Be prepared:
Game of Thrones season four: 10 key things to know
NATALIE BOCHENSKI
With the release of an extended preview it's time to obsess assess what we know going in to season four.
The X-Factor runner-up Dean a ray of hope for tiny Queensland town
![Queensland X Factor contestant Dean Ray.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/10/21/5903931/Thumbnail62581682119606image.related.thumbnail.320x214.119cc2.png1413864925536.jpg-90x60.jpg)
NATALIE BOCHENSKI The tiny Queensland town of Meandarra is celebrating after its most famous son finished second on The X-Factor.
Dodged a bullet: The Bachelor's Lisa grateful for rejection
![The Bachelor's Lisa Hyde is over Blake Garvey and living it up as a fashion ambassador.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/10/16/5887286/Thumbnail624835931178twimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.1178nd.png1413484010109.jpg-90x60.jpg)
NATALIE BOCHENSKI The last woman rejected by The Bachelor – on air, at any rate – said it was a blessing in disguise.
Ben dragged back into Big Brother house
![Ben Zabel is going back in to the Big Brother house to counsel a fake evictee.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/10/14/5878310/Thumbnail6241885610o8kvimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.115up4.png1413267227854.jpg-90x60.jpg)
NATALIE BOCHENSKI Big Brother 2013 favourite Ben Zabel will go back into the house on Tuesday night, but admitted the show's producer, Endemol, really had to convince him.
Gympie girl Queensland's X-Factor great hope
![Gympie's Caitlyn Shadbolt is down to the top five in X-Factor.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/10/05/5847124/Thumbnail6170234910qjloimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.10qhu5.png1412487094692.jpg-90x60.jpg)
NATALIE BOCHENSKI Whether she wins The X-Factor or not, Caitlyn Shadbolt knows she'll get both moral and commercial support from her mum.
Seeing Red
Checkmate: Redfoo's plan to outwit fellow X-Factor judges
![The X-Factor judge Redfoo.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/10/03/5842709/Thumbnail6167420110pw8rimage.related.thumbnail.320x214.10pw49.png1412315157706.jpg-90x60.jpg)
NATALIE BOCHENSKI X-Factor judge Redfoo is taking inspiration from chess.
Gold Coast Cops to show reality of bikie crackdown
![The Gold Coast's Rapid Action Patrol Group is the focus of the new 10-part Channel Ten series Gold Coast Cops.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/09/29/5826383/Thumbnail6156044110ngo7image.related.thumbnail.320x214.10ngc9.png1411970891513.jpg-90x60.jpg)
NATALIE BOCHENSKI Reality show follows officers charged with bringing down bikies.
Most comedic episode yet
Doctor Who Episode 6 Recap: The Caretaker
![Peter Capaldi plays the Doctor.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/09/28/5823870/Thumbnail6155184110n9rximage.related.thumbnail.320x214.10n9pd.png1411971516374.jpg-90x60.jpg)
NATALIE BOCHENSKI The unravelling of Clara’s double life used all the great elements of British farce, giving us the most comedic episode of the season yet.
Doctor Who, Prince of legends
![The Doctor, Peter Capaldi, has jumped closer to traditional English folklore than many might have expected.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/09/08/5741964/Thumbnail6110565910du5f1410144231805.jpg-90x60.jpg)
NATALIE BOCHENSKI The Doctor meets some Merry Men in Episode 3 of Doctor Who.
Oz Comic Con
Buffy stars Emma Caulfield and Nicholas Brendon at Oz Comic-Con: Still slaying them
![Emma Caulfield and Nicholas Brendon from former hit TV show <i>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</i>.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/09/05/5736417/Thumbnail6106817910cymg1410173443220.jpg-90x60.jpg)
NATALIE BOCHENSKI Two stars of cult TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer reflect on the enduring success of the series, and how social media would have made it even more popular.
Recap
Doctor Who recap: Season 8 goes into the Dalek
![Peter Capaldi's darker Doctor.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/09/01/5722372/Thumbnail6096826110arf61409530791769.jpg-90x60.jpg)
NATALIE BOCHENSKI Two episodes in, and my current opinion of Capaldi's Doctor (aka "Dozen") can best be summed up as follows: I don't like him, but I think that I like that I don't like him, as opposed to not liking that I don't like him.
Comment
Why it's time for True Blood to meet the true death
![True death: Even Eric Northman can't save this show.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/08/25/5705333/1409049392273.jpg-90x60.jpg)
NATALIE BOCHENSKI The vampire series broke taboos and produced plenty of eye-popping moments, but as viewers await the series finale, Natalie Bochenski explains why it's time for the show to die.
Casting
Courtney Love joins Marilyn Manson in Sons of Anarchy final season
![Courtney Love will appear in <i>Sons of Anarchy</i> ... wonder what Gemma (Katey Sagal) will have to say about that?](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/07/09/5581223/1404874530616.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Rocker Courtney Love will guest star on US series Sons of Anarchy.
HBO
Buzz lost on Australian viewers stuck with late Leftovers
![Amy Brenneman as Laurie in The Leftovers.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/07/07/5576072/1404713011661.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Gabriel Wilder Australian viewers will have to wait to see the new, critically acclaimed HBO series Leftovers, from one of the co-creators of Lost.
Spoiler
Ryan Kwanten begged for True Blood gay sex scene
![Ryan Kwanten has spent most of the series shirtless.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/07/01/5559591/1404185514200.jpg-90x60.jpg)
NATALIE BOCHENSKI (Spoiler alert) This week's episode of True Blood started with quite the bang, as loyal fans were rewarded for seven years of service with a scene featuring two of their favourite characters in an intimate encounter.
Davos
Why this Game of Thrones star doesn't want to be a fan favourite
![Liam Cunningham.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/06/29/5554554/1404081322548.jpg-90x60.jpg)
NATALIE BOCHENSKI You might understand a Game of Thrones actor trying to avoid fans, but Liam Cunningham is trying to keep a low profile from author George R.R. Martin.
Game-changing
Top 16 deaths in Game of Thrones
![Red wedding.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/06/17/5520053/Thrones-red-wedding-th-90x60.jpg)
NATALIE BOCHENSKI (Spoilers) Here is the definitive ranking of the most memorable deaths in Game of Thrones.
Live blog
Game of Thrones S4 E10 live finale: The Children
![Game of Thrones season four: Tyrion Lannister - Peter Dinklage](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/06/16/5515701/tyrion-th-20140616154937450774-90x60.jpg)
NATALIE BOCHENSKI Well, dedicated Throners, thanks for sticking with me through this epic Game of Thrones finale. The recap will follow shortly.
Monday
Game of Thrones season 4 finale: what does Jon Snow know?
![Kit Harington has kept <i>Game of Thrones</i> fans in suspense at the screening of his latest project <i>How To Train Your Dragon 2</i> in New York.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/06/13/5507446/1402628221954.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Jon Snow has assured fans he will be back next season but he did warn that the finale would include cliffhangers.
Allen
Game of Thrones season 4 untruths get exposed
![Alfie Allen as Reek (or Theon Greyjoy) in <i>Game of Thrones</i>.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/06/04/5483204/1401860444641.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Alfie Allen, aka Game of Thrones' Theon Greyjoy-turned-Reek, has called out his popstar sister Lily Allen for claiming she turned down a cameo on the popular series.
Spoiler
Game of Thrones S4 E8 shocker: How much can viewers stand?
![If Tyrion Lannister loses his head, so will this fan!](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/06/03/5479038/Tyrion-thrones-th-90x60.jpg)
JOEL MEARES Spoiler alert: Blood and gore is one thing but it's the loss of connection to characters that this fan can't stand.
Return
Game of Thrones season 4 return: Top 7 burning questions
![His only crime: 'Being a dwarf' ... Tyrion Lannister can't be killed off can he?](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/06/02/5476612/1401679787006.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Finally, the wait is over. Game of Thrones is back with the Viper and the Mountain episode tonight.
Spoilers
Mad Men season 7 2014: seven defining moments
![Mad Men's Joan.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/05/27/5461323/1401169490160.jpg-90x60.jpg)
Patrick Ryan Warning: Contains major spoilers about the midseason finale of Mad Men season 7.
Viper's vote
Game of Thrones' Oberyn Martell on who should rule Westeros
![Westeros newspaper](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/05/26/5458160/26tngot_20140526184945128942-90x60.jpg)
Pedro Pascal took part in a Reddit Ask Me Anything on Monday. While he skirted around any spoilers, Pascal did weigh in on who he thought should ultimately take up the Iron Throne.
Cameo
Why Lily Allen turned down Game of Thrones
![Theon Greyjoy.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/05/15/5426138/1400115968752.jpg-90x60.jpg)
British popstar Lily Allen says she said 'no thanks' to a Game of Thrones cameo for a good reason involving her brother.
RECAP
Offspring season 5 premiere recap
![Nina Proudman (Asher Keddie) with her baby daughter.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/05/14/5424800/th_offspring-90x60.jpg)
JENNA CLARKE Six months on since she (and Australia) lost Patrick, Nina and the gang have returned and are back for season five of Offspring.
Riddles
Game of Thrones: Can you guess Jon Snow's mother? Creators could
![Mystery solved ... Jon Snow's mother riddle on <i>Game of Thrones</i>.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/05/14/5424274/1400039178891.jpg-90x60.jpg)
NATALIE BOCHENSKI The creators of Game of Thrones have told the ABC's The Writers' Room that they won George R.R. Martin's support for the HBO series after successfully guessing a key riddle set out in his books - who is Jon Snow's mother?
Mute
Five ways to avoid Game of Thrones season 4 spoilers
![Joffrey choking at his Purple Wedding in Game of Thrones.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/04/15/5350907/joffrey-choke-th-90x60.jpg)
Emma Kem If you haven't begun season four then don't read on. But for tips on how to avoid future upset, here's how.
Recap
Game of Thrones recap: The First of His Name
![Sword through the face: Jon Snow.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/05/05/5402730/1399341925271.jpg-90x60.jpg)
NATALIE BOCHENSKI This was another slow-burner of an episode, which might have annoyed some of you, my beloved Throners. But it was a lovely character study, full of small decisions, big revelations and a great dollop of comeuppance to finish off.
5 ways
How Game of Thrones differs from the books
![Noah Taylor as Locke ... A man of the Night's Watch and Vargo Hoat rolled into one.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/04/29/5384630/thrones-locke-th-90x60.jpg)
So you think you know it all because you've read the Game of Thrones novels? Well think again.
Spoilers
Game of Thrones shock spoiler: Has George RR Martin given away villain?
![George RR Martin - game of thrones.](http://web.archive.org./web/20151215225535im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2014/04/15/5350992/martin-th-90x60.jpg)
NATALIE BOCHENSKI Game of Thrones fans who haven't read the books, cast your eyes away because even the author is spoiling things.
Multimedia
Downton Abbey reviewed
Minor dramas mixed with explosive twists makes for an interesting return of Downton Abbey.
What if Ygritte and Joffrey were locked in a room?
Game of Thrones star Rose Leslie answers our little hypothetical and discusses the not so private closed set in the cave scene.
True Detective reviewed
Matthew David McConaughey and Woody Harrelson star in HBO's acclaimed new crime drama True Detective.
Girls season three reviewed
Lena Dunham might polarise viewers and critics, but she's doing something right with this honest, character driven show.
Puberty Blues reviewed
A new story, set in the same universe, but more focussed on the troubled adults.
Offspring reviewed
SPOILER WARNING: The episode we've been dreading has come to pass, but where do we go from here?
The Newsroom
Aaron Sorkin's The Newsroom returns for season two with far less rants.
Broadchurch: review
Set in southern England this crime drama is Britain's answer to The Killing.
The Bridge
Will this US remake of the Scandinavian crime drama of the same name stand on its own?