In one of the more thematically obvious titles in recent memory, ‘The Climb’ saw a lot of characters … well, climbing, be it literally (Jon Snow) or figuratively (just about everybody else in the world, as explained in the final scene by Littlefinger). It’s also a fitting title in narrative terms; a lot of characters and plots are in a state of flux, as the writers work their way up the ladder to the season finale. But this is Game of Thrones, so an episode without a lot of ‘big’ moments is still a pleasure to watch.
There is one subtle reveal hidden within ‘The Climb’ (spoilers ahead for those reading before they watch); as Jamie and Brienne are eating breakfast with Roose Bolton, their banner is visible in the background: a big white x with an upside-down red man hung on it. Who else is involved with a big X? Well, there is Theon, who’s been chained to a large X all season. So why does Bolton have Theon? It’s not completely clear, but Theon’s conversation with his captor does reveal some interesting bits to chew on: Theon’s being kept for betraying Robb after taking Winterfell, although it’s not clear why Bolton is going to such lengths to torture him psychologically, apparently without Robb knowing (we see him again in this episode, but nothing is spoken of Theon by anyone).
Bolton’s got himself quite a collection of valuable hostages right now: along with Theon, he’s got Jamie and Brienne, who are looking fresh and clean after their bath last week. Again, his motivations aren’t completely clear with his plan to hold Brienne for treason and letting Jamie head back to King’s Landing. Is he trying to appeal to the Lannisters and King’s Landing, knowing that Robb Stark is failing up North? It obviously has nothing to do with Jamie losing his hand – in this game of war and politics, a few missing limbs are to be expected, and an apology doesn’t really do much to help Jamie cut his steak. He doesn’t want to piss off the powerful lion – but he also doesn’t appear to be bowing to them either, sneering at Jamie when he “overplays his position”.
‘The Climb’ cuts directly from Bolton and Jamie’s conversation to Olenna and Twyin sharing a glass of wine, playing a verbal game of chess over the marriages Tywin’s attempting to arrange. It’s more of them feeling each other out than making any bold declarations, although Tywin flexes some muscle when he threatens to ‘sentence’ Loras (a ‘prize flower’) to a life in the Kingsguard, which means no Tyrell children, the name dying with the fey “sword-swallower” (as his own grandmother refers to him) and his chaste vows. Of course, it probably won’t happen anyway, with Cersei being old and everything, which makes it appear that Tywin has Olenna and the Tyrells in a checkmate when it comes to preserving their legacy and grabbing power from the Lannister family.
Of course, things are never as they appear on this show – be it the Tyrell’s seemingly innocent behavior, or Melisandre’s view of Thoros as a drunken fool who failed in his mission in converting Stark bannerman to the Lord of Light. But in a fantastic little twist, it’s Melisandre who turns out to be jealous of Thoros and his power to bring Beric back to life numerous times. Their scene in the cave is easily the best of the episode, really giving some texture to Thoros’s otherwise aloof characterization to this point. He was a priest who’d lost his religion until he spoke the Old Words to a dead friend (Beric), only to see him rise from the ‘other side’, which Beric reveals to Melisandre is a whole lotta nothin’ when you finally get to see it.
I’ll talk about the various other plots in my stray observations, but I want to note the fantastic closing shots of Ygritte and Jon at the wall. Yes, it’s a bit of a cheesy little love moment for the two to suck face and admire the landscape, but it also gives voice to Littlefinger’s speech to Varys before it: in a world of chaos, everything is a climb, a valiant struggle against the forces around you that you can’t control, and the internal struggle, the only one we can really have influence over in our lives. But there’s a reason all these characters are making this endless climb: because if you ever reach the top, if you can get your arms over the edge and pull yourself up, the view is fucking breathtakin’, man. The journey is always more important than the destination; but that doesn’t mean the destination is the worst place in the world if you manage to reach it, even if it’s filled with the lies and half-truths that represent The Realm.
Grade: A-
Other thoughts/observations:
– we see Samwell and Gilly (spelling/correct name?) for a brief moment in the open, a nice little scene where he tells her about Castle Black and the beauty of the Wall. “On a warm day, you can see it weeping.”
– Robb makes a great point when he tells everyone that he’s won all his battles, but finds himself losing the war. Even the Frey people mock him upon their arrival, with terms that seem to punish everyone except Robb – which makes me wary for what might happen when they travel to the Twins. It’s times like this I wish I’d read the books sitting on my shelf, so I’d have a better grip on what’s going on. I’m sticking to my prediction from a few weeks back, though, even though it seems a little more unlikely given how little say Catelyn Stark’s had in anything this season.
– apparently being a Worg has its side effects: Jojen has a wicked seizure as he sees Jon Snow beyond the Wall, surrounded by ‘enemies’ (who we know aren’t really enemies, but kind of are, depending on where Jon’s loyalties may lie at any given time).
– Melisandre pays Thoros to take Gendry away, and leaves with two very ominous bits of dialogue: she tells Gendry “you will make kings rise and fall”, and basically tells Arya she’ll get her revenge (maybe looking for a new convert?).
– Edmure tries to negotiate to get his choice of Frey children, but he gets Rosalyn – and can’t even count her teeth first. What a raw deal one gets for supporting their King, right?
– let’s all share a moment of silence for Ros, the most lovable whore on television since Trixie on Deadwood. I’ll miss her sassy presence. In case you weren’t sure, ‘The Climb’ reminds us what a dick Joffrey is.
– Sansa again gets to feel how stupid she is, watching her only chance to leave King’s Landing sail away as she’s promised to Tyrion in marriage. What an idiot.
– Varys calls the Iron Throne the “Lisa Arryn of chairs” to tease Petyr; it’s been awhile since they’ve had a meaty exchange, and the writers definitely give us a proper reunion at the conclusion of this episode.
– just a note: I didn’t have time to check name spellings this week: if I got something wrong, just leave a note in the comments section. There’s too much to keep track of, and running into spoilers is a very real problem, even when trying to spell someone’s name.