Editor’s Note

What are Game of Thrones fanatics called? Beyoncé fans are known as the Hive. Rihanna — Navy. Lady Gaga — Little Monsters. Katy Perry — Katycats. But what about the people across the globe who have been heavily anticipating the eighth and final season of HBO’s most successful series ever?

Well, whatever we’re called, there are

a lot of us. The final episode of season 7, for instance, garnered 31-million views in the US. It’s the most-pirated show of all time. Estimates for this upcoming season is that a billion people will tune in — legally or otherwise — to catch the first episode, which airs April 15 at 3am here.

Whether you’ve seen it or not, it’s impossible to ignore the cult of Game of

Thrones ... which is why our edition this week is about the show. We have a fantastic interview with one of its stars, Lena

Headey, who plays the wicked and divisive Cersei Lannister, the queen who currently sits on the fought-for throne.

The reason Cersei/Lena is our main story is that her character is complex, fascinating and a powerhouse. Jon Snow gets all the hype and attention, so we’re shining the spotlight on Cersei. She chats to Margaret Gardiner about the show, fantasies of theft, and motherhood.

Elsewhere, Keith Tamkei shares his favourite duels, while Andrea Nagel isn’t quite buying the “strong woman” narrative the series is selling. Yolisa Mkele has a whole lot of fun comparing South African politicians and public figures to GoT characters — it’s glorious and a little bit vicious. Feelings could get hurt.

And I must apologise to those who haven’t seen Game of Thrones, for this edition might not be your cup of tea. But maybe — just maybe, and I say this with love — it’s time to catch up?