We're EXTREMELY EXCITED here at Gadget Inspector HQ right now. Why? Because Game of Thrones is back in less than a week!

Everyone's favourite family-unfriendly fantasy show will return to UK screens on Monday the 25th of April. While you wait for the Season 6 premiere, why not fire up that awesome theme song and join us on a trip down memory lane as we revisit GoT's ten most shocking plot twists to date?

MASSIVE SPOILERS AHEAD, obviously. Don't read on unless you've watched the first 5 seasons of Game of Thrones.

Still here? Marvellous - let's get stuck in:

1. Ned loses his head
(S1E9, Baelor)

Eddard Stark confesses to a crime he didn't commit in the hope that King Joffrey Baratheon will show him mercy and allow him to live out his days as a member of the Night's Watch. To the horror of pretty much everyone present (not least Ned's daughter Sansa), he's executed anyway. In hindsight, it seems daft that 'Sean Bean dies' was a plot twist we failed to see coming. But how many other TV shows have killed off the hero (not to mention the biggest name on the cast list) within the first 10 episodes?


2. Renly literally can't escape the shadow of his big brother
(S2E5, The Ghost of Harrenhal)

 Season 2 of GoT was all about the War of the Five Kings, which saw a whole bunch of different people vying for control of/freedom from the Iron Throne. The first of those 'five kings' to bite the bullet was Renly Baratheon, who in The Ghost of Harrenhal was murdered by a shadow that looked suspiciously like his older brother Stannis. This moment was memorable not only because it featured the death of a fairly major character, but because it gave us a chilling glimpse of what Melisandre (Stannis's priestess/booty call) was capable of magicking up.

3. Need a hand, Jaime?
(S3E3, Walk of Punishment)

Jaime Lannister - who, until this point, has been hyped up as one of the top fighters in Westeros - is being held captive by a bunch of Northmen. One of them, Locke, decides that he's sick of hearing Ol' Jim talk about his daddy's riches, and so he cuts his hand off. As you do. Completely unexpected though this scene was, American rock band The Hold Steady popping up to play over the end credits immediately afterwards was even more so. A real 'WTF?' moment in every regard.

4. The Red Wedding
(S3E9, The Rains of Castamere)

Need we say more? 


5. Joffrey dies (and about time, too!)
(S4E2, The Lion and The Rose)

Westeros has never been short on nasty pieces of work, but from Season 1 onwards, Joffrey Baratheon was the GoT character that we all loved to hate. As main character after main character bit the dust, Joffrey - inexplicably and infuriatingly - remained unmurdered for a staggering thirty-one episodes. Then he made the rookie mistake of getting married, and naturally he was poisoned to death at the reception. Never has the death of a frightened teenage boy made so many people so happy.


6. Someone's got a crush on Oberyn Martell
(S4E8, The Mountain and The Viper)

Oh, Prince Oberyn. You were so close. We were all rooting for you - why couldn't you have stood just a little further away from that big Icelandic bodybuilder? Tyrion's hotly-anticipated trial by combat could have ended very differently, and for a moment there, it looked as if The Red Viper was going to pull it off; sadly, though, his Montoya-esque thirst for revenge got the better of him, and instead of a rousing victory we were treated to one of the most graphically gruesome deaths of the entire series (and let's face it, Westeros isn't exactly Smurf Village at the best of times).


7. Ygritte bows out
(S4E9, The Watchers on the Wall)

The penultimate episode of Season 4 was entirely dedicated to the epic battle between the wildlings and the Night's Watch that by this point had been brewing for a couple of seasons. Many characters were lost in the skirmish - some of them even had names! - but Ygritte 'You Knorr Nothin, Jon Snorr' McWildling is the one we've missed most since. The relationship between Jon and Ygritte had seemingly come to an abrupt end in the Season 3 finale when she put several arrows in him, yet it was somehow still kind of heartbreaking to see her dying in his arms (dying, ironically enough, of an arrow wound).


8. Winter finally comes
(S5E8, Hardhome)

Ned Stark was telling everyone that winter was coming way back in the Game of Thrones series premiere (named, appropriately enough, Winter is Coming). 47 episodes later, long after Ilyn Payne's sword turned Ned Stark into Head Stark, winter finally arrived. Yes, it was a long wait - there's a reason they're not called White Sprinters - but boy was this scene worth it. 20 solid minutes of swordplay, tension, and zombies, all capped by that spectacularly creepy bit where the Night's King (pictured above) silently commands the slain wildlings to rise from the dead and join his unholy, unhurried army. Yikes.


9. Stannis Baratheon: Worst Dad in Westeros
(S5E9, The Dance of Dragons)

If your fondness for Stannis Baratheon survived all of his previous crimes (see point 2), this was probably the point at which you threw up your hands and said 'yeah, I'm done with this guy'. Stannis, preparing an attack on Winterfell, is worried that the wintry weather and his men's exhaustion will cost him the fight against the Boltons. So what does he do? On the advice of Melisandre, he burns his daughter Shireen at the stake, watching stoically as she screams for a rescue that never comes. Of course, this gambit backfires completely - the sight of a dude roasting his own child unsurprisingly prompts a fair chunk of Stannis's army to leave, taking the horses with them and leading to a complete whitewash of a battle in the next episode, Mother's Mercy. We'd say 'good', but the winners of that battle were the Boltons, a family so nasty they make Stannis 'Father of the Year' Baratheon look like the good guy.

10. For the watch!
(S5E10, Mother's Mercy)

If there's one question that's been playing on every GoT fan's mind for the last 10 months, it's the one regarding whether or not Jon Snow is still alive. The Season 6 finale turned Ned Stark's bastard into something of a Schrödinger's cat (or Schrödinger's crow, if you will); we last saw Jon lying on the ground, bleeding profusely having just been stabbed by his Night's Watch colleagues and that kid who killed his ex-girlfriend. Jon has been one of the show's central characters since Season 1, so this is a contender for the most shocking plot twist yet...if he really is dead. We're still hoping that he isn't - either way, we'll find out for sure on Monday.

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Everyone loves this little, green, lightsaber wielding Jedi master, and now you can have him for your own! Go on a range of intergalactic adventures from the comfort of your own home, with this RC Inflatable Yoda Pump and Play.

Once he is inflated and clipped into the drive unit, take the easy-to-use handset and drive Yoda forwards, backwards and in any direction you like, with the 360 degree turn function. He'll operate indoors and out, so the adventures can be taken with you wherever you go. Best of all, is the fact that he comes with 11 original sound effects from the films, so you can pretend that you really do have the famous Jedi master by your side.


At this point, you're probably wondering how you can get your hands on the this incredible toy. Well, you'll be happy to know that this RC Inflatable Yoda Pump and Play is this weeks deal of the week and it can be yours for just £34.99

So, if you're looking to grab that perfect gift before it's too late, then you'd better snap up this amazing deal while you still can! It'll have both the adults and children fighting over who's turn is it to play on it next..

Click here to check out our other Star Wars inflatables! 
After yesterday's rather sombre post, we thought we would give you two things to cheer you all up in today's blog: food, and novelty aprons! We'll be sharing a few fun, festive recipes for you to try over the holiday season, based on the 'chef' stereotype you fit best!


Cookie Monster: The Dessert Expert 

If your cookies, crumbles and creme brulee all put Mary Berry to shame, then why not try making your own festive dessert this Christmas?

Why not try this Peppermint Bark Cheesecake from Cooking Classy, or these delicious Rolo Christmas Cookies from Living Locurto:                                     
                                            

The Impatient Cook  

If you're looking for something quick and easy to whip up in the kitchen, then why not try out these simple 3 Ingredient Candy Cane Lollipops from BBC Good Food, or these Pan Roasted Brussel Sprouts With Bacon if you're after something savoury.

Kitchen Hero 

If you're a bit of a wiz in the kitchen, you'll want to try something extra special this Christmas to wow your dinner guests.  Why not try out this incredible Roast Duck recipe from Jamie Oliver, or this incredible Chocolate Cake With Homemade Marshmallows for dessert! 

Batman (The Dark Knight) Adult Apron
(Buy Apron here)

Foodie Frankenstein

If you like to try something a little different in the kitchen, then what better time of year is there than Christmas to test out some new and interesting recipes?

If you're looking for some interesting combinations to have a crack at, then take a look at this Brussels Sprouts, Chilli and Thyme Jam, or these Pork and Cranberry Sausage Rolls, both from bakingmad.com.


Danger - Man Cooking (Apron and Hat Set)
(Buy Apron here)

Boozy Baker

For a flashy fish dish with an added kick, have a go at this Beetroot and Vodka-Cured Salmon from Woman and Home. If delicious bakes are more your speed, take a look at this fantastic Hazelnut Liquor pastry dish from Half Baked Harvest.

6 Pack Apron
(Buy Apron here)
There's nothing like hearing your favourite Christmas songs to get you in in the festive spirit, so we thought we would put a little list together, sharing what we think are some of the best Christmas songs in existance! 

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

We haven't put an artist name to this song, because as you will discover if you do a little work on Google, it's been covered by almost everyone! From Bing Crosby, to The Beach Boys, to Michael Buble, this really is one of the most well-known songs in the Christmas canon. Plus, it's got Santa in the tile, so what more could you really want from a festive number?

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Andy Williams 

There's no way to describe this song, other than pure Christmas joy! For those who just can't wait for Christmas, this is the perfect tune to express your excitement (it's probably more than a little irritating for all the scrooges out there too)!

Merry Christmas Everybody - Slade

'IT'S CHRIIIIIIISTMAAAAAAAAAAS!' Need I say more?

The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) - Nat King Cole

It's one of the more laid-back choices on our list, but this song couldn't be more festive! If this number doesn't make you want to stay indoors and snuggle up in front of a fire with a mince pie or glass of mulled wine, then I don't know what will.

Do They Know it's Christmas? - Band Aid (1984)

Although this list is all about fun, laughter and warmth for the most part, it's important to remember that not everyone is lucky enough to enjoy a carefree Christmas. This song reminds us every year that its original message is still important, while also being a great Christmas sing-a-long tune!

White Christmas - Bing Crosby

Again, this song is one of the more subdued melodies on our list, but the is no denying it's influence on the entire holiday season. It's sentimental, heart-warming, and apparently brought tears to the eyes of many WW2 soldiers, who were spending Christmas overseas when it was first released.

All I Want For Christmas is You - Mariah Carey 

This song was a well established hit for years, but it seemed to gain even more popularity after the release of Christmas classic 'Love Actually', back in 2003. Don't lie, we all know that it's your favourite scene!

Little Drummer Boy/ Peace on Earth - Bing and Bowie

This rock star/crooner combination left most people puzzled when it was first announced, but it really has stood the test of time to earn its place amongst Christmas classics! Try singing the harmonies with an older relative after dinner this year..

Last Christmas - Wham

This melancholy Christmas tune is as song which proves that the 1980's produced some of the best Christmas music! All you need is this with a slab of Stilton, and you're set for your yearly dose of Christmas cheese!

Wonderful Christmas Time - Paul McCartney

This has to be the best Christmas song ever, no debate. Okay, we know that everyone has their favourites, but this one should be pretty close to the top of everyone's list. Not only does it have some of the most jolly lyrics of any Christmas song in existence, it's also written and performed by a freakin' Beatle!
With Krampus being released in UK cinemas today, we thought it would be a great time to take a look at other creepy Christmas Monsters from folklore, that are used to scare kids into being nice. Quite honestly some of them have got us scared! 

Krampus 


The Krampus is a scary, furry, horned figure who is used as a tool to encourage good behaviour in children. It is believed that Krampus punishes children who have misbehaved by giving out sticks and coal,  whereas Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved ones with gifts. The Krampus has also been described as carrying around a chain behind him, that he would hurl at children that were in his way. He is believed to be the anti-Santa or his evil twin, though his origins are unknown, but one thing is certain; you certainly wouldn't want to be on this guy's list! 

Jólakötturinn 


Jólakötturinn is known as the Icelandic Yule Cat or Christmas Cat, and unlike regular, domestic cats, he's not very nice. In fact, he will probably eat you! In Iceland, in order to get people to work hard, they used to reward them with new clothes. The lazy family members wouldn't receive anything, so to encourage them to work, they were told the tale of Jólakötturinn. According to the tale, he could tell who the children were by the number of clothes they had, and that he would then proceed to eat the lazy children! If a killer giant cat doesn't motivate you to do chores, I don't know what will. 

Frau Perchta


Frau Perchta is a witch who hands out both rewards and punishments from December 25 through January 6. She is more well known for her gruesome punishments to the misbehaving rather than being nice; apparently she will rip out the internal organs of the sinful and replace them with garbage, how lovely. 

Belsnickel


Belsnickel comes to children sometime before Christmas, wearing old tattered clothing. Belsnickel carries a switch to frighten children, and candy to reward them for good behaviour. The switch is only used to warn children they still have time to be good before Christmas. Then, if the children are polite about the way they've been told, they get rewarded with sweets. So remember to be polite kids! 


Yule Lads 


They make look as innocent as the seven dwarves, but we can ensure you they're not. These Icelandic trolls stole things and caused trouble around Christmas time, and like the Yule cat it's used to scare children into behaving. There are 13 of these Yule Lads altogether, each with a name and their own distinctive personality.