Spoiler note: The discussion in this post is primarily for non-book readers as well as viewers who have NOT been spoiled by leaks (book fans can discuss the show-only here). We ask that all Sullied book-readers refrain from posting spoilers in the comments here, veiled or otherwise. No spoilers, at all! This show is best viewed without knowing all the surprises beforehand or afterwards, so please be respectful of your fellow fans. Thank you!
Oh yes. We were dead only to be resurrected in “Home” and somehow made it to “Oathbreaker” to find a hell of a battle in a flashback and an abundance of information to anatomize.
If you feel as if you might not have comprehended it all, don’t feel as if you walk alone. Last night’s ep served up a lot to digest. Join a man at the water cooler as we attempt to make sense of it all.
The Wall
![GOT603_072715_HS_DSC_8722[1]](http://watchersonthewall.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/GOT603_072715_HS_DSC_87221.jpg)
“Oathbreaker” rightfully picked up where we left off, with Jon catching his breath and attempting to make heads or tails of what the hell just happened. Luckily, he’s got Davos who just so happens to be a smooth operator and is damn good at putting things in perspective… even if you are a person who was just brought back from the dead.
The conversation leads Jon to ask why he was brought back and admitting failure in what he was trying to accomplish. But Davos, the eternal motivational speaker/salesman of the decade inspires Jon to “fail again.”
![GOT603_102215_HS__DSC7309[1]](http://watchersonthewall.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/GOT603_102215_HS__DSC73091.jpg)
Later on, the mutineers (or four of them at least) are hung including Alliser Thorne and everyone’s favorite youngster, Olly. Cue the violence pieces about killing kids again. I’m sure this one will be somehow less appalling than its predecessors.
We have to assume that when Jon handed over the Crow gear to Edd, that he will be on a mission to make things right in Westeros most likely starting with his home, Winterfell.
With that, let’s skip around a bit…
Winterfell
Down south a bit, everyone’s favorite psychopath is enjoying his newfound power as Warden of the North and Lord of Winterfell. He is joined by his partner-in-crime Lord Karstark, both of whom are being courted by the new Lord Umber.
![GOT603_081815_HS__DSC7082[1]](http://watchersonthewall.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/GOT603_081815_HS__DSC70821.jpg)
For those Unsullied that may not remember (it has been a while), the Umbers are where Osha and Rickon were sent by Bran at the end of Season 3 to protect Rickon as potentially being the surviving heir to their home. But Smalljon Umber has other plans, most importantly of which is to survive an impending attack by Jon and the Wildlings.
To prove to Ramsay that Rickon was in fact who Umber says he is, he produces the head of Shaggydog, and yet another of the Stark direwolves is dead. Smalljon’s intent is to form an alliance to thwart the efforts of Jon and whoever may decide to follow him. And to be honest, regardless of his intentions, I was fascinated (and amused) by the way he spoke to Ramsay and how he refused to bend the knee. I am curious to know if this guy is really forming an alliance with Ramsay, or if he is truly on the side of the Starks and intends to betray him if/when the battle takes place.
Seasick Sam
Do you see the sea? They call it the sea because all you can see is the sea. See what I mean?
Sam and Gilly are headed to the Citadel, or at least that is what Gilly was led to believe. In between blowing chunks on the boat, Sam tells Gilly that he will be taking she and Baby Sam to the home of the Tarly’s since there is no place for women at the Citadel.
Even though Sam explains that his mother is a loving woman, it will be interesting to see (sea?) how the arrival is received by his father. We’ve heard a lot about Randyll, but we’ve yet to meet him. And if what we have been told is any indication, there may not be a welcome mat waiting on Gilly and the baby.
Also, is this the first time “Horn Hill” has been mentioned in the show? A man thinks.
Arya still blind?
Yes. And her training of the senses continues as the Waif and a Man continue to make sure that she is sure that she is no one.
![GOT603_082115_HS__DSC7296[1]](http://watchersonthewall.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/GOT603_082115_HS__DSC72961.jpg)
The way the scene was constructed with Arya getting her ass whipped concurrently with the interview with the Waif was actually one of my favorites from the episode.
![20160505_ep603_Publicity_Stills_0800147983[1]](http://watchersonthewall.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/20160505_ep603_Publicity_Stills_08001479831.jpg)
By the end of it, Arya reluctantly drinks from the fountain of death. But instead of falling over in a heap and enduring a death Waif full-body scrub, Arya regains her sight. I’m happy to see (as Arya is) this portion of the story moving forward. Speaking of moving forward (or not)…
King’s Landing
![GOT603_102715_HS__DSC7913[1]](http://watchersonthewall.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/GOT603_102715_HS__DSC79131.jpg)
Crazy chemist Qyburn seems to be holding a day camp for the local homeless kids, serving up helpings of plums in order to retain their services as “Little Birds.” Cersei, Jaime and Mountain Man enter so Cersei can tell Qyburn that she wants the birds to fly everywhere, including Dorne. There was also an implication of a trial by combat that left me somewhat scratching my head.
Shortly thereafter, the three enter into a small council meeting with Kevan serving as hand and the return of the Queen of Thorns! After Pycelle realizes he’s put his foot in his mouth about Qyburn and the Mountain experiment, Kevan excuses himself and the rest of the council when Jaime and Cersei refuse to leave.
This exchange essentially goes nowhere, other than to let the viewers know that somehow Jaime has learned that Trystane was indeed killed by the Sand Snakes and that Kevan and the council could not care less about the concerns of the Jaime and Cersei.
Tommen then goes to confront the Sparrow and argues that his mother has had sufficient atonement and should be able to view the resting place of Myrcella. Oddly enough, Tommen says nothing about his wife during the exchange.
![GOT603_091015_HS_DSC_5696[1]](http://watchersonthewall.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/GOT603_091015_HS_DSC_56961.jpg)
Personally, I still find the story in KL intriguing with the dynamics between the ruling family and the faith militant. But I am ready to see it progress. I realize we are only at the end of episode 3, but it seems as if getting the militant out would be the first priority for the King, the Council, and Jaime and Cersei. When Cersei sits down, she asks Kevan if he is concerned about Dorne and what happened to his niece. But first things first… the situation in KL realistically has to be dealt with before anything else.
Dany and the Widows
![20160505_ep603_Publicity_Stills_0600114185[1]](http://watchersonthewall.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/20160505_ep603_Publicity_Stills_06001141851.jpg)
Dany is led into Vaes Dothrak and is immediately routed to the Dothraki Welcome Center hut where other Khal widows reside.
![GOT603_110315_HS__DSC9542[1]](http://watchersonthewall.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/GOT603_110315_HS__DSC95421.jpg)
She is informed that this is where she will be staying for a while and is given the official Dothraki issued widow uniform.
This kind lady explains that since Dany did not come immediately to the welcome center after Drogo dying, other punishments may be in her future.
Meanwhile in Meereen, Varys’ birds have been doing their homework and find Vala, the lady who has been assisting the Harpy beginning with the murder of White Rat at the beginning of Season 5.
Varys essentially makes her an offer she can’t refuse when he brings up her son Dom and offers her a safe way out of the city in exchange for information.
Vary reports back to Tyrion (after engaging in a blistering conversation with Worm and Missandei) that the Harpy are funded by masters in Yunkai and Astapor, and by the slave owners in Volantis.
Basically, this means that Essos reasonably appears to be a full-fledged dumpster fire. With Dany hanging in widow hell, and Daario and Jorah still searching, it is hard to fathom how she will ever make it across the Narrow Sea assuming she wants to leave the East in good shape when she exits.
Bran and the Tower
The flashbacks might be the scenes I look forward to the most this season. The show seems to have put these in as a natural progression in Bran learning “everything” while giving us viewer-only peeps some history and backstory of instances we have heard about in the past.
Finally, we discover what must be the Tower of Joy, with Young Ned and Howland Reed on approach. Bran recognizes Ser Arthur Dayne and recalls that his father told him that he was the best swordsman he ever met. Joffrey also spoke of Dayne while looking at a book of knights in Season 4.
![GOT_MP_092815_EP603-3862[1]](http://watchersonthewall.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/GOT_MP_092815_EP603-38621.jpg)
At this point, Rhaegar has been killed and Dayne was sent to protect Lyanna who was apparently being held in the tower. When Ned asks where his sister is, Dayne pulls his swords and an intense, incredibly well-choreographed fight ensues. However, the ending is not as Bran expected as Dayne was a much better swordsman than Ned and would have killed him had Reed not stabbed him in the back.
As Ned begins to run into the tower after hearing screams, Bran attempts to follow but is stopped by the Three-Eyed Raven, leaving us to find out what is happening inside at a later date.
And here is where it gets tricky for viewers (and I assume book readers as well). I think it’s pretty obvious what Bran will see as he follows his father up those steps. We know that Rhaegar is dead, and we know from the conversation between Littlefinger and Sansa that the truth behind Rhaegar and Lyanna’s relationship has been misrepresented. By other accounts, Rhaegar was an honorable man.
This all leads to a theory about Rhaegar and Lyanna, and I’m afraid to say anything from fear of spoiling something for Unsullieds that don’t have a clue what I am talking about. And BELIEVE me, there are plenty of them. The truth will be revealed soon anyway. But if you are one of those who might not know about the theory, I suggest not reading the comments of this post. And if you are a book reader, do not post comments to confirm or deny anything. A man appreciates it.
Episode 603 Personal Awards
Favorite Quotes:
“You were dead. Now you’re not. That’s completely fucking mad, seems to me.” –Disbelieving Davos
“Now go fail again.” –Davos
“They think you’re some kind of God. I know you’re not. I saw your pecker. What kind of God would have a pecker that small?” – Tormund
“Sea. See. They’re spelled differently but they sound the same.” –what Sue says to me every time she edits my rants.
“And now it begins.” –Arthur Dayne
“Now it ends.” –Ned
“I don’t know how you stand it in all that leather.” –Hot Varys
“It’s not what I want. It’s what the Gods want.” –Sparrow
“Your father was a cunt.” -Umber
Historical Badass Award: Ser Arthur Dayne
Ow, That Shit Hurts Award: Everyone that Arthur Dayne cut open.
Jackass Award: I’ll take Smalljon Umber for turning over Osha and Rickon to Ramsay, and killing Shaggydog (although Smalljon was quite an amusing fellow). Worth noting also is that all-time jackass award record holder Alliser Thorne will no longer be claiming this prize, because now his watch is ended, as has Jon’s.
Overall Thoughts: As stated before, lots of info to digest. Since I pretty much dig every GoT episode ever made (although many of them are far from perfect), I tend to gauge immediate fan response from the other Unsullied at House Oz. Ozzette was kind of “meh” after the episode which may be a good representation of others as well. But it is not uncommon for Game of Thrones to set up plots or “wars to come” early in the season where we all reap the rewards later on. And this one put a quite a few players in motion.
Thoughts? Spew them like Sam below.
Have a great week, and may there always be peace in your realm. -Oz
“Unbowed. Unbent. Unsullied.”
Find Oz on Twitter.
**SPOILER NOTE: The Management of this fine site would like to remind you that spoilers (book or leak) are not allowed in Unsullied posts. This includes spoilers that may be covered by code or otherwise. Personally, I appreciate feedback from Sullied and Unsullied alike, so long as they do not include any type of hinting or conversation related to the written verse. However, spoiler coded comments do tend to lead to further Sullied conversation and for that reason, we ask that you please refrain from posting any SPOILERY content whatsoever in Unsullied posts. Thank you for the coop. -Oz
Wyllis
Best episode of season 6
Great recap OZ.
RLJ confirmed 🙂 I am so happy
I also want to say that I love Jon, more than ever. I cannot wait to see more of the new Jon. That ending was just epic and perfect. I was still a little upset about the previous scene, with Osha and Rickon and shaggy dog :(:(
I am worried for both. Ramsay doesn’t treat his hostages well. And well, Karkstark likes little boys. Ugh – makes me sick.
I wonder if Jon has left CB. Ive said this in another thread and most responses were Where would he go? So no, he has left his watch, but stayed at CB for now. I don’t know. Fingers crossed for a Stark reunion, though that is too good to be true.
Everything else in the episode was amazing. The flashback was epic, I want moreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And this proves to me more and more how important Bran is to the end of the story. Cant wait to see what else he will learn. I love how attached he is to those flashbacks and seeing his father again. Man the Starks make me emo as FUCK.
Arya’s scene was awesome. Loved it so much 🙂 FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!
Very curious to see what happens with Dany.
I am so meh about KL.. and I am sooooooo over Cersei. The madness begins.
Hard to give a shit when you have the North/CB/Bran shit going on.
just so good.
10/10 again!
Ho-d’oh!
I knew it! I knew the damn Raven would have stopped Bran’s vision again! >_<
Great episode, anyway! Really great! 🙂
And it's funny when Sam vomits right after being called "father", lol… 😀
A lot happened in this episode subtly. Most things that happened seemed to be setting up future events.
Jon left the Watch, but with no defined ( to us ) plan.
Rickon in the clutches of the Boltons.
What is happening inside the ToJ ?
Anybody else miss the dragons ?
Varys/Tyrion starting a plan of action against the Masters.
KL in political turmoil on many levels.
Anybody else feeling sorry for Tommen. The HS has him wrapped around his finger.
Great recap Oz!!
I myself loved the episode, for now it’s my favourite episode this season. No doubt this will change following the next couple of weeks!
It was a slower episode true but I thought it was a great build up episode.
“Now go fail again.” –Davos
I need to print this and put it in my cube at work.
Really, really liked this episode. Jon’s scenes were the standout for sure, I loved how sutle he has changed. His arc seems like it will be one of the best of the season. KL was also great. ToJ was incredible too, that fight will go down as one of the best the show has ever had.
The only issue I had was with Sam’s part. The show is almost over, and I don’t want any time wasted on side stories. I like Sam as a character, but I feel that his development can happen off-screen, as it won’t change anything on the story.
I wonder what Jon is thinking he will do next?
Does he still want to go and find a way to fight the coming long night?
Or did he say his watch has ended and “imma do me” now.
I am not so sure.
Alex,
I think his father will be important.
The scene was needed but I agree it felt a bit out of place with the feeling of the episode.
The only portion of the show that was not interesting was Mereen (big shocker). Seems it doesn’t matter who is there it turns out to be boring. I used to think it was because of Dany but I thought her scenes in Vaas Dothrak were excellent. Varys is always an intriguing fellow. Greyworm and Missandei boring and eternally sober. Tyrion had nothing interesting to say this week just cracking bad jokes that seemed to convey his discomfort with the situation and the writers discomfort with having to stall Mereen until Dany gets backs
Scratching your head??
CLEGANEBOWL
Dee,
RLJ not really confirmed. We have to wait week or two for that. Cleganebowl on the other hand was hinted at.
Geralt of Rivia,
No I know… but its pretty obvious, to me at least.
Shaggydog! I was heart broken and talking to the TV like a mad woman. Arya’s training scenes and the flashback to Ned and Howland were my favorites.
Dee,
Just a bit longer. Judging by the episodes description I think it will be EP5.
I waited more then 10 years(i’m getting old 🙁 ) for this! 2 more weeks will be easy to endure. 🙂
Dee,
I wouldn’t be surprised if two babies were born. Given how Jon came back and what will probably happ (she-wolf they called her) and theory on R+L=D and J exists. But it lacks build up on one hand. I just smell some unexpected twist on along the way.
Oh, and when old fart Pycelle farts?
Hilarious… 😀 😀 😀
Ser Creighton Longbough,
I had subtitles. When that scene came it said:*farts*
I died that moment.
rhymeswithweak,
There’s been three episodes and more happened last week. It’s a bit odd and a bit fan-boyish to just immediately blurt out “Best episode ever!” simply because we got half of the Tower of Joy.
This episode wasn’t bad by any means, it was just a step down from last week. I think I pretty much predicted every scene in this episode, and predictable episodes are boring. There seems to have been a lot of set up, not much else.
Making the 8,
I agree, Tyrion on Meeren is a disservice for him as a character, he doesn’t have much to do. Hopefully this will change this season (and I’m betting it will).
Some random observations that I haven’t seen observed elsewhere yet:
– I loved the shot of Gilly peering out the porthole at the storm, looking like she’s having the time of her life. Kill the shy, inexperienced girl and let the game-for-anything woman be born!
– Does anyone else find it a bit unsettling that Olly was about the same age as Arya and equally adept at “knowing where the heart is”? What will Jon think of his little sister if/once he finds out that she’s a trained assassin, after having been utterly disgusted by having to hang a young boy for mutiny? Why do we the audience think it’s cool for her and awful for Olly to do that? Just because we like one victim and hate another? Food for thought.
(On a related note, to Oz: The mutineers may or may not be hung – we didn’t see them without their britches – but they were certainly hanged.)
– Was the whole point of the Tyrion-killing-time sequence to demonstrate that Missandei and Grey Worm don’t have enough of a sense of humor between them to fill Sam’s mother’s thimble? Is that the culture clash that will ultimately convince him that he doesn’t belong in Essos?
– Will we ever get to see the Queen of Thorns without her wimple? I hope so. Surely that’s too hot a fashion for southerly Highgarden – even for a vain old lady with, presumably, a crepey neck.
House Applebee,
Well for me it was better then last week.
I agree that this isn’t the best episode but after these first 3, this is my favourite so far.
Nice recap! I rewatched the Jon Snow and Bran/Tower scenes several times this morning because they’re bloody amazing. The rest of the episode was, as you said, mostly setup for the future so I didn’t feel the need to rewatch those scenes.
Also, three episodes and not a single brothel scene yet?
*jawdrop*
Is this really GoT?
Looking forward: Sansa & Brienne will b able to give Jon a very good idea of the treachery of Littlefinger. I wonder does Sansa realize Littlefinger betrayed her father when Robert Baratheon died? I think she does,but I’m not sure. Her father had already told her to start packing and she was upset, she may even have told Cersei that she didn’t want to leave, thus alerting the Lannisters. I don’t want to say Sansa was responsible for the ensuing massacre of the Stark Household along with her father’s arrest, but there’s a case to be made. Yet it was Littlefinger who was the key to what transpired. Too bad Tyrion isn’t around to advise Jon. Sansa could vouch for him I would hope. At some point I See Brienne really at a crossroads. Jamie is an enemy to all the Starks, but to Brienne is is a beloved comrade.
I’m assuming Jon joins with the Wildings, and I was hoping Edd would be part of that, at least bringing what remains of the Watch with him. Can a Lord Commander dissolve the NW? It seems someone ought to be able to. Now the task is to uniste to go after the Whitewalkers. Regaining Winterfell is key, and getting rid of Ramsay is only part of it. Based on what SmallJon Umber said to Ramsay, the hate for the Wildings goes beyond the NW and Ser Aliser Thorne and his loyalists. The families who were loyal to the Starks & The North would have to be persuaded to cooperate. No easy task ahead for Jon Snow.
My one wish is that Ser Davos show Jon the “papers” that Stannis left behind making him a legitimate Stark. I know. No such papers exist, but wouldn’t it be nice?
Dee,
I think we’re meant to believe that he might be done with it all.
But if Sansa turns up at the Wall and news about Rickon reaches him, and if the Northerners threaten to destroy the Wildlings, however, he’ll be spurred back into action.
And I’m sure Melisandre will give him a pep talk about retaking Winterfell and being the Prince that was Promised next episode.
Looking forward: Sansa & Brienne will able to give Jon a good idea of the treachery of Littlefinger. I wonder does Sansa realize Littlefinger betrayed her father when Robert Baratheon died? I’m not sure. Her father already told her to start packing, but she was upset, & might have told Cersei that she didn’t want to leave, thus alerting the Lannisters. I don’t want to say Sansa was responsible for the ensuing massacre of Stark Household along with her father’s arrest, but there’s a case to be made.
Yet it was Littlefinger who was the key to everythiing. As Tyrion would know if he were there to say so.
I’m assuming Jon joins the Wildings. I was hoping Edd would too, bringing what remains of the NW with him. Can anyone dissolve the NW? It seems someone ought to be able to. The task is to unite to go after the Whitewalkers. Regaining Winterfell is key, and getting rid of Ramsay is only part of it. Based on what Small Jon Umber said to Ramsay, the hate for the Wildings goes beyond the NW and Ser Aliser Thorne. Even families who were Stark loyalists would have to be persuaded to cooperate. No easy task ahead for Jon Snow.
My one wish is that Ser Davos show Jon the “papers” that Stannis left behind making him a legitimate Stark. I know. No such papers exist, but wouldn’t it be nice?
The Northerners would never respect that, Jon would never accept that either.
I’m a sullied and I am loving this season, but I do think that a lot of storylines are reaching the point where they need start at least revving the engine, aka get some real plots going to give us a hint of where they are going to go and the endgame of the next few seasons. These three episodes have been, for the most part, just fantastic setup episode, giving character’s motivations.
It does look like KL is gonna start revving next week (judging from the trailer) and possibly the entire North storyline, since Sansa seems to be arriving at CB in next weeks trailer. I’m just afraid they’ll wait to long and no matter what epicness comes late in the season it won’t rectify the slow start..
Kind of a long random post, but felt like dropping my two cents.
Deekan,
Spoiler note: The discussion in this post is primarily for non-book readers as well as viewers who have NOT been spoiled by leaks (book fans can discuss the show-only here). We ask that all Sullied book-readers refrain from posting spoilers in the comments here, veiled or otherwise. No spoilers, at all! This show is best viewed without knowing all the surprises beforehand or afterwards, so please be respectful of your fellow fans. Thank you!
This was a solid breather of an episode, but the comic relief in Meereen left me hanging a little bit. I appreciate the effort, but the comedy there just felt unusually awkward. Leave it to Varys, though, for getting further on the Sons of the Harpy problem in a single episode than the entirety of the fifth season.
My full thoughts
This is how I imagine the next scenes between Osha, Rickon, Ramsay & the Karstark… 😀
personally for me
episode 3> episode 2> episode 1 and I loved episode 1 …..If this continues, this Ascending Order …..of how much I like each episode …by episode 6 I might completely lose it ,,,go completely crazy. ……
Isn’t there a Samuel Beckett line “Try again, fail again, fail better”. Clearly Davos has made his way all the way to post-modernism after having become a literate man.
BeautyBrienne,
That’s hilarious. Who knew Davos would be the Westerosi Tony Robbins?
Edward,
I think Jon might have been headed out the Gate, to go north of the Wall. To the heart tree where he swore his vows perhaps? Ygritte’s pyre was at that heart tree, I think…it’s as logical a place as any for Jon to sit out E4; as we all wait for a door to be opened.
I also feel quite sorry for Tommen, poor kid would have had potential to be a decent member of the ruling class under different circumstances. Cerseis observation about people trying to manipulate him & only succeeding in tearing him apart is a totally accurate read of his future.
I think tyrion is just bored …..right now ,,…….He is drinking out of boredom more than anything ,,….He is talking nonsense these days …..
but I really l loved that scene with grey worm and missandei. ….reminded me of my college days ….
Mihnea,
I hope with all my heart that was a nod to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Krz-dyD-UQ
Pfffffttttffftttt *Jazzhands*
Yes, indeed! Thank you, Firannion! Another grammar maven for #TeamStannis
My thoughts on the future of the NW have been that the Wildlings become the NW. They aren’t heading South. I can only imagine they just man the Wall and all its castles and live happily ever after. No one in the South will really mind.
Overall this episode was good but definitely not my favorite of the season (so far). I agree with Oz that the story in KL is intriguing BUT needs to progress further. This season each of the characters’ stories seem to be progressing rapidly (excluding newly introduced Sam and Gilly) and KL is moving a little too slow at the moment. However, I’m SO excited to see what will eventually happen with Cersei and her squad!
CB scenes, per usual, were amazing this week. Davos is quickly becoming my favorite character and the GoT writers deserve serious props for his brilliant one-liners. My only criticism is that I think the mutineers gallows scene should have preceded the Winterfell scene. After watching Shaggydog’s head tossed on the table by that asshat Umber character I was so distraught that it was hard to appreciate the long anticipated deaths of Allister, Olly and the gang. Bringing back Osha and Rickon is great BUT then merciless killing Shaggydog (and by a house that previously knelt for and declared Robb Stark the King of the North) was harsh…
I get it though. This is GoT – if I thought there was a happy ending, I haven’t been paying attention. Still, today I will silently mourn the loss of Shaggydog #whatisdeadmayneverdie #thisviewerremembers
Also I just want to put it out there that I will be heartbroken if Sansa and Jon are not reunited at CB. Jon seemed ready to get the fuck out of CB. If he misses Sansa on his way out, I will be pissed. I doubt this will happen but I also thought the show was done killing direwolves.
Finally, TOJ was everything. The fighting was brilliant, the casting was spot on and the visuals were wonderful. I can (almost) forgive Weiss and Benioff for the shaggydog incident 😉
I wish Jon would have said something regarding Allisers shortsightedness and the fact that the dead are rising and his quarrel with the wildlings, though understandable, is no where near as threatening as the upcoming Whitewalkers, which is the real reason for the wall. Also wish he would have stared into Olleys eyes.
I feel like the events of Hardhome are not being disseminated throughout Westerose. Also wonder if the events of Jons death left the wall and made their way to other cities.
I think we all know now that Cersei is back at the castle, it’s going to be mighty hard for the Sparrow & his underlings to put her on trial for the sins she hasn’t confessed. I don’t understand why Tommen doesn’t just send in the army and the City Watch to round up the Faith Militant and the High Sparrow and put them in cells beneath the sept?
I did enjoy all of Bran, Arya and Jon’s scenes. Davos is awesome. Kevan and company walking out on Jaime and Cersei was great.
How could you leave out the best line in the episode: Lady Olenna throwing shade at the Lannisters’s, umm, complicated lineage? “I know these things get complicated in your family.”
pras,
Agreed! I thought it was a nice scene.
I like the idea of the Wildings joining with the remains of the NW to man the Wall. Hop it goes that way. Of course Jon has to build an army to go after Winterfell, but I don’t think he will resolve to do that until he has his reunion with Sansa.
What if Cersei is wrong, or miscalculates? She is assuming the Laws of Westeros apply but maybe the rules that govern the High Sparrow and his court don’t allow for a trial by combat? He said she would go before a vourt of septas etc. but what if trial by combat is not an option? The High Sparrow has to know how that worked before.
I think the scene with Uncle Kevan and the Council was also a way od showing that Jamie & Cersei are “in transition” and not necessarily in power in Mings Landing as they thought they were.
Ravyn,
and you know what else I was thinking …….
when pycelle was complaining. ..ser Gregory is a monster and …I wanted cersei to say …
” yea he is a monster and monsters are dangerous and just now secondary characters are dying like flies ” …..
I like the idea of Wildings joining with the remains of the NW to man the Wall. Hope it goes that way. Of course Jon has to build an army to go after Winterfell, but I don’t think he will resolve to do that until he has his reunion with Sansa.
What if Cersei is wrong? She is assuming the Laws of Westeros apply but maybe the rules that govern the High Sparrow don’t allow for a trial by combat? What if trial by combat is not an option? The High Sparrow has to know how that worked before.
I think the scene with Uncle Kevan and the Council was also a way to show Jamie & Cersei are “in transition” and not necessarily the power in Kings Landing as they thought they were.
Don’t know why I get double posts even before I edit. : ( Sorry.
Mihnea,
yes indeed ….and missandei and grey worm were really confused ….It was funny
pras,
Also a nice call back. The drinking game he mentions is the one he played with Shae in S1.
Mihnea,
yea exactly …that scene with shae and bronn came to my mind when I was watching this morning. …I miss shae. …and I think tyrion does too deep inside
By the old Gods and the new I sure hope you are wrong!! This is the worst scene from almost any movie ever made, I still can’t watch it.
Dee,
Since you mention reunions, do you think, Sansa may make it to CB in time to meet with Jon? In the previews, it seems all (3) in her party had a heavy door opened.
I am scared for Rickon and Osha – I think it’s time these Stark kids got a break!
Crackship? If Sansa and Jon do meet up next episode, I certainly hope for Tormund/Brienne.
I mean, he boasted of having slept with a she-bear, so his tastes may go towards unusual, physically strong women who can hold their own against him. He certainly doesn’t seem afraid of or appalled by such women. It’s perfect, really.
Unfortunately, it seems as if Brienne has a thing for pretty boys, though.
As always, great stuff, OZ!
I’m with you on the flashbacks this season, I think they have been the most exciting parts.
Do you think there is any chance the Umbers giving over Rickon is at all a scheme to overthrow Ramsay? It seems like weird timing that this happened right when Roose Bolton died, who did not have the support of most Northern houses.
Also – Are you planning another Hangout trip this year?
Akash Singh,
Re your very interesting and informative “Thoughts,” so those were Varys’ little birds Qyburn was plying with sweets, as well as a not inconsiderable amount of intimidation by the presence of Gregor? I wonder how long that plan will take to backfire?
A-Train,
I was really hoping that when they went to reveal Rickon second, it would turn out to be some other boy being used as a decoy.
Not sure how they’d convince anybody to let themselves be handed over to a murderous psycho in place of Rickon, but I was still clinging to that faint hope right up until he was revealed.
If the producers want to make the viewer feel gutted about that this turn of events then they did a good job of it.
They can make that gut punch even worse if they give Natalia Tena a scene or two in which Osha describes the betrayal and the death of Shaggydog in the following episodes.
Good spot, though I prefer (with a little change)
“Jon, you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is, never try.”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Dee,
Yeah, as Jon is “leaving” you can see the gates of Castle Black behind him (the very same gates Wun Wun smashed. I can only assume that’s where our giant friend is, just outside repairing the gates). Jon was just going inside to get ready for his departure.
House Applebee,
Tower of Joy isn’t why I liked it…that didn’t get us any further than we already were…
Acting was all good, stories made sense. In general the plotting and scheming were great for setting up great things to happen.
So much better than the first two episodes even though it didn’t have the action and shocking reveals.
Ramsay’s 20th Good Man,
I hope Ramsay and the Smalljon become Ghost food.
How cunning the High Sparrow is! He is more than just a religious fanatic; I fear him more than team Cersei, and only slightly less than the WW.
It looked to me like an attempt to show Tyrion’s cluelessness regarding what life is truly like for the Missandeis and Gray Worms of Essos. The very bright often have little common sense.
Oh GaPO, I sea what you did there 😀
Firanon and Mehitabel:
THANK YOU! I get so frustrated with people using hung instead of hanged! Go Team Stannis!
Also, when Grey Worm says he doesn’t play games, that is not true. He and Daario were playing the who can hold the sword steady for the longest time game a couple of seasons ago. Dany even commented on how juvenile it was!
Michelle,
more likely because Cersei wants to keep Margery and Loras right where they are…….
Very solid episode but two things stuck out to me. First where is ghost? I know cgi can be pricey but maybe we could take a few bucks from the dragons to show ghost. Hell I can’t get down my hallway in the morning without my dog tripping me, and she’s not my wargishly? bonded dire wolf. Secondly when did they stop using Ser Robert Strong and everyone just decide to call his Gregor Cleglane?
Nick Hartley does not sow!
I have just watched it. I liked it, but not enthusiastically.
Arya’s scenes were excellent; and I can’t say I am a fan.
Jon’s, kind of awkward. Davos could sell fridges to the Eskimoes.
KL, lots of holes as you have suggested Oz.
Iwan Rheon is such a great actor. And that Umber guy, excellent character.
The rest of it was more or less mediocre for me.
Nick Hartley,
I don’t think they’ve ever called him Robert Strong on the show. Have they?
Sou,
I thought Qyburn does when Cersei enters the red keep after her walk. I’ll have to double check that though.
Nick Hartley does not sow!
Loved your whole post! Great sense of humor, a little grammar lesson (hangs head, I use hung the way Oz did, too, and I hold myself to be somewhat of a grammar stickler, though obviously not a perfect one. Usually I let a lot of the stuff slide and amuse myself by tsk tsking it. 🙂 ) Plus a great deal of food for thought.
On first viewing, I was annoyed by the Tyrion segment. As in, WTF he’s getting more scatterbrained by the minute. The booze is really messing with him. Where’s the Tyrion of Blackwater, who could immediately assess what was going on and what needed to be done about it? Bronn, where tf are you? The little dude needs you again as his sounding board and straight speaking buddy. (Where tf IS Bronn? did Jaime give him his better lady already?)
I offer this food for your thoughts, Firannion: listen to Missandei talking about how she hates the slavers. This prim, intelligent (19 languages) little lady, who is imho the most diplomatic character in the whole show, is daring to express her hatred for the slavers, a first-hand knowledge of their mindset and how they process it. She wants them wiped out. Is this the making of the future Queen of Meeren, when Dany finally, finally (please, this season) leaves? maybe so.
At least I hope that was the point of the segment, and not just to show that Tyrion is losing his mind.
I offer this also, hopefully to bring a smile. Ramsay says he likes redheads. Hmmm, we have a redhead for him. One who is getting some awesome power back through her, ahem, old bones, and is in full worship-mode for her newly rezzed Prince. She’ll give Ramsay a jolt he won’t forget, mmm?
Peace in your Realms, Oz. Thanks for the great review. Didn’t want you to think I’d forgotten you.
I view it more , Jon was already on his knees when Olly stabbed him, so his hands were already parallel with Jon’s chest area. If Jon was still standing, his stab probably be lower than the other mutineers being shorter than the adult mutineers
BeautyBrienne,
Nunc Coepi.
Horn Hill has been mentioned before. When Sam first appears at the Wall…
Sam: Samwell Tarly, of Horn Hill– I mean, I was of Horn Hill. I’ve come to take the black.
Edward,
I can’t think of a single place Jon would go but …home.
Firannion,
I think it’s pointing to the fact that Missandei and Grey Worm are former slaves and they have a unique perspective on things that they may talk about together but not share so easily with outsiders…not even Deny.
Grey Worm is a young man without a penis and Missandei has no family, and probably has been sexually assaulted(re the ‘game’ the masters played only with the girls) There is nothing funny about slavery, and it is no GAME!
The two became animated, though, when the convo turned to how to deal with theAwesome Masters.
Roberta Baratheon,
…Maybe Greyworm isn’t so warm toward Tyrion…not yet, anyway. They’ve really only just met, after all.
Making the 8,
I agree re Varys.. He was back to his sly, obsequious self. That’s when he’s at his best, IMO.
Thronetender,
Glad I managed to amuse you with that post!
I hope that you’re right about Missandei being groomed for leadership. She certainly is one smart cookie. Actually, I had a moment of terror that she might be revealed to be the Harpy herself, when her name appeared all by itself in the opening credits!
On reflection, and after reading other people’s comments, I think that whole awkward scene was deliberately intended to make the audience squirm over the difficulties in communication between people of such grossly disparate backgrounds, life experiences and cultural referents. We are so used to Tyrion being able to turn on a dime and make lightning-fast assessments of how to manipulate a situation; now he is faced with a pretty daunting learning curve in this foreign environment. Bragging about how smart he is sounds like wit when he’s sparring with Cersei, but just makes him sound like a jerk when he’s trying to connect with people who used to be slaves. Hopefully Grey Worm and Missandei will teach him to be less flippant, and he will teach them (eventually) how to see the dark humor in life.
And after being brought low himself, Tyrion does seem to need to find something new to believe in, a cause to which he can commit himself (kind of parallelling Davos and the Red Woman). I don’t know if restoring a Targaryen regime will quite be it, though he does seem to excel at being someone’s Hand. Maybe the issue of slavery can fire him up, make him less jaded and cynical?
And speaking of the Red Woman, your notion about Mel possibly being the “redhead” to take Ramsay down is quite intriguing. She has long been one of my most hated characters, and it would not have occurred to me to cast her in that role of avenging the Starks. But it might make a good redemptive arc for her! Hmmmm…
Another callback worth noting: One of the first things that Jon says when he comes back, indignant about having been murdered, is something to the effect of “I did what I thought was right.” Now I’m remembering that conversation that he had with Maester Aemon, who asked him what Ned Stark would have done when faced with a choice between family and honor. Jon responds with something like, “He would’ve done whatever was right, no matter what.”
Maybe the lesson is that these Starks need to stop seeing ethical issues so…starkly. They need to remember that their heraldic color is grey, not black-and-white.
The Sullied and Unsullied are united about being scared for Osha and Rickon.
May I have a Stannis the grammar Nazi moment and remind some people that only paintings and bells are hung? People are hanged.
Edit: I see some people have pointed it out already
Well this was so far the best episode this season. Can’t quite think of anything not making sense. Add to it some very interesting flashback, a very unexpected Umber gift (if that really was Shaggydog’s head, Smalljon sure ain’t winning any preference polls, despite his ‘unique’, almost wildling-like paradoxally, attitude).
One littlish weirdness: Where’s the cloth Jon had over his nether regions during the ritual? It wasn’t there this episode.
Grey Worm didn’t say he doesn’t play games. He said games are for children. I could see that as him trying to affirm he’s matured since that nonsense of a scene.
Anybody find it interesting that Jon gave Edd Castle Black and his cloak but kept Longclaw, the sword that Lord Commander Mormont entrusted to him; the same sword he used to kill a white walker?
Stargaryen,
The actors were hung.
The characters were hanged.
Ice Baby,
Well, Mormont gave it to Jon personally, not as Lord Commander, hence the wolf pommel. It’s Jon’s sword, so there’s no reason to give it to Edd.
Not sure if the sword even belongs to House Mormont anymore either.
I mean, Jeor gave it to Jon because he could no longer give it to Jorah. I’m not sure if any of the other Mormont family have any claim on it.
Presumably it was meant to pass down the male line of the House, which ended when Jorah was exiled in disgrace and Jeor was killed.
LoL! They should offer it on Ebay or auction it for charity. It would bring in a tidy sum, I suspect. Did you notice that just before he went out of his quarters to dispense justice on his murderers, he left his knife-punctured, bloody vest on the table? Also kind of a F. U. to the NW, I’d say.
Was that a baby cry in tower of joy?
Yes, they both did, didn’t they? That was kind of amazing, if you like the characters enough to think about their personal development, and I do. Grey Worm has become confident enough in his position to actually mentally project himself and his men into future actions – and those actions are an adamant rejection of everything the Old Masters stood for.
If you are a person who has always readily defended yourself, or has thought about your own future and find it easy to pursue your own objectives, this might not seem like such a big deal. But from the time he was a small child, GW has been told what to do and prevented from thinking of himself as a person AT ALL, much less as a person with goals to pursue or opinions to express. Yet he now is declaring with confidence that his men will retake cities. That’s terrific progress.
Then Missandei openly declares hatred for the Masters and their ways. She’s usually extremely diplomatic, but not on this subject. Dany would be proud of both of them. So proud, that maybe she will name them the next ruling couple of Meereen. When she finally leaves.
I think it’s quite natural for the audience to judge Arya’s assassinations/murders less harshly, partly because she’s a main character so we see things from her point of view, but mostly because of who the victims are. This is a world where capital punishment is common, and although Arya is acting outside of legal authority, her kills have been quite justifiable, either as self-defense, acts of war, or punishment for serious crimes. Even her interrupted assassination of the insurance salesman seemed somewhat justified by his cheating of beneficiaries who had no other recourse. He was not just some innocent random murder victim.
The main thing that I find disturbing and sad about Arya’s story is not that she kills or who she kills, it’s that she seems to enjoy the killing, and in fact killing seems to be about the only thing she still enjoys. Despite this, she seems to have no interest in random killing or cruelty…the targets of her malice have all done something to earn a place on her list.
If she truly becomes No One, and assassinates a more sympathetic target, the audience might be less forgiving of her, but as long as her victims are people like Polliver and Meryn Trant, I think it’s unsurprising that the audience remains “on her side”.
Olly also considered his killing of Jon justified, but if we consider the victim and the circumstances, I think it’s quite reasonable that we judge Olly more harshly than Arya.
While I can understand Olly’s hatred of wildlings and anger at Jon for allying with them, Jon had also shown him kindness and trust, and Olly knew that Jon believed the alliance with the wildlings was necessary (even if Olly disagreed). They had a disagreement over what was the right thing to do, and Olly settled it (temporarily anyway) with a knife to the heart. That’s far less justified than any of Arya’s kills in my opinion.
I think (at least up to this point in the story) if Jon knew everything the audience knows, he would still accept Arya. He knows that killing is sometimes necessary, and he’s done quite a bit of it himself. He’s killed wildlings in battle, even though he understood that they’re not inherently evil monsters, they’re just people born on the wrong side of the Wall. He gave Arya a Needle, and I don’t think he would judge her too harshly for sticking a few people with the pointy end when necessary, or for seeking training to wield it more effectively. I think the fact that she is trying to give up her identity and become No One would bother him much more than the killing itself.
Harsh is the word, horrible is another word. I’ve spent two days already trying to come to terms with the Umbers turning in Rickon and Osha AND killing Shaggy. No matter how many other posters say get used to it, the Umbers turned traitor, I can’t. I keep juggling the facts, looking for a way it could possibly not be true.
The North Remembers, said that sad old lady that Ramsay flayed. Candle in the window. There are families in the north that still back you, Lady Sansa. The North Remembers. What if the North DID remember? What if word got out that Sansa was at Winterfell, and what happened to her; then word of what happened to the old lady got out. Rickon was brave, even as a little guy, declaring he couldn’t go to the Umbers because he had to protect Bran. What do you think he’d want to do to save his big sister?
I don’t know how the Umbers were portrayed in the books, and all I know of them in the show is that they were Stark bannermen for ages. Maybe some of you others can fill in whether or not Smalljon would be willing or loyal enough to try such a ruse. I want so badly to believe that that was just the head of a large black wolf, and that Rickon and Osha are there to scope things out. I don’t think the Umbers know that Sansa got away yet, maybe they think Sansa is still there. Anybody got anything positive (or otherwise) to add to this pile of patched up hope?
Alex,
in the books sams journey I think its to do with the citadel storyline. with limited time left it wouldn’t be in if its not important. glass candles burning, qaithe, and a few other important bits n bobs. will help tie in the loose ends. also he killed a white walker come on give hime a break 🙂
Alex,
Yeah, I have to pop in regarding Sam too. On many fronts, I think his and Gilly’s story is important. I’ve always felt that Sam was going to find/read about/concoct or otherwise be empowered with at least part of the solution to the White Walkers. His studies, sanctioned by Stannis no less, will give some much needed info on the history of these beings.
I happen to like Sam’s arc in the story, as the fat, studious boy, not in any way athletic, but not a fool, proving time and again to have an intelligent answer or be of importance to whatever else was going on around him. How many of us out here can identify with some of that? Somehow, he’s survived and thrived.
The relationship he has with Gilly is lovely, based on mutual respect and affection. I also happen to like both actors( Hannah Murray and John Bradley) and appreciate their talent. Their characters are discovering together the joy of happy sex with someone you love who loves you just as much. There is only so much treachery, rape. murder and mutilation I can take within one program. To me it’s refreshing and necessary to see a loving relationship develop between two people that isn’t based on power, possession or domination. We’d better see more of Sam and Gilly. The story demands it. It is known.
While I’m throwing rose petals, I want to say a happy word about Ben Crompton, who plays Dolorous Edd. I think Edd has had more lines in just these past three episodes than he’s had total in the prior five seasons, and he has delivered every one of them beautifully, with that special undercurrent of angst Edd has, and a delightful humor as well. I remember watching Hardhome last year, yelling at the TV, “Don’t kill Edd, please not Edd too!” I was so happy to hear him yell “Oh, Fuck” when the zombies threw themselves off the cliff, and drag Jon away. And now HE is the Lord Commander. Congrats Edd/Ben. Well deserved and Well done.
Has any1 been concerned with the way missandie and grey worm give each other this weird look every time the Harpy is mentioned … I know they are slaves who appreciate dany and everything she’s done but for some reason they’ve exchanged that look twice now and it leave me feeling unsettled
There is a very important part of the Tower of Joy scene at which is hardly mentioned but needs to be taken in account; because in theory it could change everything! At the end of the scene; Bran shouts out… “Father!”. At that moment; Ned stops on the steps; contemplates; and turns around as if he heard someone; sees no one.
Almost instantaneously; we see Bran and the Raven back in the tree where the Raven states…. “the past is the past cast in ink…. you cannot change it”.
But what if Bran could actually be heard? Couldn’t he in theory; while standing in the shadows of Ned and Lyanna’s discussion on the next Tower of Joy scene; shout to his Father…. “Jon!” in reply to Ned’s question to Lyanna being… “what name shall I call your boy?” Bran obviously figuring out the baby is Jon…. Ned hears the name Jon; and then Lyanna states… “yes… Jon. After Jon Arryn”.
If Bran can be heard and others can listen… Can he change the past (even though The Raven insists not)?; Has he already gone to the past; changed it’ thus what we know now is that he had already chaged it therefore it can not change?
Such interesting implications this one minute scene contains!
Nick Hartley,
We see Ghost in the first scene with Jon.
Thronetender,
LOL. It’s the last time I trust spellcheck when it comes to “hung” and “hanged.” For the record (not that I give two shits), but hanged was originally in the write-up. That is until I got an old school Family Feud red “X” on top of it.
A-Train,
First question: Yes. The timing of it is suspect, plus the character of Smalljon was a likeable asshole who refused to bend the knee to Ramsay. Regardless of the “Shaggydog head” conspiracy, I think the Umbers still back the Starks.
Second question: Oh, hell yes. It’s the only time of the year in the adult world that I get to impersonate a drunk twentysomething. I’m not wild about the headliners, but the undercard is fantastic. You going?
Thronethender,
It’s true that the wolf’s head looked a bit smaller than I expected Shaggydog’s head to be. Which may or may not be a mistake, my wrong expectations or a hint.
However wouldn’t Ramsay be capable of telling a wolf and a direwolf apart? The more so given the head was the one piece of evidence.
Michael,
It felt to me like the Three-eyed Raven wanted to prevent Bran from messing with time, knowing that it is possible. It might come to play later. (Either way that one bit about Ned seemingly becoming aware of ‘someone’s presence’ is definitely important.)
if that were the case it would certainly give Jon and Theon something to bond over.
Edward,
Okay, I mean Ned heard Bran scream right? Like that right there is a huge foreshadowing of how Bran is going to change the past present and future in Westeros. Might be the biggest moment so far in season 6 and no one is gonna say a word?
Go ahead, call me the GOT geek that I know I am…. Some musings on this Umber betrayal thing!
Not buying it!
1) Smalljon sides with the family that killed his dad? No way!
2) how does he know about Ramsey killing Roose? What else does he know. Thinking spy at WF, the maester??
3) the excuse that Jon will bring wildlings to him. Remember back when Maester Ameon sent crows to all the houses about the WW’s? Wouldn’t house Umber guess the wildlings would be there to escape the WW’s and help fight them. Maybe a stretch I admit!
My theory is that this is a Sansa rescue mission orchestrated by Rickon and Smalljon is just going along with it but not liking it. You know GM doesn’t like to give it away. He keeps us all in the dark. Also that interview with Art Parkinson where he says ShaggyD is dead, dead, dead, yeah we heard that one before! Just saying!
I’ve loved this season so far but I’m really pissed about Smalljon Umber considering how heroically he died in the books protecting Robb. And they implied he hated his own father (while confirming his death in the show) I can’t believe he’d ever turn over Rickon and kill Shaggydog. I keep hoping its a trick to win the Bolton’s trust and get Rickon back in Winterfell so the loyal Northern lords can restore him as Warden of the North. But killing Shaggydog makes me doubt that plan.
But why didn’t Bran know what had happened to Shaggydog via Summer?
The one thing wrong with this season seems to be Cersei seeming completely useless. She and Jamie roam around trying to intimidate people and manage to look useless. And Tyrion appeared at a loss with two people who don’t have senses of humor. And where is Bronn???
Yeah! Where is Bronn and where is Littlefinger!
TOIVA,
I definitely agree that The Raven took Bran away precisely at that moment to prevent what he knows can be changed. Its very significant. In theory; Bran could go back in time and prevent Robert Baratheon from being a Usurper.
Really late to the party, but I thought this was a great episode.
The Tower of Joy scene was amazing. Almost there… Hahaha.
And fuck the Umbers! Though I am also not sure about them. We’ll have to wait and see.
At first I thought that it wasn’t actually Shaggydog because his head seemed small. But now I think it was him, because “Only death pays for life” ?. There had to be a cost to Jons resurrection and I think it was Shaggydog. Since his head wasn’t rotting it had to have happened recently. Kind of like in season 1 with the death of Lady and Bran waking up.
Thank you Oz for another great recap!
Ps. I feel a bit sorry for Alisser Thorne, because now he wont be winning anymore Jackass Awards and might be overtaken by Ramsay.