Game of Thrones Season 4 Episode 1: "Two Swords"

Finally, Season 4!  Once again, lets journey back into the world of Westeros.  

So what happened in this season premiere?  Many people will say "not much", as the episode kind of serves as a refresher to the show and what the characters are up to.  However, it was exciting to be spend time with all the main players and see where they are at.  Things have changed since the Red Wedding.  Jaime is back, but doesn't get the homecoming he expected and loses favor with both Cersei and Tywin.  Danerys' dragons are experiencing puberty.  Tyrion is still trying to handle his marriage with Sansa while Shae complains.  And Arya, oh Arya.  She gets vengeance and her own pony in that last scene, while turning into a stone cold killer.  In the break between Season 3 and Season 4, the characters' situations have deepened.

What surprises me most about "Two Swords" is how it accomplishes to not feel like it's starting off in the middle of a book (which it is).  The hour went by fast; it was over before I realized it.  Overall, a good season opener to lay the chess pieces back on the table.  

Rating: 8.0

Notes:

- I got chills during the opening credits again; happens every season premiere.

- Jaime looks like a different man clean shaven and with a new haircut.

- First nude scene this season: 12 minutes and 5 seconds in.

- The bastard, the whore and the procurer.

- Prince Oberyn turns straight men gay, then punks some Lannisters.

- Danerys and her dragons, a sight for sore eyes.

- "She wanted to have me executed, but I admired her".

- Shae is the worst part of the episode, I've gotten tired of her character.  That looks to be remedied.

- Golden hand Jaime looks like a Bond villain.

- Sam is better than Jon at reading.

- That Joffrey statue of him standing on a wolf; muhahaha.  I like his style.

- Best scene of the episode saved for last.