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After two relatively quieter weeks, business started to pick up in this weeks’ Game of Thrones offering - ‘Cripples, Bastards and Broken things’. The episode follows Ned as he turns investigator this week in an attempt to discover the truth behind his predecessor Jon Arryn’s death. However his enquiries are far from straightforward as he face of obtuse knights and the constant spying scrutiny of all those around him. Jon Snow and his brothers at the knight’s watch are joined by a rather unusual and somewhat rotund recruit, who immediately struggles to settle in the harsh northern environment. Daenerys continues to grow into her role as a Khalesi as the balance of power in the relationship with her brother begins to change. Finally, Tyrion and Catelyn collide, with potentially explosive consequences.
As well as being generally wonderful, the episode’s title is wonderfully apt. Almost every character in the series is somehow broken or stunted, whether physically, socially or morally. Aside from the obvious examples of Bran, Tyrion and Jon Snow – some of the more seemingly powerful characters show great weakness as well.
Ned Stark, the hard, grim faced Northerner is lost and confused not only in the corrupt South, but as a father of two very different daughters. Sandor Clegane or the fearsome ‘Hound’ (although arguably he’s not quite fearsome or imposing enough) appears to have scars that go beneath his horrific burns.
Perhaps the best example is Jamie Lannister, who appears to look increasingly vulnerable. After appearing in the first two episodes with inimitable cock sure swagger, we are beginning to see behind the good looks and sly charm. There are subtle signs of anguish on his face as he stands guard outside the King’s room as he has his way with and endless array of prostitutes. In fact, the expression on his face as he sends the tireless Jory away (Jamie Sives) reminded me somewhat of the classic look of melancholy that crossed Sawyer’s face in Lost in similar moments.
This week was notable also for the introduction of Samwell Tarly (John Bradley), the Knight’s Watch’s newest and fattest recruit. Sam cuts a forlorn figure, innocent and undoubtedly sympathetic. Cowardly he may be, but the more gentle nature of Sam provides a nice counterpoint to the sheer number of poisonous figures present in the series. There are some indictors already that Jon and Sam may ho on to form a defining and rather beautiful bromance from here on in.
Overall, the series continues to progress very nicely, with excitement and intrigue generated in equal measure. The only real problem I had with this episode was the lack of Mark Addy’s King Robert. His appearance was brief, but he was around long enough to utter another typical Baratheon zinger – “start the bloody joust before I piss myself”- beautiful.
Crucially, this week’s episode was the strongest offering thus far, with the final scene indicating that simmering tension is set to reach boiling point.
Game of Thrones airs on Mondays at 9pm on Sky Atlantic
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