First of His Name

"First of His Name" is the fifth episode of the fourth season of HBO's fantasy television series Game of Thrones, and the 35th overall. The episode was written by series co-creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss,[1] and directed by Michelle MacLaren.[2] It aired on May 4, 2014.[3]

"First of His Name"
Game of Thrones episode
Episode no.Season 4
Episode 5
Directed byMichelle MacLaren
Written byDavid Benioff
D. B. Weiss
Featured musicRamin Djawadi
Cinematography byRobert McLachlan
Editing byCrispin Green
Original air dateMay 4, 2014 (2014-05-04)
Running time53 minutes
Guest appearance(s)

The title of the episode refers to a phrase used during Tommen Baratheon's coronation as king. A similar style is used by Daenerys Targaryen styling herself Queen in Meereen. Both are the first of their respective names to lay claim to the Throne of the Seven Kingdoms.

Plot

In King's Landing

Tommen is crowned as king. Cersei decides that Tommen will marry Margaery in a fortnight. Tywin tells Cersei that the gold mines in the Westerlands have run dry and that the crown is deeply indebted to the Iron Bank of Braavos, but the union of the houses of Lannister and Tyrell will help rectify this problem. Cersei asks Oberyn to send a ship back to Sunspear as a gift for Myrcella.

In the Vale

Petyr and Sansa arrive in the Vale. At the Bloody Gate, Petyr tells Ser Donnel Waynwood that Sansa's name is Alayne, hiding her true identity as she is still wanted in King's Landing for Joffrey's murder. Lysa reveals that she poisoned Jon Arryn and accused the Lannisters in her letter to Catelyn for Petyr. Lysa tells Sansa that once Tyrion is executed, she will marry Robin.

In Meereen

Daario tells Daenerys that his forces have taken the Meereenese navy. Jorah tells her that both Joffrey perished and Astapor and Yunkai have fallen back into old habits. Daenerys tells Jorah that instead of sailing to Westeros, she intends to stay for now and rule Slaver's Bay.

On the Kingsroad

Brienne and Podrick ride toward the Wall, believing that Sansa is there with Jon.

In the Riverlands

Arya reveals to the Hound that Syrio was killed by Meryn.

Beyond the Wall

Jon's group attack Karl's group at Craster's Keep. Locke tries to kidnap Bran, but Bran enters Hodor's mind and kills Locke, then frees Jojen and Meera. Bran wishes to reunite with Jon, but Jojen tells him that Jon will stop their journey. Jon kills Karl, while Rast flees into the woods and is killed by Ghost. Jon burns Craster's Keep, at the suggestion of Craster's wives.

Production

Writing
The episode was written by series co-creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss.

"First of His Name" was written by executive producers David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, based upon the source material, Martin's A Storm of Swords. Chapters adapted from A Storm of Swords to the episode were chapters 68 and 71 (Sansa VI and Daenerys VI).[4] It also covers part of the fourth novel, A Feast of Crows: namely chapter 14 (Brienne III).[4]

Casting

Kate Dickie (Lysa Arryn) and Lino Facioli (Robin Arryn) make return appearances after an absence of several years (since the first season).

Reception

Ratings

"First of His Name" established a new series high in ratings, with 7.16 million people watching it during its first airing.[5] In the United Kingdom, the episode was viewed by 1.643 million viewers, making it the highest-rated broadcast that week. It also received 0.082 million timeshift viewers.[6]

Critical reception

The episode received universal acclaim from critics. Rotten Tomatoes reported that 100% of the episode's 40 reviews on the site were positive with an average score of 8.25 out of 10. Its consensus reads: "Only slow by Game of Thrones standards, "First of His Name" demonstrates how carefully constructed this show has been since season one."[7] Matt Fowler of IGN gave the episode a 9/10 writing that the episode "gave us a much-needed look back at some past events on the series." He highlighted the revelation that Littlefinger's actions "put the story of the entire series into motion."[8] Erik Adams of The A.V. Club gave the episode an A and praised the writers for their focus on the female characters.[9]

gollark: My laptop *does* have convenient wireless charging via a 3000000-volt arc.
gollark: But you say wireless is preferable, so things.
gollark: You can still have some wired things and generally use wireless?
gollark: That doesn't contradict that?
gollark: Wireless is inconsistent, battery-requiring and insecure.

References
  1. "Here is your season 4 writers breakdown". WinterIsComing.net. February 26, 2014. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
  2. Hibberd, James (July 16, 2013). "'Game of Thrones' season 4 directors chosen". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
  3. "Shows A–Z – Game of Thrones". The Futon Critic. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
  4. Garcia, Elio; Antonsson, Linda (May 31, 2013). "EP405: First of His Name". Westeros.org. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  5. Kondolojy, Amanda (May 6, 2014). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'Game of Thrones' Wins Night, + 'Real Housewives of Atlanta', 'Married to Medicine', 'Silicon Valley' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
  6. "Top 10 Ratings (5-11 May 2014)". BARB. Retrieved January 19, 2017.
  7. "Game of Thrones: Season 4: Episode 5". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
  8. Fowler, Matt (May 4, 2014). "Game of Thrones: "First of His Name" Review". IGN. Retrieved May 5, 2014.
  9. Adams, Erik (May 5, 2014). "Game Of Thrones (newbies): "First Of His Name"". The A.V. Club. Retrieved May 11, 2014.
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