Season 7 has continued its streak of consistently improving every episode. But I doubt that any of us expected for an episode 4 of Game of Thrones to stand as one of the top 5 episodes of all time.
Everything was perfect. A breathtaking installment.
The Winterfell storyline was amazing this time around. Bran's characterization seems to be consistent, and Meera's acknowledgment to the new developments in his character helped us further understand the impacts of becoming the Three Eyed Raven. Littlefnger, despite somewhat lacking of his typical plotting proficiency, is still playing the game of thrones behind the scenes. As if he's attempting to influence all the Starks to momentarily doubt his capricious nature and then instantly turn all of the siblings on each other. Arya's homecoming has been long awaited and was everything I expected it to be and more. The parallels to season 1 were heavy in this one, and the emotional reunion in the crypts was great. We remember that Arya and Sansa couldn't be more different - like ice and fire - yet they are now mature enough to coexist and embrace each other as family, which is really beautiful to see. Finally, the Arya vs. Brienne scene was absolutely fantastic. If anyone felt that Arya's storyline was a waste the last two seasons, they shouldn't feel that way anymore. She's become the most deadly assassin in Westeros, and remarkably one of the best fighters too.
In Dragonstone, Jon takes Daenerys into the cave to show her the dragonglass mine. First of all, the score couldn't get any better. Ramin Djawadi nails the soundtrack for every scene in every episode, but this, in particular, added so much more emphasis on to the scene. Due to the ancient carvings in the walls made by the Children of the Forest, Dany seems to be less skeptical of the White Walker threat. We see her momentarily bring down her walls for Jon and drop her Queenly tone in what is likely one of my favorite Game of Thrones scenes of all time. It reminds us that despite all of her character development and life-altering moments, Daenerys is still the same person at heart that she was in Episode 1. Kit and Emilia have some definite chemistry together, and their scenes together have been nothing short of extraordinary. Daenerys also seems to develop some trust, if not attraction, in Jon, and relies on him in front of her counsel to provide advice on her military tactics.
Despite Dragonstone and Winterfell having their best scenes all season, the real outstanding moment of this episode lies with Jaime and Bronn. It is a pleasure to see Ser Bronn of the Blackwater back in Game of Thrones. His banter with Jaime demonstrated some terrific writing and his one-liners have proved to still make us laugh. While transporting the gold plundered from Highgarden to King's Landing, Daenerys attacks on Drogon with her Dothraki at her front. King Robert's notions about the Dothraki in open fields proved true, as this was an absolute slaughter. Tyrion's still evident care for his family, Jaime's paralleling of Dany and the Mad King, Bronn's perfect emulation of the sellsword fighting style, and the best dragon action in Game of Thrones history comes together to create a battle that rivals the Battle of the Bastards. Ramin Djawadi, once again, absolutely shined, and Matt Shakman proved to be just as capable as the legendary Miguel Sapochnik. Bravo once again, HBO. I adored every second of it.
The shortest episode in Game of Thrones history has proved to be one of the greatest. Season 7 has been phenomenal, delivering the strongest first half to a season in Game of Thrones history.
Everything was perfect. A breathtaking installment.
The Winterfell storyline was amazing this time around. Bran's characterization seems to be consistent, and Meera's acknowledgment to the new developments in his character helped us further understand the impacts of becoming the Three Eyed Raven. Littlefnger, despite somewhat lacking of his typical plotting proficiency, is still playing the game of thrones behind the scenes. As if he's attempting to influence all the Starks to momentarily doubt his capricious nature and then instantly turn all of the siblings on each other. Arya's homecoming has been long awaited and was everything I expected it to be and more. The parallels to season 1 were heavy in this one, and the emotional reunion in the crypts was great. We remember that Arya and Sansa couldn't be more different - like ice and fire - yet they are now mature enough to coexist and embrace each other as family, which is really beautiful to see. Finally, the Arya vs. Brienne scene was absolutely fantastic. If anyone felt that Arya's storyline was a waste the last two seasons, they shouldn't feel that way anymore. She's become the most deadly assassin in Westeros, and remarkably one of the best fighters too.
In Dragonstone, Jon takes Daenerys into the cave to show her the dragonglass mine. First of all, the score couldn't get any better. Ramin Djawadi nails the soundtrack for every scene in every episode, but this, in particular, added so much more emphasis on to the scene. Due to the ancient carvings in the walls made by the Children of the Forest, Dany seems to be less skeptical of the White Walker threat. We see her momentarily bring down her walls for Jon and drop her Queenly tone in what is likely one of my favorite Game of Thrones scenes of all time. It reminds us that despite all of her character development and life-altering moments, Daenerys is still the same person at heart that she was in Episode 1. Kit and Emilia have some definite chemistry together, and their scenes together have been nothing short of extraordinary. Daenerys also seems to develop some trust, if not attraction, in Jon, and relies on him in front of her counsel to provide advice on her military tactics.
Despite Dragonstone and Winterfell having their best scenes all season, the real outstanding moment of this episode lies with Jaime and Bronn. It is a pleasure to see Ser Bronn of the Blackwater back in Game of Thrones. His banter with Jaime demonstrated some terrific writing and his one-liners have proved to still make us laugh. While transporting the gold plundered from Highgarden to King's Landing, Daenerys attacks on Drogon with her Dothraki at her front. King Robert's notions about the Dothraki in open fields proved true, as this was an absolute slaughter. Tyrion's still evident care for his family, Jaime's paralleling of Dany and the Mad King, Bronn's perfect emulation of the sellsword fighting style, and the best dragon action in Game of Thrones history comes together to create a battle that rivals the Battle of the Bastards. Ramin Djawadi, once again, absolutely shined, and Matt Shakman proved to be just as capable as the legendary Miguel Sapochnik. Bravo once again, HBO. I adored every second of it.
The shortest episode in Game of Thrones history has proved to be one of the greatest. Season 7 has been phenomenal, delivering the strongest first half to a season in Game of Thrones history.