Ah the pivotal ninth episode of Game of Thrones. Tradition
has it that at this point in time, all the build up and characterisation
reaches its payoff in a manner that causes the jaw of every viewer to drop.
Season One saw the beheading of Ned Stark, Season Two saw the Battle at King’s
Landing and Season Three? Well, it has provided us with a sequence that trumps
both of the above – The Red Wedding.
Before the bells of matrimony ring at the wedding of Edmure
Tully and one of the Frey daughters, the episode continues its titular
progression of individual character tropes. Arya and The Hound remain on their
quest toward The Twins in the hope of a reunion with the remaining Stark family
members. They eventually reach their destination, but amidst the carnage and
bloodshed that ultimately resides over wedding procedurals (of which I’ll talk
about shortly). Arya witnesses Frey men kill Stark soldiers and Grey Wind, Robb’s
Direwolf, sure enough hinting toward the demise of her family that are situated
within the building – hitting home the harsh reality of being so close to
seeing your family, only to have the opportunity snatched away. Hound knocks
her out and carries her from the premises, no doubt an act of protection – of her
life and from seeing any more devastation. As horrible as the situation is it’s
also great, because both characters will now continue to share each other’s
company – this pairing of an increasing paternal sensibility is an absolute pleasure to
watch.
An improvement in the lives of Jon Snow and the Wildlings
was also seen this week. Cave-love-making and sickening romantic banter was nonexistent;
instead Snow reveals his true allegiance to the Nights Watch. Culminating in a
well executed fight sequence, Snow manages to kill the majority of the
accompanying Wildlings, receiving help from Bran (who is hiding in a nearby
tower with the others) and his Warg powers. Ygritte survives but is abandoned, much to her dismay, as Snow rides away. His revelation in terms of loyalty was a pleasing one,
reminding us of how great a character Snow actually can be.
Daenerys Targaryen is still plotting her assault on the
Yunkai and amidst his penetrative eye contact, Daario Naharis has a plan to
infiltrate the city at night, with the help from Greyworm and Ser Jorah. Trust
is an issue at first, but Daario’s loyalty is proven, as all three succeed in
taking the city. They do so by defeating the guards in a brilliantly
choreographed fight sequence, with the clever but subtle addition of different
fighting styles – it’s a shame the scene didn’t last longer. In fact, all of
the above scenes were relatively short – the inclusion of Samwell Tarly and
Gilly was almost unnecessary. Nevertheless, none of that matters if granting
more screen time to this week’s piece de resistance; The Red Wedding.
In a pre-wedding apology Robb Stark admits his spurning of
the Frey daughters (comically introduced by Walder Frey) for another woman, but as
an act of love. To paraphrase, Walder Frey believes it not love but a pretty face
that caused Robb to forego an oath. Regardless, the cracks are smoothed
over and it’s time for a Tully-Frey wedding. At first it’s a merry affair with
copious amounts of wine, music and dancing. Robb and Talisa happily discuss names
for their future child, Lady Catelyn enjoys a glass or two and even Edmure is
pleased with the chosen wife – there is not a drunk Tyrion or harassing Joffrey
in sight. Although, that would be a welcome affair compared to the brutal and
sad tragedy that soon unfolds.
As Edmure and his wife disappear for the bedding ceremony,
the doors to the great hall slam shut and a familiar, unsettling tune is heard
from the musicians in the above balcony; it’s the Lannister song The Rains of
Castamere. A slow but intense build up, credit to director David Nutter, manages to
encapsulate a true sense of dread, reflected on the face of Catelyn. Upon realisation, she tries
to warn her son but it is too late, this is an ambush, and one of the utmost
severity.
Talisa is viciously stabbed in the stomach several times in a moment of
unexpected, shocking brutality. Both Robb and Catelyn are shot with arrows raining down from the balcony above and Frey soldiers then continue their path of
slaughter. Walder sits at the head of the table, gleefully enjoying the
experience and making him our new favourite character we love to hate. Amidst the
merciless murders, Robb crawls over to his dying wife and Catelyn manages
to stand, bargaining for the life of her eldest son. She fails however, as Lord Bolton stabs Robb exclaiming “the Lannisters send their regards”. Catelyn cries
out in anguish, slitting the throat of Walder’s wife before having her own cut
by a Frey soldier.
Even if you knew what was coming, this tragic act of revenge and allegiance with the Lannisters delicately balanced overwhelming
tragedy, brutal bloodletting and powerful performances (Michelle Fairley
particularly impressive) to provide a truly shocking sequence, one that is arguably
the strongest in all three seasons. The shock is only further amplified by the
lack of score in the closing credits - much like every viewer, witnessing the
above permitted a state of stunned silence.
Arguably the best episode yet, this week again touched upon particular narrative tropes. Once sprawled across Westeros, characters are now closer in vicinity, their paths intertwining. Their surrounding intensity has largely increased, from revelations to particularly well choreographed and executed fight sequences. This then tides
the episode over nicely until the awaited (or not) moment of sheer brutality. Brutal is a word that
tends to be thrown about carelessly these days but The Red Wedding was brutal in every
which way; emotionally and physically. In fact words can only do the sequence
a certain amount of justice. In all honesty it’s a moment of television that needs to be
experienced. Question is, with the season finale left, can it be topped? I’m
going to say no – this was the pivotal ninth and then some.
What were your thoughts on this week's episode? Have you recovered yet? Post a comment!
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