S04.E07: Mockingbird

[Which Tyler]

 

Tyrion gains an unlikely ally; Daario asks Dany to allow him to do what he does best; Jon's warnings about the vulnerability of the Wall are ignored; Brienne follows a new lead.

Reminder: This is for discussion of the TV show only, no book talk allowed - including saying "but it's different in the books". Any spoiler from outside the books (i.e. next weeks preview) should be in spoiler tags.

[arachne]

Okay, I didn't read the books, but I saw that push coming.

[onthebrink03]

Okay, I didn't read the books, but I saw that push coming.

And yet it was still so thoroughly satisfying.  

[Quickbeam]

God, that Moon Door just gives me the creeps. However it is useful in taking out the crazy trash.

[AimingforYoko]

My only surprise is that it came so early. I'd thought Lysa would last into next season.

 

Man, did Pedro Pascal kill it in the cell with Tyrion, or what? (Dinklage did a great job, too)

[kechara]

I want a moon door

[lmn]

So if you can't control your crazy wife, then kill her? Makes perfect sense! However, I am not complaining whatsoever. Goodbye crazy lady! But why was she so infatuated with Littlefinger?

[Happy to be here]

The push was kinda obvious but I did like the lines,  "I loved only one person in my life, your sister."  

 

Was that the first person Arya killed herself on purpose?  Because that was a pretty cool killing.  "Is he on your list."  "I don't know his name."  :What is your name."   "Gives name."  "Thank you?"  Sabbby Arya.

 

 The talk about Tyrion as a a baby was both very sad and very telling.  Cersei really has hated him from the moment he was born and blamed him for their mother's death.  It is good to see he has found a champion.  

[Unusual Suspect]

Hot Pie!

 

Moon Door!

 

And that last scene between Oberyn and Tyrion was gold.

[lmn]

Hot Pie!

 

One thing that I loved was the return of Hot Pie! It was nice to see that despite everything going on in Game of Thrones, that at least one character was going to be okay! Albeit, I shouldn't be assuming such a thing since it is Game of Thrones...

Edited May 19, 2014 by lmn

[Lady S.]

So if you can't control your crazy wife, then kill her? Makes perfect sense! However, I am not complaining whatsoever. Goodbye crazy lady! But why was she so infatuated with Littlefinger?

I think we're supposed to believe that teenage Petyr hadn't yet developed the Batman voice, the pedopriest wardrobe, and all around sleaziness, and was less obvious about being a sociopath because he was still trying to play "by their rules" or however he put in his amateur porno backstory scene. The severe mental illness explains why she was still in love with him.

 

I was most excited in this ep by the re-appearance of Hot Pie and his wolf bread.

[WatchrTina]

 

Was that the first person Arya killed herself on purpose?

No, remember that guy, Polliver, who was on her list because he killed Lommy?  He was the guy who stole Needle.  He was in the fight with the Hound (the one following the "Fuck the King" and "i'm gonna eat all the chickens" speech by the Hound) and he ended up wounded on the floor. Arya took needle back, taunted him with Lommy's last words ("you'll have to carry me") and then stabbed him through the throat just like Polliver did to Lommy.

[midge]

Brienne and Pod are full of awesome.  Brienne's smug "you were saying?" made me hoot a little. 

 

Too bad Lysa wasn't holding that little creepy lord of the vale when she was pushed.  

 

Bronn broke my heart a little.   I can totally understand why he had to take the offer, but still...

[ebevan91]

Okay, I didn't read the books, but I saw that push coming.

 

The TV show makes lots of things predictable, sadly.

[ihartcoffee]

Hot Pie!

 

Moon Door!

 

And that last scene between Oberyn and Tyrion was gold.

Amen to all of that! I also liked the scene between arya and the hound where they discuss his brother.

Hotpie does a darn good wolf.

I adore Oberyn, the emotions in that scene were so on target. Loved the way he described how tyrion was rumored to look like. Great acting.

[TooMuchCoffee]

What a great episode!  Even the "dull" parts (Dany, Mel) offered a change of perspective instead of their same old schtick.

 

The scene between Tyrion and Oberyn was sublime. Wasn't the lighting and camera work incredible?  It goes without saying that the dialogue and acting was perfection.  Dinklage brought tears to my eyes right along with the tears welling up in his. 

 

I don't know how Oberyn is going to do it but the Mountain is toast.  

[bluvelvet]

Eww....Littlefinger kissed Sansa..*cringing*.  Tonight confirmed what I have thought for a while, Littlefinger has transferred his feelings for Catelyn onto her daughter. That kiss was truly skeevy.  All that being said, he also saved her life from his crazy wife, Lysa was about to kill Sansa for kissing her husband when she blatantly saw that it was the other way around. As for Robin, he almost seemed normal for a minute until the whole "when we are married, if you don't like someone I will kill them" part of the conversation. I was quite shocked that Sansa slapped him to tell the truth, didn't think she had it in her.  I wonder what will happen to that bethrothal now that Lysa has flown out the moon door.

 

The scene with Tyrion and Oberyn was the best of the episode, I felt bad that Jaime couldn't fight for Tyrion but they both knew he didn't have the skillset. You could feel the love between the brothers in that scene. Also interesting that Oberyn met Tyrion as a baby and also got some info about 4 year old Cersei hurting baby Tyrion only stopped by her brother. Tyrion looked so relieved.  As for Bronn, I can't even feel bad about him, he was always upfront about who and what he was. At least they parted on amicable terms.

 

Arya gets another kill, however I have a complaint..her story hasn't really gone anywhere. All she and the Hound have done this season (which is almost over by the way) is just wander around on horseback.  Still it was nice seeing Hotpie again and it looks like Brienne is on her way to the Eyrie. Also is it me, or did Brienne look prettier in this episode?

 

Castle Black nice to see Ghost again but otherwise a bit boring.

 

So Danaerys finally got laid and interesting that she is using Hizdar (sp?) as her emissary..did like her line about living in the new world versus dying in the old. So her initial plan was to just kill all the masters, but Jorah gave her some good advice, killing the masters isn't going to solve the overall problem.  Now she seems to using a bit more strategy. Also LOVED her dress in the "morning after" scenes.

 

Actually something I forgot to mention, interesting that Tyrion tried using his position as Sansa's husband to sway Bronn, specifically mentioning, ruling the North in her stead. So I guess he still considers himself "married". So if Sansa is never found, could Tyrion, technically rule Winterfell in her "stead".

Edited May 19, 2014 by bluvelvet

[dramachick]

Prince Oberyn to the rescue!  My man. 

 

If Stannis lets that red witch burn Shireen, I'm gonna do something rash.

 

It's so good to see you again, Hot Pie!

 

Very nice scene between Arya and the Hound, who is a truly tortured soul.

 

I almost got physically ill when Littlefinger smashed his face against Sansa.

 

Poor Sansa.

 

Emilia Clarke is surrounded by talented and interesting actors, yet she continues to be one-note and cannot hold her own.  I'm always soooooo glad when her scenes are over.

 

 

 

 

 

[Lady S.]

Actually something I forgot to mention, interesting that Tyrion tried using his position as Sansa's husband to sway Bronn, specifically mentioning, ruling the North in her stead. So I guess he still considers himself "married". So if Sansa is never found, could Tyrion, technically rule Winterfell in her "stead".

I think he's well aware his survival chances wouldn't be much better surrounded by Bolton goons and Stark loyalists, he was just throwing everything he had at Bronn in desperation.

 

"No, I never needed this lust potion to seduce your husband." Talk about a burn, Mel. The show's done pretty well to establish Stannis's paternal concern as his redeeming quality so while I am worried for Shireen, I don't think something bad will happen with Stannis's blessing. He already had some reluctance about Gendry, but that was a bastard nephew he'd never met before, his own daughter would be a much bigger problem.

 

Those burns must have made the Hound age prematurely, because Gregor 3.0 cannot pass as the older brother.

 

Was Littlefinger giving Sansa a full tongue kiss like he did Lysa? Looked that way. Her first kiss, with Joffrey, looks downright sweet in comparison.

Edited May 19, 2014 by Lady S.

[Conan Troutman]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtFBRJFN3p8

 

Fly me to the moon!

 

Okay Sansa, things are getting...

 

...better?

 

...ish?

 

No?

 

Poor Sansa!

[AlliMo]

You know, I knew to expect great things from Dinklage, but did they ever find a treasure in Pedro Pascal. I can't even imagine anyone else owning this role like he is.

[CletusMusashi]

Apparently Littlefinger is starting to get in touch with his inner Jackie Gleason.

"One of these days! Pow! To the MOON DOOR!"

[schmickschmack]

Hot Pie!

 

Moon Door!

 

And that last scene between Oberyn and Tyrion was gold.

 

After each week's episode, I post a non-spoiler FB post and then the friends who've seen it and I get all spoilery in the comments.  I couldn't keep the news of Hot Pie's return to myself tonight!  

[dramachick]

 

"It is rare to meet a Lannister who shares my enthusiasm for dead Lannisters" - Oberyn Martell

Edited May 19, 2014 by sukeyna

[CeeBeeGee]

Those burns must have made the Hound age prematurely, because Gregor 3.0 cannot pass as the older brother.

 

So that is a different actor then?  I feel like it's been so long since we've seen the Mountain--back at Harrenhall in Season 2 was the last time, no?--that I can't remember what he looks like, but I did think this was a different actor.

 

Oh my God, I am terrified for Oberyn.  PLEASE let him be okay.  He must have a plan since he knows exactly what he's up against but still...

 

I almost threw up when Lysa went out the Moon Door.  Drops scare the shit out of me, I can't even do roller coasters.  And I actually feel awful for poor Robin now.  He's a piece of work but he's not nearly as bad as Joffrey was and now he's alone.

[schmickschmack]

So that is a different actor then?  I feel like it's been so long since we've seen the Mountain--back at Harrenhall in Season 2 was the last time, no?--that I can't remember what he looks like, but I did think this was a different actor.

 

Oh my God, I am terrified for Oberyn.  PLEASE let him be okay.  He must have a plan since he knows exactly what he's up against but still...

 

I almost threw up when Lysa went out the Moon Door.  Drops scare the shit out of me, I can't even do roller coasters.  And I actually feel awful for poor Robin now.  He's a piece of work but he's not nearly as bad as Joffrey was and now he's alone.

I'm like, throw his ass out next.  See what it's like to fly.

[AbFabGab]

So that is a different actor then?  I feel like it's been so long since we've seen the Mountain--back at Harrenhall in Season 2 was the last time, no?--that I can't remember what he looks like, but I did think this was a different actor.

 

At least according to IMDB, this is the 3rd actor to play the Mountain. I still think the first was the best fit. The second was a bit too pleasant looking, this one looks too young in comparison to the Hound.

[Stardancer Supreme]

 Okay, I didn't read the books, but I saw that push coming.

 

Hell, I was telling Baelish to push her.  Lysa spazzed out so much about that kiss, she didn't know that Sansa had struck Robyn.  And even if he was able to save Sansa then, no way could he be around her all the time to keep Lysa from killing her.

 

Better light some candles for the Mountain.  I'm betting on Oberyn to take him out!

[thuganomics85]

Littlefinger clearly was in the "Just don't give a fuck, anymore", when it came to Lysa.  Not only did he kill her, but made sure she knew that Cat was always his first and only choice, before buying her a one-way plane trip, down the Erie.  On one hand, Sansa is stuck with another killer.  On the other hand, this killer actually is crazy for her, so at least he won't be pulling a Joffery on her.  Still, she never has any luck, huh?  Oh, and that kiss was both creepy and hilarious, due to how Sophie Turner towers over Aiden Gillan.

 

Loved all the stuff with Tyrion.  First, him and Jaime joking around about this predicament (and, yes, it would have been hilarious if Jaime did volunteer, just to see Tywin's face, when he realizes both of his sons would probably be goners).  Then, the scene with Bronn, where Bronn reminds him that, in the end, he is a sellsword, who is about himself and there is only so much he will do for Tyrion.  But, I liked that Tyrion seemed to accept that in the end, and had no hard feelings over it.  And then, finally!  Oberyn swoops in the be the champion!  Yay, Oberyn! Oberyn is awesome!  Pedro Pascal was great tonight.  Loved him talking about when he first met Tyrion.  Cersei really did always hate Tyrion, I see.  Oberyn vs. The Mountain should be something.  I could see it going either way.

 

Speaking of The Mountain, we've now got the third version.  First impression is that he is certainly big enough, but I did think his face was a bit... I don't know, but he looked kind of cuddly (even when massacring people.)  I still prefer the first one.  We barely saw him, but the actor just brought a menace to The Mountain, that made him look like someone you really didn't want to fuck with.

 

The stuff with Dany got slightly more interesting, and I'm glad Dany is listening to Jorah at times.  But I'm guessing Dany and Daario 2.0. hooked-up, which is another sign that Jorah really should realize it ain't ever going to happen with them.

 

Oh, Jon.  You finally got your act together and showing that you can be a good leader, plus have a working brain.  Too bad this all has happened when Commander Mormont is gone, and you've got Alister Throne and Janos Sylnt running the show, like a bunch of petty, vindictive, incompetent, mid-level managers.  I'm sure they'll regret it, soon, but I just hope you and Sam/Grim/Pyp/Dolorous, don't get harmed because of these jackasses.

 

Meanwhile, in tonight's Amazing Race episode, where teams are trying to get to the Eyrie, Team Hound/Arya are showing improvements in their relationships with Arya getting another notch on her kill belt, the Hounds opening up about his past, and Arya stitching his wound! Meanwhile, Team Brienne/Poderick gets some help on their journey from Hot Pie!  Glad to see he's still hanging around.

 

Overall, a talky episode, but still good.  But, it basically felt like a set-up for what's to come in the final three episodes.

Edited May 19, 2014 by thuganomics85

[Constantinople]

Thorne is stupid to let his personal animosity get in the way of defending the Wall. I don't know if freezing the tunnels is a good idea or a bad idea, but I don't think it's sufficient to say they've never needed to do that before. It's my understanding, they've never had so few men at the Wall before.

Plus, but constantly referring to Jon as Lord Snow, it merely conditions people ot think of him as Lord Snow as in Lord Commander Snow.

Also, isn't technically Jon a ranger now? When he went off with Qhorrin, Lord Commander Mormont said, "I hope you make a better ranger than you did a steward".

I don't think Bronn would have fought for Tyion even if he hadn't been bribed, so I'm glad he got something out of it. He also rightly pointed out that Tyrion never risked his life for Bronn, so why should Tyrion expect Bronn to risk his life for Tyrion.

I'm not a fan of arranged marriages, but left to her own devices, Daenerys has shitty taste in men, so I'm reconsidering my position.

Good to see Pod putting some of his city squire skills to use for Brienne.

Melisandre looks good with her hair up.

One thing that I loved was the return of Hot Pie! It was nice to see that despite everything going on in Game of Thrones, that at least one character was going to be okay! Albeit, I shouldn't be assuming such a thing since it is Game of Thrones...

 

I'm glad to see he's still OK for now.  I've always liked his enthusiasm for baking and cooking, and talking to people about it.  I've always been concerned about the vulnerability of inns/taverns and those who work in them, especially after the Chicken Dinner Massacre in this season's premiere.

[Frankie5Angels]

In the television adaptation Game of Thrones, Gregor is played by Conan Stevens (season 1), Ian Whyte (season 2), and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson

 

 

This is our third version of the The Mountain.

 

I like that The Hound is teaching Arya to fight in a style meant to kill. She's got a long list and that water dancing may not cut it. I liked her scenes with The Hound. If Arya is going to be a badass killer, she may as well learn from one of the deadliest fighters around. Was that poor sap on Arya's hitlist?

 

I haven't read the books, but even I saw the Moon Door Landing coming a mile away. Now, what will they do with Robyn? Little Finger married Lyssa, but the line of succession runs from Jon Arryn to his son Robyn. I suppose Little Finger will act as lord regent of the Vale? He certainly cannot ascend the title of Lord of the Vale, so I wonder what his next move is beyond creeping on Sansa.

 

I love Brienne, but how fucking stupid is she to announce that she's going to get Sansa? She's smart enough to know that there is a bounty on her head and her big mouth could fuck things up for her and get everyone killed. What a clown. I hate that she made me say this because I enjoy the character and the way she interacts with others.

 

I also saw Oberyn volunteering to be Tyrion's champion a mile away. Indeed, I figured it out last week: Oberyn gets to get his revenge on the guy he blames for murdering his niece and nephew before raping and murdering his sister. Seeing as The Mountain always fights the Lannisters' battles, it wasn't hard to figure out that Oberyn would relish the chance to kill their enforcer.

Edited May 19, 2014 by Frankie5Angels

[Lady S.]

So that is a different actor then?  I feel like it's been so long since we've seen the Mountain--back at Harrenhall in Season 2 was the last time, no?--that I can't remember what he looks like, but I did think this was a different actor.

Did they avoid showing The Mountain in the previouslies? I was late finding a less than legal livestream this week.

Gregor 1.0 (s1 tourney misadventures with Loras)

Gregor 2.0 (s2 funtimes at Harrenhal)

Gregor 3.0 (Cersei's new pal)

I almost threw up when Lysa went out the Moon Door. Drops scare the shit out of me, I can't even do roller coasters. And I actually feel awful for poor Robin now. He's a piece of work but he's not nearly as bad as Joffrey was and now he's alone.

Glad I wasn't the only one not cheering when Littlefinger killed Lysa. Call me crazy, but I thought Robin was almost kind of cute. He's not a sadist like Joff or Ramsay, he wants to kill bad men who frighten him because his mother made him believe everyone outside the Eyrie is out to get them. He'd likely be a normal kid if he hadn't spent his whole life smothered by a mentally ill woman, stunting his mental/emotional development. Jon Arryn must have been too busy running the kingdoms for Robert to set things right in his home life.

Thorne is stupid to let his personal animosity get in the way of defending the Wall. I don't know if freezing the tunnels is a good idea or a bad idea, but I don't think it's sufficient to say they've never needed to do that before. It's my understanding, they've never had so few men at the Wall before.

Plus, but constantly referring to Jon as Lord Snow, it merely conditions people ot think of him as Lord Snow as in Lord Commander Snow.

Also, isn't technically Jon a ranger now? When he went off with Qhorrin, Lord Commander Mormont said, "I hope you make a better ranger than you did a steward".

I don't think allowing him to join Qhorin's ranging was a formal re-assignment. They were already on a large-scale ranging that included Sam. It's like Jon's attack on Craster's, he asked for volunteers out of everyone, not just the rangers.

I like that The Hound is teaching Arya to fight in a style meant to kill. She's got a long list and that water dancing may not cut it. I liked her scenes with The Hound. If Arya is going to be a badass killer, she may as well learn from one of the deadliest fighters around. Was that poor sap on Arya's hitlist?

Guess Rorge didn't get an intro in the previouslies either. I wouldn't feel too sorry for him. Edited May 19, 2014 by Lady S.

[CeeBeeGee]

Glad I wasn't the only one not cheering when Littlefinger killed Lysa. Call me crazy, but I thought Robin was almost kind of cute. He's not a sadist like Joff or Ramsay, he wants to kill bad men who frighten him because his mother made him believe everyone outside the Eyrie is out to get them. He'd likely be a normal kid if he hadn't spent his whole life smothered by a mentally ill woman, stunting his mental/emotional development. 

 

Exactly.  When he was asking to see Tyrion "fly!" in season 1 he was--what, 6? 8?  It's like when kids love cartoon violence, it's not real to them.  I doubt Robin had ever seen the impact done to a body that Lysa described, whereas Joffrey knew exactly what he was doing.  Robin's definitely weird but I blame it all on his crazy mum.  And now his stepdad--I doubt we can trust Littlefinger to look after him properly.  Kid is all alone now--like his cousins.  What is the Hound going to do now that there's no Lysa to pay him off?

[dramachick]

What is Littlefinger's plan?  It'll be interesting to see how he explains Lysa's death to the other lords.  This could be an ideal opportunity for Sansa to rid herself of the pervert except she runs the risk of someone turning her in to the Lannisters.  Damn.

[Lady S.]

Just wanted to add, Littlefinger is still full of shit. The real answer to why he helped killed Joffrey would be "to provide a distraction to kidnap you, my sweet, mwahahaha!" He cares so much for Cat/his Cat avatar that he gladly helped Ned get killed. Notice Sansa screaming in the background? And if he's implying he wanted revenge for Cat's death, I'm sure he knows Tywin is the Lannister to hurt for that and that killing Joffrey is not the best way to hurt Tywin, and I'm sure his scheme with Olenna was not suddenly prompted by news of the Red Wedding.

 

He "saved" Sansa from Lysa and the moon door, but he also put her in that position by kissing her in the open, and choosing to marry Lysa and bring Sansa to live with her in the first place. He knew what Lysa had become and her mental illness just made it easier for him to manipulate her. He definitely didn't need to twist the knife by making sure Lysa knew he never loved her before he killed her. Lysa's smile when she thought he was referring to her as the only one he ever loved reminded me of Viserys's smile before he found out how Drogo meant to crown him.

 

Also, I never much doubted they'd leave out the kiss, but Aiden Gillen has done a good job trolling in interviews to keep it a surprise.

 

Jaime was back to being a golden asshole this week, glad Tyrion told him off about handicapped Jaime still being the golden son. The line about falling in love with a whore was a low blow, considering Jaime's part in Tyrion's first marriage. But really Jaime should just be the last person period to question someone else's taste in women.

Edited May 19, 2014 by Lady S.

[Colored Francie]

Season 1 Mountain is the scariest-looking to me. Even without the lovely pic with Lena Headey, this new guy screamed circus sideshow more than fierce warrior. The killing of the common folk "fodder" was quite over-the-top. These people are just awful. 

 

Re: Tyrion's champion, I'm actually more disappointed in Jaime than in Bronn. If Jaime knows he can't do it, I think he should be racking his brain or roaming the countryside trying to find someone who can - and if that person doesn't exist, he needs to just do it, for his brother's sake, and die in the attempt. I think I'd rather die trying to save my brother than to stand by and watch him perish.

 

How in the world does Baelish explain away that he just came home with a lovely woman he's calling his niece, and by the way, his new wife just died?!? If any of Lysa Arryn's men have half a brain, they'll see through this story.

 

Taking my thoughts about the trial-by-combat to the Completely Ordinary Speculation folder.

[dr pepper]

Hot pies for everyone!

[millahnna]

Eww....Littlefinger kissed Sansa..*cringing*.  Tonight confirmed what I have thought for a while, Littlefinger has transferred his feelings for Catelyn onto her daughter. That kiss was truly skeevy. 

 

Oh but you're leaving out the skeeviest part. It's pretty much the paragraph right before.

 

heavy paraphasing

 

In a world ruled by loved I might have been your father.  Now let's make out.

 

dafuq?

[dr pepper]

Hey, New Mountain-- does Vince MacMahon know you're awol?

[Isazouzi]

The 2 things that shocked me the most this episode were Sansa slapping Robin and LF kissing her. He always stands way too close to her, I should have seen the last one coming. We all had guessed that Lysa was going to fly through the moon door but I didn't expect it to happen so soon. Well, good riddance. So now Robin is the new lord, unless LF feels like committing infanticide too. Sorry, kiddo.

 

Pretty much everyone had also guessed that Bronn would refuse being Tyrion's champion (because Tyrion has nothing left to sell) and that Oberyn would take this chance to off the Mountain, but the show still managed to bring all this in a very satisfying and emotional way. Oberyn is amazing. It can't be said enough. I don't know if it's just him or if all his family is like him, but it makes me want to see Dorne so bad! Now I expect him to have some secret fighting technique to beat the Mountain. At least I hope he has one. We don't know much about the Dornish, but we know they were the only ones who resisted the Targaryen invasion so that must mean they are great fighters. And Oberyn can't die. Please, show.

 

So that's the third Mountain? I honestly couldn't tell. They should have the actors playing him wearing an armor and helmet at all times, that would solve the problem. And why can't they keep the same actor?

 

I like the Hound and Arya so much together. My tender little heart wishes he survives long enough so they can fight side by side when all hell inevitably breaks loose. They make a great team. Also I liked the juxtaposition of the Mountain killing harmless dudes left and right just for practice and the Hound killing a man to end his suffering.

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Interesting that we saw Sansa pull away from Littlefinger kissing her and then they cut to Lysa summoning Sansa. What happened in between? Did she say anything to him at all or did she just run away? Did he say anything to her before she left? COME ON, PEOPLE. I need details! I was cracking up at how much taller Sansa is than him now.

 

What is Littlefinger going to tell everyone at the Eyrie? That Lysa just tripped and fell through the moon door? So next on his hit list is finding a way to make Robin have an accident too? I can't imagine he will want to keep that crazy little kid around. Robin will want to throw everyone out the moon door which doesn't make for good relations with others. He is a spoiled undisciplined little shit. Yelling, "I didn't ruin your snow Winterfell!" while stomping on it does not bode well for her future if he stays alive.

 

Loved seeing that Hot Pie is still alive and is thriving at the tavern. His babbling about kidney pie and gravy makes me think that he's relatively safe and happy enough that these really are his main concerns, which is a good thing.

 

Great hearing that Tyrion made Podrick learn about all the different houses and marriages so that he knew what was going on with everyone Tyrion crossed pathes with. Whenever I hear Arya mention one of the bannermen or houses, I think ha, remember when you and Sansa didn't want to do your lessons back at Winterfell?

 

Oberyn is the shit. I love that he found a legit way to kill one of the people on his revenge list out in the open, no sneaking around or "accidents" necessary. Man, imagine if he and Arya combined their revenge lists. They should totally team up and kill the crap out of some of these jerks.

 

Peter Dinklage sometimes overacts in my opinion, but tonight he was beautifully understated in his reactions while talking to Jaime, Bronn, and especially Oberyn. He knows he's screwed, he keeps getting turned down, and he still managed not to climb the walls.

 

Poor Jon. He has seen all kinds of bad shit out there and I honestly don't think he's trying to lord it over anyone. His suggestion to close the tunnel is because he doesn't want to die and he doesn't want the other men on the wall to die. But those idiots are so busy power tripping about putting Jon in his place that they are putting everyone at risk.

 

The Hound's tale was an interesting parallel to Oberyn's story about Cersei, and it was a really great contrast to Arya's story. She might not have her family with her right now, but they have always been loving and supportive (I'll leave Sansa's "I don't know" about Joffrey vs the butcher's boy out of this) but the Hound has been alone his whole life. Tyrion has been somewhere in the middle. His family name and wealth have afforded him great privilege because they could not publicly abandon him but now that they have the opportunity to rid themselves of him, his father and sister can't put the wheels in motion fast enough.

[bluvelvet]

Jaime accepting to fight for Tyrion when he knew that he couldn't win wouldn't do them any favors. If Jaime died, Tyrion would still lose and I think Jaime wants Tyrion to stay alive. As much as I see Jaime progressing I don't see him purposefully giving his life away especially when it wouldn't save Tyrion just doom him. When Jaime jumped into that bear put it was all instinct, not a situation where he had to think about it.

I didn't think he was being an asshole in that scene with Tyrion at all, while Tyrion was right to remind him that he will always be the golden son, Jaime may truly believe that Tywin would sacrifice any of them since Tywin just disowned him and criticizes him for much of their interactions. Also from Oberyn's little monologue, we find out that Jaime has been essentially protecting Tyrion from the cradle.

[terrymct]

If Stannis lets that red witch burn Shireen, I'm gonna do something rash.

 

 

My thought during that conversation is that Davos had better keep Shireen at his side.   If the two women try to hurt Shireen, it may be the thing that drives a wedge between Melissandre and Stannis finally.  

[bluvelvet]

Agreed about Shireen, when Melissandre asked Selyse to look into the flames I thought she meant to have Selyse burn Shireen before the trip and bring her body along or some craziness like that.

Shireen is in danger I just hope Stannis will protect her and if not him at least there is Davos.

[Mz Anthrope]

The scene with Oberyn and Tyrion where Oberyn explains that he'd met Tyrion once before was fantastic.  Above and beyond for both actors

 

And this morning, I was reminded of how much stock Cersi puts into 'a mother's love', that it's all a mother has is her children, etc.  I wonder if that's why she resents Tyrion so much - that she stole that love from her mother and let her grow up in a man's world without a woman's care.  They all feel it's Tyrion's fault their mother died.  And for Cersi, what that loss meant for her all these years.

[Sarah D. Bunting]

Here's what Nick thought about the episode!

[JTMacc99]

The Hound's tale was an interesting parallel to Oberyn's story about Cersei, and it was a really great contrast to Arya's story. She might not have her family with her right now, but they have always been loving and supportive (I'll leave Sansa's "I don't know" about Joffrey vs the butcher's boy out of this) but the Hound has been alone his whole life. Tyrion has been somewhere in the middle. His family name and wealth have afforded him great privilege because they could not publicly abandon him but now that they have the opportunity to rid themselves of him, his father and sister can't put the wheels in motion fast enough.

That is a really good point. I was wondering if they were going to end what we saw of them in this episode with Arya taking The Hound off of her list. The parallel I saw was with Dany's story where there are shades of gray, and maybe people who have done harm in the past can do good in the future.

 

But mostly all I could think about after he told the story about his brother is that it sure sounds like the end of The Mountain, should there ever be one, needs to come at the hand of Sandor.  And if that is what I was supposed to get out of him telling that story to Arya last night, then I am feeling very uneasy about the future of two of my favorite characters. Not good.

[sugarbaker design]

What's the significance of the title?

[Isazouzi]

What's the significance of the title?

 

It's Littlefinger's sigil, the mockingbird you can see him wear as a pin on his clothes. I remember Cersei making fun of him for designing his own sigil in season 2 I think. She had justly recognized his ambitions.

[KurlyGrl]

I have a thing with hair this week.  Sansa’s hair seems to get redder with every episode and why has Arya’s hair not grown any? In all this time, Arya’s hair ought to be down her back. 

 

I don’t know what to think about Sansa and Littlefinger.  Their whole dynamic is just bizarre.  Or at least his dynamic towards her.  Glad she slapped Robin, though. At least Littlefinger was right in telling her his mother ought to have done that long ago.   I wonder how Robin will react to his mother going out the moon door. 

 

I felt so bad for The Hound.    His story was very moving.  Especially how he said the worst of it all was that his brother was the one to do it.  And how his father covered it up by saying his bed caught fire.  Can you imagine?!?!?  I don’t think I feel comfortable with how Arya is developing into a killer.  She was always the voice of reason to The Hound.  Not that he ever listened.  But now they are becoming Natural Born Killers. 

 

Oberyn and Tyrion.  Love their scene!  Oberyn killed it.  And Tyrion’s facial expressions were just perfection.  I am so afraid for Oberyn.  I mean, The Mountain is HUGE.  Oberyn is a normal sized man.  How can Oberyn expect to win?  Clearly he DOES expect to win, but can he?  I guess it depends on the manner in which they fight.  Do you suppose it will be hand to hand combat?  Swords?  Something on horses?   I am just on needles and pins. 

 

Well, the council from the wall will once again have to wait and see that Jon is correct.  Wasn’t the once guy (forget his name, but he was asked if he agreed with Jon about freezing up the entrance and he paused a long time before he said no) about to agree with Jon. 

 

Was Melisandra pretty much admitting she is a fraud? 

 

Loved Dany’s outfits tonight.  And she once again, stupidly, gave a sweeping order to kill them all, but Jorah made her see sense at least, and she changed her mind.  She threw Jorah a bone by having him tell Dario that he, Jorah, changed her mind.  LOL!  She knows Jorah has the hots for her.  Dario bragged on how he is good at two things.  I wonder what Dany’s assessment would be.  LOL!!

 

Did Brienne and Pod take the correct direction at the fork in the road??  Hmmm??

Edited May 19, 2014 by KurlyGrl