Game of Thrones (TV Series) Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things (2011) User Reviews

Little happens in an interesting way

[Tweekums · 9/10 · 3 August 2015]

Having settled in at King's Landing Ned Stark is starting to look into what his predecessor was doing shortly before his death; a search that takes him to the king's illegitimate son and to a book listing the high-born of Westeros, their children and what they look like. While there are no revelations it is clear that if the wrongs truths are exposed his life will be in danger. At The Wall Jon Snow is settling into his training and stands up for new recruit Samwell Tarly; a fat lad who is frightened of everything… this leads to a speech Ser Alliser Thorne about what they can expect north of the wall went winter comes. Over the sea Viserys Targaryen makes the mistake of striking his sister and learns she will not be dominated by him anymore.

In many ways this is an episode where not much really happens; it is however a series of interesting scenes that hint at things to come or tell us more about the characters. We learn why Theon Greyjoy lives with the Starks in a brief but interesting scene and Alliser Thorne's speech to Jon and Sam tells us just how bad winter can be… something we will no doubt see at some point in the series. We see that there are strong women in the story in a couple of great scenes; first when Daenerys stands up to her brother and tells Jorah Mormont that her brother will never sit on the Iron Throne and then when Catelyn Stark has Tyrion Lannister arrested; Emilia Clarke and Michelle Fairley are great in these roles. This is counterbalanced by a delightful scene between Ned and his daughter Arya where he makes it clear what is expected of her as a young woman… things that are of no interest to her. There isn't much in the way of action but as the tournament gets underway a jousting accident leads to one of the series most disturbing deaths to date as a knight gurgles blood after taking a lance to the throat. Overall yet another solid episode.

Two Great Women

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 14 April 2014]

Daenerys and Viserys Targaryen have an argument and Viserys hits his sister. However she reacts and tells him that he will lose his hands if he strikes her again. Tyrion Lannister visits Bran at Winterfell and has a cold reception by Robb Stark. The cynical dwarf gives the design of a special saddle for Bran so that he can ride again. The fat and coward Samwell Tarly joins the Night's Watch and is bullied by the other recruits, but Jon Snow protects him. In King's Landing, Ned investigates the death of Jon Arryn and discovers that he was reading a book. Littlefinger sits side by side with Sansa in the tournament and tells the story of two brothers to her. Catelyn and Rodrik Cassel are having lunch in a inn and they have an unexpected encounter with Tyrion.

"Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things" has two great moments promoted by two women: the first when Daenerys unexpectedly reacts to her brother's aggression and imposes her position of queen; the second, in the very end, when Catelyn summons her acquaintances in the inn to arrest Tyrion. The rest of the episode is development of characters and situations. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things"

Very Interesting Episode!

[g-bodyl · 9/10 · 30 May 2015]

This is the fourth episode of the first season of Game of Thrones. It is another great episode and it has a spectacular ending involving Tyrion Lannister and Lady Catelyn. The show moves along at its own pace and it can drag at times, but this episode is mainly politics and an investigation of some sort. We need to understand the background story before we can delve deep into the action.

In this episode, "Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things," Ned begins his investigation of Jon Arryn's death and he learns some interesting things about Jon. Jon Snow befriends a bumbling man named Sam who is forced to join the Night Watch. Sansa refuses to speak to her father and Arya begins her sword lessons. Overseas, Daenarys shows her brother she can also exercise some authority.

Overall, this is a really good episode. It may be light on the action, but the tension and intrigue remains very high. I loved the ending and I wonder how they will move forward from here on out.

My Grade: A

Tyrion Time

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 17 April 2015]

These little reviews are hard because of the number of characters that are wending their way to the unknown. The plotting is superb. We have strong women, strong men, powerless women, and powerless men. We start with Bran having a dream that he is following a raven which has three eyes. When he awakens, he goes to court and finds that Tyrion has figured a way to get him on a horse, using the proper prosthetics. We return to John, who is fighting every day, teaching a group of ineffectual men to be soldiers (or should we say, cannon fodder). We meet a new character, Samwell Tarley, who has been disowned by his father who hopes he will die in battle. John sees in him a brother in arms (he is actually the opposite, a coward, afraid of heights, and so on). We are introduced to the joust where a knight is horribly killed. There is more intrigue involving Stark and the King. There is an exchange of war stories that shows what a lesser creature the king is. The scene ends as Tyrion and his mouth seem to be heading into another realm.

Agile writing, energetic acting and unbreakable immersion

[igoatabase · 10/10 · 10 May 2011]

Once the ending credits roll you'll realize you're shaking. Fear ? Admiration ? Anger ? The wicked emotions this fourth episode should make you feel could be a first for your televisual experience. With the characters gradually growing on us their every scenes seem more authentic and pivotal. Since the pilot we know that everything can change in a few split seconds. One minute the little boy was climbing, the next he is a cripple. So Game of the Thrones play in the same league of masterpieces like Dexter and Lost, shows that have pushed the quality barrier far beyond its audience expectations. I'm talking about these memorable moments when you forget it's actually TV. And when it comes to convey such extreme after effects no one can deny that talents like Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, Terry O'Quinn and Matthew Fox of course are the first names that pop up in your head as best examples. I should also mention Spartacus : Blood and Sand considering how much I praised the show and Andy Whitfield's performance but it wouldn't be reasonable. At least it's the trembling resonance the acting had on me this time.

The first impact came from Emilia Clarke as Daenerys and Harry Lloyd as Viserys. The last bathtub sequence was surprising, sensual and more important very enlightening. Indeed it allowed us to learn more about the fantasy elements that populate the kingdoms, specially the legendary dragons, and unveiled the evil brother backstory. But it's really when he tried to dominate his sister again that you should feel the ground quaking beneath your seat. And don't get wrong, it's really happening. In your stars or in your skull, don't pretend you can resist her. The second impact would be what happened in the cold winter arc. Jon Snow's story is so dark and disturbing ! It's the perfect counter poison to the others even if I also expect storm and other destructive elements to unleash their fury on our friends and foes. The speech Snow and his new chubby buddy were given was horrific and even more frightening than the dark fairytale the creepy grandma told little Bran. Winter is Coming ? It seems even Ned could be underestimating what it really means. Last but not least the third impact, that also served as a cliffhanger, was definitely Catelyn Stark's escape at the inn. They couldn't have made a better choice than casting Michelle Fairley as Ned's wife. Like Sean Bean she had already impressed us but this installment you'll learn why people call her Lady Stark. It was pure grace and strength put into motion. It also revealed what really separates some Starks from some Lannisters, because they aren't all just black or white.

Between two shakes there was still plenty of room for entertaining and interesting stuff. Arya's role was minor this time but her little chat with her father was refreshing and definitely intriguing. What a cute and fierce portrayal of the inevitable Joan of Arc she should become ! I don't know about her destiny considering I haven't read the novel yet but I can't see how she could restrain herself to just become a pretty queen. Once all grown up she could be to the show who Deedlit is to Record of Lodoss War, a beautiful and inspiring female warrior. An other element I quite enjoyed was Ned's lecture in the park about trust and issues. As for his dangerous mind game with Cersei Lannister, played by the delicate Lena Headey, my only complain would be about the lighting. In fact it's not the first time I have noticed the issue, that its whiteness is far too artificial. It's slightly disappointing because other than that the production is an immersion model and surely a delight for graphics whores and other amateurs of fine arts. And should I even mention the dreamy title sequence ? To conclude a mandatory sequence, when it comes to medieval fiction, was also featured and even if I found it a little rushed it was definitely exciting and was also the perfect occasion to learn more about an enigmatic character we knew nothing about until now.

The Pieces of the Puzzle Are Being Set In Place

[Rainey-Dawn · 9/10 · 14 September 2018]

1st season, 4th episode. Wonderful - highly interesting. The puzzle pieces are being set in place - some things are being cleared up or almost cleared up by the end of this one. I've already picked my favorite characters, I've picked my most hated characters and there are only a handful left that I'm unsure about.

Some great scenes between the brother and sister: Daenerys & Viserys Targaryen. I'm glad to see Daenerys finally stand up to Viserys - but I'm still unsure what to make of Daenerys.

Loving Jon Snow more and more with each episode - and his new friend Sam.

My heart still goes out to The Starks over what Cersei & Jamie Lannister did to Bran. And I hate that Tyrion is being blamed - but should be cleared up by the next episode.

9.5/10

The writing, so good

[affel-55578 · 10/10 · 4 April 2017]

Fantastic episode. Amazing acting from Dinklage and the rest of the cast. Great pacing like always.

The episode was well put together, from the composer, writers, director, crew and cast. You can see that every single one gave their all.

The show only gets better and better after each episode.

Story-Telling and History-Learning!

[gab-14712 · 9/10 · 30 April 2019]

This fourth episode is another worthy episode in the early goings of Game of Thrones. It is an episode mainly filled with exposition and stories, and that is what intrigued me. Many episodes that has nothing but stories tend to get crushed under such weight, but not here. Each actor is capable of telling these history-based stories in their own way. The history is fiction of course, but I couldn't have been more enthralled listening about how past events shaped the current world of Westeros. I am sure some people may be bored, but I can promise that learning about dragons or hearing stories about cannibalism is far from boring. Such stories have a poetic feel to them. For example, let's talk about Visery's dialogue. He was telling his lady friend, Doreah about how his father made him memorize the names of the old dragons and would give him sweets if he memorized them.

If anything, the plot is advanced forward even more regarding the Starks. Ned continues his research, amongst a bunch of old books and genealogies, into what may have caused Jon Arryn's death. Despite that, he is still pressured with the politics of Westeros. When he could be doing his research, King Robert has him figuring out security for a pointless jousting match. Ned has to know that everyone has eyes on him tracking his every move. In a lovely conversation with Littlefinger, he tells Ned that he should trust no one and he points out the spies from the likes of himself, Varys (known as the Spider), and Cersei.

The scenes with Arya are becoming more impressive by the episode. Maisie Williams is an incredibly gifted actress. She has a scene with Ned where she asks if Bran will be okay and he responds that he will be a lord one day and so will she. She tells him that is not her life. This series resembles the Middle Ages and women don't have much say about who they are. Either you can be a whore or a lady, not much in between. So I love how Arya know what she wants. She continues her sword training and these scenes are still delightful. Apparently, she will be chasing cats because they are nimble creatures! As for Sansa, she is still angry with Ned because of the direwolf incident. She does have an interesting conversation with Baelish when he tells her a story about Sandor 'The Hound" Clegane and how he received his atrocious scars as a child from the hands of his older brother.

Let's go to the North and check in with Jon Snow. He is partnered with the fat, bumbling Samwell Tarly (played by John Bradley). The stories atop the Wall are strong. Tarly has not fought a day in his life and he is only here because his father forced him to dress in black or he would be killed. Then of course while conversing, Ser Allister comes to them and mentions a story about how cold it is in the North during Winter and what they had to do to survive. Frightening stuff to hear, although Allister told his story out of spite. I love how Jon takes the mantle of doing the right thing and how he uses his direwolf to threaten anyone who makes fun of Sam.

Finally, we go across the Narrow Sea. We see better what drives Viserys although his villain portrayal is still "mustache-twirling" to coin a phrase. But now he and the audience see that Daenarys is in charge and she knows it. I loved her threat about if he touches her again, he will have no hands. You go, Daenarys!

Overall, this is an episode mainly filled with exposition. The series prides itself on its history so we learn new history stuff all the time, which is fine by me although it can be quite the dangerous game to play. Aiden Gillen is fantastic and quite funny. And of course Peter Dinklage. His character takes somewhat of a backseat, but he has some good lines regarding a saddle for Bran and insulting Theon Greyjoy. He is also involved in the cliffhanger, so be prepared! This episode is quite fun and thrilling!

My Grade: A

Gaining momentum

[IamInge · 9/10 · 23 June 2019]

The plot thickens, and even more characters are introduced - some that will follow us to the end of the series, some that have a briefer life span in the series. We also get some nice foreshadowing of things to come (although years from now). The series is starting to find its true shape.

"Your next tumble with Ros is on me. I'll try not to wear her out."

[Hey_Sweden · 8/10 · 8 December 2019]

This fourth episode of the popular TV series exists mainly to further explore characters and their relationships. Story threads include Ned's investigation into the death of Jon Arryn, whom he discovers was perusing a rather boring volume. A self-confessed coward, Samwell Tarly (John Bradley), experiences a rough training as he prepares for the Nights' Watch, and Jon Snow decides to protect him. Viserys raises his hand to his sister, and she vows that he'll lose both his hands if he ever does so again. And Tyrion makes the kind gesture of arranging for a special saddle to be made so that Bran can once again ride a horse.

Once again, this capable cast and crew excel at world-building, and creating vivid, memorable characters. The actors simply couldn't be better, with standout monologues for the likes of Aidan Gillen (a.k.a. Baelish) and Owen Teale (a.k.a. Alliser Thorne). It's especially riveting the way that female characters such as Daenerys and Catelyn resolve on a firm course of action. The antagonists are great malevolent fun as always; Viserys is such an arrogant little p.o.s. as to have viewers eager for his eventual comeuppance.

Most interesting to this viewer was much talk, in one key scene, of those magnificent flying dragons that have been discussed but not yet seen at this point in the series.

Eight out of 10.

Nothing cripples this episode at all

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 16 November 2017]

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.

Would like to call Season 1's fourth episode by its title, but due to it containing a prohibited word in the review guidelines (from my understanding) have decided not to in fear of guidelines violation. None of the episodes up to this point have disappointed, and this episode is not an exception. That it is very exposition-heavy and quieter in action could have easily crippled it, heavy exposition is not always kind to film and television, but this is a case of it benefiting from the exposition which does a fantastic job with developing the characters, their motivations and their backgrounds.

It also doesn't suffer from trying to having too many characters and stories to introduce, "Lord Snow" did suffer a little from this but still managed to be a great episode because the characterisation and storytelling were still so superbly done. Not many shows have their overall quality, tones, themes and characterisations so spot on and well-established when it first starts, but 'Game of Thrones' is one of the strongest exceptions. The slower, more reflective and loose feel to the storytelling was appreciated and actually was appropriate considering the character and story density.

Visually, it looks amazing. 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 episode 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, even with the odd rambling part here and there. It always has a natural flow, is layered and thought-provoking and demonstrates a wide range of emotions such as suspenseful tension, poignant pathos and witty humour. The monologues and exchanges all add hugely to the character development The story is paced mostly very beautifully, structured with such nuance and attention to coherence, a high emotional level and is done with intelligence, passion and sensitivity.

Where the episode excels the most in terms of the storytelling and standout scenes is in the Night Watch scenes, where connecting with the characters was easy to do, Jon Snow's time at the Wall, Viserys and Doreah's bath scene and the final scene.

Helped by the superb character and multi-layered writing throughout, Kit Harrington's understated charisma and Peter Dinklage's authority continue to shine, as does the affecting Emilia Clarke. Particularly good elsewhere are Michelle Fairley giving some of her career's best acting in her closing scene and the great addition of John Bradley.

Overall, another wonderful episode. 10/10 Bethany Cox

First weak episode

[slightlymad22 · 6/10 · 3 September 2014]

In the fourth (and for me weakest) episode so far, we are introduced to the self confessed coward Samwell Tarly (John Bradley) when he joins the wall.

This is the first time we get any good scenes with Robb Stark (Richard Madden) and Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen). Both share good scenes with Tyrion.

Tyrion Lannister is a great character and Peter Dinklage is truly a great actor who seems to being the best out in everyone.

I'm glad Jamie Sives is given more to do as Jory in this episode and he shares a good scene with Jamie Lannister (Nikolaj Coaster-Waldau). We get another nice scene with Arya and Ned. Maisie Williams is simply stunning in her portrayal so far. Everything comes together perfectly in that scene. Not that Arya is the only one who has a moment to shine, Sophie Turner shared a good scene with Littlefinger (Aidan Gillen) at Tournament and there are several good scenes with Jon and Sam.

Harry Lloyd remains in top form as the arrogant Viserys, who is quickly put in his place by his sister Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) the lovely Roxanne McKee who plays Dorea looks good and I hope to see more of her, and I'm really starting to warm to Iain Glen as Ser Jorah Mormont

Overall this episode wasn't as good as the precious three, but thanks to Tyrion finding himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. I'm still intrigued as to what will follow.

A Misstep In The Kingdom

[Threepwood_Lives · 4/10 · 15 May 2011]

Reviews Of Unusual Size!

Re: There's a joust, some detective work, brother and sister bickering and a dwarf in a tight spot.

Outstanding: Like the previous episodes, number five has some great acting and sets. I'm consistently impressed with the King's Landing location, the grandeur with just the right amount of lived in feeling.

Unacceptable: This episode felt pretty light on plot and I think part of that was the direction. The joust was woefully short and severely lacked the grandeur and spectacle it needed.

Summary: A lot happened, but it felt like the whole episode was a waste of time. It was odd that as I watched it, I was enjoying everything but as the credits rolled, I felt like I hadn't watched anything worth remembering. The strains of a TV budget are showing a bit here and there, with the small, straggling Horde of Dothraki and the abbreviated joust.

2/5

Cold

[bevo-13678 · 10/10 · 16 June 2020]

I like the bit where Jon Snow said that he builds his own fires

The story begins to unfold

[tifu1905 · 8/10 · 21 April 2022]

After a lot of exposition in the first episodes, the story now begins to unfold, with all the key characters now introduced. After this episode i binged the whole season.

Still 8/10.

Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things. S1 EP4 review

[mohammedadallawati · 9/10 · 1 November 2022]

Soundtrack : (8.5/10) Dialogue : (9.1/10) Story : (9.2/10) Cinematography : (8.8/10) Character development : (9.3/10) Conflict : (9/10) Excitement : (8.5/10) Reasonableness : (9.2/10) Overall : (8.9/10)

Pros :

• It's fun seeing Robb trying to be a lord. Tyrion caring for Bran shows alot of his character.

• Sam's introduction is great. The jokes were funny and his character is interesting and way different than any other character. His scenes with Jon are wholesome and sets up their relationship.

• I love how we get to know more about the secrets in Kinglanding. The investigation about Jon Arryn's death is fun and entertaining. And I love creepy Baelish.

-the tournament scene was great. We get backstories of some characters. And a brutal death scene in front of Sansa and Arya.

• Cersei's rivalry against Ned is perfect.

• a fine ending to the episode as Tyrion gets arrested. Catelyn gathering her allies exposes more about the houses in Westeros while advancing the plot forward.

Cons.

• Somehow Sansa and septa Mordane ended up in the throne room , Alone. Their scene was meh but still fine.

• Viserys's childish fight with Daenerys is a bit weird.

• I just want to mention the wonky camera move that occurred in the Jorah-Daenerys's scene.

It's all heating up. The only question is who will be left standing.

[punch87 · 8/10 · 16 October 2019]

Production value is going to continue to be a struggle for the series, especially as we get to armies clashing, but as long as the character work remains as strong as this episode, I won't complain too much.

A bit better than episodes 2 and 3, but it only uses about 60% of the show's potential.

[stillworkingfortheknife · 25 May 2013]

This is again an episode that doesn't include big stuff (well, we've got a joust, that's something) or surprises in the plot, however, I still liked it more than the two before because there's not much that seems unnecessary in this episode. John Bradley, who plays the new guy at the Night's Watch, really exaggerated his role as this useless coward that gets bullied there and I thought they focused on this story too much. Therefore I'm glad that Jon Snow and the Night's Watch are completely absent in the next episode. But since they used the lots of scenes there to get the audience acquainted with the heavy life that lies ahead of Jon and his colleagues and they also portrayed his kindness very well, it was nothing that bored or actually annoyed me. Another character that gets way too much attention is Littlefinger, but that didn't bother me since Aidan Gillen plays him very interestingly. The other flaw of this episode would be some writing weaknesses since there are also a lot of changes to the novel in this episode.

Lena Headey and Mark Addy really got too little screen time in this episode with the latter only having about two sentences in the whole 55 minutes, but I understand that it's not at all easy to include so many characters in every episode. The crew created a stunning visual style as always and I thought they did really well with exposing things and developing characters. The fight scene of Daenerys and Viserys would be the best example for this, though Harry Lloyd overacts his part just as in the episode before this one. I mean, we get that his character is both a jerk and a coward, he doesn't have to illustrate that in every single scene he's in.

The outstanding scenes in this episode were Cersei and Ned's little conversation and Bran getting to do something again, while the outstanding cast members are rather hard to name. I would say that the women are more interesting in this episode, notably Michelle Fairley (who has a really great final scene with Peter Dinklage) and Emilia Clarke who both can really exhibit self-confidence.

Acceptable explanation of some context, and surprising final scene

[kevinaguirre-47730 · 8/10 · 12 June 2021]

The personal curiosity of Ned Stark towards the death of Jon Arryn leads to finding out certain suspect that Jon's death wasn't natural. So that part was good, because it looks like Ned will find out something interesting later in the season. Let's see what happens in the next chapters.

Now, about his daughter Arya, it doesn't look natural that she, being an infant girl, wants to be a knight, and her father lets her believe in that fantasy. Probably Ned is thinking in something else, and just doesn't want to contradict her, but it's unnatural that in the Middle Ages, an infant girl would behave like that. This is why this episode is not a 10.

On the other hand, Jon Snow is very unhappy at the Night Wall, so he does odd things to go against his superior, who is a gray-haired nobleman, apparently.

Across the sea, Daenerys and her brother fight and he ends up humiliated. Funny scene. It makes sense what Daenerys, the Khaleesi, says: He doesn't deserve the throne of the Seven Kingdoms. He is just a whining spoiled effeminate man. And she starts to realize that. He wouldn't be a good leader at all. This is the perfect representation of the decadence of the almost extinct House of Targaryen.

Finally, the final scene, which actually looked a bit dumb (another negative point added to the final rate): Lady Stark, Ned's wife, does something many would have not predicted, and it does not make much sense that the people at that tavern obeys her. Like, why? Although she is the ruler of the North's wife, she has no authority to command something dangerous: arrest a member of the Lannister House, the house of the same queen of the Seven Kingdoms. It just didn't look natural. Plus all this scene added a bit of sensationalism, which is not always necessary.

Jon Arynn Episode

[ououzaza · 9/10 · 4 April 2019]

• Story (4/5)

About Jon Arynn's death.

• Soundtrack (5/5)

As good as it always be.

• Dialog (5/5)
• Graphic (4/5)
• Reasonableness (3.5/5)
• Entertainment (3.5/5)
• Overall (4.16/5)

GOT Binge...

[jcbsn · 10/10 · 18 June 2016]

I figured an episode of story line and plot development was needed. Arya, the greatest son Ned never had, although Jon Snow is definitely up there as well. I haven't seen much out of his heir sons up to this point. Speaking of Jon Snow, this Sam guy is pretty heartbreaking. At least Jon Snow come into his life. Snow is becoming my favorite character, which hopefully means he doesn't die soon.

Another weird bro and sister fight.

Apparently Jon Snow is gay. Nope not gay, just sees things in the bigger picture. Maybe just a little gay and a lot of awesome.

It seems like seasons don't rotate like they normally do. Summer and winters don't have a specific timeline they keep too. I'm guessing the hardcore dudes from episode 1 are the white walkers who are going to mess shiz up in the winter time, which at this point I'm fine with because some of these people after the throne are really starting to bug me.

Ah, The Mountain makes his first appearance. I also have a strong dislike for Cristiano Ronaldo. And knights who are full of themselves.

If it ain't broken don't fix it!

[A_Kind_Of_CineMagic · 9/10 · 16 June 2018]

The first notable thing about this episode is the arrival of Samwell Tarly at Castle Black. His importance and brilliance as a character is not really shown yet but he is endearing right from his second scene where he chats to Jon atop the wall.

There are lots of scenes of dialogue which just strengthen the character development continuing to grow but it is a mostly transitional episode leading towards the next episodes where things really start to kick off.

There is a nice depiction of Tyrion's decency as he shows Bran how there is still hope for him to ride and have enjoyment in life. There is a beautiful little scene between Ned and Arya which is touching and shows Arya's strength and unwillingness to conform to expectations. Gendry is introduced in a plot which leads on to forthcoming action. Scumbag Rast and Alliser Thorne continue to be villainous towards Jon as they train for the Nights Watch and Viserys continues his vileness but finally Danaerys shows the ability to strike back. There is a great scene as 'the Mountain' Gregor Clegane fights in a tournament joust and Lord Baelish slimily explains to Sansa and Arya how he burned his little brother (The Hound) disfiguring his face when they were still children. Also there is a tasty little confrontation between Ned and Cersei beautifully acted by Lena Headey.

Catelyn Stark has already caused damage by riding to Kings Landing and influencing Ned to trust Lord Baelish which sets Ned up problems to come. In the final scene of this episode Cat compounds that major error as she makes another fatal mistake by taking Tyrion a prisoner for supposedly injuring Bran. He is not only the wrong person, it is a very unwise move politically and sets off a chain of tragic events basically causing the war for the seven kingdoms. Foolish and catastrophic decision making by Cat and she goes on to make numerous other similar terrible decisions. She really is the cause of all the troubles along with Baelish who is, unknown to her, pulling the strings to cause trouble. This is all brilliant and enthralling storyline taken directly from the books. It sets up the dramas to come but also makes Catelyn a character I consider a liability and a bit of an idiot. It is of course vitally important for the plot that she does these things and is great, logical story development but it destoys the sympathy or affection I might have for her character. I cannot really understand people who see Catelyn as a character they love and support. Yes she is a great character in the show but not one who I sympathise with.

Not action packed or showy as an episode but all perfectly judged and acted. It is a very important set up episode for the great episodes to come.

9/10

Still confusing, but at least some interesting development is starting...

[ipoweri · 7/10 · 1 February 2015]

We get introduced to a new character, Samwell Tarly, that seems completely useless, but Jon Snow protects him again showing what a great character Jon Snow is and it turns out Tarly has a horrible background as his father left him, which makes Jon feel connected to him as he has a similar background. This is one of the few developing stories that is interesting to be honest.

The sibling relationship between Daenerys and Viserys continues to be not good, but there is way to little backstory to really tell the audience why they are acting the way they are. Oh and Daenerys is pregnant.

The dwarf are being accused of a murder attempt he did not commit, that will be interesting to see the conclusion of.

Slightly better episode than number2&3, but this show needs to be more comprehensible soon, or the only audience it will have is die hard fan of the books or people that just like to see a combination of medieval, violence, deceit and sex without any proper plot. And that would exclude me from the intended audience... We'll see...

Rewatch, 9.7/10

[dcdude-26988 · 10/10 · 17 September 2023]

Honestly, just one of the most unappreciated and underrated episodes of this series. Alot of important information was given out in this episode, and the writing was near-flawless. I personally loved this episode and should be a little higher rated. Anyways, my favorite characters in this episode were Jon, Daenerys, and Ned. My favorite things about this episode were the storyline, the ending, and the acting. After rethinking, this show definitely has one of the greatest first seasons of all time, and this obviously no debate is in the conversation and debate of what the greatest TV show is. This was an absolute amazing episode.

The acting and storyline is a masterpiece

[moviesfilmsreviewsinc · 10/10 · 27 February 2023]

The great thing about this show is the detail. Not only is every aspect of the production given minute care and attention, but it comes through even in the show's opening titles, which change each week to show where our characters will be, in proportion to each other. Cripples,Broken Things focuses on arguably the most interesting characters and aspects of the show: Tyrion, Jon Snow, The Night's Watch and life at The Wall. The Night's Watch has a new recruit in the form of Samwell Tarly, a soft young man who's been forced into the order by his father as an alternative to death. As a coward and a weakling, Sam's father deemed him unworthy to be his heir and threatened to kill him unless he 'took the Black', so now he finds himself among criminals, rapists, former knights and Jon Snow. Unsurprisingly, the other recruits are quick to pick on the dim-witted young man, but after an intervention of Snow's part (with the help of Ghost, who finally makes a return appearance), it isn't long before Samwell starts to make friends and open up about his messed up family. Theon is not a son of Ned Stark, but is instead his ward. He was taken as a hostage ten years ago and is the son of Balon Greyjoy, a lord of the Iron Islands, who tried to seek independence many years ago. Instead of treating Theon like a prisoner, Ned has raised him like a son, and it is not surprising that many viewers may have confused the young man as another Stark. Unfortunately, despite being raised well, there's still some resentment in Theon, and Tyrion is quick to spot that, chiding him for his dual identity as a hostage and banner man of the Starks. It's during scenes such as the tournament that the writers manage to try and cram in as much backstory to the characters as possible.

One neat little scene sees Littlefinger educate Sansa in the history of some of the realm's more brutal characters, such as Sandor Clegane, aka The Hound. Another 'broken thing' in the land of Westeros, The Hound is a hired thug who sports some disfiguring burns courtesy of his brother, Gregor Clegane, aka The Mountain. (These guys have some great nicknames!) Ar similar scene has Viserys (Harry Lloyd) educate Daenerys' bedmaid about his family's history, his claim to the iron throne and the importance of dragons. It'is a wonderful example of concise and succinct screenwriting. Meanwhile, father figures are at the forefront of Ned Stark's mind as he begins to put together why Jon Arryn, the former hand, may have been killed. It seems that King Robert had a son. Considering a son may jeopardize the offspring of Cersei Lannister, Ned's suspicions are compounded when he's confronted in his quarters by the queen, who underlines her threats that anyone who's not her family is regarded as an enemy. When you see her scenes with the young Joffrey, her love towards him is clear, but considering her close relationship with her brother, you get the impression it's a mere few steps from being a full-blown Oedipus complex.