by Tabinda Murshed
via gothic.net
As we head into the second episode of this season, the major theme that becomes prevalent is the parent and child relationship. Amidst all the chaos for power, the show manages to carefully portray the intricacy of the parent/child relationship, sigh mosg scenes of “The Night Lands” revolving around this theme.
We see Cersai realising that her guidance has created a monster in her son King Joffrey. Lena Headey does a fantastic job switching between the roles of a terrified mother and the conniving power hungry queen. However, the best scene is the confrontation between Theon and his father Lord Balon Greyjoy, upon his return home after spending nine years with Ned Stark’s family. This scene is both humorous and heart wrenching as Theon’s father criticises his choice of clothing and then questions his loyalty to blood over his adopted family, the Starks.
The scene ends with a bang, as Balon Greyjoy chooses his daughter as his heir over Theon. All I can say about the dynamism between this duo is, look out Tyrion and Tywin Lannister; there is another contending pair for the ‘Worst father-son relationship in Westeros’ title.
My favorite character of the episode was Tyrion. He is everything one would expect of the king’s hand–sharp, manipulative, far sighted and threatening, not physically, but in every other way imaginable. However, it is his scene alone with Cersai that really stands out for me. Whilst he maintains his snarky but calculative persona throughout the scene, arguing with his sister about the people in Kings Landing and Joffrey’s reckless decisions, we also catch glimpses of a guilt-ridden man when Cersai mentions how Tyrion’s birth became the reason for their mother’s demise.
Another interesting development in the plot is the chemistry between Arya Stark and Gendry (late King Robert Baratheon’s illegitimate son who is still unaware of his paternal parentage), as they both run for their lives towards the north and away from King’s Landing. I am yet to read the books and am thus looking forward to where the writers take this begrudging bond.
Although the episode lacked the action and gore that I have come to associate and eagerly anticipate when watching “Game of Thrones,” it does not disappoint in terms of plot development. I am yet to see an episode of the series that has not left me keenly interested and excited for more. From the detailed costumes and setting, to the brilliant execution of the characters and plots, I tip my hat off to the team behind this brilliant show.
Tabinda Murshed is a contributing writer. Email her at entertainment@nyunews.com.
