Lenny
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The Hound is judged by the gods; Jaime is judged by men. Jon proves himself; Robb is betrayed. Tyrion learns the cost of weddings.
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It occurs to me that some of the best moments in A Song of Ice and Fire, where you can't help but stop reading and think, "Did that just happen?!", come in the third book, A Storm of Swords, and it seems that this episode has more than its fair share of them: the Hound's fiery duel with Berric Dondarrion; Jon finally falling for Ygritte; Robb becoming his father; Brienne and Jaime bonding; and Tywin once again stamping his authority on his children. As brilliant as the writing in original scenes has been, it should come as no surprise that the vast majority of this episode is lifted from the book.
The first instance of swordplay in an episode that can be said to be all about "swordplay" is the spectacular duel between and Berric Dondarrion. The look on the Hound's face when a man he had just cleaved almost in two stood back up was priceless. That moment also gave us another look at the magic of the Red God, R'hllor. Although Melisandre hasn't shown up for a couple of episodes, it is now clear that two of the Lord of Light's agents are working within Westeros.
Next up, one of the very few happy scenes we've seen in the series so far - Jon and Ygritte in the cave with the warm water. Despite the onset of Winter, and the numerous ongoing wars, there is still room for two characters to fall in love. Ygritte's speech about forgetting the world and just staying in the cave was wonderful in the books, and Rose Leslie, erm, nailed it.
Jaime and Brienne have been delivered to Roose Bolton in Harrenhal, who gives the impression of being far nicer than Locke, who was named for the first time (if it wasn't the first, then at least it was an obvious naming)! Later on, the scene between Jaime and Brienne bathing was interesting. Jaime is being characterised more and more, and cuts a figure completely different to the the one who tried to kill Bran.
Our second example of actual swordplay came in the extended Karstark scene. Rickard Karstark finally snapped and killed the two Lannister cousins in recompense for his sons killed in battle. Foolish old man. Poor Robb, who adopted his father's values when leadership was thrust upon him, can see no other choice but to kill all those who took part in Karstark's scheme, including the old Lord himself. Whilst not exactly mirroring Ned's scene in the very first episode of the first series, Robb's transformation into his father is complete as he takes it upon himself to execute Karstark, regardless of consequences, because it is the right thing to do.
A further scene with Robb and his wife, whatever her name is, sees Robb come up with a plan to save everything, that involves taking Casterly Rock with the help of Frey men.
Not much to say about Arya's scenes. She still hates everyone involved for the death of her father.
Finally, we see the wife of Stannis - Selyse. The woman is obviously crazy, and deflects all of Stannis' worries about what he is doing with religious babble about everything done in the name of the Lord of Light being necessary and forgivable. At least his daughter hasn't been touched by her mother's madness. I feel a little sorry for her, though, as she appears to be locked up... that said, she is protected somewhat by the innocence of youth, which probably helps. EDIT: Wait a minute! Where was Patchface? Another character written out?
Seeing Selmy and Jorah exchanging compliments and insults was fun. On the one hand, we have two honourable soldiers who are good at what they do, but on the other we have two men who have done terrible things. Both wish to see Dany on the throne, but neither wants the other around.
On a side note, can anyone help my place the actor who plays Grey Worm, the Unsullied leader? I recognise him, and I'm sure I've seen him in something recently, but my memory is, annoyingly, failing me. EDIT: Thingies kid in C4's The Mimic! Disaster averted.
The final scene between Tywin, Cersei, and Tyrion was wonderful. Charles Dance totally commands his role as the patriarch who is working towards bettering his family, despite the terrible tools he has to work with. Cersei's: "Yes, it is", was perfectly condescending, and the look of horror on her face when Tywin revealed his plans for her almost had me cheering.
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*BOOK SPOILERS*
*END SPOILERS*
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So in all, a good episode with plenty of character development and forward momentum. We're nearly halfway through this series now, so it's nice to see that things are gathering steam.
---
It occurs to me that some of the best moments in A Song of Ice and Fire, where you can't help but stop reading and think, "Did that just happen?!", come in the third book, A Storm of Swords, and it seems that this episode has more than its fair share of them: the Hound's fiery duel with Berric Dondarrion; Jon finally falling for Ygritte; Robb becoming his father; Brienne and Jaime bonding; and Tywin once again stamping his authority on his children. As brilliant as the writing in original scenes has been, it should come as no surprise that the vast majority of this episode is lifted from the book.
The first instance of swordplay in an episode that can be said to be all about "swordplay" is the spectacular duel between and Berric Dondarrion. The look on the Hound's face when a man he had just cleaved almost in two stood back up was priceless. That moment also gave us another look at the magic of the Red God, R'hllor. Although Melisandre hasn't shown up for a couple of episodes, it is now clear that two of the Lord of Light's agents are working within Westeros.
Next up, one of the very few happy scenes we've seen in the series so far - Jon and Ygritte in the cave with the warm water. Despite the onset of Winter, and the numerous ongoing wars, there is still room for two characters to fall in love. Ygritte's speech about forgetting the world and just staying in the cave was wonderful in the books, and Rose Leslie, erm, nailed it.
Jaime and Brienne have been delivered to Roose Bolton in Harrenhal, who gives the impression of being far nicer than Locke, who was named for the first time (if it wasn't the first, then at least it was an obvious naming)! Later on, the scene between Jaime and Brienne bathing was interesting. Jaime is being characterised more and more, and cuts a figure completely different to the the one who tried to kill Bran.
Our second example of actual swordplay came in the extended Karstark scene. Rickard Karstark finally snapped and killed the two Lannister cousins in recompense for his sons killed in battle. Foolish old man. Poor Robb, who adopted his father's values when leadership was thrust upon him, can see no other choice but to kill all those who took part in Karstark's scheme, including the old Lord himself. Whilst not exactly mirroring Ned's scene in the very first episode of the first series, Robb's transformation into his father is complete as he takes it upon himself to execute Karstark, regardless of consequences, because it is the right thing to do.
A further scene with Robb and his wife, whatever her name is, sees Robb come up with a plan to save everything, that involves taking Casterly Rock with the help of Frey men.
Uh-oh...
Not much to say about Arya's scenes. She still hates everyone involved for the death of her father.
Finally, we see the wife of Stannis - Selyse. The woman is obviously crazy, and deflects all of Stannis' worries about what he is doing with religious babble about everything done in the name of the Lord of Light being necessary and forgivable. At least his daughter hasn't been touched by her mother's madness. I feel a little sorry for her, though, as she appears to be locked up... that said, she is protected somewhat by the innocence of youth, which probably helps. EDIT: Wait a minute! Where was Patchface? Another character written out?
Seeing Selmy and Jorah exchanging compliments and insults was fun. On the one hand, we have two honourable soldiers who are good at what they do, but on the other we have two men who have done terrible things. Both wish to see Dany on the throne, but neither wants the other around.
On a side note, can anyone help my place the actor who plays Grey Worm, the Unsullied leader? I recognise him, and I'm sure I've seen him in something recently, but my memory is, annoyingly, failing me. EDIT: Thingies kid in C4's The Mimic! Disaster averted.
The final scene between Tywin, Cersei, and Tyrion was wonderful. Charles Dance totally commands his role as the patriarch who is working towards bettering his family, despite the terrible tools he has to work with. Cersei's: "Yes, it is", was perfectly condescending, and the look of horror on her face when Tywin revealed his plans for her almost had me cheering.
---
*BOOK SPOILERS*
I've missed both of Littlefinger's scenes from above. They're obviously both important as they further set up Sansa's arc with Littlefinger, but I can't help but wonder if the arc is being accelerated early.
Thoughts from other readers?
Thoughts from other readers?
*END SPOILERS*
---
So in all, a good episode with plenty of character development and forward momentum. We're nearly halfway through this series now, so it's nice to see that things are gathering steam.
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