Television Review: The Ghost of Harrenhal (Game of Thrones, S2X05, 2012)

The Ghost of Harrenhal (S02E05)

Airdate: 29 April 2012

Written by: David Benioff & D. B. Weiss
Directed by: David Petrarca

Running Time: 54 minutes

The fifth episode of Game of Thrones' second season, The Ghost of Harrenhal, demonstrates from its very first scene that this series operates under a dramatically different narrative philosophy than most conventional television. Where a typical show would build tension across an entire episode, saving its most shocking twist for a climactic final act, Game of Thrones instead places its most consequential event at the very beginning. The assassination of Renly Baratheon occurs within the opening minutes, a bold structural choice that immediately signals to the audience that the writers, David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, are more interested in exploring the consequences of cataclysmic events than in milking suspense from their mere occurrence. This willingness to upend conventional storytelling expectations is what elevates the series above its fantasy peers.

The event in question is unfolds in Renly Baratheon’s tent in the presence of Lady Catelyn Stark, who had been attempting to negotiate an alliance, and Brienne of Tarth, who was sworn to protect him. Both women are left utterly stunned when the perpetrator reveals itself to be a dark, spectral presence — the product of black magic secretly summoned by Melisandre, the red priestess in service to Stannis Baratheon. The shadow creature, born from Stannis's own seed and Melisandre's sorcery, cuts Renly down before either woman can react. Catelyn and Brienne, however, are immediately confronted with a more pressing concern than comprehending what they have witnessed: everyone in the camp naturally assumes they are the assassins. Forced to flee for their lives, the two women escape into the night. On the road, Brienne, wracked with guilt over her failure to protect her liege, swears her loyalty to Catelyn, on the condition that she be permitted to take personal vengeance against Stannis should the opportunity ever arise. It is a beautifully handled moment of character transition, as Brienne's oath transfers from a dead king to a living lady.

In the immediate aftermath, Renly's army disintegrates with startling speed. His bannermen, still nominally sworn to the Lord Paramount of the Stormlands — now Stannis, as the sole surviving Baratheon brother — flock to his cause. The Tyrells, including Loras and Margaery, flee southwards under the protection of Petyr Baelish, apparently losing both the marriage alliance as leverage and any remaining interest in participating in the conflict. Stannis, now commanding a vastly superior force, orders Davos Seaworth to command the naval attack on King's Landing, though he accepts Davos's prudent suggestion that Melisandre should remain behind. It is a rare moment of wise counsel being heeded, and it speaks to the unique bond between the rigid king and his smuggler-turned-knight.

Back in King's Landing, the news of Renly's death is received with delight by Cersei, but Tyrion is far less sanguine. He recognises that Stannis, having absorbed Renly's forces, now holds overwhelming superiority over the Lannisters on both land and sea. Tyrion's investigation into the queen's secret activities leads him to the Alchemists' Guild, where he discovers that Cersei has ordered the production of Wildfire, an extremely flammable and dangerous substance she apparently intends to use in the city's defence. Demonstrating his characteristic cunning, Tyrion orders that production continue — but under his direction, not hers. It is a quiet coup, executed with the subtlety that defines Tyrion's approach to power.

At Harrenhal, Arya Stark, serving as Tywin Lannister's cupbearer, becomes privy to the strategic conferences of the Lannister command. Her intelligence catches Tywin's attention, though he dismisses her as nothing more than a Northern commoner, entirely unaware that he is confiding in the daughter of his greatest enemy. The scenes between Maisie Williams and Charles Dance are among the episode's finest, charged with a tension that derives from the audience's knowledge of what Tywin does not know. Arya's words — "anyone can be killed" — could serve as the series' unofficial motto, a chilling reminder of the fragility of power in Westeros. Her reunion with Jaqen H'ghar, now disguised as a Lannister man-at-arms, introduces a fascinating new dimension to her storyline. Jaqen explains that she saved three lives during the attack on the Northern prisoners, and that the Red God is therefore owed three deaths. She must name three men to be killed. She begins with the Lannister soldier who tortured prisoners for sport, and Jaqen obliges with brutal efficiency.

In Lordsport, Theon Greyjoy is given a ship called the Sea Bitch, with which he is expected to raid a fishing village in the North. He finds the crew dismissive of his lack of experience, but Dagmer (Ralph Ineson), the first mate, proves an exception — especially after Theon reveals his audacious plan to divert Northern forces from Winterfell. Back at Winterfell, Bran Stark tells of dreams in which the sea attacks the castle and his subjects drown, ominous portents that the audience understands in ways the characters cannot.

In Qarth, Daenerys Targaryen enjoys the hospitality of Xaro Xhoan Daxos and takes delight in watching her dragons learn to feed themselves and breathe fire. These creatures have become the talk of the city, and various factions vie for her favour, each apparently seeking to gain control of the dragons. One such figure is Pyat Pree (Ian Hanmore), a warlock who wishes Daenerys to visit the House of the Undying. Xaro informs Daenerys of Robert Baratheon's death and the subsequent civil war in the Seven Kingdoms, then makes his play: he asks for her hand in marriage in exchange for financing her campaign across the Narrow Sea. Jorah Mormont, however, fears that she would lose her independence by accepting, and volunteers instead to find a single ship sufficient to bring her followers once she lands in Westeros.

Beyond the Wall, the Lord Commander's troop reaches the Fist of the First Men, where they rendezvous with the experienced ranger Qhorin Halfhand (Simon Armstrong). He suggests that Mance Rayder's force, numerically superior and increasingly disciplined, can only be defeated by an assassination raid on Mance's camp. Jon Snow volunteers for the mission, eager to prove his worth.

The Ghost of Harrenhal is a very good episode, though, like its predecessor, its title refers to a storyline that is not the most important or consequential — at least at this stage. Arya's narrative is nevertheless fascinating, particularly her conversations with Tywin, which can be interpreted in myriad ways and showcase Williams delivering one of the series' most memorable performances. The relationship with Jaqen H'ghar, revealed to be a skilful assassin bound by a religion-inspired code of honour, is equally compelling.

Benioff and Weiss, in their script, wisely resolve the cliffhanger from the previous episode — the birth of Melisandre's shadow demon — in a practical, no-nonsense manner, immediately demonstrating what that entity can do. The assassination scene itself is not particularly well-directed, perhaps because it occurs in darkness, but its consequences are handled with far greater skill. The event drastically redraws the balance of power in Westeros, arguably making it the most consequential development since Ned Stark's execution. The script economically handles the various locations and subplots, ensuring that no storyline feels neglected.

Qarth, with its racially diverse population and exotic, Oriental-inspired costumes, offers a welcome respite from the dreary, cold, and grey aesthetic of Westeros. Yet, in an uncharacteristic return to the modesty of broadcast-era television, HBO chose to depart from Martin's source material by having the Qartheen women keep their breasts covered. It is a minor but notable concession to American network sensibilities.

Fans of history will appreciate the introduction of Wildfire, which is clearly inspired by Greek fire, the Byzantine secret weapon used to defend Constantinople from numerically superior foes in the early Middle Ages. This underlines the parallels between King's Landing and that real-life city, which was famous for its court intrigue and dysfunctional politics, marked by religious fanaticism and street violence.

Roy Dotrice, the highly respected British stage actor, appears in the role of Hallyne, the leader of the Alchemists' Guild. Dotrice, previously known for providing the voice for the audiobook versions of Martin's novels, was originally cast as Pycelle, but being in his late eighties, had to relinquish the role to Julian Glover due to ill health. When he recovered sufficiently, he was cast as Hallyne instead, a delightful bit of casting that rewards attentive viewers. The episode is also notable for featuring Snæfellsjökull, a glacier in Iceland, as one of the impressive locations that stand in for the unforgivingly cold areas north of the Wall.

In sum, The Ghost of Harrenhal is an episode defined by its willingness to upend expectations, to kill off major characters without warning, and to explore the messy, unpredictable consequences of political violence. It is not perfect — the assassination scene is visually murky, and the Qarth storyline has yet to find its dramatic footing — but it represents the series operating at a high level of craft and ambition. The episode's greatest achievement is in making the audience feel the weight of Renly's death not as a cheap shock but as a genuine turning point in the war for Westeros, one whose repercussions will be felt for seasons to come.

RATING: 7/10 (+++)

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