A low-key episode all in all, but that doesn't mean to say that it didn't make an impression. Even in the quietest episodes, lots happen, and with characters making bold decisions, it seems that Season 5 is definitely in full swing. Funnily enough though, this is only the fourth episode ever not to feature King's Landing as one of its prime locations, the first, second and third being, the Kingsroad, the Rains of Castamere and the Watchers on the Wall. This just shows that we don't need the tensions in the capital city to make an episode enthralling.
In the north, there were a number of great scenes. Most notably was Jon's conversation with Tormund. To free a man who once had so much hatred for Jon is quite a bold thing to do, and just shows that he is a superb Lord Commander, who is able to make those difficult decisions, to the detriment of consolidating a friendship with his fellow watchmen. He evidently did heed the Maester's words, which seemed to have changed Jon for the better. In addition, we got hear a bit more about the winter that's coming. Both Jon and Stannis are of the mind that the protection in the north is of paramount importance; Jon calling on Tormund to round up the Wildlings and Stannis calling on Samwell to understand a bit more about Dragonglass. This was a great way to get us excited about what is to come, because it's inevitable at this point that it will.
In Winterfell, things are going nicely. I've never read the books so I cannot compare the plot developments, but the television adaption appeals to me. Sansa's discretion is the only thing that's saving her at the moment, but it's nice to see that she still got friends. But we also have the frightening Ramsay, played wonderfully by Iwan Rheon, attempting to transcend himself, much to Roose's dismay. His retelling of how Ramsay was born, however, was a definite character change, as we see Ramsay consider his own mortality. As a prediction (and I'm probably wrong), I have a feeling Myranda will have a greater role in future episodes, and will eventually attempt to kill Sansa, no matter the cost.
In Meereen, Ser Barristan's death has been confirmed, but Grey Worm has survived! Currently at a loss of two advisers, Daenerys makes a rash decision to threaten the masters, in the hope of gaining their backing - but it's a snap decision that she regrets later. Thankfully, as a character who learns from hers and other's mistakes, Daenerys looks to the council of those around her, including Missandei, and she finally decides to open the fighting pits, and as a show of trust, marry Hizdahr zo Loraq. A surprising turn of events, but one that I can understand fully considering her circumstances. If she wants peace, she can only give the people what they want. Missandei's scene with Grey Worm was lovely too, with the Unsullied warrior confessing a crime that many people can admit to - it just shows how humane this series is.
Finally in the south seas of Essos, now crossing through Valyria, Tyrion continues to talk aimlessly to Jorah Mormont, trying to free himself, to no avail. But things get really interesting when they pass through the "doomed city". Credit to the visual effects team, this was a sight to behold and more - and the final shot with Drogon flying overhead was purely magical. There was something really nostalgic about that poem the two men shared too, as it helps to expand the universe of Game of Thrones even further. The unexpected arrival of the Stone Men was certainly surprising, and I was anxious for neither character to be infected. But, as always in Game of Thrones, there are ultimate consequences, and just like the real world, nothing is fair, and nowhere is safe. Jorah's mortality is now in question.
A suitably strong installment for the series, not as exciting as last week's, but definitely worthy of praise. Bryan Cogman has made some excellent contributions in the past, probably best known for the Laws of Gods and Men. Let's see if he can continue this trend for next week!
8.3/10
In the north, there were a number of great scenes. Most notably was Jon's conversation with Tormund. To free a man who once had so much hatred for Jon is quite a bold thing to do, and just shows that he is a superb Lord Commander, who is able to make those difficult decisions, to the detriment of consolidating a friendship with his fellow watchmen. He evidently did heed the Maester's words, which seemed to have changed Jon for the better. In addition, we got hear a bit more about the winter that's coming. Both Jon and Stannis are of the mind that the protection in the north is of paramount importance; Jon calling on Tormund to round up the Wildlings and Stannis calling on Samwell to understand a bit more about Dragonglass. This was a great way to get us excited about what is to come, because it's inevitable at this point that it will.
In Winterfell, things are going nicely. I've never read the books so I cannot compare the plot developments, but the television adaption appeals to me. Sansa's discretion is the only thing that's saving her at the moment, but it's nice to see that she still got friends. But we also have the frightening Ramsay, played wonderfully by Iwan Rheon, attempting to transcend himself, much to Roose's dismay. His retelling of how Ramsay was born, however, was a definite character change, as we see Ramsay consider his own mortality. As a prediction (and I'm probably wrong), I have a feeling Myranda will have a greater role in future episodes, and will eventually attempt to kill Sansa, no matter the cost.
In Meereen, Ser Barristan's death has been confirmed, but Grey Worm has survived! Currently at a loss of two advisers, Daenerys makes a rash decision to threaten the masters, in the hope of gaining their backing - but it's a snap decision that she regrets later. Thankfully, as a character who learns from hers and other's mistakes, Daenerys looks to the council of those around her, including Missandei, and she finally decides to open the fighting pits, and as a show of trust, marry Hizdahr zo Loraq. A surprising turn of events, but one that I can understand fully considering her circumstances. If she wants peace, she can only give the people what they want. Missandei's scene with Grey Worm was lovely too, with the Unsullied warrior confessing a crime that many people can admit to - it just shows how humane this series is.
Finally in the south seas of Essos, now crossing through Valyria, Tyrion continues to talk aimlessly to Jorah Mormont, trying to free himself, to no avail. But things get really interesting when they pass through the "doomed city". Credit to the visual effects team, this was a sight to behold and more - and the final shot with Drogon flying overhead was purely magical. There was something really nostalgic about that poem the two men shared too, as it helps to expand the universe of Game of Thrones even further. The unexpected arrival of the Stone Men was certainly surprising, and I was anxious for neither character to be infected. But, as always in Game of Thrones, there are ultimate consequences, and just like the real world, nothing is fair, and nowhere is safe. Jorah's mortality is now in question.
A suitably strong installment for the series, not as exciting as last week's, but definitely worthy of praise. Bryan Cogman has made some excellent contributions in the past, probably best known for the Laws of Gods and Men. Let's see if he can continue this trend for next week!
8.3/10