Looking Forward: Ep. 23 Non-Book Readers

Our newbie recapper Oz of Thrones looks ahead to this Sunday’s episode. As per usual, please keep the comment section spoiler free!

Oz of Thrones: Greetings again from your self-proclaimed leader of the Unsullied (non-book readers), and Lord of House Oz, where I have accused Ozling #2 (credit, Black Talon) of being a stowaway on the vessel carrying Dany and the puking Dothraki. This little Ozling enjoys climbing on all exposed surfaces, chomping on pop tarts, and consistently exposing myself, Ozzette, and Ozling #1 to airborne, stomach related viruses that involve copious amounts of water being released from the wrong place, and projectile you-know-what (I can’t even write it). Luckily for the great readers of WiC, there is no substantive scientific evidence concluding that stomach bugs can be transmitted by reading an infected man’s words on the Internet.  I wouldn’t wish it upon Joffrey, although it has proven to be a very effective diet plan.

Welcome to Looking Forward Ep. 23 Non-Book Readers… the episode where (from what I have heard) the pig-shit starts hitting the proverbial fan in Westeros.

Here is a name we will not speak today: Theon.

After inciting a small riot on the comment section of Ep. 22 Newbie Recap here, beating this dead octopus may be a bad idea.  But here is what we know for sure:

– Bolton’s bastard was sent to Winterfell

– Robb stated that he would let everyone go free with the exception of the aforementioned character

– Said character was knocked silly with his head placed in a sack

– someone was blowing a horn

– the iron born preceded to vacate the premises heading home

– someone left the curling iron plugged in and burned down Winterfell

It comes down to who, why, when, where….

Who was blowing the horn and more importantly, who were they with?

Why was the curling iron left plugged in and by whom?

When did Bolton’s bastard really arrive there?

And, where is Screwfoot presently?

Now, before we all go nuts contemplating this (again) and accusing proclaimed non book readers of being book readers, let me state this: we are all fans here of possibly the greatest television experience we may enjoy for some time.  We thrive with this common trait, book readers or non. So let us try something the rest of the world has forgotten how to do: Let’s be civil to each other.

If you are a book reader, understand this gentle reminder: we still have no idea what is coming (other than Winter).  I think I can speak for each of you by saying that you have likely been highly perturbed by some other show in the past that had some unexplained occurrence in it, only to be left hanging with no explanation as to the 4 W’s in the end.  I believe a lot of non-book reading show viewers were left with that feeling after the first (and now second) episode did not reveal the answers to the burning of Winterfell.  As a result, we ask questions and we speculate in hopes that the show and its creators will one day give us this answer.

I have a theory on all of it, an even better theory since I watched the episode again. But that is all that it is. The Sullied have the luxury (or curse) of knowing that we will likely get answers to our questions.  After I mentioned the burning in my Ep. 21 Newbie Recap, one of the book readers simply commented, “No spoilers for you.”  This told me all I needed to know.  Please don’t stop commenting…. We welcome them.  Continue to laugh at the uneducated if you must.  But please…. don’t spoil us.  Now, by the grace of the Seven, let’s please move on….

Four Young’uns and a Hodor:  Ok, so Osha is not that young….. or maybe she is, she just needs a nice day at the spa.  I am really looking forward to more Jojen Reed, his insight into Bran’s dreams, and being a warg.  I’m not so much into Meera yet, as all we know is that she is good with the weaponry.

The King and Queen of the North: I am interested to see if the tension that has apparently been created by Robb’s decision to marry Talisa continues.  We know that Cat disapproves.  Now we know that Karstark thinks he lost the war with the decision.  James Bond Bolton seems less than impressed as he always seems to be interrupting the romantic moments between the two (or maybe he just wants to watch).  And then there is the Frey daughter that Robb is promised to.  The things we do for love….

The Kinky King and Margaery:  I warned you all….. the spanking with the crossbow is coming to some buttocks near you.  Will Margaery still want to play the Joffrey game after she can’t sit straight for a week?

Lady Olenna Tyrell:  How much influence over the whole mess will Grandma Lemon Cake have?  And will Cheese Boy be back?  I really don’t care as long as she shows up to say something every episode.  Just one line, at least, please.

Tyrion:  I still think there is more to the conversation between the half-man and Shae regarding Sansa.  Ozzette thinks I am making a Mountain out of a molehill (no pun intended).  But consider this…. Shae is Sansa’s handmaiden.  Shae and Tyrion can’t be seen together.  But Sansa and Tyrion……

ArGenPie:  Our favorite trio has found themselves in a Helluva Dip situation.  What will crazy uncle Thoros do now that the identity of Arya has been discovered?  And will the Hound have an influence?  Considering the Hound has abandoned the realm, and the Lannisters are looking for Thoros and Co., there doesn’t seem to be any danger of BwB sending them back to King’s Landing.  But, if they realize the power they may have with Arya in tow, ArGenPie may be dodging the arrows of Anguy for a little while longer.

The Odd Couple:  If we have seen the end of the one-on-one conversations between the lovebirds Jaime and Brienne, I shall truly miss them.  Their circumstances certainly do not look promising now that they have been found by House Bolton, especially with the preview of Brienne having to apparently fight her way out of the grasp of her captors.  Which brings me to last, and most definitely not least…..

Tech Support:  I knew I recognized the gentleman who was leading the Flayed Man of House Bolton at the end of episode 22.  Thank you from the Sullied commenters who informed me (with no spoilers, mind you) that this man’s name is Locke.  Locke is one of James Bond Bolton’s most trusted men (or so I am told), and is played by an actor named Noah Taylor.  And, Noah Taylor played “Tech Support” in the movie Vanilla Sky.  Now, regardless of what you think of the movie (which was met with very mixed reviews. most of them negative, and currently maintains a 40% rotten rating on Rotten Tomatoes), I thought Noah Taylor was outstanding.  I am overly excited to see more of him and his interaction with Jaime and Brienne, and how his acting translates into the world of GoT.

In closing:  No great insight or immaculate conclusions here as to the past episode that haven’t already been voiced.  I am merely anxiously awaiting Episode 23 where I hope to see more of these new characters and how they alter the story lines of the characters we are familiar with.  Remember the rules for commenting on this particular post:  You may not speak Screwfoot’s real name, and as always, no spoilery.

Off Topic:  Being way ahead of the times as I am with all technological advances, a man is considering opening a Twitter account.  Would you recommend it?  Do you enjoy it?  Any advice?  Would you follow Oz?

Until the Episode 23 Newbie Recap, enjoy your weekend, and may there be peace in your realm.  -Oz

• Published on 04/12/2013 at 2:12 PM CDT
• Last updated on 04/12/2013 at 2:28 PM CDT