Game of Thrones Season 5 Episode 5, Kill the Boy

The episode opens in Myreen where Khalesi mourns Ser Barristen and Missandei mourns Grey Worm.  Hizdar enters and apologizes to Khalesi for the death of her noble knight. Daenerys is not amused, “He died in an alleyway by cowards who couldn’t even show their faces.”  Dario has a plan for revenge; round up all the leaders of the great families in town and make an example of them.

The local elite cower before Daenerys’ “children.”  Khalesi gives a wicked speech about being a good mother as the men poop themselves. (Happy Mother’s Day, ya’ll!)  She pushes one man forward and he is quickly cooked by dragon’s breath and eaten by the “kids.”  Hizdar tries to put on a brave face but he is clearly terrified. Danny decides to not, “over feed them.”

Sam reads a note about Khalesi’s rule in Myreen as Maester Aemon enters. “A Targaryen alone in the world is a terrible thing.”  He should know as Danny’s uncle. Jon enters and asks for a private word with Aemon.  Jon confides he’s about to make an unpopular decision.  Aemon advises, “Do it, you’ll find little joy (as Lord Commander).  Kill the boy and let the man be born.” (Nice to have a direct quote from the book once in a while, in the book Jon is fifteen so this statement makes a little more sense.)

Jon goes to speak to Tormund the Giant Slayer.  Jon wants to assess if the free folk would follow him the way they did Mance. He further reasons the role of the Night’s Watch is to help defend the “realms of men,” and needs the free folk to help defend against the true threat, the white walkers.  Jon wishes to gather the free folk and let them move south of the wall for their own safety and to defend the area. He gives Tormund the same speech as he did Mance, don’t let your pride kill you and your people. Tormund growls it’s easy for him to order a chained man around. Jon then frees Tormund and asks him where his people have gone. Tormund knows they are in Hard Stone, but still fears this idea is a trick to kill the Wildlings. Tormund insists Jon accompany him on this journey to a port north of the Wall.

Jon assembles the Night’s Watch for an explanation of this plan. The Crows are less then enthusiastic about helping the “enemy.”  Jon implores them to consider the real undead enemy. Olly, a boy from the lands the Wildings pillaged is horrified by the idea of letting the free folk into their villages.  Olly asks Jon privately, “It’s a trick isn’t it?”  Jon is frustrated by the  constant questioning of his authority and barks, “Winter is coming!” (Meant as a F*ck you guys.)

Podrick enters to speak to Brienne.  He offers, “At least Sansa is away from the Lannisters. Maybe she’ll be ok?” Brienne ruffles, “She’s in danger even if she doesn’t know it!” (I think she does know that much!) Breinne asks an elderly male servant if he knew Eddard Stark and if he could help her get a message to Sansa. The servant is frightened. Brienne explains she served Caitlyn Stark and serves her still.

Ramsay enjoys some post-coital banter with Myranda, the kennel master’s daughter. He is amused at her jealously regarding his upcoming nuptials with Sansa. He quickly turns menacing as he reminds her what happens to people who “bore him.” Myranda quickly changes tactics and bites Ramsay’s lip and the romance is back on. (50 Shades of EWW!)

Sansa sulks as usual. An elderly female servant tells her the “North remembers.” She tells Sansa to light a candle in the highest tower if she ever needs help. (She needs help!)

Sansa looks up at the tower window where Bran was pushed out by Jaime Lannister. Myranda slides up beside her and introduces herself, complimenting her dress. Sansa says it was her mother who taught her how to sew. Myrnada coos, “Its good to remember the way things were.” (Like before your whole family was murdered, exiled or lost?!)

Myranda leads Sansa to the dog kennels for a “surprise.” Sansa looks terrified as she passes the cages of snapping dogs. The last kennel holds quite a different type of dog, Theon Greyjoy. Sansa runs away in terror after Theon seems to warn her.

Theon waits on Ramsay and confesses that Sansa saw him today.  Ramsay asks him to get on his knees. (He’s already cut off his fun bits, what gross thing will he make him endure now!) Ramsay asks for Reek’s hand and says, “I forgive you.”

The most awkward dinner in the Seven Kingdoms is being held at Winterfell. A toast is raised in honor of the upcoming wedding. Sansa, totally ignoring Little Finger’s advice to manipulate her new man, refuses to raise her glass.  Reek enters with more wine and Ramsay boasts he has punished him for Sansa.  Reek apologizes to Sansa for murdering her brothers at Ramsay’s urging. Ramsay then suggests since Theon is her nearest living kin, he can give the bride away.

Roose’s fat Frey wife announces her pregnancy.  Roose announces he feels it’s a boy and will be the new heir of Winterfell.  This news twists the dagger in Sansa’s heart, but also pushes Ramsay’s position aside as his father’s son will be the first in line to succeed him, since he was born legitimately.  (Granted, I don’t think I could break bread with the man who murdered my brother and mother, but Sansa isn’t doing herself any favors by her visible contempt of the Boltons and her own position.)

After this lovely meal, Roose chastises Ramsay for his behavior at dinner.  Ramsay sulks, “I’m your son until a better alternative comes along.”  Roose asks his son why he never inquired about his mother.  Roose tells him the story of his conception. Roose had hung the woman’s husband and proceeded to rape her under his dangling corpse.  The woman returned about a year later to present Roose with his son.  Roose admits he almost just threw the baby in the river but when he saw his eyes, he knew this was his son. (Therapist’s would make killing in the Seven Kingdoms.)

On this uplifting note, Roose cautions Ramsay about Stannis’ upcoming invasion. “The North is ours, help me defeat him.” (I’m not sure there will be a choice to ignore Stannis’ invasion, but will the North fight for the Boltons?)

Sam reads in the library at Castle Black as Gilly inquires, “Is this all the books there is?” Sam explains there are millions of books in the world and this is but a small sample. Gilly apologizes for her ignorance.  Sam speaks of the great libraries in Old Town where they train the maesters. He adds he considered becoming a maester.

Stannis enters and Gilly scurries away.  Stannis addresses Sam, telling him he knew his father and respected him for being able to beat Robert Baratheon.  Stannis asks how Sam was able to defeat the white walker.  Sam is bemused but admits he was lucky when using dragon glass.  Stannis says, “Death marches on the Wall and we need to know how to fight them.”  Sam tells him he is trying to find more information from the texts at Castle Black. Stannis leaves, advising, “Keep reading Sam.”

Stannis consults with Ser Davos about their upcoming departure.  Davos is concerned about the Queen and his daughter accompanying them.  Stannis doesn’t dare to trust the riff-raff at Castle Black, and stands firm in his decision to go to battle as a family. (Even if they perish.) The King’s army begins to depart and Jon wishes Stannis a safe journey, thanking them for coming to the aid of the Crows.

Grey Worm lives! Missandei tends to his wounds as he wakes up to learn Ser Barristen did not make it.  Grey Worm is angry with himself, not for losing the battle but for being afraid. Missandei comforts him as Grey Worm reveals he was not afraid of death but of not seeing her again. (Aww!) They kiss in a way I didn’t know a eunuch could!

Khalesi speaks to her trusted aid. (Becoming a very small number.) She muses, “If I gave the masters what they deserve, I’d have not one left to rule.” Melisandre gives her queen praise for her bold decisions and tells Khalesi to trust herself.

Hizdar begs for his life.  Khalesi says, “I was wrong about tradition. I will reopen the fighting pits only for free men.”  She also thinks she needs to form an alliance with an old family of Myreen. She commands Hizdar to marry her! (This is a nice departure from the books where this decision is made for Danny.)

Tyrion talks to himself as Mormont steers their leaky boat in silence. “Long silences with an occasional punch in the face! The Mormont way!” Tyrion is super-grumpy at the lack of alcohol. “People who drink need to keep drinking!” The ruins of Valaryia appear before them. Tyrion starts to recite a poem about the doomed city, and Mormont finishes the poem.  As they look up, Rhaegon flies overhead.  As the men look up in awe, something is moving in the background.

Stonemen! (Or as I like to think of them,  southern white walkers but they aren’t technically dead, just dying a crazy awful way.) The greyscale afflicted men pounce on the small boat.  One grabs Tryion’s ankle and because his hands are still bound, Tryion jumps into the water. Tryion frees himself and swims away. Mormont is seen fighting the stonemen in the boat.

Mormont wakes up Tryion on a sandy shore.  Their boat is gone but they’re alive. Tyrion is grateful to be alive but observes, “I wouldn’t have needed saving if you hadn’t kidnapped me in the first place!”  Mormont asks if Tryion was touched by the stonemen and he says no.  Mormont says he’s okay to but as he walks away we see he’s lying.  He has a small wound on the inside of his wrist,  which will evolve into the dreaded disease.

Game of Thrones Season 5 episode 4 Sons of the Harpy

Spoiler Alert! My brother and his wife are visiting from the Netherlands this week. We were discussing GOT and trying to deduce if they were “caught up.” Unfortunately, my brother disclosed key dialogue and plot points of this episode! As one of those annoying book readers, I wasn’t too concerned with this in the past but now the series is taking its own path. I’m looking forward to being as surprised as a non-reader.  Please be warned, if you haven’t seen the episode don’t read this yet.

The episode begins on the shore with Ser Jorah Mormont busy securing a fishing boat to transport the still bound and gagged Tyrion. On another boat, Jaime and Bronn sail to Dorne. Jaime inquires which island they are sailing passed and is told it’s Tarth. (Hopefully he’s thinking of Brienne.) Below deck, Bronn voices concerns over the plan to rescue his “niece” Mycella.  He wonders why Jaime, who could easily have raised an army to kidnap her, has decided to go with just him.  Jaime can’t reveal the true reason so simply says, “It has to me.”  Bronn observes Jaime must have been the one who released his brother.  Jaime reveals it was Varys, and if he sees Tyrion again he will kill him for patricide. (It’s a little surprising, since there was no love lost between Jaime and his father.)

Cersei sits with the small counsel discussing the crown’s debts to the Iron Bank. Mace Tyrell is now the “Master of Coin” and Cersei offers to send him to negotiate a debt plan. (Also Cersei is trying to punish Margery by sending her father away.) Cersei also offers Tyrell Ser Myryn to escort him to Braavos.  Pyrcelle observes, “The small counsel grows even smaller.” (Meaning there are less people for Cersei to work at manipulating.)

Cersei’s next visit is with the High Sparrow. She encourages reforming the militant branch of the faith. (A Knights Templar type army?) Cersei states the High Sparrow, “the chosen” one, should lead them. H.S. replies all sinners are equal. Cersei purrs, “I know a great sinner.”

A band of black robed monks run through the streets and brothels terrorizing “sinners.” The warriors in this religious army are marked with a seven-pointed star cut into their foreheads. Lancel approaches Loras and they arrest him. Littlefinger’s brothel is raided and homosexual men are separated for a special torture. Olyvar flees, leaving his employees to death or permanent maiming.

Margery storms into Tommen’s room demanding he release her brother at once. Tommen is surprised and promises to confront his mother about the situation. Cersei denies any direct part in the arrest of Ser Loras. She chides her son, “You’re the King, talk to the High Sparrow yourself!” Cersei is also punishing her son for trying to send her away to Casterly Rock. This action will also kill any newfound happiness Tommen is enjoying with Margery.

Tommen travels alone to the Sept.  Religious guards block his entry, reporting the High Sparrow is busy praying. The King’s Guard encourages the King to force their way through the monks, but Tommen is no Joffery. Tommen demurs and leaves saying, “I’ll find another way.” Returning without success does not go over well with Margery. Tommen’s vague answers stoke her anger further.

At Castle Black, Queen Salsye speaks with Stannis as he observes Jon Snow. The queen sighs, “I should have given you a son. Not a daughter who is deformed.” Melisandre interrupts, “Scars mean nothing to the Lord of Light.” The queen leaves. Melisandre continues to Stannis, “You should have put your faith in me, not Ser Davos.” (Referring to his plan to leave soon for the North.) “What do you need?” replies Stannis prickling. “I need to serve my Lord.” Melisandre replies.

Jon Snow sits at his desk working, writing letters to Lords asking for them to send recruits to Castle Black. Sam suggests he include Lord Bolton and Jon bristles.  “He murdered my brother!” Sam reasons he’s the Warden of the North and they can’t afford to ignore him. Melisandre enters and Sam quickly exits.

“Come with us to Winterfell, help us chase the rats out.” Melisandre suggests. Jon recalls his Night’s Watch vows and says he can’t take part in the King’s war. She offers, “There are not wars but the war between light and dark. Let me show you what you’re fighting for.” She opens her gown to reveal nothing underneath. She takes Jon’s hand to her breast and coos, “The Lord of Light makes us male and female. There is power in life and shadows.” Jon tries to control himself, “I swore a vow. I loved another and love her still.” Melisandre closes her dress and before departing says, “You know nothing, Jon Snow!” Is Melisandre able to communicate or see Ygritte, or did she learn of the words some other way? Either way, she has succeeded in rattling the Lord Commander.

Stannis broods in another part of Castle Black. His young daughter Shireen interrupts him, complaining of boredom.  Stannis snaps back, “My father used to say being bored was due to a lack of inner resources.”  Shireen cleverly replies, “So you were bored a lot too?” Stannis wonders if he should have brought her with him. Shireen says she’s happy to come but wonders if her father is ashamed of her. Stannis tells her of when she was an infant and a Dornish man presented him with a doll as a gift for her. By the time he realized it was a trick, she had already pressed it against her cheek and contracted the Greyscale.  He explains some advised him to send his daughter away but he refused and instead sought maesters from all over the kingdom to help her. They succeeded in saving her life. Stannis states, “You are the Princess and you are my daughter.” It’s a touching moment and deep in his heart Stannis is a good person who cares for his family. He would make a good King but not a popular one. (Al Gore?!)

Sansa is visiting the crypts under Winterfell. She lights a candle at the marker of her aunt Lyansa Stark. Littlefinger enters. He tells her the story of how Rhaegar presented her and not his wife with a crown of winter roses after winning a joust. Sansa scoffs, “Then he kidnapped and raped her.” (Did he? It wasn’t clear in the books.  It seemed they loved each other and had Jon as the result, but Lyansa died giving birth.) Littlefinger reports he’s leaving for King’s Landing at Cersei’s request.  Sansa is disgusted but Littlefinger explains, “We can’t arouse her suspicion.” Littlefinger tells her Stannis is on his way to Winterfell.  Sansa wonders if he can defeat the Bolton’s. Littlefinger seems confident he can.  He wishes her “luck” with her marriage to Ramsey and cautions her about Roose. (If he only knew the son is so much worse then the father.) He advises her to use her feminine power to control him, and he knows she’ll succeed because she “learned from the best.” He leaves her saying, “The North will be yours.”

Bronn and Jaime arrive on the sandy shores of Dorne. Jaime is awakened Bronn standing over him with a blade. Then he sees Bronn swiftly killing a snake at Jaime’s side.  They have snake for breakfast. (Wonder if it taste like chicken!) This begins a discussion between the men of places and ways to die. Jaime is surprised Bronn wants to die “a fat Lord with my sons arguing over my fortune.” Bronn explains he’s had an exciting life, so he’d like a boring death.  Jaime’s wish is more universal, “To die in the arms of the woman he loves.” Jaime of course can’t say whom he loves.

Dornish soldiers approach, ending the men’s breakfast. Bronn figures he can take four and Jaime thinks he could take one slow one. The conversation begins friendly but quickly turns deadly. Bronn takes four of them but leaves one man for Jaime. Jaime nearly is overcome by the soldier but is saved by his golden hand, which he uses to stop the man’s sword.  After the melee, Jaime suggests they bury the men or it will arouse suspicion. Bronn will have to dig.

Elia Sand speaks to her daughters, aka the Sand Snakes. They are riled that Prince Doran will do nothing to avenge the life of their father, the Red Viper. Obara uncovers the exposed head of the ship’s captain,  whom they have buried in the sand and placed scorpions around. He has already revealed he brought Jaime Lannister to Dorne. Obara fiercely declares her willingness to avenge her father through violence.

Tyrion is loudly humming though his gag. Jorah finally relents and releases it.  Tyrion wastes no time requesting wine and telling his captor they are headed the wrong direction.  Jorah reveals he’s not taking him to Cersei in Westeros, but to Khalesi in Myreen.  Tyrion laughs and says that’s where he was going himself, and he’s saved him a trip.  Tyrion tries to puzzle out his captor’s identity, observing he is a Lord and has been exiled.  He guesses he’s Jorah Mormont and he’s been caught spying, and is hoping to win back Khalesi by offering Tyrion as a gift. Jorah, tired of this talk, hits Tyrion.

Danny stares out at the city she is trying to tame. Ser Barrister joins her and speaks fondly of her brother Rhaegar.  He tells her how he used to disguise himself as a minstrel and sing in the streets, and collect money. Danny never knew her brother and is always hungry to hear stories of him.  Danny is needed to speak to Hizdahr zo Loque about the ongoing issue with the fighting pits.  Ser Barrister leaves to patrol the streets. Danny says wistfully, “sing a song for me.”

Hizdarh states, “Today is the traditional opening day for the fighting pits. Without traditions there is nothing to unite the servants with their masters.”  Khalesi denies his request. (At her peril, as we soon learn.)

In the streets, the Sons of the Harpy are terrorizing the locals. The Unsulllied are directed, by the same prostitute who assisted in the murder in episode one, to follow the Sons down a narrow alleyway. Soon, the Unsullied are ambushed and Grey Worm is in the middle of the melee. He is wounded and then Ser Barrister joins the fight. But, there are too many Sons even for these seasoned fighters and they fall to die side by side.

Khalesi may need Jorah at her side yet. There are few people to assist her besides the mercenary armies she’s bought. True loyalty is much harder to find. What will she make of Tyrion? Where is Varys, still at the brothel? In the North will there be another unhappy wedding for Sansa? Will Theon be able to help her defeat the Boltons? So many questions, but I’ll wait for next week. (Unlike some of you pirates!)  

Game of Thrones, Season 5 episode 3, High Sparrow

The episode opens in the “House of Black and White” where Arya is gloomily sweeping the floor.  A man is kneeling before a pool seeking counsel from Jaqen H’Ghar. He takes a drink, only to lose his life moments later.

Cersei rides a carriage to the temple in Kings Landing to the people’s shouts, “Queen Margery, Queen Margery!”  Tommen and Margery marry in a subdued wedding ceremony.  This shifts things in a different direction from the books.  At least the virgin, (yeah right!) twice-widowed tart from High Garden gets her king.  It’s a little disturbing to watch these “teens” romping around naked, but at least it’s not rape and murder for five minutes.  Margery plies the young lad with compliments that make it clear it’s not her first ride at the rodeo. She wastes no time burrowing in to Tommen’s innocent mind by saying disparaging things about his mother. “A lioness will never let her cub out of her sight!”  Is she trying to get sweet King Tommen to banish her somewhere?

The next scene is of Tommen asking his mother if she misses Casterly Rock and wouldn’t she be happier there? Cersei assures him she has no intention of going anywhere. Tommen is a teenage boy and while he says he wants his mother to be happy, he also wants her to keep the heck out of his newfound mojo.  It is not clear what the proper age is to assume the throne, again, in the books he was not yet married to Margery and Cersei wielded more power over the “Heir Apparent” and his fiancé.

Cersei interrupts Margery, as she is spilling her wedding night secrets to her ladies in waiting.  Cersei takes her in arm and feigns friendship.  Margery wastes no time letting the Queen Mother know her diminished significance. " Margery coos.

Theon lurks in the shadows of the Bolton’s Winterfell.  Flayed bodies swing in the breeze including a woman. It’s unclear the state of Theon’s mind, he doesn’t say a word. Roose Bolton counsels his newly “de-bastarderized” son Ramsay, “You can’t rule the North on fear alone.” Ramsay brags he skinned the family seen swinging alive because they failed to recognize him as the ruler of the North.  Roose tells his son he’ll need to forge alliances and the best way is through marriage.

Littlefinger and Sansa look down on the ruin of Moat Caitlin.  Sansa knows they are heading back to Winterfell.  Littlefinger says he’s arranged a marriage for her, to Ramsay Bolton. (This is another huge departure from the books, in which Sansa’s friend was passed off as the missing Arya Stark.)  Poor Sansa, first she fell for pyscho Joffery, then was married to the Imp, forced to flee as a fugitive and now she’s betrothed to the biggest psycho in the Seven Kingdoms!  Littlefinger urges her to take a page from his playbook and try to manipulate the situation to her advantage. “Avenge them!” He says.

Brienne and Podrick are close on Sansa’s trail near Moat Caitlin.  Brienne asks Podrick how he came to be a squire for the Imp.  Podrick was saved by his father’s name when he was about to be executed as a thief.  (His father was the executioner who beheaded Ned Stark.) Brienne shares her story; she was the only child of a wealthy Lord. In order to find her a suitable husband, her father held a ball.  Brienne was a tall and awkward girl, but that night she felt beautiful until she realized all the princes were laughing at her.  Only Renly Baratheon stood up for her and saved her from cruel princes.  Breinne swore her loyalty to Renly because he protected her, and she grieves she was not able to protect him.  Breinne has sworn to avenge Renly’s death; Podrick asks how can she avenge a “shadow.” Breinne says it was a shadow but it had the face of Stannis Baratheon.

At Castle Black, newly elected Commander Jon Snow meets with Stannis. Jon declines the king’s offer to make him a Stark and exert influence Stannis will need to gain the Iron Throne.  Stannis observes Jon is stubborn, like his father Ned. Jon takes that as a compliment.  Jon asks how long the King intends to stay at Castle Black. (Provisions are running low to serve the King’s men and the refugee Wildlings.) “Winter is coming!”  Jon notes for the first time this season.  Stannis is planning on leaving soon, and will leave the fate of the refugee Wildlings up to Jon.

Ser Davos tries to counsel the young Lord Commander.  He advises Jon to exile Ser Allister to the seaside Night’s Watch outpost of Eastward-by-the Sea. (Sounds so delightful British.) Davos sees something in Jon and observes the North will not be at peace as long as the Bolton’s rule at Winterfell.

A young woman interrogates Arya by asking her repeatedly, “Who are you?”  Arya tries to give the “right answer”, “No one.”  The girl, Nan, is not impressed.  The man appearing as Jaqen H’Ghar observes, “No one has quite a lot of things belonging to Sansa Stark.”

Arya appears dressed in the black and white robes as she tosses her old clothes. But, Arya pauses as she holds Needle and is unable to toss away her last link to Jon and her family.  Alternatively, she stashes Needle in the rocks by the water.  Back inside she returns to sweeping the temple.  Nan signals her to assist with washing a corpse. This is a taboo in many cultures and represents a step towards her shedding her anger and pain.

Sansa returns to Winterfell and is formally introduced to Ramsay.  Sansa seethes at having to be polite to her brother and mother’s executioner, Roose Bolton. Littlefinger introduces himself to Ramsay admitting he doesn’t know that much about him.  Given Littlefinger’s mastery of all things political this seems to be a grievous oversight.  It may even prove fatal for Sansa. (The rumor is out one of the living characters in the book will die in the series.)

Lord Commander Snow is trying to delegate the myriad of tasks to the unruly Crows.  Sam notes Maester Aemon is unwell and cannot attend the meeting. The urgent matter of bathroom trenches is discussed and Jon shares in the laughter with his brothers.  The atmosphere changes abruptly when Jon assigns Janos Slynt to re-occupy the Crow’s fort at Greyguard. Janos, being a former City Guard Commander and Lord doesn’t take kindly to being ordered by a bastard.  Janos insults Jon directly and Jon realizes this insubordination will not set a precedent in his new leadership. Jon orders Janos outside and calls for his sword, Backbiter.  Stannis looks on proudly as he witnesses Jon behead Janos even after the coward pleads for mercy.

Back in Kings Landing, the High Septon is conducting a “special ceremony” with seven naked women representing the Seven.  His Highness is about to make his selection when a group of Sparrows comes in and drags him out of the brothel.  They proceed to beat him and parade him nude through the streets.

The High Septon, now thankfully clothed, has an audience with Cersie and the small council, to discuss his outrage with the “interference” by the group calling themselves the Sparrows.  He demands Cersei execute their leader the High Sparrow.

Cersei goes to “Flea’s Bottom” to find the High Sparrow, serving the poor food.  He is humble and shoeless.  He deduces the reason for her visit, “The gods have sent you here to tempt me or to arrest me.”  Cersei decides she maybe able to use him and replies, “The Crown and the Faith need to protect one another.”  The reason could be she senses this man presents less a threat to her than the pompous High Septon.  He may also keep the poor focused on religion and not politics.

Upon her return to the castle, Cersei asks Qyburn to send an urgent message to Littlefinger.  Qyburn was preforming some sort of gruesome experiment prior to Cersei’s interruption.  Was he possibly trying his hand at necromancy? (There has to be a good reason he was stripped of his maester’s chain.)

Ramsay Bolton assures Littlefinger he won’t hurt Sansa. Papa Bolton interrupts and asks to speak with Littlefinger privately.  Littlefinger assures Roose Sansa is a maiden. Roose is more concerned with Littlefinger’s ties to the Lannisters. The message from Cersei was received. (That must be one fast raven!)  Littlefinger reveals his plan is to rule the Eyrie.  Tywin’s death weakens the influence of the Lannisters, especially their influence beyond King’s Landing. Roose and Littlefinger, both being cunning traitors, don’t trust one another.

Tyrion is going bananas on the endless road to Volantis. He begs Varys, “I need to get out of this wheelhouse!” In simple clothes, Tyrion and Varys leave the carriage in search of a brothel.  They come upon a slave market where there is a constant flow of people and commerce.  In the middle of the chaos an attractive Asian woman preaches about the Lord of Light.  Her face marks her as a former slave/prostitute. She speaks about the “Stone Men,” or those afflicted with greyscale. (In the books, this disease is nearly always fatal, with the strange exception of Stannis’s daughter. Did the Lord of Light heal her? It would make her parents devotion understandable.) The woman makes brief eye contact with Tyrion and he flees.

In the brothel there are several prostitutes dressed as Khalesi, who is quite a hero in this slaving city. Johar Mormont drinks in the corner and spies Tyrion.  Tyrion flirts with a dark haired “Khalesi,” but suddenly realizes he has no desire for her. “No one is more shocked about this then me!”  He exclaims and hastens to “see a man about a horse.”

Tyrion is enjoying peeing off a bridge, when Mormont sneaks up behind him with a rope and captures him. “I’m taking you to see the Queen!” He sneers.  Does he hope Khalesi will forgive him if he can bring her a hated Lannister?  Unfortunately, have to wait another week to find out!

The Americans Season 3 Finale: March 8, 1983

The title of the episode comes from Ronald Reagan’s famous speech declaring the Soviet Union to be “The Evil Empire” and framing the Cold War as an epic battle between good and evil.  The Americans often blurs the lines of morality and criminality.  But, often the actions of our protagonists are evil, justified by blind nationalism. Stan murdered Vlad, Phillip and Elizabeth have killed numerous people in their efforts to protect their ideals.  With Paige newly initiated to the grim reality that the world is not black and white, the adults challenge is to make her believe in ideals over reality.  Or, will Paige simply call her parents out for what they are, treasonous criminals who’ve harmed HER country of origin.

The final episode begins with Paige and Elizabeth about to depart for a trip to West Germany.  Phillip and Henry see them off, as Phillip explains the trip is due to some free tickets available from their travel agency.  As Phillip embraces Elizabeth he whispers, “I’m sorry I’ll never get the chance to meet her.” Elizabeth replies, “She wouldn’t have liked you.” Sweet.

Phillip meets Yousef in an abandoned industrial area.  Yousef states the murderous mujahedeen’s actions have spooked the CIA from further collaboration.  Yousef observes this makes Annalise’s death worth it, because it achieved the objective. Yousef asks pointedly, “Was it worth it?” Phillip begins with the idealist argument that her life saved many other Soviet young men from being killed in the conflict. But then Phillip stops, and adds truthfully, “I feel like shit, all the time.”  Phillip’s detached façade is slipping.

The Russian embassy staff is meeting.  There is a new directive prohibiting assassinations or threatened assassinations not cleared with Moscow. This is a response to Oleg’s “visit” to Zianda.  Oleg looks uncomfortable.  It’s unclear whether anyone knows he collaborated with Beeman to put pressure on Zianda.

Sandra and Stan are busy at the house sorting and dividing their shared property. Stan wants the plants.  Sandra is surprised since he’s never taken care of them before.  Stan insists he’s nurtured them and even purchased plant food. She lets him keep a plant.  Sandra looks at the photo albums and Stan offers to make another set so they both can have them.  Sandra opens the wedding album and promptly shuts it and says he can keep it.  Stan looks hurt and angry that she doesn’t want it.

It’s night in West Berlin and Paige and Elizabeth walk on nearly empty streets.  Paige asks if they can talk here. (Remembering the stern warnings not to talk about their jobs unless they are alone.) Paige asks if her grandmother knows she’s coming and what her grandmother is like. Elizabeth replies, “ She’s tough, not like grandmothers you know.”  Paige says she knows some tough grandmothers. Elizabeth is distracted and Paige notices.  Elizabeth explains she’s checking to see if they are being followed.  Paige seems surprised and nervous about this.  Elizabeth explains she just needs to be cautious when she’s working.  Paige asks if she’s working. Elizabeth replies, “Sort of.”

Gabriel is upset to learn Phillip arranged the trip to see Elizabeth’s mother. Phillip states, “I’m getting done what I need to get done.” This statement sounds ominous, like Phillip doesn’t believe there is much time before they are caught.  Gabriel replies, “You’re not looking ahead.  You need to grow up.”

Beeman and Oleg meet privately.  Oleg explains Zianda must have got a message through because there are new rules regarding assassinations and threats.  Stan is frustrated at their lack of progress. Stan asks, “What is it like, for Nina?”  Oleg explains the despair of the Siberian gulag, even after long imprisonments, some prisoners’ stay on in the towns and die there.  Stan wonders if Nina were to see him if she wouldn’t “put a bullet in my head.”

Anton is brainstorming with the assistance of the new photographic information obtained from Northrop.  Nina observes his work.  Anton says, “I don’t understand it but it’s exciting. All I have left is my mind.  They have my body but my mind is free. Understand?” Nina nods.

Stan approaches Agent Gaad privately.  Stan asks if he remembers when Nina was convicted then slides him a tape of Oleg confirming Zianda is a spy.  Gaad asks, “Who does he say this to?”  Stan reveals that Oleg discovered his affair with Nina in the months preceding her arrest.  Stan admits he’s been working with Oleg at first because he was blackmailing him, and now to help free Nina.

Gaad is incredulous. “Do you care about the FBI? Did you place the bug in my office?” It’s a fair question.  Stan says he thinks he could turn Oleg, which would be a huge asset for the Bureau. Gaad asks him pointedly why should he trust Stan in light of these revelations. Stan pleads with him that he owes it to Nina. Gaad walks out speechless.

Phillip is at Est, alone, listening to a woman discuss intimate details of her sex life. Phillip stares blankly at nothing.  Sandra catches up with Phillip after the session. She’s surprised to see him there without Stan.  Phillip is secretive about his presence.  Is he there for himself or to try to get close to Sandra?

Elizabeth and Paige wait in a hotel room in East Germany where Elizabeth’s mom is scheduled to meet them. The door opens and Elizabeth’s mother is wheeled in, looking shrunken and pale. Elizabeth approaches her and the tears flow. “All this time is gone.” She says in Russian. “I had to let you go, everything was at stake.”

After a moment, she sees Paige who comes over and holds her hand.  The pain and emotion of the scene could have easily been trite had it not been done silently.  The pain and separation is shared among the three generations of women.

Zianda rides in a motorized cart with top military officials.  They are confronted by a gaggle of FBI officers.  Zianda looks concerned, but not surprised. Stan is not part of the arresting detail.

Elizabeth looks out the window to watch her mom leave, knowing she is seeing her for the last time. Paige looks introspective and tells Elizabeth she is praying for her mom. Elizabeth slides down to sit on the bathroom floor looking pale and weak.

Agent Gaad informs Beeman he’s just spent an hour and a half with the FBI director and has managed to get the investigation of Agent Beeman dismissed.  Gaad states Zianda has been arrested and will be “traded” for a high level CIA agent in the Soviet Union, not Nina.

Paige asks Elizabeth how her mom was able to let her leave, knowing it was likely permanent? Paige inquires further, “Would you let me do that?” Elizabeth assures her she would never have to make a choice like hers.  But is Paige thinking running away from her family is an option?  It may be a better choice then trying to live a life of deception.

Phillip waits at Gene’s house. He idly plays with his collection of toys and robots.  As Gene returns, he gets a “chloroform hug” from Phillip.  Phillip accesses his computer (a Commodore 64 just like my brother’s!) and types a simple message. “I had no choice, sorry.” Gene is seen hanging from the ceiling.  Phillip planted a listening device in the apartment so that it appears Gene was the one who bugged Gaad’s office. This action should make Martha’s life easier.

Agent Beeman is summoned to the “vault” for a chat with Gaad’s superior.  The boss recalls that Beeman has complained about the amount of “red tape” in the agency. He observes that twice Beeman has been caught dealing with the Soviets without repercussions.  He orders him to go ahead working with Oleg as an asset.  Beeman asks if this will get Nina released. His boss says,  “That I can’t do, you’ll figure it out.”

Phillip is back at Est where a man is describing his failed marriage. The facilitator opines that feelings are as important as your intellect.  After the session, Phillip finds Sandra again. Phillip asks if she talks to her boyfriend about these issues. Sandra admits they are having some problems but begs him not to tell Stan. (She doesn’t want him to think he may still have a chance at reconciliation.)  She wonders why Phillip was taking this course on sexual issues. Phillip assures her everything is fine between him and Elizabeth.  Sandra adds that the course helps her to be “open” and she’s not sure if she’s really been open in her relationships.  Phillip says Elizabeth is the only one who really knows him.  Sandra suggests they try an experiment to tell each other everything over the next month.  Phillip isn’t sure he could do that. (Without being hauled to prison!)  Sandra decides they should try this even if it’s “scary.”

Anton is writing a letter to his son Jacob when Nina knocks at the door.  Nina asks what he’s writing but Anton refuses to say.  Nina asks him if he knows why they brought her to him. Nina reflects she can’t keep “buying back my life.” Anton urges her not to cooperate with “their way” and to resist the temptations they use to manipulate her.  Nina is tempted to manipulate Anton to win her release, but now feels guilty about it, because they’ve formed a friendship.  How can they not cooperate with “them” who wield control of their lives?

Paige is stunned to be back in the United States.  She tells her mom she’s not sure she can just go home and “Lie to everyone, about everything, forever. It’s not who I am.” (Spoken in true adolescent infinitives!)  Elizabeth tries to coax her stating, “We’re telling each other the truth now and we’ll get through this together.”

Elizabeth fails to see whom her daughter is, an idealistic young woman with a conscience who will stand up against injustice even if it means turning in her parents.  Phillip is much more like his daughter and was correct in his assessment the truth about their lives would be too much for their daughter to handle.

Phillip comes home and hears a message that Henry is at Stan’s playing a game. Henry and Stan have developed a surrogate father-son relationship out of their shared loneliness. On the news there is talk of a possible peace deal in Afghanistan.  Elizabeth and Paige return and Phillip greets them warmly.  Paige feigns jet lag and excuses herself. Phillip first asks about how Paige did, then about his mother-in-law.  Elizabeth reports Paige did well and it was good to see her mother.  Elizabeth thanks him for arranging the trip. Paige is in her room, crying silently.

Phillip says he took care of the “Martha thing” and that it was hard because the man’s toys reminded him of Henry. Elizabeth thinks Phillip should tell Martha before the news of Gene’s death becomes common knowledge. Elizabeth chides him for “not seeing things clearly.”

In the next room, Paige approaches the phone in her room and dials.  She asks to speak to Pastor Tim.  Paige stumbles with her words, saying she is “hurting a lot.” She says her parents have been lying to her.

Elizabeth’s focus shifts to Ronald Reagan delivering his famous “Evil Empire” speech. Paige breaks down and says her “Parents aren’t Americans, they’re Russian!” It’s a powerful yet subtle way to end the season with these simultaneous confessions. Both father and daughter are sensitive and drowning in guilt.  Phillip hoped for some guidance from Elizabeth while Paige seeks guidance from her surrogate father, Pastor Tim.

Is this the end of the Jennings? Will Paige be believed? Will Stan finally realize the illegals having been right under his nose for three years? Will Anton and Nina find a way to escape the gulag?

A good series makes you think and is relatable. There are no hero’s or villain’s here, just flawed people. The heartbreak is palpable and even if the “good guys” win over the “evil empire” it has been done at great cost to both parties. The action in this finale was in the emotional turmoil fighting within each person struggling with his or her truth and identity. Things may shift the next season with defections of heart and mind. It's only nine months away.