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TV Review: Game of Thrones 2.2: The Night Lands
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Game of Thrones
Season Two, Episode 2 – The Night Lands
Directed by: Alan Taylor
Written by: David Benioff and D.B. Weiss
Starring: Mark Addy, Alfie Allen, Emilia Clarke, Liam Cunningham, Charles Dance, Stephen Dillane, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Fairley, Aidan Gillen, Jack Gleeson, Iain Glen, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Conleth Hill, Carice van Houten, Harry Lloyd, Richard Madden, Patrick Malahide, Rory McCann, Sophie Turner, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Maisie Williams, and Issac Hempstead-Wright.

Game of Thrones continues some world building in order to set the stage for what’s to come in the week’s ahead, but how does it compare to last week’s outstanding season two premiere? Found out after the break.

One of the things that Game of Thrones does so well is the ability to handle multiple plots without wasting a single character or moment in order to accomplish great storytelling that gets me engaged in each character introduced. I think a lesser show wouldn’t be able to handle the amount of juggling that’s needed for this series, and that’s why the show has been a master class in character development. Each character featured throughout the episode has at least one, if not more, important moment that not only reinforces, but advances their plot and their character.

Theon’s (Alfie Allen) homecoming is anything but a warm welcome, as the Stark loyalist returns to the Iron Islands to enlist his father in the battle against the Lannisters. Between this and the introduction of Dragonstone last week, two new players have entered the battle for Iron Throne and it’ll be interesting to see if any more kingdoms arise to claim their right to the throne currently held by the Lannisters.

Speaking of the Lannisters, Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) finds himself having to deal with many of the same dangers that Ned Stark, the previous Hand of the King, faced before him, but between Varys’ (Conleth Hill) investigation and Cersei’s (Lena Headey) frighteningly cold conversation, the Imp may have found himself in over his head. However, unlike Ned Stark, Tyrion appears ready to do what is needed to make sure he holds onto the position granted to him by his father, even if it means taking out the trash (in this case the trash was Janos Slynt, but I have a feeling as the show progress, Tyrion will be forced to make even harder decisions, especially considering he’s dealing with both Joffrey and Cersei).

Yet in Dragonstone, Stannis’ (Stephen Dillane) belief in the Lord of Light is called into question that tests his dedication to Melisandre’s (Carice van Houten) master plan. If Ser Davos (Liam Cunningham) believes in Stannis as his god, how will he react when he finds that Stannis is starting to question himself?

The show continues to surprise me and more importantly, continues to draw me in week after week, even with the introduction of various new characters, I don’t ever feel like I’m missing a beat.

And that’s just great storytelling.

Quick Thoughts:

– I’ve sung the praises of Maisie Williams before, but the young actress continues to show her expert talent as the young Arya Stark. Her moments with Yoren played for some much needed comedic relief this week as the two continue their journey to the Night’s Watch. However, I have a feeling it’s only a matter of time before the two find themselves in over their heads; I don’t think the soldiers from King’s Landing will take no for an answer next time around.
– After last week’s chat with Cersei, Petyr Baelish (Aidan Gillen) made sure that his power was felt as he reminded Ros (Esmé Bianco) of her possible fate should she fail to carry out her newfound responsibilities in King’s Landing.
– The whole Cersei/Tyrion conversation? A brilliant, brilliant scene for Lena Headedy and Peter Dinklage.
– The pairing of Benioff and Weiss with Alan Taylor continues to pay major dividends, as this week’s episode produced great results. Taylor directed the last two episodes of Season 1 and now the first two episodes of Season 2. I’d say he’s had a major hand in shaping the world of Westeros.
– I hope we see more of the pirate Salladhor Saan. Easily one of my new favorite characters and Doctor Who fans may remember the actor, Lucian Msamati, from the “Vampires of Venice” episode.
– Interesting developments for the Night’s Watch this week. Jon Snow’s nobility continues to make me root for the character, even though it may get him killed.
– Will things ever get better for Daenerys? I think it’s only a matter of time before her story explodes with violence, which should yield some great results for the show and for her character.

Another very good episode of a very good series, but what did you all think? Sound off in our comments with your thoughts!

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1 Comment »

  1. Quick fix!  Arya and Gendry are hanging out, and confiding in each other this week.  Yoren is the man who threatened and sent away the Kind’s Guard.
     
    I’m interested in seeing where they take the Melisandre and Stannis relationship.  I don’t remember that being in the book, so this could be a whole new storyline.  Very interesting.

    Comment by Wendy — April 9, 2012 @ 12:34 pm

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