A Golden Crown

The previous episode was awesome and so my expectations in this "A Golden Crown" were pretty high. As it turns out, it totally manages to hold up the pace of its predecessor and contains a couple of important things happening. I was extremely looking forward to see how things will be after Ned's and Jaime's fight and it already began in a superb way when Ned awoke with a furious Cersei and a King Robert who has finally calmed down after his uproar in "The Wolf and the Lion" standing in his room. The episode didn't get any worse after that, but I'd say it was already one of the best moments.

The continuation of the storyline of Catelyn and Tyrion proved to be hilarious with once again, a marvelous monologue by Peter Dinklage and great performances by all other actors involved. The sword fighting in this episode was too really well-made and the fight scene in which we first meet Bronn was incredibly cool.

Ned's discovery in this episode was great as well and really blew my mind because I'm completely unaware of the plot of this series. Sean Bean continually improves in his role and is amazing when he gets to be the regent while reminding the audience that he is clearly the most likable character on this show. It was also really nice to see Isaac Hempstead Wright doing something again and I think it's really interesting how Theon Greyjoy gets more and more important.

Clearly the best part about "A Golden Crown" is the story part of Viserys, Daenerys, and the Dothrakis who return to the screen after their short absence in the previous episode. There are some major things happening with those characters and we really get to see how the characters progress - all of this is staged perfectly and has a really dark and captivating look to it since all of their scenes are set indoors. The final scene of this episode may just be the best Game of Thrones moment yet and I was so freaked out because of how fantastic this was.

I'm completely intrigued in the plot (except for the one at the Night's Watch. Seriously, I didn't miss Jon Snow and all his colleagues at all in this and the last episode - I almost forgot that those characters existed when I was watching these two awesome episodes) and technically, it's extremely well-made. But I can't help myself but to think that Game of Thrones still has a tad more potential to it than it shows us at the moment with supernatural stuff and really big fight scenes still stashed away from the audiences. I'm hoping that the season finale will provide me with the scenes I expect and for now I just stay with loving all the amazing characters and visuals.

Following on from the exciting and shocking confrontation between Jaime and Ned at the end of the previous episode we begin this episode with Ned, injured and recovering in bed overlooked by King Robert and the vile Cersei. A really good scene between the three culminates in Robert demanding Ned continues as Hand of the King and takes care of matters while he goes on a hunt to 'clear his mind'. The drama is intense with Ned and Cersei at loggerheads, a wounded Ned making a big decision to clash with Tywin Lannister and his bannerman Gregor (The Mountain) Clegane and Robert's hunt bringing about a serious mishap that throws everything into chaos. Meanwhile Tyrion hilariously confronts Lysa Arryn and demands trial by combat in the Eyrie.

Alongside all the Kings Landing events we also have things developing dramatically across the Narrow Sea with Dany, Viserys and Drogo which climaxes with a tremendous final scene that is thrilling and satisfyingly shocking. It features a silly aspect of gold appearing to melt very quickly in a hot cooking pot (which would not happen) but is acted out so thrillingly and has such an amazing visual moment of horror that I have to forgive the little 'mistake' of the too easily melting gold.

This all brings a fantastic mixture of excitement, tension, intrigue and thrills with some great humour thrown in. As well as the amusement from Tyrion, we get a lovely funny scene with Sansa and Arya with Ned when Sansa talks of her love for Joffrey.

The acting, dialogue and action are all top notch and it all looks a visual treat. There are so many nice scenes of dialogue, including a beautiful scene between Arya and the wonderful Syrio Forel. This aspect is far better in the series than in the books.

This is a superb episode. 10/10.

From the interaction between Ned and the King to the trial of our diminutive friend in the castle, this is non-stop entertainment. There is more of the maneuvering for power. There are the barbarians who now have a queen who must show her resolve by eating the heart of a horse (yes, the whole thing). We see her brother invade a world where he is an alien but doesn't get it. Ned maintains his morality as his wife goes off, causing problems. We have his daughter, betrothed to the king, acting in her selfish, childish way. Bran almost gets it. Most of the children, including that awful suckling child, are really selfish and full of themselves. The Prince comes and makes peace with the daughter, but we must remember how hollow his offer is, how self serving. She, of course, is too dense to understand what is going on.

This is the sixth episode of the first season of Game of Thrones. It's a solid episode that has quite a bit happening for it. While the first half of the episode may be mostly talk and the struggles of trying to run a kingdom, the second half is spectacular on the action/drama front as we witness a sword duel and a brotherly hissy fit. The ending is fantastic, so hold on to your seats.

In this episode, "The Golden Crown," Ned reunites with King Robert as Robert leaves him in charge of the kingdom while he is off boar-hunting. Ned also sends Arya and Sansa back to Winterfell and in the process of doing so, he learns of a secret from John Arryn. Meanwhile, Tyrion requests a sword duel to seal his fate and Viserys is losing his patience with Drogo, whom Drogo has a surprise for.

Overall, I this another solid entry in this entertaining first season of the hit fantasy series. The ending is just worth watching this episode for. Also, in part due to Drogo's customs, there are quite a few bloody scenes. So for those who have squeamish stomachs, you may want to not eat anything before watching this episode.

My Grade: A

While recovering from his battle with Jamie, Ned has to run the kingdom while Robert goes hunting. Tyrion demands a trial by combat for his freedom. Viserys is losing his patience with Drogo.

What I Liked:

The dialogue in this show is top-notch, feeling organic and rarely trite, and this episode is no exception. It's a testament to the level of care every person involved has given.

As usual, it is impossible not to be impressed by the high-quality production value, as well as the meticulous attention to detail. Again, acting all around is solid.

Viserys' death is perhaps the most shocking scene so far, giving this unpleasant character the perfect send-off, leaving the viewer wanting more as soon as the credits roll.

What I Disliked:

Joffrey's apology to Sansa was odd, considering they hadn't spoken since episode two. While not a bad scene by any means, it came across as an interaction that should have occurred two or three episodes ago.

Overall:

Game of Thrones continues to deliver, with yet another fantastic episode this early in its run. You would be hard-pressed to find a show more tautly written and produced.

9/10

King Cadmium.