I must admit I agreed with King Joffrey for the first time since the show started, and actually disagreed with Tywin, whom I consider one of the wisest characters within the series. The former suggested to take care of Danaerys before she became a problem rather than just a mere nuisance, whereas the latter showed skepticism towards the eventual growth of Dany’s dragons. While neither is fully aware of what’s happening across the Narrow Sea, I side with Joffrey because the audience does know the three dragons grow rapidly and will soon become extremely dangerous.
The absolute biggest disappointment came with Bran’s story — one that I expected much more of. I guess we got a fair description of Osha’s origin story, but in all fairness, who cares about her? The wildling is an easy target — if the party got attacked, the wolves and Meera would be quick to defend Bran, Rickon and Jojen, while Osha would only have Hodor to watch her back. I don’t really expect her to be around for much longer, but I could be wrong. Anyway, not much happened. “Hey, we’re actually going beyond the wall,” said Jojen. “Uhm, no, we’re going to Castle Black, and that’s final,” responded Osha. I might have changed the dialogue a little bit, but you see my point.
Theon’s scenes made me actively uncomfortable. I guess that’s how it’s been all season long, so why would that change towards the end? The producers and everyone else likes to see the young Greyjoy suffer for his sins, and I can’t say I blame them, but I’m sick of the plot not advancing. I don’t care anymore, really. If the cleaning boy is going to castrate him, so be it, but I think the torture scenes could have been featured in two episodes instead of, you know, seven.
Oh, and Tyrion? Whatever happened to everyone’s favorite dwarf? He’s just as witty, clever and likable, but he’s just not getting any good scenes as of late. Bronn was back for a scene in this week’s episode — the sellsword had been sorely missed the last couple of weeks, and we’re glad to see him, however briefly. And Sansa… oh, who cares, really? The Stark girl is a lost cause, although she did have a much needed moment of self-awareness.
And finally, we’re brought to Jaime and Brienne’s story, which is clearly the highlight of the episode. The formerly hated character won my sympathies by heroically saving Brienne from a bear that Locke set on her. Eventually, he worked out a way to bring her with him to King’s Landing, though it’s unlikely to be a smooth ride. I’m impressed by how much Jaime has grown up, as he’s gone from cocky warrior to unlikely hero.
All in all, this was a mediocre Game of Thrones episode. I was shocked when I found out it was actually George R. R. Martin who had written it — the man who initially created all the great characters and setting we’ve grown so fond of. I beg Mr. Martin to stick to writing novels.
What did you think of The Bear and the Maiden Fair? Let us know in the comments below.
