All Hell broke loose on Game of Thrones this week.

We had Ned in the dungeon, with Sansa discovering her false love for Joffrey won't save her from her fate... while Arya escaped the castle using "The Pointy End" of Needle. She experienced her first kill, and does anyone really think it will be her last?

Not a member of the Stark family found themselves safe, and I'd venture to guess the season will not wrap with any certainty of their fate.

Hallaluleija! Ghost was on screen more than a fleeting second and he actually had something to do: save Jon and the Commander of the Night's Watch. Finally, we saw they have a purpose other than to be breathing sigils for the Starks.

It was only moments later when Grey Wind bounded across a table in protection of Robb to gnaw two fingers off of the offending man. Their only purpose isn't to hurt others in protection of their masters, but I was thilled to see them finally get some action. No direwolf complaints from me this week; shocking, I know!

It took seven full episodes to give viewers an indication of how important the Stark children will be to the future of "A Song of Ice and Fire." But if that's what was necessary, I'll accept their decision. But I do want more.

Catelyn gave her full support to Robb as he lead an army of 18,000 to King's Landing. He was shocked that instead of telling him to retreat, go home and send seasoned soldiers in his place, she essentially told him if he lost in his battle, the Starks would be no more. Thankfully, she didn't put too much pressure on him. Either you win, or we all die. That seemed simple enough to Robb.

Robb is much like his father, with honor and courage to spare. How fun was it to Tom Cruise in the role of a Lannister spy? His movies haven't been doing so well lately and he picked a great show for a surprise cameo (tell me that Lannister spy didn't look like Tom!).

What was shocking was that Robb let him go. Sometimes a messenger can make a bigger impact than the death of someone the Lannisters wouldn't think twice about losing. Robb learned a lot by listening to his father.

My hope for him is that he doesn't let his honor get in his own way to the detriment of his family and his life, as did Ned. Like I've said before, some cards are better played close to the vest.

For the briefest of moments, I didn't hate Joffrey as he listened to Sansa beg for mercy for her father. Unfortunately, the one thing he asked in return was the one thing Ned would never do. There are some things worth dying for, and in this case, I would have to stand by Ned. I wouldn't want him to lose himself so completely and live a life of regret forever more.

Every week I fall more in love with the love of Drogo and Dany. Bringing the relationship to life on the screen has given it a completely different perspective than I got from reading the book. Emilia Clarke just knocks her portrayal of the Khaleesi right out of the park. At this point, I look forward to their scenes together more than any others.

Other thoughts:

• Was that Rickon who walked into Bran's room? He's supposed to be three. Apparently, he's been eating well!
• Hodor showing up naked in the woods was giggle-inducing. He looked like he was touched by white walkers he was so pallid.
• Was it necessary to remind us that Lysa's son eats at her breast? Seeing it once was enough to bring up very painful memories as he grabbed at the laces on her gown.
• I wish they would give some sense of the time passing. It tends to seem as if it's just a few days here and there, but I know it has to be more like months. As an example, from the beginning to the end of the episode, Joffrey was in the Throne Room, but Robb had moved an entire army what seemed like hundreds of miles.
• After Arya used Needle, we didn't see her again. This episode had the feel that they bit off more than they could chew in the episode. After the pacing of last week, I was hoping for more of the same focus with less faces on the canvas to deal with. With only two episodes left, I expect an absolute whirlwind of activity to close out this first season properly.
• Tyrion was genuinely surprised at the death of King Robert. Peter Dinklage cannot only deliver the snarkiest of lines, but the heaviest of thoughts with a mere glance. He's a wonder.

What did you think of "The Pointy End?" Did you expect more Arya, considering the name of the episode?

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.