"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.

"Swords" Abound As GAME OF THRONES Returns

Article first written for Seat42F.

GAME OF THRONES has more than “Two Swords” in the season four opener, which aired last night on HBO. The first episode back is one with references to the past, bring back faces we haven’t seen in a long while, often people viewers may not have taken much note of before, popping up at unexpected times. This is combined with a number of stories of our familiar characters picking up the pieces after last year’s major tragedies, and it makes for an enticing new beginning for this batch of installments.

Starting with the Starks, Arya (Maisie Williams) is still traveling with The Hound (Rory McCann), but he has little respect for her, refusing even to let her have her own horse. A run-in with Polliver (Andy Kellegher), who stole Arya’s sword, Needle, and murdered her friend, changes that as Arya practically forces The Hound into a fight, then even scores a couple of kills herself, including one with her now-recovered blade. As a reward, The Hound gets her a pony.

This is a side of Arya we haven’t seen really developed yet, and begins to move her in a new direction. Her stubbornness and bravery have been noted in the past, of course, but here we see how she can take a life without regret as she begins to remove names from her vengeance list. I wouldn’t call her cold, but neither is she warm. This will definitely play into Arya’s future, assuring the fans that all is not lost for her, even after most of her family has been taken from this world.

Sansa (Sophie Turner) isn’t nearly as strong as her sister Arya, and takes losing her mother and brother, on top of the other deaths she’s mourned, very poorly. No one can get her to eat, and she sinks into depression. But then Dontos (Tony Way), a man whose life she saved, gifts her a necklace, and that elicits a smile. Is this a sign she’ll be able to go on with her life, or merely a brief respite from her dark thoughts?

Sansa may have protectors she doesn’t even know about. Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) is quick to remind Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) of his oath to return the Stark girls to their mother. Jaime is exasperated, since Arya is missing and presumed dead, and the woman he made the promise, too, is deceased as well. Yet, Brienne presses him, and if there’s one thing Jaime takes seriously these days, it’s his duty. As well as not disappointing Brienne, whom he respects.

Duty may be all Jaime has to cling to. His sister, Cersei (Lena Headey), has lost interest in him since he lost his hand. His father, Tywin (Charles Dance), makes Jaime a new sword (from Ned Stark’s, a pretty cool sequence in of itself), but then wants to send him home to Casterly Rock. Jaime, feeling adrift, clings to his position in the King’s Guard, refusing his father. It’s really nice to see Jaime soften and become so likable after a rough start on the series, and now he’s earning his own fans. Brienne has made him better. If Jaime is this committed to his professional duty, hopefully he will at least honor the spirit of his promise to Sansa’s mother, too.

It’s funny to see Jaime outside of the personal politics of the Lannister clan since the rest of them are constantly at war with one another. Cersei may have an edge on Tyrion (Peter Dinklage), now that one of her spies seems to know something about the imp’s relationship with Shae (Sibel Kekilli). While Tyrion is shown to be a good person, especially in how he treats his wife, he’s also feeling the pressure of events, which he vents out to Shae, not to mention during the hilarious scene where the Dorne party snubs him. In a family this dysfunctional, it’s interesting to see Jaime emerge as a balanced, normal, compassionate individual and protector.

Speaking of Dorne, “Two Swords” introduces us to two of that kingdom’s leading family, Prince Oberyn (Pedro Pascal, Graceland, The Adjustment Bureau) and Ellaria Sand (Indira Varma, Silk, Luther). They enter with a splash, grabbing a man and woman at the brothel to have some fun with, stabbing a Lannister in the hand, and Oberyn is up front with telling Tyrion he’s come to King’s Landing for revenge. It’s not clear exactly how these two will shift the story, but they seem to be serious players who will be shaking things up. Given how entertaining their early moments are, that’s good news.

At The Wall, Jon Snow (Kit Harington) faces justice for breaking his oaths to the Night’s Watch. At first, it looks like be punished, possibly even executed, but Maester Aemon (Peter Vaughan) steps in and absolves him. Still, while Jon may be off the hook for now, the fact that the current leadership seem to have it out for him cannot be a good sign. How can he get them ready to defend against an imminent attack if they don’t trust him? And will he need to keep watching his own back while trying to protect the realm?

This attack will definitely be coming, as the Thenns join Ygritte (Rose Leslie) and Tormund Giantsbane (Kristofer Hivju) to prepare for war. Unlike the two wildlings Snow traveled with, though, the Thenns appear to be scary and brutal and enjoy the taste of flesh, at least if it comes from a man of the Night’s Watch. While it’s hard to believe these are friends of Ygritte and Tormund, who are reasonable individuals, I guess all is fair in war, and they all follow the same leader. So Castle Black better prepare for some very heavy conflict.

Finally, across he narrow sea, Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) is marching her troops towards Mereen, which seems more prepared for them than the other slaver cities, leaving a dozens of grisly warnings. Dany doesn’t seem too worried, and given her success rate, I’m not sure she should be concerned about outside enemies. Within her own camp, though, her dragons have gotten bigger and more unruly, which likely will definitely present her with issues going forward. Is it about time she start riding them, reining in their animalistic impulses for her own mission? And who might join her on a dragon back?

A likely choice may be Daario (Michiel Huisman, who unfortunately looks nothing at all like the previous actor playing the role). Daario oversteps a bit in his interactions with his queen, but always plays it off without crossing a line. Berely. Daenerys, for her part, seems receptive to his flirtatious charms, so one can only assume that love is in the air. If her protective advisors allow it, of course. Though I have the feeling Dany wouldn’t let them tell her what to do, which means Daario has the potential to cause friction in the ranks, thus making him just as dangerous as the dragons themselves.

It’s impossible to do a short GAME OF THRONES review because of the sprawling cast. What’s impressive, though, is how well each of these various players are served, with even more that didn’t make it into this episode. The individual personalities are extremely well-defined, with a talented cast backing them up. There isn’t a weak link among the group, so as the story jumps from place to place, I don’t have a preference for which person it gets to next, knowing whatever it is will be great. “Two Swords” is yet another fine example of this, with no weak point in it (other than re-casting Daario without even trying to match the look, though I like the new actor).

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

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