Time travel visions and zombie invaders lead to magic-filled reveals and shocking losses. For every answer, there are a thousand questions. This week's episode of Game of Thrones was big and I will be going through it all. First, I'll run through a quick list of what worked and what didn't in this episode. After that, I will break down the episode by location in deep, mind-numbing detail for those who want to dive deep into the Weirwood Net. Finally, 'll predict what might happen next. This will be spoiler-stuffed, so if you have not watched the new episode of Game of Thrones catch up now. Don't worry, Hodor will hold the door until you get back.
WHAT I LOVED
- MAJOR SPOILER: Hodor's Big Finish: This was truly one of the most well executed scenes of the entire series. With such an insane amount going on at once, it was a lot for the writer and the director to juggle. This could have easily felt insanely confusing and heavily weakened the impact of the several large moments around it. Sure, it takes a dive down the rabbit hole, but it managed to create such a beautiful scene so well that I was able to painfully enjoy every second of it.
- Jorah's Goodbye to Danny: these two characters have had a fascinating relationship on the page and the screen. Ups and downs didn't stop Jorah's unflinching loyalty to the queen he loved, and despite all the mistakes Jorah has made and all the danger he put her in, Danny was truly sad to see her savior go. I can't wait to see where both of these characters end up in the future. And I hope we see Jorah the Andal standing next to the Iron Throne.
WHAT I LIKED
- Sansa telling off Littlefinger: Sure, he's my favorite character, but that doesn't mean I have to like him. It was about time somebody called Littlefinger out for his scheming and the fact that it was the girl once fawning over fairy tales and too afraid to speak her mind is all the more satisfying. Sansa has come a long way and I think the writers are really trying to make up for the controversy they created with her. My only complaint about this scene is that I think it would have been more smart for Sansa to think more on her decision. The Vale has one of the strongest and largest armies in the seven kingdoms and it could have even more empowering to have Sansa start playing Littlefinger herself, using his feelings for her and his regret to her own advantage.
- Arya and her Traveling Circus: I had a lot of fun watching the Monty Python like play put on, and really enjoyed what it said about the way people look at the characters of our story. However I think Arya's hesitation is a little unnecessary after so many seasons of building her up and I am ready to see her fully devote to the Faceless Men, even if she will drop the philosophy later.
- The Focus: Mostly, this episode does a great job focusing on specific storylines and leaving others for later. One of the problems this show has had in the last few episodes is with trying to give every character a scene. This ultimately turns some episodes into almost montages of major events, lessening their impact. This episode spent a lot of time with many of the characters, giving them time to breath and shine. It was not afraid to leave Kings Landing behind for an episode.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
- The Greyjoy National Convention: The Kingsmoot scene was enjoyable, especially seeing Theon step up to the plate, but the Greyjoy plot overall feels rushed and forced and mostly out of place as the rest of the story narrows its focus.
Now, we'll get to the detailed breakdown, where I will go North to South (mostly) and give the events of the episode by location as well as my personal thoughts and analysis of them. Skip to the bottom for my predictions on next week's episode.
Note: Normally, I start Beyond the Wall and go south. But because the Bran story was so big this week, I'm saving that for last.
THE WALL
The episode begins with Sansa receiving a letter from Littlefinger, marked with the official sigil of the Tullys in the Vale. She, backed up by Brienne, plans a secret meeting with Littlefinger and directly challenges him about the way he has treated her and the brutality she experienced at the hands of Ramsay. Littlefinger denies that he knew of just how ruthless Ramsay was, but Sansa does not buy it. Littlefinger offers to use his army to help and insists he will do whatever Sansa wishes, even if it means facing his own death. Sansa turns down his offer, sending Littlefinger and the Vale away. Littlefinger leaves, but not before telling Sansa that her uncle, Brynden Blackfish Tully, has formed the Tully loyalists.
This is surely my inner optimist talking (probably from the future through a Weirwood) but I believe Littlefinger here. Mostly, at least. I think Littlefinger is irrationally loyal to Catlyn Stark and Sansa by extension. He has done things for Sansa that have saved her from the clutches of certain death, and I believe that he would not have sent her to Ramsay alone had he known of his viciousness. This speaks to the flaws and the depth of Littlefinger. He is ruthless, but his love for Catlyn Stark is his one weakness, and his underestimating of people low on the latter could lead to his downfall. Littlefinger is very much out for himself, but I do not think he is ruthless enough to leave the girl he probably dreams of being his own daughter - the girl who looks so much like the woman he loved as a child - to be raped and assaulted.
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| Blackfish Tully, Season 3 |
The Wall had a lot of great moment and set up this episode. While most of the episode will surely be overshadowed by the Bran and Hodor moments, the shift just below cannot be overlooked. What started out as Boltons vs Nights Watch is turning into a true War in the North. When it hits, probably in episode 9, it is going to be huge and inevitably turn the tide of the show no matter which side wins. And where will Littlefinger land?
"The North Remembers" was sure to excite book readers and Brienne heading to Riverrun means that those who are fond of people who dig graves should probably start to GET HYPE. While I doubt there are stone hearts in our future, we may see a brotherhood back. Who knows.
IRON ISLANDS
We are not at the Iron Islands long, but the scene there is ultimately the quick payoff of their plot this season. They hold a Kingsmoot, which is sort of like a Party Convention or a Caucus where the Greyjoy ship captains can make their claims for the throne and decide who will lead. It is essentially an early form of democracy where landowners are given the power to assert themselves as leaders, but it is ultimately about who can give the most rousing nonsensical speech and make the most irrational promises. Yara makes her claim and is backed up by Theon, who proudly asserts himself as the son of Balon Greyjoy.
Their claim seems to be going well before Euron, Brother of Balon and uncle to Yara and Theon, shows up to make his own claim. Euron had been away from the Iron Islands, living by his own folly across the world. He recently returned to kill his brother, which he confesses to openly. He claims that he can do better than his brother by wedding Dany Targaryen and taking the entire seven kingdoms. The Greyjoys side with Euron, causing Yara and Theon to call their loyalists and take the ships, feeling to some unknown location.
Their claim seems to be going well before Euron, Brother of Balon and uncle to Yara and Theon, shows up to make his own claim. Euron had been away from the Iron Islands, living by his own folly across the world. He recently returned to kill his brother, which he confesses to openly. He claims that he can do better than his brother by wedding Dany Targaryen and taking the entire seven kingdoms. The Greyjoys side with Euron, causing Yara and Theon to call their loyalists and take the ships, feeling to some unknown location.
The Greyjoys are mildly interesting, but have mostly failed to feel connected or important to the story overall. Euron potentially marrying Dany and bringing her West (remember, the Harpy burnt all of Dany's ships in the premier) could provide a way to make this plotline come around as significant. Otherwise, it feels like a rushed execution of decent story from the books. It is certainly not Dorne levels of bad, but in an episode with such big moments, the Kingsmoot is easy to forget.
BRAAVOS
Arya is truly No One, or is she? The Braavos story opens with Arya continuing to get beat in the face with a stick. I groaned, thinking we were in for another weird backwards step after she seemed to have completed her training last episode. But this did not last long because Jaqen H'ghar comes and tells her that while she may not be entirely ready, she is going to finally go out on an assignment to test her dedication in the field.
In a scene that perfectly mixed the fun with the heartbreak, Arya watches a mocking play running through the events of the early series. Everyone is played out to be a total moron, especially Ned Stark. They make Ned seem like he was a pure idiot, after the throne yet totally unaware of the way politics is played. Arya clearly has a reaction to this, showing that the inaccurate belittling of her father is getting under her skin. Personally, I now dream of a day when the previously on recaps are all created like this.
Backstage, Arya spots the woman she is supposed to target. The target (who plays Cersei) is a drinker, so Arya vows to poison the drink to kill her covertly. While Jaqen doesn't tell Arya who paid for the assignment, Arya believes it was the younger actress (who played Sansa) out of jealousy.
I was really happy with Arya's story this week. A lot of repetition in early episodes could feel worth it if she continues on these interesting assassination plots. I also really liked the play. It was fun to laugh at the exaggerated versions of our past characters, but it also had an interesting potential concept of how the people on the world view Ned Stark. He was an honorable man who fought against the tyranny of kings, even when he had a deep personal connection with them. However it is clear from this play that people see him as a power-hungry idiot and a laughing stock. History is truly written by the victor. How will the common folk plays of the future look back at characters like Jon and Danny? Only time will tell.
VAES DOTHRAK
The scene here with Dany, Jorah, and Darrio is short, but impactful. Dany is thankful for her rescue, but Jorah instantly outs himself as being infected with Greyscale and says he must leave before it is too late. He confesses that he has always loved her and always will, clearly knowing that he is soon heading to his death. Dany is clearly distraught, tears falling down her cheeks as she hears that there is no cure and that she is truly losing the man she should have trusted from the start. Her last demand as his queen is that he find a cure, fix his illness, and return to her. "When I rule the Seven Kingdoms, I need you there by my side."
This was a powerful moment, paying off the conflict of Jorah's relationship with Dany and his greyscale. Dany clearly cares for Jorah and does not want him to go, but knows he must. It also shows strength and love for Jorah to admit to the greyscale and leave when Dany could have soon welcomed him back. Dany saying that she needs Jorah by her side seemed like a way of saying "I love you too" without having to say it. Dany may not love Jorah in the romantic sense, but he has been with her every step of her journey and she has clearly realized her mistake in banishing him. They full separation in this moment shows a big change for both characters as Dany will need to rely on the advice of others and Jorah will be off on his own, health failing, searching for a last bit a hope. I do not think this will be last we see of Jorah. Perhaps he will turn to the Lord of Light like other characters, including those back in Meereen, are beginning to.
MEEREEN
Tyrion, Greyworm. Messande, and Varys are all gathered discussing the aftermath of their proposal with the Masters. As much as Greyworm seems hesitant to admit it, an uneasy peace was taken Meereen, with the Sons of the Harpy unseen and violence against the Masters virtually absent. However all members of Meereen's House of Representatives know this peace cannot last and that they need to assure the people the Dany still retains control over Meereen. In order to send this message, Tyrion turns to a Red Priestess. This woman, who honors the same Lord of Light Melisandre does, is asked to help spread the word that Dany is in power. The woman seems confident that Dany is Azor Ahai, The Prince(ss) that was Promised. Tyrion is willing to accept any name and title if it keeps the peace, but Varys is more suspicious. He challenges her, saying that Stannis was once called Azor Ahai and that it did not get him far. The woman pushes back by digging out the story of Varys' cutting as a child and the voice that spoke to him through the flames that day. Tyrion calms the situation and it seems to ultimately go in his favor, but I am sure this is not the last we will see of this tension.
Seeing Tyrion back in a position of political power is exciting and his dealings with these issues shows he can function as a leader, but can he only work in the short term? A deal with the Masters can only keep the peace momentarily and entrusting a religious fanatic with maintaining the image of Dany is a big risk. I think it is quite possible Tyrion has bit off much more than he can chew here. He has always looked down upon religion and the gods, but as viewers we know that the Lord of Light, or at least his followers, has shown true power and has quite a lot of potential to be a true god of Westeros. Will Tyrion's underestimation of this god lead to his downfall? Or will it raise Dany up as Azor Ahai returned? Once again, this episode sets up questions with its answers. Tyrion's scepticism often embodies the audience's own, but as the world begins to see more and more true magic, especially in the far North, this denial of the metaphysical and supernatural may be soon at an end.
BEYOND THE WALL
PSA: I know there are people here who read these reviews that do not watch the show. I love you for keeping up with my writing despite your lack of knowledge in the subject, but if you have any interest in the series, please stop reading now. You can spend your saved time by starting up the show yourself and coming back here to thank me later.
We'll bounce back up all the way North to deal with the scenes that everyone will be talking about this week. To cover the spoiler that has surely already paid the iron price for your social media feeds in the last few hours, if you watch the show or not. The first Bran scene we are treated to is no small one. Through a vision, we are taken to a very distant past where we see the Children of the Forest using ancient magic to turn a screaming human into a Wight Walker. Bran awakens in a gasp simultaneous with mine and learns from the Child that is with him that they created the Wights as a last ditch effort of defense from humans.
Properly understanding this scene may require some outside knowledge from the ancient history of Westeros that has not been fully presented on the show. Later this week, I will do a longer, detailed post on who the Children of the Forest are and why they created the Wight Walkers. The short version is that the children of the Forest are the indigenous people of Westeros before a group vainly referred to in history books as The First Men came. They crushed the Children with far superior technology and marched further and further North, destroying the Children's religion and culture as they went. After countless years of battle, they formed a peace pact. The First Men would stop slaughtering the Children, but only if the Children remain in designated parts of the continent, hidden in deep forest. Many years later, most of the beliefs and culture of the Children is now turned into exaggerated fairytale and legend as the culture of The First Men has taken over. Sound familiar to the real world? As I said, history is written by the victor.
The big scene everyone will be talking about, though, is the epic finale of the episode involving plenty of big players from the Night's King to Hodor. In an unassisted vision, Bran sees the Nights King and his army of Wights surrounding the Weirwood tree that they were initially created at. Bran thinks he is just an observer, but is grabbed by the Nights King. When Bran awakens, he has a blue handprint on his arm and the Raven says he has been tracked. The Wights soon invade with crushing force. The Children put up a fight, but their own twisted creation kills them. Meera and Summer defend Bran, resulting in the death of yet another Stark Dierwolf.
Meanwhile, The Three Eyed Raven forces Bran into a deep vision back to Winterfell in the day his father is leaving for the Vale. While there, The Three Eyed Raven tells him that his time has come. The Night's King slices through him, causing him to fade to black Ravens in Bran's vision.
Bran, distraught and stuck in a vision of the past, hears the screams of Meera telling him to warg into Hodor and save them. In the vision, Bran turns to Wylis, the young Hodor, causing him to collapse as his eyes fade. "Hold the door!" Meera shouts to the now aware Hodor, who does as he is told, holding the door as the zombified army tears at it. Meera's command is not only heard in the present, though. Wylis in Winterfell continuously repeats "hold the door!" as he flails in the arms of his mother. Hodor in the present is being torn apart in his protection of Bran. Tears streaming down his face, dying, as the voice of his younger self blurs together the message that Bran has sent him. "Holdthedoor! Holdadoor! Holdoor! Hodor! Hodor!"
This series has always been plagued with brutal and shocking death, often of characters we had come to love. Ned Stark's lost his head because of his honor. Robb Stark was betrayed by his own men because of his love. Oberyn Martell's need to vengeance and validation caused him to die at the hands of the man he hated. The death of Wylis/Hodor stands tall among them. Seeing the simple-minded but loving hero die protecting the crippled boy he knows ruined his life, even mistakenly, was truly moving and created a whole new level of love and respect for a character often used as the buttend of a joke in the fandom.
Not only was his death itself impactful, but it also carried huge story significance and implications for the future. Once again we get to see the Wight Walkers and their king are no easy enemy. The powerful Children of the Forest are crushed almost instantly, and Obi-Raven Kenobi, an ancient being possessing countless amounts of hidden knowledge, is lost in an instant. Bran and whoever dares to help him has a large fight ahead of them, one that I am no longer sure of how they can win.
Hodor's transformation into Hodor as we know him is also tremendously important. The idea of Bran truly affecting the past is no longer simple words in the wind. It is true, proven, and dangerous. And this is where it gets sticky. The time travel we have seen in Game of Thrones is mostly a Bootstrap Paradox, more Prisoner of Azkaban than Back to the Future. To explain, in Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and his story exist on a singular timeline, with events such as Harry being saved by a mysterious figure being seen and explained through time travel later. Harry had to save himself, because it already happened. In Back to the Future, though, Marty can fully change his present timeline by changing the past. For example, his parents are super dorky when the movie starts, but because of the changes Marty makes, they become cool and rich when he returns.
The effect we saw Bran cause was something that has already happened in the timeline we are shown in the series, like in Prisoner of Azkaban. Does that imply that Bran cannot change his past, but can create his past? For example, could he go back in time and stop the Red Wedding? Or can he only cause events to happen that have already happened in his timeline? How can John Connor be conceived by a time traveler if the time traveler was sent back in time by John Connor? How was Matthew McConaughey moving books on a bookshelf while he was looking at it? What the holy hell was even happening at the end of Primer?
These are questions every time travel story needs to answer, and I really hope that the showrunners know what they are doing here. It's a deep hole to dive down and I am afraid of the mess it could create. Time travel is fun, but it is also very hard to write and rarely works in a perfect way. I'm sure this aspect of Bran's story will be a major one, perhaps all the way through to the end of the entire series, so pull up your Bootstraps steal a TARDIS because this could get very Timey-Wimey.
NEXT WEEK ON BRAN + MORTY
My predictions are based only on official HBO material.
Next week is the 6th episode, titled "Blood of my Blood." The pre-episode description reads "An old foe comes back into the picture. Gilly meets Sam's family. Jaime faces off against the High Sparrow." In the teaser, we see Meera carrying Bran from Wight Walkers and saying "I'm so sorry." Gilly sits with Sam and his father, who eyes her with disdain. Margery Tyrell begins her confession as Jaime leads an army through the streets of Kings Landing. Dany confidently states "I take what is mine."
I am most excited to see Sam with his family. His father has been told to be brutal and bare a lot of hatred for Sam, and his house is important and loyal to the throne, but he has never been seen on the show. How he will interact with Sam, especially when he has a Wildling wife and child, will be really interesting. I also expect Sam not to take it lying down because his confidence has grown in the series.
The biggest moments of the episode will probably be in the capitol. The showdown at King's Landing is a long time coming, and I fully expect and hope that this is the end of it. After this, Cersei and Jaime can focus their efforts south to take revenge for their murdered daughter. Perhaps Jaime will be sent on a mission to recruit loyal houses willing to war with Dorne.
Arya will probably struggle to assassinate her target after seeing her as a nice person struggling with her own life. However Arya will go through with it and deepen her spot within the Faceless Men. It will also be a very fun thematic and visual nod if she kills the actress while she is dressed as Cersei Lannister, a name on Arya's list.
Bran, now potentially the most interesting and significant character on the show, will probably spend most if not all of the episode in Warg Mode, seeing visions of various past events, maybe at random and out of his control. Perhaps we will return to the Tower of Joy so Bran can answer his question about what was going on in the tower. We will also see more of Young Hodor to keep twisting that knife.
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| Simpler Times |
Well, that was one of the longest things I've written outside of college research essays, but I am fully ready to write more. If you want to keep up with those writings, including an upcoming piece on The Children of the Forest and their ultimate goals and a movie review of The Nice Guys, you can follow me on Blogspot at The Film Fan Awakens. You can find me on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheFilmFanAwakens and on Twitter @FilmFanAwakens.
My Name is Tristan Mayer and I'll see you next week. Thanks for reading!
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