This is directed at the plotting. I am thoroughly enjoying this wonderful series. One thing that continues to strike me, however, is the absolute ruthlessness of most of the people. Has everyone been disenfranchised? Is everyone living in fear? Ambition seems to be the utter driving force for most; that is understandable. But from his birth, Joffrey has been promised the kingdom. Like Macbeth, he plays most foul for it. His mother watches his machinations, but he is the one character that I despise the most among many. He appears to be a sociopath or a sadist. He kills for pleasure, not for ambition. Meanwhile, his mother sits next to him, barely batting an eye. I'm look forward to what happens between these two. There is no mercy, as we find out with Ned, who is willing to confess to save his daughters but doesn't figure the consequences. The armies are meeting. Snow has received a sword but has vowed to the knights. Khal Drogo has suffered an infection and appears to be dying, and the Missus goes to a sorceress for advice to try to keep him alive.
