Game Of Thrones: Every Penultimate Episode Ranked From Worst To Best

The very first penultimate episode is remembered for one reason and one reason only: the shocking death of Ned Stark. And while that’s an undeniably huge moment, it’s not the only significant thing the episode has going for it.

In this episode, Catelyn meets with Walder Frey, who lets Robb’s army pass, but Robb (and Arya) must marry one of Frey’s children. And we all know how that turned out. Meanwhile, Jon meets with Maester Aemon, who reveals himself to be Aemon Targaryen, the uncle to the Mad King, and the only living relative of Daenerys. This moment becomes even more poignant in retrospect, knowing Jon’s true heritage.

Kahl Drogo falls ill just as Daenerys goes into labor, and then there’s Tyrion and his drinking game with Bronn and Shae, where Tyrion reveals the story of his false marriage. It’s a great scene, and would be the best of the episode…

But there’s no ignoring Ned Stark's beheading. Killing off your main character - and before the first season is even over, no less - was unheard of. And it was only the beginning of Joffrey's unforgivable misdeeds.