Worst.Headache. Ever.

Game of Thrones

Season Four

Episode Eight

The Mountain and the Viper

Synopsis:

Grey Worm notices Missandei as they bathe in different sections of the same river. In telling the story to Daenerys Targaryen, Missandei reveals the Unsullied captain was clearly interested in her body.

Grey Worm apologies to Missandei later that day, and they both admit that their feelings for one another run deeper than those of teacher and pupil.

The Molestown brothel is attacked by wildlings. Ygritte spares Gilly and her baby but the rest of the inhabitants are exterminated. When the Night's Watch learns of the raid, Samwell Tarly blames himself for putting Gilly in harm's way.

His brothers encourage him to hold out hope, but the crows' spirits fall when they realize an attack is imminent - and Mance's army outnumbers them a 1000 to 1.

Ramsay Snow coaches Reek to play the part of Theon Greyjoy and treat with the Ironborn at Moat Cailin. Reek shakily accepts his mission and introduces himself to the ailing soldiers as the heir to the Iron Islands.

"Theon" beseeches the men to surrender: If they bend a knee to the Boltons, they will receive safe passage to the Stony Shore. The garrison commander spits at the idea, but his troops turn on their leader and accept the offer, anxious to escape with their lives. Unfortunately, Ramsay Snow has other ideas and flays the Ironborn men.

When Roose Bolton arrives at Moat Cailin with his army, Ramsay Snow informs his father that they've taken the Ironborn stronghold. Pleased, Roose informs his bastard that from this day forward, he will be known as Ramsay Bolton.

 Nobility of the Vale, including Lord Yohn Royce and Lady Anya Waynwood, question Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish about Lysa Arryn's death. The highborn panel does little to hide its disdain for Lord Baelish - a foreigner who has collected titles through Machiavellian means. They are skeptical of Littlefinger's claim that Lysa committed suicide, and call in "Alayne," to testify.

Sansa enters and shocks her audience by revealing her true identity. The Stark girl explains that Lord Baelish saved her from the Lannisters. She also corroborates his story that Lysa threw herself through the Moon Door after she misread an innocent moment between Sansa and her "uncle" Petyr.

Sansa's emotional account sells her audience completely. Later, Littlefinger asks Sansa why she lied for him. If he had been executed, Sansa explains, who knows what would happen to her?

Littlefinger debriefs with Lord Royce and Lady Anya; the group agrees that it's time for Robin to leave the nest. Petyr, Robin and Sansa - her hair dyed dark in disguise - set out to tour the Vale.

Barristan Selmy confronts Jorah Mormont about a document he received - a royal pardon from Robert Baratheon. Daenerys Targaryen summons Jorah to explain himself. He confesses that he spied on her and Viserys when they first met in Pentos.

Dany realizes that the attempt on her life was a direct result of Jorah's reporting and is horrified that he put her unborn child in danger. She banishes Jorah from her service. "Go back to your masters in King's Landing," she spits.

Devastated, Jorah leaves Meereen.

Arya Stark and Sandor Clegane arrive at the Bloody Gate, only to learn that after all they've endured to get there, Lysa Arryn died three days ago. Arya bursts out laughing at the horrible irony.

The morning of Tyrion's trial by combat, Jaime Lannister visits his brother's cell with a full wineskin. The two reminisce about their cousin Orson, who was dropped on his head as an infant and spent his days squishing bugs.

In his youth, Tyrion was obsessed with understanding why the insects were killed. Tyrion poses the question back at Jaime: "What was it all about?" Jaime has no answer.

Guards escort Tyrion out to the field of combat. He is disturbed to find that his champion, Oberyn Martell, has opted to don extremely light armor and is helping himself to some wine. Despite Tyrion's skepticism, Oberyn is confident.

The fight begins as a large crowd looks on, including Oberyn's paramour, Ellaria Sand. Gregor Clegane is an imposing figure in a full suit of armor and a large sword, while Oberyn is light on his feet with a spear in hand.

The Red Viper repeatedly dodges blows while questioning the Mountain about his sister's murder. Oberyn lands a blow that plants Gregor flat on his back. Instead of finishing off his opponent, Oberyn stands over him, demanding to know who gave him the order to kill his sister.

Gregor kicks Oberyn's legs out from under him. The Mountain admits to the crimes against Elia Martell - just before he smashes in Oberyn's skull. "The gods have made their will known," Tywin Lannister decrees, and sentences his son to death.

Review:

Well, I just have to say it, the ending left me well satisfied and bloody horrified.  The fight between Oberyn and Gregor was beautifully handled and dare I say it, executed.

It actually shocked me and made me scream even though I’ve read the books.

Other stand out moments were poor Theon ‘Reek’ Greyjoy, a heartbroken (yet again) Jorah Mormont, Ygritte and Gilly, Sansa, Arya, Sandor, Ramsay Snow,  Roose Bolton and as ever anything involving Tyrion Lannister.

One to definitely rewatch.

But not while eating or drinking.