Game of Thrones
Season One, Episode Ten – Fire & Blood
Directed by: Alan Taylor
Written by: David Beinoff and D.B. Weiss
Starring: Mark Addy, Alfie Allen, Sean Bean, Emilia Clarke, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Fairley, Aidan Gillen, Jack Gleeson, Iain Glen, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Issac Hempstead-Wright, Harry Lloyd, Richard Madden, Rory McCann, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Conleth Hill, and Charles Dance

I hope everyone enjoyed the first episode of Season Two of Game of Thrones.

Confused? Let me explain.

“Fire and Blood” is in a unique position in that it feels more like the first episode of season two rather than the season one finale. The cliffhanger in “Baelor” felt more like a traditional finale, where the majority of this episode sets up our various players for the next round of the game.

To the North, Jon Snow and Robb Stark are forced to come to terms with their respective newfound responsibilities. Outside of these quick glances, these two men are left to vices, as they both head to war. However, I fear more for Jon Snow than Robb Stark, as the threat behind the Wall is seemingly more dangerous than anyone can imagine.

In the South, Sansa realizes how truly in over her head she is. What started out as excitement has now to turned to fear for the young girl. Joffrey certainly has plans for her, but I doubt she’ll sit idly by and be the young king’s lapdog. Speaking of dogs, the Hound seems to have taken a shining to the older Stark girl, which could prove useful in the future. Arya, on the other hand, doesn’t have that bright of a future. Stuck with cut hair and traveling with King Robert’s bastard and the rest of the new recruits for the Wall, the journey ahead of her will be rough.

The most exciting part of the finale took place across the sea. As Daenerys’ last ditch effort to save her Khal goes astray, the young leader takes things fully under her control. Even with this, she seemingly loses it all, only to gain something greater.

Then, there’s that ending.

SPOILERS

I wasn’t entirely surprised. The dragon eggs have been such an essential part of Daenerys’ story from the beginning, that I would have been disappointed if it didn’t play out the way it had. With the return of the dragons, I’m guessing this marks the real transition of magic into the Game of Thrones universe.

Did I mention dragons?

We’ve heard the stories how powerful these creatures can be and with them on Daenerys’ side, the game is about to change.

END SPOILERS.

The main issue I have with the episode is the fact that so much of the episode is clearly setup for Season 2. However, the setup is done in such a way that feels that there’s closure, even though that’s not quite the case.

Quick Thoughts:

– Don’t have much to say about the Lannisters this week. I thought Cersei’s revel has some great story potential for next year.
– We also know that Tyrion isn’t the biggest Joffrey fan. I hope we can see The Imp smack around the boy-king a bit more.
– Emilia Clarke deserves an Emmy nomination for her work this season and this episode is a perfect showcase for the actress.
– It’s going to be hard for me not to go out and grab the books, but I’m going to stick to not reading them until the seasons are over. I really enjoyed being surprised throughout this first season.
– In terms of the first season, I’ve been impressed with Game of Thrones. Weiss and Beinoff did an amazing job of creating this vibrant world and adapting this rich source material filled with interesting and diverse characters. Even in the slower episodes of the seasons, I feel there wasn’t a moment wasted, as they all serve to better our characters.

That brings my Game of Thrones reviews to a close for now. What did you think of the finale and the season as a whole? Sound off in our comments below!

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