Equally remarkable and hot on its heels came The Wire, a social commentary on the deprived and crime-ridden areas of the city of Baltimore that cast a light on complex issues network TV would never have been willing or able to explore. It was a sensation at the time, beloved by critics and audiences alike, and is credited as being one of the shows that launched television to a new level. It wouldn't be until the arrival of The Sopranos in 1999 that their efforts really bore fruit.įocused on the dual lives of Mafia boss and family man Tony Soprano, played by the late, great James Gandolfini - The Sopranos was a rich and nuanced exploration of the complex psyche of a man attempting to stay true to both of his 'families'. An early attempt, Oz - a drama set within a maximum security prison and starring JK Simmons was uncompromising and brutal, unlike anything that could have ever been aired on network TV, but failed to garner much of a reception beyond the critics. The shows were free from the restrictions of network TV and could focus more on dramatic and adult storytelling. While he names Ned as Protector of the Realm, to rule until Joffrey comes of age, no one else is there to witness this command.Towards the end of the 90s, the paid-for subscription channel HBO began to produce its own dramatic content. Robert returns from his hunt, but has been mortally wounded by a charging boar. Ned confronts Cersei, and warns her that he will tell Robert the truth when he returns, and advises her to flee the city while she still can. Ned also discovers that Queen Cersei's children are not Robert's, but those of her twin brother Jaime and that Jon might have been killed because he was searching for Robert's true heirs. Ned agrees, but after learning that Ser Gregor Clegane is conducting raids in the riverlands, escalates matters by ordering Clegane's execution, and his lord, Tywin Lannister, to report to King's Landing to explain his actions. While recovering, Robert orders Ned to remain as Hand of the King, and find a way to make peace with the Lannisters while Robert goes on a hunting trip. Matters are complicated further after Tyrion Lannister is abducted by Ned's wife, Catelyn Stark, leading to a confrontation with Jaime Lannister that leaves Eddard with an injured leg. Additionally, Ned feels compelled to resign from his position after Robert Baratheon orders the assassination of a then-pregnant Daenerys Targaryen. While in King's Landing, Ned's honesty and nobility make it difficult for him to maneuver among the dangerous world of court politics. The war, later referred to as "Robert's Rebellion," led to the deaths of Rhaegar (in single combat with Robert) and Aerys (betrayed by Jamie Lannister), and marked the end of the almost 300-year reign of the Targaryen dynasty.Ībout a decade and a half after the rebellion, Robert Baratheon traveled to Winterfell to ask Ned to become the Hand of the King, following the sudden death of the previous hand, Jon Arryn.Ĭompelled to figure out what had happened to Jon, Ned accepted his offer, and traveled to King's Landing with his two daughters, Arya and Sansa. Jon refused, and alongside Ned and Robert, raised their banners in rebellion against House Targaryen. Meanwhile, King Aerys had sent a message to Jon Arryn, demanding that Jon turn over his wards, Ned and Robert Baratheon, to be executed as well. He was subsequently arrested for treason, and when his father, Rickard, traveled south as well to ransom him, they were both executed by the Mad King, Aerys Targaryen.įollowing these deaths, Ned became the new Lord of Winterfell, and married Catelyn Tully, who had been previously bethrothed to his brother. When Lyanna was apparently kidnapped by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, Brandon rode to King's Landing to demand her return. Ned was the son of Rickard Stark, and had two siblings: an older brother named Brandon, and a younger sister named Lyanna.
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