Discussing Game of Thrones: Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things

* Spoilers ahead if you haven’t seen “Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things.”

What's Up with That Crow?

Bran dreams of a crow with a freaky third eye, the first of many such dreams. He wakes up to find that he's been summoned by Robb, who, in their parents' absence, is receiving a visiting Tyrion. With hostility. Despite Robb's downright arctic treatment, Tyrion has brought a design for a special saddle for Bran so that the boy can ride a horse again. Robb softens his stance toward his Lannister visitor, but it's too little too late. Tyrion notes that Catelyn is nowhere to be seen around Winterfell and gets in some verbal jabs at Theon before continuing his journey south.

The New Arrival at the Wall

It's Samwell Tarly! Poor Sam doesn't exactly receive a warm welcome from his new brothers, and Rast whales on him until Jon steps in. Grenn expresses his concern that being associated with Sam will only bring trouble.

Something About Dragons

The khalasar arrives in Vaes Dothrak, and Viserys's reaction is of one who is not impressed. Viserys and Doreah later have a super chatty conversation in the bathtub about dragons. In what is practically a signature GoT storytelling technique, the scene's talkiness is offset by what else is going on: these two in a bathtub.

Now It's Sansa's Turn to Look at the Iron Throne

Viewing the Iron Throne in person for yourself is like a GoT rite of passage. Sansa and Septa Mordane visit the throne room, and Sansa is already worried about her future, at this point about what will happen if she doesn't give Joffrey any sons. Honey, if you only knew the horrors on the horizon courtesy of quite possibly the most despised character on TV.

That Was a Really Interesting Book Jon Arryn Was Reading

Janos Slynt, commander of the City Watch, complains about the trouble that's been cropping up in King's Landing lately because of the rabble flocking to the capital for the tournament. Afterwards, Ned finds himself alone with Pycelle and quizzes him about Jon Arryn. Pycelle whips out the book Jon Arryn seemed to have taken a particular interest in, all about the history of the houses of Westeros. Ned brings up the topic of poison and Pycelle is quick to throw suspicion on Varys.

But I Don't Want to Be a Lady When I Grow Up!

Gotta love Arya. She'd make an amazing knight. Gotta also love scenes like this one between Ned and his children. Cherish them now because . . . you know . . . .

Future Besties!

Jon has a new watch partner—Sam! Best friends in the making! Jon, rather tactlessly, notes that Sam really isn't good at anything and asks him why he's at the Wall. Sam then reveals what an awful, awful, awful human being his father is.

Ned Gets Some Clues

Littlefinger, obviously with the intent of furthering his own agenda, provides Ned with two very important leads. He suggests that Ser Hugh of the Vale, Jon Arryn's former squire who's suddenly been jumped up to a knight, might know something important. Ned is also advised to pay a visit to a King's Landing blacksmith. Ned dispatches Jory to talk to Ser Hugh, who turns out to be more interested in measuring the length of the jousting field than conversing with Jory. Ned looks in on the blacksmith and is surprised to find how much the blacksmith's apprentice, Gendry, resembles a certain king.

When Being Kingsguard Sucks

Jaime has to stand guard outside Robert's door while the king cheats on Cersei. Nice. Jory arrives, and he and Jaime reminisce about fighting against the Ironborn.

Ghost Is a Badass

Jon tries to get Pyp and Grenn to not hassle Sam. Rast, unfortunately, overhears the conversation, so at night, Jon takes Ghost to scare Rast into leaving Sam alone. The next day, no one will fight Sam, and an angry Thorne knows Jon is responsible.

Viserys: Worst Dinner Guest Ever

Daenerys invites her brother for a nice meal together, and he's his usual snarling self. She stands up for herself this time, though, and the two get into a pretty nasty brawl. His sister's newfound independence comes as a shock to Viserys; better get used to it, buddy.

Jon Snow Prefers Redheads

Jon and Sam are scrubbing tables in the mess hall and having a guy talk. Jon mentions Ros, quite possibly the most famous prostitute in Westeros, who's a redhead like a certain other character who will play a significant role in our favorite brooding bastard's life, haha. Thorne walks in and the mood turns all depressing when he tells the lads they have NO idea what a real winter is like. Plus Mance Rayder, the self-proclaimed King Beyond the Wall is lurking somewhere out there.

Don't Feel Bad, Daenerys

Talking to Jorah, Daenerys feels remorse about hitting her brother. She also realizes that he's not fit to lead a trail of ants.

The Hand's Tourney

The tournament gets underway. In the first of several creepy interactions, Littlefinger introduces himself to Sansa. Shudder. The Mountain pulverizes Ser Hugh of the Vale in the joust. Shudder. Littlefinger enlightens Sansa to the animosity between the Mountain and his brother, the Hound.

Beware the Lion, Ned

Cersei goes to see Ned, ostensibly to make peace over the direwolf business. But, like pretty much any conversation that involves the Queen, there's a threat underlying the visit.

Catelyn's Fateful Decision

Catelyn and Ser Rodrik are at an inn when Tyrion walks in. Among the patrons is Bronn, who'll be very important very soon. Tyrion recognizes Catelyn, who accuses him of trying to kill Bran and orders him seized. And a dragon-sized load of trouble is about to start.