? Daenerys has headed to the slave islands looking for an army that she can use to head back to Westeros. Theon Greyjoy was last seen being taken away as a prisoner. The Lannisters and Tyrells have an unsteady alliance. The “King of the North”, Rob Stark, tries to regroup after his own army dwindles. Other characters like Samwell Tarly come to the forefront and begin to play an important role in the series.

Dark Discussions talks about all these things. Ponderings include the army of the unsullied, the brotherhood without banners, the red wedding, obsidian and the white walkers, Melisandre and the red god, the revolt of the black watch, the political intrigue of the Tyrells, and John Snow’s allegiance. Though this is volume 2 of our Game of Throne’s retrospective, the talk focuses mostly on Season 3.

Presented in a land entitled Westeros, where magic and monsters are secondary, this fantasy tale focuses on the many families and kingdoms and how they are all fighting for the iron throne. The one who wins will get to rule the land. Unfortunately for most, deception and restlessness will make such a feat almost impossible. George R. R. Martin’s story brings an interesting approach to the world of fantasy writing. It’s more in the likes of the Knights of the Round Table than either Conan the Barbarian or The Lord of the Rings.

Your hosts discuss the wide topic of the tales discusses within the television series while giving a wide overview of some of the specific characters and episodes. With a huge ensemble cast of characters and plots resulting in subplot after subplot, don’t be surprised if Dark Discussions comes back sometime in the future with another episode on this highly acclaimed series.