"The Gift”: (Written by David Benioff, D. B. Weiss; directed by Miguel Sapochnik.)
Synopsis:
Spoiler
In Meereen, Dany must compromise or flee. Stannis comes into trouble on his way south. Brienne finds shelter in the woods. Arya is faced with her destiny. Doran speaks his word.
Synopsis 2:
Spoiler
Jon prepares for conflict. Sansa tries to talk to Theon. Brienne waits for a sign. Stannis remains stubborn. Jaime attempts to reconnect with family.
Preview:
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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
Definitely the best so far. It was gripping throughout.
Seeing Olenna spar with the High Sparrow was majestic, as was Cersei's inevitable end.
The Sand Snakes were cool this time. Tyene is one sexy venomenous bitch. Where is Doran?!
Poor Sansa... At least she didn't let her pain show in her scene with Ramsay. She was clearly pissing him off. I don't think that helps her, though. And I shudder at what punishment poor Reek might suffer for his betrayal.
Winter finally starting to show was great. They did a very good job with that.
Stannis had some awesome lines this time, and I'm glad he's done with Melly. But... I now think he'll lose. Shit.
What does Mel do now? Return to Jon maybe? I doubt Stan will take her back after that.
Dany was very good as well this time. Emilia is in her A game (she hasn't shown this much emotion-albeit subtly- since season 1). And the big fight scene and meeting with Dany was great. Can't wait to see where it goes (totally Unsullied on that front btw).
Tyrion kicking the shit out of that guy was also funny. It was implied that that was staged, correct?
Queen of Thorns! Just love her. She is just scene stealing every time. I can not tell which Sand Snake is which at this point. Glad to see Bronn hopefully survive. Smart on their part to want an alliance with him. Winterfell just sad. I loved Stannis in this episode. Not a fan of his, but he has got like bowling balls. Tell that red bitch to piss off . Loved to see Jorah in front of Khaleesi. So wanting to please her. So thinking she would take him back with open arms. Poor guy. Always unlucky in love every time. Loved Tyrion walking out there. Don't know if I like the avenue they are taking Jon on, but hey, we shall see. Glad Sam got some trim when he is NOT on a ship. Also glad Maester Aemon didn't pass as in the book, this was much better. Egg, Egg!
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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.
Stannis had some awesome lines this time, and I'm glad he's done with Melly. But... I now think he'll lose. Shit. What does Mel do now? Return to Jon maybe? I doubt Stan will take her back after that.
I don't think he was done with her at all. He said for her to get out of his tent, not leave his camp. In fact, I'm willing to bet he's going to consider it the more desperate the situation becomes
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"Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set fire to him and he's warm for the rest of his life" - Terry Pratchett
Aemon, so sad to him go. "I dreamt I was old!" One of the truest nicest characters in the show.
Reek, so far gone, its gonna take more than just a pep talk for him to help. I am glad Sansa showed some agency, but asking Theon to put the candle was foolish, she should've made the old lady do it.
Stannis telling Melly Sanders to fuck off was great. No harm shall come to Shireen! But he is a sitting duck in the snow, bad things is gonna happen and I am scared!
Sam standing up for Gilly, he isn't much of a fighter, but he is not quitter. He took all that beating and still got up. SO awesome when Ghost showed up, I wonder where he had been up to. Very glad that he got some action! You get yours Sammy!
I had a big laugh when Mr Ecko the slaver embelished all of Ser Jorah's acomplishments. Them meeting up with Dany was a big suprise and I loved it. How ironic that a man who sold people into slavery, ended up being a slave himself.
The High Sparrow and Queen of Thorns scene in the Sept of Baelor was wonderful, great verbal sparring and neither of them backing down.
In the Cersei/Tommen scene I love how Tommen tried channeling Joffrey, but it didn't really take. When Cersei saw how upset Tommen was, it did seem like she felt bad.
The Jaime/Myrcella was short but sweet, it seemed to Myrcella finally showed why she was cast and did it seem like Jaime wanted to blurt out "I am your father!"
BRONN! I thought he was gonna bite the bullet, but Tyene suddely became a lot more interesting when she used her femme fatale wiles, methinks Bronn owes them now, no? Great to hear the end of the song, he was right, its the best part.
The Sparrow/Cersei scene has to be one of my faves this season, The Sparrow monologuing like all great villians, and Cersei pretty much only reacting with facial expressions only, great work by Lena. Seeing her being tossed in a cell has to be one of the best moments in GOT history, oh man.
Best episode this season so far...only 3 eps left!
PS: Who was the Septa that grabbed Lena? She was huge! Maybe Brienne's sister! hehe
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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 really liked this one. Finally seeing Dany w/ Tyrion and Cersei being imprisoned was a spectacle to behold. But enough of that book crap. Gilly and Tyene for best in show!
I absolutely loved Tyene fucking with Bronn. And I loved "every man we beat seems to come up with that excuse" (paraphrasing) and the eye rolling from the other Sand Snakes.
Aemon dying was great. Sam sleeping with Gilly in Castle Black not so much (very dangerous)- especially when it's looking increasingly likely that Oldtown is in. Couldn't they hold it off till season 6?
Good to see Ghost too. This is the second Direwolf appearance of the season.... Well, at least the dragons are more involved. Hopefully they'll get a boost in screentime in season 6 when Bran (and possibly Rickon) return.
Solid episode, another example of just how good the show can be when they adapt moments from the books.
Once again though they've regressed Sansa, she's now married to Ramsey and each night has to endure rape, so what does she do? Yup she antagonizes him about being a bastard and the fact Roose could be receiving a new male heir :fpalm: :fpalm: :fpalm: Talk about moronic writing.
I am not too keen on what they're doing with Bronn but at least we got to seem some nice brown nipples out of his scene.
Ghost's appearance doesn't make much sense, Jon would take him north of the wall. I'd much rather they just ditched the Direwolfs altogether, I love them in the books but on the show they just don't work that well and their appearances are too sporadic for my tastes.
-- Edited by Al Swearengen on Monday 25th of May 2015 07:43:18 AM
Solid episode, another example of just how good the show can be when they adapt moments from the books.
Like when Tyrion meets Dany...yeah that was great in the pooks....oh wait a second.
You cheeky sod! That's not out of the realm of possibility though, who knows what the future entails for Tyrion and Dany in TWOW. Besides the scene was cool but nothing to write home about ;) I was talking more about Cersei's comeuppance and Aemon's demise. Lena Headey nailed it!!!
Her threat to the Septa :wipesbrow: that's the Cersei we all know and love to hate! BTW that Septa was huge, she must have giants blood in her.
Anytime Sophie has a scene now I can't help but giggle, she towers over Alfie and Iwan. If anything it should be Sansa who's raping Ramsay, dat size advantage
Loved the ep. Still not liking the forced WF colliding of storylines but the acting makes up a LOT for it. If I were in a mean mood though, I'd ask how long Brienne has been watching that tower window... I positively loved everything Dorne. at Jent. With the possible exception of last eps "everyone attacks the Water Garden at the same time in broad daylight" I have nothing but good feels about it. Myrcella told Jaime off. I liked her Lannister defiance coming out As for Tyene I think I fell in love with that character and so has Bronn. I think he'll appreciate the antidote thingy. And Nym rolling her eyes at Tyene fucking with Bronn was just precious. (I did NOT consider that gratuitous boob showing!) I got some unresolved questions on "Dany / Hizdahr / only freedmen fight in the pits" thingy and their touring of the provincial pits, but hopefully it will be resolved in the next eps.
-- Edited by TormundsWoman on Monday 25th of May 2015 01:23:49 PM
The scene with Tyene was certainly an improvement, we need more of that and less of Obara walking around scowling at everyone with her spear.
If Bronn ends up turning into a love sick puppy I'll be pissed though. She stabbed and poisoned him but that went out the window as soon as she flashed her tits? It's not like Bronn hasn't been with women before.
-- Edited by Al Swearengen on Monday 25th of May 2015 01:26:20 PM
Sorry bro. Remember "What is one bastard boy, against a kingdom?". The same logic applies for Shireen. He's at least going to consider it
A bastard boy that Stannis doesn't know, is NOT the same as his loving daughter. If things get worse he will consider it, and it will be a big moment for his character for sure.
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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
In the highly unlikely case Stannis DOES consider it, does anyone doubt Davos will actually step in?! I mean the man did at least that for Gendry, I cannot imagine him not speaking up and then try to kill Mel if she even tries to go next to Shireen
In the highly unlikely case Stannis DOES consider it, does anyone doubt Davos will actually step in?! I mean the man did at least that for Gendry, I cannot imagine him not speaking up and then try to kill Mel if she even tries to go next to Shireen
Shit is going DOWN!!!
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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 loved this episode, with only three exceptions. So many brilliant moments, I can't even think of them all. My heart was pounding as Theon went up those steps, and then... Ugh. It was perfect. The three disappointmenting scenes for me were using slow-acting poison on Bronn, Olenna being so naive and inartful with the High Sparrow, and Sansa antagonizing Ramsay.
On the poison, I can see using a slow acting poison in someone's food or other times when you're trying to get away with murder. Putting it on a weapon is impractical. Wouldn't you want something that immediately slows or stops your opponent? I know the antidote thing made the jail scene possible, but it's still dumb. Nice though.
Are we supposed to believe Olenna has never met anyone who is sincere in their convictions? And the best she can do is ask whether his divine guidance comes by horse or raven? The Olenna we have seen thus far would have twisted his words and his intentions to at least try to gain the upper hand. Even if she failed, which is likely, she wouldn't have looked like a bumbling old woman spewing meaningless threats. That being said, there's a very French Revolution vibe to the Sparrows that I'm enjoying.
Finally, after being so good with Theon, Sansa is so foolish with Ramsay. Why not tell Ramsay that she wants to be Wardeness of the North, but she fears a legitimate son would trump Ramsay's claim? Instead, she attacks him and makes him feel inadequate. It harkened back to Joffrey showing her Ned's head, and her comment to him. Has she learned nothing? It just really bugs.
That being said, the final episodes have been set up beautifully. Stannis has a difficult decision to make. He can sever ties with Mel..and with success, or he can give up his ambitions to save his daughter. Ramsay is now aware of Brienne and Pod's presence, and there's no way that can end well unless Stannis arrives soon.
Poor Tommen has no guidance, and a knee jerk reaction is not going to serve him well. The only hope for him is that he allows Olenna to advise him. But it's too late for Cersei, in any case. I'm hoping that the High Sparrow's words ring true and Margaery is saved by her good deeds for the poor of KL. Then again, this is GoT, not My Little Pony...
Am I the only one who thinks Myrcella looks just a little like Gilly? And I thought Sam was done for. Instead he gets laid. Way to go! For once the sidekick gets the girl.
A quick thought: LF's brilliant plan to secure the north just got flushed down the toilet by the High Sparrow. He needed the predictability and gullibility of Cersei. How is he going to adjust to make the most of the situation? Seeking an audience with Tommen would be the simplest way of regaining the upper hand. But he's unlikely to do anything that will raise his profile with the High Sparrow.
Also: what did Sansa grab? Obviously something she'll use to jimmy the lock on her door, but what was it?
Basi, a corkscrew apparently. As for LF's plans, I went from OMG, Petyr Baelish has lost his mind (first 4 eps) to OMG what a genius move!!!! now I'm just expecting him to pull something magical from his machiavellian ass I miss Varys btw.
I hope she corkscrews it through his eyeball as Stannis closes in. So who else thinks Ramsay is going to put a candle in the tower window as a trap for Brienne? Wouldn't it be ironic for Stannis to save Brienne's life?
I hope she corkscrews it through his eyeball as Stannis closes in.
Ya know, I am gonna be honest, I don't want Sansa to become another Arya. I want Sansa to nut up, and start fucking scheming. Don't kill Ramsay, scheme and fucking annihilate the whole Bolton family line, Raynes of Castamere style.
That is what I want.
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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
It didn't look like she is control enough of the situation Don, if you know what I mean... Sansa is probably going for the "get the hell outta Doge" strategy now. I am very curious how the status quo is going to change if or when LF comes back to WF. If we get to that point. Though that could take a while if he goes to gather the Vale army. Maybe 2 eps. I'm throwing out a speculation of my own that Sansa has tucked away the info about Jon being Lord Commander. If she runs, I bet that's where she's headed. There's nowhere else to go.
I know Torwy, it is just what I hope will happen. I do wish they don't chose the easy way out.
I was actually encouraged when her plan with Reek failed, the whole "Sansa is the damsel in distress, locked in a tower and only a prince-like figure can rescue her" trope fell apart. And that is good, that means she needs to find another way out of her situation.
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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 think Sansa is going to get out of dodge too. And I'm having the same frustration as Donnie. I want her to scheme her way out, but she can't at this point. She's in way over her head. Just about anyone would be. She's going to escape, but she won't escape without doing things she doesn't want to. And I expect those things to be violent. And while she may well head to the Wall, it would be about the stupidest move she could make. Let's hope she knows better. I'm thinking that if Ramsay were dead, she could try to make it back to the Veil, where she could collect Robyn, marry him, and become a crazy recluse like her Aunt Lysa. And throw LF out the moon door if he ever shows his face again. In any case, I'm confident she'll survive the season. Unless she says "I'll tell you next time I see you." Then she's a goner.
I think Winterfell is where she remain, going back to the Vale is a regression of her character I feel. The key of this will be what happens to the Boltons.
Lets say the Boltons defeat Stannis, LF will swoop in with the Vale army and hit the Boltons when their guard is down. How else would this play out?
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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
A quick thought: LF's brilliant plan to secure the north just got flushed down the toilet by the High Sparrow. He needed the predictability and gullibility of Cersei. How is he going to adjust to make the most of the situation? Seeking an audience with Tommen would be the simplest way of regaining the upper hand. But he's unlikely to do anything that will raise his profile with the High Sparrow.
Also: what did Sansa grab? Obviously something she'll use to jimmy the lock on her door, but what was it?
Cersei said that she'll speak with Tommen about Littlefinger's offer in episode 6, so I think he has royal approval. So why is he still in King's Landing? Because he's playing the Tyrells and Cersei- making them destroy eachother. Either way, I hope Ramsay and Roose get the shaft by the end of the season, it's time for them to die a horrible death. Either through Stannis or Littlefinger.
I didn't notice Sansa grabbing something. Will rewatch this Thursday.
-- Edited by jentario on Tuesday 26th of May 2015 03:24:40 AM
My hope is that Sansa becomes the lady of Winterfell in season 6 and gets to rule some, after Ramsay and Roose are disposed of. When did she take the corkscrew?
My hope is that Sansa becomes the lady of Winterfell in season 6 and gets to rule some, after Ramsay and Roose are disposed of. When did she take the corkscrew?
When she was walking with Ramsay along the battlements or whatever you call those things, she saw it atop of a barrel.
Personally I hope she uses on somebody's neck instead of a door.
Luuuved the episode, best of the season by far. Even the Sand snakes scene was awesome.
Cersei and Tommen - wonderful acting by both of them, and Lena was fantastic throughout the episode anyway. Getting to see her thrown in a cell was, like many here said, probably one of the most rewarding scenes in all the series.
Didn't expect Margaery to look so bad, but I was glad to see there is still fire in her.
Queen of Thornes and the High Sparrow - I could rewatch that for days on end! I thought it worked extremely well.
Aaw, Jorah, was nice to see him again in action. Amazing how much they managed to speed up everything in Meereen. What was a bore in the books has become exciting now even for me - and I never liked Essos in any way.
Stannis - UGH R'HLLOR HOLD ME. How can you not love this man and his determination? Of course he'll consider sacrificing Shireen, I expect his situation will only worsen. I don't see him going through with it, but it would be a pity not to use it to build up his inner conflict. I guess this can go many ways... he can stop the burning at the last moment and lose Melisandre just before the battle, Ramsay could attack him by surprise thus stopping Shireen's death at the last moment, or by some unimaginable stroke of luck Stannis manages to come up with a clever tactic to trap the Boltons or unexpected forces arrive at the last moment to aid him...who knows.
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Wouldn't it be ironic if Selyse suddenly develops a conscience and that shot we saw in the trailers of her on the ground is actually her pleading to Stannis for Shireen's life? That would pe pretty painful to see.
In a way I hope they'll build this up as an imminent loss for him, because then I can at least hope that in a GoT kinda way, they'll turn it around, do the unexpected and let him win over the Boltons.
I'm still a BIG fan of everything happening in Winterfell. It's like a vortex drawing everyone into danger - Sansa, Brienne and Pod, Stannis and his team. I can't even imagine where everybody will go from here, or who will die and who will live. And it's grrrreat. Also, Sansa has rocketed into my personal top 3 favorite characters of the season (along with Stannis and Jon). I don't care if it's in the books or not, to me she's been given the best material she had to work with since this series started.
From the opening horse shots I knew that this episode had a master at the helm. Best directing by far this season. Oh and D&D did fine as well.
Jon vs Al again, great tension. Loved Al reminding Sam how vulnerable he is now.
Aemons death. Amazing. Probably the first (and only) natural death we will get on GoT. Sams eulogy was perfect and delivered skillfully. John Bradley is something else. Didnt feel that the scene with Gillys attempted rape was necessary (I think she would have humped Sam regardless) and the only flaw in an otherwise steller episode.
Enjoyed the shot of LF looking through his peep holes one last time....
I am probably the only person who finds Olenna annoying so I was jumping for joy when High Sparrow put her in her place. She really has no comeback against sincerity. Loved them together.
In fact, Pryce as the Hogh Sparrow deserves all the praise. He elevates every scene.
Cersei and Tommen was heartbreakingly sweet as fuck and then great job cutting away to J and Myrcella. I will not feel sympathy gor Cersei. I WILL NOT FEEL SYMPATHY FOR CERSEI.
All of Winterfell I loved.
Stannis. Man, I said it before but I really am starting to like him. Im so torn. D&D have done wonders to the character and Dillane is so good I want his children.
Tyrion and Jorah. Loved every bit. Love how Tyrion has finally met Dany. Loved how he introduced himself and both his and Danys reactions to that proclamation.
Oh and Sand Snake boobies. Too bad she looks like the ass end of a dolphin. I actually was relieved that Bronn was saved, we all assume characters are goners and its nice to have something positive happen every once and a while.
-- Edited by Rygar on Tuesday 26th of May 2015 08:57:38 AM
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"If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt." - Dean Martin
From the opening horse shots I knew that this episode had a master at the helm. Best directing by far this season.
Fuck, forgot to say this, it's been on my mind as well. Amazing opening shots, the mark of a great and very confident director. Who is this guy again? He deserves all the praise for his work this episode, his attention to detail and the way he worked with the actors really showed. He elevated the entire season. Please tell me he's gonna be back for another episode!
I have not seen him do much remarkable work before this, but I would say that he stepped up to his "A" game when he knew he was directing two GOT episodes. Apparently they liked him, because he will also be directing an episode of True Detective season 2.
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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
Man, even the Stannis scene in this episode was terrible. He was the only character I was enjoying this season. The writing was dreadful again, it looks like D&D are phoning it in until the end. All the scenes are lacking tension, every minute of this show is just another box checked towards s07e10 instead of properly setting up a story-arc.
like bowling balls. Tell that red bitch to piss off 
. Loved to see Jorah in front of Khaleesi. So wanting to please her. So thinking she would take him back with open arms. Poor guy. Always unlucky in love every time. Loved Tyrion walking out there. Don't know if I like the avenue they are taking Jon on, but hey, we shall see. Glad Sam got some trim when he is NOT on a ship. Also glad Maester Aemon didn't pass as in the book, this was much better. Egg, Egg! 
You get yours Sammy!
That's not out of the realm of possibility though, who knows what the future entails for Tyrion and Dany in TWOW. Besides the scene was cool but nothing to write home about ;) I was talking more about Cersei's comeuppance and Aemon's demise. Lena Headey nailed it!!!
at Jent. With the possible exception of last eps "everyone attacks the Water Garden at the same time in broad daylight" I have nothing but good feels about it. Myrcella told Jaime off. I liked her Lannister defiance coming out 
As for Tyene 
when I said Bronn falling in love with Tyene, I really meant 
kind of love.
Ugh. It was perfect. The three disappointmenting scenes for me were using slow-acting poison on Bronn, Olenna being so naive and inartful with the High Sparrow, and Sansa antagonizing Ramsay. 
though.
Also, Sansa has rocketed into my personal top 3 favorite characters of the season (along with Stannis and Jon). I don't care if it's in the books or not, to me she's been given the best material she had to work with since this series started. 
?! Hahahaha
