Game of Thrones Season 4, Episode 3 (2014) Review and Analysis

Episode 3
Breaker of Chains

***SPOILERS***

This episode begins exactly where it left off. On the whole I was rather disappointed with this episode although it has some interesting elements. Interestingly it follows Sansa's escape from King's Landing. I was expecting the episode to open with Tyrion's capture and incarceration. Finally her saviour is revealed as Petyr the person acting behind Ser Dontos. It is great to see Sansa's plot leave King's Landing and it will be great to see the relationship between her and Lord Baelish develop. However Sansa still seems quite gullible. 

It was good to see some clarification between the feelings of Lady Olena and Margery. I was somewhat dubious about Margery's upset about Joffrey, although she did seem to be more concerned about being the queen. The scene really served as a reminder about what will happen later with the Tyrells. 

The scene in the sept was excellent with Lord Tywin basically giving a lecture on the role of a good king and finally really bringing Prince Tommen to the fore since he is now the heir. The scene is largely exposition, but it works well.

I was surprised at the inclusion of the scene between Jaime and Cersei in the sept. Jaime arrives not in the garb of the King's guard. Difference from the book: This is the scene of Jaime's return in the book where he is reunited with Cersei for the first time. The scene in the book is both sexual and violent. The scene in the show seemed more sinister and violent. Jaime was angry at Cersei and played out more like a rape scene. In the book she resists at first and then succumbs to passion. The show paints her more as a passive woman, whereas the book shows her as this calculating, cold and aggressive woman. I did like however how their relationship has changed to one of lust and hatred, that neither can really let go. 

I would make a strong case that this scene isn't gratuitous, mainly because it's very close to what happens in the book and it also demonstrates important character traits of Jaime and also the relationship between Jaime and Cersei. Also it didn't involve any nudity (for once). The scene was savage and raw, as it was meant to be. Not to make violence against women acceptable or glamorous, but rather to show that Jaime isn't as reformed as we might think. Disappointingly it doesn't convey the complexity of Cersei's character. The show version shows predominantly a rape with Cersei the victim. Whereas in the book she resists Jaime at first but welcomes him in the end playing her own savage part in the exchange leaving him with hate and spite at the end of the scene. In the book Cersei is as much a formidable opponent to Jaime. She enjoys the seduction as much as she hates and grieves in the same breath. 

Arya's storyline continues differently from the book. The scene is rather predictable in their journey, but there is mention of potential travel to Braavos. Arya is humorously played by Maisy. 

There are more and more changes from the book this season. Down at the Wall Sam moves Gilly and her baby to Mole town for safe keeping which doesn't happen in the book. I thought the storyline at the wall would have progressed more this episode instead it serves only to build up more with the wildlings and Thenns approaching them from the North and the South. Also the further reference to cannibilism seems rather unnecessary. Really there are a number of gratuitous elements in this episode unfortunately. 

In contrast to the earlier sex scene in the sept the brothel scene with Elaria Sand And Prince Oberon is clearly gratuitous. It seems more for the modern audience their discussion of sexual preference rather than for any real character development or plot points. Tywin bursting in on them seemed absurd for a person of his status as the hand of the king. But they had to make a way of convincing Oberon to be a judge in Tyrion's trial. In the book Oberon is more willing and cunning in the process. The scene really served to hammer in Oberon's lust for revenge or justice over his sister's death at the hands of The Mountain. 

And then Dany reaches Meereen...finally. Her scenes are getting a little bit repetitive in taking over cities. However this one tried to stand out with a quite literal pissing contest. This was rather gratuitous in my opinion and unnecessary. It did clearly develop Dany's respect for and interest in Daario Naharis. I'm still not set on his portrayal and Dany seems rather haughty and unimpressed with Daario when talking to him. But she seemed quite impressed by his fighting skills and had a blood lust look about her when he defeated Meereen's champion. 

Overall rather disappointing this episode. It really worked as a building block for most of the story lines, Sansa's storyline in her escape, Tyrion's upcoming trial, the drawing battle of the wall and Dany's siege of Meereen. Looking forward to some more action and good character development in the next episode. I really want to see the battle at the wall in the next episode or so, but feel they might drag it out to around episode 9 or something. I would also like to see a lot more of Sansa and where her plot leads through the rest of this season. Next episode I predict will predominantly be Tyrion's trial. We have yet to see Jaime visit or investigate Tyrion. It does seem in the show at least that Jaime may be one of the few that doubts Tyrion's guilt. 

Game of Thrones Season 4, Episode 2 (2014) Review and Analysis

The Lion and the Rose
Episode 2

***SPOILERS***

This is a big episode much anticipated by book and show fans. Beginning with a brutal opening scene it sets the tone for the entire episode. It shows just how much Theon has changed and degraded in the face of Ramsey Snow's degrading and perverse treatment. This scene also introduces a new character the female sadistic counterpart to Ramsey. It also cuts between a shot of Theon to Tyrion cutting up a sausage. A throw back to Theon being castrated by Ramsey last season. 

Finally we get to see an exchange between Tyrion and Jaime after his return. The scene is both humorous and serves to show how incapacitated Jaime is now even with his new golden hand. It also introduces Jaime's sword lessons with Bronn. This is a change from the book where Ser Illyn Payne is the one who does sparring practice with Jaime. As he was silent because the mad king had his tongue cut out. Having Bronn spar with Jaime makes sense plot wise and also in terms of character. Bronn is a character that is much more fleshed out in the series and it's nice to see some more comedy from him. 

It's great to see Roose Bolton return to Ramsey, the only person who vaguely even seems to control or be feared by Ramsey. The sequence serves as a reminder that the Stark boys are missing and now people are out looking for them. We continue to see Bran's story going beyond the wall. But it is unknown where Rickon has ended up. The shaving seen is very effective at conveying Ramsey's control over Theon as well as important plot points about the Starks. Earlier in the scene we met Walder Frey the new wife of Roose Bolton, Ramsey's step mother. Moat Calin is also introduced as a place of importance in holding the North and this will play out later in the plot. 

The exchange between Tyrion and Varys is long overdue and speaks volumes about Tyrion's change of status. It is clear Varys will no longer offer to protect Shae's identity in the face of Cersei and Tywin. This leads nicely into the scene of the wedding gifts. Where Cersei points out "the whore" (Shae) to Tywin who says he wants her sent to him before the wedding ceremony. For a moment I was surprised at Joffrey's grace in accepting gifts but of course this takes a turn with Tyrion's gift. This is a great moment excellently adapted from the book. Joffrey's destruction of this precious book with Valyrian steel was disgusting. The looks on the other character's faces spoke volumes. 

Finally there is the scene between Shae and Tyrion where he finally makes her leave. However Peter Dinklage played it so it was quite obvious to the audience and should have been obvious to Shae that he was clearly lying. Something I felt was more convincing in the book. Tyrion is much more light and likeable in the show depiction whereas in the book he is alot my sly and sarcastic. I wasn't that sorry to see Shae go as she was getting quite annoying with the repetition over the last few episodes. 

I was also surprised with the sacrifice scene with Melindre and Lord...eh hem...King Stannis. IN my mind I felt we left over last time with Stannis with a letter arriving from the Wall about threats so I wasn't expecting another scene so soon, nor at Dragonstone. It did however show the depth of Stannis and his wife's indoctrination with the sacrifice of her brother to the Lord of Light. The dinner scene between the three of them was just great. It felt like Melisandre was an awkward intruder. Like a sad guest with a couple fighting. This gave this quite dark scene quite humorous. We also learn some more of Melindre's past and childhood. Oh and that Stannis hates fish.

Bran is reintroduced and he appears to be warging a lot making him weak with hunger. And if he continues he will be more wolf than human. I was surprised they introduced them finding the heart tree. And it appears that Bran was able to warg with the tree seeing visions including of his father and the iron throne shrouded in snow as well as the three eyed raven and a figure in the snow and a "zombie" horse. It is unclear, but these visions appear to be both of the past and perhaps the future. It will be interesting how Bran's storyline progresses. 

Then at last we get to see the royal wedding. I was a bit disappointed as the scene wasn't that elaborate and after seeing Lady Olenna throw countless necklaces aside last episode I was surprised by Lady Margery's modest necklace. It was great to see Lady Olenna and Tywin go head to head once again and draw attention back to the fact that the crown is in a lot of debt to the Iron bank. Something casual viewers may have forgotten. Lady Olenna reiterates the cost of the wedding throughout the episode. 

Tyrion anxiously confers with Bronn confirming that Shae has really left on a ship to Pentos. Also there is a rare moment seeing Sansa smile with the hope that one day she may visit with Lady Olenna. Far from the threats she received from Joffrey about how he might take her even once he was married. 

The wedding feast is great with a lot of fire twirling and contortion acts. It also included a number of interesting exchanges between characters. Jaime and Ser Loras literally bump into each other. This deviates from the book where Jaime comes back to King's Landing later. It seems quite a straight forward confrontation between the two and outright points to Jaime's adultery with Jaime. He loses that confrontation. In contrast Cersei has the upper hand throughout the wedding feast. She sniggers at Brienne's bow instead of a courtesy and confronts her about her love for Jaime. Something that isn't so bluntly stated in the books. She also confronts Maester Pycelle as he tries to "molest" or advice one of the hand maiden's. She tells Pycelle to give all the leftovers to the dogs defying Queen Margery's announcement to feet the poor. It is interesting to see Cersei's power and status throughout the episode which will be integral in the events that follow. Cersei only seems to be bestest by Prince Oberon and his veiled threats about having her daughter Myrcella back in Dorne. 

A note on the costumes and props which are great throughout the series in general, but especially in this episode. It includes some historically accurate circus props and some great braids on the women. The scene of the dwarf re-enactment of the war of five kings is as abhorrent on screen as it was in the book and everyone except Joffrey and Cersei seem awkward. Sansa bears it well with a blank look on her face. She seems finally numb to everything now that so much has happened. The whole sequence is grotesque and show Joffrey in his true light. 

All of this builds up to the culmination of Joffrey's death and his suspected poisoning and murder. Tyrion is accused by Cersei immediately, but it unclear what caused him to choke and whether it was murder at all. This aspect is played pretty close to the book. Although the look on Tyrion's face as he picked up the cup seemed quite genuinely innocent. Sansa is last seen with Ser Dontos and it's unclear of her fate once he escapes with him. It will be interesting to see how they develop her storyline and character arc across the rest of the season. I suspect Sansa will be accused of Joffrey's murder because she passed the cup to Tyrion and then to Joffrey. 

Can't wait to see the events unfold. In particular I hope to see what becomes of Sansa in her flight. Also the captivity of Tyrion. It will also interesting how they will handle the newly widowed Margery Tyrell or I should say Queen Margery Baratheon. Prince Tommen was also featured in the background this episode and he will be the next in line for the throne now that Joffrey is dead. So finally it appears quite of few of the names on Arya's list are now dead. 

Game of Thrones Season 4, Episode 1 (2014) Review and analysis

Season 4, Episode 1
Two Swords

***SPOILERS***

This episode opens bolding, with no dialogue and seeing the forging of two valyrian swords. Such a great way to open the season. Harking back all the way to season 1 with Ned Stark's sword "Ice" being reforged. It is a reminder of the past as well as a threat for the future. Another addition for fans of the opening sequence is the inclusion of the Dreadfort with the symbol of the flayed man on their banner.

Jaime gets a beating, figuratively speaking in this opening episode. Firstly with Tywin who demands that he return to Casterly Rock as his heir. Jaime at the end of last season had just returned after losing his sword hand. Jaime seems like the only one of his siblings that can really stand up to his father's orders. But still he takes the sword, a literal taking up the mantel of being commander of the king's guard. It's great to see Jaime stand up to his father and his attempt to find honour. Difference from the book: Jaime returns later in the book after the royal wedding. Later in the episode Joffrey mocks Jaime stating there is nothing written about him in the book of the brothers which includes the men of the King's guard. Jaime manages all the harsh encounters in this episode well and with humour. He is perhaps more humble and less arrogant than the Jaime of the past seasons with his mocking self-assured cockiness. Jaime also gets a lecture from his sister Cersei who blames him for coming too late. Difference from the book: Unlike in the show where Cersei and Jaime have a cold reunion, in the book Jaime and Cersei have a heartfelt and intense reunion. Brienne also is having a go at Jaime for not safely returning the Stark girls. Jaime however is a pragmatist with witty sarcasm. It's great to see Jaime and Brienne still together in this season. Difference from the book: Brienne is captive upon arriving in King's Landing.

The scene of welcoming the wedding guests to King's Landing was great. Nice to see more humour between Podrick, Bronn and Tyrion. It also points out the significant loss of status of Tyrion. A subtle reminder that he is no longer the hand of the king and is instead master of coin. This is at the request of his father. Thus Tyrion has little to no power at this stage of the series. This political point is beautifully handled in a comedic manner. This sequence also fits perfectly the introduction of Prince Oberon and Elaria the guests from Dorne. The scene in Little Finger's brothel importantly introduces a number of key character points. One that he is a frequenter of whores, including group and same sex encounters. It also demonstrates his self-import and arrogance as a prince who demands. Further in the scene it also shows his quick anger towards any of the Lannisters opening old wounds. This also shows his penchant for violence. At least for Lannister men. In the brothel we also learn that Elaria is a "Sand" the name of bastards in Dorne. In the exchange between Tyrion and Prince Oberon, Tyrion is definitely at the disadvantage trying to smooth over old wounds which Prince Oberon is having none of it. He makes thinly veiled threats. Tyrion in the season isn't much of a political player.

And then we are introduced to Dany with her dragon's much grown since the last season. Even now they are growing beyond her control. However Dany is a great royal presence, much different from the scared and abuse victim at the beginning of the series. First she was a child victim, a Khaleesi and now she acts like a Queen and warlord. It's a cute introduction of both Greyworm and Daario. I have to admit I'm somewhat disappointed with the recasting of Daario. The role was previously played by Ed Skrein in series three. Daario is now played by Michiel Huisman (Treme). He looks very different from the past season and also different from the description in the book which depicts Daario as this very handsome and colourfully dyed hair warrior. So far I'm not a fan of the new Daario, but will be interested to see how he progresses throughout season four. So far in the first episode he seems more cute than the smirky and arrogant character from the book.

It is painful to see Sansa's decline and refusal to eat, but nice to see some interaction between her and Tyrion. Peter Dinklage plays the role of guilty party and compassionate friend beautifully. Once again Shae imposes herself on Tyrion and by this point I was sick of seeing Shae and Tyrion fight about her safety and the dangers.

I felt the conversation between Jaime and Cersei was a little stilted as it was meant to be. In the scene it references Cersei's "symptoms" that have gone. I could speculate that it is sleeplessness? or she may have needed "moon tea", if perhaps she is sleeping with Lancel? I wonder if this will be something that is explored in further episodes. Cersei is much changed, Jaime notices her increased drinking. It now seems that there is a rift between Cersei and Jaime, they no longer have the passion and closeness seen in the previous seasons. Although this is somewhat different in the book.

This episode introduces the Thenns who meet with the other free folk from beyond the wall. It is revealed that Ygritte didn't kill nor intend to kill Jon Snow who we saw wounded at the end of season three. I wasn't really that interested in this particular storyline at the moment although it will become significant later on this season. I felt like the introduction as the Thenns as cannibals was a little over the top really.

It was really nice that they included Jon Snow's trial and Master Aemon was quite funny in this scene. It also re-introduces Janos Slynt the previous lord of the King's guard that had been sent to the Black by Tyrion a season ago. I love the way this show ties things together that are seasons apart, it makes every detail significant.

The scene between Brienne and Margery is very different from the book. It had a nice bit of humour with Lady Olenna's comment "Aren't you marvellous?". It does draw attention to the fact of how things have changed since the death of King Renly and reminds audiences that Brienne was accused of kingslaying something Brienne and Jaime have in common.

Sansa's storyline is furthered with the introduction of Ser Dontos, something that is much more developed in the books. Casual viewers would doubtless have forgotten this character who appeared season's previous.

Arya and the Hound are a great dark comedic team. I'm really enjoying Arya's violent streak as she progresses through killing all the people on her list and manages to get her "needle" back. This last sequence has a lot of dark humour to it as well as violence and speaks of much more to come. Although there are some definite changes from the book and it will be interesting to see where the show takes this duo in the future episodes.

Overall a rather slow start to the season instead of a dramatic beginning, but it does a lot of great character studies and plot development. There were a lot of nice comedic moments and some great one liners. This episode demonstrated that season 4 from the outset will take things in a very different direction and how the character dynamics have changed.

#242 - Frozen (2013) Review

Frozen (2013), Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee
2.5/5

A charming and funny kids movie. The characters are good and there's some interesting twists on traditional gender roles. However the songs are pretty silly. And they could have done more to change female stereotypes.

#241 - Robot and Frank (2012) Review

Robot and Frank (2012), Jack Schreier
3.5/5

A charming story that is both funny and poignant dealing with issues of personhood, ageing and morality. Performances are good and it does tend toward the melodramatic a bit at times, but overall very poignant and heartfelt.

#240 - Mud (2012) Review

Mud (2012), Jeff Nichols
3.5/5

Beautifully photographed and crafted this is a great film. The storyline of the two boys parallels the other dramas going on nicely. Some unexpected twists but overall a heartfelt story about love and family focalised through the boys eyes.

#239 - Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009) Review

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009), Carlos Saldanha and Mike Thurmeier
3/5

Just a lot of fun, many of the same old jokes well worn now with the third instalment. Some jokes in there for the adults as well as the kids. Animation is great as per usual. Enough funny moments to make this an enjoyable watch.

#238 - The Rocket (2013) Review

The Rocket (2013), Kim Mordaunt

4/5

This is an incredibly poignant yet funny story. It is beautifully photographed featuring some amazing landscapes of Laos. The performances are great particularly the kids. Overall just a fantastic story about one family and it particularly follows the story of the young boy Ahlo. Lots of funny moments that contrast the sad ones.