Mockingbird

Mockingbird is another classic episode. Not only does it live up to the previous episode in a compelling way, but it raises the stakes to what would happen if one person can win the combat to either spare Tyrion or sentence him to death.

The storyline's still compelling, the writing is still superb, the performances still shine especially Peter Dinklage who continues to make Tyrion Lannister more believable, the pacing's great and never drags, the editing and directing are sharp and crisp, the scenery and sets along with the costumes are still neat, and the music score from Ramin Djawadi is even more terrific and suited the combat sequence really well the same way he did for the action in the previous episode. So, overall, another classic episode that engaged me. Thumbs up! :)

My goodness this is a great series! It is amazing that when an episode isn't as good as another, it is still better than just about everything else on TV. Of course, the focus is Tyrion, who must now find a champion, someone who is willing to risk his life for the little guy. Jaime has already laid into him for his rant against Cersei and Tyrin and the betrayal of Shae. You can't blame them when you see the giant they are going to have to face. Meanwhile, Sansa and Littlefinger are finding their ways at the Ayrie with that goofball woman and her wimpy son. Arya and the Hound are the odd couple. He is attacked and bitten and this is going to be something we know is going to have an issue with. His fear of fire is possibly going to be the death of him. Dany get in the sack with her new guy. Brienne is without a doubt one of the neatest characters. She is showing some weakness at times. She and Pod must really appear strange together.

No Spoilers ahead!!

After his great speech in the last episode, and on his demand of trial by combat, Tyrion is rescued to his cell. Jaime comes to meet him there and tells him how he's lost this golden opportunity to live out of the trial. But Tyrion says that he'll not join the castle for a crime he's not committed. Then they discuss about who's going to fight for the crown and who for Tyrion. I'll stop here about it.

In Meereen, things are going to change a little bit. The Hound is having some tough time along with Arya. Brienne and Podrik are wondering where Sansa might be and they meet an old companion of Arya in their way. And "the mockingbird" is a special treat for you to watch! Not gonna spoil that!

Once again, Peter Dinklage succeeds in sending chills down your spines with his brilliant acting along with an extremely brilliant background score. This episode is directed by Alik Sakharov, who won an emmy for his brilliant cinematography in the TV series 'Rome'. Here again, some shots will leave you mesmerized.

This is the one episode of this season, where many "important" things happen. And I mean really really important. Watch out.

A very good episode which features some great dialogue exchanges and really grabs and holds your interest for the duration of the episode. Along with the previous episode, major decisions and events were set into motion and we will see the results in the final three episodes. Game of thrones never really has simple transitional or filler episodes, and this definitely is not either. Two of my favorite characters are heavily featured in this episode. The first sees an opportunity to try and right some of the wrongs of his past and makes complete sense looking back on everything this season and I'm sure many even saw this coming. The other, probably the most devious mastermind of them all (in my opinion), is constantly manipulating everything and everyone around him for his own personal current and future advancement. Nothing is ever as it seems with this character, and the only thing you can predict with him is that he will make himself better off. By the end of this episode you will may become a little angry due to the fact that you have to wait a week until the next episode. I for one cannot wait to watch these next three episodes play out, it should be one wild ride!

Came to 'Game of Thrones' fairly late in the game and due to being so busy the binge-watching was gradual. Have found myself truly loving the show, very quickly becoming one of my favourites. It totally lives up to the hype and not only does it do the brilliant source material justice (a rarity in television) it is on its own merits one of the finest, most addictive and consistently compelling shows in recent years and quality-wise it puts a lot of films in recent years to shame.

Season 4 was a great season with none of the episodes being less than very good. Even thought "Oathkeeper" was great, regardless of its treatment of the source material that upset a number of fans. Alongside "The Lion and the Rose" and "The Laws of Gods and Men", "Mockingbird" is one of the season's best.

"Mockingbird" does mainly set up what is to follow, and it does that brilliantly. But it doesn't feel like an episode that does just that and nothing else, there is much more to "Mockingbird" than just set up and filler. It is also an episode that is surprising, suspenseful and emotional with a good deal going on without feeling that there is too much of it.

Although all the cast are superb, with not a weak link, once again Peter Dinklage is particularly brilliant. His performance may not quite be the powerhouse than in "The Laws of Gods and Men", but Dinklage does prove why he is a fan favourite and one of the main reasons why 'Game of Thrones' is as popular as it is.

Visually, "Mockingbird" looks amazing, as one would expect for 'Game of Thrones'. The scenery is throughout spectacular, the sets are hugely atmospheric and beautiful on the eyes with a real meticulous eye for detail and the costumes suit the characters to a tee. The make-up is beautifully done. The visual effects are some of the best of any television programme and are not overused or abused, the scale, the detail and how they actually have character and soul are better than those in a lot of the big-budget blockbusters. As well the cinematography and editing, which are cinematic quality as well.

One cannot talk about "Mockingbird" without mentioning the thematically, orchestrally and atmospherically multi-layered music scoring and the unforgettable main theme. Again, worthy of a high-budget fantasy/action/drama film.

It is hard not to be bowled over by the quality of the writing, outstanding isn't a strong enough adjective to describe how good the writing is once again. It always has a natural flow, is layered and thought-provoking and demonstrates a wide range of emotions such as suspenseful tension, poignant pathos and witty humour. The story is paced beautifully, structured with such nuance and attention to coherence, a high emotional level and is done with intelligence, passion and sensitivity.

In summary, wonderful. 10/10 Bethany Cox