Vee

Capaldi and Coleman hint that we may see Clara again.

What did Jorah do to get exiled again? Slave trafficking, right? Who knows. Was it his father or uncle at Castle Black? I suspect Rickon will get killed to kick off the battle - this would leave Jon, Sansa and Bran (and Arya) as the going concerns for who would rule the North if the Starks take it back. I'd love it if he survives but I doubt it. Dramatically his death pushes Jon and Sansa forward, and I suspect the show will end with Sansa and a consort as Wardens of the North. (Perhaps with Bran as advisor/maester/whatever.)

Amber Tamblyn (Emily, GH) talks her directorial debut as well as my favorite subject, Twin Peaks, which her father Russ starred/stars in.

Trump folds, or the closest he knows how to do: He will no longer discuss the judge in his Trump U case. That should last about six minutes.

The lovely and talented Amber Tamblyn (GH's original Emily), a constant presence with her father Russ at TP events over the years, discusses the show's return while doing an interview on her directorial debut, Paint it Black. I also saw Amber on MSNBC the other day stumping for Hillary.

2016's classiest campaign manager, Jeff Weaver, slams Chris Matthews' wife when asked if Bernie will ever release his tax returns.

Hillary just opened a 10+ point lead on Trump in the polls.

He's wildly unpopular with the majority of non-right wing average voters, though.

Trump orders his serfs to go forth and double down.

Writer Bryan Cogman talks Lyanna Mormont, the new MVP of Westeros. Also discusses the return of Sandor Clegane. Also: The great Ian McShane talks Brother Ray.

MSNBC rips into the imploding Trump campaign. I'm just gonna say it now, because these last few weeks with Trump U and his finally facing the scrutiny that will come harder during the general race are the first time I've believed he might really do it since long before he began vanquished his primary opponents: I think Trump may drop out. He could blame the media and the GOP and drop out and still call it a 'win' because he was too much for Washington. Then they'll scramble and try to nominate Ryan or something.

Here's some troubling speculation: When the Night's King touched Bran and left his mark, it nullified the magical ward of protection keeping the White Walkers from entering the Raven's cave. Assuming that principle holds true, it stands to reason that the minute Bran and Meera (and Benjen) go South and hit the Wall, it will take down the ward of protection there that keeps the dead from the rest of Westeros - and take down the Wall.

I was pretty sure the Hound would be back as I'd read about his potential return. That was a nice cold open and a lovely brief bit for Ian McShane, who I figured would have a brief role; his time is at a premium. I know a lot of people suspect a certain someone leads the Brotherhood of Banners now - I am not convinced. I guess we'll see. Loved everything with Jon, Sansa and Davos touring the North, with Davos giving little Lyanna Mormont (who it was lovely to finally see) the Davos sell. It's clear Sansa is going to turn to Littlefinger for more men which is understandable in their impossible situation, but she doesn't know that he's already en route. Baelish will stab them in the back when the fighting is done, sooner or later (he had pledged this to Cersei in exchange for being made Warden of the North, but it's likely what he'd do eventually anyway); I just hope Sansa sees that coming. She knows enough now to know he can never be trusted, only managed. This has been a huge season for Sansa, for all the Starks, and it's been thrilling to watch. I see they're dragging out the Arya/Waif final showdown by keeping her material brief. I assume she's headed back to the theater troupe for help, which hopefully means Essie Davis and Richard E. Grant will continue to be part of the show. Loved everything with Margaery and Olenna. This is why Margaery is still one of my favorites of all time. I understood why Olenna snubbed Cersi - she can never be trusted with family secrets or business - but it is a pity as it seemed that, for the moment, Cersei was attempting to level with her. Loved Theon and Yara in that tavern, with Yara all over the ladies. Thrilled to hear they are indeed going for Daenerys, as I had suspected.

Meanwhile, on MSNBC:

The cast on their ideal GOT endings:

I'm not sure if we'll know anything about Rickon til next week or the following, but it's possible. I think the I do expect to see or at least hear about Edmure Tully tonight, as it's all pertinent to the Riverlands and the Blackfish's situation. And I think it suits Ramsay to keep Rickon alive long enough to draw the Starks into confrontation. Once he's done that, though, Rickon's life is forfeit. Not only is Ramsay a sadistic maniac, leaving Rickon Stark alive any longer than absolutely necessary seriously endangers his tenuous hold on the North, as Rickon is the only known living heir to the house and would provide a rallying point for any rebellion. I don't expect the poor kid to get out alive, but GOT has been full of nice surprises this season. I thought for years that Bran would never return from Beyond the Wall, and he looks set to do that. I also wasn't sure Sansa, Jon or Arya would ever meet again, and now I think Arya will join them soon enough. And now, some stuff: Kristofer Hivju talks to THR about Tormund, Brienne and the battle for the North. Poor Iwan Rheon talks Ramsay and another role which is not much of a departure.

What a crackpot.

Of course it's 90s. But it's Robert Altman and I love it. I'M NOT TRYING TO PICK A FIGHT WITH YOU Leave immediately!

Of course it's 90s. But it's Robert Altman and I love it.

Hillary takes the gloves off with Trump. The Internet loves it.

This is actually from 1998 - Ming-Na (ATWT), Brian Kerwin (OLTL/Y&R) and Brenda Strong (Dallas) in the Robert Altman-directed pilot for the woulda-been FOX-then-HBO show Killer App. Recently unearthed by Altman lovers like myself. Written by Garry Trudeau.

Speaking of Lynch/Frost's On the Air, which I wish I could see more of: Still sad he's apparently not appearing in the new show, as he was clearly a favorite of the showrunners. I'd take more Dick over Duke's recurring annoying visitations.

Another lovely article round-up from Winter is Coming, in which Jack Bender apparently confirms GOT is only 7 eps next year (likely as part of HBO's plan to split the story's conclusion into two more years), and Gemma Whelan does a fan convention and plays mum when asked if Theon and Yara will come across Daenerys this season.