Overall reaction:
Much like most of the season, "Second Sons" was another slow burn that was all about building character relationships and delaying some of the big plot twists that we all know have to be coming sooner or later. But even though some may be disappointed with another episode in which nothing major actually happens, there were still some great individual moments that should set us up for a whirlwind of a finale.
From Cersei and Margaery verbally jousting at each other to Tyrion finally snapping at his insidious nephew Joffrey, the latest episode of "Game of Thrones" was ripe with tension as our favorite characters try to negotiate troubled waters. And if the first two seasons are any indication, fans should be expecting some big-time fireworks as "Game of Thrones" wraps up season three in two more episodes.
Best moment of the episode:
Intoxicated and angry following his wedding to Sansa, Tyrion finally has enough of Joffrey's antics and makes it pretty clear he no longer cares if his nephew is technically the king of Westeros. When Tyrion makes a blatant threat to Joffrey, the most awkward wedding in history finally reaches its climax.
Plot Points (Spoiler Alert):
With the evil seductress Melisandre circling Gendry as a potential sacrifice for the Lord of Light, we're left wondering whether Stannis is worthy of the unbending Davos' loyalty. For Gendry, his rollercoaster ride continues, as now he at least knows he's King Robert Baratheon's son but he also seems to be in line for a pretty ugly conclusion with the shadowy seductress, Melisandre.
Contemplating the invasion of Yunkai, Daenerys accepts the help of a mysterious sellsword who can tilt the looming battle in her favor. Daario may seem like a threat to Daenerys' protectors Barristan and Jorah, but he clearly has a few moves that could come in handy as Daenerys forms her plan to attack Yunkai.
After surviving longer than any of us thought he could, Sam is still alive and kicking north of The Wall as he tries to control his fear and usher Gilly to safety. We always knew that the dragonglass Sam found had to have some value, but now we also know that Sam does actually have some courage after all when he fends off a white walker.
Arya has had some rough patches in her life, though being held captive by The Hound doesn't exactly suggest that a happy ending is nearby. Even if Arya looks like a child, her days of being naive are clearly gone as she heads toward the Twins for a potential reunion with her brother.
Cersei has never really been the compassionate type, but Margaery gets a full glimpse into Cersei's dark side when they're forced to make a public display together. Though Margaery seems to be making all the right plays to solidify power in King's Landing, Cersei reminds us that she's still as dangerous as anyone.
Completely lost in his father's plot, Tyrion decides to drown himself in wine instead of face a bride he knows despises his entire family. Though Tyrion formerly was the happy-go-lucky imp always ready to launch his quick tongue at anyone in his path, he is now on a bit of an unlucky streak as he is forced against his will into a marriage with 14-year-old Sansa Stark.
Grade: B
Connecting "Second Sons" to the rest of the season:
More than anything, "Second Sons" continued to reinvent characters and place them in uncomfortable positions that are dramatically different from last season. Tyrion was basically running King's Landing a season ago, yet now he's the least popular person at his own wedding.
Cersei isn't having any fun either, as she's next up in line to be married off by her father and her influence continues to wane. Though Cersei isn't used to having a female rival, she's clearly threatened by the cunning and manipulative Margaery as Cersei tries to grasp her fleeting power.
Meanwhile, Sam Tarly finally finds something worth fighting for after spending two seasons as everyone's favorite whipping boy.
After ditching Joffrey at the end of last season, The Hound has also completed his revolution from being the king's favorite weapon of murder to finally getting a chance to make his own decisions. Though The Hound isn't exactly a wordsmith, we're starting to find that he has a lot more honor and intelligence than we ever thought he had.
"Second Sons" also showed a version of Daenerys who has never been more confident, and it comes at the perfect time as she aggressively pursues her vision of being a conquering hero.
Things to look forward to next episode, "The Rains of Castamere":
Daenerys continues her maneuver against Yunkai, the Tullys and Freys unite in a wedding at the Twins, and Jon finally has to decide which side of the wall he's supposed to be fighting on. Each of the first two seasons reached a jaw-dropping climax come episode nine, so fans should be licking their chops for "The Rains of Castamere."
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