Game of Thrones - Season 5, Episode 1 - "The Wars to Come"

2015, HBO, inc.

In an attempt to discuss the most recent season of HBO's Game of Thrones, Chris and I started an e-mail chain to provide thoughts on each episode, beginning with the premiere from this past Sunday, April 12th. We've both read the five books and any assorted "Dunk & Egg Tales", so slight spoilers might slip concerning secondary characters and the TV series' deviations from the source material, but we're approaching the catch-up point to George RR Martin and spoilers might not be an issue after this next season or two. We'll try to be vague enough to encourage you to pick up the books.

Paul: Season 5 of Game of Thrones premiered last night, putting us another step closer to author George RR Martin's trail while providing plenty of non-book material from episode writers (and showrunners) David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. The series premieres are often scattered and spent establishing the disparate locations and plot threads, so did the season 5 premiere succeed in that regard, and did it effectively establish some of this season's conflicts? I was a bit disappointed that we didn't get to Dorne, but there were enough interesting character moments to enjoy. Any particular favorites?

Chris: Really? I was less disappointed about the absence of the Dorne story line and much more interested in what we were given. Like every Game of Thrones episode, an hour wasn't enough and I was left to re-watch it over again to try to satiate that thirst, but I wouldn't have put that on the absence of Dorne as much as just my own addiction to the series. This season (and the books representing this part of the story) is very focused on 'the aftermath'. Much of that was being set up in this episode (Lancel, Stannis/the Night's Watch, Daenerys). I really enjoyed opening the season with a Cersei flashback (first flashback of the series) in which they nailed the casting. This will be the season of Cersei after all. I look forward to seeing Lena Headey kill what may be the most interesting part of Cersei's character development this year.

Paul: I was hyped for new characters. I assumed the first episode of this season would set the table, regardless of how much time allowed for each, but I understand focusing on the core storylines of the season and establishing them early. Using the much-anticipated "Maggie the Frog" flashback to begin the episode made for a nice transition to the present-day funeral of Tywin Lannister, and gave us an insight into Cersei's motivating madness. Dany's reputation as a ruler keeps dropping by the review, but at least the presence of the Tyrion/Varys combo gives hope to the future of the Slaver's Bay situation. Northwest, at the Wall, the Stannis Baratheon/Davos Seaworth/Melissandre infusion has brightened up the dankness at Castle Black, thanks also to Mance Rayder. Were you caught up in the ending of the episode, and did Mance's execution surprise you? His death may kill a minor plot thread once winter actually comes, but it shouldn't be a major deterrent to the actual story, right? Did Jon Snow make a smart political move (for once)? Any other wrinkles you picked up upon re-watch? One example for me was Ghost snacking on a bone while Jon trained in the yard.

Chris: As per usual when watching Game of Thrones I'm too preoccupied with the knowledge that the episode is 45 minutes in (and therefore ending shortly) to fully absorb the closing scene and I haven't had a chance to go back and re-watch it yet. I wonder how much Mance's death will affect the ongoing storyline, but I'm not too concerned at this point. As much as this season will be Cersei's, Jon Snow is going to have a comeback as well. I think viewers will be surprised with a slight change in tone for the Jon Snow character that was established early in this episode.

One of the best parts of the episode for me was definitely Dany testing the boundaries of her dragons. People are excited for the Tyrion/Varys and Dany collision, but I'm wondering how quickly that will come. I think Dany and her storyline could thrive even without that collision, but I'm nervous that viewers have expectations of it coming fast that could cloud their judgement.  

Sansa is another character, like Jon Snow, who might be able to play a few more notes this season. I wonder what you thought of the brief time spent in the Eyrie?  Where do you suspect Sansa and Littlefinger are off to? And were you frustrated with the close encounter with Brienne?

Paul: I'm not as optimistic with Dany and the Slaver's Bay stuff; we're already hearing groans from reviewers about the general aimlessness in Essos (try reading the books...) and questions as to Khaleesi's leadership capabilities. Without some of the more eccentric book characters (Strong Belwas, Brown Ben Plumm, the merc companies that begin congregating) around to lighten the mood, we might be stuck with domestic terrorism and pining for Dany to wise up and head west, at least until Tyrion and Varys arrive. Maybe we'll be able to draw some parallels between Daenarys's education to governance with King Tommen's, which would be a nice contrast given the advisors involved with each.

I have no idea what Littlefinger meant when he suggested heading west, and my mind immediately began racing as to the possibilities. My favorite, completely ridiculous scenario: He's marrying Sansa to a (secretively cast) Greyjoy character (Victarion?) to merge the Vale's armies with the Iron Islands'. It makes no sense, but I will be very interested to see what Weiss/Benioff have improvved instead. As the stakes get higher and the power brokers die off one by one, Littlefinger becomes even more important to the next round of war and chaos in Westeros.

Brienne is just frustrating. Hers should be the most meandering plot thread this season, as she and Podrick Payne continue to wander aimlessly through the war-strewn countrysides. I wonder what locations they can reach as the season passes, and if we return to (a rebuilt?) Winterfell at some point.

Any predictions for the second episode? Are you as excited as I am to return to Arya's perspective and travel to the canals of Braavos? Do we get Sand Snakes this episode?

Chris: Yes and Yes. Arya's story will be another great subplot this season, although some viewers may be frustrated that yet another character is put in isolation compared to the rest. A run in with the Braavosi banker couldn't hurt. I was most excited for Arya when watching previews for next weeks episode.  

The Sand Snakes are coming soon. I would guess this episode. There's still plenty of build up that will need to happen for that story line. I expect to see them next week and I expect to see some of that Dornish sensibilities. I'm ready.