The many threads of this wonderful story are all developing beautifully and this episode ramps things up to the highest level. With the different locations, all with very different visuals and different feel this adds so much rich quality to the viewing experience.
At the wall Jon is faced with his Uncle Benjen's horse returning without him making Benjen's survival even more in doubt. Jon also learns he is not going to be made a Ranger but be appointed as steward to Lord Mormont. He also is aware of dangers facing his family in the South. Amongst this he has to decide to make his vows and become a sworn brother of the Night's Watch. Most people would probably, logically ride back to Winterfell but the honorable, dutiful Jon with his doubts about his place in the world makes the choice to take his vows. A key decision that will be called into question very quickly. All the acting of Kit Harington, James Cosmo, Peter Vaughan, Owen Teale and John Bradley is great providing depth to Jon, Mormont, Maester Aemon, Alliser Thorne and Samwell Tarly delivering dialogue and expressions that make every scene work perfectly.
An attempt is made on Dany's life which causes Drogo to make a powerful move towards war. This exciting development brings a great piece of dialogue from the book to life brilliantly. The speech from Drogo is magnificently delivered by Jason Momoa. Emilia Clarke and Iain Glen continue to act with grace and subtlety as Dany and Jorah.
Tywin Lannister makes his entrance as a character in a brilliant scene with his son Jaime. Charles Dance is simply perfect as Tywin and immediately imbues the character with such class and power that is magical to watch. Nikolai Coster-Waldau ad Jaime plays his part brilliantly too showing some background to Jaime's motivations and inner conflict.
King Robert (Mark Addy) sustains a serious injury on a hunt throwing the political struggles in King's Landing into a drastic situation requiring pivotal decisions. Ned (Sean Bean) has a great scene with Cersei (Lena Headey), again wonderfully brought to life from the book, where he warns her of his intentions. His honour overriding any clever manouvres. With Robert's injury Ned is named Lord Protector but must face the calculating Cersei and vile Joffrey, impressively played by Jack Gleeson. All the acting of these scenes is amazing and the scene in the throne room with Ned hoping to gain support from Ser Barristan, Littlefinger and the City watch against Cersei, Joffrey and the Kingsguard. Electrifying and hugely dramatic.
This is a truly great episode which sets the series alight and starts to make a claim to be one of the finest (possibly the finest) shows of the last 30 years. 10/10.
At the wall Jon is faced with his Uncle Benjen's horse returning without him making Benjen's survival even more in doubt. Jon also learns he is not going to be made a Ranger but be appointed as steward to Lord Mormont. He also is aware of dangers facing his family in the South. Amongst this he has to decide to make his vows and become a sworn brother of the Night's Watch. Most people would probably, logically ride back to Winterfell but the honorable, dutiful Jon with his doubts about his place in the world makes the choice to take his vows. A key decision that will be called into question very quickly. All the acting of Kit Harington, James Cosmo, Peter Vaughan, Owen Teale and John Bradley is great providing depth to Jon, Mormont, Maester Aemon, Alliser Thorne and Samwell Tarly delivering dialogue and expressions that make every scene work perfectly.
An attempt is made on Dany's life which causes Drogo to make a powerful move towards war. This exciting development brings a great piece of dialogue from the book to life brilliantly. The speech from Drogo is magnificently delivered by Jason Momoa. Emilia Clarke and Iain Glen continue to act with grace and subtlety as Dany and Jorah.
Tywin Lannister makes his entrance as a character in a brilliant scene with his son Jaime. Charles Dance is simply perfect as Tywin and immediately imbues the character with such class and power that is magical to watch. Nikolai Coster-Waldau ad Jaime plays his part brilliantly too showing some background to Jaime's motivations and inner conflict.
King Robert (Mark Addy) sustains a serious injury on a hunt throwing the political struggles in King's Landing into a drastic situation requiring pivotal decisions. Ned (Sean Bean) has a great scene with Cersei (Lena Headey), again wonderfully brought to life from the book, where he warns her of his intentions. His honour overriding any clever manouvres. With Robert's injury Ned is named Lord Protector but must face the calculating Cersei and vile Joffrey, impressively played by Jack Gleeson. All the acting of these scenes is amazing and the scene in the throne room with Ned hoping to gain support from Ser Barristan, Littlefinger and the City watch against Cersei, Joffrey and the Kingsguard. Electrifying and hugely dramatic.
This is a truly great episode which sets the series alight and starts to make a claim to be one of the finest (possibly the finest) shows of the last 30 years. 10/10.