Game of Thrones 6.03: "Oathbreaker"

It should be no surprise, but this week's dedication is:
Jon Snow

He's back! His watch has finally ended, and now he can become the man he is meant to be.

Let's get into it.

The North

The Wall
Jon Snow
It is no secret that I have had issues with how Jon has been written, and believe that Hardhome was the first time that, out of all of the other false starts, I was watching Book Jon on screen. Kit Harington was stellar this episode, for so many reasons, the first one being Jon's reaction when he woke up.

My boy sits up, hyperventilating, and scared, as Davos watches him in disbelief. This is what you asked for Davos, and now he's back! Jon tries to get up, and horrified as he looks at the knife wounds, and I wondered are those going to heal? Davos catches him and wraps him in a blanket.  He turns and looks at Ghost, who is happily looking back at him.

You're back! I was waiting for you to wake up.

 Jon says that he shouldn't be here, and my heart broke a little, listening to him realize that he tried to do the right thing and was killed for it. He was betrayed by his sworn brothers, and then he mentions Olly.

We all hated Olly last season, because we knew his real name was Olly "I am going to kill the Lord Commander" and he did it. However, I also wrote last season about why Jon decided to make Olly his steward, and  this is why his betrayal hurt him the most. He gave Olly a chance to have a new family, even if he should hate him, for killing Ygritte. Technically that is what Jon had to do, when he became part of the NW, so it is why, amongst a myriad of other reasons, his betrayal hurt him the most.

Jon, who is still in shock, and almost in tears, is then accosted by Mel, who has now decided that it is official; Jon is the Prince who was Promised! She has succeeded in doing the impossible, and asks him the same thing she asked Beric Dondarrion: "Where did you go, what did you see? ", and the answer was the same "nothing, there was nothing at all".  

People ask why Mel wants the answer to this question, and the answer is easy: her life has been dedicated to R'hllor, her faith has made her incredibly powerful, and maintain a glamour that hides her actual age. I am sure that she believes that all of that burning she's been doing, has guaranteed a fab afterlife. It's why I'm shocked that when she hears this for a second time, that she would not continue to have a crisis of faith.

Jon is still in a daze, and Davos kicks her out, because Jon doesn't need to be hearing about some prophecy right now. I hope that Davos remains a mentor/advisor to Jon, as he might not be adept at the game, but he is very good at reading people and their motivations.

Davos: Yes, you were betrayed, you failed, but you are alive. Sure, it's insane that you are back from the dead, but there are wars to be fought, people to save, and you have been given a second chance.

We love you Davos! Jon gets dressed, and makes an appearance to all of the men of the NW, and the wildlings. He walks through the crowd, as they part before him. The first hug is with Tormund, and Jon grunted a little, as remember he still has those "healing" stab wounds all over his torso. I am glad they are pursuing this relationship on the show, because it is strong in the books. Tormund says people think that he is a god, but he knows that his pecker is way too small for a god.

Even better? The big hug, with our newly minted badass, Doloures Edd.

It was a great moment, and he jokes  about his eyes not being blue. The most important question was "is that still you in there?", and Jon says "I think so" and I say "I know so"..  Honestly, I hope that this was a clue that HBO Jon will be changing, and I hope that he will be more of a badass, like Book Jon.

And for the third week in a row, we will return to the Wall at the end of the recap.

Beyond the Wall

Bran and The Three Eyed Raven
The Tower of Joy
It's finally happened people, we are watching The Tower of Joy, and it was pretty amazing. There were a few changes made that I will give a pass to, as non book readers are not that familiar with the TOJ, the characters, location, and the history behind it. I think most of them know about R+L=J.

The dialogue was shortened and changed a bit, and there were two, instead of three guarding the tower. Ser Gerold Hightower, The White Bull, and Lord Commander, was the one sharpening his sword, and Ser Arthur Dayne, The Sword of the Morning, did not have Dawn across his back, (Book Jon actually also carries Longclaw across his back), but is totally hot.

Am I right?

I and thousands of book readers, wanted to see Dawn, but for show purposes, he actually stuck it into the ground so we could see the hilt. He carried two swords, and as Ned arrived with his seven friends, we saw the infamous Howland Reed. He was a disappointment, as he is a crannogman, and they are much smaller, than shown on screen. But again, the choice was better for the show.

Howland Reed

The dialogue was from Ned's fever dream in GOT, after the fight with Jaime, and it was changed with some of the real verbage included. Ned also asks them where Lyanna is, which he did not do in the book.

Ser Arthur Dayne, says,

"Lord Stark, I wish you good fortune in the wars to come"

and we then hear their famous words:

"Now it begins"

"No, now it ends"

The fight was a little confusing as all of Ned's men looked the same, but Howland Reed's injury as pretty bad, as he was stabbed in the stomach. Book Howland Reed is never seen, but he is also the only living person who knows what happened to Lyanna.

We see Ser Arthur Dayne with two swords, ready to fight a few men, and he kills them all, except for Ned.

This is one of the most important moments in the battle, because Ned was an okay swordsman, but nothing compared to Ser Arthur. I would suggest that you read about what it means to be The Sword of the Morning, because it will explain why the the title and the sword are so important.  They are fighting, and Ned is about to die, when Howland Reed runs his sword through Ser Arthur's neck, and as he's dying, Ned wields the killing blow. He begins to run up the steps, as we just heard Lyanna screaming in childbirth.

Bran and TTER are watching and when he sees how Ser Arthur Dayne dies, he says "he was stabbed in the back".  It is not an honorable way to fight or die, (if you recall in 1.05 Jaime was upset that one of his men has stabbed Ned in the leg, because it was not honorable) but in the end, honor be damned, because it's you or him. I have always thought that it was an "Achilles Heel" scenario, that killed Ser Arthur.  However, I believe that because Ser Arthur was an honorable man, The Sword of the Morning, we learned a lot more about Ned; specifically why he believes that the man who passes the sentence should swing the sword, and be able to look the man in his eyes. Robb does it, Jon does it, and it is one of the reasons that it made me sick that Ned was killed with ICE by Ser Ilyn Payne.  And for the record, Ned never said that he killed Ser Arthur Dayne, he has always maintained that Howland Reed saved his life. He also returned Dawn to Starfall, the Dayne's ancestral home.

Bran calls out his father's name, and Ned turns around, as if he heard it. I do not think that Ned heard Bran, because I don't think it's possible. Ned is high on adrenaline, fear, and desperate to find his sister, so hearing something, that isn't there, is entirely possible.

TTER tells Bran that the ink is dry in the past and suddenly they are back in the cave. Bran is angry, because it was the first time that he saw something interesting, and he wanted to stay, and he's not the only one. TTER warns Bran that he can be lost, if he stays too long in the past. Bran doesn't want to become a tree, and the TTER says he's been there for 1000 years!?  TTER tells Bran that he will never become one.


At Sea......location unknown

Sam and Gilly

Sam is very seasick and Gilly says with pride that she knew the sea was endless water, but it was just the letter "c", not "sea". Sounds the same but spelled differently! It made the teacher in me proud, because the only reason that she knows the difference, is because she knows how to read. She speaks for all book readers, about how excited she is to see Oldtown. Sam, in the midst of throwing up, tells her that women are not allowed at the Citadel, and he will take her and little Sam to Horn Hill, where his mother and sister will take care of them.

She is upset, and brings up their promise about how wherever he goes, they go too. But Sam says that he wants to keep them safe, and we have a sweet moment when Gilly says she trusts the father of her son. I love this relationship, and how it is developing, even if it is completely different from the books.


Vaes Dothrak

Vaes Dothrak

Dany

Dosh Kaleen: Dany's new home

Dany is stripped naked and stands before the leader of the Dosh Kaleen. 

Dany: Do you know who I am?  You can't touch me! I am Daenerys Stormborn....

Boss Khaleesi: Yes, we know, the Unburnt, and all of your eight titles, but we don't care. 

Dany: Khal Drogo and I had big plans! We'd take what's mine, with fire and blood, and conquer the world!

Boss Khaleesi: We were all told that we would conquer the world, but here you are, just a widow and a problem.

Dany: I am never a problem, I kill problems.  I am Daenerys Stormborn...

Boss Khaleesi: Again, don't care. But you went out, saw the world, you broke our laws. All of the Khals are here, preparing to conquer more cities and foreshadowing that.. 
DANY JUST GOT HER ARMY. 

Meereen

Varys

Varys and his "little birds", have done good work, as who do we see in the Throne Room? But the prostitue who lured members of the Second Sons and the Unsullied to their death last season. We can't forget that she was also part of the murder of Ser Barristan the Bold, which only resulted in Dany getting her crazy on, and feeding a Master to her kids. 

He used some fine manipulative tactics, to find out who is funding The Sons of the Harpy. She defends her actions, and makes a good point, that Dany was a foreign queen who was taking away their traditions. However, Varys has a job to do, so he forces her to talk by threatening her son, Dom, and then giving her a large bag of silver, to get out of town. 

Dany's Council
First, the Missandei and Grey Worm love needs to just go away, because they waste time, and are painfully boring. Let's keep Missandei and her gift of knowing 19 languages, and Grey Worm can be a body guard, and represent the military, ie. The Unsullied, The Second Sons (since Daario is the only one we have met). 

I rather liked Tyrion in this scene, even if he seemed awkward and out of place. Seriously, who wouldn't be drinking all afternoon, after sitting there with these two.

Varys returns to the the council chambers, and saves Tyrion from this painful, non-existent conversation. We learn that the Masters of Yunkai, Volantis and Astapor are paying for the Sons of the Harpy.  The Masters have returned to power, and Missandei and Grey Worm are very distressed by this news. Tyrion says they need to find a way to meet with them and Varys says they he will get the word out. 

Missandei and Grey Worm say this is a horrible idea, because the amazing Dany has freed all of the slaves. Grey Worm says they should attack, and Tyrion says this is a terrible idea. Missandei says that force is necessary, as the Masters only have one language and Tyrion doesn't understand it.  

I think that the only people who are clueless, are Missandei and Grey Worm, as they do not know how to govern a city/kingdom. How would they know? Their Mhysa is a conqueror, who styles herself as their savior. 

Let's go watch Lady Olenna pour some truth tea for Cersei.

Kings Landing

Cersei and Jaime

Speaking of "little birds", Qyburn has found all of Varys spies, and they are children. We are first shown a child who is the son of the drunk from 6.01. He was a terrible father, so The Mountain (I guess they are not calling him Ser Robert Strong) smashed his head against the wall. They are also roaming around looking at some of his things, and asking questions about all of his disturbing trinkets. He calls them to his desk, and hands out sweet plums to the children. It turns out that Varys kept them under control, by giving them candy.

Cersei and Jaime show up with The Mountain. Jaime is creeped out by the Mountain, but is totally psyched to see the trial by combat.

Qyburn: Vary's little birds are now yours, your Grace.

Cersei:  Fantastic news! I want to know where they are laughing at me, and I want them killed. Oh, and check if anyone is preparing to attack Kings Landing.

Qyburn: Considerate it done.

Jaime is still staring at The Mountain, and they leave Qyburn's house of horrors.

The King's Council

At this point, whose council this is, seems to change by the minute. However good news! Kevan is now the Hand of the King, Maester Pycelle has resumed his place, and Lady Olenna, the badass of all grandmothers,  has made herself comfortable at the table.

They are discussing the current state of affairs, which due to Cersei, are a disaster. Cersei and Jaime arrive:

Cersei: What is happening at this table? No one told me that there was a council meeting!

Kevan: Cersei, we are doing something very important; it's called ruling a kingdom. You have no place at this table, so please leave as we are discussing some delicate matters.

Cersei: Yes I do! I am Queen!!

"Margaery is the Queen. You are not the Queen
because you are not married to the King.
I do appreciate that these things can
 be confusing for your family."

Jaime: I am Lord Commander, and they have always had a seat at this table. If you recall the Lord Commander Hightower, The White Bull had a seat. (Ser Barristan did not have a seat, simply because Robert never trusted him). I, who has sadly lost all semblance to my amazing book self, want to discuss Dorne, as they are clearly a threat to us.

Cersei: I am ignoring everyone, so we are staying for the meeting.

Kevan: Great, well you stay, and we are going to leave to have this meeting at a new location. The only way you can stop us, is if you have that abomination kill us all.

Cersei and Jaime are left looking foolish and alone, as they three of them leave the room..

Tommen and the High Sparrow

Tommen's new father figure: The High Sparrow

Tommen has gone to see the High Sparrow, and prove that he's a man. He accuses him of humiliating his mother, and that he had no right to keep her from seeing her daughter's resting place. The High Sparrow uses his go to line, of how she must still stand trial for her sins, in front of the gods. He takes a step towards Tommen, and Tommen motions the Kingsguard back, and the HS relieves his bodyguard. 

Tommen is a perfect target for the High Sparrow. He has never had a strong father figure, because he was too young when Robert died, and King Tywin (I always called him that for obvious reasons), died, before he had the chance to mold him into a decent king.  Kevan left after Cersei decided to be the voice of Tommen and make Qyburn the new Master of Whispers. We all know that Cersei was spending her time plotting against the Tyrells,  rather than teaching Tommen how to govern the seven kingdoms.

The High Sparrow manages to bring up a point that a true leader surrounds himself with smart men, which is very true. King Tywin had made this point to Tommen, and The High Sparrow, smiles to himself, as he has now created a positive connection with Tommen. Tommen is now under his spell, because "wow, he is saying something that grandpa told me after Joffrey died, and he was super smart."  

The High Sparrow invites him to sit beside him on the stone bench, and everything is very unthreatening, and peaceful. Tommen sits down, thoughtful, next to the High Sparrow, and he tells Tommen that the mother is in all of them. He reinforces the fact that Cersei did everything for him, because she loves him, which is something that Tommen has said on more than one occasion. He adds that we can't forget that there is good in everyone, they just need a little help by guess what? Confessing their damn sins. 

Braavos

Arya

Arya gets her sight back

We continue with the brutal beating of Arya, by the waif  who is asking  about her brothers. Arya says that she has four, and then beaten, because she didn't say that Jon was her half brother. They discuss the kill list, and she keeps having the crap beaten out of her, and the Hound is brought up again. We see a brief montage of her smelling poisons, which she does in the books, with the waif.

The waif names the people who remain on the list, Gregor Clegane, Walder Frey, Cersei, the Hound, and continues to beat her, as  Jaqen watches from the corner of the room. The waif asks her which name she wants to speak, Arya refuses to answer, and ends up on the floor.  We see them facing each other cross legged, and finally, after being asked about the names on the list AGAIN, Arya asks what name she would prefer that she speak. The waif thinks she's beaten her again, and then Arya finally manages to fight back.

Jaqen takes Arya to the death pool, and says that if she tells him her name, her will return her sight. She says that she has no name, and he hands her a cup of the poison pool water. The water will not kill her, if she is truly no one.  Arya drinks, her eyes become clear again, and says with confidence, that she is NO ONE.


Winterfell

Ramsay and a Karstark (does anyone know his name?)

Small Jon Umber has arrived to discuss House Umber's loyalty to House Bolton.  I love his look, as you can tell he is a hardcore man of the North.  The long hair, the wild look to him and the fact that he tells Ramsay how it is, except he uses the "c" word way too much. He informs Ramsay that he knows that he killed his father, and knows that he is a lying weasel. Ramsay looks a bit uncomfortable, and says that House Umber has always been loyal to House Stark, and would not pledge fealty to his father. SJU says that was his father, and unfortunately he died before he could kill him.

Ramsay, looking a little nervous,
listening to SJU

The Umbers are closer to the Wall than the other houses, and SJU loves fighting wildlings, but there are too many of them. He says that the bastard, Jon Snow, brought too many wildlings south, and they are going to be heading his way.

Ramsay, being the stellar strategist that he is, does not understand that Jon grew up there and knows the land better than most of them. Book Jon basically plans out Stannis' strategy to gain the loyalty of the North, so this is a way to integrate that storyline into the upcoming battle.

Ramsay assumes that SJU will kneel and pledge his House to him, and they can fight those pesky wildlings, and Jon, together. SJU is not there to do any such thing, and Ramsay asks how can you trust a man who does not honor tradition? SJU wonders, did Ramsay's father honored tradition when he swore an oath to Robb Stark, as King of the North? Clearly not, and here's to hoping that we see SJU playing for Team Jon by the end of Season 6.

Small Jon Umber

SJU says screw oaths, and that Ramsay will help him, because he has a gift for him: a woman and a young boy.  The writers had to add some more perversion into the equation, as apparently this Karstark is a pedophile.

A defiant Rickon

"Welcome home Lord Stark"

My worse fears have been realized and that gift is none other than Rickon Stark, and Osha. The proof is that they throw Shaggy Dog's head onto the table. Rickon looks defiant, and angrier after seeing the head of his direwolf.  Ramsay walks up to Rickon and says "Welcome home Lord Stark", as I am horrified and pray this is part of the Northern Conspiracy.

Is this part of the Northern Conspiracy?
I am hoping that Ramsay is not torturing Rickon, and we will not be subject to listening to another child die a painful death.  SJU knew all about Ramsay, and either guessed, or was told that he killed Roose. Originally, I believed that SJU heard that Ramsay hates being a bastard, and perhaps he was banking on the fact that his fear of Rickon being a Stark, would distract him from seeing that it was not Shaggy Dog's head.  I thought it was definitely a possibility, but it is confirmed to be Shaggy Dog's head.

However, the big question remains:  have the Umbers, who were one of the most loyal of the Stark's bannermen, betrayed them? I am holding on to the one clue that they have not: Osha. Osha is a wildling, and tasked with keeping Rickon safe from the Lannisters, the Ironborn, and whoever else wants to kill the Starks. Rickon and Osha have presumably been hidden by the Umbers since Winterfell was taken by Theon. They refused to swear fealty to Roose, but after his death, SJU goes to see Ramsay?  The bastard son of a traitor who killed The King of the North? They hate wildlings, so they would have killed Osha long ago, declared fealty to Roose, and dumped Rickon at Winterfell,  with Shaggy Dog's head.  SJU says Roose was an oathbreaker, and that he doesn't care about oaths, which is clearly not true, per his statement about Roose. He obviously knows that Ramsay is not as smart as his father, so it would be the perfect time to put Rickon and Osha into play. Osha would protect Rickon, help take out Ramsay from the inside, declare Rickon, Lord of Winterfell, and take back the North.

Keep the faith people, because Rickon will need it.

and back to the Wall...

The Wall

The Execution
We see Jon, who has a new look and I am loving it, walk up to the gallows, where three men and Olly have nooses around their necks. He stands in front of them and asks if they have any last words:

The first man: He tells Jon that he is all wrong, and shouldn't be here. Jon replies, so was killing him.

The second man: He begs that his family not be told that he died fighting wildlings.

Ser Alliser: He gave his life to the NW, and believed in their mission to prevent the Wildlings from going south of the Wall. "I fought, I lost, now I rest" as he lifts his chin high around the noose. Jon says that he has no doubt that Ser Alliser would do that very thing.

Olly: He gives Jon a dirty look, which shows that he has no remorse for killing Jon. Jon looks at him sadly, and then pulls out Longclaw.

He watches all four of the men as they die, and naturally the camera has to spend an extra minute looking at Olly's dead face.

Jon stares angrily at the four men as they die. He takes off his cloak, and gives it to Edd. Edd is totally confused, and Jon says keep it, burn it, he doesn't care. Why?

"MY WATCH IS ENDED."

The number of theories proven: 
1) Melisandre is 400 years old
2) Ser Arthur died at the hands of Howland Reed, and it was not an "honorable" one.
3) Jon is coming back and will be freed from his vows due to his "death".

See you for 6.04!


*All images and quotes are owned by HBO, "Game of Thrones" 6.03