Things start getting really interesting in this latest
episode, hopefully interesting enough to sustain the most avid viewers of the
show who will have to wait an extra week before they find out what happens
next.
One of the most prominent storylines in this episode
focussed on the continuation of Tyrion’s trial – now set to be a
trial-by-combat – and this lead to several really strong scenes. The state of
Tyrion’s relationships with his brother Jaime and close associate Bronn were
really tested under the seriousness of the upcoming trial; Jaime is no longer
the highly-skilled swordsman he once was, and Bronn values his friendship but
would not be willing to die for it.
Before I go into further detail on these scenes I want to
address the re-emergence of The Mountain (Cersei’s chosen champion for the
trial). The actor in the role has changed once again – this is now the third
Mountain – which is in some ways a relief as the actor in Season Two was not
imposing in the slightest, whereas this new Mountain certainly looks the part.
Ser Gregor Clegane is now played by Icelandic Strongman Hafbor Julius
Bjornsson, and receives his (re)introduction mercilessly slaughtering slaves in
King’s Landing. Bjornsson’s size and stature is able to get over the threat of
the character, but despite the violent actions he performs he doesn’t really
look that mean (his face looks a bit too mild). In Season One The Mountain was
played by Conan Stevens, who – despite a small amount a screen-time – was
completely believable in the role, had the right voice, looked physically
imposing and genuinely scary. It will always be a frustration for me that he
wasn’t able to stay in the role throughout. Nevertheless, Bjornsson’s version
of The Mountain should at least look impressive when the trial-by-combat
occurs.
Anyway, I’m pleased that the character has finally
re-emerged as he has become one of those characters who has been talked about
more than he’s actually appeared (particularly noticeable since The Hound’s
involvement has increased). But who can Tyrion find to fight The Mountain on
his behalf? During his previous trial-by-combat his initial choice to be his
champion was his brother Jaime, but then Bronn stepped in and defeated Lysa
Arryn’s Captain of the guard (and secured his position as a fan-favourite in
the process: “No…he did!”) Tyrion approached both of them to fight The Mountain
on his behalf, but to no avail. The scene between Tyrion and Bronn was
surprisingly moving, a rare moment of sincerity between the two. It was
interesting for a character like Bronn to actually admit to being afraid,
something he’s never done before. Peter Dinklage – as ever – did a fantastic
job showing Tyrion’s heartache, facing almost certain death, and not even able
to rely on his few remaining friends any more.
But help came from a slightly more unexpected source, as
Prince Oberyn willingly offered to be Tyrion’s champion, after a great speech.
This was Pedro Pascale’s ‘Inigo Montoya’ moment, and he really made it count.
Tyrion was clearly overwhelmed with gratitude (seriously, Peter Dinklage took
it up a notch this week) as well as anger as he learned more about how much his
sister had always hated him, even as a baby. Oberyn has already had plenty of
great character defining moments, but this one really stood out. I mentioned
back at the start of this season that I wish certain other character’s had
received as much focus and more development (Qhorin Halfhand, Beric Dondarion,
and Barristan Selmy amongst them).
Brienne and Podrick’s journey continued, and the two of them
decided to take things easy by staying at an inn as opposed to sleeping rough. This
just happened to be the inn where Hot Pie decided to stay after part ways with
Arya’s group (as well as the same place that Ned Stark was forced to execute
Sansa’s direwolf) and the travelling duo encountered Hot Pie who, despite not
being prompted, talked at length about his love of pies. It is true, you cannot give up on the gravy! Despite his
lack of wisdom, Hot Pie was able to prove his loyalty to Arya by not giving her
away within earshot of everyone else at the Inn – but then he helped Brienne
before she left, and showed off how much his bread-making skills have improved
in the process. These were some nice scenes, that were able to provide a little
bit of light-relief in amidst the heavier and more serious plot-lines, but they
also served a clear purpose.
Arya and The Hound encountered a dying man on their travels,
who was beyond saving. There was some philosophising over the notion of death,
including a line about nothingness from Arya (it wasn’t one of the show’s best philosophical
lines – they tend to come from Jorah) before The Hound did the merciful thing
and gave the man a quick death. There was a nice parallel between this scene
and the one with the Mountain, showing the difference between the two Clegane
brothers. They’re both killers by nature, but one is capable of mercy, the
other isn’t. The Hound was then surprise attacked by Biter (one of the black
cell prisoners who was travelling to the Wall with Arya) who bit him in the
neck, before having his neck snapped. Clearly the show’s writers had no plans
for this character, as it wasn’t even clear who he was until his companion Rorge
appeared. Rorge’s death also demonstrated a lack of commitment to his
character, as it was almost comical (Arya simply pulled out Needle and stabbed
him with it) although it gave Arya another cool moment, and showed that she won’t
kill anyone unless she knows their name first – a method she’s taken from Jaqen
H’Ghar.
There was then a rare moment of vulnerability for The Hound
as Arya attempted to treat his bite wound by burning away the infection – but his
lifelong fear of fire drove him to refuse. He then talked about his scarred
face, and that the thing that hurt most of all was the fact that it was his own
brother who did it to him. The partnership between Arya and the Hound has lasted
much longer than I thought it would, and with the changes that are being made
from the books I actually don’t know what’s going to happen with them next.
I was very pleased that the writers finally included a scene
that saw Daenerys listen to someone else’s advice. In last week’s episode the
Small Council discussed that fact that she has two seasoned knights counselling
her, but for the last couple of season’s she has barely heeded a word of their
advice. I assume that this was done to demonstrate her leadership skills, but
it undermines both Jorah and Barristan making them look ineffective, and it
also meant that Dany’s scenes became rather repetitive. To have her finally
admit that she isn’t always right felt like a step in the right direction, and
may result in a bit more character development.
And finally, things came to a head at the Eerie with Sansa
and her crazy aunt Lysa. First of all though there was a scene I remember very
clearly from the books: Sansa building a replica of Winterfell in the snow. It was
a very moving moment in the books because Sansa – of all her siblings – was always
eager to get away from Winterfell, but now after all that has happened and all
the family and friend’s she has lost, she wants to see it again. This is made
even sadder when her fragile snow castle is destroyed by the irritating Robin
Arryn. She is then approached by Littlefinger – call me Petyr – who kisses her
in the courtyard, under the watchful gaze of Lysa.
Lysa then confronts Sansa about this and threatens to throw
her out of the Moon Door. Call me Petyr intervenes and then consoles Lysa by
reassuring her that he has only ever loved one woman in all his life. I’m sure
everyone knew that someone was going through the Moon Door, and sure enough
Lysa – in the knowledge that Petyr never loved her, only her sister – was sent
plummeting to her death in a very memorable ending to an episode.
This was a very good episode that made big steps for several
plotlines, I really cn’t believe that it’s already really close to the end of
the season. The next episode is called “The Mountain and The Viper” so there
will be no more delaying of the trial by combat (other than a week’s hiatus of
course!) and I know that I am very excited about seeing it.
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