‘Game of Thrones’ 5.4 “Sons of the Harpy”

GAME OF THRONES – Live-action fantasy-political drama based on the series of novels by George R. R. Martin “A Song of Ice and Fire”; rated TV-MA; airs Sundays on HBO; 60 minutes. Episode 5.4: “Sons of the Harpy” (Aired May 3, 2015). Directed by Mark Mylod; written by Dave Hill (8 out of 10)

In the game of thrones, either you win or you die.  And people are winning and dying from King’s Landing to Meereen this week.

Winning:  Cersei. She promoted the High Sparrow to the High Septon, but he immediately embraces his new authority and seeks out the supposed sinners in the kingdom, including Margaery’s brother Loras.  But Margaery is married to the King, and all she has to do is ask him pretty-please to free Loras, right? Tommen is a tough, decisive king who has all the power in the land. Right?! King of the Andals, and all that. But alas, King Tommen proves a disappointment to Queen Margaery, who learns he didn’t disrupt the High Septon while at prayer. The Queen is displeased.

Dying: Daenerys is having another bad week. Her Unsullied, ambushed by Sons of the Harpy, fall one after the other. Is a fan favorite gone forever? Things certainly look bad for Barristan Selmy, at the least. Running a kingdom is so complicated. Rebellious dragons and insurgents and keeping everyone happy and beheading those who break the law. Who would want to be a queen?

On the Wall, Melisandre tells Jon he knows nothing. He’s heard that somewhere before, hasn’t he?

And, depending on your theories about certain characters, Sansa and Littlefinger’s discussion in the crypts of Winterfell go over some potentially important plot points. They speak of Rhaegar Targaryon and Lyanna Stark. What is the truth behind their story? Does anyone really know?

We finally see the Sand Snakes, the fierce daughters of Oberyn Martell. Their mother is trying to raise an army to avenge Oberyn. How many enemies do the Lannisters have now? I lost count ages ago. Though they still have Myrcella, they know Jamie and Bronn are nearby, ready to take her away. 

I read the books so long ago I don’t even remember the Sand Snakes, but they look like they’re going to stir up some trouble. This season has been great so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing how far they’ll go. More pieces being added to the board. The game is becoming more complicated. Who will win or die next?