Game of Thrones: The Door
Overall, I thought this was one of the weaker episodes, salvaged somewhat by a really strong (and sad) ending. There was far too much time spent on the Arya storyline, which seems to be going nowhere, and on the Iron Islands—one of the least interesting storylines with the worst character on the show (Theon Greyjoy)
Tyrion Lannister
Tyrion continues to rule in Daenerys’s absence, and I think he’s doing a fine job of it, better than Dany would if she were still in Mereen. His deal with the slavers has worked (for now at least) and he brings in a new and younger red priestess into the fold to spread the word of the greatness of Daenerys Targaryan. There were two interesting things in this scene. One was the way the new priestess put Varys on his heels when she spoke about what happened to him when he lost his genitals at the hands or a sorcerer. Usually Varys is so in control of the situation. This was a rare instance where he was off guard and unsettled. The other interesting thing is that Malisandre is clearly in the camp of Jon Snow being the savior while this priestess is convinced that it’s Daenerys. Which of them is right? Are they both correct or is neither? My theory is that both Jon and Daenerys will be the pivotal people in the fight against the White Walkers.
Sansa Stark
Sansa was a little hot and cold in this episode. I liked how she took Littlefinger to task in this episode. Like Varys, he’s usually so in control of things because he has so much information and is a master manipulator. But that leads to part of the problem with this storyline. In the books, Sansa never marries Ramsay Bolton. It is an Arya Stark imposter instead that Ramsay takes as his bride. They wanted Sansa to take that role instead, which I thought was a good idea. The problem is that it makes no sense that Littlefinger would deliver her to Ramsay. He would certainly have known what Ramsay was all about, and there is no way he would have ever given Sansa away to that monster. For all his faults, he truly cares about Sansa, just as he did her mother. Also, it doesn’t make sense that she would purposely lie to Jon Snow about her meeting with Littlefinger.
Daenerys Targaryan
It was a good scene between Daenerys and Ser Jorah. That he never acknowledged his feelings about her until this moment made it all the more impactful, especially with the revelation of his gray scale. My guess is that we won’t see Jorah again, at least not for a long while.
Bran Stark
This was definitely the best part of the episode. There were two very interesting reveals in these scenes. One is that the White Walkers were actually created by the Children of the Forest. Previously, it had been revealed that they helped the First Men defeat the White Walkers the last time they appeared. But they had to create these evil creatures to fight against those pesky humans. The second reveal was the origin of Hodor’s life. It was pretty stunning that he was who he was (a simpleton who could barely function) all to protect Bran in general but specifically in this one moment where he had to hold the door from the wights who were trying to kill him. The Bran storyline seemed a bit rushed and we still haven’t gotten the Lyanna Stark revelation, which I thought would happen in this episode. The fight scene was thrilling as well as a bit sad, with Hodor and Summer biting the dust. That leaves one Stark dire wolf left in this world. I’m not sure how Bran is going to get around with only Meera left to provide him transportation and protect him.
Next week will bring a confrontation between the Lannisters and the Faith Militant. I believe the High Sparrow will meet his demise. I also think Arya fails her test and does not become one of the Faceless, but at least she has honed her fighting skills.
Tyrion Lannister
Tyrion continues to rule in Daenerys’s absence, and I think he’s doing a fine job of it, better than Dany would if she were still in Mereen. His deal with the slavers has worked (for now at least) and he brings in a new and younger red priestess into the fold to spread the word of the greatness of Daenerys Targaryan. There were two interesting things in this scene. One was the way the new priestess put Varys on his heels when she spoke about what happened to him when he lost his genitals at the hands or a sorcerer. Usually Varys is so in control of the situation. This was a rare instance where he was off guard and unsettled. The other interesting thing is that Malisandre is clearly in the camp of Jon Snow being the savior while this priestess is convinced that it’s Daenerys. Which of them is right? Are they both correct or is neither? My theory is that both Jon and Daenerys will be the pivotal people in the fight against the White Walkers.
Sansa Stark
Sansa was a little hot and cold in this episode. I liked how she took Littlefinger to task in this episode. Like Varys, he’s usually so in control of things because he has so much information and is a master manipulator. But that leads to part of the problem with this storyline. In the books, Sansa never marries Ramsay Bolton. It is an Arya Stark imposter instead that Ramsay takes as his bride. They wanted Sansa to take that role instead, which I thought was a good idea. The problem is that it makes no sense that Littlefinger would deliver her to Ramsay. He would certainly have known what Ramsay was all about, and there is no way he would have ever given Sansa away to that monster. For all his faults, he truly cares about Sansa, just as he did her mother. Also, it doesn’t make sense that she would purposely lie to Jon Snow about her meeting with Littlefinger.
Daenerys Targaryan
It was a good scene between Daenerys and Ser Jorah. That he never acknowledged his feelings about her until this moment made it all the more impactful, especially with the revelation of his gray scale. My guess is that we won’t see Jorah again, at least not for a long while.
Bran Stark
This was definitely the best part of the episode. There were two very interesting reveals in these scenes. One is that the White Walkers were actually created by the Children of the Forest. Previously, it had been revealed that they helped the First Men defeat the White Walkers the last time they appeared. But they had to create these evil creatures to fight against those pesky humans. The second reveal was the origin of Hodor’s life. It was pretty stunning that he was who he was (a simpleton who could barely function) all to protect Bran in general but specifically in this one moment where he had to hold the door from the wights who were trying to kill him. The Bran storyline seemed a bit rushed and we still haven’t gotten the Lyanna Stark revelation, which I thought would happen in this episode. The fight scene was thrilling as well as a bit sad, with Hodor and Summer biting the dust. That leaves one Stark dire wolf left in this world. I’m not sure how Bran is going to get around with only Meera left to provide him transportation and protect him.
Next week will bring a confrontation between the Lannisters and the Faith Militant. I believe the High Sparrow will meet his demise. I also think Arya fails her test and does not become one of the Faceless, but at least she has honed her fighting skills.
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