An episode that stands out in a series of amazing episodes.
I am about ready to say thatGame of Throneshas reached its prime.
Yet, this weeks The Climb is aptly named.
This episode may have taken more liberties from George R.R.
Martins Song of Ice and Fire series than any single episode, but for good reason.
Brandon the Builders unholy triumph: The Wall.
But not before some lovey-dovey time between Jon Snow and Ygritte.
The two begin the episode still swooning from last weeks lovemaking.
However, Ygritte reveals a startling thing that is quite different from her literary counterpart.
SheknewJon Snow was still loyal to the Nights Watch when she brought him to Mance Rayder.
She knows that he may be loyal to the Nights Watch right now.
She knows and does not care if he would only be loyal to her.
Ah, there is the reason we love Ygritte.
In earnest though, their entire journey up the wall was a necessary spotlight on the Bastard of Winterfell.
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Robb also spent the week having new headaches.
They want Robb Stark to give a formal apology.
Also, they need Harrenhal.
Whoreallywants Harrenhal, anyway?
Oh, and Edmure Tully (Cats brother and Walders liege lord) has to marry Walders 19-year-old daughter.
Like as soon as possible.
Edmure initially balks at the demand, desiring at least the chance to pick from Walders extensive litter.
The Red Priestess has come to the riverlands for…Gendry!
Thus, I stand as one TV critic proven wrong.
Well, sure enough, they did.
It appears he is replacing Edric Storm, a bastard of Robert Baratheons, from the books.
Dont know who Edric Storm is?
It just means that Gendry is sticking around, even if they curtailed his best scenes of the book.
In a wonderful moment, Arya changes her spite from them to Melisandre.
She calls the Red Lady a witch and breathes hellfire to the emerald-eyed succubus.
Melisandre has the nerve to say there is a darkness in Aryas soul.
At least the Fire Priestess promises the two shall meet again.
That last bit should be really intriguing for book readers.
I just hope that when their paths cross again that Melisandre is not the only one bringing the heat.
But perhaps the most tension was once again in Kings Landing.
In an amazing scene, Tywin Lannister meets with Lady Olenna Redwyne.
The Tyrell matriarch is here to prevent a union between Cersei and Loras.
Tywin is determined that this is the best way to unite their two houses.
Olenna does not wish for her grandson to marry someone so old.
Charles Dance also showed up with his best game in this entirely made-up scene.
He reveals an outrageous disgust for the rumors about Lorass nocturnal habits.
The more Tywin flaunts his homophobia, the more he sets himself up for the zinger.
Where I come from that stain would be very difficult to wash out.
Jaime and Cersei sitting in a tree…
The most fascinating thing about this moment is Olenna relents.
She claims to concede she has met her match in Tywin.
Somehow, I doubt it.
The only thing certain is that the show is completely disregarding how particular events play out in the books.
Almost as addictive is Tyrion and Cerseis wound-licking from last week.
They are both being wedded to partners who will be equally unenthused.
Cersei wonders who is getting the rawest deal and Tyrion glumly answers Sansa.
Thus, the show has softened Cersei again by passing one of her most despicable acts over to Joffrey.
She even shows a little sympathy for Tyrion when he mans up to go tell Sansa the big news.
The scene politely and elegantly cuts away before Tyrion reveals to Sansa (and Shae!)
the happy tidings, but oh to be a fly in that room!
Laugh as her handmaiden attempted to strangle the life out of the Imp?
Meanwhile, Varys and Littlefinger meet in the throne room for a new rejoinder.
Varys promises that he has no ill will for Petyr Baleish, the future Lord of the Vale.
Yet, I am not so sure that the same can be said in return.
Littlefinger calls Varys a friend, but lets the audience glance at the purest depths of fury hidden within.
Varys tried to spirit Sansa out of his grasp and this indignation cannot stand.
Also, the underling who informed to Varys on him?
Well, he found a new use for her.
The show is its own animal and may cut the lifeline to its characters at any time.
Luckily, it was just Ros.This week.
