‘Game of Thrones’ #ForTheThrone Countdown: “Baelor” (S1E9)

Previous Episode: “The Pointy End”

 

Episode: “Baelor” (Season 1, Episode 9)

Original Air Date: June 12, 2011

Director: Alan Taylor

 

Plot (via HBO)

Ned makes a fateful decision; Robb takes a prized prisoner; Dany finds her reign imperiled.

 

Best Moment: The death of Ned Stark

Many that didn’t read George R.R. Martin’s novels and headed into Game of Thrones without knowing anything might’ve thought Ned Stark would end up sitting on the Iron Throne. Even when Ned was brought out to answer to King Joffrey, most probably thought he would be getting out of the situation unscathed and maybe re-unite with Jon at Castle Black. Joffrey had other plans, acting against the wishes of his mother, wife-to-be, and everyone involved that didn’t think executing Ned was the right thing to do. Ned’s death leaves the audience in a state of shock, and it sets the standard of Game of Thrones being a show unlike any other.

 

Best Quote

“You think my life is some precious thing to me? That I would trade my honor for a few more years…of what? You grew up with actors. You learned their craft and you learnt it well. But I grew up with soldiers. I learned to die a long time ago.” – Ned Stark

 

Trivia (via IMDb)

The episode title refers to the Great Sept of Baelor, the main religious building in King’s Landing, where the pivotal scene (Eddard Stark’s execution) takes place.

 

Character Deaths

-Qotho

-Ned Stark

 

MVP: Robb Stark

Robb’s victory in the Battle of the Whispering Wood would’ve been the top moment if not for the death of his father later in the episode—one of the most shocking moments of the entire series. “The Young Wolf” played Tywin Lannister and then defeated Jaime Lannister in battle, showing that he was quickly becoming an excellent leader for the Northerners. Robb also didn’t let foolish pride get in the way when Jaime challenged him to a duel to decide the war, smartly responding: “If we do it your way, Kingslayer, you’d win. We’re not doing it your way.”

 

#ForTheThrone Moment: Ned Stark is executed

Game of Thrones is obviously filled with a number of truly shocking moments, many of which are done for the Throne. The stunning execution of the noble and loyal Ned Stark in the penultimate episode of Season 1 ranks near the top among the moments that changed the realm forever. Ned was the one that brought up questions about Joffrey Baratheon’s right to the Iron Throne, so King Joffrey decided to have Ser Ilyn Payne execute his biggest enemy in front of the people of King’s Landing, which he felt strengthened his hold on the Throne despite Robb Stark and the North already marching to the capital—and set to become even more determined for vengeance.

 

Inside The Episode