Baelor

"Baelor" is the ninth episode of the first season of the HBO medieval fantasy television series Game of Thrones. First aired on June 12, 2011, it was written by series creators and executive producers David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, and directed by Alan Taylor, his directorial debut for the series. The plot depicts Ned Stark, imprisoned and accused of high treason, struggling with the decision whether to falsely confess to save his daughters, and he is ultimately beheaded at the order of King Joffrey Baratheon. Ned's wife Catelyn negotiates with Lord Walder Frey for the use of a strategic river crossing as their son Robb fights his first battle in the war against the Lannisters. Meanwhile, Jon Snow discovers a secret about Maester Aemon, and Daenerys Targaryen stands up to Dothraki soldier Qotho and challenges Dothraki traditions to care for Khal Drogo. The title refers to the statue under which Arya Stark watches her father Ned meet his fate. The episode received great acclaim among critics, who praised the performances and cited the climactic scene with Ned's beheading as a highlight for the series, calling it a "daring, tragic finish". In the United States, the episode achieved a viewership of 2.66 million in its initial broadcast. The episode was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series, and Peter Dinklage won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his performance as Tyrion Lannister. This episode marks the final appearance of Sean Bean (Ned Stark).