The Game Of Thrones Season 1 Episode 1
Winter is Coming, and So is the Drama!
Okay, picture this: it’s the very first episode of Game of Thrones. We're immediately thrown into a snowy forest with guys in dark cloaks. Turns out they're not just enjoying a winter hike; they're getting ambushed by creepy ice zombies!
The Not-So-Merry Men of the Night's Watch
These Night's Watch fellas aren't exactly winning any bravery awards. One flees, another faces a gruesome end, and the third... well, he lives just long enough to tell the tale (sort of). Later he's declared a deserter by Lord Eddard Stark.
Ned, being the super-serious, honorable guy he is, does what he has to do. He chops the deserter's head off, and reminds his son Robb Stark about justice. It's a bit of a downer for a family outing, but hey, that's Westeros!
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Puppy Love (and Direwolves!)
On the way back, the Starks stumble upon a dead direwolf. Big, scary, and definitely not your average pet. But wait! There's a litter of pups!
Each Stark kid gets their own direwolf, because what's a fantasy adventure without oversized, loyal canine companions? This is honestly the cutest part of the episode, foreshadowing great importance of these animals in the future episodes.
A King's Ransom of Trouble
Suddenly, the King, Robert Baratheon, shows up at Winterfell. He is large, loud, and brings his whole entourage. He asks Ned to be his Hand, which basically means right-hand man and advisor.
Ned isn't thrilled, but he accepts after learning the previous Hand was murdered. Duty calls, even when it means heading to the snake pit that is King's Landing. It is also Robert's way of showing respect to Ned.
Lannisters: The Family You Love to Hate (Instantly)
Now, let's talk about the Lannisters. The Queen, Cersei, is beautiful but ice-cold. Her twin brother, Jaime, is arrogant and golden-haired. There is also the witty and cunning Tyrion Lannister.
Jaime, in particular, makes a lasting first impression... in the WORST possible way. More on that later! This family is going to cause a lot of problems, you just know it.
A Royal Mess and a Little Push
Young Bran Stark likes climbing. He loves it, despite his mother Catelyn’s advice. Big mistake, Bran!
He sees something he shouldn't (something very, VERY Lannister-related). And Jaime Lannister throws him out of the window. Roll credits!
First Impressions That Last (Forever)
The first episode of Game of Thrones sets the stage beautifully. It's got wolves, kings, intrigue, and a healthy dose of "what did I just watch?!" It is also a shocking act of violence to end an episode, and leave the audience gasping for more!
We meet the major players, get a taste of the world's complex politics, and witness a moment that changes everything. It's a wild ride from the get-go, and it only gets crazier from there. It is a good start of a great show.
