Game of Thrones Recap: Better Late Than Never
I haven’t been able to do any recaps this season because I’ve been behind. This week I was able to catch up and get an idea how things stand in the world of George R.R. Martin.
Things are progressing on a fairly predictable path. After the death of Tywin Lannister, King Tommen is in very serious trouble. His enemies see weakness as his queen and mother are now imprisoned by the Sparrows. The alliance with the Tyrells is under serious risk and as we learned last season, the Lannister gold mines are depleted. Lord Baelish also plots against the crown, promising to eliminate the Boltons but it is hard to see him following through with that. He is a gifted liar.
Stannis marches south on Winterfell in an effort to eliminate the traitorous Boltons and install an ally as Warden of the North. He tried to persuade Jon Snow to accept the position, becoming Jon Stark. His oath made that impossible. Without a Stark, Stannis will have to find a local house loyal to the Starks and him to become the new Warden of the North. Course, Bran and Rickon are still out there. Winter has slowed his advance and threatened his campaign but I doubt that will prevent him. The Red Priestess wants him to sacrifice his daughter, testing his faith in her religion. Stannis needs to decide if he will be a realist, prudent king or one guided by mysticism.
The Boltons look to be in a bad place. Ramsay is abusing his new wife, Lady Sansa, tempting his enemies in the north to move on him. Roose seems oblivious and running out of friends. Only Frey could help him but I doubt old Walder will bother.
Jaime is showing an amazing lack of ability. His attempt to rescue his daughter/niece failed putting him at the whim of Lord Doran Martell. The Martells don’t want war but that could change if the Tyrells back out of their royal alliance and support another claimant to the throne. As of now, Stannis is the only option.
Our friend Tyrion found his way to Maureen to meet Queen Daenerys Targeryen. Jorah hopes for forgiveness with his gift of the dwarf. The Queen needs to decide if she wishes to rule Slaver Bay or continue with her ultimate aim: the iron throne. She needs allies and Tyrion could help. He knows the politics of Westeros and the country, a blind spot Daenerys now has after the death of Barristan Selmy.
Queen Daenerys needs a fleet and friends. Houses Tyrell and Martell have a compelling reason to back her and eliminate the hated Lannisters. In the north, there are many who are prepared to back King Stannis, who is a lot closer and a proven track record of military success.
If King Tommen dies, the crown reverts to King Stannis. The Lannisters lose their grip on the throne. Even by their own claim, they would have to give it to Stannis. Tommen is the key to their power and they are not protecting him well. As I expected, without Tywin, their house is extremely weak.
What of the Starks? We don’t know the deal with Bran or where Rickon is. The North is unaware there are legitimate heirs to the North, even after Jon refused the position. If Stannis succeeds, the Stark allies will come forward restore their domain and back Stannis. Boltons won’t be around much longer.
No surprises yet this season.
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