As this episode opens we catch up with characters who didn't feature in the season opener; it is clear that Theon is a broken man as we see Ramsay Snow treating him more like a pet than a person. We soon learn that his father is far from happy with what was done to Theon as he intended to ransom Theon but no one will pay for him now. Melisandre is sacrificing more people so that the Lord of Light may help Stannis. North of the wall Bran is using his worg powers more and has a vision about where he must go after touching a Weirwood tree.
Back in the capital Tyrion helps his brother Jaime by arranging for him to spar with Bronn so he can learn to fight left handed. Tyrion also arranges for Shae to leave the city; he is doing it because he knows that she is in imminent danger but to make her willing to leave he must make her think he no longer cares for her.
Most of the episode is given over to the wedding of King Joffrey and Margaery Tyrell. Once the ceremony is over the post wedding celebrations begin as does the unpleasantness. Joffrey continually mocks his uncle Tyrion; chopping up his gift with his new sword; having a play featuring a troupe of dwarfs perform a 'recreation' of the war and finally forcing Tyrion to act as his cupbearer
all the while we see the other guests looking on with disgust at Joffrey's actions. All this leads up to the moment Joffrey starts choking, turns a shade of purple then dies in his mother's arms.
This was a great episode; the early stuff was interesting and nicely reminded us of what various characters were up to
however all that is overshadowed by the events at the wedding. Jack Gleeson fine performance as the odious King Joffrey made him one of TVs great villains
and as much as it was great to see him finally get his comeuppance his character will be missed. The method of his death means we now have a mystery; who administered the poison? Cersei accuses her brother Tyrion but there are plenty more people with greater reason to want him dead and Tyrion couldn't have known that he'd be forced to act as Joffrey's cupbearer. The lead up to his death was distinctly uncomfortable as most of the other guests are shocked by Joffrey's behaviour. We also see his mother's pettiness as she orders the leftovers from the feast be given to the dogs
moments after the new queen has announced that they will be given to the poor of the city. Overall a top quality episode that almost rivals 'The Rains of Castamere'.
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