“Next time I have an idea like that, punch me in the face.”
Go on, punch me. As a book reader, I was pretty sure the resurrection won’t happen until the 4th episode. I was wrong, it happened right at the end of the 2nd. And now, I’m out of 1000 bucks.
Anyways, welcome back people to another edition of Game of Thrones’ episode reviews. I’m sorry I missed out on the review of the season premiere but apparently, my laptop didn’t get my memo.
Remember that whole ‘chaos isn’t a pit, chaos is a ladder’ monologue from Littlefinger way back in Season 3? Power, as he understood it and power, as craved by the entire seven kingdoms, is indeed one bred out of chaos and anarchy. It is this chaos we see littered around most of the storylines this week, whether it is Dany’s leave of absence in Meereen, or the vacuum left by Balon Greyjoy’s death murder or even the one left by Roose Bolton’s sudden demise at Winterfell. Anyways, instead of ‘reviewing’ the episode by location (As if you care about my review), I’ll sum up everything with a few character bits in terms of victors and losers and of course, spoilers.
VICTORS
- R + L = J Advocates: I was right when I said that any flashbacks we see will be through Brandon Stark’s eyes. Brandon Stark (Eddard’s older brother), Benjen Stark and our very own Ned Stark, we see them all young and blooming in Winterfell. And, we see Lyanna Stark, young, beautiful Lyanna Stark who was good with the sword and even better on a horse. Lyanna has always been vaguely remembered on the show as of yet. But to see her, in flesh and blood is wonderful for book fans like me.
As the HBO preview suggests, next week will be the ‘Tower of Joy’ flashback (The most awaited flashback IMO, in terms of its possible implications). However, that excites as much as it worries me. Maybe, just maybe, a TOJ flashback just after Lyanna is introduced isn’t a perfect idea. Not if they are going to prove R+L=J. Unless, they are not going to….
- Jon Snow and R’hllor: The worst kept secret in Westeros in out. The bastard with the best hair in all seven kingdoms is back from the dead with R’hollor’s (The Red God) and Melisandre’s help (Not to mention a nice pep talk from Ser Davos). However, many questions remain. Is he another Beric Dondarrion, with the power to rise from the dead multiple times? Does death release him from his vows to the Watch? Would death have changed Jon Snow?
Maybe now, we can finally relish the thought of Jon Snow feeding Olly, that little prick to Wun Wun, the giant.
3. The Wild Watch Alliance (Comment if you can let me know of a better name): Nothing unites like a common enemy, they say. Wildlings and a few members of the Night’s Watch, people who have been killing each other for a thousand years have finally found a common ground to fight for. Does this mean this will last until perpetuity? Perhaps not; especially since there is not enough context yet to drag the Wildings into the larger battle for the North.
4. Giants: Wun Wun, the giant charging and breaking the gates at Castle Black and casually lynching a member of the Night’s Watch was a sight to behold. So was the Mountain aka Ser Gregor Clegane bashing the head of a street pervert against the wall like a pulpy tomato. Needless to say, do not mess with the giants. Metaphorical, or otherwise; speaking of which,
HODOR! Great to see a nice flashback for Hodor Wyllas. I don’t think it will lead to anything but yes, it does provide an interesting nugget of interest.
LOSERS
- God of Death: Do you remember the time when we said death on GoT is irreversible? Well, suck on that, Lord of Death. Lord Snow is back!
- The Bolton Clan (The legitimate one): Dear Roose, remember when you plunged a knife through the heart of the King of the North, Robb Stark? Right back at you, Roose and to think, it was your own bastard son holding the knife. You deserved that.
Also, I honestly believe that hounds at Winterfell are the best fed animals in the world.
- Brutus and Casca: Ser Allison Thorne and the world’s most hated kid A.J (After Joffrey), Olly have their asses handed to them by the wildlings and Wun Wun. I’m so looking forward to Ghost feasting on both of their corpses.
Also caught up with Tyrion & Varys (Who still make a wonderful duo but, are increasingly making risky decisions every week. Will the show go where I think this is pointed to? Does dragon-bonding work like that? Nice tale though, T), Arya (Whose training as The Bride is going as slow as a Monday) and my favourite family in the seven kingdoms, The Lannisters (Who certainly are almost at war with the Sparrows).
Missing in Action: Dany, Littlefinger [ :( ]and Dorne (Thank the Gods).
Stannis Watch: No word on the One True King
Oh, and Euron Greyjoy is in the house. I hear the sounds of a Kingsmoot coming.
To sum it up, great episode. Much, much better than the season premiere which was a good but, sporadically ineffectual (Looking at you, Dorne) episode.
Look out for ‘the’ episode next week and tune in for the review to follow.
Hodor.
If you liked this review, please find time to read what we thought of the teaser poster which came out all the way in November:
