Game of Thrones Review: Who Died?

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In this penultimate episode of Game of Thrones, the stage was set for next season.

Oh, and the show's main character was killed off.

The lives of man hung in the balance throughout "Baelor," while others fell further from grace. Bronn took a woman from a few tents down named Shae. Keep an eye on her, viewers. I liked how he was exasperated at her joking when he was seriously looking for a companion.

I also really enjoyed the dynamic between Tyrion, Bronn and Shae as they were playing games. Tryion is such a cool dude. I'd feel like the luckiest whore in the world if I was chosen to be his companion. But something tells me Shae is not what she seems. I wonder if there will come a time when we learn how she truly ended up in this life she's living.

When he went into battle, it was like watching a toddler who lost his mother at Walmart on Black Friday. When I saw that mallet swing into his head, I have to admit I burst out laughing. Poor little guy, even when forced to be a warrior, and trying the best he can, it's just not for him.

It was such a grand gesture of Lord Commander Mormont, to give his sword, made for his son, and those after him, to Jon. And he went so far to change his own family's sigil, the bear, to Jon's, the direwolf. At the very least Jon is getting the respect at the Night's Watch he was unable to receive at Winterfell because of Catelyn's intense dislike for him.

Jon knows his father so well, there was no doubt in his mind that he would choose honor over family, no matter how much it hurt. In the end, all the things they keep those on the Night Watch from doing to keep their loyalty mean very little.

If only they could find more men like Jon and Ned, they need not have bastards, thieves, rapists and murderers defend the wall. Without honor, it's only the threat of death that keeps them from turning on the Watch. Are those truly the people for such a mighty position?

We learned a lot about how closely everyone is related. Jorah is son of Lord Commander Mormont, Maester Aemon is the uncle to Daenerys.

Running to and from the crown is all the rage, and it appears the only place to run from the crown that still allows you to have honor is the Night Watch. That must be why Jorah is not known for his honor, although he has proven himself honorable nonetheless.

It was heartbreaking to watch Drogo dying of a simple infection, and to find the Khaleesi will only have her position as long as he is alive. I hate that Dany turned to blood magic in an attempt to save him, as it will only make her look even crazier to the Dothraki.

And, yes, seeing the horse's neck slit and him falling to the ground - hearing his scream - was worse to me than knowing Drogo was dying. Funnily enough, I had just been talking to a friend about why I care more about animals than people, and it's because they work for us and feed us and we treat them with disrespect.

Dothraki treat their horses with respect, so to kill Drogo's steed to save his own life would be agony to him. It's almost as if they are one with their mounts.

From the book, I don't remember Ned seeing Arya on the statue on his way to his death, but I guess it must have been so. The statue was Baelor, and Ned told his man where to look to find Arya. He had to know that no good could come from giving up his honor.

Poor Sansa, smiling as her father was brought before the crowd, so sure of Joffrey's love for her, having no idea what was to happen. For his family, Ned gave up his honor. Which was the better lesson, to go to his death with honor or without?

Some other thoughts:

  • Robb found out what it was like to send men to their death in war, and he was right to feel as he did.
  • We finally got to see how Arya was trying to stay alive in kings Landing.
  • Joffrey turned out to be exactly who we all thought he would be, all except Cersei and Sansa. They were truly surprised.
  • If Joffrey had known Jaime had just been captured by the Starks, would the result have been the same? They really could've used a cell phone right about then.

Baelor Review

Editor Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.8 / 5.0 (191 Votes)

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.

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Game of Thrones Season 1 Episode 9 Quotes

Maester Aemon: If the day should ever come when your Lord father had to choose between honor on the one hand and his family on the other, what would he do?
Jon: He would do whatever is right no matter what.
Maester Aemon: Then Lord Stark is one man in 10,000. Most are not so strong.

You think my life is such a precious thing to me, that I would trade my honor for a few more years...of what?

Ned