10 Best TV Show Cold Opens Ever

It's safe to say that tensions were high for viewers at the beginning of GOT season four.

Fans had been put through the wringer with The Red Wedding, and although they'd had a lot of time to grow accustomed to a world without Stark dominance, the pain was still there. This is what made this opening so epic, yet horrifying, as it sought to rub salt in the wound of loyal Stark fans.

Instead of giving us the typical opening titles, season four cut instantly to the Stark family heirloom - a sword made of Valyrian steel named Ice - as it was drawn from its wolf pelt scabbard.

Tywin Lannister, the blade's new owner, then handed it to a pair of blacksmiths, who tore it apart, melted it down and reforged it into two smaller swords.

The icing on the cake came as the Lannister patriarch took the iconic wolf pelt and tossed it onto the fire, watching it burn as The Reigns of Castamere played in the background.

Fans didn't want to believe that the Lannister family had won, but seeing the destruction of this precious heirloom seemed to signify their victory. In addition to the story connotations, the segment was gorgeous, the dark shadows juxtaposed to the bright shine of the melted Valyrian steel was stunning, and Charles Dance's look of confidence was mesmerising.