It is hard to describe Game of Thrones’ episode 509, “The Dance of Dragons.” This episode has its great and bad scenes but also a shocking one. In regards to the burning of Shireen, I was expecting something like that to happen in the TV show. However, I am not expecting it to happen in the books. Here is a comment that I have written about the burning of Shireen.
The Burning of an Innocent and Other Speculations
Here is a breakdown of the different events in “The Dance of Dragons.”
At the Wall
Jon makes it back to the Wall with the few Wildlings that he was able to rescue from his expedition to Hardhome. What happened to the ships? Did they sunk? Did some people drown? Obviously Jon’s mission was not successful. The viewers also catches the unpleasant stare that Ser Alliser gives Jon from the top of the Wall. The perception that the TV audience gets at this scene is that of Ser Alliser not granting access to Jon and the Wildlings. However, he lets them in after Jon commands him to open the gate. Will Ser Alliser betray Jon? After watching this particular scene, I doubt he will. This is further demonstrated by Ser Alliser’s comment to Jon:
“You have a good heart, Jon Snow. It will get us all killed.”
Ser Alliser acknowledges Jon’s good qualities and sees him as a good person, even though he dislikes him. However, the same cannot be thought about Olly. Jon slightly smiles when he sees him. Olly avoids looking at him in the eye, something that Jon realizes. At the same time, the discontentment of the other brothers of the Night’s Watch is obvious and foreboding.
At Mereen
Some of the events that takes place at Mereen are superbly done. However, I will detail first the things that could have been done better.
- The fighting scene between Joran and his second-to-last rival is not realistic. His opponent takes a long time to kill him (awaiting Danaerys’ approval?). As a result, another fighter comes from behind and kills him. I would consider TV Jorah a lucky character if it was not for the greyscale he acquired from the stone men. The worst thing is that Danaerys holds his contaminated hand as a sign of accepting back his services.
- The Unsullied are portrayed as not being competent, especially as guards. How is it possible for a Son of the Harpy to get too close to Danaerys? How is it possible for the rest of them to infiltrate so easily?
- Danaerys is taking a huge risk when climbing on Drogon while spears are being thrown at him.
Here are the events I enjoyed watching.
- There is an argument between Hizdahr and Daario concerning whom of the two fighters they are watching will win, the strong one or the fast one. I loved seeing Hizdahr’s look of satisfaction in his face after winning the “bet.”
- The subsequent interaction between Tyrion and Hizdahr is interesting. Hizdahr thinks that greatness can be achieved with cruelty and death. Both Tyrion and Danaerys disagree with him but it seems to be something that Hizdahr shares with Tywin: “My father would have liked you.”
- I love everything associated with Drogon, especially his gentle face when meeting Danaerys.
- Missandei is not killed in the chaos. Tyrion protects her.
- Tyrion is in awe while seeing Danaerys fly away on Drogon.
One event is confusing to the TV audience: the massacre of people by the Sons of the Harpy. They are basically killing everybody, Masters and former slaves. They even kill Hizdahr which makes the whole plot more confusing. Of course, their main target is Danaerys, but with the death of Hizdahr, the person or organization behind them is not obvious at this stage. It seems that Tyrion, Daario, Jorah and Missandei will have to figure out this enigma.
At Braavos
Arya is about to fulfil the task assigned to her, her first murder under the tutelage of the Faceless Men. However, she notices the arrival of the Westerosi envoy, and recognizes Ser Meryn Trant, one of the targets in her list. She ignores the insurance guy’s requests for her clams, and starts following the envoy trying to get information. This is evidence that Arya has not become “no one” yet. She is still herself. She enters the brothel where Ser Meryn and some Gold Cloaks are. The audience learns that Ser Meryn has a preference for virgins. In fact he is portrayed as a pedophile in this scene. He does not opt for the experienced ones, saying that they are “too old,” even though “too used” is a better description for them in his mind. Of course, he selects a scared girl that is not a whore but a maid in the brothel. It is likely that the virgin that will be offered to him in the next episode will be Arya. However, Ser Meryn is able to recognize her which means that Arya will have to wear a mask or a different face.
Back in the House of Black and White, she lies to Jaqen H’gar saying that the insurance issuer was not hungry. Arya is becoming a better liar. However, based on Jaqen’s face, it seems he does not believe her. The interesting thing is that he does not hit her.
At Dorne
In a meeting with the Martells, Jamie confesses the reason why he is in Dorne. He is there to take his niece back because of the threatening message they received, which consisted of a viper having Myrcella’s necklace in its jaw. Myrcella confirms that her necklace went missing from her drawer. This is corroboration for Doran that Ellaria has been behind this whole mess. Doran emphasizes that he wants peace and safety for his people, and tries to calm down the conflict by offering a toast in favour of Tommen. Ellaria is disrespectful by spilling the drink and insulting Prince Doran who ends up threatening her with death if she ever behaves like that again.
Overall, I like the portrayal of Doran as a physically weak person but with a strong mind. However, his political plans are not clear. So far it looks like he is supporting the Lannisters. In the books, he is plotting to get the Targaryens back to the Iron Throne. He also tries to arrange marriages between his children and the surviving “Targaryens.” Hopefully his political plans will be revealed in the season finale to make the Dornish plot line more interesting.
The scene in the cell in which the Sand Snakes are playing a slapping game is simply a poor addition. However, it seems they are aggressive to each other. Later Doran forces Ellaria to swear fealty to him by threatening her with death again, an act that is done in front of many witnesses including the Sand Snakes.