Tuesday, June 5, 2012

What I’m Watching: Game of Thrones (Season Finale)

Game of Thrones: Season 2, Episode 10 “Valar Morghulis” (B+)

After that insane penultimate episode, it’s hard to imagine this one topping it, but it did a pretty good job of coming close. After his bravery last week, it’s a shame to see Tyrion immediately dethroned and forgotten since Tywin has now taken on the position of the King’s Hand, riding in triumphantly on horseback to celebrate his victory. At least he still has his love by his side, as Joffrey grows ever more power-hungry and throws Sansa under the bus for a political marriage. Her stubbornness and stupidity is infuriating, since yet another kind soul offers her safe passage out of King’s Landing and she refuses it because she thinks she’ll be better off staying than going. Theon’s speech was quite impressive, though clearly his men had had enough, and unfortunately Maester Luwin was the final casualty of that invasion. Brianne proved formidable in escorting Jamie, resisting his taunting and taking out her assailants after Jamie’s identity was revealed. Jaqen is arguably the coolest character ever, telling Arya how she can always get in contact with him before changing his face to take on a new identity. After having her dragons stolen, Daenerys is back on top, successfully rejecting the allure of being reuniting with Khal Drogo and commanding her dragons to breath fire to incinerate their captors. The episode’s end was haunting, as Sam was privy to a frightening sight, which managed to rival “The Walking Dead” in terms of zombie hordes. Season three can’t come soon enough.

Season grade: A-
Season MVP: Peter Dinklage

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