Game of Thrones Season 7, Episode 3: ‘The Queen’s Justice’ Review

On today’s “Game of Thrones” episode 3 of season 7, we kick things off with Jon Snow finally arriving at Dragonstone for the first time. Who would have thought that Jon meeting Daenerys Targaryen would be one of the best episodes yet? It certainly fared well for this week’s episode. “The Queen’s Justice” proved to be a key moment possibly for the entire season, what with Ice and Fire finally coming together albeit rocky starts.

This episode was also a harrowing visit to Westeros. Lady Olenna Tyrell finally met her apparent death at the hands (that sounds rude, how about… cup?) of Jaime Lannister—but not before having the last laugh as she revealed that it was her who poisoned Joffrey during his wedding with Margaery. What a way to exit the series.

Meanwhile, Tyrion’s impressive battle strategy skills were overpowered by an unexpected tactic from the Lannisters and Euron Greyjoy’s fleet. The Unsullied successfully infiltrated Casterly Rock but were only able to do so because of an underwhelming amount of Lannister soldiers.

Back in the Citadel, Ser Jorah Mormont is finally free from the greyscale—all thanks to Samwell Tarly. He’s back on his feet and probably going back to gushing and mooning over Daenerys as the Knight stuck in the friend zone. But throughout the episode, one of the most significant reunions would probably be that of Sansa—now a temporary ruler of Winterfell and possibly a battle armor critic if “Game of Thrones” happened during Twitter’s time—and her brother Bran Stark.

Olenna Tyrell: The Quickest, Most Painless Game of Thrones Death Yet

Perhaps the most chill way to exit the show was Olenna’s. There wasn’t any kind of brutal killing for the Queen of Thorns. No beheading, hanging, stabbing, shaming, or whatever; just a cup of poison wine. It was Jaime who talked Cersei Lannister out of any brutal way of killing Lady Olenna. Of course, with Olenna being the most savage Lady in Westeros, happily drank from the cup. Jaime soon had to reconsider his mercy, though.

Diana Rigg in Game of Thrones (2011). Photo by Macall B. Polay/HBO

As soon as Olenna drank the poisoned wine, she carefully and elegantly explained how she plotted and successfully killed Joffrey through—in a funny and poetic turning of tables—posioned wine. “I want her to know,” Olenna said of Cersei to Jaime, “that I was the one who killed your son.” It was a good and honorable way for Olenna to die. We’re definitely going to miss her cunning savagery.

Jaime and Euron: The Axis Powers of Westeros?

Tyrion thought he had successfully pulled one over his Lannister siblings when he took over Casterly Rock through the Unsullied. Since Tyrion was the one who made the tunnels, the soldiers were able to take the Lannister guards by surprise and stage a home invasion albeit a very underwhelming stand off. It turns out that Tyrion failed to factor in Euron’s fleet, as he went in to ambush Daenerys’ fleet with fireballs galore and Jaime focusing the bulk of the Lannister army to attack Highgarden and put an end to the Tyrells. Jaime and Euron obviously hate each other, but their tandem of impressive battle commandeering and outright insanity was clearly no match for Daenerys’ forces. Tyrion needs to revamp his battle tactics because clearly, Cersei seems to be gaining the upper hand by the minute.

Pilou Asbaek and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau in Game of Thrones (2011). Photo by Helen Sloan/HBO

Jon and Daenerys: A Minor Clash of Ice and Fire

As previously mentioned, this episode of “Game of Thrones” proved to be one of the best and most crucial episodes yet. Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen are obviously the key protagonists in this entire hoo-ha of the Seven Kingdoms. The episode opened with Jon finally landing at Dragonstone and enjoying a touching reunion with Tyrion. He was also introduced to Ser Davos Seaworth who, coincidentally, stood beside Stannis Baratheon during the Battle of Blackwater Bay. The guests from the North were then led to Daenerys’ throne room. However, things got heated up quickly as the Mother of Dragons demanded Jon to bow down to her, which is clearly not what Jon was there for.

Nathalie Emmanuel, Peter Dinklage, Liam Cunningham and Kit Harington in Game of Thrones (2011). Photo by Macall B. Polay/HBO

“You’re not guilty of your father’s crimes and I am not beholden to my ancestor’s vows,” Jon said as he rebutted Daenerys when she mentioned the pledge of allegiance that the Starks made to House Targaryen. It’s amazing how these two stood on solid ground with their pride unfaltering in the midst of each other.

“He’s refused to call me a queen, he’s refused to bow and now he’s calling me a child,” said Daenerys to Tyrion as Jon went on about his White Walker 101 bit. “I was born to rule the Seven Kingdoms and I will,” she insisted, ignoring Jon’s facts about the snow zombies making their way to the Wall. Jon was clearly so frustrated that it was only a matter seconds before he spontaneously combusted. Thankfully, Ser Davos came to his aide. He did a very dramatic sales talk which kind of hit a chord with the Queen when he mentioned that Jon took a knife to the heart just to protect the North.

Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington in Game of Thrones (2011). Photo by Macall B. Polay/HBO

In the end, we see the tension ease up as Tyrion talks to Jon while both were brooding on a cliff. “You look a lot better brooding than I do,” said Tyrion to Jon. “You make me feel like a failure at brooding.”

In an episode full of mini-battles and poison kisses and cups, Jon and Tyrion’s conversation brought some kind of relief from the violence. Tyrion seemed to be convinced that the White Walkers are indeed a threat not just to the North but for Westeros in entirety. He talked Daenerys into supplying Jon the dragonglass that he needed, and all ended well. Maybe next week, we’ll finally see a friendly and productive exchange between the King in the North and The Mother of Dragons.

Cersei V Ellaria: Dawn of Justice

It was probably one of the best days for Cersei. Euron paraded his catch all over King’s Landing and delivered the package to the Iron Throne’s feet. An eye for an eye, according to Cersei, as she went on to claim Ellaria and the remaining Sand Snake. Once Ellaria was chained in the dungeon, Cersei came in to narrate how much of a sociopath she is becoming, and also to show Ellaria how painful it is to lose a child. As an act of revenge for Ellaria giving Myrcella Lannister the poison kiss, Cersei did the same to Ellaria’s daughter, Tyene. The only surviving Sand Snake would slowly die out in pain, and in chains, as Ellaria will be forced to watch her daughter die. Definitely cruel and creative, Mad Queen Cersei. Props to you.

Indira Varma and Rosabell Laurenti Sellers in Game of Thrones (2011). Photo by Helen Sloan/HBO

Bran Stark: The Weird And Nerdy Brother Everybody Avoids

Ever since running away from Winterfell when Theon did a hostile takeover, Bran has been branded as one of the creepiest and weirdest protagonists of the show. Sansa was obviously freaked out during today’s episode, because what could be creepier than your little brother knowing about the horrible details of your wedding night with Ramsay Bolton?

“I’m the three-eyed Raven,” the only remaining Stark prince said to his big sister Sansa. She prods Bran to explain it to her, but it ends up very creepy and triggering as Bran reminded Sansa of Ramsay. However, it looked pretty clear to Sansa: Bran is a mystic mind-reader capable of reminding you of your greatest fears and most-kept experiences (not to mention a trauma digger). She hurriedly made up an excuse to leave Bran alone. Suddenly, being hovered over by Baelish seemed less creepy than what Bran just did.

Overall Verdict

“The Queen’s Justice” did bring justice to what everyone was waiting for: Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen finally meeting. With a good screenplay and over the edge action, this episode contained long scenes, but no drag to it. What Daenerys didn’t realize was that she is actually looking at the only ally she’ll ever need in her war to rule over Westeros, and the only person who can help her achieve it as soon as the threat of the White Walkers is neutralized.

Everything is on lock n’ load here. Bring it on.

“Game of Thrones” continues next week with “The Spoils of War,” Sunday at 9 PM on HBO. Watch the preview below: