And so Cersei’s great big plan to take down the Tyrells comes flaming back at her as she’s thrown into a dungeon in The Gift‘s horrifying final moments. Everything about this episode’s final sequence is spectacular, beginning with Cersei facing off with the High Septon and then her slow realization that Lancel has divulged their notorious affair. Lena Headey has never been better, and her venomous threats at the Septa as the episode comes to a close supplies the hour with a real stunner of an ending. Incredible!
Although I thought it would get dragged out until at least the season finale, The Gift pleasantly (and finally) brings together two characters who have yet to cross paths in five seasons: Tyrion and Daenerys. This is the kind of pairing that’s brimming with potential, and I absolutely can not wait to see two of my favorite characters sharing the same story arc. Dany also gets reunited with Jorah who urgently rushes to see her (while fighting his way through the pit) although he doesn’t get to reveal his Greyscale affliction quite just yet. Oh Jorah.
I would have liked a greater emphasis on Sansa following her rape, but it seems her abuse is far from over with the reveal that Ramsay is basically assaulting her every night. And just when you think they can’t possibly make the baddie any worse, he goes on ahead and flays Sansa’s poor elderly handmaiden. Does he have to be so darn barbaric?
Bits & Beheadings
– Sam wisely gives Jon dragonglass before leaving. Also, they share a hug and give us all the feels.
– Poor Maester Aemon finally passed away. How weird is it to see someone die of natural causes on the show? I love that Gilly and Sam were there for him, and that little Sam reminded Aemon of his Targaryen sibling.
– Sansa tries to remind Theon who he is to no avail. I’m getting sick of whimpering Reek. Ugh.
– Loved Sansa’s dig at Ramsay about being a bastard. He retaliates by telling her that Jon is now Lord Commander – a development no one had told her about.
– Melisandre’s nuttiness reached new lows this week as she tried to convince Stannis to sacrifice his daughter to the Lord of Light. Thankfully he threw her out of his tent.
– I don’t know why rape is becoming so prevalent on GOT this year, but two Night’s Watch men try to rape Gilly as Sam fails to save her.Thankfully, Ghost is there to scare them off and it’s such a cheerworthy moment.
– Loved Sam and Gilly having sex for the first time. The lighting, the innocence – it’s adorable.
– Hilarious how Tyrion gets himself sold to Jorah’s owner by beating the poor peasant and proving they’re a “team”.
– Is Daario starting to show a creepy side? He tells Dany he wants to marry her, and then recommends that she slaughters all the masters.
– How amusing was it to see Olenna and the High Septon bond over knee and hip pain? I do wish she put him in his place though. His righteousness is pissing me off.
– I’m still waiting for Tommen to grow a pair. And were those fake tears Cersei?
– So Myrcella doesn’t want to go back to King’s Landing. Good luck Jaime!
– What was the point of the Sandsnake Tyene almost killing Bronn with poison, flashing him through the bars, and then giving him the antidote. Everything about the Sand Snakes thus far has just been horrible. I’m trying to block them out.
– Love Olenna reminding Littlefinger that they killed Joffrey together and that she’ll take him down with her. So darn cunning!
– Who is the strange guard who helped Tyrion escape?
– Cersei visiting Margaery in the cell was just harsh. I love how Margaery eventually implodes at Cersei’s fake sincerity and smashes the bowl of soup. Excellent performance by Nathalie Dormer.
– Seriously the musical score at the end with Cersei’s imprisonment is worthy of a horror movie
Kings & Quips
Stannis: If I retreat again, I’ll become the King Who Ran.
Daario: You are queen. You can do what you like.
Daenerys: No, I can’t.
Daario: Then you are the only person in Meereen who’s not free.
Daenerys: I am a queen, not a butcher.
Daario :All rulers are either butchers or meat.
Olenna: Where would I find the High Septon or High Sparrow or whatever bloody fool name he’s got?
Septon: The gods demand justice.
Olenna: How do they communicate their demands? By raven or horse?
Septon: (to Olenna) A lifetime of wealth and power has left you blind in one eye. You are the few, we are the many. And when the many stop fearing the few…
Cersei: (to Tommen) I would do anything for you. Anything to keep you from harm. I would burn cities to the ground.
Myrcella: You had more hair.
Jaime: And more hands.
Bronn: It’s against my code to hurt a woman.
Tyene: It’s amazing how many men we beat seem to have this code.
Margaery: (to Cersei) Lies come easily to you. Everyone knows that. But innocence, decency, concern, you’re not very good at those, I’m afraid.
Conclusion
A shocking hour that elevates the season to another level with some monumental developments.
Nad Rating
A
I thought it was satisfying to see Cersei get brought down by her own machinations. It shows that no matter how powerless and ruthless you are in this world, you are not protected from the consequences of your actions. Joffrey and Tywin are proof of that. Roose and Ramsay Bolton will eventually join them.
Correction: I meant “powerful” not “powerless”.