Game of Thrones: Oathkeeper

Contempt is the emotion that defines all the relationships in Westeros, that and distrust.

 

In Oathkeeper, the latest episode of Game of Thrones to air in South Africa, we have been brought much closer to the Game aspect of the show; where everyone is trying to make moves and alliances that will further their agenda.  

 

After the Breaker of Chains episode I was pretty convinced that it was Lord Baelish who had killed the king, (and I still am).

 

But with Olenna confessing to her grandmother that she was involved, there is definitely more to this here. Maybe Lord Baelish and Olenna are in it together; it’s really hard to tell at this stage. It’s a shame because I really liked Olenna and now I too feel some contempt for her as she seems to be growing more power hungry every second she is near the crown.  

 

Whilst we are on the subject of the iron throne, am I the only one who feels let down by the fact that Tommen Baratheon will now be King of the Andals and the First Men and Lord of the Seven Kingdoms? Its feels like such a let-down; a legacy unworthy of Joffrey's death. I mean the boy has hardly said two words in the entire series. I had even forgotten he exists. Judging by the title of this week's episode First of his name, the new king will indeed be crowned. It’s is also likely that this timid boy will also now marry Olenna, effectively making sure she weds for a third time whilst simultaneously retaining her virginity. Who said magic does not happen in GOT?

 

What has also been impressive about the way the show has been written since Joffrey died is how Tyrion has not reached that, "I want to beg for my freedom," state of his imprisonment. He seems almost resigned to the fact that he will be tried and convicted for his nephew's death. And as a result - in the midst of his accusers - join his brother in the ranks of being a king slayer. Despite all this, Tyrion refused to part with his dignity. In lengthy conversation with Jaime he even manages (in a quintessentially Tyrion moment) to quip about how Jaime is father to the late king. But this is a sad scene for both brothers. Its gives insight to the Lannisters as a family unit that does not know how to grieve or react to losing. 

 

The most irritating thing about this episode however is that it fails follow up on how Jaime raped Cersei. There is no discussion of what happened, let alone consequences for his actions. Cersei of all people seems indifferent to the incident, but I am not so convinced that Jaime will get away with it that easily. She is probably just going to wait for the new king to be crowned and then she will take care of her brother/lover. Remember a Lannister always pays his debts. 

 

Across the narrow sea, I am starting to fear the beloved Mother of Dragons does not have a clue what she is doing. She has an army, yes, wise council yes and of course dragons but none the less the aesthetics and nuances of monarchy are lost on her. She does not know how to enforce her status as ruler. She thinks liberating slaves is all that needs to be done and then she can dust her hands and move on. After the Unsullied armed the slaves of Meereen with swords, the slaves kill their masters. Daenerys orders the remaining masters executed, having them nailed to posts as they had slave children killed to mark each mile to Meereen. The trouble with the Khaleesi's missions is that every city she has sacked so far has been an easy victory. She will have much more resistance when she finally sails for Westeros to take on the Lannisters.

 

To stand a chance to win a Game of Thrones DVD box set, tell us who Sihle thinks killed Joffrey. Email your answer to [email protected] with the subject line 'Game of Thrones: Oathkeeper'