Season 6, Episode 2: Home: Recap and Review

Bran and Bloodraven watch Young Ned, Lyanna and Benjen

Recap

Bran and Bloodraven go to a Winterfell of the past in a vision and Bran watches Ned spar with Benjen. Lyanna rides through on a horse and Bran tells Bloodraven his father never spoke of her, then Hodor is there—speaking (and making us wonder what happened that took his words). Back under the tree Bran asks Hodor what happened. Of course the answer is Hodor. He then has Hodor take him out to Meera who looks depressed... she is done sitting there doing nothing. When Bran goes back in, Leaf tells Meera Bran will need him. He isn't going to stay at the wall forever.

Alliser tells Davos it is time and then the Watchmen begin to go at the door with axes. When they are almost in, louder pounding comes from elsewhere. They stop to stare as Wun Wun breaks through the gate at Castle Black and the wildlings poor in. Alliser calls Edd a traitor, but Edd says it is killing the Lord Commander that is being a traitor. Most of the Night's Watch who've been at the Castle throw down their arms and the killers are captured.

A braggart tells the story of Cersei walking past naked on her walk of shame and exaggerates to make it as insulting to Cersei as possible, then makes it out like she was interested in him. Later he is taking a piss in an alley and FrankenMountain breaks his head against the wall.

Cersei tries to go see Myrcella's body but the king has ordered she stay in the Red Keep. When Jaime asks why Tommen admits “he said she wouldn't be permitted in the sept” (meaning by the sparrows). Tommen and Jaime talk over Myrcella's body and Tommen admits he is ashamed to have not done anything to protect his wife and mother. In comes the high sparrow. Jaime sends Tommen to talk to his mother already. Jaime and the High Sparrow have words, Jaime threatening the man who seems unafraid to die, though he has dozens of sparrows there, so if Jaime kills him, it is clear Jaime will also die. Tommen comes to see Cersei. She is standoffish, until Tommen apologizes and admits he was scared of losing her. When Tommen admits he should have executed them all to save her and he wants her to help him be strong she finally melts some and hugs him.

So much awesome...

Tyrion and team Dany discuss Meereen and dragons. The masters have retaken the cities besides Meereen. The dragons aren't eating. Tyrion says dragons don't do well in captivity. He asks Missendei if the dragons ever hurt her. He then explains dragon intelligence and the fact they recognize their friends. Tyrion and Varys go into the catacombs and Tyrion talks to the dragons. They seem to understand at least that he means to help them. He undoes their chains.

The waif attacks Arya and Arya ineffectually tries to fight back. At one point the waif has left and Arya is spinning circles, frantically hitting with her stick. Jaqen grabs it and asks who she is. He offers first shelter, then food, then her eyes, if Arya will say her name. Arya says each time “a girl has no name”. She has passed the test and Jaqen tells her to follow him. A girl is no longer a beggar. 

Roose chastises Ramsay over the dead men who had been going after Sansa and Theon. Ramsay suggests sending forces to kill Jon Snow. Ramay lists their allies, the Karstarks, the Umbers and the Manderlys... or are they? (discussion below) Roose threatens Ramsay—telling him if he acts as a mad dog he will be treated as a mad dog. The Maester comes in and announces Lady Walda has delivered a boy. Ramsay hugs his da and then stabs him, then asks the Maester to send ravens to the northern houses that Roose was poisoned by enemies. He says to bring Lady Walda and the baby. He meets them, holds his little brother. She asks after Lord Bolton and Ramsay leads her to the kennels where he subdues the dogs, opens the pens, and then tells Walda HE is Lord Bolton. She begs to just be let to go south with her baby. They will cause no trouble. He whistles for the dogs to attack.

Brienne tells Sansa she saw Arya and she looked fine. Brienne asks what happened at Winterfell but all Sansa will say is she should have gone with Brienne when she met her before. Sansa and Theon discuss going north. Theon is sure Jon will kill him, but Sansa says she won't let him and when a man takes the black his crimes are forgiven. Theon says he doesn't want to be forgiven. That he would have taken her all the way there, but now she has Brienne he means to go home.

A bad place for a family reunion

Balon and Yara argue, Balon being his typical ass self. He claims in the war of five kings he is the only one left (how does he know Stannis is dead?) Balon argues war and attacking and Yara argues protecting their people. He leaves and on the bridge between towers encounters his brother Euron who makes a lot of statements about being the storm which I will explain a bit below. As the bridge blows, Balon grasps the ropes and Euron looks perfectly at home. Euron then throws Balon off the bridge into the rocky ocean below. As Balon's body is found and sent to sea, Yara promises vengeance. She argues with Aeron Damphair about who will rule. There will be a King's Moot.

Davos knocks and comes for Melisandre, asking about whether she can bring Jon back. They have a touching conversation about faith where Davos says fuck the gods. He wants help from the woman who showed him miracles exist. She cleans Jon's body of blood, snips hair and throws it in the flames, and begins to chant magic words. Nothing happens. Tormund leaves and the others follow. Ghost stirs and Jon takes a gasping breath.

Further Analysis 

Quotes I love

Bloodraven: “It is beautiful beneath the sea, but if you stay too long you will drown.”
Bran: “I wasn't drowning, I was home.” 

Edd: “The only traitors here are the ones who shoved their knives into their Lord Commander's heart.” 

The Storm: The Iron Islanders have a dichotomous god... as with many religions (God/Satan, R'hollor/the other) In the Iron Islands it is the Drowned God, who most worship, and The Storm. So for Euron coming in like this, he is basically saying I am Satan. And yes, he really believes he is a god.

Ohmygawd—Maisie's face acting when Jaqen says she can have her eyes back... the struggle and decision—so clear. Seriously—that is some major talent.

I believe we can trust that the Karstarks are true allies of the Boltons. Robb Stark cut off their Lord's head, after all. But if the Umbers and Manderlys are allies, I think it must have to do with hostages that guarantee their cooperation. I can't see any reason they would have left team Stark otherwise. I believe both lost people at the Red Wedding, so the opposite should actually be true. Home as a

Theme: Bran gets to see home, Arya brought back to the only home she has had since Winterfell, Theon heads home, Euron comes home


Review 

This season keeps moving things along at a good pace. The big beats this week were Roose's death, Dragons free, Balon's death and Jon's awakening... say... if death pays for life... you think? In the books Balon has been long-dead, but I think the show can work with this. One king down, one up... But even though those were the big beats, all the storylines had real progress.

Sansa and Theon part ways, Arya passes the test and so is brought back into the House to further her training, the dragons are unchained setting in motion a ton of possibility (and it seems they may be loyal to Tyrion for this service).

I loved Bran's vision and the connection to the backstory of the show. I wonder if we are going to learn what happens to Hodor. But we see in the previews we WILL learn what happens to Lyanna. And how satisfying was it to have Wun Wun break through that gate!? WUN WUN!!! Loved that! And I was glad most of the Night's Watch dropped their weapons and there was not a massacre. They will need those guys for their army.

The scene with Tommen asking Cersei to help him may prove as disastrous as Cersei arming the Faith militant. She may be his mother, but I am pretty sure Cersei's only mission right now is revenge, and she is not known for her strategic planning. Instead she is just going to lash out dangerously, perhaps insanely... And now she has looped Tommen into her madness, or so it seems. The good part of this is I think it may start the rift between Jaime and Cersei that the books have and that sets Jaime toward the Riverlands.

THE DRAGONS ARE FREE!!! I love that they didn't eat Tyrion. Seriously. There was a book plot with a character named Quentin (Tristane's older brother) that went very badly when he tried to free the dragons. So I'm glad that isn't where we went. I think Viseryon and Rhaegal have a debt of gratitude for Tyrion now, which should be fun to watch play out. Tyrion's bravery was impressive. I mean we've seen him be brave, but this is over and above.

Arya's beating was more of the same, but thankfully the last of its flavor. I like that they are moving this story along. She looks like she is now headed for some serious training—like what happened in episodes 1 and 2 was to let her know what it COULD be like, so how important it is for her to learn. She is on her way back to the House of Black and White though. YAY!!!

And HOLY COW... Ramsey hears his threats, learns he is a big brother, and then does in his father, followed by his stepmum and baby bro. Totally brutal, though I guess I figured it was coming. What is more interesting is what ELSE is now coming. Roose's alliance with the Lannisters died when he married Ramsay to Sansa. Now the Bolton alliance to the Freys is dead, since Ramsay killed Walda. Ramsay doesn't seem to be thinking very far ahead. He DOES however, seem to have his eyes on the Night's Watch and Jon Snow, who might threaten his position. Roose had said No... but Roose is no more... I like how all this was done and where it is headed. Ramsay by winning in the short run has set his own demise in motion, I think.

Loved Sansa's subtle smile hearing Arya wasn't dressed like a lady. “No, she wouldn't be.” I'm glad she now knows all her siblings, save Robb, may be alive. And her good-bye with Theon was extremely touching.

And finally Balon and Asha/Yara. She is thinking of their people, he is thinking of his own bloody legacy, or maybe he isn't thinking at all. I've been waiting for this death a while. In the books it is less direct (believed Euron paid a faceless man rather than doing it directly) and I have reason to believe that faceless man was Jaqen, but this streamlining makes sense. Whatever the case, Euron is poised to show up to challenge Yara in the King's Moot. Possibly Theon, too.

And finally JON! JON! I was a little surprised they didn't make it more complicated than this, but their decision to shorten the next two seasons and all Jon has to do means he does have a lot to do this season. So I am glad Jon is back. What did you think?

Season 6, Episode 1: The Red Woman

SPOILERS if you haven’t seen the episode!!!

Recap

Ghost's howling alerts Davos who finds Jon’s body. With the help of a few loyal brothers they move Jon. Ed fetches Ghost then goes for the OTHER people who owe their life to Jon (aka: the wildlings). Alliser explains to the Night’s Watch that a bunch of them killed Jon over his wildling plans. The Watch seems torn.

Ramsay mourns Miranda, the only person not afraid of him… and then says to feed her to the dogs. Roose scolds Ramsay about Sansa and Theon disappearing. He messed up. Daddy made him feel it.

Theon helps Sansa into the river to escape the hounds

Sansa and Theon run, cross a river, get caught anyway, and then… BRIENNE!!! Pod holds his own and even Theon pitches in, but Brienne is the big hero. She then swears fealty to Sansa in a scene reminiscent of when she swore to Lady Catelyn.

Jaime and Myrcella’s body arrive, breaking Cersei’s heart. Cersei tells Jaime of the Wood’s Witch prophecy. Jaime tells her they are going to take it all back.

Septa Unella abuses Margaery with the Seven Pointed Star, telling her to confess. The High Sparrow interrupts and also also urges a confession, saying King Tommen misses her.

Dorne: WTF? Seriously. What just happened? Prince Doran gets a message, reads of Myrcella’s death, and then Ellaria stabs him and Tyene stabs Areo Hotah while all the household guards stand watching. Ellaria declares no weak man will rule Dorne again. Obara and Nym somehow appear on Tristane’s boat and kill him, wiping out the Martell clan.

Tyrion and Varys wander Meereen. Tyrion offers to buy a baby to eat, or so his poor translation leads the woman to believe. Varys smooths it over. They discuss Dany’s poor PR, then hear a red priest saying the Lord of Light sent Dany. He urges them to take up the flame. A mass of people runs by in fear and when they go to investigate they see the harbor (and all the boats) is on fire, knocking the option of sailing back to Westeros right off the list of possibilities.

Jorah and Dario find charred bones, then find the evidence of the Dothraki hoard and the ring Dany dropped so they know who has her.

Dany faces Khal Moro

Dany is marched into the Dothraki camp and brought to Khal Moro. Khal Moro and his bloodriders discuss the joys of life (such as looking on a woman naked). Dany tells him who she is and he doesn’t care until they get to the topic of Khal Drogo—nobody is to lay with a Khal’s widow. She is meant to go to Vaes Dothrak where all widows of Khals live out their days.

Blind Arya begs in Bravos. The waif shows up with two sticks and taunts Arya first with words, then she gives Arya a stick, tells her to fight and starts hitting her. Arya gets knocked around badly then the waif says “see you tomorrow” and leaves.

Back at the wall Ser Alliser tries to get in to where Jon’s body is being guarded by Ghost, Davos and a few others. Alliser offers amnesty and to let Davos ride south. Davos asks for mutton. They are awaiting the wildlings and Davos notes the Red Woman may help. Unimpressed, one of the Watch asks what one redhead can do against forty men... oh, if they only knew...

Melisandre goes to a mirror and undresses because it wouldn’t be a Game of Thrones episode without Melisandre undressing. She takes off the ruby at her throat and is suddenly VERY OLD. She goes to bed like that.

Assessment

I thought this was a fantastic first episode. I’d only rank season 4 higher for a season opener (well, and one, but that is a special case). Several of the things that happened were sort of what I expected from the books or teasers, but they came out more awesome. I loved the Sansa and Theon escape, nearly getting caught and Brienne saving them heroically--probably my favorite sequence of the show. I like Ramsay on edge under his father’s disapproval. Anything that makes the bastard squirm. Davos was all kinds of awesome and I love Ed going for the wildlings… all expected, but the execution was great. The only sort of confusing thing is if Jon is dead, why are they protecting him? What do they think they can do? Are they just wanting to make sure he is dealt with respectfully, or does Davos have some inkling of what is possible? I’m thrilled that Arya’s story seems to be following her book path.

There are two big book departures. Myrcella has not died yet in the books, so maybe Jaime and Cersei WILL bond when that happens, but to me it messes with Jaime’s redemption arc. Not as big a fan of that. And Dorne… holy CRAP!  In one episode wiping out the royal family… My thought is that without Quentin to woo Dany, Arianne to woo Aegon (or even Aegon) the rest of the Dornish plot is just about war baiting, and leaving this to the sand snakes makes some sense. I certainly liked these sand snakes better than last season’s. But so much for the Dornish Master Plan, eh?

I’m very excited to see where all this goes. Sansa is set to finally get her season, I think. I am eager to see how she and Brienne interact and what that does for Sansa’s confidence. Brienne will be following Sansa’s orders, which puts Sansa in charge for the first time ever. The war at the wall (between the traitorous brothers and the wildlings and loyal brothers) should be interesting. I expect Jon to be raised somewhere in there and if Mel is touting him as Azor Ahai he will probably inspire an army. The battle of the bastards should be amazing.

So anybody have any thoughts they want to share? I'm giving the episode a 9, I think...

The Rewatch Project: Season 3, Episode 9

Synopsis

Robb asks Catelyn's opinion on his plan. She is skeptical at first, but then agrees. The northern troops arrive at the Twins and are served bread and salt in greeting. Robb makes his apologies to Lord Walder's daughters and granddaughters. Walder calls Talisa up to look at her and says some very forward, bordering on rude, things. Robb bristles but holds his tongue. Frey says Robb's nobles can stay inside and there will be tents outside for the rest.

Daario shows Dany his suggested plan—a back gate. He will lead Dany's two best through to fight through and open the gates to the rest of Dany's troops. Jorah expects betrayal but asks Grey Worm's opinion. Grey Worm trusts him. Barristand wants to go but Jorah says as Queen's Guard his place is by the Queen.

Sam prattles about the castles and a sally port at the Nightfort that should let them through. Gilly is amazed he could learn all that from marks on paper and she says he's like a wizard. They look on the wall.

The Hound helps a pig farmer fix his cart, then knocks him out. Arya stops the Hound from killing him. She taunts him about being “so hard—killing children and old people”. She convinces him to let the man live. When the man comes to, Arya hits him with a rock to knock him out again and they take the cart.

Bran and company reach a small village, discussing why it's empty. Jojen senses a storm so they decide to stay in the tower.

The Wildlings spot a man and horses and intend to rob him. Jon insists on not killing him. The Wildlings keep arguing that it's necessary. They surround him but Jon clanks his sword to warn the man to run.

Arya looks across the river at the Twins. They have a philosophical conversation about fear: being almost there and fearing she won't make it. She comes back with his fear of fire. She knows why.

The thunder is rolling outside the tower as Bran and company discuss getting past the wall. Osha took a boat through Bay of Seals. Hodor freaks as they discuss their options. Meera spots the rider (the horseman Jon's Wildlings are chasing). Hodor freaks loudly. Bran has to possess him to shut him up. Orell has heard but no one else. Bran quiets Hodor and nobody believes Orell. Orell insists Jon should kill the horseman to prove he's one of them. In the tower Jojen tells Bran to go into Summer to see what's going on below. Bran insists he doesn't know how but then he manages it. Jon hesitates so Ygritte kills the horseman with an arrow. Orell accuses him of being a crow and a fight breaks out. The wolves join in. Jon kills Orell and his eagle attacks Jon. Jon runs for a horse and takes off. Ygritte looks livid.

Daario will whistle for Grey Worm and Jorah. He does. They go in and it looks pretty clear until a bunch more guards attack. They have a big fight on their hands.

The people wrestle outside the Twins in fun as Walder walks his daughter up the aisle, veiled. When he removes the veil it turns out she's very beautiful and Edmure is stunned. He cloaks the bride and they say the words.

Bran tells the others Jon was there. Osha says that means Jon will be back at Castle Black but Bran insists he has to go north. Osha won't go and Bran says that's fine. It won't be safe for Rickon. She should take him to the Last Hearth. Osha and Rickon leave right off. Safer in the darkness. Osha tells Meera to keep Bran safe.

Dany is nervous, waiting. Jorah and Grey Worm come back to Dany confirming success. She asks after Daario and he comes in with the Harpy Flag and tells her the city is hers.

The Wedding Feast is underway. Edmure eats out of Roslyn's hands and music and laughter occur... The Blackfish goes out to take a piss. Robb and Talisa bander as Lord Frey calls for the bedding. Men come up to carry Roslyn off and a flock of women herds Edmure. Talisa finds the whole thing baffling. Robb talks of it as proof the marriage was consummated, but she runs her belly reminding him there is other proof. She suggests if it is a son they should name him Eddard.

The music stops and the doors are barred, then the Raynes of Castermere begins to play. Grey Wind cries. The Hound and Arya arrive but are turned back. As the Hound argues, Arya disappears. Catelyn looks around in concern then Walder calls for his grace and says he has been remiss: he hasn't given his new queen a gift. Talisa is stabbed in the belly. Arrows rain down. Arya makes her way in, sees the northmen slaughtered. She hears Grey Wind, but then they come shoot him with bolts. The Hound tells her it is too late and knocks her out. Robb makes his way to Talisa. Catelyn grabs Walder's wife and begs that Frey let Robb live. She offers herself as a hostage. Roose steps forward to Robb and says “The Lannisters send their regards” and then stabs him, so Cat cuts Lady Frey's throat, her own is cut from behind.


Notable Quotes 

Catelyn (about Robb's plan to attack Casterly Rock): Show them how it feels to lose what they love. 

The Hound: Go on. Run. You might make it. They're just over the river. It's the closest you've been to family since Illyn Payne snipped your daddy's head off. 
Arya: Some day I'm going to put a sword through your eye and out the back of your skull. 

The Blackfish (about Edmure and his pretty wife): The Gods love to reward a fool. 

Book versus Show 

The tower Bran and company stay in in the book is actually in the middle of a small lake. They use a “causeway” which is an underwater, impossible to see bridge—you have to know it's there to even look for it. It makes the tower a very safe place—much safer than it looks in the show.

Also in the books... Jeyne Westerling (Robb's Wife) does not go to the Red Wedding. Catelyn thinks it better to not rub her in the face of Walder's daughters, so she lives. Though it is also not established she is pregnant and in fact there are some hints her mother has been giving her moon tea to avoid that. (there is also a theory she may in fact BE pregnant and the Westerlings switched girls, but that is deep into fan speculation). In any case, what she is NOT is dead Talisa.


Review 

There is a lot of amazing stuff this episode but let me just start with how impressed I was with Little Art Parkinson when Rickon and Osha are leaving Bran and the Reeds. Child actors can be hit and miss and this kid is only 8 or 9—he did SO WELL.

This episode was huge. From Arya's devastation, to Dany's big win, Bran warging Hodor, Jon escaping the Wildlings... but the Red Wedding of course steals the show. Three big characters—two MAIN characters, dead. Walder Frey has broken Guest Rites, which in the book is a HUGE deal. Through all the rest of the thus far published books Frey becomes synonymous with lack of honor. This harkens back (forward) to a story Bran will tell in the next episode about the Rat King, but I will include that text in full when I do that review.

Of interest is the people who managed to NOT get killed... Edmure and his wife had already been shuttled off for the bedding... The Blackfish had gone out for a piss... The Great Jon, in the books has gone out, I believe.

The Rewatch Project: Season 3, Episode 8

Synopsis 

Arya wakes up on the ground and spots a rock. She gets it and goes to smash The Hound. He wakes up and says she has one chance. If she kills him, she is free. But if not he will break both her hands. He tells her she'd lucky. Someone worse could have found her. When she claims there is no one worse he tells her some men beat or rape little girls, then he tells her of the men he saved Sansa from. Arya calls him a liar. They reach a river and Arya thinks they are going to King's Landing. The Hound says Fuck Joffrey and fuck the queen. They are going to the Twins because Edmure is marrying a Frey girl and the Hound intends to get a ransom.

Dany and company watch a group of sell swords, discussing whether they can use the Second Sons. Jorah says they may not meet with her, but she insists they will. And she's right. Three officers arrive, one of them rudely forward. Dany banters with them. He continues to proposition, gooses Missendei and says he will think about it. She gives them wine as a gift and two days to decide, but she tells Barristan as they leave “If it comes to battle, kill that one first”.

Melisandre and Gendry arrive at Dragonstone. Stannis grabs his face, noting half Robert, half low-born. Melidandre orders Gendry taken for a bath and new clothes. Stannis questions her, but she has an argument about avoiding fear before the slaughter.

Davos makes a valiant effort at reading in his cell. Stannis arrives to see him. He tells Davos he is sorry about Matthos. Then he tells him about the bastard Melisandre brought back. Davos points out he is Stannis's nephew. They debate the sacrificing of one to save many. Davos asks why Stannis is there. Stannis says he will free him if he promises never to raise a hand against Melisandre again. Davos agrees but says he can't promise not to speak against her. (leads to EXCELLENT quote, below) They then discuss the red god and what they've seen.

The Second Son Captains discuss beating Dany as a whore sits on the Tital Bastards lap. Daario won't pay whores because he only wants to be with women who want him. They discuss who should kill Dany and draw coins to see who the job goes to. Daario gets the Bravosi coin and the job.

Tyrion comes for Sansa. They exchange compliments. Tyrion asks for a moment alone with her. He tells her he didn't ask for this. She keeps her courtesies until he says “I know how you feel” to which she can't hold back an “I doubt it.” He tells her he won't ever hurt her.

Margaery tells Cersei she looks radiant and Cersei tells her the story of House Rayne, making clear the parallels between Houses Rayne and Tyrell.

Sansa enters Baelor's Sept and Joffrey steps in to give her away. She is repulsed and can't really hide it. He walks her up the aisle then moves the bench Tyrion was meant to use to cloak her. Sansa has to kneel for him. The Septon says some words.

Gendry is in awe of his room. Melisandre comes in and talks of growing up poor. She pours him wine. He is distrustful but she does her word magic, then undresses him. He says it doesn't seem very religious. She shrugs out of her dress, putting down the faith of the Seven. She then says they can “stop it” and pushes him down onto the bed. She pulls his pants part way down, climbs on him, then binds his hands and feet. When he is trussed and unable to move she puts leeches on him. He appropriately freaks as Stannis and Davos come in. She gives Stannis the box with the leeches that have sucked Gendry's blood and he throws them in the flames, each with a name “The Usurper Robb Stark, the Usurper Balon Greyjoy, the Usurper Joffrey Baratheon.”

At the reception Lady Olenna goes through the twisted double relationships Margaery and Loras will have once they have married Joffrey and Cersei respectively. Tyrion is getting very drunk and Sansa excuses herself. Joffrey goes after her. Tywin critiques Tyrion's drunkenness and says he has a duty; he takes his wine. Loras spots Cersei and tries to approach her but she is a colossal bitch to him. Joffrey corners Sansa and suggests he will come to her that night—he notes she isn't pleased and says Ser Boros and Ser Meryn will hold her down. He then calls for the bedding ceremony. Tyrion says there won't be one and Joffrey commands it. Tyrion threatens him with a wooden cock and Joffrey has a hissy fit until Tywin makes it clear he wants everyone to accept the story that Tyrion was making a joke. Tyrion goes along with it, acting very drunk and leading Sansa away.

In their room he pours more wine. He is hung up on her youth. He says he's been commanded to consummate the marriage and Sansa pours herself a glass of wine. She then starts to undress. He stops her and tells her he won't share her bed, not until she wants him to.

Dany bathes with Missendei helping her. They discuss languages. A man grabs Missendei and says no screaming or she dies. It's Daario. He says he wants her. She knows he was sent to kill her. He has cut off his captains' heads. They ordered him to kill her and he chose her. Dany gets out of the bath. Missendei robes her and he swears a vow to her.

Shae comes into Tyrion and Sansa's room all pissy until she spots that the bed linens are not bloody.

Sam and Gilly find a falling down cabin and decide to stay. They huddle under the furs and discuss the baby. Gilly is upset about Sam's fancy talk, but he isn't doing it on purpose. They discuss names, Sam sharing his father's cruelty, then the birds outside go nuts. Sam goes to see what it is. The cacophony stops suddenly and a White Walker appears. Gilly says he's come for the baby. It grabs Sam's sword and the sword shatters. The baby cries and the White Walker goes for him. Sam gets out his dragon glass dagger and stabs him. The White Walker shatters. They run.

Notable Quotes

Daenerys: They will. Men who fight for gold can't afford to lose to a girl. 

Stannis: You have little regard for your own life.
Davos: Quite little, your grace. Verging on none. You could have freed me yesterday or tomorrow. But you came to me now, before this boy was put to the knife because you knew I'd counsel restraint. You came to hear it from me because you believe it yourself. You're not a man you slaughters innocents for gain or glory. 

Cersei (to Margaery): If you ever call me sister again, I'll have you strangled in your sleep. 

Sansa (to Tyrion): What if I never want you to?
Tyrion: And so my watch begins.

Book/Show

In the books Sansa refuses to kneel for Tyrion. She feels humiliated and in the moment wants to humiliate him in turn, though later she feels badly about it. Tyrion is always kinds to her but he does think repeatedly, “why couldn't she have knelt?”

Review

I really like this episode... I mean there is creepier than creepy Joffrey, but Tyrion doing the right thing by Sansa and especially Sam killing the White Walker—showing his hero potential for the first time. And the first episode of Team Fuck the King. I also like Dany's new ally, though two years later we still don't know if she can count on him or not... Davos. Gendry... Cersei being as awful as she ever outwardly is—she usually restrains herself a bit, but she really didn't hold back on either Margaery or Loras. So good.

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.