'Game of Thrones': Season 2 premiere has clever twists and dialogue

'Game of Thrones' began its second season with new characters, but didn't lose track of old favorites.

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Through this conflict, the world of Game of Thrones is instantly more vast and complex than the already elaborate world detailed in season 1. Not only has the issue become the North rebelling against a fraudulent king, but the turmoil resulting from who sits upon the iron throne has set into motion many other men laying claim to such a perch. The ongoing dispute and expanse of the world is made evident through the journey of dragon-hatcher Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) and the small group of Dothraki that still travel with her across the desolate expanse of the Red Waste. As her counselor, Ser Jorah Mormont (Iain Glen) elucidates the plight of the group by informing the Khaleesi that, given the hostile forces surrounding them, crossing the Red Waste is their only hope for survival. But in a fitting metaphor for the realm of Westeros, the unforgiving heath may spell doom for the small caravan, regardless what people lie beyond its breadth.

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In regards to the expanded scope, it would only be fitting to mention the addition of Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane), the oft-mentioned but unseen brother of the late king Robert (Mark Addy). He becomes an important player in the game, as he actually has a legitimate claim to the throne. However important, Stannis’ introduction is one that also cautions a certain amount of unease considering the company he keeps in Melisandre (Carice van Houten). Her unwillingness to fall victim to a poisoned drink is yet another portent that season 2 will be filled with all sorts of unnatural (read: supernatural) occurrences.

It is a lot to take in, but writers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss artfully point the audience in the right direction, even when being introduced to a character for the first time. This is why when Jon Snow (Kit Harington), and his other wall-watchers come across the hatefully possessive northerner who marries his daughters, we feel a notable amount of disgust and need for retribution on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves. It may, in some small fashion, help make up for all the wrongs that have gone without retribution since the series began.

But that is how Game of Thrones works: the just are often punished while the wicked find delight in the gratification of nearly every whim. This concept is not modern, but still feels very resonant in today’s society; a testament to why this series is so easily accessible and consumed with such ferocity by its legion of fans.

Throw in some truly quote-worthy lines of dialogue, clever twists, and the scattering of hints and nods to events that will later leave the audience reeling as they did in season 1, and you have a mindful adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s books that dares build upon the world he has crafted, rather than be a shallow, visualized mimic to the printed word.

Game of Thrones gets off to a fantastic start with its second season premiere. Though it will take some time to regain the kind of velocity felt at the end of season 1, the seeds of an epic season have certainly been planted.

Kevin Yeoman blogs at Screen Rant.

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