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There are times in your life when you take moments to reflect on the past, the decisions you’ve made, where you currently stand, experiences you’ve had, etc.
Eastwatch made me ponder my experiences as it relates to entertainment. This show has ruined me. If there is anything that ever engages me more than Game of Thrones, it is something that at this moment, my mind simply cannot comprehend.
Eastwatch gave us possibly the best buildup to the upcoming war that could have ever been asked for. Join me, for we are witnessing something historic. Winter is here, and the Game is on…
Armored Swimming and Miraculous Healing
If there were issues with the episode and the overall continuity of the show, it arguably took place within the first ten minutes. So, let’s get the negative out of the way first…
Jaime and Bronn end up across the pond (“river”) conveniently a safe distance away from Dany and Drogon to lay on the shore and discuss the events of the conclusion of the last episode. The most important dialogue may have been Bronn’s recognition that Jaime telling Cersei of the dangers involved was the equivalent to Jaime jumping back in the water… useless. Yet, Cersei seems to realize the Lannister disadvantage later on.
I won’t harp on the location where episode 4 ended and where 5 began, although it would be justifiable to do so.
But my biggest issue was that Drogon seems entirely unfazed by his injury, to the point that it didn’t even happen. Not only does he appear to be unhurt, but he easily flies back to Dragonstone. We’ll come back to this in a minute.
Toasted Tarlys
Dany brings what’s left of the Lannister army to a pretty epic scene depicting Drogon sitting on a hill, essentially intimidating the hell of out of anyone not willing to bend the knee. As expected, most of them do. But Randyll and Dickon stand their ground and refuse. Tyrion wisely urges Dany not to kill them, but she does anyway much to the chagrin of the Hand of the Queen.
As much emphasis as was placed on this scene, this is a decision that may come back to haunt Dany in the long-term. The Tarlys are obviously a very well-respected family in the Seven Kingdoms. It reminded me of Robb’s decision to execute Karstark… the statement was made, but at what cost?
Jaime rushes back to the KL to inform Cersei of what he has witnessed. Cersei recommends hiring mercenaries but Jaime insists that this is not a war that they can win, considering the Dothraki and three dragons. My thoughts are that the intent was to show that not even the scorpion can bring down a dragon, thus the lack of severity shown regarding the injury to Drogon. Otherwise, Cersei probably doesn’t agree to the Dany meeting later on… she just builds more scorpions.
Jaime then reveals that Olenna killed Joffrey. At first Cersei refuses to accept it, but Jaime convinces her and she commits to keep fighting regardless of the odds.
Jon and Drogon
Out of all the epic scenes in this episode, this may have been the strongest. Dany arrives at Dragonstone and Drogon gets up close and personal with Jon displaying an obvious connection. This scene was beautifully shot and executed, and Dany takes notice.
Dany inquires about the “knife to the heart,” but is interrupted by the entrance of THE MAN. Jorah returns and Dany accepts him back into her service.
A Night King Sighting
Ravens fly as Bran wargs to get a better view of what is happening beyond the Wall. He sees the Night King and the ridiculously huge army of the dead near Eastwatch. In response, Bran sends ravens across Westeros to warn them all, including Jon and Sam.
As Ebrose meets with the Maester council, they discuss the message and decide to investigate it further thanks to the advice of Sam. It is also revealed that Ebrose knows of the deaths of Randyll and Dickon but that Sam has not yet been informed.
Back at Dragonstone, Varys and Tyrion discuss Dany’s decision making and imply that she needs to listen to advice so that she does not end up like her father. Varys recalls advising the Mad King but having no influence. And we all know how that ended up.
In the council room, Jon tells Dany that he must leave because of the message and the first idea of approaching Cersei about joining them to fight the Night King is introduced. The plan? Bring one of the army of the Night King to Cersei to prove the claim.
Back in Winterfell…
The Northern Lords are questioning Jon’s absence while Arya questions Sansa. Arya doesn’t like that Sansa does not stand up for Jon and questions her true motives. The seeds are being planted. Dirtball Effect forthcoming.
The Brothers Lannister
Tyrion and Davos arrive in the KL and Davos leaves Tyrion to fend for himself while he goes to tend to business in Flea Bottom (hmmmm….)
Bronn lures Jaime to the dungeons to meet with Tyrion. In a meeting that we assumed would occur (albeit, maybe not this quickly), Tyrion explains to Jaime that he was going to be executed by Tywin for a crime he did not commit (which was perfectly brought up earlier in the episode). Tyrion then tells him about Dany’s request.
Clovis!
Meanwhile, Davos goes snooping around Flea Bottom and runs into the best rowing team captain of all time. Gendry! The rowing has officially concluded! The Robert’s hammer nod was a perfect touch and took the emphasis off of trying to notice how big Gendry’s arms were from paddling all these years.
On the shore, Davos and Gendry are approached by two gold cloaks. Davos gives them money, and then fermented crab and then chainmail piercing hard-ons. As the two are leaving, they spot Tyrion and follow him to the boat as the hammer goes into action. “He’ll do.”
Jaime visits Cersei again to tell of his meeting with Tyrion, but she already knows. Cersei is open to an arrangement with Dany because she realizes that Dany has a clear advantage. And then… a new fucking Lannister???? Jaime partakes in fermented crab as well apparently. The plot thickens.
The prophecy of the Witch was that Cersei would have three children. She never mentioned a fourth. This could be indirect foreshadowing that Cersei won’t survive much longer. And, it could be me overanalyzing.
Back at the Stone, Jon is introduced to Gendry in yet another historical generation character meeting considering the history between Ned and Robert. Davos’ quote at the end of the scene was brilliant.
High Septon Maynard Was Bored and Counted Things, or Had a Westerosi Fitbit
15,000 steps. Not bad.
About the time Gilly begins reading a significant piece of story regarding a Rhaegar annulment, Sam loses it. Reviewing and making copies of shitty statistics and lore can take its toll, especially considering the the current situation in Westeros. Sam decides to leave the Citadel. Of all things, I most certainly did not see this coming. But Sam realizes that he is wasting a lot of time as the danger is imminent and makes the decision to leave before his training is complete.
The Creepy Guy in the Bar is Making His Move
On Looking Forward this weekend, we discussed the Dirtball Effect and what LF was really up to, if anything. Last night, for the first time this season, we see Baelish doing… something. Arya observes LF receiving a copy of a message and discussing issues with Lord Glover and others. She breaks into LF’s chambers and finds the message while LF does what Dirtball’s do… watch young girls from the dark corner of the bar.
This definitely looks like an attempt by LF to drive a wedge between Sansa and Arya. Judging by their dialogue earlier in the episode, it wouldn’t take much. The Dirtball Effect is officially in play.
The Westerosi All-Stars
Finally at Eastwatch, the Who’s Who of Westeros end up in one place with many differences, yet all with a common goal. Seriously… who could have predicted that this set of guys… Jon, Gendry, Jorah, Tormund, Beric, Thoros, Davos, and the Hound would one day meet up at Eastwatch to go catch a wight to prove to Cersei that the threat beyond the Wall is real?
Brienne would have been another good person to call to help with this excursion. Tormund concurs.
The only thing bad about this team is that we know that all of them will not survive this frozen safari. I’m not good with losing any of them. But it is a foregone conclusion, and a tough pill to swallow.
The Seven depart beyond the Wall. Epicness awaits. What a great fucking episode.
Episode 705 Personal Awards
Favorite Action Sequence: It might not be considered an action sequence, but Jon and Drogon was incredibly intense. Nice job once again, Mr. Shakman.
Favorite Quotes:
“Listen to me, cunt. Til’ I get what I’m owed, a dragon doesn’t get to kill you. You don’t get to kill you. Only I get to kill you.” –Bronn
“Dragons are where our partnership ends.” -Bronn
“May as well jump back in that river.” -Bronn
“So we fight and die or submit and die. I know my choice.” –Cersei
“You need to find a way to make her listen.” –Varys
“Then we’re fucked. Best hurry.” –Davos to Tyrion
“The lion does not concern himself with the opinion of the sheep.” –Jaime quoting Tywin
“Never betray me again.” –Cersei to Jaime
“Nobody mind me. All I’ve ever done is live to a ripe old age.” -Davos
“For fuck’s sake will you shut your hole?” The Hound
“We’re all breathing.” -Jon
Favorite Sequence: So many to choose from… Jon and Drogon; Davos finding Gendry and Gendry immediately ready to leave; Gendry wielding a hammer; the meeting between all parties at Eastwatch.
The “Ow, That Shit Hurts Award” goes to: A hammer to the face is brutal.
Jackass Award: Littlefinger. But if you are crazy enough to read my rants regularly, you knew it was eventually coming.
Overall Thoughts: So much to analyze. So little time. This may have been one of the strongest episodes to not include a huge action sequence. The pacing is admittedly nuts, but we have been warned that it would be from Season 7 until the conclusion. I don’t personally have a problem with it. Tell the story. Don’t give us unnecessary filler. That is what is happening. Everything that takes place has meaning, even if people are jumping from place to place on Air Westeros.
Will Cersei’s baby ever be born? Unlikely. That last look back that Jorah gave Dany.. was that the last one ever? Possibly. Will Jon and Dany end up making dragon babies? Probably.
What say you, my good peeps? Speak now. Speak loudly. it’s difficult to fathom that we’ve only got two left. We better get it while we can.
Until next week, have some fermented crab. Invite an Unsullied to join us. And may there always be peace in your realm. –Oz
Follow 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 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
Can’t believe I actually got a Hodor here.
I’m thinking about their doomed mission as well. Jon has plot armor, the Hound, Jorah and Gendry just came back and I think their plot isn’t over, so I’m worries about Tormund, Berric and Thoros. Specially Tormund, because he’s so great. Really hope he survives to uncomfortably lurk at Brienne another day.
As always great recap Oz!
My only concern with this episode is that I worry Arya may have her hands full with Little Finger. I am a big fan of Arya but I have to give LF his due, he has experience on his side.
Not an action packed episode but a good one nonetheless.
Just a reminder (already): please don’t bring book/non-show knowledge and info into this post. Thanks!
Everything about the Winterfell plot annoys me. Arya just got back and wants to kill people? Is already questioning Sansa’s motives? The northern lords are a group of whiny babies. Do they really care that much that Jon is gone a few days? And Littlefinger has been around at least a full season too long. He should’ve been accidentally killed in battle after bringing the Vale. Sets back the story every week.
Also, notwithstanding the plot timing inconsistencies… when the wights/WWs fought at Hardhome, they could RUN at people…. But when they march they walk at .2 miles per hour? Why aren’t they all RUNNING towards the wall? They don’t have lungs or muscles… I doubt theyd get tired….
Also, Jon said “Bran saw the army marching towards Eastwatch”….. does Jon just KNOW that Bran has seeing abilities now? Did he understand/know that from one raven scroll?
1) Did Joe Dempsie always look like Christian Bale? That freaked me right out
2) Not sure we can assume Drogon isn’t hurt yet. Being able to stand there menacingly and fly back home isn’t necessarily taxing
3) Jon – Safe; Gendry – It would be dumb to kill him off now; Thoros and Beric: Yeah, one of them is gone; The Hound: Not before he sees the Stark girls again; Tormund: Maybe; Davos: Possibly;
Jorah: Yeah, he’s dead. And that’ll piss Dany right off.
4) No idea what to think about pregnant Cersei. What would be funny is if we did a time jump and the kid came out looking like Euron. Or who the hell knows how long gestation is in a world with 10-year-winters. Maybe she gives birth in two weeks.
5) Really stunned Randyll let Dickon die with him. Like, super stunned.
Ryan,
Good point about Jon knowing about Bran’s abilities. But maybe he just said he warged a crow, knowing that Jon has met wargs before. He would easily understand that part.
About the wall thing, maybe they are going slowly because they have to wait for a specific time/event that will allow them to cross the wall. Or maybe they are stopping everywhere to raise more dead. These are the ideas that came to mind.
Cersai could be faking the pregnancy, right? It made Jaime switch to sort of an unquestionable loyalty thing. I think he’ll choke her when he finds out she faked it and gets them almost killed.
Great recap, Oz. I always like reading these. You’re right; this episode is a great build-up to the final two which I assume will be really epic. I enjoyed most of the scenes, but I wasn’t really fond of Arya in this episode. No wonder Sansa is so uneasy. But more of it in my review whenever I find time to write it.
The season has been “a climb” up to this point for me, but this episode is a slight descent when it comes to my personal GoT ranking. Still a very quality episode overall and quite intense and I already expected it to be more calm one. I haven’t decided on rank yet, but I assume it will go among my high 8s. So the lowest from this season so far, but as I often say, no GoT episode is bad.
Now, all I need to do is wait for Dee’s hyped comment.
Wow, that was the equivalent of like half of season 5 ‘happenings’ all in 1 episode.
A lot to sift through.
My fav scene was Jon and Drogon, man those dragons look amazingly legit. When will Jon pony up to the bar and ride one already?
Gendry back in the mix is a curveball to me. Why bring him back, seems he’s got a free pass in the next ep to survive as it would be super shitty to bring him back only to off him the next show.
The Motley crew heads off on a mission to catch a WW. Seems like a Crystal Pepsiesque awful idea.
Jon is legit! ZOMG
newsflash, LF is still creepy AF.
Predictions for who might bite the snowdust next show… not the Hound, not Jon… any/all of the bwb….not Gendry. Who does that leave? Tormund? #sadface
I just don’t get this plan to capture a wight to try to convince Cersei to “let’s all be friends.” They all should know, particularly Tyrion and Varys, that Cersei can’t be reasoned with. I’m not usually critical of anything GoT because it’s the best show ever, but I just can’t wrap my head around everyone in Dany’s council thinking that’s a great idea that will actually work.
Also, where is the rest of the Brotherhood without Banners? Sure, their ranks have probably dwindled, but there’s definitely more than Beric, Thoros, and the Hound.
NeXeH,
I really hope the writers just gave that stuff to Arya to make people like Sansa again. Because it is really bad writing.
1) Beheading people is what got Robb in trouble.
2) Sansa actually advocated once for harsher measures and Jon insisted on mercy. There is no way he would be in favor of Arya’s approach.
3) If Arya seriously confronts Sansa over that scroll letter, I’ll be in favor of Jaqen coming back and saying “A girl is a fucking moron. A girl should stop before she burns her brain. A girl needs to go stick her head in the snow and cool off”
Unlike Robb, Tarlys were not Danny’s allies so that has no bearing. She doesn’t need them like Robb needed the Karstarks.
The killing of Randyll and Dickon Tarly was not all that clear-cut. Had dad chosen the wall, both might have been alive. Dany had nowhere to go. Tyrion tried to find a path but papa Tarly was too proud.
I am tired of the screams about plot moving forward. It happens in just about every adventure story. Did Star Wars take place in two hours?
Who wants to spend perhaps a season watching troops marching?
We all want plot and we’re getting it. This episode is clearly a setup for a really big battle in the next (which is NEXT TO LAST, you know like when Ned got his head cjopped, King’s Landing was saved, the Red Wedding, the Battle at the Wall, the fight inside the gladiator stadium and the Battle of the Bastards. We know who is out there. Chances are, some will not come back.
Oh, and I really don’t think Arya is dumb enough to be totally fooled. She will not kill her sister. Odds are, she’ll kill Litlefinger. And I will enjoy it.
This was a great build up episode for the last two episodes.
I want to applaud you Oz for your very on point Looking Forward regarding Lord Dirtball.
Can Sam just listen to Gilly for once!
What is Cersei planning? Another Red Wedding?
And you’re right, we’re probably gonna lose a lot of characters next week north of The Wall.
I am now so hyped for the next episode.
Great recap as always Oz!
Dany did exactly the right thing. The quibble is over the method. Had she had one of her guys behead the Tarlys, this wouldn’t have been as much an issue for Varys and Tyrion.
Unlike her father though, there is no indication Dany gets enjoyment, even sexual desire, out of burning people. She knows it is a powerful statement, but it is simply the tool she has, just as Ned had Ice and Oberyn had a spear.
And it sure got the other fuckers to bend those knees.
I see no honor in Randyll Tarly. He would have known Mace Tyrell and the Tyrell kids all of his life. If he could stand by Cersei after what she did, then I’m glad he’s dead and I hope he burns in the Seven Hells.
Dickon is just a stupid kid who got dragged into his father’s war. In his own way, he is just as damaged by Randyll’s abuse as Samwell.
Someday, little Sam is going to make a fine ruler of Horn Hill.
“As much emphasis as was placed on this scene, this is a decision that may come back to haunt Dany in the long-term. The Tarlys are obviously a very well-respected family in the Seven Kingdoms. It reminded me of Robb’s decision to execute Karstark… the statement was made, but at what cost?”
I really don’t think those two were the same. I mean yes, the execution was for treason. But the Tarlys did not serve Dany. They had already betrayed their oaths to the Tyrells and Lady Olenna which in turn led to the murder of Lady Olenna and the deaths of many people from Highgarden.
Robb on the other hand, was dealing with the Lord of a house who’s men SERVED HIM and would have been smarter not to execute so as to not lose the men.
I think Dany was well with in her rights to execute the traitors for treason… what message does that send if she keeps them as prisoners. This is not how treason was dealt with. Tyrion had suggested sending him to the wall and I could almost feel that Dany likely would have considered it had Tarly not intervene and say he wouldn’t go because SHE ISNT HIS QUEEN.
She also gave him a choice…
Dany avenged Lady Olenna in some way.
The pace of this episode is dizzying, but with a lack of source material to scaffold the main plot lines, this probably makes sense. So much was set up; I wonder, for example, how Sam will react to a Jon and Dany alliance (of whatever type) now that Dany fried his Dad and brother.
I am particularly interested though in seeing how Arya manages her experience at WF. She and Sansa were both right in their great scene together (Sansa: don’t kill our allies; Arya: you should show greater support for Jon). The way I read this scene is that because Arya also has learned truth detection skills from the House of Black and White (it was new for me that she had absorbed that part of Ja’quen’s skill set), she knows that Sansa is true to Jon but is tempted by power (isn’t that a theme of GoT that is correctly extended here?), and correctly deduces that it is Littlefinger that is playing the snake in the apple tree to Sansa’s Eve. I thought Maise did a good job in leaving ambiguity as to whether she is falling for LF”s plot to divide the Starks (Bran is no longer a target given that he told LF that he is not a Lord of Winterfell), or whether she gets his triple game.
TIn Foil time: Did anyone else notice that the show did an overly long shot of the WF female worker who met LF in a WF passage way (suggesting that LF was paying her off for info/assignments)? The shot gave us such a clear view of her face that I thought that ultimately Arya will use that person’s face to uncover Baelish’s plot.
Also curious as to how the public revelation of Jon’s parentage (likely in season 8) will affect politics in the North.
And when is Jon riding Rhaegal?
(continued regarding Dany burning the Tarlys)
What is the difference between beheading, hanging, or burning?
The method shouldn’t even be an issue here
Rabelais,
The greatest chapter of Star Wars is still Empire Strikes Back. And there is a time jump there no one has ever figured out.
Either it takes Han and Leia months or years to reach Bespin to meet Lando, or Luke learns how to be a Jedi in about a week.
And there is absolutely no comparison to Robb executing the Karstark and Dany executing the Tarlys. I’m rewatching Season 3. Robb screwed the entire North by not upholding his marriage pact.
Fact is, Karstark and the rest should have mutinied on his ass as soon as that happened. Add in Catelyn letting the greatest hostage anyone had go to get her daughters back and it’s a wonder they all didn’t turn around and go home.
Fuck Robb.
It happens. Move on. We’re talking about a world where winter can last 5-10 years. Who the hell knows how long a day is?
This episode is a different kind of ride for me compared to the 1st four. It was dizzying, to say the least, with dramatic/surprising events happening one after another. I was like:
– Oh she burned the Tarlys!
– I was still processing that when Jon came face to face with Drogon! And then, he petted him!
– I was still having chills from that when Jorah entered the scene and Dany hugged him and I was like “Aww”. But a part of me was like, wait! Jon petted Drogon! Jon petted Drogon!!! 😂
It was like that throughout the episode. We see Tyrion being emotional as he reunited with Jaime and then Gendry is alive and not rowing anymore (shocked!) and then in a heartbeat he dropped everything and became Team Jon and then they all gathered in Eastwatch with our other favorite heroes. Oh, and Gilly dropped the biggest bomb of them all: Jon is legit, ladies and gentlemen! 😍
Whew! I haven’t even mentioned WF yet. What a wild ride, this episode. 😁 (On rewatch, I was able to catch my breath a lot better though.) Thanks, GOT. I was definitely entertained.
Dee Stark,
I think burning alive is considered a lot more horrific method of execution in Westeros. Remember the scene in S5 premiere how Mance became uneasy when he heard he was going to be burned alive. And Dany is a Targaryen on top of that and Targaryens (especially her father) are known for their unhealthy obsession with fire. In my own opinion, I think using dragons for execution is too much of a “ruling through fear”.
Dee Stark,
Even in real world, beheading was always considered a “clean death”. I remember when I watched the Tudors and Thomas Moore got sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered and the king changed the execution method to beheading as Moore was his teacher and he felt he needed to show some respect.
Please, please, please tell me that the Stark kids put this all together when they were together by the Weirwood tree and everything – ‘Bran has… visions’, Arya’s fight with Brienne (and Sansa leading Littlefinger to see it), the ravens next to Littlefinger, Arya confronting Sansa (with the door open), Arya being a little too conspicuous in her spying… adds up to THEY are working Littlefinger!
(This is pure conjecture / wishful thinking on my part)
Dee Stark,
I know what you mean. Some people are overreacting again. Same in the case of Arya. She was just pointing out that anyone who betrays a king could be beheaded. That’s what kings do to oathbreakers.
Another amazing episode… another one with lots of dialogue, character interactions, and story set up.
Yes a lot happened in this episode, and there was a lot of moving back and forth so I expect to see a lot of tears from the fandom regarding that. But it doesn’t bother me… it didn’t feel rushed by any means so I was happy with it.
My thoughts:
– Everything Dany… everything Jon… was amazing in this episode. Especially, again, their scenes together. They are becoming some of my favorite scenes ever…. overtaking his scenes with Ygritte almost!
– JON AND DROGON WAS E V E R Y T H I N G I ever needed in my life.
– Dany noticed his connection with drogon, and she even felt disappointed that Jon wants to leave. I think she senses a connection with Jon…. and it is not a sexual one. I adore this.
– YAY Gendry.. those scene were super cute, and light.. and I love these moments in GOT
– I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OVER JAMIEEEEEEEEEE can you just get killed please. You are the biggest idiot on this planet(os)
– still over cersei.
– FUCK YOU LF DIE PLEASE
– I have already expressed my strong feelings with regards to some reactions to what Dany has done. I have a comment in this thread about it. She did the right thing the right way.
– I love all the plans that were implemented in this episode. YES TO PROGRESSION. WOOOO
And lastly, my all time favorite moment of the episode.. everything at Eastwatch… that scene in the cells was so good … I was laughing the entire time. I love all 7 of these characters, and I know were going to probably lose… maybe half of them…
That truly makes me sad
Another 10 out of 10
I didn’t see the preview for next week but I am sooooooooooooooooo hypeeeeeeeeeeeeee
I think if I put myself in Tyrion’s perspective, he’s still uneasy if Dany shares any traits with Aerys.
Sam,
100% !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Arya said or did nothing wrong
Lord Parramandas,
Hes an idiot
bobber,
Could be, but I think it’s legit. As Jaime is walking in, Qyburn says “I can get you something” and Cersei replies that it won’t be necessary. He was in her chambers for some reason I assume, other than “he is the hand.” LOL.
One thing is for sure… if it’s true, Euron won’t be pleased.
Ok couple things. Most people reviewing the episode note that Sam is “mansplaining” or being a bit of an ass. But didn’t he just find out his family was burned alive. That’s the reason why he quotes his dad about not wanting to read about the achievements of better men. I think we can cut Sam some slack.
Also, on an interesting note, anyone notice that in the preview:
So many great quotes to choose from. My favorites:
1) Davos to Gendry: “Thought you’d still be rowing.”
2) Gendry to Jon: “And you’re shorter”
3) Tormund to Jon: “Which queen needs convincing, the one with dragons or the one that fucks her brother?”
4) Tormund to Jon: “And the big woman?”
The Molehill that Rides,
I’m hoping for this too! Those wolves will figure it out. Fingers crossed the pack will survive.
Dee Stark,
OMG I forgt a few things
The Raeghar bomb drop, yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas D&D
The rowing comment – D&D LOVE US.. FAN SERVICE JUST GIVE IT TO ME!!!!!!!!!
Also, Arya protecting Jon is everything.
The Night King scares me so much.
ANDDDDDDD I think I covered everything.
Dee Stark,
Haha, Dee, is there even a possibility GoT episode wouldn’t be a 10/10 for you? 😉😉 Or maybe you would need to extend the scale. I may not agree with all your points (especially because I enjoy Jaime a lot more than Dany) but I did enjoy the episode myself as well and yes, the path to the journey’s end was firmly set in this episode.
I did see the promo (it was again at the end of the episode) and as I don’t want to spoil anything, I can only say… HYPE!
He has every right to be concerned. Aerys did horrific stuff in his later years of rule. He may be wrong but I can understand him.
Perfectly stated, Oz! Game of Thrones engages me to such a degree each and every week that it’s blown away the curve entirely. I really get that feeling most acutely after watching episodes like this one, where there isn’t a game-changing battle or earth-shaking political development, but it still felt like EVERYTHING happened. That’s a unique feeling for any fictional story deliver. Nothing else can really compare.
For me, there will never be another show like it, and I’m not sure that I’d want there to be. What we’re witnessing is special, and I’m just happy to be along for the ride. 🙂
Dee Stark,
Totally agree with you. Dany burning Randyll and Dickon Tarly is nothing like when Robb executed Karstark… Arya suggesting to behead anyone expressing a dissenting opinion is. And Sansa made the point that execution is not always the answer.
I don’t see “bad writing” in Arya/Sansa scene… Ever since Arya came back to Westeros, she’s been in a rampage mode. Having acquired awesome skills have also made her self-righteous, IMO. She is judge, jury, and executioner, and her solution to every slight (real or perceived) is to punish it. I can see her arc being how to deal with that anger and hot-headedness in a more productive way.
As for Sansa entertaining the idea of becoming QITN and retaining the North and KotV alliance should anything bad happens to Jon… Well, she should! It’s part of being prepared for any possible outcome (she doesn’t know, as we do, that Jon has plot armor.)
Lord Parramandas,
I get what you mean. There’s always the “risk” (the genes) of her turning into like her father. But so far, she’s acted within reason, if I may say. Of course, it may be a PR nightmare for Tyrion. After all, when stories are passed from person to person, things get deleted or edited. People might talk about how she burned 2 lords and forget to mention altogether that she actually gave them a “choice “.
I could nitpick this episode but I’m not going to. My main wish is that they would have had a formal parley where Cersei demanded proof of white walkers instead of coming up with it themselves. Then it would have made sense,
They are treating the characters as characters in a show instead of people waging war.
Otherwise I love that we are seeing that LF is scheming now and I hope his take down is epic.
Great recap as always! I’m hoping Bran will bust Littlefinger’s ploy to Sansa and Arya in a few monotone sentences. Davos was such great comic relief!
“Jaime partakes in fermented crab as well…” that is too funny! In all seriousness I wonder if Cersei will carry the baby to term. You do have the prophecy for one thing, then the risk of getting killed, but there’s also her age. I say that from experience, I gave birth to my second child just last year (in my 30’s) so naturally I looked that up to stay on top of things. She could possibly miscarry, the chances get higher with age. It’ll be interesting to see where it goes though personally I’ve been ready to see Cersei go for a while now.
I think the biggest issue in Tyrion’s eyes was also that she used a dragon to burn them instead of executing them a Westerosi way. Yes, Dany acted reasonably so far but I can imagine Westerosi people are still afraid of any potential sign of Targaryen madness. She’s still a foreigner in most eyes and a daughter of Mad King. At this point, Westerosi folk doesn’t follow her because they would love her… but for their loyalty on long term, they need to be sure she is a person worthy of their loyalty. So by beheading Tarlys or sending them to the wall, she would integrate more into Westerosi society… while a dragonfire is a symbol of foreignness and also an implicit reminder of Aerys’s constant use of wildfire. Just my own perspective on that.
Dee Stark,
I also noticed Dany’s reaction when Jon said he’d join the hunt. She looked scared (?) for him. Then she’s like “I haven’t allowed you to leave yet”. Girl, it was obvious you care for him! 😀 Great acting by Emilia, by the way.
Another great episode!
Jon and Drogon?! The was best 4 minutes IMO. I mean, I know we all know that R+L=J now, but it’s great seeing it unfold on screen, even in the smallest ways/hints.
Also, when Sam conveniently interrupted Gilly 🙂 🙂 I can’t wait for that recollection. Speaking of which, how do you guys think Sam will feel/react about his father and brother’s deaths? And knowing it was his bff’s new bae that did it?
The Magnificent Seven are goin’a cetch them one of those zombie varmits! Which will turn to shards as soon as it crosses The Wall.
Sam,
Exactly… I felt her pain I wouldn’t want him to leave
She’s killing it … emilia is killing it!
It’s OBVIOUSLY been more than a few days. Multiple ravens have flown back and forth; Jon has had time to find out about, locate, mine, and create weapons out of the dragonglass. I’m sure that the Northern lords have heard about Bran’s vision and are freaking out, wishing that their commander was back at home. Plus, LF has had time to recruit spies and sow his own dirty seeds. People need to adjust to the increased pacing.
Cersei: I got the distinct impression that she’s either faking this pregnancy or that she is less than happy about it. Perhaps it is just that she’s remembering the prophesy herself, but there was definitely a weird vibe there.
All this time I thought the scroll LF was going to order up from the archives was the one Lysa sent to Catelyn about Jon Arryn’s death, so I’m thrown off by the one Cersei bullied Sansa into doing. I guess it is LF trying to get Arya out of the way, but it is just too easy to see this strategy backfiring on him. So, much like the decision to send Sansa to Ramsey, I don’t see LF being this stupid. I fear for Sansa, and I am not a fan of hers. Arya is a cold, badass MF and not to be trifled with!
Let’s address the elephant in the room: JON IS LEGIT!! Get that man a dragon saddle and plant his deserving derriere on the IT! Everything coming together for him is making me nervous for his winter expedition, though…
And…My Bear got himself some fine looking leathers and is the quintessential knight! Love him so!
This was a great episode without any “action.” It is what I love about this show. Great recap as usual, Oz!
WorfWWorfington,
you know I typically ignore/defend the teleportation stuff. But it’s pretty hard to justify how slow the nights king and his army have moved over the last two seasons, there’s been enough time for Jon Snow to get murdered, come back to live, travel all around the north to raise an army to fight Ramsay Bolton, fight Ramsay Bolton, travel to Dragonstone, while at Dragonstone, have Danearys and her army leave and go fight a battle in kings landing, have Davos go to Kings Landing and come back, and then for Jon to travel all the way to east watch and the army of the dead still hasn’t made it to the wall. I’m going to choose to ignore this and just enjoy the show, but unless the Night’s King decided to take some long detour, it really doesn’t make sense that they didn’t attack the wall much sooner.
Isn’t Sam lord of Horn Hill now? Can he give food and men to Jon?
Lord Parramandas,
Burning someone alive on a pyre is slow and painful.
Burning someone by dragonfire is quick. The Tarley’s turned to ash within a second or two.
I’ve watched plenty of series and even movies. To this day I don’t think anything will ever have an impact on me like Hardhome.
Lord Parramandas,
That looked like a quick death to me lol
SaveTheWolves,
I don’t think he can be lord since he’s still a member of the night’s watch.
Mr Derp,
Dee Stark,
Check my comment to Sam. I think it has a lot to do with people being uneasy because they remember Aerys and all the Targaryens who were obsessed with fire.
Still don’t understand how Jon understands about Bran’s warging…
Tamwell Sarly,
I think that the problem with that scene is that David Hill didn’t wrote it in a way D&D were explaining things in Inside the episode.
That scene focused only on Cersei, but D&D said that the wight should convince everyone in the South, not just her.
Wouldn’t Bran know exactly what Littlefinger is doing anyway and be able to stop it before anything bad happens?
Being burnt alive is a relatively slow and painful death, compared to beheading.
But the dragonfire seemed to do the deed in like a second, so I wouldn’t consider it a painful thing.
The two problems with it are 1) it’s dragons – reminds you of the mad Targs- and 2) its fire – which is a painful way to die, and was Aerys’ favourite torture method.
So in the end, I did not have as much trouble with it as I previously thought I would have. It certainly looks worse than it feels.
The real question (for me) is that: was it a wise thing to execute them? I think it was totally understandable. But wise? It will turn out. It might bite Dany in the ass at one point (…Sam…).
bobber,
My first thought was that Cersei was faking the pregnancy. It buys her loyalty and time, both of which she desperately needs right now. It’s crazy for Dany to wait to attack KL. They are vulnerable, no army and a surprise attack with Drogon and sending in the Dothraki to mop up would be easy. However, we need more episodes so the seige of KL will have to wait.
I thought this was the weakest episode of the season, still with some great moments.
My biggest qualm is the plan devised to get Cersei on their side. As others have mentioned, this seems to be purely a forced plot point to extend the narrative. Given everything these characters know about Cersei, they should have no reason to believe that this plan will make any difference. In addition, I don’t see how they think they have time for this mission + Cersei’s army is already dwindling.
Also, Jaime and Bronn conveniently swimming to safety was about a cheap an exit as they come. Dany landing Drogon right in the face of Jon with no reservations seemed a bit heavy handed as well.
I’m not generally one to care much about sped up pacing – let’s get to the action – but I think a few different decisions (e.g. having Jorah return last week) could have gone a long way in making this episode more digestible.
Overall – still great television, but I can’t help but be annoyed by what I see as some cheap writing (by the high standard GoT sets, that is) in the interest of a clear end game. 🙁
Andy B,
It’s just like Voldemort in Harry Potter. He always attack at the end of school’s year LOL.
All those dudes at Eastwatch, they likely ain’t all coming back. Though, one of them might come back as the thing they went to get in the first place. What are the odds that one or more of them get killed and then bound and brought back as the “proof.” I could see Jorah as a wight. Also, could Drogon now take it upon himself to go help Jon after their little meet and greet this week? Did the show ever mention the type of bond dragons have with Targs?
Aszusz,
Yes, I pointed that out in another comment. I think it’s the fire as an execution device that’s the main problem in Tyrion’s eyes and I understand him at this point.
Hi Oz, you wonderful creature, you! Fantastic re-cap, of course!
I remember how last season, I theorized Arya was totally playing the waif, and could NOT believe she was stupid enough to go proudly traipsing around Braavos like she did. I was so wrong. So as much as I want to believe she is playing Littlefinger now, I don’t think that’s so. I certainly do not think she would kill Sansa, but I hope Bran clues her in!
And I can’t remember who said they won’t kill Gendry because they just brought him back, but please remember Osha and Rickon. Brought back just to die!
We also should have known Dickon was going to die. We had started to like him. He saved Jaime. He wasn’t thrilled with the “glory” of war.
Also, I do NOT believe that Cersei is preggers. If she is, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was Qyburn’s or Euron’s. I just think she knows how to manipulate Jaime. And how much do I want to slap Jaime for falling for her over and over. Arrrggh!
Jon and Drogon. Wow! Rhaegar got an annulment and re-married. Wow! Jorah back in NEW CLOTHES. Wow.
Applauds
Even though GoT is not my No.1 TV series (but it does occupy honrable No.2), it’s really a special one. It’s one of those shows where every episode feels so special to me and I never rated any episode below 7. I know for myself I’m very protective of GoT whenever it gets mentioned in negative way. I hate when people call it “overrated” or “without heart and soul” or “incapable of telling the story without gratuitous violence”.
And I especially hate when people start comparing the shows of totally different genres to each other. GoT is unique in its own way and so are all my other top TV shows. It doesn’t need to be like my No.1 show, it doesn’t need to beat that show in order for me to like it… I enjoy it on its own and I feel it’s a show with epic story, very quality performance, unique atmosphere and amazing visuals.
Funny thing that came to my mind today… it often happens to me that when I wake up on Monday and I remember I have a new GoT episode to watch and I feel some sort of uneasy and worried… and then I ask myself why the hell do I feel that way if I always enjoy watching the episodes that much. And the thing is that I’m probably worried that my often uneasy daily mood (I really lack sleep these days) would somehow affect my enjoyment of the TV series. Basically I’m worried every time that I’m not in the right shape to watch it… thankfully, I really enjoyed it every time.
Ryan,
Because he has seen a warg
Orell the wildling
Andy B,
You could make a case that he really wasn’t going to attack the wall until he could get through it, which didn’t happen until Bran went through. That’s a little less time.
Of course, if they just go around it, that’ll annoy me.
Really, other than the idiotic Sansa/Arya stuff, I have no real complaints. Sure, it would have been better if Jaime and Bronn popping out of the water had ended last week. I really am not sure about “Let’s show Cersei a body!” routine. And Jorah kind of instantly volunteered when I was expecting Dany to say “Yeah, my Hand sucks. Lead my armies
But the Arya thing is the one that really annoys me. If it turns out she falls for this amateurish plot by Littlefinger, then I’m over Arya.
Brienne can basically confirm that Sansa was a hostage and not a guest. Any of the surviving Northern lords can tell you that Robb didn’t believe it. Bran, if anyone believes him, can confirm it. If the Hound is able to straggle back, he’ll confirm it.
I’m tired of Arya being either the greatest bad-ass in the world or the kind of moron who wanders around in broad daylight and gets stabbed by someone she knows can assume any face.
Haha, a lot of snow and a lot of running, not much to reveal!
Why would it turn into shards when it crosses the Wall? A wight was running around Lord Commander Mormont’s chambers at one point and Castle Black is clearly on the south side of the Wall.
I don’t care for the faceless magic stuff but Arya’s fighting skill and ability to sniff out half-lies, Woo hoo!!! Sansa can’t hide anymore! She’s been finally outed! I don’t think Sansa is evil like Cersei. Like Arya said, Sansa wishes she didn’t think it but Sansa does because Sansa is, at core, a selfish character. I am by no means complaining. A story needs all kinds of characters – good, bad, grey.
Ser Jon,
ahh you ruined the surprise
hahahaha
It sure was. It is not like dying at the stake, which takes so long and is excruciatingly painful. This is instant death. Better than hanging, I’d say.
I don’t see the logic behind comparing Tarlys with Kastarks.
One was a bannerman who killed enemies( albeit innocent children ), the other forsake his bannerman duties and joined the enemy.
Randyll Tarly threw Dany’s offer in her face and even added in some derogatory comments about her person in public. It reminded me a lot of Janos Slynt and his mouthy attack on Jon. Both cases ended in execution, as it should.
Roberta Baratheon,
Girl, I wouldn’t be surprised if it turned out to be a shadow baby…
Maybe one of the spin-off shows will be about the travels of the White Walkers and their army of the dead and we’ll see what they were up to. They did go from Hardhome up to the magic raven tree and now are heading all the way back across to Eastwatch (presumably) so that’s a bit of zigzagging. I think you just have to assume that they are only going to come when the timing is right (for them, for the plot, etc.) Winter has been Coming since Season 1, Episode 1, so it’s obviously just been a long fall too.
BranTheBlessed,
thank you
So is the new phrase for “wasted effort” going to be “like giving fermented crab to the Unsullied”?
for sure
lucy,
I think you’re too harsh on Sansa in this case. I don’t see anything wrong in the fact, that Sansa is establishing her role as Lady of Winterfell in case if Jon does not return. It’s not like she wants him to die… that’s not Sansa at all.
Lord Parramandas,
But she is the dragon.. and she should be the dragon… in my opinion.
She gave a good speech prior to this…she explained that she is not here to burn and murder innocent people. She even offered the traitors a choice in front of the people….and when the offer was turned down and she was insulted…she proceeded to be a dragon
I don’t see anything wrong with this.
Varys and Tyrion are starting to annoy me and I did not like their conversation.
Also.. being either the greatest sibling mind-reader in existence or being initially unable to tell that Hot Pie (of all people!) was telling the truth about Jon.
I am desperately hoping that Arya and Sansa are only pretending to conflict in order to get Littlefinger to commit against one of them.
Dee Stark,
I know you’re a big Dany fan, Dee, but Daenerys is also not perfect and her father really was a monster. If you understand Arya being so protective of Jon and so harsh on Sansa, then you should also understand that Westerosi people are afraid of any signs of potential Targaryen madness. Daenerys is still an invader at this point who needs to claim the Throne and be officially crowned and folk from Westeros surely remember the Mad King. I perfectly understand Tyrion and Varys in this case and why they are concerned. Imagine this situation… they put so much support in Dany to put her on the iron throne but in later years, she would turn into another Aerys. I’m sure she won’t turn mad but no one can be 100% sure and these signs are worrying for them.
Concerning the Tarly-scenario; I´m generally one who criticises Dany for many things she does and I still can´t quite stomach her behavior or her way of dealing with some matters, but I get why she acted the way she did and I do think that the Mad King-allusions here are quite an over-simplified observation. There are real drawbacks from her doing this to the Tarlys, but the manner HOW she did it was a lot different from what Aerys did. So to make this clear; I think she could have potentially acted better in this situation, but hating her because she is a new Aerys is generalizing to a huge extent imo. After all, the two most similar things are the family-ties between the characters and the execution by fire.
First of all, pragmatic reasons: she has not really an malicious intent behind this burning, the problem is the burning per se. You may say that the man/woman who passes the sentence should wield the sword, but in Dany´s eyes, her dragons are her sword, shield and her children all wrapped in one package. Look at Theon´s attempt at a beheading way back, makes you question whether inexperienced Dany with a sword would have not actually made things worse…
Derived from this is the inhumane perception of burning per se. I do not know how to feel about it in this scene with E4 fresh in my mind, but Drogon seemed to put a lot of force behind it and it seemed not to take longer than about one or two seconds for them to be dead, so I cannot really judge whether it is really worse, a lot worse, or somehow humane if they can both die together without seeing each other beheaded. But still, I can see that Dany wanted it to be quick and that this display of raw power may save the lives of other ones undecisive whether or not to kneel.
More importantly though, she gave them a choice. And I´m not counting the “kneel or die” since I perceive that as an illusion of choice which only people with seemingly ulterior motivations (such as honor) or severe lack of self-preservation would decline. More important is the choice that Randy the Tarly made when he rejected the offer of the Wall which Dany clearly pondered before being interrupted (since he viewed this as a regal right not to be passed by this usurper). With this, she was pushed into an inconvenient spot by Tarly, as she had to follow through on her proclamtion to some extent, yet did not want to be seen as taking her word lightly; or prisoners as it would undermine her being “the breaker of chains”. I think she should have had them be escorted to the wall when Jon leaves and saying something along the lines that he would realize the error of his ways in seeing her as just another Usurper, but in the end, she followed through with her initial path of action.
So I fail to see her applying methods of a king who burned people alive for sexual arousal and in displays of drawn-out suffering of the victims. Aerys killed for joy, Dany did not seem joyous for killing them. Aerys killed in a drawn out manner to get sexual arousal out of it, Dany did not. Aerys killed two people who were neither an active threat nor active dissenters of his cause yet. Dany killed two people who can easily be interpreted as traitors to her cause who got many of her own allies killed. Aerys gave them no choice in having to be killed, Dany gave them at least one. Aerys burned them. Dany burned them. This is the only real connection I can see, tbh.
_____________________________
So was it the right call? I don´t think so. I think that she made a big mistake here and that putting them in chains would have been the right thing to do, but her title and her need to prove to be staunch and commanding here hindered her from doing so. It really scratches her reputation, I would think, as she may then just be another queen pushing people into her ranks as cannon-fodder, even though she may think of herself as merciful and even wanting to save some lives by the Drogon-display. An echo of the Robb-Karstark-situation, anyone? Conetxt is very different, but it feels a bit like it…
Thus, the real problem I see with her procedure is that she pressures people into servitude: compare the people who did not bend the knee to those who bent the knee after and before the sentence. She just has no emotional connection to these people and does not yet fully realize that Essosi problems and mindsets are different from those of Westerosi. Her giving them the decision to “kneel or die” is hardly a decision but rather the illusion of a choice; nearly every sane person would take that deal in order to survive, but it is hardly the choice she gave the Unsullied. It is understandable that she has to act so swiftly and ruthless in order to keep problems at bay, but this approach may coast her reputation in the end.
She may have to learn to be humble which is not quite in her character plus she needs to learn that breaker of chains may not be as convenient a title as it was in the enslavement-practicing cities of Essos. Effectively, she has to find a way to not get similar to Cersei in letting people “fight for her out of fear” yet against such proud lords like the Tarlys atm, she just lacks the credibility in Westeros or “a real great deal” to push them to her side and thus she pressures them into servitude.
She has her dark sides and I have a huge problem with some things she did back in Essos and how she handled some things in Meereen, but this time, it´s tough to evaluate and I think her executing them is decidely non-Mad King-like, despite the burning. Believe me, I´m more surprised than anyone for supporting her here :P.
Lord Parramandas,
Sansa:
* Initially refused Jon’s offer of Ned and Catelyn’s old room
* Told Jon “You’re a Stark to me”
* Tried to keep Jon there
* Instantly offered to step aside for Bran
* Told the lords that Jon was king and he knew best
Arya:
* Skulked around and fell into Littlefinger’s trap (unless this is a double-blind where they are play-acting for Littlefinger)
* Instantly assumed the worst about Sansa
* Advocates beheading the lords who, as Sansa pointed out, are part of the reason Winterfell is back in Stark hands.
* Advocates beheading a Vale lord, which potentially turns them against the North and torward Cersei
Nothing Arya advocates is what Jon would want. Everything Sansa advocates favors Jon.
My conclusion: Shut the fuck up, Arya. Go back to Braavos if you aren’t going to help
Maybe a shadow kraken! Ha.
Lord Parramandas,
Thing is, Cersei has actually done Mad King/Queen worthy stuff like destroying the Sept of Baelor with Wildfire. Therefore, shouldn’t the citizens of Westeros not be as happy as they currently seem to be to have Cersei rather than Dany? The signs of a Mad Queen are there, but they point to Cersei, the current Queen.
Oberyn´s One Good Hand,
Good points.
Some little problem with the storytelling, i know its not important but: Why didn´t the Tarlys switch side to Danaerys. They fought during Roberts rebellion on the targaryen side and especially lord tarly won a battle. Their landlords from highgarden where also betrayed by the lannisters. That is a bit too far fetched. But anyway very good episode.
Next week the earth in the north will shatter…
I wonder who’s gonna break the news to Sam that his father and brother are dead. IF they meet, which would have to be next season I assume, it’ll most likely be either Dany or Tyrion who tells him since they were both there. Who knows though.
You know, I wonder how much is this a public knowledge that Cersei intentionally burned down the sept.
Lord Parramandas,
Hot Pie seemed to know it, so I would have to imagine everyone knows. otherwise, thats a glaring inconsistency.
At first I was all – “why did they bother with Cercei’s pregnancy? We all know it will come to nothing. I wanted to see that conversation with Bronn and Tyrion instead!”
But then I thought about it and realised – if she does actually give birth, it would be a wonderful twist on our expectations. I would love to see her defeat that prophecy at least the once. Because prophecy is, frankly, one of my least favourite storytelling devices. I’d like to see Cercei break free – probably just before Jaime strangles her.
Mr Derp,
But then again, Dany is a foreign invader in many people’s eyes. The entire kingdom does not immediately go in rebellion. Tyrells and Martells fought for Aerys despite him being a raving madman at that point who commited horrible acts.
Yup, cause that never happens in this show 😉
Was kind of hoping Arya was about to play the Game of Faces with Sansa.
Kevin Eldon, WTF?! Guess that guy’s acting career didn’t work out.
Dee Stark,
Agree. I cringe when any character in this story starts to put on a holier-than-thou attitude. Loved that convo between Dany and Jon where she reminds him of BotB. Moment felt like Dany directly answering her critics.
Ser Shiz of Renia,
I took it that they are just not into wild beasts and savages.
I don’t think this is public knowledge. But even if the people would know, Dany is not giving them any reason to think she will be different than Cersei. As Jon said “You’re more of the same”.
WorfWWorfington,
There’s no way the white walkers go around the wall, you don’t put this massive wall up to protect westeros from the forces of evil that has stood for thousand of years unless it’s getting knocked down.
As far as the arya stuff goes, I think it’s a misdirect and LF is one who gets played. He will be dead before the wall falls down at the end of the season.
Ser Shiz of Renia,
Tarly hates the Dothraki. They’re savages in many people’s eyes. The same reason why people are so hateful towards the wildlings. THey’re afraid of different cultures.
Maybe he heads back to Horn Hill where he would be Lord (if not a member of Night’s Watch) and his mother tells him. I have to imagine we’ll see him again soon what with the scrolls he took with him and all. They must have some sort of relevant info in them or why would we have seen him grab them?
I think Littlefinger has fooled Arya, but that Sansa is on to him. She’s been keeping tabs on him and plotting ever since she called him in to help, and she’s the one who’s going to beat him in the end, not Bran or Arya. The student becomes the master!
Ryan,
Well, he knows what warging is (remember Orell?), and he’s a guy who was resurrected, has faced the army of the dead and is preparing to become (step)father of dragons, so I guess he is more ready to accept certain things without too much questioning.
Excellent point – Randyll Tarly (and the Tyrells) fought on the Targ side during Robert’s Rebellion and, as Jaime pointed out earlier this season, he was the only general to beat Robert in battle during that war. You’d think, based on that, he’d be a bit more open supporting Dany’s claim (and not insulting her as foreign in this episode…especially since she was actually born in Westeros). However, I think the “straw that broke the camel’s back” for him was what Jaime used to persuade him to Cersei’s cause: she brought a horde of pillaging, raping Dothraki to Westeros. To a strict, traditional man like Randyll, that was unacceptable.
Why? Jon didn’t kneel and she let him go.
These were traitors. These TRAITORS killed her allies and were there to KILL her and KILL her dragon… Traitors are usually executed.. no?
There is a huge difference between this and the Karkstark situation… Karkstarks men were SERVING for Robb… having him a prisoner would have been the smarter choice until the war was over.
Another point that could be brought up would be Stannis. Stannis had no reason to have Mance executed except to incite fear into the wildlings to bend the knee… Mance did not fight against Stannis… Mance did not try to kill Stannis. We can also add Stannis accepting The Red Woman’s constant burning of people for his cause and him not doing anything about it. I never heard complaints about that till Shireen was burnt.
Jon did NOT bend the knee and she let him go.
Her execution of the Tarlys is not “pressuring people into servitude”
BranTheBlessed,
Yeah, 110% !!!! I totally forgot she made that comment!!! Thanks 🙂
Dee Stark,
Tarlys are actually not “official” traitors as Dany is not even a queen of Westeros yet. She’s still a conqueror at this point.
Ser Jon,
Yes, I know we’ll still see Sam and the scrolls are important. My point is that someone has to tell Sam that his Dad and brother are dead and I’m simply curious to know who it will be and how Sam will take it. I assume he’ll meet Dany/Tyrion before he gets a chance to go back to Horn Hill, but who knows. Thats why I raised the question.
Why has Davos or anyone not told Jon about potential use of wildfire to burn the wights? Build some trebuchets behind the wall and smoke the dead away.
Nice job, Oz. Thanks. I loved Jon and Drogon, too. The effects in that scene were so beautifully done. Jon stood his ground with Drogon charging at him, showing those teeth. I loved that Dany couldn’t see exactly what was happening until the end, then the mild shock on her face as she saw Jon petting him and Drogon not only allowing it, but making satisfied noises, like when a cat purrs. Granted, Drogon is one big cat, but that clicking, or whatever that sound was, was nice to hear.
At first I
wondered how on earth Jon could accept so quickly that Bran could “see” the wight army heading for Eastwatch, but I had forgotten that everyone knew about wargs. Dee reminded us about Jon seeing Orell, the wilding warg. I had forgotten about that guy.
Arya getting on Sansa’s case annoyed me no end.
Thank you, Worf, I laughed out loud at that. You are right. I took it completely as Arya see dire desires in Sansa. If Sansa doesn’t look forward and consider her options, how in the heck does everyone stay fed? Theres a Vale army around the grounds, 2500 soldiers who need to eat and be kept busy. Arya skulking around like a mini Littlefinger isn’t helping matters. And Arya should know as well as anyone what has to be done to survive. Didn’t Jaquen tell her as much in Harrenhall, when she got on his case about being one of their soldiers?
I think this is a plot hole…or if not a hole, something that hasn’t been explained. Those two rangers reanimated as wights in Castle Black (well, more likely, they were re-animated outside the wall and just woke up inside). But Benjen clearly states the wall was built with magic in it and dead things can’t pass through it. So, those two rangers shouldn’t have been able to pass through (either physically unable or shattered similar to the force field in the Children’s tree cave).
This also throws into doubt Jon’s entire plan to capture a wight and bring it to Cersei in KL. How can the wight successfully get past the wall with it’s magic preventing passage? And, if the wall’s magic isn’t in place anymore, then how come Benjen couldn’t get through?
Just thought of how the prophecy might still impact Cersei.
What if the “little brother” is not Jaime OR Tyrion? What if it is actually Joffrey, Myrcella and Tommen’s little brother? In other words, she dies of some childbirth illness (so, the hands around the throat is a metaphor)
On another topic, can we guess what it would actually mean to Dany if she found out that Jon was resurrected? She is really interested in it and the show has gone out of its way to have her avoid finding out the truth.
And now she won’t at least until Jon and/or Davos get back or Melisandre shows up again.
I mean, she is already fascinated by him. Is there a part of her visions/prophecies that would make her think that makes him more special?
Could that be Cersei’s (or Qyburn’s) input?
Maybe because one wrong move with the wildfire and the whole wall explodes or melts away!!
Enjoyed your recap Oz! I agree, GOT is an ultimate, high quality creative entertainment experience. Something else may come along in time to top it but I am grateful I am able to see it in my life time. I’m in my early 60s and this is the first time I have been so invested in a film or TV series. I’m sure it will inspire and motivate artistic people the same way Star Wars did in the late 1970s and improve television and film across the board. GRRM, D&D and Co., all the cast and crew, and HBO have really given us something remarkable. Like y’all don’t know this already 🙂 !!
I like the idea that a good or great piece of art rewards a person who comes back for a second, third, and forth look by revealing something new. Also, it leaves enough open or unanswered for the viewer to wonder and add their own piece and that it trusts people to fill in some of the gaps. I think this episode does that, at least for me,
Another poster said something about Drogon flying up North to Jon, like sensing a Targ is in danger. Oh I would love to see that!
Logistically, how are they going to bring a wight back to DS/KL? Just keep killing it to keep it under control? Also, Cersei will probably brush it off anyways, “only one? how can I believe there are thousands when you only brought me one?”
I’m anxious for the story to move forward but stocking up on tissues because I’m gonna be crying over the deaths to come north of the Wall.
That part has bothered me from the beginning – she just lands on the shore and says I am Queen, obey me? None of the Westerosi have agreed or accepted that she is Queen yet. When Jon said he didn’t have to ask her permission to leave, I cheered.
Cersei and/or Qyburn are not coming to Jon/Dany’s side and won’t be inputting anything. It’s a foolish notion to even try to convince her…one that I still can’t get over that everyone in Dany’s council thinks is a swell idea.
But to the original question, Tyrion or Davos could easily suggest wildfire. However, only the alchemist guild in KL knows how to make wildfire. So, Jon and Dany have no access to it.
Thronetender,
Yes. I’m not saying that killing Tarlys is totally unacceptable, but she needs to “earn” people’s loyalty if she wants to be a queen of Westeros. At this point, she’s still an invader and if her actions will only wake fear in people, she won’t be a good queen or at least her rule would not be firm. I don’t think she will go mad like Aerys but I can understand why Tyrion and Varys reacted that way. They want the best for her but on the other hand, they’re worried themselves.
Any way, I think this will be enough from my side today. I still have my review to write (I expect to post it tomorrow on my forum thread) and there are other things that need my attention. So see you tomorrow, everyone.
Dee Stark,
Eastwatch could of been titled “You know nothing Jon Snow”
Tamwell Sarly,
Agree 100%
Thronetender,
Well technically — Some people did… the Tyrells, the Martells, and some of the Greyjoys… yes they are all gone now, but at one point she did have support from Westeros. She even had a few Westerosi in her council. So no she did not showup on the beach solo
Tamwell Sarly,
Also, nobody can safely transport wildfire over 1,000 miles from KL to beyond the Wall. Even crazy Euron wouldn’t take that stuff on one of his ships.
Good question. Maybe they don’t have the means to make it? I don’t know, but you are right, they should incorporate wild fire into their collection of weapons somehow. Oh, those fire bomb things that Benjen and the Children had last season, those could help.
After seeing Davos again calmly remind Tyrion that Davos’s son, Mathos, was killed in Blackwater Bay, then go about his business with no sign of showing a seething malice toward Tyrion, I vote Davos for King. Davos has to be the wisest man in Westeros. He knows what carrying grudges does to men. His heart is still breaking over losing his son, but he carries on, doing the most constructive thing he can as the situation calls for it. The land could do, and has done, far worse than Davos as King. Yeah, yeah, I know, there’s not a drop of “royal” blood in him, but the Onion Knight certainly has many redeeming qualities to make up for that. Just a little thought bubble. I really like the character and the actor. I’m glad he didn’t go beyond the Wall.
Speaking of the Wall and Eastwatch – did I see correctly that Eastwatch is on just a tiny patch of ground near the Wall, and that there were what looked like little cottages zig-zagging at spots above the ground? And that the water all around is frozen? Hmmm. Wights don’t like water, but they can walk on ice just fine.
I’m no Dany hater but comparing the BOTS felt kinda wrong to me, for two reasons.
Jon and Sansa didn’t sic a massive dragon on the Bolton men and burnt them alive cruelly in their armour. Nor did Jon and Sansa fight that battle over conquest, they did it out of pure survival since they were backed into a corner by a manic who was going to give them both a fate worse than death while also possessing their childhood home.
I understand why Dany did what she did but the comparison felt.. off on her end.
Also poor Dickon. 🙁
I agree 100%!
Except that Davos holds one of the most seething, angry grudges of anyone in the show! He has a standing threat to kill Melisandre should he ever see her again.
My prediction for episode 6 is
cheers
Tamwell Sarly,
Yep, I also believe the whole plan is BS. Still, although I feel Cersei is out of the question, maybe Qyburn could be more reasonable and see the point in an alliance against the dead.
By the way, I am SO looking forward to a zombie frolicking in front of the Iron Throne!
Also why are people saying Arya is right about Sansa wanting to take over?
The show has made it very clear Sansa isn’t some power hungry bitch. Jon offered her the position post battle, she said no. She says Jon’s a Stark to him. She tried to get him to STAY and rule and always goes on about how she wants him back already. She also offered Bran leadership instantly.
What the hell does the show need to do? Arya is just wrong about her and she came across as cold hearted and harsh to her sister. But that’s to be expected, both sisters have massive trust issues and for good reason.
Thronetender,
Me too. So happy.
Exactly… I blame his father.
I got to give it to Tom Hopper : he really gave substance to such a small part.
Tamwell Sarly,
Hah, there is that risk 🙂
No, they just unleashed a bloody giant who squished the Bolton men in their armor. They fought to end the ruling of a madman and won back Winterfell just like Dany is fighting to win the Iron Throne from Cersei. The underlying point was, as Dany put it- ‘You can only help people from a position of strength and sometimes strength is terrible’.
BranTheBlessed,
To be honest, I think turning into ashes in 0.2 seconds might be better than sustaining a gut wound that kills you in ten hours.
BranTheBlessed,
Under any modern law of war, what Sansa did to Ramsay, no matter what he did to her, is a war crime.
Poor poor Cersei…
if she is indeed pregnant and not just using that lie to get Jaime back in her corner..
Then she will have to give up that WINE!
The KL ABC store will take a hit as well, so much for all those profits.
Or do they even stop drinking when with child?
Maybe the baby will pop out holding a goblet of Merlot?
These are the random questions I have
I noticed it and wondered why. Your suggestion is excellent. I hope that Arya takes her face to gain LF’s trust and then reveals herself to him moments before she slices and dices. (Similar to what she did with old Walder.)
Thronetender,
Completely agree about Davos. I hope that he makes it thru all of this and retires somewhere pleasant.
BranTheBlessed,
WorfWWOrfington,
ANYTHING DAENYRUS DOES IS WRONG
Overall, I didn’t care for the cheesy way Jaime and Bronn escaped the battle in the beginning of the episode, but overall, I enjoyed “Eastwatch” very much.
It felt like one of those episodes that needs to be watched multiple times in order to properly digest everything. Well ok, I watch every episode multiple times, but not usually out of necessity.
I just hope Arya is putting on an act and is playing Littlefinger right now, otherwise she didn’t learn a whole lot during her time with the Faceless Men.
I can’t wait for next week’s episode! My tv guide shows the episode title for episode 6 as “Episode 66”, which is kind of weird. If the title hasn’t been released yet, usually the guide will not put anything at all for the title until it’s released. Not sure why they specifically put “Episode 66” there this time.
Sou,
LOL! I’ll bet Cersei is so dark inside, you’re right! It would have to be a shadow baby.
Oz and Tamwell Sarley,
Yes, Randyll Tarley is a xenophobic ass. But the straw that turned him to Jaime\Cersei’s side was offering him Warden of the South. His arrogance won out over honor. But his xenophobia made him unable to accept bending the knee to Dany. He should not have taken Dickon with him, though.
I have a question: it seems that all the free folk that came south of the wall are men (and one late giant). What happened to those other tribes, icluding the nasty ones like the Thenns and the like? Can anyone remember if there has been an explanation?
Dee Stark,
I think you might just have skipped some parts of my comment, I do even make the point that from Dany´s perspective the Tarlys can very easily be interpreted as traitors who got a lot of her own allies killed and can thus be “justly” executed. In fact, the whole comment revolves around my perception that Dany may have even acted justified and that comparisons with Aerys are shallow, but this can still mean that her decision to execute the Tarlys was a potential strategical disaster.
However, I do not see how “bend the knee or die” can be interpreted in many different ways than having the outcome of having people pressed into one´s service. If the other option from being on one side is utter nonexistence, how can this be a real choice if there aren´t ulterior motives such as one´s concept of honor in play? The Tarlys chose this, Randyl because he perceived it to be the honorable thing, Dickon because of his love for his father and for dying like the man he admires.
Every sane person with no ulterior motives would choose survival, however begrudgingly this might be, so yes, this is pressing someone into service. Would you be happy if you were to be integrated into the opposing side´s fighting force if your only other option would be death by the dragon that scared the living hell out of you and probably roasted your buddies a couple minutes ago? I don´t see how a choice can be free if your only other option is death because, well, most people don´t really want to die.
In regards to Jon: Jon HAS ulterior motives as he needs to battle the Night-King and cannot do so without the Northerners who would never follow through with his cause if he were to bow to a Southern Queen. In his position, he really has no choice other than to decline to bend the knee. On the same note, Dany cannot roast him if she does not want to lose the North, further Cersei´s propaganda of the savage Usurper-Queen, estrange some advisors and have enemies all around her. She is shown to be capable of mercy and Jon is another Westerosi-lord and potential partner meeting her, she knows that she cannot just burn him right away if she does not want to play into her enemies´ hands. So the context is entirely different as Dany actually has to lose something her which endangers her plan to conquer Westeros with the people respecting her. In the Tarly-context, she might lose the morale and respect of her people which she may not realize yet as she herself would interpret her “bend the knee or die”-choice as merciful. It can be interpreted as that, no doubt, but it can also be interpreted otherwise.
Besides this, let´s not forget that she basically held Jon imprisoned on Dragonstone, too, so if they would not have this chemistry, sexual tension and somewhat aligned interests such as the North & Vale not outright backing someone other than her, she might have behaved differently. One can say what one wants about Dany, but she was not dumb in this situation.
However, Dany would be really stupid to burn someone who is a promising supporter for later on, even if he´s occupied with other objectives now , plus he is keeping the North and Vale from joining the enemy-side. Good reasons to not roast someone who is not yet bending the knee. Besides this, Jon did not bend the knee out of fear of losing support of his people which is something Dany also cannot risk if she wants the North allied with her later on. So what are her options? Make Jon bend the knee and the Northeners will renounce him, elect Sansa or the like and defy her. Kill Jon and the North will renounce him, elect Sansa or the like and defy her. Not killing Jon was just tactile and reasonable at the start, she just happened to really like him after their first meeting and they found some common ground.
To drive this point home: As Tyrion said, she can basically give him nothing with the Dragonglass and he will still be indebted to her to help her later on. So the context here is fundamentally different and she can live with him not bending the knee outright, whereas the Tarlys defying her bared no major repercussions for her outside of undermining her authority more, so she probably thought she could just as well execute them when they disregarded her “bend”-option. With Jon, she basically changed him from a neutral to a favorable force in the North, so if he would still not bend the knee after all is said and done, she might just as well roast him afterwards. She had a lot more to lose with burning Jon instead of losing some military expertise in the Tarlys, whose military forces were even already defeated at this point and who were hers to judge now.
Concerning Robb-Karstark; well, I put that askingly in front of a question-mark and even stated that the context is different. Also, this was meant to show how difficult Dany´s decision was in that situation and that even a justified action may come at a severe cost and that I think that it was the wrong call to execute them on a strategical note. Again, I´m not condemning Dany, I´m merely stating that I feel like forcing soldiers to side with her or die is a decision by Dany which may well come back to damage her reputation. Besides, there is a major connection between the two: Robb set strict rules to abide for his men and he would follow through with his words to execute disobedient ones. Dany set strict rules in the “follow me or die”-case and has to follow through with her words so that she would not be taken ligthly. In a sense, this is a test of resolve and following-through, for both of them: having to stick to words even though it may be inconvenient and work against them in the end. Both were tested in their ability to carry out morally difficult choices as young leaders to show if strategical or value-based decisions would dominate their decisions. Robb chose what he believed in by executing someone who did no longer see him as “a king of his” and Dany executed two people who never saw her as their queen in the first place. So there is at least a relevant semblance on a psychological level, I would say.
However, I did not bring up Stannis and I don´t really see how a comparison between those two benefits this scenario or resembles it on a psychological level. You don´t see me defending Stannis in my comment and I don´t draw allusions to him since the context, the persons involved, the political and geographical decisions and the religious understones in the background of Stannis are completely different. But if you want to know, even though I think the point of Stannis and Mance to be moot here: I have never been in the Stannis-camp and I do think that really many people have brought up a lot of times how inconsistent Stannis applied his “justice”. There are a lot of Stannis-the-Mannis-fans, yes, but there are a lot of (if not more) people disliking him, even from the point when he first appeared and let Mel burn away people.
The last we saw of the Thenns was at Hardhome. Thus, I believe the explanation is that many free folk tribes were completely or nearly wiped out. There are woman and children south of the wall…it’s been mentioned. In fact, last season when Jon and Tormund went to convince what’s left of the wildlings to join Jon in the coming BotB, part of the logic used to persuade them was that the free folk woman/children were at risk to Ramsey, the Umbers, Karstarks, etc.
I think what you’re missing is that the White Walkers cannot move outside the deepest winter. They advance at the same pace that winter does, and it has not yet spread beyond the Wall. Yes, it’s coming, and there is snow in the North, but not yet the real deep freeze.
To be fair, he didn’t want to. He indicated that Dickon should surrender. But Dickon was a dick. I’m sure his lovely mother really appreciates his self-sacrifice.
To play devil’s advocate – does the NK control the winter? The season’s of Westeros south of the wall are irregular and any individual season can last years upon years. Maybe the length and strength of winters are influenced by how close and how long the NK moves south and then back north again?
Even if that’s not true, the NK as definitely displayed the ability to kick up winter storms (Fist of the First Men, Hardhome, earlier this season on the scene of the wight army marching). So, at the very least, the slow onset of winter shouldn’t be slowing his army that much.
I just think he’s not in any hurry…scrounging around to raise as many undead bodies as possible north of the wall.
it was a great episode, i agree with that. but it was a bit too fast paced i think. not that i am saying the plot should not move forward, it should; but have not we loved this show for seasons when it was a bit real time? sure we don’t want unnecessary fillers, but a scene between gendry and jon regarding arya by no means would feel like filler! or a scene between tyrion and broon! hell, great stories can be told while characters are even in journeys! GoT showed us that before. so why cut lots of potential scenes between the characters we love just for the sake of fast forwarding to the end? the end is inevitable, we can’t deny that. but it could still be ended by telling the same story a little slower, with more character interactions, more scenes with each other, more dialogues, a little bit more clarity.
but maybe this is the consequence we have to face thanks to the shortcut season! not that i am complaining though! hell i will not have anything to whine about after two weeks!
Loved the episode. It seems they’re moving the plot along faster. That’s not a bad thing but woulda love they Squeeze one more episode in between.
Love how Arya it’s not having it with Littlefinger. Actually, she’s not having it with anyone. I don’t blame her tho, she’s been surrounded by killers for years since she left Winterfell. She really had to get her hands dirty to survive.
It’s obvious politics it’s not her thing, she’s never been around it like Sansa has so I hope she finds a way to trust her sister in handling things.
Glad to see Gendry back! I hope he can have a reunion with Arya at one point. I love how he was the only one that can tame that temper of hers back in the days.
That Jamie out of the river with bronn was not executed well by the director. I know on paper it would say the water current would drag them across but they could have had Jamie ditch that armor underwater with the help of bronn. Overall great episode and really enjoyed it. Can’t wait for next week.
This is a valid point, but it also should be pointed out that burning at the stake (Mance Rayder, Shireen Baratheon) and Aerys’ burning of people he didn’t like over hot coal braziers is vastly different than a dragonfire death. The former is slow enough that the victims scream in absolute agony for quite a bit of time before succumbing, which is why Jon put an arrow in Mance’s heart to mercy kill him. Can you forget Shireen’s bloodcurdling wails while Stannis watched stoically? Aerys got off on roasting his victims and hearing them die a slow excruciating death. He wanted the torment to last as long as possible. What he did to Brandon and Rickard for example was deliberate torture on so many levels.
Randyll and Dickon’s punishment, on the other hand, was over in a matter of seconds. It was probably shorter than what the traitors who were hanged at the NW by Jon had to endure. Or Ser Rodrik with that terrible hack job by Theon.
Dany’s dragonfire can and *was* used as cleanly as possible for execution. Dany was ruthless and committed to her sentence of death once the men made their choice, but she wasn’t needlessly cruel like Aerys imo. I’m not talking about the battle, that was messy as hell, but unavoidable once Drogon was engaged.
That said, it would appear that fans, critics and people on the show don’t care to make the distinction. Even Tyrion “I used Wildfire on a shit ton of people” Lannister is getting all antsy and making comparisons. It is bad optics, to some degree, whether or not Dany’s actions and motives are not as terrible as her father’s. Dany had tried other more restrained approaches, though, all of which had led to her losing valuable allies and supporting armies. She did have to be more of a Dragon in order to turn the tide. But she needs to keep tempering her actions with logic and compassion, which is why it’s still good for Tyrion, Varys and Jon – and now Jorah – to stick with her and help curb her hotbloodedness when appropriate.
Rabelais,
I agree with everything you’ve written here. I would add that as much as Littlefinger is a creep, and obviously a self-serving narcissist, he’s required to advance the Sansa and Arya storylines. I think somewhere in the middle is the correct course of actions for these two.
I’m also looking forward to the Hound meeting up with the Stark girls.
Thanks, Oz!
I’m loving this picture of Tyrion in his cape, sort of like Superman!
https://watchersonthewall.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Tyrion-Jaime-Eastwatch.jpg
Then Halfman would be Quarterman. Quarterman with a cape!
And held to a ridiculous high bar that keeping climbing every episode. I am not always the biggest Dany fan but this is getting out of control.
She executed losers of a battle who refused to bend the knee. It isn’t like she flew her dragon to horn hill and burnt it to the ground with sam’s family inside of the castle. That would be an insane thing. She asked them to bend the knee or die. They made their choice.
I will leave now because I am book reader and this is the unsullied thread. I will go to the book reader’s thread. Have a nice discussion! 🙂
I really thought Drogon might breathe fire on Jon and he’d survive, thus proving he has targaryean blood. But I wasn’t entirely sure he’d survive, so I was nervous.
This was the weakest episode of any season of this show, for me. A lot of things came home to roost here: Earlier, they could sort of explain away Dany’s reluctance to take on Westeros. She’s the savior, doesn’t want to alienate everyone. This time, though, she won a victory close to King’s Landing. Cersei is now without any allies but Euron, and Dany’s dragons would take down his navy the way they took down the slaver navy back in Meereen. Dany now knows that humanity is under threat by the Walkers, so she has every reason to want to get rid of Cersei, unite Westeros, and go after the demons.
BUT NO. Instead of going after Cersei in the Red Keep, Dany goes right back to Dragonstone. Jon and his people are going to make a thousand mile trek north. They’re going to capture a wight. They’re going to then travel another thousand miles back south, in order to open talks with Cersei, whom they should all know is unreliable, to put it mildly.
This should, of course, take some months. During this time, Dany does nothing. Cersei, supposedly, sits on her ass. More important, the giant army of zombies and demons, all ready to go, will also do nothing.
This is all so insanely idiotic, I’m speechless.
I won’t even get into the unbelievable Sansa-Arya disagreement, Littlefinger’s pathetic attempts to split them further, and the daylight smuggling of Tyrion to King’s Landing, and…and.
OK, for me, this was way, way worse than the Dornish episodes.
Tamwell Sarly,
I think they are aware that Cersei may not change her mind, however the rest of westeros might. As Sam’s scene showed no one believes the claims of white walkers or army of the dead, even when one of their own is telling them, as was the case with Sam. Bringing a wight to King’s Landing will probably turn everyone into Dany/Jon’s side while advandoning Cersei, since she is already not too loved to begin with. Once the remaining lords and common folk turn against her whatever Cersei says will be moot.
Really pumped for the next episode which might as well be called GOT’s Suicide Squad. I think both Thoros and Ser Berric are certain goners with almost surely one or both of Ser Jorah and Thormund too. Ser Jorah had a lot of bad omens before leaving including the heartfelt goodbye with Dany, Tyrion giving him the coin and telling him to bring it back, him being the first to volunteer, not to mention that it would be a very heroic and reediming send off for a character with such a troubled past. Thormund I just think that other than to charm Brienne probably doesn’t have any other relevance to the story going forward. Will be sad to see either one go so I hope I’m wrong about them.
I shared similar thoughts on the other recap thread, also noticed the open door during confrontation …Sansa would know that LF has spies. I think the wolves are circling. Among other things, “smart politician” Sansa would not be unaware of LF talking with the maester (and pretending it’s on her behalf)
Although it makes sense for Sansa and Arya to butt heads a bit, getting duped by LF at this point doesn’t seem to fit their character arcs.
They have to find a way to use it against him in a way that they have support of all the other parties.
I just thought of another “call back” in this episode. My apologies for duplication if someone else has mentioned this already. Ok, remember Sansa and Tyrion walking and talking after their wedding and Sansa told him how she and her siblings would “sheep sheet” the other’s beds (put sheep dung in holes in the mattress and cover it up with a sheet so they did not know where the stink was coming from). So, where did Arya look in LF room, in a hole in the mattress! Since Sansa was forced to write that message under duress, it is basically BS. So, perhaps with a bit of a stretch, there is another “call back.”
Raenarys,
If Sam knows about the legend of the PWWP, he hasn’t linked it to Jon. So knowing the information Gilly is going on about is meaningless for him. It will have meaning later.
He will react by making sure his mother and sister are protected. And since Dany is not Jons bae, I don’t see a problem. It will be tho when he connects Dany with the killing and realizes Jon is on her side.
HAHAHA! I love this! I so hope it happens.
Tamwell Sarly,
Yeah, but I think he’s entitled to that one, and most people would probably back him.
Thanks to Oz for the recap.
The Tarlys broke faith with the Tyrell’s and there are consequences for that kind of betrayal. Danny has followed the advice of Olenna in that she knows that she has to be feared first before her talk of wheel breaking can sink in. She gave the Tarly’s a choice then executed them. It was terrible but worse she could have burned them all. I do think her fire could use a bit of ice to cool her thinking. She should have a talk with TYRION and listen to him.
“Melisandre: I’ve done my part.
I’ve brought
ice and fire together.”
I’m wondering if the Prince who was Promised is a mistake and it should have read Prince and Princess, Fire and Ice.
Littlefinger has been scheming since before Arya and SANSA were born but they have grown up and can consult the three eyed Raven. If they fall for his crap they’ re too stupid to live.
Randyll Tarly betrayed House Tyrell by siding with the woman who had murdered Lady Olenna’s family because he didn’t want to fight on the same side as a ‘foreign’ invader. He should have been executed for that without any offers of a second chance. But Dany did give him a chance to join her and he refused leaving her no choice but to carry out the execution. Dickon was following his father’s lead in siding with the Lannisters so Dany was correct to offer to spare his life, but he refused. She then had no choice but to execute him as well.
In episode one Jon said if Harald Karstark and Smalljon Umber had survived their battle he would have executed them for siding with the Boltons against the Starks. I don’t recall an uproar then about how horrible Jon was or how he may be becoming the mad king.
Ours Is The Fury baby!!!!!! Gendry “Warhamner” Baratheon is fockin’ back!!!!
Ohhhh I’m getting a Dirty Dozen vibe for next week’s episode! Love any and all episodes beyond The Wall…but especially now!
Love how “Eastwatch” ended with the musical theme of the Others and the Night’s King…
Sou,
I was touched that they held hands before the bake off, kinda choked me up.
Jon just said “bran saw the army of the dead marching towards eastwatch” he knows bran just returned from north of the wall where he was for a long time. He could have just seen them marching in the distance without needing any special abilities.
As a newbie I am very happy to be reading the posts by Oz, always interesting stuff with an odd sense of humor. I really liked the episode and don’t care about the blitzkrieg speed, or even the inconsistencies. So yeah, not too proud.
1) Why didn’t Jon and his band of merry men go to Hardhome and get the lost bag of dragonglass weapons before Eastgate? I mean, it’s not like time is a factor.
2) When Drogon met Jon up close, all I could hear was Benedict Cumberbatch saying
“Why do you smell so .. familiar?” The art on the dragons is incredible, fulfills all my boyhood fantasies.
3) Some folks are upset by the Tarley roast and I can see their point. My opinion is that a high ranking soldier of the time would have been given a clean death, like when Jon shot the guy at the Wall rather than seeing him die painfully. GOT is much like a medieval society and the rules of chivalry applied (sometimes), so I can understand the disapproval. It was sweet that they held hands at the end.
4) I think Arya is in over her head with LF, really hope to be wrong.
5) Next week will be sad and brutal. Brave men running in fear is never a good sign.
Thank you Oz!
I loved this episode: it moved all the pawns in place for what appears to be a sh…storm in the next episodes! I loved the Jon revelation tidbits, the Jon – Drogon scene and Dany’s sweet moment with Ser Jorah; the new meetings of characters; the way that this episode gave enough time for most characters to perfom and communicate each character’s perspectives and desires.
Such excellent acting from all of them.
I had a denial moment with Cercei’s pregnancy! It destroyed a bit my hopes that Jamie would finally leave her this season. But perhaps this only serves Cercei’s narrative – the oracle told her she’d have 3 children only, so this pregnancy is probably not going to be all flowers and butterflies (it is GoT afterall). That might drive Cercei completely mad if indeed plays out that way. I’m looking forward to see how that will unfold.
Arya seems to be Lf-d but I hope that her long no-one training wasn’t useless. At this moment LF’s plan seems to be going great, giving Arya something that would normally turn her against Sansa – and that would bring LF closer to Sansa. But the only way to manage win LF would be to play along his game and let him think he’s wining. I’d like to see Arya (and Sansa) turning this whole thing against him and take him out without losing the Vale troops!
The end of the episode, with this super team of beloved characters going out the Wall, had me super excited and super worried too. I hope that none will be killed off!
Dee Stark,
I so agree with this!!
Good thought on Arya possibly using her face!!
I think Jon riding Rhaegal would be a great ending for E7. That or the wall comes down❄️
Maybe, but it’s not like Jon and company get to take the captured wight on a roadshow tour around Westeros! They won’t even be able to parade it around KL if Cersei won’t let them. So, yes, trying to convince the people the threat is real in addition to Cersei sounds nice, but it’s not practical.
This. It was epic.
Yes!!!
It was epic!
I think after the battle with the AotD Westoros society’s rules will be upended.
Mr Derp,
You should address him as Hot of House Pie, First of his Name. By the end of this mess, he may be the only named character still breathing and, by default, King of Westeros.
MCamp,
Lol, yes, Hot Pie and Ser Pounce will be the only two to survive the Long Night. Poor Ser Pounce, though. He’ll have to listen to Hot Pie’s inane babble about browning the butter first and never giving up on the gravy! However, it sounds like there’ll be plenty of food around
They took a large supply of dragonglass with them from Dragonstone. It was loaded on to the boats in crates.
Eastwatch is on the Wall. Hardhome is a long way beyond the Wall.
Popping in to tell my Unsullied lovelies to be careful – Episode 6 accidentally leaked for a short period, and the internet is dark and full of screenshots. Be warned!!!
Thought he looked more like someone else and now I remembered: Liev Schreiber
WorfWWorfington,
“Really stunned Randyll let Dickon die with him. Like, super stunned.”
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Me too! I was waiting for Randyll to yell “Don’t be a dick, Dickon!”
Ryan
“The northern lords are a group of whiny babies. Do they really care that much that Jon is gone a few days? ”
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Lord Glover is moving up quickly on my Sh*t List. He talked a big game in last season’s finale (after chickening out from fighting in the BoB), admitting he was wrong, and then then finishing with that rousing promise [not verbatim]: “House Glover will stand behind House Stark, as we have for a thousand years! And I will stand behind Jon Snow, the King in the North!”
And yet all season, he’s been whining about Jon, questioning his decisions, and acting like an all-around Lord BuzzKill.
Did anyone else notice that most scenes in WF (especially the ones with Arya or Sansa in them) have a bird caw in the background? Perhaps a raven ;).
I will be highly annoyed if the Starks are fooled by LF especially with what they know and who their brother Bran has become.
Btw first post, love the reviews and comments!