2.05 Game Of Thrones - The Ghost Of Harrenhal

[Keldaris]

The end of the Baratheon rivalry drives Catelyn to flee and Littlefinger to act. At King’s Landing, Tyrion’s source alerts him to Joffrey’s flawed defense plan and a mysterious secret weapon. Theon sails to the Stony Shore to prove he’s worthy to be called Ironborn. In Harrenhal, Arya receives a promise from Jaqen H’ghar, one of three prisoners she saved from the Gold Cloaks. The Night’s Watch arrive at the Fist of the First Men, an ancient fortress where they hope to stem the advance of the wildling army.

 

[firstfist]

The assassination of Renly was done well. Appeared just as I imagined it would be.

Arya already offed the Tickler? She didn't do him in herself? That kind of sucks.

The Fist of the first men is awesome. Hope that the stuff that should go down there goes down there.

Can't believe HBO had this episode as a naked free one. I mean come on! Major missed opportunity that I was certain they would take MAJOR advantage of and have 100% of the Qarth noble women wearing the dresses that are cut in a way that a single breast is exposed.
I'm not suggesting, exactly, that I missed the nakedness of some random actors. I'm just surprised that they chose not to have them dress that way. Thought it was a tool Martin used to show some of the differences of culture. A way of saying that two cultures can be so different, yet still considered civilized.
I would much rather have seen those scenes in Qarth then some of the made up sexposisions from previous episodes.

Don't think they are following any wear near as closely as they did in the first season, but that is OK with me. In its own right as a television show it is a solid story, and it is refreshing to not know what to expect 100% of the time.

 

[Warren_Paul]

That was a rather well-behaved episode for HBO.

I liked the scene with Tyrion in the storeroom, just the epic proportions of what was going on. It was a well done scene.

Arya's scene talking to Tywin was one of her best scenes so far, I think. She had that cold expression going well.

I wasn't entirely impressed with Brienne's acting in this episode, I felt it was a bit underpar, and I felt a bit underwhelmed with Renly's death. The scene itself was well done, and I liked how awesome Brienne was in the fight, but afterwards the emotion felt a little weak.

 

[Bugg]

Yeah, the actors playing Theon and Brienne aren't up to it, imho. Liam Cunningham's brilliant as Davos, though, and little Maisie ... did Arya really just stare Tywin down??

I quite liked Jorah's speech to Dany. Half Hand is nothing like I imagined.

Great episode. For me, Arya and Bronn stole it, as usual

 

[svalbard]

I agree with the comment about The Fist of the First Men. It was awesome looking and should make for a great scene when it all kicks off.

Renly's death scene was well done and it was good to finally see some meaningful interaction between Davos and Stannis. Cunningham is nailing the role of Davos.

I also thought the scene between Dany and Jorah was very much needed. Their story had begun to flag.

 

[Mesanna]

I thought Arya and Tywin Lannister were great together and I really hope they get more scenes.

What did you all think of Jaqen H'ghar? I thought he was fabulous. And attractive too! Ahem.

I liked Renly's death scene, though it all seemed to happen so quickly. I think I would have liked more of a dramatic build up. I also thought Loras wasn't as devastated as I thought he should be. I can understand how Margaery immediately went into scheming mode, but I thought Loras would seem more floored by events. He acted more like a kid whose favourite toy had just been broken.

Agree that Davos is awesome. He's far more impressive than Stannis.

Actually didn't realise until I read it on the web the next day that there had been no nakedness. Hopefully HBO are realising that great acting and dialogue will keep viewers watching.

 

[Brian G Turner]

Another enjoyable episode.

One thing that really strikes out to me is just how good the casting in this is - all those rugged British men suit their parts brilliantly - Davos, Mormont, Tywin, Jorah - excellent actors very much in command of their roles.

 

[Mouse]

I've not actually seen this ep yet! I kinda forgot about it. Also, I knew Renly would kick the bucket in this ep - if I don't watch, it can't happen.

 

[Warren_Paul]

Another enjoyable episode.

One thing that really strikes out to me is just how good the casting in this is - all those rugged British men suit their parts brilliantly - Davos, Mormont, Tywin, Jorah - excellent actors very much in command of their roles.

Yeah, they definately all suit their roles well. I really like the show version of Jorah.


@Mesanna: I have to agree, I really liked Jaqen H'ghar in this episode.



I do think that the absolute best moment in this episode was Arya staring down Tywin, brilliantly done.

 

[svalbard]

I have just watched the episode again and realized that the Night's Watchman with Grenn and passing all the remark's, is Dolorous Ed, one of my favourite characters from the books. Oddly enough I pictured him somewhat younger, but I think this actor is playing him well.

I concur about Arya staring down Tywin as one of the moments in the episode and a good ploy from the producers in keeping Robb a part of the series without showing him.

 

[Culhwch]

I agree with the comment about The Fist of the First Men. It was awesome looking and should make for a great scene when it all kicks off.

I always imagined the Fist to be thrusting up from a heavily wooded hillside. Might be a mis-reading of the books on my part, though...

I liked Renly's death scene, though it all seemed to happen so quickly. I think I would have liked more of a dramatic build up. I also thought Loras wasn't as devastated as I thought he should be. I can understand how Margaery immediately went into scheming mode, but I thought Loras would seem more floored by events. He acted more like a kid whose favourite toy had just been broken.

Television Margaery seems to be a lot more overtly scheming than book Margaery. In the books her machinations are a lot more subtle and only hinted at. Television Margaery seems to be Cersei II.

 

[svalbard]

I always imagined the Fist to be thrusting up from a heavily wooded hillside. Might be a mis-reading of the books on my part, though...

Yeah, I had that picture in my head as well from my readings of the book, but the TV version looked epic and Sam's bit of exposition about The Fist added to the atmosphere of the scene for me.

 

[Mouse]

Finally watched it. I watched the first 15 mins yesterday, then the rest today. Renly's death was a bit crap, as was Loras's reaction to it!

I like the Arya stuff though. Don't really get what's going on with the Jon stuff, it's lost me a bit.