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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!
Welcome back, all ye loyal Wallbies. A man returns to take you from being an Oathbreaker to opening the Book of a Stranger (verse 25 to be exact).
This week brought us quite a few notable reunions, one of which I was never sure we would see again. Saddle up Unsullied and unburnt, for Grey Worm is not impressed with the new leadership, and Dany shows us all how to truly light up a house party…
The Wall
We open up with Jon cleaning out the CEO/LC office with CFO Edd doing his best to guilt him into staying.
But just as the conversation gets heated, the horn blows and if you listened closely, you could faintly hear “Peaches and Herb” blasting through the Wall’s loudspeakers.
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After years, Jon and Sansa are reunited. And yes, it does feel so good. They take a few minutes to reminisce, but quickly turn to what they will do next. While Jon exclaims that he is tired of fighting, Sansa makes it clear that she will take back their home even if she has to do it on her own. The little red head is growing up.
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Meanwhile, Badass Brienne makes her presence felt as only she can, confronting Davos and Mel and telling them that she was the lucky one who executed Stannis right after he admitted that he was responsible for Renly’s death. Of course, the interruption happened right as Davos was inquiring with Velvet about what became of Shireen.
The dynamic between the three and how it progresses will be interesting to observe as Brienne makes it clear that she does not necessarily forgive or forget. But it is quite exciting to see these forces form an alliance together behind the leadership of Jon and how many pieces of the puzzle are beginning to come together.
Later on, the crew converse in a working lunch meeting. And this happens…
Brienne Giantsbane? Tormund of Tart? Baby seal Brienne? Make up your own below.
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To reinforce what must be done, Jon receives an eloquent letter from Ramsay stating that he has Rickon in the dungeon and must return Sansa in order to avoid punishment.
Again, the new Sansa zealously leads Jon to understand what they must do or that the entire North will suffer. Jon agrees although it is unclear how much of the North will follow considering what we already know of the Karstarks and the Umbers.
The Vale
Robin, I miss your mother.
Robin has been training for a year with very little progression and somewhere in Disneyland, Merida is weeping at his archery skills.
Also, ceasing breastfeeding apparently induces puberty quickly as the “sweet Robin” voice has been exchanged for a more manly version.
Our first look at Lysakiller in season 6 occurs as he arrives bringing Lord Robin a cool rare bird. At least this gift can fly should Robin decide to toss it out the moon door.
When Royce questions how Sansa ended up with the Bolton’s, LF turns his inquiries around on how the Bolton’s could only have known where they were considering the only people he told were at the Vale. And of course, Robin’s favorite pastime is watching people fly through the moon door.
But LF decides Royce deserves another shot and luckily Robin, who is heavily enthralled by his new bird, agrees. LF and Robin also agree that the Knights of the Vale should go help Jon in defeating the Boltons.
Where this fits in with the overall Littlefinger strategy to make Westeros great again is unknown. The possibilities seem to be endless and I’ve got plenty of guesstimates, so let’s discuss below.
Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO
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Winterfell
Lord Ramsay is approached by Osha with a gift of her own but with other intentions in mind. Honestly, my only thoughts throughout the entire scene were how quickly Ramsay was going to kill her. And he did. And the wait for Ramsay’s demise continues…
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Pyke
Theon arrives back home to see his sister and to pledge his help in Yara’s quest to rule the Iron Islands. At this point, it’s difficult to gauge the importance of this in the big picture, but a conflict is on the horizon for both of them as it relates to the emergence of Euron. If Yara does end up taking her father’s place, you could easily assume that she will be an ally for Jon and company. But then again, assuming anything in GoT is horribly unwise.
Meereen
Yes! Razdal. I love how GoT brings back minor characters after years of absence.
Tyrion and Varys hold a meeting with the Masters and Yezzan, the slave owner that bought Tyrion last season. Tyrion suggests that the Masters don’t need slaves to continue their way of life and that they implement a plan to dissolve slavery over the next seven years instead of attempting to accomplish it immediately.
Later, a group of slaves meet Tyrion in protest. Although they disagree, Grey Worm and Missandei do their best to encourage the slaves that Tyrion is making the right decision. But following the meeting, Worm makes it clear that the Masters can’t be trusted and that they will end up using him.
Vaes Dothrak
Jorah and “old man, joke-cracking” Daario make their way into Vaes Dothrak to attempt to save Dany from the Khals and an eternity with the Stinky Khal Widows Anonymous group.
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After Jorah receives a pretty good ass whipping, the duo find Dany and another young widow. Dany tells them that they will never make it out of Vaes Dothrak alive if they run but that there is another way…
King’s Landing
Regardless of how long Margaery remains in a cell, somehow her beauty remains unaffected as does her mental state. She meets with the Sparrow and is allowed to go visit with Loras who is not holding up well at all. She urges him to stay strong. However, Loras simply wants out whatever the cost may be.
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Meanwhile, Cersei and Jaime once again show up uninvited to a small council meeting. But this time, they’ve got a plan that involves the Tyrell army and saving Margaery from a walk of atonement. All of a sudden, everyone seems to be on the same page in ridding KL of the militant.
And I’ll be honest… it’s about damn time. I realize that there are other factors involved other than simply mobilizing soldiers and killing off all of the militant.
Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO
To be fair, Jaime hasn’t been back in town long. An attack obviously puts Loras and Margaery in danger and as stated in the council, a “civil war” may also ensue. But as much as I like Pryce in the role of the Sparrow, I’m ready to see KL move past this story.
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Fire and Blood
Finally, Dany is brought to a meeting of the Khals where her punishment for not immediately reporting to the Dosh Khaleen following Drago’s death is to be decided. After the typical Dothraki “what my pecker tastes like” jokes subside, Dany essentially tells them that they are all losers and lets the MF’ers burn.
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The rest of the residents witness the blaze and as Dany emerges, everyone bends the knee. In other news, Vaes Dothrak will need a new welcome center.
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Episode 604 Personal Awards
Favorite Quotes:
“If we don’t take back the North, we will never be safe.” –Sansa
“Yes, it’s in the past. It doesn’t mean I forgive. Or forget.” –Brienne
“Makes me sad. You’ll disappoint her before long. She’ll move on.”-Jorah
“I should have been born a Dothraki.” –Daario
“Let them win.” –Loras
“My dear, you have been stripped of your dignity and authority, publicly shamed, and confined to the Red Keep. What’s left to work with?” –QoT
“You are not going to serve, You are going to die.” -Dany
Borrowed Time Award: Pycelle. Cersei can’t wait.
Ow, That Shit Hurts Award: The skull/body crushing by way of a rock thanks to Daario. Anyone notice the blood spatter on the screen?
Jackass Award: Ramsay is always a leading candidate, but this week the award goes to Daario for the old man jokes (and the weird “kissing the tit knife” sequence). I can’t decide if I like him or if I want Jorah to kill him.
Overall Thoughts: With Dany burning down the house and emerging unscathed, she has once again displayed to another sector of Essos that she is something special. Now that she has the devotion of the Dothraki, this event will likely serve as a turning point in her quest to free the slave cities and move forward in her return to Westeros.
What is unclear is how she will handle the decisions made by Tyrion and the seven-year slave plan. Missandei and Worm surely weren’t impressed. But Tyrion has found a way to survive this long, and now he also has a rapport with the dragons on his side. For the first time in a while, I’m intrigued by Dany’s story.
That’s it for me today Ladies and Sers!
Next week, a man will be on location performing my annual study on twenty-somethings who party too hard for 3 days in the sun while absorbing musical composition (also referred to as “taking Ozzette to a festival”).
Due to my past experiences in previous battles over data (and the coinciding inability to see the show in a timely manner), a man has recruited Clare to author next week’s recap. So be nice to her! And if you have any suggestions on undercard bands to check out, here is the list. A man thanks you in advance.
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
Jansa!!
Great recap Oz, as always!!
Liked the episode even better on re-watch. Better then 1 and perhaps if it wouldn’t have been for Jon better then 2.
I still liked episode 3 better though, but this one was is great as well!
4,5/5 just because I will miss Osha….
Amazing episode start to finish
Yes some down times but seems like everyone is set for battle in every story line
My favorited were obviously Jon and Sansa reunion scenes
I loved them all and I wanted to replay them over and over I’m obsessed with the wall story
I really hope LF doesn’t get Sansa back somehow.
Danys scene was epic as usual. I love that she is still unburnt it’s sick !!!!!!
So sad about OSHA. I want Ramsay dead but I know I have to wait.
Everything else is building up better and better. God I just love this show!!
Mihnea,
I agree.
The show is doing a good job this season of bringing old characters back only to quickly kill them off. I had really hoped for a few more scenes with her. I will miss Osha as well.
Knights of the Vale decide to help Sansa, not Jon. Yes, the distinction is important.
Yaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!
That’s the Jon and Sansa reunion I wanted.
And since the producers have been so kind as to provide a smidgen of genuine happiness for their world-weary audience, I have no doubt that they feel duty bound to pile as much misery as possible upon us for the remainder of the season.
Great recap as always!
I’m intrigued by the Meereen storyline. I feel like Grey Worm and Missandei’s reservations will prove correct and Tyrion’s judgement will be shown as lacking (for once). Tyrion’s approach here is, in my mind, much closer to something Hizdahr would do than what Dany would choose – though Hizdahr’s knowledge of the local situation was clearly better than Dany’s.
Ramsay’s 20th Good Man,
LOL………..Oh god, have mercy…
Another great review Oz!! I’m not sure myself how the Kings Landing story will play out for the rest of the season, but I do think there will be some sort of closure by the end of the season. I just feel the show is moving into a very different chapter now, and I’m not sure how KL fits into to.
It is absolutely disgraceful that you will be away next week though, what do we pay you for… only kidding, have fun!!! I look forward to reading Clare’s views on next week’s episode which hopefully will be as good as, if not better than, this week’s episode.
Estelindis,
I think Tyrion is simply trying to buy time and avoid a full on war, until Dany returns…..There isn’t much else he could do.
Estelindis,
I think Tyrion may come to belatedly learn that his father wasn’t a vicious old git for no reason; and that while bargaining and bribery will work to an extent, it ultimately has to be backed up by brutal force.
I could see a Rains of Slaver’s Bay song being penned by the end of the season.
That’s if Daenerys doesn’t come bowling in with a horde of Dothraki to sort the situation out herself.
Sansa is a blood relation to the Lord of the Vale (Robin), Jon is not.
Knight of the Walkers,
Clare will do great. I left her last year with the infamous Sansa/Ramsey scene and she handled it beautifully. Oh, and where is my paycheck?
HA! Winter is Coming after all
I really really enjoyed this argument between these characters. Kind of like having an argument between “theory” and “experience” wherein Tyrion argues hypothetical outcomes based on human nature, and Miss/Greyworm argue from very personal and painful experiences.
Watching this, I couldn’t help but think, “Would Daenerys actually agree with this plan if she were there?” Honestly, I don’t think she would. Especially not for such an extended amount of time (7 years is…SEVEN years. That’s not easily managable for people who have to suffer). I wonder what her reaction will be when she comes back (if it even matters anymore at that point).
Mihnea,
This.
RosanaZugey,
That’s an important distinction… I’m not sure how it will be played out though. In the short preview from ep. 5, Sansa seems to be wary of Littlefinger. I just hope she doesn’t go back to trust him after he apologizes.
Really great episode!
Finally a Stark reunion!! I’ve been rewatching that hug over and over again and smiling like an idiot all day! Can’t wait for them unite the North and take back Winterfell. Which probably won’t be easy with the Karstarks and Umbers at Ramsays side.
And the final scene was great and nice throwback to season 1. Loved the fact that there wasn’t any Drogon ex machina. I thought it was way cooler that she did it all by herself.
And yes, it will be very interesting to see her reaction to Tyrions plans. Looking forward to see it all play out.
And finally shit is about to happen in Kings Landing. Cant wait for the Tyrell army to arrive.
Thanks for another great recap Oz!
Precisely. Robin sends them to help Sansa because, “She’s my cousin,” not because he gives a hoot about Jon (if he even knows/cares that Jon exists at all). Perhaps I’m complaining about nothing more than semantics or phrasing, but I feel like its inaccurate to make the Vale Knights (who are exclusive to Sansa’s story and her agenda…in both the books and show) an extension of Jon’s “heroism”. They’re not there for Jon, they’re there for Sansa. And if anyone has a “war with the Boltons” going on, its Sansa, not Jon (especially considering she spent last episode having to drag him–kicking and screaming–to try and take back Winterfell).
I had to look that up to get what the heck you were talking about 😀
And as for Tormund and Brienne….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNC0kIzM1Fo
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNC0kIzM1Fo&w=420&h=315%5D
The ending was…….corny. They are trying to fluff danny to make her more interesting when her storyline is completely boring. 6 seasons in essos…not only is she a horrible ruler, and now we have to wait another season for her to cross into westeros. Killing all those khals like that made no sense. It would have taken only one of them to rush to her and chop her head off. I feel like this season is so rushed. Same with the northern story line…killing osha in that matter that early.
Stark Loyalist,
Chop of with what? It’s clearly said in a previous scene, that all weapons are forbiden in Vaes Dothrak.
Ser Not Appearing in this Series,
It comes from a father that would only allow me to listen to old R&B music as a child.
And LOL on the Tormund/Brienne theme song.
Oh man. To be perfectly honest…I fear Sansa going back to “trusting” LF more than anything else. I abhor the idea that now…even now…she would be so foolish. And even though everything about this past episode would suggest that she’d never go back to playing the victim/pawn role…I feel like this show has a bad habit of regressing her; of moving her forward only to take her back. We shall see, though. Current trajectory tells me she’ll probably tell him to jump off a cliff and/or use him to her advantage. But past precedence gives me pause.
RosanaZugey,
Perhaps she ”forgives” him because she realizes that Ramsey has way to many men, compared with what they will have.
And then once the battle is done she will turn on him.
That would be nice!
Mihnea,
That’s what I’m expecting, actually. She will have to ally with him for the troops of the Vale… As long as she keeps an eye on him and doesn’t take his words at face value, I’m happy with that.
And it will make sense, this season’s motive seems to be uneasy alliances: Tyrells/Lannisters, Brienne/Davos/Melisandre, Boltons/Umbers/Karstarks, just to name a few.
Maybe when Dany gets back, she is totally pissed at Tyion and throws him down in the dungeon for dragon food… and it’s only then the dragonstry to pre-cook their dinner and everyone, including Dany, sees Tyrion the Unburnt.
I would love to see that.
I might be reaching here, but when Tyrion brought in the girls for the masters to “enjoy”, I got a sense he was setting them up.
His experience in King’s Landing has taught him to play his cards close to his chest, which is why he won’t trust Grey Worm and Missandei with his full plan.
Anyway – again, it’s just a feeling – but I think the Old Masters will be feeling the bite of a planted assassin’s blade soon.
Estelindis,
Estelindis,
RosanaZugey,
Of-topic.
Saw on Twitter they realesed the video showing how they made EP 3-4 but I can’t find it anywhere, anyone could provide a link?
I liked how the women were much stronger-minded than the men in this episode. I wonder how this will all play out.
“All Men Must Die” comes back to haunt me.
Are all the White Walkers men?
I hated the ending. Honestly I don’t care about anything that happens in Essos. Get your ass in KL and then we’ll talk.
I loved all the brother/sister reunions, specially the Starks, of course. I didn’t like either of them at first, but the characters grew on me. Now I look forward to see them.
And I loved the Tyrells. I really like Margeary and I’m excited to see what she’ll do. Judging by her clothes in the commentary, I’d guess she’s gonna fake a conversion.
Sansa has so much dirt on Littlefinger. She surely has to use it to her advantage.
She merely needs to send Cersei a letter telling her that Littlefinger was involved in Joffrey’s death and Littlefinger is doomed. She only has to tell Cersei that it was Littlefinger who smuggled her out of King’s Landing, and he would have to watch his back forevermore.
She only has to tell Lord Robin and Lord Royce the truth about Lysa and Jon Arryn.
She only has to tell Jon who handed her to the Boltons.
The producers surely cannot manufacture a situation where Littlefinger still manipulates her.
By all means, have him try. If he and the Knights of the Vale do ride to the North’s rescue then he’ll still have some chips to cash in.
But I hope they don’t just pretend that Sansa holds no cards of her own to play. Hopefully Littlefinger will finally be the one to unexpectedly end up with a knife at his throat, the same way he treated Ned.
But I really don’t trust the producers not to take that knife and instead plunge it into the viewers’ hearts with some horrible twist.
I would be cool with this if its made perfectly clear that that’s what she’s doing (preferably through DIALOGUE with Brienne or Jon). Like, if that’s her intention, make that perfectly clear. Don’t make us decipher it. Because otherwise, she’ll come off looking “stupid” all over again (for trusting him) and at this point in the series, I’m incredibly weary of that characterization being leveled at her.
Side note: Are we assuming that Jon knows the extent of what Ramsay did to Sansa, or will we see it in a conversation later on?
RosanaZugey,
Well I don’t think we need to know before. Have her ”forgive” him and after the battle have her turn on him.
It would be a nice twist, ”big” moment.
I would quite like to see Sansa use Littlefinger for her own ends and then sell him out to Ramsay for betraying and turning against him to get a suitably grisly end – just before Ramsay in turn meets his overdue demise at the hands of a Stark.
I don’t think it can happen that way (because LF is as slippery as a greased weasel), but I can wish…
Joseph Nobles,
Speaking of ”Beautiful Death” who do you think will be on the poster?
My bet is Dany burning the Khals.
theGryfter,
That’s the only other option I see. If Tyrion is playing the Masters, but won’t let Grey Worm and Missandei in on it, it could be because he doesn’t trust them to not let on about being in on it. When they are clearly outraged and uncomfortable, the Masters are more likely to believe Tyrion. But I don’t know how long he can keep juggling.
Mihnea,
Yes, has to be. Though it would be nice for Osha to get the spot. But bodies aflame as Dany walks out from the fire? That’s a more poster-worthy picture.
Joseph Nobles,
Agreed that I would love a Osha poster but, like you said, I can’t see them pass the oportunity of a badass, ”Dany burns the Khals and walks through fire” poster.
I liked how Cersei actually used some smart strategy. She obviously hates Margaery, and is the main reason she’s locked up, but she realizes that the longer the Faith hold her, the more power they gain in the eyes of the people. She needs the idea of the monarchy as strong as possible to keep her position.
Plus she was able to convince the Tyrell’s to use their own soldiers to attempt a rescue. It’s a win-win for Cersei. If they succeed, the crown’s power is restored and she can find another way to eliminate Margaery in the future. If they fail, it’ll be on the Tyrell’s hands and Margaery may die in the process.
The only twisting I want to see is someone’s knife through LF’s heart. ?
RosanaZugey,
I think we need to asume that… More important than Jon knowing that Ramsay raped Sansa is that she confronts LF about it.
Littlefinger is going to have issue with a freed from his oath Jon Snow, or Stark, or whatever you want to call him. LF believes Sansa is the key to the North, but even with Jon as a bastard, he could try his claim against Sansa. At least, LF might see it that way. I wouldn’t be surprised if LF and Jon had a major conflict. I also don’t think LF will buy into the whole magical resurrection and TPTWP. He’s a realist. Also, the Vale army would gladly turn on LF whenever they had the option.
Mihnea,
It’s only available on HBO outlets like HBONow. I suppose it will turn up on youtube eventually like the video for eps 1 & 2 did.
Sue the Fury,
Oh OK.
Will check it when I get home!
Great recap Oz, as always!! Sorry about Lysa for you! Loved this episode, my favorite so far! Started out and ended with a bang! But I still can’t figure out where the episode name came from? Was it something to do with the High Sparrow speech? Have a great weekend Oz!
And preferably a Stark!
Dragged myself up at 6am here in the UK as patience isn’t one of my virtues and indulged!! I cried, I cheered, I loved it!!! ….Apart from Osha :(. I knew it would happen though.
The Stark reunion! How many seasons have we waited and hoped for one? And it was beautifully done. I loved seeing Jon smiling….probably more than he’s done in a long while. Seeing grown up Sansa with steel in her eyes. Yes, you go girl.
I like many are surprised by the change in Jon ….but it makes complete sense. Who wouldn’t be depressed after what he’s been through. Sansa has come just at the right time and will give him his sense of purpose back. Everyone needs that. It’s a fantasy story but I love how they humanise the characters so you can really relate to them.
While I love the books I have no expectations that the show will follow the same principles and I don’t care. I get two stories. Both work for me.
Brienne and Tormund is priceless. Somehow I just know GOT will rain on my parade there. More’s the pity.
I loved Tyrion’s diplomatic skills coming to the fore. The bottom line is that Dany ‘s way did not work, so the Imp is changing the rules. Good for him and besides, sorting out the politics would allow Dany to feel she could leave for Westeros. Isn’t that what we all want?
Somehow I’ve come around to feeling sympathy for House Lannister. Hmmmm. Very cleverly done. Ultimately I think they are destined to fall although I’d like to see Jamie alive at the end. I’ve never had any sympathy for Cersei. Even her walk of shame left me feeling it was less than she deserved. Love Lena for being so incredible, but if the character dies, then it’s justice imo.
If Dany ultimately connects with Jon, is there any mileage in hoping Melisandre can cure Jorah? Or am I just being sentimental because I love Iain Glen?
Kudos to the young actor playing Robin Arryn. Sooo creepy and weird, perfect! As for Littlefinger, he deserves a good slap! However, if he’s backing team Stark, then all good. Aidan Gillen is too good a character to lose. I’ve never been able to decide for sure whether he’s a good guy or not!
I have to agree, I did wonder about the rapidity of the fire spreading in the final scene. They obviously use an accelerant in the braziers so I assume it splashed out when tipped over. Still, for me it doesn’t matter. Artistic licence in a fantasy drama. So what. I just want Dany to move forward for once, not backwards….and now it’s happening.
After five seasons living in hope, it’s great to see hope actually spring forth. I feel the show has it spot on!!
I wish dany would just die….I don’t about you people but she is some kind of supernatural hero. Is she ever even in danger?…Sansa is becoming a favorite of mine…I din’t know she could do that without her wolf.
“The Book of the Stranger” was mentioned in Margaery’s conversation with the High Sparrow.
The Wall: Oh boy. Ohhhh boy. When I heard that horn blow, I started tearing up. I absolutely love how Jon let go of the guardrail and literally took a step back when he recognized her. Just pure shock. And Sansa, seeing a familiar face after all this time, even the half brother she was awful to as a child. It was so goddamn emotional. LOVE seeing their light hearted banter. LOVE that she apologized, even though it wasn’t really needed (I would’ve done the same thing). Also love Sansa being the tip of the spear and Jon feeling worn down from all the fighting and the dying and the resurrection. He really has changed, and she really has grown. Brienne saved Mel from Davos’ asking about Shireen, but then she drops the Stannis bomb on them both and struts away like a muf*ckin’ boss. Approved.
Side note: Can we make “When Tormund Met Brienne” happen as often as possible? He’s staring at her like the amazonian warrior queen she is and I love it. He’s probably one of the only men in Planetos who can appreciate her exactly as she is.
Iron Islands: Just making me cry over here. Theon wants a HUG, Yara. A HUG.
KL: I need things to start happening. I do love it, but I need something to happen. Cersei’s somber Mia Farrow realness is no joke, and I’m glad Olenna and Cersei are (temporarily) on the same side. Poor Marge, poor Loras.
Winterfell: I can’t wait to see Ramsey die in spectacular fashion. RIP Osha, it could’ve been so much worse.
Dany: Babygirl, I just want the best for you; work that fireproof skin and asbestos hairspray! I want her to swoop back by Meereen, snag the rest of her followers and head on over to Westeros (except leave the North alone please? Maybe?)
However you feel about the Khal-B-Q and how it came to pass, the image of her emerging from the structure with the flames erupting behind her is pretty dang awe-inspiring.
In the preview for episode 5, Jaqen says something to Arya about death coming for the decent, as well as the wicked. Is it possible, then, that Arya is going to be tasked with killing a main character? Tyrion? Dany? Or even…Sansa? After all, when Arya last saw her sister, she was sharing the stage with her father’s jailers and killers. And now, she is no one…Tragic and potentially infuriating. But this is GRRM, after all.
ArgonathofBraavos,
They aren’t tasked with killing people they know.
Out of curiosity, what do you all think will happen if / when Davos finds out what happens to Shireen? I figure someone will likely tell him eventually as he has asked her on more than one occasion.
I aggree with you all that Tyrion is just buying time. I am waiting for the dragons to be released!!
That would be very cool!
I wonder about that as well. I am thinking Red tries to avoid it as long as possible. I would not be surprised if Davos kills her over it.
Ser Not Appearing in this Series,
Ahh! Thanks so much! Definitely did not catch that! Will rematch again tonight!
Great recap as usual, Oz! Thanks for all you do…
I absolutely LOVED the reunion of Jon and Sansa (dammit, there’s something in my eyes), and it’s good to see her take control of her situation by making sure Jon knows how important taking Winterfell is to her. Once they realize that they have more than just the wildlings on their side, they should make short work of Ramsay (FINALLY).
I was a bit worried about how Dany would pull this off after being captured, but that was absolute perfection. The echos of the S1 finale are not lost on anyone, and this time, the stage is MUCH more grand, so now, hopefully, she can go back, wipe out the slavers, get some ships, and head over to Westeros where she belongs…
Finally, some recommendations for your musical pleasure…first: make sure you see Foals. They bring SO much energy and musical prowess when they play live. Absolutely amazing. I’d also recommend seeing Borns, Atlas Genius, X Ambassadors, Silversun Pickups, and Grouplove. Good lineup there…have fun (and see as many of the big headliners as you can).
Very true. Should make for an interesting conversation.
Amen!! ???
What was Tommen’s secret? I didn’t understand…
didn’t one of the Khals mention that a slave city offered 10k horses for Daenerys? Then they are obviously aware that she was (up till then) a Dothraki prisoner, and I wouldn’t expect them to honor the agreement with Tyrion in that case (did they even say yes to his proposal?)
Lyanna_Targaryen,
Awesome post! My feelings exactly.
Any episode that opens with a reunion of Stark kiddies will rank among my favorites in the series. I waited a long time for it. For me, it meant more that it was Jon and Sansa because the two were not close while growing up. It was a clear demonstration of what family and home means to them,
And Brienne and Tormund is genius! I want them to run away to Pentos together.
Great work, as always, Oz.
Very good episode, but I still need to rewatch it (a couple times).
But I feel you missed one opportunity, Oz. You could have said that now (again being worshipped by a bunch of Dothraki because unburnt – though without dragons this time), Daenerys can once more go back to Qarth and make a new (very same) round of Essos. If this keeps up, HBO can have a neverending story of Daenerys circling around Essos (never mind the very likely loss of any quality storytelling).
Yay, I finally catched up with the show and am able to read the unsullied recaps! (I’ve read the books, but avoid at all cost any spoiler about the show or readers/viewers theories, so this is the place to be for me)
Thanks for a great recap, Oz! “At least this gift can fly should Robin decide to toss it out the moon door” made me laugh out loud – I missed on that subtlety, but am convinced your analysis struck true.
Having watched the first four episodes back-to-back, I’m very happy with this season so far, and can’t wait for the next episode. The Dany storyline *finally* looks like it could be going somewhere, and the rest also look to move past the speedbumps of last season. Bring. It. On!!!
Still shaking from enthusiasm after the last episode’s ending, that’s exactly why I don’t want to read unsullied’s theories either 🙂
I liked it. It mirrored the season 1 ending
Another well thought-out and well-written recap by Oz. Cheers to you!
I loved this episode so much. Not quite as good as Home, but it was my 2nd favorite episode of season 6 so far (I know, I know, the TOJ and the Gallows scenes in Oathbreaker were amazing but the Winterfell scenes left a sour taste in my mouth so I have to rank it as my 3rd favorite episode.) That being said, ALL episodes this season have been wonderful.
Some my own thoughts:
Referencing Brienne, Davos and Melissandre (aka Velvet), Oz said,
This points out a major plot going toward that also intrigues me. I mean, Brienne wasn’t just loyal to Renly because she was his kingsguard, she also loved him very much (look to her many stories of why she loved him – her talk with Pod about the ball; or the bath scene with Jamie, etc). She may have had her vengeance on Stannis but she will never trust or help the woman who created the blood magic that killed Renly. Plus, Melissandre still has some ‘splainin’ to do with Davos. He loved Shireen like a daughter and NO WAY will he be okay with what she did in the name of her false prince. She will pay, one way or another. It is known.
Also declare me on team #BrienneGiantsbane. Seven hells this coupling would be powerful.
The scenes in the Vale were clearly setting up alliances for the wars to come. As previously pointed out, Ridiculously Tall Robin is helping his cousin Sansa, NOT Jon and I think this distinction will make a huge difference in the future.
I would suggest that regardless of whether she takes control of the salt throne, she will prove to be a formable ally to ‘Jonsa’ or to another powerful woman making waves across the narrow sea. Yara is a strong woman and this appears to be the season of strong women #girlpower
Because I have a heart, my favorite part of the episode was absolutely the Jon/Sansa reunion and all the feels that scene made me have. BUT I also loved the scenes in Vaes Dothrak. Aside from Jorah being the only one not provided with sunscreen and apparently losing his ability to fight, the imagery in that final scene was brilliant! Dany doesn’t need Jorah or Daario to save her, she doesn’t even need Dragon (at least right now), she can save herself. I love it.
Finally because the episode is titled the Book of the Stranger and Jonathan Pryce is such an incredible actor – I have to give a shout out to his scene with Margery. As the High Sparrow continues his quest to be the master of all manipulators (he already holds the title of master of monologues) his rhetoric is starting to truly concern me. His simple story seemed so innocent but in truth he is one of the worst ‘influencers’ in King’s Landing and his tyrannical faith needs to come to an end soon.
ALSO Oz, Haim is amazing live so try to see them; Roots of Rebellion and Pepper are very chill (à la Slightly Stoopid); and Meg Mac makes me feel my feelings. Seems like an interesting lineup. Have fun!
“Robin has been training for a year with very little progression and somewhere in Disneyland, Merida is weeping at his archery skills.” I really have no idea why this made my laugh as it hard at did, but well done, Oz.
Halfman,
How do we know? If someone comes to the House of B&W, and asks for someone they know to be killed, would they refuse? And this could also be a test for Arya. If he is truly “no one” then she can kill anyone, including friends, family and acquaintances. IMO, I think she could be tasked with killing Dany, or possibly Tyrion. But I can also see a scenario where she is tasked to kill Sansa.
Har! I can be husband to more than just bears
Hoping that Sansa spills the beans over her aunt’s death and all Littlefinger’s evil scheming. Then she goes to the Eyrie with him to hide out and plays a game of ‘Who shall we send through the Moon Door’ with Robin. (We KNOW he’ll get his moon door wish eventually!)
Ramsay’s 20th Good Man,
Yes. I’d imagine she’s been playing this list in her head the same way Arya has played hers. And she’s just waiting to use each one to her advantage. (Just hope that LF doesn’t realize that she’s ready to do that and decides she’s no longer worth the investment….ala Ros)
RosanaZugey,
Given what Jon read in the letter, he doesn’t have to know for him to realize Ramsey is a monster. But I suspect she has….
HARmundGiantsbane,
Hee, yeah, I thought before how they had bears in common 🙂
“I have killed me i’ve admired.”
That line got me
You are right, it was cleverly done. I think the whole episode got right down to business. Yet, I don’t feel sympathy for the Lannisters so much; it’s more like vastly preferring them to the Faith Militant.
Olenna’s pointed barbs at Cersei, and the Lannisters in general, are starting to get annoying, though. Last week she jabbed at the Lannisters with a “your family” remark – news flash, lady, that is now Margaery’s family, too. Her remarks this week about Cersei’s influence being undone makes no sense, either. Why rub the events of the WoShame in Cersei’s face when the same fate could await them all? The crazy Septa would be more than happy to ring a bell down the road behind Olenna’s naked butt. You’d think that a wise old owl like Olenna would know better. Taking shots at Cersei just for the sake of taking a shot is totally non-productive now, especially while Marge and Loras are still in the dungeon.
Shaming Cersei was the same as shaming all the ruling class, with the same intent: to dismantle their influence completely. It seems like Marge is the only one with any real sense; she knows that the Faith are playing the Highborn against each other. Cersei seems to come to that realization, too, but her cooperation with the Tyrells is tinged with her gritty determination to get rid of Marge. When Tommen said to Cersei “You don’t like Margaery very much, do you?” I had to laugh. Duh, kid.
Great review, as always, Oz. Funny.
One thing struck me: there’s already a huge concentration of players/power/… up north.
With Jon and Sansa together (I had expected a near miss, as usual on GoT), Jon backed up by Tormund (Wildlings), Edd (remaining Night’s Watch), either one of them potentially backed by the many northern houses, Melisandre apparently following Jon, Davos also probably following Jon, Brienne and Pod serving Sansa, possibly Littlefinger with the Knights of Vale also coming, in theory Theon wanting to right some wrongs … that’s like half the cast being together.
That also brings some huge issues with it (not just the happiness of reunions and fun Brienne+Tormund looks).
Davos and Melisandre have never been close, Brienne can hold a grudge against both of them, Littlefinger – if he comes – won’t like anybody influential near Sansa, Wildlings might have disagreements with any fancy southern knights, northern houses might only back Sansa, or only back Jon.
In other words, it’s a hell of a mess that’s brewing in the former Stark lands, and I love it.
Don’t worry, I was just kidding. I don’t believe it’ll come to that (again). Well… I hope.
I loved this episode: I was like a silly child clapping my hands in glee when that gate opened and it was Sansa! I loved that it happened within a minute of the start of the episode, just enough time to register that Jon planned to take a Spring Break to Florida and roam the roads. I was giddy watching him come to the realization that it was SANSA standing in the court yard, and giggled like a Grandma when they hugged.
As happy as I was with Jansa (groan, I hate these but I’ll play along. Saves typing.) I couldn’t help but snarl at Yara’s treatment of Theon. Poor Theon can’t seem to catch a break anywhere. GEEEZ, Yara, he didn’t effing BETRAY you, he was a pulverized soul, living in the damned dog pound. That should have spoken volumes about his mental condition, yet you expected him to jump right up at the sight of you. Like father, like daughter. But the whole thing was well done, production-wise. Speaking of wayward Greyjoys, where has Euron been, after that brief intro on the bridge, where they didn’t even have Balon say his name? It will be fun to see how they re-introduce him.
There was so much in this episode, I will have to stop in later, but wanted to say I also loved Dany’s escapades in Vaes Dothrak and the finish. The girl does know how to make her point. Let the horses rape her? Ha, take THAT, Khals. Some of you said cheesy, nooooo, it was wonderful. Even Dario bent his sexy knee, as she stood there like a boss.
Nymeria the wolf,
Yep thats what Im thinking too. It may be a while since she saw herself walking the battlements of Winterfell but something tells me she may not walk them for long!
Lyanna_Targaryen,
You’re awesome !!!!!
I cannot get over how happy the reunion made me
I will be rewatching it daily on my tablet !!!!!! It was perfect
I want them to stay together I really hope they don’t go seperate ways. Someone reassure me
And I loved Danys epicness. I love that she’s unburnt, because it adds to the magic in the show which I love
Who’s complaining about the fire spreading quickly? It’s a hut made of wood.. Fire will spread very quick
Dee,
Likewise!
Stark Loyalist,
I’m sorry, chop her head off with what, the steel they can’t bring into their sacred city?
If you’re going to nitpick, do so accurately.
Lyanna_Targaryen,
Thank you 🙂
Good stuff as always Oz. And I agree it’s nice to see what could be the start of some momentum in Dany’s storyline.
And I found another Ozzie on the your list whom I would love to see and you may also: Meg Mac. A taste of soul from down under. Check out “Grandma’s Hands” or “Never Be”.
Yeah, it was such a beautiful moment! I’m a guy, so obviously I blame a mosquito flying into my eyes, but suddenly there were a couple of tears welling up…
It wouldn’t spread *that* quickly by itself, but while watching I decided that they must have splashed some oil around in preparation (after all it was planned). I will NOT allow any bitchin over one of the most awesome scenes ever!
I seem to have the opposite opinion to most I guess
I want LittleFinger to have a few more tricks up his sleeve, I still want him to do over one more Stark and Sansa is the only candidate really (unless Rickon somehow survives).
By the end of the season I would love LF to sell out Sansa to her doom and live to fight another day.
People keep talking about Cleganebowl (yawn), I’d rather see VaryaelishBowl
Those are possibly the two most interesting, dangerous and secretive characters – to not have them both reveal their true natures and confront each other stripped of pretence…would be a wasted opportunity.
Remember? : )
Sansa: “Where will YOU go?”
Jon: “Where will WE go…
That’s weird, I’m a guy as well and same damn thing happened to me! Damn mosquitos!
LittleWanger,
God I really hope not
Tar Kidho,
The Wolves of Winter,
The mosquitos must have been attacking all the male GOT watchers lol
The Wolves of Winter,
Oh yeah, where will we go….. So true
OMG….. ❤️❤️ That was so sweet
Tar Kidho,
I could it see it spreading quick.
Agree, she will scurry away from Davos for as long as she can to keep from answering that question, although I was wondering if Brienne’s comment that she saw what happened, that Stannis’ army was defeated and she killed Stannis, will hold Davos off for a bit. He did seem eager to say that the “blood magic” was “all in the past,” almost as though he was quickly coming to Mel’s defense. It seems as though he’s feeling that he can forgive the Red Woman anything because she brought back Jon. And, I don’t know about Davos, but I forgave her everything for bringing back Jon.
However, if he ever does find out specifically about Shireen, he will grab her and choke her. tearing off her necklace – she will then throw magic dust into his eyes, and by the time his sight has cleared, all he will see is an ancient little lady shuffling away.
Thronetender,
I agree with what you say about Theon. He definitely did not deserve to have been jumped upon in that way. Maybe Yara being as tough as she is, just does not understand what it is to be completely broken. I really felt bad for Theon in that scene.
ghost of winterfell,
She is probaly angry that he didn’t want to leave when she went to save him.
Tar Kidho,
It looks to me like the torches were fueled by oil themselves.
When she pushes the first one over you can clearly see liquid splashing all over the floor in the following shot.
I don’t know whether they gave the walls a coat of some flammable substance just for good measure. But if you chuck a few litres of burning oil around a wooden building then it’s likely to go up in flames pretty quickly regardless.
You may not even need litres of oils. It only took a spark to burn down London in 1666; most of the city that burned was made of wood and the buildings densely packed together.
Mihnea,
Yes, that’s her take on it. That’s why I said that she is not able to understand what it means to be broken down the way Theon was. I mean, they got Theon’s dick as a present from Ramsey. That alone should be enough to imagine what sort of horrors Theon would have gome through under Ramsey. Besides, she actually saw the state he was in when she went to rescue him in Dreadfort. And yet, the moment she sees him, she tears into him for not fleeing with her. I would have liked to see her be a bit more sensitive to Theon’s trauma.
Ser Not Appearing in this Series,
Any thought to the meaning behind the title, about people not being who they were perceived or remembered as?
-Yara doesn’t even recognize what’s left of her brother, Theon.
– Marjaery is not sure who she’s looking at when she finally sees Loras
-This new attitude from Sansa is like a stranger to Jon
-Edd is not sure who Jon is after he came back
-Dany is a stranger to the Khals/Dothraki
-Missandae and Grey Worm are not sure who Tyrion is and where his “deal” came from.
Just thinking out loud…
Ramsay’s 20th Good Man,
It was lamp oil, like they used to use in the old days (wax would be completely softened/melted in that climate and wood would burn through too quickly, plus no trees around)), hence the “splash” movement of the flames when it spilled out of the brazier.
ghost of winterfell,
She was sensitive with Theon’s suffering , that is why she tried to go and save him in the first place.
But he refused to go with her, he refused to recognize her, he refused to recognize himself, he refused to be saved and chose to stay with Ramsey instead.
She lost men trying to save him, ”her men” as she says it, she failed her father on a foolish quest because of him…etc.
I think she has ample reasons to be a bit angry at him and not just jump and hug him strait away. Not to add, Theon returning at a very time her father died, this surely affected her.
Is anybody else scared for Sansa this season? I feel that the way the show is building her up to be a character that people can root for could mean that they’re planning to kill her off. She’s gradually becoming my favourite character but I’m worried that means she’s gonna die. They do like to shock us!
Lol, what a nice, funny recap!
Littlefinger’s plan to make Westeros great again. LMAO! Well done, Oz. Headed to the Gorge?
“Jackass Award: Ramsay is always a leading candidate, but this week the award goes to Daario for the old man jokes (and the weird “kissing the tit knife” sequence). I can’t decide if I like him or if I want Jorah to kill him.”
I have wanted Daario dead since they foolishly replaced Old Daario with Maario
Ricky,
This season, I’m not worried. Maybe that’s naive of me, but I’m staying positive.
Long-term, however, I’m terrified.
As we approach the culmination of the entire show, and the cast is narrowed down further every season, their ability to really shock the audience will become more ominously focused on central characters like Sansa.
And the closer we get to the end of the show, the less likely they are to worry about the ratings ramifications of really giving the audience a kick in the teeth.
We don’t have to have a “Mega Happy Ending” (a la Wayne’s World), but I really hope they don’t just make it utterly bleak either.
Honestly, if they killed off Sansa after all this, I think I’d remove the episodes from my hard drive, place the DVDs in a box somewhere, and never watch them again. Ever. That’d probably be it for me.
The people who make this show are crafting it with full knowledge of the ways you tell a story on television.
With that, I think we should probably have a little faith in their understanding of the audience, too… It would not only make no sense but genuinely ruin much of their narrative to kill off characters like Sansa, Tyrion, Arya and Dany. For example, this is why we all knew instinctively that Jon was coming back… it made no narrative sense to kill him when he still had story left to tell, and while we can all point at GRRM as being unconventional in his storytelling, even HE follows certain tropes: the hero’s journey, for one.
I would bet money that Tyrion, Jon, Dany, Sansa, Arya and Sam survive through the end. And probably Brienne, Bran and Gilly, too.
Cameryn,
Fingers crossed.
Isn’t it also the war of Jon, the NW and the Wildlings the minute Ramsay directly threatened Jon, the Night’s Watch, and Wildlings? The minute Ramsay sent that inflammatory letter addressing Jon and tried to get him to react, it became his war and it became the Wildlings’ and the NW’s too.
Also, I have no issue with Jon refusing Sansa before the letter. Before the letter, she was asking him to get the Wildlings involved in a war that, on the surface, has nothing to do with them.
Considering the last episode had a lot of imperialist/colonialist and privilege themes running through more than one person’s story (Tyrion, Queen of Thorns), Jon refusing to use the Wildlings as a personal army for his family was 100% right. And seeing some of the other privileged talk going on elsewhere in the episode, I was pleasantly surprised.
But, I disagree that this is Sansa’s war and Sansa’s war alone because she was the first person with grievances against Ramsay and the first to want to fight against him. The others, rightly, only got involved in the ‘games that high lords play’ when the threat from Ramsay became absolutely explicit and tangible towards them and their institutions. It became the war of everyone who Ramsay threatened – including the Wildlings – the minute he sent that letter and those groups in question decided to act against Ramsay.
I agree about the Knights of the Vale though – they’re coming to support Sansa. And, I do think that the fact that Sansa was proactive in seeking this out before that letter even came does setup the fact that she’s going to be Queen in the North or Wardeness of the North.
Lisse,
I agree with you, it’s a very good point you make.
Does anyone else think that the HS is purposefully feeding information to Tommen, knowing that he’s more than likely going to tell Cersei everything they talk about (regardless of the “confidentiality policy” of the church?). HS is soooo manipulative (and Tommen so simple), that I would only assume he is, however; I wonder what the purpose would be…does he have a plan, hoping that the Royals will try to resuce Marg before her walk of atonement? Any other thoughts?
Halfman,
There is a scene where you see the Dosh Khaleesh leader light the fires and it is super flammable, she was using a bucket with a substance, it is subtle but it is there, it looks the same as in Dany’s scene. The young Khaleese Dany adopted helped her get that shit all over the place or provided Dany with it.