Game Of Thrones: 10 Perfect Episodes

This was the moment the world realised this show was different. After almost nine hours following the story of protagonist Ned Stark, we were subjected to his sudden execution. Perhaps the most shocking moment in television history.

When Ilyn Payne's sword stroke waved in the credit sequence, the next episode couldn't come fast enough. Viewers desperately hoped beyond hope that clever camera work had only made it appear as if Ned had been beheaded. But alas, it was not to be.

Sean Bean's performance was what got the world hooked on Game of Thrones, so it was a bold move to quite literally remove the figurehead of the series. It was the moment fans knew nothing was sacred, that even our most cherished of characters could be taken away from us at any moment.

Whenever a character was in dire straights from here on out there was a very real sense that they might not make it out alive. Testimony to the incredible source material that is George R Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire book series.

Other key and moving events occurred in this episode; Jon was given Long Claw, Dany tried to save Droggo with blood magic and went into labour, Rob won his first victory against the Lannisters, but it was all eclipsed when Joffrey gave the order to swing.

Valar Morghulis.