If there were more than seven episodes in season seven of Game of Thrones (GoT), the second episode could have been more of a ‘set the stage and build the intrigue’ episode.
But as I pointed out in my previous review of the season seven premiere, GoT is equipped with a turbocharger and things are escalating pretty quickly. Fans who complained that the season premiere was a let-down won’t be complaining once they watch this week’s episode.
The episode kicks off exactly where the last one ended.
Tyrion Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen have a lot of strategising to do, especially if Daenerys wants to become the queen of the seven kingdoms and not the queen of ashes, as pointed out in the episode.
Tyrion has a promising strategy to help Daenerys, but if there is one thing all GoT fans know, it is that things are never as simple as they seem. One of the most interesting scenes in this episode is the conversation between Daenerys and Varys. The scene is a treat for the viewers as both characters freely speak their minds.
Meanwhile in the North, Jon Snow has been delivered a message that there is dragonglass buried deep within Dragonstone, which they will have to mine to use against the White Walkers. Jon tries to portray he has never been power hungry and is more focused on taking down the white walkers – the real threat – but a valid question arises here – can his nature also be his biggest weakness?
Daenerys, on the other hand, has great thirst for power, just like Queen Cersei. Sansa’s undermining of Jon’s authority didn’t play well with the audience and she continues to get on our nerves.
We caught a glimpse of Ser Jorah Mermont in the first episode, but in this episode we get a proper view of his current form.
Samwell Tarly, being Samwell, takes the risk of curing Ser Jorah when the archmaester robs them of all the hope they once had. Will the anointed knight succumb to the disease or will Samwell get the job done?
When it comes to armies, Daenerys’ army is relatively stronger than Queen Cersei’s. She has three dragons for God’s sake. But Cersei might have a solution for this winged problem.
I hate the fact that Jamie Lannister has become a side character ever since Cersei took the throne. The one-handed knight’s story arcs used to be very interesting.
Arya, who is headed towards King’s Landing, encounters two old friends. She leaves one of them behind and another deserts her in a heartbreaking moment. Furthermore, Arya is given news which will definitely have a major impact on her. Will she still head towards King’s Landing or will she continue on the road to vengeance?
There’s only one way to find out.
This episode was a visual spectacle with a naval battle sequence which was executed with utmost brilliance. The action choreography is top-notch and the setting is magnificent. There are moments of bravery, moments of cowardice and a lot of bloodshed. But not everyone makes it out alive.
I remember suggesting GoT to some friends during the initial seasons and they used to complain that it was a bit slow. What? GoT and slow? But even they can’t complain about the seventh season’s pace. It is basically GoT on steroids.
The third episode airs next week, I’ll see you then.