What’s that strange happy feeling?
As always, SPOILER ALERT! Here are some of our favourite moments from this week’s memorable episode, ‘The Book of the Stranger’.
Master of Quotes – Best Line
“Winterfell is ours. It belongs to our family. We have to fight for it.”
After six seasons of Game Of Thrones, you would be forgiven for thinking that the show couldn’t surprise you any more, but the rarest thing happened in this episode.
Drum roll….we finally saw a moment of happiness for the Stark family!
I think we can all agree that seeing Jon and Sansa reunited provided us with some much needed cathartic joy. This being said, there was one topic of conversation that they quickly skirted over while they were smiling away together. How do you talk about this with your family?
https://twitter.com/ditzkoff/status/732015030133215234
Thank the gods, both old and new, that the Starks are finally happy. Yep, we’re getting that horrible feeling also.
https://twitter.com/_Sh0rtCakes/status/732017481213059072
The overall tone and focus of the episode was very much focused on the changing alliances and balances of power in Westeros, a point that was emphasised by Daenerys overthrowing her would-be Dothraki overlords in a very literal blaze of glory.
We’ve been quite vocal about the need for Dany to be far more authoritative in her leadership and decision making – she has been listening to others for far too long now – but her ruthless and calculated decision to burn down the temple of the Dosh Khaleen was a timely reminder of her credentials to take the Iron Throne.
Daenerys be like #GameofThrones
— Radar del Geek (@Radardelgeek) May 16, 2016
Elsewhere, Ramsay Bolton continued to ensure that the dogs of Winterfell will never go hungry by dispatching of Osha, while Littlefinger finally gave us a insight into his plans. His masterful manipulation of the unhinged and slightly creepy Robin Arryn was a superb piece of Machiavellian mischief.
Can the Knights of the Vale tip the balance in favour of House Stark in the upcoming war for the North?
Meanwhile in King’s Landing, Cersei and Olenna are finally reading from the same page as they bid to protect Margaery from a very public shaming. We’re expecting the full military might of Houses Tyrell and Lannister to arrive on the doorsteps of High Sparrow very soon.
I like that Littlefinger gave Lord Robin a present that he can’t destroy by dropping it through the Moon Door
— James Hibberd (@JamesHibberd) May 16, 2016
Margaery and Sansa aren’t the only women that are telling their brothers to be strong though because Yara Greyjoy has also gained Theon’s valuable support in her bid to claim the Salt Throne. Elsewhere, Brienne’s knowledge of Melisandre’s involvement in the murder of Renly Baratheon could divide the burgeoning friendship between Ser Davos and the Red Priestess. Watch this space.
Finally, in Slaver’s Bay, Tyrion continues to act reasonably in a realm that’s devoid of reason. We’re starting to get the feeling that the skills of the youngest Lannister are being wasted away in a city that ultimately has no great significance when compared to the bigger picture.
The North Remembers – Best Scene
You would have to have a heart that’s made out of dragon glass not to be moved by Sansa’s reunion with her half-brother at Castle Black.
Any fears that Jon Snow’s memories may have been erased, darkened or tainted following his resurrection were also allayed during those heartwarming scenes.
This being said, there’s a very interesting role reversal between the two. Yet again, it was noticeable that Melisandre was at pains to stress the prophecy about Azor Ahai- the “prince that was promised” – but Jon’s understandably tired of fighting. It seems that the former Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch has been beaten down by the weight of betrayal and apathy.
On the other hand, Sansa looks like she’s had enough and has taken control of her own destiny and family in The North.
We did get a laugh out of Jon’s line that: “You (Sansa) were occasionally awful, I was probably sulking in the corner”. Just like every family then.
Valar Morghulis – Best Death
As soon as we saw Ramsay with a blade in his hand, we knew that Osha’s fate was sealed, but there were quite a few other characters that also met their maker.
Once again, Daenerys proved that it’s not a good idea for men to insult and demean her, but this week’s winner goes to a rather brutal fight between between Jorah Mormont, Daario Naharis and a Dothraki Blood Rider.
Throat slit? Check. Violently smashing someone’s head in with a rock? Multiple checks.
I thought game of thrones was gonna go a half hour without a gruesome death and as I say that a head gets bashed in with a rock
— Brenden (@brendenziomek) May 16, 2016
Mother of Dragons – Best Beast Scene
There were no dragons this week, but Dany didn’t need them to prove that she’s on fire. Robin Arryn did manage to get a rare falcon though.
https://twitter.com/netw3rk/status/732030879481139201
Sticks and Stones and Swords – Best Insult
We finally got a glimpse of the famous pink letter from the books and Ramsay Bolton didn’t disappoint. He’s a poet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AY5ga2vLk8
Clip via – The Gaming GoRRila
You Know Nothing – The WTF Moment
We’ve already seen Daenerys walk through fire and come out unscathed in previous seasons, so we’re opting for a slightly left-field choice this week.
Will we be seeing romance between two unlikely characters?
This look from Tommen to Brienne was absolutely priceless.
https://twitter.com/gamofphoto/status/732159019557781504
I think Tormund sexily eating a large hunk of meat at Brienne is my favorite thing to happen in this episode of #GameofThrones.
— Alyssa Rosenberg (@AlyssaRosenberg) May 16, 2016
Stealing The Throne – This Week’s Best Character
It has to be Daenerys after a fiery reminder of her very best attributes.
Daenerys just went full Carrie at the prom #GameofThrones
— Quinn Sutherland (@ReelQuinn) May 16, 2016
Where did Aidan Gillen’s Irish accent land?
How we missed him.
Now that his Irish buddy Roose Bolton is brown bread, we hope that he really plays up the Irish brogue.
Tell me you didn't hear "Here I Come To Save The Day!!" #GameofThrones #LittleFinger https://t.co/h04PrZBvkc pic.twitter.com/Wd1dGYp7qs
— TTM (@gingesbecray) May 16, 2016
https://twitter.com/Tweet_Dec/status/732296215543595008
Here’s the trailer for next week’s episode. Littlefinger better use some of that Irish charm because he’s in a tight spot.
