Oh yes. Hit the intro music…
Damn right. Your favorite Unsullied, unversed, nonbook-reading village idiot is baaaaacckkk (damn right) with another edition of the critically acclaimed “what the hell might happen next” series of Game of Thrones speculative rubbish (also known as, potentially reading too much into an action that could be completely meaningless).
Assuming we know for sure to whom Sansa’s letter was officially addressed (WARNING: SPOILERS… it was confirmed here, but I haven’t read it), we should probably tackle that other letter. You know, the one that was overshadowed by Olenna ripping Cersei to shreds with discourse.
To whom was she writing you ask? A man offers conjecture…
Weekend speculation requested. Weekend speculation delivered.
“She wrote me a letter, said she couldn’t live without me no mo’.”
First things first…
A man got in a little trouble with a few of the locals for including a tidbit from the upcoming episode preview in the Unsullied recap of The Broken Man (looking at you, 20th Man and the more eloquent Wilson).
So, for those reasons, and for the respect of all involved, behold… a disclaimer:
Disclaimer: The following, poor excuse for a discussion topic may contain spoilers (did I just say that?), but only if the speculation is correct. Otherwise, it is just a man that leads an incredibly busy lifestyle venting his thoughts surrounding an obsession with a television show. First world problems.
Oh, and it may also include some thoughts surrounding the preview in question as well. So plan accordingly. Leaving the party early is completely acceptable.
Throughout the course of the show, D&D have attempted to use the ambiguous “busy at your desk” misdirection scenes leading some fans to ignore that the person writing is actually doing something important. And at times, it has worked.
But by now, most of us have caught onto this game and realized that if characters are depicted in an action, that it most likely means something of importance. They’re not just filing those damn TPS reports.
The letter authored by Sansa was an obvious act of importance by how it was depicted on screen. No dialogue to deemphasize the action.
But in almost every other sequence of letter writing in Game of Thrones, the action itself is covered by important dialogue that tends to steal the scene. Tywin Lannister probably had the majority of these type scenes, as he always had his quill and paper handy and was masterful at having us believe he was simply taking care of realm business in his writings.
The importance cannot be denied anymore. Paper and raven is the only form of long-distance communication. Apparently, the AT&T service sucks in Westeros too.
And Grannie Flowers is most likely not filling out paperwork to claim her social security benefits.
So, to whom was she writing? I will venture two guesses (while keeping in mind that QoT is supposedly getting the hell out of Dodge).
The first is Littlefinger.
Lysakiller has been more of an afterthought in Season 6 than anything else. He was rightfully dismissed by Sansa for throwing her to Ramsay and the dogs and has shown up in only two episodes this season thus far. His appearances have been brief as well, leading many to believe that his significance is waning.
Compared to other seasons, this is also a downward trend for Gillen. He has appeared in as many as 8 episodes (Season One) and as little as 4 episodes (Season Three) during any given ten-episode run.
However, his importance is still grossly understated. Baelish controls the Vale as long as he controls Robyn. And as long as he is gifting Robyn with rare birds of prey, he will likely remain in control of the Knights of the Vale.
Littlefinger also has an alliance with the Tyrells that began with the murder of a King orchestrated by himself and Olenna; an act that if discovered could land both parties in some very hot wildfire (assuming there’s anything left of the parties who would give a damn).
But the two have met and continued to conspire as late as Episode 7 of Season 5’s The Gift, where Baelish gave Olenna a young man (presumably Lancel) that led to Cersei’s walk of atonement. Granted, that was over a year ago. But in TV land, this is considered a relatively current event.
If the Queen of Thorns is, in fact, summoning Baelish for help, it would mean that LF will now have two powers requesting his assistance (assuming Sansa’s letter is for him), which seems to be the exact position in which he would want to be. If you rewatch the scene, Olenna seems to be overly pissed that she is having to write a letter at all, possibly suggesting that although she doesn’t want to ask for LF’s help, she is in a desperate situation. Olenna mentions the potential collapse of both of their great houses to Cersei. Cersei even seems to stare at the letter at one point, perhaps emphasizing its significance. But hell, maybe not.
Regardless, many are speculating that Littlefinger will meet his end by the end of this season. I would respectfully disagree.
Guesstimate #2: Dorne
There is little to no evidence to suggest that Olenna has any love for Ellaria Sand or the Sand Snakes, or anyone else in Dorne for that matter (on the show, at least). What they DO have is a common disdain of the Lannisters.
If this were to be the case, it would make at least some sense of the inclusion of the Dorne escapades featured at the beginning of the Season and would bring some compatibility of it into the overall picture.
Granted, this is somewhat of a stretch. But if we are only getting abbreviated seasons in 7 and 8, then some of these loose ends are going to have to start materializing into meaningful relation. And the last thing I want is for the conclusion of this epic tale to feel rushed.
Now, if we assume guesstimate #1 is correct, and Sansa’s letter is intended for who we think it was, it would likely mean that LF would not get to KL (or anywhere else south of the Twins) this season, assuming he goes to Winterfell first. This could mean that the Faith Militant persists into season 7 (oh, the damnation) if the Knights of the Vale end up having anything to do with the dumpster fire in King’s Landing. The idea of the militant potentially surviving the duration of this Season is also (somewhat) supported with my guesstimations about the brothers Clegane.
The fact is that for all I know, Littlefinger could be conspiring with Ramsay. And if that is the case, please dispose of this editorial altogether and let’s pretend it didn’t happen. Deal?
If guesstimate #2 is correct, well, it could mean more of this…
But at least there would be some sort of resolution as it related to the importance of Dorne.
Guesstimate #3 (Bonus): After all of this, Lady Olenna may simply be leaving someone a goodbye note on her way out of town. And this post, in all its glory, may prove to be 1,400 words of pure insignificance.
I am convinced of one thing: either Tommen or Cersei will be dead by the end of the S6, if not both, and will most certainly happen while Jaime is playing tug-of-war with the Blackfish. This will leave Jaime leading a Lannister army contemplating where to go and what to do next. And (SPOILER ALERT), Brienne has found her man in the newest preview.
How much you want? I can do this for hours.
The picture should be much clearer after No One, because in terms of where it goes beyond here, no one really knows.
Am I way off? Most likely. A man remains a true Unsullied with no knowledge of leaks or otherwise. So please spew your thoughts like seasick Sam below.
Speculation welcome. Official preview thoughts welcome. LEAK SPOILERS UNWELCOME!
See you good-looking guys and gals Monday morning for the Ep. 8 recap. Until then, be nice to each other, and may there always be peace in your realm. -Oz
Find Oz on Twitter.
**SPOILER NOTE: The Management of this fine site would like to remind you that spoilers (book or leak) are not allowed in Unsullied posts. This includes spoilers that may be covered by code or otherwise. Personally, I appreciate feedback from Sullied and Unsullied alike, so long as they do not include any type of hinting or conversation related to the written verse. However, spoiler coded comments do tend to lead to further Sullied conversation and for that reason, we ask that you please refrain from posting any SPOILERY content whatsoever in Unsullied posts. Thank you for the coop. -Oz
Hodor
You left out the most obvious person for Olenna to be writing to at this point in time: her best general (and perhaps the most efficient and battle-tested in the Seven Kingdoms), Randyll Tarly. It’s entirely plausible that she would be ordering him to rally the rest of Highgarden’s considerable force of arms to come to King’s Landing in support of Margaery. And that would leave the Reach very vulnerable at a time when we know that a certain pirate king is readying a fleet of 1,000 ships that would have to sail past their shores en route to Essos.
My guess was that Sansa wrote to Greyjoy. He promised to look after her and she may not know his father is dead.
As for Olenna, I think your LF prediction is spot on. They have collaborated in the past.
Olenna will make an alliance with Dorne to crash the Faith and the Lannisters.
Sansa wrote to LF, clearly.
Here, here! Yes that’s who I thought. She not only wants to protect Marge, she wants to protect Loras. You heard how aghast she was at Margaery’s suggestion that Loras renounce his title. “He’s the future of Highgarden.” This would also serve the purpose of getting Randyll away from hunting down Sam to retrieve the sword. But … someone like Randyll in the capital where unrest abounds and the ruling families not so popular? That’s giving that guy a lot of leeway.
Oz! I’d assumed she was writing Highgarden to have her rooms and everything else prepared for her grand arrival. #highmaintenance
I hadn’t considered any of your three options. The first is interesting and quite plausible. For the second, though, I would question the QoT wanting to align herself with those who just killed Myrcella and might be headed for Tommen next. All of the QoT’s hopes are pinned on Margaery having an heir with Tommen, and so she’ll have to wait until at least pregnancy or successful delivery before aligning herself with anyone who’d seek to prevent an heir. Or at least I would think so.
The third is certainly possible, as well. It seems a lot along the lines of what I was thinking.
Could she be writing a secret note to Margaery? She’d have to have a plan for getting the note past Septa Nutella, of course, but that would be a pretty cool thing. I’m not sure what she’d say.
Could be writing to Randyl Tarly, he is one of their bannermen. Maybe he comes thru like Tywin and fucks shit up. Plus he would be able to help Macey Poo with directing his army.
damn someone beat me to the punch!
My speculation is on Mel. No one is talking about her absence at all. Ramsay’s letter said, “Come see.” I think Jon sent Mel to go see. We know Mel has the power to disguise herself. If she’s not in Winterfell, she’s up to something for Jon and crew.
I agree that the letters from both Sansa and Olennna were for Baelish. I also think Baelish will Littlefinger both of them to his advantage because that’s all he knows. I will be disappointed if Sansa has to compensate LF in any way. He owes her. The compensation is on him and it would ruin the strong tongue lashing she gave him at Mole’s Town if she somehow was in his debt.
I still believe the dude that LF has in his back pocket is Gendry. I believe that the secret Tommen knows from the HS is that Cersei had been sleeping with Lancel.
What if Sansa is writing Robin Arryn and telling him to ride north with the knights of the Vale and be rewarded? Robin would probably feel like he got a good deal if he was rewarded simply with some Bolton, Umber, and Karstark’s to take back home and throw out the moon door. No need to woo Robin with a marriage pact. Also, Sansa could turn the tables on Littlefinger when he and Robin get north by telling Robin that LF killed his mom boob. You know that Lord Royce would love that turn of events.
Olenna could simply have been writing to Highgarden alerting her castellan that her return is imminent and to make sure there are clean sheets on her bed by the time she gets there. However, I agree that whatever the QOT was writing has more significance than clean sheets. Although writing to Littlefinger to bring Vale forces to the capital probably wouldn’t do much good as the Tyrell army failed to free Loras, left Margaery dancing to the High Sparrow’s tune (even if it is an act), and left the High Sparrow in charge of the King and King’s Landing. Consequently, Vale forces would likely not fare any better in accomplishing Olenna’s goal of freeing her grandchildren from the control of the High Sparrow. Olenna’s other goal of vengeance on Cersei has probably already been accomplished through Lancel who can bare witness to the circumstances surrounding Robert’s death. So who could Olenna have been writing to? In my opinion she was writing to Varys. Perhaps to inform him that King’s Landing is imploding; Cersei has lost all influence; Jaime is off fighting in the Riverlands; Tommen is a spineless, moron controlled by the High Sparrow whose shoeless army is outfitted in potato sacks and armed with pointy sticks. Therefore, now is the perfect time for Daenerys to return and, of course, free her grandchildren and re-establish the old order which benefits House Tyrell.
Princessmaria,
That Varys angle is interesting. I think these are all plausible possibilities.
Perhaps QoT’s letter is an offer to the Faceless Man, there are more than a few in KL she would take out a contract on.
It would be an AWESOME twist if Littlefinger doesn’t show up to help Sansa, because that would be genius writing. They have fooled 99% of the audience into assuming that this is how the battle will go – i.e. Littlefinger and the Knights of the Vale will show up to save the day and defeat Ramsay. I will take my hat off to the writers if they pull of a twist like this….picture it: we see the Knights of the Vale riding hard, just as the battle for Winterfell is going on or about to begin…they seem to be getting closer to their destination…..Littlefinger looks out of his carriage window with a look of determination….and then, in the distance we see it – they are approaching Kings Landing…..brilliant.
But – it won’t happen…..the show has forgotten how to surprise us. Aside from Melisandre turning into a 6000 year old woman, it hasn’t surprised me once this season (and Arya faking her death didn’t work, either). So I will be floored with admiration and amazement if they do this, but I love your theory – it would be the greatest twist on GoT for a long time!
Ollena might be writting to Varys inviting Dany to the throne and offering support of her house. So many possibilities…
I’m a bit lost, didn’t this site already do a post on the letter? And deciphered it?
Bob Warren,
I think that it would be great if that happened, and instead of it being the knights of the vale the ones that rush in to help, that it were the Manderly’s that come to the rescue. That combined with the Umbers changing sides would be awesome.
Bob Warren,
If you want to be surprised, you should try not coming to a fan site that regularly gives out filming spoilers.
I dont think the show is gonna put Littlefinger back in KL mix just yet. He is firmly entrenched in Northern story line for now.
did we ever see QoT and Elleria interact in season 4? I cant remember. If there was it would be believable that they would hatch something together.
my guess is she is writing to Varys..letting him know whats going on..we know they have worked together before (season 2)
T
I thought that as well – Sansa knows too much, why not marry her to that maniac Ramsey; if she survives she’ll be lady of winterfell
Firannion,
I like it; Tarley needs an excuse to make a move on the chess board; this might do the trick. At which point in time he discovers that a certain sword is missing
Firannion,
That is very possible, and I want to see more of Papa Tarly than just berating Sam, but Horn Hill does not have a coast, and Tarly’s are not going to help much in naval battle anyway. Unless the ships start landing men. But Euron is going to hunt Theon and Yara so I doubt he will stop by Reach for long – raids, maybe; conquest? not likely. But with Euron written by D&D, who can say?
A dornish Tyrell,
I think she wrote to Royce. She doesn’t trust LF.
Firannion,
” I like it; Tarley needs an excuse to make a move on the chess board; this might do the trick.At which point in time he discovers that a certain sword is missing”
If Sam’s dad didn’t discover that sword missing the very next morning, he’s dumber than his liege lord ole not now Mace. I got the impression Sam’s dad is a first class a-hole but not really stupid especially in the strategic martial aspects of the game. Didn’t Stannis go on at length about how he’s the only commander Robert ever lost a battle to?
I was thinking this very thing. I mean, not in the exact way you played it out, but in general, I was thinking how awesome it would be if the show did not make him go to the battle. What a great twist that would be. Plus, it would serve his personal purposes better. If they lose, then Jon would die and Sansa would go back to Ramsay. Then LF can attack the Boltons directly, kill Ramsay, “save” Sansa, and claim Winterfell/The North (and Sansa) for himself, all while looking the ‘hero’. What he probably isn’t betting on, is them actually winning (IF the Umbers switch sides and they’re joined by either the Manderlys, Blackfish’s army, or hell, the Lannister forces). So, when he comes riding in after the fact, his little plot will be exposed and death in the Godswood for him.
But alas, you’re probably right. Those kind of twists won’t happen, and its a mistake to even let our imaginations go there. D&D don’t think like Martin. They write very linear stories where the obvious is obvious and what we see is exactly what we get. *Frowns*
ugashep,
That wasn’t Firannon, that was me. Yeah, you are probably right – I just had this image of a very busy man who wouldn’t even think of looking for something that has always been there, and had no idea anyone would even think of taking it….but yeah, its a stretch.
i hope after the b0tb that everyone is at winterfell…all the northern lords, lf, jamie, bronn, bf, arya ,sansa, the hound, u name it and they all get to see jon snow take off his shit after an epic speech.
Unless Olenna is writing off Margaery’s latest marriage – and I doubt she is – she can hardly be seeking support for any move which would threaten Tommen’s life or position. After all, Margaery is married to him, and there’s still the hope of an heir to the throne – an heir which would be half Tyrell.
That tends to make doubt that she’s looking for help from Dorne or Dany – though Dorne might be solicited to do something to draw off Lannister forces to allow someone *else* to move on King’s Landing, perhaps. Seems unlikely, though.
Athelstane,
you ppl keep forgetting..tommen isnt a legitimate king
he’s not a baratheon or a targaryan….he’s a bastard….and incestual bastard..(the worst kinda bastard u can get)
that reminds me….when cersie did the walk of shame…the common ppl were shouting shit like “brother fucker” and stuff to that effect….but when tommen came out on the steps of the sept they were all cheering him and marg…..that doesnt make any sense to me. Syrio being jaqen is more believable
he isnt the messiah!!!!!…..he’s just a naughty little boy
jymion,
But historically (and not GoT historically but overall historically) mob mentality can shift quickly and isn’t necessarily representative of what people feel but what they are swept up in at the moment. So I think it could be pretty legit they are throwing insults at Cersei and cheering Tommen (despite the fact he’s the product of what they were insulting her about).
exactly…..just my point. so u can imagine their mentality when they do find out for sure
Dear Oz:
Un peu OT, but thanks for the clever music tie-in with my favorite Box Tops’ song from 1967* — actually the only Box Tops song I ever remember hearing. Just like the Queen of Thorns, a golden oldie.
*Yes, it was re-recorded by Joe Cocker in 1968.
ugashep,
I’ll reward you by giving you plenty of men to throw out the moon door lmao.
I’m almost certain house bad pussy shows up in KL to kill a Lannister. I been saying it all week. So maybe this is how. Never thought about Olenna’s letter at all. I don’t think she is writing to Baelish. That makes no sense. He is in Moat Cailin, not the Vale and I doubt Olenna knows that. In any case maybe she is announcing her return to High Garden, like harvest our best flowers. I need that stuff after being around Cercei and the Sparrow so long.
RosanaZugey,
Some of that is ridiculous. The Lannisters are the reason the Boltons rule the north. Jaime is a koont. LF is going to wait till the battle is wore and swoop in to clean up. You know why? Because that’s what someone smart would do. That’s what Tywin did. Making up twist to surprise the audience and doing things that doesn’t make any sense is stupid writing and only done for shock value. LF has always have an hard on for Catelyn and extension Sansa, that’s also his weakness and will lead to his downfall. Remember one line she said to him…..I think it was in that boat when she escaped or it was in the Vale. “I know what you want”. No one else on the show knows except her. That’s a weapon against and will come back against him. And btw after this season, I don’t see LF purpose. If it is going to be WW centric, what will be his purpose. Scheming and making deals with them? He’s a goner after the battle of Winter fell, possibly tomorrow.
ugashep,
He’s smart. And he was the only one Baratheons lost to in the battle of Ashford. They had to retreat. He probably even knows where Sam would likely go. He might send his son to get it though and maybe head to KL.
Roocat,
Remember when Tommen first went to the Sept to ask to speak with the HS about releasing Margery? He was there with all his army, HS had all his FM, and the crowd was yelling insults at him ‘bastard’ and worse. Thats when he decided that he didn’t want violence so left. So yeah thats already happened.
I pick Olenna writing to Dorne.
I’m assuming news does travel and Olenna knows the SS are in charge – and she knows they hate themselves some Lannisters.
At this point I think Olenna would save Tommen for Marg/keeping the crown but wants to wipe the Lannisters (ie Cersei) out, and Ellaria would be most happy to do so.
I don’t think LF is yet interested in replacing Cersei, so what could he do for Olenn?
I always assumed that Tywin was arranging for the Red Wedding in that scene where Cersei is trying to get him to take her seriously.
Nice article
My personal opinion is that she is writing to LF concerning “handsome young man” or she already has him in Highgarden and is preparing to utilise him to dissolve the marriage between Marge and Tommen and hence the alliance – handsome young man being Gendry of course, after all his arc needs tying up
Interestingly he can actually be legitimised Ramsay style and made Lord Baratheon of Storms End
Other than that, my other hope is she calls on the Randyll at some point. Faulkner was fantastic and i’d love yo see more of him
Calling speculation that proves to be correct a spoiler is like saying that Newton was “spoiling” something by speculating about gravity! If you speculate correctly, then you either: 1) put the “facts” together correctly and got a little lucky given that most of the time there is more than one explanation for the “facts,” or, 2) just got lucky plain and simple.
Fooling the audience is not brilliant storytelling. Everything should make the audience go “Oh, I should have figured that out before hand.” Things that nobody could have figured out in advance are almost always Deus ex Machina devices: and stories resorting to Deus ex Machina represent awful story writing.
I often go on about Chekhov’s Guns. Deus ex Machina is firing a gun that was never hung before. Whatever Sansa’s letter is, it represents firing a gun that’s been hung. So, ask yourself: who has this year’s series given us to whom Sansa might be writing?
(At this point, the Deus ex Machina predictions by fans are about zero for 100: this season in particular has seen numerous possible DeM moments come and go with the show firing already hung guns instead. The next bit of DeM will be the first: but as this article emphasizes, we might not have been focusing properly on all of the guns.)
But as for Olenna’s letter….. Olenna did not hide it from Cersei in any way. Had she been writing something that she would not have wanted Cersei to see, then she would have put it away before Cersei was admitted into the room. Now, she could have been writing a separate letter to cover up one that she does not want Cersei to see: but that’s a bit of a “maybe.” And it is not as if all letters have come to something big: this scene was a reversal of a scene last year where Cersei was playing at being too busy to worry abut Olenna by writing letters. However, those letters never amounted to anything, either.
So, my bet is that the director was aiming at a visual symmetry just to emphasize how far Cersei’s stock has fallen.
Btw all this talk about the people insulting Tommen and Cercei shows how corrupt the Sparrow is. He knows, even though he can’t prove Cercei kids are bastards from incest. Yet he is using him because he wants power.
I wonder if the QoT was writing to the Iron Bank.
The sparrows ain’t gonna pay the debt. Stannis is dead. Perhaps QoT is asking for their support?
After all, her son had been there.
Forgot to mention, seems Margaery is using sex strategically, eg withhokding it after Loras was detained etc
My guess is that when she wants Tommen to switch away from the Faith after Loras is released she start going to the marital bed again etc, eg “reward” for good behaviour and all that
The fact that she doesn’t make any effort to hide the contents of the letter from Cersei means that the contents are either innocent or coded. And the letter can’t be addressed to a known enemy of Cersei’s (and that eliminates about 99.9% of GoT characters, including Varys and anyone in Dorn).
Olenna would not write to Baelish for *military* assistance. For that, she has her own house and vassals (including the Tarlys). She might be writing to Petyr for additional information or access to one of his agents. Cersei would not consider Petyr an enemy, and it is entirely plausible that Olenna and Petyr share a code book.
So if the letter is significant, I think it is likely addressed to Petyr. I have no guess as to what it might say.
I like to read the body language of people in the scenes… I think Septa Unella knows what Queen Margaery and Olenna Tyrell are up to and Septa Unella has told the High Sparrow. The High Sparrow will arrest Queen Margeary . I think the raven carrying the letter that Olenna Tyrell was writing will be intercepted by the High Sparrow. The High Sparrow will arrest Olenna Tyrell before she can leave King’s Landing.
I predict a very important very surprising female will be the next shocking hanging. This next hanging will cause a chain reaction/domino effect which will lead to a Great Council to determine the next Lord of the Seven Kingdoms.
Queen Granny is headed to Dorne. She will hook up with Varys and The Sand Snakes and hijinks will ensue. Who hates the Lannisters more than those three groups? The Tyrell army is huge, throw in 3 dragons and Dorne and you’ve got quite the problem. I wouldn’t want to be Cersei.
Exactly what I thought!! Or making arrangements for the journey.
I just love Oz’s will to see something of significance in this. Why not, after all.
As for Sansa, I am certain she wrote to Littlefinger. This little weasel needs to find a way back to the plot. I am so looking forward to a Varys -LF showdown.
I like that too. Although I don’t remember if they have had any interaction previously.
Well said.
firstone,
I think that the HS knew all along; it is not by chance that he mentioned Olenna in his discussion with Margaery. He is not fooled, the old fox. I still hope we’ll get rid of him soon.
Sou,
if you are speaking of varys and QoT, they had quite a bit of an interaction while walking through the garden planning to wed sansa to loras. that is what caused tywin to force tyrion to wed sansa instead.
When I watched the Sansa letter scene, there was not a doubt in my mind that she was writing to Littlefinger. It’s just too obvious, we don’t need the show to spoonfeed us everything.
ugashep,
Robyn making Ramsay the Bad Man fly for hurting Sansa would be epic. EPIC. Because after all, Ramsay could be the “snow” in the prophecy.
I also doubt it was an accident that Jaime appears to be either wearing one of Tywin’s old outfits in that picture, or commissioned the Lannister tailor “make me one just like my dad used to wear.” Perhaps it will come up in this episode that Jaime’s dismissal from the Kingsguard makes him the head of House Lannister? And that he might want to start thinking about siring an heir with someone who isn’t Cersei?
If the Lannister house is going to continue at all, it’ll be through Jaime (or Tyrion?). Not Cersei.
Corbyn Stark,
Elli Harington?
Princessmaria,
I think it’s Varys. And if it’s Varys, it’s Tyrion. Because…..details in the books. Yeah, I know. Not the same. But the gold for the escape was……very like the gold that a certain grandmother always kept near.
Normally, I’d agree that speculation is hardly a spoiler. But if the theory has enough solid support and potential impact to be huge, such as a certain mathematical formula, then I would say it is a big spoiler.
Corbyn Stark,
Mostly the hair yes. And no i don’t want that to be true at all – so sorry – i’m totally against these weird theories that fans come up with.
From GRRM:
Normally, I like to quote my source, but the source contains spoilery speculation.
I would argue that Ned’s beheading and the Red Wedding had minimum foreshadowing until immediately before the big moment happened. Yes, the groundwork was setup to make both possible, but still the reader and viewer felt that they were highly unlikely until Catelyn found Roose’s chainmail beneath his clothes, until the band started playing “The Rains of Castamere,” or before Joffrey says, “But they have the soft hearts of women.” How many said, I should have seen that coming? How many saw that coming, without being previously spoiled?
Littlefinger marches the vale troops in support of the Boltons and crushes the Snow and Stark army in the 11th hour. You heard it here….
I am going to guess She was writing to Dorne.
Reason being, whatever Littlefinger had up his sleave, he already discussed with her when he was in KL. He had no incentive to offer her anything to do with the Vale at the time, and she has no reason to expect anything from them now.
Scenes with letter writing like this one don’t just hide the letter writing under dialogue, they also typically have dialogue that is actually related to the letter obliquely, even if viewers would not know it at the time.
During this particular scene, Olenna was reminding Cersei of the smirk she gave when her grandchildren were dragged to prison. This serves as a reminder that Olenna, at the time, had very strong reasons to desire revenge against Cersei.
So Olenna, we will probably soon find out, was in fact somewhat involved in Myrcella’s murder indirectly, perhaps because she offered some kind of political reward for harm to Cersei’s daughter in response to the harm Cersei did to Margaery and Loras.
Wooh! Happy Sunday y’all. Feels weird bein in here but I wanna be unsullied for these final 3. I was only that way for the first 2 seasons and since then have been gleefully feeding upon the joy and tears of those who did not know.
Now idk either and IT’S SCARY! 😮 not watched the preview but heard about it on various podcasts, and the contents of the letter of course. I’m aware of all the Arya theories but not convinced by one of them. It’s been annoying me this week that I SHOULD be very worried about our lil Arya. But yeah, something aint right and it’s bugging me that I can’t see it. Really looking forward to a twistedly awesome reveal tonight.
Love the Olenna letter stuff I hadn’t even noticed that despite rewatches. Each time I’m just so engrossed by the fat scoop of harsh reality Cersei is getting dowsed with. HA! I can’t believe she’s done it again and left her self completely exposed. Derp. She needs more wine.
If both letters are indeed heading to Littlefinger, then wtf, he’s very close to getting what he always wanted. THE KING OF THE ASHES!
Kinda disappointed with The North stuff thus far, which is CRAZY considering how hyped we all were before and at the beginning of the season. I’m a massive Jon Snow fan and can’t believe he seems even more subdued than before. Grrr. Obv it’s gonna kick off and it’s gnna be awesome but seriously I’m quite worried. Some major shit gonna go down in these final 3 which is gonna surprise ALL and leave us shaken I can just feel it GAH!
Two things… If we don’t see some Dorne stuff I’ll be proper annoyed, by their unashamed admission to effing it all up. They should salvage the situation not just give up. ITS WEAK!!!!! Also if Euron has 1000 ships by the end of the season I’ll be pissed too lol. Hopin that’s just setting up next season stuff pls.
Bored with Essos. Need something to happen. It’s not spoilery to say that THE AWESOME SER BARRISTAN is still alive in the books, and about to lead forces into battle. Kinda annoyed by what they’ve done here but oh well, the Dothraki stuff has been very kewl. Lol and the Yara thing is interesting too. All I want is Dani and her on Drogon’s back, mirroring the scene on horseback approaching the towers of Pyke. 😮
Kinda worn out on the old Ramsay needs to die thing. We haven’t seen him in 3 episodes (iirc) which means his return will be all the more violent and disgusting, I assume. Kinda prefer the book version now which surprises me. Here’s hoping Wun Wun can get a hold of him and have some crunchy fun. 🙂
Mel <3 I've really missed her this season 🙁 after that start idk why she has become nowt more than furniture. She sat there quietly in her last scene, looking so beautiful and powerful and mysterious. I need her to talk to Jon and be close to him in case he goes down in the battle. And now they're at the same effing camp where bad things happened and Davos gonna be angry soon i think. D:
North of the Wall wtf. Since the show's 1st moment it has been there, this threat, that the majority of the continent are still oblivious too. I hope the wall no breaky too easily. That final episode title is like holy crap, and whoa. Will it be stopped at the wall or will it crawl it's way south and kill LOTS OF PPL HORRIFICALLY! lol, i love how this show can out zombie an effing zombie show.
ps. Don't want thatbowlthing and I never did. Not in the books nor the show. They've 2 and a half episodes best, to make it happen and not seem stupid. Pls don't do it. There's been alot of fan pleasing this season and it's freaking me out. D&D were blatantly tired of it in Season 5, then they got awarded for the worst of all the seasons and now they are renewed and giving us the show the story deserves. It's awesome and makes me much much happier.
Just glanced at the clock and realised it's 12 hours till goodness YAY! So happy we getting longer episodes now. No stoopid adverts and lotsa fun. 🙂 BRING IT!!!
Letter from Lady Tyrell could be going to Randal Tarley as well.
To add to my other post, why think the letter is related to Dorne:
Littlefinger and the Tyrells have had an alliance going for far longer than Joffrey’s murder; it started at Renly’s camp, just after Cersei had that “power is power” putting LF in his place scene with him, and then Marge told him she wanted to be “the” queen. You could see his alignment snap in those moments. From then on he was still working with the Lannisters as cover, but was planning his next move, which was Tyrell.
We alao know that LF is very much planning to consolidate power himself in the Northern half of Westeros. He is officially Lord Paramount of the Riverlands and the Vale already. Sansa is his key to consolidating power in the North. He does not, however, have any direct means to power in the South…except he does: the Tyrells. So while LF consolidates the North, the Tyrells’ job is to do the same in the South. That means Dorne, as well as KL.
firstone,
Personally I reckon he knows she’s faking hence the continued presence of Septa Unella to “watch” or rather “spy” on her, doesen’t really matter though as she’s got the King “onside” and HS can influence Tommen rather directly and have a hold similar to LF over Sweetrobin
He still has her brother as hostage in effect and so leverage over the Tyrells, eg they can’t attack him
Can’t really get a hold of Olenna, because there are a fair few Tyrell presumably soldiers in the city who can hold off the Faith Militant (indeed it surprised me they can walk up to talented fighter Loras who is practicing with Sword in hand as easily as they did but anyway) and the Gold Cloaks and even the Lannister soldiers whose numbers are presumably low if they’ve mostly been sent to besiege Riverrun
What I reckon was that High Sparrow wanted exactly what happened, Olenna out of the city along with Jaimie, the only people smart enough to pose a threat
Putting the Letter intrigue aside for one post
Have to say Olenna has a heck of a lot of guts totally ripping Cersei apart like that right with Zombie Mountain right next to her
Until I read this post I assumed that Olenna was writing to HG to announce her return home. Obviously. there is more to consider…
I love the suggestion that she is writing to Varys. The conversation they had back in S3 was a great scene. However, does she know where Varys is? Does anyone? His little birds work for Qyburn now.
Assuming that she is able to contact Varys, perhaps she is hoping that he can secure an alliance between the Tyrells and Dorne. (Does Ellaria have enough political sense to appreciate the value of this alliance without Varys’ involvement?)
Regardless, I think that Olenna is securing support for Dany when she arrives in Westeros.
Sara,
I didn’t think anything about him writing letters at all until this last year during the GOT 50 Watching that scene again was a creepy omg moment
Maisie’s been tweeting about a new Arya shirt coming out soon. She said it will be revealed after tonights episode, so something is going down…
Pure speculation:
Olenna is writing Randel Tarly, suggesting a marriage between Loras and Tarly’s daughter. This would make Tarly’s daughter the lady of high garden and this would continue the Terrel line. Tarly will need to free Loras to seal the deal , if he does this then he can’t chase after Sam and the sword, he would thus send his other son to go after Sam. Doubtful that Sam’s brother would kill Sam for the sword.
Rexpage,
I doubt very much that Loras will continue the Tyrel name…..Perhaps Margary will, however 🙂
ash,
Margery can’t continue the line, she is 1. A woman and would take her husbands name and 2. She is a Baratheon.
I’m not saying it will work out if it happens, but rather that it might be Olenna’s best option.
We have already been introduced to Sam’s sister and were told her father had arranged her a marriage. An arrangement with Olenna regarding Loras would be a major step up…….
Rexpage,
She’s a Lannister, but beside the point. If Loras and Talla marry, the Tyrell house is dead. He will not continue the line.
Agreed,,,as Renly could not….
So, in either case House Tyrell is dead.
Now that’s an interesting thought. I doubt they would’ve bothered to introduce Tarly if he was only going to show up for one scene. And Horn Hill is sworn to Highgarden, if I’m not mistaken.
Percy,
I like this alot, imagine the Bank using Dany to “debt collect”.
The Tyrells are in a very strong position:
– They have an army in King’s Landing
– They have the support of the Faith
– They have the support of the population of King’s Landing.
– Lannisters are going down.
This is why I can’t see Olenna writing for more support from anyone who is not a Tyrell. Littlefinger, Tarly, Dorne would all bring in competing claims to King’s Landing, last thing the Tyrells need.
Then there is the odd fact that Marg is no longer sleeping with Tommen.
Marg is smart. Becoming pregnant with Tommen’s heir would solidify the Tyrell position, so there has to be a good reason for her reluctance to become pregnant. All I can think of is that Marg knows twincest will out. That would be the end of Tommen, and would make being pregnant with Tommen’s child a liability rather than an advantage.
If twincest becomes public, Lannisters are barred from claiming the throne. Baratheons are all dead. Tyrells, though, are in place. It’s true that it would be unusual for a queen to take over under normal circumstances, but these are not normal circumstances. This queen has the backing of the military, the faith, on top of popular support. I think Marg is planning on taking the throne for the Tyrells, hence the “rose” note she hands Olenna.
Baelish is at Moat Cailan, along with Bolton men…..
Randyll Tarly is a sworn bannerman to the Tyrells though, Olenna may trust him, if she trusts anyone besides Margaery. Though I suppose I wouldn’t blame her for distrusting him if she’s seen him behave similarly to the way he did with Sam and Gilly at dinner.
The biggest problem the Tyrells have right now though is Loras’ imprisonment. If Margaery is going to rule in King’s Landing, they need SOMEONE from the younger generation who can take over Highgarden once Olenna and Mace are gone.
Clip from tonights episode:
https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/gameofthrones?source=feed_text&story_id=10153770517757734
maria,
House Tyrell certainly does not have the support of the Faith. No “house” does. They see Marge as a pawn to use to control the King and through him, the Realm. All other Tyrells are leverage to them and that is all.
House Tarly is sworn to house Tyrell, so writing to a primary trusted bannerman does make some sense. I don’t think the letter was to Tarly though. He will certainly come back into the story, but not that way IMO.
House Tyrell very much needs alternative alliances now that their alliance with the Lannisters has collapsed. With Dorne, they have a common enemy, and as I pointed out already, the conversation that was taking place in the scene in question was about Olenna hating Cersei for what she did to her grandchildren. I would bet a lot that the conversation was relevant to the letter’s contents, meaning Dorne makes loads of sense.
Good catch Oz!
Maybe there is something to it. My guess would be that the letter is to Lysakiller.
Or maybe Cheeseboy?
awol,
In public, Marg and the Faith are allies. ita that the Faith is thinking of Marg as a pawn, but I think Marg is thinking of the Faith in the same way. Which of them will prevail, who can tell. I think Marg will, as something has to drive Cersei crazy enough to set fire to the Red Keep and the city (Dany and Bran’s visions) and a near-victorious Marg would do it.
Meanwhile, there is Jaime’s army to consider. If Blackfish goes north to help Sansa, then Jaime takes Riverrun, leaving most of that army free to return to King’s Landing. So maybe Olenna is writing away, securing help. Littlefinger and Tarly are unlikely to be of any use at King’s Landing, as Littlefinger is busy up north (he’ll be super busy if the Walkers get past the Wall) and Tarly will be off to Oldtown if Euron attacks. Dorne is a possibility, ugh.
Now that is a clever notion! It would certainly explain why they included that seeming throwaway line where Sam’s sister complains about being fixed up with that Fossoway lordling with yellow teeth.
And just because Loras is into men doesn’t mean that he’s incapable of gritting his teeth and having sex with a woman enough times to father an heir. There are plenty of married men who are secretly gay. Sometimes their wives have no clue.
If Randyll is called away by Olenna to beef up the Tyrell forces in King’s Landing and spring Loras from his cell, and thus has to entrust Dickon with retrieving Heartsbane from Sam, maybe my fanfic will come true after all: the one about Dickon coming to believe Sam’s stories about the WW and heading for the Wall armed with his family’s Valyrian steel sword and boyish dreams of glory. Sam would give up Heartsbane voluntarily if his brother would swear to him to take it North where it’s most needed.
In the books they don’t have that problem, since Loras has two elder brothers!
Firannion,
If so, Randyl is really gonna miss his Valyrian sword…
I’m not sure why anyone is posting about anything from the books in an Unsullied thread.
Lancel confessed EVERYTHING to the High Sparrow. I believe the High Sparrow’s mission is to expose all of them one by one and eventually take Tommen down- or (by the way things are going ) Tommen will step down. Margery sees this problem so she conveniently uses her new found religion as an excuse to not feel intimate anymore. If she produces an heir, she goes down with Tommen. It fits with her character trend. This will be her 3rd ‘King’ husband and avoided getting pregnant with all three (so far).
It may be possible that LF set all of this up too. LF told Cerci how to get out of the betrothal to Loras by giving power to the HS and let him deal with Loras. LF didn’t need the brothel anymore bc he was practically given the Vale. He let Loras’ boy toy take over the brothel, then let it get sacked by the Faith Militants. LF def knows about Gendry- he was one of the few that knew what Ned was doing at all times. I agree with the previous poster that said maybe LF told QoT about Gendry. I hope Gendry comes back at some point and is reunited with Arya in some way.
Sansa def wrote to LF not asking, but demanding his help- he owes her big time. He set her up with a third monster of a husband after she got him pardoned from Moon Door. If he doesn’t show up at the Battle of the Bastards I might throw my TV out the window. The wights are on the way too, so is it possible that during the bastard battle they get ambushed by the dead army making all of the North rise up against the wights? Maybe this makes Sansa have to go back to Ramsay after he gives up Winterfell for Rickon- sending the Bolton newlyweds where they belong. For some reason I don’t think Sansa will ever get a happy ending unless she kills Ramsay herself.
Nymeria Warrior Queen,
Because the lines have become so blurred now it doesn’t really matter. The books definitely won’t affect the show. They’re doing their own things n don’t give a fuck. But the show may well affect the books. For the better I hope. As George is reminded how not to do things.
When you have unsullied hungry for casting and preview stuffs. And sullied who don’t want any of that. Plus every other permutation. It’s a mess. And needs reclassification.
The previews spoil far more than any book, yet they are considered fair game. Idgi