Air date: Sunday, June 3, 2012, 9PM ET/PT on HBO
RATING: 5
“Look around you. We’re all liars here and every one of them better than you.” – Petyr Baelish
Jon may be in more trouble than he knows.
It takes a series like Game of Thrones to show me that I don’t know what perfection is in a season finale until I’ve watched “Valar Morghulis.” I’m without words as to what just happened, what it means for Westeros and where the next season will take us. I can still feel the chill of the snow flurried wind that carried the blue-eyed demons toward civilization with an unflinching purpose. What is it about the north that turns dead men into zombies? Yes, you read that correctly. Zombies.
Observations and thoughts:
I take it Tywin’s (Charles Dance) horse crapping in the castle hall just before going in to see Joffrey (Jack Gleeson) is symbolic in some way. (During that entire scene, you’ll notice it remains at the doorway to the throne room.) My guess is that’s about the amount of seriousness Tywin puts on Joffrey’s reign and control of King’s Landing. The boy-king won’t be able to hold onto his power and authority for much longer. Not when there are more formidable men (and a woman!) up to the task.
I knew Cersei (Lena Heady) had something up her sleeve but didn’t realize it was kindness. Because you know it’s a kindness, right? Pushing Sansa (Sophie Turner) aside and taking away her betrothal to Joffrey is quite the slight, but I don’t think anyone realizes what it means to her. Not only does it represent the freedom to go home, but she doesn’t have to put up with Joffrey’s cruelty any longer. Although Cersei may have done the best possible thing she could for Sansa without seeming kind, the queen knows how to play the game. Now that daddy Lannister is in the house, where does that leave her and Joffrey? Seeing Lord Baelish (Aiden Gillen) sniffing around Sansa, I don’t trust him and wouldn’t give any worth to anything he says either. That man always has a motive and isn’t above cutting someone’s throat. “I’ll help get you home.” Yeah, right. Sansa, I’d find another way, if I were you.
How long do you think Joffrey has as King?
“You are no longer Hand of the King.” I’m positive I know whose doing that was… any guesses? One of the best and most engaging storylines so far has to be that of Tyrion (Peter Dinklage). My shock at seeing him alive but severely scarred almost sent me into hysterics. Of course, the best thing about Game of Thrones wouldn’t be ripped from our television screens so viciously, right? The writers wouldn’t think of being so cruel and thankfully, they aren’t. But I should have known better, though I had my doubts. Tyrion’s tale seems to have come to an end when his father takes his place as Hand. So what will become of Tyrion? And why is he so worried about his new battle wound? Doesn’t he know chicks dig scars? No matter the reasons, Shae (Sibel Kikilli) is sticking by his side. I can understand Tyrion’s reluctance to believe she would stay with him because she wants to. “I’m a monster as well as a dwarf. You should charge me double!” Money aside, I don’t think Shae is your typical whore. She’s always put forth the image that she isn’t a weak woman, nor is she one to be counted out. I think Shae is just what Tyrion needs to bounce back from his failures in King’s Landing. He might be good at outsmarting, thinking on his feet and utilizing his wit, but what will it take to make him realize there’s a price on his head and his sister and father are willing to pay? Oh, and where the hell is Bronn (Jerome Flynn) when you need him?
What mystery vision does Stannis (Stephen Dillane) see when he stares into the fire? Typically, if you stare into any light long enough, it hurts your eyes. I don’t believe he sees whatever Melisandre (Carice van Houten) wants him to see. His time as king is over and he wants the iron throne. I don’t know how he plans to get it nor do I care to know. He can’t stand against dragons no matter what Melisandre says.
“Know what it’s like to be told how lucky you are to be someone’s prisoner?” I almost feel sorry for Theon (Alfie Allen). Almost. He’s damaged goods and has no one on his side. Even if he were given the opportunity to “make amends” do you think the Starks would want to grant him clemency? Theon’s gone too far in his pursuit of success and yet has failed. He gives a great and rousing speech to his men, but what does it get him? Allen does an excellent job in this scene and shows how great an actor he is. I can’t think of one of my friends who likes Theon, so you know Allen’s portrayal is on point. As with most of the actors in this series, they bring the people of Westeros to life in such a way it’s almost impossible to remember to separate the actor from the character.
Dany's thinking "King's Landing or bust!"
I’m sure I’m not the only person who screamed at their television “You cannot give us Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa) for a mere two minutes!” I’ve yet to get over my surprise, happiness, and then despair for Dany (Emilia Clarke). To torment the poor girl with the things she wants most and can’t have (her husband and son) is cruel. But I think the display shows us just how strong she is and what a great queen she will be. ‘Cause you know she’s going after the Iron Throne with a vengeance with her baby dragons in tow, right? I’m shaking in my boots for King’s Landing. Once Dany acquires a boat, she’s on her way. What will Joffrey and Cersei do then? Actually, do you think Varys (Conleth Hill) will find out about her journey before she’s underway? The man does have incredible resources. “I thought you said you knew who I was?” I don’t think anyone knows who you are, Varys.
I’m not sure what to make of Arya’s (Maisie Williams) parting with Jaqen H’ghar (Tom Wlaschiha). Yes, my mind was blown and I had to do a double-take, but I still don’t know what the hell is going on with H’ghar. Is his entire being magical? Can he simply change his appearance at whim? Are all the men from Bravos like that? I feel like I’m missing something and now I’ll have to wait an entire year to find out what. What a wait it will be.
Memorable lines:
Catelyn (Michelle Fairley) to Robb (Richard Madden): “Treat your oaths recklessly and your people will do the same.”
**
Maester Luwin (Donald Sumpter) to Theon: “Once a man has taken the black, he’s beyond reach of the law. All his past crimes are forgiven.”
**
Can I make one recommendation? Do not go north! Did you see the army of death marching toward the Wall? The fall of Winterfell, the various deaths and utter hopelessness of most of the characters leave me wondering what more can happen to any of the citizens in Westeros. We now know the future of some, the purpose of others and the end of most. So who will come out on top? I’m putting my money on the mother of dragons.
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Photos courtesy of HBO ©2012 Home Box Office, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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