The Purple Wedding
This review contains massive spoilers. Stay away if you haven't seen the episode.
Well well well. As a book reader I have been eagerly awaiting this episode, but I was surprised when I saw that the wedding had been scheduled for number 2. Very early I must admit, but it makes for a nice change. The grand scenery and set is gorgeous with those red entwined poles symbolising the coming together of Lannister and Tyrell, the giant golden Lion and the stands. Jack Gleeson nails the book smashing scene. It sets up Tyrion's anger and prejudice at his own nephew because we all find Joffrey despicable.
The allusion of the necklace was well placed last week and subtly shown on Sansa at the wedding. Very nicely done by Olenna, as well as her interaction with Tywin, seemingly warming up to him. Sigur Ros makes a cameo with Rains of Castamere, and I for one am not sick of it unlike Olenna. I hope they don't make Loras do something with Oberyn though. It would have been interesting for him to be in the Kingsguard as he should, mirroring the death of the one he is sworn to protect and his Tyrell lineage. I don't really like how Brienna is in love with Jaime, their relationship is much more interesting than that, but it does make Cersei jealous which creates a unique dynamic. Great banter by Oberyn, he steals every scene he is in.
The dwarf jousting re-enactment is great. The actors are lively and the reactions of the subsequent houses create urgent tension from everyone, most of all Tyrion. A telling reaction by Sansa, Sophie gets better by each season. You could just tell Varys was loving every moment of it though. Joffrey's spat with Tyrion steals the scene leading up to the toast. It is neatly set up to frame Tyrion for the poisoned wine.
Cersei and Joffrey make the choking scene what it is. Lena Headey has always been a brilliant actor and we really feel his despair and rage at Tyrion. The effects of the poison, whether they were CGI were fantastically grotesque. Farewell, Jack Gleeson.
Good to see some Ramsay and Theon after missing them last week. Absolutely brilliant and acting from both of them, can't wait to see Reek's downward spiral. Alfie Allen nails the despair of his situation. Michael McElhatton is even more menacing than Ramsay, and that is saying something (Iwan's smile!). Every line is cold and remorseless as he puts his bastard in his place.
Tyrion and Jaime never had this talk in the books but I love their relationship. It has always been some begrudging respect and admiration for each other, as seen when they actually meet in the cell in the books. Of course, that will change very soon. I am disappointed that Illyn Payne never got to spar with Jaime, those scenes could have done so much for Jaime's characterisation by narrating to a mute man. Bronn is just as good though, one of the characters that shines on the screen and is better than his book counterpart.
If anyone hasn't figured out by now, Varys is on Dany's side. He was the one who suggested to sack Ser Barristan and send him to Essoss. I don't really know why he is sticking up for Shae but it is out of his ordinary characterisation. What's even worse was Tyrion suddenly wanting to ship off Shae. It sets up a very different relationship between them and I can't see them going the same way as the books now, which is disappointing. For once though, Sibel Kekilli's acting was great. The "My Lion" line will be heard later.
I don't really like show Stannis that much. He is much too manipulable by Melisandre, when really that should be his wife Selyse's role as a servant of the Lord of Light. He is too cold and unforgiving, missing the sparse moments of emotion when he thinks of Renly or when he praises Davos. At least now he shows some love for Shireen. I really like them fleshing out Selyse earlier. Melisandre's delivery, like Stannis, has improved from her overly dramatic facial expressions from before.
Again, they do a great job with Bran's wolf visions like they did in the earlier seasons. Immersive camera-work and sound which places the viewer right in the wolf's steps. Bran is probably the worst of the top billed actors, which is saying something, so I hope his acting improves. Isaac Hempstead-Wright has certainly aged which gives a more mature look to Bran. So I guess the dragon over King's Landing was really just a vision, which is good and probably threw a few fans off track. We won't see Cold-hands which is a shame, but Bran knows where to go now anyway.
9.5/10
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