HBO’s Game of Thrones rocked onto our screens earlier this year full of fantasy intrigue, political struggle, incest, mystery and a little bratstard by the name of Joffrey Baratheon. But what lies in store for the second season? Season two follows the timeline of book two A Clash Of Kings, GoTCoK for short. Will we see the much deserved retribution for the Starks or are we just setting ourselves up for more gut wrenching heartache?
With the death of the King of Westeros Robert Baratheon, there is now a struggle over who should follow his rule. On one hand it should pass to his next of kin, which if you follow the Baratheon bloodline, vetoes Joffrey and falls to Stannis Baratheon ( Stephen Dillane) of Dragonstone, who during Robert’s rule was the Master of Ships on the Small Council and the next oldest living brother of House Baratheon. While on the other hand there are those who would see Robert’s youngest, more kind hearted and more popular brother Renly sieze the Iron Throne. Amidst the fight for power between the remaining Baratheons, the Lannisters still hold rule over the seven kingdoms. Led by his mother Cersei, Joffrey Baratheon watches on with his thin villainous eyes in dismay as Stannis proclaims himself the true King, which, in turn, leaves us with almost everyone thinking they have a claim to the throne and while some claims have merit, most are just a quick play for power.
Alongside Stannis we meet a lady by the name of Melisandre (Carice van Houten ), a red priestess and follower of the eastern god R’hollor, who has the ability to see visions in her fires of things to come. If there is one person you want to keep an eye on this season, this is her.
As the war rages on, Robb Stark finds himself in need of allies and sends the fostered ward Theon off to seek aid from a family that has previously rebelled against the iron throne. Off the coast of Westeros lies the Iron Islands, this is where we are introduced to the other members of House Greyjoy, most of which, Theon has not seen for many years Made up of reavers, more commonly known as pirates, they own a vast supply of ships known as the ironfleet, which in their own right, makes them a force to be reckoned with. Or at least that’s what the Greyjoys will tell you when questioned.
During Arya’s final scenes we were give a brief glimpse of a hooded man locked up in a cage. This man assumes the name Jaqen H’ghar (Tom Wlaschiha). He is one of the many prisoners held captive in the dungeons of King’s Landing, but one of the few who have been chosen to be sent to become a Black Brother and live his life in servitude on the Wall. Jaqen, from one of the nine free cities Braavos, is without a doubt set to add excitement and even more mystery to what is already a show shrouded in questions upon questions.
Hopefully this has whet your appetite just a little in anticipation of season two. The one thing that we can say for certain, is that there is no certainties when it come to Game Of Thrones. Be careful who you decide to put your faith into, because you never know what hideous fate is lurking around the corner (Ned! NO!). In the Game Of Thrones, you win or you die!
-Wesley Copeland-