The Red Wedding!
I knew that it was coming. And I knew that once I’d seen it,
I would not be able to un-see it!
I read ‘A Storm of Swords’ before season 2 was broadcast, so
I have known for quite some time where Robb’s storyline was heading. I have also
been sitting on this colossal spoiler for over a year and a half, and – unlike about
a million online commenters – I didn’t choose to reveal what happens to
everyone that I know who’s a fan of the show but hasn’t read the books.
It’s a shocker; arguably the most infamous event in George
R.R. Martin’s epic saga. The end of the Northern Rebellion. The end of Robb
Stark’s reign as King in the North. The end of Robb, Grey Wind, most of the
northern bannermen, Talisa and her unborn baby (something that didn’t even
happen in the books, which made it even more horrific) and as if that wasn’t
enough, the episode concluded with Catelyn’s death as well!
I watched this episode with a queasy feeling in my stomach,
and as I watched the events unfold it became even worse, because I knew exactly
where it was leading. Whenever there was a shift in tone to lighten the mood;
such as Blackfish glancing across at Walder Frey’s other daughters; some of
Walder’s darkly comic bluntness; or even the moment elsewhere when Sam finally got
to realise his dream of being a wizard; it just made the feeling even worse as
the inevitable tragedy drew ever nearer.
The episode began on a more optimistic note, as Robb and
Catelyn made peace with one another, and agreed to take Casterly Rock. Although
he had never lost a battle, Robb’s war effort was failing. The loss of
Winterfell, the betrayal of the Karstarks, and the apparent deaths of Bran and
Rickon (the viewers know otherwise, but remember that as far as Robb and
Catelyn are aware, the two youngest Starks are dead) all devastated Robb’s
cause. If he were able to take Casterly Rock from the Lannisters it would
likely reignite many Northerners whose faith in Robb was waning. But of course,
when things start to look optimistic for people in Westeros, it is normally a
sign that things are going to take a turn.
The episode then moves into The Twin’s, where Robb and all
of his companions undergo the tradition of ‘Guest Right’, which guarantee’s
protection under a stranger’s roof. This is all part of Lord Walder’s plan, as
the Northmen would never suspect betrayal once such a traditional and sacred
oath has been taken. Robb is then confronted by all of Lord Frey’s daughters,
to whom he apologises for breaking his oath, whilst Edmure glances at them all
to try and figure out which one he’ll be marrying (but she isn’t present).
Having apologised, Robb then appears to make peace with Walder Frey – though not
before the creepy old man leers over Robb’s young wife – and the wedding is set
to begin.
There is some deviation from the wedding storyline, as two
paths converge (albeit briefly) when Jon Snow’s Wildling conquest collides with
Bran’s journey to the Wall. Sadly the two are not reunited, but this
circumstance allows for Bran to save Jon’s life. Jon’s allegiance is to the
Night’s Watch, and that became clear when he refused to kill an old man who was
a friend to the Watch. The Wildling’s then turned on him, and a fight ensued. Jon
was fighting alone – since Tormund held Ygritte at bay – and so would not have
been able to survive a battle with the whole group of Wildling’s, but
fortunately Bran discovered the extent of his powers as a Warg, and took
possession of his direwolf’s mind in order to give Jon an assist. Mackenzie
Crook then made his exit from the show, as Jon ran through Orell with his
sword. Bran wasn’t the only Warg around though, and Orell took possession of
his eagle once more before dying and savaged Jon’s face. Jon escapes, but
leaves Ygritte behind. The look on her face spoke volumes.
This was a very impressive scene and a satisfying pay-off to
this storyline (for now), my only criticism was that it took place during a
very busy episode and could have been saved for the finale. Having said that, I
don’t know what is going to take place next week, presumably it will also be a
very full episode, in which case I will retract this minor criticism.
There was also a very sad separation of the two youngest
Stark boys. Rickon suddenly found himself with more dialogue than he’s ever
had, which hinted at a significant development in his storyline. Bran is going
to venture beyond the Wall with the Reed’s and Hodor, while Osha will take
Rickon to House Umber (one of the remaining loyal Northern households). I don’t
actually know what this will lead to, but maybe this will result in another
appearance from Clive Mantle as the Greatjon (whose absence after the first
season was never really explained).
Also taking place was conflict in Yunkai, where Dany’s latest
ally: Daario Naharis, showed off his prowess as a warrior, alongside Grey Worm
and Ser Jorah. It was nice to finally see Jorah in action, for the first time
since the first season, as the older Knight held his own, alongside his younger
allies. Sadly for Jorah, the woman he loves and has kept safe for such a long time
now has eyes only for Daario. Jorah risked his life for Danaerys in this
episode, but received no congratulations for it.
Significant events abound this week, but they are all
outdone by the Red Wedding. Edmure agreed to marry a girl he didn’t know, and
had never seen before, and was granted some smugness when she was eventually
revealed to him. The two were then married, and the celebrations began. All seemed
well, and playful dialogue was exchanged between Catelyn and her Uncle (who was
fortunate enough to get himself out before everything went horribly wrong).
There was also a very moving scene between Richard Madden
and Oona Chaplin – as Robb and Talisa respectively – as they finally had a
moment to enjoy their relationship. The chemistry between them was very strong,
and they were very believable as a couple. Then she revealed that she would
name her baby Eddard after Robb’s father. This inclusion was not even in the
books, as Talisa (or Jeyne as she is called there) doesn’t attend the wedding. She
is not pregnant in the books either, but the show’s creators decided to
increase the levels of tragedy even more.
Once Edmure and his new wife were carried from the room for
the bedding, as per the rather strange tradition of Westeros, the doors of the
hall were sealed and Catelyn suddenly heard the familiar strains of “The Rains
Of Castamere” being played by the musicians. Nobody else heard it, but by this
point it was too late. Catelyn sat beside Roose Bolton, who gave her a calm look,
indicating that he was in on the terrible scheme, and she realised that he was
armoured underneath his clothes. She slapped him and screamed a warning to
Robb, but the musicians revealed themselves to be sellswords armed with
crossbows and unloaded their bolts into Robb and his allies, whilst one of the
Frey sons stabbed Talisa repeatedly in the stomach.
Outside the castle Arya arrived with the Hound, just in time
to see the Northmen be massacred. She then saw Robb’s direwolf Grey Wind,
trapped inside a kennel. She didn’t have enough time to let the wolf out
though, because Frey bannermen fired crossbow bolts into the direwolf, and Arya
saw Grey Wind’s eyes close. She was then knocked out by The Hound and carried
away, curiously she’s safer with him than with just about anyone else right
now.
Back inside the castle, Lord Frey raised his hand to cease
the bloodshed, as Robb crawled over to his wife as she died. Catelyn knew that
she was lost, but tried desperately to barter with Lord Walder to let her son
go free. She grabbed Walder’s young wife and threatened to kill her unless Robb
be allowed to leave. Unfortunately, Lord Walder didn’t have much affection for
his wife. Robb rose to his feet, just in time for Roose Bolton to step up and
stab him in the heart, declaring “The Lannister’s send their regards”. Robb
dies and collapses beside his wife, and Catelyn goes wild with grief and slits
the throat of Walder’s wife. She then remains completely motionless in light of
all that has happened, until one of the Frey’s steps up behind her and slits
her throat too.
There are a lot of shocking events that take place
throughout “A Song Of Ice And Fire” but I don’t think that any of them are as shocking
as The Red Wedding. Before this season began George R.R. Martin had said in an
interview that he would have to find a remote island somewhere, to hide away
from the backlash that these events may inspire from fans.
This was an absolutely stunning episode, bold, brutal and
absolutely devastating. Nothing will ever be the same after this.
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