content: "'''The Pointy End'''" is the eighth episode of the first season of the HBO medieval fantasy television series ''Game of Thrones''. First aired on June 5, 2011, the episode was directed by Daniel Minahan and written by George R. R. Martin, the author of the ''A Song of Ice and Fire'' novels on which the show is based.
  The plot covers the aftermath of Eddard Stark's capture. While the Lannisters seek to capture his daughters, his son and heir, Robb, raises an army in the North. Meanwhile, Daenerys witnesses a Dothraki raid on a peaceful village, and Jon Snow faces a new threat at the Wall. The episode's title refers to the sword fighting lesson that Jon gave to Arya before their farewell: "Stick them with the pointy end."
  The episode was well received by critics, who praised Martin's adaptation of his own work as well as the actors' performances. It was dedicated to Ralph Vicinanza, an executive producer who died of natural causes. In the United States, the episode achieved a viewership of 2.72 million in its initial broadcast. The episode garnered an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Costumes for a Series, but lost to ''The Borgias''.