Game of Thrones Series 2 Episode 7 Review - ‘A Man Without Honour’

"My legacy will be determined in the coming months. You know what legacy means? It's what you pass down to your children, and your children's children. It's what remains of you when you're gone."

Tywin's statement on legacy is cold, calm and methodical. He recognises the achievements one has in their short time on Earth can have a monumental effect on future generations. Whilst not making him sympathetic, a clear motive is discerned as to why the Lannister Lord is determined to dominate the Seven Kingdoms with his monstrous grandson on the throne.

But his cruel and canny nature has already left its mark on his three children. Tyrion as a dwarf is mocked and vilified in equal measure, whilst the twins Jaime and Cersei are imprisoned both literally and metaphorically. Jaime, as the heir to Casterly Rock and a sworn soldier of the Kingsguard, should be a son any father could want to have. But the reckless knight was captured by Robb and has spent this series rotting away in a makeshift cell. The kingslayer is accussed by Catlin as, "A man without honour", and it would certainly seem so as Jaime kills his own cousin as part of his futile escape attempt.

Cersei meanwhile is trapped due to her being a woman. Being Queen, or to put it more bluntly the wife of The King, is the closest she can get to power. But even that appears out of her clutches now as her despicable son Joffrey ignores her advice and does as he pleases. She manages to convey her feelings to Sansa. After a fevered dream recalling the rape she almost suffered at the riot, Sansa awakens to find blood all over the bed, her moment of womanhood as violent and repugnant as her to-be husband. A marriage can now take place, and Cersei confides that, "Bringing little princes and princesses into this world; the greatest honour for a queen." Children are the legacy all mothers bare, the one thing they should nurture and cherish. But those children are also representative of their father, and a constant reminder of a sexual encounter one would sometimes rather forget.

One such reminder is Jon Snow. The bastard fathered by Eddard Stark out of wedlock is put to an even more arduous test this week. After Ygritte's sexual flirtations, she is flabagasted to discover that Jon is a virgin, and that as a member of the Night's Watch he can never love a woman. She states incredulously, "You swore some stupid oath and now you can never touch a girl." Jon was born of dishonour and so has spent his entire life seeking to be the honourable person. With him surrounded by wildlings, and his fellow rangers seemingly gone, it will be even harder for him to keep his honour.

As for Theon, he has finally begun to understand the importance of reputation in influencing others. After Bran and Rickon escaped last week, the 'Prince of Winterfell' hunts after them. Unable to find the scent, he comes across two peasant boys and forms a wicked plan. Presenting their burned bodies as that of the two young Starks, the Northmen are horrified as Theon notes, "It's better to appear cruel than weak." It is also better to be loved than hated, and this deception could lead to the venegeful wrath or the North down upon him.

Playing the Game

We got to see both sides of Tywin Lannister this week, and why he is such a shrewd political operator. There seems to be a genuine rapport between him and Arya, and he even offers her his supper. But during a conversation Arya says, "My lord" as opposed to the "M'Lord" that a lowborn would say, and he instantly pounces on it by saying, "If you're going to pose as a commoner you should do it properly." If he knows who she truly is, what game is Tywin playing? Our uncertainty over his future actions makes him appear more dangerous than ever.

Being Played

Thirteen, unlucky for some, especially if you are not a warlock or Xaro. The other eleven members of The Thirteen rulers of Qarth met a grisly end as Xaro announced himself King of the city, and Pyat Pree told Danaerys that he has her dragons. Goading her into coming to the House of the Undying, one wonders what further mischief and treachery the warlocks have in store.

Best Moment

After a noticeable lack of Jaime this series he did manage to get the best scene. Sharing a cell with cousin Alton, the two appear to have a tender conversation about youthful dreams as Alton recounts the day he squired for him, calling it, "The best day of my life." The scene turns on it's head when up-close Jaime announces that Alton can help him escape, through dying. The way Jaime brutally killed his own cousin in an instant was shocking and once more highlighted that love and affection and weaknesses when dealing with people who will do everything in their power to get what they want.