Knee-Jerk Reactions to “Eastwatch:” Five Best and Worst Moments
Helen Sloan – HBO
VALYRIAN STEEL FIVE: Bromance R-E-U-N-I-T-E-D all over the place
Our favorite bromances were firing on all cylinders (or reigniting) this evening. First, Bronn fished Jaime out of the river, a scene that went down easy with the help of lots of humor. Varys and Tyrion drank wine and counseled each other and Dany’s mounting ruthlessness. Long lost-traveling companions Jorah and Tyrion reminisced about old times on Dragonstone — Tyrion even gave his former kidnapper a symbolic coin as a gift. Jaime and Tyrion had an awkward moment of truce. Ser Davos and Gendry were reunited. And finally, Jon Snow and Tormund Giantsbane joined forces once again at Eastwatch. It was the biggest bromance episode ever, really.
VALYRIAN STEEL FOUR: You had me at “dragon”
As a fantasy fan, there’s nothing better for me than the dramatic swoop of a huge dragon across the sky. The scene where Jon watches Daenerys land Drogon on the reaches of Dragonstone had it all: fire-breathing dragon, castle, beautiful queen and handsome king. And yet there was so, so much more to it. And dear god, there are a lot of long, lingering looks between Jon and Daenerys these days.
Helen Sloan – HBO
VALYRIAN STEEL THREE: Gold, fermented crab and melon crushing
Let’s give Ser Davos a round of applause. He really showed us how an old smuggler from Flea Bottom can work the authorities. He had the situation on the King’s Landing beach handled until Tyrion arrived at the most inopportune moment. Good thing Gendry can swing a war hammer like his father.
Helen Sloan – HBO
VALYRIAN STEEL TWO: The great game is best played in darkness
Littlefinger doesn’t show up on the Valyrian side of this list much, but you have to recognize his cloak-and-dagger prowess this time around. Yes, Sansa is better at politics than she used to be, and Arya has skills, but they may well prove babes in the woods when compared to this master of manipulation. Hate him all you want (it’s easy when he’s leering from the shadows), but Littlefinger is playing both girls like violins.
Macall B. Polay – HBO
VALYRIAN STEEL ONE: Estranged brothers at their best
Both Peter Dinklage and Jaime Coster-Waldau are powerful actors, and the scene where Bronn got them together provided them with opportunities to ooze charisma and pathos. There is a sea of blood and silent rage between them, but despite it all, they still love each other. What a scene!