Power corrupts

Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

If you haven’t already, head over to bestofnorthernnevada.com and nominate your favorite local people, places and things. We’re sure you’ve got strong opinions about some—if not all—of the categories.

This first round of voting—an open-nomination primary—doesn’t attract as much attention as the second round of voting, which makes sense. People are more excited to root for their teams once they’ve actually made the playoffs. But here’s the thing: We also hear from disgruntled business owners, “Why weren’t we nominated in such-a-such category?” To which, we ask, “Well, did you vote in the primary round?”

So vote now. The glory of a year’s worth of bragging rights—not to mention a spiffy plaque on the wall—could be your reward.

And OK, apparently I’m in the minority, but I’m still really pumped about this season of Game of Thrones. Spoiler alert! I agreed with most of the complaints about episode 804, “The Last of the Starks”—a lot of the plot points felt rushed, and some of the female representation was really problematic and badly written. Not to mention the infamous coffee cup.

But I loved episode 805, “The Bells.” It wasn’t perfect, and it left me feeling sad and exhausted, but it was a great piece of writing. And the episode’s big plot-twist character moment was totally earned. Remember: power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Anyone who thinks they’re owed power, anyone who thinks it’s their birthright to sit on a throne, who spends their life gaining power, building armies and destroying enemies, will eventually turn evil.

Besides, I’m an American. I don’t believe in monarchs. I’ll never trust anyone who wants to be a king. Or a queen.