Game of Thrones

If you've not seen the 13 April 2014 episode of the Game of Thrones, step away from the computer, and all of social media, for you will be spoiled. 

The irony is that I just had to delete an entire draft of a post about Game of Thrones I had written last week; I had not gotten an opportunity to edit it. It was a dull affair, which is one reason why I delayed looking at it. But there's no way I could post that generic article on the parts of Game of Thrones I love. Not after watching Episode 2 of Season Four.

He's not merely dead; he's really most sincerely dead.

Yes, Joffrey finally bit the big one last night, poisoned at his own wedding feast. And the internet exploded.

Let's face it. It was bound to happen. And not just because he was the most reviled character in Game of Thrones (if not ever), but because the society in which he lived would not long tolerate this brutal boy's oppression. He was sadistic, cruel, mercurial, and capricious. His mother taught him that he was the center of the universe and that once he was king he could do whatever he liked. How shocked she was when he did just that, exactly what he wanted.

You can find other websites that will list this boy's crimes (and they were many), but any who watched this show recognized that Joffrey was a poison in Westeros, who could only cause harm. How convenient then, that he should be poisoned?

Ironically, however, his kingdom had experienced a brief period of peace following the death of Robb Stark, the erstwhile King of the North. Joffrey's death may throw the kingdom in further chaos, as presumably his younger brother will succeed him. Whether the boy is a minor or not, Tywin Lannister will retain his grip on the throne, but don't forget about Stannis Baratheon, who believes himself the lawful king, given that neither Joffrey nor his surviving siblings were in reality the children of the recently deceased Robert Baratheon. 

Stannis will be further emboldened, as this is the second king to die following Melisandre's spell with Gendry's blood-filled leaches. Surely, the God of Lights does want him to be king? Will that make the three souls who were burned at the stake for heresy rest easier?

Joffrey's death has a number of implications for other characters, especially fan favorite, Tyrion.

Yes, Joffrey's last act, literally, was to point to his hated uncle, giving the impression Tyrion poisoned Joffrey. And who would have blamed Tyrion if he had? Joffrey had spent his last five minutes before choking to death tormenting his uncle, pouring wine on him, mocking him with a spectacle of dwarfs playing out Joffrey's victory over the other contenders to the throne, and forcing Tyrion to be his cupbearer, an honor that was not intended to be an honor. Joffrey wouldn't even let Tyrion leave gracefully. 

So it was Tyrion who poured out Joffrey's last goblet of wine, getting a serious look from the Queen of Thrones as he did so. Presumably, it was the wine, and not the cake (which the camera did linger on) that poisoned Joffrey, and since Tyrion gave it to him, it must be Tyrion who poisoned the King. Cersei has long hated her brother, and is more than willing to believe that he would do such a vile thing.

I know I love Tyrion, but I don't think I'm biased in asserting that there is no way Tyrion poisoned his nephew. Of all the players in the Game of Thrones, Tyrion is smart enough to know that he would be the first suspect if Joffrey were poisoned. And no matter how humiliated he may have been by Joffrey, Tyrion seemed to buy the family line of supporting the little bastard. Besides, why poison Joffrey when he could have escaped with Shae? It just doesn't make sense.

The other character most affected is the widow, Margaery Tyrell. I'm afraid her dreams of being Queen may be over, now that not one but two of her grooms have died before the marriages could be consummated. It is possible that Tywin will try to arrange for Margaery to marry Joffrey's brother, a marriage I presume she'll agree to. 

And let's not forget the bereaved mother. I believe it is possible that Cersei is a more hateful a human being than her son. They are both alike in a lot of ways, and, as much as I don't believe in blaming the mother, she bears much blame her in raising her tyrannical heartless son.  Cersei was quite surprised to find that once her son became King he not only no longer relied upon her for advice, but also appeared to despise her. Her precious boy turned into a viper at her breast. But she still dearly loved her son, and her grief will be real and protracted. If she emerges, her memories of Joffrey will be as she wanted him to be, not as he really was.  In the meantime, watch out Tyrion. In her mind, you murdered her baby.

So, if I don't think Tyrion killed his nephew, who do I think did so? Well, I've two candidates right now. 

Olenna Tyrell, the Queen of Thorns, gave Tyrion what now seems to be a very significant look when he filled Joffrey's last of wine. At first, I thought it was sympathy for the humiliation that Joffrey had heaped on his uncle. But I also remember her giving her condolences to Sansa about Robb, commenting on how awful to be killed at a wedding feast. Could she have done this? And will her having committed this murder affect how I feel about her? Of course not! I adore this character. She is never less than thoroughly entertaining.

My other candidate is Dontos Holland, the one-time knight turned jester. He certainly appeared at Sansa's side awfully quickly. Her certainly has reason to hate Joffrey, as he so helpfully reminded us in the first episode of the season. 

I don't know if we'll find out who killed Joffrey, for that matters less than on what people think happened, and on the machinations of the survivors to win at the game of thrones. All I do know is that I'll be watching, eager to see what happens next. 

The Great Buffy Rewatch: The Harvest, S. 1, E. 2

This episode finishes what Welcome to the Hellmouth started. Which is good, because things weren't looking so good for our new heroes.

Where's Jesse?

Luke's on Buffy, but while attacking her he screams. The cross Angel had given her burns his hand. This gives her time to escape. She finds Willow and Xander, and rescues them from the vampires who were taking off with them. She manages to dust one, but the others escape. That's when they realize that Jesse is missing.

The next scene shows Xander and Willow with Giles and Buffy in the library. Giles explains about demons and how vampires were created. Xander and Willow are understandably disturbed.

Jesse looks more confused than scared.

We then go underground where Jesse is brought to the Master. The Master notes that someone has "tasted" Jesse. Darla begs forgiveness, bringing up that they had more "offerings", but "there was trouble. A girl." Luke and the Master supposed the girl was a Slayer.

Back in the library, Buffy reveals her plan to find Jesse, on the chance that he might be alive. They realize that the vampires might be nesting in the electric tunnels that run under the town, but they don't have time to find the diagnostics, until Willow interrupts...

Under the town, Luke and the Master decide to use Jesse as bait.

Back in the library, Willow demonstrates her hacking skills, bringing up the diagnostics to the electric tunnels. Buffy then realizes that there's access to the tunnels in the mausoleum. Xander volunteers to go with her, but she refuses, reminding him that she's the Slayer. Willow offers to help, and Giles asks for help in researching the Harvest.

Principal Flutie finds Buffy at the gate, trying to leave the school grounds. Although she protests that Giles was sending her for a book, he shuts and locks the gate. That doesn't stop a Slayer, however, as she jumps over the fence.

He's scared.

Buffy's in the mausoleum when she realizes Angel is behind her. He reveals that the Master's group doesn't like him, and finally shares with Buffy his name. He warns her to not go, as the Harvest is tonight and only Buffy can prevent it. He also acknowledges that he's afraid of the Harvest.

Buffy's in the tunnels when she's joined by Xander, who refuses to leave. Buffy accepts.

Giles figures out the Harvest and that it will be tonight.

Willow, Cordelia, and Harmony are in computer class, developing programs. Cordelia and Harmony are struggling through their work, while talking about their evening plans. They're going to the Bronze.

In the tunnels, Xander quizzes Buffy about how to slay vampires.

Back in the computer lab, Cordelia tells Harmony about Buffy's attempt to stake her. Willow interrupts, drawing Cordelia's ire. She suggests that Cordelia save her program by pressing "Deliver". You know, the key marked "DEL".

Too late! 

Back in the tunnels, Buffy and Xander find Jesse. Jesse leads them through the tunnels, finally leading them to a closed room. Jesse then reveals his vampire face. Xander is sad, but Jesse's not: "I feel good, Xander. I feel strong." Xander uses the cross to prevent Jesse from getting closer to him. More vampires are coming. Xander and Buffy somehow escape.

Willow joins Giles in the library. Willow tells Giles that in 1937 there were several months of murders that could have been perpetuated by vampires. This was stopped following an earthquake.

Luke and the Master are engaging in a vampiric rite. The Master announces that every soul Luke, now called the Vessel, takes will strengthen the Master.

Can you see what's on his forehead?

Buffy and Xander return to the library, sharing the news with Giles and Willow about Jesse. Giles reveals that the end of the world is upon them. In 1937, a very old and powerful vampire came to Sunnydale, called by the Spanish Boca del Infierno - roughly, the Hellmouth. It is a portal from this reality to the next, and the vampire hoped to open the door and bring the demons back. However, the earthquake buried half the town and the vampire, preventing him from following up on his plans. Giles then describes the Harvest, in which the Master draws power from one of his minions to break free and to open the portal. The Vessel, as the minion is called, will wear a specific symbol.  That vampire needs to be killed before the Master gathers enough power.

Joyce finally puts her foot down.

Buffy goes home to get supplies. While she's digging through her trunk, her mother comes in, concerned. Buffy' second day at school and she's already missing classes.  Buffy says she has to go, but Joyce says no, grounding Buffy. Buffy waits for her mom to leave, then leaves with her bag of tricks though the window.

Just this once.

Cordelia's at the Bronze with her friends, talking about the value in dating seniors (cars), when they decide to dance. Jesse watches her. Outside the Bronze, we see a number of vampires approaching, Darla skipping in front, Luke in the midst of them. Inside , Cordelia is heading to her seat when Jesse approaches her, and, despite her weak protestations, they dance. The vampires come in and block the exits. 

Darla turns out the lights, and Luke takes the stage. Cordelia sees that Jesse's face has changed. Luke tells the crowd that they will have a glorious death, then eats the bouncer. Meanwhile, we see that the Master is getting stronger, and the barrier that hems him in is weaker.

The Harvest is working.

Buffy and the gang find the doors locked. She sends the others to the back door with her bag of tricks while she gets in through an upstairs window. She notes the symbol on Luke's forehead. Luke has finished with his second victim when Darla brings him Cordelia. Buffy throws the vampire who is supposed to have guarded the window down to the first floor, interrupting the proceedings before Cordelia is bitten. 

Buffy dusts a vampire and she and Luke proceed to fight. Xander, Willow, and Giles make it inside, and start herding people out. Buffy sees a vampire going for Xander, so she throws a cymbal, decapitating the vampire. Jesse takes the opportunity to grab Cordelia. Xander, hearing her scream, confronts him. 

Buffy is still fighting Luke when Giles is jumped by Darla. Willow douses Darla in the face with holy water. Darla runs out, screaming in agony. Jesse is belittling Xander when a woman knocks him onto Xander's stake. Stabbed in the heart, Jesse turns to dust. Xander is grabbed by two other vampires. 

It's too early for sunrise, you moron.

Buffy somehow tricks Luke into thinking that it's sunrise, bursting a window so that light streams on him. Luke is surprised when he isn't burned by the sun but it's too late. Buffy stakes Luke, and he's dusted. We see the Master, as he realizes his plan failed. 

Do you really want to mess with me?

Xander is struggling with the two vampires holding him. Buffy looks up at them, in one of the most iconic images of the show, and the vampires scamper away. The gang gathers, and Xander notes that nothing will be the same 

Nothing's changed.

And yet, the next day, everything is the same. Cordelia is overheard telling a friend that the incident involved a rival gang, a gang that Buffy knew. Xander is in disbelief, but Buffy says she's seen it before. Giles reminds the gang that this is just the beginning, and that they may face worse than vampires. 

About the Episode

My thoughts: High school is literally hell here in Sunnydale. For most people, getting out of high school with your psyche relatively intact is the goal. But for our heroes, getting out alive becomes the challenge. It's the first example we have where Buffy saves the world (or at least, Sunnydale) in front of vast numbers of witnesses, but no one seems to remember it. The show implies it is not a magical spell but our own human nature protecting us from the horrors of the supernatural.

Several themes that run through the show are introduced, including Joyce's uninformed perspective on Buffy's behavior. To her, Buffy is acting like a typical sixteen year old who believes the world will end if she doesn't go out. And of course grounding Buffy is the logical response to a daughter who skips class. Lying to your mom is just one of the things you have to do when you have a secret identity to protect. 

Jesse is the first of many reminders that no one is really safe. Joss Wedon had hoped to put Eric Balfour's name in the main credits, but didn't have the money for the ink. It certainly would have made his demise more heartbreaking. A it was, we barely knew him, and Xander's attachment to him was only slightly established. I feel sad he didn't make it, but I wasn't devastated. Other losses will affect me much more. Just wait. 

What we learn about vampires: The first vampire was created when the last Old One, or Demon, fed off a human and mixed their blood. What was left was a human who was possessed or infected by the Demon's soul. Many vampires are waiting for the Old Ones to return. They can be killed by a stake through the heart or beheading. They also don't like crosses, holy water or garlic. Crosses and holy water burn their skin. We also learn that it takes no time to turn a human into a vampire (that changes in Angel; some theorized the Master turned Jesse.). 

What we learned about Sunnydale: The Spanish learned of it's mystical convergence whatevers. The Master must have known of it too, as he came to the town in 1937. However, as he was trying to open the Hellmouth, there was an earthquake, that his actions may have caused. He has been crippled since.

Body Count: Humans - 3; Vampires - 5. Jesse is represented in both numbers. 

What we learned about our characters: We see the Scooby Team roles solidify. Giles and Willow research, Buffy slays, and Xander tags along. We also see Willow exact some revenge for the cruelty suffered at the hands of Cordelia. Go girl! We learn Angel's name and that he is acquainted with the Master. We first meet Harmony, too, as one of Cordelia's followers. 

Quotes

Giles: This world is older than any of you know, and contrary to popular mythology, it did not begin as a paradise. For untold eons, Demons walked the earth; made it their home... their Hell.  In time they lost their purchase on this reality, and the way was made for the mortal animals. For Man. What remains of the Old Ones are vestiges: Certain magicks, certain creatures... The books tell that the last Demon to leave this reality fed off a human, mixed their blood. He was a human form possessed -- infected -- by the Demon's soul. He bit another, and another... and so they walk the earth, feeding. Killing some, mixing their blood with others to make more of their kind. Waiting for the animals to die out, and the Old Ones to return.

Xander: Okay, this is where I have a problem, see, because we're now talking about vampires. We're having a talk with vampires in it.

Giles: All right: They hunt vampires, one Slayer dies, the next is called, Buffy is the Slayer, don't tell anyone. I think that's all the vampire information you need.

Giles: So all the city plans are just open to the public?
Willow: Uh, well, in a way. I sort of stumbled onto them when I accidentally... decrypted the city council's security system.
Xander: Someone's been naughty...

Xander (to Jesse): It's cool! Buffy's a superhero!

Xander: I don't like vampires. I'm gonna take a stand and say they're not good.

Joyce: I know. You have to go out or it'll be the end of the world. Everything is life or death when you're a sixteen year old girl. 

Luke: Ladies and gentlemen, there's no cause for alarm. Actually there is cause for alarm. It just won't do any good. 

Xander (as Buffy decapitates the vampire who was about to pounce): Heads up.

Buffy: Well, we averted the apocalypse. You gotta give us points for that. 

Buffy: Well, I gotta look on the bright side. Maybe I can still get kicked out of school. 

Xander: Hey, that's a plan. 'Cause a lot of schools aren't on the Hellmouth. 

Willow: Maybe you could blow something up. They're really strict about that. 

Buffy: I was aiming on a subtle approach.  Like excessive not studying. 

Giles (to himself):  The earth is doomed. 

Bones Fan Alert: There are no real guest stars different from Welcome to the Hellmouth, so I'll write about one who started as a guest star, became a full-fledged cast member, and then headline his own show. Prior to his role as Angel, David Boreanaz's biggest role was as Kelly's cheating boyfriend on Married With Children. Shortly after Angel ended, he took on the role of Seeley Booth, opposite Emily Deschanel's Temperance "Bones" Brennan.