Since the season 2 debut, I’ve seen a lot of rage online about how HBO has changed the politically savy, strong, cunning woman Catelyn into a generic mother who wants to get back to her children. Now, this rage is all well and good, but where in the seven hells is anybody getting the idea that Catelyn is politically savy, or smart? At best, she parrots what Robbs other lords are already telling him. Let’s have a rundown of what she actually does. (Spoilers ahead)
1. She forces Ned to go to Kings Landing, where he is killed
2. She abducts a member of one of the most powerful houses of Westeros with only the smallest shred of evidence, which then ignites a war.
3. She then let’s her psychotic sister allow the only hostage House Stark has to escape.
4. She fails to bring either of the Baratheon Brothers to Robbs cause.
5. She frees Robbs most valuable captive, one of the most dangerous Lannister Commanders and a Knight of the Kingsguard, in order to get her daughters back, neither of whom would actually contribute to Robbs cause.
6. She trusts the word of a known oathbreaker, and his brother (Whom she previously captured and accused of attempted murder)
7. Her folly costs Robb the entire strength of Karhold, as well as inspiring doubt within his other lords. This action also could have meant blood between the Bolton and Karstark men at Harrenhal.
Now, let’s look at the positive things she’s done…
1. She did warn Robb against sending Theon, only because she had been around during Lord Balons last rebellion. She had no real reason to mistrust Theon, however, aside from the fact that he wasn’t her son. The same reason she has for despising Jon.
2. She told Robb that he must win back the North, though the decision can hardly be credited to her. Nearly every one of Robbs bannermen was saying the same thing.
If anyone thinks I’ve missed something great that she’s done, by all means, let me know. The best argument I’ve seen seems to be that she suggested treating with Renly and Stannis. To me, that’s like saying someone who suggests making peace in the middle-east is no different from someone who achieves peace in the middle-east.
No.