I'm tired of reading about the achievements of better men." We've known for a while that things would be moving at incomprehensible speeds in Season 7, but Eastwatch has taken that speed to a new level. This isn't a problem though, because if we revisit the very first episode of the series, back to when things seem quieter and safer, then you'll notice that Jaime and Cersei in the space of less than one episode travelled from King's Landing all the way to Winterfell. Other characters it takes almost a season to cross the continent. When you understand the geography of Game of Thrones, you don't really need to be reminded of the distances, and when a story needs to be told, it needn't be elongated to unnecessary stretches of dialogue or travelling - you'd lose the drama and the excitement of the imminent war against the army of the dead.
Eastwatch gives us a lot to ponder in terms of developments. Most of all it sets up one of the most dangerous missions any character has attempted on the show. But let's start with the aftermath of the Loot Train Attack. As always Daenerys is showing two sides to her personality by sparing the lives of the Lannister soldiers, but demanding they bend the knee simultaneously. Interestingly, Randyll Tarly continues to support Cersei despite betraying his previous House, the Tyrells. Bravely, Dickon also disobeys his conqueror and joins his father. Despite the fact that Tyrion is Hand to the Queen, he can't persuade Daenerys to choose some other punishment for the Tarlys. In fiery fashion, they are both burnt to death just like most of their soldiers. This sets up another significant arc in which Daenerys' advisors start to question wether she is becoming like her father. Varys in particular is reminded of the terrible things that happened to the people who disobeyed the Mad King. Will they be able to find the confidence to inform her of their worries though? Jon seems to have made himself at home at Dragonstone. The mining of Dragonglass seems to be going well, and despite his refusal to bend the knee, his relationship with Daenerys is thriving. There's clearly some affection between them, especially in that moment when the Mother of Dragons notices Drogon allowing Jon to stroke him. But there's not much time for further bonding as Jon receives word from his brother, Bran, that the White Walkers are almost upon Eastwatch. This leads to a massive conference in which Tyrion suggests that they try to convince his sister of the northern threat by giving her one soldier from the army of the dead. After persuasion, Daenerys agrees and allows Davos and Tyrion to travel to King's Landing to inform Jaime of their plan. The fast-paced storytelling seems unfitting for Game of Thrones, but it somehow also seems perfect for this episode, as we're only setting up the places for one big event in the impending future. All we get a few surprises along the way as Davos is reunited with Gendry, a blacksmith who has not spent this entire time rowing, but working for the family that has persecuted him. His eagerness to get away is grounded in his feeling of usefulness, and I'm sure that his warhammer will come in handy at some point during his service to the Seven Kingdoms. Simultaneously, we have a very tense meeting between brothers Tyrion and Jaime, and the latter feels scorned. Their reunion is ill-advised, but this could be the last chance to convince Cersei of the ultimate danger - the White Walkers. It's time for Jaime to take matters into his own hand and start opposing Cersei. That would've been easier if Cersei hadn't now become pregnant. Typical. It seems the more Jaime attempts to make the right decision, something else significant comes along to put him right back into Cersei's control. If he's not careful, he may find himself becoming her servant and unconditionally doing her bidding. Back in Oldtown, Sam is still trying to convince the other maesters that the threat in the North is real. The Archmaester does seem to have a soft spot for Sam, but being a rational and scientific person, he needs absolute proof before he can believe something completely. We get another hint at Jon's true lineage as Gilly reads from an extract of a book Sam is forced to copy, but Sam's too angry to listen and unfortunately impulsively decides to leave the Citadel before he can learn anything further. This was a very good performance from John Bradley in my opinion, as he provides one of the funniest lines the show has ever given. The tragedy, I suppose, is that he doesn't know what's happened to his father and brother. In the North, we seem to be dealing with something completely different. Littlefinger is clearly up to no good and is now pitting sister against sister. I'm not entirely sure what the scroll states, but I can guess that it is related to Sansa attempting to acquire the role of Queen in the North, leading Arya to believe that she's trying to steal Jon's position. Hopefully, Arya will come to her senses, confront Sansa and beg to kill Littlefinger immediately. In truth, he is more dangerous than valuable to be kept alive and he should've been dispatched a while ago. Nevertheless, knowing Sansa's flaws, things may go the opposite way and Arya could be looking at betrayal. Above all else, Eastwatch sets up an alliance unlike anything the show has seen before. After leaving Dragonstone, Jon, now joined by Gendry and Jorah Mormont, as well as Davos, are travelling to the easternmost castle on the Wall to join Tormund and capture a wight. But, upon arrival, Tormund reveals that a group of three men arrived just south of the Wall and are attempting join the fight against the dead. It's great to see so many factions of characters in one room, Tormund from the Wildlings, Jon from the North, Gendry from King's Landing, Jorah from Daenerys, Beric and Thoros from the Brotherhood and the Hound once loyal to the Lannisters. Each one has been slandered in some way by the developments of the War of the Five Kings and each has a purpose in fighting the White Walkers. I couldn't think of a better group of characters to face the dangers ahead. Jon comes to his senses, and realises that they are all allies and they set off beyond the Wall to complete the mission. If the show can keep up this incredible momentum, we could be looking at some massive episodes to follow. It's sad to think that only two episodes remain this season, but the pieces have been set for a superb conclusion. Some big questions remain though. Will Arya and Sansa be able to put aside their differences and serve Littlefinger justice once and for all? Where will Sam go now and how will he serve his friend, Jon? Can Cersei be convinced once Jon and his new allies have captured a wight and shown it at King's Landing? Will the maesters finally be convinced of the threat? Will Tyrion be able to help Daenerys complete her goal to take the Iron Throne in spite of the threat from the North? Will Bronn finally be repaid, and receive his castle? 8.5/10
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8/10/2022 10:09:52 pm
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