Game of Thrones - Season 5, Episode 3 - "The High Sparrow"

screen cap from "The High Sparrow", Moat Cailin

Paul: A lot went on this week's episode, beginning with a wedding and ending with an execution (as, it seems, per usual on an episode of Game of Thrones). Sandwiched in between were some great character moments, expository back story, and plot advancement in both King's Landing and in a rebuilding Winterfell, while also giving us a glimpse at Moat Cailin and some fascinating camera work from director Mark Mylod. There's a lot to unpack here, plot-wise, from episode writers Benioff and Weiss, but once Littlefinger revealed his marital intentions for Sansa Stark maybe halfway through the episode, I spent the last half-hour rocking back and forth in my chair, repeating "No, not Ramsay Bolton..." over and over to myself. Dare I call that reveal one of the most important scenes in the show's history, both to any long-term plot implications but also to any conversations about converting the book to the television show?

Chris: From a book readers' perspective, the reveal that Littlefinger was offering Sansa Stark to the Boltons is the largest and most shocking deviation from the books. I also should note that I think it's fantastic and brings together multiple story lines in a (dare I say it) cleaner fashion than Martin's meandering. It presents both horror and hope for Sansa and for the Starks in general.

One of the most frustrating things about the books is that as they continue to go on, the Stark family members seem to go farther and farther away from their home in Winterfell. To see Sansa return there, even if it is into the hands of a monster such as Ramsay Bolton, is immensely rewarding as a viewer. The story line that took place in the North was my favorite part of Book 5 and although things are slightly different in the series, I think it's my favorite plot thread of this season as well thus far.

Paul: Seeing Sansa return to Winterfell was satisfying, and completely unexpected before this episode. It's a let-down on a personal, character-level to see Sansa set to wed the sadistic Ramsay Snow, but on a macro-level as well, in getting a glimpse into Baelish's machinations. In the books, both characters are still safe at the Eyrie and plotting the next batch of warfare, and I was expecting something a bit more big-picture than Littlefinger revealing his ace in the hole to Roose Bolton. All of that work (Jon Arryn, Joffrey, Ser Dontos) for this?

The scenes at Castle Black have been excellent in all three episodes so far this season, and Ser Janos Slynt's execution could have served as another great ending to the episode. Mallory Rubin on Grantland's Watch the Thrones podcast mentioned how strange it is to see Stannis continually pester Jon Snow about forsaking his vows and to join the North to his army, but any scenes between the two (and/or Ser Davos Seaworth) are so much more entertaining than the solos of seasons past. As disappointing as it is to see Snow stick to his Night's Watch vows, Stannis's travel itinerary and Jon's subsequent "Winter is coming" has me beyond excited to see what happens in the North.

Chris: I'm excited for Jon to turn his attention to the Wildlings soon. They've been brought up countless times in the first three episodes, but they've been off screen essentially the entire time (except for Mance's execution). Even Alliser Thorne seemed to give Snow the go-ahead to execute Janos Slynt, but things are going to get difficult for Jon when he begins making decisions that aren't as popular.

I agree that continuing to see how Snow handles the Lord Commander title, whether it be in his interactions with Stannis and/or Davos, Sam, Alliser Thorne, or Melisandre should be fascinating. Speaking of the Red Priestess, we were exposed to another Red Priestess somewhere on the road to Meereen as Tyrion finally fled the 'box'. She called him out almost instantly and he dipped away into the nearest brothel - you know, the comforts of home and such.

I know Tyrion is a bit detached after murdering his concubine and father, but you would think he's smart enough to know that he wasn't being very cautious in the third Episode.

Paul: Agree; Tyrion seems to subscribe to the Littlefinger school of subtlety. I could have gone a few more episodes this season with just The Spider and The Imp traveling the Essos-ian countryside - granted they were outside of their box - but Jorah Mormont's presence should put an end to our peaceful path to Meereen. That Red Priestess looked familiar somehow, and my mind immediately raced to possible matches. Quaithe? This was also the second straight episode with a mention of Greyscale, which seems weirdly coincidental given Tyrion and Varys's method of transportation in the show (and in avoiding the Rhoyne path).

I thought this episode felt considerably darker as far as physical setting, from Arya's time spent indoors at the House of Black and White to our glimpse at Moat Caillin, at least compared to last week's sojourn to Dorne. Director Mark Mylod made his series debut and will also direct next week's ("Sons of the Harpy"), and had a couple of beautiful shots amidst the gloom. I particularly enjoyed the rising camera shot over the top of Castle Black as Janos Slynt was rushed to the chopping block, as well as the cutaway to Jon Snow's shadow framed against the wall. I'll be interested to see what Mylod showcases next week, given more space and light in Meereen or down in Dorne, where we should finally see some Sand Snakes!

Director Mark Mylod's over-the-top shot of Castle Black

Chris: The art direction for this episode was superb, as usual.  Now that you point out that Mylod directed next week's episode, it's just another reason for me to be excited. It's been mentioned often, but the opening shot of the episode inside the House of Black and White really set that dark tone you were speaking of.  I also found the shot above Moat Caitlin with Brienne and Pod amazing.  

Bronn and Jaime and Dorne should give Mylod some light to play with, but let's not get disillusioned with King's Landing quite yet. The War of Words between Cersie and Margaery was ridiculously fun. As good as Tyrion's line about Cersei was last week, the "Can we bring you anything to eat or drink? I wish we had some wine for you, it’s a bit early in the day for us," line may have been better. I love the TV version of Margaery (and so does Tommen!).

That less-than-subtle verbal spat between the two Queens sent Cersei running to a new character that I know you and I were both anxious to meet...

Paul: The High Sparrow! The anticipation was building and Jonathan Pryce delivered, in his limited screen time. He might be the most altruistic character we have in our universe but I'll also admit to being completely charmed by Cersei in their meeting and *almost* buying in to her sudden change of faith (or at least her desire to manipulate faith into power). How good has Lena Headey been already this season? You hit on the quote of the show/season/series, in Margaery's post-coitus quip to the Dowager Queen, but how about Cersei's reaction? I'm not sure if I've ever seen such a mix of bile, bewilderment, and tongue biting in one expression before. Can we give Lena her Emmy already?

Chris: Oh, there's more to come, Mitchell. Let's let her earn it first. We can just sit back and enjoy!

Jon Snow's shadow