‘Game of Thrones’ Season 6, Episode 3 – Review
SPOILER WARNING: If you have not watched Game of Thrones Season 6, Episode 3: “Oathbreaker,” do not read on.
Jon Snow’s return from the dead is an extraordinary event, especially because it happened in the unforgiving world of Game of Thrones. As he gasps for air in a shocked, manic state, Davos looks at the Lord Commander in an equally flabbergasted manner. Jon takes a few moments to collect himself before Melisandre asks him if he experienced anything after death — “Nothing at all” he says. So it continues, the sorrowful tone, the endgame inching closer with a resurrected Jon Snow at the center of it all. And he’s certainly not happy to be back. Davos seems to think Lord Snow will solve Castle Black’s situation, but this just serves to complicate things more.
We’ve talked about Jon’s special designation as the last heroic character in this story, and after recent events, he’s now Christ-like. But it is what he does after getting a second chance that defines the episode’s title “Oathbreaker”, and propels the plot forward in exciting new directions.
Indeed this week was full of suspense. Bran continues to delve into the past with the three-eyed raven. They witness a young Ned Stark, after Robert’s Rebellion, confront the last remaining Targaryen Kingsguard (Ser Arthur Dayne and Lord Commander Gerold Hightower), who stand guarding the Tower of Joy. Ned and his crew fight the Mad King loyalists to the death in an explosive scene of sword-play that harkens back to some great fights among the many warriors we’ve seen dual it out over the years.
Bran’s time with the three-eyed raven is surely leading to a game-changing revelation; there are several fan theories as to what the events at the Tower of Joy mean to the future of these characters, especially Jon Snow and the Stark siblings. The Targaryen’s are the only House that can control dragons, almost destined to reclaim the throne and expel the White Walker threat. But Daenerys is still in captivity with the Dothraki, revisiting her roots as the widow of the great Khal Drogo. It’ll be interesting to see how she makes an escape, perhaps her dragons can intervene.
Cersei and Jaime find it hard to gain respect during a Small Council meeting in King’s Landing, while Tommen becomes charmed by the High Sparrow after a heated confrontation by the young King. Tommen is clearly living on borrowed time, death will be visiting him soon enough if he continues to allow such manipulation.
Varys finds out that three foreign entities are all funding the Sons of the Harpy, which serves to darken Tyrion’s odds of holding Mehreen together during Daeneyrs’ absence.
Arya completes her training with Jaqen H’ghar, gaining her sight, but losing her identity.
Finally, we see the youngest Stark boy, Rickon, fall into the hands of Ramsay Bolton. Smalljon Umber uses Rickon as a bargaining chip in order to form an alliance with Winterfell to fight Jon Snow and the Wildling army.
But Castle Black looks to have a new leader after Jon Snow ruthlessly executes the four traitors who stabbed him. Jon removes his coat and hands it to Eddison, giving him control of the Nights Watch. It’s unclear where Lord Snow will end up, but his confusion and unhappiness that come with resurrection leaves us more frightened for the future than ever. Jon was indeed the show’s last hero, and now, after coming back from the dead, he seems jaded, unfit and distant in a world that desperately needs strength and leadership.