Round Two: Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones: Season 1, Episode 2 “The Kingsroad” (B)

I’m still having some trouble permeating the world of this show, and it continues to be difficult for me to identify which characters are which, and, most importantly, how they relate to one another. That said, this second installment intrigued me greatly, and it had a few standout moments that made for a generally strong episode. I’m most fascinated by Peter Dinklage’s character, who serves up the comedy regularly and also manages to get himself taken a bit more seriously, as discussed in his defense of his reading habits. It seems that rivalries start young in this kingdom, as a mere fraternization between a butcher’s son and a girl results in a cut to the butcher’s son’s face and a mangling of the prince’s hand. Those wolves are truly impressive, rising to the defense of their masters on more than one necessary occasion in this episode. I’m curious to see more of the illicit acts of the Lannister clan become revealed to the Starks, whose young offspring they are trying to eliminate. The conversations between King Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark are among the most interesting moments the show has to offer, and their relationship is complicated, like two best friends when they are alone and two disconnected brothers when in front of an audience. Queen Cersei Lannister’s cruelty seems to know no bounds, and it’s not surprising, therefore, that the prince has inherited such ignoble traits. I’m hoping to be able to stick with this show and to make an effort to get to know its characters better in the coming weeks.