Game of Thrones' Red Wedding Topped! The Unbelievable Deaths in New Drama Will Leave You Speechless

Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault

Warning: Major spoilers for The Winter King season 1 episode 2 below!

Summary

The Winter King episode 2 features a shocking Avalon raid that rivals the brutality of Game of Thrones' Red Wedding. It is unexpected and makes for a tough watch.

The massacre at Avalon is especially shocking as it occurs early on in the series with minimal anticipation. The tranquility of Avalon is abruptly shattered by the extreme brutality of the attack.

Similarly to Ned Stark's shocking demise in Game of Thrones, The Winter King also presents its own version of an unforeseen death. King Uther's abrupt passing mirrors Ned Stark's unexpected execution during the initial season of Game of Thrones.

In The Winter King episode 2, the Avalon raid creates a defining moment for the show, reminiscent of the infamous Red Wedding scene in Game of Thrones. Game of Thrones left a significant impact on television, capturing the spirit of the times with its adaptation of George R.R. Martin's fantasy novels. With a talented cast, captivating storyline, richly developed world, and cinematic quality, it quickly became a beloved series. Memorable moments, such as Ned Stark's execution and The Viper vs. The Mountain, remain etched in viewers' minds.

Game of Thrones also paved the way for ambitious fantasy shows like Outlander, and now, MGM+'s The Winter King joins the quest for greatness. The show, based on Bernard Cornwell's novel series The Warlord Chronicles, offers a grounded reimagining of the King Arthur legend. While the first episode successfully introduces the main characters and establishes the world, it is the second episode that delivers a gripping and unyielding sequence, highlighting the high stakes involved.

The Winter King's Shocking Avalon Attack Rivals The Brutality Of Game Of Thrones Red Wedding

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Set in Britain's "Dark Ages" following the Roman withdrawal and the vulnerability to Saxon invasion, The Winter King portrays the dire state of the country. King Pendragon, portrayed by Eddie Marsan (Deadpool 2), anticipates a change with the birth of his heir Mordred. Consequently, he appoints Simon Merrells' character, Gundleus, the brutal King of Siluria, as one of Mordred's protectors. This leads to the child being taken to Avalon - a safe haven community under the care of Merlin, played by Nathaniel Martello-White.

Disaster strikes when Gundleus arrives at Avalon and triggers a massacre. After requesting to hold baby Mordred, Gundleus asserts that a child is unfit to rule Britain and proceeds to fatally stab the infant. Meanwhile, his men brutally massacre the village, resulting in the death of Lunete's (Olumide Olorunfemi) farmer father. Gundleus further demonstrates his cruelty by murdering Queen Norwena (Grace Ackary) after forcing her to kneel and pledge allegiance to him. Additionally, Gundleus commits a sexual assault against the priestess Nimue (Ellie James), an act that potentially severs her connection with the Gods.

The Winter King's Avalon raid, much like the infamous Red Wedding in Game of Thrones, is incredibly shocking due to its unexpected nature. Occurring only in the second episode of the series, there is minimal foreshadowing leading up to the massacre, despite Gundleus' previous monstrous actions being established. Avalon had been depicted as a peaceful sanctuary within the kingdom, making the sheer brutality of the attack difficult to comprehend. Similarly, the "Red Wedding" in Game of Thrones' third season episode "The Rains of Castamere" also took viewers by surprise, resulting in the tragic deaths of significant characters such as Robb and Catelyn Stark after an episode of relative peace.

The Winter King Episode 2 Delivers Its Version Of GOT's Shocking Ned Stark Death

In The Winter King, there is a scene similar to the infamous Red Wedding in Game of Thrones. However, it also bears resemblance to the shocking death of Ned Stark in the first season. The Winter King features Eddie Marsan, who is one of the most well-known actors in the show. Despite establishing King Uther's deteriorating health, the character's early demise in the second episode comes as a major surprise. This is comparable to Ned Stark's fate, as Sean Bean, the most prominent actor in Game of Thrones season 1, faced an unexpected execution as the lead character.