Episode 20 – Valar Morghulis – New Viewer Recap

And that concludes season two of Game of Thrones. What did you think, newbies? Did this finale leave you with answers or just more questions? We Do Not Sow gives us his thoughts on the finale, and the second season, after the break.

Spoiler note: The discussion in this post is primarily for non-book readers (book fans can discuss the show here). We ask all the series veterans to refrain from posting spoilers in the comments here, veiled or otherwise. This show is best viewed without knowing all the surprises beforehand, so please be respectful of your fellow fans. Thank you!

We Do Not Sow: I am still speechless. That was awesome! As good as the battle of Blackwater was last week, the season two finale this week was amazing. I was so excited with every story line last night and I loved how they wrapped this season up. I need to go find Doc Brown and speed off in the Delorean so I don’t have to wait so long for season three to start.

So unlike most weeks I will just start in the beginning and work my way to the Walking Dead: George R.R. Martin style. Poor Tyrion, I love the progression of his character this season, stepping outside of his comfort zone and stepping into battle, becoming a leader — Varys said it right, the guy has nothing to show for it now except a big scar across his face. I did not realize last week that a Gold Cloak was the man who struck Tyrion too, how messed up is that!? Cersei, he almost single-handedly won you the battle and saved you and your family.

Margaery Tyrell takes Sansa’s place next to Joffery and it’s got me thinking a few things. First off, did anyone see The Tudors? She is basically playing the same character all over again. Second, is Margaery trying her own version of “making the 8”? Maybe not, she would have had to sleep with Renly. Lastly, personally I think Joffery traded up quite nicely but Sansa you should have gone with the Hound! Why on Westeros would you stay there when anyone is giving you an out?

In Winterfell, Theon’s speech was really good and even better was his men clubbing him and taking him back to the Iron Islands. I understand where Theon is coming from the last few episodes, I mean I don’t like it but I understand, but his execution was dreadful. Theon, I am speaking to you now, maybe you should have just raped and pillaged a few fishing villages first and got some street cred before rushing into Winterfell? I am just glad the little Stark guys got outta there okay and I’m happy someone made Hodor a wheelbarrow to push Bran around in. It will be really interesting to find out where Bran and Rickon go from here and I think it will be even tougher to watch Theon get belittled by his father and sister next season too. Maybe Maester Luwin was right, Theon should have just gone for the Wall. Ahhhh Luwin, you gave great counsel and shared your wisdom to the young men of Winterfell, let’s take a moment to remember you…

So does everyone agree that Arya is going to be the most fun and exciting character to follow? I loved Jaqen as soon as he showed up. When I saw him standing and waiting for Arya and Gendry, I almost stood up and clapped, but I was afraid I wouldn’t see him again. The Faceless man… what!? This guy is awesome, I really wanted Arya to say “Ok, lets go across the sea and teach me your ways.” Jaqen changing his face at the end was awesome. I just know he’s going to play a big role down the line in Arya’s story. Jaqen, you will be missed. Valar Morghulis!

For the past 8 or 9 weeks I have been ripping Jon Snow a new one for being stupid and dumb. Finally, we are getting somewhere, so all that wandering and not following directions has Jon going into the wildling’s camp and spying on them. Ok, I got it, maybe he can split the wildling’s camp apart, or maybe use the wildling’s to fight the undead? Whatever the outcome, I owe Jon Snow an apology. To be honest I was waiting for the wildling with the animal skull on his face to take it off and for it to be Benjen. I have a feeling we will see him again, but then again my feelings are usually wrong. Poor Sam, hiding behind a rock as an army of the frozen undead march right by him, somehow I think he might live if they just keep marching past him. Plus Sam has to stay alive we need a Sam + Gilly = Silly relationship. Oh yeah, relationships, Robb got married, Frey is gonna be pissed!

In Qarth, Daenerys takes on magic and wins. The little dragons were awesome, I am thinking season 3 finale we need to stick with the fire theme. I was shocked when I saw Doreah and Xaro together and even more shocked when there was nothing in the vault. Qarth was a neat place to see and visit but I felt like I had to watch those scenes a few times to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

This was a great episode, I am 100% GoT geeked up right now. I want to watch the finale again but maybe I’ll just start with season 1 and work my way back. This season was a blast! I can only hope that season 3 is the same. With Joffery, Robb, Stannis, Daenerys and who knows who else popping up next season, I am sure there will be more battles and more Game of Thrones goodness next spring.

• Published on 06/03/2012 at 10:05 PM CDT
• Last updated on 10/20/2016 at 6:29 PM CDT