Game of Thrones 5.04: "Sons of the Harpy"

This week's dedication:
Lord Stannis Baratheon:

Stannis got his sexy back

Stannis has got his sexy back, even if he's telling Mel that he needs her. He also told Shireen that she's his little princess, and reminded me of why some non POV characters, are awesome on this show.

Let's get into it:

The Wall
Stannis

Stannis is watching Jon work out and train the men in the yard. He seems to be impressed, and even if Jon turned down THE OFFER, it is obvious that he sees potential in him.  Book Mel tells Jon that the fact Stannis says that he's going to kill him on a regular basis, is actually a term of endearment. I guess the scene with Davos was supposed to have that same vibe. I really enjoyed this scene, as Mel shows up, as crazy Selyse is complaining about her disfigured, weak daughter.

If you read my recaps, you know that this is my interpretation of Stannis and his reaction to Selyse:

"I have said this before: she is my daughter, and if you touch her, I will kill you." 

Mel strolls down the steps, and says some lovely things about Shireen being the blood of The One True King. She reminds her that everyone is equal in the eyes of  Lord of Light and Selyse scampers off.

Shireen has royal blood and
soon you will be sacrificing her for me.

Mel informs Stannis that he will not be leaving her behind on this mission, because she could have done soooo much at The Battle of Blackwater.  Stannis says that he needs her; ugh.  I like vulnerable Stannis, but I do not like it when he seems to be besotted with Mel. I understood it in Season 3, as he was despondent after losing The Battle of Blackwater.  He turns to leave, and asks Mel if he can get her anything before they leave for Winterfell:

Mel:  Remain strong in your faith my King. I have found someone younger and hotter, to be the baby daddy of new shadow babies for the cause.

And then she goes to try and seduce my boy.

Stannis and Shireen
Stannis has been setup as a father who has shown love (now more than ever) for his daughter, since Season 3. He has shown a more vulnerable side at the Wall, and we see it in this emotional scene with Shireen. Sadly, this means that the chances of her being killed, have just been raised tenfold.  

It is important to note that Stannis always emphasizes that she is from House Baratheon. Shireen is the only heir, as the only male heirs, are Robert's bastards. The name passes through the males, so the House dies with him. Stannis would rather be dead than have his name live on via a Lannister bastard. He says specifically in the book that Selyse must become his heir, should he fall in battle. The Baratheons are an old and honorable house that can be traced back to Aegon the Conqueror, but so are the Starks, and many, with good reason, believe that King Tywin's act of genocide ended the line (Jon, Sansa, and Arya are not heirs, Robb is dead, Rickon and Bran are believed to be dead).

Father/Daughter Chat
Stannis is prepping for the battle, and you can see the map, with the plans on the table. Shireen comes in, and starts playing with things, and even picks up one of the pieces (the Flayed Man) on the map.  Poor Shireen, the only people that are even close to being her friends, are Davos, and Gilly. She tells her Dad, that she was afraid Selyse would leave her at Dragonstone. Shireen was very blunt; just like Dad:

Shireen: I was afraid that you wouldn't bring me with you. 

Stannis: "Who said that?" 

Shireen: Mother said "I don't want to bring you".

Stannis: "She shouldn't have said that."

Stannis stops working and tells the story of how Shireen got greyscale. A Dornish merchant had come to Dragonstone with a bunch of junk, but he found an adorable doll. He gave the doll to Shireen, and she always pressed it against her cheek, and that was how she got greyscale. He tells her that he did everything in his power, to cure the greyscale, even though everyone told him to send her away to the ruins of Valyria and live with the Stonemen.  He says that people were afraid that the greyscale was going to infect other members of their household. He never gave up and said:

Stannis: "You are The Princess Shireen of House Baratheon, and you are my daughter."

Shireen looks so happy to hear that her father loves her;
actions speak louder than words, right?

When Stannis finishes telling this story, he does well up, and Shireen gives him a big hug. Stannis hesitates, and then EMBRACES his daughter.

Stannis hugging Shireen

This is not in the book, and it would be a 180, if he agreed to killing the princess. The only reason for it being an option? Winter has come, and it is BAD, and in desperation he falls under the spell of Mel, as he did in Season 2.

My prediction is that Mel/Stannis/Selyse and Shireen story is going to follow some form of this scenario: Selyse is going to kill her on command of Mel. Stannis enraged, will kill Selyse, and exile Mel, who will return to the Wall. But there is also a strong possibility that Davos will save her. The book readers know that Mel has to return to the Wall at some point, and the series needs to provides us with a reason.

Personally, I find this arc particularly compelling as it brings the myth, Helen of Troy, to mind. Agamemnon, King of Greece, sacrifices his daughter to Artemis, so that she will let the winds blow and allow him to leave for Troy. However, in some versions, Clytemnestra, his wife, kills him in the bath, for vengeance, when he returns from Troy. Interesting, right?

It's time to go see my boy doing some paperwork with Sam.

The Lord Commander

Jon is signing paperwork, requesting soldiers for The Wall. He is clearly irritated, and thinking that working out in the yard, is way more fun than being Lord Commander. Sam hesitates and hands him the next letter: 

I'm not asking the man who murdered my brother
 for troops. 

Sam, who has become Jon's advisor, says tough shit, and then Mel shows up. 

Jon and Mel

Shall I leave you with the crazy Red Priestess?

I hated this scene for many reasons, and it's not because Mel tried to seduce Jon. I am tired of thinking or saying, that this show has a bad habit of taking perfectly good lines, scenes, etc., and destroying them. I understand that this scene was meant, in some way, to portray the relationship between Jon and Mel in the books. 

Book Jon doesn't trust her visions, she is still crazy, burning people and seeking kings blood etc.. However, the POV chapter in ADWD, gave more insight into Mel, and most importantly her perception of Jon. She knows that he can't be manipulated with sex. She doesn't even try, because she needs to prove to him, with results, that her visions are real. 

Mel stops by and honestly, I thought that she was referring to Jon's power as a warg, until she starts disrobing. I watched this twice, because I could not figure out what the hell she was doing, and realized its HBO Mel, so it's not that complicated. Mel informs Jon, how the Lord of Light believes in the power of sex and how joining them together will tap into his potential. Jon stops her after a few minutes, kicks her out, and she says THE LINE, which is meant prove that her visions were real.  Jon gives her a WTF? look, and Mel loses her chance to make more shadow babies. 

Winterfell
Sansa

Sansa lighting a candle to Lyanna

Sansa is down in the crypts of Winterfell, where she is lighting candles for the family. She is lighting one for her Aunt Lyanna, when creepy Littlefinger stops by for a quick chat. Sansa says that she never knew her Aunt, and then Littlefinger says that he saw her once, long ago. Where you might ask? The Tourney of Harrenhal, when Rhaegar Targaryen crowned Lyanna Stark, "Queen of Love and Beauty", with a crown of blue roses, and started a war. We all know the story, and if you don't, head over to westeros.org. 

I mentioned this last season, but  I find it interesting that three men have beloved sisters that resulted in extreme behavior by each man. Oberyn had Elia, Ned had Lyanna, and Jaime, who has a sexual relationship with his beloved sister.  Oberyn waited patiently for years to avenge his sister's death, Ned kept Lyanna's secret from Cat, and forbade her to ask about Jon's mother. It was one of many reasons that she hated Jon and treated him like garbage. 

Moving on....Littlefinger informs Sansa that he has to go to Kings Landing, because Cersei has asked to see him. Sansa is upset for obvious reasons, but Littlefinger says, not to worry! Stannis will be attacking soon, and he will take Winterfell back from the Boltons. The North will rally around Stannis, and he will take the Iron Throne. Sansa, as the last remaining Stark, will become Wardeness of the North. She is not thrilled with this idea, and neither am I, because as a book reader I know what will become of HBO Sansa, and Book Sansa is not capable of ruling anything. 

Sansa says that she will be a married woman upon his return. Littlefinger says we've been working on your powers of manipulation, and Ramsay is already in love with you. He will be yours to command, and then Stannis will liberate you. Honestly, I still don't know how Littlefinger, the man who knew everything, had no clue about the Sadist Ramsay. 

Let's leave Winterfell, and visit Cersei.

Kings Landing
The Council of Vipers and Weasels

Cersei
Brilliant move #1
Cersei is gloating, with that smug look on her face, as she listens to the news about The Iron Bank. They want one tenth of the debt, and the Crown can barely pay half of it. She decides to send Mace Tyrell to Braavos with Ser Meryn Trant, rather than allow the Tyrell's pay the debt. We assume that Ser Meryn will kill him, but perhaps Arya will be removing a name off of her list. 

Cersei, as always thinks that she is the smartest person in the room, even if King Tywin told her otherwise. She doesn't realize that there is a dangerous world beyond Kings Landing. She clearly is not aware of The Iron Bank's mantra:  "'You ALWAYS pay your debts', and we have The Faceless Men on retainer." 

The King, even if he doesn't know it,
has asked that you go to Braavos

Cersei and The High Sparrow
Brilliant Move: #2
She has a meeting with the High Sparrow, who is a master of manipulation, and a religious zealot.
Cersei, foolishly believes that she has made a power move, by allowing him to arm the The Faith Militant. What a great idea! Why were they a pain in the ass for the Targaryen's? Were they religious fanatics? YES THEY WERE!!

I, Cersei Lannister,
heir to King Tywin, will be able to control
 the Faith Militant,
because the High Sparrow reports to me. 

High Sparrow: Praise the Seven! Foolish Cersei has now given me an army, and they can run free through Kings Landing.  She has even asked me to arrest the Queen's brother, and believes that I will do her bidding. 

Cersei has also forgotten that she wanted to tell everyone, about her twincest. In addition, Stannis, via info from Ned, had sent letters to everyone in the realm about her three bastard children. Kings are dying like flies, and the peoples' lives have become even worse, since the war ended. She has just created the perfect storm for a group of religious fanatics to take over Kings Landing.

Well done, Cersei.

Repercussions:
The Faith Militant
Cersei has kicked off the Westeros version of the Spanish Inquisition. The Faith Militant has been given carte blanche, to allow The Sparrows, to run rampant throughout the city. Where were the Gold Cloaks? The army? Is Cersei really this dumb? Yes she is, and it was clearly her decision, as when the people looked up at the soldiers for help, they ignored their cries. Great work, as you have just added yet one more reason for people to hate the crown. 

The Sparrows, are performing violent acts in the name of religion. The biggest mess had to be in the brothel, where they were dragging people out by the hair, and doing I don't know what, to all of them. We also see Olyvar watch them kill two wealthy men, who were sleeping with other men. 

Cersei has discovered a great opportunity to remove another Tyrell from her life. Loras is arrested for his "perversions", and Lancel is present for arrest. One of the many poor choices made on this show, is that the character of Loras is interesting for one reason: he is Margaery's gay brother, who sleeps around.

Book Loras is a badass. He is perhaps the best fighter in the realm; and member of the Kings Guard. Jaime even remarks that he can see some of himself at that age, because he was that good. He is also responsible for training little 8 year old Tommen to become a knight. Cersei, removes him from the position, and little Tommen is upset, but that's too many Tyrell's near her baby boy. Jaime objects to this decision as well, and reiterates that Loras is the best knight in the realm. He is also devastated by the death of Renly, because he was the love of his life. He is not hitting up the brothels, and having multiple partners.

Loras being arrested, as he takes a water break

While all of this is happening, we see a young man gritting his teeth as the seven pointed star of the Seven is carved into his forehead. Who is it? Lancel! He jumps up ready for action, and running through the streets with his "brothers".

Can someone please tell me how the Queen's BROTHER can be dragged away, as he is working out in the yard?

Margaery and Tommen

Wait, what? I'm eating my lunch

Margaery, livid, enters the room where Tommen is about to eat his dinner.  She starts screaming about Loras, and that Cersei is to blame, then she realizes that Tommen is clueless. I loved watching her calm down, and regroup:

If you love me, you will free my brother
or we will never have sex again.

Poor Tommen, who for some reason learned nothing from King Tywin, and lets Cersei do everything for him, doesn't know what to do. Margaery calms down, and tells him that he is King, and has the power have her brother released from prison.

Tommen and Cersei
Tommen goes to see his mother, and requests that she have Ser Loras released. But Cersei, smugly replies that she did not arrest Loras, and it's not her problem. This is very odd behavior for Cersei, because he is always her "special boy", and she would never have let him be humiliated at the Sept of Baelor.

Loras, has been arrested? I just heard the horrible news

The events at The Sept of Baelor, were pathetic, and little Tommen, didn't want to kill people, and decided not to visit The High Sparrow. We also hear people calling him a bastard, and an abomination, and he looks so sad, and confused. Someone who is not confused, is THE QUEEN.

Margaery is really angry and realizes that maybe she isn't THE QUEEN, yet, and has lost all patience with Tommen.

You are THE KING! 

Tommen, who is still this weird combination of being 15 years old, and the 8 year old Book Tommen, has no idea what just happened.

Margaery leaves to call for reinforcements:
Lady Olenna

Dorne
I hate this Jaime and Bronn pairing, and after this episode, the Sand Snakes. The writers were fools to leave Arianne out of the show, and try to "replace" her role, so to speak, with Ellaria. They could have given Dorne a more cohesive and interesting storyline, that would have worked; especially with the popularity of the amazing Red Viper. 

I have also finally accepted that HBO Jaime is no longer Book Jaime. I had to reread some his chapters in AFFC so I could feel better, and remembered why I love the real Jaime. 

However, I will always enjoy watching a gorgeous Jaime Lannister on screen.

Jaime and Bronn

The twosome are on their way to Dorne, and Jaime sees Tarth in the distance. This was the only scene that I loved in this section. Jaime looks entranced for about 30 seconds, which means that he has not forgotten about Brienne. Sadly, I do not think that they will ever be together in the books or the show.

Jaime gazing at Tarth and thinking about Brienne

The twosome have a chat in the cabin below as they sit amongst grain and provisions. Bronn informs Jaime that gold will not keep the Braavosi captain from telling everyone that he brought the great Kingslayer to Dorne. Jaime, who is never this dumb, says Bronn is wrong, and then they talk about Tyrion. Jaime informs Bronn that he will kill Tyrion the next time he sees him. Book Jaime does think about doing this, but he would never go through with it. 

Bronn also asks why Jaime has to be the one to go, and definitely implies that he knows that Myrcella is Jaime's daughter. Jaime gives him a dirty look, which he had also given to Tyrion in regards to his children, which is so irritating, as I interpret it as this: "Tread carefully...." Whatever. 

I still don't understand why this could not have been a diplomatic mission; even with the threat that was sent to Cersei. It would be a risk, but there was no way that Prince Doran would start a war over Myrcella. Oberyn made it clear on more than one occasion that she would not be hurt, as King Tywin had done to his sister and her children. Prince Oberyn was many things, but lying about Myrcella, was not his style. 

Skirmish on the Beach
Jaime and Bronn set up camp on the beach, and we are treated to Jaime sleeping peacefully .

He is woken up by Bronn killing a snake next to his head. They enjoy a quick meal of snake, and discuss once again, how foolhardy this mission is, and it is made even worse by the fact that Jaime has no plan. 

They also talk about how they would like to die, as Bronn mentions something about Jaime being in songs after his death. Naturally, Jaime could care less about being in songs, but I'm sure there is one out there about the Kingslayer. Jaime wants to die with someone he loves, and Bronn wants to die watching his kids and grandkids fighting over his money. 

I want to die in the arms of Cersei, who I still love,
but who could care less about me.

Suddenly we see a group of Dornish soldiers appear, and Bronn attempts to talk his way of a fight. Jaime mentions something about sharks in the water, and a fight begins. 

Dornish soldiers on beach patrol

Bronn, being a badass sellsword, kills them all and Jaime manages to take one out w/his hand. I, having watched too much Arrow, was wondering why Jaime was not using some of the fighting skills from that show. But Jaime's hand saved him; which should be a clue that he should train using his hand as a weapon. 

This gold hand is useful after all!

They have taken out all of the soldiers, and Bronn is ready to enjoy a ride on a beautiful Dornish horse. However, Jaime tells him to bury all of the bodies, and being one handed, he will not be assisting him with this menial task.

The Sand Snakes
I miss Oberyn and now I have to watch these lame Sand Snakes for the entire season. I wanted to see them introduced as they were in the book. Oh well. 

Ellaria giving her pitch to kill Myrcella, to
Lady Nym, Obara, and Tyene

First, Tyene is not Ellaria's daughter; she is the daughter of a Septon. Book Ellaria has four young girls by Oberyn, and is not involved in any sort of vengeance against the Lannisters, as she speaks of peace, not war. 

Nymeria and Obara

Obara as she preps to throw her spear
into the head of the Braavosi captain

They have buried the Braavosi captain who was heard bragging about bringing Jaime Lannister to Dorne. Nymeria whips the helmet off the head, and he has scorpions all over it. They all agree to war, and Obara gives the speech from the book, which she actually recounts to Prince Doran. She was the only Sand Snake that I liked in this scene, and hey, maybe I will warm up to them. 

It's time for the Jorah and Tyrion Show.

ESSOS

Volantis
Ser Jorah & Tyrion

Ser Jorah has stolen a sailboat from a local fisherman, and knocked him unconscious. But he did remember to throw some silver on him for his troubles, and he and Tyrion set sail.

Tyrion has decided to make singing sounds and it drives Ser Jorah crazy, which is the desired effect, and he takes the muzzle off. Tyrion, being his usually sarcastic and also brilliant self, informs Jorah, that Westeros is the other way.  Ser Jorah, is bringing Tyrion to his beloved Dany. Tyrion says this is fab! I am going to the same place, so you can untie me, and we can talk about how to approach the meet.

However, Ser Jorah, who has yet to identify himself, happened to leave his armor peaking out of its hiding place. Tyrion, who we know taught Pod all the sigils of the realm,  knows that he is Ser Jorah Mormont, disgraced son of the former Lord Commander of the Nights Watch.

Tyrion tells him the story of  his entire life five minutes, and Jorah gets po'ed and knocks him out.

Meereen
Dany
Dany is dressed in white, and looking lovely, even angelic, as she gazes down at Meereen. I like how they switch between this and and reminding us how that deep seeded Targaryen crazy is alive and kicking. 

Meereen is so lovely this morning.
I no longer hear the cries of those I betrayed,
or the dead Masters that I crucified. 

Ser Barristan appears and tells her a story about Rhaegar and his love of music. He used to go into the streets with him, and he used to gather coins for his talents. Ser Barristan makes it very clear that Rhaegar abhorred violence, which is true, and yet another reason we believe in R+L=J. The story of Jon's heritage had been sprinkled through this episode, so this was a huge reveal for the non book folks. 

He tells her that they used to give the money away, or get drunk, and I am just annoyed by the changes to this story. Ser Barristan guarded the Mad King, and did not hang out with Rhaegar. He had his own crew, namely, Ser Arthur Dayne, his BFF and The Sword of the Morning. However, he did love music, and perhaps did not love fighting, but he was pretty good at it. 

Take the day off Ser Barristan, and enjoy this beautiful day,
while I deal with Hizdahr.

Hizdahr, who I really want to kill,
is waiting to talk about the fighting pits

So Dany goes off to the Pyramid Throne Room, and Ser Barristan goes for a stroll in Meereen. 

Hizdahr making his case,
as the Sons of the Harpy launch an attack
on the Second Sons.

I crucified the Masters,and listened to their screams,
as I gazed down at my new kingdom.
But watching men kill each other for sport?
 I will never allow it.

Meanwhile, we see the Sons of the Harpy begin attacking the Second Sons as they are enjoying some down time. The same prostitute who was with White Rat, is present, and we can consider it confirmed, that she is a collaborator/member of The Sons of the Harpy. 

They start racing through some type of hall, and The Unsullied hear the killing as they are patrolling the streets. They begin fighting with the Sons of the Harpy who have trapped them in some kind of tunnel system. The slaughter begins, and the Unsullied put up a good fight, and are overwhelmed, as more of The Sons keep appearing. But we seen an injured Grey Worm still fighting his way out. 

The fight between The Sons of the Harpy
and The Unsullied 

Ser Barristan hears the cries, and rushes in to help,
as Grey Worm is outnumbered.
He proves why he is called Ser Barristan the Bold,  but he loses the fight.

Grey Worm checks on Ser Barristan,
who has been killed.

I was shocked and yelled at my TV, that Ser Barristan the Bold, was killed, as he is still alive and well in the books. He was a great fighter, loyal leader of the Kings Guard and although he proved worthy of his name, his death should not have been at the hand of a bunch of thugs in Meereen. 

See you for 5.05!

To read: 
The Identity of Sansa Stark
The Murder of Shireen Baratheon



All images and quotes are owned by HBO, "Game of Thrones" 5.04