Game of Thrones: Season 3 Premiere in Vancouver

Credit: Katie Almeida

Game of Thrones came to Vancouver, and it was glorious

The battle for the Iron Throne spilled into Vancouver for the Season 3 premiere of Game of Thrones

Last night I was lucky enough to be invited to a pre-screening of the season 3 premiere of Game of Thrones. As a huge fan of the show, I was eager to jump back into the world of Westeros, where murder, magic and Mothers of Dragons are the norm.

After a 5-hour GoT marathon this week in anticipation of the premiere, I was amped to say the least – my blood was running as hot as a Dothraki in the Red Waste.

Winter Comes to Vancouver

Luckily, only the crown – no Joffrey –
showed up to the premiere
(Image: Katie Almeida)

As I arrived at Scotiabank Theatre in Downtown Vancouver, a lineup of excited fans waited to receive their tickets. After a few moments, I got to the front of the line.

“Hello, my name is Michael Small,” I said excitedly.

The friendly looking man scanned his clipboard and ran his finger down a list of names, quickly turning the pages back and forth. With each moment my pulse quickened and the sense of dread grew. Beads of cold sweat began running down the back of my neck; after a week of expectation and excitement, was I to be denied like Stannis Baratheon at Blackwater Bay?

The amiable and helpful representative from HBO Canada and Movie Central smiled. “I don’t see your name, but . . .”

“I WILL TAKE WHAT IS MINE WITH FIRE AND BLOOD!” I bellowed.

“But we know the company you work for, so please go ahead,” he continued, handing me my ticket.

After collecting my complimentary popcorn and water (and composure), I entered the packed theatre and snagged the last pair of good seats – Daenerys’s beauty can’t be fully appreciated from the front row.

Game of Thrones: Season 3

Once the lights dimmed, we were treated to a trailer for season 3, and then a special introduction from the lovely Rose Leslie, who plays the fiery wildling Ygritte. Jon Snow is a lucky bastard (get it?).

As for the episode itself? The hour flew by much too quickly, and things are as intriguing as ever. Without saying too much, the dragons are a bigger, the people beyond The Wall are wilder, and Tyrion’s zingers are as sharp as ever.

Interesting new relationships are presented and intriguing storylines are teased. The episode does a great job of setting the stage for what looks to be an explosive season. I could have used more Arya and less nipple mutilation, but that’s just nitpicking. Can’t wait for more.

Game of Thrones lager is coming . . . to a store near you! (Image: Katie Almeida)

After the screening, we were invited to Pacifico Pizza for food and drink, including the new Game of Thrones-inspired beer by the New York Craft brewery Ommegang. We sampled the Iron Throne blonde ale, a nod to those golden-haired, dastardly Lannisters. But unlike the insufferable Joffrey, the beer was quite enjoyable. Milk of the Poppy was not offered.

All in all, it was a great night for Game of Thrones, and a perfect way for this this fan to kick-off season 3. Can’t wait to grab a Lannister ale and do it all over again when the show officially premieres on March 31st.

The Game of Thrones issue of TVW magazine hits newstands Friday, March 22nd.