sequel stopgap: 'Game Of Thrones' Trailer: Five Key Scenes

From the Lord of the Light to the Drowned God and beyond, here are five key scenes from the HBO series' new sneak peek.
By Josh Wigler

Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy in "Game Of Thrones"
Photo: HBO

The night is dark and full of terrors in Westeros, the fantasy land at the heart of "Game of Thrones." But if you thought the HBO fantasy series proved its capacity for brutality and betrayal in season one, just wait: The April-debuting second season — based on George R.R. Martin's second novel in his "Song of Ice and Fire" odyssey, "A Clash of Kings" — promises more blood and dragons than ever before.

A new trailer for "Game of Thrones" season two, which hit HBO last night (January 29) ahead of the network's premiere of the Dustin Hoffman drama "Luck," does more than its fair share to remind you that this isn't your comparatively tame hobbit-filled fantasy story. Keep reading for five key scenes from the latest look at "Thrones."

He Told You Not to Trust Him
"Game of Thrones" has largely remained faithful to Martin's source material, but there have been deviations along the way. Season two looks no different, based on this new trailer that sees grieving widow Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley) holding Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish (Aidan Gillen) at knifepoint. It's a scene that absolutely does not occur in the books, even if it's one that would satisfy a lot of fans' bloodlust toward the loyalty-free Littlefinger. But is it an editing trick or a sizeable new addition? You be the judge!

Lord of the Light
There are several dangerous new players in the world of Westeros come season two, but perhaps no one worth watching quite as much as Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane) and his accomplice, the red priestess Melisandre (Carice van Houten). As worshippers of R'hllor, the God of Flame and Shadow, both Stannis and Melisandre will force many enemies to meet their fiery ends before season two draws to a close. The blaze of glory is briefly teased in this trailer with a look at one of Melisandre's many night rituals.

The Imp and the Spider
The new trailer is bookended by a riddle that spymaster Varys (Conleth Hill) puts forth to Tyrion Lannister (Golden Globe winner Peter Dinklage), now acting as King's Hand on his father Tywin's behalf. It's just one of many memorable interactions between the Spider and the Imp, a crucial new dynamic that's sure to dominate much of season two. And despite his award-winning streak and his pledge that he knows "how the game is played," don't put too much stake in Tyrion's confidence — even the sharpest mind could bend before a king's cruelty. Speaking of which ...

Madness Landing
Westeros is at war, and every city is a battleground. The historic King's Landing is no exception, as the cruel reign of King Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson) has turned commoner against royalty. It's a cultural shift that Joffrey and his loved ones are deservedly feeling in every possible manner, a shift that Queen Regent Cersei (Lena Headey) faces directly during a pivotal riot teased in the new trailer.

The Drowned God Rises
A fairly unassuming character in season one, Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) becomes one of the most prominent players in the "Thrones" saga this coming season. Here, you see his not-so-triumphant return to the Iron Islands, his homeland he's been separated from for over a decade. Though his loyalties lie with King in the North Robb Stark (Richard Madden) by nurture, Theon believes himself Ironborn by nature — and he'll have to test that very struggle in most desperate ways as "Thrones" embarks on its next string of episodes.

What did you think of the "Game of Thrones" trailer? Let us know in the comments!

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