 The final showdown with the Lannisters seizing control from Eddard was much discussed , with many commentators criticizing Ned 's ingenuity and his actions during the episode . In The Atlantic , Scott Meslow wrote that Eddard could never win the " game of thrones " because he is dedicated to playing by the rules . In his opinion , " one can 't afford to play fair " when the only outcomes are " win " or " die . " McNutt felt that the climax at the episode 's end " was really well handled by both the cast and the director ( Dan Minahan ) . " 
