Now that HBO's "Game of Thrones" has proven itself a ratings powerhouse, it's time to take a look at some of the best scenes in the first four episodes of this new season. From the darkest depths of the human soul to the painful decisions a wife and mother must make, these four episodes have certainly packed a punch.
Catelyn's Viewing of Ned's Bones
As if the death of Ned Stark at the end of the first season wasn't traumatic enough, we also get to see Catelyn's face as she at long last gets to see her beloved husband's earthly remains. As always, Michelle Fairley manages to capture the nuances of Catelyn's character, showing us the intense grief she feels, as well as the steel she is willing to show toward the ever-cunning and manipulative Petyr Baelish. Truly, Catelyn is one of the most emotionally resonant and complex characters in the series.
Joffrey's Torture of the Prostitutes
By this point, we all know that Joffrey is a monster. Whether this is because he is the result of incest or just because he's a terrible person remains unclear, but by this point it's quite clear that he has no redeeming qualities. Just in case we didn't get the message, the most recent episode featured one of the most disturbing scenes yet in the series, in which the young king forces a prostitute to beat her companion almost into oblivion. Clearly, this young king has no respect for the lives of even the least of his subjects, but we can only hope that he will finally get what is coming to him in the later seasons.
Melisandre's Shadow Birth
However, there can be no doubt that Melisandre has stolen the show this season, most notably with the disturbing birth scene that was the climactic moment of the most recent episode. We've all known that there is something distinctly sinister about Stannis' red woman, and she certainly proved it when she gave birth to what can only be described as a shadowy monstrosity. We can only speculate about what this creature will get up to, but there's a fairly good chance that whatever it is, it's not going to be good for Stannis' happy-go-lucky younger brother Renly.
Clearly, there is a lot more excitement to come this season on "Game of Thrones." This fan has just three words for the producers: keep it coming.
