My maiden voyage through Westeros – Game of Thrones – A Golden Crown

Games of Thrones is officially over the half way mark of this first season and I as much as I understand what is going on, I’m just as much in the dark. While it is difficult to accept that there are only 4 episodes left, it is much easier to take knowing the series has been renewed for a second season.

Unfortunately due to being out of town, I didn’t write about last week’s “The Wolf and the Lion”, but I also didn’t have much to say about it. Many of my favorite characters were missing and we were introduced to, in my opinion, too many new characters. There were a couple things that stood out from last week that carried over to this week: King Robert is a real ass and Lady Arryn, Catelyn’s sister, is crazy. I sure hope that young actor’s suckling was digitally added to the scene.

While King’s Landing seems to be the core of the story, it is my least favorite to watch. The only character there that I care even a tad about is Arya. Everyone else from the Baratheon’s, the Lannister’s and the other Stark’s in King’s Landing could disappear and I wouldn’t mind. Though, I guess they are necessary to make the other stories important.

Part of my frustration with King’s Landing is that the motivations of the characters is unclear to me. I’m sure in the book, the history of the Mad King and the transition to King Robert’s rule is has been established, as well as, the characters’ roles in that history. Due to the time restraints of the series, I find that detail lacking.

I’ve predicted before and I continue to predict that King Robert’s rule will be over soon. I’m not sure how or why, but I think he will be out and Joffrey will most likely become king. The question then becomes, will he be outed as an illegitimate heir to the throne, as he appears to be a full-fledged Lannister and not a Baratheon? Or, will Ned be killed without disclosing the secret?

The Dothraki story is still my favorite. Daenerys eating a whole horse heart — disgusting! I’m amazing at how the relationship that began with my least favorite scene — Drogo taking Daenerys’ virginity — has become one that I enjoy most. Tonight, when Drogo picked up Daeyrns and they gazed at each other, I couldn’t help but smile. I love them together. She has taken everything her brother wanted and more. His death was fitting; he died by the golden crown he craved. I won’t miss him at all.

Unlike Viserys, who was clearly evil, many of the characters are more difficult to figure out. While initially I thought Tyrion was like his morally-challenged siblings, he has proven himself to be honorable. Don’t get me wrong, he does have some questionable proclivities, but deep down he means well. As the series continues, I’m looking forward to getting a clearer understanding of who these characters truly are and delving into their complexities.

Winter is coming … right?

Other stuff:

• I wish we had a better understanding of Theon Greyjoy’s background. What happened with his House and what is his role within the Stark House. I expect we will continue to learn more about him.
• The Mountain has gone off and destroyed villages, what repercussions will that have for the Lannister family? It looks like we will meet the Head of the Lannister family in the next episode.
• Sansa and her “love” for Joffrey is annoying. Her desire to be Queen disturbs me. How can she be from the same upbringing as Bran and Arya?
• I enjoyed the way that Tyrion got freed. But, I don’t expect Lady Stark will let him off that easily. (Though I originally liked her as the loving mother, I’m not enjoying her since she left Winterfell.)
• What plot did Arya stumble upon? Will Ned be killed? What happens now that he knows at least part of the Lannister secret?
• I miss Jon Snow.

Clacked by Carla Day
on May 23, 2011 @ 01:34 EST5EDT