The Climb * *

I had actually submitted this to my IMDb account and it was rejected. It did go on quite too long. Part of the problem is so much to cover which is why I tried to cut them into review sections. I haven't found a way to discipline myself...

Littlefinger, with twisted glee, accentuating the rush that comes with getting his way and usurping his rival in Varys, offers his prostitute, Ros (Esmé Bianco), to Joffrey for "crossbow practice". Varys, hoping to serve as a vocal influence in Sansa being wed to Loras, must endure Littlefinger's news that he has failed. That chaos is a ladder and Littlefinger is there go all the way to the top. Pure evil and always scheming to curry favor with those most in power, Littlefinger is indeed quite a heel just building upon his infamy.

Tyrion soon learns in conversation with Cersei that it wasn't her but Joffrey who sent out his execution order, as they discuss the marriage arrangements both are against. It is when they discuss matters that appear to affect them both that there appears to be agreement. Earlier than this scene, Orella and Tywin discuss marriages, basically going back and forth on what they disagree with. Tywin wants Loras and Cersei wed or else he threatens to put Orella's boy on the Kingsguard. And the topic of homosexuality comes up as does incest, basically used as weapons, ribs against each other. Obviously Tywin gets his way with Orella agreeing to the wedding plans, albeit not without the brandishing barbs and verbal jabs.

And for the devious torturer who loves to cut on Theon and deceive him into believing he can be freed, the episode further follows his playful tactics to convince him he might be relieved of the suffering. Cuts to a finger, a game about "guess who I am and you will be let go", and begging to have a finger removed in order for the punishment to just end are this torturer's game of the moment. Theon went from being at Robb's side, the prince of Winterfell, and betrayed by Greyjoy "officers" (used loosely since they were just out for themselves) to a body to be flayed by a fiend who loves (and admits to it with great amusement) to cut and maim. Tough luck, kid.