After what were two slower, set-up episodes, I had high expectations for a high-octane, exciting Episode 8 of Game of Thrones. I came away a bit disappointed overall in the flow of this episode, although there were some flashes of excitement (i.e. brutal killings) mixed in. I feel like the plot didn’t really progress as much as I anticipated except for the end of the Arya arc and in King’s Landing (with no trail by combat—more on that later).

(If you would like to discuss the episode, click here.

If you would like to discuss the episode with book spoilers, click here.)

Let’s start in the capital, where Cersei, Qyburn and Ser Robert Strong have a face-off with Lancel and some members of the Faith Militant in the Red Keep. With the choice between violence and volunteering herself to the High Septon, Cersei allows Strong to finally show his true strength and power and he completely destroys one of Lancel’s party. It is the first time that characters in the show see the Mountain’s strength. I can only assume they quickly rushed this news back to the High Septon, which is a critical point, as later in the episode, Tommen decrees that trial by combat is now forbidden in the Seven Kingdoms. I thought Lena Headley (Cersei) was fantastic in this scene as she subtly hides her fury for her son’s decree. From a plot standpoint, I am disappointed we may not see the CleganeBowl (read: book spoilers) but am particularly intrigued by the conversation between Cersei and Qyburn had at the end of that scene. It appears that my prediction from my previous article may come true.

In the Riverlands, we are treated to some classic Sandor Clegane butchery as he seeks revenge for his friends who were brutally murdered. The scene is made even better by his dialogue with his victims. Later on, Sandor finds his next target, Lem Lemoncloak, already with a noose tied around his neck by the real members of the Brotherhood without Banners, Thoros of Myr and Beric Dondarrion. We haven’t seen this crew since Season 3 and it surprised me that both men are still alive and are attempting to aid the small folk of the Riverlands, who have dealt with the brutal effects of war for several years. When Sandor was peeing in the river, although I didn’t think it likely, there was a chance we might be introduced to a certain someone (read: book spoilers) given where the conversation was going, but it appears to be just another misdirection by the writers of the TV show. For the record, as was discussed in our book thread here, I do not think this plot point is possible due to the timeline of the show. I’m just not sure where the BWB plotline goes from here, unless it was just a long way to re-introduce Sandor’s character.

Also in the Riverlands is the siege of Riverrun. This storyline had some ups and downs for me. Most notable positives were the conversations between Brienne and Jaime and later Jaime and Edmure. You can sense the struggle and conflict between Brienne and Jaime as they are on opposite sides again. You could really sense their relationship and concern for each other, which was built many seasons ago as the two traversed the same land on their way to King’s Landing.

The other good dialogue was the scene between Edmure and Jaime as the two jab at one another as they discuss each other’s affection for their families. Edmure loves his dead sister (Cat) and the child he’s never met while Jaime’s only care in the world is to return to his sister and lover, Cersei. I also enjoyed the reunion between Bronn and which was a nice comedic break between the two more-serious scenes described above.

My chief disappointment of the Riverrun plot was once Edmure entered the castle and called for the surrender. The Blackfish has always been a favorite of mine and I feel like we were robbed of an honorable, beautiful death. The show even made a point (multiple times) to show Tully was stubborn and unyielding in terms of giving up his home and the castle he grew up in. Why not reward the audience with an honorable death? At least he got Brienne and Pod away but personally, that is not enough to me. I would much prefer to see a man dying honorably defending his home from invading forces then have the death occur off-screen. (And, as the conspiracy theorist as I am, I can’t help but hope that an off-screen death isn’t really a true death until further confirmation. I tried to see if the Lannister soldier who notified Jaime of the Blackfish’s death was someone under-cover, but unfortunately I think I will be disappointed.)

The show got worse from here for me. I thought the Meereen scenes bordered on ridiculous, aside from the Varys departing the city for Westeros. My guess is he either goes to King’s Landing to incite some chaos or heads to make allies upon Dany’s return (likely with Dorne). The Tyrion Lannister Drinking Games for Missandei and Grey Worm have grown tiresome and just feels like wasted time, especially where every minute counts in a 10-hour season. We do learn that the slavers have arrived to attack the city via ship, which may set up a battle (either between the slavers and Dany’s dragons or the slavers and the Greyjoys, depending on their location). The return of Daenerys just lacked something for me. It felt incredibly cheesy and forced, much like the “Dany on Drogon’s back” earlier this season.

Another lowpoint was in Braavos with Arya’s storyline. Despite many internet theories, it was actually Arya who was stabbed by the Waif on the bridge. Which also means that the girl, who should be at least half-way experienced with the Faceless Men by now, was not cautious at all as she strolled along the streets of Braavos as confident and poised as ever. I thought it was interesting that Arya mentioned sailing the Sunset Sea to unknown lands to Lady Crane, though it seems like that was meaningless after her conversation with Jaqen about returning home. While I admired how the chase scene was directed and recorded, it just did not seem realistic considering Arya was gutted just a night prior. My chief disappointment with this scene, like at Riverrun, was not seeing the death of the Waif. Wise of Arya to use her recent-blindness as a weapon and benefit, but I feel like as viewers, we deserved to see the death of the girl that tormented Arya throughout the season. Where does Arya go from here? I assume we will see her next in Westeros next season, though from there, I have no idea where her plot will take us.

As always, I will have high hopes for Episode 9 as it looks like an all-North/all-Winterfell episode which will surely get the adrenaline pumping.

Chris Bacon
Chris Bacon

A graduate of Xavier University, Chris began his writing career as a Xavier Musketeers Athletic Communications Intern where he wrote previews and post-game recaps for men’s basketball, women’s basketball and other Olympic sports. He has worked in the sports industry in various capacities for over 5 years. Chris is a fan of the Xavier Musketeers, the Baltimore Ravens and the Baltimore Orioles. Other hobbies and passions includes Game of Thrones and, as an Eagle Scout, volunteering as a Boy Scout Troop Assistant Scoutmaster. Chris was born in Baltimore, raised in Baltimore County and currently resides in Canton.

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