Let’s all take a moment to thank the lords for the glorious character that is Lady Olenna. Played to absolute mesmerizing perfection by Diana Rigg, the character is just hilarious across the board with her honesty and wit. Watching her corner Sansa (in a maternal way) was a true delight, particularly with the young Stark finally caving in after three seasons and admitting out loud how much of a monster Joffrey truly is. Can Olenna just become the show’s primary protagonist already?
Dark Wings is also notable for revealing a whole lot of much-needed exposition where Bran is concerned. We discover that he is in fact a Warg – a person with the ability to enter the minds of animals. In addition, the Three-Eyed Raven he keeps seeing is linked to The Sight – an ability he also possesses that lets him see future and past events. All this new information is relayed through the show’s two newest characters: the sibling duo of Jojen and Meera Reed – two very promising characters in their own right. I just love the adventures of the Stark brothers on this little journey of theirs with Osha and Hodor tagging along. It feels like a never-ending roadtrip.
Interestingly enough, I thought I’d be bored of Jaime and Brienne by now. I’m not; their banter continues to amuse. Also, their fight on the bridge at the end was top-notch and perfectly paced, culminating with them getting cornered by men from House Bolton. I can’t wait to see how the sneaky duo will get out of this one!
Bits & Beheadings
– How great was it to see Robb, Jon and Bran all together in Bran’s dream? I so want them all to get reunited.
– Heartbreaking scene with Catelyn telling Talisa the story of Jon Snow and how she feels she’s been punished all her life because she could not love a “motherless child”. So much complexity!
– The first Warg we meet is Orell.
– Gendry asks Arya why she didn’t ask name Tywin or Joffrey to be killed. Seriously why not?
– I love how protective Shae is of Sansa.
– Captivating scene with Margaery and Joffrey and the hunting bow. She sure knows how to play him beautifully! A master manipulator!
– So who kidnapped Theon and why? Those torture scenes were harsh!
– The inn that Arya and the gang find themselves in is the same one that Catelyn arrested Tyrion in all the way back in season one. I just love continuity.
– Bone-chilling moment with the Hound recognizing Arya just as Thoros lets her go.
– Guess Brienne should have killed the peasant they saw on the road after all!
Kings & Quips
Jaime: (to Brienne) You know, it doesn’t matter how loyal a servant you are, no one enjoys the company of a humourless mute.
Jaime: Ah, Renly. Really? He wasn’t fit to rule over anything more important than a 12-course meal.
Jaime: (to Brienne) You weren’t Renly’s type, I’m afraid. He preferred curly-haired little girls like Loras Tyrell. You’re far too much man for him.
Jaime: It’s all true about Renly. His proclivities were the worst kept secret at court. It’s a shame the throne isn’t made out of cocks. They’d have never got him off it.
Olenna: All Lannisters are lions, and when a Tyrell farts, it smells like a rose.
Olenna: We should have stayed well out of all this if you ask me. But once the cow’s been milked, there’s no squirting the cream back up her udders.
Olenna: Do you know my son? The Lord of Highgarden?
Sansa: I haven’t had the pleasure.
Olenna: No great pleasure, believe me. A ponderous oaf. His father was an oaf as well.
Tyrion: (to Shae) This is cruel and unfair. Cruelly unfair.
Jaime: (to Brienne) You move well… for a great beast of a woman.
Jaime: (to Brienne) You’re good. Graceless, but good.
Conclusion
A stellar hour with a range of intriguing subplots and clever dialogue.
Nad Rating
A-
Can I just say how much I love Catelyn Stark? She IS the beating heart of this show. Her scene with Talisa (while super short) gave me goosebumps. The fact that she blames her inability to love a motherless child for everything that’s ever happened to their family absolutely broke my heart. I need this woman to get a show of her own STAT!
Also, Lady Olenna stole the show in just ONE SCENE! What a fantastic actress and a hoot! Can’t wait to see more of her! On the other hand, was that Ramsay Bolton who came to help Theon?? UGH forgot this douche existed!
One more thing: I love that look Jaime gives Brienne in the end when they both realize the “innocent bystander” they ran into earlier did indeed recognize him and rat them out (to the Boltons, of all people!). I love these two!