Directed By: Brian Kirk / Written By: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss

Original Airdate: May 1, 2011

Arriving at King's Landing after his long journey with his daughters, Eddard Stark is shocked to learn of the Crown's profligacy from his new advisors in the small council. Suspicious the Lannisters had a hand in her son Bran's fall,  Catelyn Stark covertly follows her husband to King's Landing, where she is intercepted by Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish. Siblings and lovers Cersei and  Jaime Lannister ponder the implications of Bran's recovery while young Arya Stark begins her studies in swordsmanship. At Castle Black, Jon Snow  impresses Tyrion Lannister at the expense of greener recruits in the Night’s Watch. In the East and on the road to Vaes Dothrak, home of the Dothraki, Daenerys Targaryen finds herself at odds with her brother Viserys.

main cast

winterfell

A crow flies into Bran Stark’s bedroom in Winterfell when Old Nan, a senior servant, is trying to cheer him up now that he’s awoken from his coma. She offers to tell Bran a story about Ser Duncan the Tall but he informs her of his preference in scary stories. Old Nan then begins to tell him about the Long Night, when the land froze under a winter that lasted for years on end, and out of that darkness the White Walkers came riding their dead horses and hunting with packs of giant spiders. His older brother Robb Stark then enters and dismisses Old Nan from Bran’s chambers. In private, Robb insists to Bran that he dismisses Old Nan’s stories as well. He asks Bran how he fell, but the recovering Bran still can’t remember the incident. Robb is puzzled by this, as he's seen Bran climb a thousand times in all weather and has never fallen. Bran then asks if it’s true that he will never be able to walk again. His older brother solemnly nods in agreement. A despondent Bran admits that he’d rather be dead. Robb angrily chides his little brother for expressing such thoughts, but Bran reiterates he'd rather be dead than a cripple.

the wall

At Castle Black, Tyrion Lannister and Lord Commander Jeor Mormont are watching over the training yard from above. Ser Alliser Thorne is putting the new recruits through their paces, using Jon Snow’s superior castle training to humiliate them. However, he has no praise for Jon when addressing him aloud by the mocking title of "Lord Snow," and then declaring that due to Jon’s nobility he looks down on the other recruits. After Jon easily fights off a handful of recruits, Thorne then states that he is the least useless of all the recruits. Above the courtyard, Tyrion notes that Thorne is a "charming man," but Mormont asserts that he doesn’t need a charming man but someone who can turn these boys into men of the Night’s Watch. The Lord Commander does admit, however, that it’s going slowly. He then asks Tyrion to deliver a message he’s just received to Jon Snow which concerns his brother Bran. Tyrion asks if it’s good or bad news and Mormont responds, "Both." Afterwards, other recruits named Rast, Grenn and Pypar gang up on Jon, as they are angry with him for beating them in the training yard and breaking Grenn’s nose. A defiant Jon informs Grenn that his nose is now “an improvement”. An enraged Grenn puts a blade to Jon’s throat, however, the situation is defused with the arrival of Tyrion. In private, Tyrion then points out to Jon that none of the other recruits had the benefit of a skilled master-at-arms to train them, and that Jon is alienating them through his standoffish attitude and superior combat skills. They were not so lucky: Pyp was sent to the Wall for stealing a wheel of cheese to feed his starving sister and Grenn was left outside a farmhouse at the age of three. Tyrion then gives Jon the letter about Bran.

Some time later, Jon ascends to the top of the Wall via a wheel-and-pully lift where he joins his uncle Benjen Stark. Upon arrival, Benjen informs his nephew that he wanted to be there the first time Jon saw the view from the top of the Wall. His astonishment of the view is interrupted when Benjen then announces that he is leaving Castle Black, as the Night’s Watch have heard further strange reports from beyond the Wall. He and the other rangers are heading out to investigate. Jon declares to his uncle that he is ready and won’t let him down, but Benjen denies the eager new recruit. He explains that Jon is not ready yet and vocalizes his annoyance when he finds that Jon simply expects that he can join the ranging party with his uncle due to their relationship. Benjen states that Jon is no better than any man there. He then asserts that here on the Wall, “A man only gets what he earns, and only when he earns it.” Before descending below, Benjen assures a frustrated Jon that they will talk more upon his return.

Meanwhile, Tyrion sits in the dining hall drinking with a man of the Night’s Watch named Yoren, who has a rough sense of humor that Tyrion enjoys. He scouts for new recruits in King's Landing and is departing from Castle Black to travel south to the capital. Before his own departure, Benjen then arrives to join the pair in the dining hall in order to say farewell to Yoren. After walking in on Tyrion commenting on the Night’s Watch, Benjen informs Tyrion that the very men training in that yard will die in service to the Seven Kingdoms so that “plump, little lords” like Tyrion can enjoy their comfortable lives. An irritated Tyrion asserts that he has great respect for the Watch and for Benjen as First Ranger, however, does not believe in the mythological terrors lurking beyond the Wall. In response, Benjen chastizes Tyrion for his naivety regarding what lies north of the Wall and states that Tyrion has no authority to say what is or isn't beyond the Wall, as he hasn't been out there himself to understand. After Benjen exits the room, Tyrion then offers to share the road with Yoren. As no-one refuses a Lannister, this means they'll be sleeping in the finest inns and castles rather than Yoren's normal ditches and hedges.

The following day, Tyrion watches over the courtyard while the recruits are practicing. He witnesses Jon taking his earlier advice, as Pyp and Grenn start warming up to him. Inside the tavern hall, Tyrion then discusses north of the Wall with Jeor Mormont and his chief adviser, the ancient and blind Maester Aemon. Jeor asks for Tyrion to intercede at court and get the Watch more men as they are dangerously undermanned. Aemon warns that the Stark words are right and winter is coming. It will be more harsh and terrible than any in living memory. More dangerous things than just wildlings might come with it. After all, one of their own, Will, swore that the White Walkers had returned ... right up to the moment Eddard Stark cut his head off. Tyrion admits his skepticism that supernatural creatures might exist, but he agrees to bring word to his sister Queen Cersei Lannister. Before departing for King's Landing, Tyrion fulfills his own promise to himself while standing atop the Wall and urinating off the edge. He then bids farewell to Jon and promises to carry his good wishes to Bran when he stops at Winterfell on the way back south. Jon is upset that Bran will never walk again, as the fall has crippled him, but Tyrion points out that if you have to be a cripple, it’s good to be at least a rich cripple.

the dothraki sea

Across the Narrow Sea, Drogo's khalasar is passing through a vast forest of bamboo in the Dothraki Sea when Daenerys Targaryen asks Ser Jorah Mormont if the Dothraki buy their slaves. Jorah asserts that they do not as the Dothraki do not believe in money. Instead, they take slaves as tribute from cities in lieu of sacking them. Daenerys sees a Dothraki hitting a slave and orders the whole khalasar to halt until she says otherwise. Jorah notes that she is talking like a queen, but she says not like a queen, but like a khaleesi. As she exercises her growing authority and power, an irate Viserys Targaryen does not take well to being commanded and threatens his sister, whereupon he is lassoed around the neck by Rakharo, a Dothraki warrior wielding a whip. Translating for Rakharo, Irri suggests killing Viserys but Daenerys orders him spared. Rakharo is disappointed at not even being allowed to take an ear to teach Viserys respect. Viserys then orders Jorah to kill the Dothraki dogs. After a considering moment, Ser Jorah ignores him and escorts Daenerys back to the khalasar. Amused, Rakharo makes Viserys walk back: being forced to walk is the ultimate insult from a Dothraki.

Later, Irri is teaching Daenerys how to speak Dothraki. Puzzled, Irri notes that Daenerys’s body is changing. She asks Daenerys if she has bled recently and when Daenerys is unable to reply, Irri informs Daenerys she is pregnant, noting "It is a blessing from the Great Stallion." Meanwhile, Ser Jorah and Rakharo compare the Westerosi and Dothraki ways of battle: the heavily-armored but slow knights, with longswords good for piercing armor, versus the lightly-armored but fast-moving horse-warriors. Jorah has heard of Rakharo's father, a great warrior, but admits that he disgraced his own father Jeor Mormont, Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Irri then enters the tent and requests for them to hunt something more interesting for dinner for their khaleesi. When she reveals that Daenerys is pregnant, Jorah announces he must split off from the column to ride to the Free City of Qohor, but will rejoin them before they reach Vaes Dothrak. Late evening, in the Dothraki camp, Daenerys and Drogo are lying together stark naked. She then reveals to Drogo in Dothraki that their child will be a boy. He asks her how she can be sure, but Daenerys simply says that she just knows.

KING’S LANDING

When the royal party reaches King's Landing, Eddard Stark is immediately asked to attend a meeting of King Robert’s small council. En route to the council meeting, Eddard encounters Ser Jaime Lannister in the throne room. Jaime smugly expresses his unhappiness that Eddard judged him as a dishonorable knight during Robert’s Rebellion for killing the “Mad King” Aerys Targaryen, who executed both Eddard's father and brother, as well as having the nerve to casually seat himself upon the Iron Throne afterwards. Jaime is unrepentant about it, however, stating that the betrayal of his king felt like justice. Eddard coolly asks Jaime if that is what he tells himself at night. Eddard then meets with the small council members: Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish, the Master of Coin and childhood friend of his wife, Catelyn Stark;  Grand Maester  Pycelle, the advisor in all matters scientific and academic; Renly Baratheon, the youngest of the king's two brothers as well as Master of Laws; and Lord Varys, the head of the king's intelligence network. Lord Varys informs Eddard that the council members heard about his direwolf troubles along the Kingsroad and that they pray for Prince Joffrey's recovery. Eddard grimly responds "It's a shame no one prayed for the butcher's boy.” Eddard is then stunned to learn that the crown is six million in debt, half of which is to Lord Tywin Lannister. To make matters worse, King Robert has just ordered a lavish tournament to celebrate Eddard's appointment as Hand. He resolves to advise Robert to cancel the tourney, but the council is doubtful the king will listen.

Queen Cersei Lannister talks to Prince Joffrey about the direwolf incident on the river while she tends to his wounds. Cersei insists that all kings should have scars, as she incorrectly recounts the events of the incident, stating that Joffrey is a warrior who fought off a direwolf. When a deflated Joffrey mentions the reality of the situation, his mother asserts to him that when he is king, the truth will be whatever he decides it will be. Joffrey thinks there will be trouble with the Starks, and promises that when he is king, he will double their taxes, force them to contribute to a standing army and, should they object, crush them and install someone loyal as Warden of the North. Cersei then points out that the North is too vast and wild to be militarily conquered by outsiders, and a king needs to be more clever. She also advises him to be kind to his betrothed Sansa Stark to avoid stirring up trouble later on, and concludes that "Anyone who isn't us is an enemy." Meanwhile, Sansa and Arya Stark are still at odds over the incident with Joffrey and their direwolves, resulting in Nymeria’s escape and Lady’s execution. When Eddard arrives, he sends Arya to her chambers and attempts to console a grieving Sansa, to no avail. After Sansa sullenly leaves, Ned states to Septa Mordane that “war was easier than daughters.”

Afterwards, Eddard enters Arya’s chambers and immediately questions her about her new sword, recognizing the familiar work on it from Winterfell. He asserts that a sword is no toy and that “little ladies shouldn’t play with swords,” though Arya is quick to defend herself in stating that she wasn’t playing around with it, then also informing her father that she doesn’t want to be a lady. Attempting to resolve the recent conflict, Ned sits a guilt-ridden Arya down as she states that her friend Mycah wouldn’t have been killed if she hadn’t asked him to practice with her. Ned insists that it was not her fault and then further explains the difficult position her sister was put in with Joffrey and Cersei. He states that while Sansa shouldn't have lied about the incident, winning the long-term approval of her future husband was important. He then stresses that the capital is a dangerous place and that they can’t fight a war amongst themselves. Still upset with the situation, Eddard mollifies Arya by allowing her to continue practicing with her sword, declaring that if she is going wield a sword she better learn how to use it.

Later, Catelyn Stark and Ser Rodrik Cassel have made their way down south and arrive at King's Landing as they attempt to sneak into the city. However, they are spotted by one of Littlefinger's men. They are taken to meet Littlefinger at a brothel he owns, where Lord Varys is also waiting. He explains that one of his 'little birds' told him they were coming. Catelyn is angered by the way they've been treated, but asks Littlefinger for aid in finding the people who tried to have Bran killed. Littlefinger is able to answer this quickly stating that the elaborate dagger wielded by the assassin used to be his, but he lost it in a gamble with Tyrion Lannister. Littlefinger fetches Eddard to meet his wife, but Ned suspects a trick and pushes Littlefinger up against a wall outside the brothel wanting to know what his game is. Catelyn then appears, and Eddard is pacified. After hearing news of Bran’s attack, he vows to expose the Lannisters to King Robert. Littlefinger agrees to be his ally in this, for the affection he once bore Catelyn as a youngster.

Meanwhile, ravens arrive at King's Landing with news of Bran's recovery. Cersei fears he will expose their secret, but Jaime comforts her, confident they can outwit a child if need be. Afterwards, Catelyn takes her leave of Eddard as well as King’s Landing, regretting that she cannot stay and see the girls, but understands that it is safer this way.

The following day, King Robert is in his chambers, drinking and reminiscing about battles with Ser Barristan Selmy, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Robert recalls his first kill was a soldier serving House Tarly at the Battle of Summerhall. The soldier thought he could end the war with a single swing of his sword but Robert killed him instead. Robert recalls how the man begged for mercy before Robert dealt the death blow and gets melancholy, thinking that the boy could have stayed in the back ranks of the enemy army, survived the battle and would now be unhappily married with ingrates for children of his own. Robert demands wine from his squire, Lancel Lannister, a cousin of Jaime and Cersei’s. Lancel is only able to pour a little, as the jug has run out. Robert angrily sends him for more and orders Ser Jaime to come in. He asks him about his first kill and Jaime replies that it was one of the Kingswood Brotherhood, an outlaw band. He was only a sixteen year old squire and cut the other man’s head off, meaning he had no last pithy words. Barristan was there that day, as Jaime remembers him killing Simon Toyne with a counter-riposte, the best move he’d ever seen. Barristan notes that Toyne was a good fighter, but lacked stamina. Robert then asks Jaime what the Mad King said when he died, if he called Jaime a traitor or begged for mercy. Jaime replies that he only said what he’d been saying all day: "Burn them all." Having silenced Robert, he takes his leave.

Some time later, in the Red Keep, Arya is summoned to a meeting with her "dancing master," a man named Syrio Forel. Syrio is the former First Sword of Braavos, a Free City in Essos. He is a master swordsman whom has been contracted by Eddard to teach her how to use her sword. Syrio calls her a boy, to Arya’s irritation. When she responds that she is a girl, he tells her that it doesn’t matter if she is a boy or girl, she must be a sword. He approves of her small size, which makes her a difficult target in combat. Syrio then informs Arya that, rather than the hacking and slashing of the knights of Westero, he will be teaching her the way of swordfighting in Braavos, the ‘Water Dance’. Much like water, this combat style stresses fluid motion, quickly advancing to attack or withdrawing to defend. Eddard then approaches and watches them practice from the door. Initially he is pleased to see his daughter applying herself and training hard, but he then quickly realizes that he is training her for war. Suddenly in his mind the clunk of wood used as her practice sword is replaced by the clash of steel and the screams of the dying.

*Episode descriptions from GOT Wiki