“Two Swords”
***SPOILERS***
With the infamous Red Wedding behind us it’s the end of Rob Stark’s rise to power and the beginning of Tywin Lannister’s false sense of omnipotence. In the opening sequence Tywin torches Rob’s direwolf with the same flames he uses to forge two new Valyrian steel swords symbolically transferring power back into his court. With their wealth, power and lack of morality the Lannisters are a dangerous and untouchable family.
“Tell your father the Lannisters aren’t the only ones who pay their debts,” says Prince Oberyn to Tyrion. Prince Oberyn also known as the Red Viper is a new comer this season. And it looks like he might be just the person to shake things up. Revenge is a mighty motivator and he has a sister’s death to avenge. I suspect this season will reveal the Lannister’s true vulnerabilities.
The world of the King Slayer has been turned upside down. There was no warm welcome home for this cripple. It was his sword that defined him, that made Jamie Lannister a man, without the ability to wield his weapon of choice he’s practically useless. And that is the way his family now treats him. As Jaime put it, “every Lannister I’ve seen has been a miserable pain in my ass.” He’s beginning to understand the way the rest of the world sees his family, especially his sister/lover.
Cersei’s love for Jaime is apparently skin deep. She’s no longer attracted to her one-handed brother and I doubt the clunky golden hand she’s given him will make much difference. She’s a cold blooded woman. Receiving more than a few cold shoulders from his family, Jamie is quickly being shut out. Feeling insecure and useless, Jamie’s on the verge of evolving into a respectable Lannister. One more on par with Tyrion, but not nearly as clever.
With a sharp mind made for verbal sparring, Tyrion is not only my favorite character but also the wittiest. If he were taller, the throne would be his. But as it stands he must fight for his rights within his own family. He’s been forced to marry Sansa, against both of their wills. His wife loathes the sight of him and his mistress Shay detests that he’s married. For all of his integrity, Tyrion can’t catch a break. There’s no light at the end of his tunnel thus far.
Unbeknownst to Tywin Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen is a force to be reckoned with. She is, after all, The Mother of Dragons. Sure she has to finish amassing an army and cross the seas to the Seven Kingdoms, but I have no doubt she will eventually succeed. She is by far the most determined character. Though if she is to succeed she’ll have to learn how to better control her dragons. No longer cute little babies, her children are well into the adolescent phase. And as we all know, teenagers love to rebel. How this mamma handles her brood will be telling in whether or not she can conquer a far off kingdom.
Wise beyond her years Arya Stark has already killed more men than most warriors twice her age. Though she detests the Hound, they make a fantastic pair to watch. I’d love to see more of them on screen. Jon Snow is also back with the men of the night’s watch, though for such an honorable man no one seems to trust him. That’s what happens when you play an undercover double agent. So many characters are back in play and we’ll meet more yet as the season progresses.
The GOT premiere tonight was an excellent season opener setting the stage for more excitement to come. The real war has only just begun. Where will the characters, the schemes and the corruption lead?
Aurora Snow Says
Episode Rating:
[Rating:4/5]