Game of Thrones Season 5 Episode 4 Recap: War or Peace?

Over the opening quartet of Game of Thrones Season 5 episodes, this HBO drama has accomplished something previously unthinkable:

It has Jon Snow into an interesting character.

Last week, of course, the new Lord Commander of The Night’s Watch beheaded an ex-enemy, even as he begged for his life.

This week, on Game of Thrones Season 5 Episode 4, Jon Snow turned down the very naked advances of Melisandre, who thought her fiery ways (read: body) could entire Jon Snow to leave The Wall for Winterfell.

Alas, Jon Snow still lives Ygritte, and he still knows nothing, according to Melisadre, who somehow channeled the dead Wildling warrior.

Elsewhere on The Wall, Stannis proved he actually has a heart, giving a moving speech to his daughter about how much he actually does love, despite her deformity.

Perhaps we wouldn’t mind this guy being killed after all.

The actual king, poor young Tommen, found himself manipulated this week by both his wife and his mother.

Cersei gave an army to The High Sparrow and his set of believers, who proceeded to kill many sinners and then take Loras Tyrell prisoner.

Tommen didn’t have the stones to confront The High Sparrow and free his brother-in-law, which left Margaery rather upset and which put Cersei back in a position of power.

Over in Dorne, meanwhile, we met the Sand Snakes, Oberyn’s trio of like-minded daughters. Are they interested in war or peace, Ellaria Sand asked?

To which one responded by throwing a spear through the head of a prisoner and to which all responded in the violent affirmative. They know Jaime Lannister has arrived to rescue his daughter and they will go to any length they can to avenge their father’s dead.

Littlefinger, of course, is trying to pass along the same message to Sansa.

In their brief single scene this week, he said he had been summoned to King’s Landing, but he was confident he’d be leaving a strong Sansa to wait for Stannis to attack Winterfell.

Once he did, he would name Sansa Lordess of the North and all would be good again. Call us crazy, however, but we doubt Littlefinger cares much about Sansa’s future here. He’s always looking out for himself.

Finally, we heard to Mereen, which is where Jorah is taking Tyrion. Worst kidnapping ever, right? Abducting someone only to take him where he was already going.

But that destination is bathed in blood at the moment, at the Sons of the Harpy set up the Unsullied to close this terrific hour, attacking them in the street and seemingly leaving both Grey Worm and a valiant Barristan Selmy to die.

Tough break for them. Exciting ending to a great episode for us.

Click on the above video for your first look at Game of Thrones Season 5 Episode 5, "Kill the Boy."

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