The Rewatch Project: Season 2, Episode 6

Synopsis

Winterfell is under siege. Maester Lewin gets a few Ravens off, then Theon appears in Bran's room to convince him to yield. He does, under the assertion it is the only way for Bran to protect his people. Bran asks if Theon always hated them. In the yard Bran tells the gathered people that he has yielded the castle to Prince Theon Osha asks to be freed. One of Theon's men brings in Roderick Cassel who scolds Theon and finally spits on him. Theon is going to imprison him but Dagmar convinces him his men will not respect him will Roderick lives. It takes Theon four strokes and a kick to remove Roderick's head from his shoulders.

Jon's party and Ghost head for the mountain peak. Qhoran lectures Jon about how to be safe in the north... the trick is knowing you are never safe in the north.

Tywin is pissed at a messenger who apparently can't read and sent a message to one of Robb Stark's bannermen instead of his own. He asks Arya for a book and notes she can read better. He then sends his men away and Petyr Baelish arrives. Arya freaks a bit and Petyr almost notices, causing heart attacks all around but she clears the table and pours the wine.

Jon, with Qhorin and his men, come across a small group of wildlings. They attack. Jon is surprised to find one of them female. He cannot bring himself to kill Ygritte. When he is stalling, she escapes. He chases her and catches her but they are far from both their groups.

Myrcella is put aboard her ship for Dorne with all the court there to see her off. Cersei seethes at Tyrion hoping he truly loves somebody some day so she can “rip her from you”. Tommen cries and Joffrey is an ass to him. They head back to the red keep. At first people should nice things, hail the king and such, but then someone shouts bastard. They say they are hungry then someone throws shit at Joffrey, so he shouts for them and begins with his mantra of “kill them all”. Tyrion commands them all to GO and get back while Joffrey shouts for deaths. The high septon is torn apart. Sansa and some ladies are separated from the rest as King Joffrey is rushed to safety, Cersei, too. Sansa is chased off in another direction. Tyrion hit Joffrey and asks where the Stark girl is. Sansa has been trapped by three men who are intent on raping her. Meryn Trant refuses to go look for her because Joffrey won't order it. The Hound saves Sansa, killing all three men.

Dany paces, waiting for the “spice king”. She asks him for ships but he uses them for trade and won't give them away for promises. He is a pedantic ass, but also has a point. She has no army and no allies.

Arya sees an letter about attacking Robb. Tywn asks who taught her to read. We learn Jaime is dyslexic. Tywin asked her story and she claims her father was a stone mason. He asks what killed her father and she says Loyalty. She steals the letter then runs into Amory Lorch with it. Though Amory can't read, she panics and finds Jaqen to kill him NOW. When Lorch reaches Tywin he falls down dead with a poisoned dart in his neck.

Robb moves through his camp, much admired by his men. He approaches Lady Talisa and a discussion follows on nobility in Westeros vs. Essos. Catelyn reminds him he is not free. Bolton brings news from Winterfell. [note below]

Jon tells Ygritte they are stopping for the night. She wants shelter and fire but he refuses both, so she suggests staying close. She then proceeds to taunt/tempt him with some wiggling and pressing up against him.

Robb and Bolton discuss Greyjoy taking Winterfell. Catelyn reminds Robb she told him so. He wants to go north but Bolton suggests his bastard can retake Winterfell. If he goes himself he loses what he gained. Robb says his brothers' safety is paramount and he wants to kill Theon himself.

Osha comes to Theon “to serve” then gets naked. She wants her freedom and he agrees.

Shae cares for Sansa's cuts. Sansa tries to understand and says she hates the king more than anyone. Shae advises her to trust no one.

Theon sleeps and Osha gets up and leaves, slitting the throat of a guard with a trick about being sent to keep him warm. She whistles and Bran, Rickon, Hodor and the wolves come out. 

Dany discusses those who've rejected her with Xaro. They reach his house. Her men are dead and her dragons are gone. Someone is seen carrying them up a set of stairs.


Places and Faces 

 Ygritte is the big new one this episode. She has an important role and she makes a brilliant first impression.


Notable Quotes 

Roderick: Gods help you, Theon Greyjoy. Now you are truly lost.

Ygritte: Strike hard and true, Jon Snow, or I'll come back and haunt you.

Tyrion: We've had vicious kings and we've had idiot kings, but I don't know if we've ever been cursed with a vicious idiot for a king. 

Discussion 

So is this where Roose realizes the opportunity for House Bolton, should Robb Stark break his promise about marrying the Frey girl? The books suggest perhaps Tywin Lannister laid the trap (calling to his bannermen about getting someone inside the Stark camp and the Westerlings hatched the love potion/marry Jeyne Westerling bit) but the show could have Bolton planting the bug in Tywin's ear...

This episode to me shows Dany at her most irritating... entitled and asking for presents because she deserves them instead of being strong or thoughtful. It is interesting, though of course we don't LIKE it, but a nice twist as Theon takes Winterfell. Alfie Allen is an amazing actor, able to get across Theon's odd mix of insecurity and belief he has a right to take it. Osha's trick is good, too, helping the boys escape. I also like the King's Landing events of the peasants rebelling against Joffrey. And though the Sansa stuff is terrifying and hard to watch, she is at least saved and the sliver of heroism of the Hound is shown. It is nice to see the contrast—that Meryn Trant will not do the right thing unless ordered, where the Hound will, even though he is not a Knight.

The Rewatch Project: Season 2, Episode 5

Synopsis

Renly and Cat reach an agreement for an alliance, then Brienne helps Renly remove cloak. Cat urges him to make peace with Stannis, but he won't. A shadow blows in and stabs Renly through his armor. Brienne screams and catches him. Renly's other guards come in, thinking she killed him, so she has to cut them down. Catelyn convinces Brienne she can't avenge Renly from the grave.

Littlefinger sees Stannis's navy arriving and convinces the Tyrells their interests are better served with the Lannisters. It is Loras's route to revenge. When Loras goes for the horses, Littlefinger talks to Margaery about being queen.

Tyrion tells Cersei of Renly's death and she is pleased, failing to understand it means Stannis, which his hugely larger army will be invading even sooner. Cersei won't share Joffrey's seige plans with him and seems pleased with herself to have Tyrion not know. Tyrion however, has is Lancel source and learns it is wildfyre. The Alchemist guild plans to toss it from the city walls.

Davos tries to talk to Stannis about what he saw (Mel's shadowbaby) but Stannis doesn't care. He has all his brother's men except the Tyrells now. Davos then convinces Stannis that if he takes Mel to King's landing it will be her victory, not his. Stannis agrees but puts Davos in charge to the fleet for taking King's Landing.

Tyrion and Bronn wander the market. A philosopher is talking about the rotten king, which is fair, but says his strings are being pulled by a twisted demon monkey. The people think Tyrion is controlling Joffrey.

Theon arrives to launch his ship. His men ignore and disrespect him. Yara arrives and eggs them on. She brags that her men would wait a year for her. Dagmar arrives to take Theon to his ship. (he's first mate. As they go out to the ship the plot hatches to take Torhen Square as a decoy.

Tywin is discussion the war with his men. They keep saying there is trouble within the Stark Camp but Tywin isn't buying it. He sends his cousin home for complaining. He then asks where Arya is from. At first she claims Maidenpool, but can't name the sigel. He knows she is from the north so she claims Barrowtown, ruled by House Dustin. He then asks what they say about Robb Stark in the north and she gives a great speech (see below). Tywin then sends her for water. She sees Jaqen with Biter and Rorge and hides, but Jaqen finds her anyway. She is mad that he is working for the Lannisters. He makes her an offer, however, to pay back the Red God (see below). Arya names The Tickler.

The ranging group arrives at the Fist of the First Men to wait for Qoran Halfhand. Sam babbles about Gilly on their way up to the annoyance of his brothers. The men set up camp as Sam changes his tune to tell of the History of the Fist, much to the annoyance of his brothers. A horn blows once. One for friends. Two for foes. “And three for White Walkers.” (Sam read it in a book). It is Qoran.

Tyrian visits the Alchemists and we get a wildfyre lesson. Bronn is skeptical, but Wisdom Halene insists they don't deal in pig shit. Bronn talks of the risk and chaos of battle. Halene opens the door to thousands of pots of wildfyre. Tyrion tells him they won't be making it for his sister anymore. They'll be making it for him.

Drogon gets a cooking lesson. Irri has mended a few of Dany's things. Doreah holds up the dress Xoro sent her and Irri and Doreah bicker a bit. Dany wears the dress to a garden party where she has to scold the Dothraki for trying to steal things. The wizards give a demonstration of their magic and invite Dany to the House of the Undying. Quaith talks to Jorah and warns Dany needs to be protected.
Brienne said the shadow looked like Stannis. Cat says after telling Robb what had happened she was heading back to Winterfell. Brienne wants to kill Stannis but Cat encourages her not to rush into death. She encourages Brienne to side with Robb whose enemies are the same as Renly's. Brienne says she doesn't know Robb, but she knows her, she could fight for her. Brienne pledges fealty to Catelyn.

Bran sits as lord, hearing his people and offering a pretty good solution to the sheep herder with wolf trouble—two orphans to help tend the flock if he will feed and house them. Rickon smashes walnuts and Roderick comes it and tells them Tohren Square has been taken. Bran tells him to take the men he needs. Osha and Bran discuss the three-eyed raven and Brans dream that the sea was coming to wash over the walls of Winterfell.

Qoran points out a fire on the top of a distant mountain. He says they have to take out those people or Mance will know they are coming. Jon asks to go and Sam says he will cover Jon's steward tasks so Mormont agrees.

Xoro asks about Jorah being in love with Dany. He takes her for a walk and shows her the vault that holds his riches and offers her half if he marries him. (see “book extra” below) She is tempted but Jorah then talks her down, convincing her the slow road and allies in Westeros are the way to the throne. She heeds his advice.

Gendry Eyecandy is practicing with a sword and no shirt. Arya corrects his stance and then the Tickler falls from a wall... Jaqen holds a finger up to Arya to show her that kill is hers.


Places and Faces 

The Alchemists Guild and “Wisdom Halene”--yes, the alchemists call themselves “wisdom” rather than brother or maester or anything a little bit humble.

Fist of the First Men (and Qoran Halfhand)

Inside Qarth: Quaith is the main character seen for the first time here, though we get to know a couple of the thirteen better.


Notable Quotes 
(there are some sort of epic speeches this episode)

Arya: They call him the young wolf. They say he rides into battle on the back of a direwolf. They say he can turn into a wolf himself when he wants. They say he can't be killed. 

Tywin: And do you believe them?” Arya: No my lord. Anyone can be killed. Jaqen: A man pays his debts. A man owes three. The red god takes what is his. And only death can pay for life. You saved me and the two I was with. You stole three from the red god. We have to give them back. Speak three names and a man will do the rest. 

Quaithe: She is the mother of dragons. She needs protectors now more than ever. They shall come day and night to see the wonder born into the world again. And when they see, they shall lust. For Dragons are fire made flesh and fire is power. 

Jorah: You have a good claim. A title. A birthright. But you have something more than that. You may cover it up and deny it, but you have a gentle heart. You would not only be respected and feared; you would be loved. Someone who can rule and should rule. Centuries come and go without a person like that coming into the world. There are times when I look at you and I still can't believe you're real. 

Book Extra 

So in the books there is a reveal about Xoro's proposal that never is mentioned in the show. Since Dany never marries him, it's not a spoiler really, but points our Xoro is craftier than he at first appears. In Qarth when people marry there is something called a Bride-gift. The bride and groom EACH can as ONE thing from the other's possessions. So Dany could ask for a ship, but you KNOW what Xoro would ask for... a dragon.

Analysis 

 Can I just give a big Squee for Arya at Harrenhal? Season 2 is low on my favorite list, but Arya is by far my favorite part, both interacting with Tywin and being the Ghost of Harrenhal with Jaqen's help. I felt the episode was strong and it really WAS impressive the number of HOLY CRAP speech/lines.

Rewatch Project: Season 2, Episode 4

Synopsis

The episode opens with some Lannister soldiers guarding camp, debating the best fighter in Westeros and trying to spook each other. When they are mocking each other, a Wolf appears, apparently leading Robb's army.

The scene then pans to the next day and the Northman clearing the field. Roose Bolton displays his try colors, criticizing Robb for being soft (not killing prisoners, not being willing to flay them). Robb says he will not give the Lannister an excuse to abuse his sisters.

We meet Talisa on the battlefield as Robb helps her with an amputation. Roose asks shouldn't she be helping their men but she doesn't buy it. Robb and Talisa debate war. She criticizes his lack of a long-term plan.

Joffrey points a crossbow at Sansa as Lancel tells of the “Sorcery” of Robb Stark beating the Lannister army. Joffrey has Meryn beat Sansa, but says to leave her face pretty. He then has him tear her dress, at which point Tyrion comes in and stops it all. He asks someone to cover her and the Hound drapes her in his cloak. Joffrey says he can do what he wants because he's King and Tyrion points out the Mad King did what he wanted. Tyrion gives Sansa his hand and leads her out.

After Bronn and Tyrion discuss Joffrey. Tyrion sends him a couple whores who he then forces one to beat the other.

Renly meets with Littlefinger who tells him he still has friends at court. Renly sees Littlefinger trying to hedge his bets (to keep his position and head, should Renly win). Littlefinger suggests the gate might be open for him. Margaery walks Littlefinger to his tent and he asks some pointed questions about her marriage but she holds her own.

A Rider returns across the Red Waste and tells Dany she will be received in Qarth.

Arya and her fellow captives arrive at Harrenhal with its dragon-melted towers. The prisoners are being tortured for information that most of them don't have. Even if they do give information, they always die. They're kept in a muddy cage to be rained on. From her mud puddle, Arya mutters her name prayer.

Littlefinger comes to Cat who is furious with him over his betrayal. He offers Sansa and Arya for Jaime and has Ned's bones brought in as a sign of Tyrion's good faith. The Mountain picks people to be tortured. Hot Pie is staring at him because a man says that is how he has avoided being picked. When the man is picked, Hot Pie pisses himself. The torturers strap a bucket with a rat to his belly, then heat it to get their answers. Arya adds The Mountain and Polliver to her prayer.

Catelyn goes with Renly to his parlay with Stannis. Renly asks about Stannis's sigil and is relieved Stannis's newfound religiosity seems to be because the Red Priestess is hot. The two spar verbally, though the show drops Renly's peach (which taunts Stannis) and Stannis's FABULOUS line (see analysis below). Stannis tells Renly he has the night to reconsider—join him, be his heir, but otherwise he will destroy Renly.

Dany and company arrive at Qarth. The thirteen greet them. Dany won't show her dragons until they are allowed in and fed, but the thirteen refuse and walk away. Dany rages and blows smoke. Xaro Xoran Xaxos (or something like that) steps forward and invokes Sumai. He bleeds for her and allows her in. It looks pretty.

Gendry is picked by the torturers. AA rat is strapped on, and Tywin arrives. He scolds them for wasting people, asking Gendry if he has a trade. Gendry says he's a smith. Tywin also spots Arya as a girl and says she will be his cup bearer.

Lancel comes to Tyrion with a warrant to have Pycelle released. Tyrion questions Lancel about being at Cersei's beck and call at all hours of the night and how he thinks Joffrey would feel that Lancel had made his way to Cersei's bed. Lancel panics and Tyrion says he will keep Lancel's secret so long as Lancel spies on Cersei for him.

FIRST “FEWER” SITING: Davos talks to Stannis who asks about his finger bones. Davos says he has four less fingernails to clean, to which Stannis replies “Fewer”. *snerk* Stannis doesn't believe the bad washes away the good or vice versa. He says he wants Davos to play the smuggler. Davos argues there are cleaner ways but Stannis says cleaner ways don't win wars. Davos and Melisandre debate good and evil. She thinks if part of an onion is rotten, it is a rotten onion. (see note below in discussion). Davos notes how strange it is that the Lord of Light works in shadows but Mel insists shadows can't exist without light. They go into the cave and pull the boat to shore. Mel then bares herself and births a shadow demon. (yeah, right—she's good).


Places and Faces 

The Horror that is Harrenhal: The Mountain, The Tickler


 Notable Quotes

Talisa” Your men are not my men.

Tyrion: The next time Ser Meryn speaks, kill him. That was a threat. See the difference?

Catelyn: If you were sons of min I'd knock your heads together and stick you in a bed chamber until you remembered that you were brothers.


Missing, but in the books: 

Renly: Margaery came to me a maid (or something like that)
Stannis: She's like to die a maid in your bed.

Sam, at one point in the book cuts off the rotten part of an onion and takes a bite. Providing Melisandre's view is missing some subtlety.


Analysis 

The pace is finally hitting its stride. Having watched this, I am THRILLED to be reaching the episodes with Arya and Tywin, and I love how competent Tyrion is at “the game”. I also love this episode for its true WTF ending—the birth of that shadow baby is HOLY COW WHAT THE HELL AM I WATCHING freaky. Overall a great episode.