Game Of Thrones season four was immensely anticipated by fans across the world in 2014 and when it did arrive it did not disappoint. With the usual fantastic writing, direction, and performances along with the engrossing story full of twists and great characters, season four retained the high quality of previous seasons with the season itself being consistently great throughout the episodes.
A good way to view this quality and consistency is through IMDb, an often-cited site which can be reliable for television reviews including Game Of Thrones. While not every episode of Game Of Thrones ever has great reviews, all of season four does. So, here are all episodes of Game Of Thrones season four ranked, according to IMDb.
EPISODE 5: FIRST OF HIS NAME - 8.7
The midway point of season four brings about a new era for Westeros as Tommen is coronated as King of the Seven Kingdoms, meanwhile, his mother Cersei goes after Tyrion to get him tried. Also in King's Landing, Tywin tells Cersei about the Lannister's awful financial situation, while Sansa and Baelish make it to the Eyrie. Also the Night's Watch attack Craster's Keep.
The episode received 22,568 reviews to get its 8.7 with 43.6% of reviewers giving the episode a 10.0 and 44.5% giving it either a 9.0 or an 8.0 with only 2.8% giving it a 1.0. The episode was praised for its necessary look back at past events of the series as well as its focus on the female characters.
EPISODE 4: OATHKEEPER - 8.8
Episode four sees Daenerys conquer Meereen and imposing her power. Bronn sticks up for Tyrion to Jaime and when Jaime goes and visits Tyrion he believes his innocence, but Cersei will not hear it. Jaime also sends Brienne to get Sansa and gives her a new sword "Oathkeeper." Bran is taken prisoners by those who have taken over Craster's Keep and Joffrey's killer is revealed.
Of the 23,330 reviews, 45.2% gave the episode a 10.0 while 43.6 deemed it an 8.0 or 9.0 and only 2.8% seeing it as a 1.0. The episode received acclaim for its good direction and action as well as its plot development, retaining a high quality despite being more toned down.
EPISODE 3: BREAKER OF CHAINS - 8.9
The aftermath of Joffrey's death sees Tyrion arrested and blamed for his murder while Sansa has finally escaped King's Landing. The major players in King's Landing must assess the situation and the wildlings threat on the Night's Watch becomes imminent. While on a different part of the world Daenerys reaches Meereen.
The episode received 24,294 reviews with 45.7% of those giving the episode a 10.0, 44% giving it a 9.0 or 8.0 and the usual 2.8% giving the episode a 1.0. The episode was praised for Daenerys' moment, as well as the usual acting, and the way it deals with the aftermath of Joffrey's death. Although there was some controversy about the Jaime Cersei scene.
EPISODE 7: MOCKINGBIRD - 9.1
As the end of the season approaches, Tyrion looks for a champion but Jaime is unable and Bronn is prevented. Meanwhile, Daenerys sleeps with Daario, Brienne and Podrick receive a tip from Hot Pie, and Baelish has news for Sansa and his wife.
Episode seven gained 25,259 reviews with 54.7% deeming it worthy of a 10.0 and 37.8 giving it a 9.0 or 8.0 and the usual small group of 2.6% giving it a 1.0. The episode was complimented in its ability to be full of action and suspense as well as having shocks and emotion despite mainly setting up future events.
EPISODE 1 - TWO SWORDS - 9.1
In the season premiere, Tywin wants Jaime to rule at Casterly Rock while Jaime wants to rejoin the King's Guard. Fans are introduced to Oberyn Martell who blames the Lannisters for his sister's death. Sansa grieves over the loss of her family and Daenerys and her army march towards Meereen.
From 28,866 reviews, 52.6% gave the season premier a 10.0, while 39.3% gave it a 9.0 or an 8.0 with, again, 2.6% giving the episode a 1.0. The episode was nominated for Best Cinematography for single-camera series at the Emmy's, Arya and the Hound's scene was a standout with the usual high quality of performance throughout.
EPISODE 9: THE WATCHERS ON THE WALL - 9.6
For the first time in the show's history, the season finale outscored its penultimate episode here. The episode revolves solely around the awaited battle between the Wildling's and the Night's Watch at Castle Black.
The episode gained a 9.6 rating from 38,026 reviews, 74.9% of which deemed the episode a 10.0 and 19.6% giving it a 9.0 or 8.0, the 1.0 review % sits at 2.2% for this episode. Nominated for a Primetime Emmy for direction for Neil Marshall, the episode received acclaim for its brilliant action and stunning visuals.
EPISODE 10: THE CHILDREN - 9.7
Following up that battle, the season finale shows Jon and Mance trying to agree to a peaceful alternative to battle before Stannis takes them under siege. Tywin wants Cersei to marry Loras, but Cersei threatens to make her affair public. The Hound and Brienne have a sword fight for Arya. Most importantly Varys and Jaime help Tyrion escape but before he makes a couple of stops.
From 37,399 reviews 77.3% gave the episode a 10.0, 17.9% a 9.0 or 8.0 and the usual-ish 2.3% giving it a 1.0. The episode was met with mass acclaim with serious credit given to its ability to wrap up storylines satisfyingly with twists and turns as well as shocks leaving the audiences still wanting more. Phenomenal performances are applied to Peter Dinklage, Gwendoline Christie, and Rory McCann.
EPISODE 6: THE LAWS OF GODS AND MEN - 9.7
In this great episode, Yara and her soldiers seek to free Theon, but Theon is brainwashed. Stannis seeks a loan from Braavos and - the main focus - Tyrion's trial begins with devastating results for the Lannister.
From a relatively big 41,549 reviews, a huge 80.2% gave it a 10.0, 16% an 8.0 or 9.0, and of course, 2.1% gave it a 1.0. Tyrion's trial received the most attention and praise from the episode with Peter Dinklage being nominated for a Primetime Emmy for his fantastic performance during it.
EPISODE 2: THE LION AND THE ROSE - 9.7
One of the most famous episodes of the show, The Lion And The Rose shows fans Ramsay Bolton attempting to impress his father and his father's reaction to Reek. It also has Bran and co. finding a Weirwood tree, Melisandre burns people at the stake, and of course the famous wedding of Joffrey and Margaery where Joffrey spends the event ridiculing Tyrion before "tragedy" strikes.
The episode drew a big 45,275 reviews, 79.6% deemed it a 10.0 with 16.6% giving it a 9.0 or 8.0 and only 2% giving it a 1.0. The episode drew plenty of critical and fan acclaim particularly the wedding sequence with its performances, shock, and tension throughout.
EPISODE 8 - THE MOUNTAIN AND THE VIPER - 9.7
Only getting ahead of episode two for its higher amount of reviews, this episode sees Ramsay send Theon to claim Moat Cailin. The Wildlings slaughter Mole's Town, sparing only Gilly and her child. Daenerys expels Jorah and Oberyn fights the Mountain.
The episode gained a 9.7 from 45,325 reviews with 79.2% giving it a 10.0, 16.4% a 9.0 or 8.0 and still 2.3% with a 1.0 rating for the episode. The highlight of it all was the fight between Oberyn and the Mountain and that is where the acclaim comes from, it is tense, brutal, and a fitting fight for the stakes involved.