Just as “The Walking Dead” ends, “Game of Thrones” returns, and oh am I happy about that. GoT is maybe my favorite show on television, and things are getting with the addition of at least one hugely notable new character and the moving of several chess pieces. Let’s get to the five thoughts on the season four premiere, titled “Two Swords”, shall we?
Note: don’t read this if you haven’t watched the episode yet, and my reviews – unlike Matt’s if he continues to do them – are from the perspective of someone who has not read the books. Please don’t reveal things from the book series in the comments.
1. The Hound and Arya
If you’ve followed my reviews in the past, you likely know that my favorite character is Arya Stark. While I love me some Tyrion and have a soft spot for the fool that is Jon Snow, Arya is the character who I root for more than anyone, and I can’t help but hope that she gets the revenge she so desperately desires.
Now, post Red Wedding, she’s in the grasp of The Hound, but it’s becoming rapidly apparent that she isn’t his captive so much as surprising contemporary and odd couple teammate. When Melisandre saw her last season, Melisandre commented on all of the people she would kill, and in this one episode Arya doubled her kill total while The Hound earned some triumphant killings and – presumably – some chicken. While they didn’t have a ton of screen time, what little they had made it obvious that these two together are going to be an amazing partnership, if only in sheer destructive power. I love me some Hound as well, as Sandor Clegane is a man who in his own way is as principled as anyone in the show. He may not be a good guy, but he has his code, and it’s a code that Arya is clearly simpatico with.
I honestly have no idea where their story could go, but as long as they are going there together, I’m all about it. As per usual, bravura performances by Rory McCann and Maisie Williams. Two of the best in the cast, and two that work very well together.
2. The Arrival of Oberyn Martell
“Which way do you like it?”
“My way.”
JUNK GRAB.
What an introduction Oberyn Martell had, as another man who clearly has principles, but ones that are entirely his own. Walt Richardson, editor emeritus at Multiversity, warned me of the awesome that is Oberyn, and in his one extended scene, I came to realize just how accurate Walt would be. Oberyn rules. This is a guy who is going to be Valar Morghulising all over the place I feel, and I am already eagerly anticipating the eventual clash between Oberyn and The Mountain. What a battle that will be!
Also, in a show filled with sexaholics like Theon Greyjoy (pre junk removal) and Tyrion Lannister, it’s amazing to find a new sexual ceiling in Oberyn and his ladyfriend Ellaria. Those two clearly like the sexy time, and I love that the show brought back our old friend sexposition to introduce them in stunning fashion. I’d never experienced them before, but I can’t imagine it will be long for Pedro Pascal and Indira Varma’s performances to become amongst my favorites in the cast.
3. Daario Not-Who-He-Was-Before
Before watching the premiere, I watched the last four episodes of season three, and I was reminded about how much I enjoyed both Daario Naharis and Ed Skrein as him. I’ve heard that some didn’t enjoy him, but for me, he really brought out the characteristics of this character that I enjoyed. And by that, I mean he was really weird and mysterious in a very charming way.
I was excited to see his return, as he and Grey Worm were gambling while Dany was waiting for them. Then, all of a sudden I found out Skrein had been replaced! Heartbreak! While Michael Huisman – the new Daario Naharis – seems like a fine actor, but I can’t help but feel that Huisman is missing some of the more ethereal charm that Skrein brought to the role.
Continued belowIt’s early though, and much of my wariness easily could be caused by finding out the hard way that Naharis was recast. Here’s hoping I get over that, because at least for this episode, it was pretty jarring.
4. It’s hard out there for a Kingslayer
You know, I know that Lannister’s are a rather unloving family for the most part, but Jamie had a hell of a return to King’s Landing. In this one episode, Jamie was basically told he was useless in two different ways by his father, mocked and torn down by his son/nephew, and completely rejected by his sister/girlfriend. For a rather rich and successful guy, I wouldn’t want his life right now, and not even for all of the gold hands that took at least an afternoon to craft you could give me.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and the writing team and, of course, George R. R. Martin have done a marvelous job of developing Jamie as a character, and while it’d be hard not to pity him regardless of what preceded this episode, he’s somehow become a sympathetic character and maybe even one who has begun to understand that there is more to life than being a smarmy dick who kills people and bangs his sister for thrills. His relationship with Brienne of Tarth has helped him unlock that, and I’m glad they are still maintaining that connection even as he’s gotten back to King’s Landing.
5. The Final Thought
That’s four solid points, and I didn’t even mention what Team Daenerys (besides Daario), the Wildlings and the crazy creepy cannibals they are hanging out with, Jon Snow, Tywin (and his two swords) and the Tyrell’s were up to. There are so damn many characters and so many active storylines in this show that it’s amazing that we don’t get lost more often, but it speaks to the unbelievable quality of the cast, crew and writing team that we don’t.
“Two Swords” was an excellent premiere that skillfully showed us what much of the cast is up to while moving the story forward in exciting ways. I couldn’t be happier about the return of this show, and if this episode was any indication, we’re in for a hell of a season.
