| "Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things" | |
|---|---|
| Game of Thrones episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 4 |
| Directed by | Brian Kirk |
| Written by | Bryan Cogman |
| Featured music | Ramin Djawadi |
| Cinematography by | Marco Pontecorvo |
| Editing by | Frances Parker |
| Original air date | May 8, 2011 |
| Running time | 55 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things" is the fourth episode of the first season of the HBO medieval fantasy television series Game of Thrones, which first aired on May 8, 2011. It was written by Bryan Cogman and directed by Brian Kirk.[1] In this episode Lord Eddard Stark, the new Hand of the King, investigates the sudden death of his predecessor. Jon Snow, Eddard's bastard son, defends a new recruit who has just joined the rangers at "the Wall". Exiled prince Viserys becomes increasingly frustrated as the Dothraki horde he needs to invade Westeros and win back his crown continues to linger at Vaes Dothrak. The episode ends with Eddard's wife Catelyn arresting Tyrion Lannister on suspicion of attempting to murder her son Bran.
The title comes from the original book, spoken by Tyrion after he provides Bran Stark with a saddle design that will allow him to ride despite his paraplegia: "I have a tender spot in my heart for cripples and bastards and broken things."
Critical reaction to the episode was mostly positive, with critics citing the Night's Watch scenes at the Wall as highlights, as well as the performances of Michelle Fairley as Catelyn Stark and Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister, particularly during the episode's final scene. In the United States, the episode achieved a viewership of 2.5 million in its initial broadcast.