Game of Thrones: Season 2, Episode 1 - The North Remembers (2012)

The episode opens in the North, where we see a group of Night's Watch men, including Lord Commander Mormont and Jon Snow, at the Wall. They are dealing with the aftermath of the events from the previous season, particularly the threat posed by the White Walkers. Mormont is concerned about the growing danger beyond the Wall, and he emphasizes the need for the Night's Watch to be vigilant. Jon Snow is eager to prove himself and is haunted by the memory of his encounter with the White Walkers. The tension is palpable as they discuss the need to send a ranging party to investigate the disappearance of several men.

Meanwhile, in King's Landing, we find Tyrion Lannister arriving at the Red Keep. He is greeted with mixed reactions from the court, particularly from Cersei Lannister, who is wary of his intentions. Tyrion is determined to assert his authority as the new Hand of the King, and he quickly begins to navigate the treacherous political landscape. He confronts Cersei about her handling of the kingdom and the ongoing threat from the North. Their conversation is filled with tension, as Cersei tries to undermine Tyrion's position while he counters with sharp wit and strategic insight.

In the Stark family home of Winterfell, Bran Stark is struggling with the aftermath of his fall and the loss of his ability to walk. He is haunted by dreams of a three-eyed raven and feels a deep connection to the North. His mother, Catelyn Stark, is worried about the safety of her family, especially with Robb Stark leading the Northern forces against the Lannisters. Bran's internal conflict is evident as he grapples with his new reality and the responsibilities that come with being a Stark.

Robb Stark is shown rallying his bannermen in the North, preparing for war against the Lannisters. He is determined to avenge his father's death and secure the North's independence. The loyalty of his bannermen is tested as they discuss strategies and the implications of their actions. Robb's leadership is put to the test as he must balance the desire for revenge with the need for unity among the Northern houses. His resolve is strong, but the weight of leadership begins to take its toll.

In the Riverlands, we see Theon Greyjoy returning to his family home, Pyke, after years of being a ward of the Starks. He is eager to prove himself to his father, Balon Greyjoy, and reclaim the Iron Islands' former glory. Theon is met with skepticism from his father, who questions his loyalty to the Starks. This moment highlights Theon's internal struggle between his Stark upbringing and his desire for his father's approval. Balon ultimately dismisses Theon's claims of loyalty to the Starks, insisting that he must choose between his past and his heritage.

Back in King's Landing, Tyrion continues to assert his influence by meeting with the small council. He quickly realizes that he must navigate the treacherous waters of court politics, especially with Cersei and the ambitious Petyr Baelish. Tyrion's sharp intellect and cunning become apparent as he begins to lay the groundwork for his plans to stabilize the realm. He also confronts the implications of the war brewing in the North and the potential impact on King's Landing.

The episode shifts to the Iron Islands, where Balon Greyjoy declares his intention to reclaim the North and avenge the wrongs done to his house. He rallies his men, emphasizing the need to take advantage of the chaos in the realm. Theon, eager to prove himself, is caught between his father's ambitions and his own conflicted loyalties. This moment sets the stage for Theon's eventual choices and the consequences that will follow.

In the final scenes, we return to Jon Snow and the Night's Watch as they prepare for their ranging beyond the Wall. Jon is filled with a sense of duty and fear as he contemplates the dangers that lie ahead. The episode ends with a sense of foreboding, as the threat of the White Walkers looms larger than ever, and the various factions in Westeros begin to position themselves for the conflicts to come. The stakes are high, and the characters are set on paths that will lead to significant consequences in the ongoing struggle for power in the realm.

At the end of "The North Remembers," the first episode of Season 2 of Game of Thrones, several key events unfold that set the stage for the conflicts to come. Robb Stark is declared King in the North by his bannermen, while Tyrion Lannister arrives in King's Landing to serve as Hand of the King. Meanwhile, Jon Snow and the Night's Watch venture beyond the Wall, and Daenerys Targaryen continues her journey in search of allies in the East.

In a more detailed narrative:

The episode opens with a cold, stark landscape, the remnants of the Stark family's stronghold, Winterfell, looming in the background. The camera pans to Robb Stark, who is now a young man bearing the weight of leadership. He stands before his bannermen, including the fierce and loyal Karstarks and the wise old Lord Umber. The atmosphere is tense, filled with the murmurs of discontent against the Lannisters. Robb, fueled by the desire for vengeance for his father's death, declares himself King in the North, a bold move that ignites a fire in the hearts of his supporters. The scene is charged with emotion, as Robb's determination reflects his internal struggle between the responsibilities of leadership and the desire for revenge.

Transitioning to King's Landing, we find Tyrion Lannister arriving at the Red Keep. The city is bustling, but Tyrion's demeanor is one of calculated confidence mixed with a hint of apprehension. He is met with disdain by some, but he quickly asserts his authority as the new Hand of the King. His interactions with Cersei reveal the underlying tension between them, as she is wary of his intelligence and cunning. Tyrion's sharp wit and strategic mind are on full display as he navigates the treacherous political landscape, hinting at his desire to outmaneuver his family and protect the realm.

Meanwhile, Jon Snow and the Night's Watch are beyond the Wall, facing the harsh realities of their mission. The cold winds whip around them as they venture deeper into the wilderness. Jon's internal conflict is palpable; he grapples with his identity and the weight of his Stark heritage. The camaraderie among the Night's Watch members is tested as they confront the dangers lurking in the shadows, foreshadowing the threats that lie ahead.

In the East, Daenerys Targaryen is shown in a desolate landscape, her spirit unbroken despite the loss of her home and family. She is determined to reclaim her birthright, and her fierce resolve is evident as she seeks out allies. The scene captures her vulnerability but also her strength, as she refuses to be a victim of her circumstances. Her dragons, now a symbol of her power, are a constant reminder of her lineage and the legacy she aims to restore.

As the episode concludes, the various threads of the narrative intertwine, setting the stage for the conflicts that will unfold in the season. Robb Stark's declaration of kingship marks a pivotal moment in the North, while Tyrion's arrival in King's Landing signals a shift in the power dynamics of the realm. Jon Snow's journey beyond the Wall hints at the looming threat of the supernatural, and Daenerys's quest for allies underscores her determination to rise from the ashes of her past.

The fates of the main characters at the end of this episode are as follows: Robb Stark is now King in the North, rallying his bannermen for the fight against the Lannisters. Tyrion Lannister has taken on the role of Hand of the King, positioning himself to navigate the treacherous politics of King's Landing. Jon Snow is deepening his commitment to the Night's Watch, facing the unknown dangers beyond the Wall. Daenerys Targaryen remains resolute in her quest for power, determined to reclaim her throne and protect her dragons. Each character is poised at a critical juncture, their paths set to collide in the unfolding saga of power, loyalty, and survival.

In "The North Remembers," the first episode of Season 2 of Game of Thrones, there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional scenes or content after the credits roll. The focus remains on the unfolding political tensions and character developments throughout the episode, setting the stage for the conflicts and storylines that will evolve in the season.

In 'The North Remembers', Robb Stark is declared King in the North by his bannermen at a gathering in Riverrun. This declaration is a pivotal moment for Robb, as it solidifies his position and the North's desire for independence from the Iron Throne. Robb is motivated by a sense of duty to avenge his father's death and to protect his family. He is determined to lead his forces against the Lannisters, and this episode sets the stage for his campaign.

In this episode, Tyrion Lannister arrives in King's Landing to take up the role of Hand of the King, appointed by his father, Tywin Lannister. He immediately begins to assert his authority by confronting Cersei and Joffrey about their reckless behavior. Tyrion's sharp wit and strategic mind are on display as he navigates the treacherous political landscape, aiming to bring order to the chaos in the capital while also dealing with the disdain from his family.

In 'The North Remembers', Bran Stark has a significant moment when he dreams of his direwolf, Summer. This scene highlights Bran's connection to his direwolf and foreshadows his developing abilities as a warg. The emotional weight of Bran's struggle with his disability and his desire to connect with his Stark heritage is palpable, as he grapples with the loss of his former life and the responsibilities that lie ahead.

In this episode, Stannis Baratheon is introduced alongside Melisandre, a mysterious red priestess. Their relationship is complex; Stannis is initially skeptical of Melisandre's powers, but he is drawn to her conviction and the promise of victory she offers through the Lord of Light. This dynamic sets the stage for Stannis's internal conflict between his duty as a king and the influence of Melisandre's faith, which will have significant implications for his character arc.

Catelyn Stark's decision to free Jaime Lannister is a critical plot point in 'The North Remembers'. Motivated by the hope of exchanging Jaime for her daughters, Catelyn's choice is fraught with emotional turmoil. She believes that this act could restore her family, but it also puts her at odds with Robb and the other Stark bannermen, who see Jaime as a key prisoner. This decision creates tension within the Stark family and foreshadows the dire consequences that will follow.

Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 1, "The North Remembers," contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to be aware of:

1. Violence: The episode features scenes of combat and the aftermath of battles, including bloodshed and injuries, which may be disturbing.

2. Death: There are references to death and loss, including the emotional impact on characters who have lost loved ones.

3. Political Intrigue: The episode delves into themes of betrayal, power struggles, and manipulation, which may be complex and unsettling for younger viewers.

4. Mature Themes: There are discussions and implications of betrayal, revenge, and the harsh realities of power, which may be difficult for children to understand.

5. Emotional Turmoil: Characters experience significant emotional distress, including grief and anger, which may resonate deeply and be upsetting.

These elements contribute to the overall mature tone of the series, making it more suitable for adult audiences.