Says THR's Goodman: In a cast littered with quality performances, Dinklage has managed to make his spoiled-but-tormented son of royalty be funny, poignant and compelling.

The first promo for the Emmy nominated HBO drama aired Sunday ahead of the "Boardwalk Empire" premiere.

HBO’s Emmy nominated drama Game of Thrones has been in production since late July, but the first promo only offers a hint of what’s to come – and no actual footage.

The short teaser, which aired before Sunday’s second season premiere of Boardwalk Empire, warns that “the night is dark and full of terrors.”

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The tagline comes from Melisandre (Carice van Houten), an intimidating woman who councils Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane), the older brother of the late King Robert (Mark Addy).

Melisandre is described as having the ability to see visions of the future in fire.

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A premiere date for Season 2 of Thrones has not yet been set, but author/executive producer George R.R. Martin told The Hollywood Reporter recently that he was looking forward to seeing the Battle of the Blackwater scene from his best-selling novels realized in Episode 9.

“That’s got a gigantic battle that’s very ambitious and expensive,” Martin said of the episode he penned. “I’m looking forward o that with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation but we have a great director for that: we signed Neil Marshall to direct that episode.”

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com;

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