Game of Thrones Season 3 Episode 1: "Valar Dohaeris"

Finally, Game of Thrones is back. After all the waiting, the first episode of Season 3 comes and goes by in a heartbeat.  Couldn't you have given us a two episode season premiere HBO?  COULDNT YOU?!  Anyways, its just great to be back in this crazy world, there's really nothing else like it on tv or film right now.

The episode starts off with action North of the Wall with Jon Snow getting all The Departed.  His spy storyline is intriguing and a good way for us to find out whats going on with these Northerners.  At King's Landing, Tywin's presence seems to be bringing new dynamics to Tyrion, Cersei and Joffrey.  Tywin's speech to Tyrion was pretty harsh.  Davos is still alive? (I almost forgot who his character was for a moment).  Robb and Catelyn find Winterfell in ruins.  Danerys' storyline is almost already better than last season, with her interactions with the slave trader a highlight.  This was very much a season premiere episode in the sense that it catches us up to most of the characters and develops new story arcs.

My only complaint about the episode is that it seemed to be about setting up for things to happen, instead of things actually happening.  I have to remind myself that the best episodes of Season 1 and Season 2 usually came a few episodes in after things started getting rolling.  Ultimately, I'm excited Game of Thrones is back and it looks like there's a lot to look forward to, bring on the next episode!

Observations:

- No Arya, Bran or Jamie =[ It was probably a good idea to not to try to cram them in this episode though.

- I got giddy when the intro music started playing.  #nerdalert

- Giants are shy.  Who wouldve thunk it?

- First naked chick, exactly 12 minutes and 40 seconds into the season.  

- The slaver guy was not in a good mood to sell 8,000 slave soldiers.

Bonus:  Here's a picture of the actresses that play Arya, Catelyn and Sansa blowing bubbles at you.