Game of Thrones

[GATTACA!]

The show made effort to make us believe that he does. When him and Sansa were in the crypt and she mentions Rhaegar kidnapping her aunt, Littlefinger gives a "bless your heart" look. Plus he (and Varys for that matter) have known every secret pretty much so far. I find it hard that either doesn't know this.

They haven't made any mention in the show of Howland Reed being dead and he is a mystery in the books as well. GRRM promised that we would know about Howland Reed by the end, which makes me think that he is a) alive and b) in hiding. Being one of the only people that know of a Targaryan heir would be a pretty good reason to be in hiding, me thinks.

Howland died at the end of last season, are you even paying attention?

 

[IrishLion]

I thought Howland was confirmed alive by Jojen and Meera?

Also, I know we're supposed to boycott Deadspin on this site, but here's a really good article about convergence and parallels manifesting in the last episode: deadspin-quote-carrot-aligned-w-bgr-2<\/title><path d="M10,3.5l3-3,3,3Z" style="fill:%23fff;stroke:%23fff"/><path d="M0,3.5H10l3-3,3,3H26" style="fill:none;stroke:%231b3a4d"/><\/svg>')}.f_branding_on.blog-group-deadspin .editor-inner.post-content .pu

The best parts imo:

the theme of convergence comes through most powerfully in a couple of simple character juxtapositions, achieved with nothing more fancy than paralleled dialogue and a pointed edit.

the show cuts from Randyll’s face to Sam’s, who makes a case for himself this episode as the moral center of the season. Where Randyll’s loyalties can be swayed in service of the corrupt powers that be, Sam works past his shyness and stammering to question, challenge, and ultimately defy the archmaesters’ dogma. Where Randyll is focused on his own status, Sam sets out to unite everyone behind the righteous cause of defending Westeros from the white walkers. And where Randyll is so effectively manipulated in part because he believes that the Dothraki are inhuman “savages,” Sam defies Jorah’s literal dehumanization and throws himself into curing his greyscale. For all the big-picture stuff at work, for all the backstory with Tyrion, Dany, Jeor Mormont, the White Walkers, and everything else that led these two men here, the most powerful moment in “Stormborn” was Sam gently but firmly asking Jorah not to scream as he tries to save his life.

On Euron: As someone who is dangerously invested in his character in the books, I can’t pretend I don’t miss the eyepatch and the demon horn and the lips turned blue by the Qartheen warlocks’ drugs, but watching him emerge “I AM THE STORM” style from the blackness was still a nightmare come true. The basic idea of Euron’s character in the books is that he appears out of nowhere to plunge the entire story into horror, and the show visualized that perfectly. The episode’s title refers to him as much as Dany. He is the storm, and the storm is born.

"Euron as Bad Man" is suddenly appealing to me after the last episode based on the badass treatment he got, and the above entry states it better than I could... though I guess his "gift" being a victory and Yara Greyjoy, rather than Dragonbinder, is kind of a bummer.

Another thing the article mentions is essentially "Sam is GRRM." I had this thought several times while reading the books, and I think someone here on IE mentioned it at one point. When you get Sam POV or character explanations in the text, it's clear that GRRM had a much greater connection to Sam than any other character in terms of Sam's mental states. You read Sam's entries in the series and think, "GRRM really knows and connects with this character. This is how he views himself." It reasons that GRRM views himself as Sam, and wrote the character as an exploration of himself, if he were dropped into a fantasy world.

 

[woolybug25]

Howland died at the end of last season, are you even paying attention?

 

[NOLAIrish]

"Euron as Bad Man" is suddenly appealing to me after the last episode based on the badass treatment he got, and the above entry states it better than I could... though I guess his "gift" being a victory and Yara Greyjoy, rather than Dragonbinder, is kind of a bummer.

I wonder if we've actually seen the "gift" yet. Ellaria makes a lot of sense -- she was behind the poisoning of Myrcella, so I'm sure Cersei would want her head.

I don't see her wanting Yara; can't remember any history that would make Cersei know or care about her. Part of the reason I thought she was the one hanging at the end of the episode was that her purpose -- getting Dany to Westeros -- is complete and it's about time to start clearing tangential characters off the deck as the show approaches its conclusion. Not sure where she goes next, unless there's another revenge subplot coming.

Maybe this was a bit of misdirection, and now he goes after the real gift -- Dragonbinder or Brightroar. The former would make more sense, as it can fit into the limited time left in the show and its benefit is easily explainable.

 

[IrishLion]

I wonder if we've actually seen the "gift" yet. Ellaria makes a lot of sense -- she was behind the poisoning of Myrcella, so I'm sure Cersei would want her head.

I don't see her wanting Yara; can't remember any history that would make Cersei know or care about her. Part of the reason I thought she was the one hanging at the end of the episode was that her purpose -- getting Dany to Westeros -- is complete and it's about time to start clearing tangential characters off the deck as the show approaches its conclusion. Not sure where she goes next, unless there's another revenge subplot coming.

Maybe this was a bit of misdirection, and now he goes after the real gift -- Dragonbinder or Brightroar. The former would make more sense, as it can fit into the limited time left in the show and its benefit is easily explainable.

I assumed taking Yara (Asha) hostage would be useful for military reasons, and as a trophy of victory, but I didn't even consider Ellaria as the prize... tells you how I feel about where the show took the Dorne storyline lol.

 

[IrishinTN]

I dont read the wikis and fan sites on GoT but last season I started to see Daenarys getting a little unbalanced now and again. Based on Martin's description of the end as bittersweet, does anyone else see her slipping into full mental Targaryen mode between now and the end? It seems like most people see this coming down to some kind of relationship between her and Jon but what if she, many peoples favorite, ends up being just like the other mad Targaryens?

 

[ACamp1900]

It scares me that she can be anyone's favorite... lol

 

[gkIrish]

Thought this episode had some of the best dialogue and acting of the series, certainly in the last 3 seasons. Jaime/Lord Tarly, Arya, Varys, and Sam/Jorah stood out in particular.

I have always disliked Daenerys but now that they've surrounded her with some of the best characters she is bearable.

I really don't understand Theon's arc. He redeems himself one episode then disappoints you again two episodes later. I was a big fan of the character in the books but the show not so much. I am really curious how his story ends because he doesn't really serve much of a purpose anymore. The only thing I can think of is that perhaps his sister requests a trial by combat and he finally sacks up and kills his uncle to save her.

 

[woolybug25]

Thought this episode had some of the best dialogue and acting of the series, certainly in the last 3 seasons. Jaime/Lord Tarly, Arya, Varys, and Sam/Jorah stood out in particular.

I have always disliked Daenerys but now that they've surrounded her with some of the best characters she is bearable.

I really don't understand Theon's arc. He redeems himself one episode then disappoints you again two episodes later. I was a big fan of the character in the books but the show not so much. I am really curious how his story ends because he doesn't really serve much of a purpose anymore. The only thing I can think of is that perhaps his sister requests a trial by combat and he finally sacks up and kills his uncle to save her.

I don't see any world where that dickless bastard could hang with a badass like Euron. He would definitely have to borrow somebody's balls.

 

[gkIrish]

I don't see any world where that dickless bastard could hang with a badass like Euron. He would definitely have to borrow somebody's balls.

Haha true but Theon is a capable swordsmen and Euron is cocky as shit which, as we know, can get you killed in a trial by combat. I'm just struggling to see where they take his story.

 

[woolybug25]

Haha true but Theon is a capable swordsmen and Euron is cocky as shit which, as we know, can get you killed in a trial by combat. I'm just struggling to see where they take his story.

I agree. My immediate thought after the scene was that he looked around at not only Euron, but all of his dudes ripping out tongues and killing folks. If he tried to save her at that moment, it's not like he stood a bloody chance in hell.

I could see the show giving us an additional mini redemption arc with him. Later saving her and explaining that he knew the only way to save her was to escape and return later. Or they just kill all the Greyjoys off unceremoniously.

But Wiz will not be happy if he just shows up somewhere after floating in a sea for days.

 

[Henges24]

Haha true but Theon is a capable swordsmen and Euron is cocky as shit which, as we know, can get you killed in a trial by combat. I'm just struggling to see where they take his story.

Gendry just happens to pass by the wreckage, picks him up and they go rowing off into the sunset.

 

[phork]

I don't know if it was mentioned here or I read it somewhere else. But basically there is a theory that Bran the Builder and all previous Brandons are actually current time Bran who is time travelling. Interesting theory.

 

[greyhammer90]

It scares me that she can be anyone's favorite... lol

 

[wizards8507]

Does someone want to write a summary for me about what all those visions of Bran's were of his father? Who is everyone? What does it mean? Etc.

I'm not the best on keep track of names and the visions happened so long ago I can't remember most of the finer details like you all seem to be able.

The only part that matters is that Jon Snow is the son of Lyanna Stark (Ned's sister) and Rhaegar Targaryen (Dany's brother). And it's possible they had gotten married, making him a true born Targaryen. Half Stark, half Targ. Ice and Fire.

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[wizards8507]

Prediction: Jon does not bend the knee to Dany. Dany roasts him in dragon fire. Jon doesn't burn.

It'll be awful.

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[IrishLion]

Prediction: Jon does not bend the knee to Dany. Dany roasts him in dragon fire. Jon doesn't burn.

It'll be awful.

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No way. Refusing to bend the knee doesn't call for a bath in dragon fire*.


It might if her "Mad Queen" story arc were true and fully developed, but we won't see that until the end of this season or during season 8.

 

[dublinirish]

No way. Refusing to bend the knee doesn't call for a bath in dragon fire*.


It might if her "Mad Queen" story arc were true and fully developed, but we won't see that until the end of this season or during season 8.

it would probably take some sort of personal tragedy for her to turn mad, maybe her dragon gets killed or sth

 

[IrishLion]

it would probably take some sort of personal tragedy for her to turn mad, maybe her dragon gets killed or sth

They made a point of demonstrating the anti-aircraft capabilities in King's Landing.

That means either a dragon is going down, or else we are going to see just how powerful they are, with Drogon catching the giant crossbow bolt out of the air and snapping it in his jaws or something.

 

[wizards8507]

They made a point of demonstrating the anti-aircraft capabilities in King's Landing.

Speaking of that scene, was anyone else disappointed with Qyburn's big reveal? They way they were setting it up, I half expected to see that he had reanimated the Black Dread in the same way he brought back the Mountain.

 

[dublinirish]

Speaking of that scene, was anyone else disappointed with Qyburn's big reveal? They way they were setting it up, I half expected to see that he had reanimated the Black Dread in the same way he brought back the Mountain.

yeah it was pretty lame considering they were surrounded by dragon skulls so obviously dragons have been slain before.

 

[IrishLion]

Speaking of that scene, was anyone else disappointed with Qyburn's big reveal? They way they were setting it up, I half expected to see that he had reanimated the Black Dread in the same way he brought back the Mountain.

I'm with you. I expected an improvement on a giant ballista of some sort, maybe with spread shot or chain netting effectively hurled through the air or something... because they already have giant ballista in this universe, mounted on ships, which shoot bolts as big or bigger than the one Qyburn demonstrated.

Instead, we see a smaller, worse version of a ballista, and yet we're supposed to go "uh oh, that's bad news for the dragons!"

 

[woolybug25]

Speaking of that scene, was anyone else disappointed with Qyburn's big reveal? They way they were setting it up, I half expected to see that he had reanimated the Black Dread in the same way he brought back the Mountain.

You were disappointed? No way...

 

[irishroo]

Speaking of that scene, was anyone else disappointed with Qyburn's big reveal? They way they were setting it up, I half expected to see that he had reanimated the Black Dread in the same way he brought back the Mountain.

Not sure I'm disappointed, but I do find it odd that they ignored the fact that dragonhide is traditionally more or less impenetrable in mythology and is their primary defense against attackers. Being able to break through the skull won't do much good if you can't get through the skin.

 

[wizards8507]

Not sure I'm disappointed, but I do find it odd that they ignored the fact that dragonhide is traditionally more or less impenetrable in mythology and is their primary defense against attackers. Being able to break through the skull won't do much good if you can't get through the skin.

I'm not disappointed from a big picture narrative perspective. It was just in the moment. Oooh shit, what is Qyburn up to, that crazy evil bastard. Oh... it's a big ass crossbow.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

I'm not disappointed from a big picture narrative perspective. It was just in the moment. Oooh shit, what is Qyburn up to, that crazy evil bastard. Oh... it's a big ass crossbow.

Yes, I expected a gatling crossbow or wildfire swords and shields or zombie soldiers or the head of an egret on the body of... a meerkat.

 

[IrishinTN]

Yes, I expected a gatling crossbow or wildfire swords and shields or zombie soldiers or the head of an egret on the body of... a meerkat.

Maybe you still will. That was probably just the tip of the iceberg.

 

[zelezo vlk]

I'm not disappointed from a big picture narrative perspective. It was just in the moment. Oooh shit, what is Qyburn up to, that crazy evil bastard. Oh... it's a big ass crossbow.

Yes, I expected a gatling crossbow or wildfire swords and shields or zombie soldiers or the head of an egret on the body of... a meerkat.

Maybe you still will. That was probably just the tip of the iceberg.

I was reading a review of the episode yesterday and lol'd at this part:

We’re back in King’s Landing before you can say “The feature-film debut of pop sensation Britney Spears,” and it seems to me like we could have just stayed here and held off on the 90-second greyscale explainer video until later, but it’s not my show. Cersei and Qyburn take a stroll through the Red Keep’s basement collection of skulls, where he unveils his dragon-slaying plan: a sinister-looking mechanical crossbow loaded with an enormous spear, which he claims “the finest artisan blacksmiths in King’s Landing” have been working on for months. I don’t know, I mean, it’s just a crossbow loaded with a spear. It looks to be only about 1.5 times larger than the one Joffrey was using to pick off prostitutes six years ago. But it successfully shoots a centuries-old dragon skull that is sitting perfectly still… on the ground… about 15 feet away. Oh baby, here is a foolproof plan if I ever saw one. And artisanal!

 

[greyhammer90]

Yeah it's strange that they act like no one ever used big crossbows on dragons before.

 

[dublinirish]

always wierds me out when the likes of Jamie are talking about the Dothraki and Unsullied as if they know all about them when they have never faced each other. It's kind of strange to me.