Game of Thrones 2×07 – A Man Without Honor

So much awesomeness in this one.

Another episode, another maginificent Tywin/Arya scene. This week’s encounter between the two was probably my favorite thus far since it was packed with so many layers. Everything from Arya almost killing Tywin to the Lannister comparing our little firecracker to Cersei was perfect. On top of everything else, the scene also managed to give us a little history lesson (how Aegon Targaryen changed the rules of the game with dragon fire), while giving Tywin the chance to figure out that Arya might not be who she seems (particularly with how she pronounces “my lord”). It’s all so tensely produced and fantastic. The casting on Game of Thrones simply could not get any better.

But the week’s MVP is undoubtedly Nikolaj Coster-Waldau for his astounding performance as Jaime Lannister. How is it that someone so evil could come off as even slightly likeable? The super long conversation between Jaime and Ser Alton Lannister was a fascinating jewel to behold, and it thrillingly culminated with Jaime brutally killing the poor squire. Of course his escape didn’t last long, but it also gave us the chance to see the Kingslayer face off with Catelyn and Brienne. I could watch a sitcom dedicated to these three all year long.

 Lena Headey also had her best episode yet this week. First she got to open up to her little “dove” Sansa by finally admitting that Joffrey was “difficult”, but then Headey got to showcase her finest work yet as she broke down in front of Tyrion. This was especially significant because the brother and sister have been at each other’s throats for so long, that you often wondered if there was ever even any love left between the two. It also reveals a lot about Cersei’s character when she admits that she feels Joffrey’s psychosis is punishment for the incest she commits with Jaime. Ouch.

In case you were wondering if Theon would be redeemed after his savage murder of Ser Rodrick, the wannabe villain took his evil to another level by effectively barbecuing the two orphan boys that Bran sent for shelter a couple of episodes back. I know the writers tried to have their cake and eat it too with the episode’s cliffhanger by making it seem like Theon killed Bran and Rickon, but we all know such impactful deaths would never happen off-screen. Still, I’m eager to see Theon get taken down a peg or two. His journey’s been an eventful one, and Alfie Allen been delivering tremendous work all season long.

Dany’s search for her kidnapped dragons in Qarth didn’t prove to be as thrilling as I would have hoped, but it did contain a nifty twist with Xaro and the warlock Pryat Pree murdering the Thirteen. Here’s hoping this subplot is finally kicked into overdrive as Dany’s been somewhat of a letdown this season in retrospect. It’s particularly frustrating to see her nagging so much instead of actually doing something. At least Jorah’ s back and consulting with the mysterious masked woman again. Can she get more screen time please?

Last week, I mentioned that I wasn’t completely invested in Jon Snow’s storyline. Something about his dynamic with Ygritte felt forced and dull. Well I’m happy to report that this subplot was completely rectified this week thanks to some terrific performance and a whole lot of witty banter. Everything from Ygritte incessantly making fun of Jon’s virgin status, to the screaming match about the nature of Wildlings was on point. In addition, I finally bought the sparks between the two, which definitely bodes well for the show. Also, Jon’s capture in the end certainly ups the stakes in an exciting manner.

Bits & Beheadings

– This is the first mention of the iconic line “You know nothing Jon Snow.”

– How cute is Arya when she starts devouring Tywin’s food?

– Awesome touch with Arya eyeing Tywin’s neck with her knife.

– Incredible scene with Sansa waking up from her nightmare and having bled, and then having to hide it from her handmaiden who Shae catches at the last second and threatens with a knife. And just as you breathe a sigh of relief, The Hound discovers that Sansa is ready for children and alerts Cersei. Uh oh.

– How awesome is Tyrion’s reaction to Cersei’s tears? He approaches her, but can’t do much else. Its’ all so awkward and hilarious.

– Loved those final moments with Jaime insulting a dead Ned Stark, and Catelyn retaliating by asking for Brienne’s sword. Also, why is Jaime such a bully with Brienne?

Kings & Quips

Theon: Enjoying your first hunt?
Luwin: So far, hunting seems very similar to riding, My Lord.

Ygritte: Are there no girl crows?
Jon: There are no women of the Night’s Watch, no.
Ygritte: So the lads just do it with each other?
Jon: No.
Ygritte: Never?
Jon: Never. We swore an oath.
Ygritte: You have sheep at the Wall? With your hands, then?

Tywin: You’re small for your age. I suppose you’ve been underfed your whole life.
Arya: I eat a lot. I just don’t grow.

Tywin: Aren’t most girls more interested in the pretty maidens from the songs? Jonquil with the flowers in her hair?
Arya: Most girls are idiots.
Tywin: Ha!

Sansa: Does it give you joy to scare people?
The Hound: No. It gives me joy to kill people.

The Hound: Killing is the sweetest thing there is.

Cersei: (to Sansa) You may never love the king, but you will love his children.

Cersei: (to Sansa) The more people you love, the weaker you are.

Jaime: It’s a good thing I am who I am. I’d have been useless at anything else. I’m not well-suited for imprisonment. Shocking, I know. Some men are. Ned Stark … I imagine he made an excellent prisoner right up until the end. But me, though … my life has left me uniquely unfit for constraint.

Alton: Well, let me help you.
Jaime: You’ll only have to do one thing.
Alton: Tell me.
Jaime: You’ll have to die.

Catelyn: Bind him with every chain you can find!
Jaime: You’ve become a real she-wolf in your later years. There’s not much fish left in you.
Catelyn: And gag him!

Tyrion: (to Cersei) It’s hard to put a leash on a dog once you’ve put a crown on its head.

Cersei: (about Joffrey) I always hoped he’d be like Jaime. He looks like him… (Tyrion stares at her) …in a certain light.

Jaime: (about Brienne) Is that a woman?

Jaime: (about Brienne) Where did you find this beast?

Conclusion
With almost every storyline on-point, this was another stunner from Game of Thrones. 

Nad Rating
A