Game of Thrones: The Spoils of War

This episode brought another reunion of the Stark children. They have been coming fast and furious of late. We also saw Daenerys Targaryan, tired of her defeats in recent days, take matters into her own hands and reduce the Lannister army to ashes. Game on.

Jon Snow

In the last episode, we had Jon Snow and Dany finally meeting. This time, the romantic tension between them (something that Davos noticed) got turned up a notch. I’ve been predicting that Dany and Jon will wind up being husband and wife, as well as aunt and nephew, and that relationship seems to be progressing well. I liked the story of the Children of the Forest and the First Men banding together despite their differences to battle the White Walkers, but Dany wasn’t having any of it, demanding that Jon bend the knee. By the way, how is Theon still alive. He’s like a cockroach that can’t ever seem to die. Out of all of the characters they have killed in this show, why haven’t they killed him yet?

Sansa and Arya Stark

Sansa must be having an inferiority complex these days. First, Jon is risen from the dead and has taken over as King of the North. Then Bran returns as the omniscient Three Eyed Raven. Now, Arya is back showcasing her ninja skills. Sansa is the only Stark child without superpowers. Oh wait, her superpowers are her sharp cunning. I keep seeing the looks that she has been exchanging with Little Finger and I’m convinced that she is conspiring with him to betray Jon Snow. Mark it down. Speaking of Little Finger, he’s got to be sweating talking to Bran. With all of the awful, despicable things he has done throughout the years, and Bran knowing them all, he can’t be liking the new Bran Stark. There is some thought among fans that he was the one who tried to have Bran killed. I’m not so sure about that. In the books, it was clearly established that Joffrey was the one who tried to have him murdered. That was hardly a warm reunion between Sansa and Arya, but they were never really that close. Arya was closest to Jon Snow growing up, so that should be a better reunion. Arya meanwhile showcased her new fighting skills. I think it stretches believability that she could go toe-to-toe with Brienne like that. Brienne is one of the most accomplished warriors in Westeros as seen when she dueled with The Hound. Arya has been training for a year or two.

Jaime Lannister

I liked the interchange between Jaime and Bronn about his desire for a castle and his insight into Jaime being pricked one last time by the Queen of Thorns. I had the strong feeling with the focus on Bronn and his complaining about not getting a castle that he would be dying in this episode. The prequel to the battle itself where you hear the Dothraki marching and the dragons in the background was perfectly ominous. The ensuing battle was magnificent. Of all the things that Game of Thrones does, their battle scenes might be where they shine the most. This fight was awesome. Dany swooping in on her dragon and burning Lannister supply lines and soldiers was tremendous. That final charge by Jaime was also spectacular. My guess is that it was Bronn who saved Jaime, and I don’t think he will perish from drowning.

Daenerys Targaryan

Dany really needs a new military advisor. As good as he is at political maneuvering, Tyrion Lannister obviously doesn’t have a mind for war. I think that Ser Davos will be the one to serve in this role as he stays behind when Jon leaves. Dany kicked some butt in this episode as she rode her dragon into battle, and now she knows to be wary of Cersei’s new weapon.

Another great episode. Sadly enough, this season is more than half way done. I believe Dany will have dispatched Cersei by the end of the season and will be the new queen of the Seven Kingdoms.