On tonight's episode of Talkin' Thrones, we cover the Season 2 finale, entitled "Valar Morghulis," the ancient Valyrian phrase that translates to "All Men must Die." It's a jam packed finale for a jam packed season, and it pulls off the rare ability of having a ton of stuff happening, wrapping up all the current storylines in a satisfying way, and setting us up for what's to come in the following seasons. Season 1 may have introduced us to this world and these characters, but Season 2 sets the stakes for what's to come, because as Melisandre so eloquently puts it, this war is just beginning. First, we catch up with the aftermath of the battle of Blackwater. The Lannisters have won the day, with Tywin assuming his rightful place as hand of the king, and Joffrey solidifying his alliance by agreeing to marry Margaery Tyrell, but it's the beginning of the end for Tyrion, who finds himself scarred, alone and without allies. Varys is also making moves as Littlefinger is getting a little too much power for his liking, while Littlefinger makes a promise to Sansa. Then we briefly catch up with all the other ancillary storylines, as Brienne shows Jaime just who she is and what she's capable of, Arya receives a cryptic invitation to Braavos from Jaquen, Stannis begins to understand just what he's gotten himself involved in, while Robb solidifies his path to the Red Wedding by marrying Talisa. Theon finally suffers the consequences of his actions, while Bran & Rickon are forced to go on the run. Daenerys FINALLY leaves Quarth, even if it results in the dumbest Deus ex Machina imaginable, and Jon makes his move by infiltrating the Wildlings to sabotage them before they reach the Wall, finally comprehending just what the Night's Watch is up against. Speaking of which, back at their encampment, Sam is in for a surprise when a horde of White Walkers marches on the Fist of the First Men. It was a jam packed season, that's setting up for 6 more seasons worth of material. While not all of it works, it's always Thrones, which is why we're here for it. It's all happening here, only on the #talkintvpodcast