Episode 7 was written by George R.R. Martin himself, this combined with it being so late in the season had me expecting more from this episode. Not a lot going on this episode other than a few developments in the Riverlands and a bunch of relationship stuff.
In another Jon-centric episode, we see the Wildlings on the south side of the Wall marching towards Castle Black. Orell explains to Jon that his and Ygritte's relationship can never work, as he will never understand her. Later on Orell makes a move on Ygritte, is rejected, and subsequently warns her that she won't love Jon after she sees his true colors. This plays on the couples existing insecurities and after Ygritte spends the entire episode mocking the southerners and their customs Jon confronts her and tells her that despite all that the Wildlings cannot win. While nothing is resolved and Ygritte tries to convince Jon to commit to her in the upcoming battle, the couple elects to live and be happy while they can.
Catelyn and Brynden "the Blackfish" discuss their disdain for Walder Frey, as their being delayed by rain will insult the Lord of the Crossing. Later that evening King Robb finds out he's pregnant and is elated. It is very gratifying to witness a happy Stark family member for a change.
The eldest Stark daughter is less happy in King's Landing. Sansa confides in Margaery that she made some stupid, juvenile mistakes, after learning of her betrothal to Tyrion and the two proceed to cluck for what seems like a really long time but is actually only like 3 minutes.. i checked. I have no interest or patience for Sansa at this point. Tywin finally meets with King Joffrey and makes it clear he is the authority in the capital, Joffrey definitely cowers as Tywin ascends to the throne. While he cannot completely dismiss the young king neither does Lord Tywin back down from him, something Joffrey is not used to. Tywin also dismisses Joffrey's fears about the Targaryen girl in the east and her dragons.
Daenerys Stormborn of house Targaryen, Queen of the Andals and the First Men (and the Rhoynar), Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons is that girl, and she has made it her mission to free all the slaves along her way. Dany meets with an envoy from Yunkai and refuses his bribe while intimidating him with her dragons. Dany demonstrates that she is truly a scion of house Targaryen, unrelentingly taking charge of the negotiation and declaring war on the Yunkai'i. Before leaving the emissary warns of powerful friends who will aid them in their fight against Daenerys next episode potentially.
In a quick little scene Melisandre reveals to Gendry his parentage, not a huge surprise as the audience had already figured this much out, but the portent "There is power in king's blood." may not bode well for Gendry, or anyone else with "king's blood".
The Bear and the Maiden Fair
Jaime promises Brienne that he will keep his word to Lady Stark and return the Stark girls, something his character would never have taken seriously before. After his maiming and his time with Brienne Jaime is remembering what it was like to be an honourable knight. After learning a bit more about Qyburn the disgraced maester Jaime races back to Harrenhal to rescue Brienne. Brienne is being forced to defend herself with only a wooden sword against a giant bear, and Jaime jumps in to the pit to save the "maiden fair". I doubt even Jaime knows exactly why he almost sacrificed his life for Brienne but this definitely shows that he isn't the smug, selfish man we first met in season 1.
Theon loses his junk aswell..
Again the Riverlands held the biggest developments, Arya's kidnapping, Robb's baby, Talisa's bum and Jaime's heroism. It still feels like things are just building up, but hopefully after they come to a head we can look back at this episode as necessary and maybe even worthwhile. This episode seemed to jump all over the place and yet get very little, other than relationship gossip, done... not my style.
