Entertainment Inquiry #6: 'Game of Thrones', The Emmys, Netflix And More!

Since there is only so much time in the day to read 750+word reviews, it seemed right to boil down all of the sentiments expressed on Eclectic Pop into a simple question and answer format; getting to the point in a concise and clear manner that transforms those broader analyses into a bite-size read. 

If there is an entertainment topic you want a quick answer to, the Entertainment Inquiry aims to give it to you. These questions have been self-generated by taking into account current hot topics and the interests you already come to Eclectic Pop for coverage on. In this edition, you will find inquiries about the Season 6 Finale of ‘Game of Thrones’, what’s worth watching on Netflix, who/what deserved Emmy recognition and more…

[Image by NBC (modified by Eclectic Pop]

Question: Which actors and shows deserved Emmy recognition the most this year?
‘Bates Motel’, ‘Game of Thrones’, 'Reign' (more on that here) ‘The Blacklist’ and ‘Penny Dreadful’ were among the year’s best. ‘Bates Motel’ and its leads Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore should be at the forefront of attention every year but were unsurprisingly snubbed…again.

Also overlooked was Jon Bernthal, who more than earned a nod for his arresting portrayal of vigilante Frank Castle on the second season of Netflix’s ‘Daredevil' (more on that here). While ‘The Blacklist’s’ James Spader’s heartrending turn in “Mr. Solomon (No. 32): Conclusion” made the case for his spot.

Over on HBO, ‘Game of Thrones’ gave two of the best back-to-back hours, television has ever seen with their tour de force efforts in Season 6. The award for Best Drama is theirs for the taking. It was nice to see the cast receive some love along with the show as a whole, including some new names. Kit Harington (Jon Snow) and Maisie Williams (Arya Stark) both received much-deserved nominations for the first time. 

Question: Any good sci-fi flicks on Netflix?

For a movie that should please skeptics and believers alike, check out 1993’s ‘Fire in the Sky’ starring DB Sweeny and Robert Patrick. The visuals on this one, have truly stood the test of time and are a prime example for why the use of puppetry in special effects is sometimes a far better solution to F/X than CGI.

[Image by HBO]

Question: What was the biggest achievement for ‘Game of Thrones’ in its sixth season?
Narrowing the landscape of its vast ensemble was a crowning achievement for the veteran series and handling the fallout of Jon Snow’s (Kit Harington) predicted return-from-the-dead in a way that made the much-discussed twist worthwhile thematically.

There was a sense of urgency the series has never shown before and it manifested in a marvelous energy. ‘Game of Thrones’ also rewarded viewers with the settling of scores long left unchecked on the board. The good guys actually won one for a change and it felt great.

Question: The Avett Brothers’ have released a new album. How is it?
'True Sadness' is different than anything they have done before. Not in a bad way though.

Question: Did Sansa betray Jon in the penultimate episode of ‘Game of Thrones?'

That is the trickiest and perhaps most nebulous of questions posed by ‘Thrones’ in its final hours. Never one to overindulge on transparent emotion, Sansa (Sophie Turner) was heard saying all the right things to her brother but giving off all of the wrong vibes, when he was crowned King of the North. Her fallen face as she gazed over at an agitated Littlefinger (Aidan Gillen) hinted that all is not settled with Lady Stark’s loyalties.

After choosing not to tell Jon about the Knights of the Vale, her behavior had been questionable and while Jon urged her to trust him and their bond as siblings in the season finale, he did not inquire as to why she had not done so to begin with. She had more explaining to do than he commanded and it might have been because he did not want to hear the answers or to give her a chance to change her mind.

Some could argue; Snow went for the hot coals of kindness approach when it came to handling his sister/cousin. For a deeper probe into Sansa’s activities in “Battle of the Bastards”, click here. When polled, this is how Twitter came down on the subject:

Question: Is ‘Cold in July’ a red hot thriller?

Yes. While not obvious at first glance, this slow burn thriller is a send-up to the 70’s midnight movie. ‘Dexter’ actor Michael C. Hall stars as a man who kills a home intruder and winds up uncovering a bigger mystery than initially meets the eye. An unpredictable story that actually evolves, ‘Cold in July’ is a mystery that heats up with a slew of unexpected thrills that deliver along the way.

Question: Would someone be fortunate to watch ‘Lucky Them’ on Netflix?

It is certainly not the worst movie on the streamer, nor is it the best. As usual, Thomas Haden Church delivers a stellar performance as the foil to Toni Collette’s messed up protagonist.

It is unfortunate but Collette’s unsympathetic and foul lead character extinguishes most of the movie’s appeal. It is worth noting for fans of ‘The Blacklist’ that Ryan Eggold (Tom) gets a decent amount of screen time playing an aspiring musician.

Do you have a question for the Entertainment Inquiry? If so, share it in the comment section below or tweet @EclecticPop and it might get answered in the next column!

[Featured Image by HBO/Emmys/NBC]