User Reviews

Dead or alive ? The question shameful viewers like me, because we haven't read the novel yet, had in their mind for a week after the pilot tragic events. It was answered right after the fantastic title sequence that smooths the immersion process dramatically. At the start your mind is still thinking about your day but once the episode begins it has entered a medieval realm one can only be reluctant to leave.

Indeed all parallel stories have potential and despite their slow pace even an impatient wouldn't leave its seat for a second. Indeed on the Stark and Lannister side the boy's accident has unveiled the true nature of some characters like Cersei (Lena Headey), a Queen gnawed by anger, and Jaime (Nikolaj Coaster-Walday), the white knight a damsel in distress would regret to be rescued by. To tell the truth in Winter is Coming I had no idea they were related because I just couldn't keep up with all the names and locations. But when watching becomes nearly as demanding as reading then you know the adaptation was respectful of its source material. Still even if all these webby connections between players, because chess is a great metaphora of life, are exciting I hope their profiles are not as Manichaean as they seem. Hopefully we should know why some love while others hate. Otherwise I have no doubt about Arya Stark, the little girl vigorously played by Maisie Williams, and her mother Catelyn. Michelle Fairley revealed a palette of extreme emotions that forged her scenes like blades of steel. As for her daughter you really have to see her play with the gift one of her brothers offered her. If it had been Chucky it would have either fall in love with her or worry about its life because when Arya is angry, well she seems as dangerous as an innocent clown piranha about to have its midnight breakfast.

Juggling is both an entertaining and interesting medieval craft but now the mysterious and worried Daenerys Targaryen has convinced me to throw dragon eggs in the mix. Emilia Clarke gave a seductive performance and I like the way her whiteness contrasts with her tribal husband. Harry Lloyd's appearances as her wicked brother Viserys are rare but percussive. Will he get his crown back ? Will she free herself from him ? In fact does she even want to ? There's almost something mystical about their story and I wonder if she has other resources to survive than her exquisite shapes. But between two shy glimpses at her royal hips I also strongly recommend the audience to pay attention to the dialogs because this time they were heavy on mythology. Where do the dragons come from ? What do the fields represent for the Dothraki people ? Similar questions could also be raised considering the Stark side as some friendly battle between the bastard and the dwarf occurred in the woods. It should even make you question what happened at the very beginning of the pilot even if I have no doubt about it…

Other gems include the Dothraki language, specially developed for the show – very Tolkienian, an almost sapphic kamasutra lesson – can't wait the next, and an ongoing investigation about the boy's fall. But this short list, compared to the installment diversity and greatness, would be even more incomplete if one word wasn't added : Wolf. Indeed the story was wild every which way. What a thrilling way to use these majestuous and savage hunters ! They actually reminded me of White Fang (Jack London) and I wonder how they see things from their point of view. Wouldn't it be dazzling to actually film a scene from there ? So let's hope the other directors and minds behind the show will surprise us with their creativity. All in all it was an other awards magnet and if the end doesn't electrify you well I don't know what will !

The second episode of Game of Thrones builds nicely on the excellent opening. Looking at it now it is moving to see characters saying farewells as they go on journeys from which we know some will not return for a long time, if ever. We see the Starks starting to split up to follow different paths with Jon Snow riding off to 'take the black' and Ned riding to King's Landing.

Acting is brilliant across the whole cast and the very well written dialogue is intelligently supporting the intriguing plot. At this point the show is not quite up to top speed but is establishing itself with incredibly high standards.

One grumble I have with the transition from episode 1 to this episode is that when Bran's direwolf Summer is shown, the animal is strikingly large when at the end of episode 1 it was still a very small pup. It is established that only a few weeks has passed between these two points so even for a fast growing direwolf in a fantasy setting it seems jarringly improbable that it could have grown so much in such a short time. An avoidable lapse in internal logic perhaps but not a major one and really that fault lies with the first episode not this episode. Within this episode there is no issue.

On the plus side the plot moves on well increasing the level of interest for a new viewer. This episode also starts to establish Daenerys' character (Emilia Clarke) strongly with her showing some strength and drive. The star of this episode is probably Jack Gleeson's Joffrey though. His brilliantly slimy, cocky and nasty little turd of a Prince is wonderfully brought to the fore in a scene where Arya's direwolf bites him. This also leads to some moving scenes as well as letting Maisie Williams as Arya show that she too is a real little star. Mark Addy and Sean Bean play the father figures with aplomb and Lena Headey as Cersei is already a manipulative bitch Queen.

9/10

Kit Harrington, Peter Dinklage, Maisie Williams, Sean Bean and Jack Gleason I salute you.

In the second episode of Game Of Thrones, there is a bit more fleshing out of the characters but the pacing is still quite quick though. And whilst it was not as enjoyable as the first episode, it's still a good episode.

On the whole, it's a pretty depressing episode, with most of the characters being very unhappy.

There are a few scenes that I particularly liked,

The first one featuring Jon Snow and Arya Stark. This episode is the first to really give Maisie Williams as Arya really decent scenes, and she does wonderfully, she is very cute and endearing in the scene with Jon, and then later she is brave and feisty during her confrontation with Prince Joffery. One with Tyrion and Jon en route to The Wall, and again one featuring Jon. This time with Caitelyn by Brandon's bedside. I do need to praise Michelle Fairley, because her acting in these scenes is very good. As he is pivotal to three of my favourite scenes I need to add Kit Harrington is doing an awesome job as the bastard Jon Snow. As is Peter Dinklage, he simply steals every scene that he is in.

This is the first time, I have found myself liking a character played by Sean Bean. He is not someone whose work I have ever enjoyed, but his vulnerability as a noble Ned Stark who's prepared to do what he must (albeit with a heavy heart) is one I am particularly taken with. Jack Gleason deserves special praise too, as he simply makes you despise Prince Joffery.

And the final moment? Once again I needed to watch the next episode straight away

This is the second episode of the first season of Game of Thrones. It is a great follow-up to the pilot of the Game of Thrones. We can tell right away that the show does not have a problem being controversial, and there is yet another controversial happenstance in this episode. That being said, it's a quieter, more reflective episode, but that doesn't stop the show from being excellent. The ending is fantastic and kind of sad.

In this episode, "The Kingsroad," Ned Stark takes his daughters with him to Kings Landing where it's agreed that Sansa will marry Prince Joffey. Trouble arises when Arya's pet wolf attacks Joffey. Meanwhile, Bran is unconscious from his fall and little hope remains about his recovery. Jon Snow travels with his uncle to the Wall. Finally, Daenerys is having trouble pleasing her new husband, the warlord Khal Drogo.

Overall, this is an excellent episode. The technical side of the series remain a high point. I really enjoyed the story throughout. It started slow, but picked up steam towards the end. The ending was quite a shocker. But after the first two episodes, consider me hooked.

My Grade: A

Came to 'Game of Thrones' fairly late in the game and due to being so busy the binge-watching was gradual. Have found myself truly loving the show, very quickly becoming one of my favourites. It totally lives up to the hype and not only does it do the brilliant source material justice (a rarity in television) it is on its own merits one of the finest, most addictive and consistently compelling shows in recent years and quality-wise it puts a lot of films in recent years to shame.

"The Kingsroad" is only the second episode and, while the pilot "Winter is Coming" is marginally superior, the quality is just as brilliant as before. Not many shows have their overall quality, tones, themes and characterisations so spot on and well-established when it first starts, but 'Game of Thrones' is one of the strongest exceptions. Really appreciated the more reflective tone here, and actually didn't mind at all that the story was not quite as eventful and slower in pace because the characterisation and overall quality is just so well done.

Visually, "The Kingsroad" looks amazing. The scenery is throughout spectacular, the sets are hugely atmospheric and beautiful on the eyes with a real meticulous eye for detail and the costumes suit the characters to a tee. The make-up is beautifully done. The visual effects are some of the best of any television programme and are not overused or abused, the scale, the detail and how they actually have character and soul are better than those in a lot of the big-budget blockbusters. As well the cinematography and editing, which are cinematic quality as well.

One cannot talk about "The Kingsroad" without mentioning the thematically, orchestrally and atmospherically multi-layered music scoring and the unforgettable main theme. Again, worthy of a high-budget fantasy/action/drama film.

It is hard not to be bowled over by the quality of the writing, outstanding isn't a strong enough adjective to describe how good the writing is. It always has a natural flow, is layered and thought-provoking and demonstrates a wide range of emotions such as suspenseful tension, poignant pathos and witty humour. The story is paced so beautifully, structured with such nuance and attention to coherence, a high emotional level and is done with intelligence and sensitivity. The ending is a genuine shocker, and in a good way.

Not only are the more action-oriented/more dramatic moments done with a lot epic scale, superb staging, excitement and dramatic tension but underneath all the scale and flashy attention to detail there is a lot of heart and a multi-layered one.

"The Kingsroad" is so early on and already the characters are so well developed and as close to real life as one can get despite being in a fantasy world. These characters are not hero and villain archetypes (excepting Joffrey and he is an extremely interesting villain) and have both strengths and flaws and one can understand why they act the way they do.

Sean Bean and Kit Harrington both give some of their best ever work consistently in 'Game of Thrones', that can be seen here. Maisie Williams and Emilia Clarke are affecting, Lena Headey is deliciously manipulative and Peter Dinklage continues to be one of 'Game of Thrones' biggest pleasures. Can't not mention Jack Gleeson, whose Joffrey so early on is one of television's nastiest pieces of work, which Gleeson relishes to perfection, and he's not even at his most evil yet.

In conclusion, brilliant if not quite as good. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Soundtrack : (8.9/10) Dialogue : (9.5/10) Story : (9.1/10) Cinematography : (9.1/10) Character development : (9.8/10) Conflict : (9/10) Excitement : (8.8/10) Reasonableness : (9.6/10) Overall : (9.2/10)

Pros:

• more interesting relationships between characters ex: (Jon and Robb, Jon and Arya, Jorah and Daenerys, Jon and Ned, Tyrion and Joffrey etc...)

• more loving/hating characters

• more background stories of the characters

• action in the ending with strict decisions that plays with the audience's emotion

• a great hangcliff

Cons

• the same-slow pacing which can be a bit boring to some people

• complex stories in a short period which results in some difficulties in understanding the whole story.

While Bran recovers from his fall, Ned takes only his daughters to Kings Landing. Jon Snow goes with his uncle Benjen to The Wall. Tyrion joins them.

What I Liked:

Each character is further explored and given added depth, especially Prince Joffrey. Jack Gleeson does an exceptional job portraying this character as a sadistic and entitled coward.

The high production value continues to prevail, giving each scene an organic feel. On top of that, strong acting is prevalent throughout this one, with Lena Headey providing perhaps the best performance so far.

The use of music in this one was particularly memorable, adding additional weight to multiple poignant scenes.

What I Disliked:

Catelyn deciphering what happened to Bran after finding a strand of Cersei's hair in the tower was a highly contrived moment. There could have been a more plausible way for her to make this revelation.

Overall:

Game of Thrones maintains the high standard set by its premiere with another terrific episode. It has been a highly enthralling viewing experience so far.

9/10

King Cadmium.

I hate her, i want to punch her in the face, the episode is good but she ruin it, she's just bad, i mean evil. Lena Headey acting great!

This episode is greatly underrated and over criticized. It sets up many plots for seasons to come, May not be nonstop action but its an absolute must watch for the series.

The second episode of GOT features progress towards King's Landing with many little lines of conflict that show the conflicted relationship between the Stark's and the Lannister's. Tiny bickering and tension between children turns into frustrating heart break. The fact that a whiney child can lead to such an unfair circumstance when it comes to the actual man in power making the decision based on lies. It's flat out unfair and I love it for that, the fact that a show can inflame me so much in just it's second episode makes me love it all that much more.

My love for animals might make a bit biased but this episode turns my emotions up to 11 and it's without a doubt in my mind, better than the pilot.

The second episode is another great episode. Following the amazing pilot episode, this episode does not for the most part introduce any more character. It lets you get to know the character you got saw in the premier. It shows how much layered each character is.

The acting, story and visuals. Everything about this episode just like any other episode of this show was amazing. Also the music by Ramin Djawadi. What a genius. Thank you HBO for this show. Best network ever.

Reviews Of Unusual Size

Re: Ned regretfully leaves his broken and unconscious son behind, along with his wife and eldest son to head off and be the King's Hand. Jon travels north to join the watch, accompanied by Tyrion, who wants to urinate off the edge of the world. And Daenerys learns the art of love in a time of horses.

Outstanding: A little better than the first episode in my opinion. The stories are starting to solidify and everyone seems to do a great job here.

Unacceptable: The little scene in the tower with the long golden hair made me roll my eyes a bit. A little bit of pandering to the audience that might be a bit confused, I guess.

Summary: A strong second episode. Not too radically better or worse, but the first was pretty dang good, so no complaints there.

4/5

I found this 2nd episode better than the first one - I think mainly because I'm becoming more familiar with the characters, learning more about them... emotional. The ending of this episode really is a shocker and made me sick! I can't stand Joffrey and he's only getting started being really nasty in this episode.

10/10

The Wall. And the Dothraki. And Nedd Stark as the Head of the King. And the nuances of a familiar story who is so far by you , being part from you. An episode about power and sacrifice, in which the delicacy of Daenerys and the greed of her brother are basic pillars to define a cruel, savage and , in bizarre way, Medieval world.

"The Kingsroad" is a particularly eventful hour of Game Of Thrones, layering on plot point after plot point in a brisk, fairly economical matter.

After the rather tragic ending of Game of Thrones series premiere, we are right back at it with "The Kingsroad." In terms of character development, this episode does a better job showing us the dimensions of these characters and getting us to care about them. We learn more about the relationship between Ned Stark and his wife, Cat and their history together. We learn just how manipulative and evil the Lannisters can be. The back half of this episode will drive that point home. One of my chief complaints about the first episode was that Daenarys Targaryen was not developed enough. The show does start to develop her character here and her dragon eggs that were given to her as a wedding gift is going to be of some significance. The atmosphere of this episode is tense, and that might be too kind of a word. The characters are brooding and in general, a sad bunch. Considering the events of the first episode, you can hardly blame them. This is an episode that is heavy-handed on character development, but it is a necessity. I was very eager to learn more about these characters.

"A Winter is Coming" ended with the tragic fall of Bran Stark after witnessing unpleasantry between the Jaime and Cersei Lannister. Bran now lies unconscious in his Winterfell home. Catelyn stays at his bedside day and night despite little hope for his recovery. Despite his son's injury, duty calls for Ned as he must leave Winterfell to travel to King's Landing with King Robert. The king and Ned agree that Sansa and the repulsive Joffrey must marry, which would unite their families. Ned brought his daughters with him and trouble happens with Arya is playing with a butcher's boy. Joffrey challenges the boy and that ends with the prince attacked by Arya's direwolf. King Robert passes fair punishment, although Cersei does not agree with his judgement. Meanwhile, Jon Snow travels to the Wall with his Uncle Benjen and Tyrion Lannister. Finally, we head across to the Narrow Sea where Daenarys is having trouble adjusting to married life. She recruits the help of a slave to learn how she could please her husband.

This episode is great to watch and is also emotional at times. The scene with Arya's direwolf attacking Joffrey and the aftermath is hard to watch. This scene also shows how villainous Cersei can be. After the attack, Arya runs to the woods with her wolf and sets him free. In retaliation, Cersei demands that Sansa's direwolf to be punished instead. That was an emotional scene. Sansa's personality enables all of this to happen, but wow Cersei is quite the b...h. In defense of his daughters, Ned gives a rousing speech about how the direwolves are a symbol of the North but to no avail. And it is up to Ned to perform this nasty deed and as he does so, he realizes how his daughter was involved in a death of an innocent. Of course, we all blame Joffrey too.

Overall, this episode is fantastic and full of character developments. We learn more about the history whether it's from Ned and Robert talking about why they waged war against the Mad King Targaryen or Tyrion describing how the Lannisters came into power. The acting is fantastic! Peter Dinklage delivers his dialogue in such an amazing way. Jack Gleeson, Lena Headey, Kit Harington, and Maisie Williams are all standouts in this episode. Plus, the episode ends with another cliffhanger regarding Bran. After these two great episodes, consider me hooked!

My Grade: A-

Bran has discovered that the Lannisters like to keep it in the family, and has been thrown from the top of a tower for his troubles. Ned Stark has accepted the position of the King's Hand, and Danerys is getting tired of being roughly taken from behind by her new husband. Welcome back to the land of Westeros! The second episode of Game Of Thrones picks up a few days after the events of the first, allowing the producers to keep the story moving, while skipping over a few parts that can be left up to the audience's assumption and intelligence. While some fans may gripe about elements like these being omitted or skimmed over, considering what the show has to fit in its eight remaining episodes, it has to be expected. Game Of Thrones is not going to be able to fit in everyone's favourite scene, it's as simple as that. It does however mean that we have to have it explained to us what the Night Watch is, after Jon has already committed himself to the cause. Considering that life as a member of the Night Watch involves chastity, a life defending The Wall and living with thugs and 'rapers', it does make us wonder why he would want such a life in the first place. Bran's survival has caused the Lannisters a bit of a problem: their secret could be revealed, spelling doom for the Queen and her twin brother, Jaime. Tyrion, who clearly knows what's going on with his siblings, but doesn't seem to really care, has opted to go and see The Wall with Jon Snow, and 'piss off the end of the world'. Meanwhile Catelyn Stark is beside herself with worry about Bran's condition, but still takes the time to coldly ignore Jon as he bids farewell to his beloved half-siblings. Of course, for fans of the book, you know Jon has to bestow a gift upon his tomboy half-sister Arya before he leaves. And so our characters go their separate ways. Jon and Tyrion north to The Wall, and Ned and his daughters, south with the King. However before Ned rides off into the sunset, the Lord of Winterfell gives an emotional."You are a Stark," he tells Jon, who has been told he is anything but his entire life. "You may not have my name, but you have my blood."King Robert meanwhile is convinced that a war is coming and that peace lies in the killing of young Daenerys. Ned is of course horrified by this idea, as she is merely a child and besides, what threat is she on the other side of the sea? While she may not yet be a threat, Daenerys is quickly learning how to gain as much as power as possible. In her case, it's through sex. With the aid of a 'well educated' hand maiden, she quickly learns that while Khal Drogo may rule outside the tent, at night she has the power to bend him to her will. To be fair, if I was the Dothraki warlord, her feminine wiles would probably work on me too. Considering this is her first acting role, Emilia Clark is rather excellent as Daenerys, conveying both her naivety at so many things, and her growth from merely being a pawn of her brother to the Dothraki's khaleesi.