Game Of Thrones Season 4 Episode 3
The third episode of the fourth season of Game of Thrones, titled "The Breaker of Chains," aired on April 20, 2014. This episode was directed by Alex Graves and written by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, based on the novel A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin. In this episode, we see the aftermath of King Joffrey's death, as well as the continued struggles for power and control in Westeros.
The Death of King Joffrey
The episode begins with the aftermath of King Joffrey's death. His mother, Queen Cersei, is beside herself with grief, while his grandfather, Tywin Lannister, is more concerned with maintaining the Lannister grip on the Iron Throne. A stunned Sansa Stark is taken into custody, accused of poisoning Joffrey, while her husband, Tyrion Lannister, is arrested for the same crime.
The death of King Joffrey sets off a power struggle in Westeros, as various factions attempt to position themselves to take advantage of the chaos. The Tyrells, who had been allied with the Lannisters, are now in disarray, while the Martells, who had been their enemies, look to take advantage of the situation.
The Wedding Night of Tyrion and Sansa
One of the most controversial scenes in the episode is the wedding night of Tyrion and Sansa. Despite both characters being forcibly married against their will, the scene is unsettling due to the vast power differential between them. While the scene is not graphic, it is still uncomfortable to watch.
This scene highlights one of the themes of Game of Thrones, which is the abuses of the powerful against the powerless. Throughout the series, we see characters use their power to exploit those without it, whether it be through sexual violence or other means.
Daenerys and the Unsullied
In this episode, we also see Daenerys Targaryen continuing her campaign to retake the Iron Throne. She meets with the Unsullied, the elite slave soldiers she has freed, and they pledge their loyalty to her. Daenerys then gives them a new mission: to march on Meereen, another slave city, and free its inhabitants.
This scene highlights the theme of liberation that runs through Game of Thrones. Daenerys is one of the few characters who actively seeks to free the oppressed, rather than exploit them. Throughout the series, we see various characters attempt to gain power at the expense of others, but Daenerys seeks a more noble goal.
The Death of Shae
Another controversial scene in the episode is the death of Shae, Tyrion's former lover. Shae had testified against Tyrion during his trial for Joffrey's murder, but Tyrion later confronts her in his cell. In a fit of rage, he strangles her to death.
This scene highlights the destructive power of jealousy and revenge. Throughout the series, we see characters act out of a desire for revenge, even when it ultimately harms themselves or those they care about.
Conclusion
Overall, "The Breaker of Chains" is a pivotal episode in the Game of Thrones series. It sets off a chain of events that will have far-reaching consequences for the rest of the season and beyond. While some of the scenes are controversial, they all serve to highlight the complex themes of power, oppression, and liberation that are at the heart of the series.