The Best Episodes of "Game of Thrones"

George R. R. Martin didn't write many episodes over the course of Game of Thrones, but it was exciting when he did. No one truly understands these characters better than him (except maybe Bryan Cogman). This episode would perhaps be higher if not for Theon's storyline — this is when Ramsay cuts off his genitals, and the whole sequence around it is just too uncomfortable to watch. But elsewhere, "The Bear and the Maiden Fair" is full of excellent moments, most especially those at Harrenhal.

After a notoriously disastrous first attempt at a pilot that was so bad it will apparently never see the light of day, Benioff & Weiss went back to the drawing board, recast some roles, and produced "Winter is Coming". It earns its place in the top 20 episodes because, like "The Queen's Justice", it does a lot of heavy lifting — here introducing the world and the vast array of characters. It might be a little overwhelming when you first watch it.

The Rains of Castamere is an iconic musical piece that evokes an atmosphere of grim power and warning. Its haunting melody and lyrics about House Lannister's vengeance make it a memorable and distinctive element within its context.

• Cinematic music

There was a lot happening, and storylines weren't always well-balanced, but this episode does a good job. We have political machinations in King's Landing, with the Tyrells and Littlefinger circling Sansa and Cersei going head to head with Margaery; not to mention a big character moment for Varys, as he unravels some of his past and gets revenge on the sorcerer who abused him.

This episode had to do so much heavy lifting — too much, really. Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen's relationship was crucial to the last two seasons, and as such their meeting was a significant moment — one which it felt like every step of their journeys had been building towards. While overall their relationship did feel rushed, this initial scene was long and given plenty of room to breathe, allowing their complicated power dynamic, their parallel pasts, and their intertwined futures to be explored.

Daenerys enters Khal Drogo's funeral pyre and emerged unscathed, with three baby dragons, transforming her into the Mother of Dragons. It's a mind-blowing moment — but, for my money, not actually the episode's strongest point. That lies in the quieter, more emotional scenes, as the impact of Ned Stark's death at the end of the previous episode is felt and explored.