I don't think any other show has accomplished what this show has. This episode makes me forget all the other times that there could have been an epic battle; it doesn't matter as long as they all build up to spectacular events such as this! Tywin marching through that door right before Cersei's murderous/mercy killing attempt is the only 'door-opening' scene that beats the weary yet still awesome Aragorn in the Two Towers.
The battle made me feel like I was watching an HBO Blockbuster Battle Scene rather than an epic, life-or-death struggle for King's Landing. I would sum this episode up as: "the obvious outcome for the battle occurred; we still don't give a shit about any of these characters." Peter Dinklage is the only reason to continue watching this show. Sorry folks, I just can't call something a masterpiece if it is just OK. I wish HBO was as interested in selling story as they once were- this show would probably then be outstanding. Instead, we get the "strictly-on-budget" cliff notes.
NicksKnockers
May 29th, 2012 12:14 AM
(cut off in last post)
If Martin could actually rely more on character and story (good story, please) and less on cliche and sensationalism he might actually be able to put together a story that is worth spending an hour on.
NicksKnockers
May 29th, 2012 12:13 AM
I have to respectfully disagree with just about every single thing this review said.
I'm afraid I'm not seeing the genius or brilliance this series is supposed to have. I've watched since the beginning of season one and it's not proven to me in the least that it is the masterpiece everyone seems to think it is.
When it comes to characters, I can count on one hand the ones that are worth caring about. Sadly, I still have a few fingers left after I count them. Someone else here in the comments said they were shockingly underwritten and one-dimensional. That's spot on. Martin populated his story with the same character only under different names. I do like Tyrion but could honestly care less if the rest existed. They are all fillers in fantasy cliche. The wildfire during the battle was pretty amazing. After that, things fell flat. A battle is a battle and there wasn't anything groundbreaking here. A bunch of men stormed the walls. How many times have we seen that?
If
Douglas Wolfe Rank: Staff Member
May 28th, 2012 11:32 PM
(continued)
Every time Cersei looks at someone - anyone - I get nervous and worried that she's going to find a way to cruelly kill them. When she noticed the Imp's girlfriend (forgive me, I can't recall her name) I thought "well that's that then. She'll figure out her secret and then have her perfect revenge on Tyrion." Hopefully not - but she's her father's daughter, and she picked up on a few things right from the start with her. Beginning with the courtesy. And now Tyrion's girlfriend now has the one status that no one wants: she's been noticed by Cersei. Ugh. Game over?
Douglas Wolfe Rank: Staff Member
May 28th, 2012 11:31 PM
The Hound told his story either earlier in season 2 or in season 1 - I forget - where his face was burned by his brother. It seemed pretty clear that fire now spooks him like nothing else, and just before he walked off of the field, all he could see was fire. That was enough. I still don't know if Sansa left with him though. I'm guessing she did because of his answer to her that "no little dove. I won't hurt you." But who knows for sure?
Anyway - what an amazing episode! Every time Cersei looks at someone - anyone - I get nervous and worried that she's going to find a way to cruelly kill them. When she noticed the Imp's girlfriend (forgive me, I can't recall her name) I thought "well that's that then. She'll figure out her secret and then have her perfect revenge on Tyrion." Hopefully not - but she's her father's daughter, and she picked up on a few things right from the start with her. Beginning with the courtesy. And now Tyrion's girlfriend now has the one statu
Watch Closer
May 28th, 2012 11:26 PM
"Apparently it's easy to talk like a killing machine until you're surrounded by blood and gore, fire and screams. Was it the fear of death that finally broke this beast? The understanding that victory was impossible? The realization that his king was anything but worth fighting for?"
If you were paying attention it would be obvious he is afraid of fire, with his remarks to the archer and his expression at the explosion. Let alone his horribly burnt face. Terrible review, felt like the person writing hadn't been watching the show at all.
dg
May 28th, 2012 11:11 PM
"The entire surprise ending was based on a complete cheat. Last we saw of Tywin he was heading out to battle Robb, who's kept him completely strapped."
I thought it was pretty obvious he was supplying mis-information to Robb, and was heading to Kings-Landing to help. Why else would he leave so many troops behind if he was attacking Robb?. He won easily because he had suprise, and exposed flank and cavalry. Stannos didn't have pikes or spears he wasn't expecting it.
Thanks for clearing up who struck Tyrion - I thought it looked like a Kins Guardsmen but couldn't be sure. I'm guessing the Queen liked Tyrions idea of having the king killed in battle and used it herself of Tyrion.
The battle was amazing! How often is a battle of that
Magnitude on a normal television series! Tyrion was
superb as the commander (such a fan). And they really did need a full episode to feel the effects of the battle.
However all the side stories are so important! They fuel everything that is interesting on king's landing, and in time they may even develop to eclipse king's landing.
@jiffypopcorn - hound is a very important character! Have you been following at all???
Emy Rank: Recurring Character
May 28th, 2012 7:23 PM
And I LOVED the song at the end ! The opening with words, so cool !
Emmett
May 28th, 2012 7:21 PM
@temem
It is a song from the books called "the rains of castamere", performed by the National, it is about one of Tywin's earlier conquests. Look on youtube.
JiffyPopCorn
May 28th, 2012 6:49 PM
Game of Thrones has lost me (creatively) this season. I did not have a high opinion of it the first year but went back just to see where it might go. It went no where. This week's show looked great, but looking great and being great are two different things. The only original aspect of the battle was the wildfire which looked impressive, but after that, it's all been done before.
The conversations between Sansa and Cersei were far more interesting, and I'm sorry there wasn't more to it. The Hound(?) or whatever he's called, I just do not understand. Are we supposed to be interested in this person? Should we care? Since the main-players of the series are still shockingly underwritten and mostly one dimensional, I was annoyed that the episode wasted so much time on yet another unlikable and unrelatable character.
LordNoga
May 28th, 2012 6:49 PM
Kristin @30.
Not all the power of Renly's army, mainly just the Tyrells and some of their bannerman. I you remember, a lot of Renly's men went over to Stannis, which helped build his previously small army. But Tyrells are the Lords of the Reach and have a lot of soldiers at their disposal and a lot of their bannermen from the Reach joined Tywin. Where most lf Renly's supporters from the Stormlands(where the Baratheons are from) just switch to another Baratheon in Stannis. This has been a nerd update. :)
LordNoga
May 28th, 2012 6:39 PM
I remember Littlefinger telling Sansa in season 1 that the Hounds brother the Mountain (gregor clegane) shoved his face in fire when they were children, hence his scar. And to me it looked like the Hound was scared of the fire, especially the way he talked bout the water being on fire. As for you saying the rest of the show seems like filler, im hurt. Jon Snows story will have a great ending. Dany is set to go into the warlocks House of the Undying , Robb must deal with the fallout of chosing a new lady and spurning his mariage (and alliance?) with the Freys, who are a very large house and powerful ally in the Riverlands. And most importantly, the Bastard of Roose Bolton was only a few days out from Winterfell, so we should be seeing some shit goin done there too. Last episode will be spectacular. Obviously Kings Landing is the main area of interest but this series is about all the 7 kingdoms. Without giving any spoilers, if it ends like the book, the last episode when be one helluva s
Emy Rank: Recurring Character
May 28th, 2012 6:20 PM
And of course missed Arya and my beloved Jaqen H’ghar.
Emy Rank: Recurring Character
May 28th, 2012 6:18 PM
Well well.... They've won the battle but is war over? There are things happening in the books that this season MUST show ! if it doesn't it'll be a major let down ! Missed Dany, Jon and Robb, but LOVED the battle ! So reminded me of The Lord of The Rings ! Glad they caught Stannis , but the man had balls ! No arrow or rock got to him, he climbed the effing ladder, still nothing, Tywin had to arrive for him to get caught ! Wow ! Well I cannot talk about Sansa, Jeoffrey, the Hound or Tyrion without talking about the books thus spoiling sooooo, let's hope that the season finale won't disappoint. I have very high expectations regarding that one. That coward, cannot wait for the Granpa, the soldiers to find out !
temem
May 28th, 2012 5:47 PM
Goes anyone know the song at the end of this episode? I can kind of like it and I wanted to listen all of it.
anon
May 28th, 2012 3:45 PM
I think it's already been answered on here, but there seems to be some confusion as to why Sandor "The Hound" Clegane finally fled from the battle (I've seen the same confusion on a number of Non-Book Reader reviews, so maybe the episode didn't do a very good job of translating this particular bit from the book). It was the fire that finally broke the Hound. Remember his backstory from Season One; he was horribly burned by his older brother when he was just a little child (hence the horrible mutilation on half his face). He is therefore terrified of fire. We see a number of moments in this episode when the Hound reiterates that - a torch is waved in front of his face at one point and he jerks back with a frightened look on his face...he seems extremely horrified by the wildfire explosion on the river...he warns his own archers that they better not get near him with any of their flaming arrows or he'll kill them himself...and finally, in the midst of men all around him burning to death,
Shelby
May 28th, 2012 2:51 PM
THAT WAS THE WORST EPISODE OF THE SEASON!!!!
Sorry but that episode sucked. The whole season was one big build up and it was a big let down. I have never read the books so I'm going by the show but it was awful!
I actually like the side storylines way better than Kings Landing story so I Missed Jon and Arya and Dany.
Sorry but thy episode was major letdown And I'm very disappointed. Still an awesome show though hope things pull through. I hope Cersei and Joffrey get put in a dungeon for the rest of their lives. Wonderful acting from everyone. Just disappointing episode.
victoria
May 28th, 2012 2:48 PM
Actually, i think the opposite. I don't really care for Joffrey, etc. and I watched the whole episode to see if Jon Snow and Robb Stark were in it....
As someone who has read the books, I always check here to read the review and comments to see how the show is received by those who haven't. My wife watches the show with me and hasn't read the books, and she sometimes asks me for alot of character and plot clarifications. I'm always tempted to post info for confused posters here, but it's hard to do that without crossing the line into "spoiler". I'm pretty confident that the finale will explain all about who attacked Tyrion, and why Sir Loras arriving with Tywin was significant.
Simone
May 28th, 2012 9:03 AM
I have stopped reading the reviews here a couple episodes ago. However, I continue to enjoy the comments posted here by the far more insightful posters.
blingerz
May 28th, 2012 8:52 AM
@ anon "who is mandon moore"
yeah it is a bit hard to follow if you haven't read the books. cersei mentioned ser mandon moore last week in the tyrion/ros scene. Other than that, he hasn't been shown at all really.
Pooter
May 28th, 2012 8:30 AM
`Totally agree - the grooming habits of these women for that century are furthermore laughable`
It`s a work of fantasy. There is no century. But imagine trying to put on muff wigs or arm pit hair wigs. Ladies lip hair, anyone?
The quality of their dental work could equally be described as risible but I`ll live with it.
@confused: I think we were supposed to think Tywin was going after Robb so when he showed up at Kings Landing it was a surprise.
As far as the Kingsguard, I think you're supposed to be asking yourself why, but then again just think about it. He's in the "king's" guard...and it's not like the King likes Tyrion...
Ygritte: Is that a palace? Jon Snow: It's a windmill. Ygritte: Windmill…
Rank: New User
May 29th, 2012 4:14 AM
I don't think any other show has accomplished what this show has. This episode makes me forget all the other times that there could have been an epic battle; it doesn't matter as long as they all build up to spectacular events such as this! Tywin marching through that door right before Cersei's murderous/mercy killing attempt is the only 'door-opening' scene that beats the weary yet still awesome Aragorn in the Two Towers.
Rank: Extra
May 29th, 2012 1:13 AM
The battle made me feel like I was watching an HBO Blockbuster Battle Scene rather than an epic, life-or-death struggle for King's Landing. I would sum this episode up as: "the obvious outcome for the battle occurred; we still don't give a shit about any of these characters." Peter Dinklage is the only reason to continue watching this show. Sorry folks, I just can't call something a masterpiece if it is just OK. I wish HBO was as interested in selling story as they once were- this show would probably then be outstanding. Instead, we get the "strictly-on-budget" cliff notes.
May 29th, 2012 12:14 AM
(cut off in last post)
If Martin could actually rely more on character and story (good story, please) and less on cliche and sensationalism he might actually be able to put together a story that is worth spending an hour on.
May 29th, 2012 12:13 AM
I have to respectfully disagree with just about every single thing this review said.
I'm afraid I'm not seeing the genius or brilliance this series is supposed to have. I've watched since the beginning of season one and it's not proven to me in the least that it is the masterpiece everyone seems to think it is.
When it comes to characters, I can count on one hand the ones that are worth caring about. Sadly, I still have a few fingers left after I count them. Someone else here in the comments said they were shockingly underwritten and one-dimensional. That's spot on. Martin populated his story with the same character only under different names. I do like Tyrion but could honestly care less if the rest existed. They are all fillers in fantasy cliche. The wildfire during the battle was pretty amazing. After that, things fell flat. A battle is a battle and there wasn't anything groundbreaking here. A bunch of men stormed the walls. How many times have we seen that?
If
Rank: Staff Member
May 28th, 2012 11:32 PM
(continued)
Every time Cersei looks at someone - anyone - I get nervous and worried that she's going to find a way to cruelly kill them. When she noticed the Imp's girlfriend (forgive me, I can't recall her name) I thought "well that's that then. She'll figure out her secret and then have her perfect revenge on Tyrion." Hopefully not - but she's her father's daughter, and she picked up on a few things right from the start with her. Beginning with the courtesy. And now Tyrion's girlfriend now has the one status that no one wants: she's been noticed by Cersei. Ugh. Game over?
Rank: Staff Member
May 28th, 2012 11:31 PM
The Hound told his story either earlier in season 2 or in season 1 - I forget - where his face was burned by his brother. It seemed pretty clear that fire now spooks him like nothing else, and just before he walked off of the field, all he could see was fire. That was enough. I still don't know if Sansa left with him though. I'm guessing she did because of his answer to her that "no little dove. I won't hurt you." But who knows for sure?
Anyway - what an amazing episode! Every time Cersei looks at someone - anyone - I get nervous and worried that she's going to find a way to cruelly kill them. When she noticed the Imp's girlfriend (forgive me, I can't recall her name) I thought "well that's that then. She'll figure out her secret and then have her perfect revenge on Tyrion." Hopefully not - but she's her father's daughter, and she picked up on a few things right from the start with her. Beginning with the courtesy. And now Tyrion's girlfriend now has the one statu
May 28th, 2012 11:26 PM
"Apparently it's easy to talk like a killing machine until you're surrounded by blood and gore, fire and screams. Was it the fear of death that finally broke this beast? The understanding that victory was impossible? The realization that his king was anything but worth fighting for?"
If you were paying attention it would be obvious he is afraid of fire, with his remarks to the archer and his expression at the explosion. Let alone his horribly burnt face. Terrible review, felt like the person writing hadn't been watching the show at all.
May 28th, 2012 11:11 PM
"The entire surprise ending was based on a complete cheat. Last we saw of Tywin he was heading out to battle Robb, who's kept him completely strapped."
I thought it was pretty obvious he was supplying mis-information to Robb, and was heading to Kings-Landing to help. Why else would he leave so many troops behind if he was attacking Robb?. He won easily because he had suprise, and exposed flank and cavalry. Stannos didn't have pikes or spears he wasn't expecting it.
Thanks for clearing up who struck Tyrion - I thought it looked like a Kins Guardsmen but couldn't be sure. I'm guessing the Queen liked Tyrions idea of having the king killed in battle and used it herself of Tyrion.
Rank: Extra
May 28th, 2012 8:22 PM
The battle was amazing! How often is a battle of that
Magnitude on a normal television series! Tyrion was
superb as the commander (such a fan). And they really did need a full episode to feel the effects of the battle.
However all the side stories are so important! They fuel everything that is interesting on king's landing, and in time they may even develop to eclipse king's landing.
@jiffypopcorn - hound is a very important character! Have you been following at all???
Rank: Recurring Character
May 28th, 2012 7:23 PM
And I LOVED the song at the end ! The opening with words, so cool !
May 28th, 2012 7:21 PM
@temem
It is a song from the books called "the rains of castamere", performed by the National, it is about one of Tywin's earlier conquests. Look on youtube.
May 28th, 2012 6:49 PM
Game of Thrones has lost me (creatively) this season. I did not have a high opinion of it the first year but went back just to see where it might go. It went no where. This week's show looked great, but looking great and being great are two different things. The only original aspect of the battle was the wildfire which looked impressive, but after that, it's all been done before.
The conversations between Sansa and Cersei were far more interesting, and I'm sorry there wasn't more to it. The Hound(?) or whatever he's called, I just do not understand. Are we supposed to be interested in this person? Should we care? Since the main-players of the series are still shockingly underwritten and mostly one dimensional, I was annoyed that the episode wasted so much time on yet another unlikable and unrelatable character.
May 28th, 2012 6:49 PM
Kristin @30.
Not all the power of Renly's army, mainly just the Tyrells and some of their bannerman. I you remember, a lot of Renly's men went over to Stannis, which helped build his previously small army. But Tyrells are the Lords of the Reach and have a lot of soldiers at their disposal and a lot of their bannermen from the Reach joined Tywin. Where most lf Renly's supporters from the Stormlands(where the Baratheons are from) just switch to another Baratheon in Stannis. This has been a nerd update. :)
May 28th, 2012 6:39 PM
I remember Littlefinger telling Sansa in season 1 that the Hounds brother the Mountain (gregor clegane) shoved his face in fire when they were children, hence his scar. And to me it looked like the Hound was scared of the fire, especially the way he talked bout the water being on fire. As for you saying the rest of the show seems like filler, im hurt. Jon Snows story will have a great ending. Dany is set to go into the warlocks House of the Undying , Robb must deal with the fallout of chosing a new lady and spurning his mariage (and alliance?) with the Freys, who are a very large house and powerful ally in the Riverlands. And most importantly, the Bastard of Roose Bolton was only a few days out from Winterfell, so we should be seeing some shit goin done there too. Last episode will be spectacular. Obviously Kings Landing is the main area of interest but this series is about all the 7 kingdoms. Without giving any spoilers, if it ends like the book, the last episode when be one helluva s
Rank: Recurring Character
May 28th, 2012 6:20 PM
And of course missed Arya and my beloved Jaqen H’ghar.
Rank: Recurring Character
May 28th, 2012 6:18 PM
Well well.... They've won the battle but is war over? There are things happening in the books that this season MUST show ! if it doesn't it'll be a major let down ! Missed Dany, Jon and Robb, but LOVED the battle ! So reminded me of The Lord of The Rings ! Glad they caught Stannis , but the man had balls ! No arrow or rock got to him, he climbed the effing ladder, still nothing, Tywin had to arrive for him to get caught ! Wow ! Well I cannot talk about Sansa, Jeoffrey, the Hound or Tyrion without talking about the books thus spoiling sooooo, let's hope that the season finale won't disappoint. I have very high expectations regarding that one. That coward, cannot wait for the Granpa, the soldiers to find out !
May 28th, 2012 5:47 PM
Goes anyone know the song at the end of this episode? I can kind of like it and I wanted to listen all of it.
May 28th, 2012 3:45 PM
I think it's already been answered on here, but there seems to be some confusion as to why Sandor "The Hound" Clegane finally fled from the battle (I've seen the same confusion on a number of Non-Book Reader reviews, so maybe the episode didn't do a very good job of translating this particular bit from the book). It was the fire that finally broke the Hound. Remember his backstory from Season One; he was horribly burned by his older brother when he was just a little child (hence the horrible mutilation on half his face). He is therefore terrified of fire. We see a number of moments in this episode when the Hound reiterates that - a torch is waved in front of his face at one point and he jerks back with a frightened look on his face...he seems extremely horrified by the wildfire explosion on the river...he warns his own archers that they better not get near him with any of their flaming arrows or he'll kill them himself...and finally, in the midst of men all around him burning to death,
May 28th, 2012 2:51 PM
THAT WAS THE WORST EPISODE OF THE SEASON!!!!
Sorry but that episode sucked. The whole season was one big build up and it was a big let down. I have never read the books so I'm going by the show but it was awful!
I actually like the side storylines way better than Kings Landing story so I Missed Jon and Arya and Dany.
Sorry but thy episode was major letdown And I'm very disappointed. Still an awesome show though hope things pull through. I hope Cersei and Joffrey get put in a dungeon for the rest of their lives. Wonderful acting from everyone. Just disappointing episode.
May 28th, 2012 2:48 PM
Actually, i think the opposite. I don't really care for Joffrey, etc. and I watched the whole episode to see if Jon Snow and Robb Stark were in it....
Rank: New User
May 28th, 2012 10:11 AM
As someone who has read the books, I always check here to read the review and comments to see how the show is received by those who haven't. My wife watches the show with me and hasn't read the books, and she sometimes asks me for alot of character and plot clarifications. I'm always tempted to post info for confused posters here, but it's hard to do that without crossing the line into "spoiler". I'm pretty confident that the finale will explain all about who attacked Tyrion, and why Sir Loras arriving with Tywin was significant.
May 28th, 2012 9:03 AM
I have stopped reading the reviews here a couple episodes ago. However, I continue to enjoy the comments posted here by the far more insightful posters.
May 28th, 2012 8:52 AM
@ anon "who is mandon moore"
yeah it is a bit hard to follow if you haven't read the books. cersei mentioned ser mandon moore last week in the tyrion/ros scene. Other than that, he hasn't been shown at all really.
May 28th, 2012 8:30 AM
`Totally agree - the grooming habits of these women for that century are furthermore laughable`
It`s a work of fantasy. There is no century. But imagine trying to put on muff wigs or arm pit hair wigs. Ladies lip hair, anyone?
The quality of their dental work could equally be described as risible but I`ll live with it.
Rank: Guest Star
May 28th, 2012 8:18 AM
@confused: I think we were supposed to think Tywin was going after Robb so when he showed up at Kings Landing it was a surprise.
As far as the Kingsguard, I think you're supposed to be asking yourself why, but then again just think about it. He's in the "king's" guard...and it's not like the King likes Tyrion...