Living with Regrets

“Seduce away. It’s been so long. Though I rather think it’s all for naught. What happens when the nonexistent bumps against the decrepit? A question for the philosophers.”  — Lady Olenna, "Game of Thrones"


It's been a rough few weeks for many in Westeros. Plans have been made and haven't worked out, and that's led to some tough introspection. And, for many, a lot of regret.

Last week Jamie Lannister stepped outside himself and tried to intercede for someone else. He paid for it with his right hand. This week, the once mighty Kingslayer was ready to give up. It was clear a part of him wished that he'd not decided to look out for others and had rather focused on number one. He spent most of the hour throwing himself a pity party or picking fights he couldn't win.

But the biggest regret might have come from Theon Greyjoy, who was once a valued member of the Stark forces who tried to impress his birth father by turning on his adopted family. It was a move that failed to pay off, and Theon couldn't help but reflect on the choice he faced, the decision he made, and what that meant for his future.

Theon, in one of the most interesting emotional moments of the hour, reflected that he made the wrong choice, alienating himself from his only real family. But he didn't have long to wallow in self pity before he found himself captured and enduring torture yet again.

This isn't the first time regret has come up in the season. Catelyn Stark has spent a few episodes feeling regret over her choices. In all instances the wrong choices made have led these characters down the path to ruin.

It will be interesting who else comes to regret the decisions they've made.

Other episode highlights:
* It seems no child is good enough for Tywin Lannister. His oldest son, Jamie, has been captured and will never be the same. In the first episode of season three it was Tyrion's turn to feel the sharp bite of his father's appraisal. Last night it was Cersei's turn. The Queen-regent felt like she might be at the top of the heap in terms of Lannister children, but her short-comings were made all too clear by Tywin. He is consistent in his biting appraisal of his children.

* It seems the most fascinating story line to this point is the march of Danerys toward Westeros. After weeks of simmering under the surface, you knew the Mother of Dragons was poised to assert herself. Last night she did, and now she has a giant army and three dragons backing her claim to the throne.