Game Of Thrones: Every Episode Ranked From Worst To Best

6. Baelor (S1E9)

Ned Stark Execution
HBO

Written By: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss Directed By: Alan Taylor

The episode that changed Game of Thrones for anyone who hadn't read the books. Ned Stark was the main character, the hero, and Sean Bean the biggest name in the cast to boot. Right up until it happens you're expecting there'll be something to get him out of it. Even as the sword is raised you're waiting for it to be called off. But it never does, and Game of Thrones, hell, all of TV, isn't going to be the same again.

Ned's death dominates this episode, and it is perfectly well executed (I'm so sorry), with the way it cuts to Arya's face. It's easy to forget just how much huge stuff happens outside of that in this episode: Jaime is captured by Robb, Drogo falls from his horse, Jon receives Longclaw, Tyrion tells the story about Tysha, and Robb is betrothed to one of Lord Frey's daughters, which would payoff in similarly shocking and tragic fashion 20 episodes later.

That said, it all comes back to the death. It shows Sansa, Cersei, and everyone else what a monster Joffrey is. It shakes-up the status quo. And the Game of Thrones truly begins.

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Contributor
Contributor

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.