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Critic Consensus: While "Breaker of Chains" is a letdown after the Purple Wedding, the episode expertly weaves together a number of necessary plot points -- and still manages to deliver a very memorable scene.
Episode Info
Cast
as Tyrion Lannister
as Catelyn Stark
as Cersei Lannister
as Daenerys Targaryen
as Jaime Lannister
as Petyr Baelish
as Tywin Lannister
as Jorah Mormont
as Jon Snow
as Robb Stark
as Stannis Baratheon
as Arya Stark
as Sansa Stark
as Bran Stark
as Joffrey Baratheon
as Theon Greyjoy
as Ygritte
as Bronn
as Sandor "The Hound" Clegane
as Tormund
as Varys
as Gilly
as Brienne
as Jeor Mormont
as Olenna Tyrell
as Melisandre
as Missandei
as Ellaria Sand
as Davos Seaworth
as Daario Naharis
as Shae
as Oberyn Martell
as Margaery Tyrell
as Barristan Selmy
as Maester Aemon
as Alliser Thorne
as Styr
as Grey Worm
as Janos Slynt
as Podrick Payne
as Grand Maester Pycelle
as Grenn
as Dolorous Edd
as Dontos Hollard
as Olyvar
as Tommen Baratheon
as Pyp
as Meryn Trant
as Hizdahr zo Loraq
as Shireen Baratheon
as Bowen Marsh
Breaker of Chains Videos
Breaker of Chains Photos
Critic reviews for Breaker of Chains
Westeros did not break out in flowers and songs in the wake of the tyrant king's death. It's problems are systemic, not based on any one sociopath's edicts.
An episode this good that draws mostly on the imaginations of Benioff and Weiss would be good news under any circumstances. But it's particularly good news given where the series may be headed after this season.
The first half was a bit slow but a letdown is expected after the insanity of last week's episode. The second half, however, especially the fantastic scenes with Tyrion and Daeny, was stellar.
While it was a wise choice by director Alex Graves and writers David Beioff and D.B. Weiss to make Daenerys' story the last one we see, it doesn't quite erase the harrowing memories of objective obscenity from earlier in "Breaker of Chains."
I found "Breaker of Chains" to be a wildly satisfying hour across the board.
In the opening scene, the aftermath of Joffrey's assassination, we find ourselves right back where we started: standing before a carefully orchestrated murder that threatens to upset the balance of power.
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