Tintin's Top Ten Thirty
Game of Thrones Season 3 Moments
Since
it's the third season of the seminal fantasy series Game of Thrones, I thought
ten wasn't enough, instead why not countdown the top thirty moments of the
Season.
Episode: 3, "Walk of Punishment"
29. Olenna Dissects the Tyrell Positions
Episode: 8, "Second Sons"
While all of Olenna Tyrell's barbs and snide remarks have been entertaining, it was her comments regarding the awkward and jumbled relationship between her grandchildren that really hit the right note. In a way it seemed as a meta and self aware comment on the methods of power binding marriages that run through fantasy worlds like in Game of Thrones.
Basically it pointed to the audience who already knew that while Margaery and Loras were brother and sister, they would become father-in law and daughter in law among the other relationships that would be screwed up in name and status.
28. Curse on Snow
Episode: 2, "Dark Wings, Dark Words"
It was a dark and twisted confession that made Catelyn a much more complicated character at the start of the Season and gave us one shining moment between her and her daughter in law. We pity Catelyn yet also spite her for her actions caused against the young Jon Snow.
While she managed to save young Snow from the own curse/dark desire she inadvertently placed on him to die, she eventually broke her promise to get him legitimized as a Stark and to love like her own son.
It fit into her and her son Robb's arc regarding a broken promise that became the cause of their demise and the constant suffering that has befallen the Starks.
27. You Know Nothing Jon SnoOH!
Episode: 5, "Kissed By Fire"
Sex is a large part of the Game of Thrones series, after all it's shown on HBO; a channel notorious for it's adult content. While most GoT sex scenes have been pointless and just for exciting or reeling in viewers there is one scene this season that stood out.
I'm talking about the first escapade and also oath breaking romantic session between Jon Snow and Ygritte. It was a scene actually out of the book and included the now popular 'You know nothin...' dialogue. This is the scene that formed the bond between Jon and Ygritte that would become a central focus through the season.
26. Swordplay
Episode: 2, "Dark Wings, Dark Words"
Jamie Vs. Brienne was one of the early action packed moments of the Season, correct me if I'm wrong but we rarely or barely get to see one on one sword fights in the series (especially one outside of a war setting).
Most complain that Jamie was taken down to easily, but realistically he was tied and worn out from his imprisonment. Even then the short sword fight was an entertaining aspect that begun to really build a meat and bones to Brienne and Jamie's relationship that would define the arcs of their season.
25. The People's King
Episode: 4, "And Now His Watch Is Ended"
Margaery was one of the most interesting aspects of the first half of the season, her manipulation of Joffrey prevented him from achieving new heights of jerkiness (although soon enough Ros did bear the brunt of the repressed monster). Her biggest moment came when she finally got Joffrey to face his people since the 'Shit Riot' incident and getting these people to actually salute and bless the boy King.
The moment was perfectly highlighted by an expression of fear, jealousy and rage on Cersei's part. Unfortunately most of the work done by this moment and others involving Margaery were thrown by the wayside in the second half of the season, leaving the interesting and manipulative Tyrell(s) character arc half baked.
24. Petyr's Offer
Episode: 4, "And Now His Watch Is Ended"
While it never came to fruition, Petyr Baelish tried his best to offer Sansa a passage out of the grasp of the Lannister's. It's not the best choice but rather a chance for Sansa to take the lesser of two evils. Once again however Sansa's own naive and romantic perceptions betrayed her, her choice to stay to marry Loras were tampered with the replacement husband Tyrion 'The Imp' Lannister.
What will happen? Too many spoilers, but one thing is for sure Sansa has fallen down what she sees as a new low, though Tyrion is a much better husband to be with albeit the way he is going it might not last.
Also Baelish nearly got away with playing a masterstroke and securing the powerful position of Winterfell through the young Stark lady.
23. Davos frees the King's Blood
Episode: 10, "Mhysa"
Gendry had a very depressing arc that could have been highlighted by his sacrifice as King's blood (although that scene was utilized for some unnecessary nudity). Still a touching moment came once Davos set out to freeing Gendry and also bonding with the boy from his home land. It was a poignant moment that highlighted the now son-less Davos and his deep despair at his sons demise, allowing him to at least save another like him.
Book wise Gendry's development meant the missing of the actual character who was to be sacrificed; Edric Storm.
22. Beric of Fire
Episode: 5, "Kissed By Fire"
It was unfair not having seen at least a glimpse of Thoros of Myr in the first seasons jousting tournament named after Eddard Stark. The priest with the flaming sword is an interesting character, at least in visual terms.
Game of Thrones then delivered with his arrival alongside Beric Dondarrion as the Brotherhood of Banners. The shining moment was Beric's battle against the fugitive Sandor Clegane, producing a sword of fiery potential and using all his might Beric fought the 'dog' but eventually went down.
The shocker came later when the Lord of Light's powers were in full view to the audience, Thoros revived Beric and not even for the first time making them a strong group of warriors but also making the Lord of Light and in turn Stannis's claim (since he has his own red priestess) believable.
21. God is Death/Arya goes Wild
Episode: 7, "The Bear and The Maiden Fair" and 10, "Mhysa"
Valar Morghulis
All men must die.
These are the words Arya was last left with, and these are the words that defined her for the Season.
While she suffers as much as Sansa, Arya is turning out to be a different character. She has borne the worst of the Stark atrocities having already witnessed the beheading of her father in Season 1 and now the deaths of her Mother and Brother. It's worse than in the book as here rather than narrowly avoiding the trauma she is deep in its grasp.
But first after having witnessed the power of the Lord of Light, Arya clearly dictates and vows her god as the god of Death; BADASS!!!
That moment equalizes with what is bound to be one of the most brutal deaths in the series history, as Arya murders a Frey soldier laughing about the Stark deaths. All in all this brings Arya into a much darker place and closer into following the ways of her friend; Jaqen Hagar.
20. Not Sisters
Episode: 8, "Second Sons"
While the moment isn't as huge as what came before, but rather impact full as in a way it caused the disappearance of the Tyrells as a force for much of the second season and once again brought focus to how powerful Cersei can be.
What moment is this? Well when Margaery makes the folly and has the audacity to address Cersei as 'Sister' considering her impending marriage to Loras Tyrell. Not only was there a threat involved, but the episode all delved into the cultural/artistic yet brutal history of Westeros as Cersei reminded Margaery of the song 'The Rains of Castamere'. The song details the destruction of House Reyne by Tywin Lannister after their rebellion. A fast allusion that would be later used in the seasons most shocking reveal and gory moment.
Hopefully this moment ends up with the Tyrells snapping back in ways they did in the book, early on next season.
19. Bran Beyond The Wall
Episode: 10, "Mhysa"
Bran's story really picked up steam towards the end when he decided to try Warging. While through this moment there was a chance for him to reunite with a Stark brother we also got to see Bran lose Rickon, or choosing to be a much more stronger and truer brother by sending him off to safety with Osha. This came to a more conclusive separation of every Stark child.
Bran meeting Sam was fun, but his final decision just made the character grow up just as the actor portraying him had done between the second and third season.
Watching him go away into the snow beyond the wall felt like a moment of impeding doom yet an embrace of his heroism and bravery in order for him to become a powerful source against the White Walkers.
18. He's A Monster
Episode: 2, "Dark Wings, Dark Words"
Finally, even if she hated Joffery finally Sansa acknowledges and defines the crystal clear truth; Joffery is a Monster!
Already this piece of dialogue has become legend among the series fans.
Yes, she told this to the Tyrells in confidence and they kept it to themselves. In return the naive girl got roped in too marry Loras, after all the Tyrells like everyone else know the powers of Winterfell that come with the young lady.
While she ended up with Tyrion, these words gave a new expressiveness and somewhat push of escape for the character further developing her from the annoying sweet girl of Season 1 and 2.
17. Varys's Vengeance
Episode: 4, "And Now His Watch is Ended"
Better than it was done in the book, the cold and dark revelation of how, why and when Varys became a Eunuch. In one way it really showed how powerful the so called Spider truly is and gave his character much needed depth.
The masterstorke was the final revelation as Varys spoke of how haunted he was while also revealing to Tyrion the tied up man responsible for his plight and rise ever since.
16. Chaos is A Ladder
Episode: 6, "The Climb"
"Chaos isn't a pit. Chaos is a ladder. Many who try to climb it fail and never get to try again. The fall breaks them. And some, are given a chance to climb. They refuse, they cling to the realm or the gods or love. Illusions. Only the ladder is real. The climb is all there is."-Petyr Baelish
Personally one of my favorite moments from one of my favorite characters and actors within this show, Baelish delivers a speech intertwined with matching and epic frames bolstered by a mesmerizing tune.
First of all, for a student learning video editing this is an awesome scene to witness as everything just blends perfectly.
Second of all the scene brings the vicious, genius and overall power lusting side of Baelish that Varys has constantly forewarned people about. It just adds layers to a character deeply in love with one woman while heading off to seduce another, the man that also has no allegiance but to himself yet we cannot guess what his ulterior motives/plans are.
Finally it comes down to how the speech is delivered and Aidan Gillan (Baelish) nails it!
15. Bear Fight
Episode: 7, "The Bear and The Maiden Fair"
All I need to say about this moment is that Brienne really proved her resilience even in a situation against her, not thoroughly being a damsel in distress. This was the peak of Jamie's point which finally turned over even the biggest hater of the man in his favor, his heroism in display made us cheer him on while forgetting his vile deed against Bran Stark.
But most importantly; IT WAS A FREAKING FIGHT AGAINST A BEAR...
...A BEAR!!!
14. The Yunkai Battle
Episode: 9, "The Rains of Castamere"
A show of strength and skill for the three men set out to win their Queen's heart. The Yunkai battle featured Daario the leader of the second sons stealthly taking out guards at the gates of Yunkai so as Queens guard Ser Jorah and army leader Greyworm could get in to sack the city and its leaders. Unfortunately the masses of soldiers hit them and the audience witness a flurry of fighting not in favor of the three men.
The only negative to this was we didn't get to see the full battler, yet the three men survived marking the first time in a big way that the show made us suspend our disbelief of the reality of the situation. Worse was Dany's near disinterest in Jorah (her long time companions) safety while her constant worrying for Daario (the underwear model).
13. Mormont's Watch Ends
Episode: 4, "And Now His Watch is Ended"
Another moment that book readers waited with bated breath as the season began, the death of Lord Commander Mormont came with a certain sadness but mostly despair for Jon. Mormont's death meant chaos within the fighting ranks of the Watch and also the only man who might have been able to later trust and absolve Jon's betrayal of the oath (due to his infiltration among Mance's crew).
The way he went was as much brutal as deaths have become in the beloved series, Rast stabbing him in the back after which going wild over the Commander as a perceived act of power but rather just cowardice.
The fact there was no certain aftermath or knowledge for Ser Jorah regarding his father's death made it that much more realistic and harder to bear.
12. Drunk Tyrion
Episode: 8, "Second Sons"
Was there any cooler moment than seeing a drunk but not so drunk Tyrion threaten the boy King. A moment of pure bad-assery and guts shown by the so called Imp. Even if he didn't choose the bride, Tyrion has sworn to uphold his vows and protect her.
That dialogue delivery is so raw and the expression of rage yet fear that Jack Gleeson (King Joffery) produces is fist pumping hilarious. The cherry on the top, the nice save by Tywin Lannister tying into this seasons great family ties theme between the Lannisters.
11. Dracarys
Episode: 4, "And Now His Watch Is Ended"
While through the books we are directly informed of Dany's time in old valeria and her knowledge of the language, here with the smaller time-frame and fast pace of the show it is easy to forget such back story.
So when Daenerys finally reveals that she knew all along what the slaver at Astapor was saying, it becomes a bad-ass and essential moment of justice served right. Daenerys proves that she hasgrown leaps and bounds, and is now able more freely to play the political game as Queen having never informed her small Queens-guard of her intentions.
What her defiance also accomplishes is making both Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan agree on one thing even if it be against her (the giving of her Dragon) and then ends up bringing them in line as they witness her true scheming nature and power.
Now onto the top ten...
10. Tywin Drowning Tyrion
Episode: 10, "Mhysa"
We have seen Tywin constantly state that family is above else through his tenure on the series, but Tyrion calls him out on this; stating that Tywin's selfish ambitions always seem to coincide with his family decisions.
Then...
BOOM!
Another major revelation occurs, as Tywin speaks of his desire to have drowned a baby Tyrion after his birth caused the loss of Tywin's wife. This is the cold hard truth that proves for Tywin; Family Comes First!
What was left of this father/son bond is shattered and the pieces left will eventually cut deep into the two characters. Having read the book, I cannot wait for their next confrontation.
Episode: 7, "The Bear and The Maiden Fair" and 10, "Mhysa"
Theon like with Jamie is a typical Aristotle character.
An Aristotle Character is one that supports the plot, his actions cause the plot to move along towards its ending.
Such a character is proud and prosperous while also arrogant (at times) who eventually has the change from a good position to a bad. Eventually the character will fall at their lowest point due to their own mistakes and character flaws.
Thus eventually making this character pitied in the audiences eyes, then causing the viewers to cheer for him and his inevitable redemption.
With Theon basically it was his act of betrayal towards a brother like Robb, his own deep seated jealousy of Robb and his sister Yara (Asha in the books) and his eventual disowning of the people he was lovingly raised among in brutal fashion.
The whole season then saw Theon's damning fall into despair through multiple torture. What it eventually began with was his own confession that Eddard Stark was his true father and the ended with the loss of his manhood, a thing he took pride in.
Possibly another sex scene in the show that was necessary to build up Theon's own happiness and satisfaction, as well as remind the audience of his 'legendary' skill under the sheets. The scene then cuts of to his torturer (revealed to be Roose Bolton's bastard son Ramsay Snow, at the end of the season) who has been using those women to give Theon one last chance of pleasure, after which he cuts his balls and bladder off.
The scene ties into another from the last episode, here we witness the so called cut off parts sent to both Balon Greyjoy and Asha Greyjoy. It's great to see Balon's shock as he realizes that the Lannister's who he thought would support him actually want him to scamper off back onto just the Iron Islands, while despicable as he blames this on Theon and decides for him to be left for dead.
Eventually we see some development for Asha as she decides to brave the seas to get her brother back and complete her family.
8. Bran Warging
Episode: 9, "The Rains of Castamere"
The true moment that Bran finally stood up and proved his worth, after the debuts of the eccentric Reed siblings. Bran was finally pushed to warg preventing Hodor from causing trouble, and then eventually we saw him use his Wolf as a method of attack against the wildling threatening Jon.
This was a visually stunning sequence that gave visible proof to the powers and potential Bran has as a force of good in this dark and grim world.
7. Dragon Glass
Episode: 8, "Second Sons"
What an epic moment that brought out some of heroism out of Sam, we finally found out other ways the White Walkers can be brought down.
The real shining part of the moment were it's visual effects, a notch above the earlier renditions of the dragons and scorpion.
It also highlights the threats of the White Walkers getting closer and closer to the Wall.
Most complained that the moment showed how stupid Sam could be, leaving his only piece of Dragon Glass. While it was kind of dumb, he was going to be attacked by the crows while he also had extra supplies nobody remembered about from the previous season (that I'm proud I did, honestly I did remember)
6. Climbing The Wall
Episode: 6, "The Climb"
As mentioned, Jon Snow's arc this season really pulled between his loyalties and promises to the Night's Watch with his growing love for Ygritte.
The climbing the wall bit was a way for the two characters to depend on each other to survive and in metaphorical terms a way to pass the major huddle of their relationship; trusting each other. Yet the wall is slowly melting/crumbling just like their relationship does.
It also ended in a shining romantic moment as the two witnessed the world of men below them radiated by the sun.
5. Jamie loses his Hand
Episode: 3, "Walk of Punishment"
A moment that began Jamie's own downfall, the hand cutting really shocked the viewers which was accompanied by the most unusual song you could have seen in the Game of Thrones; a rock rendition of 'The Bear and Maiden Fair' by indie band The Hold Steady.
Jaime losing his hand formed the essence of pity which was continued over directly into the next episode with his futile attempt at escape and fighting with his non-sword hand. One drawback was that we never got to visually see a proper scene of Jamie using his sword hand in previous seasons. It would have brought more impact to this loss.
4. I Know One Thing
Episode: 10, "Mhysa"
Finally the end touch to the romantic saga between Jon and Ygritte; the I love you and the break-up.
Ygritte having felt betrayed after Jon ran off without her comes mercilessly firing arrows onto him even when he says the three magic words in a fashion that suits the two.
Touching, heart breaking and most of all awesome!
3. Mhysa
Episode: 10, "Mhysa"
Not the whole episode, but rather that final moment which witnesses the amount of support and power Daenerys had amassed outside the influence of the Kingdoms.
Each season has ended with some powerful moment from the Mother of Dragons, while this one doesn't particularly measure up it does prove that she will be a force to reckon whence her turn comes to reclaim the throne.
She has become a savior for a horde of people and that final long shot frame detailing her full force was awe inspiring.
From what I can gather of the series and the books with her ending each season, once Daenerys lands in Westeros that is when the action will ramp up towards the finale of the whole story.
2. I'm A Lannister
Episode: 5, "Kissed By Fire"
Personally the moment I could not wait for in the series, while it might not have the same impact as we don't get much description of the 'Mad King' Aerys Targaryen.
We do pick up knowledge of the shackles formed by the governing rules of society in this world that prevent people from stopping injustice, and if they do making them villains like with Jamie's case.
Jamie's exposition brings to light his own inner hero and while biased through him, it gives us one negative of the heroic Eddard Stark; his honor causes him to be a bit too judgmental.
Still it was that powerful dialogue delivery by Nikolaj Costar-Waldau that elevated the scene and ended with 'My names Jamie'.
And the drumroll for number...
1. The Red Wedding
Episode: 9, "The Rains of Castamere"
Was there any doubt?!
The moment that book fans were certain would close out the season, at least it did through the penultimate episode.
Fast, furious, shocking and well times. Nothing was spared in making it a bloody and grim scene.
What was worse?! Unlike in the books, Robb's wife isn't present at the wedding so she or her child do not end up dying.
Also seeing Michelle Fairley give a heartbreaking performance, ending at her lowest point of despair losing grasp on her sense as she sees her firstborn fall.
So this is it, the top thirty moments of season 3 according to me.
It was really hard for me to disect the season and decide which moments were worthy of the list, I might have missed quite a few better ones but these are the moments that stood out and remember.
If you have any other moments worth it or you have a different opinion, sound off below!
'Nuff Said
Aneesh Raikundalia
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