The "Game Of Thrones" season four premiere revealed a slue of new characters and interesting story twists for others.
[Warning: spoilers for the April 6 season premiere ahead]
The episode opens with a scene featuring Tywin Lannister melting a sword, which we later learn used to belong to the deceased Rob Stark. The Lannister patriarch gifts one sword to his eldest son Jaime, who looks clean cut and healthy compared to how we saw him at the end of season three.
Tywin orders Jaime to return to their home in Casterly Rock, where he is to rule in his absence, marry a woman and continue on the Lannister name. However, Jaime disobeys Tywin's orders by refusing to leave King's Landing and remain King Joffery's bodyguard.
Jaime then goes to visit his sister Cersi where he attempts to bed her, but she outright refuses his advances. Jaime doesn't understand why she doesn't want to have sex with him and it infuriates her. Cersi blames Jaime for taking "too long" to return to King's Landing and not protecting her from all the bad that occurred in his absence.
Meanwhile Tyrion Lannister is on the hunt for Prince Oberyn Martell, who is in town for the royal wedding. Tyrion is sent to welcome Oberyn, whose family has a particular hatred for the Lannisters. We don't learn much about Oberyn's intentions in the premiere, but we know he is handsome, he loves to have sex with men and woman, continues to hold a grudge for the Mad King's order to rape and kill his sister Elia and he's a threat to the Lannisters.
As for the remaining Stark members, Jon Snow must face an inquiry after returning to Castle Black. The elders accuse Jon of murdering one of their own, but Ned Stark's bastard explains the ranger he killed wanted to die by his sword. Aemon Targaryen rules Jon will live despite breaking his vows to the Night's Watch by sleeping with Ygritte.
Arya Stark is set on killing Lannisters for their part in the murder of her father, mother and brother. Arya's character has undergone the biggest change since season three. She isn't scared or hesitant about her convictions; Arya wants revenge and is willing to kill men to get what she wants.
During the season premiere, Arya spots the knight who stole her sword, killed her friends and held her hostage. She heads towards the home they've taken over, forcing The Hound to follow her. The Hound knows the Arya's value and refuses to let his money go to waste.
However, it isn't Arya who gets them into trouble, but rather The Hound's hatred for King Joffery. An attack on The Hound ensues, and eventually Arya makes he way over to the wounded knight who stole her sword. She recites the words he spoke to her friend before he killed him, and the knight remembers who she is. She takes her Needle and drives it through his head.
"Game of Thrones" airs on HBO on Sundays at 9 p.m.
