When you play the Game of Thrones, you play for keeps. That white bearded jerk on the Night's Watch learned that the hard way. This week's episode was heavy on exposition, but there was more than enough action to satisfy the bloodthirsty. While the politicians and warmongers try to consolidate power, the selfless heroes, the powerful men excommunicated from society, yet sworn to protect it, know that the Cold Times Are Approaching. They know the only thing standing between total chaos and the warm safety of the status quo is the righteousness in their sheathes. It only need be swung once.The episode starts with the Vengeful Little Girl giving up her quest and instead beginning a new life as laborer in a strange man's home. It's for the best, she's just a girl, and a little one at that, so we can finally move on from her storyline. And here's where the showrunners are brilliant, we go right from this tiny girl giving up her quest, to the ENORMOUS woman knight vowing to never give up her own. That kind of symmetry's got to be intentional.There were also some minor wheelings and dealings that likely mean very little to the show, a couple of people got married, a couple more people will get married, and the drunken dwarf turned down sex with a prostitute. Who cares. The pivotal moment of the show took place, again, amongst the soldiers, the guardians of world.If there was one overarching theme of the episode, it was that idea of righteousness. The Bastard found himself in a position of great power, and when he assumed that power he did not revisit his enemies with vengeance, he appeased them. He gave the asshole who has dogged him his entire time at The Wall a peace offering. When his power was questioned, it set in motion the climactic scene. How would he handle the spineless who mocked him for being a bastard, and refused to get with the program? With a show of force. He knew what few others knew: his power lies in that he is a fucking bastard. So when it came time prove his strength, and take his rightful place as leader, there was A-Rod showing off his oppo power. There is no such thing as a slump—save the bodies left in his wake—there are only less physically gifted ballplayers.
In the first episode of the season, we watched A-Rod end Mance Rayder's suffering with a mighty blow, and he did it once again, with that contemptible shit of a man. The white beard begged for mercy, for his life, but A-Rod knew if it was mercy he wanted, death was the only true and just option. After his triumphant blow he raised his right arm, in solidarity with Jaime Lannister, who had sex with his sister and also lost his arm. He was noticeably absent in this episode (like his right arm in every episode) but clearly an alliance is in the offing. We can only imagine the look on Cersei Lannister's face when she finds out.
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