The Lion and the Rose

No spoilers for the 2 or 3 people in the world who don't already know what happens in this episode.

Once again, you can really tell a GRR Martin written episode (too bad he didn't write more of them), with all the little details in the dialogue that shows what a firm grasp he has on his own characters. When others write episodes, too often the dialogue has them spouting off "stuff the audience needs to know" like they're human recaps.

Most of the episode deals with advance-the-plot elements for all the characters and then whammo we get a Big Event a la the Red Wedding that sends the story and character arcs wheeling off in all new directions. Never a dull moment in Westeros, huh?

The royal wedding is just around the corner and this will be an event that no fan will want to miss the series. Now that the war subsided with the defeat of the North, it's time to Joffrey ( Jack Gleeson ) and Margaery (Natalie Dormer) give the node, biggest party in the Seven Kingdoms ever seen. However, beyond the Wall, Bran ( Isaac Hempstead Wright) still looking for three-eyed crow while going seduced by its power as warg. Although not yet recovered from the tragedy of the previous, Westeros is preparing for the wedding of King Joffrey Baratheon and Lannister house, with Mrs. Margaery Tyrell house. The series did not make a big fuss of this event was supposed to. Recently, the only thing that made ​​us think this wedding was the arrival of Oberyn Martell ( Pedro Pascal ) to King's Landing, but only that. It would have been nice if they had given more time and created more buzz about this wedding. The greatness that is supposed to be this is not discussed, the lack of money to finish the plans for this, none of the dilemmas in the book spoken about this party appears in the series. Maybe because of the time and they had other things that the producers found to be more important, is not this episode dedicated entirely to marriage, unlike what they did with the Red Wedding. Either way, these choices have only served to take the force at the end of this episode. This end for which everyone was waiting. The episode was not bad, but could have given more. One thing is certain, Westeros has a fetish for weddings with any color, and the addition of a lion with a rose could only result in Purple Wedding.

The Lion and the Rose is a standout episode that perfectly showcases what makes Game of Thrones such an unforgettable series. It blends sharp dialogue, rich character moments, and an escalating sense of unease that keeps you glued to the screen.

The direction is masterful, the performances are chillingly good, and the atmosphere is laced with tension from beginning to end. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this episode delivers drama and shock in equal measure - without relying on cheap thrills.

A bold and memorable chapter in the series, and a clear reminder that in Westeros, nothing is ever predictable. Highly recommended.

Quite often a new season will take some time to get going. Not so with Game of Thrones!

This is so great. Last episode written by george rr martin. Important episode, and season itself is great because of martin.