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Overview

Game of Thrones makes its return and, as always, while men scramble for position, women look toward the future for their place and power.

Director: Michael Slovis
Writer: David Benioff & D. B. Weiss

Topic 1: It’s All Show And Politics – Cersei, Margaery, and Sansa

Topic 2: The Future Of Our World – Tyrion, Lord Varys & Daenerys

Topic 3: Bend the Knee – Jon Snow & Stannis Baratheon (Featuring Mance Rayder)

Review (with Spoilers) – Below

Characters & Story

Topic 1: With Tywin’s death comes more threats to the Lannister’s kingdom. Especially for Cersei for with both her brothers betraying her, Tyrion directly, and Jaime indirectly, and her son being seduced by Margaery, she has to seriously contemplate her next move.

As for Margaery, not much happens for her this episode, besides trying to ask her brother to be a bit more discreet with his sexuality. Though with Tywin dead, he sees no point. After all, who else would force him into an unfavorable marriage to Cersei? Much less, everyone knows he prefers men, so he figures that hiding it is a waste of time and effort.

Lastly, Sansa remains by Little Finger’s side, and it seems while Robin trains to be a proper soldier, which doesn’t seem likely to happen, he is taking her somewhere safe. As for where this place is? Well, it is somewhere west.

Topic 2:  Tyrion has arrived after being at sea for who knows how long and, while wallowing in his misery, Lord Varys presents the idea of purpose. One in which he would meet Daenerys Targaeryn and possibly join her ranks. Something Tyrion isn’t against, but he doesn’t seem gung ho on meeting her either.

Though considering the state of Mereen, and Yunkai as well, who knows if Daenerys may have the time? For with the Sons of the Harpy causing chaos, and her denying the people their fighting pits, it seems a rebellion is up and coming. Add on she has no control over her dragons and you get someone who maybe a liberator, yes, but still is in the process of truly being a queen.

Topic 3: It is time for Mance Rayder’s execution, but Stannis will pardon him if he bends the knee. After all, having the free people, aka Wildlings, as part of his army would allow him all the power he needs. Unfortunately for Stannis though, Mance refuses. Not out of pride, so he says, but because he doesn’t want to lead his people into a southern king’s war. For while he wants peace, and Stannis has many promises, what group would follow a man who bends the knee to solely save his own life?

So, with Stannis denied, Mance is set on fire and rather than watch this prolonged suffering, Jon Snow sends an arrow to his heart. Who knows if there maybe consequences for that.

Collected Quote(s)

“The future is shit, just like the past.”
—  “The Wars to Come.” Game of Thrones

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“The freedom to make my own mistakes is all I ever wanted.”
—           “The Wars to Come.” Game of Thrones