All in all, episode two of “Game of Thrones” is solid, though the series continues to have slight issues establishing who is who within this rather complex world. Luckily, having already seen the first six episodes, I’m pleased to report the series does gain momentum, so I hope you’ll all stay tuned for that!
For now, how about a recap and review of what transpired this week… And yes, there will be spoilers, which is the reason we delayed posting until after the episode aired on the East Coast so West Coasters may want to hold off. That said, let’s look this over…
Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen (pictured) is easily the best part of “Game of Thrones” right now. As episode two, “The Kingsroad” commences, she’s a developing character, one an audience can savor the growth within. The rest of the crew, The Lannisters, The Starks — they are all characters we’re gradually learning about, but they’re also established archetypes (the schemer, the honorable man, the concerned mother) whereas lovely Daenerys is at her most powerless … but getting stronger.
Episode two opens with her on horseback, a newlywed, completely unsure of herself. She’s hungry and tired from the ride, and there’s only horse meat to eat. A fitting symbol for her union to the Dothraki King, Khal Drogo played by the soon-to-be new Conan, Jason Momoa. Daenerys will need to make the most of her new companions to thrive. Her brother, the vile Viserys Targaryen (Harry Lloyd), is sticking with The Dothraki horde, attempting to extract the army he was promised by Drogo for selling off his sister.
We’re then whisked away to the only levity in the series, Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage). He provides some stern advice to his young nephew, Joffrey (Jack Gleeson), a spoiled boy if ever there was one. Joffrey will be trouble for everyone throughout the series, starting with this episode.
Which brings us to the weakest part of the series thus far, one Lady Stark (Michelle Fairley). It’s not that she’s bad, no one in the series is, it’s more that she doesn’t provide the requisite “oomph” needed out of the role. Or at least she hasn’t yet. Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead-Wright) is in a coma, the victim of events that transpired as episode one culminated. You might recall said events; they involved a very high window and an extremely illicit deed.
Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), on the other hand, is quite good at evoking exactly what’s intended with the character. He’s at once smarmy and condescending. He tortures Jon Snow (Kit Harington) for a bit, as Jon is preparing to “take the black,” but before he goes he provides a small sword to Arya (Maisie Williams). We already see her renegade tomboyish nature shining through, the exact opposite of her prim sister, Sansa Stark.
Jon Snow says goodbye to Bran, but to Lady Stark he’s still a thorny reminder of Lord Stark’s long passed infidelity. Lord Stark (Sean Bean) bids adieu to Lady Stark, it’s a tearful goodbye on her end, but not overly sentimental for him. That’s the northern way, winter is coming. Lord Stark and King Robert’s relationship is further established, Robert is fairly convinced a war is coming due to Daenerys’ nuptials, while Ned Stark seems fairly unmoved.
Episode 2 Preview Video
Daenyrys continues to be only an object to her new husband, we get another quick scene and then it’s right back to Jon Snow. C’mon, more Daenyrys! Tyrion gives some advice to Snow, (he’s always handing out helpful advice) and Jon continues with his brooding, “off to the wall because I’m a bastard” routine.
A little excitement is to be had when a mysterious assassin tries to finish off Bran, but Bran’s Dire Wolf protects him, if only to remind us how much we’d all like to see more of the Stark Wolves. It’s at this point Lady Stark goes from depression to action, as she starts putting together the chain of events that led to Bran’s fall. She decides she needs to warn Lord Stark about the nefarious Lannisters, and she’s got to carry the message herself.
Daenerys begins educating herself, via handy slavegirl Shae (Sibel Kekilli), about the finer points of a marriage bed. It is here she’ll make her play to become an equal partner to the horse lord. And we’re a go for intimacy!
Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) happens upon her betrothed, Joffrey, and they share a walk. Sadly, this walk is to end in bloodshed, as they come across Arya practicing swordplay along the riverbank. Joffrey threatens, and then taunts her practice partner (the butcher’s son) which turns into a full-on brawl between Arya and Joffrey. Ayra’s Dire Wolf intercedes, naturally.
A quick verdict on the action scenes – they aren’t particularly well done. Clearly, the money was spent on practical sets and costumes; though that’s a decision I can’t quibble with.
Arya is forced to shoo her Dire Wolf away, lest it be captured and killed for attacking Prince Joffrey. A children’s fracas has turned terrible due to Joffrey’s cruelty. Arya is called to tell her side of the story, which directly contradicts Joffrey’s more self-serving testimony. Sansa is called to break the tie, but she refuses to testify against her prince, or on behalf of her sister. The good news? Everyone basically escapes punishment. The bad news? The butcher’s boy gets taken out, and Sansa’s Dire Wolf, call sign “Lady,” is forced to take the punishment for Arya’s escaped wolf. That sentence? Death. Lord Stark carries out the punishment, continuing to echo the leadership style shown in episode one.
And then Bran wakes right up…
What does episode three hold? Lord Stark will (finally, and mercifully) arrive at King’s Landing, where the real intrigue will start. As for Viserys? A comeuppance awaits!
Like I said in the opening, episode two is solid and it only gets better from here. I’m also not sure if you heard or not, but HBO has already ordered a second season, announcing in a press release earlier this week saying following strong critical and viewer response to the series’ April 17 debut which drew in 4.2 million viewers.
George R. R. Martin, author of the “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series the show is based on, revealed on his blog he will be writing the “Battle of the Blackwater” episode for the second season, which will be based on the second book in the series “A Clash of Kings.”
Finally, here are the opening credits, which I praised in my review of episode one. See you next Sunday.
