Game of Thrones- S4E8- "The Mountain and The Viper" By Greg Hernandez

This was a heavy episode. For all of you who do not read the books, I give you all a digital hug. Sansa reveals to Littlefinger that she isn’t the same stupid silly girl that he first met in the capital anymore.  Arya has a good laugh. Tyrion and Jaime bond over good times. Ramsay becomes a Bolton. Jorah is banished. The trial combat delivers...let’s dive right in.

Throughout the week old school posters of the fight between The Viper and The Mountain had popped up over the Internet. Here's one.

See they're friends in real life. This fight delivered on so many levels. The fight choreography was exquisite. This was a highly anticipated fight. I had been waiting for this event to happen on the show for well over a year. Pedro Pascal, the actor who portrayed Oberyn Martell did a fabulous job. It looked as if he executed a majority of his stunts. Watching this fight made me giddy. Reading is one thing but watching it is a whole other experience.  The wide shot of The Viper’s crushed in skull and pool of blood was a great touch. Still, it does not top the close up of Joffrey’s purple face during the “Purple Wedding.”

For those who are hanging on to the whole, "he should have worn a helmet," thing please. It would not have helped. The Mountain could have easily punched his face instead. Crushing him was far more gruesome. Once again, the show takes it up a notch from the books.

Now, the reason should be clear as to why Oberyn stopped short of killing The Mountain. He wanted that confession more than his death. The Mountain is merely a pawn (albeit a very large one) in the grand scheme of things: Tywin is the big fish. Oberyn was after him. A public confession was the ultimate prize on this day. Oberyn won, lost and died. The Mountain confessed alright. What’s that old phrase, be careful what you wish for…you know what I’m talking about. Also, Ellaria Sand’s reaction was beautiful: Indira Varma, you did a great job. In fact, there were many priceless reactions throughout this episode that I’ll get to shortly. Ellaria’s final quote to her lover, “Don’t leave me alone in this world,” The Red Viper’s response is “Never.” Never say never…

The scene before the combat was very special and greatly important. Tyrion and Jaime’s bond remains strong, but it got even stronger by episodes end. Now for those who complained about this scene lasting too long are right. One caveat though. The only reason to feel that way was because of the looming fight: no doubt it is perfectly understandable to dart your eyes at the time and calculate how many minutes are left in the episode. Still, try re-watching the  episode and  paying attention to this conversation. The great thing about Game of Thrones is that you easily appreciate it. 

The metaphor behind the beetle can mean anything to you. That is why it is a metaphor. I like that neither of the two brothers had an answer for their simple cousin’s incorrigible behavior toward beetles. To me the metaphor has to do with senseless fighting. It only makes sense that it precedes the very fight in which the end result is someone getting their head crushed and the blood leaking out only adds to the vivid symbolic detail of squishing a beetle. The Mountain is not a talker.  Oberyn spoke a great deal during their fight.  Oberyn had his reasons for fighting The Mountain. What  are The Mountains’ reasons? He has none. He is simple, just like Tyrion’s cousin. The whole trial by combat ritual is a testament to the beetle metaphor. I also believe that the beetle metaphor is in reference to our world today: Why do we do the things that we do?  Who knows? However it is ironic that we do them, until we die.

(Show Sansa > Book Sansa) – The accelerated storyline at the Vale, yes, I do prefer the book version over the shows’ but how you can fault the show runners for this? Honestly, this was the perfect way to showcase Sansa’s transformation and growth in one episode. She displayed great poise when questioned by the Lords of the Vale. Yes, Petyr, a girl with no learning and scattered wits saved you from a trip through the Moon door. The look that Sansa gave Littlefinger and his reaction to that look were stunning. Those tear drops. The entire performance in that scene was brilliant. Kudos to Sophie Turner for a wonderful performance, the character on that show has grown every season. I believed every word she said, it was clear and fun to watch a girl become powerful on screen. She now understands her position and uses it to her advantage. Sansa has the leverage over Littlefinger. Her line, “I know what you want.” Best line of the episode.

*BOOK SPOILERS* LOOK AWAY NOW!

[In the book, Littlefinger is far more prepared. In fact, one could argue, too prepared. I believe he let himself get caught kissing Sansa so he could push Lysa through the Moon door. In the book, there is a singer present; who in turned is used a scapegoat – Littlefinger calls for the guards and has him arrested for the murder of Lysa Arryn.  Also, it is Lysa who after consummating the marriage with Littlefinger, orders Sansa to have her hair dyed black – In the show she merely covers her hair with her hood. Regardless of which version you prefer, they’re both interesting. Sansa’s storyline has effectively caught up with the books.]

*SPOILERS END*

Sansa is no longer a piece in the Game of Thrones, she is a player and a formidable one too. She has been proven to be astute. It is obvious that she has been paying attention to Littlefinger’s words. He has been indirectly teaching her. He told her in the capital that everyone is a liar here, and that they’re all better than her. He instructed her to use her strengths and understand her weaknesses. He kissed her, which exposed his own weakness to her: his muddled vision of her as  the woman he loved and lost come again in a younger version and also viewing her as his daughter.  He is predisposed to her. Sansa also remembers her lesson from Cersei during the Battle of the Blackwater. She has a woman’s weapon: the one between her legs, her looks and of course potentially poison. Littlefinger better watch out. For the first time in the show really, someone has gotten the better of Littlefinger in playing the Game. 

I do understand the perception the show is trying to achieve with making Littlefinger vulnerable. It is nice to see him sweat; the only problem though is that the build has been lost. It is too quick. This show survives off of big OMG and WTF moments – the books are far better in creating that natural flow, but then again what is natural... After all this is a show, you cannot get everything you want. 

Arya and the Hound reach the Vale. I was surprised that they got there so quickly. The tribesmen of the Vale gave them safe passage or failed to notice them? I thought they had grown braver since meeting Tyrion and receiving new castle forged weapons, oh well. Anyways, the Hound’s wound has slowed him down quite a deal. Without the fire to stop the bacteria from spreading, the wound will no doubt fester soon. The Hound will inevitably die. Unless of course he enters the Vale and receives proper treatment, I highly doubt that.

The opposite of Ned and Jon's relationship, but still similar. Ramsay becomes a Bolton. Finally, he took the Moat for the family and now he is family. This happens a lot quicker on the show than in the books as well. King Tommen helping out a fellow bastard, am I right? Any scene with Roose is a great scene. He is right. The North is by far the largest and most expansive section in all the seven – technically six Kingdoms. Ramsay the sick sociopath bastard is now heir to the largest chunk in Westeros. You have to hand it to him though. He is evil, but smart: the ploy of sending Theon – I mean Reek over with a peace flag was genius. 

Alfie Allen’s acting in that scene was intense. Did you notice how he slowly began to break character as he realized he was failing in his assignment? It was beautiful. I’m Re-reek. Now whenever someone asks you who Ramsay Bolton is – just show them this picture of a flayed Ironborn.

The Boltons are going to their new home. Hmmm I believe the true wardens of the North reside in, yup you guessed it, WInterfell. I loved how Iwan Rheon (who portrays Ramsay) played that moment of learning he was no longer a bastard. How he hates being referred to as that. He wants his father’s love and approval and now he has earned it. Afterward, you see them riding home and his sinister look is back on and he tells Reek to give him a bath. Nasty.

The Wildlings attack Mole’s town.  That shot of the water in the well coinciding with the man’s throat being slit was a fantastic intro. The image of the blood leaking through the floorboards – awesome! I loved the woman burping the “Bear and The Maiden fair,” song. Gilly telling that same woman to shut up was amusing. How can you make a baby stop crying – honestly? Ygritte can kill a few people, but a woman and a baby: you can both be spared as long as that baby keeps quiet that is!

Poor Jorah, your past has come back to haunt you. If only you had accepted that royal pardon, but no you have loved and lost again. I like that Ser Barristan came to him man-to-man to deliver the news. Yup, you will never be alone with Daenerys again. Tywin Lannister has successfully created discord in  the Mother of Dragon’s camp. I assume the final episode will show Dany discussing the infiltration of Vary’s spies. I loved how Dany did not even look at him after he confessed that the document was not forged and that he loves her. Her bear, her rock, and her closest friend – it all begin with a lie, a near fatal lie. If only he had confessed, and admitted his earlier allegiance like Ser Barristan did. Then we would have never seen that shot of Jorah riding away on his horse, boy was it depressing. 

Grey Worm and Missandei. I saved this for last because it was the sweetest scene of the episode.

 Finally, a couple we can root for! Oh wait, he has neither testicles nor a penis or as Dany puts it: “The pillar and the stones.” Missandei wonders if it is true, that Grey Worm is empty down there, because he is interested. Regardless their friendship and potential romance is a good thing to see on the show. This was a nice pay off for their earlier scene together. As complicated as it may be, these are the sorts of relationships and moments that can keep some fans from turning away from the show, too much brutality and drama can exhaust the viewers. The show displays some light moments to give it a bit of levity. “I am glad you saw me,” she says. “So am I,” he responds. Plus, we got to see Missandei naked. Pervert alert!

I give this episode a 9.7

It was filled with some brutal-light-hilarious moments, great imagery and awesome victories/defeats.
As much as we love fighting, that is not really what has made Game of Thrones famous. It is what leads to the fighting. The words are the true swords, spears, lances, daggers and axes – these are represented by the great writing of dialogues and monologues, which make it crucial for the audience to get an insight in to what these witty, dangerous and devious characters are thinking. The conversations are what truly make this show titillating. 

Best bits

-Did anyone notice Jaime glance at Varys before the fight started? Foreshadow!

-Tywin cutting off Pycelle was hilarious. Unlike King Robert who would have said something like, “Start the damn fight before I piss meself.” Tywin just waves his hand.

-Oberyn calling King’s Landing, "A stinking shit pile of a city."

-Jaime and Tyrion impersonating their simple cousin smashing beetles.

-Arya laughing hysterically upon finding out that her daughter has died and the Hound’s reaction.

- The Hound. “Family, Honor, all that horseshit."

-"Who would pass the bloody gate?" Well, “The Bloody Hound,” of course, that’s who.

-Tyrion wanting to smile when Oberyn pins the Mountain on his back. He looks at his father or sister or both, but the fight looked pretty much done before the beetle juice came pouring out.

-Littlefinger confronting Sansa after being exonerated. “Better to gamble on the man you know than the strangers you don’t. Do you know me?”

-Littlefinger dropping some serious spoilers on the viewers. “People die at dinner tables, in their beds, squatting over their chamber pots. Clearly the show runners are playing with the theme of spoilers for the non-book readers. They are also reinforcing the whole “All Men Must Die,” theme as well.

-Jaime has never seen Oberyn fight. I find that hard to believe…pretty sure that is a change from the book. 


Final Points

Jon Snow and the other members of the Night’s watch are in for a treat next episode. 102 fighting men versus a hundred thousand: at least they have the wall. Here's the trailer for episode nine, appropriately titled, "The Watchers on The Wall." This will be the Blackwater 2.0 An entire episode dedicated to mayhem.

Also, check out this neat bar reaction video to last week's episode - Viper and Mountain Bar reaction

What was your reaction? Let us know!!