Game of Thrones - Season Four: Two Swords

The much anticipated fourth season of Game of Thrones has arrived, and is out to make an impact right from the start.

A pre-credits scene sees a close-up of Ned Stark’s greatsword: Ice – which was last seen being used to behead the former Lord of Winterfell back in Season one – sheathed in a wolf pelt. A hand, belonging to none other than Tywin Lannister, then draws out the blade and hands it to a smith, who promptly goes about re-forging the Valyrian steel into two separate blades. Tywin then carries the wolf’s pelt and drops it into the fire, then watches on as it burns. It is a very symbolic moment, re-forging the ancestral sword of House Stark, and then removing all traces of the wolf. “The Rains of Castamere” plays throughout this scene, and as it crescendos the familiar sound of the opening theme is heard. Now that is how you start a new season!

Jaime was presented with one of the new swords by Tywin, and the significance of a Valyrian steel sword was discussed in more detail. Despite his growth in the previous season, Jaime was sounding a lot more like his old self, at least to begin with. Tywin had decided to have Jaime relieved of his post as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard (an unprecedented move, unless you count Ser Barristan) and sent back to Casterly Rock, but Jaime refused this and chose to stay in King’s Landing.

Tyrion’s fall from grace was highlighted as he waited to greet the Martells of Dorne, a task not befitting someone of high status. It definitely appears as though Tyrion will have a much more tragic role in this season. His scenes with Sansa and with Shae prove that he cannot find any comfort anywhere anymore, and he listed the number of people who want him dead.

A couple of lengthy scenes are then given to new arrival, Oberyn Martell (‘The Red Viper’), establishing his character as a charismatic, yet highly dangerous man. In his first scene he shows of his skills in the art of seduction, and his bi-sexual nature, managing to convince the proprietor of a whorehouse to join him and his paramour: Eliria Sand. They are then interrupted by a couple of armed Lannister men, yet Oberyn is calmly able to get the better of them by impaling one through the wrist. Bronn very quickly takes a liking to him.

Oberyn then shares some exposition with Tyrion, explaining the reason for the bad blood between the Lannisters and the Martells: during the sack of King’s Landing Gregor Clegane ‘The Mountain’ butchered the Targaryen children, before raping and slaughtering their mother Elia Martell (Oberyn’s sister). Pedro Pascal certainly made a mark on this episode, and the amount of attention given to his character clearly indicates that he’ll have a significant role to play this season. I really wish that certain other characters had received the same treatment (non-book readers probably didn’t know the significance of Qhorin Halfhand).

Daenerys shares a tender moment with Drogon – the black and red dragon, named after her dead husband – before coming the realisation that she doesn’t have complete control over her dragons; “They can’t be tamed” Ser Jorah points out, “Not even by their mother.” The dragons are getting big, and it was certainly nice of the effects department to give us an extended look at them.

Oh, and in case you were unaware, Daario Naharis has been re-cast this season. For the benefit of those who struggle to remember so many unusual names, this man with a beard and dark hair is not a new character! The new guy seems like a better actor, although I was surprised by how humble Daario now appears to be – especially for a character renowned for his arrogance. Maybe this remains to be seen.

Ygritte is then seen preparing arrows ready to attack Castle Black, before Tormund points out that she must still have feelings for Jon, otherwise she would have killed him. Kristofer Kivju has been elevated to the main cast this season, which means that we’ll be seeing more of Tormund Giantsbane. The wildlings meet with the Thenns in a scene that is somewhat reminiscent of the scene in The Two Towers when the Uruk Hai meet with the Orcs, and it turns out that meat is very much back on the menu, as the Thenns cannibalistic tendencies are revealed: a severed arm is seen being roasted over a fire.

Jon dealt with the news of the Red Wedding, declaring that he was always envious of Robb; his brother who was better than him at everything. Sam then mentioned that he had a similar relationship with Jon, someone he looks upon as better than him at everything. Jon then faced judgement for all of his broken vows: killing a sworn brother of the Night’s Watch, having sex with a wildling woman, etc. He was able to justify his actions and avoid execution, after stressing the urgency of the threat posed by the approaching Wildling army. The Night’s Watch were in bad shape as it already stood, they lost a lot of men beyond the Wall (including their Lord Commander), they’re going to need every man they can get.

Alliser Thorne made his return in this episode, acting as Lord Commander, and supported by Janos Slynt (last seen in season two, being sent to the Wall by Tyrion). Thorne never liked Jon, and appeared to be very much in favour of having “the bastard” executed, but blind Master Aemon had the final say in the matter. I really liked seeing all of these characters – many of whom have been absent for a long while.

Sansa was inconsolable in the wake of the Red Wedding, refusing food and unable to sleep at night. She no longer has any real hope, having lost so much. She decided that the best thing would be to spend some time alone, and yet she was approached by another unfortunate soul: Dontos Hollard, the knight-turned-fool. He shared a clumsily sweet moment with Sansa, lamenting the collapse of his house, and presenting her with a necklace – all that’s left of his family’s legacy. This scene may have seemed unusual, but much like Davos learning how to read, it will have a greater significance in time.

The episode then ended in a great way, with a lengthy sequence based around Arya and The Hound (some people may have been wondering if there would be any deaths in this episode). I really liked that the episode gave certain storylines more time to play out – making use of the longer running time – and this was a great resolution to one of Arya’s sub-plots. George R.R. Martin recently released a chapter from The Winds of Winter which concluded in a similar manner (Arya’s prayer in the books has a longer list of names, and it wasn’t Poliver who killed Lommy there). I thought that the tension in the scene was given enough time to build before things escalated, and I really enjoyed the fight scene between the Hound and the Mountain’s men. Things got messy, the Hound was in danger at times, and Arya managed to steal the scene with a really great parallel dialogue – mirroring Lommy’s death at Poliver’s hands.

This episode touched on a lot of different storylines – I haven’t even covered everything here – bringing us up to date with where everyone is right now. The introduction of Oberyn Martell should allow fans to relax about losing their favourite characters, because there are plenty more great characters still waiting to be introduced. The show and its characters are so well established by now, and this episode felt really cinematic – the soundtrack was used brilliantly, particularly at the beginning and the end. Scenes were given more time to play out, which really allowed for the significance of their events to sink in. This season has go off to a great start, and I’m already waiting for the next episode – it’s going to be a big one!