[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”20799″ img_size=”960×494″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Fans have been waiting for this kind of excitement for the past two episodes but have been stymied by the Game of Thrones creators plan to tell their story at their own pace and when it was right to do so. Episode 3 was that time and the tension was so thick it was almost touchable as the battle for life against death began. Here are some of the things we learned:
1) Fighting the Dead is not freaking fair. Just by numbers alone you are outmatched. The sheer volume makes it difficult to stand your ground because in a few seconds time you are overrun. When you think you’ve made some progress, the Night King raises the fresh Dead and you are screwed again. UNFAIR I say! The fact that so many main cast members survived was impressive or disappointing depending on what you wanted. No doubt the battle was EPIC, if not a little dark, literally.
2) Tonight’s episode could have been called profiles in courage. There was a lot of courageous fights out there and no one embarrassed themselves. Edd basically gave his life after saving Sam. Although no one would confuse Sam for a great fighter, he got his blows in when he could. He was frightened but he didn’t let it rule him. Greyworm fought like a man possessed and he did the Unsullied proud just as their leader should. Poor Sassy Lyanna Mormont died while taking out a Giant. Leave it to the smallest warrior to take out one of the biggest foes.
3) It was nice of Sansa to admit to Tyrion that of her “husbands” he was the best one. Although since she was comparing him to a homicidal maniac, I’m not sure how good you had to be. I felt like at a few points that Tyrion might go “topside” and join the battle but his common sense and Sansa talked him out of it. That and probably the large supply of wine he kept with him. It’s probably why he’s still alive.
4) I have to admit, when I read the rumors that the Stark dead would be risen, I dismissed it. But sure enough, when the Night King called in the reinforcements, there they were digging through the ground. Again, UNFAIR I say! Just when you thought the Crypts were safe. Although who really thought they were completely safe anyway.
5) Drogon is one tough Dragon. After having what looked like a cheap hotels roach convention climbing all over his back, stabbing at him while they climbed, he rose to the air and apparently shook the dead ticks off of him. But I guess if you can be shot by a giant cross bow and shake THAT off, what’s a few 100 wights. If judging only by the preview of next weeks episode, it seems that Rheagal survived as well. Good thing as they will be needed again. Viserion was a pain in the blue flamed ass, at least until Arya saved the day. More on that in a bit.
6) I had tweeted right after the episode that Ghost the Direwolf needs a new agent. The best they could do for Ghost was give him two crummy cameos in the last two episodes. No hero moments, really no acknowledgement that he was even there. He deserved better than that. His agent should be ashamed and Ghost should be pissed.
7) I thought for a moment The Hound was going to freeze up just like he did at the Black Water. It took Beric Dondarrion to shake him up by showing him how engaged Arya was. She wasn’t fighting like she knew they couldn’t win. Seeing Arya was enough to steel his nerve enough to get back into the fray. Speaking of Beric, I kind of knew he was going to die in this episode but he did it courageously and in saving Arya, he allowed her to do her heroics later on.
8) The Return of Melisandre served a few purposes. She helped set the Dothraki ‘s Swords on Fire which was a nice visual indication that they were getting their collective arses kicked. She ignited the Trench which proved useful to ward off the dead and to provide some needed light to the scene. She finally reminded Arya what she saw about her when they first met and apparently put her on the right track. It was this impetus that set in motion Arya’s plan for victory. When it was all over, Melisandre knowing she was destined to die, took off her age defying necklace and walked until she collapsed from extreme old age.
9) Special medals of Merit goes to Ser Jorah Mormont who fought until the bitter end to save his unrequited love and his queen. It was only after he knew Denaerys was safe that he allowed himself to succumb to his wounds. The same goes to Theon Greyjoy whose redemption is complete as he did the IronBorn proud, Fighting with skill and without fear, he died a hero’s death. Protecting Bran until the very end. “What is Dead May never Die.” We salute the two of you.
10) The Winterfell Medal of Honor goes to Arya Stark who did what no one else was able to do which was to take down the Night King. Springing out like a Lioness taking out an antelope, she used her quick reflexes and Valarian Steel Dagger to strike the decisive blow for the living! This was even after the Night King initially stymied her attack by catching her in mid jump. Thank goodness for The Faceless Man home study course because she was ready, dropping the blade, recatching it and sinking it home. Way to go Arya, you did Winterfell proud.
So the battle for Winterfell has passed and it’s time to survey the damage and see who’s left standing. Surprisingly more than I might have anticipated. We have both Denaerys and Jon, Sansa, Arya, The Hound, Jaime, Brienne, Podrick, Tyrion, Greyworm, Varys, Missandei, Gilly, Sam, Little Sam, Davos, both Dragons and a cast of 100’s. That leaves us with Dolorous Edd, Beric Dondarrion, Lyanna Mormont, Ser Jorah Mormont, (Bad night for the Mormonts) Theon Greyjoy and The Red Woman Melisandre as those who have entered the “Long Night.” Are you surprised more people didn’t meet their maker in last nights episode? Did you like how the battle ended? Share your thoughts with us at GVNation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
