Episode 9 of Game of Thrones is the one book fans have been dreading since the inception of the series. It will forever be rememberd as [SPOILERS] the one where Ned dies, and everyone else pretends to be frat boys–The Night’s Watch chanting for Longclaw, the Hill Tribes chanting for the halfman, Tyrion, Shae, and Bronn playing drinking game in the middle of the night….Here are the…
Top 5 Moments of Episode 9~Baelor
5. Jorah Gets Lucky
Context: Drogo is near death after last week’s fight. One of his bloodriders does not take kindly to Dany’s use of blood-magic and threatens the Khaleesi and her unborn child. Jorah decides its time to put on his armor.
If only that sword was Longclaw…
Reasoning: Jorah Mormont is a character who never jumped off the page for me, but Iain Glen brings the disgraced knight to life. Although much of this episode’s Dany-centric plot was poorly paced (so…how far along is she?) this scene stands out. Jorah shows his skill with a sword (and with a little luck) takes down the Dothraki rider with a swift slice to the face. We also see his willingness to protect Dany, even though he’s been spying for the crown. The Dothraki might be badass, but now they know why armor is a good idea.
4. Jon Isn’t the only One with Problems
Context: Jon gets word that his brother Robb is marching south and contemplates breaking his vows and joining him.
Is it like looking in a mirror Jon?
Maester Aemon: If the day should ever come that your lord father should have to choose between honour on the one hand and those he loves on the other, what would he do? Jon: He’d do whatever was right.
Reasoning: Jon has his emo moments, but there is usually someone there to pull him back from the brink of black eye-liner and Bright Eyes songs. In this episode, it was Maester Aemon (Peter Vaughn). The blind old man calls Jon to feed the ravens after hearing of Robb’s declaration of war. Jon shouts and pouts that no one understands, but Aemon puts him in his place. The old man’s duty and honour was tested too, when Robert rebelled and killed Aerys, Rhaegar, and his children, and before when Aemon himself could have claimed the throne. It seems Dany isn’t the last Targaryen after all.
3. Tyrion Introduces Westeros to ‘I Never’
Context: Tyrion learns he will be placed at the vanguard during the battle and decides that drinking and whoring is the best way to spend his last night on Earth.
Next can we play spin the bottle?
Tyrion: First, my father had Jaime tell me the truth. The girl was a whore, you see. Jaime had arranged the whole thing. The road, the rapers, all of it. He thought it was time I had a woman. After my brother confessed, my father brought in my wife and gave her to his guards.
Reasoning: What’s more fun than Westerosi drinking games? After losing at flame holding, and refusing to play any game that could cost him his fingers, Tyrion introduces Bronn and his new prostitute, Shae, to his version of ‘I Never’. Tyrion guesses things about your past. If he’s right you drink. If he’s wrong he does. He quickly pegs Bronn for a beaten killer who has spent time beyond the wall (?!) but can’t place Shae in his Rolodex of whore clichés. Shae turns the table on Tyrion and forces him to confess his one encounter with love, and again proves just how awful Tywin Lannister can be. If Peter Dinklage doesn’t get an Emmy nom, I’ll be truly surprised.
2. Robb Bests the Kingslayer
Context: After agreeing to wed one of Walder Frey’s ugly daughters, Robb executes a remarkable plan to take down the Lannisters.
Robb Stark 1 Jaime Lannister 0
Robb: If we do it your way, Kingslayer, you’d win. We’re not doing it your way.
Reasoning: Young Robb seems to be following in his father’s footsteps and becoming quite a formidable warlord. Tywin’s scout brought news of 20 thousand men coming their way but in truth Robb sent 2 thousand and used the remainder to bring down the Kingslayer. Robb’s men drop Jaime Lannister at the feet of Catelyn Stark. Even as a prisoner Jaime jokes and grins that arrogant smile. Jaime hopes Robb is young, naive, and vain enough to agree to a trial by combat, one on one-Jaime vs Robb, to end the war. Robb isn’t fooled for a second and drags the Lannister away to be put in chains. The scene is special because Robb stays grounded and reminds the audience of cost of war. He feels remorse for sending 2 thousand men to their death but knows it needed to be done. He speaks to his men and we remember that wars are not fought by nameless armies, but people and actions in the Game of Thrones world always have consequences.
1. The Beheading of Ned Stark
Context: Ned Stark is brought to the Sept of Baelor to confess his crimes. When he does, things do not go as planned.
Sean Bean has to be used to this by now…
Joffrey: My mother wishes me to let Lord Eddard join the Night’s Watch. Stripped of all titles and power, he would serve the realm in permanent exile, and my lady Sansa, has begged mercy for her father, but, they have the soft hearts of women. So long as I am your king treason shall never go unpunished. Ser Ilyn, bring me his head.
Reasoning: Only the good die young. Goodbye Ned. We’ll miss you. This scene had the emotional impact readers wanted. Sean Bean plays Ned’s final moments with grace and humanity and the direction and cinematography was really well done. The power of the scene came from the reaction of Ned’s two daughters (both actresses did a wonderful job). Sansa and Arya may have little in common but their fear, anger, and sadness in this scene made this one of the most moving character deaths i have ever seen. Oh…and Joffrey is a dick.
Don’t agree with this list? What scenes did we miss? Tell us in the comments.
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