“Kill the Boy” was a great episode to watch. My husband who has not read the books loved it. Of course, book readers like me are always looking for details to complain about. In regards to this episode, I do not have any major complaints. In fact, I did not want the episode to end. I like it because this episode gave a lot of attention to the plot line in the North. At this stage, there are hints that foreshadow what might be included in subsequent seasons. It has become easier to speculate where certain events are heading.
Events at the Wall
Maester Aemon regrets the fact that Danaerys is alone with no guidance: “A Targaryen alone in the world is a terrible thing.” This comment could be interpreted in several ways. There are three Targaryens around, so they are not alone but unaware of each others’ existence. This comment is also foreboding to subsequent events that will be happening by the end of this season.
Jon asks Maester Aemon for guidance regarding a decision he has to make but that will cause a division within the Night’s Watch. Maester Aemon tells him to go with it since the Night’s Watch is already divided. His advice is motivating but pessimist – Jon will not like his position as leader but he must be strong to do what needs to be done: “Kill the boy and let the man be born.”
In a subsequent scene, the viewer realizes that Jon wants to bring the Wildlings at Hardhome south of the Wall. He believes Tormund is fit to do this job. In their meeting, Jon mentions the true role of the Night’s Watch: to guard and protect the realm of men which includes the Free Folk. Jon’s plan is to help them in settling in the Gift area. In return, he expects the Wildlings to fight with him against the White Walkers. However, Tormund requests Jon to come with him. When Jon exposes his plans to the other members of the Night’s Watch, they are not pleased, including friends such as Olly and Dolorous Edd.
There is a conversation between Gilly and Sam about Oldtown, the oldest and the second largest city in Westeros. Oldtown dates back from the time of the First Men. There is also a massive lighthouse tower, the Hightower, the seat of House Hightower. Oldtown is also home to the Citadel, a place where the Maesters get their training. This might be foreshadowing for Sam and Gilly heading to Oldtown, an event that takes place in the books. Sam will uncover the Maester conspiracy against the dragons. This scene is followed by a conversation between Stannis and Sam, in which the main topic is Randyll Tarly. Sam describes him as not the most literate man. For those who have not read the books, Randyll Tarly is a warrior and a total opposite to Sam. One of the major feats of Sam’s father is defeating Robert Baratheon at the Battle of Ashford (during Robert’s Rebellion). Randyll basically never liked Sam to be his heir because of his gentle and bookish nature. This is the main reason why Sam is at the Wall. Will Randyll Tarly be casted for next season? This conversation also reveals that obsidian or dragonglass can be found at Dragonstone, Stannis’ seat.
One deviation from the books is the all the ladies that are with Stannis are accompanying him to Winterfell. Melisandre, Selyse and Shireen stay at the Wall in the books. An interesting comment is made by Shireen – she wants to see the crypts of Winterfell. Will she discover something there? A secret? I love Shireen waving goodbye to both Gilly and Sam. I hate the look that Selyse gives her for doing that.
Northern Conspiracy?
It seems that Brienne and Pod will be part of a conspiracy to rescue Sansa. In the books, the Northern houses seem to conspire to put a Stark back in Winterfell. In the last few episodes, there are some references to the noble houses rebelling (Lyanna Mormont’s comment for example). In this episode, the “smallfolk” are joining the nobles in this cause. The owner of the inn where Brienne and Pod are staying is obviously a Stark loyalist. I wonder whether this gentleman is connected to Sansa’s maid, the old lady that advises her to light a candle in the highest window of the Broken Tower when in trouble. I really enjoyed Brienne’s comment about her serving Catelyn Stark even though she is dead. I even enjoyed better when she asked the gentleman, “who do you serve?”
Miranda and Ramsay
It looks like things do not look good for Miranda. It could be that she might go on a hunt with Ramsay after Sansa. This is foreshadowed by the scene in which Sansa feels uneasy entering the dog kennels to find Reek (Theon). On the other hand, Ramsay is aware that Miranda is jealous based on their intimate scene: “Jealousy is boring. You know what happens to people who bore me.” Ramsay is not very smart. However, he does realize that it was Miranda who gave Sansa access to the kennels to meet Reek since she is the kennel master’s daughter. Miranda basically wanted to show Sansa what type of man Ramsay is. The end result is that embarrassing dinner scene which I will discuss next.
The Dinner Scene at Winterfell
Sansa demonstrates that she is no longer a meek young lady. Her replies to Fat Walda are forthright, and “blunt” to a certain degree: “This is not a strange place. This is my home. The people are strange.” These are words that she would not dare to say aloud when she was back at King’s Landing. It is important to consider that Sansa at this stage is aware of what Ramsay is capable of.
In the scene prior to the dinner, Ramsay becomes aware that Sansa has met Reek. Obviously, Ramsay would try to show Sansa that he punished Theon for her brothers’ death. The dinner scene is very uncomfortable for Sansa: “Why are you doing this?” It also shows the lack of refinement and tactfulness on Ramsay’s behalf. Of course, Roose does not waste time and reveals that his wife, Fat Walda, is pregnant with a boy. Later on Roose tells Ramsay in private that he is a product of rape. Ramsay is not happy about it since he is a legitimized bastard. Sansa also displays a certain degree of satisfaction because of Ramsay’s reaction to the news. Furthermore, it might mean that he would own Winterfell but his new brother would be the Lord of the Dreadford, the seat of House Bolton. Overall the position of Fat Walda is dangerous now: “I am your son until a better alternative comes along.” Ramsay might have the need to get rid of Fat Walda.
Events at Mereen
Danaerys is upset with Barristan’s death, and orders her guards to bring all the leaders of Mereen’s great families. All of them are imprisoned, including Hizdar, and one is fed to her dragons. After talking to Missandei, Danaerys decides to reopen the dragon pits to the free men who are willing to fight. Then she shocks Hizdar by telling him that she will marry him. I like how the show made Danaerys take these decisions as opposed to the book in which other characters advise her what to do.
Who Contracted Greyscale?
While navigating through the ruins of Valyria, Tyrion catches a glimpse of Drogon – he is in awe looking at him. Immediately afterwards they are both attacked by the Stone Men. They survive this encounter. However, they were both touched by the Stone Men, which means that they are both likely to contract greyscale. By the end of the episode, it is revealed that Jorah has it on his arm. When Tyrion throws himself into the water, one of the Stone Men grabs his legs and drags him down. Afterwards, he is rescued by Jorah; Tyrion is basically touched by somebody who contracted the disease. Tyrion being infected with greyscale is a topic of discussion by book readers. He is described as a gargoyle for example by other characters. Greyscale can also expand internally without any visual symptoms, which means that Tyrion might be turning to stone from the inside first. Furthermore, they are bringing greyscale to Mereen. In the books, people are dying of the flux (the pale mare) outside of Mereen. It is likely that this disease will be substituted by greyscale. Finally, TV Valyria fits the description of book Chroyane. Book Valyria is inhospitable with lots of lava and fire everywhere because of the Doom.