This episode in the adaptation of George R.R. Martin's books continues the strong start following two very good opening episodes.
Ned Stark arrives in King's Landing taking up his duties as Hand to the King. He meets the two political geniuses Varys and 'Littlefinger' Baelish both of whom make immediate impact with finely acted scenes of dialogue. Sansa and Arya are with Ned and Catelyn Stark also arrives to investigate who may have attempted to kill their son Bran (who lies crippled back home in Winterfell). At this stage the intrigue is ramping up and the political game playing is kicking off chains of events which are as yet unclear. Baelish is at his best right away. His sliminess, leading you to not know if he is a hero or a villain, is played beautifully throughout every season and is evident straight away.
Tyrion and Jon Snow have arrived at The Wall where Jon begins training with the highly unpleasant Ser Alliser Thorn making his life difficult. There are lovely scenes where Tyrion helps and advises Jon. Lord Commander Mormont and Maester Aemon appear too and are acted to perfection by James Cosmo and Peter Vaughan.
King Robert continues to be played with brilliant bravado by Mark Addy and Barristan Selmy provides graceful company for him and Jaime in a fun scene comparing first kills.
Viserys starts to see a tougher side emerging in his younger sister as she settles a little into her place as Khaleesi of the Dothraki horde.
An additional delight is the appearance of the character Syrio Forel, Arya's 'dance' teacher who is charisma personified. An absolute gem of a performance which lights up the screen while teaching Arya her first sword skills.
It is interesting to view Catelyn's choices when you know the books or re-watch years later knowing how it all pans out. I feel she has a lot to answer for in her very poor decision making in this as well as later episodes. Why does she need to travel to King's Landing at all when she could have just sent Ser Rodrick? Then when she gets there she influences Ned to make mistakes and trust people he shouldn't.
Another excellent episode. 9/10
Ned Stark arrives in King's Landing taking up his duties as Hand to the King. He meets the two political geniuses Varys and 'Littlefinger' Baelish both of whom make immediate impact with finely acted scenes of dialogue. Sansa and Arya are with Ned and Catelyn Stark also arrives to investigate who may have attempted to kill their son Bran (who lies crippled back home in Winterfell). At this stage the intrigue is ramping up and the political game playing is kicking off chains of events which are as yet unclear. Baelish is at his best right away. His sliminess, leading you to not know if he is a hero or a villain, is played beautifully throughout every season and is evident straight away.
Tyrion and Jon Snow have arrived at The Wall where Jon begins training with the highly unpleasant Ser Alliser Thorn making his life difficult. There are lovely scenes where Tyrion helps and advises Jon. Lord Commander Mormont and Maester Aemon appear too and are acted to perfection by James Cosmo and Peter Vaughan.
King Robert continues to be played with brilliant bravado by Mark Addy and Barristan Selmy provides graceful company for him and Jaime in a fun scene comparing first kills.
Viserys starts to see a tougher side emerging in his younger sister as she settles a little into her place as Khaleesi of the Dothraki horde.
An additional delight is the appearance of the character Syrio Forel, Arya's 'dance' teacher who is charisma personified. An absolute gem of a performance which lights up the screen while teaching Arya her first sword skills.
It is interesting to view Catelyn's choices when you know the books or re-watch years later knowing how it all pans out. I feel she has a lot to answer for in her very poor decision making in this as well as later episodes. Why does she need to travel to King's Landing at all when she could have just sent Ser Rodrick? Then when she gets there she influences Ned to make mistakes and trust people he shouldn't.
Another excellent episode. 9/10