Game of Thrones Ep. 13: What’s Dead May Never Die

The third episode of the second season on HBO is chock full of scheming and strategizing. Which characters’ tactics will be successful? Read the recap and watch the preview video for a glimpse of “What is Dead May Never Die.”

Game of Thrones Episode 13: What’s Dead May Never Die Preview Video

Caught spying on Craster in the last episode by none other than the wildling himself, Jon Snow attempts to explain to Mormont. Upon the realization that Mormont already knows about the sacrificing of the baby boys, Snow grapples with the knowledge of the creature he saw. “Whatever it was, I dare say you’ll see it again,” Mormont predicts before ordering Jon and the rest of the Night’s Watch to be ready to head out at dawn. Good-hearted Sam gives Gilly his mother’s thimble to keep safe until he returns.

A battle between two knights rages in the Stormlands where Renly Baratheon sits with his fresh-faced wife, Margaery. As the helms of the knights come off, behold! Margaery’s brother, Loras Tyrell (also Renly’s lover) has just been defeated by a woman, albeit a rather large one. Brienne of Tarth asks to serve Renly in exchange for winning the fight and Renly agrees, just as Catelyn Stark approaches to propose an alliance between her son’s men and Renly’s men plus a woman. Here’s where advanced communication skills would greatly aid both sides! The presumptuous Loras wonders why Robb himself didn’t come to negotiate, and Catelyn insults Renly’s ambitions. Later, Margaery reveals that she knows about Renly and Loras’ relationship. She only wants Renly to impregnate her any way he can to defeat their enemies. “There’s no need for us to play games,” she tells her husband.

In King’s Landing, Tyrion is playing games of his own. He tells Grand Maester Pycelle, Lord Varys, and Littlefinger separate versions of sending Myrcella off to one of the Great Houses to wed when she comes of age. When the queen hears of Pycelle’s version, Tyrion triumphs at discovering which member reports back to her. He throws Pycelle in the dungeon while Cersei throws a tantrum (forgetting how she is hypocritically keeping Sansa from her own family).

Meanwhile, Theon Greyjoy burns the letter he wrote to Robb and renews his faith in the Drowned God, even though Balon only gave him one ship to raid fishing villages while he commands his daughter to lead 30 ships. “You gave me away like I was some dog you didn’t want anymore!” Theon shouts at his father. Still, like a dog, he stays loyal to his family.

Lannister soldiers kill Arya’s protector, Yoren, and Arya is captured (along with Gendry and some of the other boys) but not until after she rescued the three criminals in the caged cart. What of the other Stark children? Robb is a no-show in this episode, but he’s still planning and fighting, Sansa receives a new handmaiden in Shae and Bran keeps dreaming…

Game of Thrones Inside the Episode 13: What’s Dead May Never Die Video

Trina’s Take: Some new characters equal promises for new and interesting plot lines but it also means some of the older characters will have to disappear because there is only so much time in an hour…60 minutes to be exact! Without giving too much away, I only have to say I really like most of the departures from the book. The series is remaining quite true, but the subtle differences are to its strength. I think the Sansa and Shae team-up will prove to be quite engrossing. The only thing that disappointed me: I am starved (pun intended) for knowledge of Dany and her people and I wasn’t satisfied with this episode since she didn’t even make an appearance.