GAME OF THRONES EPISODE 4 TV RECAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the war moves on, the women of Westeros prove more cunning than their sword-wielding male counterparts. While they stab and torture, Daenerys proves her diving right to rule using what she knows best: fire.

Game of Thrones, Episode 4, “And Now His Watch Has Ended”—Episode four of Game of Thrones was pivotal in setting up some harsh and gruesome storylines we are about to witness as George R.R. Martin’s “A Storm of Swords”— the most beloved book in the series—starts to play out. From Daenerys Targaryen ’s journey in the east in Astapor to the Lord Commander’s betrayal at Craster’s Keep to Theon’s run of terror—these seemingly small and big betrayals will have huge impacts in episodes to come. And if you’re sulking because you didn’t see Jon or Robb in this episode, don’t worry, what happened with the characters you did see will have great impact on them, and their lives.

Even though we didn’t get to see Jon Snow, we did get to see some dragons. We all want to see those dragons. We want to see them breath fire, see their colourful scales and more importantly, see them grow into the glorious monsters they are. Throughout the series, though, we are only treated to small glimpses of Dany’s beloved threesome: Drogon, Rhaegal and Viserion. (Producers say it eats up too much of the budget to show them.) So when we get to see them in action, it’s exciting. Even though Dany’s storyline came right near the end of the episode, it was a glorious finish.

Proving that she’s a fierce leader, audience were on the edge of their seats last week as we were left with Dany exchanging one of her dragons for an army of Unsullied men in Astapor. She even pretended she didn’t understand the Valyrian language and stunned everyone in the end with her perfect speech and reign of fire.

As Daenerys surrenders Drogon in exchange for her new army, she takes the Slaver’s whip in hand and orders her new army to kill all the slave masters. In her language of Old Valyrian, her mother tongue, Dany also commands Drogon to unleash dragon fire, which burns Kraznys to death. Once the smoke clears, Dany tells the Unsullied they are free to go or fight for her as free men. She leads them all out of Astapor. Needless to say, Dany stuns Ser Barristan and Jorah. It’s a great feat, but one that will also pose challenges for her in episodes to come.

While Dany make progress in the east Theon Greyjoy’s fate is about to be sealed in a life of torment. Traveling with the boy he believes is his saviour and sent by his sister Yara to free him. While with the mysterious boy, Theon admits to his stupidity in taking Winterfell and admits he didn’t kill Bran and Rickon. But just when he thinks he’ll be freed, the boy lights a torch and reveals that they’re back in the torture chamber where he was first captured. The boy tells two waiting men that Theon killed the others and smiles as he’s dragged back onto his cross. So who is this mysterious boy? One can only guess, jumping ahead in the book series, that it is none other than Ramsey Snow, Lord Bolton’s bastard son, who was sworn to House Stark. If you don’t know about Ramsey, be prepared for a man so gruesome and sadistic, he makes Joffrey look like an angel.

North of the Wall, at Craster’s Keep, mutiny arises. It was a bitter end for Lord Mormont, at the hands of his own brothers, for which the episode was named. Cold and hungry, the men of the Night’s Watch are angry that Craster feasts while they starve. When one ranger, Karl, pushes Craster too his limits calling him a “daughter f***ing wildling bastard,” Craster attacks him, only to be knifed by Karl. Mormont sees the body and realizes his men have broken a sacred oath, but he is then shockingly killed by one of his own men, Rast. As the traitorous crows continue to kill and pillage Craster’s Keep, Sam takes Gilly and her baby and flees. This was a huge turn in the Night’s Watch story and with no Lord Commander, what will happen to Castle Black and who will lead the men?

In other news, how great was it to see “the Spider” back in action? Lord Varys made his rounds speaking to Tyrian, Ros the Brothel Whore and Lady Olenna Tyrell finding out information as to why everyone is so interested in Sansa Stark. He reminds Tyrion that sometimes written words are more powerful than the sword and alerts Olenna that Lord Baelish, Littlefinger, is the most dangerous man in Westeros. We’ll have to keep you eye on that Baelish.

Hanging by a thread Jaime Lannister and Brienne are still held captive by Lord Roose Bolton’s men. It’s interesting to see the dynamic between this unlikely pair grow into one of respect and admiration. We’re also learning more about Jaime and even though he’s done some harsh things, even begin to like him.

Also, while Margaery continues to manipulate Joffrey, giving in to his sadistic violent side, The Brotherhood Without Banners, led by Thoros, the Red Priest, with Arya and Gendry in tow take to their secret cave hide out and judge the Hound’s fate. We find out that Ned Stark’s man, Lord Beric Dondarrion (who was tasked to kill Gregor Clegane in Season One, and failed) is the real leader of the Brotherhood. Beric tells the Hound, Sandor, that he is to be tried for his crimes by combat. But is it wise to take on a barbarian such as the Hound?

Game of Thrones airs on Sundays at 9 pm on HBO/HBO Canada.

 

—Toni-Marie Ippolito