Game of Thrones (HBO): Season 3/Episode 6

3.6 The Climb

Ygritte tells Jon Snow that she knows he’s still loyal to the Night’s Watch, but assures him that she’ll keep his secret, if he remains loyal to her instead. They climb the wall and almost die in a mini avalanche. He saves her and they reach the top, where they share a kiss and an embrace. Theon remains captive and tortured while Jaime and Brienne try to outwit Roose Bolton into sending them on a safe journey back to King’s Landing. Robb ends up in a compromise renewing his alliance with the Freys. Arya’s archery training is interrupted by Melisandre’s arrival, who has come for Gendry in exchange for two sacks of gold. Olenna and Tywin blackmail each other to further their causes, but the latter wins. Cersei and Tyrion reflect on their lack of options and realize that they have been, once again, used as pawns by their father in this game of thrones. He breaks the news to Sansa, who watches in tears as Little Finger’s ship sails away, taking all her hopes of leaving King’s Landing along with him.

This episode seemed more like a filler, but not totally devoid of brilliance, though totally devoid of Dragon Mama. Not even a single glimpse of her blonde hair! But with Dragon Mama’s absence comes the ever witty Grandma Tyrell. Holy crap, this old hag knows how to play the game, and she is not afraid to. Losing to Daddy Lannister is such a disappointment, but you simply marvel at her attempt to outwit the old jerk. Battle of the Oldies! It’s good to see the elders fighting, which gives Gimli and Queen Bitch a much needed temporary ceasefire. Their relationship as siblings is antagonistic at best, but Headey and Dinklage share this awesome chemistry onscreen together, maybe not as lovers but rather as partners in crime, that you just want to see them connive and plan something together despite their mutual hatred for one another. Only Daddy Lannister can achieve such feat. Little Dove is the damsel in distress again, always has been. Poor girl. But of course, lest we forget, kudos to Littlefinger for that wicked speech about chaos.

“Chaos isn’t a pit. Chaos is a ladder. Many who try to climb it fail, and never get to try again. The fall breaks them. And some are given the chance to climb, but refuse. They cling to the realm, or the gods, or love. Illusions. Only the ladder is real. The climb is all there is.” –Petyr Baelish

<<Season 3/Episode 5                Season 3/Episode 7>>