Game of Thrones Season 5 Episode 5 Review: Kill the Boy
Henry A. Otero
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Well, this week we learned the fates of both Ser Barristan and Grey Worm. Sadly only one made it.
That's not all though, Game of Thrones Season 5 Episode 5 also put Jorah Mormont's life in danger courtesy of greyscale. I bet he now wishes he'd have taken another route to Meereen.
Jon "killed the boy" and Dany made her own very important move. I'm curious to see if reopening the fighting pits truly eases tensions in the city.
You can't blame Daenerys for being upset at the loss of Ser Barristan. However, I wasn't expecting her to take the heads of the largest families down to the dragon's crypt. She had to prove she meant business, and a human BBQ was one way to go about it.
Dany has lost her trusted advisors and Daario Naharis' counsel has proven controversial. It was nice to see her turn to Missandei for an opinion. I feel like Dany made the right choice for the first time in a long time this week.
I'll admit when I first heard the title of this episode, I thought Tommen's days were over. It turned out Maester Aemon gave Jon some of the best advice he's ever had.
You will find little joy in your command, but with luck you will the strength to do what needs to be done. Kill the boy Jon Snow. Winter is almost upon us. Kill the boy, and let the man be born.
Maester Aemon
Of course, that led Jon to strike a deal with the wildlings. I like that Jon said he doesn't want anyone to kneel before him. He wants the free folk to fight for their lives and Tormund agreed. Jon didn't want to get involved, but he's in it now.
Brienne worried that Sansa was in danger and I think that's a pretty safe bet. She's making moves and her message will reach Sansa before long. It's wonderful that the north remembers. Those moments make me feel like Sansa has allies.
Speaking of Sansa, I wasn't sure what Myranda was playing at when she led her into the kennels. There was Reek, in all his messed up glory. During that uncomfortable dinner, I got the sense Theon wanted to tell Sansa he didn't kill her brothers. That has to come up at some point, doesn't it? Perhaps when he's walking her down the aisle?
Sansa: This isn't a strange place, this is my home. It's the people who are strange.
Ramsay: You're right, very strange.
Yes, I love this Sansa. Everything she's been through (and Littlefinger's guidance) has helped shape her into someone who can hold her own against the Boltons. It's about time too, how long could she play the victim?
More than anything, Ramsay was worried about his position when Walda announced her pregnancy. Like Littlefinger, Roose knows that Stannis is coming through on his way to King's Landing. I can't help thinking Stannis is not going to make it. When you start liking a character more than ever, it's a sign his days are numbered. That's the case with King Stannis, though I won't be sad to see him go. I hope he takes a Bolton along with him.
The conversation between Stannis and Sam was quite enlightening. I forgot Sam's father was a badass.
Stannis: Lady Melisandre told me that death marches on the wall.
Sam: I've see it your grace.
Stannis: Seen what?
Sam: The army of the dead. And when they come...
Stannis: We have to know how to fight them. Keep reading Samwell Tarly.
It's odd that we're halfway through the season and the writing team is still setting storylines up. I'm hoping we hit some action now that Stannis is marching toward Winterfell. Melisandre's look over at Jon felt like she's in on a secret. She knows something about Jon and his future. I wonder exactly what that is.
Grey Worm and Missandei finally shared a moment, which was very sweet. I'm glad he survived and very curious to see where this relationship goes. He is an Unsullied, after all.
Tyrion and Jorah turned out to be a more entertaining team up than I expected. As they approached Valyria, it was clear they were courting trouble. When Tyrion finally spotted Drogon, I got the sense his long journey was almost over. Still, the attack of the Stone Men took me by surprise. Jorah was infected, but we know Stannis managed to save his daughter. Is there hope for Ser Jorah?
What did you think of "Kill the Boy"? Are you bummed by Ser Barristan's death? Is Ser Jorah a goner as well? Are you ready for some action? Did Dany finally make the right move and will she manage peace? You're up, sound off in the comments below.
NOTE: Game of Thrones Season 5 Episode 6 is titled “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken” and airs on Sunday, May 17.
