Game Of Thrones: 12 Things You Learn Rewatching Season 2

by James Hunt

1. This Is A Weaker Season, But Better Than Remembered

Game of Thrones Season 2
HBO

Season 2 isn't one of Game of Thrones' best seasons, and over time it has earned a reputation that goes along with that. On rewatch, while it doesn't entirely dismiss its criticisms, it is better than remembered (or at least, I found it to be anyway).

There are still a number of issues, not least from how much this simply feels like another first season. There's an immense juggling act to pull off here in introducing so many new characters and locales, and they don't quite pull it off with the storytelling. Daenerys' storyline is weak, as discussed, and the payoff doesn't really justify it, while there's also perhaps a touch too much Iron Islands focus too.

Still, it does rank about the show's other weaker seasons - 5 and 7 - by virtue of how much great stuff there is as well. Not least is Tyrion as Hand, but Jon's forages beyond the Wall, Robb's march through the Riverlands, all the other scheming in King's Landing (Cersei, Varys, and Littlefinger are all on good form), some great new characters, and the Tywin and Arya sequences. There are a fair few issues, but also plenty to love.

What did you think of Season 2? Let us know down in the comments.

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NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.