This series of Game of Thrones has continuously proved its status as the epitome of quality television. Whilst the majority of each instalment includes a variety of characters walking places, with the occasional sword fight thrown in, it is the visual flare, quality dialogue and top notch performances that captivate us audiences each week. Episode four remains very much the same as each character trope is once again developed that bit further. However, you know that recurring feeling of expectancy? Of a moment or event that such development is undoubtedly building toward? Well let's just say it has begun.
Across Westeros, Jaime and Brienne continue to be abused and tormented by their captors, Jaime more so through a variety of trickery (horse wee anyone?). You have to admire his gusto, however, for attempting to fight back even in his handless and famished state. Something worth greater admiration though, is the development in Jaime and Brienne's relationship, which has undoubtedly progressed into levels of compassion and care. One moment sees both characters sit by the fire and Jaime melodramatically declare he is ready for death. Brienne effectively tells him to 'man up' and eat something. He begrudgingly chews on a bread roll. It is a wonderful sequence and proves that in a time of peril they have become closer - a surprisingly touching motif.
Elsewhere, Theon is fooled by his 'rescuer'. Believing to be escorted back to his sister, he is instead taken straight back to where he was tortured – his father's castle. This roundabout journey provides a moment of discourse in which Theon shows remorse for his actions (primarily the murder of two orphans) and effectively admits a latent desire to be a true Stark boy, but disparagingly knows this will never be the case.
We briefly touch upon Arya and her journey with the Brotherhood without Banners. Herself and Gendry are taken to their secret cave and meet the leader, Beric Dondarrion. He accuses Hound (their captive) of being a murderer, but charges cannot effectively be proved so a sword fight to the death is settled upon.
The Nights Watch at Craster's Keep continue to moan and deploy bitterness at Craster, who has appointed them slaves and withdrawn any sense of hospitality. Just when you thought this act was beginning to get a bit tedious, members of the Nights Watch speak up and Craster is brutally murdered, in addition to the Nights Watch leader. It is a welcomed uprising and a refreshing portrayal of the Nights Watch who up until this point have not proved to be a particularly threatening group.
In King's Landing, Tyrion is keen to get to the bottom of his attempted assassination at the Blackwater battle. He seeks advice from Lord Varys, who in turn offers a personal parable describing his own tale of revenge, the conclusion of which alludes to a "good things come to those who wait" sentiment. Elsewhere, Lord Varys seeks council from Grandmother Tyrell regarding the plans of Littlefinger. Until this point, his actions have been subdued, his presence almost non-existent. However, for the first time in this episode, we get a sense of the trouble that may lie ahead. Littlefinger has proposed a plan to help Sansa Stark escape King's Landing. This, of course, is part of a greater and more selfish motive. If Robb Stark falls as King of the North, Sansa is next in line and this is something Littlefinger aims to be a part of. As voiced by Lord Varys, "He would see this country burn if he could be king of the ashes". This moment of discourse is particularly captivating primarily due to the quality dialogue and strong performances. Although brief, the sense of threat is effectively translated.
Margaery Tyrell is forever at her manipulating ways, feeding to Joffrey's ego (he exudes minimal douche-ness this week) and courting friendship with Sansa. Cersei confesses her disliking of such actions to her father, Tywin, but does not receive the response she had hoped for. Once again, Charles Dance manages to steal a sequence with quality deliverance, perfecting the role of harsh and neglecting father. Compared to previous weeks, however, King's Landing does not boast the episode's top scene or most brilliant moment. That trophy is most definitely awarded to Daenerys and her actions in Astapor.
Daenerys approaches Kraznys, dragon in tow, to partake in the agreed exchange. She hands over her dragon and in return, gets the golden whip providing mastery over the 8000 Unsullied. Once the deal is done, Daenerys tests her new powers in giving the first command to her newly purchased army. In doing so, she reveals she can in fact speak Valyrian. Whilst half expected, the impact of this twist was by no means less effective. In a pure moment of bad-assery, Daenerys commands her dragon to burn Kraznys and orders the Unsullied to kill every armed man in the castle. She instigates an Unsullied uprising. Proceeding this, she offers freedom to the Unsullied, declaring no one will be harmed if they wish to leave. Alternatively, she suggests they stay and fight for her but as free men. It is a risky move but one that ultimately pays off as each member of the Unsullied declare their commitment to their new leader. The episode thus ends on an epic scale (showcasing some top visual effects), as Daenerys marches off with three un-chained dragons and 8000 men in tow. You go girl.
This week's episode flew by, ever-proving the strength of the show's strong dialogue and performances - each small taster per narrative strand shines. The fragmented character trope approach each week is also completely understandable, as the ten minute pay-offs on a sheer epic scale, as we have now sampled, are thus all the more impactful and effective. Things are definitely beginning to heat up and that feeling of anticipation is now increasingly stronger.
Across Westeros, Jaime and Brienne continue to be abused and tormented by their captors, Jaime more so through a variety of trickery (horse wee anyone?). You have to admire his gusto, however, for attempting to fight back even in his handless and famished state. Something worth greater admiration though, is the development in Jaime and Brienne's relationship, which has undoubtedly progressed into levels of compassion and care. One moment sees both characters sit by the fire and Jaime melodramatically declare he is ready for death. Brienne effectively tells him to 'man up' and eat something. He begrudgingly chews on a bread roll. It is a wonderful sequence and proves that in a time of peril they have become closer - a surprisingly touching motif.
Elsewhere, Theon is fooled by his 'rescuer'. Believing to be escorted back to his sister, he is instead taken straight back to where he was tortured – his father's castle. This roundabout journey provides a moment of discourse in which Theon shows remorse for his actions (primarily the murder of two orphans) and effectively admits a latent desire to be a true Stark boy, but disparagingly knows this will never be the case.
We briefly touch upon Arya and her journey with the Brotherhood without Banners. Herself and Gendry are taken to their secret cave and meet the leader, Beric Dondarrion. He accuses Hound (their captive) of being a murderer, but charges cannot effectively be proved so a sword fight to the death is settled upon.
The Nights Watch at Craster's Keep continue to moan and deploy bitterness at Craster, who has appointed them slaves and withdrawn any sense of hospitality. Just when you thought this act was beginning to get a bit tedious, members of the Nights Watch speak up and Craster is brutally murdered, in addition to the Nights Watch leader. It is a welcomed uprising and a refreshing portrayal of the Nights Watch who up until this point have not proved to be a particularly threatening group.
In King's Landing, Tyrion is keen to get to the bottom of his attempted assassination at the Blackwater battle. He seeks advice from Lord Varys, who in turn offers a personal parable describing his own tale of revenge, the conclusion of which alludes to a "good things come to those who wait" sentiment. Elsewhere, Lord Varys seeks council from Grandmother Tyrell regarding the plans of Littlefinger. Until this point, his actions have been subdued, his presence almost non-existent. However, for the first time in this episode, we get a sense of the trouble that may lie ahead. Littlefinger has proposed a plan to help Sansa Stark escape King's Landing. This, of course, is part of a greater and more selfish motive. If Robb Stark falls as King of the North, Sansa is next in line and this is something Littlefinger aims to be a part of. As voiced by Lord Varys, "He would see this country burn if he could be king of the ashes". This moment of discourse is particularly captivating primarily due to the quality dialogue and strong performances. Although brief, the sense of threat is effectively translated.
Margaery Tyrell is forever at her manipulating ways, feeding to Joffrey's ego (he exudes minimal douche-ness this week) and courting friendship with Sansa. Cersei confesses her disliking of such actions to her father, Tywin, but does not receive the response she had hoped for. Once again, Charles Dance manages to steal a sequence with quality deliverance, perfecting the role of harsh and neglecting father. Compared to previous weeks, however, King's Landing does not boast the episode's top scene or most brilliant moment. That trophy is most definitely awarded to Daenerys and her actions in Astapor.
Daenerys approaches Kraznys, dragon in tow, to partake in the agreed exchange. She hands over her dragon and in return, gets the golden whip providing mastery over the 8000 Unsullied. Once the deal is done, Daenerys tests her new powers in giving the first command to her newly purchased army. In doing so, she reveals she can in fact speak Valyrian. Whilst half expected, the impact of this twist was by no means less effective. In a pure moment of bad-assery, Daenerys commands her dragon to burn Kraznys and orders the Unsullied to kill every armed man in the castle. She instigates an Unsullied uprising. Proceeding this, she offers freedom to the Unsullied, declaring no one will be harmed if they wish to leave. Alternatively, she suggests they stay and fight for her but as free men. It is a risky move but one that ultimately pays off as each member of the Unsullied declare their commitment to their new leader. The episode thus ends on an epic scale (showcasing some top visual effects), as Daenerys marches off with three un-chained dragons and 8000 men in tow. You go girl.
This week's episode flew by, ever-proving the strength of the show's strong dialogue and performances - each small taster per narrative strand shines. The fragmented character trope approach each week is also completely understandable, as the ten minute pay-offs on a sheer epic scale, as we have now sampled, are thus all the more impactful and effective. Things are definitely beginning to heat up and that feeling of anticipation is now increasingly stronger.