Game of Thrones is not a show that anyone would
describe as pleasant; in fact, words like ‘bleak,’ ‘upsetting,’ and
‘soul-crushing’ spring more readily to mind. Even considering that though, this
episode, unsettlingly named ‘Garden of Bones,’ was messed up. An
especially bleak hour in an especially bleak series, large chunks of the
episode were rather hard to watch, and I mean that as a compliment of the
highest order. If I want to see frolicking kittens, I’ll watch Animal
Planet (that’s what they show on there, right?). But I want to see
medieval badassery of the highest order, and that is exactly what this week’s episode
of Game
of Thrones delivered.
I know I harp on a lot
about ‘focus’ and ‘clarity’ this season, but that’s because it’s so apparent
how much is going on, and those things are so easy to lose hold of. This
episode, however, felt tightly structured and thematically sound, which was
really refreshing, because it means that the season is getting better and
better at juggling its multiple storylines, with not a single jaunt off to Pyke
or the Wall this week.
This episode is also noticeable for introducing us to one of the
most messed up torture methods I’ve ever seen: The Rat Bucket. A
bucket, containing a rat of course, is placed against the chest of the victim,
and then heated until the rat begins to burrow into the poor soul.
The other big development
from this locale is the beginning of Arya’s own death prayer each night before
she goes to sleep, whispering the names of those she wishes to shuffle off this
mortal coil. Her ascent to Total Badassitude has begun.
The other major storyline of the episode was the going-ons at
Renly’s camp, which Little finger has just arrived at bearing Ned’s
bones. Little finger’s verbal beat down by Margaery was nice to see, but
the great bit here was his exchange with Cat, where he didn’t miss a single
opportunity to be the creepy bastard that we all love to hate. At least
he had the decency to hit on Cat before presenting her with her dead husband’s
body, cause that could have been awkward. The best scene of this episode,
though, was the meeting between Renly and Stannis atop that gorgeous hill,
accompanied by their various advisors and bannermen. Renly’s wit was in
great form and Stannis was dour as ever. The writing was really excellent
here, as was the acting, with the sense of history between these two brothers
and enemies feeling rich and lived-in. Stannis threatens Renly, which
Renly brushes off since, after all, he has the bigger army, so what could
Stannis possibly do? Well, it turns out.... quite a lot.
The closing
moment of this episode is both the creepiest, and the most magically-charged
moment we’ve had yet. Melisandre gives birth to a shadow-baby, leaving
both Davos and the viewers at home yelling ‘WHAT THE HELL?!?!’ The way
this whole thing played out was so deliciously gross and unsettling, and I’m
very excited to see how the show handles its’ fallout next week. All in all, a
great episode. Storylines were moved forward, characters acted in bold
and decisive ways, and a whole lot of messed up stuff happened.
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