TV Review: This Week on Game of Thrones (S5 Episode 9/ June 7, 2015)

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

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EPISODE 9: The Dance of Dragons

THE PLOT : The long summer is at an end, winter truly is coming and with it the cold winds of war as five self proclaimed Kings claim dominance over Westeros, but there can be only one winner when you play the game of thrones.

THE LOWDOWN: (The following column contains MAJOR SPOILERS, so I don’t recommend reading this if you haven’t watched this episode). It’s hard to imagine how last week’s closing moments could be topped, but you have to go into the final two episodes expecting big things. Indeed, the pieces are in line, and although we will see movement on the battlefield, alas, I feel most of this is setting up for a cliffhanger next week. That said, what we got was still fantastic. I was worried old Thorne wasn’t going to let Jon and his new friends through the gate. He did, but no one there seems very happy about it, and like Sam, Jon doesn’t seem to have many friends at the moment, so I’m a little concerned. Hopefully, Ser Davos gets there sooner than later.

Stannis. Christ bro, I was really starting to root for you, but burning your little at the stake? Sigh. Sometimes the price is too high, and as for The Lord of Light, well, has the thought of this god asking for too much ever crossed anyone’s mind? The scene with Davos and his gift was heartbreaking. I think he knew something was coming, but if he didn’t, he’s going to be oober pissed when he gets back—mutiny pissed, with a side of ‘kick a bitch’s ass’. He already hates and distrusts Melisandre, and he’ll know she’s behind this. I’m thinking this may be the straw that breaks Ser Davos’ back. Personally, I just don’t get it. Stannis and Melisandre are characters I want to root for, but can’t. I suppose we can’t love everyone, otherwise we’d never truly be happy with the victor, but still, this was a particularly cold night at camp Stannis.

I’d read in tonight’s synopsis that Arya sees an old friend, and once I saw Mace Tyrell hit the streets it all clicked. Of course she’d drop everything for a chance to drop Ser Meryn, and MAN, do I ever pray she gets the chance! I’d love to see the look on his smug face when he realizes that not only is he dead, but dead at the hands of a Stark. This had better happen. I also rather enjoyed the ending of Jaime’s adventure in Dorne. He gets out alive (for now anyway), Bronn too (f*ck yeah), and Oberyn’s woman gets a seat on the small council—not that it’s coveted prize at the moment. It’s going to be very interesting to see how the adventure back to King’s Landing unfolds. I’m thinking they should bring the Sand Snakes along for the ride. I’m sure Bronn wouldn’t argue.

GAME OF THRONES SEASON 5’s ninth episode builds to a tremendous climax in Meereen, and with a title like ‘The Dance of Dragons’ (a homage to Martin’s fifth book), how could it not. Everyone’s gathered at the arena (think GLADIATOR/SPARTACUS) for some blood, er, I mean, games. Not to worry, they get both. What truly rocked here was seeing Jorah not only come out on top of the fight, but win back his Queen’s faith (which would be far more stellar a victory if not for the Greyscale), but I’m a little pissed about the Harpy battle. First, I mean seriously, didn’t you guys see that shit coming, or at the very least expect it could happen? Nope, totally caught pants down. And then there’s the Harpies themselves, how in God’s name are they killing off the Unsullied so easily? One Unsullied should be worth twenty of those fools. Minor grievances aside, how f*cking cool was seeing Dany climb on Drogon’s back and lay waste like a boss! Expect that scene to be rewound and watched a couple dozen times. One more until the long year wait, what a bittersweet feeling, but I’m still pumped.

SEX/NUDITY: There was a brothel scene tonight, and the only thing more than perplexing than no boobs, was Ser Meryn’s choice (age) in women. Two words, disturbing and gross.

VIOLENCE: Stannis burns his little girl at the stake. No, we didn’t see it, but we heard it. Aside from that, there’s a good amount of blood and carnage in Meereen’s arena. Fire, and bodies being ripped apart were just some of the fireworks.

MOST EPIC SCENE: Drogon. He looked phenomenal, fought like a beast, and then Dany rode atop him like she was about to conquer the world. Need I go on?.

FINAL VERDICT :

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