Game of Thrones season 7: Episode 3 photo analysis
Game of Thrones’ next episode, “The Queen’s Justice,” now has official photos that center almost entirely on one event. Let’s break them down.
Game of Thrones knows that we all know what’s coming in episode 3 of season 7. There’s no getting around it. The first two episodes have built it up, and now it’s time for the Mother of Dragons and the King in the North to finally come face to face.
Now, do any of these photos released by HBO actually put the two of them in the same frame? Well, no.
But they are highly suggestive, which is about all we can expect anyway.
Episode 63 (season 7, episode 3), debut 7/30/17: Jacob Anderson.
photo: Helen Sloan/courtesy of HBO
I reiterate: highly suggestive. This is a great look at the Unsullied armor, including Daenerys Targaryen’s three-headed dragon circle. Symbolically, it’s interesting she’s not using the traditional Targaryen sigil, but we’ve talked a lot about Daenerys’ relationship to the idea of dragonhood (dragonosity?) already .
Episode 63 (season 7, episode 3), debut 7/30/17: Emilia Clarke.
photo: Helen Sloan/courtesy of HBO
This is one of two shots of Daenerys that we have in this batch. She’s getting very good at sitting on a throne. Note the careful lack of an expression at all. It’s very neutral, instead, which is actually the kind of thing you want to have for a ruler. She’s not letting anything on in this visit.
Episode 63 (season 7, episode 3), debut 7/30/17: Liam Cunningham, Kit Harington.
photo: Macall B. Polay/courtesy of HBO
In contrast, here’s the first shot of Jon Snow and Davos Seaworth. Davos is a very interesting choice to take with him in that he’s an old Baratheon loyalist, but Daenerys really can’t comment because of Tyrion Lannister and Varys. Jon’s face here seems almost a little apprehensive. Dragonstone is quite imposing, after all.
Episode 63 (season 7, episode 3), debut 7/30/17: Emilia Clarke, Conleth Hill.
photo: Helen Sloan/courtesy of HBO
Back to Daenerys for a moment here. Again, note the very carefully emotionless reaction. We’re not exactly sure who’s standing to the right of the frame, but if there are other people in the throne room, then she’s right to not give a single thing away.
Incidentally, Varys might be telling her something he learned from Melisandre. Why do we say this?
Episode 63 (season 7, episode 3), debut 7/30/17: Conleth Hill, Carice van Houten.
photo: Helen Sloan/courtesy of HBO
Even if the caption didn’t tell us that Carice van Houten and Conleth Hill are the two actors in this photo, it’s tough to see how this could be anyone else. That’s the sign of great acting and costuming. Anyway, it looks like our prediction that Melisandre won’t leave Dragonstone (at least not right away) might be coming true.
Episode 63 (season 7, episode 3), debut 7/30/17: Liam Cunningham, Kit Harington.
photo: Helen Sloan/courtesy of HBO
This is probably as close to a “neutral” face as Jon can get, because he’s just naturally a little pouty. It’s part of his charm, really. Notice that Davos is also quite blank. They don’t know exactly what they’re walking into.
Episode 63 (season 7, episode 3), debut 7/30/17: Peter Dinklage.
photo: Macall B. Polay/courtesy of HBO
Something interesting that I just noticed: Doesn’t Qyburn wear his Hand of the Queen pin on the opposite side as Tyrion does here? That’s another point of contrast beyond the gold/silver contrast.
Episode 63 (season 7, episode 3), debut 7/30/17: Sophie Turner, Aiden Gillen.
photo: Helen Sloan/courtesy of HBO
Sansa Stark’s face right here about says it all. She probably doesn’t know about Jon threatening Littlefinger not to touch her, but she certainly doesn’t look like she’s particularly into whatever he’s saying. His expression, meanwhile, is a little different … not eager, exactly, but it seems like he thinks she will like whatever he’s selling. Maybe our prediction about Littlefinger’s “gift” was just an episode too early.
Next: 5 predictions for 'The Queen's Justice'
Curiously missing: any look at Cersei Lannister, Bran Stark, Euron Greyjoy, or Arya Stark.
Speculate away, fans!