The Pointy End
Episode 8: The Pointy End
Based on Pages 530-627, Game of Thrones (book 1)
Summary
Following the capture of Ned Stark the Lannister guards slaughter all guards and servants that were with the Starks. Sansa is detained by The Hound and Ser Meryn Trant of the Kingsguard and Lannister guardsmen go to apprehend Arya, who is with her dancing master. Although Syrio Forel defeats all four of the Lannister guardsmen with a wooden practice sword, he stays behind to hold off the fully-armored Meryn so Arya can escape. Finding her sword Needle in the stables, she is suddenly forced to stab and kill a stable boy who attempts to deliver her to the Queen. In the black cells beneath King’s Landing, Varys, disguised as a turnkey, brings Ned drink and news.
The corpses of Othor and Jafer FlowersJafer_Flowers, two rangers that were ranging with Benjen Stark, are found Beyond the Wall and brought into Castle Black. Curously there is no rot or dead smell from the corpses, and they are taken away so Maester Aemon can examine them. Jeor Mormont shares news of Ned Stark’s capture and King Robert’s death with Jon and reminds him of the Night’s Watch vow he recently swore to not take part in affairs of the realm. Later, Jon furiously attack Ser Alliser Throne for insulting his father as a traitor. After being confined to his quarters, Jon Snow leaves after the wild behavior of Ghost. Jon heads to Jeor Mormont’s chambers to be attacked by the undead ranger Othor, now a wight. Cutting off his arm and stabbing Othor have no effect, but by throwing a fiery lantern at Othor, Jon burns him. The remaining bodies of the rangers killed in the attack are burned, and Sam tells the Night’s Watch he read only fire kills wights.
The Small Council and the Queen manipulate Sansa to do their bidding, sending a letter urging Robb Stark to pay homage to Joffrey. Robb Stark responds to the summons, but will bring the army of his House’s bannermen with him. In the Vale, Catelyn Stark pleads for the help of her sister Lysa Arryn, who refuses to leave the Eyrie to put her son and House at risk. Catelyn then leaves the Vale to come to Robb.
On the High Road of The Mountains of the Moon Tyrion Lannister promises gold and women to Bronn to serve him. Ambushed by the mountain clans, Tyrion saves his and Bronn's lives by striking a deal for riches and steel weapons with Shagga, leader of the Stone Crows.
Daenerys is disturbed by the brutality of the Dothraki khalasar, raiding the herder Village of the Lhazareen for supplies and gold for sailing ships. She stops the rape and murder of several Lhazareen women. Her acts are disputed by Mago of the Dothraki, who brings his complaints to Khal Drogo. After hearing the reasoning and strong will of Daenerys, Khal Drogo dismisses Mago. Mago disrespects Khal Drogo, provokes him and fights him in a duel. Khal Drogo allows Mago to wound him on the chest and then violently pulls out his throat. Daenerys is worried over Khal Drogo’s wound and enlists the aid of Mirri Maz Duur, a wisewoman of the Lhazareen, to apply healing poultices.
Robb gathers his bannermen and establishes control over them with his wolf biting off two fingers of the unruly 'Greatjon' Umber. Robb rides south to war, leaving Bran to look after The North and Winterfell. Praying in the Godswood, Bran Satark is warned by Osha “the cold winds are rising” and there is great danger Beyond the Wall. Robb Stark is met by his mother at his camp, and is faces the grim truth that he must defeat the Lannisters in battle, or he will never see his father or sisters again.
Tyrion finally returns to Tywin Lannister's army and is accompanied by the Black Ears, Burned Men, Moon Brothers and Stone Crows clans. Shagga and the mountain clans wish to stay close to ensure their deal is fulfilled. So far the war is going well for House Lannister, Jaime Lannister has attacked the Riverlands, and sieges Riverrun, seat of House Tully. After not seeming to care Tyrion is alive, Tywin enlists the clans in the war, who insist on accompanying Tyrion everywhere, even into battle.
Later, at the court of King Joffrey, Commander Janos Slynt of the City Watch is rewarded with the seat and titles of Harrenhal and Ser Barristan Selmy is dismissed as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard by the Queen, told to put aside his armor and his sword. He is called too old and has failed in his duties protect the King. Disgusted with the turn of events and the new King, he throws his sword and armor at the feet of Joffrey and storms out. Sansa pleads before the court for Ned Stark’s life and mercy for his ‘treason’. Joffrey states only if Ned confesses his treasonand declares Joffrey king, will there be mercy.
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Air Date: June 5, 2011