The North Remembers

Rejoice! Game of Thrones is back!

Season two of the HBO series will be based on the second novel of George R.R. Martin's series, A Clash of Kings. Overall, it was a book I did not enjoy quite as much as the first book. Still, it was a very enjoyable read, and tonight's season premiere gives me hope that it will make an even stronger season of television.

One of the ideas that has formed in my head over the years since I read that second book was that not as much happened in book two as in book one or three. And while that may largely be true, what might be implied in that statement -- that "nothing" happens in book two -- isn't true at all. We have so much to look forward to in these ten episodes, and whatever moments of slackened pace there were in the book are sure to be excised to fit in the time allotted.

Tonight was a great example. There were so many balls in air at the close of last season (and new ones now to be introduced) that many plot lines were afforded only a single sequence -- or even only a single scene -- to check back in and get things rolling. And so we had just one scene of Daenerys, only slightly longer sequences for Bran and Jon Snow... and Arya, who had more chapters dedicated to her than almost anyone in the book, appears only for seconds at the conclusion of the hour.

And I found myself eagerly interested in all the stories. Even Stannis and Davos, and boy did I find those Davos chapters the driest of all in A Clash of Kings. Seeing the character of Mellisandre brought to life suddenly makes all that a great deal more interesting. And maybe now having a face to put on Davos will make the book better when I eventually go back and re-read it.

With the loss of several cast members in season one, Peter Dinklage now moves into the first slot in the opening title sequence. And indeed, Tyrion could now well be said to be the star of the show. Certainly, his scenes tonight were some of the best. Watching him trade barbs with his sister Cersei was one of the best exchanges yet on the show.

And just as with season one, I find myself just as drawn to the new scenes added that do not come from the book. Tonight's most significant addition was an exchange between Baelish (Littlefinger) and Cersei, where he tries to lecture her about the use of power, and is menacingly put in his place. It was a great scene on many levels, though one must really know what happens to both characters in the story ahead to really appreciate just how well this scene sets both of them up for the twists to come. (And in the interests of protecting my readers who don't know the books, I'll say no more.)

I'm thrilled to have this series to once again look forward to every week.