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

Game of Thrones: Season 7, Episode 1 “Dragonstone” (B+)

I’ve been so busy this summer and so behind on my TV that it took me a whole nine days past when the premiere actually aired to finally watch it. Remarkably – and somewhat miraculously – I didn’t have a single thing spoiled for me, though to be honest there wasn’t much in the way of shocking developments that could have since this was more of a restart episode which helpfully refreshed viewers’ memories of what’s going on and what’s set to come next. This was a more straightforward, dialogue-oriented hour than most, something I didn’t mind at all. Sansa interrupting Jon and giving her own opinions about how to govern was interesting since we’ve rarely seen here do anything productive or intelligent, and she was quick to rescind her accidental comparison of him to Joffrey since the deceased dictator never let anyone question his decisions. Cersei is now all alone except for her brother, who is far more aware of the reality of things, rejecting her assertion that she is the queen of the seven kingdoms, deeming her the regent of at best three. Tyrion is up to far more positive things in his role in Daenerys’ court, and I think this is a season where her victories will only continue to occur. Arya’s opening deception was a supreme act of revenge, and it’s clear that she’s not messing around, even if her new companions in the woods are far from the most gallant or serious men this show has seen.