Game of Thrones

:

Season 2
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 17, 2011
Season #: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 2349 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,246 out of 2349
  2. Mixed: 48 out of 2349
  3. Negative: 55 out of 2349
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  1. jamesemb
    Jun 18, 2012
    1
    Take this score knowing that the books have been read and as such just doesn't do it any justice. the 1st series did the book well, this one didn't and didn't by a long shot. If you took this as a separate show ignoring the book then yes it is good, a 7/10 but knowing what was in the book this could be a 10/10. HBO do make cracking shows but they have just let themselves down here. fingersTake this score knowing that the books have been read and as such just doesn't do it any justice. the 1st series did the book well, this one didn't and didn't by a long shot. If you took this as a separate show ignoring the book then yes it is good, a 7/10 but knowing what was in the book this could be a 10/10. HBO do make cracking shows but they have just let themselves down here. fingers crossed for the 3rd series.… Expand
  2. seancriswell
    Jun 13, 2012
    10
    It is hard for me to separate my views on this series from those of the book. They may not be fair, but if you have a piece of literature, that may be the best among any fiction ever written, you are bound to try to hold a television show to that standard. That being said this show does a tremendous job of bringing Martin's characters to life and staying true to their personalities andIt is hard for me to separate my views on this series from those of the book. They may not be fair, but if you have a piece of literature, that may be the best among any fiction ever written, you are bound to try to hold a television show to that standard. That being said this show does a tremendous job of bringing Martin's characters to life and staying true to their personalities and arcs. The things that bother me about this show are the same thing that bothered me in season 1. As if there are not enough characters in Westeros to work with, the creators have chosen to create Roslyn, who's only purpose appears to be to have lots of excuses for "sexposition". I'm not a prude, but for me this never advances the story, and I feel there are plenty of other places for people to get their porn.

    What I love about this show is the rich characters and storytelling. This is an enormous world with many plot lines and a huge number of characters. The show has done a great job of engaging us in all of this in a way that doesn't confuse the viewer and keeps us wanting more. The storytelling did stray a little more from the books than in season 1, but still brought us right back to where we need to be going into next season. I think almost everyone agrees that "Blackwater" was the best episode of the season, and one of the best episodes of TV ever. I also thought the finale was extremely well done, and while many were dissatisfied with Dany's story this year, I thought they did a decent job with the growth of her character. The house of the undying came up a bit short compared to the book, but I think they are properly showing her growth and motivation for where her character will end up.

    The most fun this year was at King's Landing where Tyrion was playing chess with his brain power vs. Cyrsei's cunning and Joffrey's brutality. Tyrion remains the best and most interesting character in this show.

    Overall this is one of the best hours on TV, and has kept me reading the books to gobble up all of Westeros that I can.    … Expand
  3. MagnificentM
    Jun 10, 2012
    9
    Season 2 isn't as good as the first season, but it's still far above most TV dramas. My big problem with Season 2 is that there didn't seem to be much action, but rather a lot of talking and exposition. There was also the story of Daenerys Targaryen which wasn't really given its due until the final episode. But despite this the acting remained top notch, especially the amazing PeterSeason 2 isn't as good as the first season, but it's still far above most TV dramas. My big problem with Season 2 is that there didn't seem to be much action, but rather a lot of talking and exposition. There was also the story of Daenerys Targaryen which wasn't really given its due until the final episode. But despite this the acting remained top notch, especially the amazing Peter Dinklage who deserved his Golden Globe win for his performance as Tyrion Lannister. Then there was the entire episode of Blackwater which is one of the greatest TV episodes I have ever seen, and the great battle scene was better than many that are produced on the big screen. This is still one of the best shows on television.… Expand
  4. JooHateMe
    Jun 8, 2012
    10
    I cant convey to you enough on how good this show is. Every single character is amazing and there has not been a single casting mistake. The acting on this show is amazing, and the show feels like an epic movie every episode. Im not a big TV watcher but this is one show I cant stop watching. I recommend this show to everyone!!!!
  5. SuzyCreamCheese
    Jun 6, 2012
    2
    Can't stand this show. It don't get all the buzz from full grown adults about a fairy tale. It's a bad disney movie with violence. I keep waiting for Harry Potter to show up. I've never heard so many bad accents. Really People?? Where's your taste in good programing?
  6. LD9000
    Jun 6, 2012
    4
    I've been a big fan of season 1 and even read ALL game of throne books after watching that. All books except for the first one. After that, the second season is quite disappointing. The entire book chapters have been condensed into 30 second scenes or so, and honestly, if I did not read the book, I wouldn't even know what's going on on the screen half the time or how it's connected to the story.
  7. dheeraji
    Jun 5, 2012
    10
    Game of Thrones is my favorite show on tv right now. I was blown away by season 2 (and season 1). Not sure I'll be able to wait almost a year for the next season to be released. I haven't met a person who didn't like the show.
  8. A_Northerner
    Jun 5, 2012
    9
    Before the second season of Game of Thrones began, I decided to read the first book and this gave me an appreciation of how true to George Martin's story the writers stayed with the first season's adaptation. It also helped provide some additional background and detail to the characters in the way that only a several hundred page book can.

    Fresh from sorting out all the loose ends at the    Before the second season of Game of Thrones began, I decided to read the first book and this gave me an appreciation of how true to George Martin's story the writers stayed with the first season's adaptation. It also helped provide some additional background and detail to the characters in the way that only a several hundred page book can.

    Fresh from sorting out all the loose ends at the end of the last season, the new season begins in earnest with Robb at war with the Lannisters, Tyrion appointed the Hand of King Joffrey, Arya on the road and Daenerys struggling to forge a way home with her infant dragons.

    The season then injects a huge influx of new characters, including Stannis and Renly Barratheon, the township of Qarth, the Tyrell siblings, the house of Greyjoy and Jaqen H'ghar. Certain characters from the first season are given much more screen time this time around, most notably Tywin Lannister, who is superbly played by Charles Dance.

    In covering all the characters, locations and story lines, the scope of the show can only be described as epic. As with all good shows of such grandeur (The Wire and Treme), the writers manage to maintain interest through rich character development and intricate story telling despite the meandering pace of the action. Given the scope of the show, the story arc for each character within each book/season is relatively shallow, for instance, Stannis takes almost all 10 episodes to mount his attack on Kings Landing, Robb sits at camp and really does nothing more than deal with his mother and his new love interest, Jon sets out north of the wall and achieves relatively little and Daenerys enters Qarth and struggles with the local politics, but through the structure of the episodes the writers manage to not make you feel short changed at all as the action progresses.

    The season really belongs to Peter Dinklage, who as Tyrion, with the confidence of his father behind him, really comes into his own as he schemes and plots with the best of them at Joffrey's court. All in all the acting and production is superb, and as a Northerner, I love to hear the broad Northern accents when the action switches to Winterfell and beyond the wall.    … Expand
  9. w_underwood
    Jun 4, 2012
    9
    This season was even better than the last and the finale is going to make waiting for season 3 even harder to do. This show just builds and builds upon itself improving with every episode.
  10. BigDingus04
    Jun 4, 2012
    10
    Best show on TV. Got the season one box set on Blu Ray and watched 9 out of the 10 episodes in one sitting. I was hooked instantly to the politics and lore of the show. Many twists and turns keep you on your toes at all times. Season two is even better and leaves you anticipating more after each episode. Best show on TV, that's all I can say.
  11. Kenmei
    Jun 4, 2012
    9
    Judged purely on it's merits as a TV show, the Game of Thrones series has so far been one of the most memorable shows to date. I would put it up there with such recent classics like The Sopranos. The first two seasons have shown that HBO still has the ability to put out Elite programming above the rest of the networks. The first two seasons of this epic saga really raise the bar for allJudged purely on it's merits as a TV show, the Game of Thrones series has so far been one of the most memorable shows to date. I would put it up there with such recent classics like The Sopranos. The first two seasons have shown that HBO still has the ability to put out Elite programming above the rest of the networks. The first two seasons of this epic saga really raise the bar for all sorts of production values and I'm very impressed with the quality of acting from most of the characters on the show, in particular Peter Dinklage, who will win his second Emmy for his role as Tyrion. The plot is a different story though. While it's filled with quite a bit of intrigue and treachery, there are FAR too many characters being focused on in this series. These aren't minor characters either. There are consistently 5-7 main storylines going on all at once which really bogs down the show to the point where you barely even see some of the characters in the episode each week, some even being absent entirely. If they could cut out one or two of these stories, things would be so much easier to follow and enjoy. Hell, I'd take a series that just focused on Tyrion, seeing as how he's the most interesting character amongst all of them. I have read the books though and I do know how these things work out, which REALLY makes me excited for the next season, which should be the best season so far, if these production values keep up. Next season, the plot will catch up to the epic promises this show has started to make and truly make this show one of the best ever. Now that this season has ended, people will have plenty of time catching up for next year's epic season.… Expand
  12. Ph4bim
    Jun 3, 2012
    10
    FANTÃ
  13. JudgeHolden
    Jun 1, 2012
    8
    Very good TV series and a wonderful book adaptation. However, sometimes it is marred by some secondary flaws, which make it sometimes a bit dull and boring. Compared to the book, it lacks the magnificence of the final battle and some deeper insights into the character's psychology (e.g. Tyrion). All in all though, even the book lovers will enjoy the show, as it enhances the originalVery good TV series and a wonderful book adaptation. However, sometimes it is marred by some secondary flaws, which make it sometimes a bit dull and boring. Compared to the book, it lacks the magnificence of the final battle and some deeper insights into the character's psychology (e.g. Tyrion). All in all though, even the book lovers will enjoy the show, as it enhances the original version with some interesting elements approved by George R.R. Martin (e.g. some scenes with Arya and Lord Tywin at Harrenhal).… Expand
  14. Vatolicious
    May 28, 2012
    10
    I hate this show so much. It forces me to watch Some times there will be entire episodes where nothing happens. I JUST WANNA KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. Its the highlight of my week to watch this on Sunday.
  15. SlubbertKing
    May 23, 2012
    5
    The series is great and the story is intriguing. But after thats said the second series it feals like nothing is happening. Everyone is just stand in each others camps and having a stearwar. But hopefully it will improve as the story progresses.
  16. gerbronicus
    May 22, 2012
    9
    This is by far my favorite TV show that I watch right now, narrowly beating out Mad Men. The story lines are fantastic and I find myself eager to read the books. However, I don't want to ruin the show for myself. It's quite the dilemma. The dialogue exchange between Arya and Tywin Lannaster is enough to make me watch this show, not including the other great characters and plotsThis is by far my favorite TV show that I watch right now, narrowly beating out Mad Men. The story lines are fantastic and I find myself eager to read the books. However, I don't want to ruin the show for myself. It's quite the dilemma. The dialogue exchange between Arya and Tywin Lannaster is enough to make me watch this show, not including the other great characters and plots unfolding. Really looking forward to Episode 9 and all the madness that is about to occur in it!… Expand
  17. Limbo9
    May 21, 2012
    10
    If you took any show that has ever been on TV, combine it into one powerful show.. you still would not reach the magnitude of epicness of game of thrones.. its just beyond perfection, and i believe there will rarely be anything as great as this..
  18. Moindependence
    May 20, 2012
    10
    When Game of Thrones is on your TV you will be immersed into the story and plot, high quality production, very well written characters and performance. casting is great and plot is thick with well placed twists. a must see.
  19. Delixu
    May 18, 2012
    10
    Wonderful. The storyline is great, of course, following George R. R. Martin's best-selling series. The acting amazes me. I thought the loss of an actor in the calibre of Sean Bean could impact my experience, but I was just wrong. It seems that the whole cast is in a different world where flaws are impossible. Peter Dinklage is one of the greatest actors I have ever had the pleasure ofWonderful. The storyline is great, of course, following George R. R. Martin's best-selling series. The acting amazes me. I thought the loss of an actor in the calibre of Sean Bean could impact my experience, but I was just wrong. It seems that the whole cast is in a different world where flaws are impossible. Peter Dinklage is one of the greatest actors I have ever had the pleasure of watching, and his acting alone is enough to keep me hooked. The other hundreds of actors wouldn't even have to try. And they don't try: they succeed.… Expand
  20. Kaptain
    May 18, 2012
    10
    Best....show....EVER! I never even heard of G.R.R.M before HBO brought out the teasers. Man, am I glad I got educated last season. I absolutely love Game of Thrones. The characters, twists, turns, backstabbing, maneuvering, sex, battles, comedy, mystery, mystique, guts & glory. It's everything I ever wanted in a show, and everything I expect from HBO's QUALITY programming. These guys knowBest....show....EVER! I never even heard of G.R.R.M before HBO brought out the teasers. Man, am I glad I got educated last season. I absolutely love Game of Thrones. The characters, twists, turns, backstabbing, maneuvering, sex, battles, comedy, mystery, mystique, guts & glory. It's everything I ever wanted in a show, and everything I expect from HBO's QUALITY programming. These guys know how to pick and create winners. As much as I would like to go out and start reading George's books, there is no way in hell I'm going to ruin this ride with spoilers. Until the curtains close on this outstanding series, I'll be content in my ignorance having never read a single page.… Expand
  21. MalcomGTX
    May 17, 2012
    9
    Still loving this show, a bit too much on the 'porny' side. I don't like some of the changes they made to 'enhance' a certain evil king, but I still love the show.

    Twists and turns abound. :)
  22. Stockslinger
    May 16, 2012
    10
    Sets the standard for epic story telling for years to come. There has never been a world this rich and expansive on TV. I will go back and read the books now! Peter Dinklage is a genius!
  23. tsnixon
    May 14, 2012
    5
    Allow me to preface this comment by saying two things: 1) I have read the books (a few times) 2) I was absolutely thrilled with the first season, and was on the edge of my seat waiting for the second season. Yet after 6 episodes of the second season, the TV series has gone astray from the books, not only in unnecessary instances, but also in critical ones. While the series may still beAllow me to preface this comment by saying two things: 1) I have read the books (a few times) 2) I was absolutely thrilled with the first season, and was on the edge of my seat waiting for the second season. Yet after 6 episodes of the second season, the TV series has gone astray from the books, not only in unnecessary instances, but also in critical ones. While the series may still be interesting to those who have not read the books, I cannot imagine that readers are pleased. George RR Martin wrote an intriguing tale with copious amounts of sex, yet someone in control seemed to think there wasn't enough for the second season on TV. Disgusting. In my opinion, there were several sub-plots in the first book that were removed from the TV series, but nothing was added. This is the key. In season two they have added plots, or have at least accelerated said plots. At the end of season two episode six, there was an event so different from anything in the books that I may have to stop watching now. Casting is still phenomenal with the introduction of new characters. Love how they've done with a TV budget versus a big screen Lord of the Rings type budget (or, dare I say, Avatar's budget).… Expand
  24. mustard_tiger
    May 14, 2012
    10
    Minus the forced HBO sex stuff the show gets better with each episode. I am also a big fan of less episodes when it brings higher quality but I think there is more than enough story to stretch the season a few additional episodes.
  25. TomLolZ
    May 6, 2012
    10
    A series and leaves you counting the days till the next program airs. An excellent show from HBO. With the larger budget for this season we can expect to see more action and other fantastic cast, like Tyrion, simply brilliant. I LOVE the books and highly enjoy seeing them come to life on the TV Superb acting all around. Story line is always interesting full of plots wars intrigue, theA series and leaves you counting the days till the next program airs. An excellent show from HBO. With the larger budget for this season we can expect to see more action and other fantastic cast, like Tyrion, simply brilliant. I LOVE the books and highly enjoy seeing them come to life on the TV Superb acting all around. Story line is always interesting full of plots wars intrigue, the story always is moving but easy to follow.… Expand
  26. VasyaNYC
    Apr 30, 2012
    10
    Thrones is far and away the best show currently on television ("Mad Men" is about workaholics and, uuugh, work). This show is why you love HBO, and why you (along with the rest of us) probably agree that the best, most artistic and creative work on the planet is currently done not in fiction, and certainly not in movies, but takes place in small oases of creativity just over the borderThrones is far and away the best show currently on television ("Mad Men" is about workaholics and, uuugh, work). This show is why you love HBO, and why you (along with the rest of us) probably agree that the best, most artistic and creative work on the planet is currently done not in fiction, and certainly not in movies, but takes place in small oases of creativity just over the border from network television. Thrones is the rare show that works both as compelling drama and fun entertainment. I am completely in awe of the show's achievement.

    P.S. The professional critics rate this show only one point above "Girls," while the users are far more accurate in their collective opinions. If you ever needed to know which group has a better, more discerning handle on the entertainment you will find more enjoyable/edifying, go no further than these comparisons.    … Expand
  27. DannyOcean
    Apr 25, 2012
    10
    I need another season or so to be sure, but I believe that 'Game of Thrones' is the best television show I've ever watched. It immediately goes into the pantheon of great dramas with The Wire, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, and The Sopranos. The best storytelling on television right now, with amazing acting performances, unbelievable sets and costuming. The sheer scope and magnitude of theI need another season or so to be sure, but I believe that 'Game of Thrones' is the best television show I've ever watched. It immediately goes into the pantheon of great dramas with The Wire, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, and The Sopranos. The best storytelling on television right now, with amazing acting performances, unbelievable sets and costuming. The sheer scope and magnitude of the story are breathtaking, and Game of Thrones may be the most ambitious project in television history. Watch it sooner rather than later..… Expand
  28. CrimsonFlush
    Apr 23, 2012
    9
    I was a little disappointed about how they've changed the story around, made Little Finger look like a jackass, whereas in the book he's a step ahead of everyone. Some more poor casting choices, Asha is hideous, Stannis should have been played by the guy playing the Davos the pirate, and vice-versa, Marjory isn't innocent as she is in the book, not a breathtaking beauty as in the book.I was a little disappointed about how they've changed the story around, made Little Finger look like a jackass, whereas in the book he's a step ahead of everyone. Some more poor casting choices, Asha is hideous, Stannis should have been played by the guy playing the Davos the pirate, and vice-versa, Marjory isn't innocent as she is in the book, not a breathtaking beauty as in the book. That being said, still the best show going on TV today, heads above most stuff. It's too bad this series will never finish, took the Martin 7 years to write the last book and it went absolutely no where.… Expand
  29. mbgower
    Apr 22, 2012
    6
    I gobbled up the first season of Game of Thrones, then watched it over again with my wife, after I'd read the book. It worked when I watched it cold, and knowing what was coming didn't reduce the experience. In fact, I was impressed with how the writers managed to cram the essence of a book into 10 episodes without feeling like anything was skimped.
    I had big hopes for the second season,    I gobbled up the first season of Game of Thrones, then watched it over again with my wife, after I'd read the book. It worked when I watched it cold, and knowing what was coming didn't reduce the experience. In fact, I was impressed with how the writers managed to cram the essence of a book into 10 episodes without feeling like anything was skimped.
    I had big hopes for the second season, but alas, it suffers the all-to-common sophomore phenomenon. The dialogue is more stilted, the characters more dispersed, the story lines more scattered. Game of Thrones has lost its mojo. I may stick it out for episode four tonight, but I have little hope of seeing anything that will make me come back again.    … Expand
  30. Spiralus
    Apr 21, 2012
    10
    This show takes everything that humans have learned about good storytelling and film making then adds to it. You DON"T have to be a geek to love it - the characters are real and unique. You DON"T have to be a man to love it - it is not hyper violent - there are swords and armies but most of the gore is shown briefly or skipped. Neither is there just eye candy for men(like bay watch). ThereThis show takes everything that humans have learned about good storytelling and film making then adds to it. You DON"T have to be a geek to love it - the characters are real and unique. You DON"T have to be a man to love it - it is not hyper violent - there are swords and armies but most of the gore is shown briefly or skipped. Neither is there just eye candy for men(like bay watch). There is sex and there are pretty characters, but they are realistically depicted (considering context) and aren't glossed over into teeny boy softcore (as some errant critics would lead you to believe. You DON"T have to be super-smart to love it (though it does ask more of the viewer than most shows - a good thing for 90% of us). You DO have to start at the beginning - it's a movie in the fifteenth hour. You DO have to remember what happened last episode. You DO have to be thick skinned - some terrible things are portrayed and if you take what you watch personally or are easily offended then the story is simply not for you. For most people this show will be one of the best things they'e ever seen. It is for me.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best TV Season of 2012
3
#3 Most Discussed TV Season of 2012
12
#12 Most Shared TV Season of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Matt Zoller Seitz
    Apr 3, 2012
    100
    Is Game of Thrones one of the great HBO series? It's too early to tell, though judged purely as an immense yet improbably graceful narrative machine, I'd have to say yes.
    Read full review
  2. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Apr 2, 2012
    67
    Game of Thrones starts less like an epic and more like a session of "Medieval Sims."
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    Reviewed by: Daynah Burnett
    Apr 2, 2012
    70
    The new episodes present an almost a too intricate meditation on power. Game of Thrones demands that you pay attention or be left behind.
    Read full review
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