 | I'm both a book and TV show fan, I have read the books all to date and so am coming to the table with some foreknowledge. However the wonder of the show is not just that they are not just retelling the book instead they are putting their own stamp on events. As such watching the show has actually spoiled the book in certain plot lines. I will try my hardest not to spoil any future events but as far as I'm concerned events in this and past episodes are fair game. |
So fellow Gamers I now bring you Two Swords.
 | The show's title as always has quite a few connotations within the narrative. The opening focuses on Ned Stark's blade aptly named Ice. It is a Greatsword made of the strongest metal known Valyrian steel. This was the sword Ned Stark used to behead the deserter from the nights watch in episode one. It is also the sword that Ilyn Payne used to take Ned's head on the Great Sept of Baelor. What we did not see is that Payne had taken the sword for himself and has been using it in his role as the Kings justice. It always seemed odd situation that a executioner would inherit a sword of such value but now the Lions of Lannister have a sword worthy of the richest family in Westeros, well actually two swords. |
| Of course Ice is one end of the Sword scale and at the other end is needle. A blade fit for a little lady with a thin blade and a pointy end. Arya Stark is a more a waterdancer now than a lady but her reunion with the blade sets up an epic finale to the show. However it's her relationship and chats with the Hound (Sandor Clegane) that are one of the highlights of the show at the moment. Both have lost everything and are together for what seems like mutual need, but there is something bigger going on. The fight that Arya shows seems to give the Hound joy, he may chastise her but there always is always a smirk while he is talking. Their fight in the inn is one of the most brutal and Arya's takedown of Poliver is chilling to say the least. |  |
Of course we have a vast array of other characters new and old in the episode. The best of these has to be the Dornish Prince, Oberyn Martell. His introduction in a whore house is a great piece of television, however it felt a little odd that they stopped the scene short of letting Oberyn engage with the male host when we had seen his paramour Ellaria Sand actively engaged with a female. It's not a big issue but I'm just wondering why the goose is seemingly more visually represented than the gander. Anyway the distraction that takes the Dornish man reacts to allows Oberyn to show his less playful side.
The Prince is a second son just like Tyrion and there verbal sparring at the start of the show is as much a history lesson for the viewers as it is for the Lannister. However it is the older son Jamie that is more of the focus of the show, his change has been gradual but the Kingslayer is beginning to see the world in a different light. Especially since he has now seemingly lost the love of his life in Cersei, add to this the rejection of his nephew/son, father and the loss of his sword hand this is one gent in serious strife. Of course we will have to see how it plays out but it looks like all is not well with the richest family in Westeros.
As the episode unfolds we get lots more information coming to light such as Jon Snow's arrival at Castle Black, Sir Duntos and Sansa's meeting but it is left to Daenerys to really make the boldest visual statement. This involves the murder and public display of over 160 slaves on the road to the greatest slave city in the world Meereen. It's a chilling event and brilliantly played, the change from shock to determination on the face of Daenerys shows her growth into not only a strong leader but a warrior queen worthy of the title Khaleesi.
As the episode unfolds we get lots more information coming to light such as Jon Snow's arrival at Castle Black, Sir Duntos and Sansa's meeting but it is left to Daenerys to really make the boldest visual statement. This involves the murder and public display of over 160 slaves on the road to the greatest slave city in the world Meereen. It's a chilling event and brilliantly played, the change from shock to determination on the face of Daenerys shows her growth into not only a strong leader but a warrior queen worthy of the title Khaleesi.
The Game of Thrones team are creating a wonderful Television show and we have to hope that they can continue with this level of output.
Knowing the way the game is played I'm pretty sure they will.
Knowing the way the game is played I'm pretty sure they will.
Episode watched via SkyGo on the morning of the 7th of April.
Images courtesy of BSkyB
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