‘Game of Thrones’ #ForTheThrone Countdown: “Valar Dohaeris” (S3E1)

Previous Episode: “Valar Morghulis”

 

Episode: “Valar Dohaeris” (Season 3, Episode 1)

Original Air Date: March 31, 2013

Director: Daniel Minahan

 

Plot (via HBO)

Season Three Premiere. Jon is tested by the wildling king; Tyrion asks for his reward; Dany sails into Slaver’s Bay.

 

Best Moment: Jon Snow meets Mance Rayder

As the supposed bastard son of Ned Stark, Jon Snow was always a bit of an outsider, so it’s no surprise he survives his encounter with the wildlings and is accepted by them. Mance Rayder clearly sees something in Jon, and the future King in the North’s answer to why he wants to join the wildlings is genuine the second time when he talks of wanting to stop the White Walkers—it remains Jon’s ultimate purpose throughout the years. The King-Beyond-the-Wall was different than Jon might have thought, and it was funny when he kneeled and called Tormund Giantsbane (this is the first time we meet him) “Your Grace.”

 

Best Quote

“King Robert is dead. I’ve been searching for you, Daenerys Stormborn, to ask for forgiveness. I was sworn to protect your family—I failed them… I am Barristan Selmy, Kingsguard to your father. Allow me to join your Queensguard, and I will not fail you again.” – Barristan Selmy to Daenerys Targaryen

 

Trivia (via IMDb)

This episode marks the introduction of a Low Valyrian language (sometimes just called “Valyrian” for short), spoken by Missandei and others in Slaver’s Bay. High Valayrian ceased to be a living language after the fall of Valyria four hundred years ago, and became a lore-language similar to Latin in Medieval Europe.

 

Character Deaths

-None

 

MVP: Barristan Selmy

In Season 1, Episode 8, “The Pointy End”, Barristan Selmy was removed from the Kingsguard by King Joffrey, and the experienced knight handled it with a calm fury and disgust—but we had not seen him since then. So when he arrived at the end of “Valar Dohaeris” to save Daenerys Targaryen’s life, it’s a big surprise and major potential addition for Dany. Not only did Ser Barristan save The Dragon Queen’s life, he offers his sword as a loyal protector, and there aren’t many better out there for that than him.

 

#ForTheThrone Moment: Ser Barristan saves Daenerys

Clearly, Ser Barristan was not happy about his forced retirement from the Kingsguard by King Joffrey, but he probably wasn’t too high on the rumored-pure-Lannister’s ability as King anyway. With Daenerys, the former Lord Commander had another opportunity to serve the Targaryens again, and to serve someone he truly believes in #ForTheThrone.

 

Inside The Episode