Game of Thrones Season 4 Episode 6; The Laws of Gods and Men

12/5/2014

My first post in a new home our weekly look at Game of Thrones.
By Paul Fiander

I'm both a book and TV show fan, I have read the books all to date and so am coming to the table with some foreknowledge. However the wonder of the show is not just that they are not just retelling the book instead they are putting their own stamp on events. As such watching the show has actually spoiled the book in certain plot lines. I will try my hardest not to spoil any future events but as far as I'm concerned events in this and past episodes are fair game.

Justice served?

One of the key themes of this episode appears to be justice. Firstly we have Dany and her treatment of the Masters of Meereen. At first sight paying back the masters seemed justified but due to her rashness now the Khaleesi is stuck in a world where she can not know if the men she killed were rightfully executed or not.
The trial of Tyron is of course the other look at justice in Westeros/Essos his trial asks a question, where power is concerned can justice ever be served?

The Kingslayer Brothers

A chance remark made in jest by Tyrion in a previous episode is now a tagline of more than a few memes and pictures on the net. The name though seems apt if you follow Cersei's thinking and she has stacked the witnesses for the crown against her bother. Some are expected like the grand Maister but the appearance of Shae comes as a complete shock to her Lion of Lannister. Her testimony is an absolute nail in Tyrion's coffin, not only in what she says but also by the way she goads a reaction from him. His confession is dripping with venom as he confronts his father and the rest of the court, its an immense display from Peter Dinklage and shows why is quite literally the star of the show. He quite literally dwarfs everyone else in the throne-room and even Tywin is knocked out of shape by Tyrions demand for a trial by combat, I say everyone but one person seemed more intrigued than shocked.
Of course Tyrion has already had his life saved at another trial but Bronn was not at the trial and with his brother still not the fighter he was, who does he expected to fight for him or will he do it himself.

There is a problem though for Mr Dinklage, he may have some competition for all those televisual awards he has been receiving lately in the form of Reek. Alfie Allen's portrayal of the playboy of Winterfel Theon Greyjoy has now given way to one of the most stunning performances you are likely to see. In terms of emotional depth Theon has never really been shown as a deep person mostly just a jealous spoilt brat who thought the world owed him everything now though he has seemingly only one emotion that of fear. Its a very difficult emotion to act, some of the best horror scripts are ruined by actors not being able to convince the audience they are genuinely scared. Reek though even in his almost pleasure in the Bath still reacts like he IS genuinely scared of Ramsey, I feel its the best physical performance in the show to date and one that I hope is recognised. Of course a nod should also be given to Iwan Rheon the gentleman who plays Ramsey, he has the mix of a psychotic individual down to a tea. He is unnerving to watch on screen and feels he can do anything he wants, his power over Reek is immense as we know from the shaving scene in The Lion and the Rose. Tonight's episode though brought a whole new side to their relationship as Ramsey asks "Reek do you love me?" The answer is seemingly the Westeros equivalent of Stockholm syndrome. It's this attachment that defeats Yara's attempt to save her little brother so it seems the psychological war that Ramsey fought with Theon has been well and truly won.

A threat from Essos but not the one we were expecting

I think I can safely say the majority of the audience would love to see some Dragon carnage brought about the Armies of Westeros in the very near future. However tonight we had to make do with a spot of sheep barbecuing. The imagery of Drogon was immense and not a dark shadow was present as we got to see him in all his glory. Its nice to see where the saved budget from the previous season is going and in the city vistas of Bravos and Meereen we can see where another chunk of cash went. The Great Pyramid looks amazing and it's here we find Daenerys holding court. With the last remaining Targaryen seemingly intent on ruling Slavers Bay, the Essos threat actually comes from a Bank.

In a scene that mimics two kids asking a bank for a million pound loan Stannis and Davos are asking the Iron bank of Bravos for funds to raise an army and retake Westeros. When they are rejected Stannis true to his character gets up and leaves, so it is left to his hand to do the talking and of course hand showing. The passion with which Davos speaks for his lord sways the bank and they leave with seemingly a great deal of funds judging by the pouch that is bestowed upon Salladhor Saan. Now Stannis has the money it will be interesting to see what he does, will he go to Kings Landing to retake the throne for his House or will he remember the words of the Red Woman and the warning she gave as she saved Davos's life? Only time will tell.

Of course the main section of this episode was the courtroom scene. We did get to see a Dragon and a cityscape but I will remember this episode for the characters and the actors that played them. The assembled cast is doing a great job and I hope they continue giving performances like the ones on display here for the rest of the show's run....

Knowing the way the game is played I'm pretty sure they will.

Comments