A Song of Dan and Josh: Catelyn VII and Jon V

After two weeks off, FanSided editor Josh Hill and myself are back for a new episode of A Song of Dan and Josh, the show where we talk through each chapter of A Song of Ice and Fire one at a time, mining them for thematic, narrative and character relevance. Also this week I drink wine while I talk and Josh doesn’t have glasses anymore. And we have a wall behind us. Everything changed in two weeks.

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This week, we discuss two chapters from A Game of Thrones: Catelyn VII, the one where Bronn kills Ser Vardis Egen; and Jon V, the one where Jon Snow saves Sam from further torture at the hands of Ser Alliser Thorne. And begin:

Some highlights:

• Why is the fight between Bronn and Ser Vardis Egan told from Catelyn’s perspective rather than Tyrion’s, since he has a bigger stake in it?
• Bronn breaks all the rules during the trial by combat…and wins. What is Martin trying to tell us about norms and expectations?
• Do you know what balustrades, coifs, and lobstered steel is? After this episode, you will.
• As usual, the Jon Snow chapters remind me of Full Metal Jacket. How long will this happen?
• This is the chapter where Jon really commits to the Night’s Watch…for the moment. How would the story be different if he given into temptation and left the Wall before he took his vows?
• We ruminate briefly on the nature of names in Westeros. Where part of the continent is Chett the dickish Night’s Watchmen from?

A Song of Dan and Josh airs with Take the Black Live every Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. CST on our Facebook page. Next week, we’ll tackle Tyrion VI and Eddard XI.

Next: Limited edition ‘Beautiful Death’ Game of Thrones home boxsets are coming

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