In these early goings Game of Thrones has to set up many characters and build a world. This leaves another episode with little plot movement, but a lot of character work.
Jon has finally found himself at The Wall, and it seems Tyrion's warning from last episode are completely true. In Winterfell, Jon was shunned because he had no true place in the noble family of Starks. At The Wall, Jon is shunned for that very noble upbringing which puts him miles above the other "recruits" who have had zero training. We also learn that Night's Watch has become seriously depleted over the years leaving the northern end of the kingdom vulnerable. Tyrion may scoff at the notion of giants and White Walkers, but we know from the prologue that they are out there and that "winter is coming." Another curious thing we learned of this world, seasons can last for years and the current summer has lasted for 9.
Ned finally arrives in King's Landing and learns the sorry state that the kingdom is in financially and that Robert doesn't do much actual ruling. Tempered expectations seems to be a running theme of this episode. This also introduces us to Littlefinger (The Wire fans, it's Tommy Carcetti!), a conniving man who's in charge of the kingdom's finances. He says he can be trusted because of his past connection with Catelyn, but his demeanor screams otherwise.
There is some plot in Catelyn's arrival which leads to movement with the Lannister's attempt on Bran's life. However, the blame seems to be falling, for now, on Tyrion. This could certainly make things interesting if he stops at Winterfell on his way home. Speaking of Lannisters, we learn more of Jamie's killing of the old Mad King and of Ned father's death. Also, Cersei's chat with her son was very chilling in revealing the way she sees the world.
The plot does not forward on Bran, though. Him waking up was the ending of last week's episode, but it ultimately leads to nothing because he remembers nothing. We do get to hear a wonderful tale from Old Nan and learn more about the winters and the toll they can take on the people of the North. There is also very little movement across the Narrow Sea. Danaerys is coming into her own as a queen (and pregnant!), and Viserys is not keen on taking orders from anyone, especially his sister.
The stand out scene was King Robert drunk and recounting war stories. He remembers that war is never as glamorous as the histories say, but in turns out it was when he was the happiest anyway. Robert is a man who fought his way to the crown and it seems now he could care less about it, besides the privileges of wine and women. Another occurrence of expectations not stacking up, maybe?
The episode ends with a wonderful and playful scene of Arya beginning to learn sword fighting. I haven't talked much about Arya's story, but let it be said that actress has been doing wonderful work, a real find. Ned watches the lesson, and as the the thuds of wooden sticks hitting together transform to the clangs of steel as Ned remembers the battles of the past and foreshadows the battle yet to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment