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 5.5: “Kill the Boy” (Aired May 10, 2015).). Directed by Jeremy Podeswa; written by Bryan Cogman (7 out of 10)
So many storylines, so many characters. But once again “Game of Thrones” transitions seamlessly from Meereen to Winterfell to the Wall.
In Meereen, Daenerys, grieving the loss of Ser Barristan, begins feeding leaders of the great families to her dragons. Hizdahr zo Loraq, facing a possible dragon barbecue, says to her “Valar Morgulis.” But Daenerys spares him and agrees to open the fighting pits to free men, to bring the city together. She also says she will marry the leader of an ancient family. And fortunately, she tells him, “A suitor is already on his knees.” What will Daario say when he hears about this?
Then, we learn that Grey Worm survived. Yay! Missandei gently tends to him, and he tells her he didn’t fear death or failure when he was attacked. He did, however, fear never seeing her again. Aww.
Jorah continues to hold Tyrion captive, a gift for his Queen. They travel through the Smoky Sea, and Tyrion remarks of his journey, “Long sullen silences and the occasional punch in the face . . . the Mormont way.” Pretty much sums up their trip. But even Tyrion is speechless when he sees Drogon soar overhead, a legend come to life. But the silence is broken by screams as Stone Men, covered in greyscale, ambush the boat. Tyrion is dragged underwater, desperately attempting to avoid being touched and infected. Jorah manages to save him, but now he hides a dark secret: greyscale is already beginning to cover his arm. Will he see his Khaleesi again?
At the Wall, Jon goes to Maester Aemon, seeking advice. The Maester tells him to “Kill the boy and let the man be born.” After all he’s been through, there doesn’t seem to be much boy left in Jon, but he does need to earn the respect of all the Night’s Watch. And while he hasn’t executed anyone else, there are still undoubtedly some who don’t completely support him. He may, however, be closer to having the Wildings on his side.
Stannis and his entourage leave the Wall, heading towards Winterfell. There, Sansa discovers what Theon has become. Though he’s a pale shadow of his former self, she can’t summon much sympathy for him. After all, she still thinks he killed Bran and Rickon. Her brothers. And while it appears she’s surrounded by enemies, she realizes that the servants of Winterfell still support her. Her maid tells her to light a candle in the tower if she ever needs help.
What’s next? Will there be a wedding in Meereen? Will Jorah go crazy and/or die? Does Drogon’s mother know where he is? And the real question: will Jon Snow ever know anything?