*WARNING: Major Spoilers in post!*
What happened?
A whole lot. My only complaint so far about season 5 has been that the episodes have been rather slow. But typical of Game of Thrones, it is picking up mid-season (how are we mid-season already?!). The most notable event is certainly the attack on Daenarys Targaryen’s strongholding and the fall of Ser Barristan Selmy. Is he dead? The ending was left unclear although I am certain he will pass on whereas Greyworm will pull through. I will be very disappointed if Grey Worm falls – he is an endearing character and he and his lady crush added something completely new to the story – some chaste and sweet love vibes. I do wonder how Daenearys will react to the news and how she will address it – will it cause her to be less hostile when Jorah finally arrives with Tyrion up his sleeve? Can it ensure Jorah’s safe return to Dany’s side? I do find Jorah’s desperation really sad right now. There is no doubt that he was an absolute idiot at the start of his journey to Daenearys but he changed his ways and is totally for the queen right now. Dany can be a bit of a brat more often than not but I do hope she finds it in her to forgive Jorah and take him and Tyrion under her wing for some advice. Tyrion is infinitely more capable in charming a reluctant population than Dany is.
I found it really interesting that Rhaegar Targaryen was mentioned twice in one episode. While visiting the same crypt in Winterfell that Ned and Robert visited back in season one, Littlefinger tells Sansa the story of how Rhaegar ignored his wife (Elia Martell, Oberyn’s sister) in favor of Lyanna Stark at a tournament. This provides significant insight into Rhaeghar and other possible bloodlines, a theory that has been stuck in my head for ages now. The other mention of Rhaeghar is when Barrister corrects Dany’s impression that her brother loved murdering and tells her that although her father was indeed insane, her brother had a great love for music and not piled up bodies. It is a very sweet scene that gives Dany something to hold onto and is also crucial information about Rhaeghar – he certainly does not sound half as bad as the legends make him out to be. I wouldn’t be one bit surprised if Littlefinger did something wrong to start the war between Robert Baratheon and the Targaryens. It would not be the first time.
Stannis Baratheon is heading to Winterfell to reclaim the land from the Boltons and I am ridiculously excited. He even promised to make Jon Snow the Lord of Winterfell and Jon Stark, and that gave everyone the chills in the first few episodes of the season. However, Jon opted against it, and I would actually love if Sansa got to rule Winterfell. Sansa is currently betrothed to Ramsay Bolton, and that is not sitting well with me. I can’t wait until Ramsay and his father are beheaded, because bloody hell, the North Remembers. I’ve never really liked Stannis because of the way he treats his daughter, but right now he is the only leader actually capable of overtaking the Boltons at Winterfell. I also have a reluctant admiration for him – he is a warlord and quite capable of warfare, despite his emotional detachment to his only child. The scene between him and Shireen helped thaw a lot of my irritation with him – he seems to be a much kinder man than his warlord persona and actions towards his (bat-shit crazy) wife might suggest.
Continuing the plot developments at the wall, I can’t help but worry about Jon Snow being seduced by Mellisandre. That woman is just no good and I was so tense with her whole booby flashing with Jon politely declining. It might be just because Jon is the only fine man at the Wall, but I think that the Red Psychopath is up to something and knows that Jon’s blood is regal – whoever’s son he really is at the end of the day. Great points to Jon for telling her where to get off, quite literally. He’s the man right now! (How chilling was her words to him after she rejected him???)
Jamie and Bronn are still sneaking through Dorne to rescue Myrcella. I really enjoy the relationship between these two guys. Jamie is disappointing now with his left hand in battle and I would really enjoy to see him reclaim some of his former glory. Oberyn’s daughters are terrifying and badass and I sincerely hope that poor Myrcella is rescued before they reach her.
I really enjoyed this episode. It felt like the show finally found its direction and began preparing for their major last few episodes, as is the norm. I personally hope to see the Boltons die, but am also anxious to see Sansa Stark in a safe location. I would also like to see more of Arya’s journey in the next few episodes and what the elusive J’agen Hghar has planned for her. Also, what exactly is crackelacking with Bran Stark? Where is the other Baby Stark? Also, wouldn’t mind seeing more of Daario Naharis. I wouldn’t mind one bit.
Life of this city girl 