What were the ten best moments of Game of Thrones, as the show dealt with the consequences of the royal wedding in “Breaker of Chains”?
Picking up from the stunning climax of “Breaker of Chains,” season 4’s fourth outing opened with a revolution, and continued to impress with kidnappings, murders, and monstrous conversions. It’s hard to whittle down all of those great moments to a list of our ten favorites. So, Hypable writers Harri Sargeant and Laura Byrne-Cristiano have teamed up to try and narrow down the entries. Then, Tariq Kyle worked some gif magic so you can re-live this week’s best laughs, shocks and one-liners again and again.
Check out our favorites below, and don’t forget to share your picks in the comments! This article may contain strong language.
BROTHERS OF WINTERFELL
There are always changes when stories are adapted for TV. Sometimes those changes are just expanded points-of-view where the viewer gets to see Joffry being extra super-sadistic. Other times changes are jaw-dropping, “How the hell are they ever going to align this with canon?” moments. Sam making Jon aware that Bran is alive, and wandering around the North with two teenagers and Hodor is one of those moments. The fact that Sam can’t keep a secret, and see the bigger picture are the least of the problems.
“When I saw Bran…”
Oath to the Night’s Watch notwithstanding, it’s difficult to imagine that Jon would do nothing to aid his brothers now that he knows they are alive. However things at Craster’s eventually work out, is Jon really going to say to his crippled brother: “Why I think it’s a dandy idea that you, the giant stuck on two-syllable repeat, the moody kid from Love Actually, and the girl whose only weapon is a frog spear trident should just keep on heading blindly into White Walker territory.” – Laura Byrne-Cristiano
TYRELL TROUBLE
After Littlefinger’s unsurprising admission of guilt and ominous monologue (and knowing nod to the Tyrell’s words – ‘growing strong’), we join The Queen of Thorns and two-time ex-Queen Margaery as they take yet another garden stroll. Olenna tells her granddaughter a story about how she manipulated her family’s potential suitors to suit her own desires, before all but confessing to her part in Joffrey Baratheon’s assassination. Before she departs though, Tyrell senior tells Margaery she must begin her own manipulation by earning the allegiance of soon-to-be-King (and her third attempt at sovereignty) Tommen.
“You don’t think I’d let you marry that beast, do you?”
The acting in this scene (and indeed when Margaery breaks into Tommen’s chambers) was, as always, incredible. Last week the Tyrells proved they are very much players in the game of thrones and in this episode, they showed just how skilled they are at it. They may have seemed sweet, innocent, and naive when they first entered King’s Landing, but it’s now clear they can match the Lannisters in cunning and deceit. It’s nice to have a politically aware family we can root for. – Harri Sargeant
JUSTICE
In a place as treacherous as Kings Landing, life expectancy isn’t exactly high. This is especially true if you are a member of the Kings Guard. Ser Barristan Selmy, A.K.A. Barristan the Bold is nothing if not a survivor who has learned from hard won experience.
“Sometimes it is better to answer injustice with mercy.”
Barristan’s advice to Dany to temper her conquest with mercy, and her refusal to do so, may come back to bite her. Barristan witnessed first-hand the untempered vengeance of the last three kings: Joffrey Baratheon, Robert Baratheon, and Dany’s father Aerys Targareon. Each time their need for unchecked retribution lead to their demise. Seeing Dany standing at the castle parapet, emotionless while hearing the screams below while the Targareon banner flaps behind her, makes one wonder how big of a leap is it to the madness of her brother and father. – Laura Byrne-Cristiano
OATHKEEPER
Jaime and Brienne shippers were once again delighted with the nods to their potential romance this week, and at this rate it can’t be long until we get a televised canonization of their relationship. Nikolaj and Gwendoline have palpable on-screen chemistry, and though it looks like their arc may be coming to a temporary end after a season and a half, this episode really paid off their journey and growth both as individuals and a couple.
“I’ll find her for Lady Catelyn… and for you.”
There was no bantering and insult-throwing this week, with Jaime deciding to ask his former captor to save Sansa Stark despite his sister’s demands to the contrary. As well as Jaime keeping his promise to the deceased Catelyn, Brienne vows to keep her promises to him. Her naming of the gifted Valyrian sword ‘Oathkeeper’ not only reinforces her commitment to those promises, but shows she has forgiven the Kingslayer for the crime that earned him the insult Oath-breaker. Or at least, he has repented for them. We’ll miss Jaime and Brienne’s story arc, but it was brought to a perfect close as it came full circle. – Harri Sargeant
BOOZY CERSEI
Cersei always had a one-track mind, which was to elevate her and her children to ultimate power. To this end, she was calculating, ruthless, and spiteful. Increasingly more alcohol dependent Cersei is rapidly becoming hyper-paranoid, borderline delusional, and rash. She’s always been dangerous. The question is; is she now the most dangerous to herself?
“I know you went to see Tyrion, that little creature who killed our son.”
Cersei wanting revenge for Joffrey is entirely understandable. Sober, she’d think nothing of burning down half the kingdom to get it. One thing Cersei isn’t, is stupid, but the constant downing of wine is clouding her better judgement. Sure she’s always wanted Tyrion dead, and realistically killing him wouldn’t be problematic for many in Kings Landing. On the other hand, anyone can see that Sansa Stark is still stunningly naive and innocent. Killing the perceived, last heir of House Stark isn’t politically wise. Anyone who wants to stop her, including Jamie is now the enemy. For a women with no friends who aren’t bought, alienating her lover/brother is not the smartest decision. – Laura Byrne-Cristiano
On page 2:
Assassination admissions, rogue crows and monster baby…
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