There were no Robb, Bran or Jon Snow scenes this week, which
allowed the storylines that were present to get more focus and attention. This made
for a very satisfying episode overall.
The episode began with a short scene involving Arya and The
Hound, wherein she contemplates killing him – he is after all one of the men
whose name she recites every night – but decides against doing so, even though
he made no physical attempt to stop her. He then reveals to her that he is no
longer working for Joffrey through a short, sharp reminder of his resignation
speech last season: “Fuck Joffrey!” before they head towards The Twins for
Edmure’s wedding.
There was a lot more from Daenerys’ storyline this week, as
she was introduced to the sellsword (mercenary) army The Second Sons. Their leader
Mero: The Titan’s Bastard managed to endear himself to audiences during his
first scene, coming across as a vastly complex and likeable figure. Ultimately though
he wasn’t really the important new character to be introduced in this episode;
that honour went to Daario Naharis, supposedly Mero’s subordinate. There were
some nice little moments from all of Dany’s advisers during the negotiation
scene, although I do hope at some point we’ll get to see Jorah or Barristan or
even the Unsullied army in action.
Daario then proved his skill by easily sneaking into Daenerys’
tent, where he could have very easily killed her. But that was not his
intention. Instead he presented her with the heads of the other captains of the
Second Sons. I suppose that the average audience member can only take in so
many new characters at such a late stage, killing off two new characters in the
same episode in which they were introduced seems as good a method as any I
suppose. I appreciated the use of the term “lovely girl” spoken by Daario, as
it was somewhat reminiscent of Jaqen H’Ghar from last season. He then pledged
his allegiance to Danaerys’ offering her the Second Sons as well. As much as I’ve
enjoyed Dany’s storyline this season, she is starting to show such little
emotion in her scenes, it may become difficult to invest in her character.
Maybe all she needs is a new love interest...
After what felt like a lengthy absence there was a decent
development for Stannis in this episode, and also the return of Davos. I really
like the relationship between these two, and have been looking forward to
seeing them share more dialogue. I think it has literally been the length of a
whole season since they last had a proper exchange, as it was during the eighth
episode of season two when Stannis talked with Davos about his involvement in
Robert’s Rebellion, and also promised to name him ‘Hand of the King’. This scene
proved that there is still a friendship between these two characters, even
though Stannis had Davos imprisoned. Stannis also values Davos’ counsel, and
visits him to be the voice of reason concerning the issue of sacrificing Gendry
to R’Hollor (The Red God) as a part of his cause. Stannis also revealed what he
saw in the flames during the finale of the second season: a great battle in the
snow. Winter is coming, it would seem.
Also, in case people are curious or perplexed, there is a
reason why Davos is learning how to read, it’s not simply a way to make the
character more sympathetic.
Gendry shared a scene with Melisandre, during which he was
seduced. I’m sure at the start of the season people wouldn’t have predicted
this being where his character would end up. Perhaps an awkward romance angle
with the much younger Arya would have been a prediction, but not being seduced
by an older woman as part of her religious practice. Gendry was not killed –
proving that Davos’ influence was put into effect – instead he had some of his
royal blood sucked out by three leeches. While gross, this is infinitely preferable
to being dead. Stannis then threw the leeches into the flames one by one,
naming each ‘false king’ as he did so: Robb Stark, Balon Greyjoy (Theon’s
father in case anyone has forgotten, as he has not appeared in a long time) and
Joffrey Baratheon.
The majority of this week’s episode was placed onto the
wedding between Tyrion and Sansa, during which there was a return to form for
both Joffrey and Tyrion. Joffrey has always been horrible, but there have been
several satisfying moments during this season when he has been put in his
place, or shown to be weak. During the wedding though, he was more malicious
and reprehensible than ever. Also, I have felt that Tyrion has been somewhat
muzzled as a character, having to take on more of a serious role (which Peter
Dinklage has done very well) but during the wedding, he was allowed to show off
more of the ‘awesomeness’ (for want of a better word) that people love about
his character. I really enjoyed his drunkenness during the wedding feast,
especially the grin on his face as he filled his cup right up to the brim. Then
the power of his threat to Joffrey was delivered with such conviction, I reckon
that people watching may have thought for a moment that he would actually
follow through on it.
There was no Jon Snow this week, but there was a highly
significant moment for Sam, as he was required to overcome his cowardly nature
to rescue Gilly’s baby. While the two of them discussed different names, a
glimpse into Sam’s past was offered, as he revealed his fear of his own father
Randyll Tarly. There was an eerie tension to this scene, as a large flock of
crows (I think the collective term is ‘murder of crows’) gathered and made
increasing amounts of noise. Then suddenly the noise stopped, and a White Walker
emerged. Sam attempted to do the honourable thing and put himself between the Walker
and Gilly, but it was revealed that normal weapons are completely useless
against White Walkers, as it shattered Sam’s sword as if it were made of glass.
Then the true purpose of the obsidian dagger Sam had found, was revealed, and ‘Sam
the coward’ became ‘Sam the Slayer’ being the unlikely first person to kill a
White Walker so far this season. Unfortunately he rather stupidly left the
invaluable and rare obsidian dagger on the ground as he and Gilly ran off into
the credit sequence.
This was a very good episode, delivering the first wedding
that has been built up so far. There were a lot of nice little interactions
between other characters during the King’s Landing scenes. Cersei decided that
she is no longer going to pretend to get on with Margaery and the Tyrells,
openly threatening Margaery after telling her the full story behind the “Rains
of Castamere” song. Another highlight of the episode was the look on Bronn’s
face as he gave Sansa a courteous nod as she made her way up to the altar. I
don’t know why, but that moment really made me laugh!
Normally I try to end my entries by briefly summing up, and
then looking ahead to the next episode, but I’ll say nothing more for now. The
next episode should speak for itself.
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