You’ve been warned!
So last night, Arsenic and I (along with a few other close companions) gathered to watch the season 4 premier of Game of Thrones. And what an episode it was. Today, I thought I’d share some of the highlights of last night’s episodes and what I liked about them. So, let’s get started!
The Re-Forging of Ice:
They really kicked things off on a bitter (but necessary) note, with Tywin Lannister having Ned Stark’s greatsword Ice re-forged into not one, but two, Valyrian swords for House Lannister. This moment comes like a punch to the gut, with the Lannisters once again kicking the Starks while they’re down. In the wake of the Red Wedding, Tywin considers the Starks beaten, and it certainly wouldn’t be the first time he wiped another family off the map. Rains of Castamere, anyone?
Oh, Tywin, you rascal.
Broken houses have no need for Valyrian steel, and as it so happens, Tywin Lannister (the man who is so wealthy, it’s said that he shits gold), has been coveting one of these swords for quite some time. But these are the Lannisters we’re talking about, so why stop at just one Valyrian sword when you can have two? That’ll show the other Great Houses of Westeros. (Sword Envy, it’s a sad, sad thing.)
The Arrival of Oberyn Martell:
The Dornish are here, the Dornish are here! Prince Oberyn Martell has returned to King’s Landing, and as he tells Tyrion, he’s there for more than just the royal wedding. We’ve all heard that βthe north remembersβ, but the same could also be said about the south. During Robert’s Rebellion, The Martells suffered tragic and horrific losses at the hands of Ser Gregor Clegane, but Oberyn is a smart man, and he knows that the Mountain That Rides, does the bidding of a certain Papa Lannister.
You tell ’em, buddy!
We’ll be meeting more and more Dornish characters from the point on, and it’s something many fans of the books have been waiting for since season 1. I won’t go into too much about Oberyn just yet, but I think this episode did a good job introducing us to what sort of character he is, and just how hot-blooded and eager for vengeance he is. Tyrion Lannister is right to be wary of a man like Oberyn.
Jaime’s Character Development:
Back on the subject of the Lannisters, Jaime is going to have a lot of adjusting and soul searching to do this season. The loss of his hand last season, wasn’t just the loss of an appendage for him, it was also him losing a major part of his identity. He’s been through a lot, and when he finally gets back to his other half, Cersei, she deals him a crushing blow with how cold and distant she is toward him. When I first started reading the books and watching the show, I absolutely loathed Jaime. I wanted to see him really get his, but his character development has been astounding, and now I often find myself rooting for him. Also, Jaime and Brienne? Moar please!
Cranky Dragons & The Journey To Meereen:
Across the Narrow Sea, in Essos, we find Daenerys enjoying some quality time with her dragons. The largest of her brood, Drogon, is enjoying some affection from his mother just like any other giant, fire-breathing lapdog would. That is, until he decides it’s dinner time, and steals his siblings’ meal. When Dany tries to interrupt, he aggressively snaps at her. I’ve read in a couple forums, people asking why he tried to kill her, but believe me, if Drogon had wanted to kill Dany, he’d have done it. Easily. Think of this moment like a dog snapping at the hand of its owner if they tried to take his food dish away. As startled by this as Dany is, Jorah Mormont is quick to remind her that dragons are wild, and cannot be tamed. Not even by their mother. This moment serves as an eye opener to Daenerys, who honestly views her dragons as her children. On the topic of dragons, I’m loving the look of the dragons. I’m usually a crotchety stickler about CGI, but they really nailed it this season.
Even dragons can be total momma’s boys at times. π
Later in the episode, we find Dany on her way to Meereen. Already expecting her, Meereen antagonizes her by placing a specific sort of marker at every mile. Strung up, with their finger pointing the way to Meereen, are the bodies of slaves, put there specifically to taunt her. Ser Barristan offers to travel ahead and see the remaining 163 dead slaves buried so Dany wouldn’t have to look upon them, but she refuses this offer. She wants to see each and every one of their faces before she has them buried, something she will remember when she meets with her new foes. Ohhhh, you’ve done it now, Meereen!
Arya and The Hound:
My favorite moment of the episode had to be the ending, with Arya and The Hound. I adore these two together. They’re both fantastic characters, and as much as they might hate to admit it, the two make a pretty badass team.
I loved this scene from season 3.
Arya regaining her sword Needle and notching another name off her list of those she means to kill, was a satisfying moment. We’ve seen Arya go through so much, and time and time again she has been dragged through the mud, but in this one moment we see her get just a bit of the vengeance she has been yearning for.
Overall, I really enjoyed this episode, and am looking forward to discussing future episodes this season. What was your favorite moment of this episode?
On another note, I finally got my dad to sit down and start watching the show, and I must say, it’s been pretty amusing hearing his predictions. He’s only 3 episodes in and is wholeheartedly convinced that Ned Stark is going to kill Jaime Lannister. Needless to say, I can’t wait to see his reaction when he watches episode 9 from season 1. π
Also, the moral of this episode? If The Hound asks you for some chicken, you give The Hound some damn chicken!
Until Next Time,
– Crumpet