The pairing of Jorah and Tyrion has to be the most amusing thing I’ve seen in a while. Not only did their journey give Game of Thrones a perfect opportunity to showcase even more of its vast world (decimated Valyria is stunning), but it provided us with one heck of a nail-biting sequence as the Stone Men attacked our heroes. Seeing as how we’ve got a lot of backstory about the disease known as Greyscale, this made the ambush on our duo all the most unsettling (it didn’t help that Tyrion was chained and thrown overboard). The storyline’s ending was particularly harrowing, with Jorah hiding the fact that he’s been infected. Guess our days with Dany’s former confidante are numbered.
This was a particularly gruesome hour where the Boltons are concerned. First we have Ramsay making Theon get on his knees only to forgive him (instead of beat him), and then we witnessed him forcing Theon to apologize to Sansa for “killing” her two brothers. But the real disturbing highlight is
Roose revealing to Ramsay that his mother is a product of rape. That monologue (found below) is probably the most disgusting proclamation a character’s ever said on the show (and that’s saying something). Care to wager who’s the bigger sociopath, father or son?
Dany also had an intriguing hour. Like the badass that she is, she scared Meereen’s ruling families in the catacombs by feeding one of them to her Rhaegal and Viserion. The way the creatures barbecued the master then ripped him in two was just savage, and it highlighted a similarity between her and her mad father (who also burned his enemies). But some compassion and levelheadedness were also prevalent as she admitted her mistake to Hizdahr, decided to reopen the fighting pits, and announced that she would be marrying him. Reversal of gender roles? Epic!
Bits & Beheadings
– Maester Aemon wishes he could help Dany as he’s her last blood relation. I so wish we could get a scene between the two.
– Tormund wisely tells Jon he must come with him to convince the Wildlings to join their cause.
– Just like he’s done before, Stannis corrects someone’s English under his breath. Love this recurring detail about Stannis being a stickler for proper grammar.
– The fact that Olly assumes Jon wants to trick the Wildlings; it’s only natural after they killed his parents that he can’t fathom being good to them.
– I got goosebumps when Brienne told the servant that she’s still loyal to Catelyn and asked him to send a message to Sansa.
– In case you had any doubts, Myranda is as sick as Ramsay. She pretends to be nice to Sansa, then makes her walk down the creepy kennel to see poor Theon. Also, Myranda’s sex scene with Ramsay was just nasty.
– Sansa’s evil smile when Walda reveals she’s pregnant and Ramsay is not pleased is everything.
– The tower that Sansa is standing by is the same one that Brandon was pushed out of in the pilot.
– Ramsay calling Theon a “new person not a new man” is him alluding to the fact that he castrated the poor boy. Ouch.
– Ramsay alluding that Walda is just plain fat instead of pregnant made me laugh, as evil as it was.
– It’s a short scene but I was fascinated by Stannis interacting with Samwell. He not only knows Sam’s dad, but wants him to further research why Dragonglass (which he has in abundance) can kill White Walkers.
– Cute moment with Davos telling Shireen to protect him during battle.
– The fact that Stannis agrees to give Jon the ships was very odd.
– As expected, Ser Barristan didn’t survive the attack. Thankfully, Grey Worm did!
– Who knew Grey Worm and Missandei would get such a romantic moment? That kiss was pretty sweet.
– One of the most gorgeous visuals this show’s ever done: Tyrion seeing Drogon flying overhead. The sense of wonder, the sound of the flapping wings – it’s so majestic. And then it’s perfectly contrasted as we see the statue behind Tyrion in the distance jump into the water as we hear the splash. There are no words!
Kings & Quips
Maestor Aemon: You will find little joy in your command. But with luck, you will find the strength to do what needs to be done. Kill the boy, Jon Snow. Winter is almost upon us. Kill the boy and let the man be born.
Jon: We can learn to live with the wildlings or we can add them to the army of the dead.
Servant: Her mother’s dead.
Brienne: That doesn’t release me from an oath. I served Lady Catelyn. I serve her still.
Ramsay: (to Myranda) You’re the kennel master’s daughter. Who are you going to marry, the stable keeper’s son?
Daenerys: Who is innocent? Maybe all of you are. Maybe none of you are. Maybe I should let the dragons decide.
Walda: It must be difficult for you being in a strange place.
Sansa: This isn’t a strange place. This is my home. It’s the people who are strange.
Roose: You’ve never asked me about your mother.
Ramsay: Why would I? She had me, she died. And here we are.
Roose: She was a peasant girl. Pretty in a common sort of way. She was the miller’s wife. Apparently they had married without my knowledge or consent. So I had him hanged and I took her beneath the tree where he was swaying. She fought me the whole time. She was lucky I didn’t hang her, too.
Tyrion: Long, sullen silences and an occasional punch in the face. The Mormont way.
Conclusion
Another tremendously strong hour with one hell of a gut-punch ending.
Nad Rating
A-