Game of Thrones: Season 1, Episode 7 "You Win or You Die"

Game of Thrones: Season 1, Episode 7 "You Win or You Die"

May 29, 2011


In Game of Throne’s seventh episode, “You Win or You Die,” things got real….and they got real fast! With two episodes left, there is plenty of political turmoil with the land of Westeros at the brink of a civil war. There is, of course, threat of invasion from the Dothraki-given the events that occurred in this episode. This fast-paced episode has it all. Action, betrayal, character development, humor, and even the death of a popular character. The acting remains as great as usual, although this episode does lack the charm of both Tyrion and Arya-two of my favorite characters. Still, you are in for a treat with this magnificent episode.



King Robert is gravely injured on his boar hunt, as he recklessly charged a boar. He will not live much longer given the extent of his injuries. On this deathbed, he names Ned Lord Regent of the Seven Kingdoms until his son, Joffrey comes of age. Cersei, turning into the series true villain, objects to this move. All she has to do is wait until Robert dies so she can put Joffrey on the throne now. Sick family! Maybe it has to do with the fact that Ned wants Robert’s brother, Stannis to take the throne. But still…



After much building up, we finally meet the head of the Lannister household, Tywin Lannister. Charles Dance has a knack of playing mean old guys, but this mean old guy right here may be the best of them all. The shame he interjects in Jaime as he is skinning and mashing up a deer carcass tells you the kind of character he is. Sly and cunning, we see where Cersei gets her skills to manipulate from. With Jaime struggling with his public image, Tywin sends him to rescue Tyrion.



Over on the Night Watch, they all take their vows. Jon Snow is upset when he was not chosen as a ranger. Instead, he is given the position of Lord Mormont’s steward. Doing his usually sulking around, he gets advice from Sam to cheer up and everything happens for a reason. Great acting in this section, but this was my least favorite part of the episode (still incredibly interesting and well-done).



Across the Narrow Sea, King Robert sent a wine salesman to poison Daenerys. Thanks to the quick action by double agent, Ser Jorah (now we know his allegiance), she lives. This angers Khal Drogo and he promises to invade Westeros. The way the wine salesman life has ended, well…..let’s just say it was quite painful.



Overall, this was a fantastic episode that really starts putting all the pieces together. The episode ends in the ultimate betrayal thanks to the scheming of Littlefinger. Are we really surprised? I feel bad for Ned, but a scapegoat is needed somewhere for the Lannisters. I also feel bad for his daughters. Speaking of Littlefinger, Baelish had some great dialogue in a scene where he shows two prostitutes (including the main one from Winterfell, Roz) how to do their job, while crooning over his lost love for Catelyn. Classic! Anyhow, things are just starting to get crazy. Stay tuned!



My Grade: A

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