The next season of Game of Thrones starts July 16. As preparation, I’m re-watching the first six seasons of the show. Below are 15 thoughts I had while watching the tenth episode of season four, “The Children.” Spoilers for the entire series, but for this episode in particular.
- I’ve never been so happy to see Stannis as I was when he showed up in this episode just in time to save Jon from trying to kill Mance. Not because I like Mance, but because then Jon would be dead (really dead, not temporarily dead).
- Qyburn is basically the Westeros version of Frankenstein.
- I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Cersei is such a selfish bitch. She’s willing to put her son’s life in danger in order to get out out of an arranged marriage.
- Change is difficult to bring about, Daenerys. Especially among old people.
- The scene with the shepherd breaks my heart. How could you, Drogon?
- It’s so sad that Daenerys is forced to lock up her dragons. Especially because it goes against everything she has stood for so far.
- Melisandre finally spots the true king.
- Jon may have been playing Mance, but he did care for Ygritte. His tears are proof of that.
- Poor Jojen! And poor Meera, having to mercy-kill her own brother.
- The Children of the Forest are so interesting. I would watch an entire series about them.
- The Hound may not be the most charming guy, but I’m glad Arya didn’t finish him off. Even if the writers let us think he was dead for a season and a half.
- Shae, you filthy traitor! You already testified against Tyrion, and now you’re sleeping with his father? Ros never would have sunk so low.
- It’s so ironic that Tyrion kills Shae by strangling her with the chains he gave her.
- I’m glad Tywin got such an embarrassing death. It’s the worst thing that could happen to a man who spent his whole life worried about how everyone else perceived him and his house.
- I know going north wouldn’t have been a good choice for Arya (because it’s currently occupied by the Boltons and because she needs to develop as a character), but I wish I was able to warn her of all the misery she was about to face in Braavos.
