The Throne Room: Things are never what they seem

In the world of “Game of Thrones,” it’s best to take everything we’re given with a grain of salt. No one can really be sure of where the writers are going with a development (unless you read the books, and even then there are probably changes). While we finally think some things are leading towards a happier outcome, “GoT” doesn’t deviate from its pattern of throwing us a curveball to knock out those silly warm feelings.

Much has been done with the Lannister brothers, Jaime and Tyrion, while not enough has really developed with Cersei. Her son died and she was bitter for an episode, even raped, but that was about it. In episode five, we find her having come to terms with the true nature of her son and looking to preserve the lives of her remaining children who are nothing like Joffrey. I imagine it is a horrible feeling losing a child, let alone before your eyes while you’re unable to save them. For Cersei, it seems to have also humbled her enough to seek the help of Oberyn and Margery — two people who are not exactly friends of the Lannisters. This change in Cersei’s behavior is a welcome one, but whether it will last or is a power play? Only time will tell.

The gut-punches came from the continued plights of the Stark children. Previously, I pointed out how there seemed to be no hope for them to improve their lots in life. The trend continues as Sansa’s hope for safety with her aunt, Lysa Arryn, is dashed away. Lysa has some issues with Petyr Baelish’s interest in her young niece, particularly given the nature of his previous business with prostitutes in King’s Landing. Or is it jealousy because Baelish had always loved Lysa’s sister, Catelyn Stark, and Sansa is Catelyn’s daughter? It’s a coin toss and the suspicion is merited. Baelish doesn’t do things out of the kindness of his heart. There is always an angle he’s working that accompanies his assistance — an angle that benefits him far more than the other party. Perhaps Lysa is acutely aware of this fact, adding to whatever stigma she has surrounding her sister. But there’s definitely something wrong with this lady given her erratic behavior towards Sansa, not to mention she still breast-feeds her son despite him being too old.

In the meantime, Bran doesn’t get to join up with his brother after the battle at Craster’s Keep — but not for lack of trying. After a startling twist, where Bran possesses Hodor in order to kill the Bolton spy, he decides to hide his presence from Jon. First of all, Bran can possess other humans? But it is unaddressed by the other members of his party and the first question after their release is whether or not to join up with Jon Snow. The answer is “no,” in order to continue their journey to the weird red tree, and a Stark family reunion is diverted. The only mildly pleasant moments in this episode came from Podrick’s interactions with Brienne and Arya’s bickering with the Hound on the road. Podrick is just so stubbornly sweet. But I’m still rooting for a Brienne and Jaime couple. Maybe Pod will save Sansa from marrying her weird little cousin, Robin.

The magic in the “Game of Thrones” universe rears its mysterious head once more in an unexpected way, much like with the White Walkers. We’re given these tidbits and teasers of these fantastical things that can happen. Nevertheless, they are so few and far between (with all the drama and action scenes) that someone could easily forget the existence of magic in “GoT.” It’s not a point of focus in this fantasy series like it typically is in other shows of the same genre, allowing the magic to become a surprising treat. Or maybe the magic is hinting at a larger theme, one that’s more true to real life than exclusively fantasy — while we’re preoccupied with ourselves and each other, subversive forces are busy at work unnoticed and unchecked.