Game Of Thrones Season 4 Episode 3 Recap: The Aftermath Of The Purple Wedding

After last week's Purple Wedding, things slowed down a bit (but I'm sure just until the next major death). "Breaker of Chains" opens right where "The Lion and the Rose" left off. Cersai who is holding the dead king's body demands that Tyrion be immediately arrested. Tywin orders the city be locked down. No vessels or persons are allowed to leave.

Dontos gets Sansa out on a rowboat just in time. They travel to a larger ship on which is Petyr Baelish (ie LittleFinger). He was behind the plot to free Sansa and possibly to kill Joffrey. When Dontos asked to be paid for rescuing Sansa, he is killed. That is the best way to ensure there are no witnesses.

Oleanna and Margarey discuss her current position. The relationship with Joffrey was not consummated so she is not queen. Oleanna lets fly her usual barbs which leads us to believe that she might be behind the murder. If so, I would be delighted. I love Oleanna!

Next Tywin, Cersai and Tommen are staying next to Joffrey's body. Tywin is quizzing the future king about what qualities a successful ruler needs. He answers holiness, justice and strength. "We have a man who starves himself to death, a man who lets his brother murder him, and a man who thinks winning and ruling are the same thing. What is missing?" asks Twyin. "Wisdom" says Tommen. Tywin agrees saying a wise king always listens to his counsel (who of course is Tywin).

They leave and Jaime arrives. Cersai begs him to kill Tyrion before the trial. He says Tyrion is his brother so he cant kill him. Jaime gets all frisky with Cersai who spurns him. Jaime forces himself on her on the floor next to Joffrey's body. Not sure what I think about all that.

Arya and the Hound are still traveling the countryside. They encounter a farmer and daughter who invite them to spend the night. Arya tells them the Hound is her father. And that he has mental issues due to the war (and her mother was killed in a house fire). Their dialogue on the road and later at dinner was hilarious (especially the prayers regarding the seven blessings). The Hound steals the farmers silver in the morning (against the protests of Arya).

Stannis learns of Joffreys' death and thinks it's due to the Red Witch's burning of leaches. Davos (the hand of the King) had better find an army for Stannis and quick if he expects to not be burned at the stake (since that was the fate that befell many of Stannis' relatives). He has an idea and asks Shireen to write a letter to the Iron Bank in Stannis' name. He is going to borrow money to hire a mercenary army to attack King's Landing.

Tywin interrupts Prince Oberyn and his main squeeze Ellaria during an orgy. Those two are definitely swingers! Oberyn says he did not kill Joffrey even though the Lannister's were behind the Mountain raping and killing his sister. Tywin says he will arrange for the Red Viper to "speak" with the Mountain if he sits as a judge at Tyrion's trial. In related news, Tyrion asks Podrick to bring Jaime and to leave town before he is killed. Podrick tells him that Sansa has disappeared and that a if Pod testifies against Tyrion he will be named "Sir Podrick". Podrick refuses.

In the North, Sam wants Gilly to be safe and moves her to Mole's Town. In related news, the Wildings, Giantsbane, and Ygritte attack a village. They capture a young boy and tell him "Im going to eat your dead mama and I'm going to eat your dead papa. Go tell the Crows at Castle Black". Others arrive at the war and say more Wildings are in Craster's Keep. They must go there and attack Mance before he finds out how few men are really guarding the Wall.

Dany approaches Meereen. The army is amassed outside as they wait to see if the slaves will join them. FakeDaario easily defeats their champion. The dragons have not been revealed yet. I assume the episode's title comes from the barrels that were catapulted into the city. They were filled with the collars of ex-slaves. CollarBombs!!!!

Favorite Quotes:

"The great doughy lump I'd sat next to at endless dinners and tedious gatherings"- Oleanna describing her dead husband.
"One of my husband preferred the company of men and was stabbed through the heart. Another was happiest torturing animals and was poisoned at our wedding feast"- Margarey. "You did wonderful work on Joffrey. The next one should be easier"- Oleanna.
"We ask the strangers not to kill us in our beds tonight for no damn reason at all"- the Hound at the end of the farmer's exceedingly long prayer. Too funny!
"Dead men dont need silver"- the Hound.
"If I was to arrange a royal assassination I'd like to think I'd plan it such a way as I would not be caught there gawking like a fool"- Tyrion about Joffrey's murder.
"Your enemy steals and murders your children. Your enemy has nothing but chains and suffering and commands. I do not bring you commands. I bring you a choice. And I bring your enemies what they deserve.”- Dany to the Meereen slaves.

Grade: 4 Monsters (out of 5). Nothing earth shattering happened other than the strange scene with Jaime and Cersai. A still enjoyable episode though since we were able to catch up with everyone (unlike last week when Dany, Stannis and Jon Snow were not seen). And if you think Joffrey got off way too easy, here's a fun site: http://killingjoffrey.com/ Yes the comment about "Hannibal" is mine.