A superb episode that benefits from having extra time to map out its storytelling, Book of the Stranger is a maelstrom of death, deceit and reunion. Unlike other seasons, Season 6 has gone straight for the kill with its plot developments and they're hitting the mark so far. A quiet premiere, led to a tumultuous second episode, and an intriguing third episode, led to this exciting story for episode four. So much is happening, it's sometimes hard to keep track of each character, but I'll try.
Firstly, we have the incredibly touching reunion of Jon and Sansa, so touching in fact, that it didn't need words to explain. Along with Ramsey's threatening letter, which conveniently brings Tormund to Jon's side, the North looks to be in quite a precarious position, and even Melisandre is falling in line with Jon. The only thing is, I feel Edd may perhaps try to steer Jon around to the realistic situation, involving White Walkers. As an aside, it's great to see Littlefinger and the Vale again, with a tantalising development that Baelish has persuaded Lord Rob to fight for Sansa's freedom. In Winterfell, it's a scene that I was dreading to happen, but I knew it would, where Osha is killed by Ramsey, who gives us another reason (adding to a long list here) to despise his existence.
Briefly, in Pyke, we have another reunion, but one that's not so touching. It seems Yara, understandably, has lost a lot of her affection for Theon since she attempted to rescue all that time ago, and she's still bitter about it. But she eats her words when she hears that her brother is willing to support her claim in the Kingsmoot.
In King's Landing, tensions are most definitely boiling as Margaery sees through the High Sparrow's symbolic words and warns her brother not to succumb to their torture and temptation. Meanwhile, Lady Olenna and Queen Mother Cersei have miraculously agreed on something, if for entirely different reasons. If the Tyrell army comes to King's Landing, who knows what exciting things could happen in the Capitol very soon.
Things are moving quickly in Meereen, with Tyrion meeting rather convivially with the masters of three cities in Slaver's Bay, Yunkai, Astapor and Volantis. His diplomacy quickly pays off, but I wonder whether his offer is enough to persuade them to change their ways. I sympathise with Missandei and Grey Worm, however, that his plan is closer to helping the masters stay rich rather than freeing the slaves.
But finally, the biggest developments of all, in Vaes Dothrak Jorah and Daario have arrived to rescue their Queen. Despite Jorah's confident plan, it soon backfires to the point where they're forced to commit a terrible sin in the Dothraki city. They do locate Daenerys, however, and she has a plan of her own. The final scene of the episode is a great call-back to the first season as we are reminded of the true reason why Targaryens have a dragon as their sigil. Daenerys succeeds in burning more Khals than you can count and gains the support, albeit surprised support, of the entire Khalasar outside. It's great to see Daario's reaction as well, as he realises how powerful she truly is. The only thing is missing is Drogon.
A high-stakes episode with enough politics to balance the action. Season 6 is quickly on its way to becoming my favourite season so far, which sort of makes me feel sorry for George R. R. Martin, to see his work, albeit a transformed version of his work, being continued without him. Let's just hope that his final books match the series or even better, top them, and everyone will be happy.
Firstly, we have the incredibly touching reunion of Jon and Sansa, so touching in fact, that it didn't need words to explain. Along with Ramsey's threatening letter, which conveniently brings Tormund to Jon's side, the North looks to be in quite a precarious position, and even Melisandre is falling in line with Jon. The only thing is, I feel Edd may perhaps try to steer Jon around to the realistic situation, involving White Walkers. As an aside, it's great to see Littlefinger and the Vale again, with a tantalising development that Baelish has persuaded Lord Rob to fight for Sansa's freedom. In Winterfell, it's a scene that I was dreading to happen, but I knew it would, where Osha is killed by Ramsey, who gives us another reason (adding to a long list here) to despise his existence.
Briefly, in Pyke, we have another reunion, but one that's not so touching. It seems Yara, understandably, has lost a lot of her affection for Theon since she attempted to rescue all that time ago, and she's still bitter about it. But she eats her words when she hears that her brother is willing to support her claim in the Kingsmoot.
In King's Landing, tensions are most definitely boiling as Margaery sees through the High Sparrow's symbolic words and warns her brother not to succumb to their torture and temptation. Meanwhile, Lady Olenna and Queen Mother Cersei have miraculously agreed on something, if for entirely different reasons. If the Tyrell army comes to King's Landing, who knows what exciting things could happen in the Capitol very soon.
Things are moving quickly in Meereen, with Tyrion meeting rather convivially with the masters of three cities in Slaver's Bay, Yunkai, Astapor and Volantis. His diplomacy quickly pays off, but I wonder whether his offer is enough to persuade them to change their ways. I sympathise with Missandei and Grey Worm, however, that his plan is closer to helping the masters stay rich rather than freeing the slaves.
But finally, the biggest developments of all, in Vaes Dothrak Jorah and Daario have arrived to rescue their Queen. Despite Jorah's confident plan, it soon backfires to the point where they're forced to commit a terrible sin in the Dothraki city. They do locate Daenerys, however, and she has a plan of her own. The final scene of the episode is a great call-back to the first season as we are reminded of the true reason why Targaryens have a dragon as their sigil. Daenerys succeeds in burning more Khals than you can count and gains the support, albeit surprised support, of the entire Khalasar outside. It's great to see Daario's reaction as well, as he realises how powerful she truly is. The only thing is missing is Drogon.
A high-stakes episode with enough politics to balance the action. Season 6 is quickly on its way to becoming my favourite season so far, which sort of makes me feel sorry for George R. R. Martin, to see his work, albeit a transformed version of his work, being continued without him. Let's just hope that his final books match the series or even better, top them, and everyone will be happy.