.more wine.

I really enjoyed it, it gave me some great examples of what I love about this show which is the interaction between characters. The opening scene was a gut punch, wow, it had my heart breaking for poor Arya. And Walder Frey eating and howling while they cleaned up the blood, he is the worst ... the worst. I like the change ups, especially Yara/Asha. I am not sure why but I was really moved by her character standing up to Balon and heading off to rescue her little brother. I also like the way The Hound and Arya's relationship is less confrontational than in the books. I would like to see them together for a while longer. Much has been made of the final scene and the colonial implications but I simply think it was a matter of hiring local extras (don't they film in Morrocco?) for a scene that called for a large crowd. I can imagine local actors wouldn't be too hot about getting passed over for whiter looking foreigners. A gig is a gig you know? Anyway, great episode, they wrapped things up nicely and paved the way for Season 4. I give it a 9 out of 10.

Between a 9 and a 10 only because I had a more chaotic red wedding in mind when reading the book. I need to watch it again with fresh eyes, their version was cold, fairly quiet and brutal. Grey Wind not being let out to fight to the death. But when Arya and Grey Wind locked eyes as he died... Wow, oh man. I loved the switch from Jingle Bells to the sad young Frey wife. Brilliant. Catelyn ... Oh, when she slapped Roose Bolton, yes, that. Robb and Catelyn before Roose sent him Lannisters regards ... !!!! tears!!!! Everything about Queenscrow except it not being in the lake. But that is small. Yigritte's face when Jon leaves!!! Arya and the Hound forever! Walder Frey, the worst human on earth. So delightfully slimey. Salt and bread!!!!! Did I mention Catelyn? Omg all the Catelyn even if she didn't go berserk, catatonic works too.