So much violence! But not as much as is coming...

George RR Martin said his inspiration for the war between the Starks and the Lannisters in Game of Thrones was the War of the Roses. Now, I know Shakespeare is not a historian, he is a playwright and thus takes some license with history. But wow, I saw echoes of Game of Thrones in here! After winning some victories, Edward IV usurps Henry and becomes king! He sends Warwick to negotiate a politically necessary marriage in France, only to choose to marry another woman for love. This, naturally, loses him the support of Warwick. Sounds like Robb Stark, doesn't it?

This play is filled with action and, like the previous, makes me want to watch a performance. It is a bit confusing. One character, Montague, changes sides with no mention of when or why. In one scene is is with Edward, then he's with Henry. Did Shakespeare forget whose side he was on? Or was this to sort of who how fluid alliances were and how confusing it was to keep track? Also, the change in names is frustrating. Richard becomes Gloucester, okay, I got it. I missed that George became Clarence so didn't realize at the first read that when Clarence changed to Edward's side this was actually his brother returning to him. Again, this is probably a good reminder these were stories to be watched, not just read.

Anyway, on to Richard III!