GoT Episode Investigation! Season 3 Episode 1!

Season 2 is often thought of as the "most boring" of the series run. I tend to agree, as there's way more dialogue and story then action and shocking moments. Season 3 is when this show really gets cooking. When re-watching this show, I have found myself looking forward to getting through Season 2. However, I have found a bunch of clues about the fate of some of the main characters in dialogue from Season 2. The investigation into Season 3 will determine if those clues continue or if these characters are just stuck on their path. Now, without further interruption, here is...

SEASON 3 EPISODE 1 - Valar Dohaeris
Synopsis: Jon is brought before Mance Rayder, the King Beyond the Wall, while the Night's Watch survivors retreat South. In King's Landing, Tyrion asks for his reward. Littlefinger offers Sansa a way out. **taken from the IMDB plot summary**

Thoughts/Clues/Evidence found:

- We pick up almost right where Season 2 ended, it's immediately after the massacre at the Fist of the First Men. We hear swords clashing and men screaming, but it's Sam we see that's survived, running through the snow. When he's confronted by one of the Walkers, but saved by Ghost and the other survivors of the Night's Watch. Their numbers have diminished significantly.

- The first time we see a smoking Winterfell in the opening credits sequence.

- Astapor makes a first appearance as we quickly learn where Dany is headed. Into Slaver's Bay, which is part of the Gulf of Grief.

- Robb's forces arrive at Harrenhal to find their men slaughtered. The only survivor is Qyburn. Oh boy.

- Tywin has become a very interesting character to me during this re-watch. To me, he doesn't appear as strong as he thinks he does. His strength is of reputation alone. He chooses to see negative things about Tyrion and Tywin is real quick to remind his son of the victories he's seen on the battlefield, but sweeps Tyrion's victories under the rug. Denying him his right to Casterly Rock is not surprising, but it doesn't support any theory about Tyrion being a secret Targaryan.

- I love watching the dragons when they're young. Even for CGI characters, they have their own personality. Drogon flying around the ship and fishing is great, and made even better as he seems to be showing off for his Momma. I love seeing the bond between Dany and Drogon.

- Dany's trek across Slaver's Bay is significant because it's the first time a Dothraki Khalasar has been on ship over salt water. She takes this to mean that if this Khalasar will follow her across "the poisoned water" then a larger one will too. She's right, but so is Jorah when he tells her, the "Dothraki follow strength above all. You'll have a true Khalasar when you prove yourself strong, and not before." And wow does she prove herself to be strong! Can't wait for those scenes!

- I love the re-intro of Ser Barristen Selmy! He saves Dany from an assassination attempt (allegedly) by the Warlocks of Qarth. It's different from the books, and that's ok, except I would have liked to meet Strong Belwas. Although, that character kind of cut up and combined with a few other characters. Works for the show.

- Also, I like how Dany doesn't give away the fact that she speaks Old Valaryan. Which makes her look ignorant in the Master's eyes. He totally underestimates her and she takes full advantage of this. It's a great example of how she's learning on her own. I love her character development this season.