In Watchers on the Wall’s Memory Lane series this spring, a number of guest authors will be stopping by to share their thoughts on the day’s episode. Our first guest post features a friend to the site and commenter you know by the name of SirSquinty. He joined us in New York City last fall for the Night of Ice and Fire, and today he’ll be steering you through season 2’s third episode, “What is Dead May Never Die,” written by Bryan Cogman and directed by Alik Sakharov. Please give a warm Watchers welcome to SirSquinty! – Sue
Time to revisit one of my favorite episodes of season 2! It’s interesting because in retrospect, season 2 is my least favorite season of Game of Thrones, but it is largely notable for its small moments and themes that would pay off in later seasons.
The episode starts in the middle of a story, as Craster throws Jon to the floor for spying on him. This also gives us our first look at Jon fighting back at Lord Commander Mormont. Here we see the further developments of the hero Jon would become, on his mission to do (like his father) what is right.
While the episode title “What Is Dead May Never Die” are Ironborn words, we can actually derive some further meaning when looking more closely at certain scenes. The episode’s opening is explicitly a response to Jon learning that Craster is sacrificing his baby boys to the White Walkers. Those babies might be dead, but they certainly will never die, and they most definitely will rise again harder and stronger.
This episode also sowed the seeds of the couple I have dubbed ‘Silly,’ in which Sam makes his first move on Gilly, by being so forward as to offer her a thimble. A thimble?! Samwell Tarly! You sly direwolf, you!
Bran talks to Maester Luwin about his wolf dreams, which is another major seed planted for future seasons. Sure, Bran and Summer had been linked as boy and pet earlier, and a closer suggestion had even been hinted at, but nothing was as overt as Bran actually acknowledging their connection out loud. This is yet another monumental moment in this quietly fantastic episode.
Brienne makes her series debut by kicking Loras’ ass – a fitting start to her character. She ascends to Renly’s Kingsguard within her first few spoken lines – not a bad promotion.
While I love the introduction to Renly’s camp, where a tourney is being held in good fun, when Catelyn indicates that Robb is busy fighting a real war, I feel that if Robb’s storyline had appeared in this episode, her words would have had a stronger parallel.
The weirdest love triangle emerges in this episode, with the coining of Margaery’s famous phrase, “Do you want my brother to come in and help?” Additionally, the episode’s title comes back into play here. Just because Renly and Margaery are married, doesn’t mean his sexuality goes away; it will persistently return harder than ever if Renly doesn’t sleep with someone to whom he is sexually attracted.
Theon has a huge episode here, and it’s his turning point. He’s not exactly past the point of no return (that won’t happen until he beheads Ser Rodrik later in the season), but the scene where he sits in the dark and contemplates mailing a warning letter to Robb versus aligning with his family’s plan to conquer the undefended North is one of the most powerful in all of Game of Thrones.
The camera cleverly places Alfie Allen (a titan among the incredible cast) against a completely black backdrop, to emphasize how alone in the world Theon feels. After watching him agonize over what to do, he gives into his destiny and burns the letter. Five seasons in and this remains among my favorite scenes of the show to date because of how wonderful an example it is of how good an adaptation can be. I love it when adaptations make bold choices that didn’t occur on paper. Aragorn didn’t ever fall off the cliff in The Two Towers book version, any more than Theon ever wrote Robb a warning note – but the visuals make for an exceptional scene.
Meanwhile at King’s Landing, other pieces are falling into place. An awkward family dinner scene offers Sophie Turner the chance to showcase the acting she never got much of an opportunity to during season 1. Cersei mistreats her at dinner, but what else is new?
Sophie is especially powerful during the scene where Shae announces she is going to be Sansa’s new handmaiden. And – spoiler alert – Shae is a TERRIBLE handmaiden: “What would you like me to do first?”
This episode actually has two of my favorite scenes, come to think of it – Tyrion’s “two lies, one truth” game that he plays with Varys, Littlefinger, and Pycelle is masterfully directed and is still a delight to watch years later. It remains one of the most interesting and stylistic directorial choices the show has had so far.
Wait. Wait. Wait. This episode has THREE of my favorite scenes – Varys tells Tyrion the very nature of power and poses the epic riddle of Game of Thrones, where there is a priest, a king, and a rich man, and a common sellsword has to choose which two to kill. It examines the nature of power, which would go on to be season 2’s dominant motif. I think this might be Conleth Hill’s (Varys) most shining moment in all of Game of Thrones thus far.
When Cersei later inadvertently exposes Pycelle as the rat, it offers Lena Headey a rare moment to display the vulnerability Cersei most often keeps locked up. I know I keep gushing over the actors but MAYBE THEY SHOULD STOP BEING SO GOOD.
Yoren’s final moments (RIP) involve teaching Arya to use her past burdens and demons guide her future. This is perhaps the least overt meaning of the episode’s title yet, but serves as a continuing reminder that just because something is dead does not mean it is gone. And as I’d mentioned earlier, season 2 laid a lot of groundwork for future seasons – well, now we don’t even think twice when Arya repeats her hit list to herself, but that would have never happened if Yoren hadn’t taught her to combat her demons head on.
Notable Quotables:
Lord Commander Mormont: “Many a time, that monster has been the difference between life and death – your uncle among them. We have other wars to fight. Like it or not, we need men like Craster.”
Catelyn Stark: “My son is fighting a war, not playing at one.”
Margaery: “Do you want my brother to come in and help?
Varys: “Power is a curious thing….Power resides where men believe it resides. It’s a trick, a shadow on the wall. And, a very small man can cast a very large shadow.”
First appearances:
Brienne of Tarth, Margaery Tyrell, Amory Lorch, Polliver, and we get a mention of the Martells.
Deaths:
Yoren, Lommy Greenhands, and Grand Maester Pycelle’s beard
Just Tits and Dragons, folks
Hodor?
*Fans herself* My first Hodor ever, and likely the last! 🙂
The first image there is one of the show’s best-ever visuals.
This episode introduces a bunch of characters I initially wasn’t all that impressed with, but who markedly improved in future seasons. I didn’t really get much out of Christie’s Brienne at first, for instance; even the preview of the Brienne/Jaime dynamic at the end of this season didn’t do much for me. But it ended up being arguably the best part of Season 3. And then there’s Margaery, with her terrible wig and strange wardrobe — both improved markedly from Season 3 onward.
RIP Yoren. An excellent last stand on his part.
This episode begins the Sansa/Shae pairing, which, while the actors had good scene chemistry, in the long run was written mainly about servicing Shae’s character in ways that consistently came at Sansa’s expense.
There’s something I don’t understand about Tyrion’s game. If the mole had turned out to be Varys or Littlefinger, would he send Myrcella to marry Theon or Robin?
Hello, good Sir. I have not started binge watching the series. This will happen in April.
Everytime I read a new memory lane post I think how long ago this happened and how far the show and the characters have come. Kickass Brienne is one of my favorite characters, but I have many. Even Dany is growing on me.
RIP Yoren.
Tywin of the Hill,
The alliance with Dorne was always the plan, with him using it as a means of smoking out who among them would inform on his plans to Cersei. It just happened that the informer was the one who was given the real plan as opposed to one of the decoys.
I was still Unsullied when I watched this – I remember how I came to loathe Theon but now I pity him (the character – I know it’s fiction). No doubt he is a troubled but weak character. I think you have provided an apt description of the episode but now you have mentioned “Silly” I fear I’ll be thinking of “Silly Sam” – alliteration – and “Silly Gilly” rhyming!!!
Squinty!
Yes. And although in the books it’s slightly different, the implication in the show seems to be that Tyrion knew that Pycelle would be the informer. Varys is just too well informed to believe the lie (look at his face when Tyrion proposes the plan to wed Myrcella to Theon -which is quite a stupid plan, honestly), and Littlefinger is too intelligent to tell the Queen about a secret plan that includes a personal gain for him.
Whenever I see Lommy’s name, I can’t help but think of the Hound’s hilarious “WTF is a Lommy” line lol.
Even upon a rewatch, I cannot focus on her wardrobe and wig! Shame! Renly could have been more creative with that opportunity! He should have taken Marg’s advice! 🙂
”My real father lost his head at King’s Landing. I made a choice, and i choose wrong.” – Theon :'(
Too much of a Grejoy to be a Stark, too much of a Stark to be a Greyjoy. Theon was always doomed not matter what path he chose.
Thimbles don’t get enough press these days
RIP Yoren. I had totally forgotten about his last conversation with Arya. Shame on me. It was such a great scene.
What a fantastic episode this was! I loved seeing Tyrion trying to rat out who was Cersei’s informant. I agree with you about Varys’ best scene. The writing in this episode is brilliant.
The handwritten note by Theon was a lovely addition and his entire story arch is so tragic. I don’t think Robb would have executed him if Balon rebelled (since that was the deal that was struck after the Greyjoy rebellion I think), but I think that he would have been pressured by Cat and the other Northern Lords to do it. Balon was willing to attack regardless of what Theon was going to do, so that says a lot about what he thinks of his son. 🙁
I liked Jon’s scene with the LC (definitely makes you wonder how things would have been like if the Watch had tried to prevent the WW earlier). I assume some might have hoped the WW would just kill the Wildlings for them and stay beyond the Wall, which is foolish. I believe Craster gave the WW 99 sons in the books so, including the WW that were already ‘alive’, there must be at least 100 of them (children included) beyond the Wall. It’s going to be difficult taking them down. That’s like having 100 generals with their separate wight army of men, women, children, elderly (and hopefully not giants).
Also, Kit has a nice profile in that picture.
Still on Season 2, I see….
“What is Dead May Never Die” isn’t Bryan Cogman’s first script for the show (“Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things”) nor do I necessarily think it’s his best (for me, that would be “Kissed by Fire”). But whenever I think about a ‘Bryan Cogman script’, this tends to be the one that springs to mind. It’s the episode that really launched him into my awareness as a superlative talent.
This is also the first episode of the show directed by Alik Sakharov, who previously worked on Season 1 as a cinematographer. Not surprisingly, the visuals in this episode are stunning. People in the comments above me have already praised the striking image of Theon burning his letter to Robb against a backdrop of total darkness. The scene that immediately follows it – Theon consecrating his faith to the Drowned God in sight of his father and his sister – is absolutely gorgeous as well.
This is easily the best Ironborn episode to date, in my opinion. Hopefully, Season 6 can match it.
The scene when Tyrion roots out Cersei’s spy is amazing, and so much goddamn fun. Three such scenes shot in sequence might have started to drag, but by weaving them together, it feels dynamic and thrilling as you start to understand what Tyrion is doing. It feels even more special because it’s such a unique directorial flourish for the show – playing with time and perspective in a way that the series usually doesn’t. By the time you reach his conversation with Littlefinger, it’s clear that Tyrion is a master at playing this game. A perfect example of how to utilize the strengths of the visual medium.
Tyrion confronting Pycelle is another wickedly funny scene. (“There are no goats, halfman!”/“Well, make do!”) I love Bronn’s smile there – he’s having as much fun watching Tyrion work as we are! And Varys’s riddle about power is one of my favorite quotes in the entire series, show or book. It’s no surprise that the marketing department used it to headline the first full trailer for Season 2.
Other odds and ends – Brienne’s introduction is just great. I loved her from the first. Gwendoline Christie is one of the very best discoveries for Nina Gold and our superlative casting department – a fact that Hollywood seems to have cottoned on to. (You’ll get yours, Captain Phasma. Wait until Episode VIII).
I also love Catelyn’s exchange with Renly when she calls his army “the Knights of Summer”. Such a great line, and an apt description of Renly. In the lead-up to Season 2, I remember that was a very popular fan choice for an episode title (alas, it wound up not being used – but at least it made it into the show).
Another underrated exchange that I absolutely love is when Bran tells Luwin about his wolf dreams, and Luwin kindly but sadly tries to dissuade him of the notion. (“Maybe magic once was a mighty force in the world, but not anymore. The dragons are gone, the giants are dead, and the Children of the Forest forgotten.”) In light of what we’ve seen and what we know is coming (and coupled with Jon and Mormont’s conversation about the “crueler gods” that Craster serves) that belief is obviously misplaced. But we know that Luwin’s intentions are pure, and his words are a wonderful commentary about the state of magic in this world, as seen through the eyes of a character who we value for his wisdom and good judgment.
Finally, Yoren’s last stand. Francis Magee did an absolutely amazing job bringing this minor character to life, and he goes out in a spectacular episode for his character. His monologue about the man who killed his brother (“Willem. Willem. Willem …”) is just a beautiful piece of writing – and incredibly significant one, of course, as it winds up inspiring Arya’s list. And he gets one of the most badass final lines of any character so far – “I’ve always hated crossbows. Take too long to load!” That foul-mouthed, uncouth Night’s Watchman is one of the show’s true heroes – though I’m sure that he would spit at that title.
I love the way Sansa stares into the obscured mirror (right before Shae enters her room), as if she really is trying to remember who she is. Identity came into this episode a lot – Bran’s wolf dreams, Arya’s trying to forget, Sansa and Theon’s letter.
Also, Cat’s quote:
“For they are the knights of summer and winter is coming”
Great commentary on a great episode. Can’t ever get enough of Tyrion and Varys, can’t ever praise Alfie Allen’s acting enough either. (And, yeah, everyone else’s)
The Beautiful Deaths are never less than impressive but this one might be my favourite, and that’s saying a lot. First, it’s Yoren. And he’s instantly recognisable despite the very simple two-tone line drawing. But mainly I love, love, love the visual translation of the fact that he takes a bolt to enable the others to flee, with the kids literally running away on the bolt’s shaft. Simple, genius.
These trips of appreciation down memory lane are….much appreciated!!!
Just lovely!
And also very nice for helping me get through the next 38 days!
Tootie,
Yeah, I am torn between excitement that it is ‘only’ 38 more days or ‘sigh, still’ 38 more days. I am weird…
Yoren’s chat with Arya was brilliant and superbly written. I was surprised that was invented for the show and not taken from the book, but sure GRRM would have put his seal of approval on it. I can see why it was done and in later episodes with Arya reciting the names before she slept of those she wants to take revenge on for her father’s execution.
Here’s the full text of what Yoren said: Its a classic…
You know, we’ve got something in common, me and you. You know that? I must have been a couple of years older than you. I saw my brother stabbed through the heart right on our doorstep. He weren’t much of a villain what skewered him. Willem, the lad’s name was. He ran off before anyone could spit. And I just stood there, watching my brother die. Here’s the funny part. I can’t picture my brother’s face anymore. But Willem, oh, he was a nice-looking boy. He had good white teeth, blue eyes, one of those dimpled chins all the girls like. I would think about him when I was working, when I was drinking, when I was having a shit. It got to the point where I would say his name every night before I went to bed. Willem. Willem. Willem. A prayer almost. Well, one day, Willem came riding back into town. I buried an ax so deep in Willem’s skull they had to bury him with it. Willem’s horse got me to the Wall and I’ve been wearing black ever since. That’ll help you sleep, eh?
I was have my evening meal during that scene and and almost choked on my food laughing when Yoren came out with: ” I would think about him when I was working, when I was drinking, when I was having a shit … So funny 😀
I liked Yoren… He had a kind nature hidden below his outward hard exterior as a Night’s Watchman and became a sort of surrogate father to Arya after Ned’s death. It was sad when he was killed shortly after that scene, but guess that’s ‘par for course’ in GOT 😉
I wanted to shake Theon and say “You’re making a terrible mistake!” during this episode. It’s such a good episode too! Gwendoline Christie is so perfect as Brienne. Also the scene with Yoren and Arya is just so touching.
Jared,
Beautifully written. Kudos!
I don’t believe the bulls head helm was in the book? I wonder if Dave and Dan planned that far ahead in season 1 for this episode? This is one of my favorite endings to an episode. Prime example of how D & D have done such a great job adapting the book into its own thing. I think it would’ve been silly to have Arya and the other kids fight as they did in the book. That’s not to disparage the book either as it works perfectly well on page (as do talking ravens, singing fools, and other such things that are better left to the imagination and not shown on screen).
I have a soft spot in my heart for Yoren, largely because of what Magee did with this role. Its another example (among many on GOT) of how the right actor elevates a seemingly minor character into one that is unforgettable. The crossbow line is one of my favorites and was delivered perfectly.
This episode had a lot of great moments for me: Brienne kicking Loras around; Renly playing at king and playing with the Tyrell kids; Vays and his riddle.
However, one of the most incredible scenes in the entire series is the Theon one described above. The visual of him burning that letter – alone and against the dark backdrop – was heartbreaking because (as a book reader) I knew what was coming next.
This is a fantastic episode, and I think only surpassed in Season 2 by Blackwater.
Can’t believe we’re in the 30s now. 5 more weeks come Sunday 🙂
Theon’s arch was (and still is) the most original plot in the entire GoT/ASOIAF. Usually prodigal sons are portrayed as protagonists: Moses is probably the most classical example. But in case of Theon it’s visa versa and even his kin is presented in the most negative way. However, the call of blood is the call of blood and Theon answers it proving that integration attempts may fail even under the most favorable circumstances.
That visual of Theon alone burning the letter does call to mind some of our better cinematographers, including Gordon Willis, people who worked with a lot of shadow.
Lots of actors on the show get their one or two great showcase moments, and Patrick Magee really does it in this episode, with his excellent speech and his bad-ass death scene, which wasn’t equaled until the death of Barristan Selmy, honestly. “Get up, you sons-of-whores! There’s men out there that wanna fuck your corpses!”
My favorite Varys moment is this line “Storms come and go, the big fish eat the little fish and I keep on paddling”
Very intrigued what Varys is going to do in S6.
An excellent episode and seriously I cannot understand why people regard S2 as the worse… In any case what is good with these memory lanes is that the authors make a summary in which they add memorable lines. I wish that would be the case with the authors of the actual recaps of every episode when S6 starts so that we don’t need to forget really good one-liners when it comes to vote when the season is over. I watched S5 E2 tonight and there were so many well scripted moments that didn’t make it to the nomination lists.
Sean C.,
I’ve been only lurking as of late but i have to ask you: why bother defending Sophie Turner on AICN? I mean it’s a complete waste of time when people outright call her the C word (it’s a hive of misogyny) to think you can have measured discussion there. No one is going to change their tune over there. Not those trolls and edge lords anyway. It’s slumming for you. Just sayin.
AGOT, Eddard VI:
This is when Ned went to see Tobho Mott and we readers see Gendry for the first time. The helmet is then mentioned a couple of times in Arya chapters, until we get to Lommy’s death and Arya is able to save Gendry because of the helmet.
Jared,
May I just say, Jared, that I enjoy reading your posts. Keep them coming.
My favorite scene in this episode would be Theon’s babtism.
That tear rolling down his left cheek gets me every time. He’s made a choice but at a very high price. And he’s clearly still not quite sure he chose right.
Joshua Atreides,
I visited there for the first time in probably years to survey how people were reacting to that trailer, and, perhaps against my better judgement, made a few comments. I find one rarely changes minds in situations like that, of course.
You know, I’ve started to wonder if we won’t get to see Theon’s death this season. Since the plotline he’s involved with in the books is different from where they are sending him in the show, and is in the show (the plotline, that is) effectively dead. D&D had to feel at ease making the change, which makes me suspect Theon is not long for the living, either on the show or in the books.
Shy Lady Dragon,
Mr Fixit,
Thank you both! I always enjoy reading your thoughts as well! 🙂
Yaga,
I fear that he may die as well and pretty soon. What a waste of an actor though. Despite Alfie’s excellent acting and a more innocent and if you listen and watch, likable Theon in the show compared to the Theon in the books before Ramsay, it would seem that a lot of viewers still don’t understand his background or the word Ward, and truly dislike the character. Some of them might have changed their opinion after the jump, but sadly, Theon is probably a character that D&D can rather easily dispose off without receiving a huge outcry or losing a lot of viewers. I will be one of those inclined to stop watching but I’m definitely a minority and well aware of it.
I think what I’m enjoying the most about this rewatch are the smaller characters who give such full and rounded performances in the few scenes they have. I always forget that Yoren dies after only 5 episodes with Arya 🙁
I just hated and despised the weak little shit that Theon is while reading for the first time. The show gets the nuances that were there in the books that I only got on a re-read, and also gives subtle hints as to his future.
And Alfie Allen played it all just soooo amazing. Perfect. That slight hesitation, a look to his father (who’s just stony), baptism, another look, the desolation, and almost biting his lip. Aw, Theon. You’ve just made a big mistake.
I have no idea what’s going to happen to the show Theon character. I suspect it might be different from the books. In the books Theon seems to be set up for an execution, maybe by a heart tree (blood sacrafice), in the show, he might take on an Iron Islands role.
As to D&D “disposing” of characters according to audience (and fanboy/fangirl) reaction? I don’t think they care. They want to tell the story as they see it. It might not be how some fans see it, and as we’re now moving into non-book territory…
They’ve offed some of my favourites before their time (Barristan Selmy, I’m looking at you) but I’m not going to stop watching because of that. Seven hells, they could kill off my absolute favourite, Jaime, I’d cry a bit, and then I’d still keep watching. Because the show isn’t about Jaime. Or Barri, or Theon, or even Jon Snow (who’s officially dead) or anybody else. It’s about the big story, and all these wonderful characters with their own dilemmas have got caught up in it.
The book/show characters don’t know they’re living during defining moments in history. That’s why they keep doing stupid things. We readers/show watchers know a lot more than the characters, so some jump in to condemn a character or another for their seemingly “stupid” actions.
Hindsight is 20/20, and we readers/show watchers have that, powered up, compared to the poor characters.
I don’t get people who proclaim on the internet that they’ll stop watching this or that favourite show if this or that favourite character gets offed, or the story doesn’t go according to their imagined thing.
Fine. Stop watching. Nobody is forcing you. Go and do something else, have a good coutry walk, get drunk with mates, paint Easter eggs
Sean C.,
I hand selected it!! Thanks for liking it! And yes. Those people suck.
Newbietothegame,
You should get on it pronto!!
Dame of Mercia,
I can’t believe Silly hasn’t become a thing yet!
Jon Snow's Curling Iron,
Yeah – I feel like we had similar feelings about this episode. It really was a gem. I lucked out in getting to do the retrospective for this episode – Thanks, Sue!!
A Girl Will Obey,
Thank you so much – I’m so glad you liked it! I’ll be doing one more before we’re all caught up…and you won’t want to miss my next one – I assure you…it is a HUGE one.
Tootie,
You’re so very welcome!!
Greatjon of Slumber,
Yeah as season 2 is my least favorite, it seems I really lucked out!!! “A coin for my trouble.”
talvikorppi,
Amen