Game of Thrones: Season 6, Episode 8 (“No One”)

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

Island of Braavos

Lady Crane wows the crowd w/ her speech at Joffrey’s death.  She then patches up Arya, feeds her (something NOT so yum), and they have a nice convo before Arya goes to sleep (thanks to Milk of the Poppy). Essie Davis shows her motherly side, BUT is also funny and sassy.

If my soup didn’t kill you, nothing will.  -Lady Crane jokes w/ Arya

In the Riverlands

Four jerky guys are messing around by a campfire when The Hound attacks w/ his big axe (yikes)! 

Meereen

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There’s another new priestess in town… and she’s a black woman. (We need more meaty characters on this show who are POC!)  The people in the streets are now peacefully going about their business. Varys is going away (on a secret mission, of course); he and Tyrion have a little goodbye scene.

Varys, the most famous dwarf in the world. -Tyrion corrects his friend.

Kings Landing

I choose violence. -Cersei replies to Lancel

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Lancel and a small group of Sparrows are allowed into The Red Keep (thanks to Tommen, of course).  But The Mountain VERY brutally kills the first man who strikes his chest w/ a spike! 

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Riverrun

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Brienne and Pod are high above the siege on a ridge, looking at the red tents of the Lannister army. Then Brienne spots Jaime riding among the crowd of soldiers on that FAB white horse of his.  For a few moments, she just stares at him lost in her own thoughts, unaware that a few soldiers (w/ the red and gold banners) are riding up behind her. 

We get a SUPER fun scene w/ Pod and Bronn (LOVED it)!  Bronn wonders if Brienne and Jaime are hooking up (LOL- that’s what MANY viewers would like to see!!!)  It’s obvious to the former sellsword that she’s got feelings for him. 

Then the scene I’d been waiting for the MOST- Brienne and Jaime talk re: politics, military strategy, and honor in his tent. You can tell more from their looks than from their words; those two are definitely in a complicated relationship. She tries to give him back the Valyrian steel sword (Oathkeeper), but he insists it was always hers (aww).

You’re a knight, Ser Jaime! I know there is honor in you- I’ve seen it myself. -Brienne insists

Kings Landing

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Seven hells!  After her uncle, Kevan, relegates Cersei to the gallery w/ other ladies (instead of standing by her son’s side), Tommen proclaims that trial by combat is now “forbidden in the realm.” So, Loras and Cersei will be judged by seven septons. Tommen is TOTALLY in the pocket of the High Sparrow now! 

Back to Meereen

Oh no, poor Tyrion is now trying to get Grey Worm & Missandei to drink wine and tell jokes. Ugh, just NOT an effective (or even mildly funny) scene!  Peter Segal (Nerdette) was VERY disappointed w/ this ep, particularly this scene. 

Riverrun

We get another FAB scene- this time it’s w/ Jaime and the (still imprisoned) Lord Edmure Tully, who is the heir to Riverrun. Tobias Menzies finally gets to reveal more of his character.  It turns out that he has a son (whoa); you can tell he wants to protect him badly from the pain/anguish in his eyes.

Edmure wonders how Jaime can sleep at night after ALL the killing he’s been responsible for over the years. Jaime deflects the convo to Catelyn- her love for her kids and how much he admired her. Cersei is the same way, he explains, and he’ll do ANYTHING to get back to his sister.

You’ll serve Sansa far better than I ever could. -Blackfish tells Brienne w/ admiration before going into a fight w/ the Lannister men (offscreen).

The Blackfish dies fighting (offscreen, unfortunately) after Edmure surrenders to the Frey & Lannister armies. Um, how can you see someone wave at you in the fog when it’s nearly pitch dark!? Writers missed the mark there (like Edmure w/ his arrows at his dad’s funeral seasons back).

Back to Meereen

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Dany is back… w/ her dragons, BUT it’s rather anti-climactic. The masters are attacking the city from their ships- this is VERY cool CGI.

Back to The Riverlands

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We all bloody die, except for this one here! -The Hound exclaims in anger after coming upon Beric Dondarrion, Thoros of Myr, & The Brotherhood Without Banners

They let him kill (BUT only by hanging) two of the three rogue men who killed The Hound’s friends (including Brother Ray). There is some good dialogue w/ dark humor in this scene- taking a man’s boots while he’s still wriggling in the noose, mention of chickens, & talk of religion.

Back to Braavos

Lady Crane is killed (somehow) by The Waif) before she and Arya have their (Terminator or Bourne Identity scene, as Joanna Robinson joked) through the alleys of the city. How can Arya be healed this quickly!? Finally, Arya tricks The Waif (who’s running like the T1000) into following her into her room in The House of Black and White, then cuts out the sole candle!

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Jaqen shows Arya his admiration (silently), then lets her go. She has learned a lot and killed The Waif (who was sent to finish her off). YAY, she can reclaim her true identity, now go back “home,” and maybe even fight (Ramsay/the Whitewalkers) along w/ family.

Game of Thrones: Season 6, Episode 7 (“The Broken Man”)

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

Cold Open

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A bunch of smallfolk (peasant) men are building a sept in a beautiful green valley, watched over by a new character (played by the FAB Brit veteran actor, Ian McShane).  The women are prepping veggies for cooking while children run about.  Three men are carrying a tree.  The biggest/tallest man is carrying a tree by himself; it’s Sandor Clegane (The Hound)!  As some viewers guessed, he was NOT dead after his tough battle w/ Brienne and abandonment by Arya.

Then the credits play.

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What I believe is that there’s something greater than us! -Brother Ray concludes re: his view of religion

We learn how Brother Ray found The Hound (when he was close to death) and helped him get better, then on this (more peaceful) path.  Though The Hound is skeptical re: the gods/religion, Brother Ray is NOT bothered at all (being a chill spiritual type, NOT someone w/ all the answers).

Kings Landing

Congress does not require desire on a woman’s part, only patience. -The High Sparrow gives his view of marital relations

The High Sparrow and Margaery talk re: the poor, before he gives her some (creepy) advice.  Looks like he and Tommen have been talking about some VERY personal matters!  He also gives a NOT quite veiled threat to life of Lady Olenna.

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Lady Olenna is pissed off- she insults/threatens Septa Unella w/ a few sharp words before Margaery calms her down a bit.  Though her grandma fears for Loras (“the future of House Tyrell”) and wants her to leave, Margaery insists that SHE is the one who should leave ASAP!  The crumpled up pic of the rose tells the older woman that Margaery is NOT a fanatic (merely playing a role).

The North

Jon gets the support of the Wildling leaders after winning over the giant (Wun Wun).

Kings Landing

I wonder if you’re the worst person I’ve ever met…

Lady Olenna gets some nice cuts into Cersei w/ her sharp tongue (LOVED it)!  And Cersei WAS “stupid” to put The High Sparrow in such a position of power in the first place.  The Faith Militant are beyond anyone’s control, since now King Tommen has swallowed the hogwash fed him by the High Sparrow 

Riverrun 

Bronn is back… FINALLY!  Twitter was abuzz w/ love for the profanely funny sellsword turned reluctant knight. 

Two of Walder Frey’s sons argue w/ Jaime for a bit, BUT he slaps one down (w/ his golden hand- OUCH).  The siege is now under Lannister command, with Bronn organizing the set-up. But why does House Frey have such terrible-looking clothing!?  And they ALL dress and look alike, too, which is NOT helpful to viewers. 

Bear Island (The North)

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My mother wasn’t a great beauty, or any kind of a beauty! She was a great warrior though.  She died fighting for your brother, Robb. -Lady Lyanna Mormont retorts when complimented by Sansa

This child actor is just FAB- sassy, decisive, & only 12 y.o. in reality (though playing a 10 y.o.)  She has NO patience for flattery, history, or small talk.  Lady Lyanna (who was named after Lyanna Stark) even rides into battle on the back of a bear (in the books)- WOW!   

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Ser Davos (who had such a way w/ Shireen Baratheon) is able to get the little ruler to listen. 

…make no mistake- the dead are coming. -Ser Davos predicts

Then we learn that ONLY 62 men are available to fight from House Mormont!  LOL…

Back to Riverrun

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As long as I’m standing, the war is NOT over. -Brynden (Blackfish) Tully explains to Jaime at their parlay

Blackfish is NOT impressed w/ Jaime; they met for the first time here.  Jaime’s armor (could be Tywin’s) doesn’t fit quite right on him, as Joanna Robinson noted (A Cast of Kings podcast).

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House Glover

They don’t want to fight; after all, the Boltons helped them get their castle back.  The new lord (younger brother of the one who died fighting for Robb) is disgusted that the bulk of the Northern army is made up of Wildlings. 

A portside brothel (Volantis)

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We quickly learn that Yara likes the ladies (NOT a big shocker there).  Then she urges Theon to drink.

“Why couldn’t they have done that… w/ a guy?  You can say, oh, she’s dominant, but she also takes a woman’s role,”  Peter Segal (Nerdette) wondered the SAME thing as me on my first watch of this ep.  

If you’re so broken that there’s no coming back, then end it.  Take this knife…  -Yara begins, but then gives him a pep talk (tough love- she’s Ironborn after all)

Back to The North

Sansa wonders if Davos is the best man to be Jon’s right hand man.  Then she sees the men arguing and shoving each other; this army is NOT looking cohesive.

Sansa writes a secret letter to someone (Littlefinger, no doubt). Follow this link to learn more about her letter!

http://winteriscoming.net/2016/06/07/see-most-of-what-sansa-wrote-in-that-mysterious-letter/

The Riverlands

Brother Ray talks about his past life (as a soldier), the violence he participated in, and his view that a person can change their life.  Then three men (maybe from The Brotherhood w/o Banners?) ride up, asking him about horses, weapons, and food.  He is calm and pleasant, but these strangers don’t seem too happy.

Braavos (Island of Essos)

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Arya survives being stabbed multiple times by The Waif (who was disguised as a VERY old woman)- yikes!  She stumbles through the streets, clutching her stomach that’s bleeding.  No one helps her!  Or is this even the real Arya? 

We are led to believe Arya got stabbed, however there are some problems with what happened this episode. First off, Arya seemed different from the start. Her scene with the merchant, her walk all seemed very confident, which is unusual after the events this season. … Also, where did she get the money from? Why was she not carrying Needle [her sword] with her? How come after all she knew about the faceless man she just stood there on a bridge not paying any attention?  –Reddit user iPlayNL wrote.

That wasn’t [A]rya. She would have been carrying Needle. She wasn’t aware that [Jaqen] said not to make her suffer, so making a big show of her suffering doesn’t make sense. It was [Jaqen] testing the waif, and by stabbing her in the stomach and not just slashing the throat, she disobeyed orders just like Arya did. [Jaqen] is gonna lay some faceless justice down. -Reddit user froschkonig expanding on the above theory

Back to The Riverlands

While The Hound was off chopping wood, some men (who could be followers of the Lord of Light) came along and killed ALL the Smallfolk.  And they hanged Brother Ray from logs of the unfinished sept- what a shock!  But, let’s face it, Brother Ray and his followers were just TOO good for this world (of GoT).  The Hound gets the big axe- ready to fight! 

Recent Hits: TV, Film, & Theater

All the Way (now showing on HBO)

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Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad; Malcolm in the Middle) TOTALLY transformed himself into LBJ- vocally and physically!  It was also a treat to see Melissa Leo (who plays Lady Bird) after a LONG time; I’ve been a fan of hers since her days on Homicide: Life on the Street.  I saw the play (Arena stage production) about 2 mos. ago; the film is V true to that, though there are changes made (as you can do more w/ cinema).  Anthony Mackie (who has NOT aged by much) has a meaty role as MLK, Jr.  Wingnuts (fans of The West Wing) will be happy to see Bradley Whitford (who portrays liberal Democratic senator- Hubert Humphrey).    

 

The Man Who Knew Infinity (now in select theaters)

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I went to go to a free screening about 3 wks ago; I had no expectations.  Well, I really liked it- and NOT just b/c of Jeremy Irons, the music, or cinematography!  Toby Jones (who often plays baddies) is just SO sweet/delightful as G. H. Hardy’s (Irons’) BFF/fellow mathematician.  Jeremy Northam has a side role as charming philospher Bertrand Russell; it was a nice surprise to me.   This is in the time just before WWI- that conflict also affects the lives of the Oxford community.

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British-Indian actor, Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionnaire; The Newsroom), does a FINE job as S. Ramanujan, a devout Brahmin Hindu math whiz who went from Southern India to Oxford U. at the age of 26.  Patel, who is still in his 20s, has a penchant for wide-eyed/innocent/eager characters; it works well here.  Ramanujan left behind his strong-willed widowed mother and lovely new wife, Janaki (Indian-American actress Devika Bhise). It’s been a LONG time since I’ve seen a modern/Western young woman portray a traditional/demure Indian housewife in SUCH a convincing manner! 

 

The Taming of the Shrew (STC: MAY 17-JUNE 26)

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I just saw this last SAT (preview matinee) w/ a gal pal (who luckily got free tickets online)- it was FABULOUS!  This production, directed by Chinese-Indonesian Brit, Ed Sylvanus Iskander, has a beautiful/intricate set and songs (by Duncan Sheik) which are performed by characters (who were NOT given monologues in Shakespeare’s original play).  

Yes, ALL the actors are male, BUT diversity is built into the show!  Indian- American actor Maulik Pancholy (Weeds) plays Kate, Sri Lankan-American veteran actor Bernard White (Silicon Valley) plays Baptista and Dutch/Mexican-Brit, Peter Gadiot (Tut), plays Petruchio.  Chinese-American actor, Telly Leung, has the best singing voice in the cast; he recently appeared as one of the leads in Allegiance (opposite George Takei). 

Get more info here!      

 

 

Game of Thrones: Season 6, Episode 3 (“Oathbreaker”)

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We meet young Ned Stark (Robert Aramayo) in a flashback scene!

WHO broke an oath (as mentioned in the title)?

Ned – Hmmm… this is debateable.  Ned fudged on the REAL story of what happened at the Tower of Joy; he said that HE defeated the Knight of the Morning- Ser Arthur Dayne (Luke Roberts) in combat BUT it was actually Howland Reed (one of the Crannogmen; father of Jojen and Meera) who stabbed Dayne in the back.  Now we know exactly WHY Ned held Howland in such high regard.  Aramayo’s accent was spot-on, as was the way he moved while sword fighting, and walking- making him a quite convincing Ned!

Smalljon Umber – Yes, he broke his oath to the Starks, the family that the Umbers had been allied w/ for generations.  The actor (Dean S. Jagger) did a good job w/ this role!

Jon – FINALLY, he is leaving Castle Black.  He is free to try to take back Winterfell- YAY!  Since he died, then maybe he didn’t break his oath to the Night’s Watch as some podcasters/viewers/critics said)?

Memorable Lines

Nothing.  -Jon replies when Melisandre asks what he saw after he died.

I know that [Jon is not a god].  I saw your pecker.  What kind of god would have a pecker that small?  -Tormund jokes before he embraces Jon

You are the not the queen because you are not married to the king.  Though I realize that such things can get confusing in your family.  -Lady Olenna throws some shade on Cersei during the Small Council meeting

Her love for you is more real than anything else in this world, because it doesn’t come from this world.  -The High Sparrow explains to Tommen

Your father was a c*nt.  –Smalljon Umber concludes re: Roose to Ramsay

I’ve brought you a gift.  -Umber says to Roose before Osha and Rickon are brought out, along w/ the head of Shaggydog (Rickon’s direwolf)

My watch is ended.  -Jon said after giving the black fur cloak (worn by the Lord Commander) to Edd

Game of Thrones: Season 6, Episode 2 (“Home”)

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

Home, for them, really resides in the relationships they can forge out of chaos.  Maybe those relationships are about power or worship or faith, but the ones that seem to have the most meaning are often about something else: Compassion, trust, resilience.  Maureen Ryan (Variety.com)

Winterfell:

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It is beautiful beneath the sea, but if you stay too long, you drown.Three-Eyed Raven comments to Bran

Awww, this was the CUTEST thing in this ep!  Bran (now a tall/lanky teen) wargs back to the past and sees his VERY young father Ned and uncle Benjen (who later became part of the Night’s Watch) sparring in the yard at Winterfell. Their older sister, Lyana, rides up on her horse, making fun of them.  (This girl looks like Arya did back in S1.) Bran comments on how happy the family looks. Hodor (then called Wyllis) is serving as a stable boy. He can talk!

Castle Black:

Davos, Edd, & few other of Jon’s pals get ready to fight Allister, BUT the Wildlings (led by Tormund) come breaking through the gate. They have a giant w/ them (YAY)! Instead of killing the brothers who stabbed Jon, Edd has them thrown into the cells.

Kings Landing:

Ser Gregor Clegane (AKA The Mountain) quickly kills the weasely jerk who was spreading jokes re: Cersei (w/ a head bash). Tommen has directed the palace guard to keep Cersei inside- she can’t go to Myrcella’s funeral.

We learn that the king did this for his mother’s protection (when he explains to Jaime in The Grand Sept). He feels helpless since the High Sparrow is basically in charge of the kingdom; he can’t even get his wife (Margaery) out.  Taking Jaime’s advice, Tommen goes to talk to Cersei (after LONG silent treatment).

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The gods won’t mind. They’ve spilled more blood than the rest of us combined.-Jaime comments to the High Sparrow

We have no wealth, no family… but together we can bring down an empire. -High Sparrow explains to Jaime

Jaime & the High Sparrow have a good/meaty scene (reminiscent of the shorter one that High Sparrow had w/ Lady Olenna in S5). The Kingsguard wants to kill the old man (drawing close/almost removing his sword), BUT decides against it in the end. Many Sparrows are in the sept, though not near Jaime.

Meereen:

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That’s what I do: I drink and I know things.  -Tyrion says to Messendei, Grey Worm & Varys (after pouring himself a drink)

I’m friends with your mother. I’m here to help. Don’t eat the help. -Tyrion gently pleads w/ one of the chained up dragons

Whoa, Tyrion is one brave guy! He tells a tale of how he wanted a dragon as a young boy for his birthday, then unshackles one of the dragons. He runs back to where Varys is standing- amazed by what he has seen/done.

Braavos:

Jaqen and Arya (still blind) have a little tussle, then he allows Arya to go back w/ him (to The House of Black & White).

Winterfell:

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Roose, Ramsay, and the new Lord Karstark (whose father was killed by Robb for disloyalty)talk about possible battle strategies, the Starks (esp. the importance of getting back Sansa), and Jon Snow.  Maester Welkin interrupts by saying that Walda had a baby- a boy (uh oh)!  Ramsay congratulates, then hugs his father, before stabbing him in the chest. Whoa, I expected a different (maybe more glamorous) death for Roose!

I am Lord Bolton.  -Ramsay coldly declares to Walda

Ramsay takes Walda and his new half brother to the kennels, then sets the vicious dogs on them. Yikes, but NOT unexpected (for his character).

On the Road:

Sansa and Brienne have a talk re: her life at Winterfell. Sansa then has an emotional scene w/ Theon, as he has decides to go back home.  They hug each other tight (as if they were actually brother and sister).

Pike (The Iron Islands):

Balon and Yara argue about how they are NOT winning. Also, she wants to keep looking for her bother (Theon). On a long/rickety bridge, Balon comes across his younger brother (Euron- had to look this up).

I am the storm, brother. The first storm and the last- and you’re in my way. -Euron comments to Balon before pushing him off the bridge.

Yara presides over the funeral of her father. Then she vows revenge, swearing on The Salt Throne. An elderly/tough man explains that she’s NOT in charge (though someday a woman may lead the iron-born). Are YOU ready for Yara?

Castle Black (Return):

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I’m not a devout man, obviously.  Seven Gods, Old Gods, the Drowned God- they’re all the same to me.  I’m not asking the Lord of Light for help- I’m asking the woman who showed me that miracles can happen. -Davos pleads with Melisandre (in his own agnostic/practical way)

Way to go, Onion Knight! His words motivated the downcast Melisandre to try a spell on Jon. (Remember how Thoros of Myr brought back Lord Beric Dondarrion?) She cut off some of his hair (on head and from beard) then put it into the fire while chanting. Eventually, everyone leaves the room, thinking that she failed to revive Jon. Then- finally- he takes in a VERY deep breath and opens his eyes!