I trust the eyes of an honest man more than I trust what everybody knows." Another busy episode of Thrones, another plethora of deceit, strategy and revenge. Season 7 has really upped the conflict beyond any previous season, and it seems Queen Cersei is currently winning the game of thrones. Despite being entirely outnumbered, and outmatched when you consider three dragons, she has already foiled two of Queen Daenerys' plots and killed one of her opponent's commanders. It seems, so far, that the Targaryen army has yet to make a mark on Westeros. Daenerys' kind heart may be her downfall if she can't find at least one foothold on the mainland and her war could very wel be null and void.
The significant event of the episode that will be talked about thoroughly is Jon's meeting with Daenerys. A pivotal meeting in the history of Thrones as they both are unaware that they are related. Nevertheless, their meeting is still signficant considering the fact that these two main characters have experienced their own versions of hell and pulled through and now they're exchanging words to possibly form an alliance against the oncoming storm. Unfortunately, negotiations aren't proceeding as planned. Understandably, Jon will not bend the knee because his people named him King in the North and it would be disrespectful to their loyalty. On the opposite perspective, Daenerys struggles to believe the White Walkers and army of the dead exist and could not hope to allow Jon Snow to rule in the North as King during her reign. It's a predicament that lasts the whole episode, with some wonderful exchanges between Tyrion and Jon, then Daenerys and Jon that could lead to some history-defining alliances. At the moment, however, we can settle for simply allowing Jon to take Dragonglass to the North with him to forge as weapons against the Night King's army, but the question remains of what Daenerys would want in return. The most notable segment of the episode though is Tyrion, as usual, played with unparalleled dexterity by Peter Dinklage, who continues to show that whilst his strategies may sometimes be unsuccessful, his logical mind will always will out as he persuades his Queen to make allowances for Jon. Cersei must be feeling elated at the moment, considering the amount of suffering she's causing. Her new ally, Euron Greyjoy, has proven himself an invaluable sea commander and with the delivery of Ellaria Sand and her daughter, she could not have hoped for a better soulmate. In fact, whilst their tastes may differ, Cersei and Euron and both equally bonkers and definitely deserve each other. What happens to Yara is left unsaid, but suffice to say it will not be a pleasant time with her uncle. For Cersei, revenge (or justice in her eyes) is on the rise. Now with Ellaria and a Sand Snake locked up in her dungeon, she decides to milk the moment. Despite all the stupid things that Ellaria has done since Oberyn's death, you can't help feel gutted for the suffering she's experiencing now. Watching her daughter die from the poison on Cersei's lips may be sweet justice for the Lioness, but it will be hell for the Viper's paramour. This episode was good at reminding us that entire houses can so easily be decimated as long as those ruthless characters still exist. Cersei exudes herself as someone with ultimate power and almost invincibility. The finest example of her confidence is the fact that she's willing to show the world that she's still sleeping with her brother. Having Tycho Nestoris come to King's Landing is an interesting turn of events, and it keeps the audience in line with all the ways of the world even over in the Iron Bank of Braavos. Naturally, the bank is desperate for their money and it seems Nestoris, despite his heavy questioning, believes Cersei and House Lannister to be the best chance of receiving it. Whatever mathematics has helped him come to this conclusion is non-existent, but it's an interesting proposition considering the amount of promises that have been made in the past, including financing Stannis' army in the North before it was thoroughly dispatched by Ramsay Bolton. Speaking of the North, Sansa is showing her capabilities as a ruler as she works with Yohn Royce and Maester Wolkan to ensure that there are enough provisions for everyone coming to defend Winterfell. Littlefinger, meanwhile, continues to influence her with his notions of how he anticipates his next step without knowing his foes'. In truth, it's a good lesson, but Sansa's too wise to trust his wise words anymore. This interaction is thankfully interrupted by the arrival of a special someone. These Stark reunions are getting more and more frequent as we reach the endpoint of Game of Thrones, however, this one might appear meaningful at first glance, but after further examination, Bran is a changed person. His Three-Eyed-Raven status has given him a power beyond men, and to Sansa's dismay, it has turned him into a blank-faced wordsworth who every now and then tells a story about something he's seen. It just happened that the story he chose for Sansa was one that she has been hoping to forget. The final scenes for The Queen's Justice help to depict the progression of the war. Grey Worm and the Unsullied, now arriving at Casterly Rock, have been given instructions by a well-informed Lannister about how to infiltrate the seemingly impregnable fortress once constructed by Tywin Lannister himself. The siege that ensues may be short, but this is important to show the distinct lack of Lannister men guarding the castle and how many Unsullied have died in the process. Now that their ships have been destroyed thanks to the Greyjoy fleet, their only way out is inland towards King's Landing. As I've already mentioned, Queen Cersei and her advisers have already anticipated this attack, and have instead taken their army to Highgarden to end the Tyrell reign. Lady Olenna awaits her fate in the castle with as much resilience as she's always possessed. Her exchange with Jaime is perhaps the core of the episode, with vast consequences. In her final moments, Lady Olenna succeeds scolding Jaime for continuing to follow his sister and insults him by revealing that she was culprit who poisoned his son Joffrey. Merciful though he had been, Jaime will feel bitter following the last words spoken by the head of the Tyrell family. Despite her death, her untempered spirit and unrivalled ferocity will live out for many ages as the Queen of Thorns. This was a dialogue-heavy episode, akin to some of the early episodes of Game of Thrones, giving us the power plays and discussions that the rulers of the land have to parley for their rightful ownership or survival. The only disappointment, I suppose, was how quickly Sam was able to cure Ser Jorah Mormont. Indeed, he should be proud of his achievement, but if curing greyscale was so easy, I believe more practised hands would have done much the same countless time before. Nevertheless, it's great to see one of our heroes getting to live another day. As usual, Davos Seaworth is the man of the hour as he once again shows his aptitude in negotiation and at least convinces Daenerys of Jon Snow's true intentions. The Targaryen-Stark alliance could be the chance for change in Westeros, but with Cersei making waves on the mainland and winning battles, it might not amount to anything in the end. 9/10
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