The first episode of season 4 was a bit Game of Thrones, paint by numbers. It was still very good, but it wasn't jawdroppingly excellent. No, they saved that for episode 2, specifically the second half of episode 2.
Having read the books, I knew what was going to happen, but I didn't think it would come this early in the show's current season, which did add a bit of a surprise (and anticipation) factor into the proceedings. The sequence also reminded me of the number one (and probably only) reason I'd want Chelsea to sign Diego Costa. So that we can play The Rains of Castamere as his personal entrance music just before he rains death and destruction (read: goals) upon all. I'm not sure how this would work logistically (not getting rid of Liquidator, obviously), but that's a minor detail at this point.
Also, a reminder to please use the spoiler tags when discussing GoT (or any other plot-heavy show). Be especially careful in the subject line of your comment since tags don't work there.
In other news...
Diego Costa injured in Atlético's 2-0 win | SB Nation
It looked gruesome in real time, with the striker smashing his leg full force into the post as he scored Atlético's second goal on the night. There was blood. I looked away. Ray Hudson was screaming. Wait, he always screams. Anyway, initial signs seem to show that's just a nasty gash rather than anything broken, but even England's Brave Wayne Rooney missed about a month with his gory gashed leg (though that required general anesthesia and muscle stitches and such).
2014 NHL Playoffs are set | SB Nation
Games start Wednesday, Blackhawks first play on Thursday [full schedule]. There are no better playoffs in the world than the NHL playoffs.
Noooooooooooooooooooooo... | Vox
The world's one and only true American-style sriracha factory is facing up to silly local California politics and may be forced to move or even shut down. CRISIS! Maybe the company should just give free, lifetime supplies of the hot stuff to the local residents who complain about the minor inconvenience they experience for a few months year. I can relate to these people on some level - I live a couple miles downwind from a rendering plant - but it's for the betterment of our tastebuds, people!
FOOTBALL (all times BST):
15.30: UEFA Youth League, final: Benfica U19 vs. Barcelona U19
19.00: U21 Premier League: Aston Villa U21 vs. Chelsea U21 (hey, that's us!)
19.45: Serie A, 14th vs. 1st: Udinese vs. Juventus
20.07: Championship, 8th vs. 1st: Reading vs. Leicester City