Game Of Thrones: 5 Winners And 5 Losers From 'Two Swords'

3. Casting

Casting is a winner in this episode. There were a few new characters introduced, including Styr, the Magnar of Thenn, but the pick of the bunch is definitely Oberyn Martell, the Prince of Dorne. He gets to give Tyrion the run-around, play with Littlefinger's girls (and boys), and skewer some Lannister soldiers. He's obviously in town for Lannister blood, no matter what his Save-the-Date RSVP says. There's nothing subtle about Oberyn Martell, he wears his heart on his sleeve, which is refreshing in King's Landing. We haven't had a character like that since Ned Stark, although we all know what happens to people who go around revealing their intentions in the capital. Oberyn is finely played by Chilean actor Pedro Pascal, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in the coming season. One new cast member isn't playing a new character €“ he's here because of recasting. Last season we were introduced to Daario Narahis, the apparently charming Tyroshi sellsword who basically just flirts with Dany. He was played then by British actor Ed Skrein, whom we now know has departed in order to replace Jason Stratham in the Transporter franchise reboot. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, because replacement Michiel Huisman is much, much better. The Dutchman plays the role more naturally, without Skrien's forced delivery, and he looks more like a human being, and less like a Ken doll with terrible hair. Last season I would cringe every time Daario strutted onto camera, and when he told that girl to "follow the sound of my voice," my ears started bleeding. It may have been jarring to see such a drastically different portrayal of the same role, but after just one episode, I think we are in with a winner.