Game of Thrones Season 1

10 episodes

Season 1 Review

⚠ Spoiler alert Season notes below reveal how the story develops.

Lord Eddard Stark is asked by his old friend, King Robert Baratheon, to serve as the King’s Hand following the death of the previous incumbent, Eddard’s mentor Jon Arryn. Eddard is reluctant, but receives intelligence suggesting that Jon was murdered. Eddard accepts Robert’s offer, planning to use his position and authority to investigate the alleged murder.

Season Review

The season that changed TV: Ned Stark goes to King’s Landing and discovers the throne is a lie wrapped in incest, and the show’s willingness to kill its supposed protagonist in episode 9 (the Baelor beheading, staged with horrific patience) announced a new era of stakes. The worldbuilding is dense but clear, the Wall and the Dothraki sea give it epic scale, and the finale’s dragons hatching is a perfect button. Adapts roughly the first book with total fidelity.

Episodes

Winter is Coming

SummaryLord Eddard Stark, ruler of the North, is summoned to court by his old friend, King Robert Baratheon, to serve as the King's Hand. Eddard reluctantly agrees after learning of…

2011-04-17 ★ 8.2

The Kingsroad

SummaryAn incident on the Kingsroad threatens Eddard and Robert's friendship. Jon and Tyrion travel to the Wall, where they discover that the reality of the Night's Watch may not match…

2011-04-24 ★ 8.2

Lord Snow

SummaryJon Snow attempts to find his place amongst the Night's Watch. Eddard and his daughters arrive at King's Landing.Our TakeSolid, satisfying television. The season's engine keeps turning and the character…

2011-05-01 ★ 8

Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things

SummaryTyrion stops at Winterfell on his way home and gets a frosty reception from Robb Stark. Eddard's investigation into the death of his predecessor gets underway.Our TakeVery good, not the…

2011-05-08 ★ 8.2

The Wolf and the Lion

Summary Catelyn’s actions on the road have repercussions for Eddard. Tyrion enjoys the dubious hospitality of the Eyrie. Our Take This is the episode where the season stops setting up…

2011-05-15 ★ 8.5

A Golden Crown

Summary Viserys is increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress towards gaining his crown. Our Take A busy hour that juggles several plots well, with the standout being Viserys finally…

2011-05-22 ★ 8.6

You Win or You Die

Summary Eddard’s investigations in King’s Landing reach a climax and a dark secret is revealed. Our Take This is the hour where the show stops pretending anyone is safe. Cersei's…

2011-05-29 ★ 8.8

The Pointy End

SummaryTyrion joins his father's army with unexpected allies. Events in King's Landing take a turn for the worse as Arya's lessons are put to the test.Our TakeVery good, not the…

2011-06-05 ★ 8.2

Baelor

SummaryCatelyn must negotiate with the irascible Lord Walder Frey.Our TakeThis one earns its reputation: tight writing, real stakes, and a payoff that lands. Peak Game of Thrones.

2011-06-12 ★ 8.9

Fire and Blood

Summary Daenerys must realize her destiny. Jaime finds himself in an unfamiliar predicament. Our Take A satisfying finale that mostly lands because of one knockout final scene, even if you…

2011-06-19 ★ 8.9