Game Of Thrones: Every Episode Ranked From Worst To Best

36. You Win Or You Die (S1E7)

Written By: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss Directed By: Daniel Minahan

"When you play the Game of Thrones, you win or you die." Cersei's memorable line reflects the title of both the episode and the series, and her words have a harsh truth to them, as Ned Stark continues his attempts to play the game, and is outwitted by absolutely everyone.

The final moments are particular devastating for Lord Eddard, as he walks into the Throne room only to discover he's been stabbed in the back by Littlefinger, whose official slogan might as well be "I warned you not to trust me."

This is the episode where we say bye to King Robert, and say hello to Lord Tywin, introduced while skinning a stag! It loses points, however, for the amount of sexposition involved (and also for being responsible for the coining of the phrase).

35. The Pointy End (S1E8)

Written By: George R.R. Martin Directed By: Daniel Minahan

The first episode to be penned by A Song of Ice and Fire creator George R.R. Martin, The Pointy End serves as much more than just a placeholder before its first episode 9, which may owe a lot to the presence of Martin.

Cersei tricks Sansa, Robb launches his war on the South, Ser Barristan resigns, a wight attacks Lord Commander Mormont and Jon burns it, Khal Drogo is mortally wounded, Syrio Forel has his last dance, and Arya makes her first kill. And all of that is just a prequel to what happens with Ned Stark.