Looking Forward, Game of Thrones Ep. 405 and Eunuchization

Glad tidings again from your chosen Unsullied Leader/Village Idiot where a man is prepping to provide some weekend entertainment appetizers for a small select few (it’s a long story) at a locale probably similar to a Mole’s Town Tavern (assuming there is such an establishment).

Let us Look Forward to a meal suitable for a King’s cat.  None of that bagged, harsh, dry crap.  Today we’re breaking out the canned, juicy stuff.  And it is deserved as we are almost at the halfway point (and there could potentially be a lady in attendance in the upcoming ep. that I am, well, predisposed to).

You all know to whom a man refers.  But as important as the reemergence of Lysa may (or may not) be, there are even more important matters at hand… the difference between being Sullied and Un, and the growing similarities between the two.

I begin today with a disclaimer (because I am fond of them, and they somewhat waive me from responsibility).  Here goes:

Disclaimer:  I almost didn’t pen a Wishing Away the Weekend this week.  After all, I could write an entire post on Lysa, my obsession with the character, the intrigue regarding her relationship with Littlefinger, whether or not Robin has graduated from the bewb, and the probability of Sansa and Arya being reunited at the Vale.

While such a post might entertain some, it might annoy others.  As one good reader wrote me stated, “I love your posts Oz, but your obsession with Lysa is creepy.”

Agreed.

But as I wrestled with the notion of not posting leading up to S4:E5, the bigger issue of what occurred at the end of 404 swirled in my mind, and I charged onward…

The Sullied Becoming Unsullied   

As a true Unsullied viewer who avoids spoilers (and the books for now) like the plague, I had no idea that the frozen Darth Maul White Walker at the end of Ep. 4 was a player that the Sullied were unaware of.

Since being informed of such, I have tried to imagine exactly how I would feel about this if I were a book reader, especially if I were a book reader who read the first book sometime in the 90’s.

I am also aware that there is no right or wrong answer to this question.  Some Sullied are fine with finding out about things prior to book release.  But I would imagine that most are frustrated with the notion, and understandably so.

For the Unsullied, non-book readers including fanatics like the WiC army or even casual viewers of the show, it is important to realize the investment that many readers have in this series of books.  Perspective is this: there are viewers of the show who were not born when the first book was released.  There are Sullied who read the first book 18 years ago and have been invariably impatient in the release of subsequent books since then.  Let that sink in Younglings… eighteen years.

I venture to say that most of the viewer-only group were not even aware of the books before GoT first aired on HBO (Ozzette and yours truly included).  And for some, it was even later after the show grew in popularity when more viewers jumped on the wagon.

Comparatively speaking, there is no comparison.  Books offer a detail that has arguably never been reached in screen adaptation, of anything.  It offers insight and history that can’t be duplicated due to time constraints, or budget, or a plethora of other factors.  And in this case, time.  Viewers have roughly three and a half years invested in this story (if that), with a nine month break in between seasons.  There are book readers that have been invested since before some of you were born.

And you want to know why there are over 700 comments on the Sullied Oathkeeper recap thread on WiC alone?  How would you feel?

The Sullied are now faced with a decision that, to be blunt, I am happy I am not confronted with.  They either stop watching the show so they can conclude this journey as they began it.  Or they spoil themselves by simply doing what we do… watching HBO on Sunday nights.

Suddenly, the roles are reversed if the Sullied choose the former.  They will have to avoid the show, the internet, the reviews, and any entertainment media outlet for the next 3-4 years to be able to conclude the journey as they began it.  And as hard as it is for Unsullied to avoid spoilers about books, it pales in comparison in avoiding spoilers about a wildly popular television show with ratings that continue to exceed expectation.  In fact, it would be damn near impossible without throwing the Sony out the window and disconnecting the broadband.

I realize there is much more of the story to be told that the Sullied are already privy to.  There are still two more books of material to be covered before the show catches up (unless George releases the next one in that time frame, and even then it won’t be concluded).  And ultimately there are bigger problems in the world than a television series catching up and potentially surpassing the material from which it was derived.  But it is somewhat of a cultural phenomenon nonetheless, and now every Sullied that tunes in on Sunday night will probably be wondering whether or not they will witness yet another unwritten instance that will be visualized before it is described in text.  And for the Sullied, that has to be at least somewhat, frustrating as hell.

Looking Forward to 405 

In the preview, Dany actually asks the question!  “Will that be enough to take King’s Landing?”  Is this a sign that Dany’s move to Westeros is in the near future?  I think I can safely speak for the Unsullied Army when I say, we are ready.  We’ve been ready.

Tommen takes the Throne and the mother of madness is seen blocking the adoring eyes attempting to focus in on Marg.  How soon will Grandma Lemon Cakes leave the capital and will her absence leave Marg at risk to the wrath of drunk Cersei?  And while we are on the topic, what about the planned wedding with Loras that has been on the table since Paw met with Tyrion and Cersei?

The Stark and the Hound continue their love/hate relationship as Arya appears to stab her protector.  What has he done now?  Is his armor needle-proof?  Are they still headed to the Vale?

Jon and the Volunteers open the sold-out, restless crowd for the fan-favorite Hodor and the Reeds at Craster’s Concert Hall.  Karl, Rast and the boys are a dangerous bunch to be facing off with, but I’m more concerned with Locke.  It is known that all he really wants is Bran and Rickon.

Speaking of, a man needs some Roose.  And how are Ramsay and Reek progressing to Moat Cailin?

Per the preview pics, I’m very interested to see what Oberyn and Drunk Cersei are discussing.  Tyrion? Maybe the trial?  How soon is the trial? The threesome? Lancel sandwich?

And last but not certainly not least…

My old friend.   Welcome back Crazypants Arryn.   It’s been a long time indeed.

Putting out a RSP (Raven Search Party) for the Brotherhood Without Banners.  The last time we saw Thoros, Anguy, Beric and the boys, they were going after some Lannister soldiers as The Hound picked up a fleeing Arya.  It’s been a while.  Where are you guys?

A man is out.  Hope you all have a great weekend.  If you are feeling frisky like Ser Pounce, you can find me on the twittersephere @OzofThrones.   Follow along just for the hell of it.

I realize this post may be an invitation for spoilers, BUT PLEASE, no spoilers here.  And if I am totally incorrect about how the Sullied feel, please explain below.  BUT without book detail.  Adopt an Unsullied… don’t spoil.

What are you guys looking forward to this episode?  Let’s discuss.

And make sure you tune in for next week’s Looking Forward as the time will have come for the 2^nd Annual Halftime Show… 

Stay hydrated my friends, and may there always be peace in your realm. –Oz

“Unbowed.  Unbent.  Unsullied.”

• Published on 05/03/2014 at 10:32 AM CDT
• Last updated on 10/21/2016 at 12:42 PM CDT