Those of you who saw this weeks fresh installment of Game of Thrones will probably remember two things: blood and breasts featured prominently in this weeks episode, and often times viewers cringed even without the blood. But it was definitely an episode that should be remembered for more than these bodily wonders. So for those that missed out on catching the latest dose of hardcore fantasy, and for those who still have boobs and blood on the brain, we can offer you a recap of what happened, and what should be noted for later on.
In Westeros things are still being set up. Game of Thrones is a busy business with many plots and many parts all working at once to come together in the end for one beautifully formed finale that gives you that warm sense of satisfaction and 'the tingles'. But as has become the norm for Game of Thrones, the first few weeks leave us hungry for more as the characters establish themselves and their plans carefully. We should note that this season appears to be somewhat of an exception, with things moving much quicker than before. But this has perhaps been a poor choice this time around, with the introduction of several new characters and backdrops that the audience must quickly learn in order to keep up. At least now, by episode three, things are starting to slow down, especially when compared to the bits-and-pieces that made up episode one.
Tyrion is back, and seems more like himself to our relief. The comedic relief and crucial cog in the King's Landing plot line has bounced back from his war wounds, and after last weeks emotional confrontation with his father, Tywin Lannister, has recieved the position he was promised. He has replaced Little Finger as the Master of Coin, putting him back on the Small Council though we are unsure about his ability to budget; being a Lannister. At least he will pay all of his debts. Little Finger is sent away to marry the widowed Lysa Arryn (sister of Lady Stark and widower of the Hand of the King that served before the late Eddard Stark). We have a hunch that the crafty Little Finger who seems to care so much, so often, for so many will have little difficulty wooing the emotional disaster that is Lysa. As for Tyrion he brings back a laugh to our lips with his cheeky presence at the council meeting, and later when he treats his virgin squire Poderick to a roomful of prostitutes. The squire returns with the money left by our favourite lion, claiming the women had enjoyed the pleasure of his 'company' so much they didn't want the pay. Of course Tyrion demands details. All of the details.
Rob is still the King in the North, and is maturing by the minute. Already he appears to have joined the ranks with the others who claim royal rights and we see not a boy anymore buy a man. He takes a particularly harsh tone with one of his dear Uncle Edmure who appeared to value pride over patience, and lost Rob his chance at having the Hound's head on a spire. His anger at his mother seems to have laxed significantly since the death of Lord Hoster Tully (Lady Stark's father) and the episode in fact opens with a ceremonial burning of Lord Tully's body. Lady Stark is in want of good news, as she also believes Bran and Rickon to be dead after the taking of Winterfell by the two-faced Theon Greyjoy. We are introduced to Lady Stark's uncle, and Rob's great-uncle, Brynden 'Blackfish' Tully, who we suspect might be a crowd favourite before long. He has a gruff personality, but shows all the signs of being a wise and useful character later on. In particular he seems to understand the growing wolfish hunger in Robb, and the cunning it will take to win the war. He has already impressed us with some precise archery and cutting wordplay. Lets hope he makes some reappearances.
Daenerys is across the seas, but her presence and importance in the story has become just as real at the King in the North, and her maturity even more pronounced. Since season one, the Mother of Dragons has shown significant potential for leadership, and a bloodthirsty craving to return to the Iron Throne, despite never holding it for herself. This week she has great pity for the slaves she sees tortured and executed, who don't seem to understand they have a choice. Bluffing and feigning her way through a bargain as much as the ill-spoken vendor himself, Daenerys offers one of her dragons as payment for every slave - trained and untrained - to the slimy slaves salesman that seems to unjustifiably want to call her a 'whore'. Viewers were shocked to see her so readily and happily give away a dragon for 8000+ Unsullied fighters, but her ultimate goal becomes clear as she cuts down her good Sirs with confidence. Its pretty evident that she has a plan, and the way the Mother of Dragons has been working it as of late, we don't feel inclined to question her. As she said to her new slave-girl; "All men must die. But we are not men."
A small word does need to be said here with relation to some more minor plot movements, such as poor Ser Mormont and Ser Selmy, who seem to be barracking to be Daenerys' number one fanboy. Each holds a very different view on the world, and both are eager to please and advise. It is only the sale of the dragon that they can come together on, and a dramatic tension seems to be setting itself up within this new group dynamic. Theon Greyjoy also deserves a mention, as he has escaped his mysterious captors with an even more mysterious savior who offered an open hand to the confused and desperate Greyjoy. His savior's identity may be a mystery, but he offered his hand with the words 'Winter is coming' which lends itself to the Starks. Why a Stark would help a Greyjoy at this point in the plot is a mystery in itself, but the trailers for next week's episode promise us some answers. Beyond the wall, the White Walkers have taken another batch of crows into their army of the undead, and Jon Snow is sent to attack his brothers at the Wall. Whether he will find it in himself to murder his once fellow crows; only time will tell.
Jaime Lannister is a strange character. At every turn he appears to be the quintessential Knight; well spoken, polite, watchful for damsels in distress, witty, infamous with a sword and lets face it not too shabby looking either. And then you remember that in season one he tried to kill Bran. On principle you feel you have to hate him, but at the same time he is such an amazing character that you can't ignore some of the great things he does. Today's episode was no exception. The King Slayer and his escort, Sir Brienne the lady-knight, have been captured and are to be taken back to the King in the North; a destination neither wants to reach for different reasons. Having knowledge about captors, Jaime warns Brienne that they will rape her come nightfall, and tries to warn her not to struggle. Sure enough, come nightfall, they take her into the woods to rape her, and her screaming suggests that she is indeed struggling. A few quick words and name-drops, and suddenly Brienne is saved by none other than the man she was holding captive; Jaime Lannister. The lion takes of more than he can chew however, and finds himself at the mercy of the men himself. The show ends quite abruptly, with the final scene including the most dramatic moment of all; Jaime Lannister has his hand cut off.
This week's episode has left us wanting more; much more. How Jaime will cope without his sword hand is a mystery, and what Daenerys will do about her sold dragon has us biting our nails over next weeks episode. We hope you're all just as excited as we are. Be sure to catch it again next week, Monday nights straight after the US.
~ Written by Jessica Sheridan
Image Sources: Screenrant.com and Geekbinge.com
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