Tag: Music

Songs and singers I like

Show Boat (1951) starring Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner, & Howard Keel

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The Cotton Blossom, owned by the Hawks family, is a show boat known for musical entertainment traveling down the Mississippi River. Julie LaVerne (Ava Gardner) and her husband, Steve (Robert Sterling), are the leading actors of the show. After a jealous boat hand calls the local police on Julie (who’s father was white and mother black), they’re forced to leave; interracial marriages were forbidden (in the 1890s). Magnolia (Kathryn Grayson), Captain Andy’s (Joe E. Brown) pretty young daughter, becomes the new attraction; she has a great smile, a good voice, and learned much by watching Julie. Her leading man is Gaylord Ravenal (Howard Keel), a charming/handsome gambler, who is impressed w/ her at first sight. The two fall quickly in love and marry, w/o the approval of her mother, Parthy (Agnes Moorhead).

Nolie soon faces reality; gambling means more to her husband than anything. She confronts him after he gambles away their fortune; he leaves in the middle of the night. Nolie runs into two old friends, Ellie May and Frank (Marge and Gower Champion), who sang and danced on the show boat. They’re going to perform at a nightclub; Nolie tags along. None of them know that Julie is working at the same club; she is backstage and recognizes the song Nolie sings. Julie leaves the club abruptly, angering the manager and owner, b/c she hears that Nolie needs a job.

A few yeard later, Julie meets Gaylord on a gambling boat, and realizes that he’s Nolie’s runaway husband. Julie gives him a piece of her mind, and shows him an ad w/ the captain, Nolie, and his little daughter. Gaylord swears that he never knew he had a child. Julie begs him, if he ever sees her old friend, to never tell how low she has sunk. Gaylord decides to go to Natchez (where the show boat is docked) and seek forgiveness from his family.

I’ve seen this colorful MGM musical (written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II) maybe 3 times. I recall loving the songs (and having the CD); my favorite songs are “Ol’ Man River” and “Life Upon the Wicked Stage.” Looking at it today (on TCM), there are some pretty good performances (esp. from Gardner). The role of Julie (who passes as white) is tragic, though she is beautiful, talented, and loyal (esp. to Steve, who eventually leaves her). She turns to alcohol and her singing suffers. At the end, Julie is left w/ nothing, b/c this society has no place for her.

[1] Ava is, as always, ridiculously and insanely gorgeous. In fact, I would have liked to have seen more of her than I did. It’s a stretch for a white woman to play a bi-racial woman, but she did it with what seemed like such ease. She accompanies so much with a look (which is evident as she watches Gay and Nolie sail off together with Kim — you all know what I’m talking about). 

[2] Now for Marge & Gower Champion: who couldn’t love them? Gower is this sort of… fluid-like creature with a stature and grace like Fred Astaire, but instead of Astaire’s “lanky movements” that defined his style, he somehow executes the more athletic, brisk movements that defined Gene Kelly’s style. And Marge has to be just about the cutest little person I have ever seen (great facial expressions!) and one of the most talented dancers… I’ve ever seen grace a screen. “I Could Fall Back on You” and “Life Upon the Wicked Stage” are two of the most outstanding moments in the movie. You’ll love them.

[3] Musically of course, the film is a masterpiece and though my favourite tune is “Make Believe”, I was extremely impressed by the version of Ol Man River sung by the actor William Warfield who must have had one of the most brilliant voices I have ever hear! I confess to never having heard of this gentleman prior to seeing the film and had imagined the singer to be Paul Robeson. 

-Excerpts from IMDB reviews

Some Trivia Behind the Film

  • The original production of Showboat opened in the Ziegfeld Theater on December 27, 1927 and ran for 572 performances.
  • Even though the character of “Magnolia” is supposed to look up to “Julie” in an older-sister type of relationship, in reality, Kathryn Grayson and Ava Gardner were born in the same year.
  • The Breen Censorship Office tried to raise an objection against the use of the “miscegenation sequence,” but they were unable to do so because the 1936 film had already used it (setting a precedent).
  • Lena Horne mentions in her biography that she wanted to do the role of Julie badly, but only got as far as performing a single number in the “Clouds” film in the opening “Show Boat” vignette. America was still a segregated nation in 1950; interracial romance was taboo onscreen.
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She’s Gotta Have It (2017)

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WARNING: This review contains SPOILERS for the Netflix comedy series. 

[1] The soundtrack to this series is amazing! Spike really did his thing with the song selection. Second, the shots and cinematography were great. Spike and his crew really make Brooklyn come alive in this series. 

[2] Nola is getting a steep discount from her godmother to stay in the gentrified neighborhood she grew up in, and she still doesn’t manage to get the rent on time. They constantly talk about her hustle, yet she really isn’t ever truly desperate or truly hustling.

Gentrification is a legitimate issue, and I see the commentary Spike was going for, but it fell quite short. 

[3] The characters remain mostly undeveloped and the story, while it has its high points, is largely pointless and unresolved. 

[4] The infamous American director and producer always stood strong by telling the stories of minorities in all his films. Nola Darling doesn’t like labels and she doesn’t like to be owned…

-Excerpts from IMDB reviews

Do you remember the black and white 1986 film of the same title directed by 29 y.o. unknown Spike Lee? I saw it about 10 yrs ago, and wasn’t that impressed; lead actress (Tracy Camilla Johns) looked rather uncomfortable in front of the camera. Lee (who also played Mars Blackmon- to save money on actors) was memorable; he had the catchy phrase: “Please baby, baby, baby, please!” Lee refers to Mars as “the original sneakerhead” (someone who collects, trades, or admires sneakers as a hobby). Critics complained that the film was too much from a man’s POV (which Lee admitted; he was inspired by male friends who dated several women at the same time).

As a more mature man, as well as a husband and father, Lee re-imagined the story of Brooklyn artist Nola Darling (the gorgeous DeWanda Wise, recently seen on Shots Fired and Underground). Lee is aided by a cadre of strong, successful African-American women: his wife Tonya (a producer), his sister Joie (who plays Nola’s supportive mom), Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, as well as other female writers and directors. Wow, this is an impressive group! And I MUST note how well Joie Lee is aging, too. 

The three men in Nola’s life (NOT to be referred to as “boyfriends!”) are played by some fine (and fine looking- LOL) up-and-coming actors, most notably Anthony Ramos (Mars), who was in the original cast of Broadway’s Hamilton. Ramos (who is of Puerto Rican heritage) brings an innocence, sense of fun, and lightheartedness to his part of the story.  Though he still lives w/ his older sis in the projects, Mars has a job fixing bikes at a hipster coffee/bike place. I was also impressed by Lyriq Bent (who plays the slightly older/wealthy/married father- Jamie Overstreet); this actor hails from Canada and is very believable in the heavier/emotional scenes. Without Jamie’s (financial) support, Nola wouldn’t be able to support herself as well as she does. We also get a sense that Jamie is the one that will fall for Nola in the end; he’s in a (now loveless) marriage, but a good role model for his preteen son.  Rounding out the main male leads is Cleo Anthony (biracial, French-speaking, model/photographer Greer Childs). This seems like the man that gets Nola’s lifestyle the best; he is focused more on his career and playing the field, not finding a serious relationship (unlike Mars and Jamie). But wait, there aren’t ONLY men involved w/ Nola!

Opal Gilstrap (Ilfenesh Hadera) plays a slightly older woman, who is also an entrepreneur (running a nursery) and single mom (by choice). Nola (who is in her late 20s) looks up to Opal, feels close to her emotionally, and is very attracted to her as a person. As their relationship goes on, we see how Opal has her life together; Nola is a BIT of a mess in many regards. They make a great couple, though ONLY for a short time. The other women in Nola’s life are her close friends: artists’ rep/yuppie Clorinda Bradford (Margot Bingham), cocktail waitress/single mom Shemekka Epps (Chyna Lane). and the redheaded/Afrocentric white woman Rachel (Elise Hudson).

Nola decides to go to therapy w/ Dr. Jamison (Tony winner Heather Headley); this is someone who can be objective re: Nola’s (complicated) life. Not ONLY does Nola juggle lovers, she has several jobs (incl. a dog-walker and part-time art teacher at a junior high school). I esp. liked the scenes w/ the school kids and their no-nonsense/loving principal, Raqueletta Moss (De’Adre Aziza); I used to sub in NYC area. She has to hustle (though some viewers felt NOT too much) b/c she doesn’t want to end up like her high school friend/war vet, Papo (Elvis Nolasco). This man also grew up in Fort Greene, had a LOT of potential, and fought in the Middle East for Uncle Sam. Papo was never the same after he came back; he still creates art, BUT out of trash (which annoys Nola’s gentrifying/new white neighbors). The long-time residents of the block call him “The Mayor” of the neighborhood (this is a call-back to the iconic Ossie Davis’ role in Do The Right Thing).  Nola’s understanding landlady/godmother is played by Pauletta Washington (wife of Denzel); I can’t believe that it took me a few mins to figure that out! 

There are MANY things to admire, such as the color (the hairstyles, costumes, and accessories are really cool), diversity (of black individuals and their experiences), and the tacking of MANY timely issues (hmmm, maybe too much?) Yet, there are also disjointed things, such as the use of hashtags for ep titles (after all, Nola is NOT much of a social media user or internet dater, unlike MANY millennials). This is NOT a show for everyone, BUT I’d recommend it for Spike Lee fans.

White Christmas (1954) starring Bing Crosby & Danny Kaye

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My dear partner, when what’s left of you gets around to what’s left to be gotten, what’s left to be gotten won’t be worth getting, whatever it is you’ve got left. -Phil comments (re: Bob’s bachelorhood).

When I figure out what that means I’ll come up with a crushing reply. -Bob says, confused.

Having left the Army following WWII, Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) team up to become a successful song-and-dance act. Phil (playing matchmaker) introduces Bob to the talented/beautiful sisters of an Army buddy, Betty (Rosemary Clooney- aunt of George) and Judy (Vera Ellen) Haynes, who are an up-and-comers in show business. When Betty and Judy travel to a Vermont to perform during the holidays, the men follow (Phil convinces Bob- he saved his life during a bombing raid). The men find their former commander, General Waverly, is the owner of Pine Tree Inn; w/ the lack of snow and guests, he’s losing hope. A series of romantic mix-ups ensue as these performers try to help him out.

It’s cozier, isn’t it? Boy, girl, boy, girl? -Phil asks the Haynes sisters re: his seating plan.

This is a holiday classic (now streaming on Netflix) that my family and I watched almost every year growing up. There is singing (Crosby and Clooney focus on this aspect more), dancing (Kaye and Ellen are more involved in this), fabulous clothes (esp. the gowns chosen for Clooney- IMO), comedy (wordplay, physical humor, Mary Wickes’ as the inn’s housekeeper, etc.) and romance. Irving Berlin composed the music, which is quite memorable. Things get complicated b/c Phil (and later- also Judy) plot to throw Bob and Betty (who are BOTH concerned re: their careers and “slow movers” in romance) together.

Imagine a girl in show business today wanting to settle down and raising a family. It’s so refreshing, isn’t it? -Phil asks Bob, while Betty and Judy look on.

Pushing, pushing. -Bob mumbles into his glass of water.

There is some cool trivia behind this film. According to Clooney, the “midnight snack” scene in which Bob Wallace expounds on his theory of what foods cause what dreams was almost entirely improvised. She said that the men’s “Sisters” performance was not originally in the script. Crosby and Kaye were clowning around on the set, and director (Michael Curtiz) thought it was so funny that he decided to film it. In the scene, Crosby’s laughs are genuine and unscripted, as he was unable to hold a straight face due to Kaye’s comedic dancing. The filmmakers had a better take (where Crosby didn’t laugh), BUT test audiences liked the laughing version better. I noticed this a FEW years ago- one of the background dancers is George Chakiris, who later won the Best Actor in a Supporting Role Oscar for his role as Bernardo in West Side Story (1961). Bob Fosse was one of the choreographers (though he is uncredited).

Below is a video of one of the BEST dance numbers from the film.

Viceroy’s House (2017) starring Hugh Bonneville, Gillian Anderson, Michael Gambon, Simon Callow, Om Puri, Manish Dayal, & Huma Qureshi

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SPOILERS: Don’t read this post if you haven’t seen, or don’t want to know, details from this movie (now showing in wide release in the US).

[1] If you saw something similar in a high school world history class it would be interesting and effective. As a theatrical movie it misses the mark.

[2] ...as history, it is inevitably selective. Most glaring is the benign portrait of a compassionate departing colonial power.

[3] It’s interesting to see, but it’s by no means a cinematic masterclass.

[4] What could have been an epic, ends up being too pedestrian. It is this failure in character development which pulls the film down harder than all the other negative factors combined.

[5] A special mention needs to go to Gillian Anderson. Her performance as Lady Mountbatten is wonderful. The received pronunciation was perfect. Her character adds heart, she adds a moral core, to both Lord Mountbatten, and in my eyes, to the film in general.

-Excerpts from reviews on IMDB

I saw this movie (ONLY available in SD- ugh) last night on FIOS On Demand. I had been anticipating it for almost 3 mos, so was VERY excited. (American actor Manish Dayal was posting bits about it on his social media.) I was a big fan of Bend it Like Beckham, British director Gurinder Chadha’s breakout indie hit. I thought her Thanksgiving-themed film (What’s Cooking?) was pretty good. The posters didn’t appeal to me- TOO slick and stereotypical of a historical drama. I liked the trailers that I saw; the high production value was evident (which viewers expect from this caliber of film).

Sadly, Viceroy’s House was NOT what I expected. After it ended, I wondered: “There MUST have been MORE to this film!” It seems edited down (to a mere 1 hr 46 mins); however, it seems longer b/c of it’s plodding nature (at least in the first half). Maybe it needs to be seen on the big screen (for its sheer scope and spectacle)? Or maybe it would’ve been better as a miniseries or movie on HBO (where directors and writers have more creative control)? MANY critics/viewers felt that Hugh Bonneville was miscast as Lord Louis Mountbatten. Hmmm… maybe it’s TOO close to his role as head of Downton Abbey? Gillian Anderson (who plays Lady Edwina) is given some of the best lines in the movie; she does well w/ in her role. (You should check Anderson out in British work, incl. The Fall on Netflix.)

The veteran actors who play Nehru (Tanveer Ghani), Jinnah (Denzil Smith), and Gandhi (Neeraj Kabi) do what they can w/ what they are given. Basically, they sit around and debate w/ the Brits on if and how to divide India and the new Muslim majority nation- Pakistan. Some of you know that Gandhi didn’t want India divided; he imagined a land where ALL religions live together in peace (as before the Brits arrived and used their “divide and conquer” strategy to rule). Some Pakistanis were NOT pleased w/ the portrayal of Jinnah, who comes off as duplicitous.

Michael Gambon plays Gen. Ismay, a cold/intimidating man who doesn’t care what happens to the Indian people. He wants to get the boundaries created ASAP and get back to England. Simon Callow ‘s overwhelmed character, Radcliffe, says that it’s impossible to make these decisions in such a short time frame. Ismay finally shows him a plan from 1945 which already lays out exactly how India and Pakistan should be divided (NOT sure how accurate this is in reality)!

The recently deceased international Indian actor, Om Puri, has a small, yet effective/touching role. (He played Dayal’s father in The Hundred-Foot Journey). In this film, Puri plays Ali Rahim Noor, the blind/elderly father of Aalia (Pakistani actress Huma Qureshi), the Muslim woman who has captured the heart of Dayal’s character, Jeet Kumar. Ali Rahim was a political prisoner in the jail where Jeet worked for 2 yrs as a guard. Now, Jeet is a manservant (alongside his Sikh friend, Duleep Singh) for Mountbatten. As Dayal has said, Jeet represents the Hindu perspective in the film. He is an earnest/optimistic young man who feels that his destiny is to marry Aalia.

One of the servants (among 500+ in the viceroy’s household) who stirs up trouble is Mohsin (Samrat Chakraborti, an American actor/musician whose career I’ve been following since 2005). He also has a crucial role in Midnight’s Children (check Netflix to see if it’s still available). Another pleasant surprise is the original music by A.R. Rahman, an internationally recognized composer. I thought he did a esp. fine job in the last section of the film, when we see large crowds of refugees streaming into the palatial estate.

Related Videos

Two (differing) reviews of the film

BBC interview w/ Chadha (12:16)

BUILD Series interview w/ Chadha & Ghani (34:29)

Game of Thrones: Season 7, Episode 3 (“The Queen’s Justice”)

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

Dragonstone

Yay- we get right to see right away Jon, Davos, and a few other Northmen land on the beach at Dragonstone (formerly Stannis’ stronghold)! They are met by Tyrion (who last saw Jon at The Wall in S1), Missandei (wearing a three headed dragon pin), and a group of tall, fearsome-looking Dothraki warriors. After initial greetings, the Northmen are asked to surrender their weapons (makes sense, since they are in Dany’s realm). There is some fun banter between Jon and Tyrion- MANY critics and viewers liked this. There are wide overhead shots as they walk the long/winding path up to the castle.

General rule of thumb: Stark men don’t fare well when they travel South. -Tyrion says

True, but I’m not a Stark. -Jon replies

Tyrion’s above line perhaps remind Jon (and viewers) of the Stark grandfather and uncle (BOTH named Brandon) burned alive by Dany’s father (Aerys), Ned’s beheading, and Robb’s murder. Suddenly, three dragons (WOW, they have grown!) call out and fly above; Jon and Davos hit the ground- stunned and scared. Tyrion comments that you never get quite used to them (LOL)!

From high above, we find Melisandre and Varys looking down at the newcomers. Varys wonders why she stayed away, even after asking Dany to bring The King of the North here. Mel (surprise, surprise!) actually admits that she made “mistakes;” we are reminded of young Shireen’s death. Her character has become less assured and more humbled over the last 2 seasons! I still want Davos to find and kill Mel, BUT she has decided to go to Volantis. Her final words (below) seem to disturb Varys:

I have to die in this strange country, just like you. -Melisandre explains to Varys

Jon and Davos enter the throne room, which was designed to look cold and intimidating. The expression on Jon’s face tells us that he is unsure (maybe even intimidated?) re: this meeting. After Missandei rattles off ALL of Dany’s titles, Davos introduces Jon (LOL):

This is Jon Snow. He’s king in the North. 

Davos explains that Jon is a “king,” NOT merely a “lord,” after Dany calls him “my lord.” Dany is confused, saying that Torran Stark was the last true King of the North; she goes on to tell his backstory. She assumes that Jon has come “to bend the knee,” BUT he (were you surprised?) refuses.

…I ask you not to judge a daughter by the sins of her father. -Dany says to Jon after asking forgiveness for how Aerys treated the Starks

You’re right. You’re not guilty of your father’s crimes. And I’m not beholden to my ancestor’s vows. -Jon replies (after Dany speaks re: how their houses were long-time allies)

Jon goes on to explain that everyone in the Seven Kingdoms is in danger b/c The Army of the Dead are marching southward. Instead of “squabbling” like “children,” they need to band together to defeat this common enemy. BOTH Dany and Tyrion look skeptical; after all, they’ve never been beyond The Wall and seen White Walkers. Then Dany slowly walks down from her throne and approaches Jon, recounting what she has faced in her life and what she has accomplished on her way to reach the Iron Throne.

Do you know what kept me going? Faith, not in any gods or myths or legends, but myself… -Dany explains to Jon

Jon says that Dany will be “ruling over ashes” if The Night King isn’t defeated. Davos steps forward and tells her of Jon’s accomplishments. The Onion Knight almost says that Jon died for his people, BUT Jon cuts him off. (Hmmm… WHY would Jon want to hide the fact that he was brought back from the dead?) Tyrion steps forward and there is more talk of pledging loyalty to Dany, who calls herself “the rightful heir to the Seven Kingdoms.” Varys quickly walks in, whispering in Dany’s ear, and the previous convo is discontinued. Varys’ news is VERY bad- their recent allies are either dead or captured!

Am I your prisoner? -Jon asks (before he and Davos are led out)

Not yet. -Dany answers

At sea

Theon is pulled from the freezing waters by some sailors on a Greyjoy ship. The captain recognizes him and asks re: his sister. Theon says that Euron has captured her, BUT he “tried to save her” (which we know is NOT true). His face has a bluish tinge and his expression is fearful (reminding us of when he was Reek under Ramsay’s power). The captain isn’t buying it; he and his men look down at Theon w/ disdain before walking away.

King’s Landing

This is the life. Look at them, cheering for a Greyjoy. -Euron gloats to Yara

Euron struts onto the streets of the city on his horse; this reminded some viewers of Tywin after he won the Battle of Blackwater. Behind his horse, we find Yara (trying to hold her head high), followed by Ellaria and Tyene, all in chains. The commoners toss flowers at Euron, cheer, clap, and some women even blow kisses (blech)! The prisoners get boos, curses, and rotten food tossed at them; this reminded me of Cersei’s walk of shame. Ellaria spits in the direction of someone, showing us that she is still a proud woman.

There are more cheers as Euron rides into court w/ his captured entourage; some of the “foreign invaders” (as they were called in E2) have been conquered. Did you see the sad/scared look on Ellaria’s face when she spotted Ser Gregor (The Mountain)? After all, it was he who brutally killed her beloved Oberyn in battle (toward the end of S5).

I give you what no other man could give- justice- justice for your murdered daughter. -Euron proclaims after presenting a shackled Ellaria and Tyene to Cersei

You shall have what your heart desires… when the war is won. -Cersei promises Euron

Whoa, did you see how Cersei gave leeway to Euron? He comes almost up to her level, bending very close to the Iron Throne! Well, some of you saw this as TOO much preference. (I was reminded of Catelyn’s advice: “Never trust a Greyjoy.”) The convo between Euron and Jaime is unexpected, yet disturbingly funny. Euron refers to them as “brothers” (ugh) and then asks for “advice” (gross, BUT he knows what’s going on w/ Jaime and Cersei)!

I never got to have a mother, but Myrcella did. She was mine, and you took her from me! Why did you do that? -Cersei asks Ellaria

Like some other viewers, I noticed Cersei’s pink lipstick right away in the dungeon scene. Ellaria and Tyene are both gagged and chained (to opposite walls); they are obviously fearful and in pain. Qyburn (who is Cersei’s Hand) and The Mountain are both nearby; we wonder what role they will play in this revenge plan. When Cersei starts talking re: Tyene’s beauty, Ellaria cries out, struggling to speak. Cersei removes the gag and kisses Tyene on the lips, just as Ellaria did to Myrcella. We ALL know that was poison- it’s over for BOTH these Sand women! The outro music in this scene is SO good- urgent and mournful.

What? What are you doing? No one can see us like this. -Jaime asks Cersei, bemused

I’m the queen of the Seven Kingdoms. I can do as I please. -Cersei replies matter-of-factly

Jaime has taken off his golden hand and is sitting in his chamber. Cersei struts in and kisses him passionately. Notice how he said “no?” (That was a BIT of a surprise!) The next morning, Jaime is looking at Cersei’s sleeping face w/ love (and maybe also worry). Cersei answers the door while Jaime is lying in bed, unmindful of what the servant will think. I think she feels that she is unbeatable at this point in the game!

In your experience, how do bankers fare with revolutionaries? -Cersei asks Tycho Nestoris

The “special visitor from Braavos” is non-drinking, straight-talking Tycho Nestoris (Mark Gatiss, best known for his acting/writing on BBC’s Sherlock); he reps The Iron Bank, as we know from previous seasons. Some observant viewers noted that “the slave trade” is NOT something that the Iron Bank invests in; it is done by others in Braavos. So, was this a mistake? Or did the writers decided to change things up? We learn that the Lannisters owe a huge debt to The Iron Bank, BUT Cersei convinces Tycho that he will have the gold w/in “a fortnight” (two weeks).

Dragonstone

…I trust the eyes of an honest man more that I trust what everybody knows. -Tyrion to Jon re: his rationale for now believing in the White Walkers

More Tyrion and Jon convo- YAY! We see that Tyrion believes Jon, BUT he shouldn’t expect Dany to do that after ONLY one meeting. He also points out what Jon and Dany have in common- they are protectors. Cersei is a destroyer, as we know from the S6 climax (the Sept of Baelor blown up by wildfire).

So do you have anything reasonable to ask? -Tyrion asks (in a guiding way) of Jon before Jon walks away

In the next scene (in the war room), Tyrion explains to Dany re: dragonglass, which Jon wants to mine. With such weapons, the people of Westeros can defeat (or kill?) the White Walkers. (We know that already b/c Sam killed one!) Dany is skeptical, BUT Tyrion points out how it costs her nothing, and helps build a relationship w/ a potential ally. Way to go, Tyrion! I enjoy seeing him in the role of wise counselor much more than that of bitter drunk.

We all enjoy what we’re good at. -Dany comments

I don’t. -Jon replies solemnly

I think that Jon means he doesn’t enjoy fighting/killing. We are now up to the (much-awaited) scene w/ Dany and Jon. They are more cordial w/ each other here. Dany gives her permission to mine the dragonglass; she will even provide the workers and tools. Jon is surprised, but pleased. He asks if she believes him re: The Night King and The Army of the Dead, BUT Dany doesn’t answer. After Jon walks away, Dany takes a moment to look back at Jon.

Winterfell

Sansa, Littlefinger, Lord Royce, and the Maester Wolkan are looking at wagons filled w/ grain being brought into the courtyard. Sansa confirms that there is NOT enough food at Winterfell; armies of the North will need supplies in the near future. Sansa, in the role of manager, decides to impose a grain tax on every keep in the region. As they walk and talk, she notices that the breastplates being molded don’t have leather on top, which would be better for cold weather.

Don’t fight in the North, or the South. Fight every battle, everywhere, always, in your mind. Everyone is your enemy. Everyone is your friend. Every possible series of events is happening, all at once. Live that way, and nothing will surprise you. Everything that happens will be something that you’ve seen before. -Littlefinger gives some advice to Sansa

The next scene- WOW, were you crying, too? Sansa and Bran are finally reunited! She starts crying and gives him a hug, BUT Bran looks stoic. Some viewers wondered- has Bran lost his humanity? He has seen SO much- maybe there is no room for emotion. Bran says that he needs to speak to Jon. Under the large weirwood tree, Sansa tells her little brother that he should be in charge now, as “the last true-born son” of Ned Stark.

I can never be lord of Winterfell. I can never be lord of anything. I’m The Three-Eyed Raven. -Bran explains to Sansa

In an attempt to explain what he exactly is, Bran mentions Sansa’s wedding, when it was snowing and she looked beautiful in her white gown. He feels sorry that it [her rape by Ramsay] had to happen in her own home. Sansa shivers w/ recollection and quickly walks away. Whoa, what a sad and disturbing moment!

The Citadel

It’s a miracle- Jorah is cured of his dragonscale (after just one night)! Or, at least that’s what Jorah wants Archmaester Ebrose to think (LOL). It’s obvious that he’s NOT buying it, so says that he’ll speak to Sam about it later. We knew before that Sam removed the upper layer of the knight’s skin, then applied a solution, according to that book by an earlier maester (who had tried and failed to cure this disease).

I owe my life- to her [Dany] and you. -Jorah says to Sam

Your father saved me more than once. It’s the least I could do. -Sam replies humbly

Dany is the one who ordered Jorah to find a cure; Sam is the one who cured him. The MOST touching moment of this scene is wordless- it’s when Sam offers his hand for Jorah to shake. Jorah is surprised by this move; after all, those w/ dragonscale can’t be touched or touch others. Jorah shook Sam’s hand and smiled.

I read the book and followed the instructions. -Sam explains to Archmaester Ebrose (when he is asked how he cured Jorah’s dragonscale)

That man is alive because of you. You should be proud. -Archmaester Ebrose replies

Hosts of GoT Academy (Gil Kidron and Itamar Harel) wondered if The Citadel just holds knowledge for it own sake; it doesn’t seem to encourage experimentation. (Maybe that’s why Qyburn is a disgraced maester? Look at his creative experiments and inventions- yikes!) But Sam is NOT one to just read something w/o putting it to application or use- he knows what is at stake. It’s great to see Sam succeeding in something- he may turn out to be the biggest hero in this entire story!

Dragonstone

Dany, Tyrion, and Varys are in the war room talking strategy. Dany wants to go after Euron’s fleet w/ her dragons, BUT that’s too risky a plan. The next sequence is quite well-done, esp. Tyrion’s narration. It’s another first for the show- we are presented w/ what turns out to be an alternate scenario, then shown what actually happened (in the battle between Lannister soldiers and the Unsullied at Casterly Rock). Euron’s navy come upon Dany’s ships and start burning them up, much to the dismay of Grey Worm. This is NOT what he expected!

Highgarden

It turns out that defending Tywin’s home was NOT the main focus for Lannister armies- it was Highgarden! Jamie (general of the Lannister army) came up w/ this strategy, outwitting his younger brother (Tyrion). Riding behind Jaime are the Tarlys- Dickon, Randyll, along w/ Bronn (good to see him back). From a high tower, Lady Olenna (Dame Diana Rigg) watches as thousands of enemy soldiers approach. From her face, we can tell that she is resigned to defeat. In the courtyard of the castle, there are dead bodies w/ golden roses on their breastplates. Some Lannister soldiers pile up bodies; other load up chests w/ gold bars.

The camera follows behind Jaime’s back as he purposefully walks through the garden, up stairs, through passageways, until reaching Lady Olenna’s drawing room. He speaks to her, respectfully, and pours two glasses of red wine. He walks over to sit w/ her at a table. Lady Olenna admits that she did “terrible things” over the years to protect House Tyrell, b/c she thought they were “necessary.”

…your sister has done things I was incapable of imagining. That was my prize mistake- a failure of imagination. She’s a monster, you do know that? -Lady Olenna says to Jaime

Lady Olenna can tell that Jaime is deeply in love w/ Cersei; she feels sorry for him, b/c she will ruin his life. It turns out that Jaime convinced Cersei to let Lady Olenna die in a dignified (and painless) manner. He pours a small vial of poison into her wine. Lady Olenna drinks it all quickly, before revealing the part she played in the death of Joffrey. WOW- what a simple, yet fabulous, scene! Jaime’s face shows a myriad of emotions, then he flees the room. Lady Olenna still has her head held high at the end- VERY classy. RIP baddest granny in Westeros.

…not at all what I intended. You see, I’d never seen the poison work before. Tell Cersei- I want her to know it was me. -Lady Olenna’s last words