User Reviews

First of all, congratulations to the creators of this episode, it was a joy to watch!

Now I noticed that there was a lot of commotion around this episode, like people saying it 'spoils' The Winds Of Winter, I mean, the white walker scene in the end was NOT revealing anything that happened or will happen in TWOW, come on! The baby sacrifice has been going on for years, adding this scene only explains what happens to the babies. There is no and will not be a POV on a white walker, these guys don't speak so that would be an empty character, what they showed us is something that will never occur in the books since it is impossible to tell. It is ridiculous to think of this scene as a spoiler! Soon people won't even read the books or watch the series because they don't want to spoil themselves. Ridiculous. I read all the books, and I really enjoyed this episode so much I was clapping when it finished.

They did add some changes, like the Bran scene at craster's, but that is no more than expected. The main events always occur, the characters only get there in a slightly different way. Except Jon's plan to attack the deserters at Crasters, that's entirely new but is not bad because it is new. It's one of those reasons to keep watching the series even if you read the books. If you expect the series to be a copy of the books you're gonna have a bad time.

So after all, this was and is one of the best episodes so far in GoT. 9,5/10

That top view from the great pyramid of Meereen. *slow claps* Well done guys. Also, sacking a city has never been made easier. Yes that's right! Give weapons to the slaves and voilà! The city is yours. Daenerys takes Meereen , the shackles are off and the shouts of Mhysa "mother" are raged through out. But it was time for the mother to answer "injustice with justice". 163 children answered with 163 masters nailed down on posts. And the flag of the Targaryens covering the harpy as Mhysa gazes out at her new city. YES! That moment just couldn't get any better.

"The king slayer brothers" well that does has a certain ring to it. But sadly that's not gonna happen cause the imp is quite sure he never poisoned the king. Jamie finally decides to visit his baby brother. Nice exchange of thoughts between the two, the dialog was well written and much better played by Peter and Nikolaj. Jamie is quite sure that his brother would never kill his son but his thoughts aren't quite same for Sansa.

Petyr Baelish wants "Everything". Lord little finger is taking the stark girl to her aunt. And did he just claim that he was behind Joffrey's death? Well, wow! Who knew that he would have so much tricks up his sleeve or did he now? , on the other hand will Sansa Stark trust him, just like her father did? We all know how that ended. Let's just hope that the girl reaches her aunt safely.

ICE , the Valyrian great sword passed down through Starks, meets it's end at king's landing. The sword was reforged into two blades one of which was given to Jaime and the other to the king. Jaime gives his Valyrian steel to Brienne of Tarth and entrusts a duty upon her . "It's reforged from Ned stark's sword, you will use it to defend Ned stark's daughter" "OATH KEEPER" she names it, to Honor lady Stark's promise, through the sword the title of the episode is born . Jaime gives her the sword , the Armour and also Podrick Payne the loyal squire of Tyrion Lannister to find Sansa Stark and protect her. Thus their journey begins. Wish she knew that the stark girl is in a ship on her way to the Vale. Oh well , more the mystery , more the fun.

Furthermore on castle black we saw some new recruits joining the watch. Wait, is that Locke?.. Yes! The man who made the king slayer cripple . A trusted banner man of Roose Bolton on the wall? Is he there to kill Ned stark's bastard? Let's wait and find out . So Jon snow is ready to march towards Craster's keep to capture or kill the brothers who broke the vow and murdered lord commander. Those are some nasty people . And Bran and company gets caught by the nasty people , furthermore he reveals himself as Brandon Stark of Winterfell. Hurry up Jon snow you better reach the keep before they start playing with their prize.

This show just never ceases to amaze it's viewers. Remember the babies that white walkers took. Well we finally got to see what happens to them. In my opinion , making a show after the books has it's perks. We can tight up some lose ends. Not that I'm saying there are, but you can improve some things from here and there. The babies are taken away into the north and they are turned , "TURNED INTO WHITE WALKERS?" OMG!! Who knew that? Well, hats off to the amazing producers on the show . Every other episode is another master piece. Well done guys, WELL DONE

*This review contains spoilers for this episode*

Game of Thrones continues an excellent season with many interesting pairings and matches in this episode. A talk on a ship, a walk in a park and much is revealed about the plotting behind the scenes reminding us what a deadly viper pit King's Landing is!

Jaime and Bronn, Jaime and Tyrion, Jaime and Cersei, Jaime and Brienne. All these scenes were excellent and did not tip the hat either this way or that for Jaime. GoT excels at this ambiguity/uncertainty more than many lesser shows - this character has done many bad things: trying to kill a kid, bashing his relative's head in with a rock to make an escape, forcing himself on his sister - but also many good things. While there was much outcry last week that he was now an unredeemable rapist, the truth is a little blurrier - as always intended, each viewer will have to balance his good deeds and bad deeds and decide for themselves - no trite generalities allowed.

Another such ambiguity introduced in this episode is the appearance of Locke at the wall - we know Bolton sent him yet he seems genuinely impressed with Jon Snow (who btw this season has jumped into awesome gear!) - so when Locke volunteers we wonder if he does it to carry out nefarious deeds or does he do it because he admires Snow?

This is what makes GoT stand out - the characters evolve and little is black and white - much is uncertain. Margery's bedside talk with Tommen also stood out in this way - it was both sweet and a little bit creepy due to the age difference at the same time. Regardless it let us see aspects of both the characters and I have to say I really like Tommen so far - another young casting coup for GoT I predict!

I love the pairing of Brienne and Podrick - hope we see some of their adventures! Bran's story also got a whole lot more interesting suddenly and the glimpse of life in the mutineer camp was also revealing with their leader fleshed out in this episode.

Finally the end scene was breathtaking and intriguing, leaving you wanting to see more of the whitewalker's realm. Congratulations GoT, you've got at least 10 scenes I am aching to see the followup to!

As this episode opens Daenerys liberates the slave city of Meereen when her Unsullied sneak in to the city through the sewers and arms the slaves. Once in control with the Targaryen banner flying over the citadel she ignores the counsel of Ser Barristan and has the same number of slave masters crucified as there were crucified children on the city's mile markers.

Back in King's Landing Jaime comes to believe that Tyrion is innocent and when Cersei asks him to hunt down Sansa he refuses… indeed he later gives his Valarian steel sword to Brienne and asks her to find Sansa and act as her protector; he also requests that she takes Podrick as the capital isn't a safe place for friends of Tyrion. Meanwhile Sansa has a talk to Lord Baelish about why he rescued her and learnt how she inadvertently helped in Joffrey's murder. We also learn who administered the poison and why. With her new husband dead Margaery pays a visit to his brother, the future king, who she will now be expected to marry. At the wall Jon Snow prepares to take a small force of volunteers to kill or capture the mutineers at Craster's keep… who are about to capture Bran and his companions.

This was another fine episode; it opens well with the liberation of Meereen and Daenerys's refusal to listen Ser Barristan and show mercy might be an indication that she is becoming too harsh to those she doesn't approve of… although what those who ran the city did makes it hard to feel too much sympathy for them… at least within the context of 'Game of Thrones'. The action in King's Landing continues to be intriguing as we learn of Olenna Tyrell's part in Joffrey's death; Dame Diana Rigg is great in this role. Natalie Dormer is also great as her granddaughter Margaery; the scene where she visits young Tommen was a delight as she is simultaneously sweet and seductive. Jaime continues to become one of the series more likable characters as he defies his sister and asks Brienne to protect Sansa. North of the wall Burn Gorman is delightfully vile as Karl Tanner, the leader of the mutineers at Craster's Keep… it is clear that things are even worse for Craster's wives now and he poses an immediate threat to his prisoner Bran. Finally we get a great scene where we learn what the White Walkers do with Crastor's sons.

I must say, Meereen looks fantastic both in the opening scene and in the show. Nice to see Missandei and Grey Worm talking, gives some extra flavour to the slavery aspect of Dany's campaign. Nice to get a look into the mind of an Unsullied, which is absent in the books. Good to see Dany's storyline at the start of the episode, rather than always being the big finish. The actual fight, however, comprised of a single melee and was rather unsatisfying and much too short. I wonder if Dany not listening to Barristan is really a wise move, but it serves to again show how powerfully empathetic and determined she is to end slavery.

Aside from Pod, there was some good dialogue from the two people who still like Tyrion somewhat. Very good line about how Tyrion has always looked up at Jaime, and the back to forth between the brothers in the jail still shows their bond despite all that has happened.

Both Sophie Turner and Sansa have grown so much since the start of the show and I can't wait until we see more of her, out of King's Landing and allowed to finally express her true self. Her poking around Littlefinger's plot already shows how she is beginning to wisen up. I still don't get Aiden Gillen's accent, however. Littlefinger might be revealing too much to Sansa, which could be a bad move for someone so normally cunning.

I am disappointed Olenna is leaving, she has been great in every one of her scenes, but it means Margaery steps up as the Tyrell in power. The necklace thing pretty much confirmed what we all thought about the poison. Even these females use their womanly wiles to get what they want, and Margaery is as seductive as ever with Tommen, though judging by where she kissed him, I see she senses that it isn't the way to Tommen's heart,. Maybe that's Ser Pounce.

Locke is at the Night's Watch! Surprisingly I didn't see that coming, seeing as he isn't even in the books, but it guess it shows how unforgiving Roose is towards his subjects. I'm not sure what direction they are taking him, I half expect him to betray Jon at some point. The actor for Thorne nails his despicable nature as he is, while Janos Slynt is the same kind.

From what Lena Headey has to work with she nails her character, getting more insecure by the moment and drifting away from Jaime. She does seem fine after that questionable sept scene.

We didn't exactly get the White Book scene I wanted, but it was good enough. They still seem on course to guide Jaime towards redemption, as seen by the oath he still remembers he swore to Catelyn Stark. Honour is what he still values. Pod's face was hilarious! I loved the Ser/My lady line they took from the books and it's what Pod wanted to do if he couldn't stay with Tyrion. I have grown on Pod immensely. Oathkeeper as the title and name of the sword is very apt and signifies a new chapter beginning.

So Sam has told Jon that Bran is still alive! Makes for a nice change, giving Jon a bit of hope. Jon rallying his brothers was a great scene that shows his new maturity and how his is favoured already within the Night's Watch, much more than Alliser Thorne. I always liked LC Mormont and really wanted to see him avenged. I didn't expect such a brutal scene at Craster's Keep with the skull and the rape, but it was a really menacing mood shift when the wives made him go sacrifice the baby to the Walkers.

So it looks like Bran has more or less become an adept warg, interesting to see as they always impress with the wolf scenes. So that's where Ghost is, captured by the mutineers. I really wanted to see Hodor floor Rast, it's a testament to how well acted he is that I hate him so much.

The Walkers. Wow. That is all makeup and so menacing to see. For years, we have wondered about them and why they need human sacrifices. Were they really as monstrous as we thought? This scene opens up so many new things to ponder, and for once I am genuinely floored and excited as I guess what comes next. Great ending.

8.5/10

This week's Game of Thrones was a step-up in quality for me from last week, which is surprising because many reviews I have read regarding this episode didn't like it as much and called it "slow" or "meandering." I have to disagree with this, simply because the episode laid some great new plot developments with some amazing sequences.

The episode started with Daenerys saving the slaves Meereen by starting a revolution against the slave masters. Those who read my reviews know that I am not a Daenerys or Emilia Clarke fan, but these sequences of the episode were arguably the best scenes in the episode. I loved Michelle MacLaren's directing, with the fast cuts of the masters being crucified and the bird's-eye-view shot of the slaves stabbing that one master. The scene concluded with Daenerys looking over her revolution with pride and confidence, the camera zooming out to show her on top of a great pyramid, akin of a great queen looking over the vast empire she has claimed. It was a great scene, filmed magnificently, and it provided the episode with some of its greatest scenes, despite its little plot development.

We also had a huge development in Jaime's story. He has given Brienne the titular Oathkeeper, and makes her promise to find and protect Sansa. It's a great plot development (but knowing this show, it'll be three seasons before Brienne actually makes it to Sansa). As great as the plot was, it provided some questionable motives regarding Jaime. After last week's internet uproar about Jaime's "rape" of Cersei, it was weird to see him resort back to his character progression, going against the Lannisters and helping out Tyrion and sending Brienne to rescue a Stark. I love Jaime's development and the path his character is progressing in, but it was conflicting to see him so different than he was depicted last week.

We also received the answer to who killed Joffrey! I admittedly spoiled this for myself, reading the novel synopsis on Wikipedia, but it was surprising and exciting for first-time viewers to have it revealed that both Littlefinger and Olenna were behind Joffrey's death. It's great to see these two characters behind it, as I've always loved Littlefinger and his duplicitous nature.

The last huge plot development was Bran's. I've never liked Bran, and I've hated his story since the end of Season 2 when he rode away from the burnt Winterfell. His story has been very plodding, meandering, and arguably pointless, but it was exciting to see his story take an exciting and dramatic turn by being captured at Craster's Keep. It's even more exciting to know that Jon is on his way, so it's possible that he meets Bran again, but knowing this show, that won't happen. I'm excited to see where this story at Craster's Keep goes, but one thing is for sure: it's not going to end in peace. The people at Craster's Keep are despicable people, raping women to death and sacrificing babies to the White Walkers, and I'll be glad to see them get their comeuppance at the hands of Snow.

And that led to this week's haunting and exciting ending with the White Walker. It was intense seeing him ride away with the baby, as we didn't know where he was going and what he was going to do. I think I figured it out when he lifted him up and went to touch his forehead, and my prediction was confirmed when the baby's eyes turned blue, revealing how White Walker's are made and the growing Walker army that is enlarging, one baby at a time. It was an exciting and haunting ending to a similarly exciting and very plot-heavy episode that progressed the story in new and exciting ways.

+ Great new plot progressions

+ Exciting sequences – Daenerys and the White Walker

+ Great cinematography and editing

• Some weird and conflicting character work with Jaime

Overall: A

Soundtrack : (8.9/10) Dialogue : (9.3/10) Story : (8.8/10) Cinematography : (9.2/10) Character Development : (9.3/10) Conflict : (9/10) Excitement : (8.7/10) Reasonableness : (9.1/10) Overall : (9/10)

Pros :

• Bronn and Jaime's duo is amazing. Jaime learns a lot from Bronn.

• Jaime had a fun talk with Tyrion. God I love the Lannister siblings' relationships.

• Lord Baelish oozes wisdom with every sentence. It's always been entertaining following Littlefinger and predicting his next move. I would listen to him reading the dictionary and still have a fun time.

• We meet Locke again in the Nights Watch. The conflict between Jon and Alliser Thorne is amazing.

• I love Jaime and Brienne's scene. One of the best duos. Him giving Brienne his sword to find Sansa shows how honorable he is.

• Meeting the Night King was the highlight of this episode. An interesting reveal.

Cons :

• the Mereen scene was normal. It wasn't bad but want really good as well.

• I don't get how ghost ended up in a cage. He could kill any man .

Whilst the TV show has begun to get VERY off book topic, I've a few quandary's to pose for the TV version. Now Jocke (ie Vargo Hoat in the book) has been sent by Roose Bolton to find the 2 youngest Stark boys at Castle Black thinking they were heading to Jon Snow, their half brother, upon the suggestion of Theon Greyjoy (Reek). Jocke volunteers to accompany Jon to crasters keep but Jon baulks at the offer owing to Jocke being only a recruit. Jocke agrees to say the words to become a brother of the nights watch so as to accompany Jon Snow. Is there going to be a twist whereby Jocke having said the words becomes committed to the black watch? Please discuss

Daenerys make people more free and give us a real inside of what she really are and i really enjoyed it to be honest. The confrontation between Jaime and Tyrion make us aware that Tyrion really think that Cersei just want him dead and that Jaime believe in Tyrion innocence. Littlefinger revealed to be someone pretty smart and we know that he has some of a deal with the Tyrell and the mother Tyrell is maybe also not innocent in the Joffrey's death. Cersei want Jaime to find Sansa and Jaime give the order to Brenne to find Sansa. So that make it pretty interesting and the anticipation of a face to face between Cersei and Sansa can be really interesting. Tommen the new king will be visited by Margaery and a new love story seem to begin and our suspicions of the new king who seemed to be less cruel than Jeoffrey is more confirmed in that episode and that will be interesting to see him and his actions as a future king. John prepared to go to the Craster. He is afraid that they are going to talk to the wildlings about them and made them more scared. And we met Karl Tanner who is going to give a baby to the night walkers. And Tanner will have Bran and his teammates in captivity. We understand also that Branners's brother wolf is captured by them also. So yeah we dont know what Tanner have in mind for them and we dont really know also that the White Walkers are doing with this baby; made him turned into a white walker too? Need to see more.

Despite various media articles about last week's rape scene, there isn't much sign that what we may perceive as rape, will be treated as rape. Besides that, there isn't much to note besides the redemption of Jaime and us learning who killed Joffrey. However, even with that said, there are a few gems which do sparkle.

Topic 1: The People's Queen – Daenerys

In what was probably one of the few cute, and innocent, moments I can recall in this show, Greyworm, with is having Missandei teach him whatever they call English, as well as Meereen's language. Part of the reason deals with Greyworm infiltrating Meereen and handing weapons to every slave to do battle, of which they do, leading to the first successful slave rebellion after two tries. But, with Daenerys' form of justice does come worry from Ser Barristan who perhaps thinks mercy should be granted upon slavers. This is quickly dismissed though for Daenerys' seeking to be a savior trumps mercy of the oppressors.

Still, as Daenerys' looks over the newest acquisition to her kingdom, it is hard not to feel for Greyworm as his crush on Missandei grows. Together they share stories of what life was before slavery, or at least Missandei does. And you can see as they expose their vulnerabilities he wishes to touch her hand, showing that even a warrior trained since childhood is still capable, and susceptible to feelings of love. Unfortunately though, for reasons not revealed, though likely due to him being unsullied, she withdraws her hand before he can even have their fingertips meet.

Topic 2: Forget What You Thought – Jaime & Tyrion

When it comes to Jamie Lannister, it seems the rape incident is supposed to be forgotten and treated as it never happened. In fact, the episode seems to want to pull a 180 degree turn and remind you how capable he is of being a good guy. And even in his scene with Cersei, she seems madder that Jaime is willing to take Tyrion's side than what happened between them in front of Joffrey's corpse. But, according to the director it was consensual and seemingly that is how things are going to roll.

But, back to this 180 degree turn. First and foremost, after some training with Bron, Jaime decides to visit Tyrion's cell and trade prisoner stories. Which, due to Tyrion really not being in the mood, leads to some pokes at Jaime's expense when it comes to his relationship with Cersei. The main point of their conversation though is: Did you do it? Of which Tyrion denies and Jaime believes, causing said argument with Cersei.

So, being that Jaime is the only one who seems to be in Tyrion's corner, he starts doing what he can from the outside. First, he gives Brienne a suit of armor and his Valerian sword in order to not only find Sansa, but protect her against the will of Cersei; He makes sure Podrick is safe from Tyrion's foes by having him go with Brienne; and all the while he looks at Brienne in such a way which surely was made to have his little rape incident seem like a lapse of judgment. However, being this is Game of Thrones, we must remember that enemies and friends switch sides whenever it is convenient, so it is never good to not take as much note of what allies are doing as foes.

Topic 3: The Traitor(s) – Lord Baelish, Olenna, Rebels of the Night's Watch

Which is said because, friend to the Lannisters, Lord Baelish, is the one who plotted Joffrey's death. The reason why? Well, perhaps part of it dealt with him wanting Sansa, who he looks lustfully at, but the other part also dealt with his new alliance. You see, one woman, who really is only second to Tyrion when it comes to good one liners and mastering a scene, has sort of always hinted at what we saw at Joffrey's wedding. She asked Sansa what she thought of Joffrey, observed the utter lack of command his parents, and grandfather, had over him, and though arranged marriages maybe the norm, she isn't like others who would throw their family to the wolves for a title. No, lady Olenna is smart, hence how she got into her own position. Her sister Viola, you see, was to marry Luthor Tyrell and she a Targaryen, formerly considered something of an honor. But, being that Olenna is very much a feminist with quite political skill and savvy, she made it so Luthor married her, because she put it down so good the man could hardly stand.

And this is all noted because Olenna hasn't given up on Margaery, especially since she is to be with Tommen Baratheon, likely. But, she forewarns Margaery that she needs to do, not exactly as she did with Luthor, but definitely make sure her influence comes over Tommen before Cersei. After all, imagine what kind of man Joffrey could have been if it wasn't for his mother?

Which leaves us with the rebels of the Night's Watch. Who seemingly will soon have Jon Snow meeting them, with many men of the Night's Watch, as they seek to silence them before Mance Rayder can learn their secrets. This is allowed solely though in hopes Jon will die for Alliser Throne takes note of Jon's rise in popularity and fears having a bastard for a boss. But perhaps the real interesting thing is though is that Locke, Lord Bolton's ally, is amongst those of the Night's Watch and quickly becomes buddies with Jon Snow.

Leaving us with one last surprise: The White Walkers. Despite what we have heard, hinting they eat Caster's bastards, it seems Caster's sacrifices are what is allowing them strength. For with a White Walker's touch, one baby turns into one of them, perhaps hinting as to how they grow their army.

I found OATHKEEPER really engaging and particularly enjoyed the plot surrounding the mutineers at Craster's Keep. Although this is only a minor sub-plot in the scheme of things I find the way it's handled to be superb, with plenty of drama, tension, and great performances from Burn Gorman and Noah Taylor who make the most of every second of their screen time. Elsewhere, Natalie Dormer is exceptional as Margery makes new conquests, and the character work for Sansa, Littlefinger and Jaime is all very fine.

1. Daenerys nails people 2. Littlefinger planed the regicide 3. Bran and the crew get captured by mutineers

So Daenerys showed another quality of a great ruler today - justice. She is truly an all rounder.

Jaime is such a complex character... the writers have clearly taken a great care in writing him. For one moment, he basically rapes Cersei but the next time he defies her orders and send Brienne to protect Sansa. Perhaps it's because he wants to go against Cersei. Whatever his true intention is, he's for sure a complex and an endearing character in the end.

Margaery is also a notable one as she is very smart and ambitious as she is trying to befriend the future king. I was worried that she might strip naked or something but she was very restrained.

Now it turns out that Littlefinger and the Tyrells planned the regicide. What does he truly want? I know that he keeps saying "EVERTHING" but there is a limit to that.

I was surprised to see Locke in the Watch but I remembered that he was sent out to hunt Bran and Rickon. Jon befriends him as he's not aware of this fact unlike the audience. The suspense is truly real at the Wall as we see the Bran crew totally captured by the mutiny, who is depicted as the lowest of human beings. What is going to happen when these people collide with Jon's gang? Only way to find out..