Too many comments to parse, so perhaps this has been pointed out, but Arya didn't say "I'm still me ... " She said: "A girl is Arya Stark of Winterfell, and I'm going home." The transition from third-person to first-person was striking, and important. A girl had to become No One in order to clear away the hate which clouded her perception of herself. The "odd behavior" of Arya strolling about the city, well, that was entirely consistent with her becoming No One -- only Some One would care.
12
Larusso! Outstanding.
2
I miss George R.R. Martin.
4
What was the reference to a rumor being looked into that Cersei asked in the throne room?
2
More wildfire - the napalm in GoT world.
1
Some think it's a reference to finding stores of wildfyre under the city not used at The Blackwater that Cersei can use to burn the city or something, but that seems too easy a guess for this show.
2
So when is Gendry going to show up?
2
Rumor has it (I made it up just now), that he's joined a group called the Brotherhood Without Bearings and is now somewhere off the east coast of Westeros.
3
LOL The wit in this crowd is pretty good.
2
Anyone else dwell on the "I prefer chicken" line? What were they eating? Well, what fresh meat was recently killed? The bone The Hound was gnawing on was rather large, certainly not a rabbit. Kind of disgusting but then again it's GOT.
2
I took it as a reference to the tavern scene in an earlier season when The Hound, still in possession of Arya and heading to The Vale to ransom her, killed several Lannister men who crossed him. Then he ate all their chicken and drank all their ale.
3
Great re-cap...thank you!
I think somehow, Jaime will be the valonqar who will cause Cersei's death. Tragic end to a tragic tale of twisted love.
1
Tywin reforged two swords out of Ned's Ice. One of them went to Joffrey, now it's passed to Tommen. I think Jamie will arrive in King's Landing too late to save Tommen, and will use that sword to kill Cersei in the heat of the moment.
The name of that sword is "Widow's Wail". As with the name "Hodor", I wonder if GRRM was playing the long game when he named it that?
The name of that sword is "Widow's Wail". As with the name "Hodor", I wonder if GRRM was playing the long game when he named it that?
3
I like Pod too, but he is a Payne, so some Starks might take offense...
In the preview, is Davos looking at Shireen's remains? How sad.
On what planet does this show take place? Or in a parallel universe?
1
The planet is never named. I would assume more 'other solar system' than parallel universe, but it's definitely not supposed to be our world.
2
Thanks, Andie!
Definitely not our planet and definitely a weird plant that shouldn't be hospitable for life. These long winters they speak of means that the planet does not have a balanced axis to turn around. Our moon makes that possible. Without a balanced axis the rotation will go out of whack essentially changing the poles every so many years. Winters will be very long or very short. Now when the winters get so long that nothing grows, essentially turning otherwise habitable areas into North and South pole every now and then, all life eventually dies no matter how tough its people are. If there is no vegetation, there is no food. You can only last so long without it.
Sorry about the long rant. I love this stuff.
Sorry about the long rant. I love this stuff.
8
Well, if brains has anything to do with winning the Iron Throne, Dany has about 100 IQ points on the witless Tommen.
8
He was such a coward he wouldn't even look his mother in the eye.
6
Never thought the opposite of Joffrey would be just as bad for the realm.
8
I wasn't disappointed with the episode at all. After watching a second time -- the Jamie/Brienne/Blackfish dynamic is exactly what GOT is about. Brienne and Blackfish have honor and pride, which got them nowhere. Blackfish would have had every last man of his killed in a painful 2 year siege to try to preserve his home -- is that really honorable at the end of the day). Brienne tried to persuade Blackfish with stories of honor and family -- and failed-- Jamie, who is morally amorphous, took the castle in an hour with the bloodshed of (maybe) one man by convincing the weakling Edmure that Jamie is utterly ruthless and will do anything. Country versus family. Honor versus expediency. How to walk the lines between these pillars and retain your decency and the lives of those you love is one of the major themes of GOT. That is exactly what we got in this episode, albeit more subtly and without bloodshed.
Arya is still a child -- as she reminded us when she stupidly paraded around Bravos before leaving. I thought her slicing the candle out was brilliant and understated. My one disappointment is that the scene shots of the chase were more Jet Li, and less GOT -- which usually shows it when people are injured and fighting. A little more pain and heaviness in the filming would have made it much better and more satisfying.
I can't wait to see what Varys is up to! And I wonder if Blackfish is really dead.
Arya is still a child -- as she reminded us when she stupidly paraded around Bravos before leaving. I thought her slicing the candle out was brilliant and understated. My one disappointment is that the scene shots of the chase were more Jet Li, and less GOT -- which usually shows it when people are injured and fighting. A little more pain and heaviness in the filming would have made it much better and more satisfying.
I can't wait to see what Varys is up to! And I wonder if Blackfish is really dead.
18
I've always thought that the design of the pyramid in Meereen is inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.
http://cdn.home-designing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Frank-Lloyd-Wri...
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/362258363748052481/
http://cdn.home-designing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Frank-Lloyd-Wri...
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/362258363748052481/
3
just to add my 2 cents on the Arya storyline...I keep reading "why was she just strolling about knowing trained assassins were after her?" I assume this was explicitly stated at some point. I imagine Jaqen told her this when he gave her the task. But (aside from the weird behavior) Arya seemed relieved and renewed, finally discovering her true self and maybe she was just a bit euphoric. When she confronts Jaqen she seems genuinely hurt that he sent the Waif to kill her, tears welling in her eyes. Maybe she just really believed she would get a pass, because of their friendship. He seemed to know that this life was not meant for her. He certainly didn't appear too mad about her decision. That is all.
3
Here's a theory: Jaime will have to kill Cersei to save Tyrion.
6
Most speculate that Cersei will use wildfire to burn down the city, or at least the Sept. That would be unoriginal. We've seen wildfire used before (by Tyrion, in defense of the city)... So, I hope the writers have a more original twist in store for us.
That's how Cersei is though - unoriginal. Tyrion schooled himself on the ways of the world to compensate for his disadvantages. Cersei dealt with her suffering in only negative ways: with resentment, drinking, and having affairs of her own. Once she was in position of power, violence became her primary tool. Cersei says "I choose violence." The reality is she doesn't know anything else.
There was an incident in early seasons where Maester Pycelle was trying to tell her "knowledge is power". She responded by ordering the guards nearby to seize him and execute him, only to belay that order a moment later, telling Pycelle "No, power is power."
It was Cersei who knew about the wildfire first, and wanted to use it at Blackwater. Tyrion found out about it through Lancel. And Bronn put the kibosh on the original plan once he saw only highly trained specialists can handle it safely.
Currently she is without friends, without power, with only the Mountain and Qyburn at her side. The Mountain can't kill everyone. What is Qyburn capable of besides of dark magic I wonder?
There was an incident in early seasons where Maester Pycelle was trying to tell her "knowledge is power". She responded by ordering the guards nearby to seize him and execute him, only to belay that order a moment later, telling Pycelle "No, power is power."
It was Cersei who knew about the wildfire first, and wanted to use it at Blackwater. Tyrion found out about it through Lancel. And Bronn put the kibosh on the original plan once he saw only highly trained specialists can handle it safely.
Currently she is without friends, without power, with only the Mountain and Qyburn at her side. The Mountain can't kill everyone. What is Qyburn capable of besides of dark magic I wonder?
1
I have to ring the Shame Bell on that one David. :)
It was Littlefinger telling Cersei knowledge is power and the subsequent action, not Pycelle.
It was Littlefinger telling Cersei knowledge is power and the subsequent action, not Pycelle.
6
You are right! That was Littlefinger.
1
I think we're purposely being bored by the series - everyone seems to think they're just dabbling for story lines, but I'm pretty sure it'll all be used as a big element of surprise in the next two episodes.
WE DID NOT SEE BLACKFISH DIE. Ergo, I assume he is not dead, and the Tullys may have a few more tricks up their sleeve. Edmure's surrender was exceedingly odd and got me very suspicious - something is brewing.
The whole thing with Arya was really strange - she looked like she was dying, then regained complete control. We are missing a bit of story there - was she really wounded? Or was it all pretend? What's the actress lady's part in that? We need some explanation there.
High time we get back to Bran and his dear uncle. What are they doing? Get to action, kids.
We are finally moving towards two concentrated fronts, though: Mereen, with the Targaryens and soon the Greyjoys, I assume; and Winterfell, where everything began. Apart from that, there's only a handful of characters left who are not headed to either; the Lannisters (for now), the ladies at Dorne if we ever get to see those again (but I assume they will be coming for the Lannisters, so that whittles it down again), and Gendry of course #stillrowing.
Speaking of Lannisters, Tommen's sudden robotic compliance with the Faith seems really suspicious to me. I feel an inside attack on the Faith brewing - what else has Margeary been doing?
Looking forward to next week!
WE DID NOT SEE BLACKFISH DIE. Ergo, I assume he is not dead, and the Tullys may have a few more tricks up their sleeve. Edmure's surrender was exceedingly odd and got me very suspicious - something is brewing.
The whole thing with Arya was really strange - she looked like she was dying, then regained complete control. We are missing a bit of story there - was she really wounded? Or was it all pretend? What's the actress lady's part in that? We need some explanation there.
High time we get back to Bran and his dear uncle. What are they doing? Get to action, kids.
We are finally moving towards two concentrated fronts, though: Mereen, with the Targaryens and soon the Greyjoys, I assume; and Winterfell, where everything began. Apart from that, there's only a handful of characters left who are not headed to either; the Lannisters (for now), the ladies at Dorne if we ever get to see those again (but I assume they will be coming for the Lannisters, so that whittles it down again), and Gendry of course #stillrowing.
Speaking of Lannisters, Tommen's sudden robotic compliance with the Faith seems really suspicious to me. I feel an inside attack on the Faith brewing - what else has Margeary been doing?
Looking forward to next week!
6
We did not see Stannis die, either. But two seasons later Brienne confirmed it.
4
It was actually only four episodes later, albeit with a season break in between.
3
They didn’t show Blackfish’s death because his previous screen time already served the purpose, and that Riverrun is really about Jamie.
The title of the episode is 'No One", the general theme is identity: Arya decided she is a Stark. Sandor is trying to figure out if he can be more than just a killer. Both Blackfish and Edmure adhered to the Tully motto "Family, Duty, Honor".
Brienne’s identity is that of knight, with all the attendant noble qualities. She is what Jamie wants to be but can't.
It is said “the sword is the soul of the samurai”. Jamie probably feels the same, in giving Oathkeeper to Brienne, he is saying "this represents the best part of me, what both of us aspire to, I can't always live up to that, but you keep going for the both of us."
Jamie was on his way to become that ideal knight in his previous travel with Brienne. But since then he seems to have regressed back to one who is indifferent to the fate of anyone except Cersei.
Now when Jamie is with Brienne he's the good Jamie of season 3. With Edmure he's like Tywin who wrote the letter that led to the Red Wedding - willing to be extremely cruel, dishonorable to one/few persons in order to accomplish the goal while incurring minimal waste of human lives.
Finally the farewell scene: he knows her being a true knight, will be compelled by honor to fight against him in the coming wars. This time bloodshed has been avoided, but the gulf between them will only grow larger from this point forward.
The title of the episode is 'No One", the general theme is identity: Arya decided she is a Stark. Sandor is trying to figure out if he can be more than just a killer. Both Blackfish and Edmure adhered to the Tully motto "Family, Duty, Honor".
Brienne’s identity is that of knight, with all the attendant noble qualities. She is what Jamie wants to be but can't.
It is said “the sword is the soul of the samurai”. Jamie probably feels the same, in giving Oathkeeper to Brienne, he is saying "this represents the best part of me, what both of us aspire to, I can't always live up to that, but you keep going for the both of us."
Jamie was on his way to become that ideal knight in his previous travel with Brienne. But since then he seems to have regressed back to one who is indifferent to the fate of anyone except Cersei.
Now when Jamie is with Brienne he's the good Jamie of season 3. With Edmure he's like Tywin who wrote the letter that led to the Red Wedding - willing to be extremely cruel, dishonorable to one/few persons in order to accomplish the goal while incurring minimal waste of human lives.
Finally the farewell scene: he knows her being a true knight, will be compelled by honor to fight against him in the coming wars. This time bloodshed has been avoided, but the gulf between them will only grow larger from this point forward.
7
Cersei is going to burn down Kings Landing with Dragon Fire. Jaime jumps out a window after hearing she is all burnt up. Danny comes back to Westeros with Dragons and makes iced tea out of the white walkers. Everyone vacations in Dorn. Sorry for the spoilers, I think.
11
"I guess the eunuch support group I proposed last week will have to make do with one less member."
--Bravo!
--Bravo!
4
I don't think Arya's time with the Faceless Men taught her parkour. I think it simply removed a substantial amount of fear that might make her hesitate. Notice that she wasn't particularly nimble or agile in what she did. she just wasn't afraid to jump and crash while on the run. The training DID do that. At least that's what I saw in the scene.
8
Qyburn's little "rumor" comment? He is talking about the rumor that Tommen is born of incest, through Cersei and Jaime. This would take down any power or rules he passed as King.
1
Its more that a rumor. And now Cersei knows.
I was thinking it could be a rumor about the head priest that would bring him down.
I think these past two episodes are the lines in the sand when HBO is taking over the storyline and leaving the books behind......
These last two episodes were so unbelievably.....predictable!!
I do hope this does not mark the moments when GOT 'jumped the shark'....
These last two episodes were so unbelievably.....predictable!!
I do hope this does not mark the moments when GOT 'jumped the shark'....
3
I just saw the preview. It's obvious. John Snow is taking off his belt and sword at the end to offer himself to the torturer in order to save the, "thousands of men." I always fast forward when Ramsay tortures. Regardless, it is too much. Adds nothing to the story. We've established he's bad. Enough. Please.
5
I hope not because we've seen that movie (narrative) before in this show.
Isn't Ramsey due for a loss even if he doesn't actually die. Would make the show more interesting and move the story forward if the Starks actually took back Winterfell rather than just pining for it.
Even the Lannisters have suffered set backs. Seems only Ramsey hasn't faced loss.
Isn't Ramsey due for a loss even if he doesn't actually die. Would make the show more interesting and move the story forward if the Starks actually took back Winterfell rather than just pining for it.
Even the Lannisters have suffered set backs. Seems only Ramsey hasn't faced loss.
3
the terminator waif was really good but the whole arya and myagi stunt was so eighties.
1
Prediction: Cersei will kill Tommen. It's the final horror of the prophecy: she'd be responsible for the death of her 3rd blond child.
just a thought
just a thought
5
Revised prediction: Jamie remarked this week that Cersei will do anything for her children. And she was all set to kill Tommen and Myrcella when she thought King's Landing was about to fall to Stannis at the Battle of Blackwater. I predict that Cersei will put a plot in motion that will try to kill Margery and/or the High Septon to "save" Tommen. Unfortunately, Tommen, without knowing it, will do something that ends up killing Cersei instead. Tommen would fulfill the prophecy of the valonqar.
3
My prediction is that to save her life Cersei will admit that tommen is not a Baratheon and will ring back gendry (or Jon snow?) and that this is the rumor she was discussing after tommen's ruling that had been confirmed by little birds (rumor is that gendry is still alive or perhaps r+l=j)
I don't like the handling of Arya in Bravos at all. In the books, she's cooperative and excels at her training. She learns some amazing things and her warg abilities kick in big time. The show has completely rewritten this story to conform to some worn old tropes from westerns, and it doesn't work.
This business of shifting the attack on Mereen from land to sea is absurd. Why would Danerys return with a khalasar to a naval battle? In the origibal story, she lands on the pyramid Just as her troops have lined up to fight the Masters. On a dragon - so we know the Masters are in trouble! This just isn't very rock star... And Danerys is a rock star. It is known.
This business of shifting the attack on Mereen from land to sea is absurd. Why would Danerys return with a khalasar to a naval battle? In the origibal story, she lands on the pyramid Just as her troops have lined up to fight the Masters. On a dragon - so we know the Masters are in trouble! This just isn't very rock star... And Danerys is a rock star. It is known.
10
In the original story? What do you mean? ADwD ends with Dany being taken by the khalasar. Are you talking about a preview chapter? Or the first time Dany took the city?
3
I thought episode eight was seriously flawed. The worst error being the way Arya dispatches the waif. After establishing her superior in combat week after week, we have been led to believe that this was a fight Arya could never win, something to avoid at all costs, Aside from the implausible Douglas Fairbanks chase scene through the market, to have her supposed victory take place offscreen is an unforgivably cheap way to resolve that narrative thread.
Second, the "calm before the storm" scene between Tyrion, Grey worm and Missandei was so flat I don't understand how it escaped the editors' red pencil. It made the attack seem just as predictable, which somehow also ruined the effect of Dany's entrance. Heavier-handed than Jaime Lannister.
Second, the "calm before the storm" scene between Tyrion, Grey worm and Missandei was so flat I don't understand how it escaped the editors' red pencil. It made the attack seem just as predictable, which somehow also ruined the effect of Dany's entrance. Heavier-handed than Jaime Lannister.
7
Arya vs. Waif: I think it would've been more believable if they did this:
1. Arya did not cut the candle that close to the top, so (like other readers have pointed out) the flame wouldn't extinguish before it hit the ground.
2. The waif should be startled by this and freeze in the middle of her advance. Either by the dying light or exaggerated sound of thrust, show Arya in one continuous water dancer-like motion circle back the sword to stab the Waif.
Calm before the storm: Tyrion is smart, but his formal governing experience consisted of the brief time Tywin made him the hand. It's only right that he would suffers setbacks in a situation as new to him and as complex as Meereen's. I think that's the writers way of commenting on how difficult it is to change social, economic, cultural institutions: we see Tyrion brushing aside concerns by Varys, Grey Worm, and Missandei. He thought he was the master of art of deal. That it was mission accomplished. So much so he had time to conduct master classes on comedy and wine.
Fortunately for them, large concentration of ships laying siege to the city happens to be the type of problem Dany can simply set fire to. We can only hope she doesn't get mad and lose faith in Tyrion like Grey Worm and Missandei did. Or that this, combined with her recent triumph with the Dothrakis, make Dany think ultimately Fire and Blood is the only answer.
1. Arya did not cut the candle that close to the top, so (like other readers have pointed out) the flame wouldn't extinguish before it hit the ground.
2. The waif should be startled by this and freeze in the middle of her advance. Either by the dying light or exaggerated sound of thrust, show Arya in one continuous water dancer-like motion circle back the sword to stab the Waif.
Calm before the storm: Tyrion is smart, but his formal governing experience consisted of the brief time Tywin made him the hand. It's only right that he would suffers setbacks in a situation as new to him and as complex as Meereen's. I think that's the writers way of commenting on how difficult it is to change social, economic, cultural institutions: we see Tyrion brushing aside concerns by Varys, Grey Worm, and Missandei. He thought he was the master of art of deal. That it was mission accomplished. So much so he had time to conduct master classes on comedy and wine.
Fortunately for them, large concentration of ships laying siege to the city happens to be the type of problem Dany can simply set fire to. We can only hope she doesn't get mad and lose faith in Tyrion like Grey Worm and Missandei did. Or that this, combined with her recent triumph with the Dothrakis, make Dany think ultimately Fire and Blood is the only answer.
4
"A man is underwhelmed." I laughed out loud when I read this line.
7
My guess is that the next obstacle in Arya's (or perhaps Brienne's) journey will be a member of the Knights who say Ni, guarding a stream crossing. It's getting harder and harder to keep a straight face!
5
Why did Brienne have to escape? It is not like Jaime would kill her or even held her. They have nothing to fight about once the Tully's surrendered.
2
She has Oathkeeper. Despite Jamie giving it to her, the Lannister soldiers would have taken it from her.
I don't understand why they are spending precious moments on banter between the Hound and Beric or Bron and Pod. No Bran and Uncle Benin, no flashbacks explaining who John really is, no updates on Winterfell and what is happening with Rickon, and only a peek of Danerys and Drogon. The writers must have a lot packed into episodes 9 and 10 OR will leave a lot of loose ends untied. Impatiently waiting for next week.
6
1) Bran's storyline is zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
2) A show like this, with all its violence, needs comic relief - Just like Outlander. Even Reservoir Dogs and The Sopranos had this. All violence film,TV.
2) A show like this, with all its violence, needs comic relief - Just like Outlander. Even Reservoir Dogs and The Sopranos had this. All violence film,TV.
3
My wife had an interesting theory on Arya. Her direwolf Nymeria is still alive, presumably. Stark kids have some kind of supernatural link with their direwolves. Perhaps Arya is able to get some kind of natural stamina/healing from Nymeria? Otherwise the stabbing should have killed her.
11
I wonder if the oft discussed, but never resolved Russian in the Jersey Pine Barrens from The Sopranos (2nd to last season?) will show up in Game of Thrones.
10
Yes, he will. He time-travelled by way of Claire Randall's Scottish magic stones.
2
season 3, ep 11
1
Correction: The Czechoslovakian interior decorator.
Where is Ghost? I've lost track. I think that Jon will need him next episode even though he is undead...
5
I'm so confused.
4
I'd love it if all the Danerys Targaren hoopla was a cover and the real Queen was Brienne of Tarth. She is the only one who displays all of the traits of nobility one would expect in a queen and dragon tamer. Her hair and eyes are the right colors for a Targaryen (if Danerys is the example) dragon rider and her subtle flirtation with the wildling warrior is the perfect foreshadowing of an alliance to conquer the Night King.
25
I would never criticize an episode where Arya gets to say: "Im not no one. I'm Arya Stark and I'm going home." Jaqen was probably rooting for her all along.
35
Who is next inline if Tommen gets bumped off?
4
Since the Baraetheon's and the Lannisters inherit through the male, probably some distant cousin (I suspect Lancel will be getting his, so forget him) a la Downton Abbey.
Hard to say, as Tommen is the last of the Baratheons.
Don' t you mean when?
2
I don't see Jamie's and Brienne's relationship as "smoldering" at all. If anything, I see her as the sister he never had or, perhaps, his only real friend. She's the only person who sees him as someone honorable - a knight and not the king slayer. I think this will be Jamie's arc - is he an honorable knight or a Lannister? We'll see what happens when he realizes what Cersei is up to.
30
I don't ship Jaime and Brienne, either, though I cherish their relationship. I think each sees the other as a true friend, one of the only they ever had.
1
I thought this was the best episode of this season. I liked the resolution at Riverrun, how the Hound got his vengience, how Arya moved on (finally) and mostly Danny showing up in the nick of time. I also liked no white walkers, no Jon Snow, no Dorne.
Agree Tryion once the strongest character is kept around for "jokes". Odd.
Really looking forward to the great battle(s) next week. The last few have been pretty much off camera.
I think this is were we are headed. Jon Snow was raised from the dead pointlessly. He gets dead again and good riddance. Cersei is just too evil to not have a second wind. In fact, I think the ideal conclusion is an epic battle between Danny and Cersei. Danny wins and her dragons melt the white walkers.
Agree Tryion once the strongest character is kept around for "jokes". Odd.
Really looking forward to the great battle(s) next week. The last few have been pretty much off camera.
I think this is were we are headed. Jon Snow was raised from the dead pointlessly. He gets dead again and good riddance. Cersei is just too evil to not have a second wind. In fact, I think the ideal conclusion is an epic battle between Danny and Cersei. Danny wins and her dragons melt the white walkers.
5
Tyrion has become irrelevant. He had a purpose as a counter to the other Lannisters.
3
This outcome for Arya made the most sense despite the highly fantastical (even for GoT) predictions we read here the last couple of weeks. The only weak spot for me was that Needle was secreted seemingly so far away (although it did give us that great chase). Arya's good-bye (for now) to Jaqen was priceless. I found it very satisfying. I do agree this diversion (like several others) just take up too much screen time. I did very much enjoy the actor playing Jaqen and there was definite chemistry between him and Arya on screen; but as you say, it was largely for naught (again, at least so far). I suspect Jaqen will be back for the final battle.
I'm not sure what the 'twincest' had to do with turning Edmure. I would suspect the threat was enough, although it's hard to see why. He wasn't eager for the marriage, and in this world, the kid could not have meant more to him than betraying his uncle and Riverrun. I was sorry to see the Blackfish go. He seemed like one of the more interesting and promising characters.
I was disappointed and confused by the Brotherhood's not letting The Hound kill the men more savagely (or limit him to 1 or 2)? Why? Why not let him disembowel at least the yellow-cloaked leader?
I'm not sure what the 'twincest' had to do with turning Edmure. I would suspect the threat was enough, although it's hard to see why. He wasn't eager for the marriage, and in this world, the kid could not have meant more to him than betraying his uncle and Riverrun. I was sorry to see the Blackfish go. He seemed like one of the more interesting and promising characters.
I was disappointed and confused by the Brotherhood's not letting The Hound kill the men more savagely (or limit him to 1 or 2)? Why? Why not let him disembowel at least the yellow-cloaked leader?
6
The twincest story was important because it showed to Edmure the lengths Jaime will go to get back to Cercei.
1
I thought Jaime's armor made him look like a cockroach.
Ian Menzies sure looks a lot younger here than he does as a Randall (or two) in Outlander. Shouldn't a Frank Randall and an Edmure Tully be about the same age?
Blackfish looks like he lost his dentures.
The half-smile of Jaquen that one of the posters mentioned - I think he was proud of Arya.
Ian Menzies sure looks a lot younger here than he does as a Randall (or two) in Outlander. Shouldn't a Frank Randall and an Edmure Tully be about the same age?
Blackfish looks like he lost his dentures.
The half-smile of Jaquen that one of the posters mentioned - I think he was proud of Arya.
4
what happened to Ellaria and the two sand snakes?? Has that storyline sailed away?
5
They are safely docked at Bay of Dead-end Plots.
19
Actually Dorne has a very important role to play in the conflict between the houses.
Remember Olenna Tyrell was busy writing a letter while at the same time schooling Cersei? If she is anything like Tywin (whose letter led to the Red Wedding), which she is, then her enemies should be very concerned about her correspondences. Yes she needs to get rid of the High Sparrow, but she probably sees the Lannisters as the bigger, long-term threat. So who else really hate the Lannisters - House Martell of Dorne.
And what about Varys, who is he going to see? He too wants to overthrow the Lannisters. So he may go seek their alliances as well.
Remember Olenna Tyrell was busy writing a letter while at the same time schooling Cersei? If she is anything like Tywin (whose letter led to the Red Wedding), which she is, then her enemies should be very concerned about her correspondences. Yes she needs to get rid of the High Sparrow, but she probably sees the Lannisters as the bigger, long-term threat. So who else really hate the Lannisters - House Martell of Dorne.
And what about Varys, who is he going to see? He too wants to overthrow the Lannisters. So he may go seek their alliances as well.
2
I just wonder, what ever happened to the Imp we all knew and loved? Maybe he won to many Emmys.
3
I'm starting to like the playhouse Tyrion better.
5
Tyrion has been boring for quite awhile. The problem is they have never made a case for why he chooses to be on Daneary's side.
Would love to see a conversation between Yoda and the Faceless Man.
Would love to see a conversation between Yoda and the Faceless Man.
12
All the discussion about Wildfire.... realize this has to be a new stash as what was there was used in the Battle of Blackwater when Tyrion blew up Stannis' ships - Thus the rumor is they made more.
8
Honestly, compared to the first four seasons, I'm underwhelmed. This one has seemed like a ghost compared to those. The script wanders around, opaque, wispy, puzzling.
There have been bursts of greatness and last night's developments in The Hound's story line were among those. I also can't complain about the events at Meereen. I did also enjoy seeing The Mountster rip that sparrow's head off. And I was electrified by the possibilities of what Cersei and the Mad Maester have uncovered. She ran calling wildfyre?
But I have to agree with so many other posters and Jeremy. The entire Arya story since she used that iron coin after leaving The Hound for dead has been confusing and disappointing if not boring. I love Jaqen H'ghar and wish him much more air time to come but maybe the message that Arya has now become a lean, mean, fighting machine (especially in the dark?) has fallen through the cracks between the belly stabbings and roof jumpings. Seems like a LOT of time spent on getting us here, for what?
And if the other Dornish shoe doesn't drop soon I'm going to go crazy. Are we to write that whole detour off as a waste of valuable time? The only story line given less attention after such a noisy beginning this season has been the whereabouts of Gendry.
I hope the Wise Masters didn't capture Varys heading out as they were heading in.
And I hope the Starks have a better go at House Bolton than Stannis did. Maybe they'll get some help from the missing Sand Snakes and Bronn?
There have been bursts of greatness and last night's developments in The Hound's story line were among those. I also can't complain about the events at Meereen. I did also enjoy seeing The Mountster rip that sparrow's head off. And I was electrified by the possibilities of what Cersei and the Mad Maester have uncovered. She ran calling wildfyre?
But I have to agree with so many other posters and Jeremy. The entire Arya story since she used that iron coin after leaving The Hound for dead has been confusing and disappointing if not boring. I love Jaqen H'ghar and wish him much more air time to come but maybe the message that Arya has now become a lean, mean, fighting machine (especially in the dark?) has fallen through the cracks between the belly stabbings and roof jumpings. Seems like a LOT of time spent on getting us here, for what?
And if the other Dornish shoe doesn't drop soon I'm going to go crazy. Are we to write that whole detour off as a waste of valuable time? The only story line given less attention after such a noisy beginning this season has been the whereabouts of Gendry.
I hope the Wise Masters didn't capture Varys heading out as they were heading in.
And I hope the Starks have a better go at House Bolton than Stannis did. Maybe they'll get some help from the missing Sand Snakes and Bronn?
13
"She ran calling wildfyre"
Snort! :-D
Snort! :-D
2
I'd say two poor episodes in a row. As Jeremy wrote there is quiet a bit of letdown. Tyrion is sounding like the court jester at this point. Riverrun? Please. Are we now going to wonder if Brienne and Pod are going to keep rowing for a few more seasons or run into Gentry? Horses seem to come and go at will this season. Is there someone that rounds up loose horses whose owners seem to get killed or lose them here and there and sells them like lost golf balls? No longer would you trade your kingdom for a horse.
I'm still giving Arya a pass here. She's what now? 15? How street wise were any of us at that age? She's trying to find a boat to get back to Westeros or Winterfell. Give her a break for walking through the market.
I say it's more likely that the secret Qyburn knows is that Margery is the one pulling the strings on this trial thing. Her number one threat is not the high sparrow, but Margery. That would be the kind of secret little children are bound to overhear. Not that the Red Keep is mined with wildfire.
I'm still giving Arya a pass here. She's what now? 15? How street wise were any of us at that age? She's trying to find a boat to get back to Westeros or Winterfell. Give her a break for walking through the market.
I say it's more likely that the secret Qyburn knows is that Margery is the one pulling the strings on this trial thing. Her number one threat is not the high sparrow, but Margery. That would be the kind of secret little children are bound to overhear. Not that the Red Keep is mined with wildfire.
13
Agreed...a woman is underwhelmed. By the whole season. It doesn't seem like there are enough quality writers on this show.
12
They don't have a book to use for guidance.
9
Not underwhelmed at all, Jeremy. LOVED that the Waif closed the door, effectively closing the door on her life - Arya can fight in the dark. Don't know why she didn't kill Jaquen on her way out, but husband says Arya now has the confidence not to have a kill list (which Jaquen would have rightfully been on given that he wanted Arya murdered). Sad to sad goodbye to the handsome and intense (Jaquen though (I assume this is the end of his story, unless Dany institutes Essos-wide reforms that include abolishing the Faceless men).
AM underwhelmed that Jaime gets away with incest, Cersei doesn't. Tommen must go. Tommen reminds me of the lion cub speech in The Agamemnon. How he turned on his mother!
IIRC, Cersei and Qyburn are planning to use some of the same Napalm-like stuff that Medea placed on her rival's wedding dress.
A woman is not underwhelmed by Arya's story. A woman is bored in advance, by the combat scenes to come.
Give Sandor Clegane's portrayer an Emmy.
AM underwhelmed that Jaime gets away with incest, Cersei doesn't. Tommen must go. Tommen reminds me of the lion cub speech in The Agamemnon. How he turned on his mother!
IIRC, Cersei and Qyburn are planning to use some of the same Napalm-like stuff that Medea placed on her rival's wedding dress.
A woman is not underwhelmed by Arya's story. A woman is bored in advance, by the combat scenes to come.
Give Sandor Clegane's portrayer an Emmy.
13
Jaquen was a lot more fun as a field agent. He is too cool for school back at the corporate headquarters.
44
I was hoping the Waif would lock the door.
2
While you're at it, give Sandor Clegane's makeup artist an Emmy.
1
Jaime will be the valonqhar (correct spelling?). He's younger than her by a few minutes, he's killed a regent before to save lives, and she will be over the edge from Tommen's death. And then he will kill himself so he can be with her. But not til next season, after the trial by septons, possible wildfire let loose.
The other possibility is Kevan whose certainly has his reasons. And he doesn't even know about her fling with Lancel.
I can't really see any other younger brother killing her. Tyrion is too far away. The Hound will be hanging out with BWB in the Riverlands or further north. Who else is there? maybe Loras?
The other possibility is Kevan whose certainly has his reasons. And he doesn't even know about her fling with Lancel.
I can't really see any other younger brother killing her. Tyrion is too far away. The Hound will be hanging out with BWB in the Riverlands or further north. Who else is there? maybe Loras?
3
It would make for terrifying symmetry if Jamie kills Cersei:
It was Jamie who killed the Mad King for trying to set fire to the whole city.
And now, Tommen basically sentenced her mother to death by outlawing trial by combat. Can totally see Cersei becoming the Mad Queen in her attempt to set fire to all who are against her at King's Landing: the High Sparrow, Faith Militants, Kevan, Maester Pycelle, the Tyrells...
So perhaps Jamie gets to the city, was forced to kill Cersei as the only way to save Tommen and the city. But he will fail, Tommen would be dead, and everything turns to ash. Exhausted, he will once again sit alone on the Iron Throne, wondering who and what will come next...
It was Jamie who killed the Mad King for trying to set fire to the whole city.
And now, Tommen basically sentenced her mother to death by outlawing trial by combat. Can totally see Cersei becoming the Mad Queen in her attempt to set fire to all who are against her at King's Landing: the High Sparrow, Faith Militants, Kevan, Maester Pycelle, the Tyrells...
So perhaps Jamie gets to the city, was forced to kill Cersei as the only way to save Tommen and the city. But he will fail, Tommen would be dead, and everything turns to ash. Exhausted, he will once again sit alone on the Iron Throne, wondering who and what will come next...
1
Definitely underwhelmed by this episode. I did not buy Arya's story line at all; why the heck would she parade around the city knowing that assassins with changeable faces are after her?!? Weak. And the Riverrun/Blackfish stuff was weak too. But this was a really good episode for Jamie. He owned his scenes, and his character arc is proceeding nicely along. I thought the joking in Mereen was pretty fun, especially Grey worm's (this one is joking!!).
Looking forward to something MUCH better in the final 2 episodes.
Looking forward to something MUCH better in the final 2 episodes.
13
yes, I found myself thinking "the Waif could just wear another face and catch her unawares again, this time finishing her off".
The chase was waaaaay too much like a conventional film chase scene. The Arya/Faceless Men story arc could have been so much more.
The chase was waaaaay too much like a conventional film chase scene. The Arya/Faceless Men story arc could have been so much more.
6
Thinking back now, I am more and more convinced that Arya deliberately drew attention to herself BeCAuse assassins were after her. She had needle stashed away in a dark place where she knew she could have the advantage in a fight. she needed a way to lure the waif there. Hence, the strut around the city announcing that she is a westerosi, when she plans to sail, etc etc. Then lead the fight back to the cellar and turn out the lights.
It worked for me.
It worked for me.
4
The Hound made the episode. He was all action and little talk -- but what he did say was funny, cynical and direct. His energy redeemed an episode full of head-scratchingly dull moments. The Riverrun storyline was a total dud. Why bring the Blackfish back, this great actor, only to give him one or two scenes, then die off camera? Big miss there. I would have liked to have at least HEARD Arya dispatching the Waif, if we were not allowed to see it because it was dark. The poor girl has been beaten and bullied by her nemesis for so long. Despite that letdown, liked the fact that Arya is getting out of Braavos already. Not today, death.
17
The Hound but also, as alway, Bronn.
10
Did anyone else think that the Waif ran after Arya like Robert Patrick in Terminator 2?
69
Rules of cyborg running:
1. upon reaching an intersection, full stop.
2. turn head to perform full scan of the surrounding area. Stop when escapee is spotted.
3. turn rest of the body.
4. start running.
5. be expressionless, maintaining ramrod straight optimal running posture, no jumping.
1. upon reaching an intersection, full stop.
2. turn head to perform full scan of the surrounding area. Stop when escapee is spotted.
3. turn rest of the body.
4. start running.
5. be expressionless, maintaining ramrod straight optimal running posture, no jumping.
14
Yes! I was thinking during that scene that "she runs well!" Then realized the T2 resemblance a few minutes ago.
4
You're spot on with this 4Bagger. Seemed like the director wanted a terminator feel to that scene by making the waif look nonhuman as she chased down Ayra.
2
I find it hard to believe that anyone could think Brienne and Jaime would wind up together. Cersei dead, Cersei alive, Jaime loves Cersei. He loves Cersei even though he is aware she is a terrible person and that she brings grief onto her family. But he's got that kind of love that is going to forgive her every flaw.
What he sees in Brienne, I think, is how he might normally feel about a real sister. The one person who not only cares for him and asks nothing in return, but sees good in him. Cersei asks so much of Jaime, to lower himself to make her happy. Bronn wants money. Tywin wanted Jaime to play a role. Tyrion always loved Jaime but had no illusions that Jaime was anything other than a mercenary Lannister. But Brienne has put herself on the line for Jaime, and he has for her. She sees something in him that is noble and bright and decent. She tells him this. And even if he never shows that side of himself, he knows he has a devoted friend who asks nothing of him and thinks there is something magnificent beneath the surface.
But his romantic love will always be Cersei's, and should she die, he will likely be alone the rest of his life, I'd reckon.
What he sees in Brienne, I think, is how he might normally feel about a real sister. The one person who not only cares for him and asks nothing in return, but sees good in him. Cersei asks so much of Jaime, to lower himself to make her happy. Bronn wants money. Tywin wanted Jaime to play a role. Tyrion always loved Jaime but had no illusions that Jaime was anything other than a mercenary Lannister. But Brienne has put herself on the line for Jaime, and he has for her. She sees something in him that is noble and bright and decent. She tells him this. And even if he never shows that side of himself, he knows he has a devoted friend who asks nothing of him and thinks there is something magnificent beneath the surface.
But his romantic love will always be Cersei's, and should she die, he will likely be alone the rest of his life, I'd reckon.
39
I totally agree. He's never had a sister relationship. Should the writers ruin that, it would be so banal. I am more than underwhelmed by the writing this season.
13
I would add that Jamie recognizes that, contrary to their status, Brienne is the true knight, something he will never be.
4
BORING episode. No risk taking. Slow set up of a boring chess board. Disappointed!
8
What a sublime sentence! "I guess the eunuch support group I proposed last week will have to make do with one less member." That goes down in the annals [yup, going there] of double and potentially triple entendre, depending upon how you count your member[s].
8
Nothing from nothing leaves nothing, ya gotta have nothing, if ya wanna beee with me.
1
The "rumor" is the secret room that houses the mad king's Wildfire stash. She's going to burn King's Landing to the ground with it.
12
I think so too. & I think Jaime gave us a hint of that when he was talking about Cersei and Catelyn's love for their children - they would turn "cities to ash" to protect their babies.
14
Those stores where used in the Battle for Blackwater Bay by Tyrion. In that episode, Tyrion had just enough to cause chaos to disrupt Stannis' naval attack on King's Landing but not totally stop it. After Qyburn mentions the rumors to be true, the next scene cuts to Tyrion in Meereen. This series has a habit of tipping off open ended statements with the following scene.
The episode demonstrates how stupid Cersei really is. Parading her Golum in front of the Faith Militant, when she should have been keeping him a secret.
5
She can't trust anybody to walk around without him any more. Remember how she was caught off-guard by the high sparrow and thrown in the dungeon.
13
Or she should have had him wipe out the lot of them.
1
at times she is all tactics and little strategy. Being evil just to enjoy being evil. But this is nothing new; she has often been shown to let her Queen of Mean side drive her to foolish decisions and actions. The Lannisters were greatly weakened when Tywin died.
5
another one for the pedantically not realistic files - slicing a lit candle in half does not instantly extinguish it. It just drops the lit half on the floor, presumably starting a fire.
4
Except there was nothing in that room but the dirt floor
2
This comment made me chuckle. I started to think of other ways in which the GOT world is not like my world. For example, Arya has been growing for two years and yet Needle is still exactly the right size? Maybe Needle grew a little, too? It is better not to go down the path of realism!
7
She hasn't exactly been growing north and south. The Needle will always be the right size for her.
1
This was definitely an uneven episode. I was surprised by the "no twist" Arya plotline, but something is wrong about this whole thing. Things do not add up. We've already talked about Arya boldly strolling about daring the Waif to come get her, which seems unrealistic. Then we have the stabbings and Arya somehow manages to come through after being stabbing, almost drowning, etc. So Lady Crane puts a band-aid on and Arya is suddenly better? And what was Lady Crane reaching for when the Waif nabbed her? And didn't Arya just get a dose of the poppy? How the hell was she then able to leap tall buildings in a single bound? Help me here!
10
I don't think Lady Crane was evil, but she might have had a bit of the Red Witch in her. When she reached for that bottle I could only think about Lady Melisandre's table top covered in bottles when she changed into her hag self. Maybe it wasn't just milk of the poppy she was administering?
2
a gut wound is pretty serious, especially in a world that doesn't even have antibiotics. Yes, she recovered pretty quickly; even in a best-case scenario it should have taken months before she could run around like that.
6
I call upon the tech community to devise an algorithm (if it hasn't already) to calculate exactly how many escape events can be crammed into a chase scene before it becomes repetitive and tiresome. That is, how many alley-ways can be jumped over from rooftop to rooftop, how many markets can the pursued crash through and overturn baskets of food with resulting yelling vendors, how many narrow alleys can be run down before an open doorway pops into view, etc.?
I'm pretty sure the Waif/Arya chase scene was easily three events overextended and that got distracting. Overall, I share the writer's sense of disappointment; some really fine scene work (Jaime/Brienne, the Hound doing anything and Cersei understanding how totally screwed she is), but lots of extraneous filler, too. Finish up strong, GOT, you can do it!
I'm pretty sure the Waif/Arya chase scene was easily three events overextended and that got distracting. Overall, I share the writer's sense of disappointment; some really fine scene work (Jaime/Brienne, the Hound doing anything and Cersei understanding how totally screwed she is), but lots of extraneous filler, too. Finish up strong, GOT, you can do it!
9
Arya was nonchalantly walking around Braavos because she was hoping to attract the assassin, and lead her into the cave to execute her plan. It just played out over two episodes ... Arya had to be grievously injured in this fight, as we knew the Waif was better trained overall. I agree with those who say the physical feats were difficult to believe, but we've seen that before.
My impression was that the actress had some malicious intent in giving Arya milk of the poppy. The actress seemed malevolent in preparing another dose, just as the Waif killed her.
I believe there must be need for an assassin in the storyline, and Arya had to undergo the hardship to be trained. Faceless men knew she would never be one of them, because no one who is noble has been able to subsume their pride.
I think the Cersei prophecy will be fulfilled ... Tommen will die, and perhaps as a consequence of Cersei saving herself. Arya may assassinate Cersei.
Dany was able to ride the dragon to Meeran. That was the meaning of the shot of the dragon nearly simultaneously with her appearance.
Meeran gets help from the Greyjoy renegade fleet. Theon among the Unsullied is too good - it needs at least a 5 minute scene. They are heading for Westeros.
My impression was that the actress had some malicious intent in giving Arya milk of the poppy. The actress seemed malevolent in preparing another dose, just as the Waif killed her.
I believe there must be need for an assassin in the storyline, and Arya had to undergo the hardship to be trained. Faceless men knew she would never be one of them, because no one who is noble has been able to subsume their pride.
I think the Cersei prophecy will be fulfilled ... Tommen will die, and perhaps as a consequence of Cersei saving herself. Arya may assassinate Cersei.
Dany was able to ride the dragon to Meeran. That was the meaning of the shot of the dragon nearly simultaneously with her appearance.
Meeran gets help from the Greyjoy renegade fleet. Theon among the Unsullied is too good - it needs at least a 5 minute scene. They are heading for Westeros.
8
I don't think there was any malicious intent by "Lady Crane" - they just needed to get her up on a ladder reaching for something so the Waif could kill her.
7
Meereen doesn't need any help from them the Greyjoys. The city has dragons.
3
When the ships arrived I thought they were the Greyjoys. I'm not too good at reading the sigils.
15
ya know, recap, be nice you had one or two lede grafs that actually summarized the story without all your snarky addons ?
like, say, this is a *news*paper ?
like, say, this is a *news*paper ?
3
Oh, get a sense of humor.
12
This forum assumes everyone present has watched the show, or at least briefed him/herself on the events.
8
And has a sense of humor.
9
"one less member"!!!! C'mon, dude!
5
Even with possible a several week timespan not made explicit by the show, it is doubtful Arya could have been that spry after the initial attack. However, no one will care about that oversight once she is back in Westeros and lets the Late Lord Frey see all his heirs assassinated before Arya slowly slits his throat.
8
Think her thing is going to be gouging out the eyes.
6
Per your question, yes I did find a number of elements in the episode disappointing and anticlimactic. Overall, it seems like now that there are no books to use as guidance, the producers/writers are a little lost on character development and plot choices. Along with the Arya arc, I also found how Clegane went about avenging last week's wipeout of Brother Ray and his followers a let-down.
On another note, I suspect Blackfish isn't dead. If he is, then talk about an anticlimactic way to get rid of him -- by just having someone announce he's dead.
And a second week of no Bran! What is going on with his story line? At least we will get to see Jon and that horrible Bolton guy battle next week.
On another note, I suspect Blackfish isn't dead. If he is, then talk about an anticlimactic way to get rid of him -- by just having someone announce he's dead.
And a second week of no Bran! What is going on with his story line? At least we will get to see Jon and that horrible Bolton guy battle next week.
5
"...the eunuch support group...will have to make do with one less member."
Golf clap, Mr Egner.
Golf clap, Mr Egner.
9
Is it possible that the Blackfish didn't actually die? We don't actually see his death. Maybe he and Edmure take the Tully forces up North to Winterfell?
11
Doubt it re the army. Do you think the Freys would let them live? Maybe Jaime will give them a choice: be slaughtered by the Freys or swear allegiance to the Lannisters, or he will get Edmure to command them to join the Lannisters. Edmure isn't a free man either. He is Frey's prisoner once again, unless Jaime makes him his prisoner instead.
3
I don't think the Blackfish is alive. I do think that Edmure is going to help his niece. He's not likely to take revenge on his new family, the Freys, so that leaves the other Red Wedding co-conspirators, the Boltons. The Riverrrun plotline has to do more than just get Jaime out of Kings Landing.
On a sidenote, these comments about why Edmure should care about a woman he barely knows and a child he's never seen: he was, if you recall, pretty pleased with the bride Lord Frey provided. And the child, of course, is his only heir.
However, the distance they'd need to cover to get to Winterfell is well over a 1000 miles. Of course, we've seen people travel great distances in a single episode.
On a sidenote, these comments about why Edmure should care about a woman he barely knows and a child he's never seen: he was, if you recall, pretty pleased with the bride Lord Frey provided. And the child, of course, is his only heir.
However, the distance they'd need to cover to get to Winterfell is well over a 1000 miles. Of course, we've seen people travel great distances in a single episode.
7
That would be cool!
I'm pretty sure Cersei and Qyburn were talking about Wild Fire being stashed underneath various parts of the City but one has to wonder: how will they use it to help Cersei? Will they set the whole City on fire? I also have to wonder if this will result in Tommen's death...since according to the prophecy (given to Cersei when she was young) all of her children will die. Tommen's days are numbered anyway....he's too weak and vulnerable to stay around for that long. Think of the cruel irony if she indirectly kills her own son with Wildfire!
The writers could have done a better job with Arya's story and circumstances. It's just not believable that she would be shanked so many times and not bleed out, plus... the fact that she was being so aloof and naive about walking around town, not worrying about a thing in the world...especially since, HELLO the waif has been counting the seconds to when she can let loose on lady Stark and carve her up into pieces. Come on writers....that was not realistic. You gotta go deeper and get a little more creative with these types of settings.
Love seeing the Hound back in action. He brings a lot to this series!
Always look forward to your reviews Jeremy!!!
The writers could have done a better job with Arya's story and circumstances. It's just not believable that she would be shanked so many times and not bleed out, plus... the fact that she was being so aloof and naive about walking around town, not worrying about a thing in the world...especially since, HELLO the waif has been counting the seconds to when she can let loose on lady Stark and carve her up into pieces. Come on writers....that was not realistic. You gotta go deeper and get a little more creative with these types of settings.
Love seeing the Hound back in action. He brings a lot to this series!
Always look forward to your reviews Jeremy!!!
13
Who is next inline after Tommen?
2
Thanks, Jeremy. Great review as always. I especially like your analysis of Jamie.
I think the Tyrion drinking scene is not just filler but also an indication of where Tyrion is at emotionally in Mereen. He has no sister to spar with verbally and politically, no lover to argue with or sleep with, no brother to share love. With Varys gone, there is no one in this alien culture he can relate to. Is he, too, headed back to Westeros?
I think the Tyrion drinking scene is not just filler but also an indication of where Tyrion is at emotionally in Mereen. He has no sister to spar with verbally and politically, no lover to argue with or sleep with, no brother to share love. With Varys gone, there is no one in this alien culture he can relate to. Is he, too, headed back to Westeros?
8
I look forward to the show every Sunday night, but my week's GoT viewing is not finished until I read your review. Well done every week!
12
The recaps and the comments always extend for me the pleasure of the show.
11
Does anyone else think it is strange that it took four years for anyone to get anywhere in this show and now Jon Snow and Ramsey Bolton have gathered two armies from hither and yon in a just a few weeks?
6
"Does anyone else think it is strange that it took four years for anyone to get anywhere in this show and now Jon Snow and Ramsey Bolton have gathered two armies from hither and yon in a just a few weeks?"
Now that the TV writers are in charge stuff will happen, no more languorous following of GRRM's tortuously circuitous routes to dead ends.
Now that the TV writers are in charge stuff will happen, no more languorous following of GRRM's tortuously circuitous routes to dead ends.
1
Yes. These writers are fully capable of inventing their own tortuously circuitous routes to dead ends. I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Kind of.
5
Two dragons still in the basement of the pyramid... I'd wager they're out toasting slaver ships very soon.
9
Tyrion already released them.
1
He released them from the chains around their necks but did he actually set them free from the crypt? I worry about those stupid dragons like they're real!
6
They're still in the crypt. If they weren't, it would have been shown or alluded to. i.e, more farmers losing their goats.
2
I also think Cercei is doomed; only her death will free Jamie to lead the Lannister army in the fight against the Night King. (Every human army is ultimately going to have to band together against him to defeat him.)
11
Well. I don't think so. Men armies are not going to be the white walkers. That's dragon's work.
Cersei is too evil to kill off.
Cersei is too evil to kill off.
1
I was just happy to see Jaime conduct an expedition without losing any body parts or family members.
3
I read all the other reviews and yours is the best. You weave intelligence, humor and clarity into a thought provoking article. I, too, am underwhelmed with not only this episode but this season as well. The characters with whom I have invested emotion and concern are not given enough air time this season, too many characters, not enough focus on the main, interesting, endearing characters, just too meandering hopping from one place to another. At this point I only care about Ayra and Davros and her story is preposterous and his wisdom is not on display enough.
6
I laughed. I cried. It was better than Cats. This man was overwhelmed. Great episode.
6
Thanks for the reviews; I have been following along all season! As for Cersi and Qyburn's little secret: I believe Cersi will order Qyburn to unleash the remainder of the Wildfire stored in (under?) King's Landing. I think she will burn the Sept of Baylor to the ground during her trial. She may even burn the Red Keep. I'd point to some foreshadowing in season 2, when Daenerys is chained up in the House of the Undying. She has visions of walking through an abandoned Throne Room at the Red Keep, ash (or snow) falling through the holes in the roof. Cersi has officially reached "Mad Queen" status! This singular event could wind up saving Westeros by eliminating the superficial focus of the Seven Kingdoms (The Iron Throne) and forcing the Great Houses to focus on "The Great War to Come" in the North.
28
Definitely think a TV Red Keep burning is possible given what has been written in the books.
4
Although Gendry as the object of the nameless rumors is tempting, I am given to thinking Cersei is trying to wrangle a new alliance now that the Tyrells have proven useless. Lots to choose from: the IronBorn (parts 1 and 2), the StormBorn, the SnakeBorn...though there's serious bad blood with that that last group, and the fact that the Most Famous Dwarf in the World is chief of staff for Dany probably scotches #2.
4
In many comments, people bemoan the fact GoT is ‘off book’ this season. If there was a book, and these were adapted episodes, I suggest everyone might be fawning over them as is. All along, viewers who read the books would compare them with the TV show but now the rich depth of understanding is not available. I venture this is what readers miss. Even if Mr. Martin is still involved as an advisor, readers are not privy to the detailed literary background this season. [I do, however, agree some of the show’s dialogue has suffered – some lines are so 21st century they’re ludicrous!]
For viewers who haven’t read the books, perhaps they are so familiar with the storyline and so invested in the characters that it is hard to accept many of these twists of fate. [In my opinion this is similar to what happened with the final seasons of Dexter and True Blood.] For example, think back to the Red Wedding: I hadn’t read the books then, and, yes, it was a shock, but if a Red Wedding happened in the current season, based on our experience with the show, we’d probably see it coming. In short: familiarity breeds contempt – and certainly a lot of critique!
PS: My comments notwithstanding, thank you for your clever, humorous and well-written reviews Mr. Egner!
For viewers who haven’t read the books, perhaps they are so familiar with the storyline and so invested in the characters that it is hard to accept many of these twists of fate. [In my opinion this is similar to what happened with the final seasons of Dexter and True Blood.] For example, think back to the Red Wedding: I hadn’t read the books then, and, yes, it was a shock, but if a Red Wedding happened in the current season, based on our experience with the show, we’d probably see it coming. In short: familiarity breeds contempt – and certainly a lot of critique!
PS: My comments notwithstanding, thank you for your clever, humorous and well-written reviews Mr. Egner!
7
I was absolutely underwhelmed by the episode. Everything seemed way too convenient. Arya, who lost a lot of blood, found her way to the actors and then as though by magic, she was healed enough to fight and kill the weif. And we didn't even get to see the battle--I feel like that was a missed opportunity.
I agree about Cersie, she's probably going to be sentenced to death by the high septon and Tomman will let it happen. Then Jamie will be free of her and perhaps get together with Brianne.
I feel that Tomman will die before the season ends. Perhaps after Cersi's trial. It seems that they are setting up something big what with the trial happening during some sort of feast. Maybe he'll get poisoned there like his brother. It'll be very GOT-like to do that. Then there will be a vacancy at the throne, one that Danny can conveniently fill next season.
I agree about Cersie, she's probably going to be sentenced to death by the high septon and Tomman will let it happen. Then Jamie will be free of her and perhaps get together with Brianne.
I feel that Tomman will die before the season ends. Perhaps after Cersi's trial. It seems that they are setting up something big what with the trial happening during some sort of feast. Maybe he'll get poisoned there like his brother. It'll be very GOT-like to do that. Then there will be a vacancy at the throne, one that Danny can conveniently fill next season.
4
Jon Snow came back from several days dead. There are white walkers and giants. People see events in fire. Stanis killed his brother as a shadow. Bran is wargging into and out of animals and the past. Dani has dragons and has survived two complete infernos. The explanation of for the continued existence of Uncle Benjin is still a mystery. And the wounds the hound and the mountain suffered were worse than Arya's.
You might be splitting hairs. Just saying.
You might be splitting hairs. Just saying.
9
Just because a show has dragons doesn't mean that all logic goes out of the window and literally anything can happen. There still needs to be internal consistency and non-magical things still need to act as in the real world, or everything becomes meaningless right?
2
no, Jamie and Brienne are not going to get it on. At least, I hope not. That's not what's going on between them.
3
Hmm, trial before the 7. Might be a good way to cut the head (or 7 heads) off the opposition in one fell swoop.
4
Also, maybe when you're running for your life your stab wounds in the gut don't hurt so much?
4
Jon is a Targaryen, his mother was Lyanna stark and his dad well the MAD KING
3
Jon's father was the Mad King's son Rhaegar
5
No, the purported father is actually the Mad King's son, Rhaegar.
6
I disagree - Jon Snow is the son of Robert Baratheon and Lyanna Stark. Remember that Robert and Ned Stark were gone for a year, returning from the expedition with Jon, allegedly Ned's bastard son. Robert asked his best friend to take the boy and protect him from the Targaryens and other rival houses. And Milisandre was able to restore Jon's life, which I thought proved his royal blood. Can't wait to see.
1
Also, I'm really not sure why people seem to think there's something romantic between Brienn and Jamie. They just share a bond over their love of sword fighting and being really tall and blonde. And also maybe feeling like outsiders, cause ya know twincest isn't exactly embraced, even in this crazy world of dragons and walking ice zombies.
8
Jon is the mad king's son the son of the ned's sister that was kidnapped. hehehe and the one true heir to the throne.
4
Jon is grandson of the Mad King. Rhaegar Targaryen was Jon's father.
4
Which would make Dany his aunt.
So no romantic entanglements THERE. ;-)
So no romantic entanglements THERE. ;-)
4
I'm hoping that Margaery is the one pulling the strings behind the whole twin pillars thing, as a way to finally get back at and rid of Cersi who I think has been her mark from the beginning. Plus this way she has more hope to save her brother.
I was a bit disappointed in the House of Black & White storyline. It had been wearing thin for a while. I guess it was all just a way for Arya to build herself up and realize she has to stop hiding from who she really is. Remember she has been disguising herself and running from her true identity since the Red Wedding. So now she is hopefully strong enough of a fighter to claim her identity and do something about all the wrongs done to her family. Great, but it took long enough.
I still am enjoying the show though. If it is going downhill due to the lack of new books it will take me a little while to truly give up on it. The GOT roots are in deep. :)
I was a bit disappointed in the House of Black & White storyline. It had been wearing thin for a while. I guess it was all just a way for Arya to build herself up and realize she has to stop hiding from who she really is. Remember she has been disguising herself and running from her true identity since the Red Wedding. So now she is hopefully strong enough of a fighter to claim her identity and do something about all the wrongs done to her family. Great, but it took long enough.
I still am enjoying the show though. If it is going downhill due to the lack of new books it will take me a little while to truly give up on it. The GOT roots are in deep. :)
5
At least we no longer have the "Book Worms" howling about "In the book they said this!" or "In the book they did that." We're all in unfamiliar territory. What's the hurry, or the pleasure, to know ahead of time what's going to happen? Besides, there's enough websites out there already, screeching about what's going to happen weeks ahead of time. Relax!
13
Actually the show is drawing scenes from the books but not in chronological order and the storylines of the books are adapted to fit the plot of the show. Some of these scenes are mentioned in the books by foreshadowing and in character's dreams. i.e. The Tower of Joy and Children of the Forrest.
The woman preaching to the subjects about worshipping the lord of light for Tyrion reminded me of the deal with the devil that Saudi Arabia has made with Wahhabism.
7
I still say Waif and Arya are one person with 2 personalities.
Otherwise this is one of the worst executed action plots i've ever seen.
Otherwise this is one of the worst executed action plots i've ever seen.
1
what kind of girl do you think they are?
3
Jeremy, if it is not obvious by now, I look forward to your recaps almost as much as the episodes themselves. Pretty much spot on this week as usual. I do disagree with your conclusion regarding Jaime's speech to Edmure regarding his love for Cersei. Bottom line: this profession of love will make it all the more poignant when Jaime (not Tyrion, as Cersei has misinterpreted) ends up strangling Cersei (one-handed!) for her role in causing the unintended death of Tommen, thereby fulfilling the third of the three prophesies. To date, Cersei and Jaime have each experienced the horror of having a child die in their arms, powerless to do anything about it. Expect Cersei's plotting with Qyburn to result in her being hoisted by her own (wildfire?) petard: Tommen, not the High Sparrow, will end up dead, thereby fulfilling the second of the three prophesies. Regarding Tommen, that he is easily influenced by whoever happens to be closest to him at the moment is believable enough, but that he will so readily deliver Cersei to the High Sparrow is not, no matter how feeble brained he may be. As for Aria, she seems to have become something of a dead end, plotting wise. Finally, the "Battle of the Bastards" does seem as if it will be a "Game of Thrones" take on the Battle of Bosworth Fields, with Robin Arryn/Peter Baelish and the Knights of the Vale playing the role of Lord Stanley and his army. And no, Pod cannot die! At least, not before showing off what Bron taught him!
6
Arya, dead end? Wait until she's back in Westeros and taking revenge with her assassin training. The Freys are going to have a Red Evening. From there, who knows what other Stark enemy she could take out - from the lowest to the highest of the GoT residents will be vulnerable; perhaps only the Night King is unreachable by her, but then there is Bran for that.
7
Ouch (but I did laugh): "I guess the eunuch support group I proposed last week will have to make do with one less member."
6
A 'Bronn' scene can rescue any episode.
10
The reuinion between Bronn and Pod was priceless. So authentic. I only wish they'd had more time for Pod to pick up a bag of fighting tips.
4
Cersei and Qyburn are talking about the Mad King’s Wildfire stashes hidden around—and under—Kings Landing. Methinks Bran's massive download from the Raven foreshadowed this.
6
I agree with you and think this recap/review could be more critical. Game of Thrones seems to only move plot aligns along in the first 1-2 and last 1-2 episodes (at least in the last 2-3 seasons). Perhaps this is incredibly strategic - they get the viewer to want to watch for the rest of the season and then get them eager for the next season - but in between the episodes are plodding at best. The writers/producers haven't really moved many of the storylines along and those that they have they have spent far too much screen time on. Think about the Hound - that was basically 1/2 of last weeks episode for what? nothing survived from the episode except him. And yet they have these major storylines that were completely absent. I recognize that at some level this is part of their style - however I think at this point they are a bit trapped by what defined their own success - the ability to manage multiple far flung storylines in ten 1 hr episodes. They've waited too long to move some of these stories forward and running out of time. I expect more clunky episodes where some of the stories seem to miraculously move forward in a hyper accelerated manner.
3
The High Septon is on the down-low.
That's the subject of the whispers, the Septon has his own personal bed warmer and all the better for Loras' situation if its a male.
By cutting away at his fanatically moralistic standing this entire boring story arc can be cut asunder.
No tears for the sparrows. How quickly can it happen?
That's the subject of the whispers, the Septon has his own personal bed warmer and all the better for Loras' situation if its a male.
By cutting away at his fanatically moralistic standing this entire boring story arc can be cut asunder.
No tears for the sparrows. How quickly can it happen?
7
Was that parkour or the water dancing she learned in season 1?
7
I have only one enduring GoT theory: if we don't see them die they're not dead. Enter Sandor Clegane.
For my part, I had been wondering about the Blackfish for years, beginning when he leveled Rickard Karstark for disrespecting the late Eddard, and again when he exited the Red Wedding right on time. He is a force too dark and slippery to manage with a "clumsy swordfight".
Likewise, Stannis. We never saw him dead. We trust in his death because we love Brienne. She remains upright thus far and continues to play the game well. But might there be an angle re Stannis we haven't thought of, an action even more honorable than avenging Renly?
For my part, I had been wondering about the Blackfish for years, beginning when he leveled Rickard Karstark for disrespecting the late Eddard, and again when he exited the Red Wedding right on time. He is a force too dark and slippery to manage with a "clumsy swordfight".
Likewise, Stannis. We never saw him dead. We trust in his death because we love Brienne. She remains upright thus far and continues to play the game well. But might there be an angle re Stannis we haven't thought of, an action even more honorable than avenging Renly?
5
Brienne said a few weeks ago that she did indeed kill Stannis.
5
She told Ser Davos and Melissandre he'd confessed to killing Renly "right before I executed him."
2
The highlight of this episode for me was Thoros of Myr sporting a man bun.
11
Although still the best show on television, there have been some problems. The "a girl" episodes were boring and repetitive. There's been too much talky-talk. If there isn't enough plot for Tryion, make some up! His efforts to get Grey Worm drunk were stupid, boring, and long. Also, what drew me to GoT was Martin's willingness to kill popular characters. Here they survive and go on--because the writers are too lazy to come up with more? I will still pay to watch these but would love the pot to be stirred, even another blood wedding.
3
"willingness to kill popular characters"
No kidding. Leave Jon dead. If they wanted the plot line I think they are going for. Jon could have a bastard child of his own out there. I hope he gets killed off redux next week.
No kidding. Leave Jon dead. If they wanted the plot line I think they are going for. Jon could have a bastard child of his own out there. I hope he gets killed off redux next week.
1
Arya being able to fight back so well with those wounds was really ridiculous. I had a C-section and couldn't walk straighter than Zira from Planet of the Apes even with narcotics, and my surgical wounds weren't even life-threatening. As others have pointed out the canals around Braavos are probably really, really polluted and would have infected her wounds immediately. That being said, I always knew Arya would make it out alive. The whole storyline with her was likely just to refine her training for when she goes back to Westeros.
As for Cersei--the noose is really tightening around her. Two children are gone, the third soon. She will soon be supplanted by a younger, more beautiful queen (it could be Margaery or Dany, IMO), and as per the book prophecy which was not discussed in the TV show, she would die at the hands of the valonqar, which translates into "younger brother". She always feared she would die at Tyrion's hands, but Jaime is also her younger brother. A twin, but he came after her. I think, tragically, he will be the instrument of her final destruction. It would definitely make for a more Shakespearean (or GRRMartinian) ending.
As for Cersei--the noose is really tightening around her. Two children are gone, the third soon. She will soon be supplanted by a younger, more beautiful queen (it could be Margaery or Dany, IMO), and as per the book prophecy which was not discussed in the TV show, she would die at the hands of the valonqar, which translates into "younger brother". She always feared she would die at Tyrion's hands, but Jaime is also her younger brother. A twin, but he came after her. I think, tragically, he will be the instrument of her final destruction. It would definitely make for a more Shakespearean (or GRRMartinian) ending.
11
And Tommen is the "younger brother" of Joffrey.
4
NMY Re: your statement regarding your C-section...incredible, best comment of the day!
Easily the most lacking episode this far.
Best development, though, is finally getting the whole black and white faceless man junk over with. The whole thing really stank it up
I was hoping for a resurrection of brother tom Swearengen
Too bad
Advice. Spend some money on dragons. We need some serious dragon time to make up for this crappy place holder of an episode
Best development, though, is finally getting the whole black and white faceless man junk over with. The whole thing really stank it up
I was hoping for a resurrection of brother tom Swearengen
Too bad
Advice. Spend some money on dragons. We need some serious dragon time to make up for this crappy place holder of an episode
5
"A man is underwhelmed." Brilliant! II am too.
10
Hoping we can we just be rid of these horrendous conversation scenes with Missandei, Grey Worm, and Tyrion! ...time burning, uninteresting, and zero-value-add to the story. I get it: Grey Worm and Miss have the combined personality intrigue of a pair of goldfish and are therefore perfect together, but why make us suffer them with Tyrion?
11
Kind of agree with all of you. But I did love the hanging scene when the Hound decided to try on Lemoncloak's boots - just as if he were in a shoe store, he held the sole up to his foot to match the fit.
I also suspect that Jaime may be meeting White Walkers before this is over.
I also suspect that Jaime may be meeting White Walkers before this is over.
8
"A man is underwhelmed."
.
LOL, thanks for the chuckle... and I agree. I was also sure that Arya was going to go off with the troupe of players, because what sort of show would cast Richard E. Grant and then waste him with a few throwaway scenes? Well, now we know.
.
LOL, thanks for the chuckle... and I agree. I was also sure that Arya was going to go off with the troupe of players, because what sort of show would cast Richard E. Grant and then waste him with a few throwaway scenes? Well, now we know.
7
Who owns a Valerian steel sword? One-by-one, we are being given an accounting of important swords... this will come to play. Brianne, Jon Snow, Sam Tarley... Arya threw Geoffrey's in the river...
3
...so she can go retrieve it when the time comes.
2
The Valerian Steel sword given to Joffrey as a wedding gift, came from the steel of Ned Stark's sword Ice. The sword thrown in the river was not Valerian steel. But! Where is Joffrey's sword?
p.s. Ice also made the sword Brienne carries.
p.s. Ice also made the sword Brienne carries.
1
good question. My guess is that it was buried with him. Or it was passed onto Tommen.
1
The High Sparrow is headed for a bad end, I believe, but I will miss Jonathan Pryce - he classes up everything he's in. And I hope Diana Rigg makes a return, if only to gloat at Cersei's eventual (and probably brutal) comeuppance.
5
Left unmentioned was perhaps the most ominous portent of the episode. Qyburn confirming to Cersei the rumors about stores of wildfire hidden under the Sept
3
The references to Varys' "secret mission" and Qyburn's "rumor" seem like awfully cheap ways to seed a mystery.
1
Clegane's a regular Johnny Carson. The big guy's a one-line machine for seemingly every occasion. Can't wait to see him square off against the biggest, baddest ghoul that the White Walkers can muster once he heads north for the apocalyptic finish to the series.
Something like, "Hey, some people are just dressed to unkill."
Something like, "Hey, some people are just dressed to unkill."
4
"They couldn't kill me by shoving my face in the fire, you think a big ice sickle like you has a chance, blue eyes?
I liked the Blade Runner reference a lot.
1
Any scene with a dragon is my favorite. I hope Drogon torches the Masters' fleet...on camera. But what I'm really waiting for is the re-entry of dragons 2 and 3 into this story. When last seen their chains had been cut. What are they up to? Will they arrive at some heroic moment? Or will they end up enemies of Drogon and Dany in some sort of sibling spat?
6
I agree. More dragons!!!
1
At last Arya has checked out of Trump U where so much was promised but all she got was sore knees from scrubbing floors, bruises from getting whacked with the Waif's stick, and finally stabbed
14
Where is the Red Woman??
3
Great write up (as usual)! "Not yet" coming soon for Pod. Brienne keeping Lannister sword will be the death of them when they run into the Brotherhood (working for Lady Stoneheart, aka, Cat Stark) who will lynch them as they do any Frey, Bolton, Lannister sympathizer they find in the Riverlands (as part of Red Wedding payback).
2
Thanks, though I hope you're wrong.
10
I think the sword (in Brienne's hand) still has a role to play against the White Walkers.
5
I would be extremely surprised if LSH ever shows up. I think that plot element is now dead, buried, and unresurrected.
3
The key thing for the rest of the season is who, or what group of whos, will come to the rescue of the neo-Starks in their losing battle to the Boltons. Among the candidates are The Knights of the Vale (Littlefinger), the Brothers without Borders (with or without The Hound), Brienne and Pod, and, a very longshot, Ser Jamie.
8
We haven't seen the Dornish forces in quite a while. Maybe they've been sewing fur coats and marching north all season.
In the books, Jamie receives a letter from Cersei (a manipulation after she shunned him) and decides he is done with her (this happens while he is in the Riverlands with the Lannister army). I hope he decides to go north and ignore her pleas for help.
1
",,,,,will have to make do with one less member." Is that a clever joke or what.
30
Why did the chicken cross the road? Because The Hound was hungry.
That's the level of the joke scene (cringe) and the overall quality of this episode. I felt the script could've gone through a few more drafts.
Arya's storyline was especially clumsy starting with her daydreaming on the bridge in last week's episode. She's bleeding her guts out, but can miraculously take on the Waif?
Edmure Tully's decision not to sacrifice a baby he's never met? It's all too pat.
So's the attack on Mereen and Dany's deus ex machina.
I still care about the characters and will continue to watch the show, but you can tell the story is no longer George R.R. Martin.
That's the level of the joke scene (cringe) and the overall quality of this episode. I felt the script could've gone through a few more drafts.
Arya's storyline was especially clumsy starting with her daydreaming on the bridge in last week's episode. She's bleeding her guts out, but can miraculously take on the Waif?
Edmure Tully's decision not to sacrifice a baby he's never met? It's all too pat.
So's the attack on Mereen and Dany's deus ex machina.
I still care about the characters and will continue to watch the show, but you can tell the story is no longer George R.R. Martin.
40
Couldn't agree more.
1
Actually, Edmure's surrender and the thread of baby catapult was pure GRRM, from Book 5.
10
Am I the only one here who is still desperately awaiting Lady Stoneheart's return (aka Caitlyn Stark?) I so very much want this season to be good but so far it has been lackluster and typical. I was happy that at least Caitlyn's name was mentioned at least 3 times during the episode and I'm hoping this was a sign for better things to come in the remaining episodes.
8
How long after a person is dead can she still be revived?
I hear in the book she was revived 3 days after Red Wedding by the Brotherhood Without Banners. It's been a few seasons now, her body would be totally decomposed. So it doesn't look like she will be back.
Also she was found in the river right? After the meal with Brotherhood Without Banners, Sandor walked over the river and relieved himself there. I took that as the writers' way of literally peeing on our hope.
I hear in the book she was revived 3 days after Red Wedding by the Brotherhood Without Banners. It's been a few seasons now, her body would be totally decomposed. So it doesn't look like she will be back.
Also she was found in the river right? After the meal with Brotherhood Without Banners, Sandor walked over the river and relieved himself there. I took that as the writers' way of literally peeing on our hope.
1
I'm hoping that the rumor is Gendry is not dead (surely, Cersei knew about Robert's most valuable bastard). If so, could he be used to usurp her own son?
If Tommen isn't really King, or his right to inherit challenged, maybe they can get out of this mess
If Tommen isn't really King, or his right to inherit challenged, maybe they can get out of this mess
10
That was my initial hope as well but that wouldn't seem to help Cersei, because she would no longer be the Queen Mother. Although I guess the title's not exactly doing wonders for her now.
13
The rumor is the wildfire that is found in all the tunnels and sewers under King's Landing. The Mad King Aerys had them placed there to blow up the city in case his enemies ever took it and which he ordered Jaime to do. Good news for the people of King's Landing, Jaime refused by stabbing the Mad King, bad news for the High Sparrow, Cersei is blowing up the Great Sept of Baelor.
My money is on Cersei killing the High Sparrow while inadvertently self fulfilling the witch's prophecy and killing her son, King Tommen, in the process. Cut to a scene where Cersei realizes the mistake while ashes fall around her and onto her lip. It also ties well with Cersei killing her son with the same weapon that Jamie refused to use in his most heroic moment.
My money is on Cersei killing the High Sparrow while inadvertently self fulfilling the witch's prophecy and killing her son, King Tommen, in the process. Cut to a scene where Cersei realizes the mistake while ashes fall around her and onto her lip. It also ties well with Cersei killing her son with the same weapon that Jamie refused to use in his most heroic moment.
5
When Tommen is gone, who's in line to inherit the throne? All the Baratheons (Stannis, Renly) are gone. Would they then look for successors on Tommen's mother's side? That would be Jamie right?
BTW now that he's been kicked out of Kingsguard, Jamie should inherit Tywin's position now right?
BTW now that he's been kicked out of Kingsguard, Jamie should inherit Tywin's position now right?
2
underwhelmed indeed. Such an uneven season. A few episodes (Hodor!) left us gasping as the credits ran, others were just...meh. The whole Arya storyline looked to be quite good, and then at the last, the writers or directors or whoever just decided to ignore all that, and simply check off the Arya box, and put her on a ship. What a waste. The writing has gone downhill now that they don't have George R R Martin as a backstop.
14
I liked this episode. Brianne and Jaime were great. The look and ambiguous half smile that a man gave his pupil as she left was perfect. Did he see this coming, is he ok with it, does he perhaps think this is for the best, if not is he happy for her? I wish the fight scene hadn’t been off screen, but its hard to film a pitch black room. The hound scenes were great as well with good dialogue. And speaking of dialogue, Tyrion was great as always. I wish they could put him back on westeros with more developed characters to talk to.
15
I think Jamie's speech about his love for Cercei was only half the truth. He loves her, yes, but the reason he was in that tent convincing Edmure to give up Riverrun was for Brienne. He knew her plan to convince the Blackfish to surrender would not work, so he talked Edmure into doing in. Riverrun was handed over peacefully, now the Tully army is free to help Sansa - as Brienne had wanted, completing his oath to Catelyn (and Brienne).
I'm betting Jon Snow's army seems all but defeated, until the Vale, the Tully's, and possible others from the North show up. I also still doubt the Umbers are truly on the side of the Boltons.
I was sad to see Tyrion is not as smart as he thinks he is. The question is where does he go from here? Will Daenarys trust him as an advisor again?
I'm betting Jon Snow's army seems all but defeated, until the Vale, the Tully's, and possible others from the North show up. I also still doubt the Umbers are truly on the side of the Boltons.
I was sad to see Tyrion is not as smart as he thinks he is. The question is where does he go from here? Will Daenarys trust him as an advisor again?
38
Agree re Jaime and Brieanne. I think he loves her, not in a romantic sense but as a fellow misunderstood soul and he respects her determination and grit.
Wile this was not he best episode, it sets up a possible reunion of a great pairing, Arya and the Hound...they are both head toward Winterfell!
Wile this was not he best episode, it sets up a possible reunion of a great pairing, Arya and the Hound...they are both head toward Winterfell!
3
I think the Tullys are now bound to the Lannisters--can't see Edmure going to help Sansa after he was just freed from bondage.
3
And how cool would it be if Jorah the Explorer appeared on scene to join his fellow Mormonts in helping retake Winterfell and then be cured of his greyscale by Melisandre's blood magic?
2
Underwhelmed indeed.
I love Arya perhaps more than any other character in the show and think much of that is to do with Maisie's portrayal of her. But something went terribly wrong with the script/acting/directing this week. The stabbings last week were too thorough (as an anatomist, I can tell you that the twisting liver laceration would have taken more than good bandages and bad soup to fix!) and her wild vacillations between bleeding on death's door and leaping parkour this week were ridiculously unbelievable even for a show centered on a periodically-burned dragon-flying woman seemingly destined to meet up with a newly resurrected killer of frozen zombies.
Yes, even in this ridiculous world, liver-lacerated parkour was a step too far! In an uneven season, this episode was a flop.
I love Arya perhaps more than any other character in the show and think much of that is to do with Maisie's portrayal of her. But something went terribly wrong with the script/acting/directing this week. The stabbings last week were too thorough (as an anatomist, I can tell you that the twisting liver laceration would have taken more than good bandages and bad soup to fix!) and her wild vacillations between bleeding on death's door and leaping parkour this week were ridiculously unbelievable even for a show centered on a periodically-burned dragon-flying woman seemingly destined to meet up with a newly resurrected killer of frozen zombies.
Yes, even in this ridiculous world, liver-lacerated parkour was a step too far! In an uneven season, this episode was a flop.
67
Absolutely agree. There is no way she should have survived the knife wounds. Plus how stupid to have her just walking around town taking in the sights! She is not a dumb girl! But I guess the writers are . ....
2
To think all the speculations could've been avoided if Arya just received a superficial wound elsewhere on the body.
1
She definitely could have survived. Whether she could parkour like that is entirely different (I say no).
1
" I guess the eunuch support group I proposed last week will have to make do with one less member."
That should be 'fewer'. But the little joke ('member') is nice.
That should be 'fewer'. But the little joke ('member') is nice.
13
"It’s just not all that satisfying. After endless stick-beatings and the events of last week, it all seemed a little too tidy."
I think it's just the writers tidying up loose ends from Martin's grand scoresheet. House of B&W doesn't go anywhere meaningful in the books, boom, it's gone from the show.
I think it's just the writers tidying up loose ends from Martin's grand scoresheet. House of B&W doesn't go anywhere meaningful in the books, boom, it's gone from the show.
4
'I suspect the answer is some form of, “You know, magic” '
And I expect this has become my problem with Game of Thrones. Stories involving magic - or in sci-fi, technology sufficiently advanced as to be indistinguishable from magic (Arthur C. Clarke) - must lay down clear ground rules as to what 'magic' can and can't accomplish, and in what circumstances.
When the series began (I haven't read the books and don't plan to), it appeared to present a meticulously structured universe with metaphysical as well as physical boundaries. At this point, though, the fantasy elements have multiplied to the point where I no longer know the rules, if there are any. When Arya (or Jon Snow or anyone) can survive what would normally be a crippling or fatal attack, I can't summon any emotional investment. I get the sense things are happening arbitrarily and solely because the writers need them to happen, and may be undone at any time when the writers want to write themselves out of a corner or produce a frisson. After all, in 'magic', anything goes. (Someone made a similar point awhile back about whether Dany is invulnerable to fire - apparently she is or isn't, depending on whether the writers need her to be.)
I still want to see what happens to Tyrion and Brienne, though.
And I expect this has become my problem with Game of Thrones. Stories involving magic - or in sci-fi, technology sufficiently advanced as to be indistinguishable from magic (Arthur C. Clarke) - must lay down clear ground rules as to what 'magic' can and can't accomplish, and in what circumstances.
When the series began (I haven't read the books and don't plan to), it appeared to present a meticulously structured universe with metaphysical as well as physical boundaries. At this point, though, the fantasy elements have multiplied to the point where I no longer know the rules, if there are any. When Arya (or Jon Snow or anyone) can survive what would normally be a crippling or fatal attack, I can't summon any emotional investment. I get the sense things are happening arbitrarily and solely because the writers need them to happen, and may be undone at any time when the writers want to write themselves out of a corner or produce a frisson. After all, in 'magic', anything goes. (Someone made a similar point awhile back about whether Dany is invulnerable to fire - apparently she is or isn't, depending on whether the writers need her to be.)
I still want to see what happens to Tyrion and Brienne, though.
14
Game of Thrones, and, for that matter, its parent, A Song of Ice and Fire, have set up the rules of resurrection. Jon Snow did die and an adherent of R'hollor brought him back. Just like Dondarrion was resurrected by Thoros, who is also one of their number. Whether it is magic or faith, in my opinion this is part of the fabric of the tale.
But I must agree with you regarding the Arya plot line. Arya's comeback and subsequent athleticism from what ought to have been a mortal abdominal wound does not pass muster. If this abrupt resolution had been the plan I wish the writers would have skipped last weeks baffling and out-of-character Arya story last week.
But I must agree with you regarding the Arya plot line. Arya's comeback and subsequent athleticism from what ought to have been a mortal abdominal wound does not pass muster. If this abrupt resolution had been the plan I wish the writers would have skipped last weeks baffling and out-of-character Arya story last week.
2
I have to agree with you that the "rules" of this world are no longer clear, and that this is hurting the show. As you stated, once the rules are established in a sci-fi/fantasy world, they have to be consistent or they lose credibility. What always kept the viewer/reader on their toes with this series was the knowledge that any major characters could truly meet his or her demise at any point. Without that element, you move closer to a super-hero type of genre in which you never doubt that the character will find a way out of danger. It definitely changes the dynamic.
3
Right? Even Ned limped around for weeks after Janie speared him in the leg.
1
"One less member". I see what you did there.
10
"I guess the eunuch support group I proposed last week will have to make do with one less member."
Isn't that the price of admission to the group?
Isn't that the price of admission to the group?
23
One of the things I appreciate about GOT is its ability to breakdown the basic human needs and what compels us to do what we do. Jaime said it: He would go through anybody to protect his sister. That level of mentality also explains the concept of clanship and why it's probably inbred into our psyche that we stick with our own kind, defend our castle: It's to protect ourselves.
In the morning after such a terrible tragedy in Orlando, I wonder why we still can't seem to shake off that idea and "expand" our definition of clan. Why is it that we feel threaten by those that are not like us and feel the urge to protect "our ways" by killing off those that don't belong to our "clan".
In the morning after such a terrible tragedy in Orlando, I wonder why we still can't seem to shake off that idea and "expand" our definition of clan. Why is it that we feel threaten by those that are not like us and feel the urge to protect "our ways" by killing off those that don't belong to our "clan".
16
While many see Brienne's glance back to Jamie as something romantic, I believe she's realizing that there might be side-business in European Riverside Castle Cruises
36
I can get behind a woman with dragons, an army of wights, and a man rising from the dead, but to believe Arya could walk away from her tummy troubles no worse for the wear is just too much. It's TOO MUCH, Game of Thrones.
68
They lost me with the 'rising from the dead' and further with the time travel. I'm not quite willing to write off the series based on Arya's tummy troubles, not just yet. E.M. Forster famously said that 'The king died, and then the queen died' is just a string of events; but 'the king died, and then the queen died of grief' is a story. The formerly tightly structured plotline and mise-en-scene of Game of Thrones seem to be deliquiescing into a string of random events. There is still sufficient character complexity and consistency to compensate for the plot problems and keep me invested in the fates of at least some of the characters. But when I get the feeling that 'stuff happens' just to justify another orgy or sword fight or massacre or nude scene, or introduce a catchphrase (A Lannister Always Pays His Debts, A Girl Is No One, etc. - this series is real drinking-game fodder) it starts to lose me.
2
Cersei and Qyburn were talking about wildfire. I don't think Jaime's devotion to Cersei is returned by her. He would be better off if she died than if he found that out.
8
Cersei betrayed Jamie with Lancel, full stop. And this whilst Jaime was fighting for his life after losing his hand during the War of Five Kings. Assuming Jaime returns in time for her trial, lying about the affair may do her no good if Lancel testifies to the truth of their affair.
3
She actually treated him very badly when he came back, sans hand, a real mess. Made a crack about how he didn't return "soon enough." Love is one thing, but give me a break. Especially for someone who looks as good as he does. I thought that might be the final straw for him.
3
How nice a guy is the High Sparrow for sending over his militant to test how strong the Mountainstein is by having one of sparrows sacrificed? Once he learned there was no defeating him he talked Tommen into ending trial by combat in the kingdom. Or did that idea come from Margehery?
16
Soap opera, cartoonish, flat writing, none of the complexity or tension or rich story of previous seasons ... this season is so disappointing.
10
Yep - very. And that joke scene with Tryion - yawn!
1
So, Arya's flashing of cash and strolling about in public were just ways to attract the Waif and eventually lead her to the final fight. I can accept that. I wish, however, that they hadn't showed such deep stab wounds being inflicted by the Waif. Maybe her intestines and other organs moved aside? I was bitten by an ant yesterday and I feel like taking off from work.
85
Just as i wrote some week ago http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/29/arts/television/game-of-thrones-season... High Sparrow is not going to take any chances against Cersei and Loras in a possible trial by combat. That means the whole speech Jamie gave to Lord Edmure about coming back to Cersei was foreshadowing more a need than a wish. That or, as i sustain, a greater role for Queen Margaery in the trial to come for both his brother and mother-in-law.
Tiwyn being Tiwyn, and also Jamie's father, this one learned one thing or two from him about non-negotiation which were useful for Frey ( Riverrun conquered ) and Bolton's house ( no helping troops from the Tully to the wishful Sansa ), fulfilling the line "A Lannister always pays his debt", in this case the help in winning over the Robb's Northern army.
Whether that opioid milk sorted such physical strenght for Arya (coupled with a tight band-aid) or the Oscar of the disconnection goes to.., i find quite a plagiarism in the Waif's stance before running and her start off the block with the T-1000 in Terminator (which also killed a man drinking milk). I guess we can call Arya "liquid Nitrogen" for a week.
Back in Meereen the arrive of Daenerys by Drogoncord and the rolling naval battle makes me thinks of no use for the Dothrakis, who then should be left wandering in the desert. That's very convenient for the Greyjoys who'll arrive after two burned fleet to the help of Stormborn's ambitious plan.
Tiwyn being Tiwyn, and also Jamie's father, this one learned one thing or two from him about non-negotiation which were useful for Frey ( Riverrun conquered ) and Bolton's house ( no helping troops from the Tully to the wishful Sansa ), fulfilling the line "A Lannister always pays his debt", in this case the help in winning over the Robb's Northern army.
Whether that opioid milk sorted such physical strenght for Arya (coupled with a tight band-aid) or the Oscar of the disconnection goes to.., i find quite a plagiarism in the Waif's stance before running and her start off the block with the T-1000 in Terminator (which also killed a man drinking milk). I guess we can call Arya "liquid Nitrogen" for a week.
Back in Meereen the arrive of Daenerys by Drogoncord and the rolling naval battle makes me thinks of no use for the Dothrakis, who then should be left wandering in the desert. That's very convenient for the Greyjoys who'll arrive after two burned fleet to the help of Stormborn's ambitious plan.
10
I'd like to know what happened with the Dorne plot? Where are the Sand Snakes? They dropped that one awfully quick.
12
Hear hear! There needs to be SOME sort of accounting for; on this show, no one gets off completely scot-free, do they?
1
I think they're struggling with how to handle all of these story lines. They've chosen to introduce or re-introduce some others this season (e.g., Iron Islands, the Hound/Beric Dondarrion, Riverrun) that I thought they'd dropped in the interests of time. I have a feeling that we're going to end up with a lot of rushed and probably unsatisfying conclusions to some of these as they wind down the series.
3
My biggest fear rests with the fact that the idea of two abbreviated final seasons of this series may result in a quick unsatisfying conclusion like we saw with Arya and Tully where the story gets wrapped up at an expedited pace without having the satisfaction of seeing the struggle, especially Arya in this case.
There is no doubt in my mind that Tyrion truly is a Lanaster and shares blood with Cersei after he's made his pact with religious fanatics to take back the city of Meereen as Cersei tryied to do with King's Landing. Good for Vary's on calling him out. And now that they're under siege from the slavers, it seems he may not be the diplomat we thought he'd be. By the way, the "tell a joke" scene was unbearable.
Cersei will get out of this predicament one way or another. She burned down the Tower of the Hand in the books after Tywin's death, the Qyburn may be helping pull off something similar to save them from the Faith Militant.
I not sure Jamie knew that he was proclaiming his affection for Brienne and not Cersei to Edmure until he saw her rowing away.
My prediction for next week's "Battle of the Bastards" episode is Jon Snow's army of vagabonds and wildlings will be on the brink of destruction until the Knights of the Vale show up to save the day and it'll will be Sansa who gets credit for taking back Winterfell. I just hope she's the one that puts a blade through Ramsey's heart.
There is no doubt in my mind that Tyrion truly is a Lanaster and shares blood with Cersei after he's made his pact with religious fanatics to take back the city of Meereen as Cersei tryied to do with King's Landing. Good for Vary's on calling him out. And now that they're under siege from the slavers, it seems he may not be the diplomat we thought he'd be. By the way, the "tell a joke" scene was unbearable.
Cersei will get out of this predicament one way or another. She burned down the Tower of the Hand in the books after Tywin's death, the Qyburn may be helping pull off something similar to save them from the Faith Militant.
I not sure Jamie knew that he was proclaiming his affection for Brienne and not Cersei to Edmure until he saw her rowing away.
My prediction for next week's "Battle of the Bastards" episode is Jon Snow's army of vagabonds and wildlings will be on the brink of destruction until the Knights of the Vale show up to save the day and it'll will be Sansa who gets credit for taking back Winterfell. I just hope she's the one that puts a blade through Ramsey's heart.
13
I think the Blackfish survived and I think he is headed North.
14
A girl thought this episode was a space holder. And is it her, or has the writing this season become aimed at a teenage boy? Kissing lessons? Really, GoT?
7
How was Arya candle still lit all this time of her recuperation?
6
My after party, which is here, reading your recaps are this seasons, "best parts". I look for things I may have missed and love the POV... thanks
12
Thanks very much.
2
And it's one of the few places I can always say, "Read the comments!" Thank you, Jeremy's intelligent and respectful fan base.
5
Here's a prediction: Jaime Kingslayer who said he loves Cercei above all, seeing Cercei in danger under Tommon's rulings, will kill his son the king to save her. It's hard to drag around the nickname Kingslayer throughout all these years without using it again.
19
Yes, Arya arrived where we expected her to arrive, but the I found the outcome exceptionally thrilling. With just the slightest smile and nod of the head, Jaqen is satisfied. Arya found her true self. I wonder if that was his goal all along.
The question now becomes "Who will Arya find first? The Hound or Gendry?"
The question now becomes "Who will Arya find first? The Hound or Gendry?"
7
Having binge read the entire GOT series, (probably a mistake) I really had trouble liking the last 2 books Probably fatigue at that point; probably should revisit. For that reason I enjoy the more dynamic way the TV series is moving.
As for the siege of Riverrun, Blackfish was far outnumbered, and it was obvious he wanted to fight for his own reasons. He was willing to sacrifice everyone for his own pride. He knew he couldn't win. He as much as said that a number of times. That everyone would suffer was immaterial. It was all about him. Sound familiar?
And the high sparrow, a disheveled but "authentic" old man drawing the young in by a lot of promises. Holier than thou. Moving in seemingly out of nowhere. preying on the disenchantment of the young, holding out some mythical way out. Sound familiar?
Somewhat prescient maybe, but really the way the world has always worked.
As for the siege of Riverrun, Blackfish was far outnumbered, and it was obvious he wanted to fight for his own reasons. He was willing to sacrifice everyone for his own pride. He knew he couldn't win. He as much as said that a number of times. That everyone would suffer was immaterial. It was all about him. Sound familiar?
And the high sparrow, a disheveled but "authentic" old man drawing the young in by a lot of promises. Holier than thou. Moving in seemingly out of nowhere. preying on the disenchantment of the young, holding out some mythical way out. Sound familiar?
Somewhat prescient maybe, but really the way the world has always worked.
14
Help me out here. DIdn't Arya drink the poisonous waters and survive? Doesn't that make her OFFICIALLY no one? (Legally, as it were?) How do you undo being no one? Submit a letter of resignation? Now that she's Arya again, will the poison belatedly kick in?
While I'm at it, she seems to have developed some serious superpowers. She got stuck with the pointy end multiple times in the gut. At one point, the Waif corkscrewed it in. And here she is, running parkour and knocking off the highly-skilled Waif in a battle to the death. May I please say: Give me a break.
The joke-telling scene: The slowest, dullest scene in GoT yet. I was wincing.
While I'm at it, she seems to have developed some serious superpowers. She got stuck with the pointy end multiple times in the gut. At one point, the Waif corkscrewed it in. And here she is, running parkour and knocking off the highly-skilled Waif in a battle to the death. May I please say: Give me a break.
The joke-telling scene: The slowest, dullest scene in GoT yet. I was wincing.
17
With not that many episodes to go I find myself waiting for that rounding the bend feeling that reassures that the writers have everything in hand for a satisfying end. Not that everything isn't gathering - just, something about Thrones favors endless irresolution and possibly entropy, and that would be annoying. As noted, some recent developments seem superfluous at a moment when it seems the focus should be gradually narrowing toward a rich, coherent, un-rushed finis. Am I the only one who wonders if Martin, and now the series' writers, will suffer completion anxiety?
7
Or it may come to such an end, but not necessarily the one you envisioned, and you may find it unsatisfying for that reason.
Recently I found myself binge-watching Dexter. Many, many viewers felt the series dropped off after the fourth season, in which John Lithgow portrayed the Trinity Killer, and that the series finale in particular was disappointing. I found when I watched it end to end, though, that I strongly disagreed. The series became a continuous whole, in which Dexter gradually discovered the 'real boy' inside him who had not been dead but just in hiding - and ultimately lost everything that 'real boy' had wanted. At the end we see him numbed out from the pain of being able to feel, and hiding from the human society he'd been able to move through effortlessly as a psychopath.
Consider also the Mad Men finale, which reiterated the series' theme that people don't change their natures. All the other MM characters wound up as the same people they began as, spending the decade going in a big circle - e.g., Don Draper didn't find enlightenment; presented with it, he turned it into a jingle for coloured sugar water. And a lot of people didn't like those later episodes, either.
I wonder if Game of Thrones won't do something similar - the ending will make sense in the context of the entire series, but no one will like it because it won't go where they hoped the story would go.
Recently I found myself binge-watching Dexter. Many, many viewers felt the series dropped off after the fourth season, in which John Lithgow portrayed the Trinity Killer, and that the series finale in particular was disappointing. I found when I watched it end to end, though, that I strongly disagreed. The series became a continuous whole, in which Dexter gradually discovered the 'real boy' inside him who had not been dead but just in hiding - and ultimately lost everything that 'real boy' had wanted. At the end we see him numbed out from the pain of being able to feel, and hiding from the human society he'd been able to move through effortlessly as a psychopath.
Consider also the Mad Men finale, which reiterated the series' theme that people don't change their natures. All the other MM characters wound up as the same people they began as, spending the decade going in a big circle - e.g., Don Draper didn't find enlightenment; presented with it, he turned it into a jingle for coloured sugar water. And a lot of people didn't like those later episodes, either.
I wonder if Game of Thrones won't do something similar - the ending will make sense in the context of the entire series, but no one will like it because it won't go where they hoped the story would go.
3
I don't think there will be a definitive 'end.' After all, such dynastic power struggles would continue forever in such a milieu (much as they do now). Unless everyone dies in an apocalypse of fire (or ice), there will always be someone else to fight.
4
The rumor Qyburn told Cersei is probably something about the High Sparrow that will destroy him and save Cersei.
2
Maybe... wildfire.
Anna -- Not wild fire. The holier than thou attitude the High Sparrow exhibits needs to be punctured. I think the High Sparrow has a secret that will expose him as a fraud. He needs to be cut down to size. This, in my opinion would be a better ending for the man than the wild fire. But I could be wrong.
4
Drogon flies off, but what's happened to the other two dragons that Tyrion unchained? Daenerys is back, but to do what? Will she somehow seize the fleet attacking Meereen and get on with invading Westros?
The preview of the battle at Winterfell reveals little. The red god promises a great victory for the good guys, but how obtained? Littlefinger to the rescue at the last instant perhaps?
The preview of the battle at Winterfell reveals little. The red god promises a great victory for the good guys, but how obtained? Littlefinger to the rescue at the last instant perhaps?
4
The rumor Cersei and Qyburn discussed was made clear by the very next scene: the whereabouts of Tyrion, alive and well and playing with dragons. Won't it be exquisite if he turns out to be Cersei's savior?
"We are family, after all..."
"We are family, after all..."
3
I had the impression that the rumor was about caches of wildfire in the castle, and that Cersei might be planning a big bonfire.
1
Hohum episode with some decent moments. Satisfied that Arya did in the nasty Waif. Loved the cut of the candle moment. I found myself hating the Waif as much as Ramsey. Umm... not quite. The scene with the Imp trying to loosen up the Unsullied was a good one. Of course we know the Imp would drink the worst swill if it was placed in front of him. Dany's arrival with the noise on the Pyramid from the dragon landing was of no surprise. She seems finally ready to get down to it.... joining the fray on the mainland with a sense of purpose. Of course missing again were the nasty Ice men. When will the writers let them permanently out of the freezer? They are accumulating freezer burn.
5
Viewers can tell that GoT has outrun its source material. Now it's just a TV show, not an adaptation. That said, there often have to be these "move the story" along episodes (there have been two in GoT this season). And, for my money, it's still the fastest hour in television. My female friends text me how much happier they are that this is the "girl power" season. I suspect Dany, Arya, Sansa and Birenne will be keys to the end of this saga. Oh, and the "most popular dwarf in the world" will have some explaining to do...
9
I believe the rumor discussed by Cersei and Qyburn refers to the stockpiles of wildfire around the city, which were left behind by Mad King Aerys. She may have interest in using them as a "nuclear" option if things go bad at trial.
6
Arya vs Ramsey
7
Arya's flight out West begins and the layover in Terminal Bravos is complete. Who and what is west of Westeros?
1
America. Arya will spend the next 2 seasons doing low level chores as part of initiation for learning mystical skills that would make her invincible, only to quit when they finally accept her, realizing once again she has some urgent Stark family business to attend to.
who's the most popular dwarf in the city--no--the world?
2
I wonder how many winemakers and beverage companies have their marketing teams scrambling to secure the rights to the name 'Imp's Delight' this morning.
90
"We serve no wine before its time, which is always." I meant to note Tyrion's oenological aspirations so thanks for mentioning.
26
I guarantee Ommegang brewery will have an Imp's Delight beer in their excellent GoT series out by next season.
3
If you haven't had Rare Vos (which is not in their GOT canon) I understand it is excellent. But rare.
The Riverrun thread is still, more or less, following the course of book 4. In GRRM’s telling, Jamie arrives at Rvrrn to find his aunt Genna (Tywin's sister) waiting for him. The two have a rather engrossing conversation about the current state of matters in the realm which leads to the conversation turning to the recently deceased Lord Tywin. “Did you love him” Jamie asks.
Genna goes on to tell Jamie about who Tywin was as a boy and a young man and how he had to become the hard man that he was in order to restore the Lannister name to honor after their own Lord father’s weak stewardship, and how she loved him for that: “That is not to say that I approved of all he did or much enjoyed the company of the man that he became.”
Genna: “Who will protect us now?”
Jamie: “He left a son.”
Genna: “Aye, he did, that is what I fear the most, in truth.”
Jamie: “Why should you fear?”
Genna: “Jamie, sweetling, I’ve known you since you were a babe at Joanna’s breasts. You smile like Gerion and fight like “Tyg” (Tygett), and there’s some of Kevan in you, else you would not wear that white cloak, but TYRION is Tywin’s son, not you. I said so once to your father’s face and he would not speak to me for half a year…”
It is this comment which pushes Jamie to prove that he is, in fact, Lord Tywin’s son (in spirit as well as in flesh) and which results in the promise to deliver Edmure’s infant heir to him by means of a “trebuchet” should Edmure not surrender his castle once released.
Genna goes on to tell Jamie about who Tywin was as a boy and a young man and how he had to become the hard man that he was in order to restore the Lannister name to honor after their own Lord father’s weak stewardship, and how she loved him for that: “That is not to say that I approved of all he did or much enjoyed the company of the man that he became.”
Genna: “Who will protect us now?”
Jamie: “He left a son.”
Genna: “Aye, he did, that is what I fear the most, in truth.”
Jamie: “Why should you fear?”
Genna: “Jamie, sweetling, I’ve known you since you were a babe at Joanna’s breasts. You smile like Gerion and fight like “Tyg” (Tygett), and there’s some of Kevan in you, else you would not wear that white cloak, but TYRION is Tywin’s son, not you. I said so once to your father’s face and he would not speak to me for half a year…”
It is this comment which pushes Jamie to prove that he is, in fact, Lord Tywin’s son (in spirit as well as in flesh) and which results in the promise to deliver Edmure’s infant heir to him by means of a “trebuchet” should Edmure not surrender his castle once released.
65
So does this mean that the blond twins are actually half-siblings to Dany maybe?
1
Sad that they left that out. I think that dialogue says a lot more about Jamie than the whole extended siege scenes we were given.
Yeah, the characters are so much more developed and complex in GRRM's original telling and there are so many more worthwhile characters that didn't make it into the HBO series. But I understand that this is TV and any reasonable person will understand the constraints of what can be portrayed visually within the duration of a television program as compared to what can be writ to play out across the mind's eye.
I periodically recommend that people listen to the celebrated English actor, Roy Dotrice's, rendering of those characters in the audio editions of the books.
He is without equal.
I periodically recommend that people listen to the celebrated English actor, Roy Dotrice's, rendering of those characters in the audio editions of the books.
He is without equal.
1
The worst episode of what is shaping up to be GOT's worst season. Boring, pedantic and predictable.
62
Yep, something is definitely missing this season.
1
Yep. Dull indeed.
1
Though the dialogue may not be up to par, I'm in the minority in that I far prefer witty exchanges to endless mayhem among interchangeable beardy guys in jerkins. The fights usually go on far too long for my taste. One scene of the schemers and manipulators - Tyrion, Varys, Littlefinger, High Sparrow, et al. - and their machinations are worth a dozen swordfights or jousts. (I'll put up with orgies depending on who's getting down and dirty with whom.)
And I would be very happy never to go back to the Wall again or to see the White Walkers. They remind me of the Borg in Star Trek: Next Generation, not in substance but as an opportunity squandered. The Borg and the White Walkers were more interesting (and frightening) unseen, as Something Lurking Out There. Then, when I first saw them head on, I thought: ho hum, more zombies, any excuse for special effects. The White Walkers bore the heck out of me.
And I would be very happy never to go back to the Wall again or to see the White Walkers. They remind me of the Borg in Star Trek: Next Generation, not in substance but as an opportunity squandered. The Borg and the White Walkers were more interesting (and frightening) unseen, as Something Lurking Out There. Then, when I first saw them head on, I thought: ho hum, more zombies, any excuse for special effects. The White Walkers bore the heck out of me.
1
GOT this season is beginning to resemble daytime soap operas in its ability to elevate the most meaningless and banal exchanges into scenes.
It feels like gratuitous stalling.......
It feels like gratuitous stalling.......
81
Underwhelming, yes but had some nice moments: Hound and his "Peace Axe" chopping out his personal justice.
Jaqen's smidgen of a smile and teeny nod of freedom given to Arya.
Mountainstein being his new self.
Tommen on the same path of failing kings; I'm not sure I like him better than his older brother at this point.
"Bastard Battle 2016" brilliant!
Jaqen's smidgen of a smile and teeny nod of freedom given to Arya.
Mountainstein being his new self.
Tommen on the same path of failing kings; I'm not sure I like him better than his older brother at this point.
"Bastard Battle 2016" brilliant!
43
The rumor Cersei spoke of were the giant stores of wildfire still stuffed around the place and not used in the Blackwater.
71
good, hope she burns the whole place down, sick of those sparrows and her mealy mouthed son.
I think the rumor involves wildfyre & the Bran's vision of an explosion in the Red Keep. Cersei might try to "burn them all". Maybe the valonquar is the mountain? Isn't he the younger of the two Clegane brothers?
28
No, Sandor is younger. And I think Jaime will kill Cersei, as he killed Aerys, who also wished to burn Kings Landing.
2
No, Sandor is the younger brother.
1
The Hound is the younger brother. His burn (and resultant fear of fire) came from the Mountain punishing his younger brother as a child for playing with one of his toys by sticking his face into a flame.
3
Too much concern in this review about the details of Arya's survival. This was an excellent episode. Will Arya reunite with The Hound? She left him for dead so isn't he, in a way, also living a second life? Will she finish the job this time?
And tell me the brief scene with Grey Worm and Missandei laughing and telling jokes wasn't too long in coming. Can Tyrion alter everyone's mood and personality? We could use him in 2016. Really.
Can't we have a more charitable nickname for Cercei's formerly human protector? How about "Cercei's Golem"?
Interesting how Jaime Lanister, speaking of monstrous characters, has been seeming more human of late. That is, until this episode. His threat to catapult an infant over the castle wall reminds us of his past efforts to kill children, usually Starks. Are we being readied for Jaime's long delayed but much deserved demise? It could be by dragon. Or Golem. Or a young woman with a sword. If she is the young woman.
And tell me the brief scene with Grey Worm and Missandei laughing and telling jokes wasn't too long in coming. Can Tyrion alter everyone's mood and personality? We could use him in 2016. Really.
Can't we have a more charitable nickname for Cercei's formerly human protector? How about "Cercei's Golem"?
Interesting how Jaime Lanister, speaking of monstrous characters, has been seeming more human of late. That is, until this episode. His threat to catapult an infant over the castle wall reminds us of his past efforts to kill children, usually Starks. Are we being readied for Jaime's long delayed but much deserved demise? It could be by dragon. Or Golem. Or a young woman with a sword. If she is the young woman.
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Is Jaime starting to realize that he only lusts after Cersei, but loves Brienne?
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I liked this episode, although why Arya would wander around Bravos like she wasn't being hunted by master assassins escapes me, as does how she was able to recover from multiple stab wounds infected by water likely similar in biological makeup to the Ganges. I loved the lights-out move though.
I had hoped the Blackfish would survive.
The attack on Mereen seemed a little abrupt. But it's nice to see the story moving there with greater urgency.
I loved the interaction between Jaimie and Edmure. Jaimie seems to have come to terms with who he is, and while I appreciate his complexity, the fact that he has embraced the fundamental flaws of house Lannister will make it easier for me to watch when he finally gets killed off.
I'll finish with this: If Jon and Sansa don't retake Winterfell next week, I'm signing up for therapy.
I had hoped the Blackfish would survive.
The attack on Mereen seemed a little abrupt. But it's nice to see the story moving there with greater urgency.
I loved the interaction between Jaimie and Edmure. Jaimie seems to have come to terms with who he is, and while I appreciate his complexity, the fact that he has embraced the fundamental flaws of house Lannister will make it easier for me to watch when he finally gets killed off.
I'll finish with this: If Jon and Sansa don't retake Winterfell next week, I'm signing up for therapy.
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The perfunctory attack on Meereen by the Wise Masters would seem to render Tyrion's deal with them null and void, at the very least. So there's that. And I look forward next week to some flambé in the bay.
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Hoping Drogon's off to find his sisters.
3
Arya recovers using the Noomi Rapace method from "Prometheus" altho Noomi does her one better by performing the surgery that Arya left to Lady Crane.
Look more deeply for what is portended: Brienne of Tarth holds as her own now the sword of Valyrian steel. She is clearly one of the ascendant women of power in the emerging female mandala of the Seven Kingdoms. She has A Role to Play.
It is such a shame to me that the wonder, intricacy, and spiritual energy of Martin's books have been so inadequately transferred to the screen. The HBO series has devolved imto a flat Saturday morning cartoon. It could have been so much better. The architecture of the story has been hobbled. Such a pity.
It is such a shame to me that the wonder, intricacy, and spiritual energy of Martin's books have been so inadequately transferred to the screen. The HBO series has devolved imto a flat Saturday morning cartoon. It could have been so much better. The architecture of the story has been hobbled. Such a pity.
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I agree that with Brienne enroute back to Sansa, Jon and the north that her sword of Valyrian steel will come in quite handy against the White Walkers.
I also feel disappointed at what the HBO writers have done to certain segments of this saga but keep reminding myself that it's an adaption; I mean really, when has a movie or TV series/show based on a book or novel *ever* completely satisfied?
I also feel disappointed at what the HBO writers have done to certain segments of this saga but keep reminding myself that it's an adaption; I mean really, when has a movie or TV series/show based on a book or novel *ever* completely satisfied?
2
Let's not be too hard on the show runners. I've read all of the books- twice- and they lose their 'architecture,' on at least a few occasions. It's clear that the final two books should have been one. Meanwhile, Messrs. Benioff and Weiss have had to work in an entirely different medium, massaging 5K pages of plot line, background and character into something cohesive. I am in awe of the books- but am thoroughly enjoying the television adaption, uneven though it sometimes is (I totally agree on Arya's recent adventures- saved only by the use of the blind training that she'd undergone- and Jane's knowing smile). The acid test for me will be how they bring it all together... esp. since GRRM's glacial writing pace means they may be going it alone. I know that the real war is 'between the living and the dead,' though ironically I've always found the White Walkers to be the least interesting thing about GofT. I am hoping for an ending that uses them as a means to a fantastic end to our characters' storyline v just a war spectacle meant to entertain 15 year old boys.
2
The Waif must have stabbed Arya with a butter knife last week given how rapidly Arya recovered. Between that, the death of the actress, and the goofy chase scene, I think they just about jumped the shark with the Arya storyline. Unless Arya is leaving Bravos with the ability to change her appearance like the Faceless Men, I'm not sure what point there was to her very long stay at the House of Black and White.
I did like the Jamie and Brienne reunion, but I'm glad they dispensed with the Riverrun storyline quickly. Tommen seems to have had his head turned completely by the High Sparrow, so things should get more interesting now in King's Landing. I had to laugh when Dany swooped back into the pyramid on Drogon. Apparently, Dragon shows up when he wants to.
It seems that when the story outruns the original source material, the producers are struggling. Some of what they've come up with this season has been downright silly. Looks like next week we finally get the showdown with Ramsay Bolton, so here's to hoping they don't mess that up.
I did like the Jamie and Brienne reunion, but I'm glad they dispensed with the Riverrun storyline quickly. Tommen seems to have had his head turned completely by the High Sparrow, so things should get more interesting now in King's Landing. I had to laugh when Dany swooped back into the pyramid on Drogon. Apparently, Dragon shows up when he wants to.
It seems that when the story outruns the original source material, the producers are struggling. Some of what they've come up with this season has been downright silly. Looks like next week we finally get the showdown with Ramsay Bolton, so here's to hoping they don't mess that up.
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The faceless thing is not fully explained here (maybe it is in the books). It seems as if the faceless ones can only assume faces from the 'bank' in the House of Black and White. They just can't assume any face. So Arya would need access to those faces to change her face (maybe).
And yet the Faceless Man changed his face in front of Arya, on the road.
2
So many convenient things. Talk about Stockholm Syndrome; Edmure seems incredibly attached to a wife and child given they arose from the Red Wedding plot. Nice of the 7 or so Sparrows to take a pass on attacking The Mountain en masse. How did the waif know Arya was under care of the medically astute Lady Crane? Or was it a pleasant bonus for an assassin who could give the Terminator 3 girl a run for her money? The Blackfish's demise seemed awfully understated; I doubt Cersei's uncle Hand will get off as lightly.
18
I thought of The Terminator Waif too. Very funny.
4
The most anti-climactic episode of the series. So many juicy situations were setup only for nothing to happen. I wonder whats cooking for next episodes.
18
Why would Edmure sacrifice his uncle and the family army for a child he never met with a woman he didn't love? Seems a bit unlikely to me. By the way, that's Tobias Menzies, the evil Jack Randall from Outlander.
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Because of the scheduling (and other) restraints of the medium (television).
'In the books' (groan, I know) Edmure facilitates his uncle's escape by stalling until day break before opening his gates. "fish swim" he explains wryly when Jamie ask him how the blackfish escaped after Edmure contends that he'd agreed to turn over his castle, not his uncle.
Jamie responds by informing him of the 'oubliettes' located deep below "the rock" (Casterly Rock) and how he would become a permanent resident of one should he push his luck any further.
'In the books' (groan, I know) Edmure facilitates his uncle's escape by stalling until day break before opening his gates. "fish swim" he explains wryly when Jamie ask him how the blackfish escaped after Edmure contends that he'd agreed to turn over his castle, not his uncle.
Jamie responds by informing him of the 'oubliettes' located deep below "the rock" (Casterly Rock) and how he would become a permanent resident of one should he push his luck any further.
3
Yes, making him even harder to like.
Also, a shout out to Essie Davis who played the too-soon-gone Lady Crane. Ms Davis starred in a wonderful Australian series "Miss Fisher 's Murder Mysteries" available through Netflix. Viewing time well spent.
Also, a shout out to Essie Davis who played the too-soon-gone Lady Crane. Ms Davis starred in a wonderful Australian series "Miss Fisher 's Murder Mysteries" available through Netflix. Viewing time well spent.
4
To me Tobias Menzies will always be the character Brutus from the HBO series Rome...Now THAT was a television show for the ages!
4
Popping them, smashing them, ripping them off at the neck. The Mountain knows how to get a head.
33
really curious what he looks like now (without the helmet)
1
Meant to add, a great recap as always, Jeremy.
16
We spent the past week trying to come up with all kinds of contorted theories why Arya was acting in such a nonsensical manner. Who amongst us was right? No One.
Not even the writers of the show. That was just terrible writing.
On the other hand Sandor’s lines were hilarious this week. I think the best is “tougher girls than you tried to kill me". And speaking of Brienne, in an episode that is all about buzzkill, the quiet scenes were the best. And hers was one of them: Jamie standing alone on top of castle wall in silent darkness, sees Brienne going away in the boat. Awkwardly, metal scratching the tops of castle wall, he raises one golden hand. And Brienne, with a similar wistful expression, raises her hand. Sigh. What could have been.
My other favorite is between Arya and Jaqen at the end. After Arya told him she will always be Arya Stark, the Faceless Man’s expression was mostly blank, except ever so briefly the right corner of his mouth curled up to a smile. And with the slightest tilt of his head he bid Arya goodbye. Was that a sign of fatherly pride? I think a man always knew.
Not even the writers of the show. That was just terrible writing.
On the other hand Sandor’s lines were hilarious this week. I think the best is “tougher girls than you tried to kill me". And speaking of Brienne, in an episode that is all about buzzkill, the quiet scenes were the best. And hers was one of them: Jamie standing alone on top of castle wall in silent darkness, sees Brienne going away in the boat. Awkwardly, metal scratching the tops of castle wall, he raises one golden hand. And Brienne, with a similar wistful expression, raises her hand. Sigh. What could have been.
My other favorite is between Arya and Jaqen at the end. After Arya told him she will always be Arya Stark, the Faceless Man’s expression was mostly blank, except ever so briefly the right corner of his mouth curled up to a smile. And with the slightest tilt of his head he bid Arya goodbye. Was that a sign of fatherly pride? I think a man always knew.
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I don't think it was terrible writing. It was the simplest (and probably best) solution. We could have had endless permutations of who was wearing whose face (Arya was really the Waif who was really someone else who was stabbed by the old woman who was really the Waif who was really Jaqen). Not. I guess Arya could have been more discreet and taken Jaqen's warning about not completing the job to heart; but by that logic EVERYONE could have been someone else and one presumes Arya, having been trained, might be able to distinguish. And if that was such a threat, why wouldn't the Waif have approached Arya again in the guise of someone else (even Lady Crane)? Now that might have been a surprise. And it would have killed 2 birds with one stone: Lady Crane would be dead (as the initial contract wanted), and the Waif would have had another crack at Arya.
Or is he smiling because his plan is proceeding exactly as intended?
Dissatisfying episode. Beside Arya and Jaime, "No One" got what they wanted. The Waif is killed offscreen (and yet they found time for another round of small talk between Tyrion, Missandre and Grey Worm! smh). No real action at Rivererrun and no more Blackfish. The Hound had to settle for revenge in a way he didn't relish. Trial by combat is out of the picture. Brienne failed. And no chicken dinner for the Hound!
Jaime refusing the sword back: was that a "You can't have me so keep the sword" or done out of true friendship?
Arya's behavior last week before being stabbed now looks even more inexplicable. So the girl had to become a careless idiot to become "no one"? Sloppy writing.
Next week's episode: it looks like Jon is about to surrender in the last shot of him. This looks as dire as Stannis' defeat and the Wildlings attack on Castle Black. Just hope Littlefinger comes through in time. They have a LOT to wrap up in the remaining 15 episodes. Let's hope the finale at 69 minutes is one of the shorter ones!
Jaime refusing the sword back: was that a "You can't have me so keep the sword" or done out of true friendship?
Arya's behavior last week before being stabbed now looks even more inexplicable. So the girl had to become a careless idiot to become "no one"? Sloppy writing.
Next week's episode: it looks like Jon is about to surrender in the last shot of him. This looks as dire as Stannis' defeat and the Wildlings attack on Castle Black. Just hope Littlefinger comes through in time. They have a LOT to wrap up in the remaining 15 episodes. Let's hope the finale at 69 minutes is one of the shorter ones!
35