Game of Thrones Season 5 Episode 3 Review: High Sparrow
Henry A. Otero
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This week, we caught a glimpse of the interior of The House of Black and White on Game of Thrones Season 5 Episode 3. Yep, it was as dark and spooky as you'd expect it to be.
Tommen and Margaery got hitched and boy did the little king enjoy his wedding night. Meanwhile, the Queen Mother met with the mysterious High Sparrow and set a plan in motion.
Elsewhere, Tyrion convinced Varys he needed to take a stroll through Volantis... Not a smart move.
Jaqen H'ghar continued to speak in riddles, and I've got say I'd be pretty annoyed sweeping the floor for days as well. Arya might not know it yet, but this is clearly a case of Mr. Miyagi teaching the Karate Kid without him realizing it. You know, the ol' "wax on wax off" bit. She's impatient and needs to pay her dues. At least shedding Ary's things was a first step.
In King's Landing, Tommen and Margaery's wedding was fairly uneventful, which is a good thing in Westeros. However, the wedding night was a different story. I loved the way he kept asking if he hurt his new Queen and wore her out. What do you expect from a twelve year old? Poor Tommen, I hope his death is quick and painless, unlike Joffrey's.
Margaery is a pro, she's brilliant at manipulating kings.
Margaery: I want to know everything there is to know about King Tommen, first of his name.
Tommen: King Tommen... still sounds strange to me. Does Queen Margaery sound strange to you?
Margaery: So strange... husband.
Tommen: Wife. [both laugh] Sometimes it feels odd. I'm the king. I've married the most beautiful woman in the world. And it's all because my brother died.
Margaery: I understand, but it's not your fault. You know that, don't you? You mustn't feel guilty.
Tommen: I don't feel guilty. That's what's odd.
Not that Cersei's not doing some manipulating of her own, but who really has the kid's attention at the moment? When Tommen mentioned Casterly Rock, Cersei understood exactly what was going on. Her confrontation with Margaery was intense. It irritated me to hear Margaery call Cersei mother and offer her wine, imagine how the Queen Mother felt. She was bringing her A game, that's for sure.
Though I probably should have guessed it, I had no idea what Littlefinger's ultimate plan was. Nothing good can come from Sansa being married off to the monstrous Ramsay Bolton. I bet she regretted turning Brienne away when she learned the truth. Littlefinger is a slime ball, but he is most certainly teaching her.
Terrible things happen to your family and you weep. You sit alone in a darkened room mourning their fates. You've been a bystander to tragedy from the day they executed your father. Stop being a bystander, do you hear me? Stop running. There's no justice in the world. Not unless we make it. You loved your family, avenge them.
Littlefinger
I think this is the most interesting storyline Sansa has been given on the series. Will she kill Roose and Ramsay Bolton herself? Of course, Brienne is not far away, so perhaps she plays a part in the Bolton's downfall. I can't wait to find out what their fates are, and even fans of the books will be surprised. From what I understand, this arc deviates from the text significantly.
Speaking of Brienne, how heartwarming was her scene with Pod? Her story was wonderful, and we finally learned a bit about her background. Gwendoline Christie was sensational, wasn't she? I had been waiting for her to come around when it came to Pod. She's finally going to teach him to fight. I think that was probably my favorite moment of this week's installment.
Imagine how hard it must have been for Jon to refuse becoming Jon Stark. I love this confident Jon Snow, and how he finally knows exactly where he belongs.
Jon: I'm Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. My place is here.
Stannis: I'm giving you a chance to avenge your family. To take back the castle where you grew up. To rule the North.
Jon: I wish I could fight beside you. Believe me I do, but I swore a sacred vow the Gods would. I pledged my life to the Night's Watch.
Stannis: You're as stubborn as your father, and as honorable.
Jon: I can imagine no higher praise.
Stannis: I didn't mean it as praise. Honor got your father killed, but if your mind's made up I won't try and dissuade you.
The good guys don't survive long in this world. Again, I'm constantly worried for Jon these days. That said, he definitely put his foot down by beheading Lord Janos. That shocked me, but it was a nice call back to Ned and I'm sure his enemies will take him more seriously now.
I had been waiting to meet the mysterious "High Sparrow" the entire episode. When Cersei finally met with the man, it was curious he wasn't just some religious fanatic. He was humble and smart, a kind of Gandhi caring for his people. However, this alliance between Cersei and the man is a game-changer. I'm not sure what is coming, but you don't cast an actor like Jonathan Pryce in a minor role. The High Sparrow is going to shake things up.
Mopey Tyrion was getting old. Let's give him something to do! It was great that he talked Varys into taking a walk down Long Bridge of Volantis. This new priestess of the Lord of Light spoke like Melisandre, but embraces Dany as savior. Does this woman know who Tyrion is?
It took a while, but Ser Jorah Mormont resurfaced and he's got Tyrion! Will Daenerys listen to her ex-advisor? Will she and Tyrion finally come face to face in the next installment? That's a moment I've been waiting for so damn long. I'm hoping it pays off in a big way.
What did you think of "High Sparrow"? Any idea what Cersei's up to? Did the High Sparrow himself surprise you? What did you think of this Royal Wedding? How about Sansa's arranged marriage? Your turn, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
NOTE: Game of Thrones Season 5 Episode 4 is titled “The Sons of the Harpy” and airs on Sunday, May 3.
