Game of Thrones: Season 5, Episode 2: The House of Black and White
Tension, tension, tension. You may notice a pattern in my reviews when I say that tension is the key to great storytelling. This is one of the few shows on television that does it almost perfectly. Everyone is waist deep in sh*t and every attempt to climb out seems only to sink them deeper. The funny part, is that Tyrion recognizes this fact. He’s worked so hard at overcoming the perceptions of his physical limitations and the hatred of his family, only to find himself in exile.
Varys is possibly one of the few people who can relate. He revels in the disgust people feel for him and uses it to his advantage. It looks at though he’s attempting to teach Tyrion how to do the same. This looks like it can go to interesting places, especially since the departure from the book is possibly most apparent in this spot.
Arya is in an interesting place in her personal journey. It appears that since Brienne relieved her of the Hound’s company, she has not had a very difficult time taking care of herself. She has risen to the occasion as I’m sure we’ve come to expect from her. Now she has sought out the first killer she gained favor from, Jaqen H’ghar of the Faceless Men. She was tested and taken in and seems like she may become a Faceless Man herself.
Brienne and Podrick are still going pretty strong. Unfortunately for Brienne, her nobility counted for nothing when facing Little Finger and the powerfully enamored Sansa. Little Finger has no use for nobility or honor and his “rescue” of Sansa from Joffrey and Cersei has made her cling to him. Brienne, as always, is as determined as ever and will not give up on her sworn duty.
I’m loving the difficulty Cersei is having. Not that I’m a fan of children being in trouble (unless you count Joffrey, who I would like to see die every episode), but I love seeing her suffer. She’s trying to mold the people around her to suit her needs, but it doesn’t look like everything is going her way. Her uncle Kevan isn’t buying it like the rest of them and Jaime is becoming a more honorable man. I think his journey with Bronn will be quite awesome, especially since they’re two of my favorites.
Jon Snow, who seems to be the hero of the series, really should learn to keep his head down. He keeps finding luck everywhere, but he may not be practical enough to properly utilize it. He should honestly slap the hell out off Sam for forcing him into a nomination for Lord Commander, because what he was offered from Stannis was much MUCH better. He could fix his family and take care of everyone he’s ever loved, now he’s just taking care of the Night’s Watch. Thanks for that Sam, you screwed your friend. You suck.
Daenerys is getting a lot of life lessons. She is used to the need for harsh punishment, especially after ruling the Dothraki and freeing slaves, but that’s not always the wisest choice. Ser Barriston advised her well and she took it well, but her desire for harsh law after being disobeyed wasn’t received well. She failed to realize that different cultures do things differently. Now her admirers and “children” doubt her and those who hate her still hate her just as much as before. She hasn’t gained anything for her actions. At least she got to see Drogon again… I guess. That didn’t really get her anywhere either.
One of the things that I’ve been wondering about is what happened to her kalasar? We only see the Unsullied and the Second Sons now, but we don’t see the Dothraki anymore. Maybe I’m rusty, but I don’t remember them all being killed. If they don’t exist anymore she’s not Khaleesi anymore, but when did that title officially get dropped for Mhysa?
This was another episode that was more about consequences than actions. I’m worried that this show might be slowing down too much. I really don’t want it to start coasting off it’s greatness like The Walking Dead and bringing less to the table. With only ten episodes per season they have to make things happen and while recognize this show is mostly about political intrigue, I fear that the pace may be weakening. The commercials at the beginning and end of each episodes and the “previously on” prelude is also taking time away from the story when we need more. I still have faith though. These writers are excellent and I don’t think Game of Thrones is likely to lessen in quality.
Jonathan Thomas Jones is a speculative fiction author and founder of geekhavenreviews.com. He has been passionate about all things geek for his entire life. See more about him at jonathanthomasjones.com and follow him on twitter @jtgloryjones.
