Film Essays / Review: Game of Thrones: Best Seasons Ranked (Work in Progress)
Growing up, medieval fantasy was integral part of my childhood. Whether it was playing D&D with David (our friend who was older, our babysitter at times, and also an awesome DM); or, my best friends Marc, Luke, and I creating adventures to go on with fake armor and swords; or, having my mother read The Hobbit to me when I was probably too young to understand the story; or, playing medieval Lego wars with castles and tree fortresses with Blake; or, playing Final Fantasy on the original NES and swearing because of how difficult it was; or, Final Fantasy II, which caused me to cry while watching my friend Luke play the game; or, enjoying a board game of Talisman, which recently has made a major comeback. Or playing Magic the Gathering at C&M Cards and Comics. But, in all honesty, for me, what cemented my love of knights and wizards, of kings and the undead, of magic and swords was reading The Lord of the Rings when I was in fourth grade.
The Lord of the Rings captured my imagination like few works ever have. Perhaps that is why it was, at first, so hard for me to love the films. They were not from my imagination, but rather from Peter Jackson’s. That being said, I have come to love the films, which are masterpieces of epic filmmaking.
So… you can imagine that I was excited when my friend, Luke, who is several years older than I, handed me The Song of Ice and Fire in 1996 when I was in sixth grade. Not since The Lord of the Rings had a fantasy work so captured my imagination. I waited eagerly as each new book came out. Sometimes I waited longer than I ever thought possible. When the TV series began on HBO, I refused to watch it, saying I would wait until Martin finished the series. But after years of waiting, I decided to dive in. Game of Thrones is yet another example of exemplary television, creating a narrative of such length and depth that it can only be told in seasons. We are truly living in the Golden Age of Television.
What follows is a review of the entire television series (the first 7 seasons) of Game of Thrones as we eagerly wait for the last and final season (as well as the next three novels by Martin… I am still waiting… and waiting…). I am looking at the TV show not in comparison to the books, which I love, but rather, from the perspective of a story that is told on the “small screen”. In trying to tackle an entire series, I think the best approach is to take it a season at a time. I have tried my best to rank the seasons, which is an impossible task considering all of them have greatness within them, but here they are!
The best season of Game of Thrones:
Season 4 ****
In the final episode of season 4, “The Children”, there is a battle of seemingly little importance to the over all story. It certainly does not have the epic nature of the Dothraki and Dragon decimation of the Lannister army in season 7’s “Spoils of War”, nor the narrative importance of such battles as the Battle of Blackwater, or the Mountain and the Viper, or the Battle of Hardhome, but, it was in this moment that I realized how powerful the Game of Thrones television series could be. This will be the only time where I reference the books in this review, but, as someone who had read all of the books before watching the television show, I usually knew what was coming like the Red or Purple Wedding. But, as “The Children” came to a close, Brienne of Tarth sees Arya Stark water dancing on the ridge who then immediately alerts the Hound to Brienne’s presence. I was on the edge of my seat. What was going on?! These two characters never meet. Brienne, realizing the identity of the young girl, demands that the Hound allow her to escort Arya home. The Hound refuses. The tragedy of these two incredible characters fighting each other brings into focus the writers’ understanding of the characters in this story. Rather than simply being a series of epic battles, Game of Thrones is at its best when it is exploring characters.
Brienne of Tarth and the Hound are so similar. Both are considered deformed by society. The Hound because of his brother’s vicious act, when, as a child, his brother forced his face into a fire. Brienne because of her size and because she is a woman. Earlier in the season, she recalls how Renly Baratheon saves her from the humiliation of a group of boys who are playing a game to convince Brienne that she is attractive, before she realizes they are all laughing at her. Both the Hound and Brienne have given up on the concept of good in this world, except, for the daughters of Catelyn Stark. Somehow these young women have inherited their father and mother’s sense of honor and have maintained their goodness despite being exposed to the darkness of the world. Brienne and the Hound are actually natural allies, but, because they cannot communicate with each other, they are forced to fight. The fight is certainly not the best choreographed fight, nor as I said early, is there a lot at stake in the story outside the fate of these individual characters. But, similar to comparing the more personal fight between Obi Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope to the much more sophisticated but distanced choreography of the duel between Kwai Gon Jinn, Obi Wan, and Darth Maul in Episode I, Brienne of Tarth and the Hound’s battle is such an incredible visual of their fighting styles and their desperation to hold on to a belief that good still exists. It is one of the most powerful moments in the show.
This is also the season where Games of Thrones re-invents itself after so many of its “good guys” (a better term would be protagonists) die at the Red Wedding. Here, with the freedom to begin staking out new territory, they deepen each character arc, bringing the shows favorites (Tyrion, Arya) to new levels, ending some story lines and starting new ones. Jon finally assumes the mantel of a leader, defending the wall and losing his love, Ygritte. Danny becomes a ruler. Joffrey meets his end. Peter Baelish reveals his hand. Sansa begins to grow up. By far the best season of the show.
Episodes:
“Two Swords” *** ½
Starts with the weakest cold opening in the series (rarely are cold openings used except in the first episode of each season, and when the Hound is reintroduced in seasons 6). Tywin re-forges “Ice”, Eddard Stark’s Valyrian steel sword, into two blades. While not exciting like many of the cold openings, it is an event full of significance. With Robb’s death and the sacking of Winterfell, the Starks have “lost”, symbolized in the destruction of Ned Stark’s sword.
While a few of the storylines drag in the opening as they set up the season they’re about to embark on, the highlights include the introduction of Oberyn Martell, when he stabs a Lannister solider in the wrist “Broadswords are too slow a weapon for close quarters”, and afterwards speaks with Tyrion to admit that he is here to avenge his sister, Elia’s, murder at the hands of the Mountain. The episode culminates in an incredible scene in which Arya finally crosses over to becoming a murderer. She reclaims needle and teases Polliver, the brutal soldier who stole needle in the first place, with her questions, repeating his execution of a teen who was going to the Wall with her group. The sight of Arya on her own horse following the Hound still makes me smile.
“The Lion and the Rose” ****
Rarely are deaths satisfying in Game of Thrones because it is so often the wicked who live, and the honorable who die. Here, the great villain of the series so far finally meets his end. King Joffrey while celebrating his marriage to Margery Tyrell begins to entertain himself with his favorite activity: tormenting his uncle, Tyrion, because his uncle has been one of the few people to challenge him in his life. Tyrion’s humiliation builds as our intense hatred of Joffrey is reactivated. Finally, he drinks from his wine cup and begins choking. Poisoned, he falls to the ground, eyes red, bile coming out of his mouth, before pointing a finger at Tyrion and setting in motion one of the great sequences in Game of Thrones: The trial and eventual trial by combat of Tyrion Lannister.
“Breaker of Chains” ***
The title of this episode refers to Daenerys’ successful overthrow of the last of the slave cities: Meereen. However, while this is a pivotal plot moment, it actually will open the way for one of the two worst storylines that dominate season 5: the sons of the Harpy.
However, back in Westeros, the tension along the wall continues to build as the Wildings get closer to Castle Black and the inevitable confrontation between Jon and Ygritte looms. But, the best scene of the episode occurs when Arya lies to a farmer to convince him to take in the Hound and her for dinner. The farmer treats them with kindness, even asking them to stay on and work. Arya is delighted by finding humanity again, only to be upset when Sandar beats the man and robs him. This is brilliantly paid off in season 7 when the Hound returns to their hut.
“Oathkeeper” ***
One of the most fascinating relationships in the entire show is Jamie Lannister’s relationship with Brienne of Tarth. They start as adversaries, but, Brienne earns Jamie’s respect by besting him in combat. He then returns the favor by lying to protect her from being raped, before risking his life to rescue her from a horrific fate at the claws of a bear. She, in many ways, represents the knight that Jamie always wanted to be. Here, he gives her the sword his father had created for him, to find Sansa and Arya Stark and return them home. She names the sword “Oathkeeper”. It is an incredible moment as the two separate. You know that their paths will cross again.
“First of His Name” *** ½
In King’s Landing, the trial for Tyrion continues to build. But, in the North, a classic Game of Thrones troupe, two characters who have been separated that the audience hopes will reconnect, come close to meeting, but are separated yet again. Bran, captive of the rebel Night’s Watch, is almost rescued by Jon Snow, before Locke, one of Bolton’s most vicious bannerman, kidnaps Bran. While trying to escape, Bran wargs into Hodor and attacks Locke, before realizing that he must continue on his journey to the Three Eyed Raven, while Jon returns to Castle Black. This is one of the first time we see Jon lead men, setting up not only the battle at the Wall where he takes command of the defenses of Castle Black, but also, his eventual election to the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch.
“The Laws of Gods and Men” ****
Peter Dinklage is one of the great actors of our time. His refusal to play “dwarfs” (magical creatures from mythology) is admirable and a statement against the unfair depiction of little people. I could easily have seen him passing on the opportunity to play Tyrion, but, what makes Tyrion different than many medieval stories is that he is a character who deals with the prejudice against him. This episode gives Peter Dinklage the chance to show his acting chops and to express the outrage at the treatment people give little people. As he says in his trial, “I’m guilty of being a dwarf [his father responses with you are not on trial for being a dwarf] Oh yes, I am. I have been for my entire life. I wish I was the monster you think I am.” Of course, this confession is brought on by the testimony of Shae… the woman who Tyrion loved and, finally, a woman who loved him in return. Her betrayal destroys Tyrion and the only chance of keeping the Lannister family whole. It is one of the best episodes in the series.
“Mockingbird” *** ½
The plot thickens. Major revelations abound in this episode: Lysa poisoned her husband, Jon Arryn, at Littlefinger’s behest. Not only that, but Lysa also sent the letter to her sister Cat blaming the Lannister’s for poisoning him, setting in motion the events of the entire series. It is here that we realize that Varys was right about Littlefinger. He is probably the most dangerous man in all of the seven kingdoms. It is a great moment, pulling together various threads throughout the series.
But, my favorite scene is actually Tyrion saying goodbye to Podrick. It is a powerful good-bye. Tyrion is a man who does not trust anyone. He has been betrayed too many times, often by members of his own family. But, this squire who was given to him as a joke, has become the closest thing in the world he has to a friend. Tyrion tells him “when I go to the gallows, I do not want to see you standing there to be executed beside me.”
That moment might be topped by Oberyn’s speech to Tyrion about the first time they met. That everyone called him a monster and, even then, Cersei was abusing him. Tyrion realizes, she really does always get what she wants (although the end of the series might reverse that). It is then that Oberyn tells Tyrion he will be his champion, causing a rare sight… Tyrion crying.
“The Mountain and the Viper” ****
What a fight. We can be forgiven that other events happen in this episode besides Tyrion’s trial by combat between Oberyn Martell and Sir Gregor Clegane. One of the most important moments in Sansa’s life develops as she manipulates Lord Royce and other Lords and Ladies of the Veil into believing that Littlefinger is innocent of killing her aunt Lysa. Sansa, despite so often being labeled as a stupid little girl, actually is a quick study, taking Littlefinger’s lessons and putting them to great use.
However, it is the fight that makes this episode so great. Oberyn has been called a legendary fighter, but with the exception of seeing him stab a Lannister solider in Littlefinger’s brothel, we have not seen him fight. The Mountain on the other hand, we have seen chop off a horse’s head, order the torture of innocent people, and even see him gutting practically defenseless men for fun. We know how powerful he is. Oberyn’s method of fighting, based on Eastern fighting practices rather than medieval knights, should have won… if only… he had not been so arrogant. His death is one of the most shocking in the entire show.
“The Watchers on the Wall” ****
What has been building since season 2 has finally arrived. The fight between the Night’s Watch and the Wilding army. Seeing how the defenses of the wall are used, we understand why it has been kept for a thousand years. The real threat came not from the attackers in the wild winter-lands beyond the wall, but from the gate at the base of Castle Black.
What a battle it is. Emotional arcs are completed with even Allister Thorn admitting to Jon Snow that he was right. They should have sealed the tunnel. Sam holds Pip as he dies. Grenn sacrifices himself to hold the gate against the King of the Giants. Jon kills Styr, leader of the Thenns. Tormund is captured. And in one of the most moving scenes in the show, Ygritte says to Jon as she’s dying, and he is trying to calm her with talk about going back to the cave, “You know nothing… Jon Snow…” Indeed… he is naïve to the ways of the world…
“The Children” ****
As usual, most of the action in the season is already over. The ninth episode is traditionally the action episode in Game of Thrones seasons while the last episode acts as clean up and set up, but, in Season 4, the clean up and set up are amazing.
I’ve already talked about the incredible fight between the Hound and Brienne, but, I did not mention the incredible scene where Arya decides not to kill the Hound. He begs her, but, she walks away. Both because she wants him to suffer, and also, because she has grown to like him and cannot bring herself to kill him. The confusion is played brilliantly by Masisie Williams in her eyes, trying to decide what to do. When the Hound says something like she wouldn’t get far without him, her response “Yes… I will.” Indeed, she does.
Daenerys conclusion is the least satisfying, but at least thematically true. She locks her “children”, Rhaegal and Viserion, in the catacombs below the Pyramid. Drogon, her closest child, is also in his teenage state, rebelling against her and flying off on his own after murdering a child.
But it is Tyrion’s confrontation with Tywin that elevates this season finale to perhaps the best season finale in the show. Tyrion, having been let out of prison by Jamie, and being saved by Varys, takes a detour into the Hand’s chamber, his former quarters, only to find Shae in his bed, now… his father’s bed. Tyrion himself has always admitted that he is not a fighter. But here, he must kill. And he must kill the only woman who has ever loved him. The tragedy seals Tywin’s fate. Killing his father on the toilet is the ultimate humiliation Tyrion could give him. After being shot, he says, “You are no son of mine” (perhaps setting up a reveal that he isn’t, but I hope not… as it diminishes how evil Tywin can be). Tyrion almost with a tear in his eye because it did not have to be this way… “I have always been your son.” If only Tywin had treated him like one.
Best Episode: “The Children”
This is so hard to choose! This season has so many contenders as the best episode. “The Lion and the Rose” brought us the most satisfying death in the series. “The Watchers on the Wall” remains one of the great battle sequences, and the closing of the series most tender love story. “The Laws of God and Men” showcases one of the best performances in the series with Peter Dinklage showing Tyrion’s rage. “The Mountain and the Viper” has perhaps the best solo combat scene, and one of the more shocking deaths. But, for me, there is something beautiful about the narrative cohesion of “The Children”. Tying together every single storyline with the concept of children and their relationships with their parents… it’s devasting storytelling at its best. Parents may have cursed their children with the world (in the cast of Tywin), but children, in their attempt to assert themselves, cause such serious damage (the children of the forest creating the White Walkers, the dragons rebelling against their mother, Ayra causing the divide between Brienne and the Hound).
Worst Episode: “Breaker of Chains”
By the time Danny frees the city of Mareen, she has already conquered both Astapor and Yunkai. Asatpor with her brilliant negotiation tactics and decision to free the Unsullied. Yunkai, with the introduction of Dario Naharis, reaches a level of importance even though it feels repetitive. Mareen’s fall simply repeats the story lines from before without adding much, save setting up the Sons of the Harpy, which is probably the second worst story line in the entire show.
Best character in this Season: TIE: Tyrion and Arya.
Don’t ask me to choose. Both characters grow so much in the season, embarking on journeys that will prepare them for their destiny: Tyrion becomes the hand of the queen and Arya becoming the greatest fighter Westeros has ever seen.
(Writer’s note: I will continue to update this as I finish writing about each season… stay tuned for my second favorite season.)
