I have mixed feelings in regards to Episode 602, “Home.” There are some fabulous scenes. However, some of them require more explanation. The viewer cannot assume that there are some events taking place off-screen. There are also inconsistencies in the actions and decisions of some characters. Overall, I enjoyed watching the episode, and I am glad that Dorne was not part of it.
Bran’s Visions
The opening scene starts with Bran “being” in the past. Of course, his role is passive like a ghost just witnessing events. He sees the generation of his father. We finally get a view of his aunt, Lyanna, who resembles Arya in the manner of how she behaves. She is skilled at riding horses. Of interest is the sight of a young Hodor. His real name is Willas, and he can talk. He is pushed to learn how to fight, but Old Nan does not approve. She feels that it is not proper for a stable boy to fight against a highborn. One wonders what happened to him. Of course, Bran has to wake up from this vision since there is a war to fight. Like him, we, the viewers, prefer to be in the past and learn more about the backstory.
Jon’s Reanimation
One of the challenges of adapting long books is simplifying events and plot lines. One of them is how the Wall gets recaptured by the Wildlings and those loyal to Jon Snow. Even though this event is not written or published yet, the fight between the factions looks rushed. I believe that this confrontation will be more complicated than what the screen adaptation has portrayed. In regards to Jon’s resurrection, I was hoping to see not a simple ceremony but a more complex one. Readers have speculated that Bran, the Greenseer (Bloodraven), Ghost and Melisandre will play a role in Jon’s “resurrection.” ** The adaptation portrays a disappointed Melisandre performing a simple ritual in which Ghost is inactive. He is asleep and calm. Is it possible for somebody who lacks the confidence in her skills to perform a magic ceremony? She looks the same afterward. Her life force and energy does not seem to be drained.
The evolving relationship between Davos and Melisandre is intriguing and not convincing. They have never been friends. She is responsible for Shireen’s death. One wonders whether Davos has this knowledge. He and Shireen were closed. Davos is aware that Melisandre can perform magic, but of a dark type. What makes him believe that she will be able to bring Jon back? She could bring somebody else back. The adaptation does not explain why Thormund, Dolorous Edd, and Davos would like to have Jon back. There is something off-screen that requires explanation, especially since Davos and Jon never had much of interaction. Book Davos is a strong believer of the Faith of the Seven, even though he is tolerant of other religions. He has never been fond of Melisandre’s God and her religious practices. In the adaptation, he mentions that all gods are the same, probably to encourage Melisandre to perform the ritual. What is pushing him though to seek her aid? Why are the Wildlings accepting of this ritual, especially after fighting reanimated corpses and escaping from them?
The Bastard
The adaptation is portraying bastards, not in a good light. In Episode 601, the Sand Snakes, the illegitimate daughters of Oberyn Martell, brought an end to the legitimate line of House Martell. One wonders whether TV Ellaria’s original plan consisted of her daughters ruling Dorne (or even more). Similarly, Ramsay opts to kill his father and his half-brother to ensure that it will be him the one ruling the North. Except in Dorne, bastards are not seen positively. Trueborn children are preferred over them. However, his decision to kill his father is not well-thought. Roose was the one skilled in politics. He is the one who created an alliance with the Freys. Ramsay’s actions will only bring the extinction of House Bolton. He will not receive support from the Freys anymore. There is a reference to some of the major houses in the North supporting the Boltons. They might switch sides once Ramsay’s lack of political skills become prominent. Furthermore, the North is not Dorne when it comes to bastards (one wonders why Lord Karstark accepts Ramsay with no issue). In regards to Roose’s death, I would have preferred a Northern Lord to do the deed (Lord Manderly?). However, my suggestion is not feasible since none of the Northern lords were introduced last season. Even though there are theories about Roose killing Ramsay or the other way around, the scene is lacking something. The portrayal of Roose has been fantastic. The way he dies does not make him justice. I wish they would have evolved a more antagonistic relationship between father and son this season. The way in which Fat Walda is assassinated is disturbing, emphasizing Ramsay’s evil nature. Do viewers need to be reminded of that? However, it is faithful to the books: Ramsay enjoys pursuing young women with dogs, and their subsequent deaths.
Some Other Scenes that I Like
- I enjoyed Jaime threatening the High Sparrow. His comments about himself being not the perfect White Knight are memorable. However, he is not successful at intimidating the High Sparrow, who has his army ready to strike. The religious movement has some plans – they want a revolution by overthrowing the elite class.
- As suggested by Jamie, Tommen approaches Cersei and reveals his weaknesses and failures. Tommen has a caring nature. He blames himself for what has happened to both Margery and Cersei, without realizing that his mother is the one to be blamed. One wonders what Cersei plans to do with him since he requested her to help him. She might gain influence again.
- We finally see the death of Balon Greyjoy, a scene that we have been waiting for a few seasons. The scene in which Euron kills his brother reflects his insanity and ambitions. Yara (Asha) is looking forward to becoming the ruler, and also finding the person responsible for her father’s death. The Ironborn choose their leaders so they will hold a Kingsmoot. Her chances of success are small because of her condition of being a female. One wonders where this plot line is heading especially with Theon’s return to the Iron Islands.
- I enjoyed watching the scene in which Tyrion unleashes the dragons. Those dangerous creatures trust him, and it looks they can understand his story about him always wanting to have a dragon.
** It seems that the TV adaptation has opted to have Bran Stark as the only warg/skinchanger. I miss the fact that the other Stark children, except Sansa, have developed this skill at this stage in the books. In fact, readers suspect that Jon wargs Ghost the moment that he is stabbed to “death” in book 5. The consensus is that Old Gods sent the direwolves to the Stark children in book 1.
All images are my screen shots.