How would you rate episode 301?

[Titan]

My grade - 8:

I really enjoyed this - the slower pacing (compared to S2) really helped - The scenes were all of sufficient length.

Positives:

+ A Giant :bowdown:

+ I liked Jon/Mance's first conversation. Not like the book version, but I think it worked well - and was a nice bit subtle reminders of what happened to Jon last season.

+ All of Tyrions's scenes were gold. (w/Cersei, w/Bronn, w/Tywin)

+ Liked the Sansa/Shae scene. Ros did not bother me here at all.

+ Margery/Cersei conflict is gearing up to be awesome - I like how this is being set up

+ Dragons!

+ Krazny + Missandrei - I love how this is being setup, and that they are keeping the translation ruse

+ Selmy - I'm glad they skipped the "Whitebeard" identity.

+ Almost forgot, VALYRIAN!

Negatives:

- Not the best cliff-hanger resolution at the Fist.

- Qyburns introduction was a bit strange, and went by too fast.

Edited April 1, 2013 by Titan

[TomBadgerlock]

My grade - 8:

I really enjoyed this - the slower pacing (compared to S2) really helped - The scenes were all of sufficient length.

Positives:

+ A Giant :bowdown:

+ I liked Jon/Mance's first conversation. Not like the book version, but I think it worked well - and was a nice bit subtle reminders of what happened to Jon last season.

+ All of Tyrions's scenes were gold. (w/Cersei, w/Bronn, w/Tywin)

+ Liked the Sansa/Shae scene. Ros did not bother me here at all.

+ Margery/Cersei conflict is gearing up to be awesome - I like how this is being set up

+ Dragons!

+ Krazny + Missandrei - I love how this is being setup, and that they are keeping the translation ruse

+ Selmy - I'm glad they skipped the "Whitebeard" identity.

+ Almost forgot, VALYRIAN!

Negatives:

- Not the best cliff-hanger resolution at the Fist.

- Qyburns introduction was a bit strange, and went by too fast.

Nice. I agree with all of this.

[Kienn]

The end of Season 2 ruined the start of Season 3 imo, otherwise the opening could have been written differently and made more sense instead of Sam somehow escaping the middle of the undead army and happening to run into Mormont...

[Justin Danford]

My biggest gripe is how apparent it is that juggling all of Martin's storylines in 10 episodes (okay even 20) is getting extremely difficult even for brillant writers like D + D. They are doing a good job with the scenes they port over from the book (with all the minor changes), but the scenes they add to try and tie things together seem... wobbly. I.E. Little finger telling Sansa he plans to help her escape, random Qyburn appearance

Since season 1, the nature of the story and its expanse has caused each episode to "jump" and become very decentralized, that can't really be helped I suppose, but it gets almost formulaic at times. 5 mins Jon, 8 mins tyrion, 4 mins Danny, 5 mins Stannis, 3 mins Rob, 5 mins Tyrion, etc, etc.... I think "breather" episodes like Blackwater should be more commonplace ... Not as extreme where you only follow one story line, but you don't have to cover a chapter from the majority of the major characters every episode. Give them each a bit more room to breathe so we get a greater sense of "living" with that character. Obviously that is a huge disadvantage of an on screen adaptaion, but with a world so expansive and a season so short, it gets really disjointed juggling all those "povs."

As it is, there was no Arya, Jamie, Theon, or Bran in this episode. They did a better job "sticking" with the character for a bit than they did in season 2, but I'm starting to believe having a character (excluding maybe Jon or Danny orTyrion) appear every 3rd episode might be a stronger way of depicting the story. I believe Blackwater was so loved not because of the battle (which is great) but because it really develops one aspect of the story and allows that single aspect of Martins world to mature in all it's richness.

TLDR: feels like visual cliff notes, at times

but what do I know, everyones a critic, I still love the show

Edited April 1, 2013 by Justin Danford

[TheEvilKing]

Good solid episode, gave it a 7/10.

Night's Watch scene was a bit lame but to be expected on the budget.

Jon's scenes didn't do a right lot for me, apart from the giant which looked fantastic. Not particularly impressed with Mance or Tormund as yet.

Robb's scenes were okay. Mainly because of Roose. I'm a bit confused about what happened there though. What's with all the dead Northmen?

Dany's scenes were good. The dragons looked great, as did the harpy. The exchange with the slaver was quality and the Unsullied have been set up nicely. Nice to see Barristan.

All the King's Landing scenes were awesome apart from the Sansa/Littlefinger one. I did like Ros's final line though. "Watch out for her with him." The Tywin scene was the best of the episode. I also enjoyed the dinner scene. Poor Loras, having to sit there while they all throw veiled insults at one another.

The Davos scenes were all great too. Darth Stannis is coming across as really dark. Fair enough, though, his story is quite dark in the books too.

Lots of CGI this ep. I wonder how that'll affect the budget.

[Isildur's Mane]

I gave it 8/10

I felt it was a stronge start, even if it was a touch slow. I did'n't mind that we didn't see all the characters, it was only after I had watched the episode that I realised that we didn't see Arya.

I'm not sure what I thought about Jon's story yet. I liked Mance even though it wasn't ecactly like the book but I didn't really like Tormund... though i will give him a chance.

I liked Davos's story - even though he isn't a favourite of mine. It was quick but it still put across what it needed and thought it worked well. Mel and Stannis were great too.

Not sure why Robb was at Harrenhall... But I liked that we got introduced to Qyburn... bit creepy. Also - where is the Greatjon? I can't remember if he was in last season?

I really liked Daenarys' story too. I felt it was really strong and a lot better from last season. The kid was a bit creepy too. I liked Jorah's reaction to Selmy.

Margaery was great. I love how we start to see Cersei and her rivalry emerge.

Tyrion and Tywin was perfect :)

I didn't like how Sam didn't send the ravens and how Ghost just came out of nowhere and then Morment et al burnt it. But I did like how it was a prologue like in the books.

[Words of Winter]

I have to say, awesome bell curve going right now. Hopefully it continues. It is almost symmetrically but shifted toward the good/excellent side and not poor/bad. I would say this puts it above average.

:cheers:

[a free shadow]

9

I liked some small details that added to the whole:

- Tyrion picking up a heavy axe before opening the door to the queen in her golden clothes

- Sansa choosing a game that is about being able to go away, to start over, to create a story

- Margaery and Loras just being normal at the KL, which is rare for the city :lol: Independent, self-sufficient and not tense.

Best line:

- Any lies in particular?

Disliked how Robb's story is told. Talisa marching by his side, while he turns Catelyn into isolation. If it were so in the books, I

could absolutely see why Roose gets fed up with the leadership :lol:

Stannis' story on the other hand, is better seen on TV. The essence of the man was shown straightforward. Delusion and pretention. Good job.

It was a calm episode to watch, I was not looking for any particular moments from the books, so maybe that helped.

[DaveRoid]

7/10 because I am a fanboy.

Dany, Margery and Davos scenes were good. Tyrion/bronn were enjoyable as always. The rest was a little flat, esp the opening.

some cringeworthy stuff.

Yea I absolutely cringed when Margery gave her little speech about how peasants can be equal to nobles given the chance. It just felt so far out of place in that culture.

Edited April 1, 2013 by DaveRoid

[Juli Greyjoy]

7/10 - Disliked a few scenes (prologue, wildlings), but overall it was good and fun to watch. Loved Selmy's part, Davos & Sansa's scene.

[El Pinko Grande]

7/10

Loved Tyrion and Tywin, loved the slaver at Astapor, even loved Margaery at Flea Bottom.

I didn't like Barristan's introduction. I don't care that they did away with the Arstan ruse, but I thought the scene itself was really badly staged.

I love Ciaran Hinds as an actor, and I thought he was fine in his scene, but I miss the book's version of the character. Perhaps we'll get some singing and lute playing in a later episode.

I continue to hate everything they've done with Robb's storyline.

[Jaime FTW]

no battle at the Fist :bawl:

[Arrogant Bastard]

I'd give it about an 8.5, which I rounded up to 9 since I'm glad the show is back and just because it was so much better than the season 2 finale, which I'd probably give a 3.

I've seen a lot of critics complain about the jumbled nature of the show, but I thought this episode did a good job of not constantly shifting; or at least, I never got annoyed by it moving to other storylines. I think the slower pace also helped; this didn't feel nearly as rushed as the season two premiere, where Stannis' letter about Cersei's incest arrives the same episode it's sent (which occurs almost midway in book 2 form what I remember).

[TomBadgerlock]

I originally voted eight. I have now rewatched (three times...) and have decided that it's worth at least a 9. It was definitely better on rewatch.

[protar]

I voted 7. Very good.

My main nitpick is that we didn't get to see the battle at the Fist, which I feel was a bit of a copout. I also feel like more could have been covered: in KL at least it felt like not much was going on. The QOT at least could have arrived.

My favourite scene was definitely the Unsullied. It was probably the most faithful to the books (possibly edged out by Tywin/Tyrion.) which I also loved and it got Dany's story off to a speeding start. Aside from the copout at the Fist, the CGI was very impressive. The dragons look much bigger, the manticore was cool and the Giant looked amazing. I am very much looking forward to seeing them in action.

Probably my least favourite scene was the Sansa/LF one, making Sansa look like an idiot trusting him (in complete contradiction to how she reacts to him IN S2 E10 mind you.). I can't decide whether the ship game was to show that she was still remaining idealistic or that she was still remaining naive.

EDIT: Also for some reason I thought Loras's unctuous smiling at the dinner scene was hilarious.

Edited April 1, 2013 by protar

[Loras]

I voted 7. Very good.

My main nitpick is that we didn't get to see the battle at the Fist, which I feel was a bit of a copout. I also feel like more could have been covered: in KL at least it felt like not much was going on. The QOT at least could have arrived.

I thought you would be glad to call something else a cop out :P - I jest ;)

My review of the episode... I rated it an 8 out of 10 with my biggest problems being the direction (I really don't like Daniel Minahan as a director) and the order of scenes - surely Tyrion/Tywin should have been the climax of the King's Landing plot?

_____________________________________________________

Has there ever been a title so apt for an episode of “Game of Thrones”? The season premiere is titled ‘Valar Doeheris’ which when translated from Valyrian, reads ‘All men must serve’. The theme carried through from the title touches on all of the major stories running through this episode. ‘Valar Doeheris’ is a beautifully produced episode of the show – but it does not come without flaws.

The Opening Sequence:

Every year, part of the joy of “Thrones” is the opening sequence. I am always excited to see how the steam punk map will reflect my own images of the cities and castles that inhabit Westeros and beyond. Last year I was bitterly disappointed with their rendering of Qarth – which was lifeless and uninspired (I guess it reflected that particular storyline well).

This year, my worries have been put to rest. The camera drops down onto the burning ruins of Winterfell – which is in itself a poignant reminder of the events that unfolded in last season’s finale. After that we are treated to a stunning representation of Astapor... complete with Harpy statue. Beautiful. Imposing. I want to get there right now!

What I liked:

Beyond the Wall: It is not often that I have praise for the ”Jon Snow” storyline, but it looks like things are about to change. The Wildling camp was a beautiful thing to behold (although it seems to have snowed a great deal in the time it has taken them to climb down that cliff), Gemma Jackson is a genius – and it was completed by a CGI Giant.

I really enjoy the character of Ygritte, especially now that she has been raised from inconsequential talk of stones, bones and handjobs. Rose Leslie captures the spearwife perfectly and I cannot help but be drawn to her when she is on screen.

Going into this episode I was concerned about Hinds in the role of Mance, but he blew me away. He wasn’t Caesar beyond the Wall – but a charismatic, clearly intelligent leader of men. He has captured the nuance of Mance extremely well in his limited screentime and I look forward to seeing his work going forward. Similarly Tormund was well played by Hivju, seems to have been born to play the role. While this Tormund might be grimmer than his larger-than-life book counterpart, I enjoyed his introduction and I love referring to Jon as “baby crow”. Perhaps there is an engaging Jon storyline on the cards... fingers crossed.

Astapor: The shot of Daenerys Targaryen looking over the prow of her boat to the Slaver city of Astapor must be one of the most beautiful shots of the series to date. The colours of the shot were outstanding, credit must go to Minahan (though there will be more on him later). Again, there seems to have been course correction here from the poor ”Daenerys Targaryen” storyline in season 2. It was lovely to hear Astapori Valyrian, another wonderful language from David Peterson. Though I am not sure whether the casual viewer would be aware of Daenerys’ understanding.

The final section of the episode was wonderful, if somewhat predictable. The manticore was more great CGI and the score to Barristan’s reveal was epic.

King’s Landing: Oh how I love King’s Landing and this episode is no different. I found every scene, other than Bronn’s pointless brothel scene and having to endure Aiden Gillen’s Littlefinger on screen, captivating. Natalie Dormer really brought her A-game as Margaery. I think that this is one of the benefits to having introduced her in the second season. We already know what she is about but this episode added a tonne of flesh to those bones.

Charles Dance and Peter Dinklage gave me goosebumps during that confrontation scene. Another wonderful piece of acting. I am enjoying the less confident Tyrion following the battle. I look forward to all of their other scenes to come.

All the small things: This episode was brimming with moments that made my heart soar. I loved the small conversation between Roose Bolton and Rickard Karstark, where Roose promises revenge for his sons’ deaths. I love how the scornful look of the Northmen forced Robb to find a cell for his mother. I loved Talisa’s brief appearance (though did anyone else notice that Oona’s sigil in the credits is two circling lions...). I loved Davos’ rock and Sallador Saan. I loved all of the establishing shots – King’s Landing from the Blackwater and Astapor from Dany’s ships.

What I didn’t like:

So I guess you must be wondering what I didn’t like about the episode? Well there are two things: direction and structure.

Direction:

I have already mentioned that I thought that Minahan has some moments of brilliance in this episode; the way that he captures Astapor is beautiful and the framing of Margaery speaking to the septa from within Joffrey’s litter is a touch of genius. Yet he also has his flaws as a director – in the first season he butchered one of my favourite scenes from the novels (Ned confessing to Cersei) so perhaps I hold a grudge.

Minahan seems to really struggle to direct action sequences. Minahan directed three episodes in season one: ‘A Golden Crown’, ‘You Win or You Die’ and ‘The Pointy End’. I have always thought that he struggles with action, particularly in the GRRM penned ‘The Pointy End’. His framing of Arya killing the stable boy is (for me) the worst moment of the entire show so far, it took me completely out of the scene. He also seemed to struggle with the Wight attacking Mormont at Castle Black. He seems to get quite glitchy during these scenes – and cuts about all over the place.

We see this style of direction again in this episode and it pulls the viewer out of both the cold open and the episode’s climax. When Sam is running through the snow we are treated to this dark, foreboding snow storm – we know why he is running and we are willing him to be ok. Then he is attacked by the wight and the camera jumps all over the place. It is a mess. Dragging us out of the horror of the scene while the director plays with camera angles. Then the wight is suddenly set on fire... great... and Mormont is standing right beside it?! The direction is really poor, which leads me to be disappointed in the cold open.

The action at the end is equally poor and choppy. I hope the idea for Barristan wearing that ridiculous cloak to attempt a classic bait and switch was not his idea. This would have involved that Barristan and not the little girl was the assassin. Anyway, the fight with the manticore was just messy – sloppy even – direction. We hardly see Dany get pushed for a start. Again it drags you away from the action and the importance of the sequence.

I sincerely hope that Minahan does not have much action to direct in the next episode. He just needs to leave the camera alone. Pick an angle and stick to it. Rant over – until next week I imagine.

[High Garden]

Pretty awesome. Loved Littlefinger, as usual, which means I hated him. But what was up with Robb going to Harrenhal? I guess it makes sense for the Brave Companions to take the K.S. there in a few episodes, as they will then serve the North, but I hope Robb makes it to Riverrun soon. That would be bogus if he didn't.

[naik2902]

first scene was disappointing. thought it was goin to be awesome battle of walker and crows.

[Nudu]

8/10. It was great.

[Mr Hodor]

6 for the reveal of selmy...but i guess that was unavoidable.