Once again, Game Of Thrones has become a deep and layered source of plotlines which the weekly viewer has to concentrate in order to follow, and The Old Gods And The New does an accomplished job of progressing each arc. Inevitably, this means that some sectors of the storyline hold a little more focus than others, yet this is by far one of the best episodes that the show's given us so far.
First and foremost, the Lannister clan at King's Landing began to see a hint of the civil conflict brewing in their kingdom. Despite these characters in many ways representing the series' antagonists, the riot that broke out in a royal parade was absolutely gripping viewing. Perhaps the most effective part of this sequence was Sansa Stark's capture by a group of citizens and the assault they began on her- Thrones doesn't shy away from the darker strands of human nature in either of its first two seasons, yet the implication of rape and murder here was deeply disturbing and thus impactful on the viewer.
Another interesting minor strand of the show's lore that developed further this week was that of Danerys Targyrean's exploits in the East. Not only did the last Targyrean attempt in vain to justify her need for a ship armada to wealthy benefactors, but soon enough her pet dragons were stolen by an unknown assailant Emilia Clarke's portrayal of the character here was on top form, and with any luck she will get even more of a time to shine as we enter the final four episodes of this Sky Atlantic Season Two re-run.
As I mentioned earlier, such an effective focus on these two storylines of course meant there was a little bit less development in other departments- Catelyn Stark and the wider battlefields, for example, didn't get much of a say in the matter. However, this didn't prevent Game Of Thrones: The Old Gods And The New from being perhaps the most inventive, compelling and speculation-fuelling instalment of this season, and perhaps Thrones as a whole series, yet!
5/5
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