This series of Game of Thrones has continuously proven its
status as the epitome of quality television. Whilst the majority of each
instalment includes a variety of characters walking places, with the occasional
sword fight thrown in, it is the visual flare, quality dialogue and top notch
performances that captivate us audiences each week. Episode four remains very
much the same as each character trope is once again developed that bit further.
However, you know that recurring feeling of expectancy? Of a moment or event
that such development is undoubtedly building toward? Well let’s just say it
has begun.
Across Westeros, Jaime and Brienne continue to be abused and
tormented by their captors, Jaime more so through a variety of trickery (horse wee anyone?). You
have to admire his gusto, however, for attempting to fight back even in his
handless and famished state. Something worth greater admiration though, is the
development in Jaime and Brienne’s relationship, which has undoubtedly
progressed into levels of compassion and care. One moment sees both characters sit by the fire and Jaime melodramatically declare he is ready for death. Brienne effectively tells him to 'man up' and eat something. He begrudgingly chews on a bread roll. It is a wonderful sequence and proves that in a time of peril they
have become closer - a surprisingly touching motif.
Elsewhere, Theon is fooled by his ‘rescuer’. Believing to be
escorted back to his sister, he is instead taken straight back to where he was
tortured – his father’s castle. This roundabout journey provides a moment of discourse in which Theon shows remorse for his actions (primarily the murder of two orphans) and effectively admits a
latent desire to be a true Stark boy, but disparagingly knows this will never
be the case.
We briefly touch upon Arya and her journey with the
Brotherhood without Banners. Herself and Gendry are taken to their secret cave
and meet the leader, Beric Dondarrion. He accuses Hound (their captive) of
being a murderer, but charges cannot effectively be proven so a sword fight to
the death is settled upon.
The Nights Watch at Craster’s Keep continue to moan and
deploy bitterness at Craster, who has appointed them slaves and withdrawn any sense of hospitality. Just when you thought this act was beginning to get a bit tedious,
members of the Nights Watch speak up and Craster is brutally murdered, in
addition to the Nights Watch leader. It is a welcomed uprising and a refreshing portrayal of the Nights Watch who up until this point have not proven to be a particularly threatening group.
In King’s Landing, Tyrion is keen to get to the bottom of
his attempted assassination at the Blackwater battle. He seeks advice from Lord
Varys, who in turn offers a personal parable describing his own tale of
revenge, the conclusion of which alludes to a “good things come to those who
wait” sentiment. Elsewhere, Lord Varys seeks council from Grandmother Tyrell
regarding the plans of Littlefinger. Until this point, his actions have been
subdued, his presence almost non-existent. However, for the first time in this
episode, we get a sense of the trouble that may lie ahead. Littlefinger has
proposed a plan to help Sansa Stark escape King’s Landing. This, of
course, is part of a greater and more selfish motive. If Robb Stark falls as
King of the North, Sansa is next in line and this is something Littlefinger aims
to be a part of. As voiced by Lord Varys, “He would see this country burn if he
could be king of the ashes”. This moment of discourse is particularly
captivating primarily due to the quality dialogue and strong performances. Although brief, the sense of threat is effectively translated.
Margaery Tyrell
is forever at her manipulating ways, feeding to Joffrey’s ego (he exudes minimal douche-ness this week) and courting
friendship with Sansa. Cersei confesses her disliking of such actions to her
father, Tywin, but does not receive the response she had hoped for. Once again, Charles Dance manages to steal a sequence with quality deliverance, perfecting the role of harsh and neglecting father. Compared to
previous weeks, however, King’s Landing does not boast the episode’s top scene or most
brilliant moment. That trophy is most definitely awarded to Daenerys and her
actions in Astapor.
Daenerys approaches Kraznys, dragon in tow, to partake in
the agreed exchange. She hands over her dragon and in return, gets the golden
whip providing mastery over the 8000 Unsullied. Once the deal is done, Daenerys
tests her new powers in giving the first command to her newly purchased army.
In doing so, she reveals she can in fact speak Valyrian. Whilst half expected,
the impact of this twist was by no means less effective. In a pure moment of bad-assery,
Daenerys commands her dragon to burn Kraznys and orders the Unsullied to kill
every armed man in the castle. She instigates an Unsullied uprising. Proceeding
this, she offers freedom to the Unsullied, declaring no one will be harmed if
they wish to leave. Alternatively, she suggests they stay and fight for her but
as free men. It is a risky move but one that ultimately pays off as each member
of the Unsullied declare their commitment to their new leader. The episode thus ends
on an epic scale (showcasing some top visual effects), as Daenerys marches off with
three un-chained dragons and 8000 men in tow. You go girl.
This week’s episode flew by, ever-proving the strength of
the show’s strong dialogue and performances - each small taster per narrative
strand shines. The fragmented character trope approach each week is also
completely understandable, as the ten minute pay-offs on a sheer epic scale, as
we have now sampled, are thus all the more impactful and effective. Things are definitely
beginning to heat up and that feeling of anticipation is now increasingly
stronger.
What were your thoughts on this week's episode? Post a comment!
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