Season 7, episode 3 titled "The Queen's Justice"
The 3rd episode starts off with exactly what we want to see, Jon arriving to Dragonstone. He is greeted on the shores with Davos and his crew by Tyrion, Missande, and several Dothraki.
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Jon and Tyrion stare each other down for a moment and Tyrion breaks the silence by saying "The bastard of Winterfell." Jon's reply: "The dwarf of Casterly Rock". They both try to hold seriousness but can't help but grin at each other. It reminded me of the very 1st episode when King Robert came to Winterfell and we saw Ned and his 1st encounter in years. They state the last time they saw each other was the last was on top of the world and Tyrion was pissing off the edge. Jon also commented that he picked up a few scars along the way and Tyrion pointed out they are both still alive. Davos then interjects and introduces himself and he and Tyrion exchange words about being on opposite sides at the Battle of Blackwater Bay. Then Tyrion introduces Missande as the Queen's most trusted adviser, but she was all business. She remarked that the Queen understands they have had a long journey, and to please hand over their weapons. Jon makes a face to show he is not pleased but agrees. Jon hands Longclaw to a much larger Dothraki, looking him up and down as he does. They watch as the Dothraki pick up their dingy that they struggled to drag to shore and carry it away.
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As they begin walking toward the long walkway to the castle, Davos attempts to make conversation with Missande by asking where she is from. She answers and keeps walking. Davos then comments to Jon how the place has changed.
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The rag tag crew continues up the very long walkway and Tyrion remarks how he heard Sansa was alive and well and inquires, albeit sarcastically, if she misses him. Jon gives him a look and Tyrion tells him it was a sham marriage and an unconsummated one. Jon says he didn't ask and Tyrion said he is telling him anyway. Tyrion tells him that she is smarter than she let's on and Jon says that she is starting to let on. Tyrion replies with "Good".
Tyrion remarks that he is curious how a recruit of the Nights Watch ended up as King of the North and Jon says he was wondering how a Lannister ends up being the Hand of Daenerys Targaryen. Jon says his bannermen think he is a fool for coming to Dragonstone and Tyrion agrees with them. He said he would advised against it as well, ending it with "Stark men don't fair well when they travel South". Jon barely has time to state "I am not a Stark", when a dragon flies in very low above their heads, causing Jon and Davos to hit the deck, then look up in the sky in shock.
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Tyrion tells them that he would tell them that they'll get used to them but no one really does. Then he tells him the their mother is waiting, as they look up in shock at the three dragons flying around Dragonstone castle.
Melisandre is watching this scene from a cliff and Varys approaches, wondering why she is not down there to greet their guests, since she was the one who suggested Dany summon Jon. Melisandre says something interesting right here by stating she has already served her purpose by bringing together ice and fire. Varys gets another dig in and says he doesn't see her as a shy girl and Mel admits that she doesn't want to be a distraction.
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She said her time whispering in king's ears are over and he rebuts her by saying that once common folk get a taste of that life they can't turn back. She says neither one of them are common folk anymore and she admits she has made terrible mistakes, and that her, and the King of the North and his adviser are not on good terms. He asks her where she will go and she tells him Volantis. He tells her that he thinks she should not return to Westeros due to her safety and she smiles and says she will return. She calls him her "Dear Spider" and remarks that she has to "return one last time to die in this strange country, just like you." She stares right into his eyes for a moment and she walks away, leaving him standing there with a look of fear, yet he knows it is true. I wonder if that is what Varys heard in the flames that Kinvara was referring to. Varys looks out to the sea and sees a single ship there.
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Jon enters the throne room where Dany is sitting and Missande announces that Jon is standing in front of "Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, rightful heir to the Iron Throne, rightful Queen of the Andals and the first men, Protector of the seven Kingdoms, the Mother of Dragons, the Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, The Unburnt, the Breaker of Chains".
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Davos replies with "This is Jon Snow. He's King of the North." I suggest looking at a clip of this part, if you have not caught the episode, it is hysterical.
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Anyhow, Dany thanks Jon for coming the long distance to see her and refers to him as My Lord. Davos corrects her and reminds her that he referred to Jon as King of the North, he is not a Lord. Tyrion then introduces Sir Davos Seaworth to Dany and she gets smart with Davos saying she did not have a formal education but she thought she read somewhere about Jon Snow's ancestor, Torrhen Stark, bending a knee to her ancestor, Aegon Targaryen, and swearing an oath that would last forever to her house. She asks him if he is there to bend the knee and he says no. She asks if he traveled all that way to break faith with her house and he reminds her of her father burning his uncle and grandfather alive, and would have burned up the entire kingdom. She formally apologizes for the sins of her father but asks not to be judged herself by them. Tyrion smiles at Jon, knowing he was not expecting this, and not knowing that Jon just said the same words to his men not long ago. Dany goes on to say that their houses were allies for centuries with peace and prosperity. She tells him she is the last Targaryen(little does she know). She asks him to bend the knee, she will make him Warden of the North, and together they can save the country from the enemies who want to destroy it. he tells her that she is correct, that she should not be blamed for her father's sins, but he should not be held to his ancestor's vows just the same. She wants to know why he is there and he tells her that they need each other. She points out she has 3 dragons and the Dothraki outside and Jon says they are pretty hard to miss. She asks why she would need any of his help. Davos chimes in here and says they could easily take it, since Stannis almost did, and they didn't have three dragons. Tyrion puts in a little jab and says, "Almost". Jon states that she doesn't want to storm King's Landing because it will cost thousands of lives and he is sure she doesn't want that or she would have done it already, being the quickest and easiest option. He said this makes her, at the very least, a better option than Cersei.
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She wants to know why she would need him then? He tells her that him, her, and Cersei are mearly children playing at a game. She asks Tyrion why he said he likes Jon since he is refusing to bend a knee, call her Queen, and now calling her a child. Tyrion says he does like Jon and defends him a bit. The he said that none of this war for the 7 Kingdoms matter if they don't defend against the enemy to the North. Dany states she thought he was the enemy to the North. He tells her he is not her enemy. He tells them about the dead and how they are now marching. Tyrion asks him to be more specific and Jon does, saying he even saw them himself, and that if they are fighting among themselves when the White Walkers cross the wall, they are all finished. Dany goes into a long spiel about how she has been sold, raped, and lived in exile, but could only have faith in herself. Then says she was born to rule the 7 Kingdoms, and she will. Jon tells her she will be ruling over a graveyard if they don't defeat the Nights King. Tyrion says that their war is already in progress and they can't expect them to drop what they are doing and assist against whatever they think they saw. Davos steps in and says if destiny has brought Dany back then it has also brought Jon Snow as ruler of the North. Then he lists off all of Jon's accomplishments like joining the Night's Watch and Wildling armies to fight together, not because of birthright. He says "He is a damn bastard. They chose him as their leader, because they believe in him".
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He even confessed that Jon took a knife in the heart from his own people. Jon gave him a "don't tell them that" look and Davos stopped but you can see that this made Dany curious. He then said it won't matter who's skeleton is sitting on the Iron Throne if they don't join together. Tyrion asked if it isn't a big deal, why won't he bend a knee, help them beat his sister and then they can work together to defeat the enemies to the North? Jon says there is no time for that. He asks why he should bend a knee, he doesn't know her and his father fought to overthrow her father, the Mad King. He said he will continue to lead the people of the North as he has been chosen, the best that he can. She told him that what he says is fair, but that she is the rightful heir and since he is declaring himself a King of one of her Northern kingdoms, he is in open rebellion. Varys rushes in and whispers something to Dany who does not look happy. She dismisses Jon and Davos stating they will be fed and have baths drawn after their long journey. Jon wants to know if he is a prisoner and she says, "Not yet". She walks back up toward her throne.
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As soon as the doors close after Jon leaves, Varys begins to explain that the Greyjoys and Sands fleets were bombarded by Euron, only a few ships escaped, and that Ellaria Sand and the Sand Snakes are either hostages or dead, and the Greyjoys also suffer the same. Dany wants to know if it is really all of them.
Cue to Theon being pulled out of the water by a ship from the Greyjoy Fleet. The crew ask about Yara and Theon confesses that Euron has her. He said he tried to save her. The captain said that if he would have tried, he wouldn't be there. The crew walks off and leaves Theon lying there.
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Euron is parading Yara and Ellaria through the streets of King's Landing. He is smiling the entire time and even taunts Yara as he does so. He finally ends up in front of Cersei, still atop his horse and hops down to present his gift to her, Ellaria Sand and her daughter. Cersei has tears in her eyes and declares Euron a true friend of the crown, as she continues to glare at Ellaria and daughter. He tells Euron he will get what he desires, as Jamie is looking on. While everyone is clapping, Euron takes this time to antagonize Jamie. They have an exchange back and forth and then hits below the belt by asking what Cersei likes in bed, even asking if she likes a finger in her bum. He then bows to the crowd in the room and walks out, with Yara in tow.
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Cersei is in the dungeons where Elarria and her daughter are chained to walls, opposite from one another. She has The Mountain and Qyburn with her. She is talking to Ellaria, telling her she understands what drives her and brings up Oberyn Martell, whom she loved so much, and how she recalls the day Sir Gregor crushed his head and the sound it made.
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Ellaria is visibly upset by seeing The Mountain again, and by Cersei's words. Cersei continues by telling her how she cared for Myrcella, feeding her from her own breast. She asked Ellaria why she did that. Then says it doesn't matter now. Then turns her attention to the Sand Snake. Ellaria gets more upset and tries to break away from the wall. Then she tells her how she has thought of killing her daughter. Going over various awful ways to go. Then, Qyburn steps forward and she explains she had him figure out how she killed Myrcella, and that her daughter will suffer the same fate, while she watches. She will also be chained down there with her daughter's corpse, until she has rotted away, being forced fed to keep her alive if necessary.
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She gives the Sand Snake the kiss of death, then removes the lipstick off her mouth, just as Ellaria did when she killed Myrcella, took the antidote in front of them, and left them to deal with their fate. She also told Qyburn and The Mountain to make sure that the torches are changed every few hours, she doesn't want Ellaria to miss a thing.
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Cersei comes into the Queen's chambers where Jamie is. She immediately goes for him, and begins kissing on him and then heads south. The next scene is her and Jamie in bed and there is a knock at the door. She gets up to answer and he says she shouldn't let people see them like this. She replies and says She is Queen now, she'll do as she pleases. She answers to a servant who tells her the visitor from Bravos has arrived and she tells the servant she will be right there and that she needs fresh sheets. The servant looks at Jamie, then says "At once, your Grace" and leaves.
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Cersei pours two glasses of wine and carries them over to her guest, who is a rep of the Iron Bank. he gives condolences about Tommen, and congrats on her achievement of being the 1st Queen, basically saying he admires her for breaking tradition, and also makes innuendo about her being behind the wildfire that blew up the Sept of Baelor and she interjects and states that was a tragedy.
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He says a bit more and she interrupts him and says that he is there because the Iron Bank wants it's gold back. He said she is like her father, cutting to the chase. They have a back and forth, him saying she is broke, and losing, her saying everything she is doing to keep the crown and pay back the Iron Bank. Then he brings up Dany's dragons and she says she has a weapon for that. She then accuses him of having an interest in backing Dany, even though she is putting an end to slavery, which was a big money maker for the Iron Bank. She says Dany sees herself as a revolutionary, not a monarch. She then says Lannister's always pay their debts, and asks him if former slaves, Dothraki, or dragons do? He is smirking at her and compares her to Tywin again. She asks him to give her a fortnight(2 weeks), and to be her honored guest, and then she will be able to pay her debt in full.
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Tyrion is walking on a cliff at Dragonstone and comes upon Jon, who is looking at the water and brooding. He comments to him that he came there to brood about not seeing the Greyjoy attack coming, but here is Jon, brooding, and looking better at it than him. He says he is making him look like a failure at brooding about failure.
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Jon states that he is a prisoner on the island. Tyrion says he isn't a prisoner since he can walk around freely. Jon says he can't return to his ship, and the dead are coming for them all. Tyrion asked him to look into his problem of losing a lot of their ships and murdered allies and he would look into his problem with the walking dead men. Jon says he can't fathom someone telling him about the army of the dead and looks like he was about to say that he would believe them. But then he stops and realizes that he might not believe something like that and realizes that Tyrion probably doesn't either. He says so. Tyrion says he actually does believe him. Jon states that he didn't before and even says a reference to season 1 when Tyrion called things in the North "Grumkins and Snarks" and not believing in them.
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Tyrion seems to remember the conversation, and then says that he didn't then because everyone knew it, but more than one person says they have seen them, Lord Commander Mormont included, and he trusts an honest man's eyes over what everyone thinks they know. Jon asks him how he can convince people to help him fight an enemy that no one believes exists? Tyrion says it gives him comfort to at least fight an enemy, such as his sister, because he can at least wrap his head around that, while Jon's problem is too big for one man to solve. Jon says he needs to be able to leave to help his people. Jons says he is a Northern fool, like his father, for not listening to his people when they told him not to come South. Tyrion says that children are not their fathers, thankfully for them, and that there are more than meets the eye when it comes to Southern invaders and Northern fools.
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He tells Jon that he should ask the people around Dany about her, she protects them from monsters, just as he does. He said that she isn't going to simply head North to fight an enemy she has never seen, with a man she does not know, after a single meeting. Tyrion asks if there is anything he can do to help him.
Tyrion and Dany are in the painted table room and she is asking him what dragon glass is and why they are discussing it when they have just lost two of their allies. Tyrion points out that Jon wants to mine it and that is why he was speaking with Jon about it, he is a potential ally.
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She wants to know why he wants it and Tyrion explains it kills White Walkers. He said he believes Jon Snow because he is there at Dragonstone, even after his advisers told him not to come, and Tyrion says he would have advised the same. He says she doesn't have to believe him, but to let him mine the dragon glass anyway. She doesn't need it and it will be a free way of gaining a potential ally's trust. He points out it will also keep him occupied. Dany inquires about what Sir Davos said about taking a knife in the heart by his men and Tyrion explains it by brushing it off, claiming the Northerners have flights of fancy, and that it is dreary in the North, which I am sure is an Old English way of saying they have wild imaginations because it is boring.
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Dany is watching the dragons flying around over the water and castle as Jon comes down the long pathway. Jon comments from behind and says that they are an amazing thing to see.
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She tells him she named them after her brothers, who are both gone now, and pointed out he has lost two brothers as well. He nods. She says that people thought dragons were gone for centuries but here they are, and maybe they should rethink what they think they know because of it. Jon says that she has obviously been talking to Tyrion and she says that he likes to talk, and we all enjoy what we're good at it. Jon says he doesn't.
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She changes the subject quickly and says she isn't going to let Cersei sit on the Iron Throne and he says he doesn't expect her to. She says that when she takes it she will not forget which kingdoms belong to that throne, he says he won't either. She tells him she will allow him to mine the dragon glass and also lend him as many men and resources as he needs to do it. He thanks her, and says to her, "You believe me, don't you." but says it almost as a hopeful statement instead of a question. She looks back at the water and tells him he better get to work. I feel like this scene is setting us up for the Dany/Jon pairing.
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She seemed to be crushing during this entire exchange. I don't know how I feel about this pairing just yet, but I think I am leaning more toward an ick factor, especially since one of the most evil people on the show is a huge fan of sleeping with her relatives.
Sansa has taken charge and Littlefinger is standing with her and she is inquiring about how much food they have. When they tell her one year's worth, she states it is not enough, and gives them a plan to hold food for the winter.
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She also instructs those making armor to put leather over top of it. Littlefinger is still trying to pump up Sansa's ego by telling her that command suits her, then says they need to worry about Cersei. He says he knows Cersei better than anyone there and she stops him and says no he doesn't. He tries to explain and she interjects sarcastically, and says she understands that the woman who murdered her father, mother, and brother are dangerous and thanked him for his wise council.
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Then Littlefinger does what he does best. He speaks in riddles and says "Don't fight in the North or the South. Fight every battle, everywhere, in your mind. Everyone is your enemy, everyone is your friend. Every possible series of events is happening, all at once. Live that way, and nothing will surprise you. Everything that happens will be something you've seen before".
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I must say that is probably the best solid advice he has ever given her. At that moment they are interrupted by a guard letting Sansa know that they have a visitor at the gate.
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She comes hurriedly to the gate and there looking at her is Bran! She is in shock at 1st and then as soon as he says "Hello, Sansa", she rushes toward him, climbing on his wheelchair, cart and all, to give him a huge hug. Bran is very solemn as Sansa is happy to see him. He looks straight ahead and is not emotional like she is.
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Bran and Sansa are sitting under the weirwood tree at Winterfell as it is snowing. The 1st words exchanged are Sansa saying that she wishes Jon were there. Bran agrees and says he needs to speak to him. This right here was a big whoo hoo moment for me and I am hoping he gets to find out his parentage this season. Sansa then tells Bran that he is Lord of Winterfell now as their father's oldest living son. He says he can never be Lord of Winterfell or anything for that matter because he is the Three Eyed Raven. Sansa wants to know what that means and to please try to make her understand. He tells her he can see everything. Everything that has ever happened, to everyone. He can see everything right now. He said it is all pieces and fragments and he needs to learn to see better. He needs to be ready for when the long night begins.
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She wants to know how he knows all this info and he says that the Three Eyed Raven told him. This confuses her and she says that she thought he was the Three Eyed Raven. He says he told her it was difficult to explain. He then says that he is sorry for all that has happened to her, and that it happened there, in their home. He said it was such a beautiful night, just like right now, with the snow falling. He also said that she looked beautiful in her white wedding dress. This upsets her and she tells Bran she is going to go inside. He says he is staying out there a little longer.
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Next we have Sam, the Archmaester, and Jorah in Jorah's room and it looks like he is healing up nicely! He keeps asking Jorah for information on how he would have healed and Jorah made up reasons.
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The entire time, Sam is standing behind him, watching and listening. The Archmaester tells Jorah he can leave since they will need that room, and tells Sam he wants to see him in his study that evening, then he exits. Jorah can see that this may get Sam in trouble and Sam says he will find out that night. Then Sam asks Jorah where he will go and he says the only place he belongs, with Daenarys Stormborn. He attributes him seeking help with a cure because of her and owes her his life, as well as Sam. Sam states that Jorah's father saved him and it was the least he could do. They say that they hope to see one another again and Sam held out his hand to Jorah for a shake, who was not used to being able to do this for quite some time, and he takes it. He gives Sam a look of gratitude and Sam exits.
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Sam is being questioned by the Archmaester and he is honest and says that he did cure Sir Jorah and that no one asked him to do it. He admitted that he was told not to do it by the very Archmaester who was questioning him. Hilarious. The Archmaester ran through the series of events again, pointing out all the things that could have gone wrong. He then says that he could have endangered the entire Citadel, but he didn't.
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He starts saying the good parts now, how Sam saved the man's life and how many others have failed at this procedure. He inquires to how he did it. Sam states he just read the book then followed the instructions. He then tells Sam that he should be proud and Sam thanks him. Then, he walks Sam over to a table with a bunch of scrolls and manuscripts telling him that they are slowly rotting away and he needs them copied. He wants Sam to do it and this is his punishment for disobeying him, while his reward is that he wasn't kicked out of the Citadel altogether. Sam looks at all the work he has ahead of him. I believe this is where Sam is going to learn about Azor Ahai.
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Next, we have Dany knocking over a pawn on the painted table and stating they need to go find Euron's fleet and destroy it. Varys points out that they can't do that since a lot of their fleet was just wiped. Dany says she is not talking about using ships. Tyrion, Missande, and Varys talk her out of taking off with her dragons because it is far too dangerous for her to go herself. They turn her attention to Casterly Rock and she asks when the Unsullied will be there and Varys says, "They will be there soon". Missande wants to know what they will face, looking worried, because she knows Grey Worm is there.
Varys tells them that it will be a difficult situation and confirms with Tyrion that Cersei knows they are coming and she will have extra protection there due to their own personal feud. He says no one has ever been able to take Casterly Rock and his father forged it even more, putting him in charge of the sewers as it was beneath him to arrange it.
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He adds that he needed a way to sneak in his whores so he added little secrets in the tunnels below to be able to sneak them in undetected. As he says this, we see Grey Worm and a few men in a small boat go right into a cave into the side of the Rock. He also adds Bron's little statement from a previous Season and says "Give me 10 good men, and I'll impregnate the bitch". I love all the references to prior seasons in this episode. They're great! Grey Worm and the Unsullied army storm Casterly Rock, getting in with no problem.
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All during this montage, we hear Tyrion tell why they will be successful and how. Meanwhile, Grey Worm realizes that there aren't near the number of Lannister men there as there should be. He looks over the castle walls at his fleet being destroyed by Euron Greyoys Iron Fleet. Grey Worm looks down and grabs a still alive, but dying, soldier and demands he tell him where the rest of the men are.
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The Lannister army is marching and Jamie is with them. Also, we see Bron with him! I am happy to see him but don't know how I feel about him being with the Lannister's. They are marching toward Highgarden.
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They do not show any battle here because it is not needed. The Tyrell army is not known for being fierce. Jamie walks through and we do see the carnage that took place.
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He goes straight to Lady Olenna, who is sitting in her chambers alone. She is straight to the point as usual and says to him, "It's done". He replied, "It is". They have an exchange as he pours two glasses of wine. He walks over to the table where she is sitting and takes a seat as she says that he took his army, fled his post and came for hers. He advised her that he learned that trick from Robb Stark. She asks him why his father didn't take Highgarden when his mines ran dry but then says she will get the chance to ask him herself soon enough. She asks how he will do it, with the sword he has? He then asks her to remind him of the name, stating that it was Joffrey's. He reminded her of Widow's Wail and Elena says of Joffrey, "He really was a cunt wasn't he?" Jamie looks a little surprised and continues to listen as she speaks of things she did for her family.
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We all know what she is getting to, but she talks a lot about Cersei and how atrocious she is, and that she is sure he will come to realize it. He stands and announces they are done there and she wants to know again how he will eliminate her. He tells her Cersei mulled it over and names off several very awful ways to die, but says he talked her out of it. He pours poison in her wine and she asks if there'll be pain and he says no, he made sure of it.
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She says "That's good" and gulps it down. Then the Queen of Thorns steals the show by starting up about Joffrey again, referring to him as Jamie's son and saying it was awful to watch him die. We all know what she is getting at as Jamie looks confused. Then, she finishes describing Joffrey's awful death and said it was not at all what she intended. Then Jamie realizes what she is saying, and Lady Olenna says for him to tell Cersei, she wants her to know it was her.
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Crazy. Then Jamie, looks at her with disgust, and turns and leaves, with the camera pointed at Lady Olenna, sitting there with the same look on her face as when Jamie came in. The episode ends.
This episode was one of those where, so much happened, with so little action taking place. I think it will be super important to go back and watch later after the season is over to see even more queues they gave to us that we haven't noticed. They did reference prior seasons a lot on this one. We at least know that Bran needs to talk to Jon, and that Sansa isn't putting up with Littlefinger's crap. We know that every great triumph always comes from an underdog, so they had to knock Dany down a couple notches to make that possible. So I wouldn't be alarmed that Dany lost two major allies in one episode. It had to happen. They knocked out Dorne officially, I suppose, in this one as well. I don't know if we will get to revisit Ellaria Sand or not, although we really can't count it out. All I know is, next week, we will be halfway through the season and things are moving along pretty quickly.
Let me know what you think! Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to subscribe to get the latest reviews, breakdowns, and theories.
XOXO
Gina Murrell
Mother of Breakdowns
The 3rd episode starts off with exactly what we want to see, Jon arriving to Dragonstone. He is greeted on the shores with Davos and his crew by Tyrion, Missande, and several Dothraki.
Jon and Tyrion stare each other down for a moment and Tyrion breaks the silence by saying "The bastard of Winterfell." Jon's reply: "The dwarf of Casterly Rock". They both try to hold seriousness but can't help but grin at each other. It reminded me of the very 1st episode when King Robert came to Winterfell and we saw Ned and his 1st encounter in years. They state the last time they saw each other was the last was on top of the world and Tyrion was pissing off the edge. Jon also commented that he picked up a few scars along the way and Tyrion pointed out they are both still alive. Davos then interjects and introduces himself and he and Tyrion exchange words about being on opposite sides at the Battle of Blackwater Bay. Then Tyrion introduces Missande as the Queen's most trusted adviser, but she was all business. She remarked that the Queen understands they have had a long journey, and to please hand over their weapons. Jon makes a face to show he is not pleased but agrees. Jon hands Longclaw to a much larger Dothraki, looking him up and down as he does. They watch as the Dothraki pick up their dingy that they struggled to drag to shore and carry it away.
As they begin walking toward the long walkway to the castle, Davos attempts to make conversation with Missande by asking where she is from. She answers and keeps walking. Davos then comments to Jon how the place has changed.
The rag tag crew continues up the very long walkway and Tyrion remarks how he heard Sansa was alive and well and inquires, albeit sarcastically, if she misses him. Jon gives him a look and Tyrion tells him it was a sham marriage and an unconsummated one. Jon says he didn't ask and Tyrion said he is telling him anyway. Tyrion tells him that she is smarter than she let's on and Jon says that she is starting to let on. Tyrion replies with "Good".
Tyrion remarks that he is curious how a recruit of the Nights Watch ended up as King of the North and Jon says he was wondering how a Lannister ends up being the Hand of Daenerys Targaryen. Jon says his bannermen think he is a fool for coming to Dragonstone and Tyrion agrees with them. He said he would advised against it as well, ending it with "Stark men don't fair well when they travel South". Jon barely has time to state "I am not a Stark", when a dragon flies in very low above their heads, causing Jon and Davos to hit the deck, then look up in the sky in shock.
Tyrion tells them that he would tell them that they'll get used to them but no one really does. Then he tells him the their mother is waiting, as they look up in shock at the three dragons flying around Dragonstone castle.
Melisandre is watching this scene from a cliff and Varys approaches, wondering why she is not down there to greet their guests, since she was the one who suggested Dany summon Jon. Melisandre says something interesting right here by stating she has already served her purpose by bringing together ice and fire. Varys gets another dig in and says he doesn't see her as a shy girl and Mel admits that she doesn't want to be a distraction.
She said her time whispering in king's ears are over and he rebuts her by saying that once common folk get a taste of that life they can't turn back. She says neither one of them are common folk anymore and she admits she has made terrible mistakes, and that her, and the King of the North and his adviser are not on good terms. He asks her where she will go and she tells him Volantis. He tells her that he thinks she should not return to Westeros due to her safety and she smiles and says she will return. She calls him her "Dear Spider" and remarks that she has to "return one last time to die in this strange country, just like you." She stares right into his eyes for a moment and she walks away, leaving him standing there with a look of fear, yet he knows it is true. I wonder if that is what Varys heard in the flames that Kinvara was referring to. Varys looks out to the sea and sees a single ship there.
Jon enters the throne room where Dany is sitting and Missande announces that Jon is standing in front of "Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, rightful heir to the Iron Throne, rightful Queen of the Andals and the first men, Protector of the seven Kingdoms, the Mother of Dragons, the Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, The Unburnt, the Breaker of Chains".
Davos replies with "This is Jon Snow. He's King of the North." I suggest looking at a clip of this part, if you have not caught the episode, it is hysterical.
Anyhow, Dany thanks Jon for coming the long distance to see her and refers to him as My Lord. Davos corrects her and reminds her that he referred to Jon as King of the North, he is not a Lord. Tyrion then introduces Sir Davos Seaworth to Dany and she gets smart with Davos saying she did not have a formal education but she thought she read somewhere about Jon Snow's ancestor, Torrhen Stark, bending a knee to her ancestor, Aegon Targaryen, and swearing an oath that would last forever to her house. She asks him if he is there to bend the knee and he says no. She asks if he traveled all that way to break faith with her house and he reminds her of her father burning his uncle and grandfather alive, and would have burned up the entire kingdom. She formally apologizes for the sins of her father but asks not to be judged herself by them. Tyrion smiles at Jon, knowing he was not expecting this, and not knowing that Jon just said the same words to his men not long ago. Dany goes on to say that their houses were allies for centuries with peace and prosperity. She tells him she is the last Targaryen(little does she know). She asks him to bend the knee, she will make him Warden of the North, and together they can save the country from the enemies who want to destroy it. he tells her that she is correct, that she should not be blamed for her father's sins, but he should not be held to his ancestor's vows just the same. She wants to know why he is there and he tells her that they need each other. She points out she has 3 dragons and the Dothraki outside and Jon says they are pretty hard to miss. She asks why she would need any of his help. Davos chimes in here and says they could easily take it, since Stannis almost did, and they didn't have three dragons. Tyrion puts in a little jab and says, "Almost". Jon states that she doesn't want to storm King's Landing because it will cost thousands of lives and he is sure she doesn't want that or she would have done it already, being the quickest and easiest option. He said this makes her, at the very least, a better option than Cersei.
She wants to know why she would need him then? He tells her that him, her, and Cersei are mearly children playing at a game. She asks Tyrion why he said he likes Jon since he is refusing to bend a knee, call her Queen, and now calling her a child. Tyrion says he does like Jon and defends him a bit. The he said that none of this war for the 7 Kingdoms matter if they don't defend against the enemy to the North. Dany states she thought he was the enemy to the North. He tells her he is not her enemy. He tells them about the dead and how they are now marching. Tyrion asks him to be more specific and Jon does, saying he even saw them himself, and that if they are fighting among themselves when the White Walkers cross the wall, they are all finished. Dany goes into a long spiel about how she has been sold, raped, and lived in exile, but could only have faith in herself. Then says she was born to rule the 7 Kingdoms, and she will. Jon tells her she will be ruling over a graveyard if they don't defeat the Nights King. Tyrion says that their war is already in progress and they can't expect them to drop what they are doing and assist against whatever they think they saw. Davos steps in and says if destiny has brought Dany back then it has also brought Jon Snow as ruler of the North. Then he lists off all of Jon's accomplishments like joining the Night's Watch and Wildling armies to fight together, not because of birthright. He says "He is a damn bastard. They chose him as their leader, because they believe in him".
He even confessed that Jon took a knife in the heart from his own people. Jon gave him a "don't tell them that" look and Davos stopped but you can see that this made Dany curious. He then said it won't matter who's skeleton is sitting on the Iron Throne if they don't join together. Tyrion asked if it isn't a big deal, why won't he bend a knee, help them beat his sister and then they can work together to defeat the enemies to the North? Jon says there is no time for that. He asks why he should bend a knee, he doesn't know her and his father fought to overthrow her father, the Mad King. He said he will continue to lead the people of the North as he has been chosen, the best that he can. She told him that what he says is fair, but that she is the rightful heir and since he is declaring himself a King of one of her Northern kingdoms, he is in open rebellion. Varys rushes in and whispers something to Dany who does not look happy. She dismisses Jon and Davos stating they will be fed and have baths drawn after their long journey. Jon wants to know if he is a prisoner and she says, "Not yet". She walks back up toward her throne.
As soon as the doors close after Jon leaves, Varys begins to explain that the Greyjoys and Sands fleets were bombarded by Euron, only a few ships escaped, and that Ellaria Sand and the Sand Snakes are either hostages or dead, and the Greyjoys also suffer the same. Dany wants to know if it is really all of them.
Cue to Theon being pulled out of the water by a ship from the Greyjoy Fleet. The crew ask about Yara and Theon confesses that Euron has her. He said he tried to save her. The captain said that if he would have tried, he wouldn't be there. The crew walks off and leaves Theon lying there.
Euron is parading Yara and Ellaria through the streets of King's Landing. He is smiling the entire time and even taunts Yara as he does so. He finally ends up in front of Cersei, still atop his horse and hops down to present his gift to her, Ellaria Sand and her daughter. Cersei has tears in her eyes and declares Euron a true friend of the crown, as she continues to glare at Ellaria and daughter. He tells Euron he will get what he desires, as Jamie is looking on. While everyone is clapping, Euron takes this time to antagonize Jamie. They have an exchange back and forth and then hits below the belt by asking what Cersei likes in bed, even asking if she likes a finger in her bum. He then bows to the crowd in the room and walks out, with Yara in tow.
Cersei is in the dungeons where Elarria and her daughter are chained to walls, opposite from one another. She has The Mountain and Qyburn with her. She is talking to Ellaria, telling her she understands what drives her and brings up Oberyn Martell, whom she loved so much, and how she recalls the day Sir Gregor crushed his head and the sound it made.
Ellaria is visibly upset by seeing The Mountain again, and by Cersei's words. Cersei continues by telling her how she cared for Myrcella, feeding her from her own breast. She asked Ellaria why she did that. Then says it doesn't matter now. Then turns her attention to the Sand Snake. Ellaria gets more upset and tries to break away from the wall. Then she tells her how she has thought of killing her daughter. Going over various awful ways to go. Then, Qyburn steps forward and she explains she had him figure out how she killed Myrcella, and that her daughter will suffer the same fate, while she watches. She will also be chained down there with her daughter's corpse, until she has rotted away, being forced fed to keep her alive if necessary.
She gives the Sand Snake the kiss of death, then removes the lipstick off her mouth, just as Ellaria did when she killed Myrcella, took the antidote in front of them, and left them to deal with their fate. She also told Qyburn and The Mountain to make sure that the torches are changed every few hours, she doesn't want Ellaria to miss a thing.
Cersei comes into the Queen's chambers where Jamie is. She immediately goes for him, and begins kissing on him and then heads south. The next scene is her and Jamie in bed and there is a knock at the door. She gets up to answer and he says she shouldn't let people see them like this. She replies and says She is Queen now, she'll do as she pleases. She answers to a servant who tells her the visitor from Bravos has arrived and she tells the servant she will be right there and that she needs fresh sheets. The servant looks at Jamie, then says "At once, your Grace" and leaves.
Cersei pours two glasses of wine and carries them over to her guest, who is a rep of the Iron Bank. he gives condolences about Tommen, and congrats on her achievement of being the 1st Queen, basically saying he admires her for breaking tradition, and also makes innuendo about her being behind the wildfire that blew up the Sept of Baelor and she interjects and states that was a tragedy.
He says a bit more and she interrupts him and says that he is there because the Iron Bank wants it's gold back. He said she is like her father, cutting to the chase. They have a back and forth, him saying she is broke, and losing, her saying everything she is doing to keep the crown and pay back the Iron Bank. Then he brings up Dany's dragons and she says she has a weapon for that. She then accuses him of having an interest in backing Dany, even though she is putting an end to slavery, which was a big money maker for the Iron Bank. She says Dany sees herself as a revolutionary, not a monarch. She then says Lannister's always pay their debts, and asks him if former slaves, Dothraki, or dragons do? He is smirking at her and compares her to Tywin again. She asks him to give her a fortnight(2 weeks), and to be her honored guest, and then she will be able to pay her debt in full.
Tyrion is walking on a cliff at Dragonstone and comes upon Jon, who is looking at the water and brooding. He comments to him that he came there to brood about not seeing the Greyjoy attack coming, but here is Jon, brooding, and looking better at it than him. He says he is making him look like a failure at brooding about failure.
Jon states that he is a prisoner on the island. Tyrion says he isn't a prisoner since he can walk around freely. Jon says he can't return to his ship, and the dead are coming for them all. Tyrion asked him to look into his problem of losing a lot of their ships and murdered allies and he would look into his problem with the walking dead men. Jon says he can't fathom someone telling him about the army of the dead and looks like he was about to say that he would believe them. But then he stops and realizes that he might not believe something like that and realizes that Tyrion probably doesn't either. He says so. Tyrion says he actually does believe him. Jon states that he didn't before and even says a reference to season 1 when Tyrion called things in the North "Grumkins and Snarks" and not believing in them.
Tyrion seems to remember the conversation, and then says that he didn't then because everyone knew it, but more than one person says they have seen them, Lord Commander Mormont included, and he trusts an honest man's eyes over what everyone thinks they know. Jon asks him how he can convince people to help him fight an enemy that no one believes exists? Tyrion says it gives him comfort to at least fight an enemy, such as his sister, because he can at least wrap his head around that, while Jon's problem is too big for one man to solve. Jon says he needs to be able to leave to help his people. Jons says he is a Northern fool, like his father, for not listening to his people when they told him not to come South. Tyrion says that children are not their fathers, thankfully for them, and that there are more than meets the eye when it comes to Southern invaders and Northern fools.
He tells Jon that he should ask the people around Dany about her, she protects them from monsters, just as he does. He said that she isn't going to simply head North to fight an enemy she has never seen, with a man she does not know, after a single meeting. Tyrion asks if there is anything he can do to help him.
Tyrion and Dany are in the painted table room and she is asking him what dragon glass is and why they are discussing it when they have just lost two of their allies. Tyrion points out that Jon wants to mine it and that is why he was speaking with Jon about it, he is a potential ally.
She wants to know why he wants it and Tyrion explains it kills White Walkers. He said he believes Jon Snow because he is there at Dragonstone, even after his advisers told him not to come, and Tyrion says he would have advised the same. He says she doesn't have to believe him, but to let him mine the dragon glass anyway. She doesn't need it and it will be a free way of gaining a potential ally's trust. He points out it will also keep him occupied. Dany inquires about what Sir Davos said about taking a knife in the heart by his men and Tyrion explains it by brushing it off, claiming the Northerners have flights of fancy, and that it is dreary in the North, which I am sure is an Old English way of saying they have wild imaginations because it is boring.
Dany is watching the dragons flying around over the water and castle as Jon comes down the long pathway. Jon comments from behind and says that they are an amazing thing to see.
She tells him she named them after her brothers, who are both gone now, and pointed out he has lost two brothers as well. He nods. She says that people thought dragons were gone for centuries but here they are, and maybe they should rethink what they think they know because of it. Jon says that she has obviously been talking to Tyrion and she says that he likes to talk, and we all enjoy what we're good at it. Jon says he doesn't.
She changes the subject quickly and says she isn't going to let Cersei sit on the Iron Throne and he says he doesn't expect her to. She says that when she takes it she will not forget which kingdoms belong to that throne, he says he won't either. She tells him she will allow him to mine the dragon glass and also lend him as many men and resources as he needs to do it. He thanks her, and says to her, "You believe me, don't you." but says it almost as a hopeful statement instead of a question. She looks back at the water and tells him he better get to work. I feel like this scene is setting us up for the Dany/Jon pairing.
She seemed to be crushing during this entire exchange. I don't know how I feel about this pairing just yet, but I think I am leaning more toward an ick factor, especially since one of the most evil people on the show is a huge fan of sleeping with her relatives.
Sansa has taken charge and Littlefinger is standing with her and she is inquiring about how much food they have. When they tell her one year's worth, she states it is not enough, and gives them a plan to hold food for the winter.
She also instructs those making armor to put leather over top of it. Littlefinger is still trying to pump up Sansa's ego by telling her that command suits her, then says they need to worry about Cersei. He says he knows Cersei better than anyone there and she stops him and says no he doesn't. He tries to explain and she interjects sarcastically, and says she understands that the woman who murdered her father, mother, and brother are dangerous and thanked him for his wise council.
Then Littlefinger does what he does best. He speaks in riddles and says "Don't fight in the North or the South. Fight every battle, everywhere, in your mind. Everyone is your enemy, everyone is your friend. Every possible series of events is happening, all at once. Live that way, and nothing will surprise you. Everything that happens will be something you've seen before".
I must say that is probably the best solid advice he has ever given her. At that moment they are interrupted by a guard letting Sansa know that they have a visitor at the gate.
She comes hurriedly to the gate and there looking at her is Bran! She is in shock at 1st and then as soon as he says "Hello, Sansa", she rushes toward him, climbing on his wheelchair, cart and all, to give him a huge hug. Bran is very solemn as Sansa is happy to see him. He looks straight ahead and is not emotional like she is.
Bran and Sansa are sitting under the weirwood tree at Winterfell as it is snowing. The 1st words exchanged are Sansa saying that she wishes Jon were there. Bran agrees and says he needs to speak to him. This right here was a big whoo hoo moment for me and I am hoping he gets to find out his parentage this season. Sansa then tells Bran that he is Lord of Winterfell now as their father's oldest living son. He says he can never be Lord of Winterfell or anything for that matter because he is the Three Eyed Raven. Sansa wants to know what that means and to please try to make her understand. He tells her he can see everything. Everything that has ever happened, to everyone. He can see everything right now. He said it is all pieces and fragments and he needs to learn to see better. He needs to be ready for when the long night begins.
She wants to know how he knows all this info and he says that the Three Eyed Raven told him. This confuses her and she says that she thought he was the Three Eyed Raven. He says he told her it was difficult to explain. He then says that he is sorry for all that has happened to her, and that it happened there, in their home. He said it was such a beautiful night, just like right now, with the snow falling. He also said that she looked beautiful in her white wedding dress. This upsets her and she tells Bran she is going to go inside. He says he is staying out there a little longer.
Next we have Sam, the Archmaester, and Jorah in Jorah's room and it looks like he is healing up nicely! He keeps asking Jorah for information on how he would have healed and Jorah made up reasons.
The entire time, Sam is standing behind him, watching and listening. The Archmaester tells Jorah he can leave since they will need that room, and tells Sam he wants to see him in his study that evening, then he exits. Jorah can see that this may get Sam in trouble and Sam says he will find out that night. Then Sam asks Jorah where he will go and he says the only place he belongs, with Daenarys Stormborn. He attributes him seeking help with a cure because of her and owes her his life, as well as Sam. Sam states that Jorah's father saved him and it was the least he could do. They say that they hope to see one another again and Sam held out his hand to Jorah for a shake, who was not used to being able to do this for quite some time, and he takes it. He gives Sam a look of gratitude and Sam exits.
Sam is being questioned by the Archmaester and he is honest and says that he did cure Sir Jorah and that no one asked him to do it. He admitted that he was told not to do it by the very Archmaester who was questioning him. Hilarious. The Archmaester ran through the series of events again, pointing out all the things that could have gone wrong. He then says that he could have endangered the entire Citadel, but he didn't.
He starts saying the good parts now, how Sam saved the man's life and how many others have failed at this procedure. He inquires to how he did it. Sam states he just read the book then followed the instructions. He then tells Sam that he should be proud and Sam thanks him. Then, he walks Sam over to a table with a bunch of scrolls and manuscripts telling him that they are slowly rotting away and he needs them copied. He wants Sam to do it and this is his punishment for disobeying him, while his reward is that he wasn't kicked out of the Citadel altogether. Sam looks at all the work he has ahead of him. I believe this is where Sam is going to learn about Azor Ahai.
Next, we have Dany knocking over a pawn on the painted table and stating they need to go find Euron's fleet and destroy it. Varys points out that they can't do that since a lot of their fleet was just wiped. Dany says she is not talking about using ships. Tyrion, Missande, and Varys talk her out of taking off with her dragons because it is far too dangerous for her to go herself. They turn her attention to Casterly Rock and she asks when the Unsullied will be there and Varys says, "They will be there soon". Missande wants to know what they will face, looking worried, because she knows Grey Worm is there.
Varys tells them that it will be a difficult situation and confirms with Tyrion that Cersei knows they are coming and she will have extra protection there due to their own personal feud. He says no one has ever been able to take Casterly Rock and his father forged it even more, putting him in charge of the sewers as it was beneath him to arrange it.
He adds that he needed a way to sneak in his whores so he added little secrets in the tunnels below to be able to sneak them in undetected. As he says this, we see Grey Worm and a few men in a small boat go right into a cave into the side of the Rock. He also adds Bron's little statement from a previous Season and says "Give me 10 good men, and I'll impregnate the bitch". I love all the references to prior seasons in this episode. They're great! Grey Worm and the Unsullied army storm Casterly Rock, getting in with no problem.
All during this montage, we hear Tyrion tell why they will be successful and how. Meanwhile, Grey Worm realizes that there aren't near the number of Lannister men there as there should be. He looks over the castle walls at his fleet being destroyed by Euron Greyoys Iron Fleet. Grey Worm looks down and grabs a still alive, but dying, soldier and demands he tell him where the rest of the men are.
The Lannister army is marching and Jamie is with them. Also, we see Bron with him! I am happy to see him but don't know how I feel about him being with the Lannister's. They are marching toward Highgarden.
They do not show any battle here because it is not needed. The Tyrell army is not known for being fierce. Jamie walks through and we do see the carnage that took place.
He goes straight to Lady Olenna, who is sitting in her chambers alone. She is straight to the point as usual and says to him, "It's done". He replied, "It is". They have an exchange as he pours two glasses of wine. He walks over to the table where she is sitting and takes a seat as she says that he took his army, fled his post and came for hers. He advised her that he learned that trick from Robb Stark. She asks him why his father didn't take Highgarden when his mines ran dry but then says she will get the chance to ask him herself soon enough. She asks how he will do it, with the sword he has? He then asks her to remind him of the name, stating that it was Joffrey's. He reminded her of Widow's Wail and Elena says of Joffrey, "He really was a cunt wasn't he?" Jamie looks a little surprised and continues to listen as she speaks of things she did for her family.
We all know what she is getting to, but she talks a lot about Cersei and how atrocious she is, and that she is sure he will come to realize it. He stands and announces they are done there and she wants to know again how he will eliminate her. He tells her Cersei mulled it over and names off several very awful ways to die, but says he talked her out of it. He pours poison in her wine and she asks if there'll be pain and he says no, he made sure of it.
She says "That's good" and gulps it down. Then the Queen of Thorns steals the show by starting up about Joffrey again, referring to him as Jamie's son and saying it was awful to watch him die. We all know what she is getting at as Jamie looks confused. Then, she finishes describing Joffrey's awful death and said it was not at all what she intended. Then Jamie realizes what she is saying, and Lady Olenna says for him to tell Cersei, she wants her to know it was her.
Crazy. Then Jamie, looks at her with disgust, and turns and leaves, with the camera pointed at Lady Olenna, sitting there with the same look on her face as when Jamie came in. The episode ends.
This episode was one of those where, so much happened, with so little action taking place. I think it will be super important to go back and watch later after the season is over to see even more queues they gave to us that we haven't noticed. They did reference prior seasons a lot on this one. We at least know that Bran needs to talk to Jon, and that Sansa isn't putting up with Littlefinger's crap. We know that every great triumph always comes from an underdog, so they had to knock Dany down a couple notches to make that possible. So I wouldn't be alarmed that Dany lost two major allies in one episode. It had to happen. They knocked out Dorne officially, I suppose, in this one as well. I don't know if we will get to revisit Ellaria Sand or not, although we really can't count it out. All I know is, next week, we will be halfway through the season and things are moving along pretty quickly.
Let me know what you think! Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to subscribe to get the latest reviews, breakdowns, and theories.
XOXO
Gina Murrell
Mother of Breakdowns
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