Difference between revisions of "Valar Dohaeris (TV)"

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|image =  
 
|image =  
 
|airdate = March 31, 2012  
 
|airdate = March 31, 2012  
|writter = [[w:David Benioff|David Benioff]] & [[w:D.B. Weiss|D.B. Weiss]]
+
|writter = [[w:David Benioff|David Benioff]] & [[w:D.B. Weiss|D.B. Weiss]]
 
|director = [[w:Daniel Minahan|Daniel Minahan]]
 
|director = [[w:Daniel Minahan|Daniel Minahan]]
 
}}
 
}}
 
  
 
"'''Valar Dohaeris'''" is the third season premiere of the [[w:HBO|HBO]] [[w:medieval fantasy|medieval fantasy]] television series ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', and the 21st episode of the series. Written by executive producers [[w:David Benioff|David Benioff]] and [[w:D. B. Weiss|D.B. Weiss]], and directed by [[w:Daniel Minahan|Daniel Minahan]], it aired on March 31, 2013.
 
"'''Valar Dohaeris'''" is the third season premiere of the [[w:HBO|HBO]] [[w:medieval fantasy|medieval fantasy]] television series ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', and the 21st episode of the series. Written by executive producers [[w:David Benioff|David Benioff]] and [[w:D. B. Weiss|D.B. Weiss]], and directed by [[w:Daniel Minahan|Daniel Minahan]], it aired on March 31, 2013.
  
The premiere continues where the second season left off, with the Lannisters consolidating their power at King's Landing in the aftermath of the [[Battle of the Blackwater]]. Meanwhile, Jon meets the "King beyond the Wall," and Daenerys leaves Qarth for Slaver's Bay.
+
The premiere continues where the second season left off. [[Samwell Tarly]] is rescued by his surviving [[Night's Watch|brothers]]. [[Jon Snow]] meets the [[King-Beyond-the-Wall]]. [[Tyrion Lannister]] comes out of seclusion to confront [[Tywin Lannister|his father]]. [[Margaery Tyrell]] sets out to win the love of the [[smallfolk]]. [[Cersei Lannister]] worries she is losing control of King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]]. [[Petyr Baelish]] offers [[Sansa Stark]] a chance at escape. King [[Robb Stark]] finds [[Harrenhal]] abandoned. [[Davos Seaworth]] returns to [[Dragonstone]] to save King [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis]] from [[Melisandre]]. [[Daenerys Targaryen]] inspects the [[Unsullied]] slave-soldiers of [[Astapor]].
  
The episode's title translates to "all men must serve" in the High Valyrian language in [[George R. R. Martin]]'s ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' novels, which the series adapts. The title mirrors that of season 2's finale, "[[Valar Morghulis (TV)|Valar Morghulis]]" – "all men must die."
+
The episode's title translates to "All men must serve," in the [[High Valyrian]] language of [[George R. R. Martin]]'s ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' novels, which the series adapts. The title mirrors that of season 2's finale, "[[Valar Morghulis (TV)|Valar Morghulis]]" – "All men must die."
  
 
==Plot==
 
==Plot==
 
===Beyond the Wall===
 
===Beyond the Wall===
The White Walkers attack the Night's Watch force and leave only a small number of survivors. During the subsequent blizzard, [[Samwell Tarly]] ([[w:John Bradley-West|John Bradley]]) is attacked by a Wight, but is saved by the direwolf Ghost and Lord Commander [[Jeor Mormont]] ([[w:James Cosmo|James Cosmo]]). The Lord Commander reprimands Samwell for failing to send ravens south to warn of the incoming army and orders the survivors to head back to the wall.
+
The [[Others|White Walkers]] and their army of [[wights]] overwhelm the [[Night's Watch]] force on the [[Fist of the First Men]]. During the subsequent blizzard, [[Samwell Tarly]] ([[w:John Bradley-West|John Bradley]]) is attacked by a wight, but is saved by the [[direwolf]] [[Ghost]] and [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch|Lord Commander]] [[Jeor Mormont]] ([[w:James Cosmo|James Cosmo]]) with his few dozen survivors. The Lord Commander reprimands Sam for failing to send ravens south to warn of the incoming army and announces they must make it back to [[the Wall]] to warn [[Westeros]] of the coming threat.
  
[[Jon Snow]] ([[w:Kit Harington|Kit Harington]]), still a prisoner of [[Ygritte]] ([[w:Rose Leslie|Rose Leslie]]) and the wildlings, arrives at the wildling camp and is escorted to meet with [[Mance Rayder]] ([[w:Ciarán Hinds|Ciarán Hinds]]). When brought to his tent, Jon initially mistakes [[Tormund Giantsbane]] ([[w:Kristofer Hivju|Kristofer Hivju]]) for the King Beyond The Wall, but Mance reveals himself to Jon and questions Jon’s motives for deserting the Night's Watch. Jon earns Mance's approval by describing his horror and disgust after discovering that [[Craster]] gave his baby sons to the White Walkers, and that the Lord Commander knew but did nothing.
+
Meanwhile, [[Jon Snow]] ([[w:Kit Harington|Kit Harington]]) is escorted through the [[wildling]] camp by his captors [[Ygritte]] ([[w:Rose Leslie|Rose Leslie]]) and the [[Lord of Bones]] (Edward Dogliani). As they enter the camp, Jon is dumbfounded by the sight of a real-life [[giant]] ([[w:Ian Whyte (actor)|Ian Whyte]]) and jeered by the wildling children. When he enters the tent of the [[King-Beyond-the-Wall]], Jon kneels to [[Tormund Giantsbane]] ([[w:Kristofer Hivju|Kristofer Hivju]]), mistaking him for [[Mance Rayder]]. The real Mance ([[w:Ciarán Hinds|Ciarán Hinds]]), an unassuming man sitting in a corner, questions Jon's motives for deserting the Night's Watch. After several unsatisfactory answers, Jon earns Mance's approval by describing his disgust that Lord Commander Mormont did nothing to stop [[Craster]] sacrificing his sons to the White Walkers.
  
 
===In King's Landing===
 
===In King's Landing===
In King's Landing, newly knighted [[Bronn|Ser Bronn]] ([[w:Jerome Flynn|Jerome Flynn]]) has returned to [[Tyrion Lannister|Tyrion's]] ([[w:Peter Dinklage|Peter Dinklage]]) service, for a much higher fee. Tyrion, who has been scarred since the Battle of Blackwater, has been shut in recluse ever since his father arrived to take the glory for the defeat of [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis’]] army. Tyrion's sister, [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei]]([[w:Lena Headey|Lena Headey]]), visits Tyrion and questions what he will say to their father upon seeing him. When meeting with [[Tywin Lannister|Lord Tywin]] ([[w:Charles Dance|Charles Dance]]), who has taken over the role of Hand of the King, Tywin reluctantly agrees to Tyrion's request for recognition of his accomplishments during the Battle of the Blackwater. However, when pressed by Tyrion to name him heir to [[Casterly Rock]], the Lannister ancestral home, Tywin refuses, and viciously insults Tyrion, calling him an embarrassment and a penance that he must suffer.
+
Newly-knighted [[Knighthood|Ser]] [[Bronn]] of the Blackwater ([[w:Jerome Flynn|Jerome Flynn]]) returns to [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s ([[w:Peter Dinklage|Peter Dinklage]]) service for a much higher fee. Tyrion has been reclusive since being badly scarred in an assassination attempt during the [[Battle of the Blackwater]]. He fears his sister [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei]] ([[w:Lena Headey|Lena Headey]]) was behind the attack, and she makes it clear that she fears what Tyrion might tell their father, Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] ([[w:Charles Dance|Charles Dance]]), who has taken up office as [[Hand of the King]].
 +
 
 +
During his meeting with his father, Tyrion presses his father to reward his contributions and acknowledge his birthright as heir to [[Casterly Rock]], since his brother [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]] set aside his claim when he joined the [[Kingsguard]]. Tywin agrees that Tyrion will receive a suitable chamber, position, and (eventual) wife, but neither gods nor men will compel him to "turn Casterly Rock into [Tyrion's] whorehouse." When Tyrion asks why, Tywin showers him with hatred and abuse, blaming him for his mother's death and calling him an embarrassment and a penance he must endure.
 +
 
 +
Meanwhile, [[Petyr Baelish]] ([[w:Aiden Gillen|Aiden Gillen]]) informs [[Sansa Stark]] ([[w:Sophie Turner (actress)|Sophie Turner]]) that he is negotiating a project to take him away from King's Landing. He offers to smuggle her out if she can keep quiet about the plan. At the same time, Baelish's assistant [[Ros]] ([[w:Esme Bianco|Esme Bianco]]) warns Sansa's handmaiden [[Shae]] ([[w:Sibel Kekilli|Sibel Kekilli]]) to watch out for Sansa when dealing with Baelish.
  
[[Petyr Baelish]] ([[w:Aiden Gillen|Aiden Gillen]]) approaches [[Sansa Stark]] ([[w:Sophie Turner (actress)|Sophie Turner]]), who is still being accompanied by [[Shae]] ([[w:Sibel Kekilli|Sibel Kekilli]]). Petyr informs Sansa that he is in negotiations to take a role that would remove him from King's Landing. He offers to smuggle her out if Sansa can keep quiet about the plan. [[Ros]] ([[w:Esme Bianco|Esme Bianco]]) is careful to tell Shae to watch out for Sansa's well-being, especially when dealing with Lord Baelish.  
+
Elsewhere, King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]] ([[w:Jack Gleeson|Jack Gleeson]]) and Lady [[Margaery Tyrell]] ([[w:Natalie Dormer|Natalie Dormer]]) are returning from [[Great Sept of Baelor|Baelor's Sept]] via [[Flea Bottom]] when Margaery stops the procession to visit an orphanage and distribute bread and toys. Joffrey remains hidden in his palanquin, and seems genuinely confused when Margaery emerges with the orphan's adoration.
  
King [[Joffrey]] ([[w:Jack Gleeson|Jack Gleeson]]) and Lady [[Margaery Tyrell|Margaery]]([[w:Natalie Dormer|Natalie Dormer]]) travel through Flea Bottom in a caravan where the lady stops and exits her carriage and goes to an orphanage to comfort the children. Joffrey, meanwhile, hides in his carriage with the windows shut. At dinner with the Tyrells and Cersei, Joffrey trades veiled insults with his mother.
+
That night, Joffrey and Cersei dine with Margaery and her brother Ser [[Loras Tyrell|Loras]] ([[w:Finn Jones|Finn Jones]]). Cersei criticizes Margaery by pointing out her charity work took place on the same streets where rioters recently [[Riot of King's Landing|killed]] several of the royal party. Trying to portray himself as brave, Joffrey argues that there was no danger and Margaery knows what she was doing. Defeated, Cersei agrees that Margaery knows what she is doing, but her tone hints at doubts about the Tyrell motives.
  
===In Blackwater Bay and at Dragonstone===
+
===In Blackwater Bay===
[[Davos Seaworth|Davos]]([[w:Liam Cunningham|Liam Cunningham]]) is stranded on a rock in the bay outside King’s Landing after his ship was destroyed in the Battle of Blackwater Bay. He is picked up by a ship belonging to his old friend, the pirate [[Salladhor Saan]] ([[w:Lucian Msamati|Lucian Msamati]]). Davos recounts seeing his son, Matthos, die. Salladhor tells Davos that Stannis ([[w:Stephen Dillane|Stephen Dillane]]) is in seclusion at Dragonstone, and that [[Melisandre]] ([[w:Carice van Houten|Carice van Houten]]) is burning people alive at his castle and she is the only one Stannis will speak to. Davos convinces Salladhor to drop him off there, intending to stop Melisandre influencing Stannis by assassinating her; he is given an audience with Stannis where he is shocked to discover his king and friend is indifferent to his survival and refuses to send Melisandre away. Melisandre insinuates to Davos that it is his fault the battle was lost, since he convinced Stannis to leave her behind and thus prevented Melisandre from using her magic to influence the battle's outcome. When she mentions his son, Davos loses his temper and tries to attack her, though the guards restrain him and Stannis orders him thrown in the dungeons.
+
Having miraculously survived the loss of [[Black Betha|his ship]], [[Davos Seaworth]] ([[w:Liam Cunningham|Liam Cunningham]]) is rescued from a [[Spears of the Merling King|rocky spar]] in [[Blackwater Bay]] by his old friend [[Salladhor Saan]] ([[w:Lucian Msamati|Lucian Msamati]]). Salladhor tells him that King [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis]] ([[w:Stephen Dillane|Stephen Dillane]]) has retreated to [[Dragonstone]], but will see no one but the priestess [[Melisandre]] ([[w:Carice van Houten|Carice van Houten]]), who is burning her dissenters alive. Davos insists on returning there to kill Melisandre.
 +
 
 +
Upon his arrival, Davos finds Stannis brooding and blames Melisandre for leading him astray. Melisandre argues that it was Davos who argued she be sent where her magic could not protect the thousands who burned to death, including Davos' own son [[Matthos Seaworth|Matthos]]. At the mention of his son, Davos flies into a rage and tries to stab Melisandre, but the guards restrain him and Stannis orders him thrown in the dungeon.
  
 
===At Harrenhal===
 
===At Harrenhal===
[[Robb Stark]] ([[w:Richard Madden|Richard Madden]]) has arrived at Harrenhal, where he wishes to fight Lannister troops. Upon entering the castle, however, it is discovered that [[Gregor Clegane]] has left it abandoned and over 200 Stark prisoners are found slaughtered and mutilated. [[Roose Bolton]] ([[w:Michael McElhatton|Michael McElhatton]]) gives sympathy to a still-grieving [[Rickard Karstark|Lord Karstark]] ([[w:John Stah|lohn Stahl]]) who expresses his frustration that Catelyn Stark ([[w:Michelle Fairley|Michelle Fairley]]) let [[Jaime Lannister]] go. Bolton assures Karstark that Jaime will be found soon, as his best hunter is after them. Robb stumbles across a survivor among the dead, a man named Qyburn ([[w:Anton Lesser|Anton Lesser]]).
+
[[Robb Stark]] ([[w:Richard Madden|Richard Madden]]) arrives at [[Harrenhal]], but finds Ser [[Gregor Clegane]] has been abandoned the castle and slaughtered 200 prisoners of war. Lord [[Roose Bolton]] ([[w:Michael McElhatton|Michael McElhatton]]) gives sympathy to a still-grieving Lord [[Rickard Karstark]] ([[w:John Stahl|John Stahl]]), who remains frustrated that [[Catelyn Stark]] ([[w:Michelle Fairley|Michelle Fairley]]) let [[Jaime Lannister]] go. Bolton assures Karstark that his best hunter is after Jaime as they speak. After consigning his mother to a cell, Robb discovers a lone survivor named [[Qyburn]] ([[w:Anton Lesser|Anton Lesser]]).
  
===Across the Narrow Sea===
+
===In Slaver's Bay===
[[Daenerys Targaryen|Daenerys]] ([[w:Emilia Clarke|Emilia Clarke]]) has arrived at [[Astapor]] in Slaver’s Bay and is considering buying renowned eunuch slave soldiers, the "Unsullied". She and Ser [[Jorah]] ([[w:Iain Glen|Iain Glen]]) witness a brutal demonstration of their fortitude, but Daenerys is horrified to hear of the gruesome training they endure, and their "graduation" by killing an infant in front of its mother. Upon walking throughout a nearby market, a warlock, masked as a young girl attempts to assassinate Daenerys with a [[manticore]], but is thwarted by a cloaked Barristan Selmy ([[w:Ian McElhinney|Ian McElhinney]]), who swears his allegiance to her.
+
After fleeing [[Qarth]], [[Daenerys Targaryen]] ([[w:Emilia Clarke|Emilia Clarke]]) arrives in [[Astapor]] on [[Slaver's Bay]]. Her three [[dragons]] are growing fast, but they are not yet large enough to conquer [[Westeros]] alone, so she must have an army. Ser [[Jorah Mormont]] ([[w:Iain Glen|Iain Glen]]) notes that the elite eunuch-soldiers of Astapor, known as the [[Unsullied]], are renowned as the finest in the world, but Daenerys stresses they are ''slave''-soldiers, an important distinction. However, without any better idea, Daenerys agrees to consider it.
 +
 
 +
An Unsullied dealer named [[Kraznys mo Nakloz]] ([[w:Dan Hildebrand|Dan Hildebrand]]) gives them a brutal demonstration of his soldier's fortitude, with his slave girl [[Missandei]] ([[w:Nathalie Emmanuel|Nathalie Emmanuel]]) translating for him. However, Daenerys is horrified to learn the final test of an Unsullied is to kill an infant slave in front of its mother and pay the owner. Kraznys says he has 8,000 for sale, but she must decide quickly.
 +
 
 +
Ser Jorah argues that they should purchase the Unsullied, since she will treat them better than most. As they walk, a hooded figure in black begins following them. Then a [[warlock]] disguised as a young girl attempts to assassinate Daenerys with a venomous [[manticore]], but is thwarted by the hooded figure. Removing his hood, Ser [[Barristan Selmy]] ([[w:Ian McElhinney|Ian McElhinney]]) begs her forgiveness for failing [[House Targaryen]] during the [[War of the Usurper]] and hails her the true queen, asking for a place in her [[Queensguard]].
  
 
==Casting==
 
==Casting==
"Valar Dohaeris" introduces the Irish actor [[w:Ciarán Hinds|Ciarán Hinds]] as the Wildling leader and Night's Watch deserter [[Mance Rayder]], one of the latest Season 3 roles to be cast. The producers explained that casting Mance was a great challenge because he was someone who had become "King beyond the Wall" not by birthright but by convincing all the tribes to unite under his leadership. They had to find an actor with the charisma required to portray this. Unusual for a production such as Game of Thrones, the first scene Hinds filmed was the first one where his character appears: the meeting with Jon Snow at his tent.
+
"Valar Dohaeris" introduces the Irish actor [[w:Ciarán Hinds|Ciarán Hinds]] as the [[Night's Watch]] deserter and [[King-Beyond-the-Wall]] [[Mance Rayder]], one of the last Season 3 roles to be cast. The producers explained that it was a great challenge to find an actor with the charisma to portray someone who became "[[King-beyond-the-Wall]]" not by birthright, but by convincing all the tribes to unite under his leadership. Unusual for a production such as ''Game of Thrones'', the first scene Hinds filmed was also his character's introduction: the meeting with [[Jon Snow]] at his tent.
 +
 
 +
The season premiere also marks the first appearance of guest stars [[w:Kristofer Hivju|Kristofer Hivju]] as the wildling leader [[Tormund Giantsbane]], [[w:Nathalie Emmanuel|Nathalie Emmanuel]] as the slave translator [[Missandei]], and [[w:Anton Lesser|Anton Lesser]] as the wounded prisoner [[Qyburn]]. The three castings were announced at [[w:San Diego Comic-Con|San Diego Comic-Con]] in July 2012.
 +
 
 +
After being absent for the entire second season, [[w:Ian McElhinney|Ian McElhinney]] returns as Ser [[Barristan Selmy]]. Actor [[w:Ian Whyte (actor)|Ian Whyte]] (7 ft 1 in /2.16 m), who played a [[Others|White Walker]] in the first season and the huge Ser [[Gregor Clegane]] in the second, appears in the episode as the giant seen in the [[wildling]] camp.
  
The season premiere also marks the first appearance of guest stars [[w:Kristofer Hivju|Kristofer Hivju]] as the Wildling Tormund Giantsbane, [[w:Nathalie Emmanuel|Nathalie Emmanuel]] as the slave Missandei, and [[w:Anton Lesser|Anton Lesser]] as the wounded prisoner [[Qyburn]]. The three castings were announced at [[w:San Diego Comic-Con|San Diego Comic-Con]] in July 2012.
+
[[w:Oona Chaplin|Oona Chaplin]] and [[w:Rose Leslie|Rose Leslie]], who play [[Robb Stark|Robb]]'s wife [[Talisa]] and wildling [[Ygritte]] respectively, have been upgraded to the main cast and are now both credited in the opening titles.
  
After being absent for the entire second season, [[w:Ian McElhinney|Ian McElhinney]] returns as Ser Barristan Selmy. Actor [[w:Ian Whyte (actor)|Ian Whyte]] (7 ft 1 in /2.16 m), who has played a White Walker in the first season and was recast as the huge Ser Gregor Clegane in the second, appears in the episode as the giant seen in the [[wildlings]] camp.
+
Main cast members [[w:Alfie Allen|Alfie Allen]] ([[Theon Greyjoy]]), [[w:Nikolaj Coster-Waldau|Nikolaj Coster-Waldau]] ([[Jaime Lannister]]), [[w:Joe Demspie|Joe Dempsie]] ([[Gendry]]), [[w:Isaac Hempstead-Wright|Isaac Hempstead-Wright]] ([[Bran Stark]]), [[w:Conleth Hill|Conleth Hill]] ([[Varys]]), [[w:Rory McCann|Rory McCann]] ([[Sandor Clegane]]) and [[w:Maisie Williams|Maisie Williams]] ([[Arya Stark]]), are not credited and do not appear in this episode.
  
[[w:Oona Chaplin|Oona Chaplin]] and [[w:Rose Leslie|Rose Leslie]], who play Robb's wife [[Talisa]] and wildling Ygritte, respectively, have been upgraded to the main cast and are now both credited in the opening sequence.
 
 
==Character List==
 
==Character List==
{{Columns|3|
+
{{Columns|4|
 
*[[Samwell Tarly]]
 
*[[Samwell Tarly]]
 
*[[Jeor Mormont]]
 
*[[Jeor Mormont]]
Line 76: Line 88:
 
*[[Rickard Karstark]]
 
*[[Rickard Karstark]]
 
*[[Catelyn Stark]]
 
*[[Catelyn Stark]]
*[[Jeremy Mallister]]  
+
*[[Jaremy Mallister]]  
 
*[[Talisa]]
 
*[[Talisa]]
 
*[[Qyburn]]
 
*[[Qyburn]]
Line 84: Line 96:
 
*[[Kraznys mo Nakloz]]
 
*[[Kraznys mo Nakloz]]
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
==Locations==
 
==Locations==
 
{{Columns|3|
 
{{Columns|3|
 
*[[Beyond the Wall]]
 
*[[Beyond the Wall]]
*[[Kingslanding]]
+
*[[King's Landing]]
 
*[[Red Keep]]
 
*[[Red Keep]]
 
*[[Flea Bottom]]
 
*[[Flea Bottom]]
*Harbor of Kingslanding
+
*Harbor of King's Landing
 
*[[Tower of the Hand]]
 
*[[Tower of the Hand]]
 
*[[Narrow Sea]]
 
*[[Narrow Sea]]
Line 98: Line 111:
 
*[[Astapor]]
 
*[[Astapor]]
 
}}
 
}}
==Differences with the books==
+
 
The episode captures roughly [[A Storm of Swords]] chapters [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 4|4]], [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 5|5]], [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 7|7]], [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 8|8]], [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 10|10]], [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 23|23]],
+
==Differences from the books==
 +
The episode captures roughly ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' chapters [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 4|4]], [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 5|5]], [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 7|7]], [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 8|8]], [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 10|10]], and [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 23|23]].
 +
 
 
The follwing scenes do no appear in the books:
 
The follwing scenes do no appear in the books:
*The scene in Harrenhal  
+
*Sam being rescued by Ghost
*Margaery Tyrell in the slums of Kingslanding
+
*Robb Stark's presence in Harrenhal
*the Tyrells dining with Joffrey and his mother
+
*Cersei confronting Tyrion before he meets with Lord Tywin
*Petyr Baelish offering to help Sansa escape.
+
*Petyr Baelish offering to help Sansa escape
 +
*Ros warning Shae to protect Sansa.
 +
*Margaery Tyrell in Flea Bottom.
 +
*The Tyrells dining with Joffrey and Cersei
 +
 
 +
In the books Barristan Selmy rescues Daenerys in [[Qarth]], not in [[Astapor]].{{ref|acok|63}} In the books it is [[Dontos Hollard]] who offers his help to Sansa on the command of Petyr Baelish.{{ref|acok|18}}
 +
 
 +
Cersei mentions rumours that Tyrion lost his nose, an obvious reference to the more serious injury Tyrion suffers in the novels.
  
In the books Barristan Selmy rescues Daenerys in [[Qarth]], not in Astapor.{{ref|acok|63}} In the books it is [[Dontos Hollard]] who offers his help to Sansa on the command of Petyr Baelish.{{ref|acok|18}}
 
 
==References and notes==
 
==References and notes==
 
{{references}}
 
{{references}}

Revision as of 22:16, 16 February 2014

Valar Dohaeris
Game of Thrones
Episode # Season 3, Episode 1
Airdate March 31, 2012
Director Daniel Minahan
Episode chronology
← Previous Next →
"Valar Morghulis
Season 2"
"Dark Wings, Dark Words"
List of Game of Thrones episodes

"Valar Dohaeris" is the third season premiere of the HBO medieval fantasy television series Game of Thrones, and the 21st episode of the series. Written by executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, and directed by Daniel Minahan, it aired on March 31, 2013.

The premiere continues where the second season left off. Samwell Tarly is rescued by his surviving brothers. Jon Snow meets the King-Beyond-the-Wall. Tyrion Lannister comes out of seclusion to confront his father. Margaery Tyrell sets out to win the love of the smallfolk. Cersei Lannister worries she is losing control of King Joffrey. Petyr Baelish offers Sansa Stark a chance at escape. King Robb Stark finds Harrenhal abandoned. Davos Seaworth returns to Dragonstone to save King Stannis from Melisandre. Daenerys Targaryen inspects the Unsullied slave-soldiers of Astapor.

The episode's title translates to "All men must serve," in the High Valyrian language of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novels, which the series adapts. The title mirrors that of season 2's finale, "Valar Morghulis" – "All men must die."

Plot

Beyond the Wall

The White Walkers and their army of wights overwhelm the Night's Watch force on the Fist of the First Men. During the subsequent blizzard, Samwell Tarly (John Bradley) is attacked by a wight, but is saved by the direwolf Ghost and Lord Commander Jeor Mormont (James Cosmo) with his few dozen survivors. The Lord Commander reprimands Sam for failing to send ravens south to warn of the incoming army and announces they must make it back to the Wall to warn Westeros of the coming threat.

Meanwhile, Jon Snow (Kit Harington) is escorted through the wildling camp by his captors Ygritte (Rose Leslie) and the Lord of Bones (Edward Dogliani). As they enter the camp, Jon is dumbfounded by the sight of a real-life giant (Ian Whyte) and jeered by the wildling children. When he enters the tent of the King-Beyond-the-Wall, Jon kneels to Tormund Giantsbane (Kristofer Hivju), mistaking him for Mance Rayder. The real Mance (Ciarán Hinds), an unassuming man sitting in a corner, questions Jon's motives for deserting the Night's Watch. After several unsatisfactory answers, Jon earns Mance's approval by describing his disgust that Lord Commander Mormont did nothing to stop Craster sacrificing his sons to the White Walkers.

In King's Landing

Newly-knighted Ser Bronn of the Blackwater (Jerome Flynn) returns to Tyrion Lannister's (Peter Dinklage) service for a much higher fee. Tyrion has been reclusive since being badly scarred in an assassination attempt during the Battle of the Blackwater. He fears his sister Cersei (Lena Headey) was behind the attack, and she makes it clear that she fears what Tyrion might tell their father, Lord Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance), who has taken up office as Hand of the King.

During his meeting with his father, Tyrion presses his father to reward his contributions and acknowledge his birthright as heir to Casterly Rock, since his brother Jaime set aside his claim when he joined the Kingsguard. Tywin agrees that Tyrion will receive a suitable chamber, position, and (eventual) wife, but neither gods nor men will compel him to "turn Casterly Rock into [Tyrion's] whorehouse." When Tyrion asks why, Tywin showers him with hatred and abuse, blaming him for his mother's death and calling him an embarrassment and a penance he must endure.

Meanwhile, Petyr Baelish (Aiden Gillen) informs Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) that he is negotiating a project to take him away from King's Landing. He offers to smuggle her out if she can keep quiet about the plan. At the same time, Baelish's assistant Ros (Esme Bianco) warns Sansa's handmaiden Shae (Sibel Kekilli) to watch out for Sansa when dealing with Baelish.

Elsewhere, King Joffrey (Jack Gleeson) and Lady Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer) are returning from Baelor's Sept via Flea Bottom when Margaery stops the procession to visit an orphanage and distribute bread and toys. Joffrey remains hidden in his palanquin, and seems genuinely confused when Margaery emerges with the orphan's adoration.

That night, Joffrey and Cersei dine with Margaery and her brother Ser Loras (Finn Jones). Cersei criticizes Margaery by pointing out her charity work took place on the same streets where rioters recently killed several of the royal party. Trying to portray himself as brave, Joffrey argues that there was no danger and Margaery knows what she was doing. Defeated, Cersei agrees that Margaery knows what she is doing, but her tone hints at doubts about the Tyrell motives.

In Blackwater Bay

Having miraculously survived the loss of his ship, Davos Seaworth (Liam Cunningham) is rescued from a rocky spar in Blackwater Bay by his old friend Salladhor Saan (Lucian Msamati). Salladhor tells him that King Stannis (Stephen Dillane) has retreated to Dragonstone, but will see no one but the priestess Melisandre (Carice van Houten), who is burning her dissenters alive. Davos insists on returning there to kill Melisandre.

Upon his arrival, Davos finds Stannis brooding and blames Melisandre for leading him astray. Melisandre argues that it was Davos who argued she be sent where her magic could not protect the thousands who burned to death, including Davos' own son Matthos. At the mention of his son, Davos flies into a rage and tries to stab Melisandre, but the guards restrain him and Stannis orders him thrown in the dungeon.

At Harrenhal

Robb Stark (Richard Madden) arrives at Harrenhal, but finds Ser Gregor Clegane has been abandoned the castle and slaughtered 200 prisoners of war. Lord Roose Bolton (Michael McElhatton) gives sympathy to a still-grieving Lord Rickard Karstark (John Stahl), who remains frustrated that Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley) let Jaime Lannister go. Bolton assures Karstark that his best hunter is after Jaime as they speak. After consigning his mother to a cell, Robb discovers a lone survivor named Qyburn (Anton Lesser).

In Slaver's Bay

After fleeing Qarth, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) arrives in Astapor on Slaver's Bay. Her three dragons are growing fast, but they are not yet large enough to conquer Westeros alone, so she must have an army. Ser Jorah Mormont (Iain Glen) notes that the elite eunuch-soldiers of Astapor, known as the Unsullied, are renowned as the finest in the world, but Daenerys stresses they are slave-soldiers, an important distinction. However, without any better idea, Daenerys agrees to consider it.

An Unsullied dealer named Kraznys mo Nakloz (Dan Hildebrand) gives them a brutal demonstration of his soldier's fortitude, with his slave girl Missandei (Nathalie Emmanuel) translating for him. However, Daenerys is horrified to learn the final test of an Unsullied is to kill an infant slave in front of its mother and pay the owner. Kraznys says he has 8,000 for sale, but she must decide quickly.

Ser Jorah argues that they should purchase the Unsullied, since she will treat them better than most. As they walk, a hooded figure in black begins following them. Then a warlock disguised as a young girl attempts to assassinate Daenerys with a venomous manticore, but is thwarted by the hooded figure. Removing his hood, Ser Barristan Selmy (Ian McElhinney) begs her forgiveness for failing House Targaryen during the War of the Usurper and hails her the true queen, asking for a place in her Queensguard.

Casting

"Valar Dohaeris" introduces the Irish actor Ciarán Hinds as the Night's Watch deserter and King-Beyond-the-Wall Mance Rayder, one of the last Season 3 roles to be cast. The producers explained that it was a great challenge to find an actor with the charisma to portray someone who became "King-beyond-the-Wall" not by birthright, but by convincing all the tribes to unite under his leadership. Unusual for a production such as Game of Thrones, the first scene Hinds filmed was also his character's introduction: the meeting with Jon Snow at his tent.

The season premiere also marks the first appearance of guest stars Kristofer Hivju as the wildling leader Tormund Giantsbane, Nathalie Emmanuel as the slave translator Missandei, and Anton Lesser as the wounded prisoner Qyburn. The three castings were announced at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2012.

After being absent for the entire second season, Ian McElhinney returns as Ser Barristan Selmy. Actor Ian Whyte (7 ft 1 in /2.16 m), who played a White Walker in the first season and the huge Ser Gregor Clegane in the second, appears in the episode as the giant seen in the wildling camp.

Oona Chaplin and Rose Leslie, who play Robb's wife Talisa and wildling Ygritte respectively, have been upgraded to the main cast and are now both credited in the opening titles.

Main cast members Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy), Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister), Joe Dempsie (Gendry), Isaac Hempstead-Wright (Bran Stark), Conleth Hill (Varys), Rory McCann (Sandor Clegane) and Maisie Williams (Arya Stark), are not credited and do not appear in this episode.

Character List

Locations

Differences from the books

The episode captures roughly A Storm of Swords chapters 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, and 23.

The follwing scenes do no appear in the books:

  • Sam being rescued by Ghost
  • Robb Stark's presence in Harrenhal
  • Cersei confronting Tyrion before he meets with Lord Tywin
  • Petyr Baelish offering to help Sansa escape
  • Ros warning Shae to protect Sansa.
  • Margaery Tyrell in Flea Bottom.
  • The Tyrells dining with Joffrey and Cersei

In the books Barristan Selmy rescues Daenerys in Qarth, not in Astapor.[1] In the books it is Dontos Hollard who offers his help to Sansa on the command of Petyr Baelish.[2]

Cersei mentions rumours that Tyrion lost his nose, an obvious reference to the more serious injury Tyrion suffers in the novels.

References and notes

This page uses content from the English Wikipedia. The original content was at Valar_Dohaeris. The list of authors can be seen in the page history of Valar_Dohaeris. As with A Wiki of Ice and Fire, the content of Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.