This season of Game of Thrones is becoming better as it progresses. I enjoyed watching “Book of the Stranger,” even though some storylines are fast-paced. However, the plot lines are getting streamlined which is what people like me, book readers, want. Sincerely, I want Daenerys to be out of Mereen. This post will concentrate mainly on the last scene, the liberation of the North, and the plot line at King’s Landing.
The Unburnt
The final scene in which Daenerys finally unites all the Khalasars under her control is reminiscent of the first season’s finale, the event portraying the birth of her dragons. The main difference is that now she has many Dothraki following her, an army of great magnitude that will help her in attaining peace or destruction in Slaver’s Bay. Even though Tyrion is working to create peaceful relationships with the Masters of Yunkai, it is likely that ruin and war will come to Slaver’s Bay as voiced by Grey Worm and Missandei. In regards to the last scene of the episode, of note is the ease in which Daenerys acquires her army. Everything is occurring rapidly. Would there be a few that may oppose her in subsequent episodes? Book readers, such as me, were expecting to see Drogon back to do the work for her. Book Daenerys is not immune to fire, and many of her ancestors have died burned. When her dragons were born, magic protected her. Some theories mention that the sorceress who betrayed her put a spell to protect herself from the fire. However, this incantation worked for Daenerys and not for the witch. My husband, a non-book reader, enjoyed the scene because Daenerys is not relying on her dragons or anybody to save her. She even refuses to be rescued by Daario and Jorah knowing that they will not survive escaping Vaes Dothrak. One wonders whether she has been planning what to do all the time she has been with the Dosh Khaleen. Her reply to both Jorah and Daario in regards to escaping is revealing: “We can do more than that.”
The Reunion
For a while, we have been waiting for a Stark reunion. In this episode, we witness the awkward meeting between Sansa and Jon. Hopefully, Rickon will join them soon. I enjoyed watching Sansa and Jon remembering their lives in Winterfell. The scene shows how Sansa has matured. She wants Jon to help her get Winterfell back for their family. However, Jon is not willing at this stage to help her. He mentions that he has been fighting all the time since he left Winterfell for nothing. Does he think that he is not able to lead? Does he feel that they might be betrayed again? However, once he receives the TV version of the Pink Letter, he changes his mind. Jon has to get involved to protect the Wildlings and his family. Bolton has to be eliminated for their own good. Other highlights of this storyline include:
- Thormund is smitten by Brienne. Somebody from a different culture can see the beauty in her (and he is shorter than her, but he does not care)
- Ramsay kills Osha. I was expecting this event to happen. I liked her asking him whether he eats his enemies. After his reply, she tells him that she has seen worse, a reference to those Wildlings with a cannibalistic lifestyle.
- Brienne brings up the assassination of Renly Baratheon to both Davos and Melisandre. She does not hesitate in blaming Melisandre indirectly for the blood magic employed in killing Renly. She tells Davos that Stannis was defeated and that she killed him. Brienne does not forget and forgive. I think she might get along with Davos eventually since they are both honorable and loyal.
At King’s Landing
Tommen tells Cersei something that the High Sparrow said to him. Of course, it is not revealed what exactly it is (it could be Margaery’s walk of shame). However, it pushes both Cersei and Jamie to discuss the Faith Militant issue with Olenna Tyrell and Kevan Lannister. They decide to bring the Tyrell army to the city, the second largest in Westeros, to exterminate the Faith Militant. If the events of the books are followed, the Ironborn may attack the Reach when Tyrell fighting men are not around. I also found this article that has a link to a Reddit thread. Cersei may be planning something:
Tyrells & King’s Landing: Top ‘Game of Thrones’ Prediction
This episode also shows a still strong Margaery, putting a facade when it comes to dealing with the High Sparrow. However, her brother seems “broken.”
Finally, I enjoyed Theon telling his sister that he wants her to rule the Iron Islands.