As we are catapulted straight into the aftermath of the Purple Wedding, immediately there is a more frenetic feel. We haven't had much action in the first two episodes and the fast paced camera shots and music set the tone of the chaos nicely. Speaking of chaos, remember the ladder? Remember Petyr Baelish, better know as Littlefinger? The most devious man in Westeros is back, and with a few whispered sentences confirms what we have been speculating: he and Olenna conspired to poison Joffrey with the necklace. Furthermore, the next scene rules out Margaery as having any part in it.
Can I just say Jack Gleeson nails his part, even in death? When I first saw those eye stones in the pilot, they were as freaky as they are now. Tywin is imposing as ever in his drilling of Tommen, the future king, how a Lannister ought to rule. You get the sense that Tywin with his stern words will once again make the Kingdom submit to his power and influence once again. Cersei in focus in the background creates the feel of a mother again seeing her child step out into a vulnerable situation.
What came next was not what I was expecting. Jaime as my favourite character enters an arc after this period of redemption. Needless to say, half raping Cersei next to the dead body of their son does not give that impression and I am very disappointed in that. Perhaps they still seek to give a villain aspect to Jaime, something I disagree with vehemently.
The pairing of the Hound and Arya is already a fan favourite and you can see why. You sense Sandor warming up to her by telling her his future plans and there is even an off reference to Daario's Second Sons. The Tully and the farmer bit on Arya's part was a nice touch to show that the commoners still hold allegiances while the war is over. It is so easy to forget that there are those common folk also affected by the larger players of the game of thrones. And we haven't seen Arya smile like that in a long, long time. Of course, the Hound is still the Hound, and we are reminded of just how the war has ravaged everyone. It's good to see Arya still upholding her morals amidst all the killing.
Gilly and Sam are two of the most humble and honest characters of the show, to give some balance and we see a brief lull of peace in Castle Black. Sam and his fat pink face is still the kind person we know, even after killing that White Walker. It's a nice way to show how much he cares for Gilly and introduce Mole's Town as well.
A sneaky reference to the Golden Company but Stannis is still as hard headed as ever, even with Mel on his side he is powerless in this struggle after Joffrey's death. I suppose it's a good chance to further flesh out Davos and Shireen for the future, and of course the Iron Bank of Bravos is going to feature as the break out card for Stannis. Mark Gatiss awaits them.
As for sexposition, I still can't get over how good the casting of Pascal was for Oberyn, even in a orgy scene he is perfect. I trust that none of us will forget his sexual preferences after this. Of course we already know who did it, so Tywin is grasping at straws, but it does serve to again emphasis the tension between the Lannisters and the Martells, even with Tywin's attempt to broker an alliance, of sorts. Can't wait for that trial. And Oberyn is a poison master, something new that we learn.
It's nice to see that Pod is still being the only friend for Tyrion. Perhaps they may build on that in the future, it is certainly more emphasised than in the books. The most important thing is that he believes Tyrion is guilty. The more people who believe this, the more chance Tyrion has of escaping this mess. I actually got chills as they said their farewells, it is very touching that Pod still thinks of Tyrion so highly despite his circumstances.
The ominous man pulling the strings of the poison may be LF and Olenna, but a certain eunuch still has not featured much in this season. I hope Varys soon makes his own mark on this unfolding story.
The wilding raid of the village is short but well done, with the ominous music and the Magnar of Thenn once again stealing the screen with his presence. I do question the tactic of warning Castle Black they are coming, even if Jon already knows. Thorne and Jon both do a good job here in rallying the NW to prepare for the upcoming battle. Jon it seems has matured since his ranging beyond the Wall. I wonder how he and Ygritte will eventually meet again.
Ending up in the East, Meereen finally beckons Dany and her army. The CGI city is gorgeous and a spectacle to look at, the massive gates a reminder of those of Troy. I'm still not sure what I make of new Daario, but he did the job quite nicely and certainly won't have trouble keeping up with the likes of Jorah and Barristan. The wink was a nice touch.
8.5/10
Can I just say Jack Gleeson nails his part, even in death? When I first saw those eye stones in the pilot, they were as freaky as they are now. Tywin is imposing as ever in his drilling of Tommen, the future king, how a Lannister ought to rule. You get the sense that Tywin with his stern words will once again make the Kingdom submit to his power and influence once again. Cersei in focus in the background creates the feel of a mother again seeing her child step out into a vulnerable situation.
What came next was not what I was expecting. Jaime as my favourite character enters an arc after this period of redemption. Needless to say, half raping Cersei next to the dead body of their son does not give that impression and I am very disappointed in that. Perhaps they still seek to give a villain aspect to Jaime, something I disagree with vehemently.
The pairing of the Hound and Arya is already a fan favourite and you can see why. You sense Sandor warming up to her by telling her his future plans and there is even an off reference to Daario's Second Sons. The Tully and the farmer bit on Arya's part was a nice touch to show that the commoners still hold allegiances while the war is over. It is so easy to forget that there are those common folk also affected by the larger players of the game of thrones. And we haven't seen Arya smile like that in a long, long time. Of course, the Hound is still the Hound, and we are reminded of just how the war has ravaged everyone. It's good to see Arya still upholding her morals amidst all the killing.
Gilly and Sam are two of the most humble and honest characters of the show, to give some balance and we see a brief lull of peace in Castle Black. Sam and his fat pink face is still the kind person we know, even after killing that White Walker. It's a nice way to show how much he cares for Gilly and introduce Mole's Town as well.
A sneaky reference to the Golden Company but Stannis is still as hard headed as ever, even with Mel on his side he is powerless in this struggle after Joffrey's death. I suppose it's a good chance to further flesh out Davos and Shireen for the future, and of course the Iron Bank of Bravos is going to feature as the break out card for Stannis. Mark Gatiss awaits them.
As for sexposition, I still can't get over how good the casting of Pascal was for Oberyn, even in a orgy scene he is perfect. I trust that none of us will forget his sexual preferences after this. Of course we already know who did it, so Tywin is grasping at straws, but it does serve to again emphasis the tension between the Lannisters and the Martells, even with Tywin's attempt to broker an alliance, of sorts. Can't wait for that trial. And Oberyn is a poison master, something new that we learn.
It's nice to see that Pod is still being the only friend for Tyrion. Perhaps they may build on that in the future, it is certainly more emphasised than in the books. The most important thing is that he believes Tyrion is guilty. The more people who believe this, the more chance Tyrion has of escaping this mess. I actually got chills as they said their farewells, it is very touching that Pod still thinks of Tyrion so highly despite his circumstances.
The ominous man pulling the strings of the poison may be LF and Olenna, but a certain eunuch still has not featured much in this season. I hope Varys soon makes his own mark on this unfolding story.
The wilding raid of the village is short but well done, with the ominous music and the Magnar of Thenn once again stealing the screen with his presence. I do question the tactic of warning Castle Black they are coming, even if Jon already knows. Thorne and Jon both do a good job here in rallying the NW to prepare for the upcoming battle. Jon it seems has matured since his ranging beyond the Wall. I wonder how he and Ygritte will eventually meet again.
Ending up in the East, Meereen finally beckons Dany and her army. The CGI city is gorgeous and a spectacle to look at, the massive gates a reminder of those of Troy. I'm still not sure what I make of new Daario, but he did the job quite nicely and certainly won't have trouble keeping up with the likes of Jorah and Barristan. The wink was a nice touch.
8.5/10