The Rewatch Project: Season 4, Episode 9: The Watchers on the Wall

Recap

Sam and Jon head for watch atop the wall discussing Ygritte. Sam gets technical about what the Night's Watch vows mean, then he makes it clear Jon is no poet on his description of sex. Jon sends Sam to get some sleep.

An owl that is warged watches and brings a message to the wildlings and Torman tells his tale about his bear. Ygritte loses her temper and wants to think only of her arrows. The Thenn leader accuses Ygritte of letting Jon go, but she forbids anyone else from touching him, as Jon is hers to kill.

Sam and Aemon discuss wildlings. Aemon insists Sam loves Gilly. He tells Sam a story of a girl he loved, then sends Sam to bed.

Gilly arrives at the wall and Sam insists they let her in. He tells her from now on, wherever she goes, he will go. Two horns sound.

The warg says it's time and the wildlings south of the wall set out. At Castle Black the men prepare, Jon atop the wall sees the fire Mance had said was the sign. Alliser says Jon can say it. They should have sealed the tunnel.

Sam settles Gilly into a store cellar. She argues with him about leaving her, but he insists a man of the Night's Watch has to do his duty and he kisses her. He then promises he won't die.

Pip and Sam prepare to defend. Pip frets, but Sam talks him down.

Ygritte watches and reports back to the wildlings on numbers on the south side of the wall. The wildlings attack from both sides. Janos comes to the top of the wall insisting Alliser is needed below. Alliser leaves Janos in charge but Janos is a panicky, worthless leader, so Grenn tells him he is needed below and Jon takes command.

Pip frets about dying. Wildlings clime the walls. Alliser gives a good speech. The wildlings breech the southern wall and battle breaks out. On the other side, climbers start up the wall.

Battle rages. Janos panics and hides himself in the same cellar Gilly is in. Pip gets an arrow in the neck and Sam holds him as he dies.

A giant and mammoth begin pulling at the gate at the base of the wall. Jon sends Grenn and five recruits to hold the inner gate. He then calls for oil at the top of the wall.

Sam goes down to join the fighting and by fluke kills a Thenn. He asked Grenn for more men, but Grenn is on his mission and tells Sam he needs to go up and ask Jon.

At the top of the wall they drop burning oil. The mammoth below understandably panics and as he runs away, one of the giants gets hit in the back in what must be exactly the right spot and falls. The other giant howls with rage and begins to heave up the gate on his own.

Sam tells Jon Ser Alliser has fallen and he is needed below. Jon leaves Edd in charge.

Grenn and his men hold the gate, taking inspiration from the Night's Watch vows.

Jon sends Sam for Ghost and then roles into supreme fighting mode. He has a lengthy battle with the lead Then, then staggers to stand in front of Ygritte. He is unarmed and she aims at him but can't seem to shoot, then an arrow comes out her chest. Freaking Ollie. She dies in Jon's arms.

To the north side of the wall the climb up the wall continues. Edd calls for the scythe to be dropped and they are all knocked down, one short an arm. The wildlings retreat for the night.

Tormund is captured. Sam and Gilly reunite

Jon intends to find Mance to kill Mance. It's a bad plan, but there's no better one. On the way through the wall, Sam and Jon find Grenn and his men, along with the dead giant—they held the wall.

Jon leaves Sam with Longclaw and heads out north.


Review

The episode is strong, but it is all action. I realize I am probably in the minority on this, but I like a bit more pacing variety in episodes. Ygritte dying was beautiful and emotional. And Sam promising Gilly he's live was great. And Janos hiding with Gilly was it's own kind of great (funny, since Janos is so pathetic). There were feels related to both Pip and Grenn. I just like an episode that is not all one thing a bit better. Don't get me wrong. I gave it 92 out of 100—this is not BAD at all. Just not as strong as the last two, in my opinion.

The Rewatch Project: Season 4, Episode 8: The Mountain and the Viper

Recap

Men dig for treasure in Mole's Town. One of the whores harasses Gilly about her baby waking her. Gilly hears a signal and gives warning but the woman doesn't believe her. The village is attacked by wildlings. Nearly everyone is killed outright, though Ygritte finds Gilly and her baby hiding and just motions them to keep quiet.

Sam frets over the attack. The brothers argue over not being allowed to leave the castle to defend the area, but they are too few to lessen the number and still be able to put up a fight at the castle. Jon notes if they've hit Mole's Town, Castle Black is next. They talk numbers and Edd asks if the last of them alive will burn the others.

The Unsullied wash and bathe in a stream. Grey Worm sees Missendei and gazes at her admiringly. She and Dany discuss it, wondering what interest Unsullied would have with women. Grey Worm comes to Missendei later to apologize. He tells her her lessons in the common tongue are precious to him. She says she is sorry he was cut, but he is philosophical. He says had he not been he would never have been bought by Danaerys or met Missendei. She says she is glad he saw her.

Ramsay prepares Theon to take Moat Cailin. Theon goes in and tells them if they leave they will be allowed safe passage to the stony shore. They are sick and dying, but the Captain spurns him. In response one of his men kills him “to go home safely”. Of course Ramsay lied about that and they are all flayed...

Littlefinger is questioned by the Lords of the Vale who finally bring up a witness. The girl. “Alaine” comes out and admits she is Sansa Stark, noting she had met Lord Royce when he came north taking his son to the wall. She then admits Littlefinger told many lies—all to protect her. She weaves her tale of being saved and Lysa's jealousy that ends in suicide. They believe her. Littlefinger looks impressed.

Littlefinger then tells what he thinks should be done with Robin—taking him out to survey his lands and meet the Lords of the Vale. It is time for him to grow up.

A boy brings Ser Barristan a letter—a copy of Jorah's pardon. Barristan confronts Jorah, then Jorah comes before the queen. Dany is furious. He wants to talk alone, but she refuses and she banishes him.

Ramsay presents the flag of Moat Cailin to Roose. Roose points out the north and they discuss Locke and the Stark boys, then Roose presents Ramsay with a decree legitimizing him. Ramsay promises to be worthy and they ride for Winterfell.

Littlefinger asks Sansa why she backed him up. She says at least she knows what he wants.

Arya thought Joffrey's death would make her happy. The Hound thought poison was lame, but Arya says she would kill with anything. They reach the Bloody Gate and learns Lysa is dead. Arya laughs hysterically.

Robin is afraid to leave the Vale. Littlefinger gives a string of ways people die right in their homes. He tells him to take charge of his life. Sansa comes down the stairs with a die job and a dramatic dress.

Tyrion and Jaime discuss the Gods and their cousin Orson. Tyrion is brought out for the trial by combat. Oberyn kisses Ellaria and drinks wine. Ellaria is alarmed when she sees the Mountain. Pycelle gives a droning intro until a horn blows. Oberyn comes out with a spear. The Mountain stands with a sword. Oberyn tells who he is and why he intends to kill the Mountain, but first he wants to hear a confession and who gave the order. He keeps yelling “You raped her, you murdered her, you killed her children” as he dances around tiring the Mountain. The Mountain throws him around a bit breaks his spear but he gets another. Then Oberyn manages to hamstring the Mountain and stabs a spear through his middle, still demanding the confession. He looks up at the audience as he talks and the Mountain knocks his feet out from under him, then breaks his teeth, confesses, and crushes Oberyn's skull. Tywin sentences Tyrion to death.

RIP Oberyn, you sexy beast

Review

I love this episode. In fact thus far it barely behind episode 1.9 for the best episode of all. The are two in season 6 that might pass it, but seriously, I bet it is in my top 5 ever. There is everything to love. Or maybe it is that the normal stuff was normal (raid on Mole's town was probably the worst scene, but it wasn't bad and it had the feature I liked of Ygritte letting Gilly go). The Orson/beetle bit was weird, but I liked the rest of that—I always like Tyrion and Jaime. The Castle Black scene is made awesome by Edd. Loved Arya. But the two homeruns are Sansa selling her story to the Lords of the Vale and EVERYTHING about Oberyn. That fight scene had excellent subtle details, too—Jaime and Cersei and their opposite responses at each turn in the fight was brilliant—sort of an opposites mirror going on.

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.

The Rewatch Project: Season 4, Episode 6: First of His Name

Recap

Davos and Stannis visit the Iron Bank of Bravos. They are kept waiting and the beginning doesn't go well, but in the end Davos convinces them Stannis is the man to bet on for paying them back as King of Westeros. Davos finds Salidor Saan at a brothel and gives him money for his assistance with Stannis.

Yara leads a troop of me for a rescue of Theon as Ramsay and Miranda have a romp. The Iron Born arrive and use grappling hooks to storm the Dreadfort. They find Theon in the kennels but Theon is too far gone—confused and sure it is a trick of Ramsay's. As Yara tries to drag Theon out, Ramsay and some men arrive for a fight, then Yara and her men flee as Ramsay releases the hounds.

Ramsay gives Reek a reward—a bath. Ramsay helps, kindly, which is more terrifying than torture, then Ramsay tells Reek he needs his help, but he will need to play a role—pretend to be Theon Greyjoy.

A goat herder and his flock are accosted by a dragon and several goats are burned. Dany holds court and she promises to pay the herder three times their worth. Hizdhar then comes telling of his old proud family. Turns out his father was one of the slavers crucified. He asks to bury his father. Dany defends her actions, then allows him to bury his father.

Oberyn complains of the early hour for the small council meeting. Tywin begins. They determine a price on the Hound's head—one hundred silver stags. Varys gives a report on Danaerys. Cersei dismisses every detail about her. Tywin says she must be dealt with and has Mace Tyrell fetch quill and paper.

Oberyn and Varys speak in front of the Iron Throne. They speak of Oberyn's travels and Oberyn asks Varys about his story, sexuality and ambition.

Jaime visits Tyrion. It's time for the trial. Tyrion is led in and chained. Tommen recuses himself. Tywin asks if Tyrion killed Joffrey. He says no. Tywin asks if Sansa did. Tyrion says not that he knows of. Ser Meryn tells of Tyrion's threats and namecalling of Joffrey. Pycelle tells of the poisons stolen from his stores and the poison used to kill Joffrey, traces of which were found in the necklace Sansa wore at the wedding. Cersei testifies about Tyrion threatening that her joy would turn to ashes in her mouth, and then Varys tells of the threat Tyrion made at the small council meeting. Tywin calls for a recess.

Jaime confronts Tywin about the farce they are putting on, then offers to take up his role as heir if Tyrion can live. They reach an agreement. Jaime tells Tyrion the plan and the trial resumes.

Shae is called as a witness and gives a terrible spin to everything that happened between them, then lies and says Tyrion and Sansa plotted Joffrey's murder together. Tyrion says he wishes to confess, then gives a brilliant speech about wishing he'd killed Joffrey and wishing he'd let Stannis sack King's Landing. He then says he'll get no justice there and demands a trial by combat.



Review

I really like this episode. Dany's position and the weight of dragons in society weigh heavily. Oberyn's charm is on display when he questions Cersei about Tyrion's threat. And Tyrion's speech at this farce of a trial is one of my favorite scenes of the series. I even liked Tywin playing Jaime so skillfully. The only read detractor was the travesty that never should have happened. Yara's rescue attempt was just stupid. They all had weapons—running when the dog cage is opened? Yeahno. I guess it was so Ramsay would have something to reward Reek over, but that scene really is terrible. So one of the best scenes and one of the worst. I suppose at least they ended on a high note.

The Rewatch Project: Season 4, Episode 5: First of His Name

Recap

Tommen is crowned by the High Septon. People come to bow for him and he makes eyes at Margaery, then Cersei steps between them. She and Margaery discuss Joffrey, Tommen and marriage.

Jorah tells Dany Joffrey's dead and they've taken the Meereenese Navy. They discuss if it's enough to take King's Landing. Barristan feels the time is right, but Jorah reminds her they need to take all of Westeros, not just King's Landing. They argue about what support she will have, but then Jorah tells her in Yunkai, the wise master's have retaken the city. And in Astapor a butcher has declared himself King. She asks all but Jorah to leave. He says Westeros has never been so vulnerable. She says she won't see those she's freed slide back into chains. She is going to stay and rule.

Petyr and Sansa arrive at the Vale. He tells her about the pass then introduces her at the gate as his niece Alayne. Sweetrobin is excited to see Petyr. Lysa greets Sansa sweetly. Lysa asks Robin to show Sansa to her chambers, then she mauls Petyr and insists they get married that night. She prattles on about the things she's done for him, including poisoning her husband and blaming the Lannisters. He tells her never to speak of it. He agrees to marry and she brings in the septon.

Cersei and Tywin discuss Tommen and Margaery's wedding. They talk about husbands and gold. Tywin admits the Lannister mines are done. They've been borrowing. He reinforces the importance of paying back the Iron Bank. Tywin refuses to discuss Tyrion's trial, so Cersei discusses the Lannister legacy.

Arya lists her names. The Hound tells her to shut up. It is her kill list and they discuss the Mountain. He tells her to get her list over with. She says one last name. The Hound.

Lysa brings food for Sansa and tells her of Cat's sweet tooth. Lysa wonders why Petyr cares so much for Sansa and freaks out, twisting Sansa's words, accusing her of letting Petyr do things to her body. She holds Sansa's hands painfully and Sansa finally convinces her nothing happened. Lysa then hugs her and says when she is widowed she will be free to marry Robin.

Brienne and Pod rid, Pod badly. Brienne keeps trying to put him off but he sticks with her.

Arya water dances. The Hound says that is no way to fight. She brags about her teacher Syrio Forrell but the Hound is not impressed by someone killed by Meryn Trant. He lets her try to stab him but his armor stops the blade and he hits her and takes her sword to prove a point.

Oberyn writes poetry in the gardens and Cersei comes to ask him to walk with her. They talk of daughters and gods and not being able to protect those they love. She shows him a boat and asks him to see it delivered to Myrcella.

Pod catches a rabbit on fire because he didn't know to skin it. He's never cooked. Brienne is fairly brutal to him as useless until he admits he killed a King's Guard who was trying to kill Tyrion. She asks for help with her armor.

Locke scouts Craster's Keep and finds Bran. Jojen tells Bran not to let anything stop him He talks of the great tree. He says this isn't the end. Locke reports back. Eleven men, mostly drunk. He tells them to steer clear of the hut he knows Bran is in, reporting it has hounds that aren't worth the danger. Karl come for Meera and is gross and suggestive. Jojen tells him if he lets her know, he can help, tell him about things that have not happened yet. “I saw you die tonight.” Then the shouting and fighting start. Locke comes to “rescue” Bran, cutting him to verify who he is. Bran wargs Hodor who breaks free and breaks Locke's neck. Hodor is distressed when Bran returns to himself, but Bran directs him to free the Reeds. Jojen convinces Bran not to call to Jon since he needs to go north. Jon finds Karl and fights him with the help of one of Craster's wives. Jon's crew lost four and killed ten. Rast has disappeared. But Ghost found him. Jon and Ghost have a nice reunion. Craster's wives want to go on their own, but burn Craster's and all the dead.


Review

This was a strong episode. Dany, Lysa and Brienne bugged me a little, but Lysa is SUPPOSED to be nuts and Brienne came around. It is just her personality to be sort of crusty. I always love Arya and the Hound, and the fight at Craster's was satisfying, especially the emotional roller coaster with Bran's crew. And the negatives were much less negative than the last couple episodes have had, even if there were no great moments of awe. Overall it was solid.

The Rewatch Project: Season 4, Episode 4, Oathkeeper

Recap

Missendei teaches Greyworm the common tongue. They talk of their homelands, but Greyworm doesn't remember. Dany checks on lessons and retrieves Greyworm. It's time to arm the slaves. A group of Unsullied go in with weapons and tell them they need to free themselves. The slaves kill many masters and then flock to Dany shouting “Mhyssa! She asks how many slaves the masters nailed along the trail. Barristan urges mercy, but she declares she will give justice.

Bronn and Jaime spar, Bronn guilting Jaime about not going to see Tyrion in his dungeon cell. It works. Jaime and Tyrion discuss the trial. Jaime admits Cersei asked him to kill Tyrion and asks if Tyrion is guilty. Tyrion asks if Jaime would free him, but Jaime claims he can't.. Tyrion says he's innocent and Jaime naively claims the trial will show that so Tyrion points out all the ways the trial will not be fair.

Sansa and Petyr discuss travel plans. She asks if he killed Joffrey. They discuss who helped and he gives his philosophy of keeping his foes confused. He says he'd risk everything to get what he wants, which is everything.

Lady Olenna and Margaery stroll and discuss Olenna leaving. Olenna asks if Margaery had been to see Tommen, then tells a story of her own betrothal. She advises Margaery to win Tommen while Cersei is distracted . She as good as confesses to killing Joffrey.

Brothers spar at Castle Black and Jon trains recruits. Locke is brutal with his fellow recruit. Alliser scolds Jon and reminds him he is a steward. Janos points out Alliser isn't liked and a choosing is coming. He suggests allowing Jon to go to Crasters, suggesting he will get himself killed. Locke tries to ingratiate himself to Jon.

Cersei sends for Jaime to ask about Tommen's protection. She asks why Catelyn set Jaime free and then asks Jaime what he'd so if she sent him to bring back Sansa's head. She knows he went to see Tyrion. Jaime says Tyrion didn't do it. Cersei demands four King's Guard to watch Tommen at all times.

Tommen wakes to a secret visit from Margaery. He is startled at first, but she is sweet and a little sexy, telling him they should get to know each other. She then makes friends with Ser Pounce.

Brienne reads from the Book of Brothers. Jaime hands her a valyrian steel sword and tells her it is hers to find and protect Lady Stark's daughters. He also gives her a new suit of armor. Brienne promises to find Sansa. They both guess Arya is dead. He then gives her a final gift. Pod. As they leave Jaime asks what she will name the sword and she dubs it Oathkeeper.

Sam frets about Gilly. No one is to leave the Castle. They discuss Bran and where he'd go. Locke interrupts to tell him he is wanted. At a meeting Alliser says Jon can go deal with the mutineers, but only with volunteers. Jon asks for them and gets ten-ish, including Locke who says he will take his vows immediately so he can go.

Karl, Rast and the other mutineers eat, rape and gloat. Karl tells Rast to go feed the beast. Rast hesitates and Karl bullies him a bit, then a woman comes in with a baby and the women all start chanting “gift to the gods”. Karl thinks they mean kill it, but they clarify that it is offered, so he puts it in Rast's hands and tells him to take it out. Rast takes the baby out and leaves it, then taunts Ghost who growls. It gets suddenly cold and the water he has poured out freezes.

Bran's group hears the baby. Bran wants to go, so he wargs Summer and goes to investigate. Unfortanatly, as he sees Ghost in the cage, he gets caught in a trap. Bran wakes and tells them and they got to investigate, but are captured.

Hodor is taunted and poked at, the others questioned. Carl hits Bran and Jojen has a fit.

A White Walker takes the baby to a ring of stones in the center of a big lake and puts it on a platform. A group comes to stand in a circle and the Night's King comes to the middle, picks up the baby, and pokes his cheek. The baby's eyes turn blue.


Review

Stuff to love. Stuff not to love. Dany, Sansa and Castle Black were fine. Except the Sam/Gilly stuff--liked that less. I really was not a fan of the Craster's stuff, but I get the point in the storytelling. I really loved both Margaery scenes--with Olenna and Tommen. And my FAVORITE was Jaime sending Brienne off with sword, armor and Pod. So well done.

The Rewatch Project: Season 4, Episode 3: Breaker of Chains

Recap

Cersei has Tyrion taken and calls for them to grab Sansa but she's gone. Dontos leads Sansa to a cover and helps her into a rowboat, then rows her out to a ship hidden by fog, which somehow takes until it is dark outside.

Petyr pulls her onto the ship, then has a bolt shot through Ser Dontos. Sansa is shocked but Petyr explains how Dontos was only a pawn. He tells her his role in Joffrey's death.

Margaery asks if she's still queen. Lady Olenna talks of her own husband's death and how much better off Margaery will be with Tommen instead of Joffrey.

Cersei and Tommen stand over Joffrey's body. Tywin talks to Tommen of what makes a good king, especially listening to those who know more. He then explains that the king needs to marry. On their way out Jaime checks with Tommen, then asks the guards to leave. Cersei says it was Tyrion and asks Jaime to kill him. Jaime says they will get to the truth and then he basically rapes her.

The Hound and Arya are found by the landowner and Arya's tale gets them invited for supper and told they can sleep in the barn. They pray over stew, to the Hound's annoyance, then eat as if it is the first time in days. The man invites the Hound to stay on—protect the farm, fair work for fair wages. The Hound agrees, but then robs them in the morning. Arya is furious.

At the wall Ser Alliser is telling the crimes of the various men to Janos, then Janos asks Sam if he is going to see his whore. Sam frets to Gilly. The men don't believe Sam killed a whitewalker. Sam and Gilly pluck geese and Sam tells her he worries about her. He suggests she'd be safer in Mole's Town.

Stannis has Davos read that's Joffrey's dead. He credits the blood of the bastard Davos sent away. He says he needs him now. They discuss which houses they can count on and it's not enough. Davos suggests sellswords.

Davos comes to read with Shireen. As they discuss pirating and Bravos. Davos comes to the Iron Bank and an idea sparks. He asks Shireen to write a letter.

Sam and Gilly get to Mole's Town and make an agreement for Gilly to do laundry at the Whore House. Sam insists no other work.

Ellaria, Oberyn and the whores have a romp at Littlefinger's. Tywin interrupts. Oberyn expresses condolences about Joffrey. Tywin asks Oberyn about poisons and what Oberyn and Tyrion discussed. Tywin denies being involved in Elia's murder and offers Oberyn a chance to question the Mountain if he will sit on the judging trio over Tyrion's trial and sit on the small counsel.

Pod visits Tyrion's cell. He brought candle, quill, paper and snacks. Pod says there will be a trial in a fortnight and the judges are Tywin, Mace and Prince Oberyn. Pod is to get a list of witnesses. When Tyrion names Sansa he learns she has disappeared. Tyrion mentions Varys and learns he's been called for the prosecution. Bronn is under suspicion himself. Finally Pod agrees to find Jaime. Pod says a man approached him to get him to testify for the crown. He refused, so Tyrion tells him he has to leave King's Landing for his own safety. They have a touching parting.

Ollie's village is attacked by wildlings. Fucking Thenns. The main Then tells Ollie to go to Castle Black and tell them what he saw. At Castle Black they argue, go after the Wildlings or stay to defend the Wall. Grenn, Edd, and others get back from up north and tell them the mutineers hold Craster's. Jon says they have to go get them or the Wildlings to the north will know how few men man the Wall.

Dany reaches Meereen outside the wall. They send out a champion who does the Monty Python French Taunting in Valyrian. Dany allows Daario to be her champion. He throws a knife and kills the man. Then Dany speaks to the slaves telling them they need to take their own freedom. She then fires barrels of slave collars into the city with catapults. You can see the slaves processing that these came off freed men.


Review

I liked much of this episode, but the scene with Jaime raping Cersei really tarnishes it. The problem for me is not so much that it happens—it also happens in the book. But in the books the timing is really different and it makes much more sense. Here Jaime has been back for weeks and Cersei and he have interacted—he could have pressed her before this and so it messes with his redemption arc a lot. In the books it is the first time he has seen her in many months and there is a component of “too overjoyed to control himself” to her, and he has not yet had time to talk to Cersei to realize his feelings about her have changed. So his redemption arc keeps moving.

I'm also not a fan of Sam taking Gilly to Mole's Town or the Wildling attack on the village, and this Arya/Hound scene is less awesome than most.

On the other hand, there was some fabulosity, too. I liked Sansa's escape, the Davos scenes, and I liked the “French Taunting” from the Meereen champion, though am glad he also lost to Daario. I also really loved Tyrion's meeting with Pod.