Spectrum's TEMPLE

 Article first published as TV Review: TEMPLE on Seat42F.

Spectrum Originals will soon present the drama series TEMPLE. The show centers around a doctor who creates a secret underground clinic to try to find a cure for his dying wife, and ends up treating criminals and others who don’t want to deal with the healthcare system. It’s a story steeped in mystery and told out of order, so it takes awhile (beyond the pilot) for it to become clear what is going on. And that mystery seems to be the point, as more time is spent wondering what has happened than enjoying what is happening, at least in the first couple of episodes.

Mark Strong (Low Winter Sun, Zero Dark Thirty) stars as Dr. Daniel Milton, and he’s a compelling lead. Obviously strong and masculine, he is able to handle the more emotional scenes with aplomb. He creates a fully realized, complex protagonist who is full of grief and love, and makes bad choices – some really bad – as a consequence. Daniel doesn’t seem certain where his line of morality is when questioned, and that is all part of the turmoil he’s portraying.

Strong is supported by a capable ensemble cast, including Daniel Mays (Good Omens) as Lee Simmons, his assistant on the project. I would really like to know why Lee is there, but that’s not made clear in the first two hours. The female characters are used a little less effectively, with Catherine McCormack’s (Lights Out) shown mostly in how her illness motivates her husband, Daniel, and Anna Willems (Carice van Houten, Game of Thrones) also relating almost exclusively to Daniel. To be clear, they seem like they’re individualistic women with careers and lives of their own outside of him, but that isn’t what TEMPLE is showing. Which sort of makes sense, given the story is Daniel’s, but is also regrettable to those who want to see more from them.

There’s also a subplot that adds action to the piece when a young father-to-be (Tobi King Bakare, Cursed) is shot during a bank robbery and brought to Daniel’s clinic for help. But I’m not sure what that has to do with anything else in TEMPLE, at least not yet.

Which honestly is the frustrating thing about TEMPLE. I like the characters, I like the production, I like the design. But I don’t know what’s going on. And unlike those supernatural mysteries, like Lost, that beg to be explored, the mysteries in this series don’t seem as deep. It’s more like information is withheld for shock factor, but not necessarily to make the story better. Though, I’ve only viewed two of eight episodes, so I can’t say for sure that the payoff isn’t worth it. It was renewed for a second series, so there may be a solid ending.

What is just as confusing is what Spectrum is doing with ‘Spectrum Originals.’ These are their exclusive shows just for Spectrum subscribers. But they only had one series last year, and now this, which is a British import, not truly an original. Sure, they control the only American access to it, but so what? It’s not like this is a huge hit people are clamoring to get at. New episodes of Mad About You are coming to the service later this year, and that might be a bigger draw. But it’s hard to see that and this being enough to actually drive anyone to subscribe to Spectrum.

So what we’re left with is a confusing show on a confusing service, and honestly, I don’t really think it’s worth looking into any further. Though if you already have Spectrum, it may be worth a watch for anyone who likes gritty British dramas.

TEMPLE premieres October 26th only on Spectrum (in the United States).

"Dragons" "Dance" in the GAME OF THRONES

Article originally written for Seat42F.

Given that HBO’s GAME OF THRONES has a penchant for making the penultimate episode of every season big (think: Ned Stark’s execution, The Red Wedding, The Battle of Blackwater), and given that last night’s episode is titled “The Dance of Dragons,” many assumed both splash and dragons would be served. Those people are likely not disappointed, then, with what GAME OF THRONES delivered.

The biggest thing by far in “The Dance of Dragons” is the sequence at the re-opened Mereen fighting pits. It starts off simple enough, with some charged interplay between Daenerys’ (Emilia Clarke) men, Daario (Michiel Huisman), Hizdahr zo Loraq (Joel Fry), and Tyrion (Peter Dinklage). Daario and Hizdahr both want Daenerys’ heart, and Hizdahr and Tyrion both seek to advise her. Well, what Hizdahr really wants is likely to depose the queen and rule himself, but until that happens, things still don’t look like smooth sailing for this all-male council.

All of this goes on as the fighting happens in front of the dais, which is interesting. Brutality is happening right in front of them, but it’s at least partially ignored because it doesn’t directly concern this group. They can talk about it on an intellectual level, but not being in the pits themselves, they don’t have that person stake. This highlights the detachment of leadership, and probably why Daenerys is having trouble controlling her people.

Jorah (Iain Glen) reappears in the pit, and that does make things more personal, at least for Daenerys. I’m not sure why The Bear returns again, having twice been cast out. Does he think he will get a different reaction from Daenerys this time? I can’t see any reason why he would think so, nor does he at the start.

But then the Sons of the Harpy attack, and nothing is certain any more. Now the danger really does threaten our small contingent. Hizdahr, the one of the attacker’s own who sits with the despised ruler, dies first. Jorah re-earns a place by Daenerys’ side by defending her, which she accepts when she takes his hand. It’s a smartly staged attack, with only a few Unsullied around and our heroes trapped in a confined space. This coup is bloody and intense and viewers will not soon forget neither the unexpected way in which it happens, nor the desperation as Jorah, Tyrion, Daario, Missandei (Nathalie Emmanuel) and Daenerys cower in the center of the pit, becoming part of the fighting action themselves, no longer separate and above it. It’s a powerful image.

Then, Drogon appears. The best dragon of Daenerys’ trio, he comes when his mistress needs him, barbequing her would-be assassins. He’s not yet completely full grown, and spears do threaten him, but he startles the bad guys enough to rescue Daenerys and fly away. It’s slightly deus ex machina, but it’s also a pay-off for a long-simmering story, and a good way to reawaken the dormant ‘mother of dragons’ plot thread.

Does Daenerys not care about her fellows? Perhaps in the moment she can be forgiven for being so focused on her pet, a truly mesmerizing sight. But when she flies off, she leaves the others in the pit. I think, given the confusion and chaos the dragon causes, they can escape, but how does she know that? Would she really be so heartless as to leave the others who have protected her so bravely to fend for themselves? This is the one thing that seems out of step in this portion of “The Dance of Dragons.”

While Mereen is the setting of a large portion of the hour, it is not the only place where things are happening, of course. The second most affecting bit comes when Stannis (Stephen Dillance) gives in to Melisandre’s (Carice van Houten) request to sacrifice his daughter, Shireen (Kerry Ingram), burning her alive, which thankfully is not shown in graphic detail. Now, according to Melisandre, this will guarantee Stannis’ progress in taking control of the Seven Kingdoms.

I don’t think Stannis’ actions can just be chalked up to desperation. True, his army is decimated, the stores burned, and he’s out of options, which does lead him to consider the one he wouldn’t before, killing his beloved daughter. But I don’t see malice or regret in his eyes when he talks to Shireen beforehand, and he actually does a kindness when he gets Davos (Liam Cunningham) out of the way, as Davos would have died defending the girl. Instead, Stannis really believes he deserves the Iron Throne and must do whatever he can to get it. There’s no anger or grief or selfishness in his face; this just is, and he accepts it as the heavy price he must pay. This will likely make most viewers, myself included, turn against his ‘just’ cause, as he’s stubborn to a tragic fault.

In Bravos, Arya (Maisie Williams) also does what she thinks she must, abandoning the mission Jaqen (Tom Wlaschiha) gives her when she spots Meryn Trant (Ian Beattie), one of those she’s sworn vengeance against for what happened to her family. She follows him around instead of killing the heartless businessman, who has earned his own death.

There’s no denying Trant deserves death, especially when his whorehouse proclivities are exposed, but I don’t think Arya is ready to go after this man head-on. She’s still very early in her training, and clearly her motives are purely personal, making her emotional. Plus, if she goes against Jaqen’s orders now, and I suspect Jaqen already knows what Arya is considering and is waiting to see what will happen, she’s likely to be kicked out the program. Then what will she do? Is being a Faceless Man just something she tests out, or is it her calling? Would she be allowed to leave the church without penalty?

Other great moments include Jaime’s enlightening discussion with Doran Martell (Alexander Siddig), which shows us Doran’s character, Bronn’s (Jerome Flynn) penalty being paid for striking a prince, and the tense few moments until Alliser (Owen Teale) opens the gate to Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and the Wildlings. “The Dance of Dragons” may be a big episode, but there are plenty left in these other sections for next week’s season finale, and many rich characters to keep playing with. If I had to hazard a guess, I’d say Jon will be the one to watch next week, and maybe Cersei, who sits this episode out.

GAME OF THRONES airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

GAME OF THRONES "Mhysa" of All Fantasy Series

Article first published as GAME OF THRONES "Mhysa" of All Fantasy Series on TheTVKing.

HBO's Game of Thrones' season three finale, "Myhsa," which means Mother, is a very busy installment, with way too many characters to fully and comprehensively cover in one review. Unless that review is several thousand words long, and who has time to read or write that? It's also hard to pinpoint what sets one episode apart from another, since events happen in sweeping arcs that unfold over years, not weeks. So, instead, here are some of the highlights of the most recent fantastic episode, which realigns some loyalties and sets the show up for another stellar run next year.

The scene where the Small Council meets at King's Landing is my favorite scene in the hour, hands down. It starts with King Joffrey Lannister (Jack Gleeson) jumping for joy with the news that Robb and Catelyn Stark have been killed, a plot twist that inexplicably has fans of the series unjustifiably turning against Game of Thrones, but I digress. Joffrey plans on doing something unspeakably cruel to celebrate, and Tyrion (Peter Dinklage), disgusted, puts Joffrey in his place.

It seems very dangerous for Tyrion to stand up to Joffrey, but because he only does it in this intimate setting, not publicly, Tyrion may be OK. Joffrey is a spoiled brat who is vengeful, and may seek to make Tyrion pay for his words. However, Joffrey doesn't dare challenge his grandfather, Tywin (Charles Dance) for authority, not yet anyway, and when Tywin seems to share Tyrion's views, Joffrey is figuratively spanked and sent to bed early.

Tywin remarks that those who must declare "I am king" are not really king, and that the crown does not necessarily equal power. He is completely correct, watching the way Joffrey is subdued. Joffrey whines and acts like a child, but he does obey Tywin in the end. Tywin is definitely the one with the real power in the realm, and until Joffrey decides not to put up with it any more and makes a real play for control, it will remain that way.

This interaction between these three would be fine enough, but "Mhysa" goes a step further and stays in the room with Tyrion and Tywin after the rest of the council has dispersed. Here, we see Tyrion talk back to his father, only to be stunned into silence when Tywin admits something that is sort of a secret about the personal "sacrifice" he made by allowing Tyrion to live and raising him. It's a painful, raw moment, and as bad as one feels for Tyrion, one also sees that Tywin is completely serious in his own right. Amazing performances by both deliver this as an exchange not soon forgotten.

Also worth mentioning is the sequence of Tyrion and Sansa (Sophie Turner) strolling through the garden, plotting pranks on those who deserve it. They still don't feel like a natural, loving couple, but this does show the girl softening towards Tyrion, who will treat her right and try to make her happy. One day, it might even make sense for the two to be together, and if it does, the seeds are planted here. If any two characters in Game of Thrones deserve happiness, it is this pair.

Unfortunately, that tranquility is threatened by Shae (Sibel Kekilli), who dismisses Varys' (Conleth Hill) attempt to send her away a wealthy woman, declaring that Tyrion himself must ask her to leave. It doesn't seem like Shae will physically harm Sansa, pledging her love for the girl, but Shae's continued presence is detrimental enough. Her dark wishes for revenge, while understandable, could cause some serious conflict within the royal family.

With the Starks dispatched, the Lannisters have an undisputed hold on the Seven Kingdoms. Or do they? Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) is taking her time assembling her forces, but watching the city of people worship and fall at her feet shows just how effective she is at gaining the loyalty of her followers. Joffrey's throne is safe for now, with his other competitors dead or severely weakened, but when Daenerys comes for him, it will be an epic battle, indeed.

Stannis (Stephen Dillane) still thinks he is a threat against Joffrey, but after Davos (Liam Cunningham) sets Gendry (Joe Dempsie) free, Stannis' plans for a conquering by magic are scrapped. Yet, Davos is spared when he brings to light the danger coming from the north, and Melisandre (Carice van Houten) actually agrees that Davos is needed.

This is a very interesting turn of events. Stannis has barely kept Melisandre and Davos at bay with each other for two seasons, both wishing the other would go away, even if it means killing. Yet, here it's Melisandre and Davos who unite, which takes Stannis aback as much as the audience surely is. Yes, we know the White Walkers from beyond the wall are deadly, but seeing how seriously this contingent takes the invasion, alliance made between deadly enemies, really strikes home how much the people fear them. Scary!

Stannis and company are in no position to really mount a defense, though, so it's a good thing Bran (Isaac Hempstead-Wright) has a plan. We don't know what it is, but Bran and his group are now heading past the wall. Because of the mystique surrounding Bran's abilities and talents, there's a feeling that the crippled boy may actually be the only hope of the realm, and that he might succeed.

I really enjoy seeing Bran encounter Samwell (John Bradley). There are so many different threads running through Game of Thrones, with so many characters that major ones have to sit out for weeks at a time. For a chance encounter like this, especially between two friendlies that we like, and because there never seems to be a time the two might meet otherwise, is thrilling. Hopefully, as the show goes on, there will be more time for this type of meeting.

Of course, not every convergence is welcome. Yara Greyjoy (Gemma Whelan) is on her way to rescue her brother, Theon (Alfie Allen), from the hands of the perverted Ramsay Snow (Iwan Rheon). It seems odd to hope for Theon's safe delivery from anyone, given how detestable Theon's actions are in season two. However, no one deserves what Ramsay has put Theon through, and it is definitely time for Ramsay to go down.

The problem with this is that Ramsay is the bastard son of Roose Bolton (Michael McElhatton), the new Warden of the North. That means Yara's slaying of Ramsay could start a civil war between the Iron Islands and the North. Were a more competent, focused king than Joffrey ruling the realm, perhaps serious conflict could be identified and prevented. As it stands, Yara's mission is a recipe for disaster at a time when, given the grave threats from outside the borders, the Seven Kingdoms need to stand united.

Other noteworthy bits from "Myhsa": Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) learns how much love hurts when a scorned Ygritte (Rose Leslie) ignores reason and shoots three arrows into his back. At least Jon lives to make it back to Castle Black, where he can heal. Arya (Maisie Williams) viciously stabs those who contributed to her brother's downfall, proving how deadly she can be. And Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) makes it to King's Landing, though it has not yet been revealed if Cersei (Lena Headey) can see past his new deformity, or how Jaime's relationship with Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) will be affected by having Jaime's sister / lover back in the picture.

As you can see, there is a lot going on. However, Game of Thrones has deftly balanced each of the various stories so far, creating characters that can be kept track of because of how developed they all are, and the threads come together enough to make it seem cohesive. Obviously, a lot more will happen before the end, and eventually the cast will slim. But for now, "Myhsa" is yet another excellent chapter in a very long, very complex tale.

Game of Thrones will return for a fourth season in 2014 on HBO.

Blu-ray Review: Game of Thrones The Complete Second Season

Article first published as Blu-ray Review: Game of Thrones The Complete Second Season on Blogcritics.

Season one of the HBO series Game of Thrones is a lot about setting up the world of the show, introducing us to the characters and their various positions and relations. Season two, though, which aired last spring, and is now available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital Download, is about floundering for control in a major power vacuum, the world thrown into chaos, and enough uncertainty that anyone could come out ahead.

Joffrey (Jack Gleeson) sits on the Iron Throne, the traditional place of power for the Seven Kingdoms. He is young and arrogant, battling with manipulative mother Cersei (Lena Headey) and frustrated uncle Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) over what should be done for their land. Only Tyrion truly understands the costs of Joffrey's actions, with Dinklage delivering a stellar performance, and Cersei begins to question whether she has sway over her son any longer.

Joffrey's rule is disputed by many, both because of (true) rumors that he is not the actual son of the departed King Robert, but instead a product of incest between Cersei and her brother, Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), and because he coldly executes the beloved leader of the North, Ned Stark, late in season one. Ned's eldest son, Robb (Richard Madden), is declared King of the North by his people, a title Joffrey is determined not to let stand, while Robert's brothers, Renley (Gethin Anthony) and Stannis (Stephen Dillane), the latter of whom is distracted by the lure of a wicked temptress (Carice van Houten), each hope to take back the entire Seven Kingdoms.

These are the main power players at this point, and they clash numerous times. It's interesting how Game of Thrones not only can balance so many personalities, but keep them all feeling distinct and authentic. The series is not about the war, even though that is a major focus, but instead is about the characters. Each have good and bad sides, struggling with their flaws, and occasionally getting to showcase their strengths. The bad guys are deliciously creepy, and the heroes are noble, but each also have other elements about them, and people in their camp who should be on the opposite side.

This trend can be seen continuing among the various other inhabitants of the realm, who are also featured, even though many are not directly involved in the battles. There are quite a few of these, but some of the most striking include: the Hound (Rory McCann), Joffrey's pitbull who doesn't always follow orders he disagrees with; Sansa (Sophie Turner), Joffrey's betrothed, who hates him for killing her father; Bran (Isaac Hempstead-Wright), Ned's young son, running their hold of Winterfell; Jon Snow (Kit Harington), serving in the Night's Watch in the frozen North, from which the next major threat will likely come; Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen), once a resident of Winterfell, but who lets ambition move him; Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), whom is raising dragons and trying to keep her small group of subjects alive, all the while plotting to eventually re-conquer the Seven Kingdoms, which her father once ruled; and Arya (Maisie Williams), Ned's daughter, on the run, alone in the land.

Believe it or not, these are only some of the many characters that populate the world. Game of Thrones is a sweeping epic, with many, many peoples and lands. It's like Lord of the Rings on steroids, and with slightly less magic (literal magic, not a slam on the production). Yet, this is all expertly balanced, so many given their due, and a number of twists occur that will make season three a different beast entirely. For those who haven't yet watched these installments, I won't spoil any happenings.

Likely because of the lush, beautiful landscapes and startlingly good special effects, Game of Thrones looks stunning in high definition. The colors are deep and full, and the blacks are rich and layered. The soundtrack, with all of the background noises and the at-times sweeping score is also excellent and clear, free of hisses and pops. Game of Thrones has the benefit of a nice budget and being made in the modern day, with great technology, and it takes full advantage of all of this.

The release is a combo pack, featuring Blu-rays and DVDs, as well as codes to download digital copies of the episodes. It's a beautiful, well organized box set, with the priority going to the Blu version.

It is also loaded with bonus material. The booklet inside is slim, and gives only the briefest overview of the various houses. On the disc, though, there are character profiles, a guide to the "War of the Five Kings" that is more comprehensive, and nineteen animated histories of the various characters and mythologies. If you so choose (I recommend only doing this for repeat viewings), you can make use of an In-Episode Guide that has resources throughout the episodes to help you track the characters. Which is not to say you'll need help keeping score, if you've watched from the beginning, but it's nice to have the option. Game of Thrones is complex, but accessible.

There is also a 30 minute behind-the-scenes look at the huge sea confrontation from the penultimate episode, a talk with some of the main actors of the series, and a discussion by George R.R. Martin, the author of the book series, and others about the religions of the land. And twelve audio commentaries for the ten episodes mean fans will not be hurting for insight.

All in all, Game of Thrones really delivers, both as a show, and as a Blu-ray set. There is so much material here, one could spend weeks wading through the depths. And the story and characters are so rich, it practically begs for such study.

Game of Thrones The Complete Second Season is available now.

'The North Remembers' Game of Thrones; Do you?

HBO's Game of Thrones returns with "The North Remembers." Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) arrives at King's Landing, much to Cersei's (Lena Headey) dismay, and says he is there to get the reckless Joffrey (Jack Gleeson) in line. Elsewhere, the various others who claim to be King of the realm amass their own forces, and plot to take Joffrey down. And beyond the Wall, the Night's Watch learns of another gathering force, who may also be soon causing trouble.

To no one's surprise, Joffrey is a terrible king. Sansa (Sophie Turner) is walking on pins and needles, and Cersei has no control. After Cersei smacks Joffrey in "The North Remembers," he threatens her, too. It's clear that this boy is too arrogant and not nearly wise enough to serve as leader of the realm. So he probably won't be in that seat for long.

Joffrey's best hope is to listen to his uncle, Tyrion. Tyrion is unafraid of his nephew's power, but smart enough not to directly challenge him in ways Joffrey can justifiably strike back against. Tyrion is a master politician, and surprisingly honorable and honest. This makes it clear who should be in charge. But is Joffrey too far gone to listen to sound advice? Probably.

It's interesting to see Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright) serving as Lord of Winterfell in "The North Remembers." He is a bit younger than Joffrey, and just as ignorant in the ways of leadership. However, Bran has an advantage because he listens to Maester Luwin (Donald Sumpter). Luwin served Bran's father faithfully for many years. Bran has had a lifetime of watching his dad, a great example of how person in charge should act. Knowing that his father relied on Luwin, Bran does, too. Which will keep him on the straight and narrow.

So does that mean Joffrey's problem is a lack of good role models? After all, King Robert was a philandering drunk. Joffrey's mother, Cersei, isn't much better, having an affair with her brother, Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), who is the biological sire of Cersei's children. In fact, the only good role model Joffrey has has is Tyrion, is looked down upon by his entire family. No wonder Joffrey doesn't know how to behave!

But one can only blame bad parentage as an excuse for so long. Tyrion finds a way to overcome it, and so, too, can Joffrey, should he put his mind to it. Besides Tyrion, Joffrey could also listen to Sansa or the Hound (Rory McCann), and both would likely provide him with credible counsel. But in a viper's pit like the capital, the unearned self worth Joffrey has, combined with the slimy machinations by many around him who also hold power, will likely prove too much for this youth to overcome. Making his reign finite, indeed.

Plenty are ready to unseat Joffrey, when the times comes. Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane, The Hours, John Adams) has the most legitimate claim, being Robert's eldest surviving brother, and thus, the next in line by lineage. That is, unless one of Robert's bastards comes forward. But Stannis has a problem. Namely, that people don't like him. Little is seen of Stannis in "The North Remembers," but he does appear gruff and stern and not very personable. This hurts his cause, which is why the people of the Seven Kingdoms are not flocking to support him.

By contrast, Stannis's younger brother, Renly (Gethin Anthony), is extremely popular, and is already putting together a large force of supporters. Renly's homosexuality will likely weaken the hold he has over his followers should it ever be exposed. As long as that stays a secret, he looks to be a more likely monarch than Stannis.

But Stannis has a secret weapon, revealed in "The North Remembers." Melisandre (Carice van Houten, Black Book) is a priestess for the Lord of Light. She seems to have some kind of supernatural ability. She can drink poison without ill effect. She sways Stannis to abandon his gods in favor of hers. In exchange, she promises him victory. Does she really have enough force to single-handedly unseat Joffrey? And what price will she demand for such a thing? She does not seem the generous type.

Should Melisandra fail, Renly is still well positioned. Which is probably why Robb Stark (Richard Madden), hailed as King of the North, is sending his mother, Catelyn (Michelle Fairley), to meet with Renly. If the two of them combine their efforts, than the Lannisters do not stand much of a chance. Robb considers other allies, including the Greyjoys, whom own a fleet of two hundred ships, but thinks Renly is his best bet. Considering Robb is leading with wisdom, his faith in Renly does much to lend the younger brother credence in the eyes of viewers.

The lingering question in "The North Remembers," though, is if Renly might ask Robb to rescind his title as King of the North in exchange for an alliance. Robert's kingdom includes the Starks' realm. But as Robb rebels against the Lannisters, his people bow to him as their ruler, renouncing King's Landing's control over them. Will they be willing to swear allegiance to Renly if Robb does? Or will Renly agree that it's worth giving up part of the world to a trustworthy ally?

The other leader who would seek to control the Seven Kingdoms in "The North Remembers" is Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke). Her claims may even be more legitimate than Stannis or Renly's because her father was king before Robert. Robert fought in an army that overthrew Daenerys's dad, thus removing her family from the line of succession. She would like to take the Iron Throne back.

Did they have the right to kick out Daenerys's father? That's unclear. Certainly, Robert and his ilk believed they were in the right. Then again, the king at the time probably saw them as troublemakers. Without being shown the full story, it's impossible to tell. This is made more complicated by the fact that Daenerys has proven herself wonderfully, and become a popular character. Just because viewers want the Lannisters taken out of power doesn't mean that one of Robert's brothers deserves to rule. Any chance of a future Robb / Daenerys alliance, since they are the two just leaders in the story, at this point?

Of course, any talk of Daenerys taking the crown is premature. She is leading a small band of followers through the desert, starving and thirsty. She is barely surviving, let alone mounting any sort of attack. Her horse dying, a wedding present from her husband, is not a good omen. Her dragons will make her formidable, but only if she lives long enough to see them grow. As of "The North Remembers," Daenerys's journey as a true Queen is only just beginning, and she is in no position to make a play for power. Nor will she be for some time.

North of the Wall, Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and his fellows venture out. They want to know why the Wildings have disappeared, and what happened to Jon's uncle's party. Fans may assume that the strange, dead creatures the haunt the north may be to blame. But "The North Remembers" uncovers a new threat.

The Night's Watch stops to visit a disgusting man named Crestor (Robert Pugh) in "The North Remembers." Crestor tells Jeor Mormont (James Cosmo), Jon's boss, that the Wildings are organizing an invasion force. The question here is, why? They are seen as backwards people, not civilized enough to be a threat. The Wall is supposed to keep something more dangerous at bay, not defend against the Wildlings. So have they harnessed the supernatural? Or are the strange creatures leading them through fear? Those are the only real two possibilities that make sense for this development.

Remembers" sets the stage for a major battle to occur, with far more than two sides involved in the struggle. It's a masterful beginning to a second season, and does not give away its hand too much, so what's to come remains a mystery. Great start!

Watch Game of Thrones Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter. To buy the Game of Thrones books on which the show is based, and DVDs, please click here. Article first published as TV Review: Game of Thrones - "The North Remembers" on Blogcritics.