Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things

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Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things is the fourth episode of Game of Thrones’ first season. It aired on May 8, 2011. It was directed by Brian Kirk and written by Bryan Cogman.

What happens in the episode
- Ned Stark, now the Hand of the King, starts investigating the death of Jon Arryn. He learns Arryn was studying the great houses and that Arryn’s last words hinted at trouble. Ned quietly questions people, including Gendry, and tries to learn more, but his path is blocked when Ser Hugh of the Vale is killed in a joust.
- At the Wall, Jon Snow stands up for Samwell Tarly, a new recruit who is overweight and scared. Sam explains his father forced him to join the Night’s Watch, and Jon defends him as the others pressure recruits to toughen up.
- In the east, Viserys Targaryen grows frustrated as he waits for his sister Daenerys’ husband, Drogo, to march on Westeros. Daenerys and her advisor Jorah Mormont begin to realize that people care more about how they are ruled than who rules them.
- Tyrion Lannister arrives at Winterfell and clashes with Robb Stark, who suspects the Lannisters behind Bran’s attack. Tyrion gives Bran a saddle so he can ride again and taunts Theon Greyjoy before moving on.
- Catelyn Stark, in disguise, reaches out to her father’s bannermen and helps plan Tyrion’s capture for trial over Bran’s fall.
- This episode introduces Samwell Tarly and Gendry, the blacksmith’s apprentice, and features appearances by other key characters such as Janos Slynt, Bronn, and the Mountain, Gregor Clegane.

Why the episode’s title matters
- The title comes from a line Tyrion says about having a “tender spot” for cripples, bastards, and broken things.

Production notes in brief
- This was the first Game of Thrones episode not written by the show’s creators; Bryan Cogman wrote it. He also helped build the world’s lore and history for the show.
- The episode expands the world’s backstory, including new scenes and dialogue that aren’t in the books, and introduces important recurring characters.
- It was filmed mainly in Northern Ireland, with locations including Belfast’s studio and outdoor sites like Magheramorne Quarry and the Mourne Mountains.

Reception and figures
- About 2.5 million Americans watched the premiere, with around 3.1 million including repeats. UK viewership rose to roughly 628,000.
- Critics responded positively, praising the Night’s Watch sequences and performances by Michelle Fairley (Catelyn) and Peter Dinklage (Tyrion). Rotten Tomatoes recorded all reviewed critics as positive for this episode.