Game of Thrones’ third season aired in 2013. (same year Grand Theft Auto V came out) It earned universal acclaim from critics, fans and viewers alike. Season 3 was nominated for several awards at The Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild and The Emmys. House of the Dragons is now streaming on HBO Max. Before I watch the prequel show, I’m rewatching all eight seasons to refresh my memory.
This review contains no crucial SPOILERS. There will be plot points mentioned from a recap of Season 2. Tread carefully.
Positive & Negative Aspects
Positive: The Main Cast reprise their roles and they all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
David Benioff & D.B. Weiss both did an excellent job adapting the first half of “A Storm of Swords” into a ten-part story.
Ramin Djawadi (Iron Man, Westworld) orchestrated the music.
Death Scenes are brutal. If you have a weak stomach, be prepared. Bring yourself a barf bag.
Each character has a unique personality and background. Daenerys is my favorite character.
Cinematography captures in-depth imagery of Westeros’ mythology.
Visual and Practial Effects bring several elements to life.
Season 2 Recap
- Bran sees a future event.
- The Lannisters defend King’s Island against Stannis Baratheon’s army. An event called, “The Battle of Blackwater.”
- Catelyn assigns Brienne to take Jamie back to King’s Landing.
- Littlefinger crosses a line by killing an infant.
- Theon reunites with his father and meets his sister, Yara. He also crosses a line by burning two kids.
- The Hound quits during epic battle.
- Daenerys annihilates The Thirteen as retaliation for kidnapping her dragon. She frees many slaves. Sets sail to build an army.
- Jon didn’t have the guts to kill Ygritte. The former is captured by the latter’s group known as The Wildlings.
- Arya escapes a Lannister camp.
- Melisandre gives birth to a shadow monster. It murders Stannis’ brother, Renly.
- After Theon takes over Winterfell, Bran & Hodor flee.
- Tyrion barely survives the Battle of Blackwater leaving nothing but a scar on his face.
- Robb marries Talisa.
- Sam sees a zombie like army.
Primary Themes are Honor, Legacy, Tyranny, Revenge & Family. Each one is handled maturely.
Season 3’s ending sets up Season 4.
Negative: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the Cast & Crew an Extra Point for making a flawless season as possible.
Episode 21 – Valar Dohaeris
Robb locks somebody behind bars.
Jon is given an opportunity.
Daenerys sets sail to a city ooking for reinforcements. She meets a skilled fighter.
Episode 22 – Dark Wings, Dark Words
Bron has a vision. He meets two individuals.
Sansa meets Margaery’s grandmother, Olenna.
A piece of Jon’s past is brought up.
Theon has trouble a foot. you know what I mean.
Arya encounters a faction. She meets a familiar face.
A sword fight ensues.
Episode 23 – Walk of Punishment
Robb attends a funeral.
The Wildlings discover a “huge mess.”
Jamie suffers a “painful loss.”
Stannis‘ appearance his addressed.
Daenerys makes a risky deal to buy an army.
Episode 24 – And Now His Watch Is Ended
Varys talks about an pleasant moment from his past.
Theon reflects on his choices.
Daenerys does something awesome.
One scene contains a bloody massacre.
Jamie loses his touch.
Arya arrives at a new destination.
Episode 25 – Kissed by Fire
The Hound partakes in a one-on-one sword fight.
A royal wedding is discussed. I can’t tell you who’s getting married. You’ll have to see for yourself.
Jon “gets lucky.” Cue Daft Punk’s song “Get Lucky.”
Robb gives someone a “head’s up.”
Stannis talks about his sins.
Jamie & Brienne have a conversation.
Tywin gives orders to Tyrion & Cersei.
Episode 26 – The Climb
Episode 26’s title is obviously named after people climbing a wall. Thankfully, it has nothing to do with Miley Cyrus’ song.
Jon makes a promise.
Tyrion talks to Margarine.
Theon is forced to play a “game.”
Episode 27 – The Bear and the Maiden Fair
Theon’s “special weapon” is taken away.
Jon & Ygritte continue their trip on foot.
Robb & Talisa have a heartwarming scene.
Daenerys makes a deal with a slave owner.
Episode 28 – Second Sons
Hound takes Arya on a trip to reunite with her relatives.
Two people are married.
Gendry gets a nasty “love bite.”
Tyrion gives an unapologetic insult to the worst character. Guess who?
Daenerys recruits a warrior.
This episode’s ending is so intense.
Episode 29 – The Rains of Castamere
Arya & Hound attempt to sneak into The Red Wedding.
The Wildlings raid a place.
Jon engages in combat.
Bran displays his powers.
Coldplay drummer, Will Champion makes a cameo appearance as a drummer at The Red Wedding. I would assume Chris Martin and his bandmates are fans of Game of Thrones.
The Red Wedding is arguably Season 3’s signature scene. When I first saw it, I did not see that coming. It deserves Bonus Points as the series is known for being unpredictable.
Episode 30 – Mhysa
After the last episode’s shocking revelation, Hound & Arya retreat. We also witness a deadly scene.
The identity of the man who’s with Theon is revealed.
Sam & Gilly meet a small group of “travelers.”
Theon’s dad receives a “special package.”
Yara goes on a mission.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Game of Thrones’ third season is another flawless hit. If you’re new to George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Fire and Ice” or just the show, I strongly recommend all books and seasons.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 