Game of Thrones episode 5.09: “Dance of Dragons”

[chavalah.livejournal.com]

Most of the storylines this episode involve characters having to choose between family/friends and duty. Or at least, as according to the historical account called the Dance of Dragons that Shireen was reading, people have to take sides. The fruits of Jon’s side-taking this season came to literally pass through the gates into Westeros this episode; many of the Night’s Watch continue to look surly about it. Ellaria and the Sand Snakes must choose between revenge for Oberyn and allegiance to Doran. Arya deals with this more slowly on Braavos, when Lord Mace and Ser Meryn finally make their landing. Daenerys deals with this when Jorah’s decision to fight in the games comes to fruition. But more than anyone else Stannis deals with this, oh boy does Stannis deal with this. :/

Although we end with a pretty pivotal, game-changing (and incredibly shot) scene in Meereen, it’s the fires that burn in the north that carry the most emotional gravitas. There’s been some backlash from Stannis fans due to this turn of events, though apparently, according to the showrunners, what happens here will ultimately be canon in the books, too. Of a sort, anyway; suffice to remind you that there are a lot of characters in much closer proximity on the show than they are in the novels. Certainly some details will be tweaked either way.

From the show’s perspective at least, IMHO, we saw some harrowing performances in service of believable storylines. I think, in terms of nitpicky differences, I might have to focus on Meereen. Definitely some interesting stuff in there.

( Episode Summary and Spoilers )