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It is hard to pull a juggernaut into port.
Given the Goldilocks-esque task (fast, but carefully!
Expected, but also surprising!
But it also works because the episode is a self-aware reflection of whereGame of Thronesbegan.
After eight seasons spread over as many years, its a good idea to go back to the start.
His desire to see Jon and Daenerys is our desire.
That sounds like cheese, but its what a premiere episode for a show like thisshouldbe doing.
So many of the best moments in this episode feel broad.
But what makes this premiere work is the way it combines necessary plot milestones with sequences of straightforward indulgence.
They bank sharply over Winterfell, echoing the visual map scale ofthe opening credits.
But it has lots of genre precedent.
But the trope works for reasons that go beyond plot.
Its not the first timeGame of Throneshas pulled this move.
Every time a dragon makes a significant appearance, we get a taste of that dramatic dragon-to-human scale.
This premiere episode feels like an acknowledgment of that.
It is just funny enough, and just self-aware enough (without being too sly).
Well have to hope that will be enough to save them.
