Ep 1. The North Remembers

The North Remembers is the first episode of the second season of the wildly popular fantasy show Game of Thrones. The episode picks up right where the first season left off, with several different storylines all unfolding simultaneously. As a result, there are several different plot threads that are introduced in this episode alone, each of which promises to be important in the long run.

At the Stark headquarters in Winterfell, Robb Stark is dealing with the aftermath of his father's execution, trying to figure out how to avenge his death against the Lannisters while still maintaining his alliances with his other allies. His mother Catelyn has taken up residence there as well, and the two of them are working together to figure out their next move.

Meanwhile, south of Winterfell, the Lannisters are celebrating their victory over the Starks. They hold Joffrey Baratheon in the Red Keep in King's Landing, and Cersei Lannister is consolidating her power in the city. She's not happy with her brother Tyrion, who has been appointed as Hand of the King by their father, and she works hard to undermine him in any way she can.

Elsewhere, Jon Snow has arrived at the Wall, where he's about to begin his training as a member of the Night's Watch. This is a group of soldiers who guard the Wall against the threat of the supernatural White Walkers, and it's a difficult and thankless job. Jon quickly discovers that some of his fellow recruits are not what they seem, and he has to work hard to earn their trust.

Finally, in the eastern city of Qarth, Daenerys Targaryen is on the run with her three dragons. She's trying to find a way to cross the sea and take back the Iron Throne from the Lannisters, but she's facing a difficult journey. She's also dealing with the fact that her trusted adviser, Jorah Mormont, has been spying on her for the Lannisters.

As all of these separate plotlines unfold, there are several themes that emerge throughout the episode. One of the most prominent is the idea of revenge. The Starks are still reeling from Ned's execution, and they're trying to figure out how to get revenge on the Lannisters. Meanwhile, Tyrion is dealing with his own revenge scheme, trying to get back at his sister for all the ways she's wronged him in the past.

Another important theme is that of loyalty. The Starks are trying to maintain their alliances with their other allies, while also staying true to their own family's needs. Jon Snow is trying to earn the trust and respect of the other members of the Night's Watch, while Daenerys is learning who she can trust in the strange new city of Qarth.

Overall, The North Remembers is a strong start to the second season of Game of Thrones. It sets up several different storylines that promise to be important in the long run, and it continues to develop the political intrigue and complex relationships that made the first season so compelling.