This review will contain spoilers, anything going beyond the scope of the episode will be done in white text and will be preceded by *Spoiler*, episode spoilers will not be prefaced.
Right off the bat we were treated to a new piece on the opening map, Riverrun. I always love seeing the new spots on the map and how they are treated. I’ve been worried before about the changes from the books but this episode is doing amazing things. The Brotherhood Without Banners and the Jamie and Brienne road trip are extremely entertaining. We are only 3 episodes in and things are shaping up for a really incredible season. As we know this show peaks around episode 9, and I think it’s going to be better than the last 2 seasons.
The Good
- Strong opening with the Funeral of Hoster Tully and finally meeting Catelyn’s family, Edmure and Brynden The Blackfish. The Blackfish is already a huge bad ass.
- Robb is very kingly this episode. Not taking any shit from his uncle.
- The most awkward small council meeting ever.
- THE BEAR AND THE MAIDEN FAIR!! Not how I thought it’d sound but not bad at all. Also I seriously love the Jamie and Brienne road trip. They’ve taken some of the best dialogue from the books and changed things to make them work wonderfully on the screen.
- Mance and Tormund are going to war!
- “There is a beast in every man and it stirs when you put a sword in his hand.”
- “Rhaegar fought valiantly, Rhaegar fought nobly. And Rhaegar died.”
- Podrick deserves all his awesomeness.
- The fuck?! What is going on with Theon? *Spoiler* They found away to spring the Bastard of Bolton on us.
- Holy. Shit. I knew Jaime would lose his hand but not like that. Holy shit they did an amazing job with that. They have managed to keep this material fresh for book readers in so many ways.
The Bad
- I may have to rename this The Not Perfect, because nothing has really been bad. Just different or waiting to be explained.
- White Walker art?
- *Spoiler* Why hasn’t Sam become Sam the Slayer yet? I figure it has to happen soon enough.
- Personal thing: I always hate birth scenes. Always.
- Pervy Stannis.
This episode was pretty incredible. I was surprised on a few things and I think they writers are doing a wonderful job keeping book readers guessing as well as providing a solid show for people who haven’t read the books. I was very impressed tonight.