GAME OF THRONES - The Complete Sixth Season

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

HBO’s Game of Thrones hits Blu-ray, digital, and DVD with its latest season just in time for the holidays. By now, anyone who might be interested in this release, The Complete Sixth Season, already knows the players and settings pretty well, hooked into the battle of sex, violence, and political intrigue for years. Who will end up ruling Westeros, and who else among our favorites might survive the bloody, never-ending conflicts? The sixth year continues those threads and tees up the final two, shorter seasons, set to air next summer and the year after.

A lot of exciting stuff happens in sixth season. The North descends further into chaos as Ramsey Bolton (Iwan Rheon) secures his hold on the land. At the same time, Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) and a resurrected Jon Snow (Kit Harington) build an army to unseat Bolton, the bastard sitting in their departed father’s chair. Further north, the brothers at The Wall are thrown into chaos, and beyond that, Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright) reappears after a season off, and we finally learn the story behind fan-favorite Hodor’s (Kristian Nairn) name in a very memorable episode.

Looking south, King’s Landing is a mess as Cersei (Lena Headey) and Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer) each try to bend the ear of the ineffectual King Tommen (Dean-Charles Chapman), who continues to be stream-rolled by The High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce). A clear winner emerges by the end of the year, probably surprising even Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), who has come home to the capital. However, the new ruler shouldn’t get too comfortable, as the vengeful Sands steal control of Dorne and look towards the Red Keep.

This isn’t even taking into account what’s going on across the sea, with Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) training to take her revenge, and Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) trying to hold a city together for the MIA Daenerys (Emilia Clarke). And off the coast of Westeros, Yara (Gemma Whelan) and Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) struggle with murderous family members to attempt to hold onto their own lands.

This is all only a very brief overview of a busy ten episodes, which include many more characters and scenarios. The pacing is excellent, everything constantly in motion, and the various threads balanced beautifully. The world created continues to be grounded and compelling, and it’s very easy to see why this is one of the most popular series being made right now.

However, as a fan of the books first, I still find it a bit hard to overlook the horrible way in which the TV show departed from the source material. For four seasons, Game of Thrones was a pretty faithful adaptation of the novels. Beginning in season five, and continuing even more blatantly this year, the story has gone in a myriad of different directions, thumbing its nose at the author, George R.R. Martin. I get that a video medium needs to take certain liberties, but either it stays fairly true or it is its own thing; I can’t recall another example of a show that started the former and changed to the latter mid-stream. While part of this may be because the show has gotten ahead of the books in many regards, Martin being a notoriously slow writer, it still feels fundamentally wrong, a betrayal of the fans.

And yet, I can’t stop watching. I have come to love these actors and their portrayals of the characters, and if I can push the books out of my mind, it’s still a very good show. It makes me supremely sad that such an excellent show is tainted in this way, but at this point, it’s too late to change that. I am committed to seeing it through to the end regardless, even as I already long for a re-do in the future.

HBO usually takes good care of its viewers in terms of extras on their home releases, and Game of Thrones – The Complete Sixth Season is no exception. Besides the expected deleted scenes and audio commentaries (thirteen for ten episodes!), there is an in-episode guide that seems invaluable for such a complex, interwoven tale. The guide also provides background info for the series, not just the story, which means there is useful trivia even if one is already well-versed in all things Westeros. Adding to the mythology are a batch of “Histories & Lore,” as told by the characters.

Beyond that, there is an in-depth look at the impressive Battle of the Bastards sequence and a peek at the work done in Paint Hall. We also get to see how the Dothraki made their come back in the production after having been out of the story so long. So there is quite an impressive array of bonus material.

Despite my reservations about Misters Benioff and Weiss, the show-runners, and some of the (in my opinion) poor decisions they’ve made of late, Game of Thrones remains a must-see program, and this set is well worth a look.

Game of Thrones – The Complete Sixth Season is available now.

"The Children" Play the GAME OF THRONES, Too

Article first published as TV Review: 'Game of Thrones' - 'The Children' at Blogcritics.

Last night’s season four finale of HBO’s Game of Thrones, titled “The Children,” is very character-heavy. Each of the many players in the cast get to show depth and growth from time to time, but the latest installment seems to be all about that, crystallizing characteristics we’ve seen within their personalities before and taking them to the next level. There is still action, of course, but the pathos are very strong, making for an excellent end, and leaving us to ponder the direction some of the people are heading in.

To many Game of Thrones viewers, the most important face in the series is Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage). Sentenced to die, things look dire for the imp until Tyrion’s brother, Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), sets him free. These two siblings have a loving bond, evident in their brief goodbye hug that transcends blood. They come from a very messed up family, with a sister, Cersei (Lena Headey), who hates one of them, and sleeps with the other to manipulate him. Yet, the boys’ connection is pure and loyal. Jaime cannot sit by and watch Tyrion executed, and so he intervenes.

From here, many expect Tyrion to take the easy path, knocking on Varys’ (Conleth Hill) door and sailing away. But this Tyrion has been betrayed and has turned cold. Before the trial, in which he watches his love, Shae (Sibel Kekilli), betray him and his father, Tywin (Charles Dance), let his innocent son be sentenced to death, Tyrion could have walked away. But at this point, he is just too far wronged, frustrated with injustice, and cannot stop himself from a final showdown with daddy.

What follows is tragic. I don’t think Tyrion means to kill Shae, even after her words at court, but he has to in self-defense, she being convinced Tyrion is evil enough to hurt her. And who can blame her, after the way Tyrion speaks to her when last together, Shae not realizing Tyrion acts like he doesn’t love her for her own good? Tywin’s death at Tyrion’s hands is much more deserved, Tyrion finally proving to his father that he’s a man, standing up for himself against the cruel tyrant that raised him.

It’s interesting to observe Tywin in his final days on Game of Thrones. Not only does he underestimate Tyrion, not expecting his son will kill him no matter what he’s done, but he also is shown to be living in denial about Jaime and Cersei’s incestuous relationship and its products. This is a man that has a single-minded vision for his family. He is cunning and savvy in battle, but lacks warmth with his offspring, which leads to him not understanding them. This is Tywin’s downfall, his hubris and ignorance of his children. He reaps what he has sewn.

As one leader falls, another rises. Jon Snow (Kit Harington) meets with Mance Raydar (Ciarán Hinds), intending to kill the Wildling leader, until they are interrupted by Stannis (Stephen Dillane) and his army, who essentially save The Wall. Before and after this interruption, though, we see just how seasoned Jon has become. He has the wisdom that men will follow, and shows mercy when it is warranted. He understands loyalty, and exhibits such on his own. He’s willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good. He has grown into a man to respect and obey.


He also still has his heart. Jon’s conversation with Tormund (Kristofer Hivju) about Ygritte (Rose Leslie) is moving, as is Jon’s subsequent burning of Ygritte north of the wall. Jon has to put aside romantic notions because of his vow so closing this chapter is a necessary step for him. Yet, seeing how he handles said closing tells us a lot about Jon, too, making him worthy of the admiration being cast his way.

Is Jon now in charge of the Night’s Watch? We don’t see the acting lord commander, last seen injured and being pulled away from the battle, this week. Whether the men have fallen in line behind Jon or not, Mance and Stannis are dealing with Jon as if he speaks for the group, and his behavior and presence support that role. Will Jon’s brothers take this as a sign to fall in line behind him, or will Jon find assuming the mantle of command a lot harder than it’s been for him so far?

Daenerys (Emilia Clarke), who usually seems a natural queen in this Game of Thrones, is having much trouble ruling a city. Her dragons are killing children, forcing her to lock up the two she can find in a dark dungeon. The former slaves want to go back to being slaves, their lives worse as freed men. She has cast out her top adviser. This leaves the poor girl crying and lost. This is not the powerful woman the past few seasons have ended with, triumphant in victory. Tasked with day-to-day management, Daenerys is coming up short, presumably an element to explore more in depth next year.

What about Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright)? Will he be a leader, too? He fulfills his vision quest and finds the three-eyed crow, deep underground, beneath the giant Weirdwood tree. There is a looming sense of destiny here, and after seeing how Bran can warg into Hodor (Kristian Nairn) and use him in a fight, there’s also a sense of power behind Bran now. It’s uncertain what Bran will be doing at this strange place, but he certainly seems poised to be someone important, and is finally ready to assume that mantle.

In a scene that never happens in the Game of Thrones books, Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) finds Arya (Maisie Williams) and two swordswomen bond over their weapons. It’s a touching scene for the girls, so much alike, and one I’m glad they include here. Arya is given a glimpse that will reinforce her belief that she doesn’t have to adhere to traditional gender roles, and Brienne sees a kindred spirit that should make her feel less of a freak.

Of course, The Hound (Rory McCann) interferes. Seeing Lannister gold on Brienne’s hilt, he justly assumes, even if he’s wrong, that Brienne means Arya harm. Whether The Hound is a protector or not has always been up for debate, many believing he sticks with Arya just for the reward money. But “The Children” shows us something different, a side of The Hound that leans toward nobility. The Hound hates himself, as we’ve seen before. Perhaps he thinks that taking care of Arya will buy him a bit of redemption?

Arya repays this loyalty with dispassion. Seeing The Hound injured and slowly, painfully dying, she takes his money and walks away from him. She has good reason to, always remembering the monster he was. However, this is ignoring what he has done for her in the meantime. It means Arya is stone cold, which will serve her well on her own and in Braavos, which she is last seen sailing towards, but it doesn’t bode well for her heart. This Arya has become someone who will have trouble caring for anyone, and that is troubling, even if it makes her more likely to survive.

I do feel sorry for Brienne, coming so close to (half) her goal, who then eludes her after delivering some biting semi-truths about Brienne’s short-comings. This will be a major setback for the female knight, and she will definitely be wracked with guilt and regret over it. Brienne deserves better. She is true and strives to keep her promises, a good person. Arya just isn’t ready to trust anyone else, especially not someone connected to the Lannisters, and so Brienne must continue to search out Arya again, as well as her sister.

It’s impressive that Game of Thrones finds the time for so many compelling character stories in its final hour of the season. This is a show that is big on action, epic battles and tragic deaths, but it’s also very much about the people that populate its world. Without such rich personalities, I can’t imagine that the show would be half as successful and popular as it is, transcending its genre. “The Children” illustrates beautifully some of the best features of the show, and certainly leaves one excited for next season, this one passing by far too quickly.

It’s also worth mentioning, at least in passing, that this season has really departed from the books in a lot of ways, not just the scene mentioned above. A major character that many readers expected in the finale is totally absent, and a death occurs on screen this week that did not happen in the pages. While major arcs are continuing to follow the book, I doubt the TV series wants to add the many new characters that crop up at this point, with sidelines in different parts of the world, and so it seems like we do need to finally let the books go once and for all and just embrace the show, seeing them as two separate bodies of work.

Game of Thrones has been renewed for two more seasons and will return to HBO in 2015.

Game of Thrones wrestles season two to a close

HBO's Game of Thrones ended its sophomore run this past Sunday. In the dramatic final two hours, the series proves that one can never get enough Game of Thrones, each season being far too short, and that the show has some of the best writing and acting on television. Those hooked back in season one are handsomely rewarded for going this far, as the stakes are raised even higher, and every fan should be left with much anticipation for the third go-round, coming next year.

That being said, this review will not cover every character and every plot. There are just too many to to do so.  If I miss your favorite, I apologize, and will try to get to them next season, when I review more episodes.

First, because I didn't review it separately, some comments on the penultimate installment, "Blackwater:" Game of Thrones is often compared to The Lord of The Rings, albeit with a longer, more complex story, and a lot more characters. For quite awhile, GoT seemed better than the films for those reasons. But I didn't even realize I was missing the fight scenes until now. TLotR has epic battle sequences. GoT tackles their first truly great one in "Blackwater." From the swords and axes, to the exploding fleet, this episode really captures something that wasn't even obviously missing. GoT does an amazing job, really bringing the series to new heights in what must have been a very costly episode.

Even better, Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) makes the viewers feel the cost of war. While many characters and viewers are rejoicing at the stunning blow Tyrion strikes against Stannis' boats, Tyrion stares on in shocked horror. Only he realizes how many lives are being taken, and what that will mean to thousands of families. Only he feels bad about the death and destruction he has wrought. And it's not that he wouldn't do it again, as he very well might, but that he truly understands what he has done, in a way few people ever would. What a brilliant character, and an awesome performance by Dinklage! Hand him another Emmy, stat!

Moving onto the season finale, "Valar Morghulis," Tyrion refuses to flee King's Landing. He is offered the opportunity to peacefully live out his days with a beautiful woman whom he loves, Shae (Sibel Kekilli), and he passes. This is just as revealing about his character as the expression from the previous week. He really does love the political game that he plays so well. Even after a setback, being replaced as Hand, despite the fantastic job he has done, he wants to stay. It's a pivotal moment for him.

When will others begin giving his character the due he deserves? Surely the common folk, at minimum, the army he leads into battle, have respect for him. Even if his family dismisses him, as they have always done, that should help. And it does feel that Tyrion has struck a real friendship and understanding with Varys (Conleth Hill), a man that seemed impossible to get to know before Tyrion came along. But no one will be satisfied if Tyrion doesn't rise in stature over the course of the show. Where will Tyrion go from here?

Staying in the capital, Joffrey (Jack Gleeson) dismisses Sansa (Sophie Turner) as his betrothed. It's a great victory for her, and the joy she briefly lets slip out as she leaves the chamber is gratifying. What will happen to her now? It's understandable that she doesn't want to leave with the Hound (Rory McCann), as he is scary and unpredictable. He has also proven himself a protector of Sansa, and he's a lot less scary that the king. On the other hand, the woman Sana has become, who can inspire the people and stand up to queens, does not belong in Winterfell, either. Unfortunately, "Valar Morghulis" doesn't make clear her decision.

One cannot help but feel sorry for Joffrey's new bride, Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer). She may be overly, selfishly ambitious, and willing to join her forces to the despicable Lannisters to serve her purposes, but that doesn't mean that she deserves what Joffrey will do to her. She has no idea what a sadistic little bastard he is. With luck, she will control him better than others have, perhaps through sexual means. But, more likely, she may go the way of Dormer's previous character, Anne Boleyn, and lose her head.

Another king makes a mistake in choosing who to wed. Robb Stark (Richard Madden) picks love over commitment. He has shown what kind of king he is during his battles, but his marriage actually proves he is still too green, or doesn't have the temperament, to really rule. A great king would put country before himself. By marrying the woman he loves, rather than the woman he is promised to, he makes a grave mistake that will have unpredictable repercussions for many of his subjects. It seems it's the beginning of the end of his reign.

What is it with young men making bad decisions? Robb's almost-brother, Theon (Alfie Allen), also allows personal satisfaction to override good sense in his sacking of Winterfell. Now, he has been defeated, his own men turned against him. Robb will almost certainly murder the lad, especially if he thinks that Theon has killed the younger Starks, as many believe to be true. Is Theon's story over so quickly? He has had a complete arc, so it wouldn't be a total disappointment, but he's come to be an interesting character this season, so there is no eagerness to lose him, either.

The younger Starks are just fine, by the way. Well, as fine as they can be, with their home burning, and their lives destroyed. At least they are still alive. Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright) shares a touching moment with Maester Luwin (Donald Sumpter), who has done a great job helping Bran mature. Too bad Luwin won't be around to see what comes next for Bran. Of course, Bran being as young as he is, Luwin may never have lived to see Bran be a real leader anyway. But rest assured, there are big things in Bran's future. Thank goodness he has the resourceful Osha (Natalia Tena) and the strong Hodor (Kristian Nairn) to keep him safe until then.

Speaking of younger Starks who will be great, Arya (Maisie Williams) makes it away from her captors in the season finale. On her own, away from her family, the girl has proven her mettle. She may make mistakes, like letting too much of her intelligence and breeding slip out in front of  Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance). However, she seems to have luck on her side, too, making a powerful ally in Jaqen (Tom Wlaschiha). It's unclear what role Arya will play in the larger picture yet, but there is little doubt, she will be important.

Moving North, who will protect Jon Snow (Kit Harington)? Will it be Ygritte (Rose Leslie)? She's definitely interested in him, and the two have a palpable chemistry. But is Jon just playing along, intent on keeping his Night's Watch vows? Or is he actually falling in love with her? It's extremely hard to tell, especially with the impassive way that Harington plays the character. Not yet sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

Samwell (John Bradley) gets a bit of a shock in "Valar Morghulis" when he sees an undead army heading towards the Wall. Thankfully, they spare him. Is Game of Thrones competing with The Walking Dead now for zombie fans? If so, TWD, as awesome as it is, had better watch out! This sequence is amazing, and foreshadows another fantastic battle that surely must come to pass.

Across the sea, Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) continues to face greater and greater challenges. Her newest obstacle is magical in nature, and yet, she comes through triumphant again! Is there anything that this girl can't do? She even resists the arms of her deceased love, Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa), to defeat her enemy. Following the path she has been on, overcoming every problem that comes her way, it seems certain that Daenerys is poised to eventually rule Westeros. And she'll be a much better monarch than any of the other contenders. But considering who she is, is there any chance that the others will bow down to her? Game of Thrones is masterful at setting things up so that no one can have a happy ending.

The thing with Game of Thrones is, looking back over the large number of plots and characters covered in this review, there is still so much more going on! It's a series that bears repeat viewings, and practically needs an interactive viewer's guide to keep straight. Still, with barely anything to complain about, it's well worth the effort, really providing some of the best hours of television ever made, and certainly some of the most ambitious. I can't wait to see what's in store next season!

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 posted as Game of Thrones wrestles season two to a close at TheTVKing.com

'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.

Game of Thrones tells us "Winter Is Coming"

     Last night, HBO premiered the first episode of its adaptation of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. Called Game of Thrones, the tale centers on a power struggle for control of the Seven Kingdoms. Various characters and factions engage in covert and overt rebellion, each trying to win the Iron Throne. Among the contenders are the current king and his protectors, the queen's brother, and an army supporting the disposed prince, who wishes to reclaim his hertiage. The series will follow the various factions until one ends up in power.

     It may be a bit daunting to jump into HBO's Game of Thrones, with its very large cast of characters and varying allegiances. Yet, the first episode takes things slow enough that it is fairly simple to identify the varying players, even if their names and tribes escape. As such, please forgive, and feel free to correct in the comments, should mistakes be found, though care will be taken to try to avoid any. Should the effort to watch be made, the potential for reward is great, if the premiere, "Winter Is Coming", is representative of the high quality and extremely entertaining story that will unfold.

     The episode opens with a deadly attack by very creepy creatures. Be warned, this scene should not be watched just before falling asleep. An entire band of men is killed, save for one lone survivor, who rushes back to Winterfell, the land controlled by Lord Eddard 'Ned' Stark (Sean Bean). The babbling, frightened man's story sounds unrealistic, so according to law, Stark executes him for deserting his group. In attendance to watch the beheading are Stark's children, including ten year old Bran (Isaac Hempstead-Wright).

     Venturing into the woods, Stark finds the body of a great wolf, with five cubs crawling upon it. The cubs are given to his five children, and a later discovered runt goes to the illegitimate son, Jon Snow (Kit Harington). It's a valid metaphor, of the children Stark claims and the one he doesn't. Stark cares for them all, but Snow's place is a little bit lower than the others.

     No sooner, does Stark return to his home, than he receives word that his king, Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy), is coming to visit. Only one goal could spur the ruler to come all the way up north, and that is that he wants Ned to return to the capital as his right hand man. Ned is reluctant, and his wife, Catelyn (Michelle Fairley) begs him not to accept. But when Ned discovers that the previous holder of the position, a beloved mentor of his, has been murdered, he feels it his duty to protect the king, also a friend. Plus, Stark's daughter will marry Baratheon's son, bonding their families

     The murder and backstabbing are easy enough to follow. There's a king, and others want to take control of the kingdom. Thus far, Stark is presented as a fair, noble man, and so it is likely viewers will root for Baratheon to retain the throne, at least as long as he is still in Stark's good graces. As Stark is set up to be the central character of the series, it is also possible that something will happen, either through betrayal or death, where Stark may sit on the throne instead. Either way, lots of good sword fights and medieval glee will surely abound.

     Perhaps the biggest exterior threat to King Baratheon is Viserys Targaryen (Harry Lloyd), an exiled prince, who feels he deserves to gain power back. To do so, he marries off his sister, Daenerys (Emilia Clarke), against her will, to a ruffian with an army, Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa). Drogo is the warlord of the Dothraki people, who will now assist Viserys with his quest.

     Viserys comes across as a slimy wretch, seeing his sister, whom he claims to care about, as a tool or good that can be bartered. In fact, Viserys tells her he would let '40,000 men and their horses' have intercourse with her if that would get him back on the throne. So, obviously, do not root for Viserys. He's evil.

     There is also an interior threat to the King, in the form of his wife, Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey), and her brother, Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau). Cersei and Jaime are sleeping together, and when caught by young Bran, Jaime pushes him off a tower. It's a shocking cliffhanger, and one that firmly cements the Lannisters as villains, too.

     Well, at least Cersei and Jaime are bad guys. They have another brother, Tyrion (Peter Dinklage), who, while rude, seems to take pleasures of the flesh far more seriously than political power. Jaime supports this, perhaps because it provides him one less threat to worry about. Tyrion is clearly present for comic relief, welcome with all of the other dark events surrounding.

     Other reviewers more familiar with the book series have stated that nothing much happens in the first hour, and its mostly an introduction to some of the many, many characters. But it's possible to disagree. Not about the introduction, of course, as that certainly happens, but about nothing happening. True, there are no large scale battles, but that doesn't mean things don't flow. Ned's consideration of the job being asked of him, as well as Jaime and Viserys lying the foundation for their own attempts at a power grab, are not nothing. It may not be fast paced, but there is more than enough intrigue to keep attention, and learning who people are is an important first step before undertaking such a large, sweeping drama.

     Game of Thrones airs Sunday nights at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

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Article first published as TV Review: Game of Thrones - "Winter Is Coming" on Blogcritics.