TOMATOMETER
Critic Consensus: "Valar Dohaeris" overextends itself trying to reintroduce a multitude of characters and plotlines, but is strengthened by its brilliantly acted two-person scenes (and three growing baby dragons).
Episode Info
Cast
as Barristan Selmy, Theon Greyjoy
as Tyrion Lannister
as Cersei Lannister
as Daenerys Targaryen
as Jon Snow
as Robb Stark
as Jorah Mormont
as Catelyn Stark
as Petyr Baelish
as Tywin Lannister
as Davos Seaworth
as Stannis Baratheon
as Bran Stark, Roose Bolton
as Melisandre
as Jaime Lannister
as Loras Tyrell, Sandor "The Hound" Clegane
as Margaery Tyrell
as Arya Stark, Talisa
as Samwell Tarly
as Joffrey Baratheon
as Qyburn, Varys
as Sansa Stark
as Talisa
as Bronn
as Shae
as Brienne, Tormund
as Jeor Mormont
as Roose Bolton
as Barristan Selmy
as Loras Tyrell
as Qyburn
as Ygritte
as Tormund
as Mance Rayder
as Ros
as Rickard Karstark
as Salladhor Saan
as Grenn
as Dolorous Edd
as Podrick Payne
as Kraznys
as Missandei
as Rast
as Rattleshirt
as Meryn Trant
as Mirelle
as The Giant
Valar Dohaeris Photos
Critic reviews for Valar Dohaeris
So yeah, a nice hour of television. A few things left me cold, though. I find it impossible to care about the Stannis Baretheon storyline.
This wasn't the kind of episode fans will be clamoring to rewatch, but as a table-setter for the season it's aces, establishing plot and tone with expert craftsmanship.
That's just life, isn't it? You live, you serve and then you die, hopefully not by zombies.
The episode took on the air of the very best caper flicks: the clearing of throats, the setting of stages, and, most important, the reintroducing of the gang.
This isn't just the start of another thrilling season of HBO's preeminent series; it's the continuation of an epic television saga that shows no signs of slowing down.
"Valar Dohaeris" isn't the most dynamic Game of Thrones episode ever, but the morning after a fierce battle is more about picking up the pieces, regrouping and recalibrating than it is rushing headfirst into another battles.
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