Game of Thrones (TV Series) Two Swords (2014) User Reviews

Jamie, Arya, Violence, and Psychopathy

[i-am-so-original · 9/10 · 7 April 2014]

I have to say, I enjoyed the new Game of Thrones episode immensely!

The episode could be considered a little slow and none-too-eventful by some, but I found it to be a good balance of violence and character development, not to mention that it has to lay the groundwork for the rest of the season to come. I found many of the story lines this week to be of interest, particularly Jamie's and Arya's.

I've always been a fan of Jamie Lannister, even from the beginning of the series. The incest storyline has always interested me, and his development throughout Season 3 was one of that season's strong points for me. I loved the way his character progressed, and I loved the relationship he built, and currently has, with Brienne. It's interesting to see Cersei giving him the shoulder and Joffrey blatantly disrespecting him, calling him out on his absence from King's Landing and his missing hand. If anything, that showed not only Joffrey's wickedness, but also Jack Gleeson's sadistic acting abilities.

The second storyline I'm finding significantly interesting is Arya's. Arya has not consistently intrigued me as much as Jamie and other characters have, but last season, Arya definitely became a highlight. Her storyline was my favourite this week, with a great blend of amazing writing, brutal violence, and great character work. The writing in that pub scene felt like something out of a Tarantino movie – a slow build up to a violent conclusion. The sense of dread and violence was palpable in that scene, and it came as no surprise when things went south. The scene was exciting, and the violence gruesome, especially when the Hound slammed that man's head on the sword multiple times. If anything, this show is consistent in its gruesome, realistic depictions of violence. I could watch The Walking Dead and its violence all day and never be phased, but Game of Thrones has always surprised me with how I react to its violence – it is always twisted, gruesome, and painfully realistic.

I also love what the writers seem to be doing with Arya. The ending of this episode was fantastic, with Arya riding off on her new pony, smile on her face, when only minutes ago she stabbed a man through the throat, gleefully happy as she was doing it. Arya seems to be falling down a dangerous path, one of psychopathy. I am greatly looking forward to seeing how the writers play with this character and what becomes of her sanity.

Fantastic

[alanfumming · 9/10 · 7 April 2014]

After such a fantastic season 3 Game of Thrones had a lot to live up to this season. Have they done so thus far? In my opinion, yes.

The opening scene involving Tywin burning down Ned Starks great sword 'Ice' and its symbolism of the downfall of house Stark was brilliant. Also, Jaime (Nikloaj Coaster-Waldau) and Tywin's (Charles Dance) scene where Jaime defies Tywins wish for him to leave the Kingsguard was excellently acted and very well written.

When I first discovered that we would not get to see the scene from the books, involving Tyrion and Oberyn riding towards Kings Landing I was slightly disappointed. However, Oberyns opening scene portraying not only his seductive and charming nature, but his short temper and ability to out think and pace his opponent was fantastically done. In my opinion Pedro Pascall is a brilliant choice of actor to play Oberyn, and Ellaria Sand was quite convincing also.

My opinion on the new Daario Naharis (Michael Huisman) is currently unsure, he seemed very charming and well spoken, however not quite as cocky and arrogant as I always imagined Daario, however as usual Daenerys had minimal screen time therefore I am going to reserve my judgment on him for the time being.

Cersei was brilliantly portrayed (as usual) by Lena Headey.

I was glad to see Ser Dontos finally arrive, however I am unsure as to how much his and Sansa's story lines are going to differ from the books.

Jack Gleeson once again manages to put in a perfect performance of King Joffrey.

The stand out scene for me had to be that involving Arya (Maisie Williams) and Sandor (Rory McCann). Both excellently acted and one of the few fast paced scenes in the episode. Arya's descent into savagery is slowly becoming more and more prominent and I personally think it is being done very well.

Overall I give this episode 9/10, it was very well done and could have been made better only by involving a bit more action, but you can hardly expect every episode to be as fast paced as 'The Rains of Castamere' now can you.

Reunions

[Tweekums · 9/10 · 12 January 2016]

As the fourth season opens we see that two characters, Jaime Lannister and Jon Snow, haven't received the welcome the hoped for when they returned to King's Landing and Fort Black respectively. Jaime is fitted with a new metal hand but he is clearly considered less of a man than he was when he was last in the capital. His father gives him a sword forged from the metal of Ned Stark's old sword and orders him to return to the family home at Casterly Rock but Jaime refuses insisting that he will remain in the King's Guard… even after the king mocks him. Jon Snow meanwhile is accused of betraying his vows and some of the senior Night's Watch believe he should be executed; luckily wiser counsel prevails after his warning of the uniting of the Wildling tribes under Mance Rayder.

Other characters aren't neglected; in King's Landing we see that Sansa has taken the news of what happened to her family very badly and is refusing to eat. Tyrion is having difficulties with two women; his wife and Shae; the latter's attentions appear to have been discovered putting her in danger. If that wasn't enough Tyrion is given the task of greeting the head of House Martell, a house known for its hatred of the Lannisters. The man doesn't turn up, he has sent his younger brother Prince Oberyn Martell, and he has gone ahead and gone straight to a brothel. Elsewhere Daenerys learns that her dragons are not tame and had to deal with the fact that Daario Naharis and Grey Worm are competing for the right to ride alongside her; something that doesn't impress her. While all this is going on they head towards another slave city that she plans to liberate. In the North we see more Wildling groups meeting up as they prepare to attack Castle Black… including some who hope to feed on the crows! Finally Arya and Sandor Clegane meet a group of soldiers in a remote tavern; including the man who stole her sword 'Needle' and killed her friend with it… she will have her revenge!

This was a really good start to the fourth season as we catch up with most of the main characters and we see that things aren't going as they had hoped. I almost didn't recognise Jaime when he first appeared as his long hair had gone; replaced by a more military cut. It was interesting to see how he was treated by his family; Nikolaj Coaster-Waldau has done a fine job as Jaime slowly changed from the arrogant but brilliant swordsman to a more modest and more likable character. There was less surprise in what happened to Jon Snow although his scenes did serve to remind us how the received wisdom about the Wildlings was far different from what Jon discovered. Seeing new Wildlings, in the form of a group of cannibals was enjoyable; these scenes with the Wildlings also showed that Ygritte isn't over Jon Snow. The episodes other new arrival was Oberyn Martell and it looks as if he and his family will prove an interesting addition to the story; now the Starks are defeated the Lannisters need a viable foe and the Martells sound like contenders. It was nice to see that Daenerys' dragons are growing fast and surprising to see one threaten her, if only briefly. The highlight of the episode however was the scene where Arya and The Hound meet the soldiers in the tavern; it started with a calm conversation but you could feel the tension rising like a rattlesnake preparing to strike… when the action started it was both thrilling and brutal. At first Arya just looks on but when she joins in she shows that she can kill with little difficulty; Maisie Williams did a great job in this scene. Overall a good episode that makes me think that this series will be a real treat.

And we're back

[sharky_55 · 6 April 2014]

As the most anticipated season of Game of Thrones yet, everyone has been buzzing with hype leading up to this premiere, and I had very high expectations. The opening scene was grand, the comparisons to Ned's sword Ice and his subsequent downfall to Lannister pride and Tywin, standing menacingly as his tosses the symbolic wolf hide into the the fire. His conversation with Jaime set up my favourite character for a new season of twists and turns. We see him reject his heritage and rightful place at Casterly Rock, perhaps sensing that he belongs elsewhere. Much more to come from him. Nice to see the Dreadfort in the opening sequence, it is a joy to watch each time.

Pedro Pascal as the Red Viper is magnificent, his initial scene portraying him as the seductive deviant and dangerous conspirator he is. His explanation and his excellent line "The Lannisters aren't the only ones who pay their debts" is great exposition to give us some backstory on the Martell and Lannister clash. Elaria Sand played by Indira Varma was equally seductive, yet I found the accent quite wanting.

As with a big budget show like GOT, they are generous with their CGI of the dragons. I wouldn't have it any other way; they are very lifelike in their grace and ferocity. I hope they don't stress how dragons can't be 'tamed', seeing as Targaryens have done so before, even if it is part of Dany's struggle.

Unlike many I was fond of the old Daario, who had arrogance written all over his face, though this one is quite charming in his own stead. New Daario is much nicer, though giving flowers is a bit cliché. The one handed slaves hint at Dany's campaign to get a lot more difficult for her.

Let's just say they took a different direction with Shae from the books and it could be a vast improvement, or it could be disaster. Her oblivious nature to the politics of the situation is hard to watch. Sansa is wonderful in laying out the bare bones of her tragedy. She seems to be on a whole new level of maturity and that hopefully will see fans grow on her.

Cersei is as vivacious in this new season as she was in the last. The conflicting 'come in' and 'go away' was a great way to show how at odds the pair now are.

Leslie Rose as Ygritte brings so much more than the books that I am glad to see more of her. The Magnar of Thenn is amongst the most meaning characters we have seen yet, towering over Tormund.

I didn't like how they cut up the relationship between Jon and Robb, even though they rarely got any lines with each other. His reaction to the RW was not as good as Sansa's. I hope people noticed Janos Slynt at the Wall, as he is the first sign of the capital trying to influenced the Night's Watch. Master Aemon is as wise as ever, only rivalled by the Queen of Thorns. She again captivates the screen with her cutting cynicism and wit. You can see shades of this in the beautiful Margaery.

Again, the standout actor in Gleeson is despicable and I love it. The appearance of the White Book of the Kingsguard I hope signals one of my favourite scenes. The Hound and Arya make for great dialogue and dynamic. You can sense Sandor already warming up to her. The actor for Polliver was a bit expressionless, but McCann more than made up for it with his carefree insults and ferocity in the fight scene. And what a way for Arya to make her next kills, absolutely brutal. Mirroring the Lommy scene and what we didn't get from the book (Tickler interrogation stabbing).

Other than that, what else it there to say? We didn't even see the whole cast but you can be sure they Littlefinger and Varys are plotting behind the scenes, and Stannis is never far away. Great start to the season.

9/10

Epic start to the season!

[harryt-935-726127 · 10/10 · 7 April 2014]

This episode was definitely worth having 4 hours sleep. The Dragons have grown larger, the CGI that created them is so perfectly mastered, it's outstanding! Kit Haringtons and Sophie Turners acting has improved greatly, in S2/3, I cringed when Sophie (Sansa) talked, but now, her acting is perfect! She really deserves more screen time.

I love the banter between Arya and Sandor (the hound), again, Maisie Williams acting has improved so much! The fighting scene was perfectly orchestrated, it seemed real.

A new character has arrived! Prince Oberyn Martell of Dorne, played by Pedro Pascal. Even though he did only get about 10-20 minutes of screen time, his acting was superb! He played the character extremely well.

An epic start to the season! Now to watch it again at 9PM!

The Warm Start of the Fourth Season

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 11 May 2014]

Tywin gives a sword made of Valyrian steel to Jaime and orders him to return to Casterly Rock, but Jaime refuses to go. Tyrion is assigned to welcome Prince Doran Matell but he learns that his brother Oberyn will attend the wedding instead and has arrived earlier. Tyrion finds Oberyn with his mistress in the brothel and he finds that he hates the Lannisters. Cersei gives a golden right hand for Jaime and her maid discloses information about Shae that she had overheard. Dontos meets Sansa to thank her for saving his life and gives a necklace that belonged to his mother to her. Tormund and the wildlings team up with the cannibals Thenn under the command of Styr. Jon Snow recovers from the injuries and goes to a hearing with the leaders of the Night's Watch. Arya and The Hound reach a tavern with five men and The Hound is forced to fight against them. Arya kills two men, one of them with her Needle. Daenerys find 163 slaves nailed to crosses and she reaches the front gate of the city of Meereen.

"Two Swords" is a warm start of the Fourth Season of "game of Thrones". The story introduces the dangerous and amoral Oberyn Matell. Daario Naharis that was played by Ed Skrein has been replaced by Michiel Huisman, who does not have any resemblance with the original actor. The impulsive Arya forces The Hound to fight again against a great number of opponents. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Two Swords"

Two Swords - Two Atmospheres?

[loppy66 · 10/10 · 7 April 2014]

Personally I didn't expect too much for the new season start, as in the books it is rather a long winding role play before the Purple Wedding. However I loved to see the fact how the character of the main actors is developing and changing. The acting was absolutely fantastic in my opinion. I was impressed after viewing the first episode, because I found a parallel in between the title "Two Swords" (and the actual forging of them) and the storyline of this episode. Don't know whether this was just making up in my mind or whether the author intended to do this:

Two Swords - Two Atmospheres

1. Wrath - Anger - Hate: The Hound, Arya, Daenerys, Oberyn, Mance Rayder, The Wildlings

2. Desperation - Sadness - Pride: Jaime Lannister, Cersei Lannister, Jon Snow, Shae, Tyrion

Can't wait for more!

2 thumbs up!

The Roads Lead Inward

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 29 May 2015]

Of course, there is the upcoming wedding. Joffrey at his self-centered best actually announces to his protectors that there will be no trouble. I don't know what will happen next, but I know what dramatic irony is. Coming to the festivities are sworn enemies of the Lannisters and there are scenes of threat. Tyrion has been observed with Shae, who is playing with dynamite and has no regard for her own safety. She has no patience and is allowing lust to dictate to her. Jaime confronts his father. All that he has been through has no effect on those who should be closes to him His sister and others have no clue the pain he has experienced and he refuses his father's orders. He is fitted with a gold hand to replace the one he lost, but it is merely a useless appendage. The hound and Arya are moving on, but other than meandering, there is little direction. A bond has been forged and they participate in a slaughter. Arya, after all of her false starts, is starting to see what she was meant to be all along. Daeny is on her way with her foot soldiers, encountering signposts with the bodies of collared dead girls in a sort of crucifixion. John Snow is ready to lead, but is still trying to gain some respect from the Dark Watch. Good setup for the first episode of Season Four.

Vengeance , honour and emotions!

[kattykomal-569-29073 · 9/10 · 8 April 2014]

The first episode in all seasons has been more like an allusion to what comes next, and two swords just served that purpose. ' Vengeance - ' lannisters are not the only ones to pay their debts' - with that Oberryn is introduced, who is seeking revenge against the lannisters for the gruesome murder of his sister.Arya is shaping into what looks like one psychopath girl, who now has the audacity to kill for what is rightfully hers. Honour - with the new sword being forged from the ICe - Ned's sword, the honourable house of Starks has fallen, Ser Jamie Lannister is still struggling to get his honour back as a knight in the Kingsguard , refusing his inheritance to Casterly Rock. There is Danearys , struggling to tame her own dragons, trying to bring the honur back to the house of Targaeryans.there was Jon Snow, trying to regain his position in the night's watch, and the wildlings still fighting.

Emotions - Cersei tussling with her own thoughts, her love for Jamie now estranged! Brienne still trying to restore Catelyn's honour, and Sansa now becoming strong, and Shae turning green with envy.

This episode had action, story and drama. Shot with attention to the minutest detail, the graphics( dragons have now grown big), their clothes, two swords marks a great beginning to the season 4.

A classic episode and a great start to Season 4

[gavin-thelordofthefu-48-460297 · 10/10 · 22 April 2016]

Two Swords not only does a great job introducing new characters, but also continuing the story lines for the Stark and Lannister with a few twists and turns. There aren't any faults I have with this episode because it's a classic and it's a great start to Season 4.

The performances are still great, the storyline/script is even more fresh, the pacing is superb and doesn't drag, the relationships continue to shine, the scenery is gorgeous, the CGI graphics is really solid (even the look of the dragon in Daenerys' story-arc, which looks pretty cool), the action is really interesting, the music score is still beautiful, and the directing is terrific. So, overall, a great start to the fourth season. :)

Two Swords. S4 EP

[mohammedadallawati · 9/10 · 23 March 2023]

Soundtrack : (9.4/10) Dialogue : (9.4/10) Story : (9.2/10) Cinematography : (9/10) Character Development : (9.8/10) Conflict : (9.3/10) Excitement : (9.1/10) Reasonableness : (9.6/10) Overall : (9.4/10)

• What an introductory scene. Tywin is such a badass as he forges Ned's sword (Ice) into two swords.

• Sansa mentioning the death of her mother and brother is so sad. The fact that she no longer prays shows how heartbroken she is.

• Oberyn's introduction scene is so great. We can know so much of his character from just one scene. His talk with Tyrion says so much about him and his hatred to house Lannister.

• Jaime returns to Kingslanding just to find Cersei annoyed and her affection towards him are gone.

• Jon mentioning his brother and how jealous he was from him, a great scene. His trial is equally great and Slynt's replies pisses me off. It shows how an idiot he is. Maester Aemon is perfect.

• I love the scene where Jaime and Joffrey talks about the kingsguard. We can see how changed Jaime is.

• God the Hound is priceless. His replies are always funny and gold. Arya and the Hound's scenes in this episode are one the best scenes regarding them. Arya develops as she kills Polliver and she finally gets her own horse and retrieves Needle.

Cons :

• The scene involving the Thens was really good but I didn't care about them or their conflict as we don't know enough about them to care about,

The show returns with many having distrust in each other, with most of it warranted.

[Amari-Sali · 9/10 · 8 April 2014]

Eventually I do plan to read the books because so much happens in just one episode that it is hard to even fathom what may have been cut out. That aside, most of the favorites are back for the season premiere. Tyrion meets the newest character, Oberyn Martell; Jaimie deals with the disappointment, you could say, of his return; Daenerys continues her march as freer of slaves; Sansa and Arya uniquely deal with the death of the majority of their family; and we even get to see Jon Snow.

Topic 1: Those in War – Jon Snow & Daenerys

To begin, let's start with Jon Snow. With his return comes a trial for his betrayal of the night's watch and no mercy is given to the bastard, even with news of the red wedding causing him grief. However, with Rob's defense being he was ordered to kill Qhorin, a season or two ago, and this was to infiltrate the wildlings, he builds his case. He reveals they have united under Mance Rayder, and that they have surpassed the wall. Also he reveals he has had sex. Either way, thanks to the information, and Master Aemon saving him, he is allowed to live.

Moving onto Daenerys, her dragons have become teenagers and, with this, they have become harder to control. This leads to the realization that while they are undoubtedly loyal, they are not her servants. Still though, she has bigger things to worry about then her dragons. For one, between Daario Naharis and Grey Worm, there seems to be quite a fight to ride alongside the queen, a battle which doesn't amuse her in the least bit. However, Daario does present something Grey Worm can't, and perhaps that is strategy beyond the concepts of war. He brings the idea of Daenerys to familiarize herself with the culture of the people, as well as its environment, and not simply be one who rules in ambivalence. Mind you, this is done while flirting.

Topic 2: Those in Peace – The Lannisters & Tyrells

In King's Landing the wedding is only but weeks away, and it seems very few are excited about it. Sansa is consumed with grief, of which only a gift from Sir Dontos eases slightly; Jaimie is having a hard time from his family for between being captured, and having one hand, he is beginning to receive a similar type of admonishment as Tyrion has since birth. Albeit, Tywin still loves him enough to ask him to be lord of Castley Rock, and accept his refusal, but with Cersei giving him the cold shoulder, Joffrey mocking his lack of accomplishments, and Brienne on him about not taking Sansa somewhere safe, no one is really in his corner right now.

But, while the Lannisters deal with internal issues, the Tyrells are almost solely focused on the wedding. Olenna especially since she seems more vested in it than Margaery. However, even with the joy of the wedding, Olenna finds no peace in her surroundings. For, after spats with Tywin, it seems she finds herself very cautious of things she says, much less what Margaery does. For the most part though, both are in some sort of marital bliss.

Topic 3: Those Seeking Vengeance – Arya & Oberyn

Leaving us with Oberyn and Arya. Let's talk about Oberyn first since he presents a more compelling story. You see, Oberyn, and his house the Martells, are very much an odd wedding guest. Their family used to be part of the royalty of King's Landing, well until the Targaeryn king replaced Oberyn's sister. But perhaps what is worth noting the most is what happened during the Sack of Kings. During this uprising, as Targareyn children were massacred, including those kin to Oberyn, so was his sister Elia, the former queen. In fact, Tyrion says, based on what he heard, she was raped and split in two, and with the Lannisters being a key element of the destruction of part of his family, he warns Tyrion, who is to welcome them, that it isn't just the Lannisters who repay their debts.

Lastly, there is Arya. With her family, for the most part, dead, and her stuck with the Hound, she finds herself in a weird limbo. She is stuck with a man she rather despises, and yet has a good enough relationship with to trust with her life. As for the Hound's point of view, with Robb dead he just continues moving around the Stark line and now plans on taking her to Lysa to turn her in for some gold. But, that isn't before a little revenge. Before the intro plays they remind us of all the twist and horrors before this season. One of which is Polliver killing Lommy with Arya's sword, Needle, given to her by her brother. In this episode, Arya gets her revenge, with the Hounds help, and retrieves perhaps one of the few items remaining of her once noble house. Leaving her with two more to add to her body count, and an almost Ellie and Joel, from The Last of Us, type of relationship between her and the Hound.

Setting Up the Issues to be Addressed for the Season

[3xHCCH · 7/10 · 7 April 2014]

After all these months of waiting, we are all so excited to watch this initial episode of this new season. Nothing really big happens yet as this episode tells about the frustrating events that occur after Stannis defeat at Blackwater and Rob Stark's death at the Red Wedding. Of course, as in past episodes, there there is violence, wry humor and frontal nudity.

Tyrion Lannister frustrated as his child bride Sansa avoids him, and his lover Shae tries to seduce him. Jamie Lannister frustrated as he was rebuffed by Cersei and insulted by Joffrey. Cersei Lannister is frustrated because she is about to marry a "pillow biter".

Danaerys frustrated by the mummies that line the road to her destination, Meereen. Jon Snow is frustrated by the his meeting with the Night Watch elders. Margaery Tyrell and Lady Olenna are frustrated by the poor quality of Kings Landing jewelry. Arya Stark is frustrated because she does not have a horse of her own.

We meet Oberyn, a prince with an axe to grind against the Lannisters. an He is an interesting new character as we expect him to give the people of Kings Landing a hard time this season. We meet a new group of Wildlings who actually threaten Ygritte and her group.

We meet a new actor who plays Daario. Strange they did not at least give him the same hairstyle as the previous Daario. We are frustrated by his lame attempts at romance with Danaerys. Flowers, really? Nice.

Sandor Clegane: Here I am. Bring me one of those chickens.

[bombersflyup · 5/10 · 18 April 2018]

Two Swords is a uneventful season opener, introducing some unlikable characters.

Tywin gives Jaime a sword made of Valyrian steel and sends him to rule at Casterly Rock. Jaime refuses, as he wants to be with Cersei but she's a b..... Daenerys begins to see that her dragons may become a problem to keep tamed. Arya and The Hound continue their travels, killing some nasty folk along the way. These two certainly carry this episode out of the muck.

Arya: Why don't you have any money? Didn't you steal anything from Joffrey before you left? Clegane: No. Arya: You're not very smart, are you? Clegane: I'm not a thief. Arya: You're fine with murdering little boys, but thieving is beneath you. Clegane: Man's got to have a code.

Polliver: You lived your life for the king. You gonna die for some chickens? Clegane: Someone is.

The Hound, Arya, Jaime and Daenerys the standouts.

Grew up in king's Landing

[dannylee-78082 · 8/10 · 23 February 2022]

1. Sansa is depressed 2. Jon doesn't get executed 3. Arya and The Hound kill some people

One of the better season openers. There is some rift in Cersei and Jaime's relationship, which is understandable because basically a whole war started out because of their relationship. I feel so bad for Sansa. She's a clear cut example of depresssion. I love the little John Wifk moment with Arya and the Hound had. Such good chemistry. They give me a slight Leon vibe too. News of White Walkers reach Castle Black and is taken seriously. King's Landing and other places are also aware now.

Overall, great start to a season. Much more exorcising than usual.

Right back in the game

[IamInge · 9/10 · 23 June 2019]

A new season and this episode doesn't disappoint: It brings us right back in the game.

Four seasons in, it's still brilliant.

[punch87 · 9/10 · 25 October 2019]

In terms of plot progression, "Two Swords" offered minimal movement. However, the superb execution of this episode demonstrates the confidence and skill that David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have accumulated over the past three seasons.

Great

[marsellidavi · 10 October 2020]

A great beginning to S4. Very entertaining throw all the episode. Always interesting things happen and new truth reveals. Great acting.

Reckoning is coming..

[l-rocha77 · 10/10 · 14 April 2014]

Great start of the 4th season. Great story, images and graphics, the best actors on the screen, and the focus on the 2 swords(Guess what? You have one sword divided in two in the beginning of the episode, and another at the end, probably the 2 swords are the one in the beginning and the one at the end, and not the two that are forged...) Finally we're starting to have some satisfaction after all the bloodshed of last seasons, finally we're getting some justice and vengeance done. It's payback time, and I think that's what this season will be all about. Redemption for the viewers, and fans, of all the previous seasons. I hope this will be one of the best seasons, if not the best, of GoT. This episode delivers and makes you have hope again.

Winter? no... Reckoning is coming.

A start expected..

[ahmed_dfsf · 9/10 · 7 April 2014]

With season 4 making it to the screens, many a reviews came out as the season didn't began as they expected it to be. As GRRM still on the 6th book of the "a song of ice and fire" series, the producers are in no hurry to catch up to him, as each of their yearly season is based upon each book Martin wrote in quite a lot of time. Seeing as the producers have to cover up a "storm of swords" that was half left with the end of the previous season, I'm quite sure they think of covering up this book as well as the next in the series "A feast for crows" . With 10 episodes each year, they can fill up as many gaps as they can and try to go with the books but going according to the pages will be quite a lot of work and since each season has an yearly gap between it , this idea would seem impossible. Furthermore the 4th season of Got began with a good start as they have to cover up a lot of story in coming 9 episodes, let's just hope they deliver 180 days of shooting with pure excitement.

Great Season 4 opener

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 22 January 2018]

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.

"Two Swords" may not be 'Game of Thrones' at its best, then again it is a season opener with character introductions and further plot advancement so things are not quite settled, but is a great start for Season 4. It does a fabulous job with introducing new characters and re-introducing past ones, while advancing what was shown before. One just wishes that more thought was put into the casting change for Daario, the lack of physical resemblance is too jarring and didn't feel like the same character.

In terms of standout scenes, the highlight for me is the final one between Arya and Sandor. All the acting is superb, the always-never-less-than-great actors such as Peter Dinklage, Charles Dance and Jack Gleeson still shine, Sophie Turner has really grown as an actress and the new characters make a strong impression, Pedro Pascal particularly note-worthy. Direction is fine.

Visually, "Two Swords" 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 "Two Swords" 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 once again. 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 beautifully, structured with such nuance and attention to coherence, a high emotional level and is done with intelligence, passion and sensitivity.

On the whole, great season opener if not quite a show high-point. 9/10 Bethany Cox

NEEDLE REPOINTED

[jetskiboybze · 9/10 · 11 May 2019]

Forget everyone else at Kings Landing Oberyn has arrived and debt collecting will begin. On that note I just hope the Hound stays hungry and there will be enough chickens to go round.

A fine start, and the show's best scene

[Leofwine_draca · 9/10 · 27 September 2020]

TWO SWORDS is a fine start to season four of the show and has a special place in my heart for featuring my all-time favourite single scene of the entire series: the climactic inn scene featuring the Hound and Arya. This is a masterful encounter of tension, wonderful acting from all involved, excellent dialogue and choreography, and it's a shame that they didn't feature the same kind of quality in later seasons. Elsewhere, it's a King's Landing heavy story, with Oberon showing up to mix things up a bit and Tyrion more sensitive than ever.

The hound.

[struckr · 7/10 · 8 April 2014]

I think, that this series would be very dull without the hound and his acting. I mean, the character is just my size. Else is to bothersome for me to enjoy it. It is the only character I really care about in the show, and I would proly pass watching the series if he were just another hack n slash character or pornographic figure. There is anger, there is emotion, there is gluttony, greed and not give a f**k woven in this person that screams attention. On the other hand, I see same old pattern of bringing new characters from out of nowhere to keep the drama rolling, old ones staying just as bad and uninteresting as they were from their first scene. Well okay, maybe Tywin Lannister still performs well his cruel duty toward family greedy goals but rest is just sad. Oh yeah, "F***k the King!!!"!

GOT Binge...

[jcbsn · 9/10 · 2 July 2016]

And we start of season four with some same sex attraction and a foreign people who apparently want to actually kill the Lannister's, finally. And Khaleesi is losing control of the dragons it looks like. Jon Snow has made some nice enemies it looks like, and these giant bald dudes seem pretty hardcore. Nice to see Jon Snow still running his own show, although I liked the idea of him leading 100,000 soldiers instead of going back to the bottom of the barrel with the people who are about to be overrun on the wall.

The inbred rat is so inbred his own dad hates him.

Arya seems pretty lucky to have ended up with the Hound of all people. It seems pretty nice to have a heartless killer on your side with the way things are going. And Arya is actually turning into one of those herself it seems.