Hello Towelites, and welcome to another recap of Game of Thrones. On this 3rd episode of Season 3, Walk of Punishment, things are slowly starting to heat up.
This week we had Theon finally escape from his mysterious captors, while aided from another mysterious man (who was supposedly sent from his sister Yara). And even when he almost got recaptured, the same man comes and pulls some Robin Hood archery aiming, and saves him again. To be honest, I don’t even remember the part in the books (it’s been a while), so… what in the hell is going on?!
Robb and Catelyn finally make it down to Riverrun and we finally get introduced to this part of the family. Riverrun is the location of the Tully’s – which is basically Cat’s family; not to mention supporters of King of the North, Robb Stark. They’ve been mentioned from season one, but with the death of Cat’s father, we finally get to actually meet them. We have Cat’s brother, Edmure Tully, who as we see is kind of an arrogant hothead. He disobeyed Robb’s orders (thinking he was making a wise decision to capture the Mountain), and obviously could not hit a target under pressure. Cat’s uncle on the other hand, Brynden Tully – also known as the Blackfish – is much more respectful. He reprimands his nephew for not having the proper respect towards their king, and shows his sensitive side to to Cat on the death of his brother (Cat’s father).
Arya, Hot Pie and Gendry are still under the “watch” of Thoros and his Brotherhood without Banners, and though he claims they are not prisoners, they are not allowed to leave either. When Thoros heads out to take their prisoner Sandor Clegane somewhere (to who-knows-where), he takes Arya and Gendry with. Hot Pie decides to stay behind – seems like they could use a baker (which Hot Pie turns out to know how), and figures staying with this lot here is just as good an being anywhere else. They say their farewell, which after all they’ve been through, is heartfelt.
Melisandre is off to somewhere, which she keeps a mystery, while King Stannis seems to be at an old-time low; practically begging her to stay and not leave him. He whines about how he wants the other “kings” dead (Joffrey, Robb and Balon), and how he thinks everyone is laughing at him now. She promises him her return, and to boost his self confidence, mentions that he will indeed sit the Iron Throne; and she also mentions that a sacrifice would help (and may be necessary) for this to happen… a sacrifice of someone who shares the same Blood as Stannis.
Tywin Lannister sends Littlefinger off to the Vale, in order to reclaim them as allies – you see, Littlefinger likes to brag about his past with the Tully’s, and how he shared a love affair with Cat’s sister Lysa (you know… the one with the creepy child that’s way too old to breastfeed). In Littlefingers absence, Tywin names Tyrion as Master of Coin, which means he will be in charge with all the Kingdom’s finances. This also bring about the conversation (later in the episode), that not only is the Crown in debt to the Lannister family, but owe’s money to the Bank of Braavos (something that’s not to be treated as a light matter).
In a rare moment, the story gives a more lighthearted scene as Tyrion pays 4 beautiful women (prostitutes) for Podrick (to thank him for saving his life) – which the girls decide to provide the services for free, because of how pleased they were with Pod’s “performance”. This leaves Tyrion and Bronn shocked, as they interrogate Pod on how he did it.
Jon SNow and the Wildlings finally reach the First of the First Men. But of course, the dead have now become part of the White Walker army. And it also looks like the Whites have a sense of… something… I don’t even know how to say it. But like the very first scene of season 1, they leave an “artistic” design from the dead bodies; in this situation they used all the horses.
Lord Mormont and the rest of the crows finally make it back down to Craster’s keep. He is not happy to see them, nor does he really want to give them any hospitality. But the brothers have been through a lot, and the tension is high – and he realizes saying no might make things complicated. That doesn’t keep him from being a douche to them while there though. Meanwhile Sam walks into Gilly giving birth… to a little boy. Which means Craster is going to sacrifice it to the Whites.
Closing in on the important events, Daenarys decides to buy the army of Unsullied. All 8000 of them, along with all the untrained ones. With no money, how does she decide to pay? With one of her dragons. That’s right boy and girls… you know how I keep saying it… no one is safe in this story. So what makes you think the dragons are an exception? After agreeing that she will give the “biggest” of the 3 (which is the black/red one, Drogon), she leaves to go get the payment.
Finally, we have Jaime and Brienne. Having just been captured by Roose Bolton and his men, we start seeing a more “caring” side of Jaime. Just when Brienne was about to be raped, he divulges the information that she is from Tarth, and her family has money, and if “unharmed”, she might be worth more. Having saved her life, he tries to talk them into letting him go for a reward from the richest man alive – his father. Things seem to be looking up, as they seem to be interested in this idea, only for them to just be playing mind games with Jaime; and BAM! Off with his right hand.
Now, not sure how dramatic you realize this scene was – and I believe the show failed to capture that. Though throughout the seasons they have mentioned how great Jaime is with the sword, the show never seemed to give it the importance that the books had. You see, in a world such as this one, your occupation is more distinctly known throughout the lands. And since this world is “managed” by battles for the most part, then you can see the importance of someone who is good at the sword. Well, Jamie was one of the best… literally one of the best; alongside Sir Loras Tyrell (Knight of Flowers / Margaery’s brother) and Barriston Selmy (old Kingsguard knight, who was “fired”, and now with Dany). And now, the thing he was known for… the thing he was great for… is gone. It’s like saying Mike Tyson looses his hand during the prime of his career. Or Michael Jordan during the prime of his. Another thing more emphasized in the books was how Jaime has always been troubled by things; He knows people dislike him, looked down at him (especially for his background as “Kingslayer”), and so, his mastering of the sword was his one redeaming quality. One that he could always prevail in… always be looked up at for. And now, it’s gone! Makes you wonder “What’s left for Jamie” now…
Until next week towelites. For now check out the trailer for next episode in Game… of… Thrones…
~mozeus
