Review: HBO’s Game of Thrones, Episode 2 – ‘The Kingsroad’

What a long week it was waiting for another episode of what is now my favorite ongoing show. A Game of Thrones started right where the last episode left off: Daenerys is now wife and “Khalessee” to Khal Drogo, and Bran is now unconscious indefinitely due to a nasty fall he took from last episode.

The Kingsroad.... not much of a road.

If you watched last week’s episode, you’ll know that Bran Stark was indeed pushed to his near death by none other than Jaime Lannister, the Queen’s twin brother, after he was witness to Jaime banging said twin. In this episode you’ll get a further glimpse into the true nature of the Lannisters. Aside from Tyrion, they are true assholes.

While Ned heads South to the capital of King’s Landing along the Kingsroad, Catelyn Stark stays at Winterfell with her oldest son Robb, Bran and youngest son Rickon. Two things prompt her to believe that Bran’s fall may not have been an accident. The first being that he is not a bad climber so it was improbable that he would fall. The Second and most important thing being the cutthroat that was sent to try and finish the job on her son. Most importantly the man sent to do it wasn’t wielding a common dagger, but one of Valyrian steel and a hilt of dragon bone. Valyrian steel weapons are extremely expensive and rare, said to be infused with magic to make them so light yet deadly, so it would stand to reason that someone powerful gave the man the knife.

It is on Ned’s journey South that we are finally shown young Prince Joffrey’s true colors, and how far Cersei goes to protect him…damned Lannisters. Joffrey is the typical sketch of royalty, looking down on everyone beneath his station and having an immense sense of entitlement. His actions in this episode lead to the next major bump in the road between the Starks and Lannisters. There is a scene with one of the Direwolves that I hated in the books, but on the show it was even worse because I actually teared up a little. Yeah, men can cry!

Sansa's loyalties are tested in this episode

Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister head even further North to ‘the Wall’ in this episode. Tyrion just wants to see the Wall, which is considered a wonder of the land, while Jon Snow goes to join the Night’s Watch for the rest of his life. All of my favorite scenes in the show involved Jon and Tyrion. The smaller Lannister showed how much he loved his family, and we saw how much his sister disdained him. Jon Snow did the same, showing his love for younger brother Bran, and also with Arya before they all leave. (Arya gets Needle in this episode!) Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister are parallels of one another. They both have an immense love for their family, and both are the black sheep of the family. Tyrion may have a little less love for Joffrey, considering what a little sadist he is. The scene where Tyrion triple bitch slaps him is priceless.

Thank you IGN, my life is now a little brighter

Cersei shows her animosity towards Tyrion for which the reason is yet to be revealed, and Lady Stark shows hers toward Jon for her husband’s alleged affair. The scene between Jon and Tyrion during their journey shows the beginning of their future friendship, and I couldn’t help but smile through the whole scene.

With Daenerys across the Narrow Sea not much occurs. She seems ready to accept her fate, but to do so on her terms. Aside from that, Ned and Robert have words about the Targaryens as Robert is receiving information about her and her brothers actions from an unknown source. Ned seems skeptical that they are a threat while Robert is extremely wary of them, whether that is from his past hatred of them or from present events you have to decide as the viewer.

I give A Game of Thrones another 5 out of 5 this week. The pacing of the story, and how brilliant it is executed seems to be something to expect each week. One would almost complain there was not enough happening with Daenerys and Viserys, but as the books go they are covering them just fine. The soundtrack also really stood out to me in this episode, especially the part where Jon Snow is saying goodbye to Bran. There was even an extra scene added in that did not occur in the books between Jon Snow and Jaime Lannister. I would think that even purists of the Ice and Fire novels didn’t mind the scene, because I thought it was great.

 The previews for the next episode were statisfying enough, because the story only gets better and better as it goes on. I’m most interested to seeing the Night’s Watch on the Wall. What about everyone else? Anything catch your eye? Sound off in the comments below!

Also check out these other Game of Thrones articles/reviews:

A Game of Thrones Episode 1 Review

Most Anticipated Upcoming Scenes From Game of Thrones