Premiered: April 1, 2012

On: HBO

Starring: Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Michelle Fairley, Emilia Clarke, Aidan Gillen, Iain Glen, Kit Harington, Charles Dance, Liam Cunningham, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Richard Madden, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Alfie Allen, John Bradley, Jack Gleeson, Rory McCann, Natalie Dormer, Stephen Dillane, Carice van Houten, James Cosmo, Jerome Flynn, Conleth Hill, Sibel Kekilli & Jason Momoa

Now that the roots for the show have been settled, it’s fun watching just how far the characters will go for the Iron Throne.

After the death of Eddard Stark (Sean Bean) at the end of season 1, this season picks up with his family scattering across Westeros. Robb Stark (Richard Madden) takes over as head of the Stark house as the War of the Five Kings begins.

It’s exciting to see the women take a strong role in this season. After the death of Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa), Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) has to lead his people. Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer) also enters the picture and clearly knows where she wants to end up.

This season really grasped me into the series, whereas the first did not.

Final say: An intense second season. ★★★★☆