Mockingbird (Game of Thrones)

"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, and directed by Alik Sakharov. It aired on May 18, 2014.
The title refers to the symbol of House Baelish, Littlefinger's house.
This episode marks the final appearance of Kate Dickie (Lysa Arryn).
Plot.
In King's Landing.
Jaime tells Tyrion that Cersei has chosen Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane as her champion for Tyrion's trial by combat, 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 and how Cersei always blamed him for the death of their mother, he reveals that he wants vengeance for Elia and her children 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 and his parents covering up the incident.
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). 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. 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.
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."