Game of Thrones 3×10 – Mhysa

This finale might not have been as explosive as previous season finales, but it was still pretty beautiful.

The end sequence was especially stunning with Daenerys being hailed as some sort of Messiah. I loved the way she gently asked her Dragons to fly before moving past her guards and walking straight into the center of the liberated slaves completely unprotected. I genuinely feared for her life, until that triumphant moment where she was lifted up as the masses chanted “Myhsa” (which translates to “mother”). Dany’s journey has been a joy to watch, and adore the fact that her army of followers keeps growing with every passing season.

The aftermath of the Red Wedding is particularly gruesome, with The Hound and Arya making their way through utter chaos and spotting Robb Stark’s headless body sewn to his direwolf’s head – it’s all so horrifying and traumatic. But Arya’s pain does produce one magnificent sequence: her brutally stabbing of a Frey man in the forest (after playing the innocent act). Even more intriguing is her using the Braavos coin that she received in the season two finale. Is she finally ready to take Jaqen up on his offer and training? I for one, can not wait.

At Dragonstone, the narrative took some compelling turns as Davos freed Gendry before Melisandre could sacrifice him. I especially loved Davos saving his own life after sharing the White Walker warning letter. It’s about time the show’s characters banded together against a common threat, and anything that scares the Red Woman is certainly cause for alarm. But can Stannis please grow a personality already? I’d love for him to make his own decisions one day.

 Weirdly enough, the finale opts out of giving us a satisfying Jaime/Cersei reunion. We only witness the latter’s relieved face as she turns around and sees her brother/lover after oh so long. While I love the fact that the show pays off certain storylines SEASONS later, I think we earned the right to spend a few more seconds of screen-time here instead of having to wait for season four.

Bits & Beheadings

– The fact that Joffrey is pleased with the Red Wedding is just disgusting. But Tywin sending him to his room? Incredible! I love that he’s the only one who can truly put that little rat in his place.

– So Roose Bolton is now the Warden of the North, and it’s revealed that the man torturing Theon is none other than his psychotic son Ramsay.

– It’s a small moment but Maester Pycelle drops the note because he’s “old” and full of arthritis. We all know full well that’s not the case. Give the man an Oscar for his performance.

– Tywin telling Tyrion that he wanted to kill him as a baby. Sick stuff.

– Genius transition with Bran talking about the Rat cook and killing a guest as we cut to Walder Frey.

– I just don’t think Theon’s torture deserved a full season of television. Still, Ramsay eating a sausage after castrating poor Greyjoy was admittedly effective and unsettling.

– How great is it that Bran runs into Sam and Gilly in the most unlikely of locations? Not only that, but he gets some dragonglass (the key to defeating White Walkers) and heads off beyond the Wall with Hodor and the Reeds. Big things are coming people!

– Although Theon’s dad is unimpressed by the dick in the box and has no interest in saving his son, Yara’s speech is a blood-pumping and empowering moment for the character. I love her!

– Great little scene with Davos bonding with Gendry over being from Flea Bottom.

– I’m getting a bit weary of Shae and the repetitiveness of her storyline. Nevertheless, it was still satisfying to see her refuse Varys’ offer and diamonds.

– Enlightening scene with Cersei admitting to Tyrion that she’s not happy, but that there was a time where even Joffrey brought her happiness.

– I knew I always loved Maester Aemon; the fact that he gives Sam and Gilly refuge in the Night’s Watch is very heartwarming.

– Ygritte is starting to annoy me, and her shooting Jon with THREE arrows did nothing to endear her further.

– How awesome is it to see Jon back at the Night’s Watch and reunited with Sam? Woohoo!

Kings & Quips

Tyrion: (to Joffrey) Killed a few puppies today?

Joffrey: Everyone is mine to torment. You’d do well to remember that, you little monster.
Tyrion: Oh, I’m a monster. Perhaps you should speak to me more softly, then. Monsters are dangerous and just now kings are dying like flies.

Tyrion: You just sent the most powerful man in Westeros to bed without his supper.
Tywin: You’re a fool if you believe he’s the most powerful man in Westeros.
Tyrion: A treasonous statement. Joffrey is king.
Tywin: You really think a crown gives you power?

Tyrion: (to Tywin) I’m all for cheating. This is war. But to slaughter them at a wedding… Explain to me why it is more noble to kill 10,000 men in battle than a dozen at dinner?

Ramsay: (to Theon) Sorry. I shouldn’t make jokes. My mother taught me not to throw stones at cripples. But my father taught me to aim for their head.

Shae: I have a name.
Varys: You have one name. As do I. Here only the family name matters.

Cersei: Start trying to work out who deserves what and before long you’ll spend the rest of your days weeping for each and every person in the world.

Tyrion: There’s nothing worse than a late-blooming philosopher. Will you be facing your marriage to Ser Loras with the same philosophical spirit?

Tyrion: How long does it go on?
Cersei: Until we’ve dealt with all our enemies.
Tyrion: Every time we deal with an enemy, we create two more.
Cersei: Then I suppose it will go on for quite a long time.

Conclusion
A low-key yet beautiful finale that does a terrific job of setting up season four.

Nad Rating
A-