Mockingbird (Game of Thrones)
| "Mockingbird" | |
|---|---|
| Game of Thrones episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 4 Episode 7 |
| Directed by | Alik Sakharov |
| Written by | David Benioff D. B. Weiss |
| Featured music | Ramin Djawadi |
| Cinematography by | Fabian Wagner |
| Editing by | Tim Porter |
| Original air date | May 18, 2014 |
| Running time | 51 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"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]
The title refers to the symbol of House Baelish, Littlefinger's house.
This episode marks the final appearance of Kate Dickie (Lysa Arryn).
Plot
 | This article's plot summary may be too long or excessively detailed. (May 2019) |
In King's Landing
Jaime tells Tyrion that Cersei has chosen Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane as her champion, 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, he reveals that he wants vengeance for Elia 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.
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
"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
- ^ "Here is your season 4 writers breakdown". WinterIsComing.net. February 26, 2014. Retrieved May 16, 2014.
- ^ Hibberd, James (July 16, 2013). "'Game of Thrones' season 4 directors chosen". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 16, 2014.
- ^ "Shows A–Z – Game of Thrones". The Futon Critic. Retrieved May 16, 2014.
- ^ Garcia, Elio; Antonsson, Linda (June 8, 2013). "EP407: Mockingbird". Westeros.org. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Top 10 Ratings (19-25 May 2014)". BARB. Retrieved January 19, 2017.
- ^ "More Related Content".
External links
