# Game of Thrones 7.04 "The Spoils of War" 8/6/2017 \[Show discussion only\] **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 6, 2017, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955 "2017-08-06T22:53:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/121 "2017-08-07T15:42:21Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > The ballista is mostly iron, so would it be destroyed in a direct blast of dragonfire? You burn the ropes and it’s disabled. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/122 "2017-08-07T15:44:44Z")
> [@Bijou\_Drains](#): > > Noah Syndergaard, pitcher for the mets had a non speaking cameo role. Are people going to throw tantrums over that cameo too? I didn’t notice him and now that I sought it out and found it I can see why. His face was obscured and it was so quick even his mother couldn’t recognize him. > [@buddha\_david](#): > > Has it ever been firmly established exactly who ordered the assassination attempt on Bran with the dagger? We assume it was Cersei, but for all we know it may have been Littlefinger himself, as part of his chaos/ladder thing. Now you are going to have me going back to figure that out. My faulty memory made me think that he set it up but I’m not sure. IIRC Jaime was very clear that he didn’t do it and he believed Cersei didn’t either. I don’t know what implicating a Lannister would do for her. > [@magnusblitz](#): > > I slowed the scene down, and it’s definitely Bronn who saves Jaime. > > I admit I was really worried Bronn was going to get burninated, but possibly still take down Drogon. As it turns out, neither bought the farm (yet). I’d be really surprised if Jaime dies here. Ok I’ll take your word for it. I figured it would make more sense to give Dickon (snerk) part of the narrative and Bron was on the ground smouldering a moment before. ---
**Author:** ![Bone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bone/32/407_2.png) [@Bone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bone)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/123 "2017-08-07T15:44:46Z")
I know next to nothing about actual sword fighting, but I watch a lot on TV! If I recall, dragonfire is said to be super hot, isn’t that how the Iron Throne was actually created, by melting the swords with dragon fire? The smashing with the tail is going to leave a mark too. ---
**Author:** ![Garula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ea666f/32.png) [@Garula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Garula)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/124 "2017-08-07T15:48:23Z")
Considering Qyburn is behind them, perhaps the scorpion bolts are poisoned? Drogon might not be long for the world. ---
**Author:** ![Smid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/838e76/32.png) [@Smid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smid)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/125 "2017-08-07T15:50:30Z")
I did think that it was Randall Tarly who was burned and was diving into the water. I’d not put it past him reappearing as recovered when in reality those sort of burns would take him out for months. No time for that now. He’s either dead or instantly healed… Now, is that the Lannister army out now? Or just a remnant. Seemed a big chunk of soldiers, but it’s unclear if that’s the main remaining force in the realm. In which case what does Cersei have now? Eurons magical fleet of speedships, and whoevers inside Kings Landing? They had Riverlands and Freys territory (guess done now Freys are gone, where is Edmure Tully?), Westerlands, gone now Unsullied have it, maybe Storms end, but no idea who owns that… I suppose the Golden Company might be on its way to help out, which does seem to me that the writers have written themselves into a corner. Otherwise the wars pretty much over. Station a force outside Kings Landing, and go about your business around the country. Stay away from the sea (or lakes, would you put it past Euron’s navy appearing in a nearby lake), and you’ve pretty much got Westeros. None of the Tyrell (if existent), or Martell (same), or Arryns, or Starks are openly at war with Danys. I’m sure Cersei will pull something from her arse though… ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/126 "2017-08-07T15:52:12Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > The ballista is mostly iron, so would it be destroyed in a direct blast of dragonfire? The dragon fire was hot enough to turn bodies to ash within seconds if not instantly. Do we know how hot it is? It’s not normal fire. Maybe it’s hot enough to melt or deform iron too. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/127 "2017-08-07T15:55:33Z")
I think Drogon will be the one to fish Jaime out of the water. The depth at which we last saw Jaime seemed about the length of the dragons neck so maybe he wouldn’t even have to swim. Do we know if dragons are aquatic as well as being aerial ? ---
**Author:** ![Bone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bone/32/407_2.png) [@Bone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bone)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/128 "2017-08-07T15:58:11Z")
I’m sure Cersei will be bringing in an unlimited number of forces from Essos. No other reason for that extended Iron Bank scene. I think Tyrion arranges to save Jaime and Bronn. Given they setup Bronn being dissatisfied with how his situation has been playing out, I could see him switching sides back to Tyrion. First his seemingly dissatisfaction with attacking farmers to steal their food, then not getting a castle, it could happen. Tyrion would attempt to sway Jaime, but he’ll decline and be a well treated prisoner. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/129 "2017-08-07T15:58:51Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > The dragon fire was hot enough to turn bodies to ash within seconds if not instantly. Do we know how hot it is? It’s not normal fire. Maybe it’s hot enough to melt or deform iron too. Dragon fire melted stone at Harrenhall as I recall. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Burden](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/958977/32.png) [@Jack\_Burden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Burden)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/130 "2017-08-07T16:00:37Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > The ballista is mostly iron, so would it be destroyed in a direct blast of dragonfire? Drogon destroyed it with his tail after landing. ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/131 "2017-08-07T16:02:09Z")
> [@Bone](#): > > I’m sure Cersei will be bringing in an unlimited number of forces from Essos. No other reason for that extended Iron Bank scene. That’s probably true. Delivering the gold allows the war to continue because mercenaries can be dropped anywhere (for story purposes anyway). ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/132 "2017-08-07T16:03:30Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > The ballista is mostly iron, so would it be destroyed in a direct blast of dragonfire? > [@Kinthalis](#): > > Is it? I have to rewatch, but it looked like it was mostly wood from what I recall. > [@AlsoNamedBort](#): > > You burn the ropes and it’s disabled. Not to mention the fact that dragonfire can reportedly melt stone (e.g. Harrenhal’s melted and twisted towers) and iron (the Iron Throne was constructed out of the swords of Aegon the Conqueror’s enemies, heated in the breath of Balerion the Black Dread). ETA: I need to type faster… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/133 "2017-08-07T16:06:32Z")
> [@Bone](#): > > The scene with Arya and Brienne was great, but it did take me out of it a bit to show Arya blocking. Even if she was quicker, the strength difference should make blocking pretty ineffective. Just as I was thinking that, Brienne chest kicked her. I would think Arya would simply dodge all of Brienne’s attacks. > > I thought the very end scene with Dany was played wrong too. Dany looked fearful when Jaime was charging at her. It would have been more consistent with her character and the arc of the episode to show her angry and confident. Jaime probably didn’t think he’d live through that charge. Even if he got to her, he’d have to have concluded he’d be dead after that, but he went for it anyways. > > And I’m done with Baelish skulking around Winterfell. It’s been 4 eps and he’s done nothing but act like a creeper. If his plotline doesn’t pay off it will be like season 3 Theon. I don’t think Arya was straight up blocking the swings, it was more like deflecting. ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/134 "2017-08-07T16:08:12Z")
> [@Smid](#): > > Now, is that the Lannister army out now? Or just a remnant. Seemed a big chunk of soldiers, but it’s unclear if that’s the main remaining force in the realm. In which case what does Cersei have now? Eurons magical fleet of speedships, and whoevers inside Kings Landing? I don’t think it was the entire army. They were pretty far spread out. At least some had already made it to King’s Landing with the gold. ---
**Author:** ![Quimby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/22d042/32.png) [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/135 "2017-08-07T16:10:57Z")
Bran’s attitude also reminded me of Dr. Manhattan. It’s hard to play and I’m not sure the actor is up to it. ---
**Author:** ![Rigamarole](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/77aa72/32.png) [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/136 "2017-08-07T16:18:08Z")
Re: the other two dragons, I believe they need riders to be effective in battle. The theory is that the other two riders will be Jon Snow and Tyrion (who is also suspected to be a secret Targaryen). I’ve never been completely convinced of the Tyrion theory, but they do keep pointing out how “the dragon has three heads” and all, so it might be true. ---
**Author:** ![Smid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/838e76/32.png) [@Smid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smid)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/137 "2017-08-07T16:18:30Z")
The chaos thing, while not an exact quote, does link in with Littlefinger possibly spotting Arya in Harrenhall. In retrospect, I think he did… [Littlefinger and Arya](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9jac7Qg9w4) It predates the red wedding though, so lack of direct involvement for Red Wedding is probably not putting Littlefinger on Arya’s list… It’s back when Robb and Catelyn were still alive. ---
**Author:** ![Smid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/838e76/32.png) [@Smid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smid)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/138 "2017-08-07T16:22:18Z")
> [@Rigamarole](#): > > Re: the other two dragons, I believe they need riders to be effective in battle. The theory is that the other two riders will be Jon Snow and Tyrion (who is also suspected to be a secret Targaryen). I’ve never been completely convinced of the Tyrion theory, but they do keep pointing out how “the dragon has three heads” and all, so it might be true. There’s little reason to think Tyrion is a Targ according to the evidence we have in the show… If there was I would have hoped they’d have sown a bit more seeds. However, if there’s a link with who’s mothers died in childbirth having them, then that might be an in, but, well, a bit of massive leftfield plot direction change, though there’s isn’t anyone else to fill the role since Maester Aemon died… ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/139 "2017-08-07T16:35:21Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > There’s no Gutenberg on this planet, so she would need a large number of scribes. Leaflets are impractical in Westeros. For a simple message, they could do woodcut printing. > [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > The ballista is mostly iron, so would it be destroyed in a direct blast of dragonfire? > [@Loach](#): > > The dragon fire was hot enough to turn bodies to ash within seconds if not instantly. Do we know how hot it is? It’s not normal fire. Maybe it’s hot enough to melt or deform iron too. The metal parts would at least be warped and unusable. They might be repairable and they could definitely be remelted, saving the cost of new iron. But they can’t just be reused with new rope and wood. ---
**Author:** ![GargoyleWB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gargoylewb/32/199_2.png) [@GargoyleWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GargoyleWB)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2017, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955/140 "2017-08-07T16:42:26Z")
> [@Kinthalis](#): > > It’s all stage combat anyway, with little resemblance to actual sword fighting… I also think Brienne was just humoring her and half-assing the fight for most of it, until Arya got some surprise strikes in. The last few steps of the fight had Brienne locking Arya down with a smile. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-of-thrones-7-04-the-spoils-of-war-8-6-2017-show-discussion-only/792955.md?page=8)