Newly released synopses for the first four episodes of Game of Thrones season 4 set up the major players in this deadliest of games.
HBO has released the episode synopses for Game of Thrones season 4, rounding out the information gleaned from the episode titles revealed earlier this week. The network has also released an overall summary for the season as a whole.
The bulk of the action in Game of Thrones season 4 is inspired by the back half of A Storm of Swords by George RR Martin, the third book in his Song of Ice and Fire series. But even fans who have read the books may be surprised by just how much excitement and intrigue will be packed into this new season.
Encouraged by the Red Wedding slaughter in the Riverlands that wiped out many of their Stark nemeses, the Lannisters’ hold on the Iron Throne remains intact… but can they survive their own egos, as well as new and ongoing threats from the south, north and east? While an unbowed Stannis Baratheon continues to rebuild his army in Dragonstone, a more immediate danger comes from the south, as Oberyn Martell, the Lannister-loathing “Red Viper of Dorne,” arrives at King’s Landing to attend Joffrey’s wedding to Margaery Tyrell, and perhaps act on an ulterior agenda. In the north, a depleted Night’s Watch seems overmatched against the inexorable Wall advances of Mance Rayder’s army of wildlings, which in turn is being trailed by an even more formidable foe: the undead White Walkers. As if that weren’t enough, Daenerys Targaryen, accompanied by her menacing trio of dragons and army of Unsullied, is poised to liberate Meereen, the largest city in Slaver’s Bay, which could ultimately provide her with enough ships to sail to Westeros and reclaim the Iron Throne.
Whew. It looks like many characters may not have a moment to breathe in Game of Thrones season 4 – assuming they are still lucky enough to be breathing all.
The individual episode synopses offer coy (and occasionally foreboding) hints as to dramatic events of the season.
“Two Swords:”
Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) welcomes a guest to King’s Landing. At Castle Black, Jon Snow (Kit Harington) finds himself unwelcome. Dany (Emilia Clarke) is pointed to Meereen, the mother of all slave cities. Arya (Maisie Williams) runs into an old friend.
“The Lion and the Rose:”
Tyrion lends Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) a hand. Joffrey (Jack Gleeson) and Margaery (Natalie Dormer) host a breakfast. At Dragonstone, Stannis (Stephen Dillane) loses patience with Davos (Liam Cunningham). Ramsay (Iwan Rheon) finds a purpose for his pet. North of the Wall, Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright) sees where they must go.
“Breaker of Chains:”
Tyrion ponders his options. Tywin (Charles Dance) extends an olive branch. Sam (John Bradley) realizes Castle Black isn’t safe, and Jon proposes a bold plan. The Hound (Rory McCann) teaches Arya the way things are. Dany chooses her champion.
“Oathkeeper:”
Dany balances justice and mercy. Jaime tasks Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) with his honor. Jon secures volunteers while Bran, Jojen (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), Meera (Ellie Kendrick) and Hodor (Kristian Nairn) stumble on shelter.
Sounds like a party.
Speaking of parties, the new mixtape “Catch the Throne,” based on the first three seasons of Game of Thrones, hit SoundCloud today, providing an instant playlist for fans planning Thrones-themed celebrations for the new season.
Game of Thrones season 4, episode 1, “Two Swords,” will premiere on April 6 at 9:00 p.m. on HBO.