This week we were treated to a play in three acts that I like to call "Save Tyrion's Ass". Act I starts with Jaime chewing out his brother for throwing out the deal that he made for him. Tyrion was never really interested in that anyways, and took much more delight in ruining his father's long con. The act closes with Jaime confessing that he can't fight anymore and Tyrion is left hoping that the increasingly absent Bronn will help him out.
I like how Tyrion's scenes in this episode follow a three-act structure. It's just one example of the amazing skill that the writers have. They are often required to remind viewers who people are and remind them of past events that are about to be relevant to the story. This is often accomplished in the opening of the show, sometimes with semi-awkward scenes like when Dontos gave Sansa the necklace, but sometimes it's just done very subtly and elegantly.
The Hound and Arya have been having the best scenes of the season, and really this was the best one. Many props go to Rory McCann, who has not had a whole lot to say at times, but was amazing when he started talking about his brother. This piece of writing, delivered so well, accomplished two things. It was another step in the relationship between Arya and the Hound, but it also reminded the audience of The Mountain (his brother). Maybe I'm just a history fan, but I could listen to these characters tell stories about their past all day.
Anyway, back to "Save Tyrion's Ass", Act II. Bronn finally shows up, only to tell Tyrion that there's finally been a higher bidder. This is, regardless of the outcome, an excellent way for them to say goodbye to each other. It also follows the three act structure because it just gets worse for Tyrion, now that he actually has to just picture himself fighting the mountain.
Much to Tyrion's surprise, his third visitor is Oberyn Martell. Oberyn arrived in King's Landing seeking vengeance, and now it's as close as it's ever been. He volunteers to be Tyrion's champion, more for the chance to kill Gregor Clegane than because he wants to fight for Tyrion. It doesn't really matter to Tyrion, as he now has a chance, and that's all he was hoping for in the first place.
Please wait...
