Episode 9 of Game of Thrones has traditionally been the episode where – for want of a better phrase – shit goes down. The first season’s ‘Baelor’ saw the show’s central character and biggest star lose his head, while Season 2’s ‘Blackwater’ saw the astonishingly mounted battle of the Blackwater. This season’s ninth episode is titled ‘The Rains of Castamere’, and, well, with pun well and truly intended; this might be the most significant Game-changer yet!

The titular climb is unquestionably the centre-piece of this episode, but there’s plenty else going on in the world of Westeros.

A more sedate episode than last week’s barnstormer, ‘Kissed By Fire’ gives us a new insight into several characters, while the spectre of Ned haunts the Stark children.

“Dracarys”. And with that word, Game of Thrones fans around the world leap out of their seat and punch the air in solidarity with the queen of dragons.

It may be something of a surprise to learn that the two men behind Game of Thrones have never actually stepped behind the camera to direct an episode themselves. That all changes with ‘Walk of Punishment’, as David Benioff takes control and directs an instalment brimming with confidence.

With most of the ground-work for Season 3 laid down in last week’s opener, this week finds Game of Thrones on surer footing. ‘Dark Wings, Dark Words’ is a more exciting episode and a more interesting one.