The Old Gods and the New (6 May 2012)

Theon seizes control of Winterfell. Jon captures a wildling, named Ygritte. The people of King's Landing begin to turn against King Joffery. Daenerys looks to buy ships to sail for the Seven Kingdoms.

Director:

David Nutter

Writers:

George R.R. Martin ("A Song of Ice and Fire" by), David Benioff (creator),

Stars:

Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Michelle Fairley

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Peter Dinklage	...	Tyrion Lannister
Lena Headey	...	Cersei Lannister
Michelle Fairley	...	Catelyn Stark
Emilia Clarke	...	Daenerys Targaryen
Aidan Gillen	...	Petyr 'Littlefinger' Baelish
Kit Harington	...	Jon Snow
Charles Dance	...	Tywin Lannister
Isaac Hempstead Wright	...	Bran Stark
Richard Madden	...	Robb Stark
Sophie Turner	...	Sansa Stark
Maisie Williams	...	Arya Stark
Alfie Allen	...	Theon Greyjoy
Jack Gleeson	...	Joffrey Baratheon
Sibel Kekilli	...	Shae
Rory McCann	...	Sandor 'The Hound' Clegane

Storyline

In a surprise attack, Theon Greyjoy captures Winterfell demanding an oath of loyalty from everyone there in return for their lives. He is chastised however by the locals for turning on the family that raised him. The execution of a Stark family retainer shows just how serious Theon is. Robb Stark can't believe what's happened and swears to get his revenge. He is also growing fonder of Lady Talisa. At King's Landing, Tyrion knows better than most that war will devastate them and makes arrangements for Cersei's daughter, Myrtelle, to be send away to marry. On returning to the palace after seeing her off, King Joffre and others of the royal court learn exactly was the public thinks of them. North of the wall, Jon Snow and others are on patrol looking for wildlings. They kill a few but one of the survivors is an attractive young woman, Ygritte. At Harrenhall, Arya continues to work as Lord Tywin Lannister's cup bearer. She's taken aback however when a visitor from King's Landing - someone...

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Plot Keywords:

brutality | beheading | soldier | gang rape attempt | spear | 

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | Fantasy

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 May 2012 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Vík, Iceland

Company Credits

Production Co:

Home Box Office (HBO), Television 360, Grok! Studio

Technical Specs

Runtime:

54 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

16:9 HD

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to the novel, it was not Farlen the kennel-master but Mikken the blacksmith who cursed Theon, when Bran announced that he yielded Winterfell. One of Theon's men killed him for his defiance by spear-thrust.

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Quotes

Tyrion Lannister: [to Joffrey] We've had vicious kings and we've had idiot kings, but I don't know if we've ever been cursed with a vicious idiot boy king!

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Soundtracks

"Main Title"
(uncredited)
Written and Performed by Ramin Djawadi

User Reviews

Great acting for an even better episode.

Perhaps some of the best acting from Peter Dinklage (Tyrian) yet. Your hatred for Joffery will reach maximum capacity in this gem, as his cruelty takes hold and completely loses his sight on humanity as terror takes over his persona. People are upset, and they want his "Royal Highness" to know about it. Tyrian stands strong as he decides to show true leadership, and courage, way above average for the actual "King."

Theon Greyjoy hits rock bottom, and he knows it despite his denial and supposed leadership. We lose a dear friend in Winterfell, A rather graphic but touching scene, "I will be joining your father soon.." Greyjoy has some waking up to do, and Robb Stark plans on giving him the rude awakening he deserves. Theon is just a confused, worthless wench, who clearly has daddy issues, and will never meet his fathers expectations no matter what "accomplishments" he makes.

Dany comes across new obstacles, and demands things that seem impossible to certain rulers, even though she failingly persuades them that her dreams do in fact come true. She is met with disappointment when she returns to her quarters, slaughtered men in her midst, important things riding on the backs of others.

All in all, great suspenseful episode making me yearn for more, and read the book much faster. Great job!