Synopsis: Bran’s first dream of a three-eyed raven. Tyrion returns to Winterfell and has a less than positive reception from Robb. Despite this, Tyrion shares plans for a system to let Bran ride a horse. Tyrion also has words with Theon, taunting him about his status as captor vs. Theon’s belief he’s part of the clan. Samwell Tarly joins the training at the wall, but doesn’t make a strong impression. He’s a coward, Tarly admits. Dany and the Dothraki continue their ride with Dany growing into her status as the bride of the leader, and Viserys not loving his station. Dany questions Jorah about the history of the seven kingdoms and her part in it. Sansa still holds a grudge against her father. Ned begins his investigation into the death of Jon Arryn, tracing his last steps, and discovering a genealogy book from Pycell that Arryn looked into shortly before his death. Pycell shares Arryn’s last words “the seed is strong,” but no one makes sense of it.
Ned tells Arya that she will marry a lord one day, but she easily responds “no, that’s not me.” Ned’s inquest takes him to Gendry, or as Ned tells Jory – Robert’s bastard son. Dany is no longer the meek little sister we met in the first episode. A fight with Viserys and her loyalty shifts away from her brother. Jon and Samwell discuss their status as virgins. The king throws a jousting tournament where we get a little back story on the Mountain and the Hound, as well as the level of gore the show is willing to display. Cersei and Ned have another faceoff. Of all the gin joints in all the world, Catelyn and Tyrion happen to show up at the same one, and Catelyn rallies the bar patrons to help her take Tyrion prisoner.
Comments: Jon and Samwell make for a swell bromance. It’s clear that every moment that plays out in the series is an important one. The show excises chunks of travel time that the book deals with, and gets to the meat of the material. While it seems like Ned’s quest on the mystery of Jon Arryn’s death could be a stronger thread, it actually is a minor blip in the scheme of the overall plot. The way the show slowly weaves in moments, and plays with time is an important shorthand for the viewer to get comfortable with.
Memorable Moments: Dany’s first sign of the dragon within her and the boss bitch she will become. As of now, Catelyn holds the title.
Quotes:
Daenerys: The next time you raise a hand to me will be the last time you have hands.
Baelish: Distrusting me was the wisest thing you’ve done since you climbed off your horse.
Foreshadowing: Arya’s “no, that’s not me,” while foreshadowing her path also lays the groundwork for another reunion to come for her. Baelish’s note to Ned about distrusting him will play out sooner. Discussion of Mance Rayder, setting up his importance. Doreah mentions a man who could change faces, which will become a big thing in a few years.
Title: Tyrion noting a few of his favorite things.
Deaths: Hugh of the Vale in a joust with Gregor Clegane. It’s not immediately clear the relevance of his death, but shows that there seems to be a bit of housecleaning the Lannisters are doing in King’s Landing.
excellent awkward 