Premiere Particulars: Game of Thrones

Like I was going to miss the opportunity to gush about the premiere of Game of Thrones. For a review of the first three seasons, feel free to look at this post I did awhile back. Otherwise, continue on to hear my thoughts on the first episode of HBO’s fourth season of the best fantasy drama around, Game of Thrones (and don’t worry—no spoilers).

What I liked:

• Oberyn Martell (Pedro Pascal). Oberyn has come to King’s Landing with a very big chip on his shoulder: Gregor Clegane a.k.a. The Mountain allegedly killed his beloved sister, who was once queen. Oberyn is clearly out for blood. Hot-headed and lusty, I think Oberyn is going to be a very interesting addition to this season.
• The dragons are SO BIG! And getting feisty—maybe even too feisty for Daenerys (Emilia Clarke). Who knows what they’ll do…
• Tyrion (Peter Dinklage). Just…everything about Tyrion. During a conversation with his distressed wife, he says this gem: “Your mother…I admired her. She wanted to have me executed, but I admired her.” This is why I love him.
• Pretty, pretty Jon Snow (Kit Harington). Is it just me or is he sassier so far? I think the wildlings have had an effect on him. At a meeting with some of the elders of the Night’s Watch, Jon isn’t afraid to tell them what’s what. That’s right, Jon Snow. You DO know something.
• Sandor Clegane a.k.a. The Hound (Rory McCann). He doesn’t take crap from anyone, and he’s not afraid to say what’s on his mind. He was cracking me up this episode. Speaking of The Hound, let’s talk about his travel buddy…
• Arya Stark (Maisie Williams). She is the finale of this episode and for good reason. That’s all I’m sayin’.

 

What I didn’t like:

• Game of Thrones has one major problem: too many characters. People get confused about who’s who, our favorite characters get limited screen time, we don’t get to see certain characters for several episodes, etc. While I do think the show does a pretty good job of balancing screen time, I still can’t help being a little sad when I think about who was left out. No Bran? No Theon? No Littlefinger? But…but what are they doing?? Must knooooowwww!!!
• Ugh. Can’t we just kill Joffrey already? Bless Jack Gleeson for playing him, but Joffrey blows.

The Potential: For this show? Through the roof! This episode may not have been as action-packed or shocking as some of the episodes we were treated to last season, but I can already tell that things are gonna get pretty good. The wildlings are prepping for war, Daenerys is on the road with her army, there’s more friction between the Lannisters than ever…and, oh yeah, there’s a WEDDING on the way. Everybody knows how much George R. R. Martin loves a good wedding. So much going on, so much excitement. Game of Thrones is BACK, people!

My Grade: A

Another guest list for April Fools coming atcha tomorrow! Also, in case you missed it over the weekend, be sure to check out Tom’s list!