More pieces are out in their place geographically and emotionally in the second episode of the new series of Game of Thrones.
The night is dark and full of terrors, and this review will have spoilers.
Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead-Wright) is back after a season long hiatus. He is learning from the Three-Eyed Raven (Max von Sydow).
We are treated to a rare flashback through Bran’s powers with a young Ned Stark and siblings. This is where we shall probably learn the true lineage of Jon Snow in future episodes.
However the big revelation in thus flashback is Hodor used to be known by another name. Exciting groundwork but little for Vin Sydow to sink his acting chops into straight away.
As predicted the workings arrives in the knick of team to save the loyal band of Jon Snow supporters. This gives us the episodes first bit of blood smattering as the giant smears a brave crossbow-man into the wall.
As in the first episode long standing characters are mercilessly dispatched mid episode. Ramsay, upon hearing that his father’s wife Walda has given birth to a male heir, kills daddy dearest, takes over his position, then feeds Walda and his new brother to his dogs. As if we needed anymore evidence that Ramsay was psychopath but now he is one with no restraint. This was pretty blood lusty even by Game of Thrones standards but sets up pieces for a big northern showdown.
The lannisters start to lay the foundations to regain their power, especially with force of the reanimated
Gregor Clegane behind. The highlight in Kinfslanding is Jamie’s threatening words with the high sparrow. A tense dimly lit scene playing out over his daughter’s dead body. More threads are set to intertwine and snap.
Peter Dinklage is great as Tyrion once again slipping from comic relief to high tension as he decides to unleash the dragons. The dragons look amazing and the darkness of the scene is well crafted. Could as many predict Tyrion become a dragon rider? Not Khalessi this week and i did not miss her meandering and indecision from the episode at all.
The stark women are fighting their separate battles. Arya is taken a step forward in her raining and Sansa safe with Brienne must allow Theon to return to his family. An emotional departure for Theon (Alfie Allen) whose depth of regret is evident in his eyes.
Theon’s homeland The Irin Islands finally decide to catch up with their story thread within the book with the predictable death of their King leading to a power vacuum to be decided by an ancient custom. A rushed trip to this forgotten part of Westeroes that could become more interesting if Theon returns.
So the closing shot of the show finally revealing the return of the fan favourite Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) from the dead. As many predicted despite a lack of self belief the red woman did resurrect him after some pleading from Davos.
We will have to wait and see what kind of Jon Snow is back and how his return is handled. Not as strong as the opening episode but still a good typical Game of Thrones episode that makes effectively scene setting for future events exciting to watch.
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