"When you play the Game of Thrones you win or you die." Cersei Lannister's words to Ned Stark are a pretty much perfect summary of the whole series. For almost a decade we have been watching the Starks, Lannisters, Targaryens and others battle to sit on the Iron Throne. Oh, before we go on...spoilers. Obviously. Since we started watching, the throne has had four official regents - Robert Baratheon, Joffrey Baratheon, Tommen Baratheon and Cersei Lannister. Following this week'

Game of Thrones was on last night. It was the penultimate episode ever. Before I go on, obviously, spoilers. Don't come at me for writing about something which happened on TV last night, you've been warned and I've made my thoughts on spoilers very clear already. So, this morning I woke up having not seen Game of Thrones for this week yet. I was out last night and had set aside time this morning to watch it. I tiptoed onto Twitter, fully prepared to have to dodge a flurry of

A few years ago I wrote about my Madden's Laws on Spoilers. It was a fairly simple directive for what is and isn't acceptable regarding sharing spoilers on social media in public. Like everything else in the world, things have become rather more complicated since then. The influx of blockbusters and'must-watch' TV has muddied the waters and the rise of social media and trolls has complicated things further. So here are the Madden's Laws on Spoilers Version 2.0 i)General Direc

Just like winter, it is here. The final trailer for the eight season of Game of Thrones - and, therefore, the last trailer ever - has landed today. As you might expect it features a number of shots which promise something epic and could spell doom for big names and fan favourites, but I'm not going to spoil it for you. Watch it yourself. The series lands on April 14, so if you are planning on watching it all again beforehand then you might want to get started. #tv #bitesize

I still remember the feeling; that sinking in the pit of my stomach. My heart was in my mouth and I hardly dared take a breath as the results were announced. I had taken my chance and had my say, but I knew thousands of others around the country had done the same and now the outcome of this decision was in our hands. Had we got it right? What was “right”? Had we thought it through properly? This decision would have consequences and repercussions. In my front room there was ba

We have a new Doctor and, therefore, a new look for fans to get their heads round. The BBC's Doctor Who has been thrilling fans for decades and during that time 13 actors have played the part - 12 as "The Doctor" and John Hurt as another iteration of the character known as "The War Doctor". Each version comes with their own characteristics, ticks and a fresh new attire. As with any fandom, the Doctor's new look is always a big one for fans. Those fans were out in force ear

Welcome to my first Friday Zeitgeist. zeitgeist ˈzʌɪtɡʌɪst/ noun the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time. This aims to capture the spirit and mood of the last week by looking at eight things people have been talking about. Why? Well tonight a few of you will head to the pub with friends or colleagues and chat about the week that was. Over the weekend you will meet people for coffee or drop by to see family

The Great British Bake Off has the nation gripped once more. It turns out that even if you change the channel and some of the presenters the formula still works. If you think about it, that is a bit ironic for a cooking show since often if you change a few ingredients the end result can be a bit, well, rubbish. Bu I digress, I got hooked on GBBO later than most but I have followed this season religiously; I am quietly hoping for Sophie and Liam to join the inevitable Steven i

There can be no question, Cersei Lannister is the queen bitch of Westeros. But she only just inherited the title. Before I go further, there are spoilers here. If you have issues with that I refer you to my previous post on spoiler rules. Anyway, this week we saw the passing of Lady Olenna Tyrell, poisoned by Jamie Lannister - and boy did she go out in style. There's nothing quite like taunting your would-be killer only to tell him, with your last breath, that you killed hi

Doctor Who has unveiled its first female Doctor - and if you listen very carefully, you can hear the sound of nothing changing. On Sunday Broadchurch actress Jodie Whittaker was revealed as the actor who will take over from Peter Capaldi, thereby becoming the 13th Doctor. I will lay my stand out early, I have no problem with this. Indeed I like it. From what I have seen her in, Ms Whittaker seems like an excellent actress, and her resume looks great. As far as the Doctor goes

MADDEN'S Law: After any culturally significant event, such as the release of a film or TV show, there will be an agreed "spoiler-free" cooling off period. After that time those who have seen it may discuss it freely and it becomes the duty of those who have not to avoid spoilers. The cooling off periods are as follows. 1) Film​: 1 week* > In the event of a major release such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens this shall be reduced to 24 hours. This is known as the "I queued