The Rewatch Project: Season 3, Episode 7

Synopsis 

The Wildlings (including Jon) walk toward Castle Black on the south side of the wall. Ygritte and Jon discuss marching and fighting and the role of sigils and drums. She mocks the way of the southerners. Jon confronts Orell about cutting them loose on the wall. Orell tells Jon that is the way of it...

The rain is slowing Robb's party in getting to the Twins for Edmure's wedding. They all head to bed. Robb and Talissa make love then Robb gets up to strategize so Talissa writes a letter naked. She teaches him a bit of High Valyrian and asks if when the war is over he will come to Volantis with her. She says her mother will be eager to meet him... and her grandchild. She is pregnant. The news resparks their passion.

We get sex lessons from Tormund, then the wildlings get moving again. Orell tells Ygritte he's jealous She says he's never said a kind word. He asks if she loves Jon and she nods.

Sansa expresses her sadness to Margaery, sad about not marrying Loras, sad about marrying Tyrion. Margaery asks how Tyrion has treated her and talks of sons. Sansa is hung up on the sex with a dwarf. Margaery talks of the variety of men out there and what women like, then says she heard Tyrion is quite experienced. A good thing, since women are complicated. Sansa preciously asks if her mother told her that.

Tyrion complains Sansa is a child and Bronn tries to get him to admit he wants her. Shae won't like it, but Bronn reminds him he can't marry Shae.

Tywin comes to the throne room to talk to Joffrey. Joff asks for a report of the small council. Tywin says Joffrey is welcome to attend, to which Joffrey snivels about it being moved to the Tower of the Hand (all those stairs—waaaaaa). Tywin says Joffrey could be carried. Joffrey asks about the Targaryen girl and her dragons, but Tywin insists she is just a curiosity across the world. Joffrey asks why he wasn't counseled and Tywin says he is being counseled now.

Dany's army approaches Yunkai. Jorah says they won't meet in the field and insists they don't need Yunkai. Dany asks how many slaves there are. She wants to take the city to free them. She asks Grey Worm to set up a meeting. A spokesman arrives and uses a lot of double speak to both be courteous and insult her. He gives her two trucks of gold then says there is more o her ships. She refuses, telling him he can live if the masters free all the slaves. He says they have powerful friends. She keeps the gold and sends him away with the help of her dragons.

Tyrion tries to give Shae a thick golden chain. She asks if she's invited to the wedding. He swears it's his duty. They argue about what their life will be like. He insists he will give her a good life but she isn't satisfied.

Gendry and Melisandre sail down the river. She points out “his father's castle”. He tries to soak it in. 

Beric invites Arya by the fire. She calls him and Thoros traitors for selling Gendry. They explain the Red God needed him. She says he's not her god. Her god is death. Anguay comes in with news of a Lannister raiding party. It means their trip to River Run is delayed. Arya calls Beric a liar and runs. She escapes the cave, only to be nabbed by the Hound.

Jaime comes to say good-bye to Brienne. She asks if he knows what the plans are for her. Bolton is leaving, too, so she will be stuck with Locke. He says he owes her a debt and she says if he returns the Stark girls to their mother, the debt is paid. He swears it. Qyburn helps Jaime ready his horse. Jaime tells Roose to say the Lannisters send their regards to the Frey/Tully weddiing. Locke taunts Jaime about Brienne.

A couple girls free Theon and play weird sex games with him. Theon begs for help. Violet undresses Miranda and she climbs on, then Violet undresses and as the two tag team a horn blows, Ramsay interrupting. Then then tries to run and men hold Theon down as Ramsay removes his cock.

Jon and Ygritte eye a deer. She gets it with an arrow. Hey pass a windmill which Ygritte thinks is an impressive structure. He tells her Winterfell is three times that high and they discuss swooning and fainting, foreign concepts to her. He says he'd like to see her in a silk dress so he could rip it off her. She says “You rip my pretty silk dress, I'll blacken your eye.” He tells her the history of wildlings attacking the watch—six times they've failed.

Osha questions why Jojen gets to sit and chat. She accuses him of filling Bran's head with black magic. Jojen says they aren't going to Castle Black. The three-eyed raven is beyond the wall. Osha tells what it's like north of the wall, sharing her story of Bruny who became a white and almost killed her.

Qyburn asks after Jaime. Jaime asks why the Citadel took his chain. His sin is curiosity and Jaime puts together that he performed experiments on “not dead yet” men. They discuss how many they've killed and how many they've saved. Jaime asks if a raven was sent to Selwyn Tarth—it was, and one returned, but because Locke was under the impression Selwyn had all the sapphires in Westeros, he felt cheated by the ransom offer. The men want distraction more than money. Jaime goes to the leader and says they go back or Jaime tells his father that he is the man who wounded him. They return to Harrenhall to find Brienne in the pit with a bear and only a tourny sword. Jaime offers money to save her and Locke scoffs so Jaime jumps into the pit. He distracts the bear, then boosts her and she reaches down to pull him out. Locke threatens, but Jaime knows Bolton would choose Jaime returned to Tywin over Locke keeping Brienne.


Notable Quotes 

Orell: People work together when it suits them. They're loyal when it suits them. They love each other when it suits them. They kill each other when it suits them. She knows it. You don't. Which is why you'll never hold onto her.

Tyrion: I don't pay you to put evil notions in my head.
Bronn: You pay me to kill people who bother you. The evil notions come free.

Shae: I'm your whore. And when you are tired of fucking me, I will be nothing. 

Jon: If you attack the wall, you'll die. All of you.
Ygritte: All of us. [kisses him] You're mine and I'm yours and if we die we die. But first we'll live. 

Review 

It was so completely satisfying to watch Tywin school Joffrey. That little snot has run amok long enough and it is nice to have someone there who can put him in his place.

Also... the pinnacle of Jaime's redemption. In the books it keeps going, but sadly in the show this seems to be the peak.

Surprisingly the two best speeches come from Orell and Ygritte. Wildlings aren't normally so eloquent, but both of these are great.

I like the tender glimpse of Robb and Talissa. And I mourn Sansa's last bit of illusion that the world might bring nice things. Losing Loras seems to be the final straw of that. She has some triumphs after this, but none of them is so light-hearted and giddy.

And can I say the BEST part is our anticipation of Team Fuck-the-King which began when The Hound grabbed Arya...

The Rewatch Project: Season 3, Episode 6

Synopsis

Sam smothers a fire and Gilly instructs him, figuring out that he had servants growing up and is high born. He shows her the dragon glass from the fist of the first men, though he doesn't know what it's for. They discuss the trip and the wall. She is skeptical that it it's as big as Sam says. He tells her of life at Castle B lack and she asks him to sing a song.

Osha and Meera bicker over skinning rabbits and hunting until Bran makes them make peace. Jojen has a green dream—he saw Jon Snow on the wrong side of the wall surrounded by enemies. 

Jon and the Wildlings have reached the wall. Ygritte gives Jon spiked boots to climb. They discuss fear and she tells him he's a proper lover (I prefer the improper sort myself). She tells him his secret is safe with her (see quote below). Tormund gives Jon spikes for his hands and instructions for climbing.

Arya shoots arrows for Joffrey, Cersei and Illyn Payne. Anguay gives her some pointers and then she notices someone coming through the woods. It's Melisandre: Thoros knows her and they banter in high Valyrian. He brings her to Beric. She's amazed and asks Thoros how many times the lord has brought Beric back. Thoros tells of being a terrible priest and not believing until his friend died and the words were the only thing he knew to say... and the Red God answered. She came for Gendry and Beric gives him to her in exchange for gold. Arya yells, Gendry feels betrayed. Melisandre tells him he will make kings rise and fall. Arya calls her a witch and Melisandre grabs her face. (see quote)

The climb has started, four groups of four. Tormund strikes and ice falls. Jon slips but not far.

Ramsay blows a horn, taunts Theon by pouring water on the floor, then starts a game of “I'll skin you if you guess wrong”. Theon asks if Ramsay will let him go if he guesses right. Ramsay pretends to be a Karstark for about thirty seconds, then he flays Theon's finger until Theon begs for him to cut it off.
Two Freys treat with Robb. They want a formal apology, Harrenhall, and for Edmure to marry Rosalind Frey. Edmure bristles. Robb asks for privacy and discusses it with Catelyn, Edmure and the Blackfish. Edmure is a jerk and the Blackfish puts him in his place. Robb convinces him.

Jaime can't cut his meat. He and Brienne eat with Roose and debate Jaime's fate. Roose will send Jaime to King's Landing if Jaime will explain to his father that Roose had nothing to do with his maiming. But Brienne will not be going.

Tywin and Olenna discuss marriages between their houses. Olenna says Cersei is old and they trade barbs about Loras's homosexuality and Cersei's incest.

We see the wall climb. A big ice slide knocks several climbers off the wall and Jon and Ygritte fall. Orell tries to cut them free, but Jon finds purchase on the wall and pulls Ygritte up. They begin climbing again.

Loras and Sansa talk about their pending nuptials, Sansa giddy and Loras trying to pretend he is too. Tyrion and Cersei look out on them and discuss whose hell will be worse. Tyrion then accuses Cersei of trying to have him killed but comes to realize Joffrey gave the order. He points out how stupid that was, to use an assassin that would only take orders from Joffrey or Cersei. He asks if he is still in danger but Cersei says Joffrey won't try anything now that Tywin is there. Tyrion comes to break the news to Sansa. Shae won't give them any privacy.

Varys finds Littlefinger admiring the Iron Throne. It doesn't have a thousand blades. They bicker and banter about thwarting each other. Littlefinger has allowed Roz to be a toy for Joffrey to punish her for informing on Littlefinger to Varys.

 Jon and Ygritte and a few others finally make it to the top of the wall then share a snog looking out over the edge.


Notable Quotes 

Ygritte: You didn't stop being a crow the day you walked into Mance Raydar's tent. But I'm your woman now. You're going to be loyal to your woman. The Night's Watch don't care if you live or you die. Mance Raydar doesn't care if I live or die. We're just soldiers in their armies and there's plenty more to carry on if we go down. It's you and me that matters to me and you. Don't ever betray me. 

Melisandre (to Beric): You've been to the other side. 
Beric: There is no other side. Only darkness.  

Melisandre (to Arya): I see a darkness in you. And in that darkness eyes staring back at me. Brown eyes. Blue eyes. Green eyes. Eyes you'll shut forever. We will meet again.  

Ramsay: If you think this has a happy ending, you haven't bee paying attention. 

Littlefinger: Chaos isn't a pit. Chaos is a ladder. Many who try to climb it fail and never get to try again. The fall breaks them. And some, are given a chance to climb. They refuse, they cling to the realm or the gods or love. Illusions. Only the ladder is real. The climb is all there is. 

Other Stuff 

The Freys wear silly hats.

Though it wasn't in the books, I did enjoy the Arya/Melisandre encounter. She is forshadowing Arya's future as as assassin. I also think it works to substitue Gendry for Edric Storm (a different bastard) because we know Gendry and have something invested. The climb was good—gripping, but not nearly as exciting to write about, at least not here—reading it in the books wasn't as gripping, either, as the first people were experienced climbers and then sent ropes down for the others. (though they did lose a group to the ice cracking). Overall I think this was well done—it is rare when there are a couple things done better than the book and most that are at least understandable changes.

The Rewatch Project: Season 3, Episode 5

Synopsis

The Hound's trial by combat begins. Thoros prays for god to bring justice and Lord Beric sets his sword afire with blood. The Hound flinches and the battle begins. *much fighting and exciting battle* The Hound's shield catches fire and there is a moment of panic where the crowd starts chanting “Guilty” but The Hound slices into Beric's shoulder, winning the battle. Arya grabs a dagger and runs forward, screaming, but is caught around the waist as she yells “Burn in hell!” A calm voice says “He will, but not today” and we realize Beric has been brought back again. 

Tormund asks for the pattern for patrolling the wall and how the castles along the wall are manned. Jon and Orell have a pissing match. Jon insists a thousand men man Castle Black (he might be exaggerating). Ygritte steals Jon's sword and runs. He chases her to a cave where she insists he break his vows and undresses. While there is a rumor Jon knows nothing, he seems to know something about using his tongue. Afterward Ygritte teases him about being a maid. She suggests they not go back. She doesn't ever want to leave the cave.

The Hound is sent off with a note instead of his gold.

The Bloody Mummers bring Brienne and Jaime into Bolton's Camp at Harrenhall. Bolton isn't pleased about Jaime's hand. He directs his men to find suitable rooms for them. Jaime asks for news and though Roose draws it out painfully, torturing Jaime, he eventually tells him Tywin prevailed in King's Landing. He sends Jaime to Qyburn. Qyburn suggests taking the arm but settles for just the rotted tissue.

Cersei asks Petyr for help with the Tyrells. Olenna meets with Tyrion over the finances of the wedding. Tyrion notes the expense of the war to which Lady Olenna lists all the Tyrells are supplying. She points out that the people need distraction as well as goods or they will make their own, which would involve tearing the nobles apart. She then agrees to pay for half of the wedding. 

Gendry tells Arya he plans on staying with the Brotherhood as their smith. Arya tells him Robb needs smiths, too, but he wants freedom.

Karstark and a handfull of men butcher two teenage Lannister prisoners in their cell. Robb has the men brought in and yells at them. Karstark says it's Catelyn's treason as much as his. He calls Robb the king who lost the north. Karstark is taken to the dungeon and the others hanged. Edmure wants to keep all this quiet. Catelyn and Talissa warn if Karstark is killed Robb will lose his men. They suggest keeping him as a hostage to ensure his men stay with Robb, but Robb pulls a Ned and cuts off his head anyway. Karstark curses Robb before he dies.

Arya says her names before a fire. She asks what they're going to do with her. Thoros says they'll take her to River Run for money. Arya asks how Beric is alive. They tell of the deaths and revivals and she asks if it could be done for a man without a head.

Selyse prays before a fire. Stannis comes. He confesses his infidelity but she poos it off as god's work. She says she wept with joy when she heard then goes to a line of fetuses in jars. She discourages Stannis from seeing his daughter but he insists. Shireen sings (see notes). She rushes to hug her father and asks about the battle and Ser Davos. Stannis tells her Davos is a traitor and he's locked in the dungeon.

Brienne scrubs in a bath and Jaime joins her. He says he doesn't want to be the first Lannister to die in a bath. She says she doesn't care how he dies. He says she was supposed to get him to King's Landing in one piece and says that isn't going so well. She stands up, offended and he apologizes. He calls for a truce, She says for a truce they need trust and he says, “I trust you.” He tells her the story of Mad Aerys and killing him to stop him from burning all of King's Landing. She asks why he never told Ned Stark that and Jaime says Lord Eddard had already judged him guilty. He passes out and she catches him.

Shireen visits Lord Davos in his cell. She asks if he is a traitor and he admits he is. She'd brought him a book, but he can't read so she begins to teach him.

Barristan and Jorah discuss battles. Barristan has spent his life serving terrible kings. Just once he'd like to serve with pride. He asks if Jorah believes in Daenerys. “With all my heart”. Dany goes to meet the Unsullied Officer choice. Grey Worm was picked and we get a history of the names of the Unsullied—changed each day and related to vermin so they cannot form identities. Dany says they can all pick a new name but Grey Worm considers Grey Worm lucky as it is the name he had when Dany freed them. Barristan tells Jorah is reputation has suffered. Jorah points out that Ser Barristan has just joined them—here he is just another exile.

Robb looks at a map in frustration. They've lost the Karstarks. He mourns to Talissa and then shows her the map. As he shows her various places he figures out what he wants to do. He is going to take the Lannister home, but to do it he needs the Freys.

Sansa watches Loras dueling. The squire flirts with Loras and they end up in bed. Oliver is then seen with Littlefinger—this was all part of a plan to learn what the Tyrells have been plotting. Littlefinger finds Sansa looking at a ship. He says he will be leaving soon and she says if may be better for her to wait—safer for him. He is agreeable.

Tywin and Cersei are at the Hand's table when Tyrion joins them. Tywin tells of a plot to marry Sansa to Loras. They have to move before it is made public. They need to find Sansa Stark a different husband. Tyrion. He then says Cersei will marry Loras to put an end to the rumors about her.


New Places and Faces 

This is our introduction to both Selyse and Shireen Baratheon and I adore Shireen. Her visit to Lord Davos in particular, there is so much sweetness and a bit of humor. I love this friendship. The books in particular establish her as a lonely child, but Davos is her true friend.

Grey Worm is also introduced this episode and I find the story of the Unsullied that he adds—the name story—compelling.


Notable Quotes: 

Lady Olenna: What good is the word extravagant if it can't be used to describe a royal wedding? 

Gendry: These men are brothers. They're family. I've never had a family. 
Arya: I can be your family. 
Gendry: But you wouldn't be my family. You'd be my lady. 

Jaime: By what right does the wolf judge the lion? 

Book Detail 

In the books in that cave there is a story about a man who led some people all the way under the wall by cave, but then the lords on the other side caught and chased them so they tried to go back. Instead they lost their way and they'd been living in the caves ever since—a person could still hear their children if they listened.

The Bloody Mummers: There is an excellent theory that these people, who APPEAR to be sellswords, are actually working as part of the Dornish Master Plan... working for this lord then that, but always in a way that weakens the strongest houses in Westeros, especially House Lannister (being brutal so all the smallfolk hate Tywin, taking Jaime's (the strongest fighter's) hand. If anyone wants to see it argued well, watch this video.

One of the missing characters is Patchface, Stannis's fool and Shireen's constant companion. The reason this is relevant is Patchface is quite mad—lost at sea for three days many years ago, then washed ashore spouting nonsense. His nonsense (sung of course) seems to be prophecy (possibly from the drowned god). Shireen sings some of his songs, but not the ones that make it so clear what the songs are. (Davos ALSO has possibly been saved by the drowned god)


Review 

There are a couple truly excellent scenes in this episode. Most notable, the bath scene with Brienne and Jaime. This is where he finally wins her respect—when she learns his greatest dishonor was actually an honorable act. I also really love Arya's quiet discussion with Beric and Thoros and EVERY single time The Hounds asks if the little girl is the bravest one there and Beric says “Aye, she might be” I get chills. This show always really picks up mid season and the third is one of the clearest examples of that... a slightly slow first three, then the pace quickens. I love it.

The Rewatch Project: Season 3, Episode 4

Interesting... I know I wrote up 3.3, but I don't see it... I can't see myself re-doing it... at least not for a while. So apologies for the handful of people who even give a look to these things... I'll sum it up like this:  Hoster's funeral, Edmure's a prat, small council plays power chairs, Littlefinger is going to woo Lady Arryn, Jaime saves Brienne from rape with the promise of sapphires and gets his hand chopped off, Hot Pie gets left at the inn, the Night's Watch stragglers make it to Craster's, Theon is freed, Melisandre leaves Dragonstone, Dany makes a deal to buy the Unsullied, taking Messendei as a gift of a deal well struck, Pod impresses three whores so much they give his money back, Theon is recaptured by the same guy who freed him.

It's a decent episode. Jaime and his hand and Theon recaptured are both "HOLY CRAP" moments. We are worried about Dany's decision making...

Now on to Episode 4

Synopsis 

Locke's men are escorting Brienne and Jaime by horse, making rude comments. Jaime falls from his horse into the muck. He begs for water and Locke gives him horse piss which he throws up, then Jaime steals a sword and tries to fight with his left hand but he's useless. Brienne jumps down to defend him but her hands are tied and there are too many of Locke's men. Locke kicks Jaime some more.

Tyrion comes to see Varys about the Blackwater. Varys is attending a package. Tyrion wants proof Cersei set Ser Mandon on him, but Varys instead tells the story of how he was cut. From that, Varys will forever hate magic. Tyrion wants revenge but Varys tells him to be patient and build influence, then he opens the box. It is the sorcerer who cut him.

Edd and Grenn talk of shoveling shit at Craster's. Rast grumbles and says they should all flee. He says they can't trust Mormont or Craster. Sam comes to see Gilly and her baby. She gives Sam's thimble back and asks if Sam can save her baby.

Bran runs and Jojen tells him to go after the three-eyed raven. Bran climbs but his mother scolds him yelling “No climbing!” until he falls.

Roz and Varys discuss the whores and Pod. Littlefinger is leaving for the Eyrie soon. Roze has noticed something on his inventory—two feather beds. She suggests is means he has not lost interest in Sansa Stark.

Joffrey leads Margaery around the Sept of Baelor telling her the gruesome details of history while Cersei and Lady Olenna discuss the wedding. Margaery delights (or seems to) in all Joff tells her. Margaery convinces (fearful) Joffrey to go see the people. She convinces him they adore him He orders the doors open as Cersei freaks out and Margaery looks back at her, triumphant. Margaery and Joffrey wave to the masses.

Theon asks how far to Deepwood Motte. The man with him claims to be taking him to his sister. The man plays Theon perfectly. They get to a castle and sneak in. Theon whines about not being a Stark. He admits he never killed the Stark boys—he killed orphans. And then he admits in the choice between his father and Eddard Stark he chose wrong—that his real father died in King's Landing. And PSYCHE... Theon is back to the place he just escaped from, the man claiming Theon killed their men. He is recaptured.

Brienne tries to convince Jaime to eat. He claims he's dying so she calls him a coward and lectures him on the real world. He finally takes a bite, then she asks him why he saved her from being raped. 

Tywin writes to keep Cersei waiting. She wants to make sure they are doing everything possible to free Jaime. He claims he is doing everything possible. She then asks if he's considered that she is his child who has been listening to all his lectures and has the most to contribute. He allows her to contribute and all she has to say is that the Tyrells are a problem. Tywin points out it is GOOD Margaery can influence Joffrey. Cersei challenged Tywin to control him and Tywin says he will.

One of Lady Olenna's granddaughters shows her an embroidered rose and Olenna's impatience at coming from a house with a mamby pamby symbol and words comes out. Varys approaches and Olenna sends her granddaughter away. Olenna makes hysterical suggestions about Varys attempting to seduce her then the two of them take a walk discussing Littlefinger and Sansa Stark.

Margaery finds Sansa praying and talks to her of a cousin of hers. Margaery teases Sansa, but is kind and says Sansa should see High Garden. She suggests if Sansa married Loras... Sansa is thrilled by the idea.

Mormont leads a funeral for a brother who died (of a broken foot). Rast insists Mormont starved the guy. He wants to get out of there, not trusting Mormont or Craster. Craster brags that he has 99 sons. Mormont says they chose different paths and Craster taunts that Mormont's path had all boys. He suggests Mormont just cut the throats of those who can't travel. Carl complains that he'd rather eat what Craster has hidden. Mormont tries to send him out but Rast joins Carl. Mormont then tries physically to toss them. Carl calls Craster a bastard and Craster has a fit. Carl repeats himself, Craster attacks and Carl stabs him. Mormont says to unhand him but then Rast stabs Mormont. A huge fight between brother's breaks out. Sam flees, gets Gilly and her babe, and runs.

The Brotherhood reaches a cave. The Hound calls them Swineheards. Beric says fighting a war has made them soldiers. The Hound insists they are ghosts fighting for dead men (Ned and Robert). Beric says they defend the weak. The Hound keeps taunting them to get on with it, denying one accusation after another (mostly his brother's crimes) until Arya accuses him of killing Micah, an unarmed boy. The Hound says it is not for him to question a prince. It is determined he will face trial by combat.

Dany arrives for her purchase. Master Kraznis tells her to blood them early and he will buy any captives. Dany lets out Drogon on a chain and hands it to Kraznis. He gives her the whip. She asks if it is done through Messendei and Kraznis says it is done; she holds the whip. She turns and walks, then calls to the Unsullied in High Valyrian. She gives them orders which they obey. Kraznis complains that the dragon won't come and Dany, in High Valyerian, says dragons are not slaves. She shouts for the Unsullied to kill the masters, free the slaves, and harm no children. She then turns to Drogon and shouts “Dracarys” and be burns Kraznis. The fight is brief, the masters slain. As the Unsullied get back in formation she rides among them and frees all of them, telling them if they leave, no one will stop them. She asks if they will stay and fight for her as free men. They begin pounding their staffs into the ground. As they leave, she throws the whip into the dust to be trampled.


Notable Quotes 

Lady Olenna: We mothers do what we can to keep our sons from the grave. They do seem to yearn for it. We shower them with good sense but it slides right off of them like rain off a wing. 
Cersei: And yet the world belongs to them. 
Lady Olenna: A ridiculous arrangement in my mind. 

Tywin (to Cersei): I don't distrust you because you're a woman. I distrust you because you are not as smart as you think you are. You've allowed that boy to ride rough shod over you and everyone else in this city. 

Varys (about Littlefinger): Actually I rather enjoy him, but he would see this country burn if he could be king of the ashes. 

Night's Watch: We shall never see his like again (and now his watch has ended)

The Hound: Who will it be? Should we find out if your red god really loves you, priest? Or you, archer? What are you worth with a sword in your hand? Or is the little girl the bravest one here? 

Beric: Aye. She might be. (this gives me chills every time) 

Notes 

That rude habit of Tywin's, writing to show HIS time is more valuable than the person waiting for him, is one Cersei picks up. She does it later to Lady Olenna.

Book versus Show 

In the books Loras is a member of the King's Guard (his reward for the Blackwater). Margaery betrothed to Joffrey is... I believe Mace's reward. And it is Lord Willas, the oldest Tyrell but one maimed by Prince Oberyn when he was a teen. So Sansa is being promised someone twice her age and lame, but he IS heir to High Garden and said to be kind. (and straight, which is always a bonus in a spouse)

The mutiny of the Night's Watch in the books is a much more pre-meditated event. The leader is Chet, who is who Sam replaced caring for Aemon's ravens (because Sam could read and write) and so Chet has a particular vendetta against Jon and Sam, as well as Mormont.

Review 

 I LOVE this episode, and looking back at it, there are a few small things... Margaery's managing of Joffrey, Sansa's brief (if soon to be shattered) hope. Beric hinting Arya is the bravest among them. I don't like the scene at Craster's Keep much, but it had to happen. But this is my favorite Dany scene of all. The pinacle of why I cheer for her. Sadly, she will go downhill from here, but this... she gets her army by outsmarting slavers. It's BRILLIANT. And it is a FREE army, fighting for the love of her. She has managed to do BOTH what Jorah wanted (buy the unsullied) and what Barristan wanted (have an army devoted to her).