I've talked about the issues involved in bringing a 1000+ page manuscript to the small screen. Character arcs have to be shortened (or ignored entirely), while plotlines are merged to make sure things fit into a ten hour framework.
What this also means is what may have been implicit in the books has become explicit (and how!) in the HBO series. Stannis going for the proverbial "R'hollor in the hay" with Melisandre was only hinted at in print, likewise the manscaping that dare not speak its name between Renly and Loras Tyrell (the Knight of Flowers, unseen since midway through season 1), and also Jon's witnessing of what Craster does with his male offspring.
Forget "It's not TV, it's HBO." The premium network may have more leeway than others in bringing the goodies, but it's still TV. Subtlety must occasionally be sacrificed to keep the pace lively. I'll probably do a follow-up to last season's "TV show vs. book" write-up in the next few weeks, but suffice to say things on GoT are getting very lively indeed.
This week's title is also the mantra of House Greyjoy (not to be confused with that very similar Lovecraft verse Iron Maiden has been known to use), and on the Iron Islands, Theon and Yara learn daddy's plans: to reave and pillage like in days of yore and take the North from King Robb, who has ranged too far south against the Lannisters to defend his lands. Theon tries to reason with Balon, who reminds him of family motto: "We do not sow." Son and father have words (Theon's still a bit vexed that "daddy gave him away" to the Starks after his failed rebellion - at least that they didn't play that shitty Everclear song).
Theon considers warning Robb of daddy's plans, but whether wishing to prove his own mettle or win Balon's favor, he ends up burning the letter and swearing his oath to the Drowned God of his people. Maybe plundering some fishing villages will finally make daddy love him. Still, Yara has been given 30 ships to Theon's one. What possible damage could Theon do?
Beyond the Wall, and to Jon's dismay, the Lord Commander seems to be well aware of their host's sacrificial proclivities. His position WRT Craster is more that of the United States dealing with El Salvador in the 80s: so what if they rape a few nuns/sacrifice a few babies? At least they're keeping the Commies/White Walkers at bay. Nevertheless, the Watch has to bug out. But before they do, Sam gives Gilly a thimble(?) that belonged to his mother. He's pretty sweet for a coward.
Bran's worried about his dreams, in which he's running through the woods, like (as?) his wolf Summer. Luwin tells him they're just stories, but Bran's not convinced. Luwin talks about trying the "higher mysteries" during his training, but asserts that magic has gone from the world. Just like giants and...dragons.
Normally that would be a cue to check out what Daenerys and company are up to. However, the khalessi and company are absent this week.
Catelyn has arrived in the Stormlands to find Renly's troops having a tournament. Ser Loras, the Knight of Flowers (Finn Jones), is bested by one Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie), a woman sarcastically referred to as "the Beauty." Catelyn is welcomed, if not warmly, and reminds Renly "My son is fighting a war, not playing at one." We also get our first look at Renly's new queen, Margaery Tyrell (The Tudors' Natalie Dormer), who happens to be Ser Loras' sister.
Back at King's Landing, Shae is pissed off that Tyrion won't let her leave, and even more so when he talks of sneaking her in to the castle as a kitchen wench. Cersei has dinner with Sansa and the other kids, Myrcella (Aimee Richardson) and Tommen (Callum Wharry), who worries that Joffrey might kill Robb (I'm sure we'd all like to see that match-up). Cersei assures everyone Sansa will "do her duty." Sansa, the lone Stark remaining in King's Landing, returns to her chambers to find she's been assigned a new handmaiden, and it's none other than Shae. It seems Tyrion now owes Varys, and you know what they say about Lannisters and debts.
