Looking Forward Season 4, Part 6: The Stark and The Hound
“Ah hah! Not a man at all. A Houuuuuund!!” –Thoros of Myr
Author’s note: Paul Kaye was not nominated for an Emmy, and in direct correlation did not win an Emmy. The Lord of Light will judge the ATAS for this and other treasons accordingly. Good luck.
Ladies and Gentlemen….
WinterisComing.net, in association with Oz Entertainment Enterprises (which is a completely fabricated entity) brings you another edition of Looking Forward (commonly referred to as “Unsullieds Don’t Know S**t).
This time around is about a little girl and her BIG puppy and maybe a little speculation on just where they might be headed in Season 4. So unless you are involved in the filming of the upcoming Season or a writer finishing a book that my Sullied friends have been craving for multiple years, read on! For what else is therefore to do in which to pass the time?
First, some random quotes!
Author’s note: I like random quotes because they randomly make me think of random scenes that I randomly look up on YouTube while avoiding the random YouTube comments.
“What in Seven hells are you doing with the Stark bitch?” –Sandor Clegane
Author’s note: Important quote, not as the most profound statement made on the show to date, but as the quote that seemingly started a beautiful and unlikely relationship that has traveled through the hills and forests of Westeros and endured a very horrific family event. If ArGenPie had made it out the door of the Inn that day, there would likely be no Hound/Arya combo.
“I see a darkness in you. And in that darkness, eyes staring back at me. Brown eyes. Blue eyes. Green eyes. Eyes you’ll shut forever. We will meet again.” –Melisandre
Author’s note: The Lady in Red can presumably see visions of the future and she gives us an indication here of what most of us already knew: that Arya Stark, through her life experiences, is likely destined to become a dangerous person.
“Could you bring back a man without a head? Not six times. Just once.” –Arya Stark
Author’s note: This quote reminds us that our dangerous little girl is still just a little girl who misses her father.
“You’re very kind. Someday, it’ll get you killed.” –Sandor Clegane
Author’s note: While this quote in passing may seem somewhat insignificant to some viewers, Arya begging for the pig farmer’s life reminded me of the Jaime and Brienne run-in with the guy in the woods. Jaime suggested that he be killed. Brienne opted for kindness. They were quickly rounded up by Locke and company on the bridge shortly thereafter because of this decision. Some would also argue that Ned’s fate was sealed because of his loyalty, morals, and kindness. Maybe this quote is significant to the well-being of Arya. Then again, maybe I am overanalyzing a statement that took about 2 seconds of screen time.
“Next time you’re going to do something like that, tell me first.” –Sandor Clegane
Author’s note: Upon Arya hearing a Frey banner man laughing about the murder of her brother, she quickly fetched the Hound’s knife and gave the banner man the business in his neck. This quote from Clegane admittedly made me chuckle even as four men lay dying on the ground. Is this how I was supposed to react?
“Oh shit Arya. Damn. In the neck.”
Laughs out loud at Clegane’s quote.
“The Hound is awesome.”
Sometimes, I sincerely believe this show should have a disclaimer that advises me to seek professional help. Before you all have me committed, let’s move on.
Mentors and other influential figures
When you stop to consider all of the characters Arya has been in contact with over the life of the series, it doesn’t take long to realize how much the little warrior princess may have learned by now. Let’s review some, followed by a limit of one sentence per for the sake of time and length of post. (I would say to the readers to please remind me of anyone I may have left out, but I feel certain you will anyway).
Ned: Arya’s pop was an honorable man to a fault, but a great fighter nonetheless and obviously made a lasting impression on his youngest daughter.
Robb: Arya’s brother may have had his issues with being a leader and serving as the “King in the North”, but to her he was likely the best big brother a girl could have.
Jon Snow: The bastard brother gave Arya her first sword, “Needle”, and the famous advice of which end to use when sticken ‘em.
Syrio: The Dancing Master gave Arya her intro to swordsmanship and was one of my personal favorite characters (more on him in Looking Forward Part Blah).
Yoren: The Night’s Watchman shielded Arya’s view of Ned’s beheading, told her how he dealt with losing his brother by repeating the name of the assassin over and over, and was the victim of one of the best death scenes in the show to date.
Gendry: The bastard of Baratheon became somewhat of a stand-in big brother and likely shared his skills with her as a smith.
Hot Pie: Who else do you know that can make wolf bread?
Tywin: When she wasn’t scared to death of her identity being discovered by Paw Paw, Arya was likely consuming much of the inner-workings of the Lannister plots and schemes being communicated during their stay at Harrenhall.
Jaqen: What else needs to be said about what this guy did for Arya? (More on him in Looking Forward Part Blah Blah).
Anguy: Is there a better person to learn archery from than a guy who can shoot an arrow in the sky and still hit the middle of a Hot Pie?
Beric and Thoros: If nothing else, Arya was shown the power of the Lord of Light as Beric was resurrected a sixth time with the help of Thoros.
And now….. A Hound!!
Whatta We Do Now?
Arya and Sandor will almost certainly be venturing somewhere, and hopefully for a long time. Their screen time together is surprisingly entertaining. The fun part of being a non-book reader is rendering guesstimates as to the “where”. The fun part of being a book reader is being able to laugh at us for doing so. So without further ado, here are a few possibilities from your local village idiot.
The Umbers
The Good: If Osha and Rickon were sent there by Bran because they would be safe, why wouldn’t Arya think that she would be safe there too? Arya could use some down time, and it would be especially pleasing to see at least two of the Stark children reunite in a safe environment.
The Bad: How safe is it? If it is common knowledge that the Umbers are supporters of the Starks, then how long will it take before Roose or Tywin go looking for them there? Maybe this is a bad idea.
The Potentially Ugly: In the meantime, maybe Osha and the Hound could hook up and bless us all with some wildling puppies.
The Wall
The Good: We know Jon is there and we know the Wall can offer temporary shelter in time of need, especially to those near and dear to a Crow (see Sam and Gilly). Arya could regroup with help from Jon and come to think of it, maybe joining the Night’s Watch would be a good alternative for the Hound.
The Bad: Arya might be ok at the Wall for a while, but the Wildlings and the Walkers are coming as sure as winter is.
The Potentially Ugly: Can you seriously envision The Hound taking the Black? And how long would he put up with the Crow who gave Snow such a hard time? Answer: not long.
The Vale
The Good: Cat’s sister Lysa lives here and seems to be well protected with the impregnable tower and the Knights that surround her (unless Bronn shows up).
The Bad: Littlefinger is either en route or has already arrived and would likely snatch Arya up and return her to King’s Landing.
The Potentially Ugly: Here is something that likely never came from the mouths of Arya’s parents: “Why don’t you go stay with Aunt Lysa. She is so…. normal.”
Even Uglier: Lysa tells Arya that she can stay but that she must feed like Robyn. One on the left and one on the right. Eeewwwwww.
The Brotherhood
The Good: As far fetched as it may seem, I still believe that Arya might be better off with these guys. Beric was sworn to Ned, and there is no doubt in my mind that they would protect her.
The Bad: The brotherhood seemingly has no stronghold and presumably moves around quite a bit. Considering Tywin is done chasing the King in the North, he is likely to resume his quest to find them which would put Arya right back in danger.
The Potentially Ugly: The return of Arya could spark Beric vs. Hound part II, which would be an excellent pay-per-view but may not bode well for the former and could require a seventh resurrection. That assumes of course that the Hound doesn’t take his head off this time, which he likely would.
Review: Let’s be honest… none of them are preferred options. But I think the Umbers makes the most sense considering that Roose may be tied up with the Greyjoys soon and Tywin has a big wedding to attend. Oh, and lest we forget his self-appointed position as marriage counselor to Tyrion and Sansa and making sure that a seed is planted. Shall we speculate on this combo next? Sound off. Most of you don’t have an opinion, so it is up to me to pry it out of you (I still can’t find the sarcasm font).
Any better idea of where The Stark and The Hound might be headed? Unsullied answers on this one only!
Sullied… Feel free to comment away on my ignorance, but please remember NO SPOILERS! NO BOOK STUFF! NO CHEATING ON THE TEST!
By the way, if after GoT is finished and our fun here is done, please remember that if by chance Disney contacts GRRM to do a spin-off animated film with the same name as this post, you heard it here first. The trademark app is in the mail. We will all be paid handsomely.
Comment Call: Do you visit here often but never comment? Do something different today…. Say hello. All are welcome on this post as long as you are not packing the spoilers.
Who next?? Sound off! We are getting closer! Autumn is here, and Winter is coming. It will be March soon.
NO SPOILERS HERE….. a man and a Fury thank you in advance.
Live healthy. Drink ale in moderation. And may there always be peace in your realm. -Oz
“Unbowed. Unbent. Unsullied.”
The Series….
Looking Forward Season 4, Part 1: Lysafinger
Looking Forward Season 4, Part 2: Stannis
Looking Forward Season 4, Part 3: The North Remembers
Looking Forward Season 4, Part 4: Bolton
Looking Forward Season 4, Part 5: Daenerys
Spoiler Alert!
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