Back in April, I wrote a post about why you should be watching season one of Black Lightning here. My thoughts haven't changed except, you should really, really be watching! The first couple of episodes set a new tone for the series. With the addition of Robert Townsend and Bill Duke and the inclusion of a "negro please" and a HNIC all within the first five minutes, clearly, the showrunners are comfortable in their blackness and I love it. The characters talk like real people. Real black people that I know and talk to everyday. It's so refreshing. It's also refreshing to see a character who is afraid of who they've become. 

The older daughter Anissa aka Thunder, brought the typical "I've got powers, YAY what can I do," flavor that we're used to. But Jennifer or Lightning, has abilities that frighten her. She doesn't want to practice, she doesn't want to know what she can do, she doesn't want to talk about it, because she's a teenager who's already morphing into an adult and now a powered being on top of that. She struggles with it and her fear is based in reality. Just as Starr in The Hate U Give, is confronted with traumatic events and shaken, so is Jennifer. I appreciate the writers allowing her character to take time and really come to grips with who she is becoming and what she can do. She's a young black woman who is vulnerable and powerful at the same time. Also refreshing. 
​
I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the season and ...OMG I almost forgot about the fight scene in the first minutes of the premier episode between the former vice principal aka undercover operative and Syonide. Maaaaaan, that fight was so good. I wasn't expecting it to open that way and the closing line, "you got my hair wet b*^*ch...the struggle is real!
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The Hate U Give by Angela Thomas
 
Questions to Reflect + Discuss

• What is this movie about to you?
• What spoke to you?
• What role does family play in the movie? In what ways are unconventional families portrayed?
• How do you think Starr would define family?
• Discuss the meaning of the term “Thug Life” as an acronym and why the author might have chosen part of this as the title of the book and the movie. In what ways do you see this in society today?
• How and why does the neighborhood react to the grand jury’s decision?
• In the book/movie Starr flashes back to two talks her parents had with her when she was young. One was about sex (“the usual birds and bees”). The second was about what precautions to take when encountering a police officer. Have you had a similar conversation about what to do when stopped by the police? Reflect upon or imagine this conversation.
• What insights does this movie generate concerning the national debate over police brutality and racial profiling? Does it open new perspectives or explain any inconsistencies?
• Reflect on how you and your community discuss and address inequality.
• Starr pledges to “never be quiet.” After reading this book (or participating in this discussion), how can you use your voice to promote and advance social justice?

 
Quotes to Remember
The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy, instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate.
Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Martin Luther King Jr. (1967)
 
“I contend that the cry of "Black Power" is, at bottom, a reaction to the reluctance of white power to make the kind of changes necessary to make justice a reality for the Negro. I think that we've got to see that a riot is the language of the unheard. And, what is it that America has failed to hear? It has failed to hear that the economic plight of the Negro poor has worsened over the last few years."— Martin Luther King Jr. (Interview with Mike Wallace, 1966)

"But it is not enough for me to stand before you tonight and condemn riots. It would be morally irresponsible for me to do that without, at the same time, condemning the contingent, intolerable conditions that exist in our society. These conditions are the things that cause individuals to feel that they have no other alternative than to engage in violent rebellions to get attention. And I must say tonight that a riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it America has failed to hear?...It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met. And it has failed to hear that large segments of white society are more concerned about tranquility and the status quo than about justice and humanity."— Martin Luther King Jr. (“The Other America,” 1968)

“A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.”— Martin Luther King Jr (“Beyond Vietnam,” 1967)

“When a person places the proper value on freedom, there is nothing under the sun that he will not do to acquire that freedom. Whenever you hear a man saying he wants freedom, but in the next breath he is going to tell you what he won’t do to get it, or what he doesn’t believe in doing in order to get it, he doesn’t believe in freedom. A man who believes in freedom will do anything under the sun to acquire . . . or preserve his freedom.” — Malcolm X


“It’s also about Oscar.
Aiyana.
Trayvon.
Rekia.
Michael.
Eric.
Tamir.
John.
Ezell.
Sandra.
Freddie.
Alton.
Philando.
It’s even about that little boy in 1955 who nobody recognized at first—Emmett.”
The Hate U Give – Angie Thomas
 

Why you should be watching Black Lightning on the CW:

1. It's well written and employs black writers that have created well rounded and real black characters that live in a tangible world with relevant issues. 
2. It shows positive images of a nuclear black family.
3. It shows a complex and diverse range of hues, aka black people come in a variety of flavors. 
4. It infuses actual black culture into every episode.
5. The musical score is phenomenal!
6. It weaves folk tales and history into the story. 
7. It's not a typical superhero story and is superiorly better than superhero shows if you like that sort of thing. 
8. It's not like the other DC Comic shows and is superiorly better if you actually like the DC Comic shows. 

The first season has concluded and now is a great time to catch up during the hiatus. There will be a season #2 and it has definitely exceeded all expectations of fans and DC folk alike. My initial review of the season premier is here. 

Before the premier, there was a collective blerd thinking of, "I'll watch it to support and see what's going on in this post Black Panther euphoria, but it looks corny." After the pilot premiered there was no question that this was a self aware series, that understood its audience and came ready to shine and outshine all others. It holds its own against the Arrow, Flash, Supergirl and Legends shows and though there were many that want Black Lightning to crossover with those DC staples, I sense a resounding, "nah, we good" vibe. It can definitely live in the same universe but show runners...feel free to keep the story in the fictional city of Freeland. 

Even with the elements of super powers and fantastical events, this show is well grounded in a reality that plays out in the media. When events happen in the community, news coverage allows the everyday black folk to speak their truth. When in one episode, it was discovered that young black people had been targeted for drug and medical testing, the folk took to the streets and spoke directly to the audience through the news cameras proclaiming that corruption and experimentation on black bodies was nothing new and had its roots hundreds of years into America's past. It's scenes like this that connect the super hero genre to black reality and allow those not familiar with or die hard fans of to join in. Black Panther definitely opened a door for that audience and Black Lightning is serving as a good primer for going beyond. 

Of the characters on the show, it was no coincidence that among the most wealthy members of the black community were the religious leaders and morticians. The most corrupt had backgrounds in politics. Black police officers were caught between black and blue and the most revered were the principal at the school. They also depicted intelligence as a badge of honor, and protest as a call to action. The writers were clearly using their platform to spark conversations beyond the characters costume and fight scenes, and that's something to be celebrated.

In one episode, our main character wears a "People's Free Food Program" hoodie with the Black Panther logo. This could be and probably was a two-fold nod. One, to the Black Panther Party ideology of community, self-progress and the program that began as a free breakfast program for children in Oakland in 1969. But it's also a subtle nod to Marvel's Black Panther which premiered before the episode aired. Either way, it's nothing but love and this is just one of the many reasons why if you are not watching Black Panther, you should be. 

I think everyone thought Black Lightning was going to be cheesy. It was the suit. A character in the story comments that the Black Lightning looks like a member of Parliament and that was it.  

So Jefferson Pierce, former Olympic gold medalist, who returned home and became a high school principal only after he was marked by police as a vigilante as he fought street crime and hasn't used his powers in 9 years. Raising two daughters and hopeful that his absence from crime fighting will woo his wife back to him. 

In episode one, The Resurrection, I knew it was a wrap when we hit quotes by MLK, Fannie Lou Hamer a Harriet Tubman reference and a black man dressed in a suit, driving a nice car being pulled over by the police and all of that was before the first commercial break!

The use of the gang, The 100, is meh. How many gang stories will we have to endure? Though, I let this one pass because the gang gets us to Tobias Whale, who I for one am soooo fascinated by. He is played masterfully by Marvin "Krondon" Jones III. That's a bold claim after just a few uttered words, but his performance in those few moments was delicious.

Speaking of delicious, it's good to see Cress Williams aka Scooter! It's not his first foray into the genre and with so much of the story on his shoulders (until his daughters take more of the lead) it was a phenomenal pilot. Another cast member whose no stranger to the genre is Christine Adams who plays Jefferson's estranged wife Lynn. She's one of my favorite brit actresses and alum of my loves, Pushing Daisies and Doctor Who. She's a marvelous actor and I'm even more confident that the show will be great with her inclusion. 

I'm anxious to see what they do with the story. It was such a strong opening and so much chocolate! Episode #2 is tomorrow...we shall see if it lives up to the anticipation brought on by the pilot. 

A lot was revealed in Episode 12: Vaulting Ambition. One that changes everything I thought about the show. I always liked it, knowing that I was in the minority, but now I love it. Things were revealed that changed everything I thought I knew about the one character in particular and the realization that there were bread crumbs and Easter eggs beginning in episode 2 is an scintillating betrayal. 

I've said from the beginning that I liked the show and its new approach to telling a Star Trek story. Typically, Star Trek is very episodic, with new stories alongside a cast of developing characters. Discovery is a serial in story and character development and both are very well written. The deception is so well laid throughout the series that I'm tempted to start the series over!

Stamets' story was interesting. I kept waiting for mirrored Stamets to shoot or attack Federaton Stamets. I enjoyed seeing Dr. Culber again, though its always awkward to see (spoiler) people come back from the dead. And though I feel bad for Lt. Tyler, I love his Klingon accent. Is he the same actor who played Voq in the beginning? I guess so! Now, that's impressive. 

There are only three episodes left and a few places that this story can go from here. Here are some non-spoilery questions...Will they make it home? Can people change? Can they change even after a fascinating medical procedure (that I only barely understand)? Which captain will prevail? Will Michael want to go home? I'm definitely excited to see where it goes and hopeful that season two will be able to be just as well written and unpredictable. 

Kake la Wakanda
Kake le le
Kakee ye ma O

In 2005, film maker and director Reginald Hudlin, wrote and with John Romita Jr. (penciler) produced Black Panther: Who is the Black Panther, for Marvel. In 2011, BET brought Black Panther the animated series...and we got this amazing theme song. OH, and Storm, we got Storm. ​

The long anticipated Star Trek Discovery just aired on CBS and it was amazing. The cast is great. The prosthetics, costuming, design and new races are great. Sonequa Martin-Green and Michelle Yeoh are great. The set and graphics are great. It was a good story that captivated me and kept me engaged. So why do I have to go to a CBS streaming service in order to watch the rest of the series? I was hoping they were joking. I hoped that they would say, "OK, you fans aren't happy so it will just air on CBS proper". But that doesn't seem to be what's happening. 

They aired the first episode on CBS while the first and second episodes are available on the streaming service today. They give you a 1 week trial, (1 week!) if you watch with commercials which is &5.99 a month and with no commercials, its $9.99 per month and a 2 day free trial. TWO DAYS! How absurd! 

So now, the very thing that CBS was counting on, has happened. I want to watch the show. I pay for cable but can't watch on CBS so I am forced to subscribe to a streaming service for which I'll only be able to see the first two episodes for free. They are hoping that I give them my billing information and watch episode 2 right now, and then forget to cancel and say "Oh well, it was only $5.99". They know that's what will happen but now my upset and don't want to play their little game. 

I watch nothing else on CBS. NOTHING! If not for Star Trek, I wouldn't think about CBS, another reason they are doing this. So for now, I'm refusing to give in. I refuse to be bullied by a network to watch a show. I refuse to spend additional money on top of cable. I refuse and that's that. 

Yet, you know how this story ends. I want to see the first black woman command a ship and crew in the Star Trek universe. I want to see Harry Mud and tribbles and Sarek and Klingons and red shirts and ships in a galaxy far, far away. I'm a fan! In the game Star Wars vs. Star Trek, Star Trek is a whole other beast that is really incomparable to the world of Star Wars. The long form series lends itself to Star Trek in a way that the movies have only been able to marginally touch. We want the stories, the lore, the cultures and conflicts of character. Though both tackle characters in ships traversing through space, that's really where the comparisons end. 

So like a child whose been given a toy and had it taken away...I'll try to hold out (or find another way to watch) for as long as I can (probably 15 more minutes). But along with my $5.99 I think I'll send a strongly worded email to CBS and relish in the thought that I said my piece, as I watch Sasha/Micheal Burnam/Sonequa strut into frame and smile with glee. 

So, I was reading The New Yorker and came across this crazy article about Trump supporters enraged by an 18th century dessert. Apparently, Jon Townsend & Sons is a YouTube show that looks at 18th century cooking, historical sites and historical interpreters. The host, James, was on location at George and Martha's place at Mt. Vernon around the fourth of July this year. 

He was cooking with one of the historical interpreters onsite an orange custard, for which I have unwittingly memorized the recipe for, whose name is Orange Fool. Followers of the YouTube show became angry that Townsend would disrespect the current president in such a manner as to call him a fool. You see, they thought that he was underhandedly commenting on current politics by calling Trump an Orange Fool. 

So much attention was given that several media outlets picked up the story, leading me to the New Yorker. Townsend vehemently denies any malice in preparing a Washington household dessert dating back hundreds of years. Though the situation caused him great frustration, I'm so glad it happened and glad that I was led to the channel. 

For it led me to Michael Twitty, who I follow on social media and Brenda Parker, historical interpreter at Mt. Vernon. Her moving account of why she portrays enslaved women on the former Washington plantation, reaffirmed my love of and devotion to history. I love her and must meet her one day!

Before I see any break downs of the episode, or anyone's comments or anything at all, I wanted to write my reactions to this season finale through my own lens. Season 7 episode 7...it was meh. 

No way, are you kidding, it was friggin' amazing! Spectacular! Wholly Moly, it was good and oh so satisfying. First of all, I called it! I said that if Arya and Sansa were really at odds and not playing Littlefinger, that I was going to be angry. Well, they gave him a little of his own medicine alright!

I knew that even though they were not the best of friends when they were children, that they were first and foremost family and more than that sisters. The only girls in the Stark household. Sansa, wouldn't be afraid of her sister, or fear for her life. She told Jon, Bran and Arya that Littlefinger was not to be trusted, so why would she so quickly forget.  Arya wouldn't come all the way to Winterfell, just to bicker and kill Sansa. She wanted Cersei dead. Sansa was never on her list and she knew that Littlefinger was a liar and manipulator. So the only way I was going to be happy was if the sisters hatched a plan to catch Littlefinger off guard and pull out all of the receipts, and I was not disappointed. 

I could watch him fall to his knees, grovel and cry a million times. Each Stark child pulled out evidence, left it for the Lady of Winterfell to pass judgement and assassin no one, Arya to execute the sentence. It was truly a thing of beauty for them to reclaim a win for the house. The lone wolf dies but the pack survives. Catlyn would have been proud of her she cubs. 

Bran was a little less cryptic and creepy this episode. Dropping the knowledge out loud that we needed him to say! Sam! Sam was paying attention. All this time we thought he was too wrapped up in his feelings to have heard Gilly, though he didn't give her credit for bringing the info to his attention. 

There were so many little moments that were amazing! I think it's safe to assume that there will be a Clegane Bowl next season. Brienne and Sandor were cute even after she tried to kill him. It was great to see them mutually understand why they fought. Him finding out that Arya was alive, well and at home was very touching. Though the looks between Brienne, Jaime and Cersei were crazy uncomfortable. 

So, my second favorite moment was Danny riding into the meeting, late and on her dragon. Talk about drama! Only to be topped by Dany and Jon, having relations, while Tyrion watches and Bran explains their familial connection and Jon's legitimacy. Or should I say Aegon Targaryen. That was beautiful and yuck all at once with lots of butt. 

Speaking of butt, Cersei and this plan to lie...she makes me tired. I guess she made Jaime tired too, because he left. He left the city! My guess is he's going to Winterfell? I suppose he can have really great conversations with Brienne, who I hope will be seeing Tormund again soon. I want him to be alright, but the wall! The WALL IS DOWN! I suppose all of the conjecture regarding what Viserion would breathe, whether fire or ice is moot, because its both. Nuclear blue flames just took the wall down allowing the dead to just walk right over the wildlings holding Eastwatch. I was not prepared for that. He rode in on Viserion and took the wall down with nuclear flames. 

It was an amazing episode. I'm going to re-watch to add more points and further discuss the episode. I'm so sad that we have a year to wait but really pleased with the story and the special effects. A+

So. Defenders dropped on Friday. I've seen the entire season already because there were only eight episodes. Note, the individual defenders had 13 episode seasons. I think they should switch that. Though I love Luke Cage and Jessica Jones and Daredevil, I could stand an eight episode season and would have loved more episodes of the full crew. You will note, that I omitted one of the heroes in my list of love and you know why.

 I'm not going to spoil the series for anyone that hasn't watched yet. What I will say is, Danny Rand is the weakest link. We all know how bad the first season was. Colleen Wing was its saving grace. I will say that the fighting was better. Finn Jones had to step it up in order to play with the others and I thought he was much better. Along with the fighting, there were genuinely great moments on screen with other characters. I really like the dynamic between him and Jessica as well as Luke, which, is absolutely necessary because he and Luke will have a lot of scenes together if they follow the comics at all, and I think they have to. 

Maybe the writers know that they've hit a wall with his character and were letting us know because more than a couple characters called him an idiot. He's not horrible, he's just not as strong as the other headlining actors. I saw a meme that had pictures of the four Defenders, Jessica, Matt, Luke and Claire, which I thought was brilliant. Claire is a seminal part of all four series but is still supposed to be a secondary character. But I'd rather see her in 13 episodes than to imagine seeing another 13 episodes of Iron Fist.

As the Defenders have to go and save Danny, I felt bad for thinking, ah, just leave him. How is he captured anyway? He is supposed to be the best martial artist in the world. He's the Immortal Iron Fist! he defeated a dragon! But he's winded fighting a few bad guys?  We know there will be a season two for Iron Fist, and I hope they take their time and do it right this time. Hopefully, that can still be done with the actor they have. 

I remember when he was born. Just a little dragon not able to take care of himself and barely able to breathe fire. He had a rough time. He was smaller than his brother Drogon, chained up and unable to roam free and grow larger, but always there when his mother needed him. 

Episode 6 of Season 7 Beyond the Wall was a roller-coaster ride immense proportions. First, Araya...please stop fighting with your sister. Littlefinger wanted to drive a wedge between them and I had hoped that between the two of them they would both see it. Unfortunately, only Sansa gets it and Arya is losing the point. I'm still hoping that this is just a rouse for Littlefinger's benefit to make him feel comfortable to fall into a trap and then suffer the consequences of pitting sisters against each other. But I'm worried. Curious though. Littlefinger plants the idea in Sansa's head that Brienne can be used to protect her from Arya, should the time come when she needed it. But then Cersei invites Sansa to Winterfell and she instead sends Brienne. So, can I still dream of a party where the pinata is Littlefinger and all the Stark kids get a turn at whacking him? 

Drogo, Jorah, Dario and Jon Snow. Dany lists these men who run off into danger head first. I like this dynamic between Dany and Jon. Yes, I know that's her nephew but they are good people, the only two characters that are truly good and good for each other. Besides, we've waited years for them to meet, I'm going to enjoy the small moments we get. She certainly saves the day when the magnificent 7 go beyond the wall and get stuck. 

The little moments with Jon and his crew were awesome. Many of these characters have never shared the same space before this moment and they all have their reasons for mistrusting and hating the others. The standout in this group has to be Tormund. He wants to make babies with Brienne! OMG, I can't wait for him to see her again and feared for his life like none of the others, besides Jon. But this plan of grabbing a walker and bringing it to Kings Landing was stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid. to put me through the torture of watching them fight off hundreds of whites in the army of the dead. But to see Dany ride in and save the day made it worth it. Even though, I can't even say it. Poor Viserion. I'm so nervous. What is he going to breathe? Fire? Ice? OMG!

Problems? Well, Arya. I so hope that there's something planned with Sansa and Arya and if it's not, I won't be happy. Where was Bran? I guess ravening. I was a little surprised that there was only one major character lost besides Viserion. I expected there to be more loss since we are at the end of season seven. Where did they get the chains??? And as Nicole's husband pointed out, who went down there and chained him up in the icy waters? 

Next week is the finale of season seven. It feels like it just started and it's already almost over, and Cersei and Littlefinger are still alive. This finale better be amazing. It will have to last us for another year. 

So, the thing that I had always wanted in life and didn't even know I was missing it, was to see a dragon leading an army of scythe wielding warriors on horses into a battle. Out of 64 episodes, season 7 episode 4, The Spoils of War, has become my new favorite. Before I get too ahead of myself, let us go back. 
First, Arya comes home and doesn't kill anyone. I really thought she was going to kill the guards barring her entrance into her Winterfell home. I really did. But, she was cool about it. I do want to see them grovel as she passes not realizing how close they came to death. She and Sansa acted just as they should have. They are sisters, but weren't that loving towards each other in their youth. They've grown up without each other and they both have stories to tell. I cannot wait for Sansa to tell Arya all she's been through and I wonder if more names will get added to Arya's list, namely Littlefinger. Bran is still being Professor Xavier cool but I might have to agree with Leslie Jones, he is on drugs. Can we say he's drunk with knowledge? 
Cersei is being Cersei though I do wonder what devious, devilish plans she has. I also wonder what her liver looks like. I mean, she doesn't drink any water and she's always got a glass of wine in her hand. Not little glasses either and not an appropriate amount of wine! It would be terrible if her liver gives out before someone can wrap their hands around her neck. 
Jon is getting his dragon glass and closer to Dany. She's leaning on his advise and learning to trust him. It would be so fabulously romantic if she weren't his AUNT!
I am concerned about Missandai though. Thinking back to the prophecy Dany heard in the house of the Undying, and knowing that someone will betray her for love, When Davos and Jon ask her about her life in slavery and she says that Dany would willingly let her return home, that plants a seed of doubt. Dany cares for Missandai a great deal, and it's been mentioned more than a few times this season that Missandai is her most trusted advisor...but is she? I mean, she's her translator and right hand, but does she advise her? That's really what Tyrion's role is. Greyworm is the head of the Unsullied forces and now she has Jon and Davos advising, so what does Missandai do exactly and could her faith in Dany be shaken this season? 
Finally, Drogo! When Bronn says listen, and you hear the thunderous hooves of the Dothraki horde in an open grass field! OMG! And then you see that dragon! I mean...shear perfection! The look on Jaime's face and the soldiers  quaking in their boots was perfect. When the Dothraki crouch on their horses backs simultaneously, I'll just say my throat was sore from screaming and my hands hurt from clapping so hard. The only thing that could have topped it would have been Cersie coming out on the field to see what was going on. 
Jaime is a fool. I don't know if he was aiming for Dany or the Dragon or both but foolish he was. 

I'm reeling right now! Season 7 episode 2 just finished and I don't know if I can handle much more. 

Last week was fantastic. Arya in the cold open wrecking the Frey house to smithereens; Jon putting his foot down to Sansa and coming into his own as a leader; Sansa clapping back at Littlefinger telling him "silly rabbit, tricks are for kids; Sam is not having a great time at the Citadel but is finding the information that Jon needs; Tormund still making googly eyes at Brienne but now she's caught off guard and losing her cool about it; Cersei standing on the neck, Jaime standing on the fingers and me hoping she gets her comeuppance soon; Jorah is alive, Arya not killing a group of young men and Dany went home. 

It was a fabulous first episode for a season opener and I (and everyone I know) was ecstatic all week. The theory crafting was in abundance and it just continues. Though after tonight's episode, I'm going to be really honest...I'm scared!

SPOILERS!

Episode two was bittersweet. I was elated when Arya turned toward home and saw Nymeria (if that really was Nymeria) but sad when she left her and took her pack away. I was cheering for Jon deciding to go to Dragonstone and leaving Sansa in charge, which is what she wanted (or did she based on that look when he told her), but nervous about Littlefinger staying there with her. Dany and Tyrion's plan is sooo good, but Euron's was a bit better and I'm really scared for Ellaria Sand because Cersei is out for blood. I mean rightfully so, Ellaria killed her daughter, but I don't want to see her go out like anything Cersei might have planned. It will not be pretty. The Sand Snakes are gone, and I'm not sad that they're gone but I am sad that they were never as good as they are in the books, so they can kick rocks. I'm ok with that.

The best thing in the episode was the female leadership taking command. Though short lived for Ellaria and Yara (Asha) Dany has the best adviser in Lady Olena. I love her! "Be a dragon," is probably the best advice she's gotten. She wants to be good, but Olenna knows Cersei and she knows men. No one is going to give her the keys to the throne room willingly. I just hope they attack before Qyburn gets his experiment to work. Though I hope that Sam's experiment on Jorah does work. If it does, Sam will be the Dr. Gregory House of Westeros. 

With just five episodes left in the season and six episodes next season, more people are going to die. I know this is Game of Thrones and losing people is a part of the game but up until now, my favorites have survived. Sure, there have been losses that hurt, but to think of losing Arya, Jaime or even Brienne, I just can't begin to think of how they would handle those characters. I'm not even going to mention anyone else's name because I prefaced this with I'm scared!

I've come to love and admire Brienne. She's ultimately the most honorable and good character on the show. Which is why she's probably going to die. I like Tormund, but he's not that good. He has been loyal to Jon and part of the reason why he's done as much as he has. Lest we forget that he led a party of Wildlings to pillage and kill Ollies family and town which is why Ollie couldn't see straight when Jon let the wildlings in from beyond the wall. Though I love these two characters and the "ship" that's happening now, I fear for them both. 

I love Arya but I know she's probably not going to make it to the end. I don't think it will be soon, but it's coming. Though we love her strength and fierceness, she's killed a lot of people. A LOT of people, and I just don't see how she lives a normal life when it's all said and done. Some of that showed in her interaction with Hotpie. She was Arya, meeting up with someone she knows very well and she still seemed distant and off. Hotpie definitely noticed when he asked questions about where she'd been and she just ignored that all together. She seen too much and done too much to be normal in the end. Though I still dream of a life for Arya and Gendry, I just don't think it will be. 

And then there's Jaime. Sir Jaime Lannister, Kingslayer. Season's one and two, who would have thought that there'd be love for Jaime by anyone but Cersei, who I don't think really loves Jaime as much as she loves herself and her likeness in Jaime. Jaime's character has truly had a metamorphosis. He's still got his issues, but he sees his sisters flaws and is the buffer to balance. I just think Cersei is too irredeemable which will force him to (hopefully) do the unthinkable...again. In that moment, or after that, I'm not sure how much longer he's around without her. 

The thought of another year until the final 6 episodes is torture! We're already two episodes down, almost half way through the season and where did the summer go??? It would make it better if Martin announces a publication date for Winds of Winter. Please George R. R. Martin! At least with more book to digest and analyze the long night won't be sooooo bad. 

Black Panther is seven months away and and the anticipation is palpable. The trailer dropped weeks ago and stoked a fire in the hearts of old fans and new. Of course this is Comic Con weekend, which almost feels like a national holiday at this point whether you are in San Diego or not, and the cast and director of Black Panther filled Hall H. 

Ryan Coogler talked about loving comics as a kid and reading anything but as he grew older, wanted a comic that had a character that looked like him and he was directed to Black Panther. His love and admiration for not only Black Panther but comics in general give me goosebumps when I think about what's coming in February 2018.

I'm excited about all of the strong women but Danai and her excitement in just talking about an amazing people on the continent of Africa makes me more excited. We've already seen the amazing footage and I can't wait for the soundtrack but the opportunity to see an array of black characters with dimension and layers and texture and conflict and poise and beauty and crazy and wrong and right and able and wise and tyrannical and majestic...because black people are people. With different motivations and drives and experiences and viewpoints. It's been a long time coming but this is the superhero movie we need right now. And I can't wait for all the black boy joy and black girl magic that's going to happen after this hits the theaters. 

According to Watchers on the Wall site counter, there are 24 days, 20 hours, 33 minutes and now 24 seconds until the season 7 premier of Game of Thrones. Yes, I'm counting down and have been counting down since the end of season 6. 

In the time since the season finale, I have reread the last book, listened to podcasts and vlogs on Youtube discussing theories and character analysis. I have tried not to look at the fan pictures in remote locations and follow the sightings, but that was hard after a while. I've re-watched almost every season, or at least my favorite episodes in every season. Alright, I watched them all at least twice but that just goes to show how much I love and miss this show. 

With only one more season beyond this and no book in sight I think it's safe to say a lot of people are just trying to keep it together. Especially with the world as chaotic as it is right now, people are looking for retreats from reality. I tried to watch House of Cards, but that was too real and I couldn't make it through. I've found new joy in American Gods but there's truly nothing like Game of Thrones. Seriously! There's political intrigue, family and strained relations, heroes tales and dragons. There is solace in knowing that there will be a sequel after the final season next year. It won't be the same but it will have to do. 

The second trailer dropped today and it looks...it is beyond amazing. Littlefinger's talking presumably to Sansa and immediately you just want to tell her to put tissue in her ears. Arya looks close to home. Hopefully we have a Stark reunion before the end. Another trailer implied that Arya might meet up with her direwolf Nymeria. I hope that Arya meets the super pack of wolves that Nymeria has been leading and that Sansa will bond with a new direwolf to replace Lady. 

I think that in losing Lady, Sansa lost a piece of herself. All of the Stark children are connected to their wolves and Sansa has been missing something ever since Lady was killed. I think she's coming into her own, but it's taken a long time and the connection with a wolf might push her to be stronger and kill Littlefinger. Ok, I don't think that will happen but it should.

i about lost it when Berric raised that sword and it started to blaze. Of everything else, that was the moment that impressed me most. I can't wait to see what he does or even how that worked. I don't think he's Azor Ahai, but he definitely has a flaming sword. 

I want Tyrion to sit on the back of one of those dragons. I've long believed that perhaps he is a secret Targaryen. If Aerys slept with Joanna Lannister on her wedding night, which was totally a thing he could do as king, then a relationship is established. Who's to say that he didn't take liberties with her years later. It would explain a lot about Tyrion. 

And white walkers. I thought maybe we wouldn't see any until next season. If anything on the show is scary and nerve racking, it's the white walkers. Bran worging a raven,  being discovered by the Nights King, it's all so disturbing. That's not even half of it and that's what I got from a two minute trailer! 

Needless to say. I'm waiting with baited breath, anxiously waiting for this season to begin. In 24 days, 20 hours, 1 minute and 36 seconds. 

That was the shortest 8 episodes and season of any show I can think of. It was way too short and I'm sad it's over. 

I started with the first episode primarily because of Ian McShane and moderately because I knew a little about Neil Gaiman. Ian McShane is one of those actors that you pay attention to when he's on screen and you also trust his working judgment. If he's involved with a project, it's probably pretty good. 

After the first episode, I knew this was going to be an awesome show and immediately bought the book. The idea of following the gods of the people that came to America and were forgotten as these now Americans found new gods was incredible. Everything about this show is spectacular and I love when an adaptation of a book includes the author in the process of creating the show. 

There are differences between the book and the show, but the show expands and enhances certain characters stories in ways that give them more breadth and make the overall story richer. Unfortunately, the season was too short but there is always the book and unlike Game of Thrones, there's only one book to read. 

I knew who Neil Gaiman was, primarily because of Dr. Who and graphic novels but never before read any of his books. I was drawn to the story because of the diversity of the cast and reading and watching interviews, he was very intentional in his inclusion in the books and demanded that the cast in the show mirror that inclusivity. It amazes me when shows or movies throw in a token brown character instead of just telling a real story with real people. I appreciate Neil Gaiman for recognizing a story of America and telling a story that reflects all Americans and their stories. Not just the ones that are palatable. 

I'm still reading the book. With a year until the next season, and one book, I'm in no rush to finish, especially since it's sooooo good. I'm taking my time with this one.