SPOILERS: Don’t read this review if you have not yet seen or don’t want to know details from the latest episode of Game of Thrones.   

People work together when it suits them.  They’re loyal when it suits them.  Love each other when it suits them.  And they kill each other when it suits them.  She knows it, you don’t.  Which is why you’ll never hold onto her.  –Orell

You’re mine, as I’m yours. And if we die, we die. But first we’ll live.  –Ygritte

Wow, I can’t believe that there are only 3 eps left!  I enjoyed seeing the interactions between Jon and Ygritte- they can be a fun couple.  Rose Leslie can pull off comedy quite well, we see.  Kit Harington seems to be more comfortable (acting well after several lukewarm eps.)  

Osha (who’s still suspicious of Jojen) and Hodor have a funny little moment.  Then she tells Bran and the Reeds how she lost her “man” (husband, we assume).  He was very good and loyal, but disappeared suddenly one night.  He became a Whitewalker and tried to kill her, so  she stabbed him and burned their hut down.  Natalia Tena (who’s known mainly a singer) continues to shine in her role! 

Robb, his family, and loyal men are on their way to The Twins for the wedding of Edmure to one of the Frey girls.  There is a thunderstorm that’s slowing them down.  Robb and Talisa are still crazy about each other; we get to see more of them (and it’s done in a tasteful manner).  “A little prince of princess” is in their future, Talisa reveals while she writes a letter to her mother (in Valyrian).  

While on the way to Dragonstone (Stannis’ place), Melisandre slowly reveals to Gendry that he’s the son of King Robert Baratheon.  The camera focuses in on Gendry’s surprised blue-gray eyes, bringing to mind those of actor Mark Addy (who played Robert).  The thick, dark brown wig on Joe Dempsie reminds us of Robert’s dark hair.  Also, I noticed that “The Kingsroad” theme was playing softly.  CGI was used effectively to show the destruction (broken ships, burned structures) around King’s Landing.  And Clarice Van Houten- talk about screen presence! 

Many viewers were happy to see the dragons- getting big fast!  “Breaker of chains” has been added to the long list of Dany’s titles- very cool.  She’s still on Slaver’s Bay, this time at the gates of Yunkai.  Jorah points out that these are a proud sort of people, who will not surrender easily. 

Their leader brings the khaleesi 2 chests of gold, but refuses to free the slaves, as she commands.  The dragons are not happy to see their “mother” threatened.  Emilia Clarke plays this scene extremely well.

You are being counseled right now.  -Tywin

The scene between Tywin and Joffrey is very well constructed, both cinematically and in terms of dialogue.  The door to the throne room opens and Tywin has to make a long walk to the base of the Iron Throne.  He glances (perhaps with disgust?) at the huge, blazing torches on either side of the room.  Joffrey is wondering what’s up w/ The Small Council, which has been meeting adjacent to The Hand’s chambers.  Tywin, aside from Cersei, is the only one who has climbed up the stairs to stand beside the Iron Throne.  (Notice how Tywin looms large over Joffrey?  The king looks a bit uncertain/uncomfortable as his grandpa approaches closer.)  I loved the way that Charles Dance said “we can arrange to have you carried” when the king commented the numerous stairs up to The Tower of the Hand.  Joffrey (finally) has some good points; he’s worried about the Targaryens and their dragons.  Tywin says that he shouldn’t worry about such “ancient” matters.

There can be no doubt what happened to Theon at the end of his scene!  Alfie Allen shows us just how powerless Theon is in the hands of his sadistic captor.  

My son will be king.  Sons learn from their mothers.  I plan to teach mine a great deal. 

 Most women don’t know what they like until they’ve tried it. And sadly so many of us get to try so little before we’re old and gray.

–Margaery

There is another fine scene with Margaery and Sansa; they discuss their respective futures.  Sansa is very apprehensive about having to marry Tyrion, as he’s a Lannister (one of her captors) and a dwarf.  Margaery asks her if he’s ever been cruel to her.  “No,” Sansa responds.  “He’s not the worst Lannister- by far,” Margaery says.  (Very true!)   “He’s quite handsome, especially with that scar,” she comments.  Women like them have to make the best of their situations.  Innocent, young Sansa doesn’t quite understand all she’s hearing, as she’s lived a sheltered existence. 

Tyrion and Shae have their break-up scene.  (Thank goodness!)  I didn’t like Sibel Kekilli’s acting, aside from a few scenes.  Peter Dinklage needs a better romantic interest to match his skills.

After the ride away from Harrenhal, Jaime and ex-master Qyburn (veteran British actor, Anton Lesser) have a fine scene where they discuss how many people they’ve killed and saved.  Qyburn was stripped of his title because he experimented on dead/dying people.  Jaime saved 500,000 people (“the population of King’s Landing”) when he killed Aerys (“The Mad King”) as a young knight.

And then we have the bear scene- WOW! I knew Jaime would go back to save Brienne.  Jaime (who’s a more important prisoner, after all) jumps into the pit to save Brienne (who was being humiliated/tortured by Locke).  They manage to climb out of the pit, with the aid of one of Bolton’s young/burly men.  Jaime tells Locke how it’s going to be- what an unlikely hero…  Nikolaj Coster-Waldau continues to impress me with each new ep!  

SPOILERS: Don’t read this review if you have not yet seen or don’t want to know details from the latest episode of Game of Thrones.  

I knew you were high born.  -Gilly comments after Sam explains that there were always servants to build fires back home

This ep begins sweetly w/ Sam (love his character), Gilly, and her newborn son out in the woods.  Sam builds a fire, but it’s small, as he’s added too many logs.  At her suggestion, Sam (more book smart than street smart) removes a big log and the fire blazes higher.  He shows Gilly a piece of dragon glass uncovered from The Fist of the First Men.  She asks for a song (starting to like him more and more), and Sam sings something about The Seven (new gods). 

John Bradley-West is revealing himself to be a fine young actor, though he’s inexperienced and lacks the traditional leading man looks (assets in showbiz and beyond).  Unlike Kit Harington (who is very handsome), Bradley-West is not afraid to “go there” (be vulnerable/show messy emotions).  Harington holds back, in my opinion.  (I liked Jon better back in Season 1, especially when he was interacting with the other Stark kids and Tyrion.)  Though Sam served partly as comic relief through Season 2, I feel Bradley-West has succeeded in making the audience empathize with him.  

You’re loyal and your’re brave.  You didn’t stop being a crow the day you walked into Mance Rayder’s tent.  -Ygritte says to Jon

While Jon, Ygritte, and the Wildlings are prepping to climb The Wall, she tells him that she knows he’s still loyal to the Night’s Watch.  Jon is quiet, surprised by this revelation.  Ygritte bluntly tells him that she doesn’t care, as long as he’s loyal to her.  This is a great scene that shows us, once again, that Ygritte is no naïve fool!  Unlike typical Westerosi women, she’s a pragmatic/realistic individual. 

I see a darkness in you.  And in that darkness, eyes staring back at me.  Brown eyes, blue eyes, green eyes.  Eyes you’ll shut forever. 

–Melisandre predicts Arya’s future when the girl confronts her

We see Arya improving her archery skills and learn some more about the Brotherhood without Banners, but then the Red Priestess (Melisandre) shows up.  (She’s bad news- can tell from her theme music.)  We learn that Thoros’ original mission was to convert King Robert (who loved drinking and whoring) to the Lord of Light.  Melisandre sees the scarred-up Beric and is amazed when Thoros tells her that he’s been brought back 6 times.  She is (obviously) jealous of the fact that the Lord of Light has blessed Thoros with such a gift. 

Thoros talks about his (not so wholesome) past- a very strong scene.  Paul Kaye is a very charismatic actor; there is a twinkle in Thoros’ eyes.  He looks like he could be a relation of William Hurt.

There are others with your blood in their veins -Melisandre said to Stannis (Season 3, Episode 3)

Gendry is tied up and driven away by Melisandre and her men.  Oh no, what’s she going to do with him!  This was a shock- it happened very fast.  Thoros explains to (a very angry Arya) that the Brotherhood needs gold to do their work (protecting the people).  Maisie Williams continues to shine here,  showing us that Arya has no time for hypocritic BS.  Her goal is revenge- plain and simple.  Arya also has deep feelings for Gendry, but that will take time to play out. 

If you think this has a happy ending, you haven’t been paying attention.  -Ramsay Snow to Theon, who he’s torturing

The scenes with Theon and his sadistic torturer were very difficult to watch, even for a fan like myself.  (I don’t like to see blood!)  Some reviewers compared Ramsay to Joffrey (who also enjoys seeing others in distress/pain).

The laws of gods and men are very clear.  No man can compel another man to marry.  -Edmure Tully

The laws of my fists are about to compel your teeth.  -Blackfish Tully

Two of Walder Frey’s sons come to Riverrun to ask for reparations.  Since Robb broke his vow to marry one of their sisters, he must publicly apologize.  Also, after the war, Walder Frey will become lord of Harrenhal.  Robb agrees with these terms.  Then the kicker- Robb’s uncle, Edmure, will marry 19 y.o. Rosalind Frey (who he’s never seen).  Reluctantly, Edmure agrees, since the Starks must form an alliance with House Frey.

Michelle Fairley didn’t get much to say in this ep- too bad.  If I had to quibble about something, it would have to be Richard Madden’s (heavy) Scottish accent.  He hasn’t adapted his accent to fit in with the other Starks.  Rose Leslie, who’s also a Scot, is using the Northern British accent (which suits Ygritte very well).

You are charged with abetting treason.  -Bolton bluntly declares to Brienne

Jaime fails at dinner, but wins his freedom from Bolton.  He plays the money card, saying that his father can reward Bolton with much more than Robb.  Brienne observes everything keenly, and even reaches for her knife when Bolton threatens Jaime.  Finally, the Northman says that Jaime can return to King’s Landing, where he’ll explain to Tywin that Bolton had nothing to do with the maiming (of Jaime’s right hand).  When the Northman says he doesn’t drink, Jaime comments that this is suspicious to ordinary folk.  Too bad that Brienne (who looks pretty in that pink gown) has to stay behind as a prisoner!

I liked seeing more of Bolton (Michael McElhatton), who is an enigmatic character so far.  We know that he’s experienced at battle tactics and disapproves of Robb’s marriage to Talisa, a foreign woman with no connections in Westeros.

Finally, we get a meaty scene with Lady Olenna and Lord Tywin- two of the titans of Westeros.  In her usual blunt manner, The Queen of Thorns says that Cersei is too old for Loras (who is a “rose” in the bloom of youth).  Tywin is no fool- he knows that her grandson is gay (a no-no in The Seven Kingdoms).  Olenna brushes that off, saying that it’s natural for young boys to fool around with each other.  Tywin is not amused when she questions him about his youth.  LOL!

If you refuse to marry Loras to Cersei, I will name him to the Kingsguard.  Your familiar with the Kingsguard vows.  He will never marry, he will never have children.  The Tyrell name will fade.  -Lord Tywin declares to Lady Olenna

Tywin has the trump card, because he can make Loras a Kingsguard and end the Tyrell line.  Lady Olenna can’t have that, so she gives in, breaking Tywin’s quill before he can write up the job assignment.

It’s a rare enough thing- a man who lives up to his reputation.  -Lady Olenna concludes

It’s terrible, isn’t it?  The most terrible place there is.  -Loras gives his opinion about King’s Landing

Not knowing that their lives are already decided, Sansa and Loras (wearing a lovely rose brooch) have an awkward meeting in the garden.  Poor, clueless Sansa looks so happy.  Loras has more ideas about their wedding than she does- LOL!  We know he’s thinking of Renly when he mentions that he’d like Sansa to wear “a gown of green and gold brocade.”  (Aww, I miss Renly, too!  He would’ve been a good king.)  They both want to leave the capitol for Highgarden, but it’s just not meant to be. 

The scene with Tyrion and Cersei is great (as usual), but also revealing.  We learn that it was Joffrey, not Cersei, who sent Ser Mandon to kill him during the Battle of Blackwater.  Joffrey won’t try anything now because grandpa Tywin is here, Cersei assures her younger brother.  However, there is no way to stop the weddings.  Tywin has won, again!  Tyrion goes to speak to Sansa about the matter.  Why didn’t they show that scene?  I was very surprised!

Chaos isn’t a pit, chaos is a ladder.  Many who try to climb it fail, never get to try again.  The fall breaks them.  Some are given a chance to climb, but they refuse.  They cling to the realm, or the gods, or love.  Illusions.  Only the ladder is real.  The climb is all there is.  -Littlefinger explains his worldview to Varys

As if things couldn’t get worse, we get the scene with Littlefinger, Varys, and a related montage.  Littlefinger has given the spy who betrayed him to someone who “was seeking new experience.”  We cut to Joffrey holding his crossbow.  Ros is strung up at the foot of his bed, arrows all through her dead body.  (Wow, what a horrible image!)  Outside, Sansa is sobbing as she watches Littlefinger’s ship all burned up.

Aiden Gillen has somehow managed to make his Irish accent more and more distasteful over the seasons.  The preciseness with which he says his words are very effective, and sometimes even menacing.  And have you noticed how Littlefinger’s clothing has become more and more fancier over time?  He knows how to climb, that’s for sure!

The ep ended on a positive/hopeful note- Jon and Ygritte kissing at the highest point in the Kingdom.  I’m usually not a sucker for CGI, but I liked how the special effects folks did the climbing scenes.  The Wall looked truly scary!

SPOILERS: Don’t read this review if you have not yet seen or don’t want to know details from the latest episode of Game of Thrones.   

Wow, there is so much to discuss about this meaty episode!  Jon Snow (Kit Harington) has cast off his black cloak and joined the Wildlings.  He and Ygritte (Rose Leslie- a long way from Downton Abbey) get their (perhaps overly?) romantic scene.  Harington is not the strongest actor on the show, but I think Leslie is pitch-perfect in all her scenes. 

Arya (emotionally w/ teary eyes): I could be your family.

Gendry (gently pointing out their different classes): You wouldn’t be my family.  You would be my lady. 

After the fiery battle between The Hound (Rory McCann) and Lord Beric (Richard Dormer), the one-eyed warrior lies bloodied.  The Hound chides the men, saying that their god likes him.  But in no time, Thoros of Myr (Paul Kaye), speaks a prayer to the Lord of Light, and Lord Beric stands tall (alive).  Whoa!  Arya (Maisie Williams) later asks if her father can be brought back.  Thoros says no, sadly.  Aww!

Gendry (Joe Dempsie), looking grown-up with his beard and goatee, decides to stay behind and serve the Brotherhood without Banners.  He won’t go with her to Riverrun and serve Robb.  Arya is very saddened to hear this news.  (I believe she looks on him as a dear friend.)  The reviewers who saw any hint of romance in this scene are clueless. 

Lady Selyse Baratheon: No act done in the service of the Lord of Light can ever be a sin.

Lord Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane) goes to see his family, who happen to be under lock and key (in Dragonstone, the castle built by the Targaryens).  Stannis’ wife Selyse (Tara Fitzgerald from The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and Jane Eyre) is a religious fanatic.  She knows exactly what went on between Melisandre and her husband.  Selyse has preserved the fetuses and little bodies of her sons in large jars- very creepy!

Stannis’ sweet/lovely young daughter, Shireen (Kerry Ingram), suffers from Grayscale.  (It looks like one side of her face has a skin disorder, but in time, Grayscale will destroy her entire body.)  Stannis doesn’t know how to show her affection- not a big shock!  He tells her that Ser Davos is a traitor, so has been put in the dungeons.  Shireen seeks out The Onion Knight and wants to teach him to read.  Of course, I was very glad to see Ser Davos (Liam Cunningham)!

Lord Rickard Karstark: You’re no king of mine.

The wild-eyed/vengeful Lord Karstark (John Stahl) and a handful of his men break into jail to kill the two Lannister boys.  King Robb Stark (Richard Madden) won’t tolerate such acts- he beheads Karstark himself (like his father, Ned, did in the series premiere).  In no time, all of Karstark’s 2,000 men ride away.  Robb decides to attack Casterly Rock, the Lannister’s ancestral home.  But he’ll need Walder Frey’s help.  Hmmm…

I just LOVED the costumes worn by Queen Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) and Lord Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish (Aiden Gillen) in their plotting scene!  They talk about what to do about Sansa and the Tyrells.  Lannisters lead primarily with force, but the Tyrells know how to play politics better (as some reviewers noted).

As if there wasn’t enough of a creep factor in this ep, we have a scene between Sansa (Sophie Turner) and Littlefinger.  The way it’s set-up, Littlefinger is lower than Sansa, looking up at her (as if in adoration).  Sansa thinks of him as an ally and is confused by his demeanor- he wants her to call him Petyr and kisses her hand.  Awkward!  Sansa will stay behind in King’s Landing while he sails for the Vale.

Lady Olenna (Diana Rigg) shows Lord Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) the importance of numbers… and figs.  Her family has contributed much to feed/protect the realm.  Tyrion says that the royal wedding expenses are very high.  She declares that the Tyrells will pay half the cost.  More Diana Rigg!

Littlefinger sends a spy (Oliver) to act as a squire and learn about Ser Loras (Finn Jones).  Poor Sansa is still lovestruck.

Ser Jorah Mormont: You’re no lord commander here. 

The two exiled knights, Ser Jorah (Iain Glen) and Ser Barristan (Ian McElhinney), have a nice scene where they reminisce, talk politics, and connect.  But after a while, they go back to disliking each other.  They both want to serve Daenerys (who they trust), but Barristan thinks Jorah won’t be a proper advisor for the future queen because of his reputation as a slaver.  Way to play the honor card, Ser Barristan, but I’m on Team Jorah.  More Iain Glen, I say! 

Lord Roose Bolton (Michael McElhatton) treats his prisoners decently (it seems so far).  He tells Ser Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) the news from the capital (in a quite suspenseful manner).  Bolton humbly apologizes to Brienne (Gwendolyn Christie), who is a lady of noble birth under all that toughness.  Coster-Waldau steals this ep with the riveting story of why his character killed King Aerys!  Brienne is stunned by his words.  Worn out, he faints in her arms.  (He says he trusts Brienne.  They’re becoming friends.)

Cersei: Father, please, don’t make me again! 

Not only does a Lannister always pay his debts, he also has a terrible need to control everything (example: Lord Tywin).  Tywin (Charles Dance) sits Cersei and Tyrion down and tells them what they’ll do (for the good of the realm).  Tyrion is shocked/appalled when he learns that young Sansa Stark has been chosen for him.  Cersei starts out all smug/superior, until Tywin declares that she’ll marry Loras.  Then, even she elicits some sympathy.  (Yup, Tywin scares me!)  It’s not just his words, it’s his demeanor, tone- total disregard for anyone else.

ARTICLES:

TV’s best show about women  by Nina Shen Rastogi (Salon, Spring 2012)

Gwendolyn Christie on her role (Access Hollywood, Spring 2012)

SPOILERS: Don’t read this review if you have not yet seen or don’t want to know details from the latest episode of Game of Thrones.   

Influence grows like a weed.  I have no doubt the revenge you want will be yours in time, if you can stomach it. -Lord Varys says to Lord Tyrion Lannister

One of the main themes in this episode is the shifting of power.  Conleth Hill (who plays Varys) finally gets a meaty episode!  He tells Tyrion the story of how he was cut (lost his manhood) while still a boy actor.  Varys has captured the old sorcerer responsible for the terrible deed, had his mouth sewn shut, and is keeping him in a crate.  (Yowza- that’s some revenge!) 

Prodigies appear in the oddest of places.  -Varys to Ros

Ros (seen fully clothed so far) shares some crucial info with Varys: Littlefinger is planning on taking Sansa with him to The Eyrie.  Ros (who can read) reminds Varys that she’s at the right hand of Littlefinger- no longer a mere prostitute.  Knowledge is power, after all.    

It’s like taking a walk through history.  -Lady Margaery comments before visiting the royal crypt with King Joffrey

The common people’s lovefest with Lady Margaery continues, as does ours.  (Yup, Margaery is one of my faves this season!)  Though her outfits are on the revealing side for King’s Landing, can she wrap Joffrey around her lovely finger.  She has just the right words for her elders, the poor, and even (the displaced/dejected) Sansa.  Wouldn’t it be fantastic if Sansa married her older brother, Loras?  “We’d be sisters,” Margaery  says with a beaming smile.  Sansa looks so happy at this proposal- poor girl.   While Sansa’s emotions are on the surface, Margaery can play any part.   

 

My real father lost his head in King’s Landing.  -Prince Theon Greyjoy speaks (tearfully) re: Lord Eddard Stark

Sorry to say, I still don’t get what’s going on with Theon!  It’s a circular plot this episode, like the last.  His ally turns out to be an enemy.  But, Alfie Allen gets some great lines- Theon is slowly maturing as character.  He chose the wrong family, he finally realizes. 

My sword hand.  I was that hand.  -Ser Jaime to Brienne 

Jaime is close to suicidal after losing his right hand.  He falls off his horse, steals a sword from one of Bolton’s men, and tries to fight with his left hand.  But he can’t do anything!  The Northmen treat him very harshly- it’s tough to watch.  He wants to die, but Brienne convinces him to eat something.  I loved her line about him wanting to give up after “one taste of the real world.”  Gwendolyn Christie is doing a terrific job with the role!     

Did it ever occur to you that I might be the one who deserves your confidence and your trust, not your sons?  -Queen Cersei asks Lord Tywin, her father

Cersei is feeling left out of important matters, much like Tyrion was in Season 2.  She doesn’t have her beloved Jaime nearby.  Soon, she’ll be Queen Regent, and Margaery will be the Queen.  Tywin is reluctant to share info with her, and treats her coldly.   

 I could not help Ned Stark.  Perhaps I can help his daughter.  -Varys to Lady Olenna Tyrell re: Sansa

The scene with Varys and Lady Olenna started out very funny, but took a serious turn.  They are both concerned about Sansa.  In the garden, they discuss  a match between her and Loras (no doubt).

Ned Stark is dead.  King Robert is dead.  My brother is alive.  (He spits.)  You’re fighting for ghosts.  -Sandor Clegane (The Hound) to Ser Beric Dondarrion and his men, The Brotherhood without Banners

We, along with Arya and Gendry, learn more about the Brotherhood.  They are mostly commoners hailing from different areas.  They now follow the Lord of Light (the god of Melisandre).  Next up- the mano-a-mano battle between The Hound and Dondarrion (who was loyal to Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon).

I was surprised/shocked by what happened among the Night’s Watch!  Many were driven wild with hunger.  One of the crows, played by British actor Burn Gorman (Wuthering Heights; Bleak House), insulted and murdered Krastor.  It’s too bad that Cmdr. Mormont was killed by Rast (the raper who was always bullying Sam).  Mormont got Rast before he died.  I was very relieved when Sam, Gilly, and her baby boy ran away from the fighting.  

A dragon is not a slave.  -Daenerys explains in her mother tongue, Valyrian 

Will you fight for me?  As free men?  -Daenerys addresses The Unsullied warriors

The final scenes (shot in Morocco) with Dany and her dragons were fantastic!  The music was perfect, too.  It was fun to see the dragons after quite some time.  The scared little victim we saw in the series premiere is gone- Dany has become a leader.  Even Jorah was surprised.  (Emilia Clarke is also growing as an actress, as many critics have said.)