The Epic Musical Score For Episode 3 Wins Everything. Period.

Published April 29, 2019 · Updated July 6, 2022

Hey Guys,

Before I even listened to the instacast Monday, I knew I wanted to write to you guys about this episode’s musical score. So you can imagine how giddy I was when you also mentioned how deeply effective and brilliantly timed every single bar of music was in this episode. The only other time I can remember the score making my mind do somersaults, then weep, then cheer, all while spliced with epic levels of angst was when that haunting piano piece was playing while Cersei blew up the Sept. Only difference is this time, it came at a mentally crucial moment when I was beginning to visually feel a bit war scene weary, which to me was about 45 minutes in.

I remember looking at the clock and thinking, I can’t do 40 more minutes of this, when suddenly time and scenes slowed down, and we took a little horror movie field trip. I was leery about how this part would feel, not wanting it to get all Friday the 13th cheese-y, but all I can say is I almost wanted it to last longer. Then the music stopped silent for a second, then trickled slowly back again during the scene with Tyrion and Sansa hiding together, which framed the potentially emotional hole we were bound to feel if they perished together, it was absolute perfection. I feel like the entire score was maddeningly seductive, reeling us in by both teasing us in the first few minutes, then letting go and coaxing us a bit into a calm, before luring us back into a frenzied emotional gymnastics routine of “Is he gonna die NOW? Is she gonna die NOW? WHO THE HELL IS GONNA DIE NOW? MAKE IT STOP!!!”

Just go ahead and unlock the Emmy and Grammy safes and unload those suckers right onto Ramin Djawadi’s door step. If the episode’s content weren’t so horrific, I may have dared even call the score orgasmic.

May I ask a question while I am here? During the stare off between Bran and the Night King, did you ever get the feeling that Bran already knew everything that was about the happen, therefore he was stone cold still because he knew he was never doing to die? Is that even possible? Did you catch the second the Night King slightly tilted his head, as if he was thinking, “Why are you so calm? Do you know something I don’t?” and then BAM, Arya came flying in?

Thanks so much for helping this old mom get through some tough parenting years by entertaining the heck out of me with all your podcasts. Your insight is always spot on and so very enjoyable.

Melissa in Florida.

Subscribe Now