Season 3
Jon has been captured by the wildlings, Daenerys has escaped Qarth, and the Starks are scattered to the winds. The White Walkers are real, and they’re pissed.
Season 3—Episode 1: Valar Dohaeris
First time seeing a giant, Jon Snow?
Up north, Jon’s going deep undercover. We get to meet Mance Rayder—the King Beyond the Wall—and Tormund Giantsbane!! “I want to find for the side that fights for the living.” He’s not wrong, and he’ll continue that fight for a long time.
Meanwhile, I think Tyrion might be in trouble. I mean, he doesn’t look as bad as I had expected, but his room is smaller and even more people are trying to kill him. I guess that means he’s playing the game correctly?
The dragons are growing up, and so is there mother. Daenerys has made her first stop in Astapor, at Slaver’s Bay. Here we meet Kraznys, Missandei, and the Unsullied…who have no need for nipples. We’re starting to see the difference between Dany and other rulers. You can be dominant and powerful, but still have a soft heart.
Who Won the Week
Margaery. Stopping off to see the poor was a POWER move. She’s endearing herself to the people, and that makes her a real player in the game, not just a pawn. She’s also wedging herself between Joffrey and Cersei which is another baller move, AND her money is propping up the monarchy.
Who’s in Power
King Joffrey of Houses Baratheon and Lannister
Robb Stark
Stannis Baratheon
Balon Greyjoy
Mance Rayder
Best Quote
“King Robert is dead. I have been searching for you, Daenerys Stormborn, to ask your forgiveness. I was sworn to protect your family. I failed them. I am Barristan Selmy, Kingsguard to your father. Allow me to join your Queensguard and I will not fail you again.” — Ser Barristan Selmy
Character Deaths
No one.
Future Omens
Probably should have left Qyburn to die.
Oh look, it’s Kraznys. Keep smirking, my guy, I’m sure things will end well for you.
Season 3—Episode 2: Dark Wings, Dark Words
Bran aged, like, 12 years since we last saw him.
Oh Theon. You’re such a turd, and you absolutely deserve everything you have coming to you, so strap in for a season of Reek.
Brienne and Jamie in the Riverlands!! I would watch an entire show with just these two. Jamie’s still a punk, but he’s coming around and learning to respect Brienne. Her kicking his ass goes a long way towards that too. Yet another fight cut short before the finish.
LADY. DAMN. OLENNA. Good lord, the entire “Best Quotes” section should just be dedicated to her from now on. She gives ZERO EFFS and I am HERE FOR IT.
Who Won the Week
Olenna. You know I’m not giving this to anyone else. From here on out, she’s bound to be in the running to win each week. She’s sharper than Littlefinger and Varys combined, and she has all the money to back it up.
Who’s in Power
King Joffrey of Houses Baratheon and Lannister
Robb Stark
Stannis Baratheon
Balon Greyjoy
Mance Rayder
Best Quote
“The cheese will be served when I want it served, and I want it served now.”
“Loras is young and very good at knocking men off horses with a stick. That does NOT make him wise.”
“Yes, all Lannisters are lions. And when a Tyrell farts, it smells like a rose.”
Character Deaths
Lord Hoster Tully—Old age
Future Omens
Look. Lady Olenna is a straight BOSS. The omen here is that Sansa’s omissions here led directly to a certain purple wedding.
And we meet Jojen and Meera Reed. Important characters who help along the way, but I really want to hear from their father.
We also get to meet the Brotherhood without Banners; Thoros of Myr, another of the red priests.
Season 3—Episode 3: Walk of Punishment
Awww…Hot Pie!!
At the Fist of the First Men, the Mance and the wildlings show up and find the artwork of the White Walkers. There’s that circle again. Think it will be of any importance?
Jorah’s talkin’ a lot of shit to Barristan, which, I’mma tell you right now, ain’t smart. The interesting point to note here though, is the difference in counsel she receives. Jorah tells her that she should buy the Unsullied because they are loyal and don’t fall prey to the typical downfalls of men after a battle—raping, murdering, pillaging, and enslaving. But Barristan tells her that she shouldn’t need to buy loyalty, and that her brother Rhaeger was a leader because he inspired people to follow him. The reason those differing points are so fascinating is because Daenerys does BOTH. She purchases the Unsullied, but frees them, and they follow her because they believe in her. Later, they BOTH agree that she’s making a terrible decision in giving up a dragon, but in that, she makes her own decision…and it’s the right one.
Who Won the Week
Podrick Payne. I don’t feel like I even need to explain this. Teach us, Pod.
Who’s in Power
King Joffrey of Houses Baratheon and Lannister
Robb Stark
Stannis Baratheon
Balon Greyjoy
Mance Rayder
Best Quote
“Yes, all men must die. But we are not men.” — Daenerys
Character Deaths
Jamie’s hand.
Future Omens
“One way or another, they always get their gold back.” I believe this is the first mention of the Iron Bank of Braavos and, here’s a spoiler, they might be the key to the entire battle.
Season 3—Episode 4: And Now His Watch Has Ended
Well, you’ve got to hand it to Jamie… HAHAHAHAHAHA I’ll be here all week.
Margaery is cleaning up this week. In planning for the wedding, she’s buttering Joffrey up. She recognizes that he’s a raging masochist, so she plays into that, and works to build his ego. And in doing so, she’s also driving a wedge between him and his mother.
“Look, little loves, there’s a spider in the garden.” Varys has come to visit Lady Olenna to discuss the future of Sansa Stark. Both are interested in her well being, yet both for different reasons. Varys’ intentions still aren’t known. Sometimes he works with a Targaryen endgame in mind, and sometimes he works against it. In this case, it’s marrying Sansa to Loras as a defensive move to block Littlefinger. “Actually, I rather enjoy him. But he would see this country burn if he could be king of the ashes.”
And now there’s a mutiny at Craster’s. The brothers are tired of being fed bread while Craster is eating good meat, so they turn on him and kill him, and Mormont.
“What happens when the non-existent bumps against the decrepit?”
Who Won the Week
Daenerys. “You speak Valyrian?” I know we’re only two and a half seasons in with many more to go, but this is one of the best scenes in the entire series, and it’s not even close. With one move, she kills the masters, secures an army, frees a city full of slaves, and proves that being the mother of dragons doesn’t just mean being nurturing and caring. It means she’s a fierce protector, and you should NOT cross her.
DRACARYS.
Who’s in Power
King Joffrey of Houses Baratheon and Lannister
Robb Stark
Stannis Baratheon
Balon Greyjoy
Mance Rayder
Best Quote
“We mothers do what we can to keep our sons from the grave; they do seem to yearn for it. We shower them with good sense, but it slides right off, like rain off a wing.” — Olenna Tyrell
Character Deaths
Craster—Stabbed by Tanner
Jeor Mormont—Stabbed in the back by Rast
Kraznys mo Naklo—Dracarys
Future Omens
What’s in the box, Varys? By getting his backstory here, we learn of his distrust for magic, which is a key point in WHO he trusts moving forward. It also shows his willingness to play the long game.
Season 3—Episode 5: Kissed by Fire
I love that Ygritte has to play “chase me” games like elementary school kids, just to get Jon to break his vows. Cave of wonders, indeed.
This is a very “red god” centric episode. In the Riverlands we get the power of the Lord of Light being used to bring Beric Dondarrion back from the dead for a seventh time. In Dragonstone we finally get to meet the rest of the Baratheon clan, including Stannis’s wife, Selyse, a devout acolyte of the Red God. Who seems oddly okay with her husband sleeping with a priestess on a bumpy table, and who keeps…dead babies in jars. Cool.
We also get perhaps the best Jamie scene of the entire series here as well. His explanation of how and why he killed the Mad King finally gives us a reason to pity him and an understanding of how it shaped him as a character. Brienne sees this vulnerability as well, and it starts to create a lasting bond between the two. It’s the beginning of his, albeit short, redemption arc.
Who Won the Week
Jamie. An entire legacy as the Kingslayer, built on an assumption of guilt. Jamie’s story does a great job of explaining the duality of honor, and how it’s impossible to be truly blameless. Not unlike his speech to Cat about forsaking one vow to honor another, he explains how his actions saved thousands, and by parallel, how Ned Stark’s unflinching honor wouldn’t have allowed him to do the same.
Who’s in Power
King Joffrey of Houses Baratheon and Lannister
Robb Stark
Stannis Baratheon
Balon Greyjoy
Mance Rayder
Best Quote
“I was told you were drunk, impertinent, and thoroughly debauched. You can imagine my disappointment at finding nothing but a browbeaten bookkeeper.” — Olenna Tyrell
Character Deaths
Beric Dondarrion—Cut in half by the Houn…NO WAIT
Martyn Lannister—Stabbed by Rickard Karsta…NO WAIT, he’s reborn as Tommen Baratheon!!
Rickard Karstark—Beheaded by Robb, who can at least do it with one stroke
Future Omens
We also get to meet Stannis’s daughter Shireen, and our first introduction to grayscale.
Season 3—Episode 6: The Climb
I love that along Arya’s journey to find herself, she’s becoming a more efficient killer along the way. Swordsmanship from Syrio Forel, and later, the Hound. Archery lessons in this episode from Anguy, and that’s before she even gets to the House of Black and White.
Meanwhile, we’re getting a taste of what Theon is in store for with Ramsay Bolton. Spoiler: They don’t fly the flayed man because it’s a pretty sigil. Also a spoiler: I hope you’re okay with constant torture, cause we’re gonna be here for awhile.
In King’s Landing, Lady Olenna is not only a boss, but it turns out that she’s woke AF as well. She loves her grandson through and through, despite the fact that the realm looks down on homosexuality. They could all stand to learn something from her. Or we could throw them all off the Wall and hope they don’t hit Jon on the way down.
Who Won the Week
Tywin. Man I hate giving him the title, but his successful negotiation of Tyrion’s marriage to Sansa, and more importantly, Cersei’s marriage to Loras Tyrell, means I can’t ignore him. Tywin’s number one priority is his family’s legacy, but he has such a perverted way of prioritizing it. He’s not concerned with their happiness or power, just how they will be remembered after they’re gone.
Who’s in Power
King Joffrey of Houses Baratheon and Lannister
Robb Stark
Stannis Baratheon
Balon Greyjoy
Mance Rayder
Best Quote
“Chaos isn’t a pit. Chaos is a ladder. Many who try to climb it fail and never get to try again. The fall breaks them. And some are given a chance to climb, but they refuse. They cling to the realm or the gods or love. Illusions. Only the ladder is real. The climb is all there is.” — Littlefinger
Character Deaths
Ros—Joffrey’s target practice
Future Omens
Ooooooh that scene between Arya and Melisandre. “I see a darkness in you. And in that darkness, eyes starring back at me. Brown eyes, blue eyes, green eyes. Eyes sealed shut forever. We will meet again.” You know that’s right.
Season 3—Episode 7: The Bear and the Maiden Fair
It seems as if Dany has made an adjustment in her plan. Her goal is no longer to raise an army and take back the seven kingdoms. When they arrive at Yunkai, she says she wants to free the 200,000 slaves the Yunkish masters are holding.
In the Dreadfort, Theon is…yeah, no, we’re not getting into that.
Brienne is in a pit. With a bear. And a wooden sword. The bear is pissed. Brienne is gonna die. BUT WAIT!! Is that Jamie Lannister’s music I hear?! Jamie jumps into the pit and throws himself in front of the bear. He then negotiates her release and now we have another road trip.
You dicks leave Paddington alone.
Who Won the Week
Dany. I know, I know, this is about the point in the series where she gets mired in Essos, but she’s starting to believe in her cause and believe in herself. She treats one of the Grand Masters of Yunkai and straight up threatens to kill him and sack the city if he doesn’t meet her demands. Not the best negotiator, but she has dragons, soooooo…
Who’s in Power
King Joffrey of Houses Baratheon and Lannister
Robb Stark
Stannis Baratheon
Balon Greyjoy
Mance Rayder
Best Quote
“You pay me to kill people who bother you. Evil notions come free.” — Bronn
Character Deaths
Clean slate.
Future Omens
Sure hope you’re enjoying all that sex, Robb Stark. Something tells me it won’t last. Cruel bastards went and made her pregnant just for the show…
Oddly enough, Joffrey is right to be concerned about the size of Dany’s dragons. Tywin thinks there’s nothing to worry about…of course, Tywin won’t be around to see them get any bigger.
“The Lannisters send their regards.” That’s the first time we hear that omen, but definitely not the last.
Season 3—Episode 8: Second Sons
In Essos, we meet the Second Sons and the Titan’s Bastard. Seems like a whole lot of talk and not a lot of act…and he’s dead. Daario looks different for some reason….
We get a history lesson on House Reyne from Cersei in King’s Landing. Turns out, it’s apparently not cool to think you’re better or smarter than the Lannisters, as they’ll not only have you killed, but they’ll practically erase your family name from history. And then they’ll write a song about it. Cersei’s history lesson is meant to be a threat to Margaery, I wonder how she’ll take it.
So many weddings. The first of several to come, this one has Sansa, reluctantly, marrying Tyrion. Tyrion likes it so much that he gets wasted and threatens to cut off the king’s…he threatens the king.
Who Won the Week
Dany. Back to back wins for our girl. In this episode she meets Daario for the first time, and has such an influence over him that he kills the other two captains of the Second Sons and adds their number to her army. I’d say that’s enough to win the episode, wouldn’t you?
Who’s in Power
King Joffrey of Houses Baratheon and Lannister
Robb Stark
Stannis Baratheon
Balon Greyjoy
Mance Rayder
Best Quote
“A man who fights for gold can’t afford to lose to a girl.” —Daenerys
Character Deaths
Mero—Beheaded by Daario
Future Omens
Perhaps the biggest future omen is that White Walkers can be killed, and that dragonglass is the weapon you need. Damn that effect was cool.
Season 3—Episode 9: The Rains of Castamere
Oh. Oh man. This one is a doozy.
“You’re, like, a wizard.” Yes, Gilly, Sam IS like a wizard. Tyrion said it back in season 1—“A mind needs books, like a sword needs a whetstone”—and Sam has truly found his calling. His knowledge of the histories of Westeros may seem annoying to the other members of the Watch, but it has helped and will help hundreds and thousands in the future. Maester, indeed.
Speaking of wizards, up north in the Gift, we’re starting to see a glimpse of Bran’s powers. This time, he entered Hodor’s mind to calm him down. It worked, but we’re definitely gonna revisit this one. Then he saved Jon by controlling Summer, and Jon escapes to warn the Watch.
Another wedding, this time at the Twins. Edmure Tully is marrying one of Walder Frey’s daughters, in lieu of the one promised to Robb. After the bedding ceremony the music strikes up again. Transitioning from The Bear and the Maiden Fair, to The Rains of Castamere. Catelyn saw it coming, but it was too late. The Freys murdered everyone in the dining hall, and all the soldiers outside in the camps.
The Lannisters send their regards.
Who Won the Week
Walder Frey. I know, I know. He killed EVERYONE. But in doing so, he got revenge for being slighted, destroyed his enemies, AND made a powerful ally in the Lannisters. It was a despicable act, and a crime against the gods, but he did what he did to get what he wanted, and that was respect…and eventual control of Riverrun.
Who’s in Power
King Joffrey of Houses Baratheon and Lannister
Stannis Baratheon
Balon Greyjoy
Mance Rayder
Best Quote
“The Lannisters send their regards.” — Roose Bolton
Character Deaths
ALL OF THEM
Robb Stark—Stabbed
Catelyn Stark—Throat slit
Talisa Stark—Stabbed
Grey Wind—Crossbow bolts
Future Omens
I think the biggest thing to note is the development of Bran’s powers. Warging into Summer isn’t unheard of—Orell is just a regular wildling and he’s able to—but Jojen mentions no one anywhere can warg into a man. Add that to his greensight, and Bran is leveling up.
Season 3—Episode 10: Mhysa
At the Nightfort, as the traveling group is sleeping, a silent figure crawls into the room. It’s the Rat King!! Nope, just Sam. At least he passed on his knowledge about the dragonglass and White Walkers.
I love that the Hound’s only issue with Arya stabbing a man in the face multiple times, was that she didn’t give him a head’s up. You’re starting to see the fear dissipate. She has steel in her heart now, and there’s a LONG road of killing ahead of her.
In King’s Landing, Jamie has made it home and has his reunion with Cersei. Things are gonna get weird.
Davos helps Gendry escape, and as far as we know, he’s still rowing.
Who Won the Week
Tywin Lannister. It was a dick move, to be sure, but just like Walder Frey in the previous episode, Tywin cleared the battlefield of all his enemies and won the war in one fell stroke. He also punked Joffrey at the Small Council meeting, so props for that.
Who’s in Power
King Joffrey of Houses Baratheon and Lannister
Stannis Baratheon
Balon Greyjoy
Mance Rayder
Best Quote
“Any man who must say, ‘I am the king’ is no true king. I’ll make sure you understand that when I’ve won your war for you.” — Tywin
Character Deaths
That dick who was bragging about defiling Robb’s corpse—Arya stabby stabby
Future Omens
“If it weren’t for my children, I’d have thrown myself from the highest window in the Red Keep.” This is what we call foreshadowing, kids.
“Every time we deal with an enemy, we create two more.” You are not wrong, sir.