If someone were to ask me to describe the HBO series “Game of Thrones” in three words, I would say sex, violence and drinking; as expected, these cornerstones of the show were presented in the rather epic season four premiere. Here are some key moments to the first episode of this new season, and yes, there are spoilers. If you haven’t watched it yet, you need to be watching it now rather than reading my recap!
First, the episode brought in more new characters to what is probably the show with the highest number of characters that I have ever had the pleasure of watching obsessively. Viewers are introduced to a dynamic duo, Prince Oberyn Martell from Dorne and Ellaria Sand, who waste no time making their way to Littlefinger’s brothel to pick out some sexual partners upon arriving in King’s Landing for Joeffrey and Marjorie’s wedding. It is also clear based off of this first episode of the season, that Prince Oberyn is a force to be reckoned with and has made it painfully obvious that he is out for revenge.
That, of course, brings us to the Lannisters, I don’t even know who to start with, or to feel bad for at this point. Cersei and the now one-handed Jamie Lannister are reunited this episode now that Jamie has returned to King’s Landing. After some small talk, including Jamie pointing out that Cersei is drinking more, as if that were even possible, Jamie goes in for a kiss during their scene and Cersei is quick to reject him and unleashes how bitter and hurt she is about him being taken prisoner, or as she calls it, ‘leaving her.’ I’m sure that this sibling rivalry will blow over eventually. Meanwhile, it appears that one of Cersei’s ears around King’s Landing is on to the fact that Tyrion’s marriage to Sansa Stark is definitely bogus after seeing a scorned Shae storm out of his room.
Dany’s dragons are now huge and appear to be a bit too much for her to handle. Maybe she would have been better off with one or two dragons rather than all three. On a more serious note, she is a clear fan favorite. I have no doubt that she will get it together… did you see her army?
The episode caps off with a scene focused on the unlikely pair of The Hound and Arya Stark. As promised, they waste no time finding trouble upon entering a tavern. I will spare the unnecessary words and just go with saying that The Hound kicked some ass and Arya was more than happy to slide her sword through the neck of one of the members on her ‘list of revenge’ as he lay helpless on the floor in front of her.
In my humble opinion, I could not have asked for a better way to start off the season. There is undoubtedly going to be more sex, violence, and drinking to come in this season of Game of Thrones.
