Warning! Major Spoilers
Ahead.
Wow, what an episode.
This week was by far the best episode of the season yet, and with four
episodes left you can bet it's going to get even better. As always in
GoT, multiple characters in multiple locations are addressed, but the focus this
episode is really on King's Landing. So let me recap some of the other
developments before I get into the really good stuff.
Over in Mereen, Daenerys is still pretty much
struggling to get a hold on ruling. She still continues to try to be the
merciful but just ruler, but hits a bump in the road when a son of one of the
Masters of Mereen pleads to be allowed to take his father's body off the cross
he was nailed to so that he may bury him. Although she doesn't want to,
he was a slave owner after all, her compassion gives in and she lets him.
While this may not seem that important, this man's name is Hizdarh
zo Loraq, and if you read the books you know there is a lot in store for this
man that will shape what happens in Mereen. We also get a quick glimpse
of how much the dragons have grown (in size and ferocity) again when it kills
and eats a mans herd of goats. 
In
Bravoos, we actually see Stannis and Sir Daavos at the Iron Bank, the very same
bank Tywin warned Cersei about last week and how powerful the Iron Bank really
is, even compared to all of Westeros. Stannis tries for a loan to
kickstart another campaign, but Daavos comes in to save the day for Stannis
again. He reminds the Iron Bank that Tywin is really the only capable
ruler left for the Lannisters, and he probably won't live much longer at
his age. This convinces the Iron Bank to back Stannis with a loan,
essentially putting him back into the Game of Thrones. This is another
small part of the episode, but is setting up some groundwork for some exciting
things with Stannis.
In
the North we get to go back to the Dreadfort with Ramsay and Theon, or maybe I
should say Reek. Theon's sister mounts a rescue operation with some of
her fighters to save Theon. When they arrive, all they get is Reek
however, and his undying loyalty to Ramsay. There's a pretty cool fight
scene with the rescue, including his sister Asha in somewhat of a duel with
crazy Ramsay. Ramsay let's loose his hunting dogs on her and her followers
which chases them away. I found that to be kind of ridiculous. I
mean the Ironborn are supposed to be fearless fighters, they kill a large
amount of Ramsay's men, but they can't handle a pack of dogs? Armed
with shields, swords and axes? Really? Regardless, the point of the scene
is really more to show how brainwashed Theon really is. In the book this
is shown over a series of smaller events through the eyes of Theon, so I
thought this was actually a good way to showcase that without dragging it out,
even if the Ironborn can't handle fighting a dog. Afterwards, we see
Ramsay bathing Theon for his loyalty, where he asks him to pretend to be Theon,
so that he may take Moat Cailin back.
Now
in King's Landing, this is where the episode really shines. Almost all of
what we see in Kings Landing is of Tyrion's trial. What isn't of the
trial is a small council meeting which now includes Mace Tyrell and Prince
Oberyn. Basically they all get filled in on what's going on in Mereen,
and some arguments of whether or not Dany is a threat. The only other non-trial
scene is a small exchange between Varys and Oberyn. We get another look
at how smart Oberyn really is, and more of what we already know which is Varys'
only goal is the Iron Throne.
As
expected, the trial is pretty much fixed to showcase how guilty Tryion is.
Each "witness" either tells a one sided story of how evil he
is, without mention of why he acted the way he did, or is comprised of straight
lies. Varys even testifies against him, to which they both
seem disappointed, but for Varys to keep his value in the court, must
play along and condemn him. Jaimie receives a little redemption
however, by begging Tywin to spare Tyrion's life during a break in the
trial. They agree that if Jaimie gives up the Kingsguard, he will
still make Tyrion guilty, but he will allow him to live by taking the black and
going to the Wall. Essentially killing two birds with one stone for
Tywin.
Jamie tells Tyrion before the trial resumes of the deal, to which
he seems disappointed but willing to agree to so that he may
live. However the next witness is Shae. Her testimony takes what
really happened but is twisted around to make Tyrion seem like a controlling,
power hungry, demon. This is too much for Tyrion and he finally speaks
up. He shouts his innocence but explains how much he wishes he was
actually guilty, and how much he regrets saving all those people who are now
condemning him. This monologue is so well acted by Peter Dinklage, it
really brings the show to a whole new level. He ends his rant by
demanding a trial by combat, roll credits. But who will fight for Tyrion?
I already know, but trust me it's pretty awesome when you find out.
I
can't say enough of how great this episode was. There was enough action,
foreshadowing, and drama to fill any fan's hunger for GoT. All I
have left to say is, watch this episode if you haven't, if you have, watch it
again, and I can't freakin' wait for next week.
By DarthSomething
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