Audiences tuning in to ‘Game of Thrones’ last Sunday may have been unhappily surprised to find it preempted in favor of a Memorial Day showing of HBO’s original film ‘Behind the Candelabra.’ Many speculate that the bye week was not a result of observance of the American holiday, but rather a response to last year’s low ratings on the second-to-last episode of the season, ‘Blackwater,’ which also aired over the holiday weekend. European audiences angry at the week off can thank pirates, since HBO is savvy enough to know that airing it normally overseas would have equally cannibalized viewership in the U.S., and this is why we can’t have nice things.
Seasons 1 and 2 have always had strong penultimate episodes, with season 1 bringing us the beheading of Ned Stark and 2 with the largest onscreen battle we’ve seen in the entire series. The ninth episode of third season’s run of ten promises to deliver equal thrills.
Although nothing will fill the Stark-shaped hole in your heart left empty last Sunday, check out the preview here to tide you until the coming weekend.
How much can change in a week! Last seen worried about upsetting the Freys further with their lateness before the upcoming marriage between Edmure Tully and a Frey daughter not of his choosing, Robb and Catelyn seem to be energized with the rage of Robb’s impending storm of Casterly Rock, home of the Lannisters. We’re teased with a potential battle of Crow vs. Wildling, as well as some swordplay by Grey Worm and Jorah Mormont. Arya and the Hound are back at each other’s throats when everything seemed to be going so well! Finally, raven-eyed viewers may catch a quick cut near the end of the teaser of Bran getting in touch with his warg-y side and a deliriously happy Edmure Tully.
Pass the popped corn and lemon cakes. Episode 9 of ‘Game of Thrones’ titled ‘The Rains of Castamere’ is guaranteed to fill your Sunday evening with action and adventure.
‘Game of Thrones: The Rains of Castamere’ airs Sunday, June 2, at 9PM on HBO.
