"The Children" Play the GAME OF THRONES, Too

Article first published as TV Review: 'Game of Thrones' - 'The Children' at Blogcritics.

Last night’s season four finale of HBO’s Game of Thrones, titled “The Children,” is very character-heavy. Each of the many players in the cast get to show depth and growth from time to time, but the latest installment seems to be all about that, crystallizing characteristics we’ve seen within their personalities before and taking them to the next level. There is still action, of course, but the pathos are very strong, making for an excellent end, and leaving us to ponder the direction some of the people are heading in.

To many Game of Thrones viewers, the most important face in the series is Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage). Sentenced to die, things look dire for the imp until Tyrion’s brother, Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), sets him free. These two siblings have a loving bond, evident in their brief goodbye hug that transcends blood. They come from a very messed up family, with a sister, Cersei (Lena Headey), who hates one of them, and sleeps with the other to manipulate him. Yet, the boys’ connection is pure and loyal. Jaime cannot sit by and watch Tyrion executed, and so he intervenes.

From here, many expect Tyrion to take the easy path, knocking on Varys’ (Conleth Hill) door and sailing away. But this Tyrion has been betrayed and has turned cold. Before the trial, in which he watches his love, Shae (Sibel Kekilli), betray him and his father, Tywin (Charles Dance), let his innocent son be sentenced to death, Tyrion could have walked away. But at this point, he is just too far wronged, frustrated with injustice, and cannot stop himself from a final showdown with daddy.

What follows is tragic. I don’t think Tyrion means to kill Shae, even after her words at court, but he has to in self-defense, she being convinced Tyrion is evil enough to hurt her. And who can blame her, after the way Tyrion speaks to her when last together, Shae not realizing Tyrion acts like he doesn’t love her for her own good? Tywin’s death at Tyrion’s hands is much more deserved, Tyrion finally proving to his father that he’s a man, standing up for himself against the cruel tyrant that raised him.

It’s interesting to observe Tywin in his final days on Game of Thrones. Not only does he underestimate Tyrion, not expecting his son will kill him no matter what he’s done, but he also is shown to be living in denial about Jaime and Cersei’s incestuous relationship and its products. This is a man that has a single-minded vision for his family. He is cunning and savvy in battle, but lacks warmth with his offspring, which leads to him not understanding them. This is Tywin’s downfall, his hubris and ignorance of his children. He reaps what he has sewn.

As one leader falls, another rises. Jon Snow (Kit Harington) meets with Mance Raydar (Ciarán Hinds), intending to kill the Wildling leader, until they are interrupted by Stannis (Stephen Dillane) and his army, who essentially save The Wall. Before and after this interruption, though, we see just how seasoned Jon has become. He has the wisdom that men will follow, and shows mercy when it is warranted. He understands loyalty, and exhibits such on his own. He’s willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good. He has grown into a man to respect and obey.


He also still has his heart. Jon’s conversation with Tormund (Kristofer Hivju) about Ygritte (Rose Leslie) is moving, as is Jon’s subsequent burning of Ygritte north of the wall. Jon has to put aside romantic notions because of his vow so closing this chapter is a necessary step for him. Yet, seeing how he handles said closing tells us a lot about Jon, too, making him worthy of the admiration being cast his way.

Is Jon now in charge of the Night’s Watch? We don’t see the acting lord commander, last seen injured and being pulled away from the battle, this week. Whether the men have fallen in line behind Jon or not, Mance and Stannis are dealing with Jon as if he speaks for the group, and his behavior and presence support that role. Will Jon’s brothers take this as a sign to fall in line behind him, or will Jon find assuming the mantle of command a lot harder than it’s been for him so far?

Daenerys (Emilia Clarke), who usually seems a natural queen in this Game of Thrones, is having much trouble ruling a city. Her dragons are killing children, forcing her to lock up the two she can find in a dark dungeon. The former slaves want to go back to being slaves, their lives worse as freed men. She has cast out her top adviser. This leaves the poor girl crying and lost. This is not the powerful woman the past few seasons have ended with, triumphant in victory. Tasked with day-to-day management, Daenerys is coming up short, presumably an element to explore more in depth next year.

What about Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright)? Will he be a leader, too? He fulfills his vision quest and finds the three-eyed crow, deep underground, beneath the giant Weirdwood tree. There is a looming sense of destiny here, and after seeing how Bran can warg into Hodor (Kristian Nairn) and use him in a fight, there’s also a sense of power behind Bran now. It’s uncertain what Bran will be doing at this strange place, but he certainly seems poised to be someone important, and is finally ready to assume that mantle.

In a scene that never happens in the Game of Thrones books, Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) finds Arya (Maisie Williams) and two swordswomen bond over their weapons. It’s a touching scene for the girls, so much alike, and one I’m glad they include here. Arya is given a glimpse that will reinforce her belief that she doesn’t have to adhere to traditional gender roles, and Brienne sees a kindred spirit that should make her feel less of a freak.

Of course, The Hound (Rory McCann) interferes. Seeing Lannister gold on Brienne’s hilt, he justly assumes, even if he’s wrong, that Brienne means Arya harm. Whether The Hound is a protector or not has always been up for debate, many believing he sticks with Arya just for the reward money. But “The Children” shows us something different, a side of The Hound that leans toward nobility. The Hound hates himself, as we’ve seen before. Perhaps he thinks that taking care of Arya will buy him a bit of redemption?

Arya repays this loyalty with dispassion. Seeing The Hound injured and slowly, painfully dying, she takes his money and walks away from him. She has good reason to, always remembering the monster he was. However, this is ignoring what he has done for her in the meantime. It means Arya is stone cold, which will serve her well on her own and in Braavos, which she is last seen sailing towards, but it doesn’t bode well for her heart. This Arya has become someone who will have trouble caring for anyone, and that is troubling, even if it makes her more likely to survive.

I do feel sorry for Brienne, coming so close to (half) her goal, who then eludes her after delivering some biting semi-truths about Brienne’s short-comings. This will be a major setback for the female knight, and she will definitely be wracked with guilt and regret over it. Brienne deserves better. She is true and strives to keep her promises, a good person. Arya just isn’t ready to trust anyone else, especially not someone connected to the Lannisters, and so Brienne must continue to search out Arya again, as well as her sister.

It’s impressive that Game of Thrones finds the time for so many compelling character stories in its final hour of the season. This is a show that is big on action, epic battles and tragic deaths, but it’s also very much about the people that populate its world. Without such rich personalities, I can’t imagine that the show would be half as successful and popular as it is, transcending its genre. “The Children” illustrates beautifully some of the best features of the show, and certainly leaves one excited for next season, this one passing by far too quickly.

It’s also worth mentioning, at least in passing, that this season has really departed from the books in a lot of ways, not just the scene mentioned above. A major character that many readers expected in the finale is totally absent, and a death occurs on screen this week that did not happen in the pages. While major arcs are continuing to follow the book, I doubt the TV series wants to add the many new characters that crop up at this point, with sidelines in different parts of the world, and so it seems like we do need to finally let the books go once and for all and just embrace the show, seeing them as two separate bodies of work.

Game of Thrones has been renewed for two more seasons and will return to HBO in 2015.

"Swords" Abound As GAME OF THRONES Returns

Article first written for Seat42F.

GAME OF THRONES has more than “Two Swords” in the season four opener, which aired last night on HBO. The first episode back is one with references to the past, bring back faces we haven’t seen in a long while, often people viewers may not have taken much note of before, popping up at unexpected times. This is combined with a number of stories of our familiar characters picking up the pieces after last year’s major tragedies, and it makes for an enticing new beginning for this batch of installments.

Starting with the Starks, Arya (Maisie Williams) is still traveling with The Hound (Rory McCann), but he has little respect for her, refusing even to let her have her own horse. A run-in with Polliver (Andy Kellegher), who stole Arya’s sword, Needle, and murdered her friend, changes that as Arya practically forces The Hound into a fight, then even scores a couple of kills herself, including one with her now-recovered blade. As a reward, The Hound gets her a pony.

This is a side of Arya we haven’t seen really developed yet, and begins to move her in a new direction. Her stubbornness and bravery have been noted in the past, of course, but here we see how she can take a life without regret as she begins to remove names from her vengeance list. I wouldn’t call her cold, but neither is she warm. This will definitely play into Arya’s future, assuring the fans that all is not lost for her, even after most of her family has been taken from this world.

Sansa (Sophie Turner) isn’t nearly as strong as her sister Arya, and takes losing her mother and brother, on top of the other deaths she’s mourned, very poorly. No one can get her to eat, and she sinks into depression. But then Dontos (Tony Way), a man whose life she saved, gifts her a necklace, and that elicits a smile. Is this a sign she’ll be able to go on with her life, or merely a brief respite from her dark thoughts?

Sansa may have protectors she doesn’t even know about. Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) is quick to remind Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) of his oath to return the Stark girls to their mother. Jaime is exasperated, since Arya is missing and presumed dead, and the woman he made the promise, too, is deceased as well. Yet, Brienne presses him, and if there’s one thing Jaime takes seriously these days, it’s his duty. As well as not disappointing Brienne, whom he respects.

Duty may be all Jaime has to cling to. His sister, Cersei (Lena Headey), has lost interest in him since he lost his hand. His father, Tywin (Charles Dance), makes Jaime a new sword (from Ned Stark’s, a pretty cool sequence in of itself), but then wants to send him home to Casterly Rock. Jaime, feeling adrift, clings to his position in the King’s Guard, refusing his father. It’s really nice to see Jaime soften and become so likable after a rough start on the series, and now he’s earning his own fans. Brienne has made him better. If Jaime is this committed to his professional duty, hopefully he will at least honor the spirit of his promise to Sansa’s mother, too.

It’s funny to see Jaime outside of the personal politics of the Lannister clan since the rest of them are constantly at war with one another. Cersei may have an edge on Tyrion (Peter Dinklage), now that one of her spies seems to know something about the imp’s relationship with Shae (Sibel Kekilli). While Tyrion is shown to be a good person, especially in how he treats his wife, he’s also feeling the pressure of events, which he vents out to Shae, not to mention during the hilarious scene where the Dorne party snubs him. In a family this dysfunctional, it’s interesting to see Jaime emerge as a balanced, normal, compassionate individual and protector.

Speaking of Dorne, “Two Swords” introduces us to two of that kingdom’s leading family, Prince Oberyn (Pedro Pascal, Graceland, The Adjustment Bureau) and Ellaria Sand (Indira Varma, Silk, Luther). They enter with a splash, grabbing a man and woman at the brothel to have some fun with, stabbing a Lannister in the hand, and Oberyn is up front with telling Tyrion he’s come to King’s Landing for revenge. It’s not clear exactly how these two will shift the story, but they seem to be serious players who will be shaking things up. Given how entertaining their early moments are, that’s good news.

At The Wall, Jon Snow (Kit Harington) faces justice for breaking his oaths to the Night’s Watch. At first, it looks like be punished, possibly even executed, but Maester Aemon (Peter Vaughan) steps in and absolves him. Still, while Jon may be off the hook for now, the fact that the current leadership seem to have it out for him cannot be a good sign. How can he get them ready to defend against an imminent attack if they don’t trust him? And will he need to keep watching his own back while trying to protect the realm?

This attack will definitely be coming, as the Thenns join Ygritte (Rose Leslie) and Tormund Giantsbane (Kristofer Hivju) to prepare for war. Unlike the two wildlings Snow traveled with, though, the Thenns appear to be scary and brutal and enjoy the taste of flesh, at least if it comes from a man of the Night’s Watch. While it’s hard to believe these are friends of Ygritte and Tormund, who are reasonable individuals, I guess all is fair in war, and they all follow the same leader. So Castle Black better prepare for some very heavy conflict.

Finally, across he narrow sea, Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) is marching her troops towards Mereen, which seems more prepared for them than the other slaver cities, leaving a dozens of grisly warnings. Dany doesn’t seem too worried, and given her success rate, I’m not sure she should be concerned about outside enemies. Within her own camp, though, her dragons have gotten bigger and more unruly, which likely will definitely present her with issues going forward. Is it about time she start riding them, reining in their animalistic impulses for her own mission? And who might join her on a dragon back?

A likely choice may be Daario (Michiel Huisman, who unfortunately looks nothing at all like the previous actor playing the role). Daario oversteps a bit in his interactions with his queen, but always plays it off without crossing a line. Berely. Daenerys, for her part, seems receptive to his flirtatious charms, so one can only assume that love is in the air. If her protective advisors allow it, of course. Though I have the feeling Dany wouldn’t let them tell her what to do, which means Daario has the potential to cause friction in the ranks, thus making him just as dangerous as the dragons themselves.

It’s impossible to do a short GAME OF THRONES review because of the sprawling cast. What’s impressive, though, is how well each of these various players are served, with even more that didn’t make it into this episode. The individual personalities are extremely well-defined, with a talented cast backing them up. There isn’t a weak link among the group, so as the story jumps from place to place, I don’t have a preference for which person it gets to next, knowing whatever it is will be great. “Two Swords” is yet another fine example of this, with no weak point in it (other than re-casting Daario without even trying to match the look, though I like the new actor).

GAME OF THRONES airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

GAME OF THRONES "Mhysa" of All Fantasy Series

Article first published as GAME OF THRONES "Mhysa" of All Fantasy Series on TheTVKing.

HBO's Game of Thrones' season three finale, "Myhsa," which means Mother, is a very busy installment, with way too many characters to fully and comprehensively cover in one review. Unless that review is several thousand words long, and who has time to read or write that? It's also hard to pinpoint what sets one episode apart from another, since events happen in sweeping arcs that unfold over years, not weeks. So, instead, here are some of the highlights of the most recent fantastic episode, which realigns some loyalties and sets the show up for another stellar run next year.

The scene where the Small Council meets at King's Landing is my favorite scene in the hour, hands down. It starts with King Joffrey Lannister (Jack Gleeson) jumping for joy with the news that Robb and Catelyn Stark have been killed, a plot twist that inexplicably has fans of the series unjustifiably turning against Game of Thrones, but I digress. Joffrey plans on doing something unspeakably cruel to celebrate, and Tyrion (Peter Dinklage), disgusted, puts Joffrey in his place.

It seems very dangerous for Tyrion to stand up to Joffrey, but because he only does it in this intimate setting, not publicly, Tyrion may be OK. Joffrey is a spoiled brat who is vengeful, and may seek to make Tyrion pay for his words. However, Joffrey doesn't dare challenge his grandfather, Tywin (Charles Dance) for authority, not yet anyway, and when Tywin seems to share Tyrion's views, Joffrey is figuratively spanked and sent to bed early.

Tywin remarks that those who must declare "I am king" are not really king, and that the crown does not necessarily equal power. He is completely correct, watching the way Joffrey is subdued. Joffrey whines and acts like a child, but he does obey Tywin in the end. Tywin is definitely the one with the real power in the realm, and until Joffrey decides not to put up with it any more and makes a real play for control, it will remain that way.

This interaction between these three would be fine enough, but "Mhysa" goes a step further and stays in the room with Tyrion and Tywin after the rest of the council has dispersed. Here, we see Tyrion talk back to his father, only to be stunned into silence when Tywin admits something that is sort of a secret about the personal "sacrifice" he made by allowing Tyrion to live and raising him. It's a painful, raw moment, and as bad as one feels for Tyrion, one also sees that Tywin is completely serious in his own right. Amazing performances by both deliver this as an exchange not soon forgotten.

Also worth mentioning is the sequence of Tyrion and Sansa (Sophie Turner) strolling through the garden, plotting pranks on those who deserve it. They still don't feel like a natural, loving couple, but this does show the girl softening towards Tyrion, who will treat her right and try to make her happy. One day, it might even make sense for the two to be together, and if it does, the seeds are planted here. If any two characters in Game of Thrones deserve happiness, it is this pair.

Unfortunately, that tranquility is threatened by Shae (Sibel Kekilli), who dismisses Varys' (Conleth Hill) attempt to send her away a wealthy woman, declaring that Tyrion himself must ask her to leave. It doesn't seem like Shae will physically harm Sansa, pledging her love for the girl, but Shae's continued presence is detrimental enough. Her dark wishes for revenge, while understandable, could cause some serious conflict within the royal family.

With the Starks dispatched, the Lannisters have an undisputed hold on the Seven Kingdoms. Or do they? Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) is taking her time assembling her forces, but watching the city of people worship and fall at her feet shows just how effective she is at gaining the loyalty of her followers. Joffrey's throne is safe for now, with his other competitors dead or severely weakened, but when Daenerys comes for him, it will be an epic battle, indeed.

Stannis (Stephen Dillane) still thinks he is a threat against Joffrey, but after Davos (Liam Cunningham) sets Gendry (Joe Dempsie) free, Stannis' plans for a conquering by magic are scrapped. Yet, Davos is spared when he brings to light the danger coming from the north, and Melisandre (Carice van Houten) actually agrees that Davos is needed.

This is a very interesting turn of events. Stannis has barely kept Melisandre and Davos at bay with each other for two seasons, both wishing the other would go away, even if it means killing. Yet, here it's Melisandre and Davos who unite, which takes Stannis aback as much as the audience surely is. Yes, we know the White Walkers from beyond the wall are deadly, but seeing how seriously this contingent takes the invasion, alliance made between deadly enemies, really strikes home how much the people fear them. Scary!

Stannis and company are in no position to really mount a defense, though, so it's a good thing Bran (Isaac Hempstead-Wright) has a plan. We don't know what it is, but Bran and his group are now heading past the wall. Because of the mystique surrounding Bran's abilities and talents, there's a feeling that the crippled boy may actually be the only hope of the realm, and that he might succeed.

I really enjoy seeing Bran encounter Samwell (John Bradley). There are so many different threads running through Game of Thrones, with so many characters that major ones have to sit out for weeks at a time. For a chance encounter like this, especially between two friendlies that we like, and because there never seems to be a time the two might meet otherwise, is thrilling. Hopefully, as the show goes on, there will be more time for this type of meeting.

Of course, not every convergence is welcome. Yara Greyjoy (Gemma Whelan) is on her way to rescue her brother, Theon (Alfie Allen), from the hands of the perverted Ramsay Snow (Iwan Rheon). It seems odd to hope for Theon's safe delivery from anyone, given how detestable Theon's actions are in season two. However, no one deserves what Ramsay has put Theon through, and it is definitely time for Ramsay to go down.

The problem with this is that Ramsay is the bastard son of Roose Bolton (Michael McElhatton), the new Warden of the North. That means Yara's slaying of Ramsay could start a civil war between the Iron Islands and the North. Were a more competent, focused king than Joffrey ruling the realm, perhaps serious conflict could be identified and prevented. As it stands, Yara's mission is a recipe for disaster at a time when, given the grave threats from outside the borders, the Seven Kingdoms need to stand united.

Other noteworthy bits from "Myhsa": Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) learns how much love hurts when a scorned Ygritte (Rose Leslie) ignores reason and shoots three arrows into his back. At least Jon lives to make it back to Castle Black, where he can heal. Arya (Maisie Williams) viciously stabs those who contributed to her brother's downfall, proving how deadly she can be. And Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) makes it to King's Landing, though it has not yet been revealed if Cersei (Lena Headey) can see past his new deformity, or how Jaime's relationship with Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) will be affected by having Jaime's sister / lover back in the picture.

As you can see, there is a lot going on. However, Game of Thrones has deftly balanced each of the various stories so far, creating characters that can be kept track of because of how developed they all are, and the threads come together enough to make it seem cohesive. Obviously, a lot more will happen before the end, and eventually the cast will slim. But for now, "Myhsa" is yet another excellent chapter in a very long, very complex tale.

Game of Thrones will return for a fourth season in 2014 on HBO.