The Rewatch Project, Season 1, Episode 10

Synopsis 

Ned's head is lifted as Sansa faints and Yoren drags Arya away, reminding her who he is. He tells her he is taking her north.

Bran's dreams take him to the crypt, so awake he asked Osha to take him. Down there they find Rickon and Shaggy Dog. Both boys have dreamed their father was down there and when they come out, Lewin gives the news to Bran. Osha is a bit freaked.

Cat walks the camp and finds Robb bashing his sword against a tree. Robb wants to “kill them all”. She says they must get the girls back first, but then they will.

A singer reluctantly performs a song about Robert's death that is very derogatory about Cersei. Joffrey claps then makes him choose between his tongue and fingers. In the end Ser Illyn cuts his tongue off. Afterward Joffrey makes Sansa walk with him and takes her to her father's head. He forces her to look and says he is going to give her Robb's head, too. Something snaps and she says “Or maybe he will give me yours” and Joffrey orders Meryn to hit her. She looks a lot like she is ready to push Joffrey off the bridge but The Hound stops her and gives her a handkerchief.

The northern lords have a discussion... Renly... Stannis... and then the Greatjon gives an excellent speech (see notable quotes) and it is decided they are crowning Robb the King in the North. Cat goes to see Jaime. He makes crude suggestions about how he might service her so she hits him in the head with a rock. They have a philosophical discussion and Jaime admits pushing Bran out the window but will not say why.

Lancel paints his nails or something. Naked. Cersei sends him back to bed because one incestuous relationship is never enough.

In Tywin's battle tent he yells, “They have my son!” about Jaime. Kevan suggests suing for peace and Tyrion throws his glass to the ground, saying they would have an easier time drinking from the broken cup than getting Robb Stark to the table after cutting off Ned's head. Tywin sends everyone out but Tyrion, then sends Tyrion to King's Landing to act as hand, bringing Joffrey and Cersei to heel. His last order is not to take the whore to court. Shae is not happy about this and as Tyrion explains why, he changes his mind.

Dany wakes up asking for her son, but he died. Mirri says he was monstrous and she knew the price—only death can pay for life. They take her to Drogo who is alive but comatose. The Khalisar has gone because the Dothraki follow strength. Dany asked when Drogo will be as he was (see quote). Mirri then explains her reasons for making this happen.

Gratuitous Kit Harrington pic

Jon leaves the wall, knocking Sam over on his way out, but Sam gets Pyp and Grenn and the three of them follow. Sam has a hysterical sweeping from his horse by a branch and Jon comes back to make sure he's okay. The three say their vows and convince Jon to go back.

Dany washes Drogo, asking for a sign. When none comes, she lays by him a while, then kisses him, repeats Mirri's words and then smothers him with a pillow.

Pycelle blithers incoherently to Roz.

Petyr and Varys posture in front of the throne then talk about Varys's balls. Joffrey arrives for a council meeting. 

Yoren has set Arya up as Arry. Two boys try to bully her to take her sword but Arya points Needle at the fat boy, then Gendry steps in and yells at Hot Pie for picking on the “little ones” basically threatening him. They head out the gates for the long trek to the wall.

Jon brings Mormont his breakfast and is surprised Mormont seems to know all (see quote). He asks Jon if he thinks his brother's war is more important that theirs and then invites him to ride north—a ranging to find out what the heck is going on and to find Benjen Stark, dead or alive.

Dany prepares Drogo's funeral pyre. Jorah tries to convince her to sell her eggs, but she refuses. He says he won't stand aside and let her burn, but she assures him she won't, though it isn't clear exactly what she means. She has Jorah bind Mirri to the pyre and then lights it. Mirri begins chanting and Dany walks in. The next morning as Jorah and the bloodriders walk toward where the fire was they find Dany has won the jackpot—she is NAKED and covered in DRAGONS. (that is winning, ne?)


Notable Quotes 

The Hound: Save yourself some pain, girl. Give him what he wants.

The Greatjon: “My lords, here is what I say to these two kings.” [spits] “Renly Barratheon is nothing to me, nor Stannis neither. Why should they rule over me from some flowery seat in the south? What do they know of the Wall, or the Wolf's Wood? Even their gods are wrong!” [laughter] “Why shouldn't we rule ourselves again? It was the dragons we bowed to. And the dragons are dead. There sits the only king I mean to bend my knee to. The king in the north!” [It's a fantastic speech]

Jaime Lannister: There are no men like me. Only me. 

Mirri Maz Duur: "When the sun rises in the west and sets in the east, When the seas go dry and mountains blow in the wind like leaves. When your womb quickens again, and you bear a living child. Then he will return, and not before." [she skipped the womb part in the show] 

Jeor Mormont: “Don't look so terrified. If we beheaded everyone who ran away for the night, only ghosts would guard the wall.” And “Are you a brother of the Night's Watch or a bastard boy who wants to play at war?” 


There is so much that happens here in this last episode. The realization both younger Stark boys have some level of “sight” and Robb is made King. Tywin gives Tyrion some unexpected respect for understanding how things are far better than his uncle and his father's other lead bannermen. Sansa and Arya are going to have a really rough time of it in absolutely opposite ways. Jon nearly betrays his vows to head to family (how different a story would this have been? Whether he succeeded or failed) And Dany, who had everything until a few days ago—a love, a baby coming, an army headed to take her kingdom back... ALMOST loses it all and then triumphs in the most unexpected way possible.

The Rewatch Project: Season 1, Episode 9

Okay, kids. So who's traumatized?

Synopsis 

Ned gets another visit from Varys, this one with content not unlike Petyr gave him—support Joffrey, confess. He tells Ned of Robb marching south and makes a plea to avoid war.

Robb's army shoots down the Frey ravens to keep them from sending word to the Lannisters where they are. Finally two riders come out and they agree Robb is too valuable to send in. Catelyn goes to negotiate. Walder Frey is a vile, repulsive, suggestive, crass man which makes this exchange pure joy. (the actor nailed it) 

Mormont gives Longclaw to Jon and tells a bit of the story about his son dishonoring the house. When Jon takes it to the hall, the masses swarm but Sam is acting strangely... he tells Jon Robb is riding off to war. Jon thinks he should be there.

Catelyn comes back with Walder Frey's terms: Robb is to take his son Olyvar as squire, Arya will marry Waldren Frey when they are both of age, and when the war is over, Robb will marry the Frey girl of his choice. If he refuses, Walder Frey will not allow them to cross.

Jon visits Maester Aemon and a scene follows that makes me cry every time. Love is the death of duty. (quote below) Aemon tells his story and then Jon figures out he is Aemon Targaryen. 

Drogo falls off his horse. His riders claim a khal who cannot ride is no khal but Dany insists they set up camp.

Tywin tells Tyrion he and his savages will be in the vanguard. Back in his tent, Bronn has found Shae. She is beautiful and just enough of a smartass to entrance Tyrion. He lets her know what he wants from her and what she will get in return.

Jorah tries to get Dany to leave with him. She resists, claiming her son will be Khal, but Jorah lays out the Dothraki way—strength wins and potential challengers will be undone before that can happen. Dany insists on staying and calls for Mirri Maz Durr. Mirri says no but when Dany asks for a spell, she agrees. She directs everyone to stay out of the tent, that the dead will dance there that night. Then she slits the throat of Drogo's horse. Outside the tent Drogo's blood rider is mad and knocks Dany to the ground. Jorah fights him and kills him but Dany has gone into labor. Jrah carries Dany into the tent.

Shae and Tyrion play a candle game that looks painful, then Tyrion suggests a “truth” drinking game. Shae doesn't want to play, but Tyrion gets his way. Eventually we get the story about Tysha. The next morning Bronn wakes him up for war. Tyrion is knocked out on the way to battle. His father finds him when he wakes and says there were only 2000 men. Turns out Robb had split his men.

Catelyn and Ser Roderick await word and finally see Robb and his men riding into view. They have captured the King Slayer “Come on pretty man.” (← always cracks me up) Robb wears his responsibility heavily. “I sent 2000 men to their graves today” Theon says the bards will write songs about them but Robb points out the dead won't hear them.

Arya is catching pigeons. She tries to trade one to a baker for a pastry but is told to piss off, then she hears that the bell is ringing because the hand of the king is being taken to the Sept of Baelor. She climbs a statue to see better and Ned spots her. He manages to tell Yoren. Sansa smiles because she is naïve. She thinks Joffrey will be merciful and it will all go the right way. Ned confesses to a lot more than he needs to for some reason. Joffrey says his mother wants Ned sent to the wall and Sansa begged for mercy... “But they have the soft hearts of women. Ser Illyn, bring me his head.” And all hell breaks loose. Yoren reaches Arya and holds her face to him so she doesn't see. Sansa screams and cries. Cersei tries to talk sense into Joffrey. The last thing Ned sees is that Arya is no longer on the statue of Baelor and he bends his neck; Ser Illyn does as bid. Sansa faints as the birds fly off.


Places and Faces 

The Twins and the repulsive depressed, unattractive room of Freys, in particular Walder Frey who is rude, crude and shady.

We also meet Shae for the first time in the Lannister camp.


Notable Quotes

This whole scene was amazing

Varys: Cersei is no fool. She knows a tame wolf is more valuable than a dead one. Ned: You think my life is some precious thing to me? That I would trade my honor for a few more years of what? You grew up with actors. You learned your craft and you learned it well. And I grew up with soldiers. I learned how to die a long time ago. Varys: And what of your daughter's life? Is that a precious thing to you.  

Aemon: “What is honor compared to a woman's love? What is duty against the feel of a newborn son in your arms? Or a brother's smile?”... “We are all human. And we all do our duty when there is no cost to it. Honor comes easy then, yet, sooner or later, in every man's life there comes a time when he must choose.” [Jon acts a petulant baby for a minute then figures out who Aemon is]
“I will not tell you to stay or go. You must make that choice. And live with it for the rest of your days. As I have.” 

Tyrion: Sure there are ways to have me killed that would be less detrimental to the war effort.

Mirri Maz Durr: Only death can pay for life.


Tart Thoughts 

So I heard a story about Tyrion getting knocked out on his way to battle. It doesn't go this way in the books—Tyrion fights, not expertly, but he lives. In the show though, they were out of money and needed to cut somewhere. Playing this scene this way allows for the battle to have happened without having shown the battle. (Robb's battle, too, was only seen as aftermath).

Robb's sadness at losing the men he sacrificed to win the battle is why we love him. He doesn't take death lightly and he is only doing what he feels he must. That makes it all the more gratifying that he seems to have tricked Tywin and gotten the better of him.

I've never quite understood why Ned claims to have wanted the crown for himself. It seems he should have said he colluded with Stannis, though maybe he didn't want to put Stannis in a negative light, since Stannis is the “true heir” in his mind. He just really seems to have gone overboard with his confession.

Man, there were a lot of excellent scenes in this one—conversations I wanted to watch again and again and again. Jon and Aemon is probably my favorite, but several of these have sneaky hints at deeper plots. What is it with Shae's family? Who does Varys really serve? And there is always what a HUGE deal this is that they've killed the MAIN character. But look at how it makes the pieces fall out... Sansa and Arya stuck at King's landing. Robb the head of his house. The Lannisters indisputably in charge by cheating. And how clear is it what an ass Joffrey is? No mercy. No ability to think anything through. Just a vindictive little shit.

This just was really excellent television.

The Rewatch Project, Season 1, Episode 8

Synopsis

Arya and Syrio spar as King's Landing battles. Septa Mordane sends Sansa to her room and faces the guards. And then Meryn Trant and three Lannister men come for Arya. Syrio has enough presence of mind to SEE... why would Lord Eddard send Lannister men for his daughter? He tells Arya to run to her father but she is mesmerized, watching Syrio take out the Lannister men. Syrio's wooden sword is cut off as he says, “What do we say to the god of death?” Arya finally runs, repeating “not today.” She uses her senses—noises above, so down she goes, to the landing where their cart was being loaded to leave. She digs for Needle as an unfortunate (ass of a) boy tries to capture her for the queen. Arya puts her sword through his belly (kill #1 for Arya—justified, though maybe she coulda just hamstrung him)

Varys visits Ned in the black cells. He tells Ned Arya has escaped and Sansa is still engaged to Joffrey. Ned accuses Varys of just standing by and Varys explained his position, unarmed and not a fighter. Varys asks why Ned told the queen what he'd found out (come on, we all were thinking it) Ned said “Mercy”. Ned asks Varys whom he truly serves. “The realm. Someone must.”

Jon, Sam and company arrive back at the wall with the two dead they found. Sam notices they don't stink and haven't rotted. Jon says they should burn them and no one disagrees, though Mormont wants Maester Aemon to examine them first. A raven has arrived and Mormont tells Jon to get himself an ale first, then lets Jon read... Lord Stark has been imprisoned for treason. Mormont warns him not to do anything rash.

The small council bully Sansa, Pycelle as bad cop, Littlefinger and Varys as good. Cersei pretends to listen but this is all part of a show to coerce Sansa into writing to Robb to tell him to come to King's Landing and swear fealty.

Lewin recognized her letter, arriving by the worlds only supersonic raven, as Cersei's words. Robb calls the banners and hundreds of Ravens fly out of Winterfell to bring all loyal to come help Robb free Ned.

Catelyn confronts Lysa who has withheld the raven for a while. Lysa will not be sending men from the Vale to help Robb. Tyrion and Bronn are found by the hill tribes and Tyrion talks his way out of it, convincing them men he will pay them with “the Vale” if they deliver him to his father's camp.

Ser Alliser is an ass to Jon (do I say this every episode? I think I might), Jon tries to attack. He is confined to his quarters. There, Ghost hears something and Jon follows him to Mormont's quarters where one of the dead men is rummaging around. Jon fights him, but a sword through his belly won't keep him down. Finally Jon throws a lantern at him and he burns.

Even holding a tongue he's hot

The Dothraki are pillaging and raping. Dany can't stand watching so takes several women under her protection. The men complain and when Drogo proudly proclaims Dany's ferocity is his son inside her, one of his riders challenges him. He drops his blades, steps into the blade of his challenger, and then with his bare hands and opponents arak, rips the guys tongue out through his throat. Dany calls for a healer for Khal Drogo's cut and Mirri Maz Durr volunteers.

Greatjon Umber postures about not following Glover. He threatens to leave and Robb threatens treason. Greatjon pulls a knife and Grew Wind attacks... this is the test. Robb owns it. (see quotes) The next morning, very early, Robb comes in to say good-bye to Bran. When Robb is gone Rickon comes out saying none of them will come back.

The next day Bran prays for them all in the gods wood. Osha says the gods are answering. Sadly, Bran does not speak tree. Then Naked Hodor appears...

At the wall they are burning dead. Sam knows it was white walkers who touched them and only fire can stop them. Catelyn and Roderick arrive at Robb's camp and there is a lovely mother son moment. She warns that they will all die if they lose and Robb points out that that makes it simple then.

Tyrion and his Mountain tribes arrive at his father's camp. Tyrion apologizes for disappointing his father (by not dying) and explains the promises he's made (good steal all around). His father promises they will get all that and more if they fight with him. They agree, provided Tyrion fights by their side.

Robb and his advisers discuss strategy. It is clear they need to cross the river at the Twins. As they discuss, they are interrupted when a Lannister scout is dragged in. Robb asks what he's seen (20K men) and Robb lets him go with a message for Tywin... 20,000 Northmen are riding south to see if Tywin Lannister really shits gold.

Sansa comes to court to make a plea. Before it is her turn Cersei and Joffrey let Ser Barristan go from the King's Guard. Everyone seems to be enjoying Barristan's humiliation except Sansa. Sansa then makes her plea to Joffrey for mercy.


Places and Faces 

Robb's camp and bannermen were introduced. Greatjon Umber stands out the most.

Notable Quotes 

Varys: Ah, the children. It's always the innocents who suffer. It wasn't the wine that killed Robert, nor the boar. The wine slowed him down and the boar ripped him open, but it was your mercy that killed the king. 

Robb: My lord father taught me it was death to bare steal against a liege lord. Doubtless the Greatjon just meant to cut my meat for me.
Greatjon: Your meat... is bloody tough.

Osha: Who do you think sends the winds if not the gods? 

Foreshadowing and those Stark boys 

Do you suppose Rickon's just a pessimist or might he be a green seer. Is he maybe ahead of the curve on all that northern magic?

And Bran... TRYING to understand the tree here... when eventually he will totally understand the trees...

It is notable that the court has descended into true ugliness Barristan is known as a true knight of honor, yet the nobles sit by and enjoy his shame. It really is understandable why he would seek out Daenerys when the Barratheon Court has become this.

The pace continues at full throttle, though it is pretty tense for the characters I care most about at this point.

The Rewatch Project: Season 1, Episode 7

Synopsis

A sea of red tents and the Lannister camp leads us to Tywin Lannister discussing family with Jaime. It is clear Tywin is none-too-thrilled Jaime is a member of the King's Guard (glorified bodyguard). He sends Jaime and 30,000 men to Riverrun to show Catelyn Stark that Lannisters pay their debt.

Ned warns Cersei to take her children and run. He doesn't want their blood on his hands when he tells Robert the kids aren't his. Cersei is scary in her response.

At Petyr's brothel there is a gratuitous sex scene while Petyr tells about his history with Catelyn, Brandon and Ned... without names, of course.

At Winterfell Osha lays rushes. Theon acts all superior until Lewin chases him off. Osha then tells Lewin about the things waking up north of the wall.

 Benjen's horse shows up without him.

Renly tells Ned about the boar accident. Robert is talking to Joffrey when Ned gets to him. Robert tells everyone to leave and Cersei give the world's most nervous face (see discussion below). Ned takes Robert's last words doing a single un-Nedly thing—changing “son Joffrey” to “my heir”. Robert names Ned Regent and Lord Protector. He also tells Ned, if he can, to stop the assassination of Dany. Unfortunately, Varys says it's too late.

Dany tries to explain the Iron Throne to Drogo who says a King doesn't need a chair, but a horse. At the market Jorah is given his pardon by a kid and realizes it means the attempt on Dany is pending. He stops her from drinking the wine and the wine merchant tries to run off. He fails.

Mormont gives his pre-initiation speech. Sam asked to say his vows in front of the heart tree with Jon. He says his father's gods had never answered his prayers. Maybe the old gods would. Jon is outraged to be assigned to the stewards and is ready to leave until Sam talks him down. “Don't you see? He is grooming you for command.”

Renly catches Ned and offers help seizing Robert's children. “He who holds the king holds the kingdom.” Ned says Stannis is heir but Renly points out his shortcomings and offers himself instead. Ned sends word to Stannis. Petyr then comes in recommending ruling through Joffrey, at least long enough to get Stannis out of the way. He says his price would be reasonable. Ned however, considers it treason won't play.

Ghost runs ahead as Sam and Jon head out to say their vows with a small party. Vows are said, hugs are given all around and then Ghost comes tromping back with a hand.

Dany asks the fate of the wine merchant and Jorah explains, then Drogo comes in, checks on Dany, gives Jorah any horse he wishes, and declares he will take Westeros for his son. Dany and Drogo smolder at each other sexily...

King Joffrey and the Queen regent request Ned (letting him know Robert is dead). Petyr claims the watch is with Ned and then Janos Slynt repeats it. Joff demands his coronation and is taking fealty. Ned says he has no right to the crown. The Queen sends Ser Barristan after Ned, Ned demands Barristan not be hurt, a battle breaks out with Joffrey demanding “kill them all”, the City Watch turns on Ned and then Petyr takes him.


New Places and Faces 

The Lannister Camp, which of course moves about, and Tywin Lannister, patriarch of clan Lannister.
The Market at Vaes Dothrak.


Notable Quotes 

Cersei: Oh but it was. When you play the game of thrones, you win, or you die. There is no middle ground.

Sam: I always wanted to be a wizard.

Petyr: I did warn you not to trust me.


Analysis 

Tywin, the Force 
Charles Dance has a presence like crazy. And skinning that stag? What symbolism, eh? You can totally tell where the varied neuroses of the Lannister children come from, even from this brief meeting with just Jaime.

What If... 
Ned had told Robert then that Cersei's children were Jaime's... How different might things have gone?
Oh That Little Prat Joffrey... 
this is his first run of “kill them all”.

 This episode had great pacing and the START of one great line (Drogo ready to take the west because of the attack on Dany and his son). And the END (nearly) of another (Ned failing at playing the game).

The Rewatch Project: Season 1, Episode 6

Synopsis

Ned wakes to find Cersei and Robert standing over him. If you want to know what he was dreaming (remembering) you can watch this. [Spoilers, Tower of Joy]
Cersei is in prime bitch form asking by what right Ned laid hands on her blood (as if she cares about Tyrion). Robert keeps demanding they get along, but Cersei keeps pushing until Robert hits her and sends her out. He then demands Ned send a raven to his wife demanding Tyrion back and make peace with Jaime. He gives the hand pin back and says he's going hunting.

Dany bonds with her eggs, putting them on a brazier. Irri comes in and Dany picks one up—Irri tries to take it from Dany and drops it. Irri has been burned. Dany has not.

Brann has a 3-eyed raven dream and wakes up to find Hodor holding his saddle. He goes riding with Robb and Theon. Theon is goading Robb about what he should do to get back at Lannisters and Robb says “not your duty, not your house”. Brann encounters four wildlings who try to steal his horse (cut him off of it). Robb arrives and kills two, but then one holds a knife at Brann's throat. Robb has to put down his sword but then Theon kills the one with an arrow through his back. The fourth (Osha) begs for mercy so they take her prisoner. (Robb is again nasty to Theon “could have killed Brann” when he really should be saying thank you, since it all worked out.)

Tyrion tries to explain possession to Modd (Maude?) and eventually convinces him to tell Lady Lysa he wants to confess. Before the court he hysterically confesses some childhood antics, but claims innocence in sending a blade after Brann and conspiring to kill John Arryn. He demands a trial by combat. Lysa allows it, but insists today (so no Jaime for champion). The sell-sword who we later learn is Bronn volunteers.

Arya gets a lesson in fighting when your mind is elsewhere, since that is usually when it happens. 

Dany eats a stallions horse as Drogo smolders, sexier than any man has a right to be. The stallion who mounts the world will join all the world's people into one khalasar. When Dany has finished, she stands and names her son Rhaego. Drogo then carries her around as the people chant. Viserys storms off and tries to steal her dragon eggs, but Jorah stops him.

Robert's hunt is a bit silly. Lancel and his wine, pouting Renly and silent Barristan. No horses... making the eight discussion... They're certainly in no danger. *shifty*

Ned sits on the throne listening to a man tell a tale of slaughter and destruction. Littlefinger puts the pieces together in Ned's ear (the mountain. Retribution for what your wife did.) and Pycelle is an obnoxious blatherer. Ned revokes the Mountains lands and titles and sentences him to death then demands Tywin come to answer for his bannerman or be declared a traitor.

Tyrion's trial happens and Bronn wins. Tyrion pays Modd on his way out.

Sansa is sassy to her septa, then Joffrey comes, apologizes and gives her a necklace. Sansa is moved and has her first kiss.

Roz leaves town, flashing Theon on the way.

Ned tells girls he is sending them away. They both protest and Sansa puts the pieces into place for Ned (see quote below) which sends him to that big book.

The Dothraki celebrate and Viserys comes in drunk, demanding Dany. He is an ass, pulling a sword on Jorah then pointing it at Dany's belly. Drogo says he can have his crown, then his arms are bound, gold melted, and poured over his head in the first truly glorious death of this series. (and by glorious I mean we were cheering)

Notable Quotes 

Syrio: There is only one god and his name is death. And there is one thing we say to death: not today.

Sansa: I don't want someone brave and gentle and strong. I want him. He'll be the greatest king that ever was and I'll give him sons with beautiful blond hair.


 Analysis 

 Poor Theon. You know EVERYONE seems to be sticking it to him about him being a prisoner and not a Stark. Tyrion. Roz. Robb. It really is small wonder what happens later. And it is interesting what shits these otherwise likable characters can be.

This was our 2nd hint (first since the first episode) that Dany has some sort of heat protection, and her statement at the end (“fire cannot kill a dragon”) further suggests why this is. And wasn't Dany's final liberation from Viserys glorious!? I remember reading the “early plans” for this storyline where Dany hadn't fallen in love with her horselord husband and didn't want Viserys dead. I like this version so much better.

You know... I would NEVER EVER endorse domestic violence, but Robert, as king, ought to be able to make Cersei stop following him around. She really is so vile and should not be allowed to speak with any authority. I love this episode—the mystery is in full swing and the pace is fast, and that shocking end is SO huge.

The Rewatch Project: Season 1, Episode 5

Synopsis 

Ned checks in on dead Hugh. The sisters are stitching him up and Ser Barristan has stood vigil. Ned and Barristan discuss the “draw” and where the boy got money for fancy armor. It's clear Ned is suspicious. Ned goes to see Robert who is intent on jousting, but Ned appeals to his pride (they would let him win).

At the Tourney the Knight of Flowers gives Sansa a red rose then knocks the Mountain off his horse. Littlefinger whispers Loras knew his mare was in heat. The Mountain then slaughters his horse and comes after Loras, but the Hound intervenes. The Mountain stalks off, pissed, and Loras raises the Hound's hand in victory. “I am no ser!”

Cat pulls one over on the masses. She has announced loudly and often she is taking Tyrion to Winterfell, but off they go to the Vale. They are attacked by Hill Tribes and Tyrion holds his own, actually saving Catelyn, and leading to some excellent humor.

Brann, at lessons, shows how angry he is at his mother but takes heart at the idea he might learn to shoot arrows from horseback.

There is a gratuitous sex scene then Roz pokes at Theon's emotional wounds.

Arya chases cats.

Varys warns Ned that the king is in danger and tells him of the tears of Lys... then we see him in the dungeons with Illyrio where Arya overhears discussion of Dany, killing the hand, and plans... “The lion and wolf will soon be at each others' throat. War is upon us.”

Petyr and Varys have a pissing match.

Arya tries to tell Ned about what she overheard but she understood too little, then Yoren shows up and tells him about Catelyn taking the Imp.

In the small council meeting Ned and Robert have a falling out because Ned refuses to be involved in an assassination of Daenarys. Petyr then shows up and says if Ned will hang out a bit, he will take him to the last person John Arryn talked to.

Cat arrives at the Eyrie to find Lysa nursing her 8 year old. Tyrion is put in a sky cell.

Loras plants the idea Renly should be king.

Robert and Cersei have sort of a lovely chat.

Ned finds Robert's latest bastard and then is attacked by Jaime Lannister outside. Ned's men are killed and Ned is left badly wounded.

New Places and Faces 

The Eyrie (The Vale and the road leading to it): The Vale is entirely enclosed with mountains to the west (and running all through it) and sea to the other three sides. It is the kingdom easiest to defend by far—only the Iron Born would really have a chance and they are on the opposite side of the country from them. Some of the land is rich for farming and the climate conducive to a variety of crops (temperate). Their seaports also make them a good place for trade, though much of the shore is inhospitable.

Currently ruling the Vale is Lord Arryn who is eight. And still breast feeding. Ew. I am totally a breastfeeding advocate, but anyone old enough to read has probably outgrown it. In fact except in exceptional children, talking in full sentences is closer to the line I'd draw, but never mind. Robin Arryn's mother is a bit of a loon. (and in this storyline we are getting to know Bronn for the first time, though he has not yet been named... still, one of the best lines of the season—see below)

Dungeons of King's Landing: Holy crap, look at those dragon skulls! At King's Landing we also meet Ser Loras and discover his romance with Renly.

Notable Quotes

Bronn: You need a woman. Nothing like a woman after a fight. 
Tyrion: I'm willing if she is. 

Varys: I suffered an early mutilation. Some doors close forever. Others open in unexpected places. (I thought this was a nice foreshadowing for Brann)

Tyrion: The Eyrie. They say she's impregnable. 
Bronn: Give me ten good men and some climbing spikes. I'll impregnate the bitch.

Robert: I can't even remember what she looked like. All I know is she was the only thing I ever wanted. Someone took her away from me and seven kingdoms couldn't fill the hole she left behind. 


Analysis

So the plot thickens as we see whoever was behind John Arryn's death is willing to keep killing for it and as Catelyn basically has declared war by taking Tyrion prisoner. The show does a brilliant job of showing somethings very quickly—like how unhinged Lysa Arryn is sitting there nursing her much-too-old child. And Ned realized he's made a mistake—Robert is not the man he thought he was. But he is still loved so Ned isn't willing to leave before finding out if Robert is really in trouble... The pace was good and a lot of balls are in the air here.

The Rewatch Project: Season 1, Episode 4

Synopsis

Bran's dreaming about 3-eyed crows and is awaken by Theon for a guest. Robb is rude to Tyrion, but Tyrion gives Bran plans for a saddle anyway.

Outside Tyrion goads Theon about being a prisoner of the Starks.

 During a workout at the wall, Sam arrives. He is hopeless, Ser Alliser is an ass, and Sam admits he is a coward. Later, atop the wall, after admitting he also doesn't see well and is scared of heights. Then he tells the sad story about his father not giving him a choice. 

Jorah tells Dany why he sold men into slavery as they arrive at Vaes Dothrak, then Doreah and Viserys talk dragons in the bathtub. Viserys is almost not a prat for about two minutes and then he is again.

Sansa and Septa Mordane talk history in the throne room and we get a hint about the Starks when Sansa says “My grandfather and uncle died here, didn't they?” Meanwhile, Ned is at a small council meeting irritably discussing the tourney. Ned gives Janos more men to keep the city safe, then after the meeting talks to Pycelle and takes the book John Arryn was asking after. Ned suggests Lord Arryn might have been poisoned and Pycelle takes pains to suggest Varys.

Arya is balancing and spouting the wisdom of Syrio Forrell. They discuss Bran's future, and then Arya's. When Ned says she will be a great lady and mother to a lord, she disagrees. “That's not me.”

Petyr asks about the book, then tells Ned about Ser Hugh and a certain armorer. He points out the vast array of spies and warns Ned to be careful—send someone rather than going himself.

Ser Hugh is an ass to Jory. Then Jaime is an ass to Jory. It's not Jory's day.

The armorer introduces Ned to Gendry and Ned recognizes him for Robert's bastard.

Jon forbids anyone picking on Sam, which pisses off Alliser who thinks bullying is better. Sam makes it clear the celibacy portion of the Night's Watch vows seem unreasonable.

Viserys drags Doreah by her hair then he and Dany argue. He hits her and she slams a gold belt across his face. She and Jorah then have a talk about the fitness of Viserys to rule the seven kingdoms. He will never rule. The tourney begins and in the first joust Ser Hugh is killed with a lance through the throat. At the cross roads the annoying singer bugs Catelyn and Roderick, then Tyrion comes in. Cat compliments all the houses who are allies of her father than calls for Tyrion's arrest.

Themes

The disillusionment of Sansa Stark. Sansa has seen that her beautiful prince has anything BUT a beautiful personality. And now she sees that the gallantry of a tourney is not all chivalry, bravery, and ceremony. There is also a graphic horrible potential.

Identity. Arya is asserting who SHE is. Dany is FINDING who SHE is. Jon is growing into who HE is.

Misplaced Trust/Distrust. Ned trusts Petyr and shouldn't. Catelyn distrusts Tyrion when she should. These Starks are pretty bad at knowing who to trust.

The Mystery. The seed is strong. Was John Arryn murdered? What did Ser Hugh know? What was John looking for in the book of lineages? Why was he attending to Robert's bastard?


Notable Quotes

Grand Maester Pycelle: "For all the weight they're given, last words are usually as significant as first words.” 

 Daenarys: "I am a Khaleesi of the Dothraki. I am the wife of the great Khal and I carry his son inside me. The next time you raise a hand to me will be the last time you have hands.”

Assessment: The pace has picked up now that we all sort of know the characters. The changes in Dany and the Mystery of John Arryn in particular are moving at a very satisfying pace. I love the changes in Dany as she finds her strength. The mystery is a bit more frustrating since I know what's coming... if I could leap through the TV and stop Ned trusting Littlefinger

The Rewatch Project: Season 1, Episode 3

Synopsis 

The cast of thousands arrives at King's Landing and Ned's called to a small council meeting. On the way he and Jaime posture a bit in front of the throne. We meet Varys, Renly, Baelish, and Pycelle.

“We are the lords of small matters here.”

We learn the realm is in debt. A lot. Because Robert doesn't like to count coppers. Ned resists going into debt farther for a tourny. The king will decide.

Cersei shares her philosophy with Joffrey that the truth is what the king decides and gives him some truths about ruling as she sees them. (North is too large and wild to hold by force).

Stark girls have a tense breakfast and Arya is sent to her room. Sansa gets the doll from Joffrey, then Ned goes to Arya where he learns of Needle. They have a wonderful talk about the dangerous place and sticking together, though I miss some of the book talk here where we learn about the early deaths of the wild wolves (Brandon and Lyanna) and that Arya reminds Ned of Lyanna who was said to be very beautiful but also willful and wild. Ned lets Arya keep Needle.

Nan tells Bran stories (I love this part--see favorite bits below).

Cat arrives at King's Landing and is promptly taken to a brothel. Varys knows whaddup except whose knife it is. (It was Petyr's until he lost it to Tyrion... or so he says...)

PYP AND GRENN ARE AT THE WALL!!! (Sorry. Still in mourning). Anyway, Jon beats them all at fighting, breaks Grenn's nose while Tyrion and Mormont (Jeor, not Jorah) talk. Mormont has a raven for Jon.

Pycelle gives the same raven's message to Ned then Petyr leads Ned to Cat.
Jon's pledge brothers attack him and Tyrion saves him with his words.

Cat, Ned, Petyr and Varys try to figure out the truth and Cat stupidly says, “trust him. He's like a little brother to me” Say... is that a Valonqar reference? #bookcryptic

Bobby and Barriston discuss first kills, then bring in Jaime for the same. Bobby mocks Lancel horribly, but with that haircut, who can blame him?

Jorah shares a bit of Dothraki culture with Dany. Dany stops the whole line of riders which wakes the (apparently very small) dragon. Viserys then has to walk.

Jon meets Benjen on top of the wall but is rejected as a ranging squire for Benjen's pending journey. Yoren and Tyrion yuk it up and Benjen comes in all irritable. Apparently he hates Lannisters. But who doesn't?

Dany is learning Dothraki and Irri feels her up and realizes she's pregnant. Jorah needs to ride to Qorhall.

Tyrion watches as Jon actually teaches rather than beating up his pledge brothers. And there is an Aemon sighting!!! He and Mormont plead with Tyrion to ask the king for more men.

Dany tells Drogo it's a boy.

Tyrion pisses off the wall. (which is to say he has a piss standing on it, not that he angered it) Jon and Tyrion part with mutual respect.

 Arya has her first “dancing lesson” --this is one of my favorite scenes of all seasons. I love the interaction, but to me the big hammer moment is Ned coming in and seeing them spar. Syrio repeatedly says “dead, dead, dead” and Arya is grinning like crazy, but Ned seems to have a moment of premonition and his face falls and it gives me a chill every single time. Brilliant face acting on the part of Sean Bean.


Locations and Characters 

Kings Landing (where we meet the small council: Varys, Renly, Petyr, Pycelle) [Red Keep, Tower of the Hand, Petyr's Brothel]
Winterfell
Wall (where we meet, though not by name yet, Grenn, Pyp, Rast, Alliser, Mormont, Yoren and AEMON!!!--I love Maester Aemon)


Notable Quotes 

Cersei: “Everyone who isn't us, is an enemy.”

Benjen (to Tyrion): “You're right. Wildlings are like us, a bit rougher may be, but they're made of meat and bone. I know how to track them and I know how to kill them. It's not wildlings giving me sleepless nights. You've never been north of the wall, so don't tell me what's there.”

Aemon: “The Starks are always right eventually. Winter is coming. And when winter comes, gods help us if we are not ready.”

 Ned's LAST WORDS to Cat: “Off with you.”

 Favorite Bits

Old Nan's Story: Oh my sweet summer child, what do you know about fear? Fear is for the winter, when the snows fall a hundred feet deep. Fear is for the long night, when the sun hides for years and children are born and live and die, all in darkness. That is the time for fear, my little lord, when the white walkers move through the woods. Thousands of years ago there came a night that lasted a generation. Kings froze to death in their castles, same as the shepherds in their huts. And women smothered their babies rather than see them starve, and wept and felt the tears freeze on their cheeks. So is this the sort of story you like?  
[Bran nods]
Old Nan: In that darkness, the white walkers came for the first time. They swept through cities and kingdoms, riding their dead horses, hunting with their packs of pale spiders big as hounds...
[the door opens and Robb enters]

 I also liked Jon's lesson from Tyrion about who he was there with and that he should have some compassion. Jon takes it to heart right away and by the end is teaching his fellows. This shows both a good heart and an instinct for leadership (how do you deal with disadvantaged lads? Train them up so they are no longer at a disadvantage).

And then BOTH Scenes with Arya—her talk with Ned and Ned letting her keep the sword, and then her first “Dancing Lesson” (with Syrio Forrell!) and the bit that gives me chills, mentioned above. 

There is nothing I DON'T like here, but this episode, like the second, is heavy on introduction, so seems to move a little slow.

The Re-Watch Project: Season 1, Episode 1: Analysis

My goal with this is more process than “did you like it?” It goes without saying that I love this show, but what I am watching for in the rewatch is what they emphasize, what breadcrumbs are dropped, how characters develop and change. It has spoilers for later in the series and I may do some digging into books to further explain or contrast, so if you plan to read and don't want THAT spoiled, maybe this isn't where to be.

Synopsis:

A man of the night's watch finds some dead people on display but when he goes to show his friends they've buggered off. Then they appear and kill two of them. The third man runs like hell only to be tracked down several hundred miles south.

At Winterfell a young boy failing at archery is being hazed by his older brothers as the adults watch on. A girl, tired of needlework, shoots an arrow from behind everyone and hits the bulls-eye instead of the back of somebody's head, which is fortunate.

Ned takes the little boy to watch him behead the Night's Watch bloke and on the way home they find some puppies.

In King's Landing Jaime and Cersei have a secret that the king would kill them over but we are too freaked out by the eye stones on the dead guy to really pay attention.

Catelyn finds Ned in the Godswood cleaning Night Watchman blood off his big ass sword and tells him Jon Arryn is dead and the King rides north with a cast of thousands.

The house preps. The thousands arrive. The blonde kid makes eyes at the redheaded girl. Robert wants to go to the crypt and we learn he was meant to marry Ned's sister. Instead they arrange to marry their children. Robert names Ned as hand of the king.

Tyrion is found in the whore house. This will be a repeating theme.

Viserys gives his sister a dress but you can still tell he is a jerk. Illaryo presents Dany to Momoa (and the blog author drools on her notes so they cannot be read further)

Winterfell feast yadda yadda, Benjen arrives while Jon is beating on a dummy with a sword. It's clear they are close and Jon resents his exclusion. When Benjen goes in, Tyrion talks to Jon... Not kind words, but feasibly wise words.

Cat and Ned have some pillow talk then the Maester comes in to join them. (talking, not on the pillow)--a raven from Cat's sister that her husband was murdered. They decide the only thing to do is send Ned to get murdered too.

There is a Dothraki wedding which is more like a fraternity party.

Ned and Robert go out with a hunting party. Bran climbs a wall to find Cersei and Jaime in a compromising position, and Jaime pushes Bran out the window.

Locations and characters this Episode 

North of the Wall: Three unnamed brothers of the Night's watch and a couple spooky zombie things

Winterfell: The full cast of the Stark household and the visiting members of the Baratheon Court 

King's Landing (Sept of Baylor): Dead John Arryn and Cersei and Jaime

Pentos (House of Illaryo Mopatis and the sea where the wedding occurs): Daenarys, Viserys, Illario, then the Dothraki people and Ser Jorah


Easter Eggs 

Ser Waymar Royce is the arrogant ass of a Night's Watchman who is leading the ranging. It is him who Sansa refers to in Season 4 when she confesses her identity to Ser Yonn Royce: “I met you once, at Winterfell, when you were taking your son up to the Night's Watch.”

Robert leaves Lyanna a feather that Sansa picks up in season 5 when she an Littlefinger are discussing Lyanna

I don't know if this qualifies as an easter egg, but when Viserys suggests the Dothraki lay with horses and Illaryo says "I wouldn't ask them that." Viserys says, "Do you take me for a fool?" to which Illaryo replies "I took you for a king. King's often lack the caution of other men."  This struck me as Illaryo encouraging Viserys's hot-headedness--making him think it is kingly... I think Illaryo knows (after a year) Viserys is trouble and is giving him the tools to hang himself faster.

Best Lines 

Benjen: "Direwolves south of the wall. Whitewalker spotted in the north. And my brother may be the next hand of the king. Winter is coming."

Tyrion: "Never forget what you are. The rest of the world won't. Wear it like armor and it can never be used to hurt you." (to Jon on his bastardy)

First line by a named character:

 From Jon. “Father is watching. And your mother.” (to Bran) The very first thing we learn about any characters we care about is that Jon Snow is different from his brother and sisters. In fact this is emphasized several times this episode. With Tyrion. With the wolf pups.

In fact one thing I missed here that the book has is this is all from Bran's PoV—and Bran KNOWS how much it costs Jon to use “Lord Stark” and exclude himself when noting there is the perfect number of pups for the Stark children. Bran loves Jon for that—for the sacrifice he knows this is.

 Arya also gets perfect characterization with nearly no lines. Grumbling about needlework, then shooting from behind Bran for a bulls eye, then running through people (Arya Underfoot) to see (Bran has climbed—ever the adventurer). It is clear Arya is a tomboy, not following the lady's rules.

Ned and Cat, serious but loving, True confidants and keeping their humor only for their most intimate moments. They hold their duty seriously, but the show shows it is a very intimate relationship that both of them hold dear. The beheading establishes northern traditions—he who passes the sentence must carry it out. And that it isn't without compassion. Bran asks “So he was lying” and Ned said, “A mad man sees what he sees.”

Sansa and Joffrey—idiots liking shiny things. At this point it is sweet. Nobody knows yet the monster Joffrey will be. But it also has the sappy infatuation of 13-year old love. It is perfectly suited to their ages.


Mysteries Established

Why did Robert “Kill him?” (with such hatred he does it every night) and what does it have to do with Lyanna?
What did Jaime and Cersei do that Robert would kill them for?
Was John Arryn murdered?

And the SUPER strength, in my opinion... 

This show keeps people coming back with a trick of WTF bookends. The first was when the Night's watchman turns around and sees the girl corpse he saw earlier, but now walking and blue-eyed... dead coming to life. The last was Bran stumbling (climbing) onto the scene of Jaime and Cersei (in the books this was also Bran narrated—he thought they were wrestling—it's adorable) and then Jaime pushes him out the window. Those things tell the watcher this is unlike any other show.