Monday, April 20, 2015

Game of Thrones Quick Episode Discussion/Review - Season 5, Episode 2, "The House of Black and White"

Sunday was kind of a disappointing day overall. After the Capitals' lackluster showing against the Islanders on Sunday afternoon, I was hoping for some Game of Thrones magic. Unfortunately, we're still in the buildup phase of this season, so we didn't get too much in the way of big moments. But plenty worth talking about, so here are my new five discussion points.

1. The Arya storyline has gotten less interesting for me over time.
It's not that I don't think Arya is an interesting character. I think she's got some stuff going on that makes her unpredictable and deadly, and that's always interesting. I just don't care what happens for the next whatever amount of time it takes for her to get to where she's going. If they had her disappear for two seasons and then suddenly show up murdering people, I'd probably be fine with that.

2. I'm fine with the adjustment they made with regards to the choosing of the new Lord Commander.
In the books, it's a bit of clever politicking by Samwell Tarly that makes Jon Snow Lord Commander, but I liked this version just as much. A great speech with a perfect final sentence. Also it was funny to hear Sam put Janos Slynt in his place. He got served.

3. I don't understand Brienne.
Like, I just don't know why she acts the way she does. She seems directionless, and without logic. "Hey can I talk to you away from this one guy who clearly is keeping you safe and would be suspicious of us if we talked in private and then I joined you? No? What the hell, man?" Silly.

4. I think Bronn is as good as dead.
We need a good death or two to make the season have weight, and Bronn seems to not really have a purpose other than to be "another guy." Jamie is going to Dorne, where people want to kill Lannisters. By the way, nice to see my old friend Doctor Bashir getting some more acting gigs.

5. Kevan Lannister is like Tywin, without the subversion.
He seems a smart enough strategist, and is perceptive as to Cersei's machinations to make the Small Council serve her needs. He sees through everything she's doing, but where Tywin would impose his will on the proceedings, Kevan simply calls her out on her bullshit and says, "Stop bullshitting and I'll hang out." He actually could be good for Westeros, if he gets put into a position of power.

You might notice that conspicuously absent from my list are Daenerys, Tyrion, and anyone associated with them. Those storylines are in a rut right now, I think. The "return" of Drogon was a gimmick, but I guess people just like seeing dragons. But seriously, nothing happened there. I'm holding out hope for next week being a nice shot of adrenaline, though. We need a little speed to feed the beast.

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