Game of Thrones (TV Series) The Wars to Come (2015) User Reviews

A solid start to Series Five

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 17 March 2016]

This, the first episode of the firth series opens with two young girls walking through the woods to a small shack where they find a woman; one of the girls demands that the woman tell her what will happen in her future. She is told that she will marry the king and have three children who will wear golden crowns and golden shrouds. It then becomes apparent that the girl was Cersei Lannister and she was recalling past events. With her powerful father dead she is certain that the family's enemies are just waiting for the right time to move against them.

Across the Narrow Sea Tyrion and Varys have reached Pentos; Varys still believes that Tyrion will have an important role ensuring that the right person ends up on the Iron Throne but Tyrion is just keen to be drunk. In Meereen things aren't going according to plan for Daenerys; one of the unsullied has been murdered while visiting a brothel and she is being petitioned to reopen the fighting pits where combatants would fight to the death; something she finds intrinsically offensive. If that weren't enough her dragons are growing even bigger and don't appear to be controllable.

At Castle Black Stannis asks Jon to persuade Mance Rayder to bend his knee and join his forces; Jon is convinced that Mance would rather die than bend his knee. Elsewhere Sansa and Lord Baelish are heading to somewhere far from the capital and Brienne is trying to get Pod to stop travelling with her.

While this wasn't as exciting as the previous episode it is still pretty solid; inevitably some time is spent reminding us what has been happening to some, but by no means all, the major characters. It also hints at many things to come; notably introducing a group known as the 'Sons of the Harpy'; a group opposed to Daenerys's rule, another religious group in King's Landing and having Stannis tell us of his plans to liberate the north then the rest of Westeros. This was all fairly interesting even though there wasn't much in the way of action. That isn't to say there was no action; the final scene showing Mance's execution was impressive as was the sight of the dragons, which have grown considerable since we last saw them. As expected the cast do a fine job; Peter Dinklage and Conleth Hill impressed in there scene together as Tyrion and Varys and Ciarán Hinds does a fine job depicting Mance Rayder as he prepares for his unpleasant death… he is a character who will be missed. Overall this episode got the fifth season off to a decent start; I look forward to seeing the rest of the season.

A decent if slightly underwhelming start

[hiren8484 · 7/10 · 24 April 2015]

I'm not one to expect a death/shock/twist every episode and can appreciate a slower more narrative approach in an episode, but this felt like neither and was more of a reflection on what has happened so far.

This reflection is felt by many of the characters after the last couple of episodes last season...it's not so much the hurt but rather the unknown and how many of these characters do not know how to move forward.

The most interesting scenes were played out at The Wall - with some great dialogue on pride vs. survival (I may have over simplified it here but it was quite powerful stuff, especially in how that climax played out). Also great was the scenes with Varys and Tyrion - this could have been played out with sympathy or regrets or feeling sorry but was very well shown by the main two leads. One of GOT's biggest strengths is the relationships between characters and this one should be great to see develop over the season.

In summary, a decent start but you do get the feeling that more is to come in the season!

Not remarkable, but good

[Leofwine_draca · 7/10 · 9 October 2020]

By the time of season 5, the best of GAME OF THRONES was in the past, at least in terms of season consistency (although the show would still go on to have some episodes which surpass the quality overall of earlier ones). Season 5 is one I remember as being particularly weak, at least early on, although this opening episode isn't too bad. I don't think the flashback at the start is a good idea, but the rest works very well. The scenes at Castle Black are particularly good when focusing on the new dynamics between Jon, Stannis, Alliser and Mance, and the new threat in Meereen has plenty of potential.

Good Table Setting

[Hitchcoc · 8/10 · 4 April 2016]

Every once in a while, all literature pauses and takes a breath. With something like this, with as many simultaneous stories as are here, it is good to see where everyone is at. For some there has been a period of time between watching episodes since some do not let a TV series, as fantastic as it is, rule their lives. Nearly all the participants are paused and put in their proper milieu. We see challenges ahead. John Snow continues to be put in positions of sever decision making. The Queen is even more vengeful, after the death of her father. She's smolders and we don't know how she will erupt (oops, mixed metaphor). Littlefinger is off to a place he never specifies with the kidnapped, but willing, heir to the throne. The Wildings are made to see a horror that can only make them more formidable in the future, even with the loss of their leader. And Dany has the dragons and her future in doubt. Sounds like fun times ahead.

What makes a king or a queen?

[sharky_55 · 12 April 2015]

Game of Thrones has one of the best intros in the business and it's a welcome sight after a long wait for season 5. Ramin Djawadi's opening theme cries epic, one that is impossible to get sick of, whether you are tuning in week in week out or settling in for a season marathon. It's great to see the Eyrie and Pentos back on the map, as well as Winterfell no longer burning, albeit being garrisoned by a less than admirable Bolton house.

We are presented with 3 major scenes from the get go; the 2 Lannister story lines, separated by the Narrow Sea, and Dany's reign in Meereen. The budget of GOT is evident by not only the Great Sept of Baelor which houses Tywin Lannister's dead body, but a very impressive special effects shot where the statue of Meereen tumbles down from the great pyramid. It signals a new era. Elsewhere both Varys and Cersei begin with very blunt dialogue. For Varys it's the least subtle he has been in the entire series, proclaiming his Targaryen loyalties immediately, while Cersei is presumably aware of Jaime's actions in freeing Tyrion. While Varys claims that Dany is stronger than Tommen and gentler than Stannis, Dany shows her immovable stance on slavery and the fighting pits in Meereen. It begs the question just how up to date Varys is with his protégée and if he is considering the wisdom of these potential rulers.

In a more intimate scene Daario and Dany discuss the many affairs of being a queen post coitus. It's a distinct contrast between the normal royal presence of Dany with her loud proclamations and gestures. For once Emilia Clarke's acting shows the subtleties of her character and the stress of being such a young queen. It's another facet of Dany which we have not seen for a long time.

The TV show equivalent of Stalwart Shield makes his first appearance in a memorable scene, the castrated Unsullied warrior paying a prostitute for a cuddle instead of the usual. It doesn't have quite the same impact here; taken out of its context of the paranoia and bloodshed of the Meereen war. It is instead used for the introduction of the Sons of Harpy, which is very effective, mostly due to the menacing gold mask. For those less attentive viewers there follows another scene where Missandei questions the motives of the late Unsullied. It is there to merely prop up the relationship angle of her and Grey Worm.

To be even more blunt, Gilly spells out Ser Alliser's hatred for wildlings in our first look at Castle Black on the Wall. Hannah Murray as Gilly manages to shed her naivety in the new season by pointing out that Sam cannot leave the Wall just to follow her. Even Jon Snow isn't the boy who knows nothing anymore; in fact he's one of the most experienced men at Castle Black in the wake of the wildling assault last season. And he isn't without sexual experience either, as Mel finds out with a very blunt question which signals her intentions quite clearly. It's a far cry from the mysterious red women, the dark magic user that Davos has been so concerned about.

It's great to see Robin Arryn all grown up, although his fan base (if it exists) won't be too eager about his swordsmanship. Even with his great name it's pretty clear that Littlefinger's focus is on the new and improved dark Sansa. Eugene Simon returns, although barely recognisable, as Lancel Lannister, a new servant of the Seven. His father as Kevan Lannister is also returning as a ruling presence in King's Landing. Time will tell what effect they have on Cersei, in addition to the Tyrell influence of Loras and newly crowned queen Margaery.

The episode ends with Mance Rayder being burned alive, which is never pretty. It's a grim conclusion to the start of a grim season. While Dolorous Edd stands next to Jon Snow, two figures in Pip and Grenn have already departed. It's ambiguous what everyone thinks of Mance being made an example of in front of the wildlings, but for one exception; Jon, who takes pity and ends his life prematurely with an arrow through the heart. Amidst all the chaos of season 5, he will look to be firm and just. It's those qualities that are often attributed to kings, one of which is standing nearby as a free man burns. What is Stannis' next move? That and many more questions will be answered in the next 10 weeks.

The Wars to Come. S5 EP1 review

[mohammedadallawati · 9/10 · 29 March 2023]

Soundtrack : (9.1/10) Dialogue : (8.9/10) Story : (8.5/10) Cinematography : (9.2/10) Character Development : (8.9/10) Conflict : (9/10) Excitement : (8.3/10) Reasonableness : (8.5/10) Overall : (8.8/10)

Pros :

• the flashback scene was good and interesting. It explains many of Cersei's actions as she is afraid of the prophecy becoming true.

• Tywin's funeral scene was equally good.

• we meet the Sons Of The Harpy. A fine set up to this conflict. Especially that this conflict deals with killing and murder unlike all previous conflicts in Mereen.

• Sam and Gilly's scene was nice. Ole training is nice as well. Stannis's meeting with Jon is even better.

• We meet Ser Kevan and Lancel again. We get introduced to the high sparrows and the faith of the seven setting up a new conflict in Kingslanding.

• Tyrion and Varys's scene was great. We finally know their next destination.

-Mance's death was amazing. The best scene in this episode. Such an interesting character. Jon Snow saving him from suffering was great.

Cons :

• Loras's scene with Ollivar was dull. Although Margery's talk was good.

• Daenerys's scene with Daario was mehh...

• Cersei's flashback is inaccurate and is changed from the books.

Basement for the season is constructed

[seshasai-tris · 9/10 · 12 April 2015]

This story starts from where it left, Tyrion coming out of the Wooden box, Cersei and Jamie feeling differently about Tyrion and their father's death. Everything expected happens to Mance Rayder, as John plays a sitting duck in settling the truce. I don't seem to fancy Khaleesi and the charmer Daario Naharis' relationship. It only weaken's the Dragons' Mother's charismatic character. (Probably that's the writers' intent).

'Littlefinger' Baelish and Lord Varys get a little more important in this one.

Overall it's a great episode, the next one should be about Arya Stark.

My Rating - 9/10 -------------------------------

Game of thrones directors have unique way of filming and showing the content. They film episodes in tandem and in parallel, showing say 3 stories in one episode and another 3 stories in next episode. This makes the show riveting and fresh and very new scene is about another character. ------------------

The Epic Saga Returns

[Harun_Karali · 9/10 · 12 April 2015]

GoT is back, And it has not fallen in quality as the producers go out of there way, As we see monuments falling of pyramids and almost full grown dragons. I think what I admire about this show is that there is dialog in every episode that is better then the previous, As in this particular episode it was "Man or woman, Young or old, Lord or peasant. Our choices are the same. We choose light or we choose darkness."

I think the highlight of the episode was Daenerys, The Mother Of Dragons trembled at the sight of what her "kids" had turned into, Monsters seems like a suitable word as any. Emilia Clarke plays both a powerful and at the same time innocent character quite nicely, And Daenerys is a strong candidate to take the iron throne.

Good souls are still amongst the living, dwindling the number might be

[quincytheodore · 8/10 · 12 April 2015]

More than a few characters suffer from the patricide of last season. Strangely, Tyrion suffers the most while Cersei seems numbed by the whole ordeal. Despite being in mental slump, it is rather surprising to see that he lands in an exotic place. Lord Varys also accompanies him, he invests so much on Tyrion's survival and although he describes his intention in flowery words, there's always a lingering sense that ulterior motive still resides.

The first episode sets a good tone for many characters, but bulk of it is spent on Daenerys and Jon Snow. After conquering and liberating cities and its occupants, Daenerys finds that the task of keeping the peace could be even harder. Some opposition force stalk her and her people from shadow, this time she can't sic mercenaries or dragons at them. It's an interesting part of her character as she puts a brave front as queen and can still be fragile at times, the show continuously uses this contrasting values as allure.

Jon Snow rebuilds the wall, he's in a strange yet serendipitous position between Stannis and Mance. The two strong personalities are clashing, it seems that after scraping and resorting to dubious means for the better half of the series Stannis has become a force to reckon with. The North now is a momentary home for several armies, coalition or collision could spark at any moment since Stannis has bigger ambition and needs resource for that cause.

A few other characters make a brief yet notable appearances. While the episode doesn't show much, it's still nice to see them, all breathing and such. The series has high production value, and the fifth season is no different. The stages are beautiful to behold and a couple of spectacles are nothing short of breathtaking. Costume and setting have been polished for medieval, desert and winter style respectively, although I'm not a fans of Tyrion's beard.

Alliances, though they are uncanny, might be forged. The prospect of the bonds, as well as the characters who might share them, are fascinating hook for episodes to come.

'The Wars To Come' - Excellent opener for the new season

[yelmer_motmans · 10/10 · 13 April 2015]

Season 5 of the highly anticipated TV-series 'Game of Thrones' starts quite macabre. We see a young Cersei, visiting a fortune teller. Cersei asks for her future but she doesn't get the answers the expected to get. Then we see her in a wagon, riding to the Sept of Baelor. There she says goodbye to her father, who recently passed away. She blames her brother for this. Later, we see Tyrion arriving in Pentos. There's nothing really important about the scene, but Tyrion's acting there was entertaining. We go to Meereen, where an unsullied is killed by a Son of the Harpy. This already sets the tone for the new season! It's starting to get intense. We move on to Sansa, who's watching Robyn's stumbling training. Littlefinger is up to something and we badly want to know want. And then, her way crosses with Brienne of Tarth. I am curious how that will play out. Normally I am not a fan of the Wall but Stannis's presence really makes it interesting. The scenes at the Wall might be the best thing about this episode! Later, we see another scene of our beloved Queen of Dragons. She shares the bed with Daario Naharis and she visits her 'angry' dragons again. Beautiful scene! Cersei also sees Kevan Lannister and his son, Lancel Lannister again. This was the surprise of the episode. What a metamorphose.. And he doesn't seem to be the clumsy boy anymore…

What did I like about this episode + The prophecy flashback: Good way to start with Cersei's arc, which might be the central arc of this season + Meereen: Great scenes (Dragons, Harpy is taken down, Throat slit of the unsullied man). + The Wall: The execution scene of Mance Rayder (really intense!) + Littlefinger's plan: What is he up to?

What did I not like about this episode: Brienne and Podrick scene was boring and not necessary Tyrion and Varys scene: quite boring. Nice to see that Varys finally lays his cards on the table!

Overall result: 8,5/10 'The Wars to Come' is in my opinion the best season premiere yet. It begins with a 'small' BOOM.

Bend the Knee

[dannylee-78082 · 7/10 · 2 March 2022]

1. Tyrion gets out 2. Dragons are mad at Daenerys 3. Mance burns...or not

Pilots mostly have been lackluster in comparison to other episodes in GoT (with the exception of the very first pilot). However, I think this is one of the better pilots. Good setup for what's to come. The connection between Daenerys and Westeros about to happen WITH the involvement of Tyrion who now has all the reason to help Daenerys. Good conclusion with the wildling invasion. I still struggle to see how Mance was so easily captured with an army of 100k. I guess we could only assume that after Mance and the leaders were captured, they disbanded. A little bit of a disappointing end to the feared march of wildlings, but I supposed the real threat - the White Walkers - are still on the horizon.

I guess these questionable moments are harder to avoid as the story piles on and develops. Despite them, I still enjoyed this episode and will go for more for this insatiable GoT-infested mind of mine.

The everlasting replacement process of key characters!!

[elo-equipamentos · 8/10 · 26 December 2022]

Among many shortest sequences split in the episode, three draw my attention, firstly the whereabouts of the Kingslayer Tyrion Lannister who ends up at an port full safe at Pentos aided by Varys who has policy intentions over the future of the drunkard and prickly dwarf in near future.

At Meereen Daenerys is in trouble with the sudden murder of one Unsullied due he pays a visit of the brothel, something forbidden to them, also appears a petitioning about the comeback of fighting against free men, Daenarys refuses due it was a slave mortal games, otherwise will be the return of the primitive habits.

The mainly fact comes across at Castle Black where the King Stannis already receives the new about the death of the leader Tywn Lannister, in absence of it he decides be the right time to trigger a war, he asking for Jon Snow convinces the adamant Mancy Rayder kneel down at King Stannis and gather all savage tribes to fight for Stannis, what goes against his own principles, he denied under pain of death, whatever it may be.

Sadly along the series were losing many key characters, each season one here one there and the producers will making an everlasting replacing process, most probable it seems be the hidden secret of so undeniable success of the series.

Thanks for reading.

Resume:

First watch: 2022 / How many: 1 / Source: Blu-Ray / Rating: 8.5.

After Several Months, Disappointing Beginning of Season

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 12 April 2015]

Cersei comes to the funeral of her father Tywin Lannister and blames her brother Jaime for his death. Tyrion arrives at his destination transported in a wooden box and Lord Varys discloses that Jaime had asked him to save his brother. White Rat is murdered in a brothel and Daenerys asks Grey Warm to find the killer. She visits her dragons in the dungeons but they do not respect her. Jon Snow is training a teenager, but Melisandre brings him to talk to Stannis Baratheon. He assigns Snow to convince Mance Rayder to bend his knees for him and make his people fight with his army. Will Mance accept the deal?

After several months waiting for the return of "Game of Thrones", the beginning of this season is disappointing. There is nothing important in this episode showing a total lack of inspiration of the writers and director. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "The Wars to Come"

In my opinion, wrong way to start the new season of the "best show ever"

[seb-chovi-man · 5/10 · 12 April 2015]

I'm just going to get it out of the way: yes, I have read the books. Yes, I prefer them to the show. But still, I understand that the books cannot be adapted word by word into a TV show. And still, WHAT THE HELL WAS THIS EPISODE?

Can anybody answer me this: WHAT HAPPENED? I mean, storyline wise, WHAT HAPPENED?

I have an answer: NOTHING. Nothing happened in this episode. Nothing of relevance. The only thing was the ending, where something actually did happen. But otherwise? Nothing at all happened. It was like "oh look, there is Cersei. Oh look, there is Tyrion. Oh look, that's Tywin corpse." And? "Nothing, there they are. You missed them, didn't you?"

OK, so you might say: this is the "the-board-is-set" episode, where they hint at us what could happen in the next. BUT NO. None of the scenes in this episodes where of any relevance. This episode might have been a "webisode" and it would have worked so much better. Because, you know what? They say this is the best series ever. The best series ever contains ten episodes per season. And they spend one of those ten on this?

On another subject: Weiss and Benioff stated that they broke their rule of "no-flashbacks" because it would work. Well guess what? IT DID NOT. That useless scene of Cersei's flashback omitted the only reason of it's existence: (yes, as a person who has read the books, I'm going to say it) SPOILER ALERT!

So, Maggy (the witch) tells Cersei "you will not wed a prince, but a king". We know what she meant: she would not marry Rhaegar Targaryen, but Robert Baratheon. She tells her "your husband will have 20 children, you will have three". We also know what that meant: Robert had many bastards, and Cersei had three illegitimate children. She also tells her "you will be queen for a while, but then a younger one will come". Yes, we also know what that meant: she's the queen, and then along comes Margery. We all know these because all of it are stated facts in the TV Show. We have seen them. SO WHAT WAS THE BLOODY POINT IN OMITTING THE OTHER THING MAGGY TELLS CERSEI?! WE ALREADY KNEW ALL OF THAT SHE TOLD HER!!! What was the point in not-showing that Cersei also asks Maggy how is she going to die?! Because, evidently, that's something we, the viewers, don't know!!! I hope they add THAT part in future episodes, because otherwise, I go back to my main point: in these episode absolutely nothing happened. Every scene was just a "fill-in" scene.

What a terrible way to start the new season....

Who Said Anything About Him?

[ThomasDrufke · 8/10 · 12 April 2015]

I really like that not only did I feel a tremendous amount of tension in 'The Wars to Come', but we picked up where each character left off. It served as a nice bridge from season 4's epic finale to the inevitably crazy season 5. Luckily we got at least one scene with every major character, as the first episode of each season usually does, so I immediately felt like Game of Thrones never left.

We began tonight with our first true flashback sequence involving Cersei. From what I hear this season will have plenty more flashbacks so I look forward to possibly seeing old characters come back or just younger version of characters who we already know. We did see one last glimpse of Tywin, who lays dead with fake eye balls. I found it fitting that they went right from that scene to Tyrion's eyes looking through the box on the ship. Tyrion is liking going down a darker path this year, but knowing there's a possibility of him meeting up with Daenerys is all the more intriguing. Speaking of her, not sure how much I like the relationship with Naharis as i'm definitely missing Jorah's presence.

Jon Snow is having a rough time dealing with his new life with the 'King's presence and Melisandre's increasingly creepy seductiveness. The death of Rayder clearly had an impact on him and I can definitely see conflict rising between Snow and Baratheon in the future. Brienne gave us a good short scene where yet again we have a close encounter with a Stark. I haven't read the books but can there really be this many 'almost' meetings between characters who are looking for each other? Daenerys tried to 'tame' her dragons at the end, and it sure seemed like this wont be the end of that particular conflict. From the trailers alone we see her dragons disobeying her so we may finally get the dragon violence and action that everyone has been craving. So tonight's episode did just about everything right in it's hope to build the tension with all the characters and future story lines. Let the wars begin.

+Tyrion meeting Daenerys?

+Enter the dragons

+Feel the tension

+Brienne is always BA

-Close encounters

-Naharis

8.6/10

A Very Assured and Confident Opener.

[EnglishWuTangDisciple · 10/10 · 17 April 2015]

MAJOR BOOK SPOILERS BELOW!

Game of Thrones Premieres are always hindered by the fact that they have a lot of characters to catch up with and a lot of new characters to introduce. This episode was thankfully astute enough to not include every principle character and to not introduce any new ones (Dorne will be visited in episode 2) making it stand out from previous premieres that jump around too much.

Already in the 1st episode you can see the things David and Dan have been talking about during the press tour. The episode does indeed, include the 1st flashback scene in the show's history, story lines that take characters on alternate routes to get to where they are in the books and the death of a character who lives past this point in the books. From this episode you can already see the season set up for many of the main characters, which is the hallmark of a great premiere.

From the flashback you can already see the war that will play out between Cersei and Margaery that is the defining storyline of A Fest For Crows. Margaery's scene with Loras set up this war of noble women further and alluded to scheming from Margaery that wasn't present in the book. The reintroduction of the now religiously fanatical Loras foreshadows the role religion is going to play in this rivalry also.

The Tyrion and Varys scenes were brilliant and more importantly than revealing Varys' motives, revealed that Aegon has been cut and his story has melded with Daenerys'.

The brief scene between Sam and Gilly set up Jon Snow becoming Lord Commander and Sam's role in enabling this because Sam now has a motive to empower a Lord Commander that is sympathetic to the Wildlings rather than the Wildling hate Alliser Thorne. This episode makes it clear that Jon would be one such Lord Commander because not only did the episode briefly hint at Melisandre's fascination with him and her subsequent prophecy, but it also foreshadowed his plans to incorporate the Wildlings into the Nights Watch and his eventual but dubious demise. Davos' observation about Jon's burial of Ygritte and Jon's mercy killing of Mance set this up nicely.

With Daenerys it's clear that they're going off book in regards to her connection to Tyrion and other matters. However, there is subtle foreshadowing of events that happen to her in the books. The introduction of The Sons of The Harpy and the reintroduction of Hizdahr provide this. It's clear that Daenerys will be in a season long conflict with this group and the main foreshadowing in relation this, comes from Hizdahr's lines about compromise, ruling happy rather than angry subjects and respecting traditions. From this it's clear that Daenerys will lose this conflict and be forced to compromise with the Sons by marrying Hizdahr (Which she does in the books) a man of the Sons culture, showing that she respects their traditions and making them happier in the process.

It's quite obvious that the Littlefinger and Brienne stories are going off book. However, the episode does suggest that Sansa and Littlefinger are going North so that Littlefinger can control the North through Sansa's heritage.

Ultimately, the title of The Wars To Come is very appropriate as the wars between Stannis and Roose, Cersei and Margaery and Daenerys and The Sons Of The Harpy were all set up. This premiere had great acting, writing, foreshadowing, sex and violence making it a masterful season opener.

A slightly slow start

[IamInge · 8/10 · 21 July 2019]

The episode starts off well, but to me it doesn't really pick up enough speed. I find it a good, but not great start of the new season.

show does something IMMENSELY right

[RavenGlamDVDCollector · 9/10 · 14 June 2020]

As RavenGlamDVDCollector, I am not really here for the story, No, I am that pseudo stage-door-Johnny bringing flowers for the actresses. But I must speak up, give credit where credit is also due.

Much of my contributions for IMDb is usually before having seen the entire episode, and I noticed that other reviewer going "disappointing start, nothing significant happens" and at about midway, I kinda saw it was down from the previous season, thought this bit of me having jumped (however belatedly) onto the GAME OF THRONES bandwagon, full fury and throng, well, now it's past the apex anyway, like other reviewers say, bah...

Fortunately though, turns out, not the case...

This show does something IMMENSELY right. Look, I'm here for the actresses. I joined up for the beauty of Emilia Clarke. GAME OF THRONES was suggested to me by a friend who showed me a sneak preview in the knowledge I'd flip my lid. You get the picture, I'm sure you do.

But I've recently had one of my few deviations in my reviews when I praised Peter Dinklage's performance in that episode last season, his confrontation in court with Tywin. I've just realized that something similar happened here. This is all about respect.

Mance Rayder wasn't even that much liked by myself up till now, but I'm glad to report that on a freezing cold winter's morning (I call it my GAME OF THRONES Winter Is Coming The Wall Sensurround), here I sit with tears in my eyes. Like Ser Allister, when the chips were down, this guy really showed how to fly the flag.

You will have to watch for yourself. I'm not giving the outcome away.

A powerful word is invoked here. Respect. This show, through sparse scenes with a vast multitude of characters, achieves greatness beyond what I could possibly convey. These characters, whether good or bad, that doesn't matter... They're destined to be immortal legends in this modern classic.

Coming from me, here for the actresses, much, much impressed by these stellar performances, this is the HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.

So scr*w the other reviewer... :)

Literature vs The Series

[ZeTomes · 8/10 · 14 April 2015]

I couldn't care less if the Series is diverging from the Literature: the books are not canonical texts (neither I would bother if they were); I couldn't care less about disputing which one is the chosen one: the source will always be the "best" because it was the first and it's the basis for the inspiration... well, that's subjective, but hey... I couldn't care less!

We readers and viewers have to understand that one thing is a book, another thing is an audiovisual work. Both have merits on their own and both use different languages to speak for themselves. What comes first comes first, but I couldn't care less. After all the author is blessing the series, even directing some episodes, and he is all smiles about its route, so... why whining?

What matters for me is quality, its juice - narrative with excellence. A story with layers and layers of reviving itself from the ashes, the mighty test of enduring when being hammered in flames, the plausibility of a character's metamorphosis (our own in life), the prevailing string of a persona's charisma: Shakespearean political plots vs. Humanism.

That's what you will find in this episode. Forget about hysterical plot turmoils, Hollywood agendas and frantic compasses. You'll only find a solid narrative with delightful clues for the "Wars to Come". When you reaffirm the protocols of seeing good old "Game of Thrones" again and for the 5th time the episode has already finished leaving you with a watery eye. Son of a...!

The Outcome of War and the Wars to Come

[SpoodermanDerp · 8/10 · 13 April 2015]

"The Wars to Come" is indeed a massive setup for the wars and events to come in this season. A lot of characters are about to meet and a lot of stronger forces are about to compete for the throne. Yet another season arrives, and this kicks it all off.

The episode starts off with a flashback regarding Cersei eager to find out about her future and of course gets what she bargained for. It's a strong flashback that adds more depth and development to Cersei's current character in the show. The episode also instantly follows the events of the previous season and it instantly shows their outcome to the different characters throughout the kingdom. We also get to see Tyrion with Varys and their conversations together have always proved to be interesting throughout the seasons so it was entertaining to see them together again. It was also exciting that we finally get a Daenerys and Tyrion storyline crossover and it would be nice to see both of my favorite story lines to intertwine. Meanwhile at the Wall where Stannis now resides. Jon Snow is troubled as Stannis wants the help of the Wildling army to march into Winterfell and gives them a more than fair offer in return as long as Mance kneels down to him. In the end, a tense situation was brought upon Mance and audiences alike whether he would rather kneel or burn. He did not kneel and was steadfast in his decision, that was until the fire wavered upon him and Jon ended his despair with a shot of an arrow. Meanwhile with the Daenerys storyline, a masked man had murdered one of her men and she sought out to find the culprit. Dany seem to have been having a lot of trouble since the previous season, so she ought to reclaim her authority with her dragons which she locked up for about 1 season. In a big surprise, the dragons seemed to have despised her for locking them up and are furious at her. The problems and inconveniences seem to be stacking up in Dany's part and there's bound to be more. Let's just hope Tyrion fixes some of those problems when he arrives. The visuals were still looking classy and incredible and the dialogue and acting were still game of thrones standards

As a setup, it sure did promise a whole lot to happen in this season and I hope it to be right. There's bound to be more deaths and shocking moments and for that I'm very excited for. +Cersei Flashback, +Outcome of Season 4, +A promising setup, +Stannis and Jon, +Tyrion and Dany, +Intense moments,

Verdict: 8.3/10

the prophecy

[Kirpianuscus · 12 May 2019]

The young Cersei front to a witch. And Jon giving the peace to Mance. The desire of Stannis. And the dark misteries from Meereen. An episode about the future. But the words of witch are real significant for define Cersei preocupation for power. Not as ambition only but as way for survive.

The fifth season of Game of Thrones begins like a fairy tale.

[punch87 · 6/10 · 13 November 2019]

The sets feel larger, the costumes more ornate, the CGI more detailed and definitely more prevalent. It seems Game Of Thrones grows bigger and better with every passing year.

Sets up what is to come quite effectively

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 14 February 2018]

Came to 'Game of Thrones' fairly late in the game and due to being so busy the binge-watching was gradual. Have found myself truly loving the show, very quickly becoming one of my favourites. It totally lives up to the hype and not only does it do the brilliant source material justice (a rarity in television) it is on its own merits one of the finest, most addictive and consistently compelling shows in recent years and quality-wise it puts a lot of films in recent years to shame.

"The Wars to Come", while not living up to the previous season's finale "The Children", is a very promising start for Season 5. It is not the most dramatic, action-packed, story-advancing or most emotion-filled of episodes, instead going the slower, more reflective and intimate approach. This is not a problem because, although some may disagree, 'Game of Thrones' has shown numerous times that it does these types of episodes excellently.

Some characters are better developed than others, Tyrion continues to have plenty of meat to him and is getting more fascinating with each episode. Am also really appreciating Cersei getting more development and becoming more prominent. Sansa is rather bland though.

The episode does a great job beginning where the previous season left off, reminding us of what happened and sets things up for what is to follow. There is not a massive amount in terms of character progression however, though it's certainly evident if not quite deep enough, and other episodes have done better in moving things forward.

'Game of Thrones' has always been strong when it comes to acting and "The Wars to Come" is not an exception. Peter Dinklage can do no wrong, he is a fan favourite for great reason, and Lena Headey, Aidan Gillen and Emilia Clarke also do a huge amount with their characters.

Visually, "The Wars to Come" looks amazing, as one would expect for 'Game of Thrones'. The scenery is throughout spectacular, the sets are hugely atmospheric and beautiful on the eyes with a real meticulous eye for detail and the costumes suit the characters to a tee. The make-up is beautifully done. The visual effects are some of the best of any television programme and are not overused or abused, the scale, the detail and how they actually have character and soul are better than those in a lot of the big-budget blockbusters. As well the cinematography and editing, which are cinematic quality as well.

One cannot talk about "The Wars to Come" without mentioning the thematically, orchestrally and atmospherically multi-layered music scoring and the unforgettable main theme. Again, worthy of a high-budget fantasy/action/drama film.

It is hard not to be bowled over by the quality of the writing, outstanding isn't a strong enough adjective to describe how good the writing is once again. It always has a natural flow, is layered and thought-provoking and demonstrates a wide range of emotions. The story is still riveting, even with the quieter and slower approach to the storytelling, and has enough passion and sensitivity.

Overall, promising start to Season 5. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Not A Bad Episode

[Rainey-Dawn · 7/10 · 17 September 2018]

Season 5, episode 1. Tyrion and Varys arrive at Pentos - Varys wants Tyrion to met and talk with Daenerys Targaryen. Cersei and Jaime talk - and he admits he set Tyrion free. The Red Woman arrives at the Black Castle and brings Jon Snow to Stannis who is now running the area with his army and wants the Wildlings to join his army to take Winterfell. Littlefinger and Sansa head to Yohn Royce's place, they get there and end up leaving Robin with him. Loras and Margaery speak of his marriage to Cersei - they are no longer forced to marry since Tywin is dead - but will they marry?

7/10

What a boring mess

[jamesgarbutt · 4/10 · 13 April 2015]

Warning, major spoilers to follow, if you haven't read the books, do NOT read this.

After completely cutting Lady Stoneheart and adding meaningless, out of place scenes to the finale of the previous season I was quite wary with the premiere of this one. People who have read the books will agree that introducing Lady Stoneheart was the perfect cliffhanger for "A storm of swords", but she was cut from the series, even though she plays a major role in the book which season 5 is based on.

I can see how, maybe postponing her appearance might help the show, but why are they then premiering the new season with meaningless dialog, and outright stupid changes to the story?

Why are we seeing Tyrion in the first episode? he adds nothing of value to it, his dialog with Varys is completely meaningless, and it seems as though they just shoehorned Tyrion and Varys into this episode because they're among the most popular characters. Also, by showing Tyrion we lose the mystery of the books, not knowing where he is, Cersei growing more paranoid by the day, burning down the tower of the hand in the process.

We also get to see Dany, who also doesn't really add anything to the story, she sits on her throne and has some guy come in and ask to open up some fight club or whatever, I wasn't even paying attention at this point. Then she goes down to see her dragons, they're pretty mad at her. Alright, so.. what was the point in showing Dany now? She adds nothing to the story, literally nothing, we just see exactly what happened last season, she's left her dragons in a cellar, and now they're mad at her.

At this point my jaw is almost dislocated from yawning so much, but hey here's Jon, surely this must be good right?

Yeah, it's alright. We see Mance get burned and Jon shoots him to show him mercy. No complaints about this scene, there's some trivial changes but hey, I don't really care about those.

So all in all, it's a boring mess of filler dialog, with too much show time given to the actors with the highest salary, all for the purpose of "Hey look, it's Tyrion guys! you love Tyrion, right?"

The creators of the show have changed so many things from the books, almost abandoning them, to the point where it is spiraling out of a control and turning into a complete mess. They should have stuck to copying the books.