If you think nothing could top "Baelor" as the best Game of Thrones episode, you might want to consider after watching the finale, "Fire and Blood." After delivering the shocking goods to end the last episode, this finale moves at a brisk pace allowing many satisfying plot points to happen. Definitely keep your eyes peeled open because you do not want to miss a thing. Considering Ned's abrupt execution, this episode has an emotional and rather angry feel to it. The Starks will definitely not go down without a fight. But seeing the lifeless head of Ned's during the cold open was certainly an emotional stab. If there were any complaints one was to have, many of the plot points were not concluded. Instead, many of the pieces are put in place for what promises to be an action-packed, higher-budgeted second season.
The Starks are in shock after Ned's death. Sansa (Sophie Turner at her best here) realizes that it may be best to suck up to the brat that is King Joffrey, thanks to the advice from the Hound. It may be her only way to survive. Arya decides to head North to reunite with Jon and take the Black. Maisie Williams has been a bright spot all season long and continues to do so here. Her interaction with the bully Hot Pie is a wonderful scene. Robb Stark continues to show excellent leadership and has been named "King of the North." With not much time to emote over Ned's death, Robb and Catelyn seek revenge on the Lannisters. Jon, meanwhile, is in some sort of dilemma. He must come to the decision whether to join Robb or stay in the Night's Watch. Sam may be able to help him make the decision.
Emilia Clarke has really grown as an actress over the course of the season, and she really comes into her own here as Daenerys. With Drogo in a catatonic state and unlikely to recover, Daenerys must make some hard decisions-even if one of these decisions is saying farewell to her husband. Drogo really grew on me and it was sad to see him go the way he did. He should have perished in battle, not smothered by a pillow. But due to these circumstances, one can understand. What happens next is yet another game-changing cliffhanger. The dragon eggs, which have been hinted at all season, have hatched. The naked Daenerys walked through fire and survived that walk with three baby dragons by her side. This sequence is iconic for the series, and it lays groundwork for the upcoming seasons.
With the execution of Ned creating a ripple across the land of Westeros, Tywin Lannister sends Tyrion to act as Hand of the King for Joffrey as he continues to wage his battles. Tywin was impressed with Tyrion's ability to give advice amidst his usage of dry wit. This is the perfect role for Tyrion, and he will surely impress giving Joffrey a slap in the face that he sorely needs. With Jaime captured by the Starks, and Cersei almost incapacitated this episode, I can tell the Lannisters just about had it with Joffrey. Especially with the Starks, Renly, and the still unseen Stannis Baratheon breathing down their necks.
Overall, this has been an excellent season. The ending of the season has been built up appropriately and this episode is perhaps the best episode of the season. While it may not conclude things effectively, we see where everyone is going for Season 2. Perhaps next season will bring us more action, but I am very interested to see how these dragons will be used. Director Alan Taylor created a visual, entrancing finale so be prepared for some satisfaction to end the season.
My Grade: A+
The Starks are in shock after Ned's death. Sansa (Sophie Turner at her best here) realizes that it may be best to suck up to the brat that is King Joffrey, thanks to the advice from the Hound. It may be her only way to survive. Arya decides to head North to reunite with Jon and take the Black. Maisie Williams has been a bright spot all season long and continues to do so here. Her interaction with the bully Hot Pie is a wonderful scene. Robb Stark continues to show excellent leadership and has been named "King of the North." With not much time to emote over Ned's death, Robb and Catelyn seek revenge on the Lannisters. Jon, meanwhile, is in some sort of dilemma. He must come to the decision whether to join Robb or stay in the Night's Watch. Sam may be able to help him make the decision.
Emilia Clarke has really grown as an actress over the course of the season, and she really comes into her own here as Daenerys. With Drogo in a catatonic state and unlikely to recover, Daenerys must make some hard decisions-even if one of these decisions is saying farewell to her husband. Drogo really grew on me and it was sad to see him go the way he did. He should have perished in battle, not smothered by a pillow. But due to these circumstances, one can understand. What happens next is yet another game-changing cliffhanger. The dragon eggs, which have been hinted at all season, have hatched. The naked Daenerys walked through fire and survived that walk with three baby dragons by her side. This sequence is iconic for the series, and it lays groundwork for the upcoming seasons.
With the execution of Ned creating a ripple across the land of Westeros, Tywin Lannister sends Tyrion to act as Hand of the King for Joffrey as he continues to wage his battles. Tywin was impressed with Tyrion's ability to give advice amidst his usage of dry wit. This is the perfect role for Tyrion, and he will surely impress giving Joffrey a slap in the face that he sorely needs. With Jaime captured by the Starks, and Cersei almost incapacitated this episode, I can tell the Lannisters just about had it with Joffrey. Especially with the Starks, Renly, and the still unseen Stannis Baratheon breathing down their necks.
Overall, this has been an excellent season. The ending of the season has been built up appropriately and this episode is perhaps the best episode of the season. While it may not conclude things effectively, we see where everyone is going for Season 2. Perhaps next season will bring us more action, but I am very interested to see how these dragons will be used. Director Alan Taylor created a visual, entrancing finale so be prepared for some satisfaction to end the season.
My Grade: A+