Season 6 Episode 4 "Book of the Stranger" - "Book readers"

Nody

Pre empting the upcoming episode post by including some highlights from the charter. I'll try to set up each episode in advance each week; thread will be unlocked on Sunday evening.

This is ONLY about the specific episode! No information from any interviews etc. are allowed to be posted but book related information is allowed as well as the lore from the DVDs. Anything relating to interviews can be posted with a spoiler tag.


In addition anyone picking up 3 yellow cards will be banned from the forum for the current season; in case of serious enough transgressions the ban may come earlier than 3 cards

Thread will be unlocked on Sunday evening.

Liamalone

Things heating up rightly! That episode flew in, story progression on most fronts, hard tay whack. RIP Stannis then.

Also Starring LeVar Burton

Delighted that Sansa and Jono have finally teamed up to reclaim the North. Loved all the scenes at The Wall this week, but that dinner scene was fantastic from start to finish, with a nice bit of comedy and then getting down to the business end of things - great stuff.

Dany better make use of this Dothraki Army she's acquired, because if it's just another case of her gaining followers and then arseing about doing nothing, they'd be better off just killing her now and putting us out of our misery.

DM addict

Enjoyed it. Glad to see some Starks reunited at last. Seems like they're continuing to simplify and shufty along plotlines. Interesting to see Dany in charge of some Dothraki - a little surprised they all bowed down straight away to be honest, would have thought at least a couple of them would have objected.

That whole naked fire walking trick is less impressive without dragons.

SB_Part2

OMG what an ending :eek::eek::eek:

wp_rathead

Pink Letter!!

Have to say, for the first time in a long while, I really liked the scenes in Meeren- mainly down to Tyrion getting all political, but even Greyworm seemed pretty interesting this week

Delighted to finally get Stark (well, kinda) Reunion

Fair play to the actor who plays SweetRobyn- he really nails that punchable face performance

RobbingBandit

Damn guess dany doing her walk of flame means we won't get a walk of shame anytime soon. Thank the gods for the pink letter.

awec

Finally some Starks reunited. The Osha scene makes me wonder if the theories about the northern families are true.

Daith

Interesting seeing Grey Worm and Missandei this episode. It looked like they realized Tyrion was right about not being able to abolish slavery in one go.

The Jon/Sansa stuff was excellent. "My skin has turned to porcelain to ivory to steel" indeed Sansa. I would have liked Sansa hugging Ghost though.

Tormund checking out Brienne was hilarious. Her interaction with Davos/Mel was also spot on.

Osha Still she remained loyal to the Starks.

Still the fact Ramsey hasn't just killed Rickon is something. Will he try to make Rickon the new Reek. "A man might befriend a wolf, even break a wolf, but no man could truly tame a wolf". Also Pink Letter!

Ramsey has a new shaggy carpet at least.

Dany. Eh ok. To go forwards you need to go back etc etc. Ok, grand.

Baggly

And Littlefinger was using his gruff pirate accent.

wp_rathead

awec wrote: »

Finally some Starks reunited. The Osha scene makes me wonder if the theories about the northern families are true.

Ya if the plan was "We'll hand ye over, then Osha you kill Ramsay" then they're kinda fncked...
You know you've created a good villian when, after they kill one of your favourite characters, you go "Oh thank god that was a quick death she got"

Nody

While I liked the episode how the heck did Sir Blueballs with friends make it through all of the desert (months of time) and through the grasslands (months of time) without a single Dothraki spotting them when their uncounted millions of them out there scouting letting them ride up to their most holy location? I'd like to have had at least something of them killing a scout or something

Also why was her hair not gone this time? Last time it all burned up; now suddenly it's all remain untouched?

Overall some nice movements in plots though; it makes wonder when they focus on a few plots and actually let them develop and have clear connections to each other (i.e. we had Sansa, Littlefinger, John and Bran plot moments but they all relate to the same area and topics which gives cohesion to the episode).

Mr.Prodston

F*ck you Brienne!! Also that's what Tormund wants to do too :pac:

It was actually lovely to see Jon and Sansa reunited. If Littlefinger and Jon have a discussion about Sansa in the near future it'll be pretty hilarious.

So how about Dany then? She's certainly a calm and collected lady. No ounce of batsh!t crazy Targayren blood in her that could wreak havoc across the known world. Seriously, how are the White Walkers worse than burning a building full of people alive?

King's Landing is going to get wrecked isn't it?

Another week and no Dorne. Good stuff!

Baggly

Nody wrote: »

While I liked it how the heck did Sir Blueballs with friends make it through all of the desert (months of time) and through the grasslands (months of time) without a single Dothraki spotting them when their uncounted millions of them out there scouting letting them ride up to their most holy location? I'd like to have had at least something of them killing a scout or something

Also why was her hair not gone this time? Last time it all burned up; now suddenly it's all remain untouched?

I think it had ash in it, rather than burned up; since she hadnt spent the night in this fire like she did in the pyre, no ash in her hair.

Nody

Mr.Prodston wrote: »

F*ck you Brienne!! Also that's what Tormund wants to do too :pac:

Yea; I'd say that's the new love story of the north for comic release. A man who can respect her as a great warrior (which no south of the wall man ever will) who'll try to figure out how to woo her and ask John for advice etc.

Seriously, how are the White Walkers worse than burning a building full of people alive?

You don't come back as a ghoul? Also that shows how the ending will be; she'll set the world (well that specific continent as they appear to be localized) on fire :P

King's Landing is going to get wrecked isn't it?

How could Cersei's plan ever go wrong; all her plan always works out, right? I see a militant church occupying King's landing going forward but no clue who's going to take them on in the end beyond Dorne (as I assume they will refuse to march north so someone needs to beat 'em up before they join the fight).

awec

When Jon was reading the pink letter I was surprised by how calm Tormund remained.

Daith

awec wrote: »

When Jon was reading the pink letter I was surprised by how calm Tormund remained.

He's in love

RobbingBandit

Uncle Petyr just sounds so wrong.

Littlefinger better win the Game in the end when this is all said and done.

podgemonster

GoT has often been criticized (harshly imo) for it's degrading portrayal of women with it's various scenes with prostitution, violence and rape. However in tonight's episode we see 3 sisters overshadow their brothers in strength and one woman overthrown a male dominated tribe.

Sansa has become a strong and as determined as her mother. She will not let Jon ride south. She's been through a lot too but does not want call it quits and live a simple life like Jon. She wants what is hers, she wants Winterfell back.

Yara commands her scene with her broken brother who can barely raise his head in her presence. She is stern, suspicious and only eases when he confirms his loyalty. She has the makings of a good leader.

After weeks of isolation, Margery still has her mind. She tries to impress the high sparrow with passages and answers with honesty. Still alert still playing the game. Loras, a knight however has been defeated and worn down. He has been broken whereas Margery hasn't. She hasn't been sent to save him, his condition could potentially break her.

Finally Dany, sits and hears of how thuggish the other Khals were towards their wives. She stands in front of them as they jap about women and finally threaten to rape her before she burns them all herself. Not with Drogon, or sell swords or an army of unsullied. She does it herself and makes a barbarian horde once ruled by men who were the definition of masculinity bow before her.

Apart from Osha the only other vulnerable main female cast member this week was suprisingly Brienne as she was eyefúcked by Tormund at Dinner. She wants the T!!

I really enjoyed every scene in this episode. Still a lot of build up and plot setting but some excellent moments throughout.

Bastard Bowl is On
Clegane Bowl is On (potentially)
Kingsmoot is On
Get Hype!!

duffman13

Nody wrote: »

How could Cersei's plan ever go wrong; all her plan always works out, right? I see a militant church occupying King's landing going forward but no clue who's going to take them on in the end beyond Dorne (as I assume they will refuse to march north so someone needs to beat 'em up before they join the fight).

What I don't understand is why Cersei and Jaime are happy to allow an outside army in to there city to sort this problem. The Tyrells have very little time for the Lannisters and Cersei is happy to allow a foreign army in.

Reminiscent of the downfall to the Targaryan empire, let a supposed friend in and then get butchered in your backyard, absolutely foolish unless the Cersei has other plans.

kingshankly

Brilliant episode only don't like what there doing to Jamie compared to the books

Falthyron

duffman13 wrote: »

What I don't understand is why Cersei and Jaime are happy to allow an outside army in to there city to sort this problem. The Tyrells have very little time for the Lannisters and Cersei is happy to allow a foreign army in.

Reminiscent of the downfall to the Targaryan empire, let a supposed friend in and then get butchered in your backyard, absolutely foolish unless the Cersei has other plans.

I suspect that she knows more than is letting on. I reckon she knows the High Sparrow and his followers are up for a fight and will take on the Tyrell army. The Lannister army stays out of it and watches the Tyrell's lose a lot of their strength. Didn't Jaime say the Tyrells have the second largest army in Westeros?

sparkthatbled

duffman13 wrote: »

What I don't understand is why Cersei and Jaime are happy to allow an outside army in to there city to sort this problem. The Tyrells have very little time for the Lannisters and Cersei is happy to allow a foreign army in.

She's putting the Tyrell army in direct opposition to the sparrows. If they win, her problem with the High Sparrow is resolved and the Tyrells are weakened. If they lose, it's them and not the Lannisters that stand to lose everything and she gets rid of Margaery to boot. This plan is a million times more clever than anything book Cersei ever concocted...

Falthyron

It's also possible that Cersei is lying. We never saw Tommen tell her that the High Sparrow intends to make Margaery make the walk of shame. Perhaps he told her something else, but she is using this to finally get rid of the Tyrells?

Nody

Falthyron wrote: »

It's also possible that Cersei is lying. We never saw Tommen tell her that the High Sparrow intends to make Margaery make the walk of shame. Perhaps he told her something else, but she is using this to finally get rid of the Tyrells?

I'd agree; walk of shame is only done if you agree as part of your absolution. Margaery has clearly shown that she's not breaking down or admitting any guilt so I can't see her turning around but rather it was used as an excuse to get Tyrells to act.

duploelabs

"Come and see" had a serious ring of Red Dragon for those who've seen/read the tv/book/film

white apples

I still don't get the logic in the Umbers handing over Rickon, other than to buy Roose's help in fighting the Wildlings, which seems cheap.

Both the Karstarks and the Umbers now have seriously betrayed the Starks, and also the Freys. What 'Northern Houses' are left for Jon and Sansa to rally to help them?

Am I right in thinking that The Vale isn't part of the North?

Baggly

The Freys aren't Northerners ; they are Riverlanders. The Vale is the Athlone of Westeros - right in the middle there.

Plenty of Northern houses left; Mormont, Reed, Manderly, Tallhart, Hornwood.

awec

white apples wrote: »

I still don't get the logic in the Umbers handing over Rickon, other than to buy Roose's help in fighting the Wildlings, which seems cheap.

Both the Karstarks and the Umbers now have seriously betrayed the Starks, and also the Freys. What 'Northern Houses' are left for Jon and Sansa to rally to help them?

Am I right in thinking that The Vale isn't part of the North?

The Vale borders the north but isn't in it.

J. Marston

Pter wrote: »

The Freys aren't Northerners ; they are Riverlanders. The Vale is the Athlone of Westeros - right in the middle there.

Plenty of Northern houses left; Mormont, Reed, Manderly, Tallhart, Hornwood.

Really hope we get to see Lord Too-Fat-To-Sit-A-Horse.

Nody

awec wrote: »

The Vale borders the north but isn't in it.

Not really.

Baggly

Oh yes, the number 2 search result for 'Westeros map'.

Meanwhile, on the number 1 search result for 'Westeros map', it does have a border.

Mr Velo

Read a theory on ASOIAF forums which actually might just make sense..... Pink letter came from Smalljon Umber and not Ramsay. It would be great if that's the case....

Credit to Barty from the ASOIAF forum:


Pink letter!!! Loved it. Now I'm going to get my tinfoil hat on and come out with a crazy theory. Ramsay did not send the Pink Letter. It was SmallJon Umber. Wait just a minute and hear me out.
1. Notice how the letter starts with "You have let the wildlings through the wall and betrayed the North" - Ramsay doesnt give a **** about the wildlings. Umber does. Why would Ramsay start off with that?
2. No mention of Reek/Theon. In the books whoever sent the letter is adamant about getting his Reek back. There is no mention of Reek here. SmallJon came after Theon escaped so he would not know about Reek.
3. "You will watch as my dogs devour your wild little brother". How does Ramsay know Rickon is wild - Rickon didnt say a word to Ramsay last episode, was well behaved. Umber lived with Rickon for months and knew of Rickon's wild streak.
4. "His direwolf's skin is on my floor" - Not exactly conclusive but Ramsay got Shaggydog's head, not the body.
5. Lastly it doesnt sound like Ramsay at all. He calls Rickon Jon's brother. Ramsay has always been particular about Jon being a bastard (in the pink letter version in the books) and would almost definitely call Rickon Jon's half brother.
Its probably nuts and I'm giving D&D way too much credit if I think they can pull this off but you never know.

Mr.Prodston

Well I always thought that Mance sent the pink letter in the books rather than Ramsey so replacing the most likely dead Mance with an Umber makes sense, while backwardly jogging the North's memory (without my man, Wyman)

I wouldn't be giving D&D the overwhelming credit at all :P :pac:

OK episode. Had to recover from the worst bit of dialogue in the series when Sansa says that she's sorry she was such an ass to Jon.

Hopefully they send Davos to the Manderlys soon.

Also can't wait to see Ramsey stab every member of Jon's army and the Brotherhood. Because that's where they seem to be going with characters unseen in a while.

J. Marston

Liam O wrote: »

OK episode. Had to recover from the worst bit of dialogue in the series when Sansa says that she's sorry she was such an ass to Jon.

Hopefully they send Davos to the Manderlys soon.

Also can't wait to see Ramsey stab every member of Jon's army and the Brotherhood. Because that's where they seem to be going with characters unseen in a while.

"You want a good girl but need the bad poosy."

Hans Bricks

Am I the only one who broke their ****e laughing at Grand Master Pycelle's deliberate, smug and delayed sauntering toward the door ? Rubbing it in Cersei's face just before he left :pac:

Really impressed with this season so far and the way in which all these plots are moving along. This episode alone. Wow.

Mr Freeze

Even though Martin has stated that Dany is not fireproof, people are gonna go daft now that the TV version is.

I seriously doubt we'll see her storyline play out like this in the books.

I think the pink letter did come from Ramsey in the show, I wouldn't think D&D would bother wasting time explaining that later on when they might squeeze in some silly Tyrion scenes instead like the beetles speech or that small talk scene with Missandei and Grey Worm.

Looking forward to Bastard Bowl nonetheless.

ibarelycare

What an episode. There's been a lot of negativity in this forum over the past few weeks but I'm so impressed with this season so far. Can't wait to see where it goes.

RDM_83 again

podgemonster wrote: »

GoT has often been criticized (harshly imo) for it's degrading portrayal of women with it's various scenes with prostitution, violence and rape. However in tonight's episode we see 3 sisters overshadow their brothers in strength and one woman overthrown a male dominated tribe.

Do you not think that it all came across a bit Fan-servicey or deliberately made to address this criticism.
I think Cersei (or maybe the Spider) is the best surviving character and Briene is always solid but if I could watch the show without Sanse or Dannie I would be so much happier they just aren't compelling characters (or the actors playing them just don't have the chops for the roles or a combination of both).

froog

so dany is fireproof!

*hides*

RDM_83 again

RDM_83 again wrote: »

Do you not think that it all came across a bit Fan-servicey

http://imgur.com/gallery/nu2Mipb

Not really

Turtyturd

Episode had the best line of dialogue in the series between Jon and Sansa.

'I had to kill a boy younger than Bran.'

'I didn't know Olly, but I am sure he deserved it.'

I am enjoying the series but Ramsey needs to go. He was always pantomime imo but his 'killing of the week' is getting tiresome now.

RDM_83 again

bluewolf wrote: »

http://imgur.com/gallery/nu2Mipb

Not really

Counter point



This episode definitely fell into this trap. If your going to examine the show that way Danny in particular is a weak character, she isn't powerful and compelling because of what she does the focus is on what she is and how she looks.
Cersei and Breine are both strong characters (as was Catlyn Stark in previous series) because of what they do and their struggles and motivations (and the way they fail at those struggles).
Among the men John Snow is slowly becoming one of these type of characters and the B@stard is (albeit in a different way as we know he is being set up to be killed off gruesomely sometime)

froog

jeez the show can't win when it comes to women - show them being humiliated, the show is sexist, show them showing strength, it's just lip service to butthurt fans. how about the show shows both men and women being weak and strong at various points. you know, a show about human beings.

CMOTDibbler

Mr Freeze wrote: »

Even though Martin has stated that Dany is not fireproof, people are gonna go daft now that the TV version is.

He actually never said she wasn't fireproof.

Lastly, some fans are reading too much into the scene in GAME OF THRONES where the dragons are born — which is to say, it was never the case that all Targaryens are immune to all fire at all times.

TARGARYENS ARE NOT IMMUNE TO FIRE! The birth of Dany’s dragons was unique, magical, wonderous, a miracle. She is called The Unburnt because she walked into the flames and lived. But her brother sure as hell wasn’t immune to that molten gold.

If you parse both of those quotes, you'll note that he's very careful in how he chooses his words. Neither of those two quotes definitively say that she's not fireproof.

Mr Freeze

CMOTDibbler wrote: »

He actually never said she wasn't fireproof.


If you parse both of those quotes, you'll note that he's very careful in how he chooses his words. Neither of those two quotes definitively say that she's not fireproof.

You left out a bit of that article, where GRRM stated that she would probably not survive a similar incident again.

Either way, she is definitely fireproof in the show now anyways.

CMOTDibbler

Mr Freeze wrote: »

You left out a bit of that article, where GRRM stated that she would probably not survive a similar incident again.

Either way, she is definitely fireproof in the show now anyways.

'Probably'

GRRM doesn't paint himself into corners.

It could well be just a show thing, but the two quotes I posted above were certainly not definitive regarding Dany specifically and the 'probably' one doesn't make it any more specific really.

Jofspring

Ya I take it the show is saying she is fire proof. They changed it from the book to make it easier in the show to progress the storyline.

CMOTDibbler

Jofspring wrote: »

Ya I take it the show is saying she is fire proof. They changed it from the book to make it easier in the show to progress the storyline.

Those quotes are from well before the show started. 1998 and 1999 I think. They refer to the books. So it's not definitive in the books either. I don't recall anything in the books since the Dragon births that had Dany in contact with fire.

Mickeroo

CMOTDibbler wrote: »

Those quotes are from well before the show started. 1998 and 1999 I think. They refer to the books. So it's not definitive in the books either. I don't recall anything in the books since the Dragon births that had Dany in contact with fire.

Was the bit in the house of the undying different in the book? So long since I read it now.I count three instances in the show (not including the foreshadowing with the bath early in season one).