Image
  • Writing
    • Andy Gavin: Author
    • About my Novels & Writing
    • All Writing Posts
    • The Darkening Dream
      • Buy the Book Online
      • Sample Chapters
      • Reviews
      • Info for Reviewers
      • Press Coverage
      • Awards
      • Cast of Characters
    • Untimed
      • Buy Untimed Online
      • Book Trailer
      • Sample Chapters
      • Reviews
      • Info for Reviewers
      • Press Coverage
      • Awards
      • Cast of Characters
    • Scrivener – Writer’s Word Processor
    • iPad for Writers
    • Naughty Dark Contest
  • Books
    • Book Review Index
    • Favorite Fantasy Novels
    • Andy Gavin: Author
    • The Darkening Dream
      • Buy the Book Online
      • Sample Chapters
      • Short Story: Harvard Divinity
      • Reviews
      • Info for Reviewers
      • Press Coverage
      • Awards
      • Cast of Characters
    • Untimed
      • About the Book
      • Buy Untimed Online
      • Book Trailer
      • Sample Chapters
      • Reviews
      • Info for Reviewers
      • Press Coverage
      • Awards
      • Cast of Characters
    • Naughty Dark Contest
  • Games
    • My Video Game Career
    • Post Archive by Series
    • All Games Posts Inline
    • Making Crash Bandicoot
    • Crash 15th Anniversary Memories
    • World of Warcraft Endgames
    • Getting a Job Designing Video Games
    • Getting a Job Programming Video Games
    • Naughty Dark Contest
  • Movies
    • Movie Review Index
  • Television
    • TV Review Index
    • Buffy the Vampire Slayer
    • A Game of Thrones
  • Food
    • Food Review Index
    • Foodie Club
    • Hedonists
    • LA Sushi Index
    • Chinese Food Index
    • LA Peking Duck Guide
    • Eating Italy
    • Eating France
    • Eating Spain
    • Eating Croatia
    • Eating Vietnam
    • Eating Australia
    • Eating Israel
    • Ultimate Pizza
    • ThanksGavin
    • Margarita Mix
    • Foodie Photography
    • Burgundy Vintage Chart
  • Other
    • All Posts, Magazine Style
    • Archive of all Posts
    • Fiction
    • Technology
    • History
    • Anything Else
  • Gallery
  • Bio
  • About
    • About me
    • About my Writing
    • About my Video Games
    • Ask Me Anything
  • Contact

Game of Thrones – Episode 42

Apr19

season-5-the-wars-to-come-copyShow: Game of Thrones

Genre: Fantasy

Watched: Episode 42 – April 19, 2015

Title: The House of Black and White

Summary: A connector episode

ANY CHARACTER HERE

Last week we were off to a great start for season 5, and I approached this week with a sense of excitement, particularly as the title promised some good Arya time.

Arya – So, like the episode, we can start with everyone’s favorite killer Stark. She enters through the legs of the Titan of Bravos into some quite epic shots of the city. Not only does it look like Venice, it had me wondering if it was actually filmed there. But I suspect this is a collage of various Croatian towns, particularly given all that grey Croatian limestone in evidence. But there are cool canals and a whole host of wide views to show of the show’s ever increasing budget. A far cry from Season 1’s fairly tight control of the camera. The captain of her ship rows her straight up to the House of Black and White, a massive thing with yin-yang doors. I loved the way it sits right on the quay like The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore (one of Palladio’s gorgeous constructions). A few knocks draws out a grim faced, dark skinned monk who rejects her inquiry after Jaqen H’ghar. Rebuked Arya waits for at least a day and a night and another day, through rain and shine, reciting her death list. And while some of us may wonder why no one enters or leaves the house during this time, eventually she tosses her coin into the water and heads off.

 

Arya-in-Braavos1-630x355

Much later in the episode, we find her hunting pigeons, a return to her old ways from Flea Bottom. This time she skewers one effortlessly. A girl walks by with the costume we know she will later assume and she is set upon by a trio of thugs, but her calm stance and embrace of death scare the off. The monk watches and she follows him back to the House of Black and White — where he transforms into Jaqen. Now in the books Jaqen doesn’t make a reappearance, but I’m happy to see him because he was a fabulous character, and in the context of TV it makes sense to reuse rather than introduce when you can. His line is perfect, “I am no one, and that is who you must become.”

Now, while I liked the look of Bravos and Jaqen’s reappearance, I can’t help but feel “cheated” by the small dash of Arya we received in this titular episode. As they have for some time they are likely to stretch her story out in small chunks through the season.

House_of_Black_and_White

Brienne and Pod – Dine at another of those typical Irish Pub Inns. The pretty bar maid clearly notices Pod, a nod to his “special talents.” And what a coincidence, Littlefinger and Sansa are at the same place! Pod recognizes both of them and Brienne, in typical straight up fashion, confronts them and offers her service to Sansa. Sansa, having continued to study Littlefinger’s modus operandi is cautious. Peter tries to undermine Brienne’s “qualifications” and it becomes clear to her that she not only isn’t going to win Sansa over but is in danger herself, so she flees, knocking aside Littlefinger’s guards. I loved her calm attempt to disrupt and free the horses as she and Pod flee the inn. We get a brief horse chase where Brienne’s riding skills are shown off as she ditches her pursuit. Brienne circles to look for Pod. Who, however, manages to lead most of the guards off one way and then loses his own horse in the river. A guard nearly cuts him down but Brienne sweeps in and takes out a pair of them. She then orders Pod up. Pod suggests that maybe her quest is over, but Brienne has set aside her melancholy and is determined to follow Sansa.

podrick-and-brienne-season-5-episode-2

At the Wall – Shireen is teaching Gilly to read while Sam does his own research. This is a nice repurposing of a likable character and provides opportunity to explain Grayscale (the weird disease that Shireen has) a bit more. Apparently Gilly had two sisters with it and it took over their whole body and made them like animals. This is clearly a setup for what Tyrion will encounter. Her mother then chases out Sam and Gilly and warns her against the Wildlings. There is absolutely zero to like about Lady Selyse.

Meanwhile, Stannis takes Jon to task for making him look like a fool, but uncharacteristically, is pretty lenient because he really wants Jon to kneel and become Jon Stark so he can rule the north for Stannis. But as Jon later explains to Sam, he can’t break his vows. As Davos setup before it’s election time and Ser Allister Thorne (aka Thorne in Jon’s backside) is the lead contender. Maester Aemon calls for candidates and speeches and Slynt speaks for Thorne while someone else speaks for the Commander of the Shadow Tower (total filler). Sam steps up to speak eloquently for Jon, proposing him and making a good case while slamming Slynt (we all love to had that loser). The vote results in a tie, which the Maester breaks in favor of Jon with his own vote. Nicely done.

Game-of-Thrones-Season-5-Episode-1-Picture-Kit_Harington-Jon-Snow-Stephen-Dillane-Stannis-Baratheon-Liam-Cunningham-Davos-Seaworth-800x533

Jaime (and Bronn) – is summoned by Cersei to examine a cobra-shaped “letter” with Marcella’s pendant in it. Cersei is just all rage, almost spitting as she talks. Jaime offers to “make it right” by going down to Dorne and getting Marcella. Again as alterations from the books, this follows the essential line (Cersei’s attempt to “rescue” Marcella) while at the same time giving existing characters more to do. Characters like…

Bronn who is playing finance to his ugly bride-to-be Lollys in front of a large and lovely CGI manor. He plays her well (as she isn’t the brightest) and alludes to the mortality of Lollys’ annoying older sister. But Jaime is there waiting for him with a document breaking off his marriage and a request/order that Bronn “tag along” with him to Dorne in exchange for the BBD. I’m glad to see Bronn included, as in the books he disappears and he is far too witty a character to lose.

juego-de-tronos-game-of-thrones-5x02-07

Dorne – In what is clearly Southern Spain, the Prince of Dorne sits VERY stiffly on his ebony and ivory throne. Ellaria Sand bursts in (past huge guard, Areo Hotah) to take the role of Arianne (deleted daughter) in arguing for vengeance against the Lannisters for Oberyn’s untimely head smushing. This is pretty cut and dry 2 point argument with Ellaria playing the hawk and Doran forced to take the side of caution, for he has to balance the well being of his kingdom. Like Cersei, Ellaria is almost foaming at the mouth. The gardens (and we do catch a glimpse or two of Marcella) are lovely and formal.

Ellaria-Sand-Areo-Hotah-Game-of-Thrones

Tyion and Varys – Ride in a very large carriage and exchange their usual witty dialog. This is a total filler scene, and brief at that, merely informing us they are under way and headed toward Volantis. There are some good jokes though, like Tyrion’s liquid diet and “best part of her for the best part of me” (you had to be there). Tyrion continues to wallow, musing about Shae and the fact that he wouldn’t leave because of his zeal for the “game.” In one of those typical GOT transitions they mention that Cersei has offered a Lordship for his head…

Cersei – Gets a present of a dwarf head (kinda sad), but alas, it is the wrong little person. Qyburn however is happy to take it for his experiments. They then head into the ever Smaller Council. Kevan has joined, along with the buffoons Mace Tyrell and Pycelle. Unlike the other 3, however, Kevan isn’t going to curry favor with Cersei and expects to be asked directly by the king for his service. He tells Cersei point blank that she has no power (certainly true in name). She certainly isn’t used to being questioned like that by anyone other than her father.

Dany – Has a long and drawn out Meereen storyline. Following up on the Sons of the Harpy killing an Unsullied last episode, Dario leads Grey Worm and some Unsullied to a house that seems empty, but then with the usual Dario panache he stabs the wall and finds a traitor. Dany hears out her council on the matter. Many advise executing him, but she goes with Barristan’s measured opinion to give him a trial. However, the young freed slave busts into the guy’s cell and kills him (publicly).

1429224912_nathalie-emmanuel-emilia-clarke-zoomSigh. We’ve seen this before, and in this very show. It’s the same dilemma that Robb Stark faced in mid Season 3 when he executed Karstark for killing the boys. And Dany has essentially the same “fair” solution, to execute (literally) justice in an impartial manner. But this earns her no friends. The freed slaves riot and threaten her. I loved the way the Unsullied covered her in an umbrella of shields and we get some more nice wide shots of the CGI composite that turns part of Dubrovnik? into Meereen (might be some other spot in Croatia, they film in Split too).

Dejected at this political blunder, she goes back to her apartment and balcony to find a giant Drogon lurking on the roof. When she reaches out to his glorious reptilian CGI-ness, he flies off, leaving her to feel abandoned.

Game-of-Thrones-502-3-600x338

All in all, not the greatest episode. Mostly connector stuff, and too little of Arya, Tyrion, and other favorites. Not too much happens, and what does is in the more boring storylines like Dany stuck-forever-in-Meeren Targaryen. The Brienne/Pos/Sansa stuff was fine, as was what little Arya we did get. I’m sure the episode will be “fine” taken in the context of the whole season, particularly when I go to rewatch it all together, but right now it’s just setting up for better. However, the episode does LOOK great, with lots and lots of big wide shots of the world — and Drogon.

If you liked this post, follow me at:

My novels: The Darkening Dream and Untimed

or all my Game of Thrones posts or episode reviews:

Season 1: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]

Season 2: [11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20]

Season 3: [21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30]

Season 4: [31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40]

Season 5: [41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50]

Season 6: [51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57]

Some of HBO’s inside the episode clips:

Related posts:

  1. Game of Thrones – Episode 37
  2. Game of Thrones – Episode 35
  3. Game of Thrones – Episode 41
  4. Game of Thrones – Episode 31
  5. Game of Thrones – Episode 40
By: agavin
Comments (2)
Posted in: Television
Tagged as: a game of thrones, Episode 42, Game of Thrones, George R. R. Martin, HBO, Season 5 Episode 2
Watch the Trailer or

Buy it Online!

Buy it Online!

96 of 100 tickets!

Find Andy at:

Follow Me on Pinterest

Subscribe by email:

More posts on:



Complete Archives

Categories

  • Contests (7)
  • Fiction (404)
    • Books (113)
    • Movies (77)
    • Television (123)
    • Writing (115)
      • Darkening Dream (62)
      • Untimed (37)
  • Food (1,481)
  • Games (100)
  • History (13)
  • Technology (21)
  • Uncategorized (16)

Recent Posts

  • OOToro Double
  • Robo Eats – Anarbagh
  • Fred loves N/Naka
  • Major Major Major
  • Far East – Beijing Tasty House
  • Home Sweet Spicy Home
  • Quick Eats – Bafang
  • Quick Eats – Peking Restaurant
  • Quick Eats – MK BBQ
  • Wolfing it Down

Favorite Posts

  • I, Author
  • My Novels
  • The Darkening Dream
  • Sample Chapters
  • Untimed
  • Making Crash Bandicoot
  • My Gaming Career
  • Getting a job designing video games
  • Getting a job programming video games
  • Buffy the Vampire Slayer
  • A Game of Thrones
  • 27 Courses of Truffles
  • Ultimate Pizza
  • Eating Italy
  • LA Sushi
  • Foodie Club

Recent Comments

Archives

  • March 2023 (9)
  • February 2023 (11)
  • January 2023 (14)
  • December 2022 (11)
  • November 2022 (13)
  • October 2022 (14)
  • September 2022 (14)
  • August 2022 (12)
  • July 2022 (9)
  • June 2022 (6)
  • May 2022 (8)
  • April 2022 (5)
  • March 2022 (4)
  • February 2022 (2)
  • January 2022 (8)
  • December 2021 (6)
  • November 2021 (6)
  • October 2021 (8)
  • September 2021 (4)
  • August 2021 (5)
  • July 2021 (2)
  • June 2021 (3)
  • January 2021 (1)
  • December 2020 (1)
  • September 2020 (1)
  • August 2020 (1)
  • April 2020 (11)
  • March 2020 (15)
  • February 2020 (13)
  • January 2020 (14)
  • December 2019 (13)
  • November 2019 (12)
  • October 2019 (14)
  • September 2019 (14)
  • August 2019 (13)
  • July 2019 (13)
  • June 2019 (14)
  • May 2019 (13)
  • April 2019 (10)
  • March 2019 (10)
  • February 2019 (11)
  • January 2019 (13)
  • December 2018 (14)
  • November 2018 (11)
  • October 2018 (15)
  • September 2018 (15)
  • August 2018 (15)
  • July 2018 (11)
  • June 2018 (14)
  • May 2018 (13)
  • April 2018 (13)
  • March 2018 (17)
  • February 2018 (12)
  • January 2018 (15)
  • December 2017 (15)
  • November 2017 (13)
  • October 2017 (16)
  • September 2017 (16)
  • August 2017 (16)
  • July 2017 (11)
  • June 2017 (13)
  • May 2017 (6)
  • March 2017 (3)
  • February 2017 (4)
  • January 2017 (7)
  • December 2016 (14)
  • November 2016 (11)
  • October 2016 (11)
  • September 2016 (12)
  • August 2016 (15)
  • July 2016 (13)
  • June 2016 (13)
  • May 2016 (13)
  • April 2016 (12)
  • March 2016 (13)
  • February 2016 (12)
  • January 2016 (13)
  • December 2015 (14)
  • November 2015 (14)
  • October 2015 (13)
  • September 2015 (13)
  • August 2015 (18)
  • July 2015 (16)
  • June 2015 (13)
  • May 2015 (13)
  • April 2015 (14)
  • March 2015 (15)
  • February 2015 (13)
  • January 2015 (13)
  • December 2014 (14)
  • November 2014 (13)
  • October 2014 (13)
  • September 2014 (12)
  • August 2014 (15)
  • July 2014 (13)
  • June 2014 (13)
  • May 2014 (14)
  • April 2014 (14)
  • March 2014 (10)
  • February 2014 (11)
  • January 2014 (13)
  • December 2013 (14)
  • November 2013 (13)
  • October 2013 (14)
  • September 2013 (12)
  • August 2013 (14)
  • July 2013 (10)
  • June 2013 (14)
  • May 2013 (14)
  • April 2013 (14)
  • March 2013 (15)
  • February 2013 (14)
  • January 2013 (13)
  • December 2012 (14)
  • November 2012 (16)
  • October 2012 (13)
  • September 2012 (14)
  • August 2012 (16)
  • July 2012 (12)
  • June 2012 (16)
  • May 2012 (21)
  • April 2012 (18)
  • March 2012 (20)
  • February 2012 (23)
  • January 2012 (31)
  • December 2011 (35)
  • November 2011 (33)
  • October 2011 (32)
  • September 2011 (29)
  • August 2011 (35)
  • July 2011 (33)
  • June 2011 (25)
  • May 2011 (31)
  • April 2011 (30)
  • March 2011 (34)
  • February 2011 (31)
  • January 2011 (33)
  • December 2010 (33)
  • November 2010 (39)
  • October 2010 (26)
All Things Andy Gavin
Copyright © 2023 All Rights Reserved
Programmed by Andy Gavin