Review: Game of Thrones Season Five, Episode Three: ‘High Sparrow’

So far this season, the beginnings of Machiavellian plots have been sewn with them beginning to boil this week. Many of the characters find themselves with new challenges and a new status quo.

In King’s Landing, it’s the big day for Tommen as her marries Margaery Tyrell officially making her queen. The people of the city love her, chanting her name in the streets much to Cersei’s disgust. Though the couple’s fun doesn’t stop there, as the two of them actually get to consummate their marriage (a rarity in Westeros). There night ends with Margaery trying to manipulate her naïve young husband into sending his mother to Casterly Rock.

Upon Tommen’s suggestion that she return to her family’s ancestral home, Cersei assures him that she is where she needs to be. She immediately heads to confront her son’s wife, whilst she socialises with other young ladies; leaving Cersei looking more uncomfortable than Alice Liddell at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Margaery relishes the chance to spar with her mother-in-law, grinning as she boasts about Tommen’s enthusiasm in the bedroom. As she leaves to the cackles of the younger women, Cersei is clearly shaken and threatened by the influence of Westeros’ new Queen.

After an attack on the High Septon by members of The Sparrows, Cersei confronts their leader, the High Sparrow. A man who defies her expectations, as despite his influence, he dresses like the poor he aids. The former Queen plays her hand making him the new leader of the Faith and perhaps making a new ally at the time she needs one the most.

Weddings are also on the horizon in the North, as Littlefinger reveals his plan to wed Sansa to Ramsay Bolton (the heir of the man who killed her mother and brother). Understandably dismayed at the news, Sansa threatens to ‘starve herself’ before her companion convinces her that the marriage will allow her to ‘avenge’ her loved ones deaths. At this point, Littlefinger seems to be unaware of the younger Bolton’s cruel and sadistic nature, or his bondage and flaying fetishes.

Not far the behind the Stark’s eldest daughter, Brienne and Podrick have a heart-to-heart, about their past failures and humiliations. All of which have only served to inspire and fuel their determination to achieve their goals.

At the Wall, Stannis prepares to move his army as Jon Snow refuses his offer to make him a Stark. The new Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch has another difficult decision to make, as he hands out new posts to allies and enemies. After refusing his new post, bungling pantomime villain Janos Slynt meets his end at Jon Snow’s sword. It’s always nice to see when one of the more despicable characters in the show gets their comeuppance, even if Janos was as threatening and competent as the burglars in ‘Home Alone.’

Far away in Braavos, Arya learns that her apprenticeship at the House of Black and White isn’t much better than a Zero Hours Contract; as she sweeps the floors, washes the dead, and disposes of all of her belongings (except Needle) to become ‘no one.’

In Volantis, Tyrion and Varys leave their cart to wander the city or more accurately watch a speech by a Red Priestess and go to a brothel. At the brothel, Tyrion is seemingly his old self, charming one of the prostitutes before declining her advances. His mind still preoccupied with thoughts of falling in love with Shae, her betrayal, and her death at his hands.

Ser Jorah Mormont former advisor to Daenerys Targaryen, is also at the brothel yearning after a Mother of Dragons cosplayer. He locates Tyrion and kidnaps him, revealing his plans to take the Lannister to the Queen.

In ‘High Sparrow’ many characters face new developments, many of which will impact their journey through this season. Cersei is scared and making new alliances, Margaery Tyrell is openly making her move, Jon Snow is growing into his new role, Sansa is becoming a more active participant and Tyrion has found himself held captive. Some are filled with new hopes and dreams, others a bitterly disappointed again but carry on all the same, and others are at their lowest ebb.

Please follow and like us: