Miss last night’s episode? Here’s what you need to know about GAME OF THRONES’ “The Ghost of Harrenhal”
AIRDATE: 4/29/12 WRITERS: David Benioff and D.B. Weiss DIRECTOR: David Petrarca SYNOPSIS: Boy they grow up so quickly don’t they?! Wasting little time following last week’s unexpected “birth,” Melisandre’s smoke monster quickly turns the game of thrones into a tighter race by doing away with poor Renly. In other news, Tyrion attempts to gain a clearer picture of Joffrey and Cersei’s defensive strategy for King’s Landing, Arya adjust to life in the employ of Tywinn Lannister making a new friend in the process, while Khaleesi Daenerys discovers Xandu’s ulterior motive for granting her entry into Qarth. Also of note, Jon Snow gets a much sought after promotion to Ranger while Theon Greyjoy decides to take a little creative license with his orders to attack Winterfell. INTRODUCED: The creepy warlocks of Qarth, who attempt to impress Daenerys with a magic trick and an open invitation for the mother of dragons to visit the House of the Undying. RIP: Evidently, it does not get better for throne-hopeful Renly Baratheon, who in yet another perfect illustration of what we love about this series, was unexpectedly murdered by the demon-spawn of Stannis and Melisandre in the show’s shocking opening moments. NOTABLE QUOTABLE: When asked if she believes the rumors swirling around the underestimated King of the North Rob ‘Can’t Be Killed’ Stark, Arya cooly informs Tywin Lannister, “Anyone can be killed.” Just ask “The Tickler!” LESSON LEARNED: In making a deal with the devil Melisandre, Stannis Baratheon may have bitten off more than he can chew. At least according to Stannis’ sidekick who claims, “Nothing is worth what this will cost you, not even the iron throne.” Along those same lines, Ser Jorah had this pearl of wisdom for Daenerys in response to a surprising offer made by Xaro, “Moving carefully is the hard way but the right way.” CRITIQUE: Killer opening aside, last night’s episode doesn’t just have the distinction of being the only one of the season devoid of nudity, but perhaps its slowest to date. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. After-all, what “The Ghost of Harrenhal” lacked in excitement and plot development it more than made up for by cementing what we imagine will be some very interesting relationships moving forward. Namely, Arya’s new found Genie (!) of sorts in the criminal she freed a few episodes back who promises to give her three wishes kills to make up for the three deaths she robbed the Red God of, Tywin’s allegiance with the King’s Landing equivalent of the Unabomber, and Xaro’s offer to Daenerys to provide her with the means (Translation: Ships, men, weapons and money) necessary to claim the throne in exchange for her hand in marriage. GRADE: B
GAME OF THRONES airs Sundays at 9PM on HBO (HBO Canada) Catch up on past episodes you may have missed for free online at clicktowatch.tv