Knuckles

The idea of "proof" being needed when facing a court of religious fanatics is ludicrous. Lancel's word, now that he has been purified,would be enough. And they still have Olyvar to take down Loras, and by extension, Margaery. Lancel, as Cerise's former bedmate, and cousin, surely knows that her children are incestuous bastards...and so do the people in Flea Bottom, who screamed "bastard" at Tommen. Even Bronn accepts as common knowledge that Jaime fathered Cerise's children. The High Sparrow is using the incest charge to attack the throne.

In the books, Cersei was truly evil...murdering her best friend as a child, and ordering the killing of all of Robert's bastards, even the infants. On the show, she is a cold-hearted bitch, but that is a different thing. The Queen of Thorns had no trouble plotting and pulling off regicide, so she could be sitting in that cell just a easily as Cersei if it were known. In a way, it is simply realpolitik...but Cersei did seem to enjoy it, unlike Olenna, who saw it as simply necessary business, which makes Cersei more of a target of fan hatred. i loathe jailers and torturers and am rooting for Cersei to show some steel. If Jaime gets a redemption arc, after murdering his cousin to escape, and throwing Bran out a window, why should Cersei be denied.

Just another thought on the incest charge...Lancel has completely turned against Cersei: I'm thinking of his confrontation with her several episodes back. He is totally committed to the Sparrow and the Faith Militant. As a former bedmate of Cersei, I can't believe he doesn't know about her incest with Jaime, heck, even Bronn takes it as common knowledge. The Sparrow is playing for high stakes, I think he is going to de-throne Tommen, and undo the queenships of Cersei and Margaery both. That takes down two great Houses at once, and leaves him and his followers in power in KL. And on cousins marrying, if that is legal anywhere in the US, I'm shocked. It's an invitation to genetic meltdowns.

Since I was swept away by the battle, I forgot some important details. The Sparrow is going for incest...among other charges such as regicide and treason. But the incest takes the throne from Tommen...which will be news to him if he ever leaves his room. Cersei seemed too numbed to take it all in...Kevan may have abandoned her, but will he let Tommen be kicked to the curb? With Jamie in Dorne, not the Riverlands, is the Lannister army still at Riverrun, with the Frey army? And, I am loving old Ramsay and his 20 men idea...good, head out into the snow. Die there. Suits me, and probably Roose as well. And holy crap, as the Boltons and Stannis fight over Winterfell, the army of the dead is marching. Roose thinks he can hold out for 6 months against Stannis...wait till the Walkers and the wights show up.

Hardhome was one of the most amazing things I've seen on TV or film...totally riveting. Loved the build-up with the hostile arrival, the meeting of the elders, and that terrific wilding woman leader. Then what looked like an ice storm, and the charge of the wights. When they closed the gates, the silence of those left behind was chilling. I was worried for Torment, Jon and especially Edd. Agree with the posters above, the Walker King recognized Jon...he was fixated on him. Everything else...terrific as well. Sansa knows her brothers are alive...she is working Theon/Reek. Danny and Tyrion...worth waiting for, and even Varys may reappear. Am I crazy but I even felt sorry for Cersei...that Septa reminded me of the nuns of my school days. Everyone involved...set designers, director, actors, writers, deserves praise...great work.

Gilly choosing to deflower Sam...I thought it was another variation on The Gift. Sam took a serious beat-down from a pair of would-be rapists, and with Ghost's help, saved Gilly. Sam promised Gilly once again that he would fight to protect her and Sam Jr., at any cost, as he has in the past. It seems clear that while Sam loves Gilly, her response is more of gratitude for his protection and kindness, not attraction. It was a deliberate gift on Gilly's part, which is why it seemed sweet, but utterly unsexy.

Rape was a crime that, if accepted as such and proven (and let's not pretend we're perfect today when it comes to that), led to serious punishment: neither the law nor the people formed a hivemind of universal, practical or emotional indifference to rape. GOT is not a realistic portrayal of medieval customs and attitudes: it's a very selective modern interpretation of a wartime situation in a fantasy setting.... I disagree strongly. Until the 1970s, the idea of marital rape in the US was unknown, it had to be fought out in a well-publicized legal battle. Still is not recognized in many countries...so when Sansa said yes, she said yes to her husband's effective ownership of her. The point is often made that you have only those rights that you can defend...Sansa has no family to act on her behalf, and the legal authority in the North is now Roose Bolton, so where does that leave her? Much of the fantasy world of Westeros is borrowed from the War of the Roses in England, and the Capet/Valois kings in France, and that is a murderous, power-driven world, and the inherent brutality is portrayed realistically in Westeros which makes it shocking to 21st Century eyes, but not false. The use of the word "hive mind" is misleading, as there is no universal reaction to any issue. Westeros is firmly rooted in what is known of English and French history at the time and is true to that world. As for slavery...whether it is serfdom, with the peasants tied to the land itself, or to the local lords, or outright buying and selling of human beings, it existed and continues to exist in many forms. Essos shows the viewer an alternative to the serfdom of Westeros.

I'm still amazed at the posters who object to what is happening to Sansa at Winterfell. The Boltons, father and son, are entirely vicious, one cool and calculating, one aspiring to cool and calculating while burning with murderous rage and resentment. Sansa is a captive surrounded by Dreadfort soldiers and servants, presumably they also are terrified of the Boltons, exactly what agency do you expect her to have? As for objections to rape, that was the experience of many medieval women. Women of great Houses were married off at pre-teen or early teenage years, and valued as brood mares with dowries and hopefully some political value. Love or even affection...that might or might not happen, but it was very much an afterthought. There is no point in viewing Sansa's situation thru a 21st century perspective...the idea of women's rights would be laughable to the medieval world. And the experience of common women was even more perilous..Roose's story of his rape of Ramsay's mother, while her husband dangled from a noose above her head, all because they failed to secure his permission to marry is not that rare. Serfs or peasants were owned, they were not independent citizens, they were at the receiving end of whatever their betters chose to dish out. The medieval world is one in which for most people, life was nasty, brutish and short.

Poor Oberon...these Sand Snakes are his legacy? Obie deserved better. They are tedious beyond words...and though Bronn is giving it his best shot, Jaime seems wan, his scene with Myrcella was flat. Zero chemistry there.

I can't say I enjoyed the episode, but I was riveted. Jorah is one motivated man, and Tyrion's timing has not deserted him. Yeah, I did get a Gladiator flashback, of the early fights before Rome. Hizdahr does crouch on his throne like a frightened man; he hasn't had time to explain his upcoming nuptials with the rest of the Harpy crew, which could be difficult for him. Good night Aemon, you were wonderful on screen. Peter Vaughn was one of the constant joys of this show. As for LF and Olenna's "young man", I'm guessing it's Tommen. LF would know that Cersei is heading for the black cells, and Tommen is now alone. Tommen wanting to use the Lannister army is not a bad idea, and I was surprised the Olenna backed down on the food threat so easily. Crazy Qyburn has not been heard from, nor the Frankenmountain with the dwarf's head...lots of potential for chaos here. As for Sansa, bruised, raped at night, and by day, walking straight and tall and talking smack to the Bolton freak...jaw dropping. And Ghost...always a welcome sight.

Littlefinger is in town, I expect Olenna to consult with her fellow plotter. Cutting off the Tyrell food supply to King's Landing should set off food riots again...undermining Lannister control and creating the chaos that Baelish relishes. And without food, the Sparrows have little to offer the folks in Flea Bottom. What does Olenna want more, Margery on the Iron Throne, or her two grandchildren alive and safe in Highgarden? It is not clear on the show where the Tyrell army is at the moment, and I think that the formidable Randall Tarly is in charge, so she has that as a backup. As for the Lannister army, as noted by another poster, without money, it is not clear how effective this army is...or who is in charge of it. Kevin Lannister has gone back to Casterly Rock and Jamie is in Dorne. The show, excepting Stannis and his Golden Company has abandoned the military aspect of the war, except by mentioning that the Vale has a large, well-fed and untested army under the nominal command of Baelish.

I rewatched the episode tonight, as I usually do, but i turned it off mid-wedding. I do not want to see or hear that again. Agree that Loras could have saved himself, and perhaps his sister, if he simply explained what a squire does...which includes dressing his knight. As for Olyvar...he looked so smug...but as an admitted sodomite, whose little turn as a snitch is done, I expect him to catch the full weight of whatever punishment the Sparrows dish out...bro did not think this one thru. Being a snitch is a dangerous business. Often short-lived. And did the same director who delivered such great stuff as Jorah and Tryion meeting the slavers also direct the amateur theatrics at Dorne? Skip the sorry sand snakes, just consider that Jamie, a combat veteran, and Bronn, an experienced sell-sword, walk into a large, maze-like garden in the middle of the day, without even re-conning the layout of the place, or figuring out an escape route, or counting the guards present. These two are not Seal Team 6,

Describing Sansa as a "hardened woman" is a stretch, Cogman, an unlikely one. And yes, Littlefinger does have a clue about Ramsay...he knows Roose is utterly cruel, and it is impossible to believe that Ramsay's flayings of northern lords or the surrendering Ironborn at Moat Cailin were unknown to him. Forcing Sansa into a marriage with another monster works in LF's favor...he will look pretty good as a rescuer assuming Sansa survives. The truncated story has left the various armies forgotten, with the exception of Stannis and the Golden Company. Book Lannister/Frey forces were still at Riverrun, and the Tyrell army was being led by Mace...somewhere. To Cersei's question of whether the Kingdom should be torn apart again...yeah baby, you have the heir to Highgarden and the Queen in chains, do you think Grandma is going to let that ride? Cut off the Tyrell food supply and the Sparrows won't be feeding the poor, they will be cracking heads as riots break out.

Sansa cooly telling psycho Myranda to back off had me hoping for another ending for Sansa's wedding night...that Ramsay revealed his evil self so completely freaked me out. And, repulsed me. The eerie beauty of her wedding in the Godswood, and the smooth voice of Roose just lulled me along into total horror. I'm guessing old Ramsay sent Myranda along to unnerve Sansa. Bring it on Stannis...time for Ramsay, Roose and the psycho harem to meet the Red God's fire. Thank the seven Olenna's in town. Where are the Tyrell armies? Time to cut the food supply to King's Landing and roll those soldiers into KL. Tommen can die now as well...totally useless waste of space. And Cersei...glad to see the shifty Littlefinger screwing her over. Add Sansa to another of Littlefinger's Stark victims.

Since the battle at the Wall and the arrival of Stannis, everything there has been compelling. Especially giving Stannis fresh characters to interact with...still, he hasn't spoken with Aemon, which is a little disappointing. Winterfell...I like the addition of Brienne and Pod to that storyline, and am waiting to see how long poor Walda survives. Ramsey and Roose are totally evil and totally compelling. And, I can't wait to see Littlefinger in the reformed King's Landing. Exactly what does Cersei want with him? Some of his money magic to fend off the Iron Bank? Food from the Vale? And in Bravos...have Mace and Meryn arrived? And if Dany is going badass, as opposed to well meaning but utterly ineffectual, I am fine with that.

Rewatching the episode last night, I was thinking how much I look forward to a Roose/Stannis face-off, assuming that Stannis is not trapped by snow on his way south to Winterfell. Roose knows that Stannis is at Castle Black, but does he know that Stannis has the Golden Company with him...and if he does, who told him? Ned said in ep. 1 that a 100 men could hold Winterfell in a siege, and Roose has had it rebuilt, but where are his food supplies, and how long can he hold out? On the show, where are the Lannister/Tyrell armies and where is Randall Tarly, the great general? Will he ride to Roose's rescue? Is Randall Tarly Checkov's gun? Yes, Stannis had his scene with Samwell to look over Randall's son, and to get info on dragon glass, but perhaps also to remind viewers that Randall is a general who is on the same level as Stannis himself. The show runners have a lot of ways the battle at Winterfell could play out.

I loved this episode. Stannis and Sam, Jon and Aemon, even a nice moment with Shireen and Davos. Have been waiting for Tormund to step into Mance's place, and watching he and Jon work it out was great...they have a long history together as one another's prisoners, and briefly, as fellow fighters on the Wildling team. And, bros of the NW, yeah, you hate the wildlings, but who else is going to stand with you against the Others...you're undead meat if you don't get a clue. Also, Myranda, you are so going to overplay your hand, and I can't wait to see you go down. Walda may hit the dirt first, though: sadly, she seems genuinely nice, if a little dim. Ramsay saying 'the North remembers' made me want to scream. Roose is as repulsive as his mad dog son. Dinner with the Boltons is the stuff of nightmares.

Was Anne guilty, or was she? Clearly it did not matter...the King wanted her gone and Cromwell had to deliver. This was the most frightening portrayal of Anne's fall that I have seen. The actress was just superb...the wide-eyed fear growing exponentially, while she struggled to maintain some dignity. And Rylance...he looked deeply saddened and finally deeply frightened as well. Most terrible of all was his slow walk to a grinning, delighted Henry, who smothered him in an embrace. This was great television, and Rylance in his stillness, was commanding.

So Miss Hart informs Reid that she has buried the girl just that morning, and Reid does not ask where? Or demand to have her exhumed? He has Jackson at hand, and Bennett has done time as a gravedigger...and neither of them are put to finding out exactly who this girl is and how she died. We are supposed to believe that grief and fury override all of Reid's training and instincts as a cop? And, did Hart seem at all convincing a liar? I am not buying this. At what point do Bennett and especially Jackson speak up and demand a look at the corpse? Are we supposed to believe that Reid would not want to at least see her face and confirm that said girl is indeed his daughter. She has been dead less than a day, supposedly, and in the ground a few hours...exhume the girl and have Jackson confirm the means of her death. Be interesting to see Hart and Capshaw scramble to find a suitable corpse. There whole ploy is based on Reid not following his policeman's instincts and his need as a father to confirm the girl's identity, should be a very long shot, but the show want us to believe he throws over years of habit and procedure on Hart's say so....and that neither Jackson nor Bennett speak up...out of character for all three.

Stannous finally showed his love for Shireen, which made the episode for me. I have always been a Stannis fan, and finally the show is giving him something to work with. And again, both Stannis and Littlefinger both suggest that Jon's parentage is not as advertised. As for Mel, I suggest she go set herself on fire, and amuse the crowd. And take Selyse with her, and make it a twofer. So, Sansa, Tommen and Dany, all three are in over their heads. Sansa is on her own with the sadist and his harem, Dany has lost Ser Barristan, and Tommen's mama has set him up to be publicly shown as powerless.

I am loving this show. Yes, it is slow, but it is moving now. Anne Boleyn is already done, though she does not know it, and Cromwell faces Wolsey's fate if he cannot provide grounds for her removal. Everything rides on the whims of the king, including Cromwell's life. Rylance is wonderful as a deeply frightened man, trying to hold steady as everything shifts around him.

Nothing House Tyrell pulls can shock me. Not so much House Tyrell, as Lady Olenna and her protege Margaery. Mace is nobody's idea of a shrewd player, but as genial dummy and front man, he has his uses. Makes the Tyrells look much less threatening. Olenna and Margery prompted Sansa's opinion of Joffrey, promising her safety in return for info. They of course had no problem setting her up, along with Tyrion, as poisoners who committed regicide. Both Tyrells are utterly cold blooded and ruthless. Cersei may want Littlefinger back in KL for whatever reason, but it is Olenna who made the deal with him to kill Joffrey. As they say, two can keep a secret as long as one of them is dead, and my guess is that Olenna, once she hears that Littlefinger is with the Boltons, is going to want Baelish dead. Very dead.

Agreed on Drake and Rose...but this show loves convoluted, so don't hold your breath. Funnily enough, I couldn't remember why the three were at daggers drawn either, but I do like this show. There is something about the slums of Victorian London that just throws up good stories. And that explains where the Blackfish has gone...he's busy ruining Reid's career.