Even when Game of Thrones slows down, it doesn't really slow down. A major character on the show since the start leaves, and another major character from the start of the show returns. The writers walked on fan theory eggshells teasing future reveals and continue to set high stakes as it uses what could be the biggest season in the shows history to lead us closer and closer to the endgame.
BEYOND THE WALL
A scene that has been debated and theorized over for nearly 30 years makes its first, mouth-watering screen appearance when Bran and the Three Eyed Raven once again travel to Ned Stark's past. This time, it is to the Tower of Joy. Ned arrives with Howland Reed, the father of Meera and Jojen, to rescue Ned's sister, Lyanna. While Lyanna is up in the tower, Ned and Howland battle the Kingsguard in a flashy sword duel. As the men are cut down one by one, it seems that Ned Stark is soon to lose to Ser Arthur Dayne. At the last moment, however, Howland Reed stabs Dayne through the back, saving his friend.
The Three Eyed Raven demands that Bran return, but he refuses and follows his father. In a strange moment with potentially huge implications, Ned appears to react to Bran's call. In the final moments of the scene, Ned hears the cries of his sister coming from the tower. The Raven gives a knowing, mournful look towards the tower. Bran attempts to follow his father in, but is blocked by the Raven and taken back to the cave North of The Wall.
Bran angrily insists that he wanted to stay but the Raven reminds him that he is not ready and that he will not be stuck in this cave forever. Last week, we saw a flashback to Ned's childhood where we first saw Lyanna Stark, his older sister. As the recap stated, Robert's Rebellion was started For a little background, this moment happened nearly at the end of Robert's Rebellion, the pre-show war that placed Robert Baratheon on the Iron Throne.
Those who have not read the first book, A Game of Thrones, the significance of this scene may be lost. I will not spoil any of the book-only content here, but I will give some clarification and context. Last week, we flashed back to Ned's childhood and saw the first appearance of Lyanna Stark, Ned's older sister. In previous episodes of the show, we learned that Lyanna was kidnapped by Rahegar Targaryian and, according to Sansa, raped by him. This is the sparking event of Robert's Rebellion, the pre-show war that placed Robert Baratheon, the king from the first season, on the Iron Throne and sent Dany into hiding in Essos.
The scene we saw in 'Oathbreaker' was one of the final acts of the rebellion where Ned attempts to rescue his sister from where she is trapped, The Tower of Joy, the large stone tower seen in this scene. A lot of questions can be asked about this scene. If the only person in the tower is Lyanna Stark, why is "the best swordsman [Ned] ever saw" guarding it? Would he not have better served guarding the king or an heir to the Throne? If Lyanna is alone in the tower, Howland Reed, the man who save Ned, is the only person alive to have witnessed these events. If they are significant, could Howland return to reveal them? Or has he told his children the story? The Raven's refusal to allow Bran inside and his facial expressions show that there is more to this event and that he is aware of it. Has he traveled to this point in time before? Why? These questions yet to be officially answered, but there is a widely accepted fan theory that may interest those unafraid of potential spoilers. Alt Shift X has uploaded a video called R+L=J on YouTube which brings this decades-old theory together in a clear way.
THE WALL
Jon Snow is officially back in action, walking, talking, and killing traitors. The first scene of the episode shows Jon bursting to life as Davos looks on in pure disbelief. Melisandre returns as well, equally shocked, clearly unaware that her magic had worked. Jon says that he remembers being stabbed, but that there was nothing else after death. "I shouldn't be here," he proclaims. Mel tells him he was brought back for a reason and that he may be the chosen hero that she thought Stannis was. The Prince that was Promised. Azor Ahai. Davos encourages Jon to continue his fight and that he should make the most of returning to life, regardless of the reason.
Jon's first act as a revived Lord Commander is to hang those who betrayed their leader and killed him. Standing on the gallows are Allister Thorne, Olly, and the other betrayers. After hearing their stubborn last words, (and a stubborn silence from Olly) Jon cuts the rope and hangs them. Allister Thorne, a character present from nearly the first episode of the series, killed by the very man he had murdered.
After the execution, Jon hands Ed his black robes, telling him that he should burn the bodies. Because, "my watch has ended." Jon walks away from the Night's Watch, exiting Castle Black, heading out to the unknown.
This was very satisfying and emotionally powerful. Jon's existential crisis post-resurrection is relatable and understandable, despite being something that has never been truly experienced. The questions of life after death have kept us all up late at some point in our lives, and facing a cold and dark answer to that only to be thrust back into existence would be shocking to anyone.
As for the execution scene, it just continues to show how breakneck the pace of this season has been. A recurring main character from the first season killed in a swift instant. A fan-hated character, Olly, is killed in a brutal moment of mournful necessity by Jon. This show is not afraid to push the plot forward and move well beyond the limitations set by the lack of source material. Jon giving up his vows and leaving Castle Black sets up many various directions he could go from here. We do not know his destination and do not truly know of any potential personality shifts this resurrection had on him. Many questions about Jon still need to be answered and, as the potential clash with Ramsay Bolton grows, Jon still has a lot of work to do.
WINTERFELL
While dynamic shifts occur at Castle Black, Ramsay Bolton continues unaware as he makes plans to invade it. His father's questioning over whether the Northern houses loyal to the Starks would join on an attack on the wall is squashed as Lord Umber meets with Ramsay. The Umbers were loyal to the Stark's when Rob attempted to rebel as King in the North, but now seem to have switched to the Boltons in an attempt to run out the Wildlings who have crossed The Wall.
When Lord Umber refuses to bow and pledge loyalty, he proves his dedication by presenting a gift to Ramsay. In yet another twist, the gift is revealed to be Osha the Wildling and Rikkon Stark, last seen in Season Three. Rickon's Stark lineage is proved by the severed head of Shaggy Dog, the Direwolf the Rickkon received way back in the premier. Ramsay is pleased to have a Stark back in Winterfell as his plans to take the North have now gotten much easier.
This scene was interesting seeing Ramsay taken in as the leader of the Boltons. Lord Umber is well aware of Ramsay's slaying of his family, but accepts him regardless as mostly a means to an end. If Ramsay's role in the death of Roose is that obvious, it will be interesting to see how other Lords respond to it. I am also interested to see how Ramsay will react to the news that Jon has been raised and left The Watch. Will this turn his aim elsewhere?
Rickon's return is an interesting turn to the plot as I had assumed he would never be seen again. In season three, Bran had sent Rickon and Osha to the Umbers because he knew they were loyal to the Starks. After Rob Stark's downfall, the Umbers have clearly lost their loyalties to the Starks. While the plot setup is interesting, the most fascinating part to me is how much confidence the writers have in the viewers to recall events long gone. Bran, Balon Greyjoy, and now Rickon are all characters and arcs left behind years ago, but the writers are not hesitating to bring these characters back when needed, with very little warning.
ON THE SEA
Sam and Gilly return for a brief scene after what feels like a long absence. Sam is planning on going to the Citadel in Old Town to study and join the Maesters. Because the Maesters do not take women, he tells Gilly that she and the baby will be taken to The Reach where she will join Sam's family. Gilly is hesitant because she does not want to leave Sam (who she weirdly calls the father of her baby?). She reminds Sam that he told her he would go wherever she went. It looks like we will soon meet Sam's family and perhaps see an incredibly uncomfortable father-son reunion.
There is not much to this scene other than to remind us that Sam and Gilly are characters. It does set up that Gilly will be brought to Hornhill in The Reach, however, which could prove interesting. Lord Randyll Tarly, Sam's father, is loyal to House Tyrell, the family of Queen Margery. He is known to be harsh and brutal and did not approve of pretty much anything at all involving Sam. He banished Sam from the family when he had become more interested in reading and studying than fighting. Could his family's loyalty to the queen connect Sam to Kings Landing?
Lord Tarly also wields one of the few Valyrian steel swords left in existence. Valyrian steel, as we saw last season, is the only blade with the power to kill the White Walkers. Could Sam, now seemingly-stripped of his vows to the Night's Watch, inherit his House and the Valyrian steel sword? This could set up Sam for even more White Walker kills in the future and bring his plot around to connect once again with Jon. It would also play a tone of irony as Randyll Tarly's most hated son ends up inheriting the family.
There is some unexplored plot to Sam and to Lord Tarly in the books, but as the show has split in many ways, it is impossible to predict if they will walk the same route.
BRAVOS
Arya's training continues as she is once again beaten in the face with a stick, but this time she is in The House of Black and White and putting up a bit of a fight. Intertwined with these scenes of her battling with the waif are scenes of her being tested. She is asked questions about Arya Stark, answering in the third person and distancing herself from who she was. Several interesting tidbits and teases were left, such as a reminder that Jon is only her half brother and that she did not kill The Hound, but left him to die. At the end of Arya's training, she drinks from the fountain and his given back her sight. "I am no one" she says.
Arya's plot this season has been one of the weakest as it felt like it was not truly going anywhere. This scene begins to feel repetitious at the start, but shows some progress by the end. It will be interesting to see Arya's progression now that she has rejoined the faceless men and seemingly became No One. I am still not convinced that she has truly forgotten Arya Stark and think some future event or target will entice her to return to her true self, now with assassin training.
The most interesting parts of these scenes where the hints and reminders left in the dialogue. We are reminded that we have not truly seen the Hound dead, fueling fan theories that he may have survived somehow after all. There is also a reminder that, while Arya views Jon as a brother, he is in fact not. She changes her answer to being half brother, because Jon is Ned's bastard. Both these lines are mostly insignificant to the scene itself, but provide gasoline to be dumped of fires fueling fan theories everywhere.
Like Sam and a few other characters this season, Arya has a bit of story left from the books to tackle. While it is unsure if the show will adapt these chapters in future episodes, it is safe to say that regardless we will see more of Arya Stark as no one among the Faceless Men.
MAREEN
Varys is in the throne room talking to a prostitute from the city. He knows that she is involved in the Sons of the Harpy's assassinations of Unsullied. Varys gives her a veiled threat telling her that she should work for him in taking down the Sons. He tells her that she is aware of her young son and that, if she helps him, he will "make her happy" by making life easier for her and her son by paying her to leave for Qarth.
Meanwhile, Tyrion sits with Greyworm and Mesande waiting for Varys. Tyrion anxiously passes the time by vainly trying to engage the two in conversation or games. They are clearly not interested, resulting in a pretty humorous scene where Tyrion's comedic charisma conflicts with the uber serious tension of the Eastern characters. Some reviewers complained about this scene saying it did not add anything, but seeing Tyrion in action was fun, especially in conflict with the serious tone that so often dominates the Essos plot, even if it did not add much.
The real importance of this scene kicks in when Varys returns and tells Tyrion that the Harpy are funded by the Masters of cities Danny had previously conquered and now lost. The crew debate over what actions should be taken. Should they attempt to invade the suppliers, leaving Mareen undefended? Or should they take a more diplomatic approach? Tyrion attempts to walk the tightrope between the two by attempting to gather information on the other cities while preparing for the worst.
Where the Essos plot will go this season is anyone's guess as they have gotten far ahead of the books in many aspects. As tensions close in around them and their failure to maintain order stacks up, their desperation will grow greater and greater. Will Danny be able to return in time to save this mess from collapsing? Perhaps Tyrion, who has established a connection with the dragons, will be able to use them to his advantage and restore order through fear. A strong possibility is that Danny will return to find Mareen lost to her, leaving the only direction left to go as West. By the end of this season, I truly hope we will find Danny on her way to Westeros, because while the rest of the plot is moving swiftly towards an end game, it feels as if the entire Essos plot is pretty much at a standstill.
VAES DOTHRAK
Danny is brought to the Dosh Khaleen, the Khalisi widows in Vaes Dothrak, who tell her that going out and attempting to live on her own after her Khal was killed is a crime against their gods. She must be tested to see if she can stay with the widows or be killed. The leading widow belittles Danny, telling her that she is not the first young girl whose Khal promised her the world. She tells Danny that the Khal leaders will be the ones who decide her fate, setting Danny up for some trial event in the future.
This was my least favorite aspect of the episode. While it was fun to see Vaes Dothrak again and get a glimpse into the lives of the Dosh Khaleen, this plot feels a little too predictable. It is easy to tell Danny will be rescued if not by Darrio and Jorah, by her dragons. Like most of the Essos plot so far, it feels like they're simply buying time, maybe delaying a big event for later in the season or uncharacteristically avoiding major spoilers for the upcoming novel.
Essos's plot tended to stick out like a boring sore thumb when it comes after the interesting and driving Bran flashback and before Kings Landing, the center capitol of the series' plot.
KINGS LANDING
Quite a bit of scenes take place in Kings Landing this episode. The first one wee see involves Qyburn, the shady fallen Maester that answers to Cersi. He has found the children that Varys used as little birds while he was in Kings Landing. Qyburn takes them under his own wing, now taken on as the whisper master of Kings Landing. This scene ends with Jaime, Cersei, and The Mountain entering the room. Qyburn assures the children that The Mountain is friends with his friends and the kids leave.
Cersi poses her plan for taking on the High Sparrow and his Faith Militant. She will demand a trial by combat with The Mountain as her champion, who she believes will be beyond match to any champion the Faith can pull. Cersi also demands more from Qyburn. He has taken on the birds of Kings Landing, but she wants more. She wants eyes and ears all across the seven kingdoms and beyond. She wants to be aware of everyone who speaks against her and the Lannisters so she can begin her rise.
The Kings Landing action continues as we join in on a small council meeting. Maester Pycell is talking about Qyburn and how he should not be trusted and that "the beast" of the resurrected mountain is an abomination that should be destroyed. As he says this, The Mountain enters, along with Cersi and Jaime. Cersi challenges the Council, telling them they are not doing enough to fight against Dorne for killing Marcella.
The Council resist, telling her she has no place among them and that she cannot make them stay. They get up and leave one by one, tensely having to pass The Mountain as they do. Cersi watches, realizing that her rise to power will not be easy.
King Tommen brings a group of Kings Guard into the Sept to face against the High Sparrow, challenging him for his treatment of his mother and the queen. The Sparrow defuses the tension by talking to Tommen about The Mother and how She speaks through mothers, including Cersi. He tells Tommen that the faith and the crown must work together to bring out the best in the realm. Tommen looks at him, seemingly unsure where his loyalty will fall.
With so much happening in King's Landing, it is hard to pinpoint what will be significant down the line. It seems that Qyburn will become a bigger player in the grand scheme of things this season. He has taken the place of Varys as the Master of Whispers and will soon learn countless secrets and information he could use to his advantage. I find it doubtful that Qyburn will be loyal to Cersi in the end, especially if things begin to go south for the Lannister rise. With so much information coming in, he could find a way to help Cersi along with securing himself at the top.
Cersi's rise to power is really kicking off and she does not seem to want to slow down. She knows more than anyone that "when you play the Game of Thrones, you win or you die." Where will Cersi end on this scale? I have an increasingly strong feeling her story will end with her death. The woman who could and maybe should have the throne will end up dying in an attempt to get it.
WHAT I LOVED
- Cersi's blooming rise. Cersi making a full fledged push for power has been set up since her introduction in the first episode, and it seems we are finally getting to that point. She is the centerpiece of the King's Landing plot as the other major characters have spread across the kingdoms or died. Her story needs to remain driving and interesting or risk losing interest in what was once the place containing entire episodes with countless characters.
- Jon's actions. Finally returned, Jon jumped right into action. Once again the show has killed significant characters, adding to an already high body count for the season. With Jon heading away from The Watch, his future is for the first time entirely up in the air. He is leaving the Watch an entirely new man than who he was when he arrived, and I am excited to see how he has changed.
WHAT I LIKED
- The Tower of Joy. Once again Bran provides a very interesting look back at the past. We get to see the start of one of the most talked-about scenes of the series 30 years after it was published. My only complaint about it is the torturous tease we were left with. After such a long wait, I am starving to see the truth that waits within the tower.
- Arya. For the first time this season, I was genuinely interested in Arya's scenes. It felt repetitive at parts, but Arya is finally making progress and I am really invested in seeing where they take her character now that this training is over.
- Winterfell. Ramsay's power play seems to be paying off, and the return of Osha and Rickon poses an interesting shift to the story. The set up for the future battle is interesting and I am looking forward to seeing what Ramsay's next actions will be.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
- Mareen's plot. While I found Tyrion's scene fun and felt like the Mareen plot has made some progress, I feel like that progress was mostly a minor baby step towards something interesting. Mareen is feeling like a lot of set up, so the payoff has a lot to live up to.
- Sam and Gilly. The scene itself was not bad, but it was mostly useless. It has some interesting set up, but feels out of place and could have worked a lot easier in an episode with more time devoted to them.
WHAT I HATED
- Danny in Vaes Dothrak. It's another strong episode of Game of Thrones held back by Danny. I feel like this storyline is mostly too predictable to get invested in. Her trial could be interesting, especially if it serves as a climax of storylines between Danny, Mareen, and Jorah. However in a season pulling so many risky twists and revelations, the flaws of Danny's story stick out.
A LOOK AHEAD
The next episode is titled "Book of the Stranger." It's written by showrunners Dave and Dan. From the trailer, it looks like we may get a lot of focus on Essos with Tyrion, Jorah, Darrio, and Danny all shown. We're also shown Sansan and Brienne entering through a Northern gate, Theon returned home to the Iron Islands to a rude welcome, and Margery potentially caving to the wishes of the High Sparrow. We also see the return of Littlefinger as he informs Robbin Arryn, young Lord of the Eryrie, about Sansa's escape from Winterfell.
The focus on Essos makes it seem like we will get some progress with Dany's story. Darrio and Jorah will make a move to try and rescue her, but I predict they will not be successful and need to find a different approach, leaving the moment open for Drogan the Dragon to swoop in and scare the hell out of the Dothraki, giving Jorah and Darrio an opening.
Meanwhile in Mareen Tyrion must find a way to reassure peace as the people grow uneasy without their queen. This could be the moment where Tyrion unleashes the dragon and lets them fly free over Mareen, hoping it will give the people a sign that Danny is still there for them.
The return of Littlefinger is exciting as he has become my favorite character on the show. It will be fascinating to see his reactions to his plans in Winterfell going south and what his next actions will be. Will he attempt to find Sansa again or will he remain in the Eryie to manipulate Robbin? With Littlefinger, it's anybody's guess.
Kings Landing's plot looks like it will continue to grow next episode. It seems like Cersi and Lady Tyrell will come together despite their differences in an attempt to stop Margery from confessing. Margery could confess to quite a bit, including her grandmother's role in Joffery's assassination.
As I said earlier, I think Cersi's days may be numbered. She is playing the big game, but I do not think she truly has the mindset for it. She cares about her son and her reputation more than she truly cares about power, and this will probably come back to bite her. Maggy the Frog, the prophet she visited as a kid, told her her children would all die. In a tragic turn, I think Tommen will turn against his over-protective mother in favor of his wife. In his turn, he will attempt to attack her and she will ultimately kill her own son, fulfilling the prophecy she was trying so hard to avoid. She could be executed as a king slayer or perhaps even take her own life. It would be a dark turn, but fitting with her character.
As I said earlier, I think Cersi's days may be numbered. She is playing the big game, but I do not think she truly has the mindset for it. She cares about her son and her reputation more than she truly cares about power, and this will probably come back to bite her. Maggy the Frog, the prophet she visited as a kid, told her her children would all die. In a tragic turn, I think Tommen will turn against his over-protective mother in favor of his wife. In his turn, he will attempt to attack her and she will ultimately kill her own son, fulfilling the prophecy she was trying so hard to avoid. She could be executed as a king slayer or perhaps even take her own life. It would be a dark turn, but fitting with her character.
Another Sunday, another great episode of Game of Thrones. While it might not have been as stuffed as the last episode, it was certainly not empty. Jon executed those who assassinated him, Bran and the Three Eyed Raven teased the fans, and Cersi made a power play in the capitol. The episode had its highs and lows, but once again left me desperate for the next week.
What did you think of this episode of Game of Thrones? What do you think lies in the future for Jon Snow? Let me know on here, or on facebook at facebook.com/TheFilmFanAwakens . You can also check out the rest of my blog for other Game of Thrones reviews as well as movie reviews, including the recent box office smash, Captain America: Civil War.
Thanks for reading and I'll see you next week.
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