My maiden voyage through Westeros – Game of Thrones: Lord Snow

I’m not sure why this week’s Game of Thrones was titled “Lord Snow,” because, while he was in the episode, he wasn’t the main focus. After last week’s episode, I posted a poll asking you who was your favorite character and the results were as follows: Tyrion (29%), Jon (19%), Arya (19%), Daenerys (10%), direwolves (7%), and Ned (7%). I was not surprised to see Tyrion lead the poll, since even before the show aired, he was talked about as a fan-favorite.

It wasn’t until tonight that I understood Tyrion’s attractiveness. Prior, I thought he was as power hungry as his siblings. I wasn’t sure what to make of his slapping Joffrey, but now I understand that he didn’t do it to show power over Joffrey, but to put the young prince in his place and teach him to respect his hosts. His interactions with Jon showed that he is nothing like his pretty, but despicable brother and sister.

Tyrion showed his true nature by helping Jon adjust to his life on the wall. It definitely didn’t end up being the glamorous position he was expecting. I was worried for Jon, especially after having his request to join his uncle on the journey past the wall denied. Fortunately, he decided to take the right path to get over his disappointment and use his personality and his fighting abilities to train the new men of the night’s watch.

In King’s Landing, the sides were being formed — the Starks vs. the Lannisters. As Ceresi was warning Joffrey about the Starks, Ned was warning Arya about the Lannisters. Despite the distrust and hatred of each other, Joffrey and Sansa are expected to marry by both sets of parents. Which side of this war will the King end up fighting? As much as I can’t stand the insolent Joffrey, I adore the independent Arya. I hope they duel at some point and she kicks his ass. As Ned said, “We must protect ourselves.”

Unlike King’s Landing, there are no sides with the Dothraki, because they live by a strict code. It was thrilling to see the demure Daenerys embrace her position as Khaleesi. The power shift from Viserys to Daenerys was unexpected; it was my favorite moment when Viserys was put in his place. I expect he will pay a price for his cruelty to her. Now that she is pregnant and has started a loving relationship with Drogo, I think Viserys will be sidelined. If the Dothraki invade and fight for the Iron Throne, he will never be King. Out of all the different stories being told, I’ve found the Dothraki-Targaryen one to be the most interesting.

After three episodes, Game of Thrones has become one of  my favorite shows on television. There is an appeal to this dark world of Westeros and with winter coming, I expect it will only get darker. Through the darkness, there are special moments that make it all seem worth it, such as: Arya taking sword fighting lessons, watching the joy and then pain on Ned’s face watching her, Daeryns finding her strength, and even a baby.

Other thoughts:

• Will Cat’s former suitor, Baelish, cause trouble for Ned? She seems to have been a hot item when she was younger.
• Cersei is just pain evil. It’s understandable that Joffrey is insolent when he has her for a mother.
• King Baratheon has become more intolerable to watch each week. I’m not sure what to make of him, except I don’t think he will be king for long.
• The old lady’s story to Bran — scary stuff. And, I expect most of it is true. I fear for their future.
• Daeryns — loved, loved, loved her outfit.
• Why did Mormont seem concerned with Daenerys’ pregnancy? Why did he take off in a hurry?
• Winter is coming. I worry for the Night’s Watch. Do they have any chance of protecting the realm?

Clacked by Carla Day
on May 01, 2011 @ 23:56 EST5EDT