Recap Round-up: “Two Swords”
Haven’t heard what the critics think about the Season 4 premiere yet? Here are some recaps and reviews for “Two Swords,” and the verdict is positive.
Book Readers
Sean T. Collins – Rolling Stone
The Lannisters shall inherit the earth as the epic fantasy kicks off a bold fourth season
Myles McNutt – Cultural Learnings
“Two Swords” marks the calm before the storm…the season premiere has the series firmly in transition, still holding onto the familiar instability we’ve come to understand.
James Hibberd – Entertainment Weekly
It’s a hugely confident hour that effortlessly dives into nearly all the major storylines, an appealing mix of super-tight storytelling with a relaxed vibe — the actors are so comfortable in these roles, the dialog so conversational and sharp-witted, this hour just flies by.
Todd VanDerWerff – A.V. Club
A-, In the tradition of Game Of Thrones premieres, “Two Swords” is a bit scattered between storylines, trying to make sure we’re caught up on almost everybody. BUT This premiere struck me as a distinct improvement over the other three in the series’ history.
Alyssa Rosenberg – Washington Post
A Game of Thrones episode that is all about the power of stories
Charlie Jane Anders – io9
We reached the ‘Everybody’s Broken Past Fixing” Part of Game of Thrones
Scott Meslow – The Week
With several Starks dead, Game of Thrones does feel a little smaller than it did last season…but it’s no less compelling to see the narrative pivot from the wars among Westeros’ most legendary families
Sarah Hughes – The Guardian
A fantastic series if this tautly paced opening episode is anything to go by.
Sandrine Sahakians and Axe of House Chucker (video)
NEW VIEWERS
Erik Adams – A.V. Club
B+, “Two Swords” sets the stage for the season to come, so it’s necessarily talky—but when that talk involves two members of House Lannister, it’s compelling on a sniping, intimate level that suggests there’s a great family drama…pounding away within Game Of Thrones.
David Malitz – Washington Post
The season premiere isn’t an instant classic, as it’s more concerned with reacquainting us what’s happening, introducing us to a new character and reminding us how generally miserable everyone is.
Alan Sepinwall – Hitfix
“Two Swords” gives the Lannisters a long, luxurious, period of celebration, and it is both wonderful and extremely unsettling.
Eric Dodds – Time
By all accounts, the season-opener was setting the table for what promises to be a season filled with violence and intrigue.
Andy Greenwald – Grantland
I can’t shake the feeling this will be the year when the old Game board is finally tossed aside completely, revealing an even more chaotic and fearsome competition in its stead.
Brian Juergens – The Backlot
Season 4 put a bag over our heads while we were unsuspectingly having brunch with a college friend, threw us into the trunk of an unmarked car, drove us in circles (so we couldn’t count traffic lights), dropped us into the middle of the action and ran.
Jordan Yerman – Vancouver Observer
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