It’s not a secret that HBO’s adaptation of Game of Thrones loses its way. After maintaining dozens of separate storylines for seven seasons, the show’s final outing somehow struggles when nearly all the characters are at the same place at the same time. Prominent figures like Daenerys Targaryen start to take their eyes off the prize despite being so close to their goal, and it feels like the show pulls its punches, not wanting to ruffle too many feathers until the finale. That’s not the formula that works in Game of Thrones‘ early seasons. Fortunately, all of those episodes are still intact.
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While it might not feel like it’s worth watching Game of Thrones from start to finish anymore because the ending is so lackluster, there are still moments that are worth revisiting. Here are five time capsule Game of Thrones episodes that perfectly capture the magic of the show.
5) Season 1, Episode 9, “Baelor”
The pieces are finally in place in the penultimate episode of Game of Thrones Season 1, with Robb Stark finally earning a victory over the Lannisters, who are holding his father captive, and capturing the Kingslayer. However, Robb’s win loses its luster because, in King’s Landing, Ned Stark dies, even after giving in to Joffrey Baratheon’s demands. Ned losing his head is Game of Thrones’ most iconic moment, and for good reason, as it sets the tone for the rest of the series.
4) Season 4, Episode 2, “The Lion and the Rose”
Joffrey isn’t likable before Ned’s death, and killing the most noble character on the show doesn’t do him any favors. Well, he gets what’s coming to him in Season 4, Episode 2, “The Lion and the Rose.” While celebrating his wedding to Margaery Tyrell, Joffrey dies due to poisoning. The late king’s mother, Cersei Lannister, arrests her brother, Tyrion, for the crime. Game of Thrones rarely gives the audience what it wants, but Joffrey’s death is everything it should be and more.
3) Season 3, Episode 9, “The Rains of Castamere”
Season 3, Episode 9, “The Rains of Castamere,” is to blame for weddings being such a terrifying setting for a Game of Thrones episode. When Robb and his army travel to the Twins, they believe they’re being welcomed with open arms. However, Walder Frey and Roose Bolton have different plans, betraying the Northerners and killing all of them. Game of Thrones loves to shake up the status quo in its early seasons, and “The Rains of Castamere” does it better than any other episode.
2)Season 4, Episode 6, “The Laws of God and Men”
Despite having nothing to do with Joffrey’s death, Tyrion finds himself on trial for the crime in “The Laws of God and Men.” A deal is in place that will send Tyrion to Night’s Watch after he’s found guilty, but watching Shae lie is too much for the Lannister to handle. Peter Dinklage delivers a legendary performance as his character calls out his family, the people of King’s Landing, and everyone in between. Tyrion’s demand for a trial by combat in the final moments of “The Laws of God and Men” is the cherry on top that secures the episode’s spot on this list.
1) Season 1, Episode 1, “Winter Is Coming”
Unlike some shows, Game of Thrones comes out of the gates swinging. The show’s first episode is low-key compared to the rest of the entries on this list, but that doesn’t mean it lacks magic. “Winter Is Coming” does a fantastic job of introducing Westeros and all of its colorful characters. It also has a legendary cliffhanger that sees Jamie Lannister shove Bran Stark out of a window to hide his affair with his twin sister. If that’s not enough to get someone hooked, nothing else will ever do the job.
Game of Thrones is streaming on HBO Max.
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