What I’m Watching: Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones: Season 2, Episode 8 “The Prince of Winterfell” (B+)

Everyone is gearing up for battle, and there are plenty of developments that will shake things up in terms of the warring leadership. Lady Stark sending Brianne to trade Jamie for her children was a bold move, and one to which Robb responded with appropriate fury. Talisa’s story seems to have truly moved Robb, and hopefully it will guide him well into battle, as he is prepared to punish Theon for his treachery with all his might. Upon discovering that Tywin was riding out immediately, Arya’s initial instinct to name him as her third kill was followed up by a much better choice, which was Jaquen himself. His reaction was amusing, and fortunately he killed all the guards so that she and her friends could escape. It won’t be long before Jon makes a move or Ygritte decides to just up and let him go, since she was singlehandedly responsible for saving his life. Tyrion’s conversations continue to be brilliant, and I enjoyed Bronn’s response that thievery is down because they arrested all the thieves. Cersei declaring that she found Tyrion’s whore was worrisome, and his panic when he ran to find his true love was intense. Daenerys’ refusal to leave without first rescuing her dragons may not end up being a good thing for her, as she becomes the topic of conversation in faraway lands. Ending the episode with a confirmation that Bran and Rickon are still alive signals that the season’s final two episodes are likely to be full of surprises and unexpected victories on multiple fronts.