Review: Game of Thrones: Season 3, Episode 10 - Mhysa

(Spoilers!)

Recovered from last week’s episode yet? After the sheer carnage at The Red Wedding, it is no surprise that this week’s installment of Game of Thrones is a slightly calmer affair, but nonetheless strong ending to what has been an absolutely fantastic series. Mhysa is a fitting conclusion, all about family, homecomings and new beginnings, nicely tying loose ends but leaving some open, laying the ground work for an already highly anticipated fourth season.

What better place to start this episode than the aftermath of The Red Wedding. With the absolute carnage taking place inside, we had not yet become accustomed to the bedlam outside, including even more violence, riots and men on fire. Not to mention, the parade of a dire wolf’s head on the headless corpse of Robb Stark.It's all detailed through a fantastic sequence on a somewhat epic scale, to get a sense of the true devastation that has just occurred... as if we needed any more trauma. 

Especially poor Arya who is witness to all of this, before being taken away by Hound. The whole experience is undoubtedly further fuel for her murderous fire, in which she viciously stabs a Frey soldier and achieves her first kill. It’s the first signal for the terribly dark path in which she is about to embark upon, a new beginning bound in the mantra of Valar Morghulis. From a young girl to a fierce and spirited fighter her transgression as a character has truly been something to behold this series. 

Arya is not the only one with a new beginning this week. Bran, the Reeds and Hodor continue their quest North of the Wall and Gendry is set free, saved from the sacrificial ways of Stannis and Melisandre, thanks to the noble act of Ser Davos. Arguably with the Starks out of the picture, Lord Bolton and Walder Frey also have a new beginning, with Lannister support and control over the North and the Riverlands. Walder continues to be a joy to watch as an incredibly despicable character but you can’t help but wonder if his treacherous act of ambushing the Starks will go unpunished? Thanks to a neat little parable told by Bran entitled the Ratcook, there is a hint that repercussions may come Walder’s way, after all, he did commit an unforgivable act of breaking a Westeros custom; the protection of a guest. 

With new beginnings posited, loose ends were also tied up. The inevitable revelation that Ramsay Snow is the bastard son of Bolton finally came to fruition. His tortuous ways toward Theon Greyjoy, at times perceived slow-moving and gratuitous, actually held great relevance this week. Amidst the brilliantly crazed and wide-eyed performance from Iwan Rheon, Theon is continuously mocked and dehumanised to the point of becoming a new character; Reek. Ramsay’s reign of terror also reaches other Greyjoy family members, as he sends them a package of an erm... package, accompanied with a letter requesting they vacate their lands. If unwilling to do so, more post is to be expected. Still refusing to think of Theon as his son, Lord Balon ignores the threat. His sister Yara however, groups together a small army, who then set sail on a journey to rescue him.

Jaime finally returned to King’s Landing, Brienne in tow - it will be interesting to see how their new found friendship will survive in non-hostage territory. For some, Jaime’s reunion with Cersei felt underdeveloped and in need of more screen time, however I rather liked the fact it was understated and short lived – no dialogue needed, just a stare and short outburst of emotion. After all, what would you say to your incestuous lover who has been held captive for months, to eventually come home dirty, unshaven and missing a hand...?

Arguably the most catalytic conclusion in this episode, is the return of Jon Snow and Samwell Tarly to Castle Black. Jon's return was overshadowed by the few arrows planted in his back, thanks to an unforgiving goodbye from Ygritte, but for Samwell however, his tales from beyond The Wall spur Maestor Aemon to send out a multitude of ravens imploring the rest of the kingdoms to put their squabbles aside and unite with the Nights Watch. The ever encroaching White Walkers are the true threat now. 

So there we have it, the war is winding down thanks to a new, prescient threat, the Starks are beaten, Bolton and Frey hold the North and the Riverlands and for the most part, the Lannisters are in firm control. Not a result thanks to their wonderful King Joffrey, who is promptly sent to bed this week after a tantrum (spurred on by yet another brilliant threat from Tyrion), but thanks to Tywin, the true king and a man whom treats the Lannister name not as a loving, family bind, but as a business, a stature and one that must be sustained. 

In a stand out sequence he explains to Tyrion what it means to be a Lannister and the sacrifices you must make. Whether it is to aid in the slaughter of the Stark family or to request that Tyrion effectively rape Sansa as a means of conceiving another Lannister child, you do what your must for your family,

“The house that puts family first will always defeat the house that puts the whims and wishes of its sons and daughters first... a good man does everything in his power to better his family’s position, regardless of his own selfish desires”. 

To that he then admits his wish to drown Tyrion on the day of his birth, but prevented himself doing so because of his Lannister name. It's another heartbreaking insult perfectly played by Charles Dance, providing a captivating moment and testament to the complex and despicable character Tywin truly is. 

"I wanted to carry you into the sea and let the waves wash you away, instead I let you live and brought you up as my son, because you’re a Lannister"

Someone else in true control is Daenerys Targaryen, yet her reign is achieved through character more than circumstance as she continues her quest across Slaver’s Bay. Dragons, companions and an army of Unsullied in tow, she releases the slaves at Yunkai, who then promptly shower her with admiration calling her “Mhysa” (Mother). All this love, affection and power... what could possibly go wrong? 

Overall a truly solid ending to what has been a fantastic series; certain story arcs closed, others opened preparing us for new journeys and new threats. The only problem now is... what the hell are we going to do for a year?

What were your thoughts on this week's episode? Post a comment!