Sailing into Braavos for only the second time in the series is a much more expansive experience. When Stannis arrived last season we got a great overview shot of the Titan and the whole city, but this season with the ship captain rowing Arya in we get a feel of the busy bustling city, not just the inside of a bank. Although we don't get to visit every building, the House of Black and White is very impressive in its own right. The old man who answers the door is like Jaqen, mysterious and cryptic. In fact they are the one and the same, or maybe neither.
It's a testament to the late Catelyn Stark that Brienne is still on her weary quest to find Sansa as she swore, even though there is really no evidence to suggest that anywhere would be safe for either of them. Apart from Sansa being protected by Littlefinger of course. It's also a testament to Littlefinger's persuasiveness that one of the last people in the seven kingdoms that can be considered honest and loyal can be portrayed as a failure and untrustworthy. It doesn't help that she wields a Valyrian steel sword with Lannister Lions on it, of course. Sophie Turner proved she can act in the confession scene of last season, although so far this season we have not seen much variety other than the bored teenager tone in her voice. Hopefully there are more opportunities for her to showcase her acting. One other criticism of this scene is Baelish's lack of awareness. It seems foolish to let Brienne walk away from the table given that she knows who Sansa really is, and what's more he has now lost a few of his soldiers in a pointless chase.
An interesting dynamic between Westeros and Essos is seen in a pivotal scene between Dany and Barristan. Having served 3 different kings Barristan's wisdom is quite evident as he counsels Dany on the madness and injustice of his father Aerys. Dany takes the just and merciful route as she often has, although their remains a warning that this may not be the best option. It's an often conflicting persona that she has, as only recently she put to death many slavers and declared a new rule and world for Meereen. What's grating is that the show simplifies a very complex political situation in one of the largest cities in Essos. Nothing indicates that a fair trial exists within the city, because we don't get any real reference as to what the Sons of Harpy have done besides kill one Unsullied, or what this particular Son did. We have heard next to nothing of what happened in the retaking of Yunkai, and Hizdahr zo Loraq represents a simple proxy for the many masters and faculties of the city who all want a word with Dany. Nevertheless it's an emotional acting performance from the guilty former slave and a pretty good depiction of the slippery slope of Dany's decisions. It's a lose lose situation that she is losing control of, shown most obviously by the now even larger Drogon roosting on top of the Great Pyramid and flying away to wherever.
Jaime and Bronn's on screen chemistry is evident and it's a great choice to send the pair of them to Dorne on a rescue mission. Although Cersei's conversation and biting remarks to her former lover and brother are quite characteristic, Jaime's motivation seems up in the air. He's never really shown much concern for his offspring, never mind an actual line of dialogue directed at Myrcella. It wouldn't be surprising if he shows up in the Water Gardens and cannot recognise his daughter, new actress or not.
Even 2 season after the Red Wedding the remnants of the Stark line still live on and it is never better displayed than in the iconic Mormont line: Bear Island knows no king but the king in the north, whose name is STARK. Although Stannis' line about Thorne wanting to punish Jon for his bravery set back his character a bit, Janos Slynt's nominations speech certainly provides a case. We've seen how his character is multifaceted and not just a bitter commander, most of all in episode 9 of last season. But Sam makes the best case of all. His long standing loyalty and friendship with Jon shines through as he makes a very rousing nomination speech. Once again Jon is shown to be the one true good on the wall. But is he a Snow, or a Stark?
It's a testament to the late Catelyn Stark that Brienne is still on her weary quest to find Sansa as she swore, even though there is really no evidence to suggest that anywhere would be safe for either of them. Apart from Sansa being protected by Littlefinger of course. It's also a testament to Littlefinger's persuasiveness that one of the last people in the seven kingdoms that can be considered honest and loyal can be portrayed as a failure and untrustworthy. It doesn't help that she wields a Valyrian steel sword with Lannister Lions on it, of course. Sophie Turner proved she can act in the confession scene of last season, although so far this season we have not seen much variety other than the bored teenager tone in her voice. Hopefully there are more opportunities for her to showcase her acting. One other criticism of this scene is Baelish's lack of awareness. It seems foolish to let Brienne walk away from the table given that she knows who Sansa really is, and what's more he has now lost a few of his soldiers in a pointless chase.
An interesting dynamic between Westeros and Essos is seen in a pivotal scene between Dany and Barristan. Having served 3 different kings Barristan's wisdom is quite evident as he counsels Dany on the madness and injustice of his father Aerys. Dany takes the just and merciful route as she often has, although their remains a warning that this may not be the best option. It's an often conflicting persona that she has, as only recently she put to death many slavers and declared a new rule and world for Meereen. What's grating is that the show simplifies a very complex political situation in one of the largest cities in Essos. Nothing indicates that a fair trial exists within the city, because we don't get any real reference as to what the Sons of Harpy have done besides kill one Unsullied, or what this particular Son did. We have heard next to nothing of what happened in the retaking of Yunkai, and Hizdahr zo Loraq represents a simple proxy for the many masters and faculties of the city who all want a word with Dany. Nevertheless it's an emotional acting performance from the guilty former slave and a pretty good depiction of the slippery slope of Dany's decisions. It's a lose lose situation that she is losing control of, shown most obviously by the now even larger Drogon roosting on top of the Great Pyramid and flying away to wherever.
Jaime and Bronn's on screen chemistry is evident and it's a great choice to send the pair of them to Dorne on a rescue mission. Although Cersei's conversation and biting remarks to her former lover and brother are quite characteristic, Jaime's motivation seems up in the air. He's never really shown much concern for his offspring, never mind an actual line of dialogue directed at Myrcella. It wouldn't be surprising if he shows up in the Water Gardens and cannot recognise his daughter, new actress or not.
Even 2 season after the Red Wedding the remnants of the Stark line still live on and it is never better displayed than in the iconic Mormont line: Bear Island knows no king but the king in the north, whose name is STARK. Although Stannis' line about Thorne wanting to punish Jon for his bravery set back his character a bit, Janos Slynt's nominations speech certainly provides a case. We've seen how his character is multifaceted and not just a bitter commander, most of all in episode 9 of last season. But Sam makes the best case of all. His long standing loyalty and friendship with Jon shines through as he makes a very rousing nomination speech. Once again Jon is shown to be the one true good on the wall. But is he a Snow, or a Stark?