This show is so good. So season 2 has not disappointed me thus far. There were a couple of episodes where I didn't take that many notes (which was nice), but then once again I struck gold. So check it out!
Season 2 Episode 2 - The Night Lands
Synopsis: After the Starks are purged from the capital, Tyrion warns Cersei about alienating the King's subjects. On the road to the Wall, Arya and Gendry get to know each other and she tells him her secret. In the Red Waste, Dany's rider returns with news that they are within 3 days walk of Qarth. Theon reunites with his family at Pyke.
Thoughts/Clues/Evidence:
- Arya meets Jaqen while he's still in the wagon. He notices something in her right away and says something about, "a boy [because she's disguised as a boy named Arry] has more courage, then brains."
- I often forget how the producers of this show have to re-tell the story visually. As great as the books are, it's a different monster altogether to tell a visual story. Having said that, the air of doubt that surrounds Varys' character is wonderful storytelling. There's evidence to suggest that he's in league with everyone, and he is, but we have no idea who or what his actual goals are. Much like Littlefinger, except Varys' colleagues extend across the Narrow Sea to the Free Cities like Pentos and beyond.
- A raven arrives in King's Landing, the one sent by Lord Commander Mormont on the Wall. The small council almost immediately dismiss it. Tyrion tries to makes some points about why they should listen, but he's overrun with indifference from the other council members. I don't understand why he doesn't push a bit harder. I guess you really have to pick your battles. Imagine the difference of events at the Wall had the council granted the request for more men and sent a few hundred.
- Samwell Tarley is a hornball and an ass man apparently. "There's nothing like the sight of a woman walking away." He says. Then Grenn replies, "I prefer when they're coming toward me." Sam comes back with, "That's nice too. I suppose." Hahaha Sam is definitely much more than he gives himself credit for. When he sees that Gilly is frightened of Ghost because she's carrying a skinned rabbit, he isn't afraid to tell Ghost "no" and Ghost listens. Ghost only listens to Jon, and now also Sam. Going by the books, it's because Ghost is sympathetic to Jon's feelings and therefore also feels a bond to Sam as Jon does. In the show, however, the only Stark that can warg is Bran, so Ghost seems to just be of a slightly higher intelligence and decides to listen to Sam this time.
- When I first watch through this show, I didn't fully understand the deal Craster had/has with the Others. I do now. He's left to his own devices as long as he supplies them with fresh sons for their ever growing army. Now, after significant amounts of research, I found that the White Walkers are supposed to have some sort of society of their own. Later we discover how the Night King makes a person into an Other, and one of those is one of Craster's babies. What's interesting here is, we have no idea how many sons have been sacrificed, and therefore have no idea just how many Others there really are. We know about the army of the dead, but the Others aren't dead and so what kind of society do they have?
- When Theon returns to Pyke, we get a show of the Iron Islands from the sea. This show is so visually stunning! I love just looking at these shots and it really really makes me want to visit Ireland. Shout out to any readers from Ireland! I love your country, my ancestors came from there, and I cannot wait to visit one day!
- Janos Slynt gets some comeuppance from Tyrion. I notice that Slynt is very good at standing up to people that are weaker beings in his eyes. He's a bully, hitting most of the stereotypes associated with that behavior. He has no problem standing up to a baby (kills one of Robert's bastards at a brothel), a bastard (Jon at the Wall, bullies Jon nearly the entire time), and a dwarf (Tyrion). The funny thing is, and this is a staple of Martin's writing, these "lesser beings" beat him! Well 2 out of 3 do anyway.
- I'm watching these scenes with Arya and Gendry and as much as I like seeing them together, I'm trying to figure out what a reunion between the two would mean to the story. So far, I haven't really come up with anything. I'm pretty sure Gendry will return at some point, but will be useful more because of his King's blood and smith skills rather than his relationship with Arya. What would be the point other than satisfying some fan's request. Let me know what you think about this.
- When Theon meets Yarra (his sister, Asha in the books), he acts as though he's a Lord. I'm just going to say this: Theon is fucking disgusting. He's arrogant, self entitled and disgusting. He deserves all the bad shit that's about to happen to him.
- So I'm watching a scene between Davos and Salador Saan, the Tyroshi pirate that is friends with Davos, and it occurred to me that Davos gets what he wants because of how honorable and loyal he is. He sticks by Stannis, no matter what, and is made the Hand and commander of Stannis' fleet, he survives the events up North with Stannis and realigns with the Starks who keep him on as an advisor because of his loyalty and honor. Davos is the one honorable character that is actually rewarded for being a good guy. Yes, he had to lose his fingers, lose the battle of the Blackwater and get stranded on a rock in the middle of the bay, and lost almost all of his children but he sticks to his guns. Honestly, Davos' hardships, while mentioned and made to be part of his character, are not what drives him. His honor and sense of duty does, and that is what makes him a good guy.
- Who else wants that carved table of Westeros that Stannis has at Dragonstone?! I want one so bad! Made me think about building my own version of this table. You know how people have a train set in their basement, well I want a model of the Known World of Game of Thrones!
- Last part of episode 2 shows Jon following Craster into the forest with a baby. Here is where Jon gets his first look at an Other or a White Walker. He has Long Claw at this point, and I can't help thinking about how different things would have gone if only he had a chance to fight the Other. If Jon sees what Valaryan steel does to White Walkers, then EVERYTHING changes! Oh well.
SEASON 2 EPISODE 3 - What Is Dead May Never Die
Synopsis: Tyrion attempts to find the mole in the small council that reports to Cersei by offering plots to 3 alliances and telling Varys, Littlefinger, and Pycelle that he intends to wed Myrcella. Catelyn arrives in the Stormlands to help forge an allegiance between the Northern army and Renly Baratheon's forces. But Renly and his new wife Margaery and her brother Loras Tyrell seem to have other plans in mind. Balon Greyjoy reveals his plan of attack. And at Winterfell, Maester Luwin tries to decipher Bran's wolf dreams.
Thoughts/Clues/Evidence:
- Luwin seems to recognize what Bran is describing and tries to dismiss it. It's not that crazy to think that Luwin is aware of the abilities that some Starks share. He tells Bran about how he forged his link of Valaryan steel and that means that he's studied magic, and as a youth hoped that he'd discover some sort of magical abilities. He uses this to dismiss Bran's concerns and thoughts of these dreams having deeper meaning. More evidence to suggest that the Maesters have a vendetta against magic. Still looking for evidence that this goes deeper than just Luwin's personal opinions though.
- Brienne's introduction is pretty cool. We have heard about how great Loras is for some time now, but have yet to see why people think he's so great. Aside from his armor, Loras isn't that great. He kind of cheated at the tournament in King's Landing to beat the Mountain, and gets his ass kicked in a melee against Brienne. Now, to be fair, Brienne has much more to prove and seems to be fighting for more, but Loras is all talk right now as far as I'm concerned. He's weak, and now I understand why he breaks before Margaery does while they're captives of the High Sparrow in Season 6.
- Later we learn that the Tyrell's are always plotting. If that's true than they really suck at it. Seriously, Lady Olenna the Queen of Thorns (whom we will meet in season 3 I think) is the only Tyrell that shows off any intelligence. Margaery exhibits some, but as the series progresses we see more reaction from Margaery than plotting. Think about this: Margaery's planning doesn't go beyond what is happening to her at the moment. There is no evidence to suggest that she has planned for anything beyond marrying Renly. More on this later.
- During Balon's strategy meeting, it's clear that Theon sees the benefit of an alliance with Robb. But facing his family again reminds him of the culture that he was born into; selfish over-entitlement. He reminds me of a few people I've met in my lifetime. Very happy they are no longer in my life, just like I'm glad Theon gets what he gets.
- Ugh, now I'm listening to Shae complain that she is not a kitchen wench or scullion as Tyrion says. She seems to think she has higher standing than a kitchen wench. Are you kidding me? You were a whore from another continent who has no idea of Westerosi practices other than whoring. I continually yell at my TV when Shae is on, "who the hell do you think you are?!" I really don't like her, can you tell?
- The young Sansa allows herself to let her emotions to escape to easily. Revealing your emotions reveals your desires, and is therefore, looked at as a weakness. This is a character trait that has yet to change even at the end of season 6. As much as she does change and develop as a character, Sansa still wears her heart on her sleeve and that could be a big problem for Jon in season 7. Also, Sansa still has a long way to go before I'm not bored with her story, til then her scenes are mostly yawn inducing.
- Tyrion's plan to use the small council members against one another is brilliant and revealing at the same time. He achieves his goal, but reveals his methods to Varys and Littlefinger, two potentially dangerous rivals. However, I really like how Tyrion strikes so boldly while serving as Hand of the King; his moves often pay off and he understands the game of thrones better than any other Hand before him.
- Ok, so I just watched the scene between Renly and Margaery, when Margaery attempts to seduce Renly. It made me wonder if the dude playing Renly is actually gay, because I don't think any straight man would be able to make it through that scene with boners poppin up everywhere. Seriously.
- Arya learns a HUGE lesson while talking to Yorrin about how he goes to sleep every night despite having seen so many terrible things. He tells her that you never forget the terrible things, but more importantly she learns about revenge. She has a connection to Yorrin now, and feels safe with him, and then watches him die violently. As traumatic as this is for her, she is still able to keep her wits and make the Lannister soldiers believe they have already killed Gendry. Stuff like this is what makes me a fan of Arya.
SEASON 2 EPISODE 4 - Garden of Bones
Synopsis: *taken from HBOGo* Joffrey punishes Sansa for Robb's victories while Tyrion and Bronn scramble to temper the king's cruelty. Catelyn entreats Stannis and Renly to unite against the Lannisters. Dany and her exhausted khalasar arrive at the gates of Qarth. Tyrion coerces a queen's man into being his eyes and ears. Arya and Gendry are taken to Harrenhal. Davos must revert to his old ways.
Thoughts/Clues/Evidence:
- Opening scene is a great lead up to a fart joke, and then in turn, an even better lead up to a slaughter.
- Joffrey's public shaming of Sansa reveals a change in the Hound. He even wraps her in his King's Guard cloak.
- Here is another example of Tyrion's kindness toward Sansa. So far she has absolutely no reason to hold a grudge against him. His efforts might be because she is a hostage, and therefore valuable in their current situation, but I believe it's more than that with him. Tyrion knows when to be respectful and when to be spiteful, that's why he's one of my favorites.
- Watching Littlefinger make his moves makes me really appreciate how smart he is. Even while watching him make moves, we don't know what his end goal is. We still don't! Does he really want to be king? Or just married to Sansa?
- Another stunning visual from the showrunners! Harrenhal is crazy looking. With the melted towers and statues. Just seeing it makes people wonder what happened there. Another example of excellent visual storytelling.
- We meet The Tickler in this episode. He's the guy that's torturing the captives to get them to give up the whereabouts of any gold or the Brotherhood Without Banners. It's bad enough that these poor people are being tortured and held in an open air cage where the rain pours in and they have to sleep in mud and puddles. But do the Lannisters really need to put the heads of the dead ones on spikes surrounding the cage? I mean, I think they get it. Life is really shitty for them right now and they have very little hope of ever getting out. Unnecessary, but visually intimidating.
- Littlefinger arrives at Renly's camp and gives Catelyn Ned's bones. I don't remember if they ever actually make it to Winterfell. I think so, right? I thought there was a line in season 6 about Jon going down to he crypts to pay respects to Ned. I'll have to remember to look for that.
- One of my favorite running gags in both the books and the show is how Tyrion plays with his cousin Lancel. Lancel is so pathetic and easily manipulated and also such a terrible person that it's fun to watch bad stuff happen to him.
- I wouldn't follow Stannis, no matter how rightful a claim to the throne he says he has. He's a bummer.
- The birth of the Shadow Stannis is crazy. If I were Davos in that situation, I'd be freaking the hell out. This is a major moment for him. He's actually witnessing the power of R'hllor in front of him. He has no idea what this means, but it's the start of him having the faith necessary to revive Jon later on.
- I always thought the red gem on Melisandre's neck was reflecting the light that was already in the room. NOPE! It's definitely glowing. She is the strongest magic user that we see (except maybe for the Night King or the 3 Eyed Raven), at least through season 6. I look forward to seeing someone more powerful.
SEASON 2 EPISODE 5 - The Ghost of Harrenhal
Synopsis: *taken from HBOGo* The end of the Baratheon rivalry drives Catelyn to flee and Littlefinger to act. At King's Landing, Tyrion's source alerts him to Joffrey's flawed defense plan and a mysterious secret weapon. In Harrenhal, Arya receives a promise. The Night's Watch arrive at the Fist of the First Men, an ancient fortress where they hope to stem the advance of the wildling army.
Thoughts/Clues/Evidence:
- Renly's death. Shadow Stannis kills Renly, turns and looks DIRECTLY AT CATELYN. Could this mean something? All people that have use the power of the Lord of Light have some kind of previous connection to that power, whether it's prophecy or just a previous interaction. Catelyn, in the books, will die and come back to life as Lady Stoneheart all through the power of R'hllor.
- Renly's dead, and Littlefinger goes to speak to Margaery. She gives absolutely no indication that she is thinking beyond what is happening to her right now. Obviously she's mourning, because her husband just died, so I understand not having other thoughts other than that, but she's also more clearly upset at not being queen anymore. Like I said before, the Tyrells suck at schemes. Margaery does not think of anything more than what is happening now, which is completely different than her rival Cersei. And that's why Margaery dies.
- Tyrion and Lancel's 2nd meeting where Tyrion finds out about the wildfire under the Red Keep. How ironic is it that it's Lancel that discovers this for Tyrion, and it's Lancel who is first to die by the wildfire? He also swears on the "light of the seven" that he's telling the truth. Lancel's fate in 2 lines of dialogue.
- So Tyrion seems to have found his spot in life. Serving as Hand of the King and running a city. But when he hears about how the citizens see him (calling him a demon monkey and blaming him for all of their troubles), it's his first indicator that he's found the right job, but just in the wrong place. Been there, Tyrion, it's not easy buddy.
- Arya tells Tywin that the Northerners call Robb "the Young Wolf", and later they call Jon "the White Wolf". What would the other Starks be called? Arya could be the "Wild Wolf" while Sansa could be "the Lady Wolf", Bran could be "the 3 Eyed Wolf" or something, and Rickon could be "the Little Wolf" I guess. Any better nicknames you can think of?
- Arya sees Jaqen in Lannister armor and immediately takes him as how he appears. He tells her the 3 names bit and she learns that not everyone is who they might appear to be. A very valuable lesson for her. I also noticed that despite him knowing that she goes by 'Arry', he still continues to call her "a girl", subtly teaching her about being "no one". Her training has already begun and she doesn't even know it yet.
- Probably not a big deal, but cool nonetheless. Whenever we see Dany trying to teach her dragons, or play with them, or just spend time with them; it's always Drogon who is sticking by her side. The other two are nearby but are either preoccupied or caged. They still show affection for Dany, but Drogon truly loves his Mother and you can see their bond grow stronger each time we see them together.
- Jorah meets Quaith, who warns him that Dany needs protection now more than ever. "She needs true protectors now more than ever. They shall come day and night to see the wonders born into the world. And when they see, they shall lust. For dragons are fire made flesh. And fire is power."
- Bran feels the pull to go North already. The Reeds haven't even shown up yet, so it's just feelings for Bran now. Jojen puts Bran's feelings into words.
- Honestly, how do the men of the Night's Watch consciously decide to go beyond the Wall without wearing winter hats? I grew up on a mountain, where we would get feet of snow each winter. I can't imagine going outside without a hat with a bobble on top.
- Arya gives Jaqen the first name off of her list for the 3 lives owed. Now Arya gets her first taste of violent revenge and it tastes sweet and empowers her.
SEASON 2 EPISODE 6 - The Old Gods and the New
Synopsis: *taken from HBOGo* Theon completes his master stroke. In King's Landing, the Lannisters send Myrcella from harm's way in the nick of time. Arya comes face to face with a surprise visitor; Dany vows to take what is hers; Robb and Catelyn receive crucial news; Qhorin gives Jon a chance to prove himself.
Thoughts/Clues/Evidence:
- Another example of Tywin underestimating. This time it's his cousin who has a problem reading and accidentally sends battle plans to a Stark supporter instead of a Lannister loyalist. Tywin puts too much faith in those that share his name. He expects them to be as smart as he is, but I don't think he's as smart as he thinks. At least not in the way I've been seeing him this go around.
- I still don't understand why Jon kept Igritt alive.
- Now isn't Cersei overreacting a little bit in regards to Myrcella being sent to Dorne. I mean, come on, it's not like she'll suffer down there. It's the warmest country in Westeros, and she spends most of her time with the beautiful Dornish royal family and in the gorgeous water gardens AND she's completely safe from any harm coming to King's Landing. I understand that as her mother, Cersei loves and will miss her only daughter, but to threaten Tyrion the way she does just because he arranged to have his niece protected is an enormous overreaction. I doubt she would have responded this way if anyone else had made the decision besides Tyrion.
- On their way back to the Red Keep, Joffrey is assaulted by unhappy citizens and gets hit in the face with horse shit. He responds by ordering the deaths of all of them. Typical Joffrey. What I found interesting was that when Tyrion realizes the severity of the situation, his first thought is to find Sansa. Again, I understand that she's a valuable hostage, but he treats her better than he treats his own family so I wonder...
- Speaking of Sansa, the poor girl finds herself in a truly terrifying situation only to be violently saved by the Hound. He actually talks tenderly to her and carries her back to safety. This is where the softer side of the Hound starts to come out, it just grows more and more. I like that.
- The conversation between Danaerys and the Spice King of Qarth is embarrassing. As a Dany supporter I keep thinking, "shut up, just stop talking." She actually tells him her origin story as a way to get what she wants. Anytime that happens, you know the character has nothing else to talk about. Have you ever met someone, talked with them a handful of times, but all they ever have to say is the same thing every damn time? This getting what she wants by declaring that she wants it routine is getting tired. And she is getting tired of people not believing she is as powerful as she says, but has yet to make an impact on anyone other than Jorah and her small khalasar.
- Tywin tells Arya a story that reveals that Jamie is dyslexic. Interesting.
- Jaqen clearly likes Arya. She comes to him with a new name, Ser Amory, and she needs him to kill Ser Amory immediately. Jaqen tries to teach her about when a man should strike
- Roose Bolton is the first person to get the message that Winterfell has been taken by Theon. It's here that he sees his opening and I bet he starts making moves against the Starks here as well. When Robb marries Teleesa (Jayne Westerling in the books), this solidifies Roose's thoughts and he makes the deal with the Freys and Lannisters. He even offers to have Ramsay go after Theon for Robb.
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