This is one of those episodes that will go down in history as one of the most gamechanging things ever produced. And with good reason, it’s brutal.
Of course if you’ve read the books, it’s really no surprise. But as someone who came into Game of Thrones completely blind, I was absolutely dumbfounded to see Sean Bean’s character Ned Stark – a character who was front and center in all of the show’s promotional materials – killed off so mercilessly right before the season finale. It’s such a brave move from a writing perspective, and it alters the show’s landscape completely, essentially proving that no one is safe and any one could die at any point. That’s how you add a real sense of urgency and stakes to your show.
Ned’s death scene is especially gut-wrenching because it packs in so much emotion. He makes eye contact with Arya, and subtly alerts Yoren to care for her (he says one word “Baelor”, referring to the statue that Arya is perched on). It’s a small moment, but just before Ned is beheaded, he looks towards the statute and realizes that Arya gone. While this is an undoubtedly heartbreaking moment, it’s also a relief for Ned because he knows that she is safe and he can finally give in.
Baelor is also notable for introducing the Lord of Rivverrun, Walder Frey, played to unsettling perfection by David Bradley. With his numerous wives and hundreds of descendants, the character is just so uniquely despicable and perverted. In addition, his meeting with Catelyn Stark is packed with history and animosity, which really lends itself to the world-building the show has become so adept at. The story also takes a humorous turn as Catelyn ends up guaranteeing both Robb and Arya’s marriages to Frey’s children in exchange for their army’s safe passage. Uh oh.
The climactic fight between the Starks and Lannisters happens off-screen. Game of Thrones didn’t have an enormous budget right out of the gate, so the show sidesteps the entire shebang. Nevertheless it does so in a creative manner by knocking out Tyrion, and jumping to the moment he wakes up. In addition, it unleashes a heck of a twist with the reveal that Robb sent 2,000 forces to distract Tywin so he could kidnap Jaime Lannister. Now that’s a clever plan!
Also making her first appearance this week is Shae the prostitute. Sibel Kekilli is wonderful in the role, bouncing off Tyrion in the most amusing ways with sharp banter and a whole lot of charisma. Their three-way drinking game with Bronn is particularly memorable, but soon takes a dark turn as Tyrion reveals the horrifying plot orchestrated by his father to get him to lose his virginity to a whore (who was pretending to be a rape victim). It’s all so rutheless, and Peter Dinklage’s performance is exceptional across the board.
Elsewhere, Dany uses her brand new healer, Mirri Maz, to try and save Drogo from his infection using the dark arts. All hell effectively breaks loose as Jorah defends Dany and kills the rebellious Qotho, while Maz slices a horse (no more animal abuse please!) while Dany goes into labor. It’s all a bit too rushed and haphazard, but the forward momentum ensures things are never stale at least.
Bits & Beheadings
– Does Varys have a little crush on Ned? Because he visits him in the dungeon far too often.
– Greyjoy laughing at Robb being forced to marry Frey’s daughter is priceless.
– Lord Commander Jeor Mormont gives Jon a sword called Longclaw, made of Valyrian Steel. But even more interesting is that the sword was originally meant for his son Jorah (Dany’s confidante). Small world!
– Another unexpected twist: the blind man at the Night’s Watch, Maester Aemon, is actually a Targaryen and the uncle of the Mad King.
– It’s hilarious that Tyrion misses the entire battle. The Vale tribes chant “half man” and he gets knocked out, only to wake up while being dragged by Bronn across the war zone.
– Heartwarming moment as Catelyn cries at the sight of Robb after the battle. I love the Starks.
– I genuinely laughed out loud when Arya tried to trade a dead pigeon for food.
– Ned’s death is a turning point for King Joffrey, who turns on his mother and punishes Sansa by savagely ordering Ned’s death at the last minute. What a brat!
– The fact that Arya grabbed Needle and ran to save her father made me love her even more. What a brave soul.
– Perfect final moment with Arya staring up at the birds who fly away after the beheading. The harrowing look on her face is enough proof that she knows her dad’s gone and it’s so painfully depressing.
Kings & Quips
Ned: He’s just a boy.
Varys: Boys have been conquerors before.
Frey: I need lessons in courtesy from you, bastard? Your mother would still be a milkmaid if I hadn’t squirted you into her belly.
Frey: You see that? 15 she is. A little flower. And her honey’s all mine.
Catelyn: You will marry one of his daughters. Whichever you prefer. He has a number he thinks will be… suitable.
Robb: I see. Did you get a look at his daughters?
Catelyn: I did.
Robb: And?
Catelyn: One was…
Bronn: I took her.
Tyrion: Took her? From whom?
Bronn: From, uh… Ser … what’s his name? I don’t know. Ginger cunt three tents down.
Qotho: When he dies, she is nothing.
Daenerys: “I have never been nothing. I am the blood of the dragon.”
Daenerys: I think you should wear your armor tonight, Ser.
Jorah: I think you’re right.
Tyrion: If I die, weep for me.
Shae: You’ll be dead. How will you know?
Bronn: Stay low.
Tyrion: Stay low?
Bronn: If you’re lucky, no one will notice you.
Tyrion: I was born lucky.
Arya: Could I have one? A lemon one … or any of them.
Owner: Three coppers.
Arya: How about a nice fat pigeon?
Owner: Piss off now. Go on.
Arya: Do you have any stale ones from yesterday? Or any burnt ones?
Conclusion
Impeccable performances and shocking developments make for one of the most unforgettable hours of television ever made. Almost perfect!
Nad Rating
A
Sibel Kekilli was great in the role of Shae and the relationship issues exchanged between Shae and Tyrion were among the best pieces of the show, relating to everyday life of the viewers like very few other scenes.
So true. Absolutely love their dynamic! Thanks for commenting 🙂
I also agree that Sibel Kekilli's performance as Shae was memorable, and I liked it very much. I saw that it drew quite some critical comments though, particularly from US commentators, and I wonder why. Possibly because of her acting style which is unusual, and gives emotions out at full blow, not at all easy to take for the audience. Maybe the American audience expects something more easy going, or they have the view a woman in Shae's position should have been more submissive. I do not know. I think from the point of view of European cinema style (especially, independent cinema), Sibel Kekilli's performance was excellent. However, audiences used to a different style might see that differently. I am just trying to understand the reasons why her performance has drawn some occasionally very diverse responses.
That's fascinating, I had no idea she was so divisively received. Nevertheless, I absolutely love the character. Sibel is full of charisma, and her accent is just perfect! Definitely agree about the European style 🙂
It is strange that Sibel Kekilli's portrayal of Shae wasn't overall liked. I think Shae is a great character on the show and much better developed than in the books despite of a few weak points in the script. Totally loved the scenes between Tyrion and Shae. It might not be so well known but Sibel Kekilli was awarded the Hollywood Reporter Award (Europe) 2013 which is an award for cumulative achievements in international movies and tv shows, with GoT as one of her achievements, besides other successful roles in German, Turkish and Finnish movie productions. This goes to show that some movie critics found her acting on GoT award-worthy.
God, even knowing where the episode was heading in its final moments, I still couldn’t help but shed a few tears. ACTUAL TEARS. That whole sequence at the end is undeniably one of the most game-changing twists television has ever produced. I sure wish I was able to watch and appreciate this moment back when it aired, not knowing any spoilers.
But seriously, it absolutely broke my heart that Ned died EVEN AFTER he confessed to his “crimes”. I had originally thought he continued to rebel against Joffrey and Cersei’s unacceptable realm until the very end, but to know that he traded his honor for his own daughter’s safety and STILL ended up getting punished…oooof just so so disheartening.
I didn’t like that the whole war was done off-screen, unlike you. It’s obvious there were budget issues, but it felt very rushed! Nevertheless, seeing Catelyn tear up at the sight of Robb was beautiful and satisfying.
Another thing I noticed while watching this first season again is that even from the beginning, the writers tried to give us clues that Ned and Catelyn were never really the true heroes of this story. They were merely idols for their kids to become the main characters, and I find that absolutely genius and fascinating. To be able to have a long-running show where you can CREATE main characters instead of introduce them from the beginning is such a privilege. I love that this show was given this chance to do it (and I guess this is more of a compliment to the source material), but man this show continues to impress and exceed my expectations day after day. Wow.