Game of Thrones Season 4, Episode 8: "The Mountain and the Viper" (Spoilers included)

After two weeks of waiting, episode 8 is finally here. More importantly, the Red Viper vs. the Mountain is finally here.  This is the most Game of Thrones has ever emphasized a 1 vs. 1 battle, the culmination of events that started in episode 2 of this season.  Does it live up to expectations?  Honestly, I don't know.  I'm pretty disturbed.  I don' t know how to rate this episode.  I will try though.

So what happened before the battle?  The wildlings continue their violent raids; but luckily Ygritte is the one that comes upon Gilley.  Ramsay and Roose share a Lion King moment.  Grey Worm and Missandei realize they have the hots for each other; and sadly it's revealed that Jorah was once spying for Varys.  Sansa and Littlefinger cover their stories and reveal their motivations.  All of this stuff was pretty solid but nothing spectacular.  Then the battle happens and it would've been pretty awesome if Oberyn won; but he didn't.  His death is brutal; made worse by the man who killed and raped his sister.  If I was biased; I would give the episode a 1.0 for the letdown of the battle and the fact that we won't see Oberyn anymore.  However, the episode was successful in advancing some plot points and gave us a shocker of an ending.

Grade: 8.5

• Episodes starts off with the confirmation that Sam left Gilley in the most dangerous and sleazy town possible.
• "I should never have left her there" -Sam. Duhhh.
• Grey Word checking out translator chick, do you blame him..
• Daenerys and Missandei have both wondered about the Unsullied's junk.
• "I'm glad you saw me." "So am I". Their flirting is so classy.
• The ever-increasing craziness of Theon/Reek and Ramsay.
• That jump cut of the guy who thought he was going to live, then what they did to him after, that's some cold stuff Theon.
• Littlefinger looks horny during Sansa's fake confession.
• About time someone mentioned the awkward breastfeeding; its Lhya's legacy.
• Jorah was originally spying on Daenerys for Varys, whaaaa.
• So Ramsay's having the best day ever.
• "You're not a child any longer".  Littlefinger getting his creep on.
• Jamie cant think of a name for when he killed his cousin.  I suggest cousincide.
• Oberyn: "Size does not matter when you're flat on your back".  Tyrion: "Thank the Gods.."
• Tywin cut Aemon's speech short.
• I watched the last 10 minutes in nervousness, for the worst to happen.
• Oberyn's death was nasty and graphic, made worse by the fact that he was an awesome character.
• I feel sick again, that Game of Thrones feeling that I hadn't had since the Red Wedding.