"Game of Thrones" is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed shows on television — and for a good reason. The show has the ability to blend fantasy with political drama and intrigue, managing to maintain and develop a large, confusing cast while making relatable, memorable characters. Even if it is hard to remember some of the characters' names, it is easy to remember their motivations. Each aspect of the show is incredibly ornate, from the details of the screenplay to Ramin Djawadi's excellent score to the elaborate hairstyles and costumes. Even more impressive, each season has been successively better than the last, and the fourth season is no exception.
The HBO drama has returned after its twisty and devastating third season: Robb Stark (Richard Madden) and his mother Catelyn (Michelle Fairley) were shockingly killed in the season's penultimate episode, "The Red Wedding." Robb was more developed on screen than in the books, making the cruel, violent loss of the King in the North even more tragic. But as the second season so brilliantly moved forward from Ned Stark's (Sean Bean) death, so too has the fourth been able to explore the aftermath of the Red Wedding. This season's opening scene shows Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance) melting down Ned's old sword to create a new one for his son and grandson. It is a new era for both Westeros and "Game of Thrones."
The first episode of the fourth season is surprisingly light on action, but it is one of the best the show has offered. Written by show creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, it is an intense character study that features most of the twenty-plus main characters. One of the most appealing plotlines of this season is that of a new character: Oberyn Martell (Pedro Pascal). Oberyn, who has the enviable nickname "The Red Viper," hails from the country of Dorne. He has come to King's Landing for the wedding of King Joffrey (Jack Gleeson) and Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer). Oberyn is swaggering, vengeful and incredibly sensual — an entertaining mix between Inigo Montoya and George Clooney. Pascal is an excellent addition to the cast, and his character brings liveliness to the uptight social politics of King's Landing.
This episode also showcases Arya Stark (Maisie Williams), who is still held captive by Joffrey's disfigured former bodyguard Sandor Clegane, The Hound (Rory McCann). What began as a kidnapping has now transformed into a strange partnership, as the two embark on a criminal activity-filled road trip. It's like a twisted Bonnie and Clyde tale, with Arya killing for vengeance and Sandor doing so simply out of hunger or boredom. It's both entertaining and a bit unsettling to see Arya transform into a cold, precise warrior. Her story is contrasted by that of her sister Sansa (Sophie Turner), who is forced to act ladylike in the face of her longtime tormentors and her brother Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright), who is exploring his supernatural powers. Each of the remaining Stark children has been crippled, emotionally or physically. The first two episodes of this season see them beginning to find their strength in pain.
The author of the books, George R.R. Martin, wrote the second episode. While there is very little fighting, the intrigue and drama surrounding Joffrey and Margaery's wedding is more than enough action. Joffrey is utterly detestable in this episode; once a petulant child, he is now growing into a vicious adult. But Margaery is a wonderful balance to her new husband's cruel entitlement, masking an intelligent mind with a pretty face and good manners. In fact, the entire Tyrell family is delightful to watch, from the scheming matriarch Olenna (Diana Rigg) to the flamboyant, sassy Loras (Finn Jones).
Other than the Tyrells and Oberyn, the standout of the decadent wedding reception is Peter Dinklage's Tyrion, who has matured significantly throughout the show. The character has transformed from a bitter drunk to a determined politician intent upon protecting those who he loves. In the second episode, the viewers watch as he attempts to aid his older brother Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), his lover Shae (Sibel Kekilli) and his young wife Sansa. The relationship between Sansa and Tyrion is a delicate, almost lovely one, in which he tries to atone for his family's unspeakable sins against her.
The events of the second episode set a course that will undoubtedly occupy the rest of the season and define its tone. Where the last two seasons of "Game of Thrones" have focused on a war between kings, this one will center on vengeance and the lengths people will go to achieve it. As Oberyn says, "The Lannisters aren't the only ones who pay their debts." This will mean chaos in Westeros, but continued enjoyment for fans as the phenomenal fourth season unfolds.
TV Review | 'Game of Thrones' returns with drama, surprises
