What were the ten best moments of Game of Thrones season 4 opener “Two Swords”?
Well, where do you start? After the shocking climax of the Red Wedding, Game of Thrones came back with all the political intrigue, nail-biting action, and nudity that we’ve come to expect from the HBO epic series. However, what was particularly thrilling about “Two Swords” was the way it balanced those heavier scenes with quiet moments of reflection and some hilarious laughs. It’s hard to whittle down all of those great moments to a list of our ten favorites. So, Hypable writers Harri Sargeant and Laura Byrne-Cristiano have teamed up to try and narrow down the entries. Then, Tariq Kyle worked some gif magic so you can re-live this week’s best laughs, shocks and one-liners again and again.
Check out our favorites below, and don’t forget to share your picks in the comments! This article contains strong language.
Change is hard, but sometimes change is necessary. At other times change is so necessary that people are running around like Kermit the Frog in a full-out flail, wanting to get their point noticed. The initial casting of Daario Naharis in series 2 was one of those moments. Showruners David Benioff and Dan Weiss haven’t been shy about making changes, and this was one of their better ones.
“I’d rather have no brains and two balls.”
Daario number one, Ed Skrein, was just not suited to the role. He was more reminiscent of a Fabioesque, bodice-ripper cover model, than a man who commands a legion in the unforgiving lands of Essos, and is the arguably the most skilled mercenary on the continent. With Michiel Huisman now taking over the part, Daario clearly has both a swagger and a danger, not to mention a mysterious quality that makes one wonder where his allegiances will ultimately lie. He is still charming, but can he be trusted? – Laura Byrne-Cristiano
Rory McCann is one of Game of Thrones‘ most under-appreciated actors, and his dangerous yet side-splitting portrayal of The Hound was showcased brilliantly in “Two Swords.” Dropping expletives left, right and center, one could be forgiven for thinking his bark was worse than his bite – until he reminded the world of Westeros just how badass he really is by taking on an inn full of Lannister soldiers.
“I understand that if any more words come pouring out your c**t mouth, I’m going to have to eat every f**king chicken in this room.”
Of course, he didn’t do it all without a little help from Arya Stark, an excellent sparring partner both in and out of battle. The developing chemistry and character relationship between these two has been great to watch, and they were at their best here. Let’s hope the wolf and the hound stick together for a while to come! – Harri Sargeant
The Arya and Hound banter was what carried the later quarter of the show, but it was the episode’s closing moment that really illustrated how far the characters of Westeros have come since King Robert visited Winterfell. Witnessing the gruesome deaths of her father, mother and brother have certainly taken their toll on poor young Arya Stark – but she has survived the brutal times she finds herself in and is starting to emerge as a deadly warrior to rival the world’s most lethal.
“Something wrong with your leg, boy?”
Maisie Williams undeniably nails the scene in which her character finally gets a chance at some revenge. The bitterness and fury in her voice are plain to see, as Williams gives a performance so memorable that it has inspired both triumphant delight and serious concern from fans. It’s rare you see moments like this on television and, though they may be controversial, they only further reinforce George R. R. Martin’s place on the throne of thrilling television. – Harri Sargeant
When it was announced that Chilean actor, Pedro Pascal, was to play Oberyn Martell, A.K.A. “The Red Viper”, the news wasn’t met with enthusiastic, universal applause. Commentary ranged from “Pedro who?” to those questioning if a Hispanic actor was the right race for a Dornishman. After the series 4 debut episode, critics have been silenced. Pascal utterly owned the screen in every scene he was in. Starting from his first scene, the playful, and barely contained, lustful banter with Ellaria Sand, his mistress, was deftly crafted. Pascal said more with a raised eyebrow during the “sexposition” than with his words. Moments later, #RedViper was trending on Twitter.
“It’s not just the Lannisters who pay their debts.”
The ultimate pièce de résistance was how Pascal riveted the audience with the backstory of his late sister, Elia Martell. In the hands of a less accomplished actor, it would have been a dry recitation of long overdue exposition. With Pascal, the audience felt as though the events of a generation ago had just occurred. Book fans have been wringing their hands, desperately wondering if the story of the Martells, Rhaegar Targaryen, and Lyanna Stark was ever going to come to the forefront. Finally, there is a connection being made from the fallout from those relationships and the present-day turmoil. – Laura Byrne-Cristiano
Daenerys has always been a Queen of the people, liberating slaves and fighting tyranny wherever she goes. The evil powers-that-be in the city of Mereen tried to exploit this and warn her away with a chilling piece of villainy – by nailing dead children to wooden posts on every mile of her 163 mile journey. However, far from discouraging the mother of dragons, it only spurred her on further.
“I will see each and every one of their faces.”
After refusing the suggestion of burying the children before she could see them, Dany demanded that she be able to look upon the face of every fallen youth. The look of sheer fury and determination shows that she isn’t going to take this insult lightly, and if her exploits in season 3 are anything to go by – justice is going to be swift and unforgiving. We can’t wait. – Harri Sargeant
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A thorny start, a cold shoulder and a golden handshake….
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