OK, some of this episodes criticisms are just bitching at this point. We all knew they only had 14 episodes to conclude the series, so it has created a higher level of expectations as far as screen-time is concerned and how the plot unravels, while we watch the clock.
This obviously is a problem, and the only way it can be remedied is with a couple of fantastic episodes and quality writing. I dont know the director line-up, but Im sure HBO can churn out at least 4 fantastic episodes with the 12 that are left. So you figure ep 3 and 4 will probably be a means to an end to drive plot and then we will get a more fleshed out, meaningful experience come ep 5 6 and 7. My point is whats happening was kind of expected at this juncture.
Obviously we all wish every episode could be awesome, but if you look back at the previous 6 seasons, each one had at least 3 or 4 boring/uneventful/filler episodes. So Im just extracting what I can from whats left and will try to enjoy the ride rather than bitching.
As far as the episode itself goes, there were a few important plot points that should be discussed.
Dany relenting when Olenna asks if she will take some council was kind of big. That was clearly the start of a plot point concerning Tyrion and Dany and the story at large. Dany will now question Tyrion and his motives (even when she probably shouldnt as we all know Tyrion acts with honor and wont betray Dany at this point). This was clear, as the look on Tyrions face said it all when she repeated his line about ruling over ashes to her subordinates. Its almost like he is somewhat surprised at how much he has grown on her already, she is clearly taking his advisement to heart.
But now Olenna is going to be an opposing force. If you want to talk about SJW bullshit then highlight this. She basically laid it out bare, saying that she survived so long by NOT LISTENING TO MEN LOL. Dany sadly looked like she saw some truth to what she said, and will now cool off on Tyrion. This is significant. You add that with the loss of her fleet with the Euron situation, and Qyburns scorpion bolt launcher, and now there is some true peril for Dany. She has lost the means to move around her host, her dragons face a perceived true threat, and internal conflicts with her newly formed alliance will hamper her actions over the course of this season.
This episode basically put the brakes on Danys rofflestomp party. Some people thought she might start the conquering off rip and go for the throat by taking Kings Landing and then shell have to maneuver from there. But after this episode we can put that to bed. Especially when you consider Cersies plea to her bannermen with Randall Tarly rallying to her cause, and Qyburns dragon bane. Kings Landing will stand for the foreseeable future and Cersei isnt going anywhere till at least the end of this season at the very earliest if ever.
Those were the most important factors to consider, and then you have Arya going back to Winterfell for a family reunion, which changes things as far as her character arc. Other than that yea the episode wasnt great. Missandies tits and ass are top notch so I dont really have a problem with the Grey Worm shit. It was uncomfortable and entirely too long, but if not for seeing her goods this episode would have REALLY been shit.
