The second episode doesn't air till tonight, but I wanted to share a few preliminary thoughts. First of all, my favorite characters, most of which weren't shown in the last episode should be on tonight. So I'm really looking forward to seeing (1) Jaime and Brienne, (2) Arya and her crew, (3) Osha, Hodor and the boys, (4) Theon and (5) the Hound.
Yeah, okay...we probably won't see the Hound till he pops in where one of the major characters are. But still, I love that big scary teddybear and I want him to be in this episode.
I feel like exciting things are on the horizon for Arya, and I can't wait to see exactly what those things are. What I really want is for her to find Nymeria. That would be my favorite thing to have happen this episode. So fingers crossed.
I want Theon to be okay! He needs to learn some hard lessons, and I get the feeling he's in for a rough time. I just hope his head doesn't end up on a pike just yet. He's entertaining and kind of endearing in a weird sort of way.
I love the Jaime and Brienne dynamic. I can't wait to see more. I wonder if he's learned a little respect after seeing her take out those three soldiers. It'll be interesting to see how their relationship evolves as they travel.
Queen of Thorns - awesome! Perfect so far. Thoros of Myre, wonderful, even Tom O'Sevens singing. Have been waiting for the Brotherhood .
Spoiler
The book purists are going to howl about Theon and no Reek. He's not a main story, Ramsey, and I can't abide torture, so I'm not preturbed about it.
Liked the Tyrion and Shae scene, she's jealous, too funny . Vargo picking up Brienne and Jaime, gave me shivers, the fight was good and I think real to the book. Orell warging, very cool, and the ! They are wonderful! It's odd having Osha there, but, o.k., I like her, it works. Did not like the scene with Cat and Robb's wife, forgive me if I am incorrect, but I do not remember that from the book and it doesn't fit. The King and Margaery, meh, didn't do anything for me. Over all, really good
-- Edited by Lyanna Stark on Sunday 7th of April 2013 10:46:56 PM
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Rhaegar, despite wounding Robert, was struck down with a massive blow from Robert's warhammer, which scattered the rubies encrusted in Rhaegar's armor under the water. Rhaegar died with Lyanna Stark's name on his lips.
Yeah, since none of my real favorites appeared last episode except for a couple minutes of Sansa, today's like a season premiere all over again. I'm pumped! I really can't wait to check in with the littlest Starklings and their associated crews, and hopefully find out what happened to Winterfell!
Arya and Gendry have such an adorable dynamic, and what I'm really hoping for is that they run into Robb and Catelyn. Even if that seems less likely since they JUST missed each other, gah! If they do, though, I feel like Gendry's bastardy is significant, like it could get put to use by Robb and co. somehow. If Arya finds Nymeria I'mma FREAK OUT, her having to drive her wolf away to save her hit me nearly as hard as Sansa's wolf dying did.
Poor Theon, I get the feeling that if he didn't make it back to his father (who's going to be absolutely horrible to him anyway) or sister we're going to get a scene of his execution, probably at Robb's hand. I think Robb's still doing well but Theon's betrayal and the loss of the north turned the tides of the war in a really big way for him, and he's not likely to forget it - especially when he hears about the deaths of "Bran" and the other brother and the sacking of Winterfell. He'll probably want to punish Theon himself.
Brienne is really awesome and I'm hoping she manages to bring out the good in Jaime during their little ~road trip~ and prompt some introspection on his part. She really embodies all the chivalrous virtues that knights are supposed to have, but so few do - including Jaime himself. ;) This also makes her worryingly ill-suited to "survive in the real world", though, no matter how skilled with a blade she is. Just look at Ned Stark! She might stand to learn a thing or two from Jaime about practicality. Either way they make a great pair, and I'm really eager to see more like you.
This episode skipped around quite a bit more than the last, it feels like, but it was nice to get to check in with all the characters.
It's hard to pick out a favorite scene, but Robb breaking the news to Catelyn and her other scenes were really strong for Fairley's acting alone, and the two new characters to Bran/Osha's plotline, Jojen and Mira, were introduced really well - I'm definitely intrigued. "I'm unarmed - my sister carries the weapons." "I'm better with them."
Not to mention Arya and co., and the group they've met up with. Drunkard and Jackass Bowman (can't remember their names right now haha) were really great, and I like the sounds of their group. And the Hound whoa!! So much stuff to look forward to.
The Brienne/Jaime stuff was fabulous, and did a great job at establishing some background details without being too expositiony - those two have great chemistry. And the ending to the episode, damn! Brienne, why you gotta own so hard. I love to watch her fight.
Looved the Tyrell women! Marjorie and her grandmother both are fantastic.
Aaaa, Theon! I should've known I was in for a gut-punch when his first scene started and my roommate literally craned his neck to watch my reaction instead of the TV, hahaha. That was really brutal, and hard to watch. At least those scenes were mercifully short.
~Iwan Rheon!!~ My fave actor in the UK scene attached to (one of?) my favorite plotlines. And him being sent by Yara to help Theon, no less! Wonderful.
Is it next Sunday yet? ;)
edit: fixed character names
-- Edited by Anneliese on Monday 8th of April 2013 01:22:28 AM
Overall, episode 2 was fantastic. It was visually stunning, the dialogue was great, and it cleared up several questions I had about what exactly happened at the end of Season 2. Frankly, I wish most of this content had been aired as Episode 1. I initially felt like the episode had far too many short scenes. It was dizzying. On the rewatch it didn’t feel that way though. I loved it. It had none of the weaknesses of episode one.
Granny Tyrell is the best character ever! I adore her! A straight-shooter and a survivor all rolled into one.
More to come. I'm trying for a single post review. Lol. It'll take a while to write. Wish me luck!
-- Edited by Black as Snow on Monday 8th of April 2013 02:14:50 AM
sooo, Vanessa Taylor didn´t sucked (well, Tyrion-Shae dialogues were bad). I was a wee worried but it was good. I hate not to remember the actual dialogues from the books so I can be sure if VT wrote something original. I only know about Catelyn´s dialogue with Talisa wasn´t in the books of course... and I guess D&D are trying to help Catelyn from all the hate, giving her some chance. I´m not sure if I liked it but didn´t bother me. I thought other things were explained in this episode, mostly for non readers.
Sam scene again, don´t quite understand the need but also didn´t bother. Liked Thoros a lot and TQoT of course (her lines were the same as in the books right?). And I even liked Dormer (ugh the pain to say it). Marg knows how to deal with buckets of shit as we saw it in episode 1.
The whole cross nails in Theon scene don´t remember if they are from the books and... I thougth Boy said Yara send him? hmmm?
And the swordfight scene between Jaime and Brienne was... weird? no, boring... I mean, Jaime could shut up about how she´s not going to really hurt him.
When the episode ended I was like... oh, that was fast. So I enjoyed it.
Am I an ice rabbit? what´s happening to me?
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"I´d not prolongued the chewing up, Doc. Nor the being spat out. Not go out a cunt. It´s the dispatch I find inglorious. The whole delusory fucking self importance.". Al Swedgin ;).
sooo, Vanessa Taylor didn´t sucked (well, Tyrion-Shae dialogues were bad).
Sam scene again, don´t quite understand the need but also didn´t bother.
When the episode ended I was like... oh, that was fast. So I enjoyed it.
Am I an ice rabbit? what´s happening to me?
Andi, I agree on the Tyrion-Shae scene. I don't buy Shae acting so insecure and jealous. She acted as if Tyrion had never been with a whore before her. I didn't like the acting or the dialogue.
I agree that the Sam scene was unnecessary. But it reintroduced us to Grenn and Edd. They don't really stick out in my mind as much as they seem to for book readers, so I thought it added to the episode in that respect.
The episode did move fast, and it ended with a fun scene, unlike episode 1. As I said, it jumped around an awful lot. I enjoyed the longer scenes of the first episode much more.
Oh, and what Anneliese said! I think we're in total agreement. Except I didn't like the first scene with Catelyn. Her griping about manacles is so undignified and whiny. It seemed out of character to me. But the rest of the scene was fine. Anneliese, how did you interpret the news from Winterfell? I noticed that there was no mention that Theon had been captured. Did you take it at face value as the truth or do you think there's more to it than the Boltons are admitting?
Yeah, I don't know! The Winterfell situation keeps getting weirder and weirder, I don't know what to make of it. It's a very disorientating mystery, but one that's got me really hooked for some reason.
The straightforward, face value explanation would be the Iron Born burning the castle and escaping through the tunnels, but the device that Theon's tied up to looks like the Bolton X symbol and that makes me think that he's definitely being held by the northmen. Jaime comments on the symbol with the hunters after his and Brienne's, uh, spat - I figure they wouldn't call explicit attention to it like that unless it was significant. (Unless they're just re-establishing "these are the dudes that Bolton sent after the Kingslayer" and I'm reading too much into it which I obviously tend to do!!)
So why wouldn't they say if they've got Theon? Also the tarred bodies of the little boys went unmentioned, and they wouldn't have any way of knowing that it's not Bran/Other Kid. (sorry Other Kid, I forgot your name again) We already know that the Boltons are a little 'off' just from Roose's comments about "flayed men having no secrets", haha. The really creepy interrogator seems like he could be the aforementioned son, and he's certainly not doing much for the 'ol family image either. But I have no idea what their motives could be.
Or it could be that the Bolton stuff is a red herring and Theon's escaped with the Iron Born after all - it would explain the discrepancy in communication and I wouldn't put it past his father to have him treated so abysmally for the sake of "tough love" or something, plus to find out his son's true motives. That would also tie into Yara pretty well - she disapproves of the treatment but she doesn't want to risk isolating her family, so she sends in an "inside man."
Damn, damn, damn. I watched this one with Mr. Macha which means I'll have to rewatch it, since I missed a bit of dialogue. So lemme see... Sorry, but I still don't like Vanessa Taylor's writing. Too obvious, too modern. However, her Jaime/Brienne scenes had great dialogue, eve Mr. Macha chuckled and he doesn't like either of them (yet). Oh, and their fight scene was beautifully shot, that was some good work by Minahan. NCW and Gwendoline Christie are absolutely fabulous together. Jaime sitting down on the bridge, bwaaahha, such a drama queen. And helloooooo Noah Taylor, you fabulous man. I've been waiting for you for sooo looong. Diana Rigg, WHAT a pleasure. She elevated that scene to a whole new level. Joffrey and Marg, these two work great together. "No more flowers!" I love this new direction they're taking him. Loved Thoros, Anguy and all the other men in tights. Jojen! You're all elegant and stuff, what are you doing? Stop being so sassy. Some lovely shots there as well, although I really disliked the dialogue. Who's left? Tyrion and Shae, meh. But I think that scene does work in a way, however this is not the thread for it. Robb, Catelyn and Talisa - all good with me, but only because of the actors. Again, bit of a weak dialogue there - although I liked the idea behind Catelyn and Talisa's scene together.
Sam scene again, don´t quite understand the need but also didn´t bother.
To me, that scene was necessary because
Spoiler
it establishes yet another reason for the mutiny at Craster's in the next episode, or two eps from now. Without it, Rast and the others (where in the seven hells is Burn Gorman? I thought he was playing one of the NW.) would just appear out of nowhere with a grudge against Mormont.
This episode was all about introductions! And they all mostly made a strong impression.
Arya meets Thoros and his buddies!
Jon meets Orell and his bird warging!
Sansa meets Lady Oleanna
Bran meets Joyen and Meera Reed
Unfortunately since it was mostly an episode of introducing new people, it slowed down the pacing a bit and regular characters suffered since they had to step back a bit and make the new ones shine as they came in.
What I didnt like:
Sam's waddle. His scene seemed a bit..."off",maybe it was his acting or the pacing.
What I liked:
- Brienne and Jamie, boy does he luuuve to drive her nuts with his endless teasing, and I could watch him do it all day.
Their sword fight on the bridge was a lot of fun, Jamie tends to underestimate people. And he forgot he had his hands shackled and sitting in a cell for many months, so he was hardly in fighting shape.
- Cersei and Joff, I liked how even when Cersei does her best she still has no control of her son, and he seems to hardly want to be around her, her constant doting seems to annoy Joff and he is probably still pissed at her from pulling him from battle during Blackwater.
- Sansa and Lady Olenna, I love meeting the Queen of Throns and she was wonderful. It was great letting Sansa vent for a little, I only wish the scene were longer. Moar lemoncakes!
- Cat's confession, I always wondered what Cat thought of Jon Snow, and it was nice to hear through her story that in her heart of hearts she did care for him a little.
- Arya meets the Brotherhood, Thoros is such a hoot to see. Arya fancied herself a warrior after Sirios tutelage but, this was the second time her sword was knocked from her hand. Practice makes perfect Lady Stark!
What I loved:
My favorite scene was the one with Margaery and Joffrey. I loved how ominous the scene started, I felt uncomfortable right away since she was alone with Joff, and that's a dangerous thing. And like clockwork Joff started threathening her, but Margaery is not Sansa, she took note and handily changed the situation to her advantage. Feeding into his ego, something his mother still hasnt figured out. I gotta say she has been killing it in all her scenes and she is quickly becoming one of my favorites to watch.
Observations:
-Honor in Westeros means little, Ned learned that the hard way and so did Brienne when they didn't stop that farmer who ended up turning them in. I loved the anguish on her face as she was wrestling with her decisions.
-ARGH, fingernail torture. I can watch a hundred decapitations, but man that made me squirm.
-Lots of wolfey action, sniff that hand Summer!
-Where is Rickon! Oh there! Wait, where is he going? Come back!
-The boar mounted in Joff's room...you think thats the one that....yup...it probably is!
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"Robert was never the same after he put on that crown. Some men are like swords, made for fighting. Hang them up and they go to rust.” -DN
-- Edited by Tir Airgid on Monday 8th of April 2013 05:14:46 PM
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“Fear is a strange soil. It grows obedience like corn, which grow in straight lines to make weeding easier. But sometimes it grows the potatoes of defiance, which flourish underground.”
Ah, this is neat! With HBOGo you can access some special content on the episode - it looks like this is the letter that Roose "Pretty Much A Messenger Pigeon" Bolton got from his son who was sent to reclaim Winterfell. Here's a screenshot for those of you w/o HBOGo:
To Robb of the House Stark, the King in the North, Dark tidings. Arrived at Winterfell late. Theon Greyjoy and his Ironmen have put the castle to the torch and fled, leaving no (??survivors I'm guessing?) --- of either Bran or Rickon. Have ordered a search of the surrounding area. Awaiting orders. (K-say or R-say something? Kensay or Ramsay?) Snow, son of Roose of the House Bolton, Lord of the Dreadfort.
Transcripted to the best of my ability because if you're like me it's a major pain to read. Also I can't stop seeing "House" as "Drogo" for some reason. Your handwriting is terrible, Mr. Snow!
It doesn't clear up anything involving Winterfell, really, but if the northmen are searching the area for the Starklings it could lead to something interesting - especially with Rickon running off alone in the last episode. Maybe he'll be found and returned to the family since he doesn't seem all that significantly linked to Bran or the weirdness going on there. Poor Cat deserves to have at least one kiddo besides Robb around after everything, the grief is obviously starting to get to her. Michelle Fairley's big 'ole sad eyes are just heartbreaking.
As much as I love the dinner with Sansa and the Tyrell ladies and I want to believe that it means Sansa finally has some friends, so to speak, I have to wonder. Joffrey's reputation has to be pretty well known - maybe their dinner was less about learning about him, and more about sizing up Sansa herself and seeing what kind of person she is/if she represents a threat. The blurb for this episode on HBO said something like "Sansa says too much." Mags is obviously a clever girl, just look at the way she's ensnaring Joffrey. I'll bet the queen starts to get jealous, especially when you consider how tenuous her position is with those two getting married soon, and things escalate between them - possibly with poor Sansa in the middle of it all. (and Joffrey being oblivious because he's Joffrey)
-Honor in Westeros means little, Ned learned that the hard way and so did Brienne when they didn't stop that farmer who ended up turning them in. I loved the anguish on her face as she was wrestling with her decisions.
Seriously, she had tears in her eyes and everything! That was really well done. Oh, Brienne. You better not Ned it!
I'm becoming really attached to her, and I can't help but come around to Jaime too. Their banter is really great. It'd be neat to see them develop a more friendly dynamic, maybe after they pull each other out of a few scrapes and earn each others' respect, but in the meantime I can definitely settle for more heckling from Jaime.
Speaking of Bolton, I re-watched the episode today and noticed something - the torturers' armor and clothing looks a lot like the stuff the Iron Born were all seen wearing(I think you can even see the kraken symbol on some of them!), and the X-shaped torture rack thing that initially made me suspicious of him could be a common device in this world, like the equivalent of a crucifix in ours maybe. I'm really starting to think that the Iron Born actually escaped from Winterfell. It would explain the apparently shifty communication too - Bolton's son really didn't find them, because they had already escaped through the tunnels that were mentioned last season.
Bolton seems kind of weird but also like a genuinely decent advisor/right hand man, especially with that other lord getting increasingly mutinous to the point where he's criticizing Robb to his face. Another neat thing when you think about it is that Bolton apparently lets his bastard son lead armies and rule in his place while he's gone? That's downright progressive, when you consider the way other bastard children are treated in this sort of environment. Just look at Lady Stark's talk with Talisa about John, and she's probably a lot more forgiving of that kind of thing than a lot of others would be.
"I´d not prolongued the chewing up, Doc. Nor the being spat out. Not go out a cunt. It´s the dispatch I find inglorious. The whole delusory fucking self importance.". Al Swedgin ;).
Rhaegar, despite wounding Robert, was struck down with a massive blow from Robert's warhammer, which scattered the rubies encrusted in Rhaegar's armor under the water. Rhaegar died with Lyanna Stark's name on his lips.
“Fear is a strange soil. It grows obedience like corn, which grow in straight lines to make weeding easier. But sometimes it grows the potatoes of defiance, which flourish underground.”
I loved this episode. It was fast-paced and covered a tremendous amount of material. At least four new important characters were introduced (Jojen, Meera, Thoros and the warg in the north) in ways that ensure that non-book readers won't forget who they are. The acting was terrific and I liked the dialogue. So here is the first half of my review.
Bran is so grown up! His voice has changed, which is hilarious. At first I thought he had grown up too much, but then he seems young next to Jojen Reed, who looks young, but acts old. I like Bran's dream, and love the introduction of Jojen Reed through a dream and the identical imagery when he actually does meet Jojen. Bran seems more lucid than in his previous dreams, and his attempt to shoot the raven is amusing.
I never caught before that Osha fears and dislikes Bran’s powers. I always felt that she was trying to shelter Bran from dark things she knows are coming. Her comment about black magic dreams and her suspicion about what Bran and Jojen are discussing have changed my mind. She’s still such a wildling too. Her comment to Meera Reed about needing to protect her brother made me laugh. She’s overly pragmatic because of the difficult life she’s led.
Between Jojen’s comments and the Mance Rayder scene I’m finally clear on what warging is and what the three-eyed ravens are all about. What an incredible ability! I wonder if all of the Starks can warg or only Bran. And I want to know why the Reeds believe Bran is so important. Perhaps his powers are important because of the return of winter and terrible things from the north. Or maybe his importance has just as much to do with his identity as a Stark.
The Reeds are interesting. Meera reminds me of Asha without the mean-spiritedness and hard edge. Jojen is, as I said, very young but seems old. I’m guessing based on the dialogue that they are from a noble house. But what an unconventional house it must be if warging and weapon-wielding women are cultivated and encouraged, rather than frowned upon. What would Arya or Cersei have become in such an environment? I’m fascinated by what Jojen has to say about warging and the three-eyed raven. And the fact that Jojen and Meera sought out Bran and his companions without anyone else accompanying them is interesting. Maybe Meera is a Brienne-style badass? Or maybe Jojen isn't as helpless as he seems, even though he appears to be a gentle soul. It will be interesting to gain an understanding of the environment these two come from and what drove them to seek out Bran as they travel to (and hopefully reach) their destination.
I liked the Mance Rayder/Jon Snow scene. I was concerned last week that Mance was trusting Jon too easily, so I was happy to see a hint of distrust. I dislike that sort of easy infiltration where there isn’t enough skepticism of the new guy and his motives. It’s like every clichéd undercover agent movie. *yawn* So I’m hoping that Jon truly has to prove himself in the coming episodes. I like that Jon was honest in his answer to Mance about killing Qorin Halfhand. The interplay between Jon and Mance will be interesting to watch as their relationship evolves. I wonder how it will contrast with the relationship Jon had with Qorin and the Lord Commander. Oh, and Jon’s little beard is cute. Lol.
The warg (I don’t know his name) was fascinating. The question it raised in my mind is whether Jon is a warg on any level like Bran is. (If he is, he obviously isn’t a very good warg, since he can’t even keep track of his wolf. ) My thought was that if Jojen Reed can keep track of Bran and enter his dreams, can this wildling warg do the same to Jon Snow? It would make for some definite intrigue. The other thing is that if Jon can warg into his wolf, then having Ghost stay near the Night’s Watch group would be a great way of keeping track of them. But I shouldn’t speculate, since the intricacies of warging haven’t been revealed, and I don’t know if any Starks except Bran and Rickon have that ability. Back to the episode…
Talisa and Robb were painful to watch. Lol. Their initial scene felt forced and I disliked the dialogue. I liked Talisa fairly well last season, but I don’t care for her so far this season. The banter and attempts to be cutesy are not endearing her to me. As for Robb, I agree with the Lords Bolton and Karstark about the wisdom of Robb marrying Talisa and the consequences of it. Yes, I know Lord Bolton didn’t say anything. He didn’t need to...he's clearly thinking what Karstark is saying. Excellent acting.
I can’t help but wonder if what Lord Karstark said to Robb about losing the war was correct. It rang true. Robb has allowed himself to be influenced by a foreigner, and he’s shown the entire north that his word is meaningless. I also agree that he shouldn’t be going to his grandfather’s funeral. He should send Catelyn, and continue on his campaign. I love Robb, and I hope he finds a way to regain the respect he’s lost.
The message about Winterfell was interesting. It doesn’t directly answer anything whether the Boltons or the Greyjoys were responsible for the massacre. But it does answer the question of how extensive the damage is. So did the Greyjoy men do it or did the Boltons do it after the Greyjoy men left? Neither way makes that much sense to me, to be honest.
The scene with Catelyn and Talisa was fantastic. Catelyn is so…Catelyn. She tries to hide her dislike of Talisa, but she doesn’t succeed. Just as Jon Snow was a constant reminder of Ned’s infidelity, Talisa is a reminder of Robb breaking his word. I wasn’t sure why Catelyn is making the little totem wreath in this scene. Is she making it for Bran and Rickon? Or is it also an appropriate religious symbol to make for a funeral? In any case, the story she told was such a roller coaster between sweet/sad and horrible. It was funny in a twisted sort of way. The scene does a lot to humanize Catelyn and show her failings. She knows what the right thing is to do, but she can’t bring herself to do it. And she blames herself for things she can’t control. Talisa didn’t do anything in this scene to make me like her more. Catelyn might as well have been talking to a tree.
Poor Theon! So I’m thinking his men did turn him over to the Boltons and now he’s paying for what he has done. The St. Andrew’s cross that Theon is strapped to is identical to the Bolton banner so I’m making the assumption that Theon is in their hands. I dislike sadism for the sake of sadism, but it was one heck of an introduction to what the Boltons are about. I was pleased to see that Asha had sent someone to rescue Theon, even though I was skeptical about how Asha could have someone could infiltrate the Bolton’s keep and get into their torture chamber so quickly. I truly do hope Theon’s rescuer succeeds. I would very much like to see what the future holds for Theon if he keeps his head. And as a segue to part two of the review, I wonder what this means for Jaime and Brienne should they indeed be captured by the Bolton forces.
-- Edited by Black as Snow on Tuesday 9th of April 2013 02:05:05 AM
I liked that the inn where Arya stumbles into the hound is the same inn where Cat confronts Tyrion. I think Arya was even sitting in the same booth if I am not mistaken.
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"Robert was never the same after he put on that crown. Some men are like swords, made for fighting. Hang them up and they go to rust.” -DN
I liked that the inn where Arya stumbles into the hound is the same inn where Cat confronts Tyrion. I think Arya was even sitting in the same booth if I am not mistaken.
Oh wow! I hadn't noticed that it was the same inn. I'll have to look more carefully next time I see it. It seems strange that the Brotherhood would meet so openly. But I guess I don't have an understading yet of who and what exactly they are.
very interesting review, Bas. Highlight of my breakfast! Thank you. Lookin forward to part two! (i'm also looking at you, anneliese, wanna read what you thought )
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“Fear is a strange soil. It grows obedience like corn, which grow in straight lines to make weeding easier. But sometimes it grows the potatoes of defiance, which flourish underground.”
Sure, Tir, I can post a more detailed review later. Woe to you if you're expecting anything near as insightful as BaS, though. She's the clever Robb to my naive, sorta gormless Jon Snow.
-- Edited by Anneliese on Tuesday 9th of April 2013 02:09:32 PM
Sure, Tir, I can post a more detailed review later. Woe to you if you're expecting anything near as insightful as BaS, though. She's the clever Robb to my naive, sorta gormless Jon Snow.
Not at all, Anneliese. I don't feel particulatly insightful. More like stumbling around in the dark, hitting my shins on the furniture. I've really enjoyed your posts, and think you should write more. I love your take on the Bolton vs. Greyjoy question related to Theon and Winterfell. It's exciting to have someone else who doesn't have all the answers, but has insights entirely different from mine. I took it at face value that the Boltons have Theon, but I'm making a lot of assumptions. I like that you have a more open mind to the possibilities.
Besides, I'd be willing to bet that naive, gormless Jon Snow outlives clever Robb.
-- Edited by Black as Snow on Tuesday 9th of April 2013 04:02:46 PM
I started to watch it again last night and stopped. I really do not like Vanessa's style. I didnt realize how muddled the episode was. The pace was terribly fast. Ended up watching more Stringer Bell.
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"If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt." - Dean Martin
Hehe, BaS. The Margie to my Sansa, perhaps? Not only do you catch all the stuff I miss but I'm pretty much learning how to spell all these characters' names through you, these smilies, and HBOGo.
okay here's my own big 'ol silly ~effortpost~ where i review the episode and make a lot of unfounded guesses
This show is one where I can never bring myself to skip the intro, I love watching it change from season to season and it sets the mood so well. (The clockwork Winterfell burning and smoking as of this season is a nice, sad little touch.) As much as I enjoyed this episode and seeing all the characters, including my favorites, it jumped around a lot even if it did set up things for the future - it was almost disorientating, the way the scenes shifted so much even if it was done cleverly like Cat talking about Jon-> switch to Jon, or Joffrey being a creepy weirdo-> switch to Theon. I'm hoping that in the future it'll linger a little longer on scenes even if it means being deprived of a favorite character for a week, kind of like the first episode did.
I absolutely loved Jaime and Brienne. Adorable bits of physical comedy with Brienne awkwardly stumbling through the hedge and Jaime melodramatically flopping down on the bridge, and their banter is fantastic. They've more than met their match in each other, and I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes. Is it weird that I kind of want Jaime's "you can't choose who you fall in love with" comment to be foreshadowing in addition to being a reference to Cersei? They're just so cute together! The perfect odd couple. Brienne's already starting to learn some unfortunate lessons from him, too, with that man who sold her out. I love the sideways glance she gives Jaime at the end, like "I swear to god if you say I told you so..."
It's interesting that she was just that good at fightin', too, she bested Jaime really easily and everyone's always talking up his abilities. He definitely puts a lot of stock in them, too. You have to figure that he's shackled, malnourished, and out of shape from his imprisonment, but she seems genuinely skilled too. Maybe it goes back to what Ned Stark said way back, something about "I don't enter tourneys so my opponents won't know what I can do." It's not like Brienne could be in the lists, as a woman, and Jaime underestimated her.
Theon crying and begging not to be left alone as Yara's spy was leaving totally broke my heart, especially combined with him getting tortured to the point where he was obviously just changing stories and trying to tell them what they wanted to hear to end it all. You just want to reach through the screen and give him a hug. I'm glad the scenes of torture were so short, because I already had plenty of sympathy for him - watching him get tortured for nothing at all really (because that's what it seemed like, as he obviously didn't have any breakthrough information except about Bran and Rickon, and they weren't even asking about that! not that they have any reason to assume they're not dead) was just painful.
Like I mentioned in the other thread, I think I really want it to be the ironmen holding him just because of what it means for Robb, Talisa, and Cat otherwise. One thing I didn't consider before now is that if it is the Boltons, there's always the possibility that Roose's son is acting independently for some reason, decieving his father and maybe trying to subtly sieze power while the others are distracted with the war down south. It's really interesting that he's allowed to have as much command as he does, given what we've seen about how bastard children are typically treated - maybe he's had a taste of power, and wants more. From what little we saw of him, he definitely seemed insidious enough - that scene with the fingernail, aaaaghhghh!!
(Also if it really is the Boltons in that torture chamber, that makes the presence of the krakenized clothing interesting and, imo, probably implies that all the ironmen are dead instead of pardoned - that's why the Bolton men are wearing that armor. It makes sense that if Roose's son wanted to pull a stunt like that, he'd kill the "witnesses" so to speak.) I just don't want to think that Robb's making an enemy of Roose in addition to the other one who's starting to fuss - the bearded guy, I don't remember his name. It still seems like he's doing well against the Lannisters, but it feels like there's cracks forming just under the surface because of all the recent mishaps. If he could get the support of Cat's family when he attends the funeral and get Filch's family (guy who he broke the deal with in the first season, don't remember the name) back - maybe even Cat's crazy sister from the mountains, if she attends the funeral?? - it could make a huge difference for him and things wouldn't seem so tense. Or did he even lose the support of Filch's family? Robb's men obviously know about his wedding but they haven't shown any reactions from the others, maybe they don't even know yet. I think he might focus on taking back the north from the ironmen, now that Theon's no longer occupying Winterfell and Yara's pre-occupied with his rescue.
Meera and Jojen Reed are super interesting to me already so soon after their introduction. Jojen obviously knows quite a bit and has confidence in his abilities, it gives him this slightly smug, almost arrogant demeanor that constrasts with his wise, sort of vacant "spaciness" and makes him really likeable. Meera's probably used to playing the protector for him, and she seems like a total sweetheart already - and yeah, it's interesting that she's so comfortable in her own skin as a warrior-y, martial girl, it definitely implies a unique family dynamic. She's obviously the practical one that keeps Jojen from stumbling into holes and walking into trees (literally and metaphorically) while his head is up in the clouds, and it's adorable. I wonder how much of her apparent toughness is a cultural thing, and how much of it came about simply to protect her brother. Out of all the fabulous characters introduced lately (and practically "re-introduced", in the case of Margaery) I think these two could easily become my favorites when we see some of their dynamic.
Shae bringing her concerns about Littlefinger to Tyrion was really cute and sweet, even if it led to their little spat. I love Sansa and Shae's burgeoning friendship - maybe through Shae Sansa can find an ally in Tyrion, even if he's in a pretty bad position right now too. He's already showed her kindness once, and he's one of the few genuinely good guys surrounded by snakes and spiders. As long as it doesn't lead to anything more than cutesy jealousy from Shae, that is, because I enjoy them and their relationship too much.
whoops sorry y'all that was way longer than I thought it'd be!
-- Edited by Anneliese on Tuesday 9th of April 2013 09:43:59 PM
I only watched this once on Sunday so I may be a bit hazy with my recollection. I promise I haven't stated smoking weed again. I did try and watch a second time but the pacing was too quick for another go around and I soon grew bored while visions of Stringer Bell invaded the deepest and darkest caverns of my perverse mind. I have never been spelunking but I would spelunk Stringer Bell. And Ronnie, yes Peep I would.
Bran walking! Not only walking, but he is looking like he is headed for the NBA. And he is all skin and bones! I know English food is bad, but please someone feed this child. (Before you get mad Bents, I have had English food and English food has had me). That raven looked legit. Oh it's a dream. Really nice touch having Jon and Robb there. They delivered those lines spot on from the pilot episode. And Ned's VoiceOver. Teary eyed. And then JoJen! wtf? Sassy is right Macha. And he looks like he could use a bit more Soul Glo in that mop of his. "Just let your SOUL GLO". Bran wakes up and speaks like a truck driver with balls the size of eggplants. Best acting by Hodor so far. Oh hi Rickon. Go back to bed. the wolves looked odd. Oh yeah, and Osha still can't raise her head. Must be an affliction. Or she's is still trying to be a Girl,Interrupted.
Robb and TAlisa. You heard what about Westeros men? Yeah well I heard hat Volantene women look like dobermans. Boom roasted. They fucking heard the door open and yet they still go for the kiss? No shame those two. Roose looked weird holding the letters, couldn't place it but he seemed a bit blah.
Cats gets some bad news twice: I liked this scene, except that it was too rushed. We finally hear more about the Tullys, who were basically ignored in S2, and one little mention of Theon and....
Theon's manicure: wow, Alfie was good here. It was a quick scene as well, but it was very hard to watch. I want to do this....
Jaime and Brienne: Such a wonderful pairing. Brienne actually had better chops this time and I didn't feel like she was fumbling her lines. Jaime was brilliant. The Line about her bumping her head on the archways had me rolling. Did anyone she Brienne peek at Jaimes dick while peeing? And she didn't let him shake. Eww. Oh hello Mr bringing my harvest through ravaged lands without a care in the world. You knew he would turn them in.
Sansas tea party: I did miss the clown singing but this scene was straight from the books as far as I remember. However I don't remember Margery's bosoms looking like that when I pictured the scene in my head I think I didn't hear anything she said that whole scene. I enjoyed this scene very much. QoT is cast perfectly.
Don't feel like typing anymore. If I get ten "likes" for this post I will continue.
-- Edited by Rygar on Tuesday 9th of April 2013 09:45:49 PM
-- Edited by Rygar on Tuesday 9th of April 2013 09:47:00 PM
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"If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt." - Dean Martin
THIS. Ha ha! No seriously, really loved Kristian Nairn's delivery here. None of his Hodors feel the same as the previous one. Such a weird part to play.
The episode was a bit better for me on a second viewing, though maybe it's because this time I kept replaying Jaime and Brienne's scenes and noticing so many little details I missed (be still, my heart).
One thing I just remembered - Margie's scene with Joffrey kind of paralells a scene from the last season in a way. Remember the last time he was left alone with a lady/ladies in his bedroom and a crossbow in his lap? It makes the beginning of the scene really menacing and tense, but you can clearly see the gears in Margaery's mind working and she turns the situation to her advantage in a brilliant way. She's setting herself up not only as an object of desire for Joffrey, but seemingly as someone who 'understands' him and his twisted wants and needs. Her body language is great and conveys it really well, like the way she doesn't overtly touch him - just the crossbow. I'm really enjoying Margaery, and watching her work.
I wonder if Joffrey's comment about considering making Renly's style of "perversion" punishable means ramifications for Margie's brother, or if he was just putting on a tough front to try and impress her or whatever. (Joffrey's really like 60% bluster, it seems like.) I think Renly and her brother's (don't remember his name, sorry) relationship probably wasn't a well-kept secret, with the way Jaime talked about his reputation and all.
@anneliese. About Brienne and Jaime, is not weird at all, join the club! Me and Macha have lifetime memberships.
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“Fear is a strange soil. It grows obedience like corn, which grow in straight lines to make weeding easier. But sometimes it grows the potatoes of defiance, which flourish underground.”
Rhaegar, despite wounding Robert, was struck down with a massive blow from Robert's warhammer, which scattered the rubies encrusted in Rhaegar's armor under the water. Rhaegar died with Lyanna Stark's name on his lips.
The Tyrells are fascinating. Ser Loras is the perfect, attentive gentleman as he escorts Sansa. He’s been as well-groomed for court as his sister.
Granny Tyrell is my favorite of the new characters so far. A strong matriarch who doesn’t mince words. She’s not necessarily wise, but she understands how to wield power and her no-nonsense style is funny and endearing. It’s clear that she is the source of Margaery and Loras’ political savvy. What’s also clear is that Margaery hides her real ambition from her grandmother. Apparently granny never heard Marge’s comment about wanting to be THE queen.
The interplay between Marge, granny and Sansa is fascinating. Margaery greets Sansa with gentleness and affection, as if they were friends. And Olenna (I just looked it up) is similarly sweet. I realized that it’s probably the kindest anyone has been to Sansa since she arrived in King’s Landing. The confusion and bewilderment on Sansa’s face was a nice bit of acting. The poor girl doesn’t know who to trust. When she asked them not to stop the wedding I wanted to hug her. I had tears in my eyes. What was interesting was the look of dismay that passed between Margaery and Olenna when Sansa described Joffrey as a monster. It wasn’t horror or distress I saw, just disappointment…as though his sadism was an inconvenience but certainly not a dealbreaker. Clearly this was the point of the meeting with Sansa. To confirm the rumors that are no doubt circulating about Joffrey’s behavior. So that begs the question of whether the Tyrells are as kind as they appear to be or if they use sweetness as the main tool in their arsenal to build and keep power. I suspect it’s a mixture of the two, just as in the scene with Marge and the orphans.
Margaery’s ability to wield the information she gained from Sansa is impressive. The scene between Joffrey and Marge is wonderful. He seems so sweet and solicitous at first, and then threatens her. She quickly takes on a Sansa-like demeanor, right until she sits next to Joff and takes control of the situation. When she put her hand on the crossbow, the symbol of his sadism, I almost fell over. Her appeal to and acceptance of his sadism is so clever. By becoming his partner in it, she assures that she will not become victim to it. And poor Joffrey…he never stood a chance against her. For all of Cersei’s scheming, she utterly failed to teach her son how to insulate himself against this sort of manipulation. And what's unfortunate for Cersei is that Joff seems to have grown immune to her attempts to manipulate him.
-- Edited by Black as Snow on Sunday 14th of April 2013 03:38:05 AM
That would be my favorite thing to have happen this episode. So fingers crossed.
. 
. Vargo picking up Brienne and Jaime, gave me shivers, the fight was good and I think real to the book. Orell warging, very cool, and the 
And helloooooo Noah Taylor, you fabulous man. I've been waiting for you for sooo looong. 
and his buddies!
and Meera Reed
?
Nice.
so I’m making the assumption that Theon is in their hands. I dislike sadism for the sake of sadism, but it was one heck of an introduction to what the Boltons are about. I was pleased to see that Asha had sent someone to rescue Theon, even though I was skeptical about how Asha could have someone could infiltrate the Bolton’s keep and get into their torture chamber so quickly. I truly do hope Theon’s rescuer succeeds. I would very much like to see what the future holds for Theon if he keeps his head. And as a segue to part two of the review, I wonder what this means for Jaime and Brienne should they indeed be captured by the Bolton forces. 
wanna read what you thought 
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Excie Basi! I love reading your stuff ... You know plenty Jon Snow !
