SEASON 3 EPISODE 1
“VALAR DOHAERIS”

The wait is over!  Game of Thrones has returned for another season of battles and betrayals…  Just not in the first episode.  It’s hard to fault Game of Thrones for masterfully balancing so many groups of major characters but I was a little disappointed in Valar Dohaeris.  Much like the first few episodes of Season 2, we spent a lot of time catching up with our favorite characters.

It kind of felt like an hour long ‘previously…  on Game of Thrones‘ montage.  Having said that, this show is overflowing with characters I wanted to see.  I just felt there wasn’t enough ‘Season 3′.

That will change in the coming weeks as the inhabitants of Westeros continue their ruthless campaigns to rule.  As far as choosing a moment, I’m tempted to go with Daenerys’ dragons.  Watching their fishing techniques was pretty fantastic.  As was Jon Snow’s first encounter with a giant.

However, in terms of story, I decided to go with…

TYWIN VS TYRION

“I would let myself be consumed by maggots before mocking the family name and making you heir to Casterly Rock.”

Ouch.

From the moment this scene began, you could feel the tension between father and son.  It’s amazing to see such a powerful character in Season 2 be reduced to nothing by his father with nothing but words.  Tywin really is a hard ass.  I’m sure Tyrion will find a way to get back in the game but it will be much more difficult with his father in King’s Landing.

Some of the best moments of Season 2 came from Tyrion’s strategic and clever mind.  Hopefully, it doesn’t take long for him to pick himself up.

This exchange was easily my favorite moment of Valar Dohaeris.  While it was a slower episode, it served as a reminder of how well they juggle story lines on this show.  I can’t wait for next week as Season 2 is officially wrapped up and Season 3 can begin…  Right?

COUNTDOWN | The best moments from Game of Thrones Season 2

XTRA | Check out this Game of Thrones Interactive Map

SEASON 2 EPISODE 9
“BLACKWATER”

How the hell am I supposed to pick ONE moment after that!?  That was by far my favorite episode of Game of Thrones.  Period.  Just one week after my least favorite episode of the season too.

Finally…  Finally!  Stannis has come to King’s Landing and what an entrance it was.  My first instinct was to choose the impossibly huge wild fire explosion that engulfed men and ships in awesome green flames.  Or perhaps the moment was the incredibly brutal battle itself that was worthy of the silver screen.  At one point, I veered towards the end of the episode which surprised me.  I’m always thankful for twists I don’t see coming.  (Still…  I do want to read the books now.)

Blackwater was an absolute triumph when it comes to achievements in television.  To stage such a huge battle is a monumental accomplishment.  It’s the most fun I’ve had watching television since the season 4 finale of Dexter.

For me, choosing the best moment from Blackwater came down to character over action.  Courage over spectacle.  The Half Man.

TYRION LANNISTER

“Those are brave men knocking at our door.  Let’s go kill them!”

Tyrion has long been my favorite character and I’m definitely not the only one who feels that way.  His growth in King’s Landing has been the spine of the season.  And now he shines in what may be the moment of the season.  Tyrion’s biggest moment.  Inspiring the men to fight was a grand speech but heading out to fight Stannis’ men was a phenomenal moment.

It’s unfortunate that he was hurt but it made his act of bravery even sweeter.  It’ll be interesting to see how Tywin rewards his son.  What will become of The Cowardly King’s Hand now that Tywin has come to King’s Landing?

BLACKWATER

The rest of the episode was mostly devoted to a drunken Cersei and some wonderful Sansa moments:

“The worst ones always live.”

Her journey with The Hound will certainly be interesting to say the least.  The real treat here was the battle itself.  Gigantic, violent and full of ‘holy crap’ moments.  I suppose my only real complaint was the absence of both Melisandre and the smoke monster.

It’s been a while since we’ve heard from old Smokey.  Why wasn’t it around during this crucial battle?  That’s just one of many questions this episode set up for the finale next week.  One episode left…  Starting to get sad…

Catch up on past episodes here:

Episode 1 Moment
Episode 2 Moment
Episode 3 Moment
Episode 4 Moment
Episode 5 Moment
Episode 6 Moment
Episode 7 Moment
Episode 8 Moment

SEASON 2 EPISODE 8
“THE PRINCE OF WINTERFELL”

I hate to say it but this may have been my least favorite episode of season 2…  But this is Game of Thrones after all so that’s pretty much giving it a 7/10 instead of 9 or 10.  There was a LOT of talking in this episode as the players move towards their penultimate destinations.

Stannis is knocking on King Joffrey’s front door.  Tywin marches towards Robb who has a separate force ready to reclaim Winterfell.  Daenery’s is on route to reclaim her children from the House of the Undying.

In the middle stands Tyrion has his quest to clean up the mess his nephew has caused in King’s Landing without revealing his love for Shae.  Brienne escorting Jaime amidst constant teasing at her expense.   Kat having to deal with Robb’s anger after freeing Jaime in the first place.  John Snow not doing much in the north except fearing people with skull masks.  But the most entertaining conversation in the episode was courtesy of Arya and Jaqen.

So this week’s moment is revealed.

“Un-name me.”

Even though it was incredibly frustrating to have Tywin right in front of her without naming him, I thought Arya’s quick thinking was pretty great.  Naming Jaqen knowing he would honor his word was a brilliant way to get what she wanted.  Freedom.  His reaction was priceless.  It’ll be interesting to see where Jaqen pops up next.  He’s slowly creeping up my list of favorite characters on the show.

“The girl must do as she’s told.”

Still, she should have named Tywin first but I understand it’s a TV show and that’s a crappy way to kill off such a strong character.

THE PRINCE OF WINTERFELL

While nothing MAJOR happened in this episode, it was still necessary to prepare us for the season’s final episodes.  The only real disappointment this season has been John Snow’s storyline.  It’s…  Just okay.  I can’t help but wonder if his journey is more of a seed for Season 3 rather than a vital component of Season 2.

All in all, it was another solid episode of Game of Thrones.  It just wasn’t as amazing as the others before it and certainly will pale in comparison to what lies ahead.

Catch up on past episodes here:

Episode 1 Moment
Episode 2 Moment
Episode 3 Moment
Episode 4 Moment
Episode 5 Moment
Episode 6 Moment
Episode 7 Moment