By 2013, “Game of Thrones” was quickly becoming a household name in the field of entertainment. The third season would further the complexity of the groundbreaking story, though notable signature elements the show still employs were birthed during the tumultuous year. 

Audiences learn right away that the impending threat of White Walkers is going to be trouble for the continent of Westeros. Samwell Tarly’s (John Bradley, “Patient Zero”) vast development is directly associated with the supernatural creatures. The use of Sam as an underdog is unique to show that anyone can be a hero regardless of their outward appearance. 

Jon Snow (Kit Harington, “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World”) continues to live cautiously as a wildling (person beyond the Wall). His complicated relationship with Ygritte (Rose Leslie, “The Good Fight”) leads to an inner conflict over personal values. Leslie shines in every scene she is in with contagious energy and valor.

Another person who starts to develop drastically is Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, “Shot Caller”). His journey in the Riverlands with Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie, “Welcome to Marwen”) is an entertaining thrill-ride that questions how to overcome adversity when one loses hope. Jaime is a perfect example of someone who was given everything in life, and watching him become emotionally and physically vulnerable leads to interesting plot points. 

The War of the Five Kings raises its stakes immensely with Robb Stark (Richard Madden, “Bodyguard”) honorably trying to avenge his father. The ninth episode, “The Rains of Castamere,” is arguably one of the most haunting hours in television history. The climatic ending is traumatic due to its brutal depiction of irredeemable treachery. In Essos, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke, “Solo: A Star Wars Story”) begins conquering cities on her quest toward the Iron Throne. The Mother of Dragons’ steady integration of compassion and ruthlessness makes her a dark force to be reckoned with. Her arc grew mightily since her early days as a Khaleesi for Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa, “Aquaman”). 

Meanwhile, King’s Landing is still as shady as can be. King Joffrey’s (Jack Gleeson, “A Shine of Rainbows”) sadistic tendencies are highlighted more frequently. His ineptitude at ruling is shown through condescending conversations with grandfather Tywin (Charles Dance, “The Widow”) and the small council. Weddings are a recurring motif in the season, as they contain some of the most important moments of the show. Even Tyrion (Peter Dinklage, “Avengers Infinity War”) and Sansa’s (Sophie Turner, “X-men: Apocalypse”) union has consequences down the line. The Lannisters and Tyrells are also set to unite through Joffrey and Margaery (“Penny Dreadful: City of Angels”). 

One character who faces hellish conditions is Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen, “The Predator”). He is captured by Joffrey 2.0 aka Ramsay Snow (Iwan Rheon, “Inhumans”), who ensures that all of Theon’s humanity will cease. A quality that makes “Game of Thrones” stand out is its ability to make the audience feel for the bad guys. Theon has done some terrible deeds, but his torture sequences are unbearable to witness. All around, season three hits the nail on the head of quality over quantity. Now that HBO has another hit series on its belt, maybe people begin to appreciate the fantasy-drama, and word of mouth spread like wildfire.

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