Game of Thrones Season 7, Episode 3 “The Queen’s Justice”
Writer: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss
Director: Mark Mylod
Runtime: 63 minutes
Content Warnings: TV-MA: Adult Content, Adult Language, Nudity, Violence
Video Preview: The Queen’s Justice
Official Synopsis: Daenerys holds court. Tyrion backchannels. Cersei returns a gift. Jaime learns from his mistakes.
Tonight.
“The Queen’s Justice” premieres tonight at 9PM on @HBO. #GoTS7 pic.twitter.com/0RwUeWGehF— Game Of Thrones (@GameOfThrones) July 30, 2017
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“Cersei returns a gift” Oh shit…
That shot is GORGEOUS.
Hodor
So, which mistake do we think Jaime is going to learn from, and how ?
A few more first meetings tonight!!
Jon and Danny
Tyrion and Davos
Yara and Cersei
I hope we see Bran and Meera, tonight?
I’m looking forward to this one based upon the trailer footage we may see two battles and I’m assuming we are going to see the death of at least a few secondary characters this episode given how last episode ended.
Please no spoilers but I’m assuming Bran reaches Winterfell and if so it’ll be interesting to see how he interacts with Sansa. Also anyone think we will see Bronn or Hound/Brotherhood this episode? I’m thinking the only character we wont see is Arya as Bran and her arriving in same episode just feels unlikely.
Jon Snowed,
I honestly didn’t think we would get any Stark reunions this season
Markus Stark,
Freeing Tyrion, perhaps?
SO
DAMN
HYPE
63 MINS???????????????
How long do you guys think the battle we see in the preview is going to be? Will it be a long big setpiece (like hardhome or battle of the bastards being around 20 minutes), or will it be a 5-10 minutes battle like the attack at sea in the previous episode?
Jaime learns from his mistakes.
And yet, it’s still to early in the story for him to flee Cersei as fast as his two good feet will take him. *Sigh*
I am so ready y’all have no idea
Mel and Varys!
Jon and Daenerys and Tyrion.
Davos seeing all those Essosi people.
Winterfell happenings.
Euron and his victory parade.
Hope some Sam and Jorah too.
Don’t tease me with “Jaime learns from his mistakes”
I’ve been waiting for him to get fed up and leave her for years and if this is him learning…I don’t know…not to use his gold hand as a doorstop or something, I’ll be heartbroken lol
I am way too excited about Jon’s reunion with Tyrion and first meeting with Dany!! A little concerned about Davos seeing Mel at Dragonstone. I’ve been ready since season 3 for Jaime to learn from his mistakes so… is it time yet? 🙂
Oh I forgot about Sam! Can’t wait for more Sam…hoping Jorah doesn’t need another treatment though.
Did you notice that in the first two episodes everyone refers to “Daenerys” and “Cersei”, while in the past all powerful leaders where mentioned as “Ned Stark”, “Robert Baratheon, “Tywin Lannister” etc. ? I don’t know how much this is to please fans or simply a manifestation of misogyny in the GoT world…
Where is Chuck??? He said that he thinks this episode is going to be a doozy
Apparently Bryan Cogman thinks that too! Hahahah
https://twitter.com/b_cogman/status/891728666463395840
Oh do we get a conversation between Mel and Varys about the “voice from the flames” he heard in the past? That would be super interesting. Can’t wait!!
“Tyrion backchannels”. LOL. 😂
I’m fairly certain we’re going to see the death of at least three named characters in this episode.
Ellaria and Tyene Sand are almost certainly going to experience the wrath of the Mad Queen. It won’t be pretty. I also predict thousands of angry articles written on the internet complaining about the prevalence of brutality against females on the show written by a bunch of “progressives.” It probably won’t be as bad as the aftermath of the Sansa-Ramsay rape, but it’ll be super annoying.
I also predict that Grey Worm will bite the big one. That sex scene last week was basically the kiss of death for either Grey Worm or Missandei. Since we see Grey Worm going into battle in the promo for this episode, odds are he’s the one who pays the price.
Yara will survive … for now. But she’d probably wish she was dead instead.
*Note: I haven’t read or seen any of the filming spoilers nor the infamous Reddit leak. This is pure speculation.*
This week I’m shipping Arya and Jaime.
In one of the trailers, it sure looked like Bran was at the Winterfell Wishing Tree (possibly with Howland Reed?), and I can’t imagine Sansa not being in Winterfell while Jon’s away.
Jon Snowed,
About the Hound: There’s been a school of thought that Sandor’s character is only an adjunct to main characters’ story lines, but ever since S7e1 I’ve been thinking that he’s got a story line of his own.
(FanFic Speculation Follows):
I’m just waiting for a scene in which Sandor plucks a burning sword from a fire…
“Jaime learns from his mistakes”
Oh thanks, It’s not like we have been waiting for two seasons or anything.
I wonder how the mad queen Cersei’s justice will play out? Will they use the hostages for info and as negotiation with the Dornish army or will the Mountain get more playthings? Both?
Agree
Great picture
Meeting at Dragonstone has so many fascinating elements, eg Mel/Davos, Jon/Tyrion etc from previous history but first meet-ups for say Varys and Jon etc
What I find fascinating most perhaps is the Tyrion/Varys and Davos angle, eg they were opposing sides at Blackwater, Davos was on the hard end of Tyrions tactic and his son died etc
Will be fascinating to see the Euron march through the street we’ve seen in the trailers
In particular the behind-the-scenes shot showed it rained on the day of filming, so I’ll be fascinated to see if they’ve been able to utilise it artisitically, eg like the Bran dream about the “sea coming to winterfell”, in this case the “Sea coming to KL” and it would be oh so apt after the Bridge Euron/Balon scene with the “I am the Storm brother” line so very fitting for Euron
As much as I dislike it when Arya isn’t in an episode, I have to agree. We’ve had several Arya scenes now and we believe she’s on her way home. We’ve only had one short Bran scene and after (this much time) I wouldn’t think his next scene would be still at Castle Black. It’s time for him to reenter the story.
As great as Sandor is I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t go at least another episode or two without any BwoB. They’re headed to Eastwatch and it feels a little early for much in that area. They had the great sequence in the premiere that explained their objective. What else is there for them to do? I wouldn’t expect them to go to Winterfell…
Tensor the Mage, Who Really Wants More Greyscale Treatments Shown,,
To flee where?
Kinda agree, we have to see the BwB progressing North, perhaps past Moat Cailin?
Also will be interesting to see Bran get to Winterfell, in order to develop Sansa’s leadership/political development arc I expect them to gloss over the fact Bran as Robbs heir is KitN etc and just have him preoccupied with being the 3-eyed Bran
Really though Bran is above all the Kings anyway, given he is the force that permeates through the Weirwoods/Old Gods so he is really the General behind the side of the living and perhaps even the biggest character on the show, eg if Jon/Dany is equivalent to the NK Bran would have to be equivalent to the “Great Other”
I’m so scared of this episode. But in a good way!
I’m thinking there’s going to be at least curtain call every week for the rest of the season :O
I really can’t wait to see how Dany and Jon react to each other. Is he going to convince her that the WWs are real? Is she going to ask order him to not call himself KitN? If renouncing that title and demoting himself to Lord of Winterfell is what it takes to get her promise to battle the WWs, would that be the right thing to do or would it cost him the northerners? I think they’ll eventually have to band together, but how much horrible shit has to happen before they become allies?
Most importantly, is Jon going to meet his dragon tonight? Or anytime this season? Presumably his dragon is Rhaegal since he’s named for his dad. They have to meet eventually. How is that going to go down?
So many questions. Although I should note, I’m not asking them in hopes of receiving spoilers from leak readers. Just putting my thoughts down.
Do you remember an interview last year with D&D, in which they said they were writing a S7 “welcoming” that got way bigger than they anticipated, and we all thought it was about Daenerys? Well, guessing from this episode’s preview, It seems it is for Euron and his “gifts”!
ROFL
It’s probably something quite major which has an understated description
Have to say, at first glance I was preoccupied with Euron battle etc but on re-watch I really appreciated just how great the Randyll Tarly/Jaimie scene was, eg Edmure gave him shit and even his own Dad but Jaimie was always the smart-ass, the fact that Jaimie kept engaging Randyll seriously after the “back-stabbing” and “throats and dinner” quip showed just how much respect he has for Randyll Tarly and was somewhat reminiscent of the Blackfish scene
The actor playing Randyll is doing a great job, and personally I appreciated this scene as last season showed Randyll and Dickon in a particular light but this helps make them more multi-dimensional and goes into their honour, eg can really get the sense of regret when Randyll laments he has “known Olenna since he was a child”
Stray observation: We’ve often discussed how the “official” account of events doesn’t always coincide with reality.
I just realized how the news of Jon’s ascension was reported by Hot Pie in Episode 2:
“The Boltons are dead.”….
“Jon Snow came down from Castle Black with a Wildling army and won the Battle of the Bastards. He’s King in the North now.”
No mention of CreepyFinger (who tried to glom gratitude from Jon in the WF crypts scene). 😄😄😆
Same thing with Mel’s report to Dany: Jon Snow let the Wildlings through the Wall to save them from grave harm, and has united the Northern houses.
I also think Bran will reach Winterfell, and Sansa will probably feel once again challenged as leader of the North… and Littlefinger will be whispering creepy things in her ear, hopefully Bran will be busy travelling past and future and will not care for being King in the North 2.
Pretty sure it is
And I reckon this episode will show it to have been a very inspired decision
Now see, my thought it why. Why do we need to see the progress of the BwoB in their travels? As I wrote above, we know where they’re headed and the purpose. Any further dialogue on their way seems like it would be superfluous. While it’s fun to hear Sandor call people names we probably don’t need another scene similar to the last few he’s had, yet.
Ghost Lunch,
Yeah. I was sure they will write Randyll like another Roose Bolton, but he was more nuanced.
As I mentioned yesterday on the ‘Daenerys all dressed up’ article, I’m looking forward to Missandei noting all of Dany’s titles when she meets Jon with hopefully a couple more added! I mean it. I love that because it perfectly exemplifies her arrogance, her accomplishments, and her sense of entitlement all at once. Plus, it usually serves to make her visitors feel either intimidated or uncomfortable. But how will Jon react? Impressed or maybe amused?
And of course there’s the added bonus that it always ticks off the Dany haters!
I think the point is there’s something about Jons reputation that is building over time, eg it helped that for all of Thornes work and great speech during the battle for the Wall, it’s things like Jon killing the Thenn leader that gains renown etc as seen at Jons election and as Ramsay said “I’ve heard stories about you”
So over time we can see a slow progression of his infamy throughout firstly the North and now more broadly
It’s interesting how this compares/contrasts with “stories” about other characters, eg Cersei blowing up the Sept, Dany crucifying and feeding people to Dragons etc
Today is the day guys.The last Targs are finally meeting and to top it off it’s in their ancestral home.Even though nobody knows anything so it’s like Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors but whatever lol.I just want to say I love Davos.
Catspaw Assassin,
“This week I’m shipping Arya and Jaime.”
————
You’re being facetious, right? Or are you….
I’ve been thinking that Hot Pie’s comment to Arya, “You’re pretty”, wasn’t a throwaway line after all. (I had a long-ago abandoned tinfoil theory that Arya as Lyanna 2.0 would take Jaime from Cersei, just as Lyanna 1.0 took Rhaegar and Robert from Cersei. But I’ve since boarded the Brienne ❤️ Jaime train.)
Depends if they want to do a AFfC Brienne thing, eg through the Hound and his travels we’ve often been given insight into how the wars etc are impacting the smallfolk
Eg Farmer and his daughter discussed how the transfer of power from Freys to Tully’s affected the smallfolk and their attitude the violation of guest-right
With the Sept scene it is fascinating to see how the power vacuum and radicalisation of militia groups leads to all kinds of atrocities at that level
So for me while sad it was great to see thematically how the onset of winter is impacting the smallfolk
In the case of the Hound, we can see how the general populace of the North is being affected by the onset of Winter, hopefully the Starks “winter city” at Winterfell gets an honourable mention, though looks like it may be occupied by the Vale Army atm
Also ignorant to the Leak….. Will Jaime kill Grey Worm, and is that somehow an instance of him learning from past mistakes? Can’t think of how that could be related but leaving that riiiiiiiight here.
Woohoo!
Who wrote this episode?
Ghost Lunch,
I was intrigued that of all people, Sandor seems to have the Lord of Light on speed dial.
What was the purpose of that reading the flames scene?
Ten Bears,
I am a fellow rider on the Brienne ❤️ Jaime train and yes I was being facetious about shipping Arya & Jaime. It would be quite a twist though.
So, Mel tells Arya that they will meet again sometime during the second season. Any thoughts as to when? Maybe Melissandre returns to winterfell with Jon and Davos when they realize her value? Jus thought
Ten Bears,
Yes that is how legends are built isn’t it?
Clob,
Yes we will only see them if they have something to do.
D&D
Ten Bears,
Yup! Exactly what I’ve been saying after the BtoB episode. His deeds are exactly the type of things that get recorded in songs and books and passed on to others.
Lord of Coffee,
Thank you!
Catspaw Assassin,
Brienne and Jaime go look for something at the end of ADWD
Does this mean back tracks? I’m not familiar with ‘backchannels’.🤔
Flayed Potatoes,
David and Dan.Don’t think they would let this one to anybody else lol.I bet Hill has written ep.5 and the others are D&D.
Ghost Lunch,
I think Auto Correct bastardized your post, changing “fame” to “infamy.” 😡
Looks like 2 battles this episode. The episode 3 preview showed Unsullied storming and the GoT twitter released Jaime and Tarlys arriving somewhere for a possible battle.
Jenny,
Yes that’s what I think as well. 🙂 4 or 5 could easily go to Hill.
If/When Jon finds out his parentage, I imagine D&D would want to write that episode. It’s only fair tbh.
With Melisandre, I think it was perhaps a case of her wanting to emphasize Jon’s role to further encourage Daenerys to invite him to Dragonstone.
Hot Pie’s contribution is interesting. Working at the Inn at the Crossroads, he’s in a position to hear news spreading through Westeros. I do enjoy seeing how in-show events are described by people who were/weren’t there. Hot Pie’s scene with Arya is a great contrast with the one you mentioned Jon sharing with LF, in which LF basically tells Jon that without him and the Vale knights, Jon would be dead.
In light of Cersei using the threat of the Dothraki as a way of getting her people in line, I wonder if this emphasis on the wildlings in Jon’s victory is something she will use to unite southerners against him? It is a shame Tormund has been sent to Eastwatch – I would have loved to see him travel to Dragonstone with Jon!
Also interesting in Hot Pie’s account – it is clearly common knowledge that Jon was in the Night’s Watch. Hot Pie specifically says Jon came down from Castle Black. No mention of his Night’s Watch vows – even from Arya.
Flayed Potatoes,
Hill and Cogman are writing the first 2 episodes of S8. I think that’s when Jon will find out.
Don’t forget that Melisandre had Stannis look into the flames and he saw visions as well (2×10). He did so in the books a number of times too.
It has multiple meanings but in this instance I would guess they mean it in the political context that he’s working behind the scenes to accomplish something. Working with Davos maybe?
Going to be weird if they skip Bran again. He has two minutes of screen time so far.
It’s quite fascinating though as it maps their evolution, eg Jon starts off as the “bastard of Winterfell” and slowly progresses as Brother of NW and LC Steward etc and Jon gains Longclaw and Dany gains her Silver (Horse) quite quickly so Davos can shoot back Jons numerous titles quite extensively as well, eg the Free Folk ones like “climber of the Wall” etc which is a kind of rite of passage which I compare to Dany in House of Undying
Though if Lyanna and Rhaegar married before a Weir Tree then Dany’s titles are a matter of contention..
One thing from the trailers though is Dany seems to make some line about “I was born to rule the 7 Kingdoms” which is simply incorrect, as Rhaegar was and when he died and all throughout Dany’s life until Drogo’s crown of molten gold it was Viserys who was the rightful Targaryen claimant
3 fewer episodes this year with at least the same budget and we have 60 seconds of combined dragon/white walker footage 2 episodes in already. What happened?
Flayed Potatoes,
Jenny,
I love Davos too lol! Finally it’s here…Jon meets Dany day!
Lord of Coffee,
Yea I hope so too.
I kinda wish Jon would get Lyanna to do it for him lol
#Pray4GreyWorm
Carole H,
Others can add to this but my understanding of the current political use of “backchannels” is making unofficial or secretive connections with people in order to sidestep authority or to be undetected. Its something that Varys is very familiar with and his little birds are part of his backchannel to other people. It would make a lot of sense for Tyrion to start establishing his own backchannels now that he is back in town.
Jenny,
Good point.
Jack Bauer 24,
Patience Jack patience.
Ghost Lunch,
I think she means it more in a I was born to do this shit way.Like it is my destiny not in a when I was born I was the heir way.
Jenny,
Alba Stark,
Well, Ramsay did threaten to attack CB, didn’t he? I forget the contents of Ramsay’s letter; I thought it kind of left Jon no choice but to go along with Sansa’s desire to reclaim WF.
But you’re right: Jon would have quite a bit of explaining to do if challenged on why he was able to leave the NW. (“Well, I died. So my watch is ended.” …”Ummm…you’re standing here right now telling me this BS so how can you be dead?”)
ghost of winterfell,
Yes Davos is like my mom with me in public lol.Yess it’s here Targ meeting day.I have been waiting for this day since reading book one but more recently I have been waiting for it since the Spain days.Remember the Sapin days??Those were so fun.
He got to be with the woman he loved. If he can die a heroic death, what more can he ask out of life?
Lord of Coffee,
onefromaway,
Thank you for your replies. That clears it up, you learn something new every day 😊
“Jaime learns from his mistakes” HAHAHA
A little too late now, considering his all in attitude with Cersei.
Can we have one single scene with Meera and Bran developing their characters? She hasn’t reacted to her brother’s death since season 4. Bran and her haven’t talked at all, not a single scene lol
I mean, made up relationships have more airtime at this point.
Definitely – and Ramsay remains the only character thus far to have challenged Jon on his NW vows.
I am guessing Jon hasn’t told the Northern lords that he has come back from the dead.
Yes, sense of fame
Point is Jon personally seems to be getting known by smallfolk throughout 7 Kingdoms
Hmm…a bastard, an NW defector, a Targ, and an undead…how much can the northern lords tolerate for their KitN? If that info ever gets out…yikes! I especially want to see Lady Mormont and Lord Glover’s reactions! 🙂
How will Jon handle it?
Jenny,
Yup, especially at Zumaia, since everything was being shot in the open, it was soo easy to know what they were filming lol. The filming reports were always find to read!
ghost of winterfell,
Back Channels is kind of where officials who assist the leaders discuss and do things behind-the-scenes, eg Diplomats do this all the time at big leaders summits
So in this case it would be a matter of Tyrion talking to Davos or something as I’m not sure Jon is bringing much of a posse with him
I am wracking my brain about the Jaime thing. I think the prepositions are off in the description. I wouldn’t be surprised if, instead of learning FROM his past mistakes, Jaime actually is learning OF a past mistake.
I’m sadly nervous. Between the conversation between Jaime and Randyll last week, and the action scenes in the previews, I’m afraid that the show will lose a huge personality this week, that will be sorely missed, a la Charles Dance or Jack Gleeson.
ghost of winterfell,
Yup we got so much footage and info we started calling it Keeping up with the Targs lol.The behind the scenes were especially fun.The picture of Kit with the sunglasses in costume on the beach haha.
Dee Stark,
How can you think that now?
We’re on the business end of this roller coaster. None will be spared.
Oh crap, I hope not, but I fear you are right. I always used to defend the sweet scenes between Missadei and GW as necessary to show that somewhere in that world (or this one) there is still love, still humanity, still wanting something good to happen to another person without underlying malice or need to dominate. Last week’s scene was lovely and gentle, and the conversation they had led to more understanding (and sex). I’m afraid if GW bites it, it’s almost a parody of love – fall in love and then you die. sigh, GRRM really has us trained, doesn’t he?
In the meantime, how many more hours??!!
Free fall? Ahhhhhhhhhh! No holding onto the handlebars allowed!
I agree, and note also that it shows that Jaime has matured himself. The “smart-ass” would have puffed up with great offense at those remarks, and totally forgotten that his mission was to sway Randyll, not have a posturing show-down with him. By overlooking those remarks, at least for the time-being, he shows that he has full grasp of the “bigger picture” in terms of the good of the kingdom, and his own temperament.
Yes, exactly what they mentioned, thanks! I just found it amusing because Tyrion is an expert on the Casterly Rock sewer system which will likely be useful in the approach, and I had a vision of secret talks suddenly being interrupted by a flood of sewage. My mind does strange things at times. 😜
Randomly – perhaps the gift that Cersei returns is the viper-in-the-box which was sent to her from Dorne (can’t remember which episode). I wouldn’t mind seeing her get her claws into LF and extracting payment for his treachery. I also recall her saying of Varys that he was dangerous because he thought like a woman, and, at the time, I wasn’t sure what that meant, but after the exchange with Daeny last week I’m beginning to get a glimmer.
Red Velvet has plot armor until she meets up with Arya, at which point the Lord of Light may be done with her.
I wish there could have been some exchange of words for an informal bonding between Missandei and Grey Worm, such as Shea and Tyrian had.
Dany may be showing signs of the Targaryan disease and both Tyrion and Varys may suspect this.
ROFL
You’ve ruined the scene/s for me now
DANY: I was going to demand you bend the knee, Jon Snow, but your luxurious curly locks and irresistible mopey demeanor have convinced me otherwise. I love you!
Dee Stark,
I am all knowing!
Ha, that is cool, I am glad Cogman concurs…..I think tonight might be the first truly great episode of this season (first 2 were very good). Can’t wait.
dragon,
Cover your spoilers.
Previously on “The Young and the Restless”…. 😛
Yeah, that made me chuckle as well. Where, oh where does Tyrion just happen to know all the backchannels, as his father foolishly thought his only appropriate assignment?
I’m thinking there’s a chance he’ll encounter someone in this episode who could enlighten him about
I will find it odd if they DON’T stop at Winterfell. It’s basically on the way, and assuming they have heard the KitN news, wouldn’t they want to touch base on plans with Jon Snow, former LC who presumably let the Wildlings in for good reason? I would think that once they get in the north, they will start hearing that Jon, the NW and northern lords are also gearing up to battle the WWs. De facto allies.
Chuck,
Great minds think alike
I can’t wait either
Lyanna_Targaryen,
I don’t know.. I just didn’t see it! Hahaha
Although the emphasis will be on Jon and Dany’s potential meeting, as a big fan of loyal sidekicks I’m looking forward to Davos meeting Tyrion, Grey Worm and Missandei. I need a GoT companion show where they concentrate on the kind of stuff we didn’t/probably won’t see in the main episodes.
As someone who really isn’t a fantasy fan I instantly lose my sense of immersion when I see the dragons. However, if anyone manages that long, steep, Great Wall of China looking walk up to Dragonstone, reaches the top, then says “bloody hell, I’m knackered!” and has to have bit of a sit down, that will make me believe it’s real 😀
Hot Pie will die in a future episode if not this one, when he says “I’m a survivor, too.”, I knew he was a goner.
dragon,
You’re trying too hard
Think it will be the Lannisters breaking the wheel tonight!
Ten Bears,
But people know that Night’s Watch members get sent south for various reasons (the Citadel knows Sam was sent south to learn to be a maester; Benjen came south to find new recruits; etc.). I think it’s “ok” as long as they had the commander’s permission, and Jon obviously did (he WAS the commander, and the new commander Ed was ok with it too). Davos and others are witnesses that Jon had permission to go south, so I don’t see how that is a problem.
Cersei does public burning torture instead of just executing Ellaria, and he sees she’s the Mad Queen and his mistake has been in thinking he can moderate her in any way. I am thinking (hoping?) that Cersei/Jaime kissing in the preview is a misdirect and Jaime will break off the kiss. Just say no to incest Jaime.
QueenofThrones,
Note that I am fully prepared to be disappointed again. If it’s something military I will groan though.
Flayed Potatoes,
That was the whole point of his post, to sneak spoilers in to try and ruin it for some unspoiled people before the moderators delete it.
Yes, I am dreading a particular death that seems likely tonight – one that, while expected because this character is not essential to the endgame, will prove a great loss to viewers who appreciate virtuoso acting chops.
Tormund’s broken heart? 😉
I pose this question to anyone more familiar than I am with the roads of Westeros. Is it possible that Jon heading south would cross paths with Arya heading north?
Pigeon,
Oh that is clever! Yes, since that will likely be the way the Unsullied will get into CR! That went right over my head! 🙂 !
Norm,
No.
….can’t waaaait!!!!
Norm,
He’s going by boat she’s going by horse- most likely no unfortunately.
Doubtful. Pretty sure Jon said he was going to White Harbor then by boat to Dragonstone so he won’t be on the roads for long.
I wouldn’t be too sure about that. Just because we won’t necessarily see Maisie, doesn’t mean we won’t see Arya.
I know if I could wear the face of another and I was wondering how the hell things are going in Winterfell as I ride home, I’d resolve to go in to the castle in disguise first, just to be assured that the Boltons are truly all gone and that all is well and Jon is firmly in control.
As a result, Faceless Arya may learn a great deal more about LF and Sansa than Arya Horseface ever would.
Arya is going to end up with the Valyrian steel dagger in LF’s possession. There will be a reason why. I expect that reason will begin tonight, in some measure.
Firannion,
I’m hoping for that, too. I want Jaime to learn the truth about that matter.
Dany would be jealous of Jon’s curls, tbh.
Good point. We should probably stay alert in the next couple of episodes for the camera homing in on a hitherto-unfamiliar face lurking about Winterfell.
I can see some Lord Bronn of Somewhere Else’s wisdom rolling off the tongue with a caustic observation leading to Jaime making a different battlefield decision.
So it may be something as simple as a callback to the Whispering Wood. Robb Stark beat Jaime there — but this time, he won’t fall for it. Highgarden’s ruse will fail and the Tyrell army will be defeated.
Firannion,
Me too. But it might just go down as the best one. Everything (insert secret name here) does and says is perfection.
Firannion,
I’m really hoping
Of the old gods,
I just don’t see it that way, especially if they follow books material. That being that the BwoB is a band of thieves, outlaws and deserters running around doing their own vigilante justice. Winterfell is a large castle, the seat of The North and the Vale army is currently bivoucked outside of its walls. The uncertainty of danger and possible punishment should be enough to desuade them from going there. Their goal is to go to Eastwatch and fight. I would expect them to bypass Winterfell. They’re not looking to bend the knee to anyone.
When Dany and Jon meet there will be dramma with two ‘M’s. If there’s doubt about the White Walkers in Dany’s camp with Jon, Davos, and Mel at Dragonstone and Jon doesn’t rip off his shirt and show Dany stab wounds, I’m calling shaky writing. Jon is literally going in there with all sorts of proof. There shouldn’t be any friction but this is still TV and they’ll find a way to create some much to my chagrin.
At what point is Dany gonna get out of the throne room and onto a field of battle? So far I’m not impressed with her retaking of Westeros.
Lord of Coffee,
If it was true, then he succeeded. 🙁
I suspected he was trolling yesterday. I should have skipped over his comment.
Good suggest Josh, especially after the love scene last week. I also think we’ve had two episodes now and only lost two sand snakes, very minor characters so we need to lose a few more characters. As I see it there are five characters in serious mortal danger this week:
Tyene – No way she survives
Ellaria – As above.
Yara – Slim chance of survival if Euron wants to play with her for a bit but likely to die.
Melisandre – I reckon she is going to bite it either this one or next episode as presumably Jon/Davos tell Dany what she did who will likely burn her.
Greyworm – according to the preview trailer
D&D are entirely off script with the BwoB – and Sandor, too, I expect.
I’m pretty sure that the role of the BwoB post Stoneheart is just something they are entirely making-it-up-as-they-go at this point. They went off script with that one long ago.
And I expect that Cleganebowl will come at the end of this season, whereas it should have come last season in a trial by combat that D&D felt would be too repetitive. Plus, the benefits of blowing up a large number of cast members could not be passed up by HBO.
In the end, it’s very different paths to a similar outcome.
I love the Hound, he’s one of my favourite secondary characters and I’d love him to have his own arc however I kind of feel D&D learnt from George he’s coming back but his exact role isn’t yet defined so they are giving him his own sub plot for now. It’ll be interesting if he meets Arya again and how that works out, could it even happen tonight? I’m guessing next episode if it’s going to happen this season.
I was thinking they could stop in Winterfell on their way up to Eastwatch and meet with Arya and Brienne that could keep them in the spotlight bring some interesting interactions.
We know from the trailer they are going north and I presume that’s episode 6 (not a spoiler as I don’t know for certain), so presumably they will have an episode before.
Steel_Wind,
Yes it is off from the books ‘some’ but the members still are what they are. Everyone still fears Sandor as a wild killer, there’s a clan of people in a valley murdered by members regardless of Beric’s actions and all the other members are still deserters, thieves and outlaws. I’m not saying they won’t redeem themselves fighting eventually, I just don’t see them waltzing into Winterfell right now. Writing that doesn’t make sense over going directly to the NW/Eastwatch.
MoaKaka,
I don’t see it as a problem either. And as Davos and Jon himself astutely observed, being the shield that “guards the realms of men” doesn’t always mean sitting around the Wall when threats are elsewhere.
I don’t see Dany burning Melisandre in the next couple of episodes – Melisandre is safe until she meets Arya again. When they crossed paths in 306, Melisandre seemed pretty sure this wouldn’t be their only meeting.
Jon has no real ‘proof’ of White Walkers at all. That’s his problem right now, getting others to believe what he tells them about what he’s seen. And what do his stab wounds have to do with proving that the Night King’s army exists? His wounds alone don’t even really prove that he came back from the dead, just that he was stabbed a lot. Even if Dany were to be told that he was resurrected by Mel and even if she believed it that doesn’t mean she would therefore believe there’s a vast army of undead about to march on Westeros.
Come to think of it, we should also stay alert for some young wannabe-BwoB member hooking up with them on the road North and occasionally giving Sandor the side-eye… especially if said new recruit starts trying to talk them into sending a reconnaissance mission into Winterfell as they’re passing by. If someone in the group has intel that Sansa is there, Sandor will be tempted to check in on his Little Bird, but the others will argue that his face is too recognizable. If the young rookie member volunteers for the spy assignment, we will know for sure who ‘he’ is.
I’m actually hoping Greyworm does die. He’s quite a boring character with no real charisma and most importantly if Dany is going to over throw Cersei she needs some real casualties not just a couple of dead sand snakes and her fleet burnt. We know from the preview trailer that the Unsullied will attack Casterley Rock, so them winning but Greyworm dying would be a great bitter sweet moment.
Any predictions for tonight Dee, as a total unsullied?
I hope Jon smiles a bit when he meets Tyrion this episode.There haven’t been enough smiles this season.Season 6 had me spoiled lol.
Firannion,
I keep thinking of that very first image we saw of Arya in the HBO season trailer that we’ve seen again since. The one on her horse looking off at something with just grey sky background. I still think that’s her arriving home alone as herself. It may not be but it was enough for me to abandon my incognito arrival story concept I had.
During the off season there was discussion as to whether we’ll see Rhaegar in a Bran flashback vision. Anyone think this might happen tonight?
Markus Stark,
I think it could refer to mistakes he made in season 1. Robb Stark set up a trapp for the Lannisters. He divided his troops in a small force and a big one. The small one was to be sacrificed and only served as a diversion. The other one managed to take Jaimie prisoner. Hm? So what could it mean? That Jaimie doesn’t jump the gun precipitately and doesn’t rush towards casterly rock?
Oder maybe he stays away from the main battlefield so that he won’t get prisoner again that easy?
Just my 2 cent.
I hope that Varys just found out that Mel can work miracles.
“Could I get my tallywhacker back?!”
Of all the episodes that life-related circumstances are going to preclude me from watching live, it had to be the one in which Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen will finally meet. Alas!
I’ll still get to watch the episode tonight, but I’ll be going dark until then. More than perhaps any other amazing moment that this show has delivered for us, I want to experience this one unadulterated.
Enjoy, everyone! 🙂
The actors are both in the credits on IMDB for this episode, so my guess is yes!
Cersei returns a gift. Oh crap.
I am still excited but a little worried for
woohoo! the spoiler text worked. It’s been awhile since i have use the code.
Sometime in the past few days IMDB updated the cast list for this episode…some fun names! Looks like:
And s banker from Braavos
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5775840/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm
A lot of nits.
Tyrion is not using a backchannel. Those are for private messages that the bosses often don’t want made official. Danaerys ordered him to send a message and he did it the right way, using the sentence about bastards as a way of demonstrating that it was indeed him.
I think Grey Worm may not get killed. We really all expect it to happen and the writers like to surprise us. There are going to be a lot of battles. This looks like a little one.
I think there will be a quid pro quo between Jon and Danaerys. She could kill him if he refuses but it would also send a signal to the north not to support her. She needs support. My guess is that he will agree to “bend the knee” if she provides dragons and dragonglass in the battle in the north. Makes sense for her to do it. She doesn’t have to guard her flank. Also, it provides a Westeros link to her battle. The Sand Snakes are out of it. Olenna Tyrell is in bad trouble. Dany needs allies and there are not very many around.
I think Tarley will not last long. He is betraying the family he has been sworn to serve. There is no reason to believe anyone will ever believe him again.
Jon Snowed,
Well I’m thinking
Cersei will destroy tyene and ellaria
EUron is going to hurt yara
And Jon and Dany meeting – going to be epic but not going to go well.
I don’t think we will see arya tonight… or Sansa and winterfell
I’m thinking this is focusing on the south tonight
GMTA, Clob. The very second Hot Pie said Jon was KitN, she licked her fingers and jumped up–no time to even finish dinner! That hero shot on horeseback makes her look eager, apprehensive, and joyous. Sure that Jon is there, she ain’t going in as anyone but Arya Stark of Winterfell. Ep 3 is full of sound and fury and perhaps some momentous deaths plus the destined meeting of Jon and Dany. Too much for an intimate development to compete with. But at 50 minutes, Ep. 4 will be the shortest in show history, which implies that Arya’s arrival will probably be a key focus. She’s going to feel keen disappointment at Jon’s absence, dismay at finding Sansa (and Littlefinger) in charge, and relief that she’s finally finally home with two Starks after trying for six years. Oh the feels!!!
I’m soooooo hype
Jaime learns from his mistakes.
which one? they need to narrow it down. 🙂
Did shakman direct any episodes before
Your surmise is probably the correct one. But until proven wrong, I’ll continue to have fun with fanfic. A disguised Arya trying to scope out the Hound’s true intentions toward her sister just seems like a scenario ripe for both pathos and comedy.
Am I the only 1 who thinks it was Varys’ balls that started everything . He’s gonna tell Mel or she’s gonna know and tell him what the voice said … “it was your balls lord varys that awakened the white walkers and only your pillar can end it if you help me birth a shadow baby” 😂😂😂
*takes of tinfoil crown
Hope this is the best episode of the season so far.
No, apparently it was supposed to be David Nutter but he had to drop out (there was a link in an article here yesterday that mentions this, but I don’t want to put the link in this thread since it’s a bit spoilery).
I looked up Shakman’s bio to see what else he has directed and … it wasn’t much. His credits are mostly TV dramas: Fargo, Mad Men, The Good Wife, etc. Good shows but not really similar to GoT. No dragons or dire wolves on The Good Wife! And apparently he was also a child actor so maybe has good rapport with actors?
Dee Stark,
Hello, Dee! I’m hyped too, as always. 1 hour to go!!!!
Been distracted the past few days as I anticipate the “meeting” in this episode. Didn’t know I’d be this excited. 😂 I still can’t believe this is happening now. It’s so far from what I expected this season. And I love it!
Mostly I’m just glad that Jon finally got to get out of the north and visit the south.
Will go offline now lest I stumble upon some land mines (spoilers) before the episode.
Enjoy the episode, everyone!!!
Jack Bauer 24,
Seems like it’s going to be! The show has been building up episode after episode.
Sansa’s Knight,
😂😂😂 yup, the tinfoil crown is definitely yours.
Daenerys holds court.
But can she hold serve?
Tyrion backchannels.
Is that a Jared Kushner/Russia reference?
Cersei returns a gift.
Headless, no doubt.
Jaime learns from his mistakes.
“Maybe i shouldn’t have accepted that Kingsguard gig.”
Pumped!
I’m hoping that the Arya line to Nymeria means she realizes that applies to her as well and heads back south to “kill the queen”
Nick Hartley does not sow!
To flee where?
Casterly Rock, on pretense of defending it, but in reality to meet Tyrion there. As Josh L. notes, above, we can expect a very ugly scene after Cersei gets her hands on the persons who sent her Myrcella’s necklace in the mouth of a viper figurine (the gift she’s returning tonight) and then killed Myrcella. I would imagine a lex talonis death for Tyene which Ellaria is forced to watch, followed by Ellaria taking the place once held by Septa Unella. This all disgusts Jamie to the point where he goes to “defend” Casterly Rock, never to return to Cersei.
Yeah, the complaints about the deaths of Tyene and Ellaria Sand will make the whole “Rape of Sansa” thing look timid.
Cersei returns a gift…might this involve a trebuchet?
Since this is the 3rd of only 7 episodes-and they’ve been packing a lot in-along with a lot of speed traveling (which at this point I’m fine with lol):
I think
~ 3 eyed Bran will get to Winterfell at some point and freak everyone out. (wishing Edd was with him so I’d know he was safe-is that weird? I worry about Edd)
~I can’t even begin to guess how Dragonstone will go down but it will be a party. 3 of the main 5 characters (Jon, Dany and Tyrion) with three dragons plus Mel, Davos and Varys on one little island…
~Cersei is going to do awful things and enjoy it because that’s her jam. And because of her gift return policy I’m fairly certain we’ll lose 2 or 3 of the 4 women left in Dany’s alliance.
~Thanks to you guys, I’m going to hope again that Jaime finally drops his twin like the bad habit she is and maybe
~Looks like we’re getting battles? Is that accurate? Plus a meeting of D and J?
I hope this meeting perks Dany up. She seems really let down by her trip home so far.
😉 And then all heck breaks loose.
What a terrible curmudgeon I must be. The much-hyped meeting of Jon & Dany is one of the things I’m least excited about tonight. I’ve just never been able to bring myself to care that much about what happens to Dany. Other than the fact that she brings the anti-ice artillery to the table, I still feel like she’s kind of extraneous to the real story.
Oh well. Enjoy your big meet-up, all of you who are squeeing about it! Don’t mind me.
20 minutes!!!!
Sansa’s Knight,
That’s funny! Glad I didn’t have any food in my mouth while reading it; watching the show on my laptop tonight.
ヾ(＾∇＾)b
RG,
In defense of Cersei at least in this case, these people actually killed her daughter. If I had the ability to exact revenge on the people who killed my child with no punishment I would too.
Nick Hartley does not sow!
Alba Stark,
Yup, exactly. I get that a lot happens offscreen, but a Lord Commander from a very prominent Northern family leaving/being allowed to leave the Night’s Watch would raise *some* eyebrows, surely? The resurrection does not seem to be common knowledge at all.
Bill Atkinson,
Nah. Hot Pie got plot armor on.
Firannion,
To be honest-I’m excited FOR Jon more than anything. Does that make sense? I’ve always been team North/Stark/direwolves etc. (and mostly team Jon Snow) So I’m looking at this meeting through the lens of that. He’ll see Tyrion again, and meet his aunt along with her dragons-one of which is named after Rhaegar.
Added bonus? He’s never been south before-it might be nice to get warm before confronting the Night King.
Firannion,
You think she’s extraneous to the story of FIRE and Ice? Sure, okay.
Lord of Coffee,
Oh perfect
Thank you for the info 🙂 Im so excited
Sam,
Same here!!! Been so busy but it has always been on the back of my mind. I’m soooooo excited and can’t wait to see this. I can’t believe everything that is happening this season!!!!! It’s insane!!!!! Wooooo
Almost there.
I know that she’s not intended to be extraneous, obviously. It’s just that neither the character nor the actress has ever been successful in engaging my interest. Sorry.
Tensor the Mage, Who Notes That The Lex Talonis Is Indeed A Type of Justice,,
I guess the chances that Bronn will swoop in and rescue his little Dornish girlfriend are somewhere between 0 and 1/1,000,000. 😔
Dee Stark,
This season is flying by too quickly. I miss the days when we could watch 1/2 of an episode of The Hound and Arya trading insults on horseback.
I guess the chances that Bronn will swoop in and rescue his little Dornish girlfriend…
The one who poisoned him, and taunted him with the thought of dying the truly horrendous death Myrcella got? Yeah, I somehow can’t see cautious survivor Bronn upsetting his Lannister overlords like that.
So Ohara died by her spear
Nymeria died by her whip
Will Tyene die by poison (where’s Bron)
Or will she die by bad dialogue
Ten Bears,
We want Bronn! We want Bronn! We want Bronn!
Catch ya on the rebop!
Ten Bears,
Maybe Bronn will take her as the wife Jaime promised him.
I’m not exactly sure who is in charge down in Dorne but there isn’t a lot of Martell blood left there.
Probably to complex for the little show time we have left.
Ten Bears,
Thank you. Until this moment I’d managed to block out bad pu*** lol
On the other hand, he might try. If not, it might give him reason to head to Dragonstone and his old buddy Tyrion. 🙂
(I’m unwilling to accept the other option. Bronn can’t die…right?)
Ten Bears,
I know right????
Ahhhhhh
Okay… Bran will be in this Episode… 😀
Couldn’t miss that a great big “I’m the only one here who’s had sex in years!” look on Missandei’s face.
The poison takes hours or days, but Myrcella died right away?
Karma’s a bitch.
Sansa’s Knight,
Lmao, That’s one hell of a theory. 😀
#WheresBran
I CRIED
The Iron Bank! I was so hoping Tycho Nestoris would show up tonight. What I didn’t expect was his surviving a visit to KL.
Will “You need to get to work, Jon Snow” be the new “You know nothing, etc.”?
That was horrible. Worst battle scene they’ve every done. We need Sapochnik.
2 out of 3 episodes now that I’ve had a tornado alert – nature is grouchy with GoT apparently! 😜
Did not like the look on Bran’s face while being hugged by Sansa. Bad sign for her?
Bran is seriously messed up now, I feel for him.
By far one of the best episodes since season 1!
So much makes more sense now. And i guess we can be hyped for a Sansa and Arya reunion next episode…this season is getting better and better.
10/10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
every second of The Queens Justice!!!!
What happened to the scene with Tyrion outside of Dragonstone with the dragons flying around?
Amazing- from start to finish. RIP Lady Olenna… the finest player of the game! 😢
Hands down the best episode ever
Just shows you don’t need a full blown battle to enjoy Thrones
hmmmmmmmmm…
I would have loved to see more of any of those two battle scenes, you didn’t really see the Highgarden battle which is sad. But it’s also a bit reasonable, since they only have a certain amount of budget for the season and most of it probably went into Episode 6…
But then again so far I don’t see why they shortened this season and end it next season. Sure we actually get 3 more Episodes (13) than intended (10), but sacrifice possible good scenes isn’t good.
I just hope all this is worth it…
Jack Bauer 24,
Next week
We have found the spin-off: Samwell Tarly, Super Mensch
Tyrion needs to keep to the one on one stuff he has been getting owned on the battlefield. It actually is upsetting after Blackwater I hate seeing his character be so wrong on these last two episodes. Though, as I mentioned his strength with the individual stuff is still great. Enjoyed his reunion with Jon quite a bit.
“Yes I need to talk with Jon”. That is going to be a great talk with him and Bran.
I hope that wasn’t one of the “great battles” for the season.
Wow…that was dark and brutal. The stakes are getting raised in each episode.
So long, Lady Olenna; you were magnificent until the very end.
Bran clearly carries a heavy burden.
Did Jaime march through the whole Reach to Highgarden without any of the Reach’s banners opposing them?
Or did they by-pass all those castles and allow their food supply to get cut off on purpose? This plot makes no sense.
Gh3ttoK!nG.,
Yeah I sooo wanted to see more of both battles at Highgarden, and Casterley Rock. Both castles looked amazing though, what little we saw.
FUCKING WOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWW
Wow, Dany is getting her a$$ kicked!!!
One of the best episodes ever imo
man this show has gone all to shit. It feels like a trailer not like a season anymore… 10 episodes were already not enough, now they make 7 and rush everything to the point it looks and feels like a trailer not a season. Also what the fuck is with those skipped battles? or teasers battles, whatever you want to call them. LOL the biggest show ever and they still don’t even have the budget to do proper battles or enough episodes. If it was netflix and they had GOT they would have given a much bigger budget and a full 10-episode season. Hell, netflix gave 16 million per episode to a musical tv show and HBO barely gives it 10-15 millions and only 7 episodes.
Good fucking job HBO. So I guess the expanse is the only really great show left for me to watch.
– I’m rather impressed by the Greyjoy fleet. Unsullied stranded. Anybody defending that plan now???? Ugh.
– QoT RIP. Thought Widow’s Wail would be used though.
– Yay, Stark vs Targ lore standoff! (Best part of the episode)
– Bran, why the long face? Theon wasn’t the only one watching the honeymoon…
– No air force recon because of a possible stray arrow? Hmmm….
– Passive dungeon torture….ho hum
Three big questions:
1) Why would Dany not fly Drogon to Casterly Rock if her advisors know the fighting will be difficult?
2) How does the capture of two bastard women completely nullify the entirety of Dorne? Soldiers in Dorne can’t march without ships?
3) Why are they making the war so one sided?
Yaaas Cersei yaaaaaas queen!
Jack Bauer 24,
I assume you’re talking about that trailer piece when they fly up from below. I suppose it’s yet to come, just for the trailer or cut from the Jon conversation scene.
Amazing! Start to finish…amazing. Literally, I laughed, I cried and now I have to watch it again!
I almost feel as if I’m watching one of those “Everything that happens in season X in 10 minutes” videos where all the important events are pieced together and occur so rapidly it’s hard to become emotionally invested.
Hodors Bastard,
Bran has the long face because of all the shit he went through North of the Wall, makes sense for him to be like that, it obviously fucked him up big time.
brans gone full dr. manhattan!!!
did no one tell Dany Robb stark was king in the north?
Randyl Taryl probably didn’t get the memo of the Reach becoming stripped and spoiled to pay back crown debt.
also Tyrion has had the worst war council, outside of the trick of wildfire against stannis, he seems out of his league.
WallyFrench,
“2) How does the capture of two bastard women completely nullify the entirety of Dorne? Soldiers in Dorne can’t march without ships?”
I’ve been talking about this (not here) since last week. We have a explanation for The Reach, assuming like Tarly the rest of the Tyrell sworn houses align with Cersei, but what about Dorne?
So Sam’s the only one who could read and do the greyscale procedure?
Doesn’t track for me
This one goes into Top 5 for me.
Sam,
Agrer. That was incredible. Not one false note.
BobDole,
The writers are only using the whole “bannerman” aspect sporadically. Apparently, when the Tarlys joined the Lannisters…so did all of the Reach.
Hodors Bastard,
Lol…I always wondered the same thing. Why didn’t Dany fly to Dorne with the fleet? Why didn’t she fly to Casterly Rock? Or, how about the Queen of Thornes sends Dany a raven that the Tarleys have betrayed them and Dany shows up to burn some shit!!!
RIP Lady Olenna, the baddest bitch of Westeros.
stefan666,
Agreed. Might be my favourite ever
And who are you? The proud lord said that I must bow so low. God I love cersei
stefan666,
Yup 200%
Bran acted like Voldemort was hugging him lmao
Jack Bauer 24,
He’s the only one compelled to attempt the dangerous procedure.
Ravyn,
Had everything. Didn’t need big battles. That was the essense of GoT
stefan666,
Scratch that, Top 3 it is.
I could not help but laugh a little when Jon and Davos took cover when Drogon and his brothers flew over, and what a way for Olenna to go.
Not my favourite episode but certainly not the worst. Bye Sneks. Thanks Euron. Oh that Olenna always getting the last word. 😂 Will miss her.
Amazing episode!!
RIP Olenna. I’m devastated.
I can say, without reservation, this was my favorite episode without either Arya or the Hound in it. Except maybe Battle of the Bastards because #RamseyPuppyChow2K16
So would I, but hey…..😜
What? And damage those meticulous braids in Dany’s hair? Are you fucking kidding me??
I was so excited I mistyped my email address lol
stefan666,
Withouht repeat viewings can’t say for sure, but No. 1 for me atm. The amount of book lore packed into that episode was glorious
Budgets gone too shit. Supposedly it all went to the next episode so we’ll see.
Jamie just made a huge mistake.
I wonder if Bran became so emotionless because he has seen the future and it’s grim for everyone.
I hope this is Mylod’s last episode he directed this season, just feels weird whenever he directs, idk.
Arya at Winterfell!!!!!!
And that’s not Jaime’s golden hand on LF’s Valyrian steel dagger. Nor Tycho’s. Whose hand is that?
I’m loving the dragonglass tour, Brienne badassery, and the look on LF’s face. What look is Sansa giving?
OMG EVERYONE SHIT GOES DOWN THE NEXT EPISODE!!!
Here’s the promo: https://youtu.be/cqgi1IjDoU8
Jack Bauer 24,
Seriously? You need battles to enjoy the episodes?
Very weird reunion. I realize all they’ve been through but he could have hugged her back.
Ginevra,
I tried to spot it but where did you see Arya at Winterfell?
Jack Bauer 24,
Sorry lads, but while the battles are good, it’s the quieter parts that make the programme. Cersei’s revenge in the dungeon might be the worst death yet
A little more exposition on the politics of the Reach would be nice (did all the lords of the Reach follow Randyll Tarly)? If the Hightowers turned coat against Olenna, Jorah better be careful.
Yay Theon!
Hmm…I have no idea. 😮 I don’t recognize those sleeves!
I was biting my nails from start to finish! Loved this episode. I was really worried about Jon and Daenerys’ meeting… and it didn’t disappoint me: each of them stood their ground.
The Queen of Thorns (sob)… R.I.P. He went down doing what she does best… She did not plant the seed of concern in Jaimie, but certainly she certainly fertilized the soil.
I cannot wait for the moment Bran has a flashback and sees Littlefinger betraying Ned… I would enjoy so much if Bran warged into LF and just messed with his head… that would be the sweetest of things.
I knew that Cersei was going to pay Ellaria back with the same coin, not exactly the poisoning, but by killing Tyene slowly in front of her mom…
I know lots of people are going to be commenting about about traveling times and geographical precisions… I don’t care. This episode set the table for the crazy stuff coming. I believe Daeny will face yet tougher times before the tide starts changing.
I am stoked about Sam having to copy all those old scrolls and books… I am sure loads of useful information will come from that!!! I fist-pumped the moment Archmaester Ebrose gave him the assingment…
Bran’s literally not a human anymore, that’s the simplest way of describing it. He isn’t emotionally connected to anyone because he knows the fate of everyone.
Like a dance. 😀
” … But you succeeded. How?”
“I read the books and followed the instructions.”
As an origami folder, I can totally relate.
Thanks once again for posting this- been waiting to watch it (we don’t get it shown in the UK). Now to bed (if I can sleep I’m so exited), as it’s 3:30am 😝
I completely understand. Comment was in jest since I expected so much more than “I saw your wedding.” Next to the weirwood tree…so much potential, saved for another day. I guess. Some storylines are so fast-paced, others leave me wanting so much more. A single shot of Meera (she’s a damn hero!).
stefan666,
Yeah that’s not so hard to understand people!!!
I would have been shocked to see some emotion
The things this CHILD has seen
It was done perfectly
I’m pretty sure that’s LF holding the dagger
Jon “True… but I’m not a Stark”
(suddenly Drogon screams by, forcing Jon to his knees) 😀
Also Melisandre And Varys will die in Westeros? Hope it’s old age for Varys!
And what has Bran seen thru the weirvine that makes him so cold towards Sansa???
I hear you saying it’s because of all the shit he’s suffered but I think it’s more than that..
First time Bran has seen Sansa or anyone in his family for a long ass time, so he tells Sansa about her rape on her wedding night with Ramsay to prove that he’s a greenseer, what the fook Bran?!
I miss the old Bran 🙁
Yeah that’s the one. Seemed like it was from this episode. I guess Dany departs next week so we’ll see it then? The preview shows them on the beach though, not on that cliff.
Agree 100%.
BigMac,
Also. Casterly Rock
Also that scene with Mel and Varys was amazing.
The Melisandre complexity was so loaded with conflict and story derailment that they made her disappear before Jon & Davos arrived!!! Hah!
The funniest moment was after Missandei reads out all of Dany’s titles.
“This is Jon Snow.”
…..
“He’s the King in the North.”
Pigeon</
Pigeon,
He’s become Dr.Manhatten pretty much
I’m wondering about that too. Not that the previous 3ER was all bubbly and perky, but he wasn’t in a depressed state (for lack of a better description) either. I’m guessing that Bran is trying to catch up on learning all he needs to learn and is exhausted. I’m sure the next episodes will clarify….I hope!
But this was an outstanding episode! Gotta get a re-watch in ASAP!
Can he move his arms? I can’t remember how paralyzed he is?
Onion Knight,
Yes, Jaime said the other lords would follow Tarly’s lead last episode.
Well. I hope this episode shuts up the naysayers who hated last week’s episode. Because Stormborn set up perfectly this episode that felt much more like an epic episode 9 than and episode 3.
Diana Rigg damn well better finally get the guest star Emmy that she should’ve already won for seasons past. She was perfect. As were Lena, Indira and Nikolaj.
It was really interesting to contrast the Sansa-Bran reunion with the Sansa-Jon reunion last season. Sansa and Jon weren’t as close Sansa and Bran would’ve been. It really took this awkward scene to drive home that Bran is not really a Stark anymore and hardly even human. Seeing him back at WF, you can really see that he’s nothing like the sweet little boy we met in season one. It was one of the quietest scenes of the episode, but one of the best.
Jon and Dany’s meeting mostly met my hopes. We all knew it wasn’t going to be all puppies and rainbows, but I feared they would hate each other immediately. The tension between Dany wanting fealty and Jon not wanting to give it isn’t yet resolved but they at least seem to have grudging respect for each other. Thanks to Tyrion’s mediations. The real question is, what the fuck is Melisandre going to Volantis for? I hope this question is answered before the season ends.
The scene in the throne room with Ellaria being brought before Cersei was so good. Ever since the end of last season, Cersei has kept this cold and emotionless mask. She let it crack for just a second when she saw Ellaria and the pain came through. Lena did such a great job.
My only minor quibbles are what happened to Yara? Is she in a cell in KL too? Or is Euron keeping her? And I really wish that there was some sort of indication that Jon too is a Targaryen. An interaction with Rhaegal, a reverence at seeing Dragonstone, some sort of connection that he can’t explain. Something. Jon wouldn’t be a secret Targ if that wasn’t going to mean something eventually.
Otherwise, it was fantastic. If it was like this in episode 3, what are the next episodes going to bring? It’s been too easy for Cersei so far and though the pain isn’t over for Dany (I’m guessing Grey Worm and Viserion will be casualties this season) it does seem like she’s due for an epic takedown. And I’m not sure I trust that the Iron Bank is really with them.
Varys/Tyrion never told Dany about Robb Stark KitN?
Arya returns to Winterfell next episode!!!
aaaaaaand Jon isn’t there -_-
We’re just flying from plot point to plot point now and it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t make sense, as long they get there.
1. Why would the unsullied abandon Casterly Rock because they lost their ships? No food supply? Hell, Jaime marched and army from KL to Highgarden with no food supplies (The show has said so more then once) so Greyworm could magic some pies somewhere.
2. After fighting and losing so many soldiers, Lannisters have a army bigger than Highgarden, bigger than the Reach? Are we to assume every bannerman in the Reach abandon the Tyrells? Why? Some of these families were intermarried to the Tyrells so it makes no sense to abandon them.
3. Why were the crowds cheering for any Lannister victory? Did they suddenly forgot Cersei blew up their pope and the holiest shrine in Westeros? That Cersei blew up their beloved queen? The she blew up have the city?
What’s going on this season? Why are people reacting in such implausible ways for convenient story telling? I don’t want convenient, I want good story telling.
Apollo,
Clothing looks like someone from Dorne would wear.
The “missing scene” on the cliff could be Tyrion watching as Dany leaves to attack Jamie (against his advice).
I imagine if Bran still retained all of his ‘Bran’ness, the knowledge and visions would cause him to go mad. Imagine if you knew the fate of everyone you cared about. This sort of explains why we never really saw him mourn Hodor or Summer. He plugged in, and has somewhat checked out.
So much to love in this episode!
– The whole Jon and Dany meeting with Theon, Miss, and Davos
– Bran and Sansa reunion (I cried)
– Jon and Theon scenes
– jaime and QOT scene
My only disappointment is not seeing my girl Arya this episode.
I wonder what will Sam discover in those documents??? If you know the answer from the leaks, please don’t answer. 😀
I’ve never been on the Jaime killing Cersei train (feels too pat for me? I dunno.) but if it will get his head out of his…you know where, then I am for it. I do not understand what the show is trying to do with him!
I loved everything else. RIP Queen of Thorns! You were too flawless for us mere mortals!
In my opinion, this was the best work Indira Varma has ever done on this show, and she didn’t say a word. Truly remarkable acting!
Will we see Ellaria again or is Varma done?
It seems like Melisandre doesn’t know how to use spoiler alerts
Jon: “I’m not a Stark.”
Cue the dragons.
Sam,
RIGHT? Wow!!!!!
Agree with everything
For sure he will find something!!
Clothing looks like someone from Dorne would wear.
The skipped battles were very deliberate. Cersei really won both. Yes, the Unsullied took Casterly Rock, but the Lannisters had already abandoned everything and taken all food and things of value. Euron destroyed their fleet, and so the Unsullied will eventually have to abandon Casterly Rock and march back home with their balls in their hands. Fucking brilliant.
And in the meantime, Jaime takes Highgarden, the more valuable castle, with little resistance because Roses are lovers, not warriors. Their only warriors, the Tarlys, are on the other side of the battle. So now House Tarly has Highgarden and are Wardens of the South. And all was deliberately and ridiculously easy. Fucking brilliant.
I’m actually stupefied by how good this ep was.
Jonareys train has officially left the station….those scenes were AWESOME..Kit and Emilia nailed it…”You need to get to work Jon Snow” meme’s need to happen immediately
I swear Cersie about orgasmed on the throne when Euron gave her his “gift”..Lena was literally SQUIRMING..loved it
euron v jamie is life this season ..there was bout to be a brawl in the Red Keep..Jamies face was priceless at the end
soon as i saw Cersie’s lips in the dungeon scene i knew what was coming..the ending of that scene was actually very moving and makes me wish they had tried a little bit harder with the dornish story line
I will give Tyrion credit for trying.. Jamie is as good, or better, then Tywin military wise so being out maneuvered by him isnt the same as say..Walder Frey. Poor unsullied though..doesnt look good for them.. and Grey worm was PISSED at himself..he knew he had messed up
Sansa/Bran reunion was….anticlimatic.. but think it was meant to be..if that makes sense? Bran is totally regressing..my sister even remarked “he is barely acting human”.. ohh and can Littlefinger just DIE ALREADY
RIP QoT..you will be missed.. and I love that you went down fighting..you could not have destroyed Jamie any better then you did with that revelation that YOU killed Joffrey..
Missing scene?
Young Dragon,
I agree! I found myself sympathizeing for her. Great work from her.
Ginevra,
Eloquently put sir
😂 💜💜
Yeah, I agree. He is “in the zone.” Forever committed/cursed to be the 3ER. His is a stunning story. Ever the greedy one, I just wanted a bit more. Interesting that his first words to Sansa were related to a memory that horrifies her. Totally dark and foreboding. More, please, more!
Jack Bauer 24,
The scene where Tyrion looks at dragons is probably next episode when Dany listens to her dragon side and leaves leaving him looking concerned.
Twenty-six seconds in. Do the whole thing at a quarter speed because this one is worth it! (Use the wheel in the bottom right on YouTube for a quarter speed.)
Yes, Jaime said as much last episode that the lords of the Reach would follow Lord Tarly’s lead. Jaime used Tarly’s xenophobia against him to win his support, plus the reward of becoming the new Warden of the South. It was never mentioned in the show that the Reach bannermen married any of the Tyrells, and even if they did, all the Tyrells are dead.
Hodors Bastard,
Very interesting points. Every shot is deliberate right at this point in the game. And when they hugged he had such a deadpan expression on his face. I’m not sure where they are going with Bran’s arc this season. Will he linger on at winterfell?
And all of those rings, right? I guess it might be a girl’s hand, but it strikes me as a lord who flaunts. Littlefinger himself?
Pigeon,
That makes me a little sad. Bran was always this human emotion barometer, and now he is so emotionally flat.
Dee Stark,
My friend Dee, what did you think? Interesting episode….I was intrigued by the Bran Sansa scenes and didn’t quite know what to make of them.
Jon Dany scenes were excellent and promising. Jon Tyrion scenes were absolutely fun to watch.
So now Jaime knows the truth; Tyrion didn’t kill Joffrey. Wonder if that will lead to him re-examining his loyalty to Cersei?
The episode made me realize why George RR Martin is having such a hard time finishing book 6 right now. The show took a lot of liberties in time to get a bunch of pieces on the map in the right places. If the books are anything like this, GRRM is never going to finish.
Cersei winning practically every battle pretty much ensures Dany is gonna win the next one. She is gonna wreck shit and you just know it’s going to be glorious.
And Bran was all: that’s alright; you go ahead without me. I’ll just stay here for a bit. At the weirwood. In the snow. My daughter was all, how the hell is Bran getting back to the castle by himself?!
Yep, yep, yep.
Yeap. They can’t just have Dany come into Westeros and win easy. They need to build up Cersei before the fall. Besides, there is a prophecy about her dying. She is a ticking time bomb.
Jack Bauer 24,
I know, but it’s also the overall script that is so fucking rushed. I mean look, I have never read the books, I only read a lot of wiki to get the lore and the background events of the series, but the show is totally out of sync right now First 4 seasons were amazing, best television EVER. season 5 and 6 a huge disappoint though having the three best episodes of the series. Season 7… it’s already a trailer and not a season…
And this come from someone that until not too long ago was an obsessed GOT fan. I thinking of actually starting to read the books.
Pigeon,
That’s it! That’s why the scene with Sansa & Bran made me sad. I think Sansa sensed that while her brother is there physically, he’s really not fully Bran anymore. What a burden it is to carry for him to know so much!
Catspaw Assassin,
Did you notice your dagger in the promo for next week
Has me super worried for Bran and Sansa
Lol as well. Davos! I laughed so long I missed some of the Targ-Stark parley that followed! Had to reverse the DVR a few minutes.
Hah!
Yes, all those rings do seem his style. :Googles: Yes! These look exactly right.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/96/f3/b5/96f3b5209f63eeae12d855045c4fb16e–petyr-baelish-game-of-thrones-littlefinger.jpg
This episode is exactly how I thought the last 2 seasons would go. When things start to condense, events happen at a much faster pace.
I made this prediction a few years ago and I am still keeping it. This is not the story of Westeros vs. The Knights King. This is the story of Ice and Fire. The Red Priestess always gets things wrong. She just said she brought together Fire & Ice. Which means it is most likely wrong
Jon will eventually make a pack with The Knights King to defeat Westeros’s greatest threat…. Dany!!!
Chuck,
CHUCK!!
It was sooooo good. I am one happy game of thrones fan right now
I agree with you
I love the winterfell scenes , but also not sure how this is going to play out
They’re doing exactly what many figured they would… weakening Daenerys’ army to make it fair with manufactured mistakes that probably wouldn’t happen. That’s okay though as these small victories then make it so the “Triple D’s” engage in the fight.
I really enjoyed the conversations. It was funny when Daenerys called out Tyrion for using the “a wise man once said” line..
Why did Jon stop Davos from telling them he was murdered?
I loved that part, too!!!
Her treason draws near, methinks.
I’ve been a massive fan of this show and the books and this episode and the promo for the next one still hyped me more than I’ve ever been for this show. Truly amazing.
Me watching the dungeon scene: why do they have awful pink lipstick on Cersei?…
Ohhhh!!!
I notice they conveniently had Varys out of the room when Dany wondered aloud what Ned Stark thought of Robert’s order to kill her…I hope we get a scene where she finds out!
That Varys-Mel conversation – wtf??!! Why is Varys saying her days are numbered like he knows something we don’t? Do they know more about each other, or dues this just go back to his hate of all blood magic? What’s in Volantis, and why go there to come back? Oh thank you GoT for more mysteries to ponder!!
Triple D’s?
I agree! She was fantastic! And what a devastating torture, to watch your child slowly die then the corpse decay! Remember the scene with Cersei and Jamie when she is talking about how the mental image of Marsella’s body decomposing haunted her. Wow!
Dee Stark,
It’s so funny and cool to see how far Jon and Tyrion have come since season 1. Amazing to think on all that has transpired since then; what a payoff.
Olenna Tyrell a badass till the end. Respect.
I just, utterly and completely, adore the song of ice and fire (TV, book, WoI&F)
Jack Bauer 24,
They didn’t want to distract Danerys from the White Walker info they were providing. One supernatural bombshell at a time.
Of the old gods,
“That Varys-Mel conversation – wtf??!”
I think we learned what the voice in the flames whispered to Varys when he was a child. Or at least part of it. Varys, like Mel, is destined to die in Westoros. Why they’re both destined to die there, I haven’t a idea.
Dee Stark,
So excited for the rest of the season. I’ll probably rewatch this episode everyday this week. 😀
Pretty sure you’re right!!! I noticed his rings last episode. Huh.
Honestly I”m not too worried about those two. One can warg and the other hasn’t worn that wedding dress yet. But no, I haven’t seen the promo yet. In fact, I haven’t seen the last 12 minutes of the show yet. HBO Go keeps conking out on me.
I just finished watching the 3rd episode of season 7. ALL of these episodes have SUCKED!!!!!! The first one was the absolute WORST, but episode 3 is a completely favored, contrived misconjecture of nonsensical BULLSHIT!!! We, as fans, have waited 15 months for this vile minutiae??? I have been a follower of this saga for years, but this episodic disaster is beyond shameful. If this dispicable storyline persists, I will not be continuing to pay for watching this complete scam of a formerly monumental saga. I am disgusted. Apparently, BAD writing means ratings, and, evidently, that’s all that matters. In addition, I have heard that Season 8 may not be aired until 2019. Completely unacceptable to those of us who gave been patient for the, “winter,” filming, as well as a disgrace perpetuated by a lazy author, and greedy writers.
I know. ☹
I missed the first few minutes, so have to make sure to watch again from the beginning and I deliberately walked out of the room when they showed Ellaria in the basement – so I guess I will chance watching that part … but the rest of what I saw was wonderful.
Jon and Dany look GOOOOD together, very good, like they belong together. Their slow circle around each other was perfect – Jon’s not giving in just like that and she’s adamant about what she wants. Can’t wait to see more of that.
The part with Jorah and Sam and Ebrose was great too. Sam cured him!! and didn’t get booted. I was sure he and Jorah were going to have to leave together, but I loved the handshake and the “I hope we meet again” part. I hope they do too, only they are running out of time.
So, Olenna is gone. RIP old dear, (but maybe if you hadn’t run your mouth quite so much things would have been different.) Sansa is in the clear now, and Olenna didn’t say shit about Littlefinger being part of Joffrey’s death. I guess she died hoping that he would find some way to take Cersei down. I was sure Jaime was going to run her through with Widow’s Wail anyway, but he just bailed. Gotta go back and get more … attention from Cersei. So far he’s still madly in love with the bitch.
Young Dragon,
Yes but why would they defect? The show said because xenophobia but you’re talking centuries of family ties. I don’t buy the whole Reach betraying Highgarden. It makes no sense for Olenna not to know ANYTHING about the apparent major revolt.
Jack Bauer 24,
Daenerys, dragons and Dothraki.
I really thought Bronn would be around to save Tyene.
Maybe she has developed enough immunity to hang on until he returns ‘in a fortnight’?
She’s heir(ess) to Dorne so he’d be trading up!
How does Jon know Night King’s name?
1. Olenna did know. She was sitting in her room waiting to die.
2. Olenna is too old to have an heir. Based on the show, there is no more of her house left. There is nothing to rebel against.
Thronetender,
Dude, really?!?!
Jack Bauer 24,
And why bot call him the nights king?
same reason he has never told the Northern lords (or Sansa or Sam that we know of). The only people who know are the ones that were at Castle Black and its prolly easier to just ,publicly at least, keep it that way and leave it as a “rumor”, if that even.
I am really thankful I am alive to see this story be able to reach its end. This ep was better than the 2nd one, the 2nd one better than the 1st. IMO from now on each episode is gonna be better than the one that precedes it. We only have 10 more episodes to the conclusion of this story people. 10 MORE EPISODES ONLY! This is what we have been waiting for.
Anyone catch the face Littlefinger made when the new Maester at Winterfell said that Maester Luwin had kept a copy of every raven? Hmmmmm…. all the possibilities!
BobDole,
There are no more Tyrells, though. It’s been established that Randyll Tarly is a respectable man that the other lords look up to. The promise of being named Warden of the South, plus his fear of foreign invaders pushed Lord Tarly right into the Lannisters arms. As for how Olenna isn’t aware, treason is usually kept secret.
Norm,
The roads will cross but the timing would be wrong. Job will cross the King’s Road going east to White Harbor on the Narrow Sea long before Arya makes up for backtracking to north of Maiden Pool. He’ll be sailing round the Fingers by the time Arya makes it to the Neck again. He’ll reach Dragonstone with good winds around the time Arya crosses Lord Cerwyn’s lands.
And that’s assuming she stays to the roads.
I’m hoping she stops off at Greywater Watch to fetch Howland Reed. But that is just a dream.
Catspaw Assassin,
And also, there’s a shot in the trailer for next week of Arya overlooking Winterfell. Ain’t no assassin gonna top her in her own home.
He read the script.
I wonder if Archmaester Ebrose has purposefully asked Sam to copy those old texts in order to have him figure out something else from their content. He knows that Sam is meticulous and special. I bet that is a whole lot of restricted stuff in his chambers. 🙂
Watch the whole show, dammit! Sheeesh! No covering of the eyes or walking out! No!
so wait….ALL the Tyrell bannerman switched sides with Randall Tarly? I know Jamie said the reach would follow, but this still seems a bit far fetched. The tyrell’s were pretty much the only army as big as the Lannister’s right?
And so until now, most of the Lannister army has just been chillin at Casterly Rock. They were never called in for any of the battles at King’s Landing when Tywin was around?
Kinda want GRRM to comment about this somewhere. Because it just seems unlikely that this is the way it was supposed to play out. Dany has just her Unsullied and Dothraki left, and now it seems like King’s Landing has swung back to Cersei’s side, when just a few episodes ago they all sorta hated her.
The Bastard,
I’d Still try my damnest to give QoT a heir though. Winner
Jack Bauer 24,
The name has been used before in season 6, both by Bran and Ser Davos. It may be a part of the White Walker lore.
selena,
I think Sansa knows. In their scene together at castle black, the one where they’re sharing a ale, Jon states he can’t stay at CB, not after what has happened.
We’re left to assume the conversation about Jon’s resurrection occurred between them off screen.
It was an ok episode.
I am astonished that Tyrion’s battle strategy has been thwarted at every turn by Cersei. Perhaps all the alcohol he drank while in Essos killed a few too many brain cells. I guess his motto should now be, “I drink and I don’t know things.”
I was also surprised at how creepy Bran is. I thought he’d have more to tell Sansa, like, hey, guess what, Jon is a Targaryen, I broke Hodor’s mind, Hodor reallly stood for “hold the door,” Uncle Benjen is a half-dead zombie beyond the Wall, dad didn’t really kill Arthur Dayne, and Old Nan’s stories are F-ing true. But this is GoT so he will inexplicably hold on to all that news.
Will miss Olenna. She was one of the most entertaining characters on the show who told it like it was. I’m glad hers was a painless death. I guess Jaime hasn’t reverted to the total asshole he was before he lost his hand.
I’m glad the Sandsnakes are gone and Ellaria is being tortured. I think someone should suffer for the Dorne storyline we endured in Seasons 5 and 6.
Jon and Dany have zero chemistry. Their scenes together seemed emotionless, which is a shame. I’m glad she’s letting Jon mine dragonglass. I guess the Dothraki are now going to be miners, but how exactly is Jon going to get the mountain of dragonglass weapons north now that Dany’s fleet has been destroyed?
The battle scenes were horrible. I sure hope the money they saved on those bare bones scenes were spent on the upcoming episodes. I was never a fan of director, Mark Mylod, and tonight’s horribly directed episode proves why.
Euron is a bit cartoonish, but he sure is fun to watch. His conversation with Jaime was priceless. Hope we see more of him.
What’s going to happen when Dany finds out “her birth right” is wrong and Jon is the rightful heir to the throne?
Will she gracefully stand down? Or will she go mad like a typical Targ?
Young Dragon,
Yeah it is. But how does Jon know it’s him?? Not like he’s introduced himself?
The Bastard,
1. If she did know and was just waiting to die, why did she make all these plans for revenge with Dany? If Euron can sail half a continent, why can’t she send a raven to Dany for help? I mean, this is exactly what they wanted, a Lannister arm in the field waiting to be BBQed.
2. If 3-5 houses betrayed HG, I can squint and believe it but the show is saying the whole Reach rose against HG? Because they have no heir?
I wonder what is the point of having Maester Wolkan mention to Sansa that Maester Luwin kept copies of all the messages sent and received by raven at Winterfell. No time left for idle chatter; they must be setting us up for some revelation to be found amongst those records.
Promo for next week is AMAZING!!
A field of Lannister soldiers, gold and a dragon…and Dany is done with clever strategies? Looks like Field of Fire: The Sequel!! (aka I don’t think the Iron Bank will be happy)
Also Arya at Winterfell but far enough away that I wonder if she’s going to do recon-ie new face to check things out?
Because he’s already having a hard time to convince people “Dead” people are coming. Last thing you want to tell them is “Oh also I died and came back” that just adds madness especially convincing “the living dead” is the enemy.
Also, it’s personal for Jon. He doesn’t know why he was brought back.
To be fair, The Night King could be a name Jon & co came up with. I mean it’s not like the Night King is gonna hold out his hand and say. “Nice to meet you, I’m the Night King.”
Jon could simply have come up with it because it fit.
First thoughts:
Loved loved loved the ending. Way to go out like a boss, Queen of Thorns. RIP, you’ll be missed. And now Jaime has to face the injustice done to his brother too. Awesome.
Speaking of Tyrion, he’s such an incredible character (and actor). But I think we can all agree that war strategy is not his forte. Still, he made the meeting between Dany and Jon watchable.
Jon/Dany: They meet at last. It was better than I expected, not as powerful as I’d hoped. I’ll take it. They had to meet sometime and now we can get to the good stuff. I just wondered why, when Dany kept harping on what Ned had done, that Jon didn’t also remind her that her brother had kidnapped Jon’s aunt. That would have been relevant foreshadowing.
Sansa/Bran: I cried. But…I know Bran is the Three-Eyed-Raven and all, but just a teeny bit of emotion out of him wouldn’t have broken character. And when they were by the Weirwood tree, he acted stoned. He wasn’t like that before with Meera and Benjen. I think it was an attempt to appear dissociative, and maybe just wasn’t the actor’s best work.
Jaime/Cercei/Ellaria/Tyene/Euron: Good stuff that tied up a few ends, but most of the content was really only useful for Jaime’s character development/storyline. I *think* Euron going to end up little more than a fighting tool for Cercei and an antagonist to Jaime, one that hopefully ultimately creates the final fracture away from Cercei. I remember when Jaime was Catelyn Starks prisoner. Oh what a glorious character he was! And with Brienne. I’m hopeful that the scene with Oleanna at the end takes him out of his Cercei fog once and for all.
Overall, really enjoyed the episode. Still some jilted/unnecessary dialogue, but an improvement over last week. Off to watch it again!
cheers
1jontarg
2daentarg
3bransa
jeers
1tyrions plans
2cerseis magical nautical resurgence
3punishing actors with poor writing ssss
Jack Bauer 24,
Haven’t they been calling him the “Night King” for a while now?
Steel_Wind,
Agreed. But tonight is unlikely since she has to backtrack to the Riverlands, Moat Cailan or Greywater Watch near the Neck and then another week to reach Winterfell.
My guess would be Episode 4 with the real action in Episode 5 as Jon passes back through to meet up with Tormund again as in the preview.
If I remember correctly that was Edd he said that to right before Sansa arrived.. he basically told Sansa he was going where she was going because he had to protect her now or “fathers ghost will haunt me”
Overall, I really liked it a lot ! Some strange moments, some timing issues but an extremely solid episode all the same.
The confrontation between Jon and Daenerys was remarkable.
For the first time since Mirri Maz Duur I feel, we got a genuinely introspective moment from the Mother of Dragons. Her summary of all the horrors she went through, all the heartbreaks she suffered was given extra emotional impact by the relative coldness with which she narrated it. It helped emphasise and understand why faith plays such a crucial component in her life, self-image and relationship to others. Her request for the North to bend the knee was rational and understandable and her approach to the issue of the Targaryen/Stark past conflict was frontal hence convincing.
Jon was perfect on the issue of knee-bending ; his point on the legacy of allegiance, betrayal and crime was excellent and he presented them with clarity and talent. So why, oh why, is he still so vague about the White Walkers ? He is seeking to convince people who do not know him to believe in something that is, quite frankly, unbelievable. He needs more than broad statements !
Tyrion was bloody interesting this episode. His interactions with Jon were fairly great. Both men like and respect each other but are restrained by their respective roles. Silly as it may be, I liked the Lannister mentioning that his marriage to Jon’s sister was unconsummated. He is eager to prove he is a good and decent man every opportunity he gets.
His faith in Daenerys puts him in an awkward place : on the one hand, his intellect tells him that the Great War truly is coming and Jon should be helped with everything they can provide him ; on the other appendage, he cannot let go of Daenerys’s centrality, of the idea that she must rule the Seven Kingdoms because it is what she wants and she is his last chance. A very potent contrast.
As for his plan to invade Casterly Rock… Bless him, it was a good idea but one of Tyrion’s greatest flaws has always been his ego, expressed through his propensity to underestimate others. Especially his siblings since he is the smart one. Both Cersei and Jaime have learnt from their mistakes but has/will Tyrion ?
The North : Sansa is doing well ! She is organising the defenses with efficiency and pragmatism. Littlefinger’s point about the centrality of the mind was a very good and interesting one : wars, like all other aspects of politics, need forethought, planning, organisation ; the fighting takes place only afterwards. Knowledge is power indeed !
Speaking of which, Maester Wolkan mentioned, oh so very casually, that Luwyn kept every single raven scroll ever received by Winterfell ; Baelish better check the archives to take back the message Lysa sent otherwise he is in trouble since Sansa heard it from her aunt’s mouth that she lied for her beloved Petyr… And, just after Littlefinger emphasised the utter necessity of knowledge, Bran, the three-eyed raven in person, the man who can know everything if he puts his mind and effort to it, showed up at the door ! What a non-coincidence… The writers really could not be less subtle if they tried ^^
Bran has officially been Jojen-ified. The empathetic look Meera gave Sansa was beautifully telling in this regard for she knows what it feels like to lose one’s sibling’s emotionality to the greenseeing and its associated duties. Still, the younger Stark’s expression of “sorrow”, or his version of it at least, over what happened to Sansa at the hands of Ramsay was beautifully done, both as a testament of the affection he still has for his sister and as a demonstration of his powers. Very cleverly executed !
On the topic of execution… Cersei ! ^^
She really is nailing this monarch thing at the moment (which means she will fail in the future). Her handling of Euron was great, her conversation with Tycho Nestoris (yeah Mark Gatiss is back!) was brilliant and the plan devised with Jaime in re. Casterly Rock was a stroke of genius.
Her punishment of the Sands was both subdued and horrific, an eye for an eye amplified by her own personal hell : like she grew up terrorised and traumatised by the thought of her mother’s corpse disintegrating, like she has had to live with the image of her eldest son’s agony and her youngest’ crushed skull, she imposed on Ellaria the view of her daughter’s decay. Excellent acting all around on this one !
Euron is still batshit insane and I love it. He is an egomaniac with a remarkable sense of flair and an instinct for what will make people tick. Good for him !
I was a tad sad to see Olenna go, even though it was predictable. Her conversation with Jaime was good in that it once again emphasised, to me, how profound her hatred of Cersei was. Even in her last moments, she attempted to drive a wedge between the twins to ensure the Queen’s defeat. I believe she wanted Cersei to know Jaime had convinced her to grant a painless death to the person responsible for her baby boy’s death. Interestingly enough, she left Littlefinger out of her confession even though he was the one who ensured Joffrey would suffer…
Till her last breath, Olenna believed Cersei is a huge danger.
Which brings me to my favourite part of the episode namely the conversation between Varys and Melisandre. Beside the Red Woman’s prophecy of the Spider’s death (goddammit!), the most interesting aspect to me was Varys’s point about the drug-like quality of power for those who were deprived of it for too long. The commonfolk, the servants, those who were denied the right to decide for themselves, have to keep a tight control over their natural desire to use (and abuse) power when they finally get some. Interesting foreshadowing considering virtually all the players in Westeros now have a fairly extensive experience of powerlessness… Cripples, bastards and broken things, all of them. All of them potentially dangerous or wrong or both.
Gh3ttoK!nG.,
I like that there wasn’t major battles…. I like Game of Thrones better with long scenes with great characters having conversations… There are plenty of movies that show graphic killing… Game of Thrones doesn’t need battle scenes to be entertaining.
That creates a power vacuum.
That was good.Every Jon scene from the moment he stepped into Dragonstone was gold and so funny.Like their accomplishment stand off.Davos is like my mom with me in public boasting about me and I’m Jon being like cut it out mum,we don’t talk about that.The ironies in their talk are so great.I’m glad the bromance with Tyrion is back and stronger than ever.Also who knew that Jaime was the better military commander.And he knows he is in a codependent fucked up relationship,he just can’t get out of it.Olenna went out like a boss.Bran baby I’m so sorry this has happened to you.
Exactly.
ramses,
Hmmm…maybe…he certainly looked startled again, like when Kinvara brought it up!
This episode was magnificent from start to finish.
I loved the Jon and Daenerys meeting. Kit and Emilia both killed it. When Emilia got up and started reciting everything Dany had been through, it was amazing… I had almost forgotten what a tremendous journey she had been through
But the star of this episode was DAME FUCKING DIANA RIGG
Pour one out for Game of Throne’s best scene stealer.
I will miss Olenna tremendously. But Damn! If she didn’t have the best death scene ever…. Even in her death scene, she eviscerated Jaime.
Hey, nice to see a namesake here who’s also a fan of both TV and book versions! 😊
Who’s knocking poor Podrick down in the dirt this time? And who or what is Brienne hacking to bits? She looked like she meant business – not Pod’s training routine.
selena,
Watch around the 4 minute mark.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSBvTJO8vTY
Hate to pick on your comment exclusively but I keep seeing variations of the same complaint brought up again and again. Having Bran just spew information at people would basically be an exposition dump and would make for very dull television. He’d be telling characters things the audience already knows. So far they’ve made the right decision that fits the medium.
BobDole,
Very much so because they have no heir. Olenna is old and when she dies that’s it. No one left to fight for. Then, on the other hand, you’re given a great deal by the queen of Westeros to take over in the stead of the heir-less family. It’s barely a betrayal, AND you’re granted land and power by the winning side–then the lesser families of the Reach can either join you are be branded enemies of the crown. Therefore, the whole Reach is in on it.
Same thing happened when the Targs were deposed. No one kept fighting for them in Westeros just because Dany and Viserys were still alive. They bent the knee to Robert, because it was a lost cause. The Tyrells are a lost cause.
I always assumed that the wildlings called him that.
The entirety of High Garden didn’t rebel against the Tyrell’s. They stayed loyal to the crown.
Did anyone notice Emilia Clarke looked at the camera again, like she was in the Office? lol
Did Jamie ever think Tyrion did? I thought it was pretty clear from their cell conversation that he didn’t think Tyrion did it, that was why he was trying to get him released to the Nights Watch. Jamie is angry that Tyrion killed Tywin.
It would’ve sounded too outlandish when the story of the White Walkers was already outlandish sounding enough?
Night King is simply used by everyone on the show who has at least heard of him to simplify referring to him. You can say it was Jon who simply came up with the name and just spread it around. Bran also refers to him like that because Bran knows everything. How is this something that needs discussing?
Takeaways:
1. Great swan song for Diana Rigg. Olenna really burned Jaime on her way out. MVP #1
2. Samwell Tarly, M.D. = MVP #2. Great “who me?” scene with Jorah. Nothing like building good will for future encounters.
3. I liked Jon-Dany introduction. Glad he didn’t give in to her uppity “bend the knee” nonsense.
Maybe now that her forces are being decimated she’ll get off her high horse a bit.
4. I take it Mel realizes she has a date with Arya?
5. Goat of the Week: Tyrion. Sorry, Imp, really love ya, but your plans are turning into one big clusterf*ck.
I think Dany will consider Olenna’s recommendation: “Be a fuc*ing dragon!… and go full on fire and blood. (Same thing happened in Mereen: she chained up her dragons to be a pacifist – and enemies took advantage of her. )
6. Sansa was looking at Bran like she was thinking “we’ll get him into rehab. We’ll find the best shrinks. Dose him with lithium and Zoloft.”
7. What was that New Age babblespeak LF was spewing? Whatever it was, I’m glad Sansa is finally telling him to shut up.
you were right.. i totally mixed those two scenes up.
well good on Sansa for not immediately blabbing to Littlefinger! points earned in my book lol
Steel_Wind,
I don’t think we’ll get CleganeBowl this season. If Moat Cailion is occupied, I don’t love their chances of getting north of the neck. But the second season 7 trailer says they do. So they either sail to East Watch or Jaime has an open door to deal with the North now that the Tyrells are out of the picture.
Agree 1000%. Nothing worse than a scene where one character explains stuff to another character that the audience has already seen. Man, that’s screenwriting 101.
Firannion,
Long shot, but perhaps a letter to Benjen about a dead sister and the truth about a certain bastard…
Firannion,
Agree!!
I was too intimated by her scary huge Dothraki bodyguard to notice. Was he wielding a freaking whip?
Hey ACME! Nice to read you. Great summary! But didn’t Cat burn the raven scroll Lysa sent her in season 1?
Dead sister?
Jack Bauer 24,
Lyanna Stark.
You guys!! In the promo LF is pulling out the dagger that was used to make an attempt on Bran’s life. Bran is back and usually alone communing with…everything by the heart tree! He’s also the legitimate heir of Winterfell.
I hope that Arya gets there soon…or that Ghost is nearby.
I’m trying to decide if Brian’s complete lack of emotions is a result of his progression as the 3 Eyed Raven or whether its because he’s already had visions of betrayal or trechery by Sansa…
8. One other thing: I thought Ellaria and Tyene got off relatively easy. I didn’t expect Cersei to follow an “eye for an eye” form of retribution. I thought for sure The Mountain would have a new playmate, and Cersei would have Qyburn give Tyene a facelift or something.
(Is Bronn too far away to rescue his Bad Girl in time? ☹️)
selena,
I often mix scenes up myself. Thank you Youtube.
Of the old gods,
Yup. Varys displayed similar trepidation when Kinarva mentioned the voice in the flames.
Looper,
Does none of them read their histories. Dragons!
Also, how can Dany’s side be the lost cause, like you said. The betrayed HG before Dany’s ships were crushed, they betrayed HG before Dorne and the Greyjoys were knocked out. Cersei has the Crownlands and the Westerlands, that’s it. Why would they betray in the first place, against overwhelming odds?
Look, Casterly Rock has to heir but Tyrion (who’s fighting on the opposite side), are we to expect the same to happened there? No because the show needs to prop Cersei up till the season end.
Looper,
My instant response is YES-but then I wonder how Sansa would react to that.
I really want Sam to find something in the scrolls. Just to be safe. 🙂
Here Be Dragons likely had the right of it that Bran’s reaction is directly to Sansa and to what he knows of her future.
What I Loved:
-Dragonstone cinematography early in the episode’
-Jon and Dany
-Jon and Tyrion (after awkward meeting)
What I Liked:
-Mel and Varys
-Cersei getting revenge
What I Disliked:
-Awkward initial Jon and Tyrion meeting
-Shot calling Sansa (put leather on that armor!)
-Sansa and Baelish
What I Hated:
-Cartoon Euron
-Anti-climactic Casterly Rock / High Garden “battles”
-Olenna / Jaime
This episode started well enough and just got worse and worse. About halfway through I was thinking it was a good episode overall, however by the time we got to the end I feel like it ended up being a very middling episode. The stuff in the last 30 minutes just reminds me why I’ve lost interest in the series, they’re just moving pieces around the chess board with no real suspense or stakes.
Also, at this point, I’m ready to declare Euron a disappointment. Just a typical over the top, mustache twirling, cartoon villain who no doubt will get his comeuppance by the end of the season.
Interesting Note..
The director made sure to focus on Littlefinger’s double-take upon hearing the Bolton maester mention that Maester Luwin kept a copy of every raven’s scroll.
What’s he thinking..?
A Dornish Tyrell,
Hello dearest Dornish Tyrell ! A pleasure to read you too (I am not as devastated as you for Olenna but I sure will miss her too)
You are absolutely right : Catelyn did burn the message but, given Wolkan’s point about his predecessor’s meticulous record-keeping, I sort of assumed Luwin might have copied the content of Lysa’s message somewhere… All the more so after Ned’s execution, perhaps.
RG,
Could the shot of the knife being drawn be a flashback? Or Bran-vision? And Bran is learning who owned the knife? Or it could be present tense…we’ll see. But I agree, Ghost can show up anytime now! And Arya – love the shot of her in the promo!
Just to kinda dovetail on this train of thought… I could see Littlefinger going after Bran because he knows too much. Bran’s supernatural knowledge outstrips Littlefinger’s worldly knowledge. Littlefinger is always the smartest guy in the room but no longer with Bran in the picture.
Also Littlefinger’s “new-age-y” speech about “fighting every battle in your head all the time. Every scenario is happening all at once. So you’re always prepared no matter the eventuality” is almost exactly the way Bran must see the world now. He sees everything in his mind. Only they aren’t “possible” scenarios. They are actual events that have happened or will happen in the future. I’m thinking Littlefinger’s speech about this to Sansa was setting us up in a subtle way for a confrontation between Littlefinger and Bran.
Loved the episode. Only thing that felt off was Cersei having mercy on Olenna. 100% would not have happened after that, “I wonder if you’re the worst person I’ve ever met” speech from last season.
It would lighten the mood a bit if Bran just started going around initiating conversation with pretty much everyone, bringing up their worst memory ever, then just toodling on his way. In the background.
ACME,
boom
Not only that, but it ensures that she becomes a dragon, Queen of the Ashes. She has tried avoiding that and things haven’t gone her way. Rather than fighting the right war, the only war that matters, she’ll turn her dragons and Dothraki loose on Westeros for much raping, pillaging, and plunder. Or that’s my theory, at least.
That was a hella lot to take in, but my own goes to Dany for asking, “The dead? Is that another figure of speech?” #She’llUnderstandSoonEnough
Runner up: every word uttered by the glorious Dame Diana Rigg, who I’ve had a crush on since The Avengers.
At least we got to see one. Remember The Whispering Wood? The Golden Tooth? The Red Ford? The Crag? You can’t can you? Neither of those battles ended up mattering.
Sam,
I’m not talking about the Night’s King from the books. I’m saying the White Walker king, called the Night King, could be from the lore of the White Walkers.
Pretty incorrect or unfair for anyone to say Kit and Emilia don’t have any chemistry. I don’t know why someone would claim that at this point. The characters are not to suppose to have chemistry yet, or in other words, they’re suppose to clash. They’re not familiar with each other so conversations should be guarded and abrupt. I’m sure we’ll see some good stuff when there’s suppose to be more of a friendship.
That was interesting. I got the impression that Jon didn’t want to give even more unbelievable grumpkin talk, and yet this talk was actually something they could just about prove if Jon would just take off his shirt. Which he should do. Every single episode.
Has anybody noticed that Dany is looking more evil this season? Foreshadowing?
And yet you like Book Euron?
Rewatch in progress.
Love the side-eye Jon does after Davos says “this is Jon Snow,” like come on man, you gotta introduce me a little better.
Battle at the Casterly rock was supposed to be finished quickly and easily, that’s why it was a trap. You were never gonna get a BotB level battle scene for this one, next episode and the final two perhaps.
ACME,
I thought that myself after pressing “Post Comment”. I can’t remember exactly the wording Maester Wolkam used about the records M. Luwyn kept, but it might very well be that he copied every single scroll that ever arrived… So, you are probably right in that regard.
I’ve seen a lot of people suggesting that the coldness with which Bran interacted with Sansa is a proof of her potential betrayal… I honestly have a hard time thinking it’s going to be the case. I rather think that Bran is now almost completely devoided of humanity (as someone who has become omniscient about every single atrocity experienced by every single inhabitant of Westeros (Planetos?) would probably be.) Your thoughts?
An excellent moment indeed. I have to confess I had always wished for a moment like that, when Daenerys’s infinite titles are enumerated for five minutes to someone and said someone simply answers “nice to meet you, I’m Bob” (or something equally unassuming).
Davos’s intro was as close as it could get and I love it ^^
The previous Three-Eyed Raven and Jojen were both advanced greenseers and they were both fairly cold and aloof. Why would Bran be any different now that his gift has developed ?
THE SORRY HISTORY OF MILITARY INTELLIGENCE GATHERING IN WESTEROS
by
Maester Luggnagg
Gave up on the HBO Go and watched it on the telly. Oh, that was Arya. Thanks, I was wondering.
Sunfyre,
Absolutely. Bran will know everything. We don’t even know everything. LF won’t like that-or CatSansa having yet another “Brandon” around to take her attention away from him.
I have this crazy tinfoil theory-I’m sure I’m not the first to think it.
And now that we’ve seen LF’s response to the Maester and his weird speech this episode, it’s only feeding my craziness lol
They had the most capable Bannerman in Randyl Tarly marching with the Lannisters along with the promise of gold from the Iron Bank.
The honorable holdfast along the way were either bypassed or crushed with the full-weight of the Tarley-Lannister force. Any force moving along the Rose Road to lay seige to King’s Landing would be vulnerable in the field on its own.
The bonus though is that now that huge army and huge navy are far away from King's Landing. Sauce for the goose or the dragon. The Rose Road is going to be a highway of death if the Dothraki have dragons for air cover.And unless Qyburn's toys come in lots of one hundred or more, and they are on wheels and gimbals, Jaime will have no anti-aircraft.
Patience.
I’m really annoyed that gameofthrones.com doesn’t yet have up this episode! They’re usually there within 5 minutes, and it’s been two hours.
Great episode!
Dragonstone:
Jon & Dany’s meeting was wonderful. I particularly loved Davos replying to Dany’s list of titles by simply saying “This is Jon Snow.” I also loved Tyrion’s role in helping them get along better. He’s awesome.
Interesting conversation between Melisandre & Varys. But… I really hope that prediction of Varys’ death was misleading and that it will actually be of old age…
Winterfell:
Sansa seems to be doing very well ruling Winterfell. Of course, Littlefinger is doing his best to manipulate her. What makes it worse is that the advice he gave her here is actually good…
And the reunion with Bran! Yes! He seems a bit emotionless, but it’s understandable given that he knows… well… everything. No real room left for emotional expression towards any one person.
King’s Landing:
Cersei’s punishment for the Sands was actually less gruesome than I expected. I thought she might set the Mountain on Tyene, but no… An eye for an eye. You poisoned my daughter, I’ll poison yours. Indira’s acting in that scene was AMAZING. It actually made me feel for her, which I NEVER expected to do. I’m also a bit sad about Tyene. She was the one Sand Snake I actually liked.
Euron continues to be deliciously awful. Pilou plays the part so well. I loved the conversation with Jaime. Poor Yara. I really dread what may happen to her…
Mark Gatiss is back! The conversation with Tycho was great. I particularly liked his line at the end – “Your father’s daughter indeed.”
The battles:
OK, so we didn’t see much. I don’t really mind that. I appreciated the strategy of it. Jaime knew they would go for Casterly Rock, so he did what Robb did to him. He abandoned it and took their entire army to attack the more important castle – Highgarden. You did your best, Tyrion… but Jaime (and Randyll, who may have helped) is unfortunately a highly skilled military commander.
The scene between Jaime and Olenna was wonderful. She was a badass to the very end. And that last jab at Jaime, about killing Joffrey… ouch! That’ll stick with him… especially since he had assumed it was Tyrion. RIP, Queen of Thorns. You will be missed.
I’m just wondering if the reason why Bran was particularly cold with Sansa is because he has seen her descend further into darkness, not in a way where she would betray her family but more in a way where she becomes the next Cersei.
Business card.
Dany stepping down from the throne to approach Jon was most interesting, since in the past no stranger or subject has been allowed to get that close to her while she sat on a throne.
Euron’s catches every fleet by surprise?
Even then no one is prepared to fight back?
What the hell?
Does not look evil to me.
Haven’t read the comments – but that was an AWESOME episode! GoT Season 7 is firing on all cylinders – each episode is better than the last. Only weird and out-of-place scene seemed to be Cersei-Jaime sex; he is exactly as Olenna predicted – too far gone. I wonder whether the scene has future ramifications.
Daenerys, Jon, Tyrion, Davos, Missandei, Drogon – just 😀 😀 😀
RIP Olenna.
“You look better brooding than I do. You make me feel like I’m failing at brooding over failing.”
1. Daeny would not be safe enough until the Rock is taken.
2. It does not. The Dornish could march up the Bone Way and take the Lannisters from behind if Jaime hasn’t fully manned the castles in the passes. Even then the Dornish will have to fight their way past the Stormlands unless Gendry has been rowing up and down the Step Stones gathering a guerilla army to seize Storm’s End.
The Dornish are out of the fight for quite a while. They will either face a huge Lannister land army with allies from three large kingdoms.
3. It is one-sided in Daeny’s favor. Dragons are Nuclear weapons especially when supported by fast moving light cavalry like the Dothraki. However, unless Daeny convinces Tyrion to give one a try, she’s going to need a whole suit of armor made from Valryian steel. Now that Daeny has no choice Cersei is finished. They are all dead and don’t know it. Unless that lucky arrow hits Daeny.
If 3000 Unsullied could face 50,000 Dothraki to a draw, then and approximate 8000 should have an easy time closing Westerns. Besides there is only Jamie to oppose them.
Time and Daeny’s safety.
Jon on the cliff at Dragonstone brooding.I bet that was Rhaegar 80% of his life.Bet he chose that same cliff too.Btw in her penchant of oversharing Dany has already told Jon her whole life story including the reasons for naming her Dragons and that she was raped.Jon is still holding back.
Also, one of Cersei’s arguments to the Iron Bank was Dany disrupted the Slave trade? Does she not know the history of Braavos and their anti-slavery wars throughout their history? Their founding as the former slaves of Valyria? That the 1st law of Braavos is no slaves.
TF is going on here lol
Young Dragon,
Is he as over the top as this guy? Doesn’t really seem that way to me. He seems to have a lot more stature and be more scary, not just going around and giggling after he calls someone a twat.
A Dornish Tyrell,
Ha ! I might have alluded to my take on Bran’s coldness previously and it aligns perfectly with yours, I believe : greenseers are not warm people. A huge chunk of their humanity is sacrificed to their gift, in accordance with George RR Martin’s notion that nothing is ever for free or consequenceless. Every power comes at a price. The previous Three-Eyed Raven lost his mobility, stuck in a tree as he was, and his emotionality; there is no reason why Bran’s bill should be different.
At the Wall, Meera was the one who spoke Bran’s name and filiation to the Night’s Watch while Bran himself remained silent. And, at Winterfell, he downright rejected any inheritance his Stark identity may grant him. Ironically it is he, not Arya, who appears to be on the path to become No One to an extent.
If anything, it will probably only get “worse”, so to speak, for Bran is not quite done with his ability. His training was rudely interrupted by a swarm of zombies and a very angry ice person so he is not omniscient yet. He only knows what he looks for so, if he is unaware of something’s importance, he may not look for it and therefore not get the information from weirwood.net ^^
As for Maester Luwin’s records, I think it may be relevant that, while we know Catelyn burnt Lysa’s message, Littlefinger does not. All he heard was Wolkan’s assertion that his predecessor kept everything so Baelish may come to the conclusion that the scroll is in the files and look for it (or start thinking of an explanation for the message if it is found)
A similar logic might apply to the dagger. I doubt Littlefinger will try anything against Bran (too dangerous) but he is in possession of the weapon that was used in an assassination attempt against the younger Stark brother who may or may not remember the attack. That dagger could be viewed as incriminating evidence, even though Baelish had nothing to do with the hit and got the weapon from Catelyn. So he might try to get rid of it, hide it or give it to the Starks as a token.
Back on-line after my usual episode double watch via Sky Atlantic and SA+1.
This episode was fucking EPIC in all respects! One of the best ever. I enjoyed the meetings/reunions of characters and some such as Jon, Davos and Dany for the first time and the reunion of Jon and Tyrion and Sansa and Bran.
As many have said, that meeting was somewhat bittersweet for Sansa seeing that Bran had changed so much now that he’s become the Three Eyed Raven. I agree with his remarks to Sansa when she asked him what that was… Like how do you explain something like becoming a ‘greenseer’?
I think there may have been a mistake on Bran’s part saying he saw Sansa’s wedding (I presume to Ramsey) with the snow falling saying she had a white wedding dress? That is unless it was white being cover in snow. I don’t recall her wedding dress being white when Theon escorted her to the ceremony?
Did I imagine it – but thought I heard Lady Olenna use the ‘C’ word just before she told Jaime it was her who poisoned Joffrey?
One thing is for sure though? No more ‘Bad Pussy’ for Bronn 🙂
Shock Me,
3) in ep 6.10 the dragons execute a surgical strike on ships w/o a rider. how many times have euron’s ships come within striking distance of these dragons? Euron has magically negated the dragons…🤔🤔🤔
I hope that artist who makes the Beautiful Death posters does full justice to the awesomeness that was the Queen of Thorns. Sad that we will have no more scenes with her after tonight.
Jack Bauer 24,
It wasn’t even a battle scene honestly. It was a voice over with brief glimpses of the taking of a mostly empty castle. Who thought a voice over would be a good idea in Thrones ?
Anyway, I’m sure the budget would not have allowed to flesh out these sequences more. I always suspected Casterly Rock and Highgarden would be underwhelming. The big battles are episodes 4 and 6.
But in any case, this episode cemented my dislike for Mark Mylod. He better not be back next year.
It shocked me too at first but it could be explained by the fact that the Iron Bank is affected, due to its centrality in Planetos’s economy, by all financial trends and movements, including the slave trade.
Braavos refuses to trade with cities/countries that practice slavery but it does have commercial relations with places that do trade with those cities/countries. Just one degree of separation is enough for Braavos and the Iron Bank to maintain their anti-slavery ethos while still making a profit. Now that the entire economy of The Bay Formerly Known as Slavers is in limbo, the Bank may very well be affected by ricochet…
There is also the possibility that Tycho is just agreeing with Cersei to stay on diplomatic terms and maximise his chances of getting the Bank’s money back. As per the old adage : when you owe the bank 500, you’re in trouble; when you owe the bank 500 million, the bank is in trouble ^^
“Finger in the bum” memes are coming.
Jon may not have bent the knee, but he sure face planted the pavement during the Top Gun fly by. His face was priceless after Tyrion helped him up. He looked absolutely terrified!
Davos: “This is Jon Snow.” I literally laughed out loud. What made it even funnier was after Missandei finished her heraldry I suddenly remembered a meme from years ago with all of Dani’s titles crammed on a Starbucks coffee.
There were some great scenes packed into this episode.
Can’t wait for next week! Dani is pissed and shit is going to go down.
Hah you expect Unsullied to better commanders at sea? This is Euron, the best captain out in the sea. He’s the storm and moves in Silent. He’s. no rookie. You’re dealing with a seasoned vet
Great episode
At first I was disappointed at the mere “montage” of sieges of Casterly Rock and Highgarden (great to finally see them!!!), but thought about it for two mins and finished the episode and it’s actually worked really well given it is discussed in terms of the maneuvering and counter-maneuvering strategically and is quite great and is a big improvement on earlier seasons where we would see discussions over a map etc
Of course it would have been good to at least see some Tyrell soldiers fighting at least lol but I guess the point was always that Randyll Tarly was the General
Of course there’s some great signs of how characters have learned, eg Cersei has learned from her season of arrogance which ended in the humiliation of the WoS, and as Jaimie said he learned from Robb
I thought Cersei was going to hand Tyene over to the Mountain Septa Unella style but it was actually cleverly thought out, eg the chains between her and Ellaria are just too short to embrace and then Ellaria is set to have to watch knowing not only will Tyene die but will have to watch her body rot as well
I’m assuming it wasn’t possible for Eurons fleet to catch the Unsullied fleet and intercept them BEFORE the troops landed
My best guess is that trip to Volantis will be the payoff for that huge change from the books in season 2. When Jeyne Westerly became Talisa we now have an entire Volantine noble house that would want pay back for the death of Talisa and Fetus Ned at the Red Wedding.
Yeah hopefully this is the case
Other side of that coin though is that GRRM seems to have intimated there was more to Shae’s background then met the eye, though they could blame that on Tywin and not Tyrion perhaps?
Hopefully this would end up with a good way to get the Golden Company into the mix, eg if the Unsullied are stranded then…
As well as Dany paying back the debt of “the Crown” which is the Iron Thrones debt
Did Jaime march through the whole Reach to Highgarden without any of the Reach’s banners opposing them?
I hope we get a nice little scene at the end of the series, where Sam confronts Randyll about the latter’s moral cowardice in betraying Lady Oleanna, and then Randyll and Dickon are dispossessed from Horn Hill in favor of Sam.
I think this episode showed the most positive depiction of Sansa in a long time.
She was /actually/ able to show her strengths like she does in her Alayne chapters – becoming a lady and running a household. It almost feels too good to be true, I’m wondering how many episodes will it take for her to be written as stupid again.
It’s pretty bittersweet that she is now the “heart” of the Stark family, being the one to regroup the pack. She was the one who didn’t value her family very much and now she clings desperately to it – only to realise that her family has changed too much since she left Winterfell, and things will never go back to the way they were.
It’s sad.
Ghost Lunch,
I think a mid-season battle scene diminishes the effect of a climactic season ending one.
Daario is holding down the slave trade nicely👏🏻
I’d imagine the public is scared a) of Cersei and b) the prospect of a Dothraki horde and c) Dragons, and it left such a power vacuum there are no nobles left to rally behind, I reckon they’d be different if either Marge or Ser Kevan Lannister survived
I’m also assuming that Randyll Tarly in “mobilising his Army” and all that entails also mobilised the food supplies required to feed the Lannister soldiers as well
Inter-married or not, I don’t think the Reach Lords are going to go against Randyll Tarly. If Marge and Ser Loras were alive then perhaps they would but House Tyrell perceivably has no future (despite the numerous cousins etc)
In the books I reckon this will intertwine with House Florent in this situation, eg they would rather put the “proper House” back into power
Also, good on Sam getting promoted from poop scooper to now book scriber ^_^
weirwoodtreehugger,
Yeah it would have been good if the Dragon that flew mega-close was Rhaegal (the Dragon I reckon he’ll bind with), maybe it was but good if Tyrion pointed it out
I still haven’t seen a single thing to suggest Sansa would betray Jon or any other members of her family. However, I *do* believe she’d do what she thought was right, even if it meant making a decision her siblings might object to.
I do think the writers want us to be uncomfortable with Sansa’s goals and motivations, they’ll play up the dramatic tension of that, but I really don’t believe she’s destined for a heel-turn. I am far more confident with the idea that she’s learned enough of The Game of Thrones now that she’ll eventually cut Littlefinger off at the knees.
Similarly, I believe the writers want us to wonder if Dany might go the way of her Mad King father Aerys, but they won’t ever turn her evil. If you think about it, Jon and Dany balance each other out in very positive ways. Jon is stubborn but humble, Dany can be arrogant but compassionate too. They both have made wrong decisions, mistakes which have cost peoples (and in Jon’s case, his own) lives. Yet they are also survivors and do seem to have a part to play in the coming great war. The idea that Dany would prove to be some kind of megalomaniac just isn’t supported by her long difficult journey. I am fine with her being flawed and even wrong sometimes.
I do wonder why it seems that the ‘uppity’ women get more flak onine for trying to claim/maintain power than the men. Stannis was the epitome of being an entitled bitch, if you ask me. Eh, just an observation/opinion.
Anyways, I despise Cersei as a character, but she’s currently winning the Game of Thrones. R.I.P. the Queen of Thorns, she got in the last word, which was a satisfying way to go.
Euron needs to die in a fire with a ballista up his behind, but I fear he’ll be around until the next season. If Yara survives the coming episodes, I want Theon to help mount a rescue and be the avenging Greyjoy Euron never saw coming.
Great acting from the remaining Sand Snakes. They weren’t the best plot thread, but still I was sad for their fate.
I am longing for the episode when Jaime will finally shift his allegiances and reject Cersei for being the truly Mad Queen of this tale. We got a push in that direction today, when he found out for certain that Tyrion did not murder Joffrey.
Unless, the climactic season ending thing is not a battle but rather the proverbial “London Bridge” falling down…and those who man said “Bridge” getting massacred
Yes, very. I didn’t like Euron during season 6, but he’s really beginning to grow on me. Unlike last season and in the books, I find him mildly entertaining. Plus, the show isn’t trying to turn him into a main antagonist like the books are doing. They’re keeping him as a secondary antagonist, where he belongs.
BobDole,
Where in the show does it mention any of this?
First thoughts :
RIP Lady Olenna. RIP Jaime’s character. “After we’ve won and there’s no one left to oppose us, when people are living peacefully in the world she built, do you really think they’ll wring their hands over the way she built it ?” Seriously ? Fuck you, Jaime.
D&D’s writing for his character is disgraceful at this point.
The meeting of Ice and Fire was good, not great. D&D really struggle to make dialogue flow naturally. Cogman and GRRM are much, much better at it in my opinion. There are a lot of unnecessary and repetitive lines, and the dialogue rarely feels organic. It just doesn’t flow. But Kit and Emilia put in the work, as did Dinklage, and the scenes work overall.
Weird that Euron considers himself a subject of Cersei’s. Not sure that’s really in character, but whatever. Hated what was done to Yara, Ellaria, and Tyene, even though I don’t like the last two. Indira Varma acted the shit out of it, and actually made me feel really fucking sad for what she and Tyene are going through. Watching her daughter die for hours, possibly days, and then remaining in that cell to look at her remains forever ? Fucking hell, Cersei is evil. She takes the cake for cruelty.
Euron’s dialogue is way too modern. “What a twat”, “finger in the bum”, “this is the life”. It’s a little silly, but Asbaek’s performance is really good. The way he taunted Jaime was hilarious and infuriating all at once. His popularity is absurd though. Yes, the mobs of KL are vicious and enjoy seeing women degraded, but there’s no reason for them to greet him like he’s some kind of awesome rockstar. Cersei and her allies should be despised.
Mark Gatiss’ performance was weird. He totally changed his voice, à la Aidan Gillen. He doesn’t sound anything like he did in Seasons 4 and 5. He was also a bit too much of a mustache-twirling banker. Braavos is a city built by former slaves, a city that prides itself on being free, and here he is lamenting the downturn of the slave trade. Meh. Tycho had a certain dignity about him in previous seasons, here he was sleazy as fuck. Didn’t really enjoy the scene.
Bran being completely emotionless was too much. Yes, he should be somewhat cold, yes he should be detached, but this was excessive. He bears no resemblance to the boy we saw in the Season 6 finale. That boy had emotions. This one is a robot.
Jorah being cured over night is silly. It was way too easy. I wish it had been more that the spread of the disease was slowed down, not that the infection was completely gone. Somehow Sam did something no maester has ever been able to do : cure greyscale without catching it himself. Even the famous Pylos couldn’t do that. And Sam did. With no training. At all.
Also, the cure is just way too simple. Peel off the sick skin and apply ointment. Wow, what an original idea for how to treat a skin disease.
Jorah thanking Sam was quite touching though, you could really see the deep gratitude and emotion he felt.
Casterly Rock and Highgarden were rushed, underwhelming, not very exciting at all in fact, and rather poorly directed. Wasn’t expecting too much though, so I’m not disappointed.
Overall a strong episode, but with relatively weak dialogue (except for a few really good lines), and an anti-climactic ending.
I thought it was a good, solid, but middling episode. Thankfully, combined with last week’s, Mark Mylod shows he knows how to direct. Highlights for me were: Jon and Dany’s meeting and the several attendant conversations, including Varys-Melisandre, Jon-Tyrion, and as always, Davos explaining best what’s critical about Dany and everyone helping against the WWs. The other highlight was the civilised and revelatory conversation between Jaime and Olenna, and her exiting stage right like a Shakespearean heroine. One takeaway: I doubt Cersei is a Mad Queen. Her strategy, use of Qyburn, propagandist recruiting, placating of Tycho Nestoris, and diabolical but poetic revenge on Ellaria & Tyene all prove her sanity. She is just utterly ruthless. Lowlights were the two battles, more bombastic grandstanding from Euron, and the Sansa-Bran reunion. Poor old thing, Bran seems dead behind the eyes.
I thought the Ep4 preview raised some intriguing questions. Since Dany admits she’s “losing” will she be a Dragon and unleash fire and blood? What kind of reception will Arya get when she finally arrives home? And should we be nervous that LF is still there stirring up trouble and unsheathing a dagger in a dark place?
Princessmara,
I was also surprised at how creepy Bran is. I thought he’d have more to tell Sansa, like, hey, guess what, Jon is a Targaryen, I broke Hodor’s mind, Hodor reallly stood for “hold the door,” Uncle Benjen is a half-dead zombie beyond the Wall, dad didn’t really kill Arthur Dayne, and Old Nan’s stories are F-ing true. But this is GoT so he will inexplicably hold on to all that news.
Bran is now primarily an emotionless deus ex data who will dole out dollops of information when, how, and to whom it is needed for characters to act appropriately. Amongst the fortuitous info drips and drabs and occasional warging, he’ll stay stoned by the tree trying to perfect his database management. It’s useful for the narrative and plot, but so sad for the mischievous, enthusiastic, hopeful little boy he was originally.
Had to wait a few hours to watch, the hotel I am in only had one HBO channel and wasn’t showing GOT till three hours later. Oh but it was worth the wait!! Was not a wrong move in the entire show, and at the end, was surprised that an hour had passed! Poor Olenna, but she was ready. Loved that she told Jamie that it was her all along. And poor Thene (sp), to know that she would die so horribly. No sympathy at all for her mother, tho I still have some for what a horrible thing to witness. Cersei was right about Oberyn, he could have killed the mt and been done with it. And Grey Worm is still alive, for now. And I do hope now that dany has seen some failure, that there will be some success. Its time.
Anyway haven’t read comments yet, got a lot to catch up on, I may be in the minority here, but really thought this one of the top episodes in the series. May need to watch it a few more times to decide. Good night 🙂
In addition to everything I said before, I have a couple more thoughts after rewatching :).
1) When Cercei is confronting Ellaria in the dungeon, there was one moment where Cercei stepped out of militant Cercei for a brief second. She said, “Why did you do that?” (referring to killing Myrcella).
It was so brief, a soulful plea, where the vulnerability and hurt overcame her vengeance. It was brilliant.
2) This may be one of my favorite episode of Sansa. I love that she wasn’t running around trying to plot military strategy, but focusing on the day-to-day leadership and practical preparations. I thought Sansa was exceptionally well acted tonight too – she was self-assured, confident, and intelligent. Her emotion at seeing Bran felt very genuine to me, and during her convo with him at the weirwood tree she was asking questions and trying to understand – like a sister.
And her facial reaction when leaving Bran at the tree – the trauma over hearing her brother describe the night of her rape, her confusion over what he had become, her fear of the unknown, was all convincing. BRAVO to Sophie Turner. I’m not usually a Sansa fan but tonight I appreciated both the character and the actress.
Lots of great discussion going on here, will take a while to process.
What do you think Littlefinger was concerned about considering the revelation that copies of all raven messages were kept?
I initially thought back to the potentially incriminating ones sent between Littlefinger and the Bolton’s when the Bolton’s were in power there, but Maester Luwin was dead then.
So it had to be something that happened earlier, when Catelyn and Ned were in charge. Still not following. But it feels significant somehow. Otherwise why dwell on Baelish’s reaction?
Young Dragon,
I’m sure the show has said (in one of Arya’s scenes in the house of black and white) that Braavos was founded by slaves, escaping Valyria. That the 1st facesless men were started there.
The others are book lore, yes but why change the history of a city from anti-slavery policy (They started several wars with Pentos over slavery) to now “slavery doesn’t matter as long as we make a buck”? Can’t we keep the city’s lore consistent and not plot driven?
Olenna said her problem was failure of imagination. Mine was too much imagination. I was in no mood to see Tyene be tortured, or I was sure Cersei was going to have the Mountain pop her head, and I didn’t want to see that either. I’d much rather remember cute, sassy, Bad Pussy Tyene than popped-head Tyene. The Dorne girls get major props for acting though. Both of them did an excellent job. And Lena knocked it out of the park.
Speaking of Olenna, I loved how she grabbed the poison, drank it down and THEN told Jaime about her part in Joff’s death. She spouted venom the whole time and died like a trooper.
Yeah, no. The show doesn’t work that way. Volantis is the HQ for the Red Priests/Priestesses. Mel is going there because HBO doesn’t need to pay the actress for the rest of the season. That’s all.
Shock Me,
Indeed
I also think the books and scrolls that Sam now has to “make copies of” were intentionally selected by the Arch-maester to quietly bypass rules around the maester-only section of the library.
But yeah this is Bankers so like Goldman Sachs and housing market derivatives they probably pay both sides
Eg in this case if they getthe Highgarden gold as suggested in tje trailer they’d probably still give dany a loan
You’re right. It’s clearly set in stone in the lore(DVD extras):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tp4PROv7sw
The logic of Iron Bank/slavery is the same as Cersei convincing Reach Lords that Dany is dangerous: none. It’s common knowledge that she blew up the Sept of Baelor along with various Lords/Ladies of the Reach. Yet, King’s Landing population is celebrating her instead of protesting or logically, fleeing the city.
Vincent Stark,
makes you wonder what else he has seen regarding her that would elicit that kind of response.
I’m not saying she shouldn’t. In fact she will have to. I would have abandoned Dragonstone for the Rock with my entire force together with the dragons acting as air cover. Sailed to Dorne to add the Dornish to my force land strip every loyal arms from the reach and march up the ocean road to the rock while The unsullied sped ahead to scout the castle and open the gates to the combined force from the inside. Recon by air once I found the Lannisters gone. Run down the Gold Road with Dornish to my south and Highgarden to my north Unsullied in the center and the Dothraki screening and in reserve.
Drop the whole mess on King’s Landing just like Tymin did.
Oberyn had mentioned he had eight daughters to Cersei. I am assuming his five daughters are still back in Dorne.
How long will Ellaria live? Cersei promised to force feed her if she resisted eating. The absolute very best acting this well-acted episode was by Indira Varma.
Is Melissandre going to Volantis to reconnect with the main temple of the Red God, before her death?
How long will Greyworm and the Unsullied hold out with low food levels? At least they can fish in the ocean.
Olenna was so clever! First drinking the poison, then telling Jaime about his psycho kid’s death. Masterful!
Daenerys is holding back too; the fact that she is fireproof. 😉
Shock Me,
I am going with this version as canon😉
Also, I was mistaken. only two dragons were riderless in 6.9.
Succubint,
Yeah considering his son died and the horror of the wildfire and the PTSD such a thing would cause, it’s rather surprising that Davos isn’t more like Ellaria to Tyrion etc
You raise a good point about Stannis of course, eg the thing about the Jon/Stannis CB scenes is I wonder what Jon would have thought about Stannis throwing a leech into the flames and blood magic
Guess either Bran or Gendry or even Davos may tell him one day and his opinion will change…
As for Dany, I kind of like the entitled mentality, shows her for what she is etc, it’s the whole self-righteous Mhysa breaker of Chains that irritates me, at least GRRM is right in showing that Slavers Bay descends into a farce since there is no economy and the Slaves when in power are no better than the Masters. The idea a Sellsword company with Daario at the head would preside over a peaceful “Dragons Bay” even without being jilted is absurd
What’s good though is Jon and Dany are kinda like Stannis and Renly, eg Renly was put in power by the Lords despite Stannis claim where no one wanted to follow him, Stannis went OTT burning people. Both could have done very well with Stannis as King and Renly as Hand
So Jon and Dany could do well, eg there’s the possibility of giving the North a Dorne type deal
Damn, I hope this is not the end for Ellaria. Indira can act! And so does Rosabell! I didn’t expected to be such an emotional scene. It’s sad that they never had good scripts to work before.
Ollena.. I can’t…
And Djawadi did a beatiful job with the Sansa/Bran reunion and Jamie at Highgarden
Overall, great episode. Mylod reedemed himself imo
Yeah the Trailers had me expecting something more “substantial” along the lines of the Naval battle last week
But as I let it all “digest” and take in the subtler scenes it’s actually really quite dawning on me on how great an episode that was
Agree
Reckon we’ll see the Night King or something pass through the Inn at the Crossroads in Season 8 lol and Wight Hot Pie will be added to Wight Hodor etc
Ghost Lunch:
Interesting idea of having Stannis and Renly team up as King and Hand. It might have worked out better if the roles had been reversed, though. Renly was the one the realm loved. He made a better inspirational figurehead, while Stannis could have handled the day to day ruling well, perhaps. As long as he ditched the Red Witch.
As for Davos, I think he mourned his son, but it was war and his son was a willing soldier/sailor in that war, not an innocent. I really don’t think he would have held a personal grudge against Tyrion for defending his city to the best of his ability.
Ellaria’s vengeance was definitely misplaced, in my opinion; Oberyn had been defeated fairly in a duel to the death.
Oberyn’s quest for justice, however, was much more understandable. His sister and her children had been wronged and then ruthlessly slaughtered because of Rhaegar’s irresponsible actions. Robert and Tywin could have spared them, held them for ransom etc as was the usual case for noble civilians, but they instead chose cold-blooded murder.
Tyrion’s beef with Ellaria was also understandable, since Myrcella had been sent to Dorne to potentially marry the prince (and solidify a peace treaty) and was under their *protection* before she’d been brutally poisoned for nothing she herself had done or was guilty for.
Can someone tell me what was the message Lysa sent to Catelyn that incriminates LF?
On a completely superficial note, the smile that Jon gave Tyrion made me stupidly happy.
Kay,
Ha but it’s all there in the name though.The Unburnt.He knows.
Markus Stark,
Euron will consider himself a “subject” as long as it is in his interest to do so. It’s all about getting himself what he wants, nothing more. Heck, they’re already laying the groundwork for a potential future betrayal pretty heavily, especially in Cersei’s scene with Tycho: “Euron Greyjoy serves me.” “For now.”
As for Bran, quite some time has obviously passed since he started his mental download of Bloodraven’s consciousness, considering the duration of his journey to the Wall and subsequently to Winterfell. At this point his mind, at least, is barely even human anymore. As he continues to put the “fragments” together and gain omniscience, it’s only natural that he rapidly loses his grip on his emotional attachments and empathy. He now knows far, far too much about everyone and everything, and it shows.
The man from the iron bank is actually Jaqen H’ghar
This is my theory and I’m sticking to it.
I would give it a 9/10. I really liked the episode but a few minor things I didn’t like so much:
– I felt they dumbed Jon down when meeting Dany but overall it worked well.
– I would have preferred a more violent death for Ellaria and Tyene
– Greyworm looks screwed but why not show the unsullied completely wiped out, please no miraculous escape!!
– Battle scenes at Highgarden and Casterley Rock were ok but didn’t feel epic.
– I knew from the leaked outline last year that Olenna was going to die but sad really as she was a great character.
Anyway, I really enjoyed Cersei hammering Dany yet again, we all know it won’t last but it’s fun and I found myself cheering when Euron turned up and started to wipe out the Unsullied because I had no idea it was coming. Sadly though a few people were speculating it could be a trap so either they read the leaked scripts (apparently first three episode scripts were published on line) or they guessed very well.
He was with the Tarly’s pretty sure they and the other Reach lords support the Lannisters now.
I can’t say how I’d rate this in regards to the whole series, but I think it been the best so far this season. Certainly better dialogue than last week, at the very least. 🙂 I also appreciate the mention that two ships escaped and the rest were sunk OR captured from Dany/Yara’s fleet; last episode had kind of given me the impression they had all been destroyed, which I didn’t feel was realistic.
You know, I quickly forgot about it while watching the episode, but your comment just made me think of that cute little handmaid (or whatever she was) witnessing Jaime in Cercei’s bed. Not that their relationship/relations aren’t a commonly accepted rumor, but now I’m interested in whether or not there’s going to be a connection between the speech about servants with power and the …servant. Wonder what she’ll do.
-ALSO- At first watch I thought the clip from next week’s trailer w/Jaime and Bron looking over the canyon was of the Dothraki. So, I’m getting major Dothraki horde ambush vibes from that. Of course, I doubt they’re ready to kill off Jaime’s character yet, and I also don’t see how something like that could be pulled off WITHOUT killing off Jaime’s character.
1) Why would Dany not fly Drogon to Casterly Rock if her advisors know the fighting will be difficult?
– I thought they explained that quite well they cannot risk their leader in a war, do you see Cersei fighting?
2) How does the capture of two bastard women completely nullify the entirety of Dorne? Soldiers in Dorne can’t march without ships?
– The region is now leaderless, at the very least they would be complete unorganised.
3) Why are they making the war so one sided?
Dany is losing and it’s great but we all know it won’t last she still has 100,000 Dothraki savages and three dragons, she’s bound to strike back somehow.
It feels very obvious to me that they show is leading up to Jamie turning against Cersei and presumably killing her. Dany is losing the war, it may need the Lannisters to implode to even the odds.
Either way I doubt either Dany or Cersei will sit on the throne by the end of the story.
Jenny,
No, she didn’t tell everything. She didn’t explain that, in here own way, she has defied death as well. In her case, she walked alive from fire twice, which no human should have been able to do. They both have something unusual about them.
The Unsullied just took heavy losses at Casteley Rock and are presumably very low on numbers with the remaining few surrounded at the Rock with no food provisons, they essentially appear doomed.
You don’t seriously expect Dany to sweep all before her do you?
This is an excellent question and like Jamie killing Cersei there is so much foreshadowing of this in the episode. Also the director for episode 5 says it’s going to be one the fans celebrate I reckon it’s revealing Jon is the true heir, presumably Dany does not find out immediately.
I agree with this .. we’ve already heard Jon say (regarding Cersi’s monstrous deeds) ‘you almost sound like you admire her’ (or words to that effect) .. Sansa was just loving walking around Winterfell giving orders to everyone, so much so, that LF switched into full sycophant mode, telling her how good she was at being in charge. As much as she treats him with contempt, he still manages to get inside her head at the end of the scene. Has Bran seen some kind of future betrayal I wonder? .. Sansa clearly has her weaknesses. If he has seen her death then you’d expect a different reaction but he didn’t seem that pleased to see her. Maybe he blames her for Ned’s death, she did contribute to his arrest by telling tales to Cersei that they were leaving King’s Landing. It set in motion a whole chain of events that eventually led to Ned’s death.
Was that Rhaegal or Drogon .
This is an excellent spot, if Bran realises Littlefinger was the one who tried to kill him (wasn’t it Joffrey though?) then Littlefinger is fucked although I suspect Sansa may need some convincing.
Wasn’t Pyke in the opening credits last week too and we didn’t see it?
Jon Snowed,
I think that the flash of the dagger in LF’s hand in the Episode 4 preview is actually when Bran sees this in one of his greenseer visions…he learns the truth about LF, how he was behind the murder of Jon Arryn, which set everything into motion.
Love, love, love!!! Yes, the difference between the styles of each monarch are great, indeed. I, for one, prefer the humbler, meeker, starker one. Meek, not weak.
Karen Peterson,
Good riddance 🙂
Bran is creepy?
You watching the same show? lol
Hes the three eyed raven.. he has seen everything, and has no more emotions like he used.
Oh yeah, hes going to tell Sansa about Jon before he tells Jon?
Come on now
ACME,
Love this review 🙂
Catspaw Assassin,
Jon doesn’t think of himself as special, and I don’t believe he would ever tell that story to anyone
Dee Stark,
Lol 😆 Why do they keep watching the show then? Well for me, I’m gonna watch this episode again and again and again until Sunday. Need to have my GOT fill until then. 😁
I really think you need to stop watching now.
Sam,
I know.. I don’t get it
If I didn’t like something I wouldn’t waste time on it.
I LOVED THIS EPISODEEEEEEE
ManderlyPieCompany,
Actually, considering that Cersei murdered her two grandchildren and her son, I think Cersei was in a position to be merciful
Dee Stark,
It’s very personal to him. One that he’s probably still trying to make sense of.
Boojam,
I don’t get it.. people still think dany will become the mad queen?!?!
Sam,
Exactly.. I would have been shocked if Jon tried to use that to convince them
Oh I haven’t thought of that. Yes, Jon’s brooding father might have done it at the same spot! Gosh, it feels so odd referring to someone else as his father other than Ned. I still think Jon would be devastated to know Ned’s not his real father.
Vincent Stark,
Im so nervous now, I have come to love Sansa even more this season… because, as you said, she is trying desperately to restore what they had before.. and it breaks my heart. I am really worried as to what is going to happen now.
As every episode passes Dany becomes less likeable, it depends upon your definition of “mad” but I don’t see too many scenarios where she simply gives up and bends the knee to Jon.
Jon Snowed,
why would she bend the knee to jon lol
Sansa’s Knight,
stefan666,
With you on that one, trouble is I’m wishing my life away because can’t wait until next one and I’m too old to do that.
Oh honey, I don’t think they can, someone else got there first! 😀
Hi Dee, I need to becareful how I respond to you here but have you worked out Jon’s parentage from S6 episode 10 and thought through the potential implications?
I hope this isn’t a spoiler but I want to becareful incase you haven’t worked out something which I thought the show had made clear. As this relates to episodes which have already aired I am happy to write it in spoiler code but won’t until you give me the green light. Also to be clear I am not talking about any future events in this, as you know I read the outline last year but have been avoiding more detailed spoilers this year.
Jon Snowed,
You are so kind for asking me first 🙂
Oh for sure, I know the R+L= J 100%
But if Jon does find out his true parentage, I don’t think he is going to say, “okay well I am the true heir of the iron throne” and try to take it… that’s not him…. which brings me to the point that I don’t see that Dany would ever need to bend the knee to Jon.
There was a deep resentment against Highgarden to begin with, the Tyrell’s weren’t the original family they took power during Aegons conquest. These deep running grudges or resentments are passed down through the generations. If Randyll Tarly decides it’s time to remove the Tyrells, who let’s face it.. are pretty much done anyway.
No-one wants to fight with Dothraki savages or foreign eunuch soldiers. Highgarden was easy pickings. Tryion, Dany and co underestimated Jaime as a commander. He and Randyll tricked them, just as Robb did all those years before. Strike 1 and 2 to Cersei, and Olenna made a crucial error.. she let revenge cloud her judgement.
Dany has one real choice left.. unleash all the fury of the dragons and her dothraki and destroy the Lannister army. Thus proving Cersei correct. Rule by fear … it’s the only way!!!! The only thing these damn Westerosi will accept.. the fools!
All makes perfect narrative sense to me. Plus the little snippets of the battles were great.. we didn’t need a whole BoB episode for these. They aren’t the battles that will decide the outcome.. they are about to take place I reckon.
I agree I don’t think Jon will demand this but I believe there is a lot of foreshadowing over the last three episodes that many others will rally behind Jon, most likely some of those who are still behind Dany. Listen again to what Varys says about serving the realm when he see’s how Jon leads and how Dany leads it’s only a matter of time before he switches. Tyrion likes them both at this time but could also switch to team Jon if Dany goes fire and blood – something he has repeatedly counselled against. Melisandre also makes it clear Jon is the Prince who is promised but stops short of declaring Dany but says she has a role to play. Also listen to Dany this episode where she says she is the last surviving Targ and that it’s her birthright – now let’s assume she finds out that Jon is actually another Targ, with a better claim to the throne and one who has the support of the people – unlike Dany who now has only three Dragons, 100,000 Dothraki savages, Missandei and three dragons. I’m not sure how she is going to take this news but she may choose to bend the knee to Jon or fight him.
This is my theory and not spoilers just to be clear:)
Fully agree, Dany’s only real option is to go full fire and blood or Mad Targ by burning and murdering thousands. This isn’t going to end well for Danyor Cersei I suggest.
Jon Snowed,
Thanks for you insight, some very interesting comments 🙂 🙂
I prefer to think of Hot Pie as a Tom Bombadil character. The White Walkers try to raise him and then nothing happens. Then he sits up, shakes his head and opens his eyes staggers to his feet. Says I yield and walks back to his kitchen like a baller.
The White Walkers look at eachother then shrug and continue on like they did with Sam at the Fist of the First Men.
Jon Snowed,
Yep and they should of done it to start with.. Tyrion seems to think (and I love Tyrion) he’s the only one with half a brain. When it comes to military strategy there are lots of people just as clever as him. They anticipated both attacks. Unfortunately for Dany, Euron is a better Naval captain than Yara. Plus Jaime and Randyll are better in the field than Tyrion.
I always think it’s harder being the attacker than the defender, the defenders are already set-up. Cersei has painted Dany as the baddy, so the armies are fighting for their homeland. Dany needs to go in for the kill while she still can.
Sam,
In the books that was the description and recollection of Rhaegar as told by the characters who remembered him. Barristan mentioned a couple times to Dany that Rhaegar was a melancholy type, prone to brooding and introspection.
Between the brooding tendencies he inherited from his real father and those he inherited and adapted from the Starks and Ned especially, he is probably one miserable person to drink with 😉
As I recall it wasn’t a Raven but a note in a wooden box with some proof of identity. The only other Ravens Peyter knew about were any notes composed by Cersei and written out under duress by Sansa during her original captivity in Season 1.
If the Maester at the Eyrie had a similar practice, I think any documents supporting Peyter’s complicity in John Arryn’s murder would only be found there.
Sacred Lime,
Yeah Tyrion is clearly the smartest person in most rooms, but not necessarily the best strategist. Jaime is clearly better at military tactics than given credit for.
At the end of the day, the writers needed some way to even up the playing fields here, instead of having Dany dominating and winning the war at once (based on the sheer advantage in numbers she has).
Shock Me,
Incriminate? She loved LF at that point so not sure she tipped her hand to Catelyn? Bran obviously can know about LF so perhaps he tells Sansa and Arya? about his role in everything. Maybe Varys knows…..but I don’t think there is anyone else alive that knows the whole truth of what he has done.
Oh crap. That’s it he’s seen her run straight to Cersei to tell her about Ned’s taking them away. Little Dove.
Was Daenerys ever likable to you? 😀 Post after post, your absolute hatred of this character shines through! 😀 It’s quite entertaining to skim through the vitriol that you spout regarding this fictional character! Lol!! 😀 😀 😀
I think there’s a difference in Jaime’s and Tyrion’s character – as exemplified by what Olenna said regarding herself and Cersei. Cersei was far more ruthless, and therefore succeeded. Tyrion just can’t bring himself to suffer casualties – he still thinks of a peaceful takeover of power. Jaime – at this point – is fighting tooth and nail to ensure Cersei is unrivaled.
Jack Bauer 24,
I want it to be Rhaegal.
Yes. I think it is meant to stand in for Iron Born being featured in the Episode.
I love Daenerys, even more so after yesterday
Chuck,
the hound?
Dee Stark,
She’s really come into her own. Amazing to think of how far she has come since the first episode of season 1.
I will miss Olenna.
Chuck,
I know… and her behaviour yesterday, offering her help to Jon.. amazing
I don’t understand how people don’t like her?
Yep I agree, I’m expecting Dany to now strike back and deal the Lannisters some serious blows, probably killing Euron in the next couple of episodes and I think Jamie will kill Cersei towards the end of the season. In doing this I expect Dany to lose further support from her own camp, most notably Tyrion and Varys who start to realise whilst she has good intentions she’s not fit to rule.
Wouldn’t it be dramatic if he didn’t ask but she did it anyway?
Hi Kay, if you’ve been reading my posts I liked Dany for the first three seasons but then became aware that she was heading down a slippery slope of good intentions with some questionable decisions and a some genuinely bad traits hiding under the surface. Her behaviour this season is setting her up for a fall it’s clear, I must admit I did cheer for Cersei with victories so far but we all know she’s doomed over the coming episodes.
Not sure it’s fair to say I write vitriol towards Dany or ‘hate’ her either, I just have a point of view and am passionate about this story as I am sure you are:)
Sacred Lime,
Wouldn’t it be funny if: After Jaimie left the room, Ollena stood up, opened the cabinet behind her sniffed one or two bottles smiled and chugged it down. Closed the doors and slid the cabinet to one side and escaped to a waiting carriage along the cliff road where she lost her husband. The trees forming a canopy hiding the carriage from observers on the wall. The air displacement from the speed of the carriage yanks all the petals from a rose it passes. and as the stem ticks like a metronome until it is still you finally see the thorns.
She shows up at Casterly Rock dressed as a Silent Sister and escorts Torco Nuhdo to her last ships parked along the Rosewater.
Fade to black.
It was LF describing a skill that Sansa needs (Be everywhere all the time) that Bran embodies. That’s why they ran the scenes back to back.
Chuck,
True. Sansa already knows what he did at the Eyrie though she can’t use it with Bronze Yonn following at her heels.
Dee Stark,
Refresh my memory….how?
Chuck,
He was there!!! When Ned was arrested
Dee Stark,
Ah yes. King Joffrey’s sworn shield.
Shock Me,
Yup!! Exactly 🙂
Come on houndie, go save little bird
Dee Stark,
Can you imagine? Hound, BWoB, Sansa, Arya, Jon and LF in the SAME PLACE?
Shock Me,
I would loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee that
ramses,
I’d like to think that there will be an explanation forthcoming. But I think that it’ll just be left as a bit of a plot hole. Even two seconds of dialogue from the Queen of Thorns to Jaime like “nice work getting all my bannermen to betray me”…would have been good for the viewers.
Hodors Bastard,
Lol…Tyrion can find her a hat!
Shock Me,
I disagree about Dany being in so much peril. She’d have Dothraki on the ground to assist her, and she’d have 3 fully grown dragons to protect her. She could easily stay out of arrow range and drop fire down on an enemy army.
The way wouldn’t be easy for Dorne alone, but once Dany simply flies to their assistance they’d have no problem getting through the mountains.
BobDole,
Bravo!!!! My neck is literally stiff from nodding in agreement with every post of yours. 🙂 It’s like your in my head.
And my God, I can’t believe I missed that part about Braavos! They’re so anti-slavery they forced a removal of the slave trade on Lys or Pentos after winning a war against them (don’t remember which from the books). To have the Iron Bank support a pro slavery argument would be like having the NAACP support South Africa’s government during apartheid.
Someone cut their balls off ages and ages and ages ago, yes, but just like Ser Davos, I bet some of them keep them in little bags around their necks.
I’m with you there, sis. 😀 (the taking off the shirt every damn episode) 😀 😀 😀
The Bastard,
You mean “Nights King”?
Shock Me,
actually there is a meme on facebook where she says ‘I’ve spent two years being acclimated to iacain powder…)’
Did we all miss this?
The King’s/Queen’s Justice is the official title for the royal executioner.
I did make note of that when the episode title was announced. Thought it might imply more of a role for Ser Robert Strong/Frankengregor than what we got. But all he did was loom frighteningly as needed. Granted, nobody looms better in Westeros; but still, he did not seem a pivotal character in that episode.
Certainly Kirk took his shirt off with much greater regularity and much less provocation in Star Trek: TOS. And Kit-in-the-North has a much more attractively sculpted torso than William Shatner ever did…
Best comment ever. 😜
Ginevra,
Whaaaaaaat my beloved Davos walks around with an unsullied testicle necklace?!?!?! 😜
I didn’t realise that stood for Star Trek: Take Off Shirt 😉
LMAO! No, just a bag with his own fingers. The ones Stannis chopped off for smuggling.
Ginevra,
I remember reading that, but surely he doesn’t still do it does he? How come they haven’t rotted? Oh, I know he obviously got them done by the same person who pickled Selyse’s stillborn(?) sons. They must have had a lot of time on their hands – mutilated or otherwise – and a DIY chemistry kit(n) on Dragonstone at some point. Perhaps all the dragonglass they apparently have came from one of those grow your own crystal sets and it got a bit out of hand when mixed in the wrong proportions o_0