Villordsutch reviews Game of Thrones Season 7 Episode 3 – ‘The Queen’s Justice’…
Written By David Benioff & D.B. Weiss
Directed By Mark Mylod
Olenna Tyrell- That was Joffrey’s sword wasn’t it? Not that he ever used it. What did he call it?
Jaime Lannister- Widow’s Wail.
Olenna Tyrell- He really was a cunt, wasn’t he.
With the opening two episodes of Game of Thrones Season 7 being pretty poor, I’m in real need for one of my favourite shows to shake me by the shoulders and “shoo” away any lingering thoughts of dread. Any thoughts that whisper, “This sjpw has lost its way, ever since the source material isn’t available to read at the local bookstore”. Here’s hoping that Episode 3, “The Queen’s Justice” brings this show back up to the level we know and love.
With Jon Snow and the Onion Knight – Ser Davos – arriving at Dragonstone they’re greeted by the Hand of the Queen, Tyrion Lannister, Missandei, a cluster of Dothraki guards and as they progress further up the path to Castle Dragonstone, dragons who swoop down over the visitors heads.
As the two members of royalty are introduced, with Missandei announcing Daenerys Targaryen’s numerous titles from Breaker of Chains to holder of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx, Jon Snow turns to his right hand man (Ser Davos) who simply announces Stark’s Bastard as “King of the North”. It’s only when Daenerys calls Jon, “Lord”, does Ser Davos take umbrage to this and attempts to put the Mother of Dragons in her place. The room suddenly becomes a very tense place and the Hand has his work cut out, as his diplomatic skills are called upon in spades.
Far in the distance Varys and Melisandre are in conversation, discussing her hiding from the guests from the North and the fates of themselves upon the lands of Westeros. It would seem the God of Light has decreed both shall end their days upon this land that is often fought over.
With wise words from the Hand, Daenerys gives Jon what he originally came to Dragonstone for – the Dragonglass – and in doing so possibly makes a strong ally for the future battle she will have to fight against Ceresi.
North at Winterfell, Sansa is proving that she to is a strong leader, taking stock of supplies for the coming Winter, monitoring the armour under construction and enquiring about the length of previous Winters from the new Maester. Litterfinger however feels, that her attention is more on the trouble from the North and not Queen Cersei from the South. When Sansa attempts to inform him that she knows what she’s doing, he offers some sage advice for which he himself survives by. Though before the lesson can continue, they are interrupted as Bran has returned to Winterfell.
At King’s Landing Euron Greyjoy returns back with the promised gift for the Queen, this being the remaining two living Dornish Sand Snakes – murderers of Cersei’s daughter – mother and daughter Ellaria and Tyene Sand. Along with this Euron parades his own niece – Yara – through the streets, bound and tethered to his horse. Euro, produces his gift to the Queen Cersei and requests one thing, to which she promises it after the war. Placing him in charge of the navy and Jamie in charge of the armed forces, Euron poses a question to Jaime, that of Cersei’s preferences in the bedroom.
The Iron Bank have returned to call in the debts, though it’s down to Cersei to keep the Tycho Nestoris away from the Lannister Coffers for as long as possible, due to the lack of gold within. The Iron Bank though have issues with Cersei’s allies and her enemies forces, namely the Dragons, Unsullied and Dothraki. Here Cersei implies to having a the plan and why Tycho, along with the Iron Bank, needs to have faith in the Lannisters.
Cersei’s day isn’t over as she descends to the dungeon to face both Ellaria and Tyene, her goal to decide on how to snuff out the life of Ellaria’s daughter. She repays the favour, choosing the exact same method used upon Myrcella, but leaving her chained in front of her mother, so she has to watch her die, decay and turn to bone.
Finally Cersei retires to the bedchamber, taking an unwilling Jaime Lannister for sex as that’s what she wants. Also, she doesn’t care about who now knows about their relationship anymore, as she opens the doors to a servant allowing her to see Jaime half-naked in bed.
As the episode comes to a close we have two sieges taking place. The Unsullied take control of Casterly Rock, but it rapidly becomes apparent that all is not right as both the Lannister numbers are too small and the Greyjoy navy are burning the Unsullied ships into the sea.
It appears Jaime Lannister took numerous troops to take down the now traitorous Tyrell House, surrounding Highgarden and conquering it rapidly. Here Jamie confronts Lady Olenna, revealing the ways Cersei had wanted her dead; though he himself brought to her a pain free poison for her to take. After Lady Olenna quaffs the poison, she reveals that she was the person who poisoned Prince Joffrey, and with that Jaime leaves her to die.
This is better… this is a much better episode. Everything is moving correctly; we don’t need massive battles to fill in spaces just to please people who like noise with their blood. Granted we had a minor bit of a battle, but it’s discussed more that witnessed. I feel now like Season 7 is beginning, and not only that but I feel like our characters are showing their true banner colours correctly.
Daenerys is a powerful Queen, fighter, leader and woman who really doesn’t take any nonsense and has fought to get where she is, yet wise enough to seek counsel when needed. Jon Snow has always looked for diplomacy rather than the edge of a blade. Cersei is cold, calculating and in truth wants to keep those she loves safe and from harms way; if she has to kill a thousand people to do that so be it. I feel that everything is starting to click into place with “The Queen’s Justice” and at the right pace. This does make me happy.
SEE ALSO: Game of Thrones Season 7 Episode 3 – ‘The Queen’s Justice’ – Top 5 Moments
There was a number of interesting things in this episode: “Reek” being perhaps leader of the Greyjoy Fleet now that Yara is gone; Fire and Ice meeting; and most of all Varys mentioning the Lions. Has he slipped up here, and was Daenerys right to question his loyalty in Stormborn? What was said in the flames that Melisandre is alluding to? Is Varys’ fate wrapped up in the downfall of the Mother of Dragons?
The Queen’s Justice was a much better episode than the first two opening episodes in my opinion; though not ground-breaking, this certainly was enjoyable and is showing a return to the Game of Thrones we love.
Rating: 7/10
