Game Of Thrones Season 4 Ep 8
The eighth episode of Game of Thrones season 4, titled The Mountain and the Viper, is widely regarded as one of the most intense and nail-biting episodes of the entire series. The episode was first aired on May 31, 2014, and was directed by Alex Graves.
The Plot
The episode primarily focuses on the trial by combat between Oberyn Martell, the Prince of Dorne, and Gregor Clegane, the Mountain. The trial by combat is a means of determining guilt or innocence in Westeros, and in this case, Oberyn is fighting on behalf of Tyrion Lannister, who has been accused of poisoning Joffrey Baratheon.
Oberyn's motive for fighting for Tyrion goes deeper than simply proving his innocence. Oberyn is seeking revenge for the brutal murder of his sister and her children, who were killed by the Mountain during the sack of King's Landing years ago.
The fight itself is incredibly brutal, with Oberyn using his speed and agility to outmaneuver the Mountain. However, Oberyn's desire for revenge ultimately leads to his downfall, as he taunts the Mountain during the fight and gets too close, allowing the Mountain to crush his skull with his bare hands.
The Impact
The death of Oberyn Martell was a significant moment in the series, as it marked the end of one of the most beloved and charismatic characters. Oberyn was widely regarded as a fan favorite, thanks to his sharp wit, his charming personality, and his willingness to stand up to the Lannisters.
The death of Oberyn also had significant implications for the plot of the series, as it removed one of the major players in the ongoing conflict between the Lannisters and the Martells. The Martells are a powerful family from Dorne, and their feud with the Lannisters has been simmering for years.
Overall, The Mountain and the Viper was a crucial episode in the series, both in terms of its impact on the plot and its emotional impact on the audience. It remains one of the most memorable episodes of the entire series, and it is often cited as an example of Game of Thrones at its best.
The Reception
The Mountain and the Viper received widespread critical acclaim upon its initial release. The episode was praised for its tense and dramatic pacing, its excellent performances, and its shocking conclusion. In particular, Pedro Pascal's performance as Oberyn Martell was widely praised, with many critics hailing it as one of the best performances in the entire series.
The episode also received high ratings, with an audience of 7.17 million viewers tuning in for its initial airing. This made it one of the most-watched episodes of the entire series up to that point.
The Legacy
The events of The Mountain and the Viper had significant implications for the rest of the series. The death of Oberyn Martell had a profound impact on the other characters, particularly Tyrion Lannister, who had become close to Oberyn in the lead-up to the trial by combat.
The fight between Oberyn and the Mountain also had a lasting impact on the audience, who were left reeling by its shocking and brutal conclusion. The episode is often cited as a prime example of the show's willingness to subvert audience expectations and deliver unexpected twists and turns.
Conclusion
The Mountain and the Viper is a crucial episode in the Game of Thrones canon, both in terms of its impact on the plot and its emotional impact on the audience. The episode's shocking conclusion, along with its excellent performances and tense pacing, has made it one of the most beloved episodes of the entire series. Even years after its initial release, The Mountain and the Viper remains one of the standout moments in the history of television.