As the show with the most pinky finger removals on television continues, Nelson Mail reporters and bloggers Sarah Dunn and Adam Roberts continue their discussions about the land of Westeros.
Dear Adam,
I was horrified to learn that you and Lee both neglected the most significant development in Episode Five – Gendry’s brand new handlebar moustache. Admittedly, it was subtly presented compared to the rest of that firecracker of an episode, but it sure had an impact all of its own. It’s just a pity it didn’t charm Lady Melisandre.
A calmer but more brutal episode than the last, this one opens with Ginny, Sam and the baby having a cosy bonfire. Perhaps it’s been a while since I saw Sam interacting with company in a relaxed environment, but I’d forgotten what a strange and awkward little creature he really is. It’s lovely that Ginny humours him, although whether this has more to do with genuine fondness or a well-honed survival instinct remains to be seen. Sam might end up as the first literal and figurative “white knight” in modern media if he manages to impress the right rulers.
The way the camera watches the little family through the trees doesn’t bode well, though, and nor did the swift cut into Bran’s group butchering a rabbit. The light little skirmishes being established between Osha and Meera Reed are a nice idea but this first round felt staged – neither actor is much of a natural comic.
Adam, correct me if I’m wrong but I think we’ve both been completely over the Crows, the Wildlings and Jon Snow for most of this season. This episode was their best yet, though. Jon has lost some of his trademark sulkiness after finally getting it together with redhead Ygritte, and to my amazement the Wildlings actually finished a significant project in the space of just one episode. The cinematography in the wall-climbing section was absolutely beautiful, too.
The Bandits Without Boundaries, or whatever their name is, are beginning to grow on me. The drunkard priest Thoros of Myr in particular is a great character – he combines some of Jorah Mormont’s air of fallen grace with Bronn’s appealing sleazebaggery. Seeing him cause psychic pain to the highly devout Lady Melisandre simply by existing was very satisfying until he apparently rolled over, letting her drag Gendry off to her bonfire in exchange for some gold.
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Theon’s ordeal at the hands of Ramsay Snow continues to be about as unpleasant as before. We’re shown a moment of twisted honesty from Ramsay when he tells Theon, “If you think this has a happy ending, you haven’t been paying attention.” The happy little Gollum-like grin he maintains throughout each torture scene is marvellously creepy. Meanwhile, Ramsay’s father wined and dined Jaime Lannister and Brienne of Tarth in a gentlemanly fashion before sending Jaime home alone.
Back at court, Lady Olenna of Highgarden seems to be going through the tough guys of King’s Landing like a dose of Epsom salts but I’m not sure it’ll be enough. After battling Tyrion and winning, she went head to head with Tywin Lannister himself and ended the conversation by snapping the great man’s quill in half. It was a sharp scene, but given the spectacular example of Varys’ poor spy Roz, I think Highgarden’s climbing rose might be about to get pruned.
– Sarah.
