House Stark, a requiem

"Winter is Coming." — Stark Family Motto

From the first episode, it seemed that the Stark Family were the central heroes in the world of "Game of Thrones." Led by Ned, their patriarch, it was a family of honor. They lived quiet, noble lives in the North.

King Robert Baratheon claimed to be Ned's good friend, but from the moment he arrived in Winterfell, it seemed he doomed his friend's whole family. First Ned fell victim to his honor and nobility — losing his head in the ninth episode and opening the door to the possibility that anyone could go at any time in "Game of Thrones."

In this week's episode it was his son, Robb, and his wife, Catelyn, who saw their time in the game end. It was shocking, violent, and cruel. In that way, it was a lot like real life. While most turn to fantasy epics as a means of escape, this fantasy isn't a fantasy at all. It's cold and brutal. Life isn't fair, and neither is the state of "Game of Thrones."

Sweet, tender moments — like the one Robb enjoyed with his wife thinking of his unborn child — are fleeting. They slip away in the blink of an eye — or this case the slash of a dagger and sling of an arrow. So it was at the Red Wedding, as the House of Stark was dealt another blow.

The patriarch, matriarch, and heir are gone. Winterfell is in ruins. Sansa Stark is now married into the House of Lannister, and the younger three are scattered to the winds. Their name — once a source of pride and station — is now a curse and a liability.

In the Game of Thrones you win or you die. There is no award for second place. Robb Stark found that out the hard way. So, too, did the audience.

Who knows what the third season finale will hold.