Easily my favourite show on TV right now, Game of Thrones has returned to our screens after a year of agonising patience for many fans. So, what’s going down in the seven kingdoms?
The show picks up pretty much exactly where we left off. Tyrion, having been scarred in the battle of Blackwater and discovering his sister was behind it, is distraught at the fact his father Tywin did not visit him whilst he was recovering, and that his father basks in glory over saving the day yet Tyrion’s efforts are not appreciated.
Meanwhile, beyond the wall, Sam rushes to find the rest of the Nights Watch after witnessing the return of the White Walkers. After being attacked by a White, he is saved by Jeor Mormont, who sends them back to the wall. Jon Snow, having been caught by wildlings, meets with their leader Mance Rayder, and asks for the opportunity to join them.
King Joffrey and his new bride to be, Lady Margaery, travel through flea bottom until Margery stops to speak with orphans and offer them help. Later, Joffrey and Margaery have dinner with the Tyrells and his mother, Cersei, with whom he exchanges veiled insults. Sansa Stark, no longer bound to Joffrey, continues to live her life in King’s Landing. Whilst watching the ships go by, she is encountered by Lord Petyr Baylish, who informs her that he may be able to smuggle her out on a mission which will involve him leaving King’s Landing, provided she can keep quiet about it.
And finally, Daenerys looks to buy an army, and considers one she finds at Astapor. However, she is put off after hearing of their gruesome training. Leaving, she and Ser Jorah encounter a Warlock disguised as a little girl, who attempts to assassinate Dany, but she is soon saved by a swordsman named Barriston Slemy, who swears his allegiance to her.
So as usual, there is a lot to take in with this episode. I have to say, it was quite an excellent start to the series. One thing I admire is the way they place subtle reminders of what happened in the previous season. After all, it has been a year since it aired; I’m sure many people need a refresher. However, for someone like me, who only got into the show recently and have just finished the second season on Blu-Ray before starting this, it gets kind of annoying as I’ve literally just seen all this happen, though I do appreciate the reason behind it.
This episode paves the way for the rest of the series. It’s not hard to see where these character’s stories will be headed. But, there are still questions that have yet to be answered.
Where is Arya and her friends? They’ve escaped Harrenhal thanks to the assassin Jagen H’Ghar, but only time will tell where they are now. What about Jaime and Brianne? Brianne was sent by Cat Stark to take the Kingslayer back to King’s Landing in hopes that her daughters will be returned, much to the dismay of Robb, who now keeps his mothers as a prisoner. Last we saw them, they stopped on their journey after noticing some hanging bodies, which Brianne intended to bury before being interrupted by three guards, who instantly recognised Jaime and then lost their lives. Whilst watching Thronecast, the fan show that airs after every episode, there was short preview of the next episode, which included a very quick shot of what looked like a sword fight between Brianne and the Kingslayer. Exciting stuff!
The episode is dark, intriguing, and surprisingly low on tits. A great start to the new season, surely one that will get fans eager and ready for the rest. I know I am, and I’m pretty much counting the minutes until the next episode!