Written By: Vanessa Taylor
Directed By: Daniel Minahan
Synopsis: Jaime and Brienne clash; Bran meets the Reed siblings who offer their services; Theon is tortured; Arya meets the Brotherhood Without Banners.
The Verdict: So many new characters, so little time – yes, its fair to say that at times DARK WINGS, DARK WORDS does feel a bit bloated from the sheer amount of exposition to incorporate the new cast-members, but it’s still a great slice of television that’s clearly building to something big.
This week’s episode does threaten to buckle under the weight of the slew of new characters introduced at times, but thankfully doesn’t, largely due to the usual great performances from newcomers and regulars alike. Of particular interest is the Lady Olenna Tyrell, played by the very excellent Diana Rigg, who is hilarious as the bigoted yet cunning grandmother (her scene with Sansa this week is fantastic), and Paul Kaye as Thoros of Myr, who is easily one of the most likeable, funny, and interesting characters the shows introduced for ages.
Its great to see characters like the Hound, Bran and Arya back, all of whom are clearly embarking on some great storylines. The Reed siblings are an interesting addition to the show, and clearly will be major players in Bran’s story, which was in good need of a kick up the backside. The key returnee this week though is Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy – largely because his character doesn’t appear at all in STORM OF SWORDS, the book on which this season is based. It’s a short but intriguing moment with Theon this week, the torture scenes being particularly grizzly.
The real stars this week though are Jaime and Brienne, who finally push each other over the edge, leading to a fantastic sword fight and a great cliffhanger. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is fast giving Peter Dinklage a run for his money as the funniest and most interesting character, and here he gets some of the best lines (some of which we daren’t repeat)!
Whilst it does come across as a roll-call at times, DARK WINGS, DARK WORDS is still an excellent, if not classic, episode of GAME OF THRONES. We just need to let the newbies settle in, and I’m confident we’ll have a great season on our hands!
Best Bit: A great performance from Michelle Fairley and some top class writing reveals a great deal about Catelyn Stark, in a stunning speech that is packed with plenty of little revelations regarding her icy relationship with Jon Snow. It’s a beautiful moment to behold and will have anyone who resented Catelyn won over by the time she stops speaking.
Deja Vu: The scene in the Inn where the Hound reveals Arya’s true identity to the Brotherhood in front of everyone is very similar to when Tyrion revealed Lady Stark’s true identity to everyone in season one’s CRIPPLES, BASTARDS, AND BROKEN THINGS. It’s even the same Inn!!! They must get great business.
Best Line(s):
Olenna Tyrell: “Once the cow’s been milked, there’s no squirting the cream back up her udders.”
Game of Thrones returns next Monday on Sky Atlantic, as does THN’s Game of Thrones Blog!
