I just finished watching. It was so awesome that I watched the encore presentation and repeatedly rewound the key moments of awesomeness on the DVR.
My favorite moments:
My favorite moments:
- Syrio. I wish that he had more scenes this season but I know there are so many other characters to fit in. The First Sword of Braavos certainly gave one final flash of badassery through besting a bunch of overconfident Lannister guards with a wooden sword.
- One of Sansa's opening lines: She said that Arya always came back from her "dancing lessons" bruised and scratched, referring to her as clumsy. The way Sansa said the lines, I got the distinct impression that she really believed they were dancing lessons, not swordfighting lessons. Very LOL-worthy.
- The direwolves. I liked Ghost getting all riled up at the wall, especially the cacophony of yelps, howls, barks, and growls. But Robb's direwolf Grey Wind really took center stage with another fantastic mauling with Greatjon Umber. The crunching sound and the blood were fantastic. And Greatjon actually respected Robb thereafter. A win-win.
- Tyrion. More of his usual badassery, especially how he got the hill people to escort them all the way to Tywin's camp.
- Tywin. Gutting the stag last week gave us a preview of his fearsome reputation. That was followed up very well this week as Charles Dance gave another electric performance. What is it about Tywin's eyes? The way he looks at people makes you completely believe Catelyn's story that he had Targaryen children butchered in their sleep. Also, when your own brother addresses you as "my lord" that says loads right there.
- ALL of the scenes at the Wall. Again and again, the guys at the Wall succeed with their scenes. I think the casting has a lot to do with the chemistry they've got with all the characters at the wall. I'm glad to see Lord Commander Mormont come to the forefront more. As usual, Jon and his bros are the most interesting.
- Bran praying at the weirwood tree and more build-up with the White Walkers. Ned was right when he quipped, "Your gods are the ones with all the rules." Bran's devotion felt real, not like some mindless ritual. Interesting that it was interrupted with Hodor. I guess he really does have Giant blood considering his, um... size? WTF is he doing running around naked in the woods anyway? As for the buildup with the Walkers, again, there's a distinct Babylon 5 feel with the way the White Walkers (the Others in the books) are being built up. By the time the Shadow War was at the forefront with B5, so much background info had been trotted out that by the time it came time to pull the triggers on the war, it gripped you from one episode to another. I think the same will happen here with the dark events now unfolding.
Spoiler: - Robb the rising star. With Ned's situation, Robb is really coming to the forefront very well. I'm glad that the characterization of Catelyn onscreen acknowledges this.
- Drogo and his weaponless take-down of a subordinate. I'm not ashamed to admit that I absolutely loved him ripping out the man's throat.
- Edit: One last thing I forgot to mention, though this favorite of mine isn't confined to this episode. The prop for the mugs was finally given a little acknowledgement through Commander Mormont: "A horn of ale." In the Game of Thrones world, it looks like it's bull horn. I want one for my drinks damn it.
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