7x02 Stormborn review thread (limited spoilers)
Jul 24, 2017 9:09:08 GMT
kingeomer, Basil, and 6 more like this
Post by DaveyJoe on Jul 24, 2017 9:09:08 GMT
This thread contains spoilers for season 7x02 but spoilers for future episodes are not allowed.
We start with a confusing HBO promo that started like a recap from last season, but it was just a generic promotion for all HBO original series. My buddy who was hanging out was seriously triggered when the Young Pope and Dwayne Johnson showed up, he was so confused. "How are they gonna change genres this late in the game?" he lamented before we understood what was really happening. The show starts and a torrential downpour is besieging Dragonstone, storms rage and waves pound against the shore. Lightning crashes, a new mother dies, the moment she's been waiting for, the angel opens her eyes, wait, that's Live. I'm all ready emotional just because I was reminded of a mid 90s song. But the atmospheric opening of the episode was fantastic; both engaging and symbolic of Dany's triumphant return to Westeros as a parallel to her prophetic entrance into the world, and it's immediately undercut by a bitter taste of irony as Dany comments on the anticlimactic and oppressive nature the storm brings to her first night back home. After all of the rising music and triumphant glances from last week, Dany's world is but a floating silhouette in the rain just passing its way through the frame. What a great shot.
The very first scene is stressful and uncomfortable as Dany quickly seizes upon Varys and his flighty nature in political loyalties. Thunder crashes in the window as the conversation quickly turns from history to treachery as Varys is suddenly in a position to explain his actions and granted the opportunity to talk his way out of a fiery grave. The framing of these shots are fantastic, as Dany commands the shot, an extremely distant, but ever looming figure is an out of focus Grey Worm just behind her. Varys delivers a heartfelt speech about how his loyalty is always to the people, not a Surname, but this time the frame has opened up and Grey Worm is no longer visible, just two intimate shots of Dany and Varys listening to each other. Tyrion shoots some ominous glances her way, but it's obvious that this is all down to Dany's decision, she never breaks eye contact with Varys. We end the tête–à–tête with a promise of being burned alive, and oh how I've missed Game of Thrones.
Next we have Melisandre suddenly appearing and working her way into an immediate meeting with the new Queen. This is either indicative of the renowned nature of Red Priestesses, or Dany's lack of influence in Westeros. She's meeting with the first stranger that knocked on her door. In her throne room. And this brings us to the first thing that unsettled me about the scene, when we cut to the throne room, Melisandre is on the side of the throne, while Dany and her posse seem to enter from the outside. How does that work? I think it immediately disorients the audience, which is a great way to make Melisandre seem both vulnerable and powerful, a duality I've always gleaned from her in the books. She's got a great way of seeming both humble and invaluable to the leader she's serving. Another thing that I like is that all of the characters from Essos and dressing a lot more conservatively in Westeros now that Winder has come, but damn if I don't miss Missandei's midriff. The awkward thing about these opening scenes, and I'm curious if anybody else here felt the same way, is that it feels like a lot of exposition in a short amount of time. Almost like a way to help the story along for people who didn't read the books. It feels a bit sloppy in its execution, but the absolute best thing about having just 7 episodes is that the production quality is continuing to blow me away. Each shot is beautiful and the framing of characters is hearkening back to the way Akira Kurosawa would place characters highly symbolic ways.
We're bouncing around from the three major power centers of Westeros and the throne room of King's Landing is emptier than we've ever seen it. Back in seasons 2 it was overflowing with noble lords and ladies, but now, it's dark and hollow, voices echo, a clear representation of the state of Lannister rule. Their empire is delicate as they appeal for promises of loyalty. Randyll Tarly has a great scene as a conflicted nobleman, who pledged oaths to both the Tyrells and the Crown, and it's a beautiful irony that Jaime is the one who tries to call him on that oath. The thing this show does beautiful is portray even the most seemingly minor characters as having depth, last year Randyll felt like an unbearable dick, but the show gives him a pretty compelling scene of respectful disobedience to the Kingslayer. And I love how Cersei is using controversial moments from Dany's campaign in Slaver's Bay as fear-mongering to her bannermen. And can we talk about Qyburn? This is the most loyal and effective character in the series. You got a problem, just hit up Qyburn like
Dickon got dissed.
The audience is treated to a shirtless Jorah Mormant but he's consumed by Greyscale and we are suddenly missing Daario. It's not too much to ask for some eye candy, but this is depressing. A beloved character from episode one is dying, and Samwell Tarly is once again being berated by that dude from Moulin Rouge. Sam's probably one of the best written characters in the show. He's been consistent, but also constantly growing, his rebellious nature at the Citadel is blooming from his infrequent outbursts at the Wall, and it makes sense that he'd go above and beyond to help Lord Commander Mormont's son after feeling guilty about his failure with the ravens.
Goddamn, Qyburn is good. When a religious zealot is holding you hostage and gaining influence, Qyburn will get you an unstoppable zombie killing machine. When you are facing a trial against the church and your enemies, Qyburn will blow up the Sept hosting said trial. When you've finally taken control and an army leading dragons is heading your way, Qyburn will build a special dragon killing siege weapon for you. Dude is always ready to help. Why can't I meet a guy like this when I'm at Best Buy, where they always follow me around and when I finally ask for help, they've never heard of what I'm looking for?
Dany's war councils have been overwhelmingly uncomfortable, but I'm so happy every time Olenna starts talking shit. What's interesting is that all three major powers have recruited untrustworthy allies that are all ready sowing distrust and conflict. The Starks have Littlefinger trying to play Jon and Sansa against each other. Cersei has Euron Greyjoy eager to win her favor at the expense of insulting Jaime, and Dany has Tyrion and Ellaria at each other's throats immediately as Olenna pushes for more aggression against their foes. There's been almost constant strife on Dragonstone, which is perfect, I love watching these egos struggle to work together before attempting to face their enemies. It's fascinating to watch Tyrion plan the strategy that will hopefully destroy his own family. It's a very interesting dynamic that contrasts with the Starks sense of unity(though turbulent it may be). Dany's allies reassure her of their loyalty but I'm getting a somewhat distant vibe from Olenna, who we should forget was Littlefinger's ally for Joffrey's assassination. I don't know which way alliances might shift, but I don't see those two as enemies for very long. The Queen of Thornes gives the Queen of Dragons a peptalk that reminds of the series long build-up and whether or not Dany has been just kind of chilling for the past for the past five years.
And here comes the most controversial scene of the episode. I've heard a ton of hate toward the Grey Worm/Missandei scenes but I've never had an issue with them. They're almost always well written, and the actors both do a great job. I appreciate the glimpses into Essos characters that are wholly loyal to Dany for reasons that aren't political. Tonight's scene was moving, if you've ever fell in love with somebody, you know the hardest thing about it is making yourself vulnerable so you can let them in your heart. It's scary and seeing a trained soldier like Grey Worm open up to Missandei to explain how his feeling for her frighten him in such a powerful way was just beautiful. I've always felt like the Grey Worm and Missandie love story is tastefully handle with genuine emotion and artistry. (Grey Worm dry humps Missandei and eats her out) Well, I like this too for different reasons.
OH GOOD it's a Sam scene. Last week sure went well. Let's go from the sexiest scene of prime time television to the fantasy library that gave us a poop montage seven days ago. Luckily for us this scene is only the second most HORRIFYING THING I'VE EVER SEEN. WTF? Thank goodness John Bradley is so good that it helps add a humorous reaction to the scene, but that was rough. And just when you think it can't get more disturbing, the torture surgery turns into somebody's fucking pot pie. Oh. my. god.
Speaking of which, it's the one character we wanted to see more than anything: Hot Pie. Arya is sloppily eating a slice of pie for two minutes straight in this scene. There's an animalistic nature to her as she chows down and grunts answers. But I kind of got triggered that she couldn't finish that slice before the scene ended, like, come on!
The Stark scenes are really compelling even if a little stressful as Jon and Sansa continue to butt heads. But Jon decides to go South even when the audience feels devastated after even Lady Mormont disapproves of the thought. But in a touching scene Sansa gains the North and seems a bit nervous about finally having that much power. The thing about this shot of Lord Baelish is that it's the first time this season where it's obvious how he feels about the situation. What I like about the scene in the crypts is how aggressive Littlefinger is in his prodding of Jon, it's almost like he easy it would be to make him lose his cool. When Jon storms off after choking Petyr, check out his expression.
And Arya meeting the wolves was heartbreaking. I didn't know I wanted this scene until it was happening.
The Sand Snakes are back and they are literally juice box sucking toddler archetypes.
Everything about the sea battle was fantastic, I love the way that Euron's fleet seemed to come like a sudden storm, reminiscent of the opening scene of last week's episode. After reading AFFC I have been craving a scene like this in the show and it was exactly as chaotic as I dreamed it would be. I love how totally mad Euron finally seemed. There was a non-step feeling of menace from his performance in the battle. I can't wait to see more. But the big moment of disappointment is when Theon runs away from Euron even as he holds his sister hostage. After an agonizing hesitation, to his uncle's maniacal cackling he flees back into the sea.
We start with a confusing HBO promo that started like a recap from last season, but it was just a generic promotion for all HBO original series. My buddy who was hanging out was seriously triggered when the Young Pope and Dwayne Johnson showed up, he was so confused. "How are they gonna change genres this late in the game?" he lamented before we understood what was really happening. The show starts and a torrential downpour is besieging Dragonstone, storms rage and waves pound against the shore. Lightning crashes, a new mother dies, the moment she's been waiting for, the angel opens her eyes, wait, that's Live. I'm all ready emotional just because I was reminded of a mid 90s song. But the atmospheric opening of the episode was fantastic; both engaging and symbolic of Dany's triumphant return to Westeros as a parallel to her prophetic entrance into the world, and it's immediately undercut by a bitter taste of irony as Dany comments on the anticlimactic and oppressive nature the storm brings to her first night back home. After all of the rising music and triumphant glances from last week, Dany's world is but a floating silhouette in the rain just passing its way through the frame. What a great shot.
The very first scene is stressful and uncomfortable as Dany quickly seizes upon Varys and his flighty nature in political loyalties. Thunder crashes in the window as the conversation quickly turns from history to treachery as Varys is suddenly in a position to explain his actions and granted the opportunity to talk his way out of a fiery grave. The framing of these shots are fantastic, as Dany commands the shot, an extremely distant, but ever looming figure is an out of focus Grey Worm just behind her. Varys delivers a heartfelt speech about how his loyalty is always to the people, not a Surname, but this time the frame has opened up and Grey Worm is no longer visible, just two intimate shots of Dany and Varys listening to each other. Tyrion shoots some ominous glances her way, but it's obvious that this is all down to Dany's decision, she never breaks eye contact with Varys. We end the tête–à–tête with a promise of being burned alive, and oh how I've missed Game of Thrones.
Next we have Melisandre suddenly appearing and working her way into an immediate meeting with the new Queen. This is either indicative of the renowned nature of Red Priestesses, or Dany's lack of influence in Westeros. She's meeting with the first stranger that knocked on her door. In her throne room. And this brings us to the first thing that unsettled me about the scene, when we cut to the throne room, Melisandre is on the side of the throne, while Dany and her posse seem to enter from the outside. How does that work? I think it immediately disorients the audience, which is a great way to make Melisandre seem both vulnerable and powerful, a duality I've always gleaned from her in the books. She's got a great way of seeming both humble and invaluable to the leader she's serving. Another thing that I like is that all of the characters from Essos and dressing a lot more conservatively in Westeros now that Winder has come, but damn if I don't miss Missandei's midriff. The awkward thing about these opening scenes, and I'm curious if anybody else here felt the same way, is that it feels like a lot of exposition in a short amount of time. Almost like a way to help the story along for people who didn't read the books. It feels a bit sloppy in its execution, but the absolute best thing about having just 7 episodes is that the production quality is continuing to blow me away. Each shot is beautiful and the framing of characters is hearkening back to the way Akira Kurosawa would place characters highly symbolic ways.
We're bouncing around from the three major power centers of Westeros and the throne room of King's Landing is emptier than we've ever seen it. Back in seasons 2 it was overflowing with noble lords and ladies, but now, it's dark and hollow, voices echo, a clear representation of the state of Lannister rule. Their empire is delicate as they appeal for promises of loyalty. Randyll Tarly has a great scene as a conflicted nobleman, who pledged oaths to both the Tyrells and the Crown, and it's a beautiful irony that Jaime is the one who tries to call him on that oath. The thing this show does beautiful is portray even the most seemingly minor characters as having depth, last year Randyll felt like an unbearable dick, but the show gives him a pretty compelling scene of respectful disobedience to the Kingslayer. And I love how Cersei is using controversial moments from Dany's campaign in Slaver's Bay as fear-mongering to her bannermen. And can we talk about Qyburn? This is the most loyal and effective character in the series. You got a problem, just hit up Qyburn like
Dickon got dissed.
The audience is treated to a shirtless Jorah Mormant but he's consumed by Greyscale and we are suddenly missing Daario. It's not too much to ask for some eye candy, but this is depressing. A beloved character from episode one is dying, and Samwell Tarly is once again being berated by that dude from Moulin Rouge. Sam's probably one of the best written characters in the show. He's been consistent, but also constantly growing, his rebellious nature at the Citadel is blooming from his infrequent outbursts at the Wall, and it makes sense that he'd go above and beyond to help Lord Commander Mormont's son after feeling guilty about his failure with the ravens.
Goddamn, Qyburn is good. When a religious zealot is holding you hostage and gaining influence, Qyburn will get you an unstoppable zombie killing machine. When you are facing a trial against the church and your enemies, Qyburn will blow up the Sept hosting said trial. When you've finally taken control and an army leading dragons is heading your way, Qyburn will build a special dragon killing siege weapon for you. Dude is always ready to help. Why can't I meet a guy like this when I'm at Best Buy, where they always follow me around and when I finally ask for help, they've never heard of what I'm looking for?
Dany's war councils have been overwhelmingly uncomfortable, but I'm so happy every time Olenna starts talking shit. What's interesting is that all three major powers have recruited untrustworthy allies that are all ready sowing distrust and conflict. The Starks have Littlefinger trying to play Jon and Sansa against each other. Cersei has Euron Greyjoy eager to win her favor at the expense of insulting Jaime, and Dany has Tyrion and Ellaria at each other's throats immediately as Olenna pushes for more aggression against their foes. There's been almost constant strife on Dragonstone, which is perfect, I love watching these egos struggle to work together before attempting to face their enemies. It's fascinating to watch Tyrion plan the strategy that will hopefully destroy his own family. It's a very interesting dynamic that contrasts with the Starks sense of unity(though turbulent it may be). Dany's allies reassure her of their loyalty but I'm getting a somewhat distant vibe from Olenna, who we should forget was Littlefinger's ally for Joffrey's assassination. I don't know which way alliances might shift, but I don't see those two as enemies for very long. The Queen of Thornes gives the Queen of Dragons a peptalk that reminds of the series long build-up and whether or not Dany has been just kind of chilling for the past for the past five years.
And here comes the most controversial scene of the episode. I've heard a ton of hate toward the Grey Worm/Missandei scenes but I've never had an issue with them. They're almost always well written, and the actors both do a great job. I appreciate the glimpses into Essos characters that are wholly loyal to Dany for reasons that aren't political. Tonight's scene was moving, if you've ever fell in love with somebody, you know the hardest thing about it is making yourself vulnerable so you can let them in your heart. It's scary and seeing a trained soldier like Grey Worm open up to Missandei to explain how his feeling for her frighten him in such a powerful way was just beautiful. I've always felt like the Grey Worm and Missandie love story is tastefully handle with genuine emotion and artistry. (Grey Worm dry humps Missandei and eats her out) Well, I like this too for different reasons.
OH GOOD it's a Sam scene. Last week sure went well. Let's go from the sexiest scene of prime time television to the fantasy library that gave us a poop montage seven days ago. Luckily for us this scene is only the second most HORRIFYING THING I'VE EVER SEEN. WTF? Thank goodness John Bradley is so good that it helps add a humorous reaction to the scene, but that was rough. And just when you think it can't get more disturbing, the torture surgery turns into somebody's fucking pot pie. Oh. my. god.
Speaking of which, it's the one character we wanted to see more than anything: Hot Pie. Arya is sloppily eating a slice of pie for two minutes straight in this scene. There's an animalistic nature to her as she chows down and grunts answers. But I kind of got triggered that she couldn't finish that slice before the scene ended, like, come on!
The Stark scenes are really compelling even if a little stressful as Jon and Sansa continue to butt heads. But Jon decides to go South even when the audience feels devastated after even Lady Mormont disapproves of the thought. But in a touching scene Sansa gains the North and seems a bit nervous about finally having that much power. The thing about this shot of Lord Baelish is that it's the first time this season where it's obvious how he feels about the situation. What I like about the scene in the crypts is how aggressive Littlefinger is in his prodding of Jon, it's almost like he easy it would be to make him lose his cool. When Jon storms off after choking Petyr, check out his expression.
And Arya meeting the wolves was heartbreaking. I didn't know I wanted this scene until it was happening.
The Sand Snakes are back and they are literally juice box sucking toddler archetypes.
Everything about the sea battle was fantastic, I love the way that Euron's fleet seemed to come like a sudden storm, reminiscent of the opening scene of last week's episode. After reading AFFC I have been craving a scene like this in the show and it was exactly as chaotic as I dreamed it would be. I love how totally mad Euron finally seemed. There was a non-step feeling of menace from his performance in the battle. I can't wait to see more. But the big moment of disappointment is when Theon runs away from Euron even as he holds his sister hostage. After an agonizing hesitation, to his uncle's maniacal cackling he flees back into the sea.
).
And Nymeria leaving Arya parallel her desiring for a pack and that since Nymeria found one on her own, she doesn't need to return to her original owner, which represents Arya being independent and returning to her pack, her siblings.
