Daenerys lording over Meereen.
Episode 6: “The Laws of Gods and Men”
The most recent Game of Thrones episode split its screen time between Stannis Baratheon, Reek/Theon GrayJoy, Daenerys and Tyrion Lannister.
First Stannis and his Onion Knight, Ser Davos, approach the Iron Bank. They press for a loan, perhaps their last shot at contending for the Iron Throne. Without ships or gold, their situation looks bleak. But as Davos drops a pile of newly minted coins before his smuggler friend, it looks like Stannis and the Red Woman might be back in the game after all.
Ramsay Snow is one scary psycho.
Theon’s scenes always make me cringe and this episode wasn’t much better. His sister Yara receives a package and letter from Ramsay Snow, with “Theon’s favorite toy”. Although she gathers the Greyjoy men to rescue Theon, she finds a man who’s lost his identity to “Reek”. He violently fights her attempts to save him. In the chaos and noise, Ramsay shows up with guards and Yara is ultimately forced to leave Theon behind, saying “My brother is dead.”
We only see a little bit of Daenerys in this episode, as she’s learning how to be a queen. Oh, and there’s also a close up of Balerion, her black dragon, roasting up and gobbling some mutton. No scenes of her other dragons, but this has got to be the slowest march on King’s Landing of all time.
Tyrion delivers an Emmy-worthy speech before his father and Kings Landing.
Tyrion’s trial was by far the most tumultuous scene of the episode. Beginning with staged testimonies by predictable figures, including Grandmaster Pycelle, Cersei and one of Joffrey’s ex-Kingsguard, it culminated with Shae’s shocking betrayal. We knew she was angry when Tyrion asked her leave Kings Landing forever, but we had no idea she would go this far for retribution.
After a damning confession as Tyrion’s whore, Shae lies and accuses Tyrion and Sansa of plotting together to poison Joffrey. Just when we were sure this spelled the end for our favorite TV dwarf, Tyrion stoodup and delivered a rousing speech denouncing the whole of King’s Landing’s corrupt populace, in addition to his father. Finally! Tyrion always knew his father was never fond of him, but clearly angered by the farce of a trial, found the nerve to finally stand up to Tywin, declaring he was innocent but wished he had killed Joffrey. “I did not kill Joffrey, but I wish that I had … watching your vicious bastard die gave me more relief than a thousand lying whores! I wish I was the monster you think I am. I wish I had enough poison for the whole pack of you. I would gladly give my life to watch you all swallow it!”
So much for a fair trial — Tyrian demands trial by combat.
Episode 6 ends with Tyrion shouting, “I demand a trial by combat!” Thoughts on who will fight for him? Can’t be Jaime since he’s missing his sword hand. Brienne? Prince Oberyn?