Game of Thrones — Season 3

10 episodes

Season 3 Review

The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros remain gripped by civil war. Would-be king Renly Baratheon has been assassinated, altering the alliances in the war. The cruel boy-king Joffrey Baratheon has won a great victory by securing an alliance with House Tyrell, with his supporters defeating his uncle Stannis in an epic battle. Joffrey now commands the largest armies in the realm and his triumph appears inevitable.

Season Review

The peak. The Red Wedding mid-season (yes, mid-season — the show never coasted after it) is the most shocking hour ever broadcast, and the season around it is wall-to-wall: Dany’s Astapor Dracarys moment, Jon’s wildling arc with Ygritte, Jaime’s bathhouse confession to Brienne (the moment a villain becomes a man), and Joffrey’s tyranny at its worst. Adapts the back half of Storm of Swords — the books’ best material — and the show matches it.

Episodes

Valar Dohaeris

SummaryJon is brought before Mance Rayder, the King Beyond the Wall, while the Night's Watch survivors retreat south. In King's Landing, Tyrion asks for his reward. Littlefinger offers Sansa a…

2013-03-31 ★ 7.9

Dark Wings, Dark Words

SummarySansa says too much. Shae asks Tyrion for a favor. Jaime finds a way to pass the time. Arya runs into the Brotherhood Without Banners.Our TakeA strong episode with a…

2013-04-07 ★ 7.9

Walk of Punishment

SummaryTyrion shoulders new responsibilities. Jon is taken to the Fist of the First Men. Daenerys meets with the slavers. Jaime strikes a deal with his captors.Our TakeConfident and engaging. The…

2013-04-14 ★ 8.3

And Now His Watch is Ended

SummaryThe Night's Watch takes stock. Varys meets his better. Arya is taken to the commander of the Brotherhood. Daenerys exchanges a chain for a Whip.Our TakeEverything Game of Thrones does…

2013-04-21 ★ 8.9

Kissed by Fire

SummaryThe Hound is judged by the gods; Jaime is judged by men. Jon proves himself; Robb is betrayed. Tyrion learns the cost of weddings.Our TakeA standout hour — the kind…

2013-04-28 ★ 8.7

The Climb

SummaryTywin plans strategic unions for the Lannisters. Melisandre visits the Riverlands. Robb weighs a compromise to repair his alliance with House Frey. Roose Bolton decides what to do with Jaime…

2013-05-05 ★ 8.3

The Bear and the Maiden Fair

SummaryDaenerys exchanges gifts with a slave lord outside Yunkai. As Sansa frets about her prospects, Shae chafes at Tyrion's new situation. Tywin counsels the king, and Melisandre reveals a secret…

2013-05-12 ★ 7.9

Second Sons

SummaryKing's Landing hosts a wedding, and Tyrion and Sansa spend the night together. Daenerys meets the Titan's Bastard. Davos demands proof from Melisandre. Sam and Gilly meet an older Gentleman.Our…

2013-05-19 ★ 8.6

The Rains of Castamere

SummaryRobb presents himself to Walder Frey, and Edmure meets his bride. Jon faces his harshest test yet. Bran discovers a new gift. Daario and Jorah debate how to take Yunkai.…

2013-06-02 ★ 9.1

Mhysa

SummaryJoffrey challenges Tywin. Bran tells a ghost story. In Dragonstone, mercy comes from strange quarters. Daenerys waits to see if she is a conqueror or a liberator.Our TakeVery good —…

2013-06-09 ★ 8