The tangled web of conflicting families grows even larger and more complex with the arrival of season two of my favorite show on television, “Game of Thrones.” 

With the elimination of a key character in season one, much of the new season is based upon the aftermath of that traumatic event. As the Stark family is separated and approaches Kings Landing, the Lannisters and the newly, but not so rightfully named, King Joffrey, are spilling blood all throughout the realm. If you didn’t hate Joffrey in season one, I guarantee you will now. The first episode ends with the shocking act of babies being murdered for fear of Joffrey losing the throne.

In the second episode of the new season, I was left breathless when the final scene ended. That episode is undoubtedly my favorite episode up to this point in the show. We see the new areas of Pyke as Theon Greyjoy attempts and fails at garnering support to take over the realm.

In a shocking turn of events, Greyjoy’s long lost sister is in control of the forces in Pyke and Greyoy is left dumbfounded. Meanwhile, the absent brother of the former King Robert, Stannis Baratheon,  plots to take the throne in another new area, the island of Dragonstone.

All of these new areas in Westeros are beautifully portrayed. As Daenerys Targaryen and her khal, or warriors, die in the Red Waste, we can feel the dryness and suffering with the imagery of the wasteland. It perfectly depicts her sudden fall from power from the first season.

And finally, the cliffhanger at the end, we see a White Walker of the north. These creatures have been unseen since the first episode of season one and they are truly terrifying. As soon as the episode ended, I was screaming, “No!” at my screen.

There is so much to be said to how “Game of Thrones” is bringing George R.R. Martin’s books to life. HBO is the perfect network for the show, as it does take a strong stomach to watch at times. When I first reviewed this show, I explained how the amount of nudity bothered me while watching.

I could now just becoming desensitized to it, but I have realized that the nudity and the blatant sexuality in this show is what makes it so real to watch. In most fantasy shows or movies, much of what takes place in “Game of Thrones is done behind closed doors. In this show, every human emotion, good or evil, is completely visible for the audience. You really find yourself rooting for your favorite characters when they are in trouble because of the on-point acting.

All in all, if you are not watching this show, you are missing out. For me, this has definitely become my favorite show. While it did take two viewing of season one to fully understand all of what was happening, now that I do completely know everything it is that much more of a compelling story. I know that this summer, I will continue reading “A Song of Ice and Fire” series and decide for myself who is the rightful king of the realm.