Looking Forward: Ep. 24 and the Women of Westeros, Non-Book Readers

Our Unsullied recapper Oz of Thrones gives his thoughts on the series so far and looks ahead to this Sunday’s episode. Enjoy!

Oz of Thrones:  Glad tidings from the self-proclaimed leader of the Unsullied (non-book readers), a man who will NOT be asking Locke if he can lie down or have a bite of partridge anytime soon.  The second viewing of this scene was even better than the first for me.  Having been in shock when it happened, the second time I knew what was coming (obviously), and got a chance to really take a close look at Jaime’s reaction, as well as how damn good an actor Noah Taylor is.

But first, let us clear some air, shall we?:  On Monday’s Newbie Recap of Ep. 23 here, I seemed to have ruffled a few raven feathers when I referred to Melisandre (a.k.a. the Red Woman, etc.) as the “Red Snatch.”  To those who may not have seen it, this informal title originated from a post I did here, which was a joke about Stannis and what he may have seen in the flames at the end of last season, or what could simply be the power of the (Alias Withdrawn).  A man is not naïve enough to believe that he will author heavily read passages without perturbing a few along the way.  And considering what Stannis was asking for this past episode, the (alias withdrawn) was not too far off target.  However, I do realize how this name could be seen as degrading and condescending, among other things, and I beg you will accept a man’s apology.  The last thing men want to do is piss off smart women (if the men themselves are smart).

Which led me to think about this…..

The Power of Women in GoT:  I may pen a longer, more in-depth essay in the future with the same heading, but for now, let’s set aside the brothels and gratuitous sex scenes that many believe are a woman’s only purpose in Westeros, and concentrate on the women whom I believe may have more power than the men in this epic world, while we discuss what could be coming for Ep. 24.  I have no idea how these women are portrayed in the books (no spoilers, please), but I know what I have seen on screen, and while they may not be heir apparent to anything, their importance is solid as they surely hold the keys to the kingdoms in many ways:

The (Red) Woman in Question:   Stannis has apparently come to the realization that he will not take the Iron Throne without the help of Melisandre.  This becomes obvious as she begins to leave Dragonstone without telling the jackass where she is going, and he begins to lose his grip on her, literally.  Her power, which is laced with magic and sorcery, proves her to be a strong, formidable woman in this world.  BTW, where is she going?  Is there a Red Sorceress Convention going on next week? Does the Lord Of Light command that all Red Women maintain a certain amount of CEU’s?

Arya:  What other show of this magnitude has a little girl heading one of the primary story lines?  Arya may not have power in soldiers or strength, but she makes up for it in her namesake and as little sister to the King of the North.  Thoros sees the value in having her around, and the dangers she would face if she continued on without ample protection.  And seriously, how could anyone ever survive without Pie?

Cersei:  The former Queen, and now Queen Regent, she may not hold the utmost power at King’s Landing, especially as her motherly advice seems to wane every episode over her loving son.  But, it is still her son, and he is the King.  And maybe more importantly, Tywin is her father.  Without Jaime around, she still currently holds more power than anyone in Westeros, other than those two.  Not bad.  Speaking of Cersei and the topic of nudity, has anyone seen the naked butt of Lancel?  (Not that I care to see it again, but he has not shown up this season).

Catelyn:  Granted, she doesn’t hold as much power as she once may have had, but she is still a very powerful, strong willed, and trusted advisor to the King of the North (at least until she sent Jaime off to be traded for Sansa and Arya).  But she is still a Stark, and a born Tully, with many allies and a large woman who is sworn to protect her (if said woman makes it back alive).

Brienne of Tarth: Who could ask for a stronger woman than this?  She is taller than most men, stronger than most men, and is better with a sword than most men.  In terms of power over soldiers or kingdoms, she has none.  But whosoever has the massive beast on their side holds an edge over adversaries.  That is, unless Locke and his clan have her outnumbered.  I will be interested to see how her story plays out this season while being held captive and how she feels about Jaime saving her from being ravaged, only to have his hand slap-chopped clean off.

Daenerys Targaryen:  Who in this epic world of GoT has more power than Dany?  With three dragons at her side (reducing to two if the transaction with Krazyns goes through), the fact that fire cannot hurt her, an Unsullied army presumably at her side after Ep. 24, and two of Westeros’ finest guiding her, she is a force to be reckoned with, and should probably be the most feared assuming she can get the army across the sea.  The question on everyone’s mind is, will the transaction actually go through?  I have a theory, as I’m sure most of us do.  Mine centers on the conversation she has with Missandei after offering the dragon to Krazyns.  We shall see…..

Other Notable Women who indeed have power, or may be gaining more soon:  Grandma Lemon Cake who is likely the wisest of any of them and looks to have an upcoming matching of wits with Cersei; Margaery Tyrell who, if the marriage to Joffrey goes through, may eventually be the most formidable of the ladies; Talisa who is married to the King of the North, and depending on how that turns out, could hold more power as the Queen than Margaery or Cersei; and Sansa who, if she ever gets out of town, is also a Stark and quite valuable to her family as well as the Lannisters so long as Jaime is held captive.  And who did I forget??  How about Ros?  Here is an attractive woman who seems to be working her way up through the ranks (granted, where she started wasn’t all that attractive).  But nevertheless, she is valued to Littlefinger and I presume is still wanted by Varys as seen at the end of Season 2.

The Point is This:  While it is quite easy to focus on women in Westeros being viewed as objects for sex in brothels, or for being taken advantage of by ravaging men, the fact is that there are many strong women characters who likely have a hand in the outcome in this game of thrones.  The brothels aren’t likely to be going away anytime soon (it is the oldest profession in the world, or damn near it, isn’t it?), or the gratuitous sex scenes for that matter.  But IMO, it all serves a purpose.  GRRM and D & D’s world does not abide by the laws in which we live.  And we should try to view without a comparison thereto.  After all, this is fantasy….

More 24:  Who is literally saving Theon’s ass, and why does unnamed character continue to save Theon’s ass?  May we, the uneducated, be enlightened this episode, please?  The overindulgence of Theon mysteries this season are taking its toll on the Lord of House Oz.  Speaking of mysteries…..

Podrick’s Pods get Podded:  Will we ever find out why the money was returned, or was this just for comedic purposes and for the audience to come to their own conclusions?  Either way, I recommend the Game of Owns crew do a Podrick Podcast dedicated to the Podding of Podrick.

Please pause with me for a moment…… a man has just realized he has mentioned two different men’s backsides and one man’s package in a single post.  I shall promptly reapply for my man card upon the conclusion.

Lysa Arryn:  How soon will we get to see this gem again?  Littlefinger should be headed to Eyrie soon, one of the most awesome looking locales of the whole show.  Hopefully Robin (the breast-feeding pre-teen) has been weaned off by now, and is enjoying a song of pacifier and ice.

Hodor and the Fab Five:  One word: Jojen.

And finally, Jamie:  The hand of the King’s son with one less hand…. How will the man who saved Brienne from besmirching react to his loss?  Rage?  Depression?  Loathing?  Horror?

Final Thoughts:    Once again, a man is wishing away his weekend for the arrival of Ep. 24.  I accidentally ran across a review of it and all I saw was this: Epic.  Enough of my banter.  What are you looking forward to?  Remember, no spoilery….. we, the unsullied wish to remain unsullied.  Discuss with us.  Laugh at us.  Even make fun of us.  We are unhurt by detachment of nipples, so we can handle it.  But no spoilery.

Last Call, Twitter Advice:  Thanks to all of you who have responded to my request for twitter advice, and whether or not I should get an account.  At last check, it was damn near 50/50 for and against, with the against saying that I risk being spoiled.  What say you?

Have a fantastic weekend, and enjoy the next installment.  Until Monday for the Ep. 24 Newbie Recap, keep Boston, Mass in your thoughts, and may there be peace in your realm.  -Oz

• Published on 04/19/2013 at 1:55 PM CDT
• Last updated on 04/19/2013 at 1:55 PM CDT