THE COLD FLAMES OF WAR. 'GAME OF THRONES' SEASON THREE BEGINS...

They're almost here... GAME OF THRONES boldly brings its dragons to bear in Season Three. Image: HBO.

Sex, sadism and swordplay- all in days work for the cast of the lavish and brutal GAMES OF THRONES, as its third season of epic storytelling- the first half of A Storm of Swords - begins tonight on the US HBO network, and tomorrow on the UK's SKY ATLANTIC HD. That he could conjure up incredible lands and characters above and beyond our imagination was never in any doubt, but who knew that such a cuddly old bear as George R. R. Martin could be so vicious and so naughty at the same time! And we wouldn't want him any other way!

Game Of Thrones Season 3: Trailer - YouTube

Horse-backed White Walkers and wide-winged dragons will gain greater prominence this season, alongside further heightened aspects of the spiritual and supernatural. Expect new alliances and building plans of revenge within and without the walls of the four families, amongst the many new characters joining the series (most notably Ciaran Hinds as the Wildling's intimidating leader, Mance Rayder, and Diana Rigg- having a good run in telefantasy this year- as the calculating, doesn't-miss-a-trick Olenna Tyrell). Martin will once again be handling the reins of one of this seasons key episodes- part seven, titled The Bear and the Maiden Fair. Other returning directors to the show, bringing style and atmosphere, include David Nutter and Alex Graves.

If our very own BBC has to wonder why the series has such a devoted following, then I worry that their dramatic film-making skills are on the wane. If I were in the top-tiers of company management, I'd have them all go out on a GAME OF THRONES viewing sabbatical so as to find out for themselves, and then steal from the best!


Game Of Thrones Season 3: Chaos Preview - YouTubeGame Of Thrones Season 3 Trailer #2 (HD) - YouTube

Game Of Thrones Season 3 "The Beast" Promo (HD) - YouTube
Game Of Thrones Season 3 "War" Promo (HD) - YouTube
Game of Thrones Season 3 "Enemies" Promo (HD) - YouTube
Game of Thrones S3 Ep. 1 Clip: Dany and her dragons - YouTube
Game of Thrones S3 Ep. 2 Clip: Jaime and Brienne - YouTube

KINGDOM OF THE DEAD! 'GAME OF THRONES' SEASON THREE

To launch an army. Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) finds new support? GAME OF THRONES Season Three begins soon. Images: HBO.

The clashing realms of Westeros are once again vividly realised by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss with the upcoming March start of Season Three of the eagerly anticipated adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s next book in the world popular, audience winning saga: A Storm of Swords, certainly one of the most popular and beloved of all the series so far, and certainly boasting an epic page length that will truly be a challenge to bring to the TV screen. Still, the producers/writers and HBO have indeed proved game and their previous epic results in creating such epic storytelling speak for themselves. Even better, as if the series couldn’t get more lavish and detailed enough, these new Season Three episodes will also, much to the shows continued benefit, boast slightly longer durations, often taking them into full hours rather than forty five to fifty minute, as had been the case with the show’s first two years.

King Joffery (Jack Gleeson) has a new playmate: his equally spiteful wife, Margaery Tyrell  (Natalie Dormer) .

Last noble standing? Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister.

As the new series begins, the War of the Five Kings is still very much ongoing, the early results of which have been devastating: the lands of House Stark have been ravaged and its noble children are missing, whilst a major sea and land battle between Houses Baratheon and Lannister has destabilised both power bases and their overall relationships beyond their respective kingdoms. But an even greater danger looms for the whole of Westeros with the emerging, en masses forces of the savage looking White Walkers, whilst the exiled Wildlings and their army of winter warriors also plan havoc within their own frozen domain. As the courageous few of the Night’s Watch do their best to maintain order, the series building supernatural and fantasy elements come ever closer to the fore: those lovely dragons of Danerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) are growing up, and the princess’s own plans to sit herself upon the immense Iron Throne gather momentum as she begins her quest to find sea transport. Amidst the fire and ashes of war, where old enemies make fresh alliances, revenge is renewed, reversals of fortune beckon and nothing is what it seems, further stunning new characters and environments continue to be introduced, as Ramin Djwadi’s mighty series theme will be pulling us back in to the show with its hypnotic and enthralling overtures of dramatic power, war and ambition: GAME OF THRONES retains its crown as one of the greatest TV genre events ever made…

In the frozen wastes, Jon Snow (Kit Harington) has to make new allies.

Season Three of GAME OF THRONES begins on the UK’s SKY ATLANTIC HD from 1st April.

Recent Season Three news and video features:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3-hlG6Nn1s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VB0JA78wJ4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaedhISdshA&feature=player_embedded

Official GAME OF THRONES Facebook page: Game of Thrones

Diana Rigg joins the series as the manipulative Lady Olenna Redwyne.

Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance) is as shrewd and dangerous as ever.

Previous behind the scenes on Season Three: 

Game of Thrones - Sky Atlantic HD

http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/12/18/game-of-thrones-longer-season-3/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpSDSgChsaI

http://www.sfx.co.uk/2012/06/27/game-of-thrones-season-3-showrunners-to-direct-for-the-first-time/

http://blastr.com/2012/09/george-rr-martin-teases-t.php

http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/08/17/game-of-thrones-mance-rayder/

http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/06/13/game-of-thrones-who-were-excited-to-see-in-season-3

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! KOOL TV IS TWO!

That lovely couple John Steed and Emma Peel of THE AVENGERS raise a glass in celebration of another great year for KOOL TV. Image: CANAL + Image UK LTD.

Oh yes, another year has flown by. But I'm sure you'll agree that we've managed to pack a lot in coverage wise of the best in great TV: past, present and future, from the US, UK and Europe. And there's much more on the horizon for the rest of 2012, too, so thanks to everyone out there that has read or supported the site in the last two years. Here's to our third year and beyond...

And don't forget to give us your support in adding your "Like" to our ever developing KOOL TV FACEBOOK page (we know you're looking at it!) here: KOOL TV:  It's full of daily updated info on all the great TV you need to know about, plus lots of photos.

HAPPY SECOND BIRTHDAY, KOOL TV!

A RETURN TO "THE AVENGERS" (OF SORTS) FOR DIANA RIGG...

A truly iconic promotional photo of Diana Rigg as Mrs. Emma Peel in the classic THE AVENGERS series. Image: CANAL + Image UK LTD.

Having previously self-exiled herself away from remembering her time working on the classic, world popular THE AVENGERS TV series, and rarely speaking about it or attending prior official anniversary events (bar one in 1993), Dame Diana Rigg makes a probably one-off only appearance next Saturday 1st October at London's regular signing/memorabilia event THE ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA SHOW, where she'll be signing and posing with fans for photo shoots (but be warned, her autograph price alone is pretty steep: £35!). If you've ever wanted to get your DVD's or specialist AVENGERS related merchandise signed, or ask her questions about the series, this may be your only time...

More info on which other cult film and TV guests will be at the event can be found here: The Entertainment Media Show & Collectormania London | 1 - 2 October 2011


Numerous seasons of THE AVENGERS are available on DVD from OPTIMUM RELEASING.

"THE AVENGERS" AT 50: A LOOK AT THE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS!

The iconic THE AVENGERS era begins with Patrick Macnee as Steed, and Honor Blackman as Cathy Gale. Image: OPTIMUM RELEASING/CANAL + Image UK LTD.

Fans of the evergreen, super cool series THE AVENGERS who, like myself, were sadly unable to attend the 50th Anniversary event recently held in Chichester, might like to head over to the link below and enjoy this excellent blog from the Department of Media, where you'll see some great photos, video clips and other fun info/remembrances from the event, with fine contributions from some of the series stars and key behind the scenes players as they reminisce and celebrate a unique and landmark British TV sensation that deserves its status as one of the best series ever made, and which, like a fine wine, improves with age.

 The Avengers | 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Classic Television Series

Patrick Macnee reminisces about the series: Patrick Macnee's introduction to The Avengers 50th weekend - YouTube

"Mrs Peel, we're needed!"

All of the surviving episodes of the original THE AVENGERS series are now available in the ultimate box set from OPTIMUM RELEASING.

"THE AVENGERS" AT 50! A CELEBRATION

This early press brochure for the classic THE AVENGERS series says it all! Images: OPTIMUM RELEASING/ CANAL + Image UK LTD.

Those champions against evil, those icons of style, with just a little bit of occasional kinkiness and all round humour thrown in, THE AVENGERS, celebrate fifty gorious years in 2011, so here's a celebratory image gallery of our favourite heroes from an age of television cool that will never go out of fashion...

The original series, with Steed (Patrick Macnee) joining forces with Doctor David Keel (Ian Hendry), out to avenge the murder of his wife. THE AVENGERS are born.

Pussy Galore! Keel is out, Mrs Cathy Gale (Honor Blackman) is in, and its here that the series truly becomes an iconic, must-see series.

Honor and Patrick cheerily pose for a promotional image at the height of the series video success.

With the series now being made on film and wanting to generate sales in the US, Patrick Macnee plays Steed for a special introductory mini-episode made to attract American audiences, alongside new partner...

...Diana Rigg, as Emma Peel, who never looked more lovely than during her two year stint on the series.

Working with great writers and directors, in a new all-colour filming medium in Year Five, the duo soon made THE AVENGERS an iconic and firmly British institution.

Steed helps the gregarious Mrs Peel with her sculpture embellishments as the Swinging Sixties truly get underway in the series.

Tara-ra-boom-diyay! For Queen and Country, Steed is joined in Season Six by the vulnerable and lovely Tara King (Linda Thorson), as the series entered another unique phase of memorable high-jinks and colourfully fun adventures.

Tartan Provocateur! Linda Thorson soon makes an impression on audiences with her unique new character and her different approach to fighting baddies.

Embracing the tone. Macnee and Thorson enjoy a little character play to the cameras.

Into the seventies, and a new generation for Steed to work alongside, most notably, the ultra leggy, high kicking ex-ballerina, Purdey, as immortalised by the gorgeous Joanna Lumley.

And adding a bit of machismo and light comedy, pre-THE PROFESSIONALS era, came ex-military man Mike Gambit, as played by the late Gareth Hunt.

A fine cast for an enjoyable sequel series, THE NEW AVENGERS trio prove a big hit and should have gone on beyond their original two season run.

Throughout every series and interpretation of THE AVENGERS, there would always be one consistently entertaining constant, and that was the true star of the series, Patrick Macnee, as the gentleman hero with the witty comeback, the always fresh carnation and the hard hitting bowler hat: John Steed. 

Look out for OPTIMUM RELEASINGS mega THE AVENGERS 50TH ANNIVERSARY DVD set, with tons of special features, available in May, and check out the radio documentary celebration on the UK's BBC RADIO 3 programme NIGHT WAVES at 9.15 pm. Rounding off a great year will surely be a terrific event at the University of Chichester (see below).