British BODYGUARD

Article first published as TV Review: BODYGUARD on Seat42F.

Netflix recently added another British drama to its mix. A modern political thriller, BODYGUARD follows a military veteran assigned to protect a Home Secretary whose views he despises. Is this a commentary on hyper-partisanship, or a message of how we can all get along? You’ll have to watch and find out.

The first episode spends a long time introducing Sergeant David Budd (Richard Madden, Game of Thrones). We first meet him traveling on a train with his children, and we learn who he is by how he handles a suicide bomber, at odds with how law enforcement would like to resolve things. Then the show moves on to what will likely be the main plotline of the series.

I have some issues with this opening. For one, it definitely gets the audience behind Budd. That’s not necessarily a bad thing for a protagonist, but considering there seem to be two very central characters to the series, it would be nice if there was some better balance. Viewers will likely take Budd’s side in any future conflict purely because we get to see him being a hero first. Not to mention, the portrayal of other police officers on the scene is mostly playing with stereotypes and tropes, rather than reasonable, seasoned people doing their job well. By the time a second character enters who seems a little like Budd, the damage is done.

After this, we find out that Budd’s marriage has fallen apart, though even that comes off as not exactly his fault. Which is where he is when assigned to BODYGUARD The Right Honourable Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes, The Durrells in Corfu). Budd has to tamp down the things that make up his identity in order to just be the job. There’s some good drama in that, even if who he is might just be a larger than life hero.

For her part, Hawes makes Montague likeable. Her policies are quickly revealed to be extreme and at odds with Budd’s beliefs, but otherwise, despite a nasty first scene, Montague is sympathetic enough. BODYGUARD does a fine job showing the pressure she is under and the tough decisions she has to make.

Or does it? As mentioned, Budd is who we’re rooting for, so where there’s conflict, Montague is operating at a deficit. Other characters introduced have very negative opinions on Montague, too, so things just keep stacking up against her. It’s quite a testament to Hawes that she can diffuse that hate, at least for the first episode. I do wonder how things will progress with the deck this stacked.

I am being a bit negative, but mostly because I think BODYGUARD has the bones of a very good series in it. If the pilot were adjusted slightly, it could start on more sure footing, which I suspect the other five hours will have. Will audiences stick with it long enough to find out, or will they turn it off early, as I was tempted to do? I’m glad I finished the first episode out and look forward to watching the rest, but it’s a bit concerning.

As far as direction, acting, and production design, BODYGUARD is excellent. As with most dramas these days, it skews dark, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing for the world it is portraying. There’s also a timeliness to it that feels important in the current political climate. It’s good to raise issues, whether they are resolved or not, and get people thinking about what freedom is worth. Putting a face on opposing viewpoints is also beneficial.

So in conclusion, the BODYGUARD is very good, almost great. Check it out on Netflix, where the entire first season is available now.

Journey to KLONDIKE

Article first published as KLONDIKE Review on Seat42F.

Discovery Channel’s first scripted miniseries, KLONDIKE, tells the story of the gold rush in Alaska in the late 1890s. It paints a picture of many types of characters who just might make it in a frontier setting, where rules and laws give way to survival of the fittest and nature, as well as the hero who struggles to adjust his morality. Who will thrive and who will perish? Tune in to find out.

It’s good to see more cable networks getting into the scripted game. As someone who detests most reality programming, and even finds many of the so-called “educational” stuff on Discovery and History hokey and annoying, I don’t typically appreciate the offerings of these networks. But a good drama, which either tells a true story (in a fashion) or presents a period of time most people don’t know a lot about, is welcome. KLONDIKE may fit this category.

KLONDIKE reminds me a lot of AMC’s Hell on Wheels. It has a similar tone and wild spirit, and the players feel familiar. It took me awhile to get into Hell on Wheels, likely because the frame of reference is so far off between today and that era. KLONDIKE, too, begins a little slowly, but it has good enough cast that I’ll give it the same chance, hoping it will grow on me the way the AMC show has, though KLONDIKE is a limited-run piece. Plus, a twist late in Part One really got me excited about what’s happening.

After the obligatory, out-of-sequence hook, which nearly all shows seem to feel the need to include these days, though they really shouldn’t, the first part begins with two young men, Bill Haskell (Richard Madden, Game of Thrones) and Byron Epstein (Augustus Prew, The Borigas), setting out to make their fortune beyond The Wall in the snowy wilderness.. They have a spirit of adventure, brave souls, and a naivety that will definitely bring them more trouble than good. They’re familiar types, but not unwelcome ones.

Upon reaching their destination, the town of Klondike, Bill and Byron quickly learn that they are not at all prepared for the life they’ve embarked upon. They don’t understand the attitudes of the local Native Americans, and are surprised by the unscrupulous and selfish nature of their new neighbors. They get in over their heads in a compelling way, and by the end of the first part, viewers should care about them.

Among the characters they meet in their new home are mill owner Belinda Mulrooney (Abbie Cornish, Outriders), who is very protective of her business ventures, wise, kind priest Father Judge (Sam Shepard, The Right Stuff), whom the locals don’t care for nearly as much as Bill does, con-artist Soapy Smith (Ian Hart, Luck Dirt), who tries to seem harmless, The Count (Tim Roth, Lie To Me), the clear villain of the piece, and aspiring writer Jack London (Johnny Simmons, The Perks of Being a Wallflower).

Yes, that Jack London. For whatever reason, many historical tales feel the need to stick in real-life figures. London isn’t the only such person in KLONDIKE, but is the most famous one. I think they feel this gives the story some legitimacy, tying it to the real world by using a familiar name. But rarely do such projects care much about portraying the person in an authentic light, bending them to the whims of the script, instead, so London, like many that came before him in other shows, is a failed experiment, which KLONDIKE would be better off without.

The others are mostly types, too, to be honest. We’ve had plenty of woman who spur the traditional gender roles, or businessmen who are ruthless. Perhaps these archetypes work for a reason, but it still leaves one, who has already born witness to so many of them, yearning for something more fresh and original.

That being said, there is some strong casting here, and hopefully the actors will raise the parts above their starting position. I already like Bill, and the others have just enough potential that they might salvage the program, though in lesser hands than those currently guiding them, they would very much waste away.

KLONDIKE airs at 9 p.m. ET this week on Discovery Channel, starting Monday.

Unpaused Game of Thrones

Article first published as GAME OF THRONES Review Season 1 Episode 1 Valar Dohaeris on Seat42F.

Grade: 96%

There are many fans of HBO’s GAME OF THRONES out there, eagerly awaiting the start of the series’ third season this weekend. Having viewed the premiere, “Valar Dohaeris, I can report that it is back in the fine form we are accustomed to seeing, and those holding their breaths can finally let them out. Without spoiling anything important, here are my thoughts on the latest installment.

“Valar Dohaeris” is very accessible. I really wanted to refresh my memory with a reviewing of season two’s finale, remembering how dense season one was, and having re-watched the entire first season to prepare for the second, but didn’t have time. However, this episode, without quite recapping, doesn’t take long to get you back up to speed. There are enough references and callbacks to last year’s finale to connect the threads, yet not so much that they slow down the pacing of the return. This is much appreciated.

There isn’t a sense of urgency in this week’s episode. It takes its time, showing us one or two characters at a time, and very few get a second glimpse. In this way, we get to check in, be reminded of the trajectories, delight in a few extended dialogue exchanges, and don’t have to struggle to keep up. There’s a whole season ahead of us, and “Valar Dohaeris” doesn’t push anything too big forward, letting fans get back into the swing of things before trying to drop a huge shocker.

Among those mentioned exchanges, one of the best is between Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) and Tywin (Charles Dance). The relationship between these two is definitely one of my favorite parts of GAME OF THRONES. We’re familiar with their past beef, and Tywin’s ongoing disappointment in his halfling son. The scene between them this week is not exactly a rehash of their previous conflict, but it definitely lets us know where they stand now, and how things may or may not move forward between them.

Dinklage and Dance slay this bit. Dinklage’s awards for the role are well deserved, and I would argue that he comes across as the most intelligent and compassionate character on the series. This shines through here, in stark contrast to Dance’s icy father, likely a deliberate choice on Dance’s part that serves the chemistry well. I do think, at some point, things will come to a head between the two. But it’s interesting to see Dinklage mix a need to win his father’s approval with a strong spirit that is willing to stand up to Dad, played with masterful nuance.

Tyrion also gets a tense scene with Cersei (Lena Headey). The siblings have a complicated relationship, to say the least, and the events of last year’s finale have left them on shaky ground with one another. “Valar Dohaeris” addresses this, and reminds me that Headey may be one of the more underrated performers on GAME OF THRONES.

The MVP of this episode, for once, may not be Dinklage, though, instead going to Natalie Dormer. Margaery Tyrell has little to do in the second season, but that will definitely not be the case in the near future. She immediately establishes herself as a very familiar political sort, and her public persona is deliciously crafted. I cannot wait for a true power struggle between her and Cersei, as Joffrey (Jack Gleeson) now has two women who seek to manipulate him for their own purposes and gains.

I also like the introduction of Mance Rayder (Ciaran Hinds, Political Animals, Munich), the King Behind the Wall. We don’t know a lot about him yet, but his early interaction with Jon Snow (Kit Harington) is layered and intriguing, setting up yet another ruler in a land already crowded with them. The casting choice here is inspired.

Among the other treats of the episode, we see more of the aftermath of the loss in Stannis’s (Stephen Dillane) camp, Robb’s (Richard Madden) anger at his mother, Catelyn (Michelle Fairley), is unabated, Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) has at least three tantalizing bits, Ghost saves a life, and Littlefinger (Aidan Gillen) makes an uncharacteristic generous offer (or does he?).

Sadly, the slower pace and lingering conversations means that not every fan favorite character shows up in “Valar Dohaeris.” Several of the most central players are completely absent, which leaves one very much wanting more at the end of the hour. However, this is understandable with such a large cast, not unprecedented in past entries, and it’s not like any minute within the episode is wasted, so it’s more a testament to how beloved these people have become, and how much we want to see them, rather than a complaint about the storytelling.

The effects are also quite excellent this week. From a creepy little girl who is more than she appears, to the fast-growing dragons, there are quite a few CGI elements present, all seamlessly incorporated into the fabric of the show. Clearly, much care and expense has gone into making these feel like everything else in this world, and they are remarkable for how well they blend with the actors and scenery, rather than stick out like a sore thumb.

Overall, I am left incredibly satisfied with the premiere, and stoked to watch more episodes. GAME OF THRONES’ third season airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO beginning this week.

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.

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 ends with plenty of "Fire and Blood"

      HBO's Game of Thrones does little to tie up loose ends in the first season finale, "Fire and Blood." In the wake of the execution of Ned Stark (Sean Bean), Ned's son Robb (Richard Madden) mobilizes the Northern armies to march against King Joffrey (Jack Gleeson). Soon, Robb has captured Joffrey's uncle (and biological father), Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), and his men are calling for Robb to be king. But Joffrey is not without leverage. He still holds Robb's sister, Sansa (Sophie Turner), in his castle, and no one knows that younger sister, Arya (Maisie Williams), has escaped King's Landing. Arya is on her way to The Wall. Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance), head of the Lannister clan, is smart enough to know Joffrey is treading a wrong path, and sends Joffrey's uncle, Tyrion (Peter Dinklage), to guide the boy King. Across the sea, the wild card, the Khaleesi, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), assumes her place as Dragon's Daughter, birthing three of the little lizards as her beloved husband's corpse burns.

     Joffrey is a spoiled little brat, and is causing much of the civil strife within his kingdom. Ned is willing to falsely confess to treason to keep the peace and allow Joffrey to save face, and yet Joffrey has this powerful, polarizing figure killed anyway, against almost everyone's wishes. The only motivating factor to such a decision can be ego, and ego will never serve a ruler. Absolute power corrupts, and with Joffrey, this is happening very early in his ascent. Joffrey should listen to those older and wiser than himself, such as manipulative mother Cersei (Lena Headey), because with the way he is going, he is not likely to sit on the Iron Throne all that long. She may not be the kindest voice out there, but at least she's intelligent.


     This is not a time to have strife within the Game of Thrones kingdom. They need to pull together. Daenerys is massing power to try to take the Iron Throne, which she believes to be her rightful inheritance. Who knows what is massing beyond The Wall to the North, but it looks unlikely it will still hidden away for very much longer. At such a time, Winterfell should be united with King's Landing for their mutual protection and survival. This will not happen as long as Joffrey sits on the throne, because he has thoroughly alienated the civilized people of the North. No mere apology will make up for killing Ned. And if the two groups cannot ally, it leaves them ripe for conquering from their enemies across the sea or behind The Wall.

     Sansa is still engaged to Joffrey. Should Joffrey force her to marry him, and after watching the king behead her father, Sansa will have to be forced, it will do nothing to heal the rift Joffrey has created. If anything, it will enrage the Northerners more, as they may attack in an effort to rescue her. The best thing Joffrey can do at this point is to give Sana safe passage home, but of course, he will not. It would offend his self-worth, and make him seem weak in his own eyes. Giving up his bride is a failure, even if Sansa is not the bride Joffrey wants. In this instance, he is willing to go along with his mother, proving she has not lost all sway over her insolent son. Should Cersei chose to push this influence, it can only be bad for Sansa.

     Will Tyrion be able to heel Joffrey? Tywin certainly hopes so. By placing faith in his dwarf son, Tyrion's confidence and determination to do a good job is likely increased exponentially, as he always craves acceptance from his father. It's hard to know what kind of leader Tyrion may turn out to be. He's very practical, and will not push Joffrey enough to lose his own head. Tyrion acts mostly in self-interest, but is not without compassion. He is bringing a whore to court, against Tywin's will, so Tyrion demonstrates he can buck authority when it strikes him right. Though a member of the "evil" family of the series, Tyrion manages the incredibly feat of staying likeable. It will be interesting to see what effect Tyrion has on King's Landing.

     Daenerys, who begins Game of Thrones as a meek, subservient girl, comes into her own as a powerful female ruler in a spectacular way. It's been wonderful to see her grow. Braving fire to hatch the dragons, she establishes herself as a genuine threat to Joffrey. Is she a hero or a villain? Her claims to the Iron Throne are through bloodline. Perhaps viewers can root for her to take it back, even if they are already on the side of Winterfell. Or can Daenerys make a treaty with the Northerners? That depends on how she plans on treating her subjects, which is less than clear thus far, as while she is Khaleesi, most of her actions revolve around her husband, Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa), who is now dead. Plus, this turn of events ensures cool dragon flight scenes for season two!

     Lastly, will Arya stay at The Wall when she arrives there? Her half brother, Jon Snow (Kit Harington), is stationed there, so she has a friend and ally. But Jon rides North of The Wall with the other men, and may not be present when she arrives, which would be unfortunate. It would be nice if he can return, at least before Arya takes the oath and has to spend all her days defending the Kingdom in the cold fort alongside her bastard brother. On the other hand, perhaps Arya is suited to such a life. She is a girl, but she shows passion and aptitude for combat, as well as a desire to be treated like on of the boys. This is her chance. Assuming they don't turn her out as soon as they discover she is not male, which is bound to happen eventually.


     Game of Thrones will return for season two, likely in the spring of 2012.

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     To buy the Game of Thrones books on which the show is based, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Game of Thrones - "Fire and Blood" on Blogcritics.