Did anyone else want to be Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) as much as I wanted to be when he was smacking the crap out of Joffrey? Joffrey's entitled attitude made him my least favorite character. Even Jaime's charisma gives him a pass for what he did to Bran.

His other qualities let him skate. Joffrey was brought up without any such qualities.

I loved the scene between Jaime and Jon, and I don't know that I will ever forgive George R.R. Martin for making such a beautiful character take the black. Jon's love of family, his siblings and father are so deep. His life could have been full of joy, but instead he vows a life of celibacy and servitude.

In the books, Catelyn told Jon that it should have been him that was hurt instead of Bran. We didn't need the words to understand what she was feeling, as Michelle Fairley has ensured nothing we know of Cat is hidden from the audience.

If you watch Army Wives, which I also cover, you would have noticed the conversation between Catelyn and Ned about men always using excuses to go off to war very familiar.

That women are left behind to be strong in the men's absence. I had never thought of it in quite that way before, and yet two shows shared the same sentiment within a week. Just something to ponder, even today in this warring world.

Jon asking after his mother before leaving for the Night's Watch left me with a sense of foreboding. What are the odds they will ever have the conversation Ned promised? At the very least King Robert goaded out of him Jon's mother's name: Wylla. His reluctance to talk about her leaves me to believe it was far more than a cheap affair that gave life to Jon.

We learned a little bit more about the feud between the Targaryen feud. Dany's and Viserys' father killed Ned's sister Lyanna and the love of Robert's life, as well as Ned's father. As strange as the Targaryen's are, they are a real threat to all who have come in contact with the family.

Watching Khal Drogo engage in sex with Dany, I could feel how frightened and degraded she was. The Dothrakis' have no thought of love or emotions, but rather raw, sexual conquest. Her handmaid taught her to take control and this will generate a change in their relationship. I loved the way his eyes bore into her for every second, as if he was dumbfounded at the instant bond formed between them.

There are clearly not enough scenes of the Direwolves in this adaptation. My favorite scene of the episode was after Catelyn complained about the howling of the wolves, only to find they were raising the alarm. As she valiantly fought her son's attacker, Bran's Summer showed her what the protection of a trusted Direwolf really means.

When the lying, sniveling, cowardly Joffrey embarrassed himself again, which seems to be the curse he will face the rest of his life, Nymeria's protection of Arya left me reeling. That Arya had to let her go was easily one of the more heartbreaking scenes we will encounter in Game of Thrones, although surpassed by the lovely Lady receiving the ultimate punishment on her behalf.

The first step of the downfall of Sansa in my eyes began in "The Kingsroad" when she layed her allegience at the feet of the Baratheons, rather than the Starks. Her redemption will not come lightly. That Joffrey stood idly by while his "lady" bore the pain of his lies only made what Sansa gave up for him more upsetting.

Our first glimpse of the depth of connection between the House Stark and their sigil, the Dierewolf took meaning when Lady's death brought Bran back to life. Things will only get more interesting from here.

Certainly, the two month trek from Winterfell to King's Landing was not an easy one, worn with tragedy and the beginning of even more desperate times between the Starks and the family of the King he has sworn to serve.

Movie quality cinematography, intense acting and vivid stories lend credence to the brilliant world created by George R. R. Martin. Everyone engaged with this rich production should be incredibly proud. I've been overly impressed with Mark Addy as King Robert.

His remarkable ability to infuse his performance with such humanity cannot go unnoticed. He steals most every scene he graces. I expect more and more breathtaking moments as Game of Thrones continues. What about you?

Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.