I’m always interested by what online conversation refers to as “Filler” episodes. By all accounts, “The Bear and the Maiden Fair” fits the bill as far as I understand it: no major events take place, a lot of storylines are merely ways of reminding us of what’s about to happen and the stakes for those involved, and there’s not that big triumphant moment that takes the story in a new direction.
As a result, “The Bear and the Maiden Fair” never evolves into a particularly exciting hour of television, content mostly to sketch out the boundaries of the season’s storylines in preparation for the oncoming climax. In the hands of A Song of Ice and Fire author George R.R. Martin, the hour functions not unlike the dominant narratives of his books: a lot…
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.
Ygritte gazes up at The Wall
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.
Arya takes aim, thinking of (future) revenge
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.
I was right- Theon’s torturer is Roose Bolton’s bastard son!
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 Starks must ally with House Frey
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).
Jamie will be freed, but not Brienne
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.
Lady Olenna and Lord Tywin face off
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
Loras and Sansa talk weddings
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.
Tyrion and Cersei commiserate
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!
Littlefinger tells Varys how he sees it
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 final scene of the episode (top of The Wall)
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!
Isn’t this cool!? I wrote a tweet complimenting the actor (currently on Scandal; also was on The West Wing), but I don’t think he understood at first. Then, I replied: “Haha! It was a compliment- I thought you were about 40!”
SPOILERS: Don’t read this review if you have not yet seen or don’t want to know details from the latest episode ofGame 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 and Gendry will take different paths
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.
We finally get to see Stannis’ home life
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)!
Talisa worries and Robb strategizes
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…
Cersei and Littlefinger have a walk and talk
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).
Sansa and Littlefinger have a talk
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 meets Tyrion for the first time
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 thinks of politics
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!
The Kingslayer (sorry- Jamie) tells his side of the story
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.)
Lord Tywin Lannister: So glad he’s not my dad- LOL!
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.
Knightleyemma 