A Man Without Honor

Tonight's episode of Game of Thrones was especially filled with great character moments spread throughout the entire cast. There were also, as my recollections go, several departures from the book, but all serving to flesh out the characters in interesting ways.

For example, there was the scene between Sansa and Cersei. I don't recall Cersei being so candid with her in the book, but it was quite interesting how she laid things out so plainly: for a queen, loving a husband is the exception, not the expectation. Also, this scene (along with the later one with Tyrion) really laid out a somewhat more sympathetic side to Cersei. She basically confessed to what a horror her son Joffrey is, but admitted that because she's his mother, it didn't matter. She has to love him, and yet recognizes that no one else really should. A very tricky performance for Lena Headey, and very well done.

Another character becoming more likeable in the show than in the book is Tywin Lannister. He and Arya had only one scene this week, but it was a great one for both. Arya cleverly stayed on the right side of the line, but still traded barbs back and forth with Tywin, and earned some measure of respect from him in the process. I have my theories as to why Tywin is being allowed to show a softer side here in these recent episodes, but I can't really get into it without spoiling things to come. I'll try to remember to come back to it later.

North of the Wall, the arrival of Ygritte in the show -- just as it was in the book -- is proving to be a real shot of adrenaline for the Jon Snow storyline. Actress Rose Leslie has done a wonderful job with the role, part camp, part grit, and all fire. My friends who are fans of her in the book cheered tonight at her line "you know nothing, Jon Snow," and for good reason.

Across the sea, Dany did not resolve the theft of her dragons this week, but did bear witness to a rather spectacular transition of power in Qarth. Her role in her own storyline has gone a bit passive, I'm afraid, but again, the writers are having to expand her meager chapters in the book.

Another character with a minor presence in A Clash of Kings is Jamie Lannister, who finally returned tonight after being absent since the first episode of the season. His conversation with his cousin in the holding pen was an added scene, and pointedly reminded us (lest we've forgotten this season) just what a mean sonnuvabitch he is. It wasn't enough for him to turn on his own relative to try for his freedom, he seemed to actually enjoy softening the poor guy up for the kill with words before the deed. This, along with Jamie's later speech to Catelyn about the necessity of, let's say, flexible morality, really tells you all you need to know about the character. For now, at least.

Lastly, there's Theon. Oh, Theon. With Joffrey out again for the week, Theon is left to play the role of the most hated villain on the show again this week. He won't get there, because being unskilled at everything includes being unskilled at being a villain. But he certainly tried to give it a good run this week.

Hard to believe, but there's only three episodes to go this season...