SEASON PREMIERE: Is this series starting its new season with strength, purpose, direction and confidence? You betcha. And while there’s no “Red Wedding” in this season opener, there’s certainly a reduction in the population figures before the episode is over. And when Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) makes his first appearance, safely absconded from the palace after last season’s climactic act, both he and Game are very welcome returnees. And Lena Headey as Cersei, and Emilia Clarke as Daenerys, are wonderful too. It’s the point in this chess game where only the most powerful pieces are left, and they’re all circling one another warily. (And I’ve previewed the next few episodes, and they just keep getting better, so strap in and hold on.)