"Lord Snow" has very little explicit plot development and there is no rising tension through the episode. Instead, the episode throws us into the history of Westeros, through personal anecdotes, and instills a sense of foreboding. While most people don't seem to care too much, the 'winter is coming' calls are growing stronger and stronger, with all the old people saying that the winter will be long and that bad things will happen. To them, the warning signs are clear enough, but nobody seems to be in an urgent hurry to do anything.
Indeed, Game of Thrones showed that it doesn't need a fantastical story every episode, but that it can fill in some of the blanks that were set up in previous episodes. Character development is not sacrificed, as we see Daenerys continue to grow into her role and Jon Snow trying to fit in, nor is the episode light on brevity. as certain characters are fine having a laugh here and there.
The final scene, Arya taught to use a sword, does not end on a cliffhanger, but caps an episode in which we learn about all the killing that has gone on. As Ned watches she young daughter use a sword, we hear the clash of metal in the background--a reminder of the past and future filled with conflict, and that preparation must start as soon as possible.
Score: 9.0/10
