You're a dragon. Be a dragon." Game of Thrones is progressing nicely with one of its busiest episodes yet. Apart from one major battle at the end, the clashes are still at a minimum, but you can easily tell that the atmosphere of the show has changed. With so many enemies is such close proximity, the danger levels and the excitement levels are at an all-time high. And Cersei's right at the heart of the danger, causing trouble where there need not be. Whilst I feel the writers may be speeding up the plot progression, it is equally necessary considering the high stakes involved in these wars to come - the smaller frays don't matter anymore, it's only the big picture that is of any importance.
Alliances are being forged left, right and centre as Daenerys not only ensnares Melisandre in her flock of supporters, but now calls for Jon Snow to bend the knee. Being a forward-thinking warrior, Jon is quick to decide to leave Winterfell and travel to Dragonstone, but there are reservations that threaten to dismantle his alliances in the North, seeing as he is the King of the divided factions. There's now the interesting factor that Sansa is in control of Winterfell and Littlefinger watches over proceedings with her. She may have Brienne by her side, but the question remains whether Sansa can remain as strong as her new self to keep the conniving cretin at bay without being influenced to make rash decisions against her brother's wishes. Daenerys' alliance is a vast one and, thanks to Tyrion's strategic skill, they are all agreed on a new plan set out to lay siege to King's Landing. Desperately trying to avert a rule like her father, Daenerys has opted to be calm and collective when 'conquering' the Seven Kingdoms. She does not want bloodshed at every corner, she wants to earn the loyalty of the people by being the best ruler she can be. The plan set out is an exciting one, seeing as Yara Greyjoy and Ellaria Sand must work together to travel from the South, whilst the army of the Unsullied along with Grey Worm attempt to take the home of the Lannisters - Casterly Rock. It's incredibly satisfying to think that Tyrion has planned the demise of his own family's seat and it could be falling down at any moment. In the capital, Cersei is planning to win back the noble houses surrounding Highgarden following Olenna Tyrell's allegiance to the Mother of Dragons. One of her subjects, Randall Tarly, rightly points out that it may be difficult to face up against dragons considering their strength and ferocity. As always though, Qyburn may have a plan. The scene in the dungeon of dragons is stylishly filmed, with that eerie shot Balerion the Dread's hollow skull appearing from the shadows. Cersei may have tricks up her sleeve after all. Jaime, meanwhile, attempts to gain the loyalty of Randall Tarly, one of the most feared and respected Lords of the Seven Kingdoms. His backing could be key to protecting his sister's reign, whether he wants to or not. In Oldtown, Samwell has started making his own way, finding favour in the Archmaester. However, he has already started disobeying his mentor in an effort to save the son of his former Lord Commander. Ser Jorah Mormont is a great character and it's sad to see him suffering and possibly on the brink of losing his mind due to greyscale - but Tarly appears to be here for the rescue. Also, in the Riverlands, Arya has two reunions. The first is with an old traveling companion, Hot Pie, who has previously crossed paths with Brienne and Podrick. The second is with her closest friend, Nymeria - the Direwolf she was forced to give up back in Season One because it had attacked Joffrey. Whilst the reunion may not be complete as Arya realises that she was never one to like company on her journeys - it's nice to know that Nymeria has found her and will hopefully seek to protect her in any coming danger. This week's episode is all about the final scene though as Euron Greyjoy makes his first move that could be the life-bringing spark of the final war. As the Greyjoy fleet escorts Ellaria Sand to Sunspear, he ambushes them - presumably, in the Narrow Sea - and attempts to capture the leaders. Wonderfully shot by director Mark Mylod, the sea battle is a fiery maelstrom of death as Euron demonstrates his durability as an experienced warrior. He successfully dispatches two Sand Snakes in the turmoil and ridicules his nephew. The Dornish people may not be the most-loved characters on the show, but you can't help wondering whether they've suffered enough now. Indeed, as we should have expected, Ellaria Sand was the gift Euron was talking about - ultimate vengeance for the death of Myrcella. It's a definitive final scene that reminds us of the brutality of this show once more. And, once again, Theon has regressed back into his broken identity, unable to see the indignity in his cowardice. There's a lot to take in in this spiralling hour of drama, but with that final scene, proceedings are starting to tie together as the prominent pieces of the board start colliding together. Daenerys is going to find it much harder to conquer the Seven Kingdoms than she first believed - it may take the supreme wrath of the dragons to finally do it. But, suffice to say, her possible alliance with Jon Snow could be the deciding factor and according to the next time trailer, we're already getting it next week. 9/10
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorA very passionate Welsh nerd... Archives
October 2017
Categories
All
|