Shea Reviews – Game of Thrones S07E02 – Stormborn

Note: This review contains spoilers for “Stormborn.”

Well, after a solid if not spectacular premiere, Game of Thrones is back with the second episode in what will be a significantly shortened season — and I have to be honest, I’m a little worried about the trajectory for the show right now. It’s starting to feel more like a television show than a book adaptation. That does make sense, because that’s exactly what Game of Thrones is now, but it leads to there being convenient, expected payoffs. Part of what made Game of Thrones so special was that it bucked the trend of “expected,” and constantly surprised its audience in new and creative ways.

Part of that creativity was letting stories sit, linger, and even end without resolution. I mean, we went an entire season without seeing Bran when we knew his story was vital to the overarching narrative of the White Walkers. Most television shows would never do that. Maybe in the book version of this story, we’d never see Gendry again — and that would be okay. But you bet your ass he’ll show up at some point in the next two seasons and there will be some sort of finality for him. It’s far too early to call, but I’m not sure Game of Thrones is the kind of show that would take the risk of letting that plotline die anymore, and that makes it feel less unique and daring to me. But I hope I’m wrong.

There was just a lot of wheel spinning in this episode, and the few decisions that were made were the expected ones. Jon is heading to Dragonstone to meet with Dany and get some of that dragonglass, Euron crushed the lesser Greyjoys and captured Ellaria Sand, and Arya is heading to Winterfell just in time to miss Jon. There weren’t many surprises in this episode, but let’s talk about the few that we did get.

Arya’s scene with Nymeria was a bit pointless — at least with the information we currently have — but at least it gave us some closure there. It’s definitely possible that Nymeria will come back at some point, but I doubt it. This felt like more of a story wrap up than foreshadowing, especially with Arya acknowledging Nymeria’s rebellious personality with her line, “That’s not you.”

Then there was Theon showing his true colors yet again and abandoning his sister — literally the only person in the world that gives a shit about him. And that’s including the audience. I mean seriously, is anyone invested in his character anymore? He’s shown flashes of humanity since running away from Ramsay, but there’s been nothing to suggest that he isn’t still a whiny, scared little baby. For me, this was the final nail in his dickless coffin.

Speaking of dickless (how about that segue), there was an awkwardly shot sex scene between Missandei and Grey Worm. I’ve been saying it for like three seasons at this point, but I just don’t care about their love story. Neither character is all that interesting, and the stuff between them takes away time from more important things with more important characters. Though I think it’s safe to say that Grey Worm will be biting it in this war against the Lannisters — they beat us over the head with that goodbye a little too much.

The Dany planning scene was cool. It was really interesting to see all of those characters together, especially when you realize the four most important people in the room were women. I still think Tyrion would make a much better ruler than Dany, and that makes Lady Olenna’s advice even scarier. I’m sorry, but I don’t think Dany is cut out to rule. I did like seeing her interact with everyone else, though. None of these people really care about Dany’s claim to the throne — they’re all just looking for their individual revenge, and happen to think Dany can deliver it. That isn’t the strongest footing upon which to build an alliance.

Similarly, Cersei was pulling hard to win the affections of the Southern lords, and her argument makes sense. It was the same one the Northern lords made to Jon to try and convince him to ignore Dany’s summons. She’s a foreign queen, the descendant of the mad king, she partnered with a Lannister, she has three dragons, she’s been executing rulers at every city she’s sacked, and she has a foreign army made up of eunuchs and savages. For a Westerosi, that doesn’t sound like someone to line up behind. Of course, we know better, but we’ve been following her arch for years at this point. All they know of her is what they’ve heard.

That scene with Jon and his lords didn’t do anything for me. It felt too familiar to the last episode, except Lyanna Mormont wasn’t on his side this time. And freaking Sansa with her bullshit. I’m so sick of her and Littlefinger at this point. To be honest, I’m not even interested in what happens with her leading the northerners while Jon is away. Sansa sucks, Littlefinger sucks, they can suck together as far as I’m concerned. Although I’m definitely still hoping that Sansa will be the one to off Littlefinger. She’s certainly earned the right, and is one of the few people that could maybe trick him. I was also expecting Littlefinger to let slip about Jon’s true parentage in their scene in the crypt. It’s pretty obvious he knows, but he must be saving that card for future use.

There were just a few too many weird scenes in this one. It was nice to see Hot Pie and Nymeria again, and it made sense as a motivation to get Arya headed to Winterfell, but things just seemed off. I’m not sure if it was the camera angles or the editing or what, but this episode didn’t feel good to watch. The cinematography in the final battle was particularly bad, as well. With the dark, smoke, flames, and sparks, it was just hard to follow at times. And it certainly didn’t help that both sides looked the same. I did like seeing Euron in action, though. The dude is definitely brutal as hell. The two eldest Sand Snakes bit it (puns!), and everyone can join me in saying “who cares?” It’s a shame, too, because Jessica Henwick was great in the first season of Iron Fist. One of the only things that I liked about that show. She was wasted in Game of Thrones, as was Dorne on the whole.

There are some big questions left by that final scene. Obviously, Euron is taking Ellaria, Yara, and Sand Snake #3 back to King’s Landing, but what will become of them? The most obvious answer is that she’ll execute them in some insane way, but I’m hoping for a twist here. This show has become a bit too predictable for my tastes. And where will Theon go from here? There is no one left for him, and I think he’s well beyond another chance for redemption at this point.

I was just disappointed in this episode, guys. Things are moving forward, but not really in any new or interesting ways. Hopefully, events pick up in episode three, since it’s probably safe to assume that Jon and Dany will meet. I am really excited to see that.

PS – Was anyone else disappointed that Qyburn’s crazy dragon-killing weapon was just a big crossbow? Definitely not up to par with some of his other concoctions.

7.8/10

So, what did you think of the episode? Let me know in the comments below, and check out my ranking of Game of Thrones’ first six seasons!