Mockingbird (Game of Thrones)

"Mockingbird" is the seventh episode of the fourth season of HBO's fantasy television series Game of Thrones, and the 37th overall. The episode was written by series co-creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss,[1] and directed by Alik Sakharov.[2] It aired on May 18, 2014.[3]

"Mockingbird"
Game of Thrones episode
Episode no.Season 4
Episode 7
Directed byAlik Sakharov
Written byDavid Benioff
D. B. Weiss
Featured musicRamin Djawadi
Cinematography byFabian Wagner
Editing byTim Porter
Original air dateMay 18, 2014 (2014-05-18)
Running time51 minutes
Guest appearance(s)

The title refers to the symbol of House Baelish, Littlefinger's house.

This episode marks the final appearance of Kate Dickie (Lysa Arryn).

Plot

In King's Landing

Jaime tells Tyrion that Cersei has chosen Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane as her champion for Tyrion's trial by combat, and refuses to be Tyrion's champion due to his poor performance with his left hand. Tyrion sends for Bronn, but Bronn tells him that Cersei has offered him a highborn bride and also refuses to be Tyrion's champion, admitting his own fear of the Mountain's fighting prowess. Oberyn comes to visit Tyrion; after recounting how he met Tyrion as a newborn and how Cersei always blamed him for the death of their mother, he reveals that he wants vengeance for Elia and her children and tells Tyrion that he will be his champion.

At Castle Black

Jon suggests to Thorne to block the passage through the Wall to prevent Rayder's army from coming through, but his request is denied.

At Dragonstone

Melisandre tells Selyse that the Lord of Light needs Shireen to depart Dragonstone with them.

In the Riverlands

Brienne and Podrick stop at an inn, where they meet Hot Pie, who tells them about his journey with Arya. Podrick and Brienne decide to go to the Vale because Lysa is Sansa's and Arya's last living relative with money.

Arya and Sandor are attacked by Biter and Rorge, who were part of the Night's Watch caravan that Arya travelled with. After Sandor kills Biter, Rorge explains that there is a bounty on Sandor's head because of killing Lannister soldiers. Arya kills Rorge. Later, Sandor refuses to let Arya cauterize his wounds, and recounts how Gregor had burned him as a child and his parents covering up the incident.

In Meereen

Daenerys sleeps with Daario after he comes to her chamber at night. The next morning, Daenerys tells Jorah that she has ordered Daario to retake Yunkai and kill all the remaining masters. Jorah points out that if Ned Stark had done the same to him when he sold slaves, he would not be there to advise her. Daenerys instead orders Jorah to tell Daario to take Hizdahr with him to advise the masters in conforming to her rule.

At the Eyrie

Petyr tells Sansa that he loved Catelyn and killed Joffrey to avenge her. Petyr kisses Sansa and Lysa sees them. After Lysa threatens Sansa, Petyr admits to Lysa that he truly loved Catelyn and pushes her through the Moon Door.

Production
The episode was written by series co-creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss.

"Mockingbird" adapts part of material from A Storm of Swords, chapters 65, 66 and 80 (Arya XII, Tyrion IX & Sansa VII).[4] It also adapts chapter 20 (Brienne IV) from A Feast for Crows as well as chapter 2 (Daenerys I) from A Dance with Dragons. Additional material comes from Sansa II of A Game of Thrones, Tyrion V of A Storm of Swords and Daenerys VI of A Dance With Dragons.

Reception

Ratings

The episode was watched by 7.20 million viewers during its premiere hour, setting a new series high.[5] In the United Kingdom, the episode was viewed by 1.639 million viewers, making it the highest-rated broadcast that week. It also received 0.095 million timeshift viewers.[6]

Critical reception

"Mockingbird" received critical acclaim. Rotten Tomatoes reported a score of 100% based on reviews from 36 critics with an average score of 9 out of 10. The site's consensus is that "Though [the episode] mostly sets the table for future events, it remains chock-full of action, suspense, surprise, and raw human emotion."[7]

Accolades
Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result
2014 Hollywood Professional Alliance Outstanding Color Grading Joe Finley Nominated
2015 American Society of Cinematographers Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Regular Series Fabian Wagner Nominated

References
  1. "Here is your season 4 writers breakdown". WinterIsComing.net. February 26, 2014. Retrieved May 16, 2014.
  2. Hibberd, James (July 16, 2013). "'Game of Thrones' season 4 directors chosen". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 16, 2014.
  3. "Shows A–Z – Game of Thrones". The Futon Critic. Retrieved May 16, 2014.
  4. Garcia, Elio; Antonsson, Linda (June 8, 2013). "EP407: Mockingbird". Westeros.org. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  5. Kondolojy, Amanda (May 19, 2014). "'Game of Thrones' At Series Highs; Season Highs for 'Veep' + 'Silicon Valley' & John Oliver Remain Strong". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
  6. "Top 10 Ratings (19-25 May 2014)". BARB. Retrieved January 19, 2017.
  7. "More Related Content".
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