Back Into Thrones

Join Joseph and Michael as they finally get back into reviewing Game of Thrones with their analysis of the season 2 premiere, titled "The North Remembers". This premiere was weaker in certain areas than expected, but it was still an enjoyable and well done episode. In this episode, they discuss how Sansa is smarter than viewers and the characters give her credit for, deeply analyze Cersei's complex nature between narcissism and fears of inferiority, criticism the removal of major fantasy elements in the show, give their thoughts on the meaning and purpose of the red comet, and question George R. R Martin's fascination with incest. All of that and more in this episode of Back Into Thrones.

In this episode of Back Into Thrones, Joseph and Michael give their long overdue review for the first season of House of the Dragon. It's been over two months since the season finale of House of the Dragon meaning that there has been a lot of time for them to rewatch the show and change their perspective and opinions on certain aspects of the show. Does the show still hold up upon a rewatch? This review will be conducted in the same way they reviewed the first season of Game of Thrones, they will be will be scoring the season on five different topics. Those topics consist of opening and closing scenes; action; plot and direction; character development; and the aesthetic. They will also discuss other aspects of the show such as the subversion of expectations which is what the main show became famous for, as well as their favorite moments from the show.

Join Joseph and Michael on Back Into Thrones as they give their overview for the season finale of House of the Dragon, "The Black Queen". This finale did not fail to disappoint and did much to set up the coming events for season 2. It was a finale filled with moments that were both great and devastating to witness. This episode has left viewers with much to look forward to in the coming years. Beware spoilers beyond this point. In this episode we discuss Rhaenyra's traumatic labor sequence, the dynamic between Rhaenyra and Daemon in the wake of war, the conclusion to Rhaenys' and Corlys' story in the first season, the one-sided showdown between Vhagar and Arrax, and how the death of Luke has forever changed Rhaenyra.

Join Joseph and Michael as they give their overview for episode 9 of House of the Dragon "The Green Council." This was the penultimate episode of the first season. It was not their favorite one of the season but there were plenty of crazy moments and lots to talk about. Beware spoilers beyond this point. In this episode we discuss how we wished the Green Council could have been longer, question how much of a villain Alicent really is and whether or not that takes away her agency as a character, the hypocrisies of Alicent and the Greens, and Rhaenys' major showdown in the Dragonpit.

Join Joseph and Michael as they review the eighth episode of House of the Dragon, titled "The Lord of the Tides". It was a slower paced episode but it was no less impactful and emotional to watch, in fact this episode perhaps was the most emotional so far. In the last episode the lines were drawn for war, this one saw us to the very doorstep of war. Beware spoilers beyond this point. In this episode they discuss how much Vaemond Velaryon deserved his fate, the near redemption of Queen Alicent Hightower, how much potential Jacerys Velaryon (?) has to to be a king, why relations could never truly heal between the two factions despite Viserys' attempts, and King Viserys being strong in the end to defend his daughter one last time.

Join Joseph and Michael as they give their overview of the seventh episode of House of the Dragon, titled "Driftmark". This was their favorite episode so far. Ties between the two factions are cut even further and it is clear it is only going to get more tense from here. Spoilers beyond this point. In this episode they discuss the most tense funeral ever, how much they hated to watch Aemond bond with Vhagar, deeply analyze their favorite scene from the episode (an eye for an eye), the complicated relationship between Rhaenyra and Daemon, and the happy fate of Leaner Velaryon.

Join Joseph and Michael as they give their overview for the sixth episode of House of the Dragon "The Princess and the Queen". This is the first episode after the ten year time skip and it did not disappoint to deliver us more drama and scandal. Beware spoilers beyond this point. In this episode they discuss the brutal and tragic death of Laena Velaryon, how much of a pathetic person Criston Cole is, Alicent Hightower's terrible parenting skills, and Princess Rhaenyra's major scandal with Harwin Strong.

Join Joseph and Michael as they give their thoughts on House of the Dragon Episode 5 "We Light the Way". This is the episode when the lines are finally drawn between Princess Rhaenyra and Queen Alicent in the setting of the former's wedding. Bewares spoilers beyond this point. In this episode they discuss Alicent's green dress and what it represents, vent on how much they hate Ser Criston Cole and his immaturity, guess what went down between Daemon and Rhaenyra for those brief seconds before chaos ensues, and return to discussing Viserys' incompetence as a king who can't even control his family and court.

Joseph and Michael discuss episode 4 of House of the Dragon "The King of the Narrow Sea" an episode where everyone makes mistakes and no one really comes out on top. This is the truest form of House of the Dragon where no one is a hero and no one is a villain. They are all morally grey. Spoilers beyond this point. In this episode they discuss, Daemon's attempts to ruin his niece, Ser Criston Cole's inner turmoil, Alicent struggling with her marriage and her role as a Queen Consort, and the hypocrisy of King Viserys. That and much more in this episode of Back Into Thrones.

Joseph and Michael discuss House of the Dragon Episode 3 “The Second of His Name” an episode filled with symbolism, politics, scheming and battles that made for a terrific episode. Spoilers beyond this point. Their discussion includes Rhaenyra doing herself no favors against terrible odds, the troubles that plague Viserys' mind during this hunt in honor of his firstborn son, the meaning of the White Hart for Viserys and Rhaenyra, and Alicent's divided loyalty between her father, husband, son, and estranged best friend. Of course they can't leave out the War for the Stepstones and that crazy battle sequence at the end.

Join us on Back Into Thrones where we discuss the second episode of House of the Dragon, "The Rogue Prince. This episode covered many important events and was filled with the scheming and backstabbing we have become used to on Game of Thrones. Beware spoilers beyond this point. In this review we discuss Daemon's petty attempt to get attention from King Viserys, the blatant attempts of Corlys Velaryon to marry his daughter, Laena, to Viserys, the more subtle, and successful, scheme of Otto Hightower having his daughter, Alicent, become queen, and Rhaenyra being repressed by her father and the lords despite being extremely skilled, as well as a little reckless.

It's finally here!! After over 3 years since Game of Thrones came to a most disappointing end, the pilot for House of the Dragon has aired with an amazing and unforgettable pilot that leaves its viewers with a lot to process. Beware, there there will be spoilers beyond this point... It is safe to say that there is a lot to talk about including the horrible and brutal death of Queen Aemma Arryn and how it is a product of the patriarchy of the Seven Kingdoms, the trauma it causes the, until now, ignored Princess Rhaenyra, the violence of Westeros, and of course the introduction of the most notorious Rogue Prince, Daemon Targaryen. That and much more in this episode of Back Into Thrones.

In the final part of their three part mini-series, Joseph and Michael complete their overview of the Targaryen Dynasty before House of the Dragon. This time they cover the reign of King Jaehaerys the Conciliator and his sister-wife, Good Queen Alysanne. It was a time of peace and prosperity for the Seven Kingdoms but it did much to sow the seeds of war that will be depicted in House of the Dragon. They discuss the dramatic early years of Jaehaerys's reign, the lonely and depressing end to the story of Queen Rhaena Targaryen, the many children Jaehaerys and Alysanne had (their descendants will be major players in House of the Dragon), and return to the family tree one last time to see how all the major characters of House of the Dragon are related to one another. That and much more in this episode of Back Into Thrones.

In the second part of their three part mini-series, Joseph and Michael continue their overview of the Targaryen Dynasty before the events depicted in House of the Dragon. This time they cover the disastrous reigns of King Aenys and King Maegor, the sons of Aegon the Conqueror. It was a time of great conflict and strife that nearly saw the downfall of the Targaryens, less than 300 years before Robert's Rebellion. Included in their overview they discuss the strenuous relationship between the Sons of the Dragons, the atrocious acts committed by Maegor the Cruel to win his war against the Faith of the Seven and his own family, the six unfortunate women who married him, and his mysterious yet satisfying death. That and much more in this episode of Back Into Thrones.

In the first of a three part mini-series, Joseph and Michael begin their overview of House Targaryen and the events that shaped their dynasty before the events of House of the Dragon. They discuss the Doom of Valyria and how the Targaryens managed to escape the disaster, meet the Targaryen Conquerors of the Seven Kingdoms and learn all about the great triumphs that brought them eternal fame and glory as well as their major defeats. They have also drafted a family tree for this time for you to follow along with who's who. That and much more in this episode of Back Into Thrones.

Joseph and Michael break down the first official trailer for House of the Dragon. This episode is filled with major spoilers from the book, if you don't want to know anything then this episode is not for you. In this episode they discuss the question of succession, the friendship turned rivalry of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower, Daemon's struggle with family and power, as well as one of the most pivotal moments that will happen in the first season. That and much more on this episode of Back Into Thrones.

Joseph and Michael have a non-spoiler discussion of the official first trailer for House of the Dragon. If you want to be prepared for House of the Dragon without getting spoilers then this is the episode for you! Everything they discuss has been directly stated or heavily implied in the trailer. In this episode they discuss the dynamics between the characters, briefly talk about the Rings of Power teaser and try to figure out which dragon is which. That and much more in this episode of Back Into Thrones.

Joseph and Michael discuss, review, and rate the entire first season of Game of Thrones. In this episode they will score Season 1 on five different topics. These topics are opening and closing scenes; action; plot; character development; and the aesthetic of the show. Along with this they also discuss other topics, such as the subversions of expectations Game of Thrones has become famous for.

Joseph and Michael discuss the season finale of Game of Thrones Season 1. In this episode they delve into the return of dragons, discuss how disastrous it was for the North to declare itself independent, how the Starks cope with the death of Ned, and try to figure out why Tywin had a change of heart for Tyrion. That and much more in this episode of Back Into Thrones.

Joseph and Michael discuss the ninth episode of Game of Thrones: Baelor. In this episode they give an in depth analysis of Ned Stark's execution, compare it with the execution of Anne Boleyn, defend Catelyn Stark's negotiation with Walder Frey, explain the importance of Tysha in Tyrion's story in the books as well and the desperation of Daenerys as power slips from her grasp. That and much more on this episode of Back Into Thrones.

Joseph and Michael discuss the eighth episode of Game of Thrones: The Pointy End. In this episode they discuss Cersei and the Small Council's manipulation of a thirteen year old Sansa, the set up for Robb's poor leadership in the future, joke about how easily Osha could have taken over Winterfell, delve into what it means to be associated with a traitor, and analyze Daenerys witnessing the reality of war and how that shaped her as a character. That and much more in this episode of Back Into Thrones.

Joseph and Michael talk about the seventh episode of Game of Thrones: You Win or You Die. In this episode they discuss Cersei's famous line "When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground." Is it accurate? They also discuss King Robert's will and how a king's will has been handled historically, the brutality of Khal Drogo and the Dothraki, and how Ned chose war over peace in the name of justice. That and much more in this episode of Back into Thrones.

Joseph and Michael discuss all things House of the Dragon. If you want to be prepared for the new show coming out on August 21 on HBO without getting spoiled then this episode is for you. In this episode they briefly go over background for the show, and discuss the main characters who you need to know. The first half is the spoiler free edition of House of the Dragon. In the second half of the episode, they dive into the trailer and delve into spoilers. Massive spoiler warning for the second half. If you want to watch the show without being spoiled, stick around only for the first half.

Joseph and Michael talk about the sixth episode of Game of Thrones: A Golden Crown. In this episode they discuss the logic of Ned Stark reaching a far fetched conclusion of incest, judge Robb's rude behavior towards Theon, delve into George R.R. Martin's least favorite scene, and return to the possible "madness" of Daenerys. That and much more in this episode of Back Into Thrones.

Joseph and Michael talk about the fifth episode of Game of Thrones: The Wolf and the Lion. In this episode they discuss how much they hate the look of the Eyrie in the show, put together Varys' schemes, try to make senes of Ned's risky behavior concerning the protection of Daenerys, and introduce the Harry Styles of the Seven Kingdoms. That and much more in this episode of Back Into Thrones.

Joseph and Michael discuss the premiere date for the coming HBOMax show House of the Dragon as well as review each of the promo pics released.

Joseph and Michael talk about the fourth episode of Game of Thrones: Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things. In this episode they discuss the erasure of Tyrion's antagonism towards Theon, call out how terrible Randyll Tarly was to Sam, defend Catelyn's catastrophic decision to arrest Tyrion and maybe look at the first hint of Daenerys' madness? That and much more in this episode of Back Into Thrones. This episode does cover sensitive topics, listener discretion is advised.

In this more relaxed episode, Joseph and Michael, very belatedly, give their thoughts on the Super Bowl Teaser Trailer of the Lord of the Rings The Rings of Power. They discuss Joseph's four major concerns with the show, Michael's attempts to keep it positive, compare it with the House of the Dragon teaser trailer, and denounce one of the many Saurons living in this world: Jeff Bezos

Joseph and Michael talk about the third episode of Game of Thrones, Lord Snow. They discuss the confusing timeline of the previous nine years, Jon's privilege at the Wall, Robert's PTSD, ponder what happened to Sansa's doll, understand why Joffrey is the way that he is, and so much more.

Joseph and Michael talk about the second episode of Game of Thrones, Kingsroad. They discuss women's agency in the world, the relationship between the Lannisters, the difference between the North and South's view of the Wall, the perversion of justice in the Seven Kingdoms and much more. This podcast deals with controversial topics that can be triggering to some listeners

Joseph and Michael talk about the first episode of Game of Thrones, Winter Is Coming. They discus the sociological differences between the North and the South of the Seven Kingdoms, how the status of bastards is greatly exaggerated, Daenerys' traumatic beginning, the moral dilemma of pushing a kid out of a window, among other things.

In this episode, Joseph and Michael give their current ranking for each season of Game of Thrones before diving back into the show.

Welcome to Back Into Thrones! For this episode, we introduce ourselves and talk about what our podcast is about. We discuss our relationship with the hit series Game of Thrones, our reasons for creating this podcast, our hopes for this podcast, as well as answer a random question. We hope you join us as we delve Back Into Thrones.