The Rewatch Project: Season 4, Episode 7: Mockingbird

Recap

Tyrion and Jaime bicker about Tyrion's outburst and demand for a trial by combat. Tyrion points out that the deal would have given Tywin everything he wanted and it felt good to take it from him. Jaime says he can't save Tyrion—he can't fight with his left hand. Tyrion asks for Bronn, then he asks who fights for the crown.

The scene cuts to the Mountain cutting down men.

Arya and the Hound find a burned village and a dying man. They wax philosophical and finally the Hound mercy kills him, showing Arya where the heart is. They are attacked by Rorge and Biter, the Biter biting the Hound before being killed. Arya told the Hound who the men were and what they threatened. He asks if he is on Arya's list, but she doesn't know his name. The Hound asks his name and when she hears Rorge, she stabs him through the heart.

A horn blows at the wall. Jon's group has returned from Craster's. Jon gives a report, warning them to prepare for the wildlings. He says they should fill the tunnels with rocks and then water and freeze them shut. Ser Alliser shames Jon, reminding him he's a steward and asking the Master Builder what he recommends. They leave it as is. #decisionsthatcomebacktobite

Bronn comes to Tyrion's cell dressed in in new clothes. He's getting married. They discuss the price to fight fr Tyrion and basically there is not enough money in the world. Bronn is set comfortably and doesn't want to die. They part as friends.

Daario is in Dany's chamber—he came through the window and offers her flowers. She scolds him and he begs leave to go fight for her—he is wasted in the city. She reminds him of his oath and then tells him to undress.

Selyse comes in while Melisandre is bathing. Mel asks for a vial to put something in her bath. She makes a bad joke which leads to compliments that Selyse wants the truth. Selyse warns that Stannis wants to bring Shireen with them and she thinks it's a bad idea, but Melisandre says the princess must come.

Daario leaves Dany's quarters early, running into Jorah who then tells Dany she can't trust Daario. Dany says she sent Daario to retake Yunkai, executing all the masters. Jorah points out that treating the masters like slaves or worse is just as bad. She needs to show them another way. He points out that he wouldn't be there to help Dany if Ned Stark had done what Dany has planned. She changes strategy, telling Jorah to send Hizdhar with Jorah to present the options. Change or die.

The Hound's wound is festering but he won't allow burning the infection away. He freaks and says he regrets ever laying eyes on Arya as she has put a price on his head. He then tells her the story of being burned. She offers to wash and sew his wound.

Brienne and Pod share a meat pie served by Hot Pie. Hot Pie sits down with them, sharing the secret of a good pie (it's the gravy). He notes Brienne's armor and asks if she's a knight. Brienne asks if he's seen Sansa and describes her. Hot Pie freaks and starts to leave but Brienne says she swore to the Stark girl's mother to deliver them safely home. Outside Pod suggests she should be more discreet but Hot Pie comes out and tells them that he saw Arya with the Brotherhood. And the Hound.

They debate where Arya would go. Pot knows Lysa Arron is Arya's last living relative with the means to pay a ransom.

Oberyn comes to see Tyrion in my more favorite scene ever. Oberyn tells Tyrion of meeting him before, of being gravely disappointed. Of hearing of the monster and then being presented with just a baby. Oberyn wants justice. “I will be your champion.”

Sansa finds it snowing and is filled with hope. She builds a snow Winterfell. Robin comes out and freaks that there is no moon door. When he tries to put one in he knocks over a tower and Sansa yells at him for ruining it, which causes him to kick down the rest. Sansa slaps him. Petyr comes out and they discuss home and why Petyr killed Joffrey. He kisses her and Lysa is watching.

Lysa calls Sansa to her and tries to push her through the moon door. Petyr stops her as Lysa has her fit. He tells her he will send Sansa away and he goes to Lysa explaining he has only ever loved one woman. He says, “Your sister” as he shoves her through the moon door.

Review

This is one of my favorite episodes. I like the change in Arya and the Hound's relationship. I liked Brienne getting a bit of Stark news. I loved Sansa in the snow--it was the first time she has felt hopeful since her hopes of marrying Loras were crushed, but more importantly, we can actually see her remembering she is a Stark. It's been way too long. I even liked watching Lysa pushed through the moon door. It was strangely satisfying. But NOTHING lives up to Oberyn's story and telling Tyrion he will be his champion. That is truly one of my very favorite scenes. Maybe my actual favorite scene. The Mel and Selyse scene is slightly awkward--gratuitous nudity. But I do like the drop of fear added because we all know why Melisandre is insisting the princess come with them--she has king's blood. Overall the episode only had two scenes I'd rank medium and the rest were really good--that is a high ratio.