![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shapinglightGot back yesterday evening, watched this, but was too tired to write a review last night. Still on Continental time, though, and am up early, so I thought I'd better write it before I forget everything.
This was a rather low key affair compared to last week (and probably a good thing too). For some characters, it was a new beginning, for others another step, or a pause, on the road.
My favourite bit was probably Sam meeting Bran Stark and his companions, and then being all sweet and honourable with Maester Aemon about Gilly, (Sam reciting the Nightswatch oath was a highlight), then Jon's return to the fold. I do feel very sorry for Ygritte, though, despite her shooting Jon. He betrayed her, then abandoned her, and now she's all alone, a stranger in a strange land. Jon telliing her he loved her really wasn't much recompense, even though he probably meant it.
Other new beginnings weren't as positive as Sam's, though it's a relief to me to know that the worst of the Theon torture is over now. I am worried about Yara, though. The Boltons are extremely cunning (not to mention treacherous), and they've run rings around the Ironborn so far. But I'm still glad that Yara decided to ignore her father's orders.
Other good scenes were Davos and Gendry exchanging 'posh people are a pain in the arse' remarks. I'm glad Davos freed Gendry, but surprised he found it so easy to do. If Davos were a little more cunning, he might have remarked to Melisandre that if the Lord of Light had wanted Gendry burned at the stake, he would never have allowed Davos to free him in the first place. However, if he were more cunning he wouldn't be Davos and thus not nearly as likeable. Also, at least Stannis and Melisandre understand the urgency of the message sent by Maester Aemon about the Nightswatch. The night is dark and full of terror, after all.
Elsewhere, the fallout from the Red Wedding impacts on Sansa and Arya in very different ways. I don't think Arya realises (or possibly just doesn't care) that the Hound is now trying to protect her. I think she hates him as much as ever. In fact, I'm not sure she any longer knows how to do anything but hate. As for Sansa, she learned long ago to hide her feelings. She's not hard, like Arya, though. Her facade can still crack.
For which reason, I'm extremely glad that the episode included the best Joffrey slapping scene of the season. Tywin effectively telling Cersei to put Joffrey to bed, and telling Maester Pycelle to give him something to make him stay there was a highlight. I liked the Tyrion/Cersei convo too. On the other hand, Cersei's reaction to the first sight of Jaime made me want to slap her. Maybe next season Brienne will do it for me.
Finally, and what made the season end on a bit of a low note for me, was the Dany scene (every season has ended with a Dany scene, so I knew this one would). First, Mr Boring Motley Crue reject is still in the picture (thought thankfully he didn't say anything), secondly, though it's wonderful that Dany's freed all the slaves in Yunkai, the fact that Dany is so very white and all the slaves....well, weren't, made me a bit uncomfortable (and at the same time I realised I would probably like Daario Thingy more if he were less Motley Crue and more (showing my age here) Phil Lynott). I also can't stop myself from wondering how, now she has enough freed slaves following her to start her own country, Dany is going to feed them all. On the bright side, at least she gave her hand to Jorah to help her down from her dais, not to boring Wossisface (who I suspect will be all over the Dany scenes in season 4 like a very unpleasant rash).
Still, it was a good season for Dany. In fact, it was a good season for Sam too, despite the horrible incident at Craster's house, and, though others may disagree, I think it was a good season for Jaime Lannister. He grew a lot through suffering, which made that look on Cersei's face when she saw him even harder to stomach.
It was an utterly crap season for everyone called Stark, though.
Also, there are still lots of balls in the air, one of which - the whereabouts of the army of White Walkers Sam saw - has been hanging fire since the end of season 2.
Oh well, roll on next year.
This was a rather low key affair compared to last week (and probably a good thing too). For some characters, it was a new beginning, for others another step, or a pause, on the road.
My favourite bit was probably Sam meeting Bran Stark and his companions, and then being all sweet and honourable with Maester Aemon about Gilly, (Sam reciting the Nightswatch oath was a highlight), then Jon's return to the fold. I do feel very sorry for Ygritte, though, despite her shooting Jon. He betrayed her, then abandoned her, and now she's all alone, a stranger in a strange land. Jon telliing her he loved her really wasn't much recompense, even though he probably meant it.
Other new beginnings weren't as positive as Sam's, though it's a relief to me to know that the worst of the Theon torture is over now. I am worried about Yara, though. The Boltons are extremely cunning (not to mention treacherous), and they've run rings around the Ironborn so far. But I'm still glad that Yara decided to ignore her father's orders.
Other good scenes were Davos and Gendry exchanging 'posh people are a pain in the arse' remarks. I'm glad Davos freed Gendry, but surprised he found it so easy to do. If Davos were a little more cunning, he might have remarked to Melisandre that if the Lord of Light had wanted Gendry burned at the stake, he would never have allowed Davos to free him in the first place. However, if he were more cunning he wouldn't be Davos and thus not nearly as likeable. Also, at least Stannis and Melisandre understand the urgency of the message sent by Maester Aemon about the Nightswatch. The night is dark and full of terror, after all.
Elsewhere, the fallout from the Red Wedding impacts on Sansa and Arya in very different ways. I don't think Arya realises (or possibly just doesn't care) that the Hound is now trying to protect her. I think she hates him as much as ever. In fact, I'm not sure she any longer knows how to do anything but hate. As for Sansa, she learned long ago to hide her feelings. She's not hard, like Arya, though. Her facade can still crack.
For which reason, I'm extremely glad that the episode included the best Joffrey slapping scene of the season. Tywin effectively telling Cersei to put Joffrey to bed, and telling Maester Pycelle to give him something to make him stay there was a highlight. I liked the Tyrion/Cersei convo too. On the other hand, Cersei's reaction to the first sight of Jaime made me want to slap her. Maybe next season Brienne will do it for me.
Finally, and what made the season end on a bit of a low note for me, was the Dany scene (every season has ended with a Dany scene, so I knew this one would). First, Mr Boring Motley Crue reject is still in the picture (thought thankfully he didn't say anything), secondly, though it's wonderful that Dany's freed all the slaves in Yunkai, the fact that Dany is so very white and all the slaves....well, weren't, made me a bit uncomfortable (and at the same time I realised I would probably like Daario Thingy more if he were less Motley Crue and more (showing my age here) Phil Lynott). I also can't stop myself from wondering how, now she has enough freed slaves following her to start her own country, Dany is going to feed them all. On the bright side, at least she gave her hand to Jorah to help her down from her dais, not to boring Wossisface (who I suspect will be all over the Dany scenes in season 4 like a very unpleasant rash).
Still, it was a good season for Dany. In fact, it was a good season for Sam too, despite the horrible incident at Craster's house, and, though others may disagree, I think it was a good season for Jaime Lannister. He grew a lot through suffering, which made that look on Cersei's face when she saw him even harder to stomach.
It was an utterly crap season for everyone called Stark, though.
Also, there are still lots of balls in the air, one of which - the whereabouts of the army of White Walkers Sam saw - has been hanging fire since the end of season 2.
Oh well, roll on next year.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 08:56 am (UTC)True, and also, Davos's flaw is that (like Ned Stark) he is an honourable man who would never go against his principles and feign a belief in the infallibility of the Lord of Light, even if it were to his personal advantage. But this is Game of Thrones, and we know that doing the noble thing seldom reaps rewards!
"though it's wonderful that Dany's freed all the slaves in Yunkai, the fact that Dany is so very white and all the slaves....well, weren't, made me a bit uncomfortable (and at the same time I realised I would probably like Daario Thingy more if he were less Motley Crue and more (showing my age here) Phil Lynott)."
I think that the contrast between Dany's skin tone and that of the slaves wasn't meant to have any particular connotations, it was more a stylistic choice, as it was visually interesting. After all, the slavery in Essos is more akin to that of the Roman empire than the US - i.e. in Essos slavery is not tied to race. For example, Dany herself was sold to Drogo, Melisandre said that she and her mother were slaves, and Jorah was banished for selling people from Westeros into slavery.
As for Daario, he actually looks NOTHING like how he is described in the books, which personally I find very disappointing. However, a lot of women I know who have read the books prefer the version in the TV show. In the books he is more piratey looking, and has blue hair and a forked beard.
This fanart is a pretty accurate depiction of what he looks like in accordance with book canon:
http://25.media.tumblr.com/525ee46e0355f6a1e48c944c4e566534/tumblr_mn41fnSf5R1ru00pmo1_500.jpg
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 09:27 am (UTC)As for Daario Wossisface, you know, I think I would have preferred him the way he's described in the book. I find this Fabio lookalike really irritating.
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 12:58 pm (UTC)In the books I don't quite remember it being so, well, white man's burden, the slaves are more like in Spartacus, not of a particular race, so it isn't quite the same effect.
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 01:03 pm (UTC)I think
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 09:24 am (UTC)I also thought, the whole white queen thingy is a bit icky.
I agree that Jaime grows a lot that season and I'm really excited how Brienne being in King's landing with Sansa now will play out next season.
I wish we would not have to wait so horribly long for the next season to come along.
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 09:29 am (UTC)Ah. I take it that's different to the book, then?
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 11:00 am (UTC)Oh gosh, I didn't even realise! Of course!
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 09:24 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 09:32 am (UTC)I don't know about other forums, but because of various things that have happened on LJ over the years, many of us are hyper-sensitive about such things.
I know the scene wasn't meant to evoke such a reaction, but unfortunately it was inevitable, and I say this as someone who (mostly) loves Dany (I don't like her taste in men). She's had some great scenes this season, but I didn't like this one nearly as much as when she freed the Unsullied. Adored that one.
Boo! for Daario. He's a pain.
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 01:59 pm (UTC)Oh yes. That scene alone almost made me start cheering for Tywin, and I'm convinced that they threw in another scene of him being an ass to Tyrion right afterwards just so every single viewer wouldn't declare Tywin the true hero of the story. (I'm still worried about who'll be on the receiving end when Joffrey decides he's had enough, though.)
In fact, I'm not sure she any longer knows how to do anything but hate.
It's really starting to look that way, isn't it? Unless we're to assume that Brienne is a reflection of how she might grow up... That said, Arya's attack on the Frey guards was horrifying but also very satisfying. Especially how the Hound reacted - "Next time, tell me in advance." Valar morghulis indeed.
Agree aout the Dany scene too; it's a nice sentiment, just a little tonedeaf...
Sam was absolutely awesome in this episode. I really hope he gets a good arc next season; it seems there's still some Night's watch left, but hardly enough to hold back an army (let alone two), so it'll be interesting to see what happens to them if and when they need to split up...
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 05:14 pm (UTC)Heh! At least Tywin has principles, even if they are horrible ones.
I don't see Brienne as Arya's future, if you like. I've only read the first book (didn't get on with GRRM's prose), but I have the impression (possibly wrong) that Brienne turned to the knightly life because her physical ugliness (Show!Brienne isn't ugly, of course) made her a mockery when she tried to dress as a lady. Not nice, obviously, but not horrible, horrible trauma like Arya's suffered.
Agree aout the Dany scene too; it's a nice sentiment, just a little tonedeaf....
Yes. Good description.
As for Sam, I think he's had an amazing arc since he first came on the show - far more than I was expecting considering he's quite a minor character. I hope next season to see him become more important in the Nightwatch now so many Rangers are dead or fled.
It was nice to see Pyp too. I had been thinking that the thin bloke with the beard who was always larking around with Grenn was supposed to be Pyp but played by a different actor.
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 06:36 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 09:22 pm (UTC):Bows: :)
On the other hand, I'm quite disappointed at disliking a GoT character for the reason I dislike him ie. because he's boring and pointless. Even Talisa, who was quite boring, wasn't pointless.
no subject
Date: 2013-06-13 02:06 am (UTC)He is a Michael Bolton Clone, all the way...
Hmm... I wonder if that means Bolton Clone is related to Roose and Ramsay?
no subject
Date: 2013-06-15 04:12 pm (UTC):shudder:
no subject
Date: 2013-06-15 12:17 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-06-15 04:13 pm (UTC)I thought Guns'n'Roses to start with, but
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 08:56 am (UTC)True, and also, Davos's flaw is that (like Ned Stark) he is an honourable man who would never go against his principles and feign a belief in the infallibility of the Lord of Light, even if it were to his personal advantage. But this is Game of Thrones, and we know that doing the noble thing seldom reaps rewards!
"though it's wonderful that Dany's freed all the slaves in Yunkai, the fact that Dany is so very white and all the slaves....well, weren't, made me a bit uncomfortable (and at the same time I realised I would probably like Daario Thingy more if he were less Motley Crue and more (showing my age here) Phil Lynott)."
I think that the contrast between Dany's skin tone and that of the slaves wasn't meant to have any particular connotations, it was more a stylistic choice, as it was visually interesting. After all, the slavery in Essos is more akin to that of the Roman empire than the US - i.e. in Essos slavery is not tied to race. For example, Dany herself was sold to Drogo, Melisandre said that she and her mother were slaves, and Jorah was banished for selling people from Westeros into slavery.
As for Daario, he actually looks NOTHING like how he is described in the books, which personally I find very disappointing. However, a lot of women I know who have read the books prefer the version in the TV show. In the books he is more piratey looking, and has blue hair and a forked beard.
This fanart is a pretty accurate depiction of what he looks like in accordance with book canon:
http://25.media.tumblr.com/525ee46e0355f6a1e48c944c4e566534/tumblr_mn41fnSf5R1ru00pmo1_500.jpg
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 09:27 am (UTC)As for Daario Wossisface, you know, I think I would have preferred him the way he's described in the book. I find this Fabio lookalike really irritating.
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 12:58 pm (UTC)In the books I don't quite remember it being so, well, white man's burden, the slaves are more like in Spartacus, not of a particular race, so it isn't quite the same effect.
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 01:03 pm (UTC)I think
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 09:24 am (UTC)I also thought, the whole white queen thingy is a bit icky.
I agree that Jaime grows a lot that season and I'm really excited how Brienne being in King's landing with Sansa now will play out next season.
I wish we would not have to wait so horribly long for the next season to come along.
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 09:29 am (UTC)Ah. I take it that's different to the book, then?
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 11:00 am (UTC)Oh gosh, I didn't even realise! Of course!
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 09:24 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 09:32 am (UTC)I don't know about other forums, but because of various things that have happened on LJ over the years, many of us are hyper-sensitive about such things.
I know the scene wasn't meant to evoke such a reaction, but unfortunately it was inevitable, and I say this as someone who (mostly) loves Dany (I don't like her taste in men). She's had some great scenes this season, but I didn't like this one nearly as much as when she freed the Unsullied. Adored that one.
Boo! for Daario. He's a pain.
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 01:59 pm (UTC)Oh yes. That scene alone almost made me start cheering for Tywin, and I'm convinced that they threw in another scene of him being an ass to Tyrion right afterwards just so every single viewer wouldn't declare Tywin the true hero of the story. (I'm still worried about who'll be on the receiving end when Joffrey decides he's had enough, though.)
In fact, I'm not sure she any longer knows how to do anything but hate.
It's really starting to look that way, isn't it? Unless we're to assume that Brienne is a reflection of how she might grow up... That said, Arya's attack on the Frey guards was horrifying but also very satisfying. Especially how the Hound reacted - "Next time, tell me in advance." Valar morghulis indeed.
Agree aout the Dany scene too; it's a nice sentiment, just a little tonedeaf...
Sam was absolutely awesome in this episode. I really hope he gets a good arc next season; it seems there's still some Night's watch left, but hardly enough to hold back an army (let alone two), so it'll be interesting to see what happens to them if and when they need to split up...
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 05:14 pm (UTC)Heh! At least Tywin has principles, even if they are horrible ones.
I don't see Brienne as Arya's future, if you like. I've only read the first book (didn't get on with GRRM's prose), but I have the impression (possibly wrong) that Brienne turned to the knightly life because her physical ugliness (Show!Brienne isn't ugly, of course) made her a mockery when she tried to dress as a lady. Not nice, obviously, but not horrible, horrible trauma like Arya's suffered.
Agree aout the Dany scene too; it's a nice sentiment, just a little tonedeaf....
Yes. Good description.
As for Sam, I think he's had an amazing arc since he first came on the show - far more than I was expecting considering he's quite a minor character. I hope next season to see him become more important in the Nightwatch now so many Rangers are dead or fled.
It was nice to see Pyp too. I had been thinking that the thin bloke with the beard who was always larking around with Grenn was supposed to be Pyp but played by a different actor.
no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 06:36 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-06-12 09:22 pm (UTC):Bows: :)
On the other hand, I'm quite disappointed at disliking a GoT character for the reason I dislike him ie. because he's boring and pointless. Even Talisa, who was quite boring, wasn't pointless.
no subject
Date: 2013-06-13 02:06 am (UTC)He is a Michael Bolton Clone, all the way...
Hmm... I wonder if that means Bolton Clone is related to Roose and Ramsay?
no subject
Date: 2013-06-15 04:12 pm (UTC):shudder:
no subject
Date: 2013-06-15 12:17 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-06-15 04:13 pm (UTC)I thought Guns'n'Roses to start with, but