(SPOILER ALERT: If you are not caught up on the first season, this review will contain spoilers for the climax of that season, as it's essential in describing the plot of this one.)
Game of Thrones, Season Two:
After the unjust execution of Ned Stark, the kingdom is in peril. Robb Stark has declared himself King in the North and is raising an army to invade King's Landing and take King Joffrey's head like how he took Ned's. Now that the truth of Joffrey's heritage has come out (which is denied by the Lannisters as a disgusting lie), Robert's younger brothers Stannis and Renly have split apart to both claim the crown as their own. Stannis Baratheon commands a fleet of naval ships and recruits sellswords and pirates to his cause. He declares himself the King in the Narrow Sea, and declares himself lord of House Baratheon of Dragonstone. Renly Baratheon, on the other hand, declares himself the King in Highgarden. He leads an army of land soldiers and knights, and joins forces with Robb and Catelyn Stark. King Joffrey, still clinging to his crown, declares himself the King on the Iron Throne, and claims he is still rightful ruler. Lord Balon Greyjoy (Theon's cruel father) of the Iron Islands declares them independent from the Seven Kingdoms and names himself the King of the Iron Islands. In the continent of Essos, Dany, after the death of her beloved Khal Drogo and the scattering of the Dothraki clan, now must tame her growing baby dragons with the help of the loyal Ser Joarh and her remaining Dothraki followers. They take refuge in a desert paradise known as Qarth, a trade city in the middle of the Red Waste, a vast and barren desert wasteland, and Dany names herself "the Mother of Dragons". The War of the Five Kings has begun.
Again, you can't talk about this fantastic series without talking about the huge cast of characters. First, House Stark: Michelle Fairley, Sophie Turner, Kit Harington, Richard Madden, Maisie Williams, Isaac Hempstead-Wright, and Art Parkinson return as the Stark family, now all in grief and scattered across Westeros after the death of their beloved leader Ned. Catelyn Stark is a little more cold this time, as she is coping with the death of her husband and the war that is starting. Robb Stark is now more of a heroic military leader, having to take on his father's responsibilities as leader of House Stark. Sansa Stark must now learn how to survive in the hostile King's Landing, where there are spies and killers at every turn. Arya Stark is now on the run from Lannister soldiers, and must be smarter and more tough than ever before, now that the (arguably) most powerful family in Westeros wants her dead. Jon Snow is now completely invested in his duties in the Night's Watch, but is torn about his duties, as he wants to desert the Watch to deal with the events in the War of the Five Kings, but also feels obligated to fight alongside his NW brothers. Bran and Rickon are now the only Starks left staying in Winterfell, and are the only lords there, now having a lot more responsibility. They must also defend the castle against invaders. This family certainly has a lot on their shoulders this season, and they need a lot of courage if they're to be fighting the king and the Lannisters. Oona Chaplin debuts as Talisa Maegyr, a battlefield nurse for House Stark and Robb's love interest. She's kind, resourceful, gentle, and understanding, and keeps Robb in check. She's a great new addition to House Stark. Ron Donachie and Donald Sumpter return as the faithful and loyal servants Ser Rodrik Cassel and Maester Luwin, respectively. The stay at Winterfell with the young lords and must advise them on how to handle invaders trying to take over the castle. Natalia Tena and Kristian Nairn also reappear as Osha and Hodor, respectively, the personal servants of Bran and Rickon, who must defend the vulnerable lords against danger, in and out of the castle. Michael McElhatton portrays Lord Roose Bolton, a northern military leader and an ally of Robb Stark. John Stahl appears in the minor role of Rickard Karstark, an ally of Robb Stark's. Theon Greyjoy, Ned's ward and Robb and Jon Snow's friend, shows us a darker side this season. He's more jealous, treacherous, and violent, he's definitely a different Theon than what we've seen before. Props to Alfie Allen for being able to do a completer character 180.
Speaking of the Greyjoys, now onto House Greyjoy: Lord Balon Greyjoy, portrayed by Patrick Malahide, is a cold, spiteful, and mean old man who distrusts his only living son and despises House Stark. Yara Greyjoy, played by Gemma Whelan, cares for her brother, whom she hasn't seen since they were young children, but also distrusts him to a degree. She's a tough, tomboyish woman who is as strong and witty as her younger brother. Ralph Ineson appears as the supporting character Dagmer Cleftjaw, Theon's lieutenant who pushes him to be more violent than before so he can control people through fear.
Now for House Baratheon: This house is divided throughout the land, so it's a bit larger, in reality, it can now be considered three separate house: House Baratheon of King's Landing, House Baratheon of Dragonstone, and House Baratheon of Storm's End. First for King's Landing: Jack Gleeson returns as the despicable and evil King Joffrey Baratheon, now completely consumed and corrupted by his power as king. He enjoys sadistically tormenting Sansa Stark at every turn, and rules over the capital city with an iron fist, and holds everyone in his grip of fear. Just as gleefully cruel, psychotically violent, and pitifully cowardly as ever, this little spoiled bastard makes your blood boil with anger at the fact he hasn't been killed yet. Yeah, he's a twisted little shithead. (No offense to Jack Gleeson.) Lena Headey returns as Joffrey's doting mother, Queen Regent Cersei Lannister Baratheon. She's still a selfish, manipulative c-nt, however, she is shown to care a lot for her family, in particular her children, even Joffrey, which is actually a pretty big redeeming quality for her, despite all her bad ones, including the incest with her brother and cousin. Ian Beattie, Wilko Johnson, and Dominic Carter return in supporting roles as Ser Meryn Trant, Ser Ilyn Payne, and Lord Janos Slynt, respectively. These three are unfeeling, unflinchingly brutal, terrifying, and completely loyal to their evil and malevolent king, carrying out various sadistic tasks that he gives to them. James Doran guest-stars in the episode "Blackwater", as Ser Mandon Moore, another cruel knight in Joffrey's service. Tony Way appears as Ser Dontos Hollard, an unlucky knight who shows up slightly drunk to Joffrey's nameday (basically a birthday) celebration, and is publically humiliated by being made his court fool for his drunken state. Guest-star Julian Glover again appears as Grand Maester Pycelle, the loyal, albeit corrupt, and insanely old religious authority and adviser of Joffrey's Small Council.
Also on the Small Council are Lord Varys ("The Spider"), played by Coleth Hill, and Lord Petyr Baelish ("Littlefinger"), portrayed by Aidan Gillen, the two masters of deceit who run the largest spy networks in all the land. Varys and Baelish take their own sides, the sides that benefit them the most. Varys, while a manipulator and a liar, is definitely the less amoral of the two. Baelish manipulates absolutely anyone, including Catelyn Stark, his unrequited love, to get what he wants. Some have said that the "game of thrones" of the title is basically like a chess game between The Spider and Littlefinger. Esme Bianco guest-stars as Ros, the red-headed prostitute, who is now employed by Littlefinger in his whorehouse, who controls her via fear.
Sandor "The Hound" Clegane, played by Rory McCann (Hot Fuzz), shows us more of his good side, although he's still a bitter, cynical, and brutally violent killer, he does show kindness towards Sansa Stark, whom he saves on multiple occasions from different dangers.
Now for Dragonstone: Stannis Baratheon, portrayed by Stephen Dillane, is cold, stern, aggressive, temperamental, and will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even converting religions just to further his reach and increase his power in Westeros. Davos Seaworth, played by Liam Cunningham, is a loyal and friendly sea captain and close friend and ally of Stannis', who tries to talk him out of many bad decisions. He's a good leader and an even better friend to Stannis. His son Matthos, portrayed by Kerr Logan, is close with his father, and is a loyal soldier. Melisandre, played by Carice van Houten, is a mysterious and manipulative sorceress from a far-off land. She is constantly planting seeds in Stannis' mind, and Davos distrusts her, and with good reason, she's fucking creepy, and she is always acting devious and suspicious. Salladhor Saan, portrayed by Lucian Msamati, is an old friend of Davos' and a pirate/smuggler of the sea. He's witty, charismatic, and a skilled sailor. Oliver Ford Davies guest-stars as Maester Cressen and only appears in the season premiere. He is one of the few who can see through Melisandre's facade and distrusts her, thinking her to be a demonic sorceress with dark intentions, mostly because she threatens his position as religious adviser.
Finally, Storm's End: Renly Baratheon, played by Gethin Anthony, is friendlier than his brother, and more well-liked. He's charming, intelligent, and honorable, which is more than can be said for Robert or Stannis. Ser Loras Tyrell, portrayed by Finn Jones, is a handsome, courageous, and skilled young knight who is close with his friend Renly, in fact, they're secret lovers. Margaery Tyrell, played by Natalie Dormer (The Tudors, Casanova, Captain America: The First Avenger, The Counselor), is Loras' beautiful sister and Renly's queen. She's lovely-looking, and seemingly sweet and simple-minded, but she is actually a master manipulator who tries to move her family up the ladder of power, although she's not evil or extremely amoral like other manipulators in the show. Brienne of Tarth, portrayed by Gwendoline Christie, is a strong and stern female warrior, who is one f the finest fighters in Highgarden. Loyal to Renly and Catelyn Stark, she must deal with the antics of Jaime Lannister, and is a brutal fighter, and is tougher than most male characters.
Now onto House Lannister: Peter Dinklage gets top-billing as the charismatic, funny, and highly intelligent Tyrion "The Imp" Lannister, the best character on the show. He's in a little more trouble this season, taking on the distressing duty of being Joffrey's Hand of the King. He's just as witty, mischievous, and cunning as before, with some extra baggage this time around. Charles Dance now joins the main cast as the ruthless, cold, and calculating Tywin Lannister, Tyrion's powerful and violent father and lord of Casterly Rock, as well as arguably the most powerful and dangerous man in Westeros. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau returns as the jaded and unfeeling Ser Jaime Lannister, the "Kingslayer". Still as despicable ass before, this time around he is the Starks' captive and is physically degrading, not having bathed, shaved, or been taken care of in several months, as the Starks don't feel he deserves these things, being as violent and cruel a man as he is. Shae, played by Sibel Kekilli, is Tyrion's lover and their relationship becomes increasingly complex and dangerous as the season progresses, as Cersei uses it as leverage against him. Bronn, portrayed by Jerome Flynn, returns in full-force, and is just as cool as he was in the first season. A seasoned fighter and mercenary, Bronn is a loyal friend to Tyrion and a bad-ass fighter, a good anti-hero, and an interesting character in the series. Podrick Payne, whom guest-star Daniel Portman appears as, is the distant cousin of Ser Ilyn and is Tyrion's loyal and helpful young squire. Karl Davies plays the recurring character Ser Alton Lannister, who is Jaime's younger cousin. Eugene Simon returns as Lancel Lannister, now a young knight, and Cersei's new lover. Ian Whyte replaces Conan Stevens as Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane, a sadistic and enormous soldier in the service of Tywin Lannister, who operates in the ruins of the great castle Harrenhal. A mentally disturbed and physically powerful knight, he's a sick and cruel man who enjoys torturing his captives to death and killing anyone and anything in his path. (Whyte also appears as a White Walker in one episode.) Fintan McKeown plays the recurring character Ser Amory Lorch, a nasty knight serving House Lannister at Tywin's base in the ruins of Harrenhal. Andy Kellegher appears in the minor role of Polliver, a sickeningly sadistic soldier in the service of Lord Tywin. Anthony Morris appears in a recurring part as "The Tickler", a sadistic and incredibly cruel soldier and torturer in Harrenhal. Ian Gelder returns in a minor part as Kevan Lannister, Tywin's brother.
Now for House Targaryen: Daenerys "Stormborn" Targaryen, portrayed by Emilia Clarke, is stronger than ever in this season. Despite being without hope for the first part of the season after the death of Khal Drogo and the scattering of their clan, she arrives in the paradise of Qarth, where she recuperates and begins training her dragons and gaining more power. Ser Jorah Mormont, played by Iain Glen, is a great ally for Dany. He's smart, wise, and an awesome fighter. He's got such a cool voice, he could be a great narrator. Roxanne McKee and Amrita Acharia return as Dany's friends and handmaidens Doreah and Irri, respectively. Steven Cole appears as Dany's Dothraki bloodrider and soldier Kovarro. Rakharro, another bloodrider, is portrayed by Elyes Gabel. These two are fierce fighters, and remain loyal servants to their khalisee.
Now for the citizens and public figures of Qarth: Xaro Xhoan Daxos, portrayed by Nonso Anozie, is a clever and powerful man who is a wealthy trader in Qarth who befriends Dany when she first arrives. He is a bit suspicious and untrustworthy at first, but he slowly grows on you, and you, like Dany, figure "Hey, maybe he's not so bad". Nicholas Blane and Slavko Juraga play the Spice King and the Silk King, respectively, two pompous and rich aristocrats from Qarth who trade spice and silks, and who take a disliking to outsiders, including Dany, whom they think is causing trouble. Pyat Pree, portrayed by Ian Hanmore, is a warlock in Qarth and one of the more creepy and unsettling characters in the series. A lanky, skeletal man with blue lips, he has a strange appearance, and he is also a strange character in general, a real enigma, and an eerie one at that.
Now for the Night's Watch: John Bradley returns as the lovable and caring Samwell Tarly. He takes a liking to a wildling girl he meets in a "free village", and also starts facing more challenges, such as going beyond The Wall (the 700-foot ice wall separating the Seven Kingdoms from the wilding forests and mountains) to face feral nomads and creatures of the night. James Cosmo also reappears as Jeor Mormont, Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, and their leader and father figure. He's honorable, brave, and a survivalist. Qhorin Halfhand, portrayed by Simon Armstrong, is one of the more unlikeable NW brothers. He's mean, vulgar, and volatile. Francis Magee returns as Yoren, the gruff but likeable Night's Watch scout and Arya's current caretaker, whom he is trying to deliver home as a favor to his friend: the late Ned Stark.
Now for the wildling clan: Ygrette, played by Downton Abbey's Rose Leslie, is Jon Snow's lover interest and a skilled wildling hunter. She's sarcastic, humorous, resilient, and resourceful. She's a great new character for this season. The Lord of Bones, played by Edward Dogliani, is a brutish and savage warrior from the wildling clan who wears the bones of his enemies over his clothes, although he does have the respect and admiration of his people.
Finally, for characters with no real alliance: Joe Dempsie (Skins) and Ben Hawkey reprise their roles as Gendry and Hot Pie, respectively, Arya's friends and comapnions. Gendry is the tough, likeable, brave, and kind blacksmith apprentice turned fugitive and one of Robert Baratheon's many bastard children. Hot Pie is the pudgy street orphan from the first season's finale who now accompanies Gendry and Arya on the Kingsroad making their way North. Lommy Greenhands, played by Eros Vlahos, the other street orphan from the season one finale, also returns to accompany Arya and her two friends to the North. Although a bit selfish, he's still likeable enough, being an unfortunate street kid. Craster, portrayed by Robert Pugh, is a foul and cruel man who lives in a village beyond the Wall, and has incestuous relationships with his many unfortunate and miserable daughters, and the Night's Watch must deal with him numerous times. Gilly, played by Hannah Murray, is one of Craster's many daughters, and is the object of Sam's affection, and he wants to take her away from her miserable life under Craster's roof. And finally, one of the coolest characters in the second season: Jaqen H'ghar, portrayed by Tom Wlaschica, is a mysterious man from Braavos who befriends Arya at Harrenhal. Posing as a Lannister soldier, he's actually an assassin whom Arya employs to kill men whom she considers evil. He does this for free, and he's almost like a protector of the innocent. He's an enigmatic, stealthy, violent, highly skilled, witty untraceable, and has a strange way of speaking in vague riddles, and he may be a shape-shifter. He's one of the most interesting characters of the second season, and one of the most mysterious characters of the entire series.
That concludes the large cast of characters in season two. This seasons has even better performances than the first, with the characters evolving and their storylines becomes even more muddied and complex than in the first season. Ned Stark (Sean Bean) may be gone, but his legacy lives on through this season, and the series in general, as he's constantly mentioned, being the character whose death causes this great war.
Even though the first season was dark and brutal, this season manages to top that, with an even more grim tone. The scenes at Harrenhal, the riot at King's Landing, and the scenes between Joffrey and Sansa are especially tense and unsettling. The first season also had no major battles (they wanted one, but they ran out of time and money), this season builds up to one, the second-to-last episode "Blackwater" is dedicated to the epic and costly Battle on Blackwater Bay, a huge conflict between House Baratheon of King's Landing (aided in part by some other houses, who are located on land), and House Baratheon of Dragonstone (aided in part by pirates and sellswords, located on the sea). The battle is so intense and imaginative the producers had to save a lot of money up to make it happen. This season also introduces beautiful new locations, and some not so lovely. The rotting ruins of Harrenhal are amazingly built, but are supposed to be ugly and decrepit. The desert oasis Qarth is lush and exotic, a beautiful paradise city located in the middle of the Red Waste, a hot and barren desert sprawling miles and miles.
The music and opening titles are just as incredible as they were in the first season, and I love the music that plays during the season finale in Dany's final scene of the season (it's the music that plays over the Blu-ray menu). One of my favorite tracks was "The Throne is Mine", which combines the tunes of last season's "The King's Arrival" (King Robert's theme) and the "Chaos is a Ladder" theme used in all the seasons. It was used in the shocking climax at the end of the first episode of the season, and it matches the tone of that ending perfectly (intense, horrifying, and unexpected, but also kind of pumps you up for the next few episodes). It's more dark and foreboding than "Arrival", as Joffrey is now ruling the kingdoms with an iron fist, and also builds suspense with the ascending "Ladder" theme, which grows more intense with each note, which works in trying to get the audience excited to see what comes next. American independent band The National recorded a version of "The Rains of Castamere",or "The Lannister Theme", for the end credits of the episode "Blackwater". Although the job was initially to go to British band Florence and the Machine, I think The National pull the song off masterfully. It's a popular folk song in Westeros dedicated to Tywin Lannister's victory over the rebellious House Reyne. It's a dark and foreboding tune that serves as a celebratory victory song but also a warning to those who would dare cross Tywin again, and I think The National were able to perfectly capture the spirit and tone of the song.
Now onto the visual effects: There's some new creatures, such as Dany's quickly growing dragons. The special effects on these dragons are incredible, they really blend into the environments well. The special effects in general, such as those on the Starks' direwolves, and the amazing Blackwater Bay battle, are spectacular, especially for a television show, even one on HBO.
The writing in this season is equally as masterful as it was in the first one, and the direction is even more magnificent. Neil Marshall (The Descent, Centurion) directed the exhilarating ninth episode "Blackwater", and did such a fantastic job he's signed on to direct the ninth episode of the upcoming fourth season. This season has the recurring theme of religion.
Even though religion is a major theme of the entire series, this season in particular shows it's importance in this world. Several characters covert religions to gain others' trust or to further their own goals. This season had such a prominent religious tone that it got it's own special feature on the Blu-ray release.
Game of Thrones: Season Two is a triumph of television. It's a modern masterpiece of the small screen, and the second season shows how far this show can go. The increasingly complex and intriguing plot, the growing cast of characters, the incredible special effects, epic musical score, incredible writing and direction, astounding cinematography, intense action sequences, and the beautiful locations just show how this series isn't just a great television show, it's an artistic achievement. 5/5 stars.
Episode List:
One- "The North Remembers"
Two- "The Night Lands"
Three- "What Is Dead May Never Die"
Four- "Garden of Bones"
Five- "The Ghost of Harrenhal"
Six- "The Old Gods and the New"
Seven- "A Man Without Honor"
Eight- "The Prince of Winterfell"
Nine- "Blackwater"
Ten- "Valar Morghulis"
(SPOILERS BELOW POSTER)
(Image: gameofthrones.wikia.com)SPOILER SEGMENT: Seriously, don't read ahead if you don't want some major spoilers: At the end of the Battle on Blackwater Bay, Stannis is driven off for the mean-time, Joffrey is now betrothed to Maergary Tyrell, and Sansa is still held captive in King's Landing. In the aftermath of Theon's betrayal of House Stark and his invasion of Winterfell, he is given over to invaders by his own men, who are then flayed alive in return for their surrender as the men who took Theon sack Winterfell, killing everyone inside and burning it to the ground. The great castle of the North is now gone. Beyond the Wall, Samwell Tarly and two other Night's Watch brothers are returning from a mission. They hear a horn blast from their base at Castle Black, signaling the return of Jon Snow, they get excited. They hear a second horn, signaling an attack by wildlings. They prepare for battle. They hear a third horn blast, and become terrified, this mean only one thing: White Walkers. They run for the Wall, and Sam trips and becomes lost in a sudden blizzard, and is blinded by the white snow. He ducks behind a rock, as dozens of wights (zombie servants of the White Walkers) pass him by. He looks up, weeping in terror, to see a Walker riding an undead horse. The Walker stairs into his eyes, but ignores him, sending out a battle cry. The camera pans back, revealing an army of wights lead by a large pack of White Walkers, approaching the Wall. The season ends on a cliffhanger. This sets up for more White Walkers in season three, and leaves the audiences in anticipation, wondering what happens next. (END OF SPOILERS)
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