Game of Thrones “Blood of My Blood” was written by Bryan Cogman and was directed by Jack Bender. Much of this episode is about blood – common blood that flows through members of a family and the bond that that creates – or doesn’t create. There is also the bond created by marriage or by the pledging of one’s life to another – such as Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) declaring that all the Dothraki are her blood riders – for “Now and always.” The episode features the two front runners for the Iron Throne making stirring speeches about uniting the Seven Kingdoms. Personally, I thought Daenerys a lot more convincing than Tommen (Dean Charles Chapman).
The episode begins where last week’s tragically left off. Actually, I found the echo of Hodor in the fade to black of the previously on particularly haunting before we pick up Meera (Ellie Kendrick) valiantly trying to pull Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright) through the snow. Bran appears to be helplessly lost in his mind without the Three-Eyed Raven to guide him back and his visions seem to tumble him aimlessly through time. We see Bran’s fall from the tower, Ned’s death, Rob’s death, Daenerys with her dragons, the mad King – Aerys Targaryen (David Rintoul) with the Wildfire, and a glimpse of the Kingslayer, and finally the Night’s King touching him – which finally jolts Bran awake.
Bran wakes to tell Meera that they’ve found them. Meera throws herself on Bran and starts apologizing! None of this could hardly be considered her fault! She is ready to defend Bran, but a mysterious rider suddenly appears with a flaming mace on a chain – among other helpful weapons – and he starts laying waste to the dead army. I loved the flaming and exploding skeletons! He then manages to pick Bran up with ONE hand – and gets Meera up behind him. The horse is somehow still able to outrun the hoards despite the heavy burden.
Sam (John Bradley) and Gilly (Hannah Murray) continue their journey to Horn Hill via carriage. Gilly is amazed at how green the landscape is, and Sam begins babbling about every possible variety of tree. She tells him he’s a nervous talker, so he stops talking, prompting Gilly to remark, “That’s not better, being a nervous mute!” Sam confesses that it’s hard to feel welcome when the last thing his father said to him was that he’d kill him if he came back. Sam clearly didn’t really explain how strained his relationship is with his father. He also confesses to Gilly that he didn’t tell them that Gilly was a Wildling because his father hates Wildlings. It’s too late to turn back as they are already there – and it is obvious that Sam’s family is ridiculously wealthy!
They receive a very warm welcome from Lady Tarly (Samantha Spiro) and Sam’s sister Talla (Rebecca Benson). Gilly curtseys, and Lady Tarly is clearly pleased to meet her too, saying, “you are lovely.” Gilly has clearly been briefed by Sam and responds, “I’m happy to know you, Lady Tarly.” The baby clearly responds to Lady Tarly, smiling and reaching out to her. She totally wins Gilly over when she asks if she can hold him and then remarks, “You have a curious mind. You’ll be a scholar like your father.” She’s clearly proud of Sam. Lord Tarly (James Faulkner) shows his displeasure and contempt for Sam by being out hunting when the two arrive – along with Sam’s brother Dickon (Freddie Stroma).
Talla seems rather clueless, but harmless, and takes Gilly under her wing. She suggests Gilly must want a bath after all that travel. She also offers the loan of one of her own dresses for dinner, and hilariously, wants to know what Gilly’s color is! Gilly looks utterly flummoxed – clearly, her color up til now has been sackcloth!
In King’s Landing, Tommen meets with the High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce). He is very worried about Margaery’s (Natalie Dormer) safety during her walk of atonement. However, the High Sparrow knows that she won’t be in as much danger from the people as Cersei (Lena Headey) was because the people love Margaery where they hated Cersei. He doesn’t really tell this to Tommen – who’s too stupid to figure it out himself, but he does assure Tommen that the Faith Militant will protect his Queen. He then allows Tommen to see Margaery – no doubt because she already knows how she can get herself out of having to do that walk of atonement.
After a brief hesitation, the two rush into each other’s arms. I’m still on the fence as to whether Margaery is playing a long con here or is sincere, but I’m still leaning toward her playing the odds. She’s pretty certain by this point that no one else is going to free her if she doesn’t free herself. She tells Tommen that she wasn’t mistreated – um? What?? And she then says that they’ll soon be together and everything will be better than before. Tommen is incredulous – better how? What about the… and he can barely bring up the walk of atonement.
Margaery asks if Tommen has spoken to the High Sparrow. Tommen admits that he has – a few times and asks if she has. He clearly doesn’t want to express an opinion – or perhaps he doesn’t even really have an opinion at this point. Margaery replies that she’s spoken to him – “He’s not quite what we thought, is he?” She very carefully watches Tommen’s reaction before self effacingly saying, “You think I’m mad. I sound mad” – and she laughs and turns away.
But Tommen has clearly drunk the kool aid. He says, “No. You’re right. He’s not… He’s a lot more…” and Margaery replies, “Yes. He is. There’s something about him….” Tommen doesn’t finish a thought, leaving Margaery open to be equally vague before being more specific and guiding Tommen to where she wants him: “His way of looking at the world. It’s not an easy thing admitting to yourself what you really are. It’s taken me a while. He’s helped me.” Tommen refuses to believe that Margaery is anything but good – he’s just told the High Sparrow about all her good works.
Margaery tells Tommen that she may have visited their hovels and brought them soup, but she made sure she was seen doing it. She tells Tommen, “I’ve had lots of time to think about how good I was at seeming good. Al those stories I told myself about who I was and why I did the things I did. There were so many lies in those stories.” Tommen is utterly stunned – more so than usual. She tells him that it’s a relief to let go of the lies.
Tommen asks about Lorus, and it seems Margaery may have written off her brother for failing to be strong. She tells Tommen, however, that she loves her brother, but while his soul is pure and perfect his sins obscure it. She tells Tommen that Lorus needs to atone for his sins – and that’s the one thing that she says that she struggles with. Given how devoted she’s always been to the blood of her blood – her brother – it seems unlikely and out of character for her to abandon him now. However, she goes on to say that everyone, sooner or later, has to atone for their sins. And she finishes by telling him, “The gods have a plan for us all.”
Sam is waiting to go in to dinner with Gilly. She’s cleaned up amazingly well, even if she does teeter in those shoes! Actually, it’s a good thing that Gilly has been getting gradually cleaner over the las episode or so, or I’d never have recognized her! Sam tells her that she’s beautiful and the two enter arm in arm.
Gilly is clearly uncomfortable, but I loved how she covertly watched how the others were eating their food and mimicked them. It’s clear that Lady Tarly notices but isn’t judgmental. Sam compliments the meat, but who doesn’t know that meat has to cure before you eat it?? Is it just one more thing that separates him from the male members of his family – a very male pursuit that he neither knows nor cares about? Or is it a sign of just how uncomfortable and nervous he is. Dickon brags about the shot he made to take down the deer, and Lord Tarly clearly approves of his more “masculine” son. Dickon asks about hunting at the wall – because of course, they have a lot of leisure up there, right? Nothing else for them to do but go hunting, right? Dickon is far more clueless about things in the wider world.
Dickon – really, could he be more aptly named? – asks if they hunt mostly deer or if there is also elk. Sam’s answer is disappointing in every way – they hunt rabbits – or worse squirrels – and it’s not even him but his friends Jon and Ed – or worse still – Gilly – a woman! Lady Tarly and Talla are intrigued, however. Lady Tarly mentions that it’s likely common where Gilly comes from and mentions that she’d once met a Lord Umber who said that he taught all of his daughters to hunt. Of course, that toss away of Lord Umber makes me wonder who the Tarly’s are aligned with in the coming war. Gilly smiles at Lady Tarly’s kindness. Talla is thoughtless as she suggests that Lord Tarly could learn something from Gilly’s father. And of course, Gilly’s father is even worse than Lord Tarly! Lord Tarly, tells her “That’s enough of that” – clearly allowing no criticism of himself.
Lady Tarly offers Sam more bread and when Sam says yes, Lord Tarly cruelly remarks, “Not fat enough already?” It’s clearly an old pattern of belittling and demeaning Sam. Gilly glares at Lord Tarly, but while Lady Tarly is clearly not happy, she remains silent. Dickon and Talla look slightly uncomfortable, but this is likely just the usual family dinner for them.
Sam finds the courage to bring up his letter before things go from bad to worse. Having sat through some painful family dinners in my time, the writing was clearly on the wall that this one was heading to worse fast. Sam is very clear that he will be returning to the wall once he gets his chain.
Lord Tarly takes the opening to criticize Sam: “I thought the Night’s Watch might make a man of you. Something resembling a man at least.” Lady Tarly interrupts to point out that “To be Maester of the Night’s Watch is a great honor.” But Gilly is utterly appalled and comes to Sam’s defense, telling them that he killed a Thenn and a White Walker. Dickon smiles and then outright laughs, saying there’s no such thing – proving further how little he knows of the wider world. But it’s also going to be the prevailing attitude of those living safely in the south.
Gilly insists, “I saw it with my own eyes on our way down to Castle Black. He drove a dagger into the Walker’s heart. He risked his life to same mine more than once. He’s a greater warrior than either o you will ever be.” It’s a wonderful testament to how much she loves and appreciates Sam, but she’s said far too much, and Lord Tarly may be an ass, but he, at least, isn’t stupid. He immediately jumps on “Your way down to Castle Black. Where did he kill a White Walker?” Gilly realizes that she’s said too much, but Tarly insists – “Where are you from? How’d you come to meet my son?”
Bradley is terrific in this scene. By this point, he looks literally like a scared mouse sitting at the table. Gilly has had enough. She tells Tarly that the Watch came to their keep – north of the wall. Tarly realizes that she’s a Wildling – Lady Tarly draws a deep breath, but I’m betting she’d already figured out that Gilly was a Wildling. And Lord Tarly makes his most offensive speech yet – but it also is likely indicative of the prevailing sentiments in the south: “The Seven Kingdoms have waged war against these savages for centuries and here I sit hosting one in my hall. Thanks to my son.”
He then points to the family sword – Heartsbane – that is made of VALYRIAN steel! Tarly goes on “Supposed to go to my first born son after I die. He will never wield that sword. If he were to become Lord Tarly of Horn Hill it would be the end of this House. I took you for a Molestown whore when I saw you and I made my peace with that. Who else would have him? But I overestimated him. It was a Wildling whore that seduced my son.” Gilly is distressed at how hurt Sam is and glares at Tarly, who doesn’t care and goes on: “This you getting back at me boy? Bringing that to my table and making me dine with it?”
Gilly is finally hurt when he refers to the baby as a “half-breed bastard.” And it’s at that point that Lady Tarly has enough. She rises taking Gilly and Talla with her, declaring that she’s lost her appetite. Lord Tarly insists that Sam has dishonored them, but Lady Tarly throws back that he’s dishonored himself.
Once she’s left, Tarly goes on: “Your mother is a fine woman. You’re not worthy of her. To please her, I’ll take the Wildling in. She can work in the kitchens. The bastard will be raised here. This will be the last night you ever spend at Horn Hill.” It’s an interesting relationship between Lord and Lady Tarly. He clearly respects her, but she seems unable to control his nastier tendencies. Sam has at least secured a place in the kitchen for Gilly, but it’s unlikely she’ll be better treated her than in Castle Black – and what of Samwell? Is he actually going to get an education? Will Lord Tarly terrorize him the way he did Sam?
Sam seems to be willing to let things stand. He’s embarrassed when he goes to say goodbye to Gilly and the baby, apologizing for letting his father treat Gilly so badly. She insists that she’s not angry with Sam. She sees what a horrible person his father is. Sam is leaving at first light and would have simply rushed out if Gilly hadn’t stopped him and kissed him, telling him, “You’re not what he thinks you are, Sam. He doesn’t know what you are.”
Sam isn’t gone long – and it’s clear that Gilly is only staying for the baby’s sake – when he comes bursting back in, declaring the three of them are leaving together. I loved him telling her to gather her things and her having to tell him that she has no things! How long have they been travelling together? Sam insists that his mother and sister will understand – and Talla won’t miss her dress. Sam also takes Heartsbane! How could he leave Valyrian steel? Gilly is worried that Lord Tarly will come after it – and Sam says, “He can bloody well try!”
We cut to Joffrey’s (Rob Callender – Clarenzo) poisoning as portrayed by the players. It’s very clear in the play that Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) – played by Bobono (Leigh Gill) killed Joffrey, so I’m wondering, if Arya’s (Maise Williams) path should ever cross Tyrion’s, will she consider him an ally? Once again, Arya finds herself the only one in the crowd laughing at Joffrey’s death. However, Arya is moved by Lady Crane’s (Essie Davis) speech as Cersei over her dead son. Arya also notices Bianca (Eline Powell) mouthing the words of the speech along with Lady Crane – ready to step in to take her place once she’s been killed. Did Bianca herself get inspiration from the play?
It’s clear that the play itself was meant to be a test for Arya. It reminds her of why she came to Braavos in the first place – to get help crossing the names of her list – to avenge her the blood of her blood that had been spilt. Still, Arya goes backstage and puts the poison in Lady Crane’s rum.
Only Lady Crane notices Arya doesn’t belong backstage – and she’s noticed her in the audience. She asks Arya how many times she’s seen the play – 3 – and whether or not she’s paid – no. She’s not angry and remembers sneaking in to watch the players when they came to her village when she was a girl – and running away with them. Arya can’t help but tell her that she’s very good. Lady Crane brushes her off, saying her last speech is shit – she blames the writing for being no good. Arya tells her simply, “Change it. It would all just be farting, belching and slapping without you.”
Lady Crane is now intrigued and asks Arya how she would change it – thus getting Arya to think about how one feels when they lose a close family member. Arya really thinks about it before answering: “The Queen loves her son more than anything and he was taken from her before she could say goodbye. She wouldn’t just cry. She would be angry. She’d want to kill the person who did this to her.” And isn’t this how Arya herself feels?
Lady Crane asks her name, and Arya answers, “Mercy.” Perhaps a little on the nose? Interestingly, Lady Crane goes on to say that “Mercy” has very expressive eyes – and wonderful eyebrows! And then she asks, “Do you like pretending to be other people?” Has she guessed that “Mercy” isn’t really her name? Arya bolts at this point, giving the excuse that her father is waiting for her – and is Ned waiting for Arya to avenge him?!
We get a brief glimpse of what Lady Crane is up against backstage. Everyone is jealous of her clearly superior talent. As soon as Lady Crane makes a mention of having an idea, Izembaro (Richard E Grant) is furious at the criticism. He tells her that he’s been doing this is whole life! This is his profession! But of course, how is that different from Lady Crane who we also know has been doing it her whole life? He tells her she has no right to an opinion – and she’s about to turn to her rum for solace when the glass is knocked violently from her hand! The entire company stands amazed as Arya tells Lady Crane, “Careful of that one.” Pointing at Bianca. “She want you dead.”
As Arya leave, Waif (Faye Marsay) is in the background – she’s been watching Arya all along. She reports back to Jaqen (Tom Wlaschiha) that Arya has failed, and we learn that Jaqen has promised Waif that she can kill Arya should Arya fail. Jaqen says, “Shame. The girl had many gifts.” But Waif insists, “You promised me.” And somehow it’s ok for Waif to use the first person pronoun and have a personal vendetta to carry out.
However, Arya is not being caught unawares. She retrieves Needle from where she stashed the sword. And then she makes use of all of her training – including the time she spent blind – by retreating to a place that she can plunge into total darkness to await Waif.
In King’s Landing, Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) meets Mace Tyrell (Roger Ashton-Griffiths) at the head of Mace’s army. It’s hilarious that Mace actually needs to have his horse lead – and a really nice contrast to that beautiful shot of Jaime – clearly Coster-Waldau – the beauty of no helmet – riding up the steps of the Sept.
As they approach with the army, pushing the crowd back, the High Sparrow is speaking: “Rich or poor, if we sin, we must atone.” Margaery is there with Septa Unella (Hannah Waddingham). The first thing I noticed, however, was that Margaery still had all of her hair. And she was clean when she spoke to Tommen besides. However, the High Sparrow goes on about how Margaery has disgraced herself and her House, until he’s interrupted by the arrival of the army – and Lady Olenna (Diana Rigg) who gets out of a carriage. Margaery looks possibly relieved or surprised.
The High Sparrow greets Mace and Jaime. Jaime responds, “Sorry to interrupt. We’re here for Queen Margaery and Ser Lorus. Give them to us, and we’ll be on our way.” The High Sparrow responds that he doesn’t have the authority to give them and Jaime doesn’t have the authority to take them. Jaime invokes Tommen – but the High Sparrow insists that the gods don’t recognize Tommen’s authority either. When the army presents its spears, the High Sparrow all but rolls his eyes at the show of force. Jaime goes on, telling him he’s embarrassed one great House and he won’t embarrass another: “Every last sparrow will die before Queen Margaery walks down that street.”
The High Sparrow is not to be frightened – but then he knows he holds all the cards. He tells Jaime, “to die in the service of the gods would please each and every one of us.” And he inserts a masterful dramatic pause before continuing, “But there is no call for it today. There will be no walk of atonement.” Jaime looks confused and Olenna moves closer – also clearly baffled.
The High Sparrow explains, “Queen Margaery has already atoned for her sins by bringing another into the true light of the Seven.” And Tommen appears with his King’s Guard – minus Jaime, of course – from the Sept. Jaime is utterly gobsmacked. Jaime and Olenna exchange a look – this is bad. Very bad.
Tommen takes Margaery’s hand, and the High Sparrow announces, “Together we announce a new age of harmony. A holy alliance between the Crown and the Faith.” Jaime is both angry and disgusted with Tommen. He shakes his head at Tommen – but it’s too late. Tommen has drunk the koolaid. Tommen announces “The Crown and the Faith are the twin pillars upon which the world rests. Together we will restore the Seven Kingdoms to glory.” The High Sparrow looks right at Jaime, and he is unmistakably gloating.
Mace is utterly baffled by what’s happened and has to ask him mother to explain. Olenna tells him, “He’s beaten us. That’s what’s happening!” She’s clearly disgusted with the turn of events – and how did she get saddled with such a dolt for a son! But it would seem that both Tommen and Margaery have turned their backs on their blood kin.
Jaime confronts Tommen in the throne room. Tommen is not happy with Jaime and has stripped him of command of the King’s Guard – no doubt at the High Sparrow’s request. Jaime reminds him that he’s been a member of the King’s Guard since before Tommen was even born! He tries to tell him that he answers to no one – including the gods – when he sits on the Iron Throne. Tommen has made up his mind – or had it made up for him. Jaime is to continue to serve the Crown – but not in King’s Landing.
Jaime tells Cersei that he’s going to hire Bronn (Jerome Flynn) and storm the Sept! Yeah Bronn! And yeah the pictures from the next episode that shows he’s back! Cersei convinces Jaime that that would be suicide and she tells him, “without you, this has all been for nothing. Stand at the head of our army. Show them what Lannisters are. What we do to our enemies.” Jaime is being sent to lead the army in retaking Riverrun.
Jaime doesn’t want to leave because Cersei’s trial is about to start. She assures him that there will be no trial. It will be a trial by combat, and she has the Mountain. She tells him, “They’ve made us both stronger. All of them. They have no idea how strong we are. What we’ll do to them. We’ve always been and always will be together. We’re the only two people in the world.” And they end in a passionate embrace. Of course, this also sets up a meeting between armies – with Jaime and the Freys on one side and Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) and the Starks on the other. And isn’t that full circle?
Walder Frey (David Bradley) returns in this episode, and he’s just as reprehensible as always! His sons have “lost” Riverrun to the Blackfish. His sons are hardly model citizens, but it’s hard not to feel somewhat sorry for them! We learn that the Freys are losing followers who are joining the Brotherhood without Banners – and potentially re-aligning with the Starks?
The sons insist that the Blackfish will never yield, but while Frey may have little use for his own blood, he knows the power of a blood bond. They still have Edmure (Tobias Menzies) to trade. Menzies is one of the busiest actors on television –
Outlander (two parts!) and
The Night Manager. It’s nice to have him back – I can’t wait to see what effect spending all that time in a dungeon has had on him – hard to believe he could be more of a limp fish!
Back in the north, we discover that Meera and Bran have been rescued by none other than his thought-to-be-dead Uncle Benjen (Joseph Mawle). He tells Meera that the Three-Eyed Raven called for him. She tells him that the Raven is dead, and Benjen remarks that he lives again – in Bran. He was saved by the Children who stopped him from turning due to the White Walker stabbing him by using the dragon glass. Benjen tells Bran that he has to master his powers before the Night King makes it to the lands of men.
Daenerys and Daario (Michiel Huisman) are within a week’s ride of Meereen with the Dothraki. Daario wants to know what her plans are – he wants to know what happens after they get to Meereen and sail for Westeros. She tells him, she will take what is hers. He wants to know what then? He points out that she was not made to sit in a chair in a palace – he tells her that she is a conqueror.
Daenerys has been studying her surroundings as they speak – she knows Drogon is close and rides off alone, leaving the others to wait. She returns on the dragon – anybody else hoping she didn’t feed Drogon that poor horse as a snack? There’s another beautiful entrance of Drogon as we see his shadow pass across the land and the Dothraki. And while there isn’t really a dragon there, if there were, kudos for those horses not losing their minds!
The episode ends with another classic Daenerys speech: “Every Khal who ever lived chose three blood riders to fight beside him and guard his way. But I am not a Khal. I will not choose three blood riders. I choose you all!” Cheering. “I will ask more of you than any Khal has ever asked of his Khalassar! Will you ride the wooden horses across the black salt sea? Will you kill my enemies in their iron suits and tear down their stone houses? Will you give me the Seven Kingdoms, the gift Khal Drogo promised me before the Mother of Mountains? Are you with me? Now and always?”
Daenerys binds her men to her with blood of a kind. And we have the second declaration to rule the Seven Kingdoms. It feels like progress! We also have a fight heating up in the north. Of course, with only four episodes left in the season, it seems likely that we may see a skirmish or two in the north, but likely no real fighting over the Iron Throne just yet. What did you think of the episode? Do you think Margaery is truly converted? Can Arya best Waif? Will Jaime be able to fight Brienne? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
About the Author - Lisa Macklem
I do interviews and write articles for the site in addition to reviewing a number of shows, including Supernatural, Arrow, Agents of Shield, Agent Carter, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, The X-Files, Defiance, Bitten, Killjoys, and a few others! I'm active on the Con scene when I have the time. When I'm not writing about television shows, I'm often writing about entertainment and media law in my capacity as a legal scholar. I also work in theatre when the opportunity arises. I'm an avid runner and rider, currently training in dressage.
