Game of Thrones Returns
April 22, 2015
Although devoted “Game of Thrones” fans have suffered for a year anticipating the fifth season of the fantasy drama, the wait is finally over. The season premiered on April 12 and left viewers wanting more, not an unusual feat for this unpredictable show.
The premiere started off with a prologue scene of young Cersei Lannister (who is just as annoying as a teenager) meeting a psychic who tells her she will be queen—but only for a short time before a younger, more beautiful queen takes over. The episode then flashes forward to the present day, with Cersei paying respect to her recently slain father, Tywin. The episode then catches up with the rest of the major characters, ranging from Tyrion’s newfound freedom from his toxic, malicious family and Daenerys Targaryen’s wavering rule over unsteady Meereen.
Overall, the premiere moved at a slow pace, significantly less action-packed than the usual “GoT” episode. The episode mainly served as catch up for viewers with all the characters vying for the throne and little plot progression. However, creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss compensated with dramatic scenes that foreshadow the seemingly exciting season and highlight underrated characters.
For example, the scene when Daenerys is scared off by her now massive dragons was both chilling and foretelling. Yet, the episode ended on a perfect note with Jon Snow (who is now tied with Tyrion as my favorite character) sparing Mance Rayder, the leader of the Wildlings, a painful death by shooting him with an arrow before he burned to death. The jaw-dropping scene was a poignant look into Jon Snow’s good-natured character, so different from the rest of the corrupt characters.
Some things I look forward to in Season Five is more plot development with the bigger contenders for the iron throne, in particular Daenerys and Stannis Baratheon. However, I want to also see more character development with Jon Snow and Arya, the latter of which was not even in the premiere. But more importantly, I want to see less screen time for Bran Stark, who appears to be completely useless, and (perhaps this is wishful thinking) the death of Cersei Lannister, whose evil is second-rate to her son, Joffrey.
Knowing that the first four episodes of the season have leaked online, I still have been resisting going further with the season to maintain the anticipation. Even so, I cannot wait to watch this upcoming “GoT” season and know it won’t disappoint. “Game of Thrones” is back and it is ready for war.
