I disliked Cersei intensely from the start, which is understandable since the character is written to be intensely dislikeable. I fell head over heels for Lena Headly as an actress after season 2 episode 9 “Blackwater,” though. Wow, instant classic. The whole episode is itself the single coolest thing I’ve ever seen that was made for tv. The building sense of dread, the gloom, the horror of the siege. It was worth watching again despite the gore, and I did.
I thought that the final two episodes of season 2 was some of the very finest television that I have ever seen.
The battle was depicted so well. It was sadly missing one key element from the book, but nonetheless the scene was magnificent.
I particularly liked the season finale too, the scene between Bran, Rickon, Hodor, Osha, and the dying Maester Luwin was very touching.
Likewise, the scene between Daenerys and Khal Drogo in the warlock tower was just absolutely awesome, and that was an added scene that was not in the books, in fact much of what occurred in the tower was not in the books. Pryat Pree’s demise via dragon flame was great, but it was presented differently in the book as well.
Overall the producers have done a startling job in bringing the books to life, however I am very glad that I read the books first.
Tyrion was extremely brave and exhibited such amazing leadership skills. It’s a travesty what happened to him afterwards. Obviously this is just a show, but I had tears in my eyes when his father talked to him afterwards, condeming him for killing his mother, being a dwarf, questioning his bloodline, removing him from being the “hand”, etc etc. It’s just so hearbreaking to watch. I have a feeling he’s not going to get any breaks in the future.
The author of these stories truly has no sympathy for his characters.