Last week's premiering episode of Season 3 saw a focused, visually stunning and epic return to our much loved Game of Thrones. Following would be a hard task so it is no surprise, therefore, that this week suffered a lull. A slightly confusing one at that. In this episode the focus is on every other character missed out last week and a return to King's Landing. Additionally, some new faces are added to the mix. That's right... more characters.
Woven together in a mix-match of majoritively non-sensical jump cuts, each character arc across Westeros is covered. In the North, we return to Bran Stark and his younger brother Rickon on their journey to the wall, accompanied by Hodor and Osha. Bran is continuously having dreams, at first dismissed as black magic. However, after meeting Jojen and Meera Reed, the dreams hold more relevance. Jojen reveals to Bran they have been searching for him, believing him to play a critical role in the future.
Child-toasting Theon Grayjoy has been taken captive by a group of unknown men. They torture him, asking questions regarding Winterfell. Despite answering truthfully, the torture continues. At a moments rest for Theon, a boy who claims to have been sent by his sister vows to come to his rescue at midnight.
Brave sword-slinger Arya Stark and her two companions, Gendry and Hot Pie, remain on the run from Harenhaal. They come face to face with the Brotherhood without Banners, who offer them some hospitality. Whilst at their inn, big-man Sandor Clegane arrives as a captive and notices Arya. Upon seeing her, he reveals her identity to the entire brotherhood.
Beyond the wall, Jon Snow experiences his first Warg – a man who is capable of seeing through the eyes of animals – and the Night's Watch remain on an exhausting trip back to their posts.
King in the North Robb Stark receives letters revealing the death of his grandfather and the devastation that took place at Winterfell, resultant from Theon Grayjoy. He also discovers that Bran and Rickon have not been found. After telling his mother, Lady Stark, of the bad news, she then feels responsible for what has happened to them.
In a way, my segmented summaries of each character trope are emblematic of the episode itself. It felt disjointed throughout, and ultimately not as engaging. However, I am by no means saying the quality is not there. Keeping consistent, each performance is great and entertaining, and the new characters this week were interesting additions, some with familiar faces (Mackenzie Crook was a nice surprise). The episode's greatest strengths for me, however, lied in King's Landing and Brienne of Tarth's escort of Jamie Lannister.
If we remember, Brienne of Tarth was sent on a mission by Lady Stark to escort Jamie Lannister back to King's Landing, in the hope of exchanging him for Sansa and Arya. As both treck through various forestry, an unlikely latent chemistry develops. A slew of insults back and forth regarding the likes of one another's manliness provide this week's subtle output of comedy. Their dynamic also showcases some good old fashioned sword fighting action, in a delightfully refreshing clumsy and ungraceful manner.
Yet, events in King's Landing again remain the most gripping, as manipulation is in abundance. Marjory Tyrell and her grandmother grill Sansa over the true nature of Joffrey, causing her to have a mini- breakdown. In an impressive turn by Sophie Turner, it is understated yet emotive, demonstrating the effects of Joffrey's torture and malice. Speaking of which, Joffrey continues to be a joy to watch, brilliantly playing the character that everybody loves to hate. Even better however, was Marjory's manipulation of him. Combing sensual flirtation and a knowing yet naive subservience has the wrongful king fooled. Better yet, it is no doubt the slow start of a progressing battle of feminine wills - newcomer Marjory vs. power-bitch Cersei.
Nevertheless, episode 2 was neither as visually stimulating or engaging. Instead, it felt disjointed and overcrowded. Although, in typical Game of Thrones fashion these various character tid bits are still an entertaining watch and credit is due to the cast and crew for making it so. Still... for me, this week was just not as engrossing.
Woven together in a mix-match of majoritively non-sensical jump cuts, each character arc across Westeros is covered. In the North, we return to Bran Stark and his younger brother Rickon on their journey to the wall, accompanied by Hodor and Osha. Bran is continuously having dreams, at first dismissed as black magic. However, after meeting Jojen and Meera Reed, the dreams hold more relevance. Jojen reveals to Bran they have been searching for him, believing him to play a critical role in the future.
Child-toasting Theon Grayjoy has been taken captive by a group of unknown men. They torture him, asking questions regarding Winterfell. Despite answering truthfully, the torture continues. At a moments rest for Theon, a boy who claims to have been sent by his sister vows to come to his rescue at midnight.
Brave sword-slinger Arya Stark and her two companions, Gendry and Hot Pie, remain on the run from Harenhaal. They come face to face with the Brotherhood without Banners, who offer them some hospitality. Whilst at their inn, big-man Sandor Clegane arrives as a captive and notices Arya. Upon seeing her, he reveals her identity to the entire brotherhood.
Beyond the wall, Jon Snow experiences his first Warg – a man who is capable of seeing through the eyes of animals – and the Night's Watch remain on an exhausting trip back to their posts.
King in the North Robb Stark receives letters revealing the death of his grandfather and the devastation that took place at Winterfell, resultant from Theon Grayjoy. He also discovers that Bran and Rickon have not been found. After telling his mother, Lady Stark, of the bad news, she then feels responsible for what has happened to them.
In a way, my segmented summaries of each character trope are emblematic of the episode itself. It felt disjointed throughout, and ultimately not as engaging. However, I am by no means saying the quality is not there. Keeping consistent, each performance is great and entertaining, and the new characters this week were interesting additions, some with familiar faces (Mackenzie Crook was a nice surprise). The episode's greatest strengths for me, however, lied in King's Landing and Brienne of Tarth's escort of Jamie Lannister.
If we remember, Brienne of Tarth was sent on a mission by Lady Stark to escort Jamie Lannister back to King's Landing, in the hope of exchanging him for Sansa and Arya. As both treck through various forestry, an unlikely latent chemistry develops. A slew of insults back and forth regarding the likes of one another's manliness provide this week's subtle output of comedy. Their dynamic also showcases some good old fashioned sword fighting action, in a delightfully refreshing clumsy and ungraceful manner.
Yet, events in King's Landing again remain the most gripping, as manipulation is in abundance. Marjory Tyrell and her grandmother grill Sansa over the true nature of Joffrey, causing her to have a mini- breakdown. In an impressive turn by Sophie Turner, it is understated yet emotive, demonstrating the effects of Joffrey's torture and malice. Speaking of which, Joffrey continues to be a joy to watch, brilliantly playing the character that everybody loves to hate. Even better however, was Marjory's manipulation of him. Combing sensual flirtation and a knowing yet naive subservience has the wrongful king fooled. Better yet, it is no doubt the slow start of a progressing battle of feminine wills - newcomer Marjory vs. power-bitch Cersei.
Nevertheless, episode 2 was neither as visually stimulating or engaging. Instead, it felt disjointed and overcrowded. Although, in typical Game of Thrones fashion these various character tid bits are still an entertaining watch and credit is due to the cast and crew for making it so. Still... for me, this week was just not as engrossing.