Ep 4. Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things

The fourth episode of Game of Thrones' first season, titled "Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things," begins with Jon Snow training with his fellow Night's Watch recruits. Meanwhile, at Winterfell, a tournament is held in honor of King Robert's visit. Tyrion arrives, and his presence creates tension between him and the Starks. Arya, still disguised as a boy, learns to fight with a lesson from Syrio Forel.

Back at the Wall, Jon is singled out by the master-at-arms, Ser Alliser Thorne, and is forced to face off against him in a sword fight. Jon ultimately loses, but not before impressing his swordmaster, Ser Rodrik Cassel. Meanwhile, in King's Landing, Ned Stark continues to investigate the death of his predecessor Jon Arryn and learns that one of Robert's bastards has been killed.

Tyrion offers to help Bran with his new saddle design, knowing that Bran cannot ride a horse due to his paralysis. Tyrion suspects that Bran's fall may have been an attempt on his life, and tells Catelyn Stark that he knows who the culprit might be. Elsewhere, Samwell Tarly arrives at the Wall and immediately becomes an outcast among the other recruits due to his obesity and lack of combat skills. Jon tries to help Sam fit in, but it proves to be a difficult task.

Back in King's Landing, Arya overhears a conversation in which two spies reveal their true identities as Lannister men. She tells her father, and Ned tries to confront them. A fight ensues, and one of the spies is killed. Ned discovers a hidden message on his body, which reveals a network of spies in King's Landing. Meanwhile, Jon and Sam are tasked with cleaning the latrines as punishment, but are approached by Ghost, Jon's albino direwolf.

In Winterfell, Bran finally tries his new saddle, but is unable to control the horse and is thrown off. Meanwhile, Tyrion confesses to Catelyn that he never bet on Bran's life and knows nothing of the assassination attempt. Catelyn takes him captive, believing him responsible for Bran's fall. The episode ends with Jon and Sam uncovering a cache of dragonglass daggers while cleaning and wondering about their true purpose.

"Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things" is an important episode in the first season of Game of Thrones as it sets up several important storylines. It introduces new characters like Samwell Tarly and Syrio Forel, as well as building on existing relationships between key players like Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister. Additionally, it sets up the ongoing mystery of Jon Arryn's death and the discovery of a network of spies in King's Landing. Overall, it's a solid episode that provides plenty of intrigue and action while moving the story forward.