Game Of Thrones: Season 4 'Death Watch' (Loss And Change In Two Swords)

2. Themes Of The Week: Loss

In Kings Landing Jaime lost Cersei and further north Ygritte was still grieving the betrayal and loss of her relationship with Jon Snow. Relationships didn't fare well at all this week. Sansa continued to hate Tyrion for his family's actions, despite all his attempts to console her. Frustrated by his arranged marriage, Shae began to push away from Tyrion, asking him to let her leave. Even Daario was in Daenerys's bad books. Love certainly wasn't on anyone's minds this week...unless you count Oberyn and Ellaria Sand's approach to brothel-loving that is. But it wasn't just love that suffered. Tywin lost the power he held over his son. Old drunkard Dontos Hollard showed he had lost all the power and respect his family once held and his gift to Sansa, the last remnant of his better life, was very touching. Most significantly of all, Arya lost what hope and innocence she had by killing Polliver. Regaining her sword and heading off again with the Hound for company, we have to wonder what dark path she will fall down next. Tyrion too seems to lose power with each passing episode; reduced to waiting for the Prince of Dorne at the crossroads of Kings Landing, he is far removed from the role of Hand Of The King he held in season two. With a family that hates him, his love moving away, his wife hating him and even his guests laughing at him. But he still has Bronn, meaning the great bromance can continue. Finally Jon Snow grieved for his 'brother' Robb Stark and while unspoken, we're sure the painful ending to his relationship with Ygritte. At least he got away without losing his head, thanks to the wise old words of Maester Aemon.