Game of Thrones

The North Remembers

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Alan Taylor<br></p><p>King Joffrey Baratheon celebrates his nameday in King's Landing by ordering his knights to fight to the death for his entertainment. Sandor &quot;The Hound&quot; Clegane makes short work of his opponent, but when the next fighter, Ser Dontos Hollard, takes to the field drunk, Joffrey demands that he be drowned in wine. Sansa manages to save the man's life by suggesting Joffrey take him on as a court fool, but then the festivities are interrupted by the arrival of Tyrion Lannister.</p><p>After greeting his newly crowned nephew, the dwarf heads straight to a meeting of the Small Council, where he presents a scroll declaring him acting Hand of the King in the absence of his father, Lord Tywin Lannister. His sister and queen regent, Cersei Baratheon, is furious and orders the council members from the room so she can talk to her brother. Tyrion rebukes her for allowing Joffrey to execute Lord Ned Stark and then losing his daughter Arya Stark. &quot;It must be odd for you,&quot; he tells her, &quot;to be the disappointing child.&quot;</p><p>As the oldest Stark at Winterfell, Bran assumes the responsibility of ruling the family seat, listening to the many requests of his bannermen as Masester Luwin advises him. Bran is distracted, however, by a dream he had of walking through the Godswood in his direwolf's body. Beneath a red comet looming in the sky, Bran, Hodor and Osha retrace the steps he took in his dream and discuss the falling star's portent. &quot;A red comet means one thing, boy,&quot; Osha says. &quot;Dragons.&quot;</p><p>A world away, across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys Targaryen and her fledgling dragons cross a vast desert known as the Red Waste. Running short of food and water, Daenerys watches as her people starve and her horse Silver collapses. As a last hope, she sends her three best riders off in different directions to search for civilization.</p><p>The men of the Night's Watch march north beyond the Wall, stopping at the keep of a wildling named Craster to enjoy what little shelter is available in the far north. The man's home is overrun with women - he's married all his daughters, who in turn have given him more daughters. Jon wonders to his friends, &quot;What does he do with his sons?&quot; Commander Jeor Mormont sits down to hold court with Craster, offering him steel and wine in exchange for his roof. But Jon loses his temper and speaks out of turn when Craster calls them &quot;southerners.&quot; Angry, Mormont chastises his young steward, asking, &quot;Do you want to lead? Then learn how to follow.&quot; <a></a></p><p>On the island of Dragonstone, ruled by Lord Stannis Baratheon, the red priestess Melisandre leads a bonfire. The island's inhabitants gather on the beach as the idols they've worshipped their entire lives - the seven aspects of one god - blaze in the night. The house maester, an old man named Cressen, tries to convince Stannis' adviser Davos Seaworth that Melisandre will bring ruin to their lord. But Stannis believes the Iron Throne is his by rights, and he thinks Melisandre will deliver him the power with which to seize it. Cressen goes so far as to try and poison Melisandre, drinking from the cup first to earn her trust. But while Cressen convulses and dies, the strange priestess remains untouched.</p><p>At his war camp in the Westerlands, Lord Robb Stark meets with his prisoner, Ser Jaime Lannister. He makes it clear that he knows Jaime is Joffrey's true father and that the Lannisters killed Ned and tried to kill Bran to protect the secret. Jaime responds with his own verbal jabs, but the Stark boy's direwolf inspires a fear that not even Jaime can hide.</p><p>Robb leaves Jaime and joins his bannermen, giving his peace terms to Ser Alton Lannister to carry to King's Landing. Robb knows that the king won't agree to any of his demands, but he capitalizes on one more opportunity to invite his enemy's underestimations.</p><p>After the meeting, Theon Greyjoy tells Robb that the war won't end until they have the ships to take King's Landing - ships that his father, Balon Grejoy, could provide. When Robb tells his mother that he's sending Theon to the Iron Islands with the proposal, she balks: &quot;He's not trustworthy. Your father had to go to war to end his rebellion.&quot; She wants Robb to trade Jaime Lannister for his sisters, but the situation is far more complicated than that - and they both know it. Instead, Robb tells her to ride south to negotiate with Renly Baratheon to join forces against Joffrey.</p><p>Cersei approaches Joffrey as he has his throne room redecorated, asking him to send men to find Arya Stark so they can trade her and her sister Sansa for Jaime's freedom. Joffrey is suspicious of her interest in his uncle - he, too, has heard the rumors of his true parentage - and he knows that King Robert Baratheon had other children outside his marriage with Cersei. &quot;I'm asking,&quot; Joffrey says, &quot;if he f**ked other women once he grew tired of you?&quot; Without thinking, Cersei slaps him across his face, immediately realizing the mistake she's made. The act is punishable by death, Joffrey tells her: &quot;You'll never do it again.&quot;</p><p>Later, at Littlefinger's brothel in King's Landing, some gold cloaks force their way into the room and rip a baby from the arms of its mother. As she screams, the City Watch commander himself, Janos Slynt, kills the infant - one of many of Robert's bastards that the gold cloaks murder. At the smithy of Tobho Mott, the guards hold his face inches above his forge fire, demanding to know where the man known as Gendry ran off to. Mott reveals that he joined the Night's Watch, and rode toward the Wall. Leagues to the north, along the King's Road, the young man travels toward Castle Black, along with a disguised Arya Stark.</p></div>

The Night Lands

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Alan Taylor</p><p>Arya Stark travels up the Kingsroad with a ragtag group of Night's Watch recruits, led by Yoren. When gold cloaks approach their camp, she immediately hunkers down, fearing that they're searching for her, but it turns out the men have been sent for Gendry, one of the sole surviving bastards of Robert Baratheon. Yoren tells the guards that his travel companions belong to the Night's Watch now, and draws a dagger against the inside of the lead rider's thigh. &quot;You could die here at this crossroads,&quot; Yoren tells him. &quot;Or you could go back to your city and tell your masters you didn't find what you were looking for.&quot; Infuriated, the City Watchmen leave.</p><p>Inside the Red Keep of King's Landing, Tyrion Lannister returns to his chambers and finds Lord Varys talking with Shae. The spymaster makes it clear that he knows who Shae is and that Tyrion was forbidden from bringing her to court. Tyrion listens to his veiled threats but responds in much more concrete language: &quot;I am not Ned Stark,&quot; he tells Varys. &quot;I will have you thrown into the sea.&quot; The eunuch, however, is not intimidated. The men leave together to attend a Small Council meeting, where Cersei Baratheon tears up the peace terms offered by Robb Stark. Tyrion sarcastically points out that her brand of diplomacy hasn't gotten them very far.</p><p>Outside Craster's Keep, the men of the Night's Watch tend to their camp when Samwell Tarly spots one of Craster's wives - a girl named Gilly - cowering in the face of Jon Snow's direwolf, Ghost. Sam shoos the creature away and talks to the girl, who's obviously terrified for other reasons as well. Sam brings her to Jon and explains that she'll need to leave with them - she's pregnant. Gilly is convinced she's having a boy, but is too afraid to tell the men what that means. Already on dangerous ground with Craster, Jon says no.</p><p>Far across the world in the Red Waste, Daenerys Targaryen waits for any word from the three riders she sent out in search of safe haven. A riderless horse arrives with the severed head of Rakharo stuffed in its saddlebags. Grieved and enraged, Dany swears revenge for the murder, but her hope for escaping the wasteland has only diminished further.</p><p>Tyrion dines with Janos Slynt, commander of the City Watch, and asks him about the murder of Robert's bastard at the brothel. Tyrion suspects that the order came from the queen, but Slynt evades the topic. Tyrion pushes harder in a different direction, pointing out that Slynt was paid off to betray Ned. When the commander takes offense, Tyrion makes his final move. &quot;Considering that you betrayed the last Hand of the King, I just wouldn't feel comfortable with you lurking about,&quot; he says as Bronn - the new commander of the gold cloaks - appears to escort Slynt to a ship bound for the Wall. Later, Cersei is annoyed at the decision, but Tyrion explains to her that she's losing the common people. &quot;You've given them their rallying cry,&quot; he tells her: &quot;The queen slaughters babies.&quot; From her silence, he realizes that she didn't give the order to kill Robert's bastards - Joffrey did.</p><p>Theon Greyjoy sails into the Iron Islands, spending his time below deck with the homely captain's daughter he's taken as his &quot;salt wife.&quot; He abandons the girl once they make landfall, but he's put off that no one on the docks gives him proper respect as the heir to Pyke. Only a young woman takes any interest in him, offering a ride to the castle. He tries to impress her with his highborn status, and she gamely flirts back at him. &quot;You'll tell your grandchildren about this night,&quot; he promises her. When he arrives to meet his father, Balon Greyjoy, the Lord of the Iron Islands is not impressed with by the soft, overdressed man his son has become. Balon is much fonder, however, of the young woman Theon rode in with - Yara, the sister Theon hasn't seen since he was a boy.</p><p>Davos Seaworth meets with his old friend, the pirate Salladhor Saan, to secure a fleet of ships to back Stannis Baratheon's forces. Davos promises him a rich retirement after Stannis wins the war. &quot;Come with me and plunder the greatest city in Westeros,&quot; he offers. Saan agrees, noting that Davos is the most honest smuggler he's ever met. Davos reports the news to Stannis, who then dismisses him for private time with the priestess Melisandre. Stannis confides in her that he's concerned about Renly's strength, but she tells him to have faith - she's seen his victory in the flames. She opens her robe and offers herself to him, &quot;I will give you a son, my king.&quot; Lured by the added temptation of a true heir, he takes her on the map table in his war room.</p><p>North of the Wall, Jon is woken by the sound of Craster leaving his keep with an infant in his arms. Jon follows the wildling through the forest and is chilled to hear the icy language of the White Walkers echoing through the trees. He draws his sword and rushes toward the sounds of the baby's cries, until he can see a dark figure lift the child from the ground. Hearing a sound behind him, Jon spins around - and Craster strikes him to the ground.</p></div>

What Is Dead May Never Die

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>Bryan Cogman<br><b>Directed by </b>Alik Sakharov<br></p><p>The wildling Craster drags a bloodied Jon Snow into his keep and dumps the young man at Lord Commander Jeor Mormont's feet. Craster is incensed at Snow's spying on him and demands that the men of the Night's Watch leave. Outside, Jon rushes to explain to Mormont he saw Craster sacrifice his infant son to the White Walkers, and the steward is shocked to learn that his commander already knows.</p><p>Bran Stark wakes from another dream in which he sees the world through his wolf Summer's eyes. He tells Maester Luwin that he hunts in a wolf's body as he sleeps and reminds him his dream about his father's death came true. Luwin nods gently and replies, &quot;But how many dreams have you had that haven't come true?&quot; He shows the boy a link of Valyrian steel on his maester's chain - bestowed for the study of magic - and explains that it's not unusual for a young man to dream of controlling mystical powers. But such things no longer exist.</p><p>Lady Catelyn Stark arrives at King Renly Baratheon's camp to find the end of a tournament taking place. Brienne of Tarth - a woman of massive size and even greater fighting skill - dispatches Loras Tyrell, one of the most famous knights in Westeros. As a reward, Renly accepts Brienne's request to serve in his Kingsguard and then walks off with Catelyn. He promises the widow justice for Ned's death, but Cat is not impressed with his preparations for war. &quot;It's a game to you, isn't it? They are the knights of summer, and winter is coming,&quot; Cat says.</p><p>At the castle Pyke on the Iron Islands, Theon Greyjoy argues with his sister Yara about the humiliating trick she pulled when he arrived. Theon is even further insulted when he learns that she'll lead a fleet of 30 ships against the Starks' holdings in the North while he reaves the coastline with one vessel, the Sea Bitch. His protests fall on deaf ears, however. His father, Balon Greyjoy, tells Theon: &quot;Your time with the wolves has made you weak.&quot; But Theon is not willing to let it go, screaming at Balon's back that he didn't choose to live with the Starks - it was Balon who cast away his only remaining son.</p><p>In Tyrion Lannister's chamber at King's Landing, he tells his consort Shae that her presence must remain a secret. There are people in the capital who would do her harm. His plan to hide her as a kitchen wench, though, does not go over well. In the end, he finds her work as Sansa Stark's handmaiden.</p><p>Intent on dodging the fate of the previous two Hands of the King, Tyrion deploys a deception to root out a spy. He arranges meetings with Grand Maester Pycelle, Varys and Littlefinger, telling each of them that he plans to marry off Princess Myrcella as a diplomatic play -- but gives each of them different information about where he plans to send her. As it turns out, Pycelle is the one who tells Queen Cersei Lannister the secret, earning himself a place in the Red Keep's Black Cells.</p><p>At Renly's camp, the self-proclaimed king and his knight Loras lay in bed together, but Loras tells Renly: &quot;There's another Tyrell that requires your attention.&quot; Loras' sister Margaery has yet to consummate her marriage with Renly, and after Loras leaves, the young queen takes his place. She has no illusions about Renly's relationship with her brother and tells the king: &quot;You decide how you want to do it. With me, with me and Loras, however else you like...You are a king.&quot;</p><p>Theon sits alone with a letter to King Robb Stark, planning to warn him of Balon's treachery. But as he stares into the flames of a candle and considers his options, Theon burns the message. His decision made, he follows through on the beaches of Pyke when a damphair priest baptizes him in the religion of the Drowned God as his father and sister look on.</p><p>In King's Landing, Littlefinger and Varys don't appreciate Tyrion's stratagem. Littlefinger is calmed, though, when Tyrion asks him to visit Lady Stark with a message. Varys sees a fellow sharp mind in the dwarf and offers a bit of advice: &quot;Power resides where men believe it resides. ...A very small man can cast a very large shadow.&quot;</p><p>On the Kingsroad, Arya Stark can't banish the image of her father's execution from her mind and asks Yoren, the recruiter from the Night's Watch, how he manages to live with all the horrible things he's seen. Yoren shares his own story with the girl, how he obsessed over - and ultimately enacted - vengeance against the man who killed his brother. The murder resulted in Yoren's joining the Watch. Their conversation is cut short when a group of gold cloaks attacks, seeking the bastard Gendry. Yoren refuses to hand Gendry over and dies for his defiance. Others, including Lommy Greenhands, are killed in the fierce fighting. The survivors, including Arya, Gendry and Hot Pie, are marched off to Harrenhal.</p></div>

Garden of Bones

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>Vanessa Taylor<br><b>Directed by </b>David Petrarca<br></p><p>In the Westerlands, two Lannister men stand guard at a war camp and trade jokes. They hear rustling in the woods, but see nothing. Just as they relax, Robb Stark's direwolf, Grey Wind, leaps from the darkness and attacks. The rest of the northern army follows, annihilating the Lannister force.</p><p>After daybreak, Robb tours a battlefield littered with dead. His bannerman Roose Bolton tells him: &quot;Five Lannisters dead for every one of ours.&quot; The experienced warrior suggests torturing the surviving enemies for information, but Robb won't have the prisoners hurt or killed. &quot;The high road is very pretty,&quot; Bolton says, &quot;but you'll have a hard time marching your army down it.&quot; The men come across a young woman from Volantis preparing to amputate the leg of a wounded enemy soldier. Admiring her bravery, Robb holds the man down as she treats him, but she challenges Robb to justify the suffering of both sides.</p><p>In the throne room of the Red Keep, King Joffrey Baratheon levels a crossbow at Sansa Stark, furious about the latest Lannister defeat. Instead of shooting her, though, he orders Ser Meryn Trant of the Kingsguard to beat the girl in front of everyone. Tyrion Lannister enters the room and, appalled, dresses down his nephew for mistreating his fiancée. When Tyrion tries to loosen up the young king by sending two whores, Ros and Daisy, to his room, Joffrey is irritated by the overture. Instead of enjoying the women's company, he orders Ros to beat Daisy savagely with a scepter. &quot;I want him to find out,&quot; Joffrey says of his uncle.</p><p>Littlefinger pays a visit to King Renly Baratheon, telling him that there are people in King's Landing who would support him as ruler. Littlefinger also talks with Queen Margaery, and notes she sleeps in a separate tent. &quot;The marriage of a wealthy girl always breeds interest, if nothing else,&quot; he says. Margaery takes his insinuation with a dismissive smile, but she makes it clear: &quot;My husband is my king, and my king is my husband.&quot; Finally, the emissary meets with Lady Catelyn Stark, who is so enraged to see the man who betrayed her husband that she draws a dagger on him. One question is enough to calm her: &quot;Do you want to see your girls again?&quot; He assures her both Sansa and Arya are safe, and as a show of &quot;good faith&quot; he returns the remains of Lord Ned Stark.</p><p>In the Red Waste, Daenerys Targaryen's rider Kovarro returns on a horse given to him in the city of Qarth. Ser Jorah Mormont warns Dany that the area outside the city's gates is known as the Garden of Bones - and if the gates don't open for her, their bodies will add to the garden. With little other choice, she takes her khalasar to Qarth, where the city's rulers, known as the Thirteen, meet the Dothraki outside the walls. The wealthy merchant leaders ask to see her dragons, but she does not reveal them. At that, the Thirteen turn their backs - except for one man, Xaro Xhoan Daxos. He opens his palm with a dagger, swearing to vouch for Dany and her people. The gates open.</p><p>Arya Stark, Gendry and a group of other prisoners arrive at Harrenhal in chains, taking in the horror of the melted castle. The screams of a tortured man echo off the walls, and after he dies, a captive woman tells them that the Lannisters question and kill a person every day. That night as rain falls, Arya repeats the names of everyone she wants to kill.</p><p>Arya watches as the Mountain chooses his latest victim. He is strapped to a chair as a man called the Tickler asks him questions about the king's enemies. &quot;I don't know,&quot; the prisoner answers as a bucket with a rat inside is strapped to his chest. Another man holds a torch to the bucket, and as the Tickler repeats his questions, the rodent scrambles to escape the flames and chews its way into the man's body. That night, Arya adds the Mountain to her vengeful prayer.</p><p>Catelyn meets with King Stannis Baratheon and King Renly Baratheon to convince them to set aside their conflicts and unite against a common enemy. But neither man is interested in compromise. &quot;The Iron Throne is mine by right,&quot; Stannis says. He offers his brother a council seat and the position of his heir - if he surrenders before dawn. But Renly is resolute: &quot;No one wants you for their king.&quot;</p><p>At Harrenhal, Gendry is selected for &quot;questioning&quot; and strapped to the Tickler's chair. Just as the bucket is attached to his chest, Lord Tywin Lannister rides into the castle. &quot;Are we so well-manned that we can afford to discard able young bodies and skilled laborers?&quot; he asks. Tywin notices Arya - but does not recognize her - and asks why she's dressed as a boy. &quot;Safer to travel, my lord,&quot; she tells him. Tywin is impressed with her smart thinking and decides to make her his cup-bearer.</p><p>Stannis calls for Davos and asks his trusted advisor to undertake a mission for him: Sneak Melisandre ashore. When they arrive, the red priestess leads him into a cave and takes off her robe. Impossibly, she is in the last stage of pregnancy, and as the smuggler's lantern glows brighter and brighter, she gives birth to a shadowy being the size and shape of a man.</p></div>

The Ghost of Harrenhal

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>David Petrarca<br></p><p>In King Renly Baratheon's tent in the Stormlands, the young king tells Lady Catelyn Stark that he and her son Robb would make natural allies. She begs him not to go to war with his brother Stannis, but Renly won't listen. As he asks Catelyn to take his terms to Robb, a shadowy cloud billows into the room. It coalesces into the shape of a man and plunges a dark blade through the king's chest; Lady Brienne of Tarth looks on screaming. Before anyone can react, the creature disappears and Renly's guards rush into the tent to attack Brienne, assuming she's the killer. She makes short work of the men and then collapses in tears across Renly's body. With no other choice, Brienne and Cat flee into the night.</p><p>The king's death throws the camp into disarray, and as Stannis' ships appear on the horizon, Littlefinger counsels Margaery and Loras Tyrell to flee while they still can. Loras agrees to postpone his revenge, and after he leaves, Margaery tells Littlefinger: &quot;I want to be <i>the</i> queen.&quot;</p><p>In King's landing, Tyrion Lannister brings the news of Renly's death to his sister, Cersei Baratheon, who is drinking her way through the day. She's still angry with Tyrion for marrying Myrcella off, and she refuses to tell him what Joffrey has planned for the defense of King's Landing. Her cousin and lover Lancel Lannister, however, has been recruited as Tyrion's spy and tells the dwarf that Joffrey wants to launch pots of a mystical compound called &quot;wildfire&quot; from the city walls.</p><p>King Stannis Baratheon and his adviser Davos Seaworth walk through Renly's former camp. Stannis has recruited most of his dead brother's men and is ready to sail against King's Landing, but Davos begs him not to pursue his victory with witchcraft. &quot;Loyal service means telling hard truths,&quot; Davos says, convincing Stannis to at least leave Melisandre behind when he launches his attack.</p><p>Tyrion walks the streets of King's Landing, where he hears a street performer refer to him as a &quot;demon monkey.&quot; He meets with a man from the Alchemists' Guild, who explains that wildfire will melt wood, stone, steel ... and flesh. Holding a pot of the green substance, Tyrion asks how much of the weapon they've created, and the alchemist leads Tyrion to a room stacked from floor to ceiling with more than 7,000 jars of the substance.</p><p>Theon Greyjoy stands on the docks of Pyke, admiring his ship, but his crewmen aren't impressed with their new captain. One man outright threatens to mutiny and take the ship, but when Theon's sister Yara arrives and addresses the group, the men break into affectionate laughter. One of Theon's men, Dagmer, tells him, &quot;They're not going to respect you until you prove yourself.&quot; This gives the young Greyjoy an idea.</p><p>Arya Stark serves food for Tywin Lannister and his bannermen at the haunted castle of Harrenhal. Tywin tells his commanders to stop waiting for Robb to fail and start finding a way to stop him, but none of the men have any ideas. Tywin picks up on the fact that Arya is from the North and asks her what she knows of Robb. &quot;They call him the young wolf,&quot; she says. &quot;They say he can't be killed.&quot; She leaves to fetch water for Tywin and finds Jaqen H'g<a></a>har, one of the prisoners Yoren kept in a cage. In exchange for Arya's saving his life, Jaqen offers her three deaths. &quot;Speak three names,&quot; he tells her, &quot;and a man will do the rest.&quot; She names the Mountain's torture master: the Tickler.</p><p>North of the Wall, the men of the Night's Watch trudge through the snow, waiting for the legendary ranger Qhorin Halfhand to meet them. They make camp at the Fist of the First Men, building up the ancient fortification to defend against wildlings. Qhorin arrives and tells Mormont and his men about Mance Rayder's massive army, &quot;They'll hit us in force, and they won't run away when we hit back.&quot; Qhorin leads a small party - including Jon Snow -to take out Mance's lookouts.</p><p>Daenerys Targaryen and her handmaiden Irri play with one of her dragons in their new home of Qarth. Xaro Xhaon Daxos has sent her a dress, demonstrating his wealth, but Dany quips, &quot;The last time a rich man gave me a dress, he was selling me to Khal Drogo.&quot; Still, she wears the garment and joins a gathering in the gardens, where she meets the warlock Pyat Pree, who creates an illusion and invites her to the House of the Undying. A masked woman warns Jorah to watch over Daenerys.</p><p>Catelyn and Brienne ride for Robb's camp, shaken by what they've seen. Brienne wants to return to kill Stannis, but Catelyn tells her it would be suicide. Instead, Brienne pledges to serve Catelyn. &quot;I will give my life for yours, if it comes to that,&quot; she says.</p><p>Bran holds court at Winterfell, granting a farmer some orphaned boys to help tend his flock, when Ser Rodrik Cassel enters with news that Torrhen's Square has fallen under siege. Bran sends Rodrik and his remaining troops to fight off the invaders.</p><p>Xaro walks with Dany, asking her why she desires the Iron Throne. She replies that it's hers by rights and tells him that he's a conqueror, too - just less ambitious. He shows her his vault and claims that she could have enough to buy horses, ships and whatever is required to retake her homeland. &quot;Marry me, and I'll give you the Seven Kingdoms,&quot; he says. Jorah is against the idea, but Dany is suspicious of the exiled knight's motivations. &quot;You have a gentle heart,&quot; he tells her. &quot;Make your own way. The allies we need are in Westeros.&quot;</p><p>As Gendry forges a sword in Harrenhal, he and Arya hear a scream and rush to the commotion. The Tickler lies dead in courtyard, and as Arya looks around, she spots Jaqen. She has dealt her first death, and she has two remaining.</p></div>

The Old Gods and the New

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>Vanessa Taylor<br><b>Directed by </b>David Nutter<br></p><p>As Maester Luwin rushes to release a raven, Theon Greyjoy wakes up Bran Stark. &quot;I have taken Winterfell,&quot; he tells the confused boy. &quot;I'm a Greyjoy. I can't fight Robb and my father both.&quot; Theon instructs Bran to inform his people that he has yielded the castle. When Bran protests, Theon assures him it's the practical thing to do; no one will get hurt. In the courtyard, Bran does as he is told. Those who dare resist are threatened, even Maester Luwin, who is reminded by Theon that he is bound by oath to serve the lord of the castle. Osha bends the knee to Theon, but the Prince of Pyke is suspicious and refuses her service. When Bran expresses surprise at her betrayal, the wildling tells him it's because his dream has come true: The ocean has come to Winterfell-and she has no plans to drown.</p><p>Theon's proclamations are interrupted by the arrival of Ser Rodrik Cassel, captured by the Ironmen on his way back from Torrhen's Square. &quot;You have less honor than a back alley whore,&quot; says Theon's former fighting instructor, &quot;King Robb thought of you as a brother.&quot; Theon ignores Rodrik, but when Rodrik spits on him, he orders him imprisoned. Unwilling to let the insult stand, Theon's first mate Dagmer goads him into sentencing Ser Rodrik to death. As Dagmer readies to swing the sword, Rodrik reminds Theon that it should be his job-he passed the sentence. Before lowering his head, Rodrik tells Bran, &quot;I'm off to see your father.&quot; The gathered crowd gasps in horror as Theon botches the job, swinging again and again to separate Rodrik's head from his body.</p><p>Jon Snow marches with Qhorin Halfhand's team in the Frostfangs. Watching him with Ghost, the scout warns him that wild things cannot be trusted. When Jon swears he'd die for the Watch, Qhorin corrects him: &quot;I want you to curse and fight 'til your heart's done pumping.&quot;</p><p>With the sun dropping, Qhorin and his men take out a group of wildling lookouts. As Jon prepares to slay one, he realizes it's a young woman. Qhorin reasons that the only thing to do is to kill her and Jon volunteers for the task. Left alone with instructions to meet the men at the top once the deed is done, Jon tries to drop the sword on Ygritte, but misses. Sensing his indecision, Ygritte makes a run for it. Jon captures her again and binds her. Since a fire will draw the attention of other wildlings, he prepares for a cold night of sleep. &quot;We'll stay warmer if we stay close,&quot; she offers. Unable to argue, Jon wraps himself around her and then scolds her when he feels her body wriggling against his.</p><p>The royal family says goodbye to Princess Myrcella Baratheon as she sails for Dorne. Queen Cersei Baratheon curses Tyrion Lannister and tells him she hopes he falls in love one day... so she will have the opportunity to take his love from him. As the group makes its way back to the Red Keep, Tyrion notes the restlessness of the crowd and urges the Kingsguard to get Prince Tommen home. After being called a bastard, King Joffrey is struck by a cowpat. Furious, he demands the head of the person responsible. The mob erupts and the High Septon is caught in the fray. He is torn to shreds while other members of the family fight their way to safety. Tyrion lectures Joffrey that the riot is his fault: His people are starving because of a war he started, and then slaps him when Joffrey fails to understand his lesson. Belatedly realizing Sansa Stark is missing, Tyrion demands Joffrey send someone to search for her.&quot;You'll never get your uncle Jaime back,&quot; he says. &quot;You owe him quite a bit, you know.&quot;</p><p>Having fled down an alley, Sansa is pursued by a group of lecherous men. She tries to fight them off but is knocked down and stripped. The Hound arrives just in time and makes short work of the men. Lifting Sansa, he carries her over his shoulder back to the Red Keep. Tyrion compliments him for a job well done, but the Hound sniffs, &quot;I didn't do it for you.&quot;</p><p>Shae tries to console Sansa who cannot understand what she did to inspire such violence. When she insists she hates Joffrey as much as the people do, Shae warns her to keep such thoughts to herself. &quot;Don't trust anybody. Life is safer that way,&quot; says the handmaiden.</p><p>Arya Stark continues to win points with Tywin Lannister, but has a heart-stopping moment when Petyr Baelish pays a visit to the commander. She keeps her head down during the visit, and although Littlefinger notices her, he does not recognize her. Littlefinger counsels Lord Tywin to draw in the Tyrells and, for now, forget that they sided with Renly Baratheon. Lord Tywin dismisses Arya, just as Littlefinger gives him an update on Catelyn Stark.</p><p>That evening, Tywin recounts to Arya how he taught his son Jaime to read. Turning his attention to her, he asks her about her family. She tells him her father was a stonemason ... who died of loyalty. Arya works up the courage to ask Tywin about his own father, and while the lord is distracted by his memories, she steals a scrap of paper detailing the Lannister movements against Robb. Outside of Tywin's chambers, Amory Lorch catches her with it but Arya runs off. Searching for Jaqen H'ghar, she demands he kill Amory right away. Sighing, Jaqen takes out Ser Amory with a poison dart just as the man approaches Tywin.</p><p>Daenerys paces outside of the home of the Spice King. Xaro Xhoan Daxos reminds her that had she married him, there would be no need to wait. When the Spice King finally gives her an audience, he debates points of grammar in her request for ships to &quot;retake the Iron Throne.&quot; Sensing a rejection, Dany tells him the story of the birth of her dragons. &quot;I am no ordinary woman,&quot; she says. &quot;My dreams come true.&quot; Despite Dany's passion, the Spice King tells her she is a bad investment. Dejected, Daenerys returns to Xaro's palace. Once there, they find his household murdered, Irri strangled, and empty dragon cages. Elsewhere in Qarth, a hooded figure carries the hissing creatures to the House of the Undying.</p><p>Robb Stark spots Lady Talisa in his camp and gets her to admit that she is of noble birth. Watching her son watch Talisa, Lady Catelyn Stark reminds the King in the North that he is already engaged. Roose Bolton arrives with word from Winterfell: Theon has taken the castle. Beside himself, Robb declares he will march north. Unwilling to let Robb retreat, Bolton offers to have his bastard at the Dreadfort take care of the Ironmen. Robb agrees but wants Theon taken alive-he'll kill him himself.</p><p>Osha enters Theon's bedroom and offers her service again. When he reiterates his suspicions, she begins to undress herself. &quot;We know things,&quot; she says, bargaining for her freedom. &quot;Savage things.&quot; After Theon falls asleep, she sneaks out. Seducing his guard, she cuts his throat, and then motions for Rickon, Hodor and Bran to follow.</p></div>

A Man Without Honor

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>David Nutter</p><p>Theon Greyjoy wakes and discovers the wildling Osha has escaped Winterfell with Hodor and the Stark boys. Enraged, Theon savagely beats one of his men and orders the rest to gather the horses and hounds to hunt down the prisoners. They track the boys to a nearby farm.</p><p>Deep in the Frostfangs, Jon Snow sleeps huddled behind Ygritte, who wakes and coyly asks him, &quot;Did you pull a knife on me in the night?&quot; Jon, humiliated, forces her to continue their march back toward the men of the Night's Watch, but as they walk, she pokes holes in his allegiances. &quot;You're a boy who's never been with a girl,&quot; she says. &quot;Why are you fighting us?&quot;</p><p>The Mountain, thinking that the poisoned dart that killed Amory Lorch was meant for Lord Tywin Lannister, has spent the intervening time hanging and torturing suspects. Arya Stark - who is actually responsible for Lorch's death - serves Tywin his dinner, but the commander gives it to her to eat. It's clear to him that she's smart and of noble birth, but he doesn't press her for details. Instead, he tells her about his legacy... while she grips a knife and glares at his throat.</p><p>In King's Landing, Sansa Stark timidly approaches the Hound to thank him for saving her from the mob. Equally amused and annoyed by her, the Hound explains that it was nothing - he enjoys killing. Later, Sansa dream of being attacked again and wakes to find she's flowered. Frantically, she tries to hide the stain on her bed, but it's too late - the queen's spies have seen it. Cersei is almost sympathetic about Sansa's future with Joffrey, advising the girl: &quot;Love no one but your children.&quot;</p><p>Across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys Targaryen is lost without her dragons. Xaro Xhoan Daxos promises to convene the Thirteen to help find the magical creatures. She returns to her chambers, where Jorah Mormont apologizes for failing to protect her from these foreigners. &quot;Is it you I should trust?&quot; she asks, frustrated by the many betrayers who surround her.</p><p>At King Robb Stark's camp, the messenger Alton Lannister returns with Queen Cersei Baratheon's response to Robb's terms. Robb recognizes his service by saving him from a cramped cell and instead places him with his cousin, Jaime Lannister. As the meeting ends, the healer Talisa comes to Robb to ask for supplies; he invites her to join him on his journey to the Crag to find what she needs.</p><p>Jon pulls Ygritte along behind him on a rope, as she continues to push his buttons. &quot;We're free,&quot; she tells him. &quot;We chose Mance Rayder to lead us.&quot; She tells him to join her and live beyond the Wall - with a woman. Ygritte, playfully offers herself to him, but he reaches for his sword to drive her off. Knowing she has Jon off-balance, Ygritte breaks loose, pulling the rope from his hands. By the time he catches up to her, she's surrounded by wildling fighters.</p><p>Alton and Jaime Lannister sit in their pen at Robb Stark's camp, trading stories of their younger years, when Alton once squired for Jaime. The Kingslayer tells his own story of serving the famous knight Barristan Selmy. As Alton draws closer, Jaime whispers that he may have found a way to escape. When his cousin moves even closer to hear what the famous swordsman has planned, Jaime beats him to death with his bare hands. The jailer, Torrhen Karstark, comes over to investigate and Jaime kills him as well, taking his keys to escape.</p><p>Jorah visits the mysterious woman Qaithe in search of Dany's dragons. Qaithe knows that Jorah loves his queen - and that he betrayed her. She tells him that the thief who took the dragons is with Dany now. As the young queen meets with the Thirteen, the warlock Pyat Pree tells her he has stolen the beasts and secured them in the House of the Undying. Using his magic, Pree kills the other members of the Thirteen, elevating Xaro to king.</p><p>In Cersei's chambers, Tyrion tells her that their enemies will soon be at their gates, and Joffrey is not helping. &quot;He needs to start acting like a king,&quot; Tyrion says, and Cersei's answer is chilling: The boy doesn't listen to her. She wonders whether her sins with Jaime are to blame for the boy's nasty temperament. When she begins to weep, Tyrion takes a step toward her but is unable to offer his sister comfort.A mob of Stark men drags Jaime back into camp, where Lord Karstark demands his head. Lady Catelyn steps in to stop the men from killing Jaime on the spot, but it's clear the man has no intention of letting this go. That night, as the men drink and rage, Catelyn and Brienne realize Jaime will not make it to the morning. Catelyn visits him in his cell, where Jaime says everything he can to get under her skin. Catelyn orders Brienne to hand her a sword.</p><p>In the courtyard at Winterfell, Theon addresses the castle's residents, offering a grotesque message of what happens to those who defy him: the charred remains of the Stark boys. Maester Luwin lets out a bereaved howl, as even Theon is disgusted by what he's done.</p></div>

The Prince of Winterfell

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Alan Taylor<br></p><p>Theon Greyjoy welcomes his sister, Yara, to Winterfell. Expecting praise, he becomes defensive when she criticizes his decision to execute the Stark boys for running away. Theon is further shocked when she tells him their father, Lord Balon, wants him home. When he refuses to give up the castle, Yara reminds Theon that Robb Stark will have his head. &quot;Come home with me,&quot; she urges her defiant little brother.</p><p>Ygritte hands off Jon Snow to the Lord of Bones, known to the men of the Watch as Rattleshirt because of his skeletal armor. With Qhorin Halfhand already his prisoner, Rattleshirt prepares to kill Jon, but Ygritte argues convincingly that Mance Rayder will be interested in Ned Stark's bastard. When Rattleshirt yields, Ygritte tells Jon they are even. Spared his own life, Jon is devastated to learn that the men in Qhorin's group were killed by wildlings. &quot;See that it wasn't for nothing,&quot; says Qhorin. As the two march on, Qhorin begins arguing with Jon.</p><p>Elsewhere in the Frostfangs, Dolorous Edd, Grenn and Samwell Tarly dig trenches. Edd reasons that since Jon went off with the Halfhand and neither has been seen since, they're both dead, but Sam refuses to believe it. As they dig, Grenn uncovers an ancient cache of dragonglass buried by their Night's Watch forebears.</p><p>King Robb Stark, newly returned from the Crag with Lady Talisa Maegyr<b>, </b>explains to her the circumstances of his engagement: He promised to marry a Frey girl to gain access to a bridge that would allow him to march south and hopefully, save his father. Although he was taught by Ned Stark to rule benevolently, Robb is steadfast that the war must continue: Until the Lannisters are dead, his family will never be safe. Their walk is interrupted with news-Ser Jaime Lannister has escaped, with the help of Lady Catelyn Stark. Robb marches into his mother's tent with Lord<b> </b>Rickard<b> </b>Karstark in disbelief, but Catelyn does not deny her actions. Furious, Robb immediately sends more men to get the Kingslayer back.</p><p>Brienne of Tarth travels with a shackled Jaime through the back roads to King's Landing. Jaime tries to goad his captor into showing him her sword skills, but she ignores him.</p><p>With Stannis Baratheon en route to King's Landing, Ser Kevan Lannister advocates that the royal family withdraw. Lord Tywin refuses to let the family retreat, aware of the message it will send. Ser Kevan tells his brother that the Greyjoys have done them a favor by taking Winterfell-Robb has already sent men to reclaim the castle. Lord Tywin opts to surprise Robb's reduced forces that night and leaves Ser Gregor Clegane in charge of Harrenhal, cautioning Arya to watch his drinking. With no time to spare, Arya searches the grounds unsuccessfully for Jaqen H'ghar. When Jaqen finally appears, she asks him how long it will take him to kill a man. &quot;Death is certain. The time is not,&quot; he tells her. Unsatisfied, she names Jaqen H'ghar as her third victim. Shocked, Jaqen demands she unname him, but Arya says in exchange, he must help her and her friends escape Harrenhal. With Hot Pie and Gendry in tow that night, Arya musters up the courage to walk toward the gate and realizes that the men guarding it are already dead.</p><p>Tyrion pores over books in search of a strategy to use against Stannis, bickering irritably with Bronn until Varys enters. Although Varys compliments Bronn for the way the Gold Cloaks have reduced the incidents of thievery in the city, Tyrion is unhappy with Bronn's brutal methods. Assessing the maps of the city, Tyrion predicts Stannis will land and head for the weakest nearby gate: Mud Gate. Short of men, the Hand realizes he can only stop the would-be king with the one thing they have in surplus: pig sh*t.</p><p>At supper, Cersei attacks Tyrion for trying to put King Joffrey on the battlefield and then surprises him: She has his whore. When Ros is ushered into the room, Tyrion tells her to be brave. Ros does not betray Tyrion but asks him not to forget her. Although relieved it is not Shae in custody, Tyrion promises his sister he will have his revenge. He hurries to Shae to confirm that she is safe but is still unnerved by the danger she is in. &quot;I'm yours. And you are mine,&quot; she reminds him.</p><p>With no news from Winterfell, Robb tells Roose Bolton to let his bastard know: He wants mercy for any Ironborn who surrenders- with the exception of Theon. Talisa comes to check on Robb, who takes his mind off of things by asking how she came to be a doctor. Talisa recounts how she saw a slave bring her brother back to life after he drowned. Smitten, Robb admits he doesn't want to marry a Frey, and he and Talisa fall into each other's arms.</p><p>Sailing for King's Landing, Stannis compliments Davos for embracing his smuggler's past and taking the onion for his sigil despite the mocking of his high-born counterparts. Stannis complains that those high-born men were quick to forget him during the Siege of Storm's End, leaving him with only 500 men to hold the castle and barely any supplies. If it hadn't been for Davos and his ship full of onions, they would surely have starved. Stannis resents his brother Robert and Ned Stark for stealing all the glory during the rebellion; furthermore, Robert rewarded Renly with Storm's End. Insistent that he is now the rightful king, Stannis names Davos his Hand.</p><p>With much bravado, Joffrey insists that it's time for them to strike against the Stark forces, but Tyrion and Varys feel that Stannis's arrival is a more pressing concern. Alone, Varys assures Tyrion he has proven a surprisingly capable Hand-better than his more honorable predecessors. He confides that he has had word from Qarth: Daenerys Targaryen lives and she is raising dragons. Already overwhelmed, Tyrion says they will have to take things one game at a time.</p><p>In Qarth, Jorah Mormont tells Daenerys that he has secured a ship to take them to Astapor. Dany refuses to leave her dragons behind and insists that if Jorah truly wants to serve, he will take her to the House of the Undying. Although Jorah fears a trap, Dany reminds him that her own magic is quite powerful.</p><p>Theon tells Dagmer to cut down the bodies and tries to give Dagmer money to compensate the farmer. Dagmer assures him that the farmer and his wife no longer have any worries. Passing through the courtyard, Maester Luwin spots Osha heading for the crypts. Meeting with her later, Luwin learns the boys are alive, but tells her they must never know what happened to the orphans. Nearby, Bran listens while Rickon and Hodor sleep.</p></div>

Blackwater

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>George R.R. Martin<br><b>Directed by </b>Neil Marshall<br></p><p>As Stannis Baratheon's ships sail to King's Landing, Matthos Seaworth assures his father, Davos, that come morning, the elder Seaworth will be Hand of the King. They have more men, and the Lord of Light on their side.</p><p>In King's Landing, Shae tries to comfort Tyrion Lannister, who is having trouble sleeping. Tyrion knows that the Lannisters won't survive the defeat, so Shae offers to &quot;make love like it's your last day on earth,&quot; just like when they first met. Even more anxious, Queen Cersei secures a vial of nightshade from Grand Maester Pycelle.</p><p>In the evening, Bronn joins a group of Lannister soldiers at Littlefinger's brothel for some boisterous drinking. The crowd goes quiet with the arrival of the Hound, who refuses Bronn's offer of hospitality. The two exchange words and dirty looks, but the alarm sounds before the men come to blows.</p><p>Tyrion hears the bells from his chambers. His squire Podrick Payne dresses him while Varys shows him the city's secret underground tunnel system. Tyrion tells Varys that he will not run; he's the captain of the ship. Varys warns him that Stannis has taken up with a priestess and that dark magic has brought him to King's Landing. Shrugging off Tyrion's skepticism, Varys tells him that a man like Stannis cannot sit on the throne.</p><p>In the Great Hall, Tyrion gives instructions to Bronn: Wait until the ships are in the bay. Off to join the other high-born ladies in Maegor's holdfast, Sansa tells Tyrion she is praying for his safe return-like she's praying for Joffrey's. Joffrey shows off his new Valyrian steel sword, Hearteater, and makes Sansa kiss it for good luck. Unhappy when she insinuates he will not be in the midst of the fighting, Joffrey promises that one day the blade will be coated with Robb Stark's blood.</p><p>Sansa questions why Cersei-who clearly hates her-wants her in the holdfast. Cersei, already tipsy, encourages Sansa to drink and tells her that Ser Ilyn is there for the protection of the women. Spotting Sansa praying, Cersei mocks her and complains that she was born a woman, unable to do anything but babysit &quot;frightened hens.&quot; She shocks Sansa with her regret that her womanly charms will have no effect on Stannis. &quot;If the city falls, these women will be in for a bit of a rape,&quot; she says, including Sansa.</p><p>Tyrion quarrels with his nephew about strategy on the battlements. When Stannis' fleet comes into sight, Tyrion readies his archers, but does not give the order to fire. Only one royal ship sails into the harbor, leaking wildfire. Davos orders his sailors to steer clear, but it's too late: Tyrion has already signaled Bronn to fire a flaming arrow into the ship. The bay explodes with green flame; Matthos is among those thrown overboard. Certain that Tyrion has no more wildfire, Stannis orders his men to storm the beach, no matter the cost. The Hound goes to meet them directly, but he warns the archers to keep him away from their flaming arrows.</p><p>Still drinking, Cersei tells Sansa she hated being married off to a man she never knew. She strikes up a conversation with Shae and correctly identifies her as a low-born Lorathi. Cersei marvels that Shae has managed to become a royal handmaiden in just 10 years time and asks for the details, but Lancel, now injured, arrives to update the Queen on the battle. With the news that Stannis' soldiers are battering the Mud Gate, Cersei demands Lancel bring Joffrey back to his quarters. Turning to Sansa, she confesses that Ser Ilyn is really on hand to see that Stannis doesn't take them alive.</p><p>The Hound fights fiercely-and is saved from a hit by Bronn's arrow-but he is dazed by the fires burning around him. Unable to bear it, he abandons his post, despite Tyrion's pleas and Joffrey's orders to return to the battle. Lancel arrives to tell the king that the Queen has commanded him to the Red Keep. Tyrion intercedes and tells Joffrey he needs to lead his men, but Joffrey opts to follow his mother's instructions. Without Joffrey and the Hound, Tyrion picks up the mantle. In a stirring speech to the royal soldiers, Tyrion promises he has a way around Stannis' forces. &quot;We'll come out behind them and f*ck them in their asses,&quot; he declares.</p><p>Lancel reports to Cersei that the battle is lost-their men lost hope when they saw the king leave the field. When he dares to ask Cersei to let him bring Joffrey back to the action, Cersei pokes his wound. Lancel's groans upset the women in the keep, but Sansa calms them with a hymn. Shae tells Sansa she needs to return to her room and keep her door locked-Stannis won't hurt her; Ser Ilyn will.</p><p>In her room, Sansa's is startled to find the Hound waiting for her. He tells her he is leaving and offers to return her to Winterfell, but she decides to take her chances in King's Landing. Tyrion successfully leads the Lannister forces through the tunnels, inspiring chants of &quot;Half-Man.&quot; Just when he thinks he is safe, he shares a smile with Ser Mandon, who then tries to kill him. Pod drives a spear through Ser Mandon. Fresh soldiers, including one dressed in Renly Baratheon's armor, take the field. Stannis' men flee at the sight of &quot;Renly's ghost.&quot;</p><p>Cersei sits with Tommen in the Throne Room and tells him a story about a brave lion cub as she readies nightshade for him to drink. Just as she puts the vial to his lips, the door swings open: Loras Tyrell, dressed in Renly's armor, enters, followed by Ser Tywin Lannister. The Lannisters have won.</p></div>

Valar Morghulis

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Alan Taylor</p><p>Tyrion Lannister wakes up in a modest room with his head wrapped in a bandage. Gloating, Grand Maester Pycelle tells him that Lord Tywin Lannister defeated Stannis Baratheon-and Tyrion is no longer Hand of the King.<br></p><p>In the throne room, Joffrey hands out rewards to the heroes of the Battle of Blackwater. Lord Tywin is named Hand; Lord Petyr Baelish is given Harrenhal. Given a chance to choose his prize, Loras Tyrell asks that his family and Lannisters be formally joined through marriage as Margaery remains a virgin. Although Joffrey protests that he is engaged to another, his Small Council grants him permission to cast Sansa aside. Sansa secretly revels in her change in circumstance-until Littlefinger tells her it won't stop Joffrey from abusing her. Littlefinger offers to take her home, and when Sansa says King's Landing is her home now, he informs her she's not the liar she thinks she is.</p><p>Ros greets a new customer and is startled to find it is Varys. &quot;I think your true talents are wasted,&quot; he tells her. Aware of how she's been treated, Varys tells the still-bruised Ros he protects those who work for him, unlike Littlefinger. Ros admits she's scared of her employer but Varys says that Littlefinger has weaknesses too.</p><p>Brienne of Tarth continues to ignore Jaime Lannister's provocations as they make their way to King's Landing. Three Stark soldiers happen upon them and are wildly amused that Brienne is a woman. Brienne pretends she is merely escorting a thief back to Riverrun, but one of the Stark men recognizes Jaime from Whispering Wood, forcing Brienne to kill them all. When Jaime expresses surprise that she has killed Stark men, Brienne reminds him, &quot;I serve Lady Catelyn.&quot;</p><p>In the Westerlands, Catelyn Stark tells her son Robb that Walder Frey is a dangerous man to cross. Furthermore, although their marriage was arranged, she and Ned grew to love each other. Robb remains unconvinced, particularly when Catelyn tries to appeal to his sense of honor. He reminds his mother that she is in no position to call him reckless. That night, the King in the North marries Talisa Maegyr.</p><p>Filled with doubts and guilt, Stannis Baratheon accuses Melisandre of showing him a false prophecy. &quot;If you see so much in your flames, why didn't you warn me?&quot; he complains. Melisandre tells him that the war has only just begun: It will last for years, thousands will die-and it will be worth it. The two stare into the fire together.</p><p>Surrounded, Theon sulks in Winterfell. He recalls how impressed he was the first time he saw the castle: &quot;We never stood a chance against a man who lives here.&quot; Maester Luwin reminds him he was treated more like a guest than a prisoner but Theon retorts that that never gave him comfort. Luwin offers his advice: Run and join the Night's Watch where he will be given a fresh start, but Theon rejects the idea aware Jon Snow would never let him live. Luwin appeals to the Theon he knew, &quot;You're not the man you're pretending to be,&quot; he says. Theon counters that he's gone too far to be anyone else.</p><p>The Prince of Pyke rallies his men in the courtyard of Winterfell and instructs them to fight to their deaths and become the stuff of legend: &quot;Girls will think of us with their lovers inside them.&quot; As his rousing speech comes to a close, Dagmer Cleftjaw knocks Theon out and tells the men they are going home. When Luwin sees what has happened, Dagmer spears him through the stomach.</p><p>Varys tells Tyrion that Queen Cersei instructed Mandon Moore to attack him during the fighting. Tyrion refuses to believe his sister's treachery, but instructs Pod to summon Bronn for protection. Varys breaks the news to him: Bronn has been relieved of his duty, the Hill tribesmen have returned home, and even Varys must abandon him. As a final gesture, Varys sends in Shae to comfort Tyrion, and thanks him for saving the city-no one else ever will. Shae peels the bandages off of Tyrion but refuses to let him wallow in self-pity. She tells him they should leave for Pentos-it's clear he's not wanted in King's Landing-but Tyrion won't leave. He belongs in King's Landing, where the game is played. Shae promises to stay with him.</p><p>Arya, Hot Pie and Gendry leave Harrenhal and find Jaqen H'ghar waiting for them. Jaqen says that if she wishes to learn how to be like him, she will need to travel to Braavos with him. He tells her she can learn the way of the Faceless Men, and offer the Red God names on her list-and more. Although tempted, Arya decides she needs to find the rest of her family. Jaqen hands her an iron coin with the instructions to give it to any Braavosi and say &quot;Valar Morghulis&quot; when she needs him again. Her friend rearranges his face so that he no longer looks like Jaqen, and walks off.</p><p>Osha, Hodor, Rickon and Bran leave the crypts under Winterfell and see the entire castle has been razed. In the Godswood, they find Maester Luwin dying from his wound. He refuses their offers of help and tells the boys they must leave and meet Jon at the Wall, in case the Ironmen return. As the boys weep, Luwin tells them he considers himself lucky for the time they spent together. Sending the Starks away, he asks Osha to protect them-and to give him a quick death.</p><p>Daenerys arrives at the House of the Undying with Jorah Mormont and Kovarro. Walking around it, looking for an entrance, Jorah and Kovarro lose sight of Daenerys, who ends up inside. As she searches for her dragons, she passes through a series of rooms. A destroyed Throne Room covered in snow leads her to the Wall, where she finds a Dothraki tent. Inside, Khal Drogo comforts their baby. Drogo says if they're in a dream, he doesn't want to wake. Dany tears herself away and passes into a room where she finds her dragons in chains. Multiple Pyat Prees tell her that the dragons have brought magic back. Since everyone is stronger when Dany is with her dragons, she must stay with them forever. Finding herself in chains, Dany commands Dracarys to breathe fire through her and at Pyat Pree. The dragonfire melts her chains and kills Pyat Pree, but does not harm her.</p><p>Dany and her horde go to Xaro Xhoan Daxos' house, where they find him in bed with Doreah. Taking his key, Dany unlocks his secret vault and discovers it is empty. Xaro and Doreah plead for their lives, but Dany locks them in vault. The Dothraki pillage Xaro's home to earn enough for a ship.</p><p>Qhorin Halfhand and Jon Snow march with the wildlings to Mance Rayder's camp. En route, Qhorin starts a fight with Jon, blaming him for the death of his brothers. Rattleshirt allows them to fight, and Qhorin goads Jon into killing him. Rattleshirt orders Qhorin's body burned, as Jon struggles with the weight of what he has just done. Ygritte shows him a valley where thousands of wildlings have gathered to follow Mance.</p><p>Dolorous Edd, Grenn and Samwell Tarly search the snowy plains for dung to burn. As Sam continues talk about Gilly, horns sound in the distance-three blasts. Sam gets left behind and watches an army of white walkers march past him.</p></div>

Valar Dohaeris

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Daniel Minahan</p><p>Alone on the Fist of the First Men, Samwell Tarly approaches a kneeling man of the Watch and realizes the man has been decapitated. A wight attacks Sam, but Ghost, Lord Commander Mormont, and the remaining brothers arrive and set it on fire. Mormont is furious when he learns that Sam hasn't sent the ravens as instructed. He tells his men they will need to make it back to Castle Black to warn the kingdom.</p><p>Jon Snow enters Mance Rayder's camp, marveling at the number of refugees and the strangeness of it all. He mistakes Tormund Gianstbane for the King Beyond the Wall and kneels before him, unaware that Mance is the unassuming one standing in the back. Mance questions Jon's reasons for abandoning the Watch and Jon says Mormont betrayed him: When he told the Lord Commander that Craster was sacrificing his newborn sons, Mormont already knew.</p><p>In King's Landing, Tyrion Lannister adjusts to his scars and reduced circumstances. Believing his sister responsible for the attempt on his life, Tyrion is jumpy when she visits. Queen Cersei demands to know what business he plans to discuss with their father. Having been summoned by Podrick Payne, Bronn exchanges sharp words with Ser Meryn Trant outside of Tyrion's door. Meryn accuses the newly knighted Bronn of the Blackwater of being an up-jumper. After Cersei leaves, Bronn tells Tyrion he is doubling his prices.</p><p>Sansa Stark and Shae watch ships as they sail from the harbor. When Lord Petyr Baelish and Ros approach, Ros hangs back with Shae while Littlefinger whispers with Sansa. Staring out at the sea, Sansa begs Littlefinger to take her away from King's Landing. Initially coy, Littlefinger promises he will. Ros asks Shae to watch out for Sansa--especially around Littlefinger.</p><p>Davos Seaworth is plucked from the rocky shores of Blackwater Bay by a passing ship--one that belongs to Salladhor Saan. The pirate tells his old friend to give up; Stannis Baratheon is licking his wounds at Dragonstone and completely under Melisandre's spell. Davos insists he needs to go to Stannis so he can stop her. Certain he will fail, Salladhor tells Davos he will gather his bones for his widow to wear around her neck.</p><p>At Dragonstone, Davos appeals to Stannis to stop persecuting non-believers of the Lord of Light. When Davos declares Melisandre his enemy, she tells him her presence would have changed the course of the Battle of the Blackwater. &quot;You convinced your king to leave me behind,&quot; she reminds him before taunting him with memories of his dying son. Davos attacks Melisandre, but is held back and imprisoned by Stannis.</p><p>Robb Stark's army marches to Harrenhal only to find the castle already abandoned and riddled with corpses. Catelyn Stark grieves for a fallen bannerman, Ser Jeremy Mallister, whose body she spots in the carnage, but Robb has her escorted to a &quot;chamber that will serve as a cell.&quot; Talisa chides him for treating his mother this way, but Robb tells her that his concern is for his men, including Lord Rickard Karstark: By freeing Jaime Lannister, Catelyn has robbed them of their justice. Next to Ser Jeremy, a body coughs. The two discover Qyburn, a prisoner with a cut throat.</p><p>Daenerys Targaryen watches as her Dothrakis, the first ever to set sail, cope with massive seasickness on the seas between Qarth and Astapor. She feeds her growing dragons and tells Jorah Mormont she wishes they would grow faster. Although Ser Jorah speaks highly of Astapor's Unsullied soldiers, Dany worries that they are a slave army. Jorah tells her she won't have a true khalasar until she can prove her strength.</p><p>Now Hand of the King, Tywin Lannister forces Tyrion to wait as he finishes his correspondence. When he finally gives his son his attention, he reprimands Tyrion for bringing a whore to his bed, in direct defiance of his orders. The two face off: Tyrion points out that Tywin never once visited him after he fell in battle, a battle Tyrion is responsible for winning. He wants what is his by right: Casterly Rock. Tywin agrees to find Tyrion better accommodation, a sufficient position and a suitable wife, but he tells his youngest that Casterly Rock will never be his. &quot;To teach me humility, the gods have condemned me to watch you waddle about wearing that proud lion that was my father's sigil,&quot; he thunders. He warns Tyrion that the next whore he catches him with will hang.</p><p>Traveling in separate litters with Lady Margaery, King Joffrey is startled when his stops in the streets of Flea Bottom. From the safety of his compartment, he watches Margaery step through the filthy streets into an orphanage. Inside, Margaery charms the children and distributes toys and bread. When Loras Tyrell and Margaery join Joffrey and Cersei for dinner, Cersei makes pointed remarks about Margaery's revealing wardrobe. After Margaery deflects her criticism, Cersei mentions the impromptu stop in Flea Bottom. She tries to bring up the riot that took the life of the High Septon, but Joffrey shuts her down, telling his guests that age has increased Cersei's &quot;flair for drama.&quot;</p><p>In Astapor, Dany takes stock of the Unsullied that the slave master Kraznys parades before her. With help from Missandei, his servant who translates the High Valyrian, Dany learns that the warriors are trained as children, and only one in four boys--the most disciplined, loyal and fearless--survive its rigors. To prove it, Kraznys cuts off the nipple of one soldier, who remains stock-still. Kraznys gives Dany a day to decide if she is interested in his 8,000 men.</p><p>Along the waterfront, Dany debates the value of the Unsullied with Ser Jorah. She worries about being a slave owner but Ser Jorah assures her she will be a fair master. A cloaked man follows them as they walk along the docks. Dany's attention is drawn to a little girl who rolls a ball towards her and asks her to open it. As Dany untwists the painted ball, the hooded man knocks it from her and stabs the poisonous manticore that crawls from it. As Ser Jorah takes hold of the man, the girl, now brandishing stained blue lips and teeth, disappears through the crowd. Dany realizes the warlocks of Qarth are after her. Dany thanks the hooded man, who kneels before her and reveals himself. Ser Barristan Selmy, who served as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard until Joffrey forced his retirement, pledges himself to Daenerys Stormborn and asks her for forgiveness.</p></div>

Dark Wings, Dark Words

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>Vanessa Taylor<br><b>Directed by </b>Daniel Minahan<br></p><p>Bran Stark wakes up dreaming of archery lessons with his brothers and the three-eyed raven. He has a vision of an unfamiliar boy who tells him, &quot;The raven is you.&quot; Bran tries to explain his dream to Osha, but she brushes him off and says they still have a long way to go.</p><p>Roose Bolton arrives with bad news, which Robb must then break to his mother. Her father Lord Hoster Tully has died and Winterfell has been put to the torch. Robb tries to remain optimistic: Bran and Rickon have not been found, but Catelyn Stark is distraught to learn there have been no demands from Theon Greyjoy--who is also missing.</p><p>Elsewhere, Theon is splashed awake. Bound on an X-shaped cross, he pleads with the Ironmen who peel skin from his fingers and turn a screw into his foot. He explains he took Winterfell to bring glory to his father. When his captors seem unsatisfied, he confesses he was resentful about being a Stark hostage. When that still fails to change his situation, Theon swears he will tell them anything. After everyone leaves, a boy mopping the floors tells Theon that he has been sent by his sister Yara. The boy promises he will return for Theon that evening.</p><p>Brienne of Tarth escorts Jaime Lannister south off of the main road. Jaime does his best to provoke her, particularly when he realizes that she had feelings for Renly Baratheon. &quot;You were far too much man for him,&quot; he teases her. When a farmer crosses their path, Jaime urges Brienne to kill him, but Brienne refuses on the chance that the farmer hasn't recognized Jaime.</p><p>Queen Cersei keeps Joffrey company as he's fitted for new suits. When Joffrey refuses to take her bait about Margaery, she tries to warn her son he is being manipulated. Joffrey pointedly tells his mother he doesn't need to listen to her.</p><p>Sansa Stark insists to Shae that Littlefinger is not interested in her romantically--he's too old. But Shae lets Sansa know she'll make Littlefinger stop should he ever step out of line. Loras escorts Sansa to meet his sister and their grandmother, Lady Olenna Tyrell.</p><p>Sansa shares her condolences with Lady Olenna about Renly's death, but Lady Olenna has few kind words for Margaery's deceased husband. She has fewer still for the Tyrell men, Lord Mace and Loras, and complains about their involvement in the war. When the servants are out of earshot, Lady Olenna asks Sansa for her opinion of King Joffrey. Sansa repeats her usual platitudes, but Lady Olenna and Margaery encourage her to speak freely. Sansa then reveals the horrors Joffrey has put her through, and confesses, &quot;He's a monster.&quot; Lady Olenna and Margaery absorb the information, but tell Sansa that the wedding will go on.</p><p>On the road to Riverrun, Lord Karstark lets Robb know he no longer has faith in him; the war was lost when he married Talisa. Talisa tries to console Catelyn, but Catelyn pushes her away while she works on a prayer wheel for her children. Catelyn tells her she has crafted them before; the first when Jon Snow fell sick as an infant--after Catelyn wished for his death. Although she made promises to accept him if he lived, Catelyn couldn't keep her word.</p><p>Mance Rayder tells Jon the different wildling clans joined him because he told them they would die if they didn't. Jon watches Orell control his eagle and learns about warging. Having entered the eagle's mind, Orell reports that he saw the Fist of the First Men and &quot;dead crows.&quot; Further south, Rast tells Samwell Tarly he should stop holding the group back and die. Sam is ready to do so but the Lord Commander orders Rast to see that Sam makes it back to Castle Black.</p><p>Bran wakes up from a dream to find Osha and Summer on edge. The boy from Bran's dream approaches, and is taken by Osha, who in turn, is threatened by the boy's sister. The boy introduces himself as Jojen Reed; he has been looking for Bran.</p><p>In the Riverlands, Gendry questions Arya's choices for Jaqen H'ghar's kills. &quot;You could have ended the war,&quot; he points out. As Arya tries to reorient them towards Riverrun, they are taken by a group of men who identify themselves as the Brotherhood Without Banners.</p><p>Shae surprises Tyrion Lannister in his bedroom. Tyrion begs her to be careful--his father is in a hanging mood. Shae tells Tyrion Ros warned her about Littlefinger and Sansa. Tyrion admits that Sansa's beauty will attract suitors of all kinds, prompting Shae to mark her territory.</p><p>At his request, Margaery pays a visit to Joffrey as he prepares for a hunting trip. Joffrey digs for details about her relationship with Renly, and she carefully explains he didn't seem interested in women. Margaery then expresses interest in Joffrey's new crossbow and joining him on a hunt, pleasing him even more. &quot;It must be so exciting to squeeze your finger here, and watch something die over there,&quot; she murmurs.</p><p>After learning about warging, Bran mentions the three-eyed raven, and Jojen says that they've seen it together. The raven gives him sight, into the past, the future, or elsewhere in the present. Bran finds out that Jojen has the sight too--he too dreamed of Ned's execution, and when he told his father, Howland Reed, Lord Howland cried. Bran recalls hearing from Ned that Lord Howland saved Ned's life during the rebellion. Jojen tells Bran his father never talks about the war, but Jojen saw it.</p><p>The Brotherhood feed Hot Pie, Gendry and Arya at the Inn at the Crossroads. Arya shows Thoros of Myr some of her water dancing to explain how they escaped from Harrenhal. Just as Thoros sets them free, Anguy delivers the Hound, whom he caught after he passed out. Arya tries to walk past them, but the Hound spots them and calling her &quot;the Stark bitch,&quot; exposes Arya as a valuable hostage.</p><p>While crossing a bridge, Jaime is able to grab hold of one of Brienne's swords. They square off, and Jaime is impressed by Brienne's skill, even as he taunts her for being unable to fulfill her promise to Catelyn Stark. Their fight is interrupted by a group of riders bearing the Bolton sigil: The farmer sold them out. Jaime tries to buy his way out of capture, but the lead rider, Locke, tells him Robb Stark will have his head if he learns Locke let the Kingslayer go.</p></div>

Walk of Punishment

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>David Benioff<br></p><p>Robb Stark, his mother Catelyn, and his wife Talisa attend the funeral of his grandfather, Lord Hoster Tully. Robb's uncle, Edmure Tully, tries to light his father's funeral boat with a flaming arrow, but fails after three attempts. Hoster's brother, Brynden, &quot;The Blackfish,&quot; pushes him aside and sets the boat on fire as it disappears down the Trident.</p><p>After the ceremony, Robb reprimands his uncle for ignoring orders: Edmure attacked a mill near where Gregor Clegane was garrisoned, upending Robb's strategy to draw him out. Edmure defends his decision, which yielded two young Lannister hostages, but Robb and the Blackfish are dismissive. Instead of the Mountain, they have a mill.</p><p>Brienne of Tarth rides with Jaime Lannister in the custody of Locke's men. She tells the Kingslayer his sword skills didn't live up to his legend. Jaime parries, telling her she will be raped that night. He advises her not to fight, but Brienne says Jaime would resist if he were in her shoes.</p><p>For their first meeting, the members of the Small Council rush to maneuver their seats around the new Hand. Waiting everyone out, Tyrion Lannister pulls a seat to the far end of the table and faces his father. Tywin is furious that there has been no news about Jaime. When Littlefinger is dispatched to the Eyrie to court Lysa Arryn, Tyrion is named Master of Coin—to his horror.</p><p>As the others pack up, Hot Pie tells Arya and Gendry that he's staying: The innkeeper made an arrangement with Thoros to keep Hot Pie for his baking skills. Hot Pie hands Arya bread shaped like a wolf and the three say goodbye.</p><p>The wildlings and Jon Snow arrive at the Fist of the First Men but find only horse corpses-nothing human. Aware what that means, Mance instructs his team, including Jon, to climb the Wall and hide around Castle Black. They'll attack when they spot his signal: &quot;the biggest fire the North has ever seen.&quot;</p><p>When the men of the Watch make it to Craster's Keep, Craster grudgingly takes them in. Inside he mocks Sam's weight, prompting Sam to leave the keep. Following the sound of shrieking, Sam finds Gilly giving birth... to a boy.</p><p>In Storm's End, Melisandre prepares to sail away. Stannis Baratheon pleads with her to stay and make him another son. Melisandre says no—his &quot;fires burn low&quot; and tells him there must be sacrifices. When Stannis protests, she tells him he isn't the only one with royal blood.</p><p>Daenerys surveys the Walk of Punishment in Astapor. She offers a dying prisoner water, but he refuses it. Although Barristan Selmy advises that they leave immediately, Jorah Mormont argues otherwise. The Unsullied will only kill on command; they will not rape or pillage after a battle. When Ser Barristan recounts how loyal soldiers rallied around her brother Rhaegar, the last dragon, Dany says she wish she had known him. But, she reminds her advisors, &quot;He was not the last dragon.&quot;</p><p>Through Missandei, the translator, Daenerys tells Kraznys she wants to purchase all 8,000 of his Unsullied. Daenerys negotiates the price of one dragon to cover the cost, upsetting Barristan and Mormont. Kraznys demands the biggest and Daenerys agrees, taking Missandei as part of the deal as well. Dany chastises Sers Barristan and Jorah for questioning her in public.</p><p>Tyrion takes possession of the royal ledgers from Littlefinger. Littlefinger assures Tyrion it will be easy to make the numbers behave and he thanks Tyrion for securing Ros' release when Cersei took her prisoner. Before leaving the whorehouse, Tyrion and Bronn usher Pod into a room for his reward. As thanks for saving Tyrion during the Battle of the Blackwater, Tyrion has engaged the services of three highly skilled girls to make Pod a man.</p><p>Perusing the books, Tyrion realizes that the kingdom is not just in debt to Lord Tywin, the Iron Bank of Braavos is owed tens of millions of gold dragons. But Tyrion and Bronn are rendered speechless when Pod returns with Tyrion's gold—the whores refused payment from the young squire.</p><p>Theon Greyjoy is helped off the cross by the boy who then puts the weakened Theon on a horse. He tells Theon to head east towards Deepwood Motte. Theon rides, but he is quickly overtaken by soldiers who surround him and beat him. Just as the main torturer pulls down Theon's trousers to rape him, arrows take out most of the men. The boy arrives on horseback to finish off the torturer, who recognizes the boy and realizes the betrayal.</p><p>Locke's men stop for the night. When Brienne is taken aside, Jaime tells Locke that Brienne hails from Tarth, the Sapphire Isle. Her father, Lord Selwyn Tarth, will pay her weight in sapphires if she is returned unbesmirched. Locke decides to let Brienne go and further engages Jaime in conversation. Feeling increasingly confident, Jaime asks to be unchained and Locke agrees. Locke allows Jaime to join in dinner, but instead of carving up a bird, Locke takes off his hand.</p></div>

And Now His Watch Is Ended

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Alex Graves<br></p><p>Jaime Lannister rides with his severed hand hanging from his neck as the Bolton men heckle him. Weak and dehydrated, he falls from his horse onto the muddy ground. His pleas for water are answered with horse urine. Infuriated, he seizes one of the men's swords, but is further humiliated when he tries to fight with his left hand. Although restrained, Brienne attempts to aid Jaime but her efforts prove futile and Jaime is quickly beaten. Locke threatens to take his other hand if he acts up again.</p><p>Tyrion Lannister visits Varys, hoping to prove that his sister was behind the attempt on his life at Blackwater. Varys, who has no evidence of the Queen's intentions, changes the subject to the story of how he was cut as a boy. He tells of the sorcerer who castrated him, then burned his parts. A voice in the flames answered the sorcerer, a voice that still haunts Varys and catalyzed his hatred of magic. It was this hate that motived him to join the fight against Stannis Baratheon and his red priestess. As he speaks, Varys excitedly pries open a large crate, revealing the sorcerer inside. Varys advises Tyrion to be patient; revenge and influence are a matter of time.</p><p>Bran Stark sees the three-eyed-raven in a dream. Jojen Reed encourages him to climb a tree in pursuit of the bird. High in the branches, Bran sees his mother, who begs him not to climb. She shakes him pleadingly, causing him to fall. He awakes and shares a knowing look with Jojen.</p><p>Queen Cersei and Lady Olenna Tyrell tour the Sept of the Baelor, where Joffrey and Margaery will marry. Olenna speaks of her son's recklessness, which resonates with the Queen. King Joffrey shows his bride-to-be the Targaryen remains and the two discuss the significance of the legacy. Aware of the crowd outside, Margaery encourages Joffrey to greet his people; he has nothing to fear. Cersei looks on as the crowd roars for the couple, at once relieved for Joffrey's safety and jealous of Margaery's influence.</p><p>Theon Greyjoy travels with the boy he believes his sister sent to free him. He questions if his father knows he's been tortured, and the boy doesn't deny it. As the duo trudges through a tunnel, Theon discloses his jealousy of Yara and Robb Stark, both of whom possess a clear sense of identity. Theon admits his decision to take Winterfell was the wrong one - his real father lost his head in King's Landing. As he laments, the boy lights a torch and reveals they've returned to the torture chamber. The boy tells two waiting men that Theon killed the others and smiles as he's dragged back onto his cross.</p><p>In conference with her father, Cersei makes a case for herself: Has it ever occurred to Tywin that his daughter might have the most to contribute to his precious family legacy? Cersei then points out they need to be concerned about the Tyrells: Margaery is manipulating Joffrey. Tywin tells Cersei he discounted her because she's not as smart as she thinks she is. As for Joffrey, Tywin plans to rein him in as well.</p><p>Ros reports to Varys about Podrick's impressive reputation around the brothel. Their talk turns to Littlefinger, who is preparing to journey to the Eyrie to pursue Lady Arryn. Ros indicates he hasn't lost interest in Sansa Stark; he's planning to take her with him.</p><p>Aware of her interest in Sansa, Varys visits Lady Olenna and shares Littlefinger's plans with her. They agree that Littlefinger doesn't deserve so lovely a bride, particularly one who will be &quot;the key to the North&quot; should Robb Stark fail. Later, Margaery approaches Sansa and suggests she marry Loras Tyrell. Sansa finds the idea so wonderful it brings her to tears.</p><p>Because Jaime refuses to eat, Brienne calls him a coward for giving up after &quot;one taste of the real world where people have important things taken all the time.&quot; To spite her, he starts eating. Brienne tells him she knows he protected her from being raped and asks why. Jaime gives no answer.</p><p>At a funeral for one of their own, the men of the Night's Watch are angry that Craster feasts while they starve. Craster lets Lord Commander Mormont know he's anxious for them to leave - they'll get no stronger. When one ranger, Karl, pushes Craster too far by calling him a &quot;daughter f***ing wildling bastard,&quot; Craster attacks him, only to be knifed by Karl. Mormont sees the body and realizes his men have broken a sacred oath, but Rast drives a dagger into him, killing him too. An all-out brawl ensues and Sam grabs Gilly and her baby. They flee into the night as Rast yells threats after them.</p><p>The Brotherhood escorts a hooded Arya, Gendry and the Hound to their secret cave hideout. There, the Hound recognizes Lord Beric Dondarrion and dismisses his group as deserters. Beric explains the Brotherhood Without Banners fights against those - like the Hound - who prey on the weak. When the Hound says it's his murderous brother they want, Arya brings up Mycah, the butcher's son, killed for nothing on Joffrey's order. Beric tells the Hound he'll be judged by the Lord of Light and challenges him to trial by combat.</p><p>In Astapor, Daenerys Targaryen surrenders a dragon in exchange for her new army. Slaver's whip in hand, she orders the Unsullied to march forward and startles Kraznys by speaking Valyrian. In her mother tongue, Daenerys commands her army to slaughter all the slavers and for Drogon to unleash dragonfire. Kraznys is engulfed in flame. Once the smoke clears, Dany tells the Unsullied they are free to go or fight for her as free men. She leads them all out of Astapor.</p></div>

Kissed by Fire

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>Bryan Cogman<br><b>Directed by </b>Alex Graves<br></p><p>In the Brotherhood Without Banners' hideout, the Hound's trial begins. Thoros of Myr slices Lord Beric Dondarrion's outstretched hand, using the blood to ignite Beric's sword. Arya Stark is thrilled to see Beric's flaming blade gives him an advantage, until the Hound crashes his sword down on his opponent. Thoros begins to pray over his brother's dead body while Arya rushes at the Hound yelling, &quot;Burn in hell!&quot; &quot;He will... but not today,&quot; answers Beric, miraculously alive. After the fight, the Brotherhood seizes the Hound's gold but sets him free. Beric silences Arya's protests, declaring the Hound innocent in God's eyes.</p><p>At the wildling camp, Orell and Tormund prod Jon Snow for information about the Night's Watch's patrol of the Wall. Because Jon's response is guarded, Orell accuses him of lying. Ygritte comes to Jon's defense, pulling her knife on the man. Tormund breaks up the dispute but informs Jon he will kill him if it turns out he lied. Out of earshot, Jon tells Ygritte he doesn't need her protection. She reminds him he does and lures him into a cave. Now secluded, Ygritte tells Jon to prove his loyalty by breaking his vow of celibacy. He relents and the two consummate their relationship.</p><p>Tyrion Lannister voices his concern about the expense of the royal wedding to Lady Olenna Tyrell. Although disappointed that Tyrion isn't nearly as debauched as his reputation suggested, Lady Olenna agrees to foot half the bill. In a different part of the castle, Cersei approaches Littlefinger with a specific request: Find out if the Tyrells have the crown's best interests at heart.</p><p>Lady Margaery and Sansa Stark watch as Ser Loras Tyrell trains with a man-at-arms. Margaery assures the smitten Sansa she can persuade Joffrey to consent to the union. After the squire tending to Loras suggests he &quot;spar with a proper partner&quot; the two fall into bed together. Loras reveals that he is engaged and the squire, a spy for Littlefinger, moves quickly to report this development. Littlefinger approaches Sansa with an offer to leave, but claiming concern for his safety, Sansa tells him she'd prefer to wait.</p><p>Robb Stark, along with Catelyn, Talisa, and Edmure Tully regard the corpses of young Willem and Martyn Lannister. Lord Rickard Karstark defends his actions, but Robb sentences Karstark's accomplices to hang. Robb's mother, wife and uncle plead with him to spare Karstark's life: Robb cannot win the war without him and his men. But the Young Wolf believes there's only one honorable course of action. The next morning he takes Karstark's head.</p><p>In the Brotherhood's hideout, Thoros informs Arya she's a hostage; they'll obtain her ransom from Robb at Riverrun. She pretends not to be frightened as Beric explains he died and was resurrected by the Lord of Light. He's been killed and brought back six times, though each time he returns as &quot;a bit less.&quot; Arya laments her father couldn't cheat death this way.</p><p>Still bound, Jaime Lannister and Brienne of Tarth arrive at Harrenhal. Locke presents the Kingslayer to Lord Roose Bolton, who toys with Jaime about Cersei's safety before sending him to the maester. Qyburn, who lost his chains for &quot;bold&quot; experimentation, advises amputating the full arm to protect from infection. Jaime refuses and forgoing milk of the poppy, screams while Qyburn cuts away the rotten flesh.</p><p>Arriving at the bathhouse, Jaime finds Brienne already in a tub. To her horror, he hops into the same one. After some teasing, he proposes a truce, claiming he trusts her. He makes good on this sentiment by telling her the story of how he got the name ‘Kingslayer.' After the Lannisters entered King's Landing and sacked the city, Aerys not only refused to surrender, he prepared his pyromancers to set the city on fire. Jaime was told to bring his father's head. Left with no choice, Jaime drove his sword into the Aerys' back and climbed atop the Iron Throne. Ned Stark found him there and immediately judged him guilty; Jaime never told him the truth. Woozy and weak, the former knight struggles to stand in the bath. Brienne catches him and calls for help for the Kingslayer, but he corrects her: &quot;My name is Jaime.&quot;</p><p>Arya finds Gendry repairing Beric's armor. Drawn to their atmosphere of equality and family, he's decided to stay with the Brotherhood. Arya is heartbroken.</p><p>While Selyse Baratheon prays to the Lord of Light, her husband, Stannis, enters her chamber. He confesses to his affair with his red priestess but is shocked to learn Selyse not only knew, she &quot;wept with joy&quot; when she learned of his &quot;son.&quot; Her complicity fuels Stannis' guilt as the couple stands in the shadow of their stillborn baby boys, preserved in jars.</p><p>Selyse turns bitter when she realizes Stannis wants to see their daughter too. Shireen, who suffers from disfiguring greyscale, is pleased to see her father. When she inquires about Davos Seaworth, Stannis tells her of his treason. She ignores her father's order to forget her friend and sneaks down to Davos' prison cell with a book to keep him company. Learning that Davos cannot read, Shireen insists she will teach him how.</p><p>Daenerys Targaryen marches with her army of Unsullied. Jorah Mormont and Barristan Selmy follow, trading war stories. Jorah digs to see if Barristan knows how he betrayed Dany, but learns that the Lord Commander was not welcome at Small Council meetings. Dany asks her new army to choose their own leader; they select Grey Worm. Perturbed that the Unsullied are named after vermin, she encourages them to select new ones. The solider maintains ‘Grey Worm' is honorable because it's what he was called when Dany set him free.</p><p>Staring at a map of Westeros, Robb ponders his options without the Karstarks. At Talisa's mention of Winterfell, Robb realizes he needs to take Casterly Rock and catch the Lannisters unawares. Robb tells his wife that will mean turning to Walder Frey, the man whose daughter he was supposed to marry.</p><p>Tyrion enters Lord Tywin's chamber, surprised to find Cersei present. Tywin discloses that the Tyrells are conspiring to wed Sansa to Loras. He views this union as a betrayal against the crown and a strategic plot to control the North. Aware that the Tyrells' hands are tied until after the royal wedding, Tywin decrees they must act quickly; Tyrion will marry Sansa. Smug at her brother's predicament, Cersei is taken aback to learn her father's plan for her: She's to marry Loras Tyrell.</p></div>

The Climb

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>George R.R. Martin<br><b>Directed by </b>Michelle MacLaren</p><p>Samwell Tarly struggles to build a fire to warm Gilly and her infant. His lack of know-how confirms what Gilly suspected; Sam is highborn. He tells her what to expect once they reach Castle Black and at Gilly's request, sings a song to lull her baby to sleep.</p><p>North of Winterfell, Osha and Meera Reed bicker until Bran Stark demands they stop: They must work together to make it to the Wall. As Jojen, asleep nearby, begins to twitch uncontrollably, Meera expertly tends to her brother's fit. She explains, &quot;The visions take their toll.&quot; Jojen awakes and shares his dream-Jon Snow was on the wrong side of the Wall.</p><p>Tormund Giantsbane notes the growth of trees close to the Wall, and remarks there used to be no such cover; the Night's Watch would come out each morning with axes. Intimidated by the expansive sheet of ice, Jon Snow admits to Ygritte he's afraid. Her own fears are overshadowed by excitement; she's waited her entire life for this climb. Ygritte tells Jon she knows his loyalty still lies with the Night's Watch, and she doesn't care. Neither of their armies will ensure their survival, she reasons. The lovers pledge to never betray each other.</p><p>Arya Stark practices her archery at the Brotherhood's hideout. She fires an arrow for Joffrey, Cersei and Ilyn Payne, hitting the straw target each time. As Anguy coaches her, Arya notices riders approaching the camp. Thoros of Myr meets the visitors, speaking to Melisandre in High Valyrian. In the same tongue, the red priestess greets Thoros by name and questions the status of his mission-to convert King Robert to the Lord of Light. Admitting he failed, Thoros invites her inside, where Melisandre is mesmerized by Lord Beric Dondarrion's scars. She's shocked to learn of his six resurrections. Thoros explains that his friend's survival ignited his faith-he was a dubious priest until his prayer for Beric's life was answered the first time. Now his devotion to the Lord of Light is absolute.</p><p>Melisandre reveals the purpose of her journey; their god needs Gendry. Beric exchanges Gendry for sacks of gold, while the Red priestess assures the stunned boy he is meant for a higher purpose. She promises, &quot;You will make kings rise and fall.&quot; Watching the scene, Arya is hysterical and calls Melisandre a witch. Melisandre looks deeply into Arya's eyes and sensing darkness in the child, foresees they will meet again.</p><p>Still bound to his X-shaped cross, Theon Greyjoy is awakened by his torturer. The boy taunts Theon while he peels the skin off his pinkie finger. Urged to guess, Theon ventures the boy is Rickard Karstark's son holding him in Karhold. The boy affirms these details, only to deny them moments later: The real reason Theon is being tortured is because the boy enjoys it. After Theon begs him to stop the pain, the boy cuts off his pinkie.</p><p>Brienne of Tarth, now dressed in ladylike finery, dines with Jaime Lannister and Roose Bolton at Harrenhal. As Jaime struggles to eat with one hand, he negotiates his return to King's Landing. Bolton agrees, aware this is the most lucrative and safest course of action. Jaime insists on taking Brienne with him, but Bolton refuses. She's charged with abetting treason and must be returned to the King in the North.</p><p>Lothar Frey and his bastard brother Black Walder meet with Robb Stark as emissaries for their father. After obtaining Harrenhal for Lord Frey once the war is over, they demand that Edmure Tully wed their sister Roslin. Edmure refuses but Robb emphasizes that gaining Frey's men is a strategic necessity. He tells his uncle this marriage will redeem his recklessness at Stone Mill. When Edmure begrudgingly consents, Robb says he will not forget the act of loyalty.</p><p>Lord Tywin Lannister shares his proposal that Queen Cersei and Ser Loras marry with Lady Olenna Tyrell. Because she rejects the idea-Cersei is too old-Tywin threatens to name Loras to the Kingsguard, ensuring that the Tyrell name will die with Loras. Backed into a corner, Olenna consents, and in spite of herself, is impressed that Tywin lives up to his ruthless reputation.</p><p>Sansa Stark takes a walk with Loras and talks excitedly about their wedding. The two agree that they can't wait to leave King's Landing. Watching the couple from above, Cersei and Tyrion Lannister discuss how they landed in this mess. Cersei says it was family loyalty that inspired her investigation into the Tyrells, and concedes that Tyrion proved himself at the Battle of the Blackwater. Tyrion begins to suspect it was Joffrey who ordered the attempt on his life, not Cersei. Although there's a chance that Jaime will return and put a stop to Cersei's wedding, Tyrion tells his sister he &quot;is f***ed.&quot; He seeks out Sansa to tell her of their engagement, and is forced to deliver the news in front of Shae.</p><p>Alone in the Throne Room with Varys, Littlefinger rejoices that he thwarted Varys' plan to give Sansa to the Tyrells. Littlefinger then tells the spymaster he's aware that Ros conspired against him. To recoup his investment in her, he passed her on to Joffrey, who was eager to try out his crossbow. His ascent assured, Littlefinger declares &quot;The climb is all there is.&quot; Sansa watches Lord Baelish's ship sail for the Eyrie with tears streaming down her face.</p><p>The wildlings tackle the Wall in a vertical line. Hundreds of feet in the air, Ygritte hits a fault with her ice pick and a fissure erupts. A chunk of ice detaches from the face, plummeting scores of men to their death and tearing Jon and Ygritte from their grip. Tormund and Orell struggle to hold on with the pair dangling below them. Orell tries to cut their weight loose, but Jon finds a grip just in the time. The lovers press on and finally reach the top. While gazing upon the kingdom below, they share a passionate kiss.</p></div>

The Bear and the Maiden Fair

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>George R.R. Martin</p><p><b>Directed by </b>Michelle MacLaren</p><p>As the wildlings continue their trek south, Jon Snow confronts Orell about cutting him loose on the Wall. The wildling explains that his actions epitomize their way of life: People &quot; love each other when it suits them and they kill each other when it suits them.&quot;<br></p><p>Because Jon does not understand their ways, <g class="gr_ gr_93 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="93" data-gr-id="93">Orell</g> insists, he will lose Ygritte. Orell voices concerns to her as well-she should be with one of her own, specifically, him. When his declaration is met with silence, he warns, &quot;You won't love him so much when you find out what he really is.&quot;</p><p>King Joffrey, ensconced on his throne, calls a meeting with his Hand, Lord Tywin Lannister. Joffrey takes issue with the location of his Small Council meetings and inquires about rumors of dragons. Tywin's pointed responses make it clear to Joffrey that his grandfather is the one in charge.</p><p>Sansa Stark cries to Lady Margaery about her dashed hopes of a happy marriage. Margaery counsels the girl to make the best of her situation-Tyrion is far from the worst Lannister. He has never mistreated her and their son will be Lord of Casterly Rock and the North. The thought of producing an heir scares Sansa, but Margaery asserts she might be pleasantly surprised.</p><p>In his chamber, Tyrion Lannister drinks to numb the discomfort he feels at the thought of bedding his future wife. Bronn doesn't see the problem; Tyrion can wed Sansa and keep Shae on the side. Tyrion dreads this will only lead both women to hate him. He presents Shae with expensive golden chains and she rejects the gift. She believes that Tyrion wants to marry Sansa. When he denies this, Shae again proposes they flee across the Narrow Sea. Tyrion refuses-he cannot abandon his family duties. They both realize they'll have no life together once he marries.</p><p>Jorah Mormont, Barristan Selmy <g class="gr_ gr_88 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="88" data-gr-id="88">and</g> Daenerys Targaryen look onto Yunkai. Jorah advises that taking the Yellow City may sacrifice men unnecessarily, but Dany says the 200,000 people enslaved within the walls are reason enough.</p><p>The Yunkish envoy, Razdal mo Eraz, offers Dany gold and ships if she and her Unsullied agree to leave in peace. Dany rejects this pact and offers new terms: The city's slaves must be freed and paid for their servitude or she will show no mercy. Razdal, enraged at her gall, warns that Yunkai has powerful friends protecting the city and tries to reclaim the gold, only to be stopped by the dragons. Dany keeps the gold and offers Razdal a gift-his life. He scampers away and the queen asks Jorah to identify Razdal's powerful friends.</p><p>Two attractive women untie Theon from his X-shaped cross. He's scared and paranoid, but they provide water and nurse his wounds. Eventually, they strip naked and climb on top of him. Theon's enjoying himself when his captor enters. The boy smashes his prisoner to the ground and Theon cries for mercy, realizing he's about to be castrated.</p><p>Ygritte teases Jon about his highborn upbringing and mocks the customs of those South of the Wall. Jon remarks that although the wildlings are brave, they cannot win. He warns, &quot;If you attack the Wall you'll die. All of you.&quot; Ygritte reminds him that they've agreed to live or die together.</p><p>Melisandre and Gendry sail past King's Landing, discussing their humble backgrounds. When Gendry says he's lowborn, she corrects him, &quot;Your blood is noble.&quot; As they gaze at the Red Keep, the priestess shares the truth-he is the bastard of King Robert Baratheon.</p><p>Heavy rain suspends the Starks' journey to the Twins. Catelyn Stark worries that Lord Frey will take the delay as <g class="gr_ gr_87 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="87" data-gr-id="87">further</g> insult, but Robb assures her that Lord Walder will be satisfied Edmure Tully is marrying into the family. Later that evening, Talisa reveals to Robb that she is carrying their child. The couple plans to visit Volantis once the war is over.</p><p>At their camp, Osha is worried that Jojen Reed's talk of &quot;black magic&quot; is a bad influence on Bran Stark. She's even more upset when she learns the boys have changed their course from Castle Black; they're headed Beyond the Wall to find the three-eyed raven in Bran's dreams. Osha reveals why she won't go back- when her husband disappeared, she had to kill him when he returned as a blue-eyed &quot;dead man.&quot;</p><p>Arya Stark remains furious that Lord Beric Dondarrion and Thoros of Myr gave up Gendry. The men maintain they were following the orders of the Lord of Light and Arya replies that her true god is death. When Anguy arrives with news that they've found a Lannister raiding party, Arya realizes they aren't taking her to Riverrun. She absconds into the dark forest where the Hound snatches her.</p><p>Jaime Lannister enters Brienne's chamber in Harrenhal to say goodbye. He tells her that Lord Bolton will travel to Edmure Tully's wedding-leaving Brienne with Locke. Aware of what this means, Brienne tells Jaime his debt to her will be paid if he keeps his promise. He swears to return the Stark girls to their mother. When Brienne says goodbye, she calls Jaime by name. As Jaime departs, he asks Bolton to deliver Lannister regards to Robb Stark. Locke assures Jaime he'll take good care of his &quot;friend.&quot;</p><p>On the road, Qyburn tends to Jaime's bandages, confessing he lost his chain for conducting human experiments. Jaime asks the old man of news from Brienne's father and learns that Lord Tarth's reward for his daughter's safe return was rejected-Locke believes that Tarth, rich with sapphires, is cheating him. Realizing his lie is keeping Brienne captive, Jaime bribes Bolton's man Steelshanks to turn back.</p><p>Arriving at the castle, Jaime finds a crowd watching Brienne fighting a huge bear with a wooden sword. Jaime futilely tries to pay off Locke and then jumps into the pit to get between the bear and Brienne. Steelshanks, charged with Jaime's safe return, fires off several quarrels and wounds the animal. Jaime hoists Brienne out of the pit and is pulled out just as the bear charges. &quot;The bitch stays,&quot; Locke tells Jaime, but the Kingslayer replies it will mean killing him first. Helpless, Locke backs down and Jaime escorts Brienne out of Harrenhal.</p></div>

Second Sons

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff &amp; D.B. Weiss</p><p><b>Directed by </b>Michelle MacLaren</p><p>Daenerys Targaryen, Barristan Selmy and Jorah Mormont scout a group of mercenaries paid to protect Yunkai, the Second Sons. Although there are more Unsullied than sellswords, Ser Barristan warns Dany they are formidable. Dany invites their leaders, Mero of Braavos, Prendahl na Ghezn and Daario Naharis to meet in an attempt to buy their allegiance. Mero and Prendahl are crude and offensive, while Daario is only skeptical of her mission. The men take a barrel of wine while they think over her proposition.</p><p>Back at their camp, the captains debrief. Daario respects Dany's audacity, but his comrades are furious at the way she spoke to them. They agree there's only one way to beat the army of Unsullied-eliminate the <g class="gr_ gr_83 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="83" data-gr-id="83">khaleesi</g>. The men draw coins and Daario is designated the assassin.</p><p>Ayra Stark considers killing the sleeping Hound with a giant rock, until he stirs and assures her he'll break her hands if he lives. Her captor surprises her when he mentions he saved Sansa from being raped by a mob. He also reveals that they're not returning to King's Landing-they're en route to Edmund Tully's wedding at the Twins. The Hound plans to collect Arya's ransom from her mother and brother.</p><p>Melisandre and Gendry arrive at Dragonstone. Melisandre sends him to a comfortable chamber, provoking Stannis Baratheon to complain she should just do the deed. Because the boy won't suspect what's coming, Melisandre says her way is better. Stannis visits Davos Seaworth in the dungeon and offers his sympathies for Davos' deceased son. He discloses Melisandre's plan to &quot;sacrifice&quot; Gendry and says it's his duty to comply. Davos, aware that Stannis trusts his opinion, pleads for the innocent boy's life. Stannis tells his Hand that although he was once skeptical of the Lord of Light, he cannot deny the god after all he's seen. After Davos pledges never to raise a hand to the Red <g class="gr_ gr_87 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="87" data-gr-id="87">priestess</g>, Stannis releases him.</p><p>Sansa Stark dresses for her wedding with Shae's assistance. Tyrion enters her chamber and in a moment alone with his bride-to-be, swears he will never hurt her.</p><p>In the Sept of Baelor, Lady Margaery links arms with Queen Cersei and warmly remarks they'll soon be sisters. In reply, Cersei reminds her <g class="gr_ gr_74 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="74" data-gr-id="74">about</g> House Reyne, a powerful family that tried to outshine the Lannisters-and was slaughtered as a result. Reiterating her point, she whispers, &quot;If you ever call me' 'sister' again, I'll have you strangled in your sleep.&quot;</p><p>Much to her horror, King Joffrey escorts Sansa down the aisle. When they reach Tyrion, Joffrey walks away with the groom's stool, forcing Tyrion to ask his bride to kneel in order to fasten the marital cloak around her neck.</p><p>At the wedding reception, Tyrion drinks heavily while Sansa and Shae sit miserably. Equally unhappy, Loras Tyrell and Lady Margaery listen as Lady Olenna charts the convoluted new family tree. Loras tries to make conversation with Cersei and quickly learns she has no desire to speak to him.</p><p>Joffrey taunts Sansa about her childhood dream of marrying a Lannister-and informs her it doesn't matter which one gets her pregnant. Over Tyrion's protests, he decries that the traditional bedding ceremony <g class="gr_ gr_78 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="78" data-gr-id="78">begin</g>. When the groom threatens the king, Tywin comes to his son's defense, connecting the insubordination to Tyrion's insobriety. Tyrion plays up his drunkenness and retreats with his wife into their chamber. There, he learns the woman he's been commanded to bed is only 14 years old. Despite his father's orders, Tyrion tells Sansa he won't sleep with her until she's ready. Sansa replies that may never happen.</p><p>Shae barges in with breakfast the next morning. She's curt with the <g class="gr_ gr_71 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="71" data-gr-id="71">newlyweds,</g> but softens when she sees the sheets and realizes the marriage hasn't been consummated.</p><p>In her camp, Missandei attends to Dany in her bath when an intruder enters the tent. The man grabs Missandei and holds a knife to her throat. Daario Naharis removes his helmet, releases the girl, and spills Mero and Prendahl's decapitated heads out of a sack. Daario pledges his loyalty-and heart-to Dany alone and promises that the Second Sons will fight for her.</p><p>Melisandre plies Gendry with wine and urges him to trust his circumstances: The Lord of Light has willed this. Stripping naked, Melisandre seduces him and straps him to the bed-and then applies leeches to his body. Stannis and Davos enter and watch as Melisandre removes the swollen leeches and walks over to a brazier. One by one, she tosses the blood-fat creatures into the flame and names the &quot;usurpers&quot;: Robb Stark, Balon Greyjoy <g class="gr_ gr_76 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="76" data-gr-id="76">and</g> Joffrey Baratheon.</p><p>Samwell Tarly and Gilly stumble upon a shack north of the Wall and decide to spend the night there. As they gather kindling, ravens land in the trees above them and begin to caw. Huddling for warmth inside the shack, Gilly learns that Sam's father was also cruel. With the <g class="gr_ gr_82 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="82" data-gr-id="82">ravens</g>' cries growing in intensity, Sam steps into the night, and Gilly realizes a White Walker has come to claim her son. After the Walker easily shatters Sam's shaking sword, Sam drives his <g class="gr_ gr_84 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="84" data-gr-id="84">dragonglass</g> dagger into its neck. The Walker explodes into ice. Sam, Gilly <g class="gr_ gr_80 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="80" data-gr-id="80">and</g> her baby flee the scene, followed by a flock of screaming ravens.</p></div>

The Rains of Castamere

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff &amp; D.B. Weiss</p><p><b>Directed by </b>David Nutter</p><p>Robb Stark shows his mother his plan to take Casterly Rock from the Lannisters. With so much at stake, he asks Catelyn for her advice; her instincts were right about Theon. Catelyn, grateful to have regained her son's trust, advises moving forward.<br></p><p>The Stark army arrives at the Twins and Robb, Talisa, Catelyn, Edmure <g class="gr_ gr_90 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="90" data-gr-id="90">and</g> Blackfish are welcomed as guests by Lord Walder Frey. Robb apologizes profusely to Lord Frey and the women in his family for breaking his promise to marry one of them. Walder scoffs at the king's contrition and ogles Talisa. Despite the tense exchange, Walder pledges to put the past behind them.</p><p>The wildlings scout out a stone hut owned by a man who breeds horses for the Night's Watch. Orell, Tormund and Ygritte propose killing the man. When Jon Snow objects, suspicions arise. The wildlings race toward the hut, but Jon clanks his sword on a rock to alert the man, then distracts Ygritte mid-shot so she misses her target.</p><p>The Reeds, Bran, Rickon, Hodor <g class="gr_ gr_89 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="89" data-gr-id="89">and</g> Osha take shelter from the downpour in an abandoned tower. The Reeds spot the fleeing horse breeder and the wildlings in pursuit. Hodor threatens to blow their cover when he shouts in panic, fearful of thunder. Reflexively, Bran's eyes flutter into the back of his head, immediately subduing the frantic giant.</p><p>Outside, the wildlings surround the old man. They task Jon with killing him as a test of loyalty. Because Jon hesitates, Ygritte ultimately does the deed. The wildlings realize the truth: Jon is still a crow. He's encircled by wildings and Tormund restrains Ygritte as a bloody fight ensues. With Jojen's encouragement, Bran wargs into one of the Stark direwolves and lunges to defend his brother. Orell wargs into his eagle right before Jon kills him. Shielding himself from the eagle, Jon rides off, abandoning Ygritte.</p><p>Daenerys Targaryen is counseled by Daario Naharis in her camp outside of Yunkai. He proposes her two best fighters enter the city with him through the back gate, so they can kill the guards and open the front gate for her army. Jorah is skeptical of Daario's intentions, but Grey Worm, making the decisions for the Unsullied, finds Daario trustworthy.</p><p>Moving forward with the plan, Daario leads Grey Worm and Jorah into the city. The three men fend off the Yunkish guards. A worried Dany paces until their successful return - aware of what happened in Astapor, the slave soldiers surrendered. Daario presents his queen with the flag of the city.</p><p>The Hound and Arya come upon a pork cart driver en route to the Twins. The Hound knocks the man out but reluctantly relents when Arya begs him not to him. As they approach the Stark camp, Arya is restless. The Hound calls her out - she's afraid they won't make it. Arya reveals that she knows his fear of fire, and promises to murder him one day.</p><p>Samwell Tarly forges a plan for him and Gilly: They'll head to the Nightfort where they can walk through a secret passage to the other side of the Wall. Gilly is impressed by Sam's knowledge and is awed to gaze upon the Wall.</p><p>Bran grasps the power of his gift when Jojen informs him that no other person can get inside a human's mind. Bran's commitment to <g class="gr_ gr_85 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="85" data-gr-id="85">find</g> the three-eyed raven is affirmed. Aware that Castle Black might be under attack, he sends Rickon and Osha to <g class="gr_ gr_87 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="87" data-gr-id="87">Last</g> Hearth to seek refuge with their bannermen, the Umbers. The youngest Stark is devastated to leave his brother, but Bran knows that Rickon's safety is paramount-if anything happens to him, his brother is the heir to Winterfell.</p><p>Edmure Tully is overjoyed when his bride is unveiled and he sees how attractive Roslin is. The two are married in the Faith of the Seven; a boisterous reception follows. Filled with drink, the Blackfish excuses himself. Once Edmure and Roslin are carried out as part of the traditional bedding ceremony, Black Walder closes the doors to the banquet hall and the band begins to play &quot;The Rains of Castamere.&quot; Outside of the castle, the Hound and Arya are denied entrance into the celebration.</p><p>Lord Frey beckons Robb forward, and aware that something is amiss, Catelyn realizes that Lord Roose Bolton is wearing chain mail under his clothes. She calls out to Robb, but the massacre begins. Lothar Frey stabs Talisa repeatedly in the abdomen. Archers in the rafters rain arrows on the Stark attendees, wounding both Catelyn and Robb. The onslaught continues in the Stark camp outside. Arya watches the Frey men kill Robb's <g class="gr_ gr_81 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="81" data-gr-id="81">direwolf</g>, Grey Wind. &quot;It's too late,&quot; the Hound tells her before he knocks her unconscious and carries her away.</p><p>Catelyn uncovers a knife from the floor and grabs Lord Walder's wife from under a table. Now with a hostage, she begs for mercy, offering to forget and forgive everything so long as her firstborn is spared. Unmoved, Lord Walder shrugs and Catelyn looks on as Bolton stabs her son. Despairing, Cat kills the Frey girl and stands motionless with shock and grief until her own neck is cut.</p></div>

Mhysa

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>David Nutter<br></p><p>As Stark and Tully men are slaughtered outside the Twins, the Hound grabs a Frey banner and rides through the chaos with Arya Stark in his arms. Arya regains consciousness to see a group of Frey knights surrounding a rider: Grey Wind's head sewn onto Robb Stark's corpse.</p><p>The next morning, Roose Bolton reminds Walder Frey that the Blackfish escaped. Frey doesn't care; with Edmure Tully as his prisoner, Walder is now Lord of Riverrun. Bolton, now warden of the North, says he will not move to Winterfell - it's still in ruins. Lord Frey asks what happened there and Roose tells him his bastard son Ramsay has been keeping Theon Greyjoy captive.</p><p>Tyrion Lannister and his new wife Sansa are strolling the gardens at King's Landing when Tyrion is summoned to a Small Council meeting. King Joffrey is ecstatic to deliver the news of the Starks' deaths - he plans to serve Robb's head to Sansa at his wedding. Tyrion defends his wife by threatening Joffrey. The King throws a tantrum in response and Tywin Lannister sends him to bed.</p><p>After the Council departs, Tywin confirms what Tyrion already suspected; he orchestrated the whole thing. Tyrion disapproves of the murders, but Tywin argues that his plan was best for the family. The Lannister name comes first, he reminds Tyrion as he reiterates his order to impregnate Sansa. Tyrion questions whether Tywin ever had to sacrifice anything and his father replies he has: He fought his impulse to kill Tyrion the day he was born. Upon returning to his chamber, Tyrion finds his grieving wife.</p><p>Balon Greyjoy receives a scroll demanding that he withdraw his men from the North, while Yara opens the accompanying box containing &quot;Theon's favorite toy.&quot; Ramsay Snow promises more boxes will follow unless the Ironborn retreat. Although Balon refuses to surrender for a son who cannot further the family line, Yara resolves to rescue her little brother.</p><p>Varys gives Shae a pouch of diamonds to finance a new life in a distant land. He argues that her presence in the capital puts Tyrion at risk. She rejects the bribe and says that if Tyrion wants her gone, he must tell her himself.</p><p>Davos Seaworth goes to visit Gendry in his cell. The boy is surprised to learn that Davos is also from Flea Bottom. The lord explains that his title is recent and shows the missing fingertips on his right hand, Stannis' punishment for his smuggling days. Davos says he only accepted the lordship because of his son, who is now dead.</p><p>Ramsay Snow dines on pork sausage, taunting Theon who begs to be killed. Believing his prisoner unworthy of a name like &quot;Theon Greyjoy,&quot; Ramsay renames him &quot;Reek.&quot;</p><p>Queen Cersei informs her brother that she won't be marrying Loras Tyrell. She advises Tyrion that giving Sansa a child will make her happier. Cersei's children - even Joffrey - are the reason she's alive.</p><p>The Hound and Arya pass by a group of Frey men. When one boasts he helped sew the direwolf head onto Robb's body, Arya jumps off the horse. Innocently asking to warm herself by their fire, she offers Jaqen H'ghar's iron coin in exchange. As the man reaches for the coin, Arya stabs him repeatedly. The Hound kills the other men easily. Arya looks down at the first man she's killed, retrieves the coin and says, &quot;Valar morghulis.&quot;</p><p>Bran Stark, Hodor, and the Reeds take up camp in the Nightfort. Bran tells a story about a cook in the ancient castle who was turned into a hungry rat after he killed a guest beneath their roof. &quot;That's something the gods can't forgive,&quot; Bran explains.</p><p>Later that night, Samwell Tarly, Gilly and her baby enter the castle. The Reeds are defensive, but Samwell quickly recognizes the direwolf and identifies Bran as Jon Snow's brother. Sam is surprised to hear that Bran is venturing beyond the Wall, especially after Jojen reveals he knows about the White Walkers. Sam explains how he killed a White Walker and gives the group the dragonglass he pocketed at the Fist. He reluctantly leads the group to the tunnel to cross through the Wall.</p><p>Sam and Gilly arrive at Castle Black and meet with Maester Aemon. Seeing the baby, Aemon reminds Sam of his vows but learns that Gilly is one of Craster's wives. Gilly names her child after Sam and is invited to stay. When Sam informs Aemon of the mobilizing White Walkers, Aemon prepares to alert the kingdom of the threat.</p><p>At Dragonstone, Davos Seaworth practices his reading with Princess Shireen and finds a warning from Maester Aemon. Stannis Baratheon informs Davos that Robb Stark is dead and Melisandre maintains a bigger sacrifice is now necessary. Davos makes a case for Gendry's life, but Stannis sentences the boy to death.</p><p>That night, Davos sneaks down into Gendry's cell and helps him escape by boat. When Stannis learns of Davos' actions, he condemns his Hand. Davos shows his king the scroll from the Night's Watch, and argues that his military expertise will be crucial. Melisandre looks into the flame and confirms the real war is to the north. She persuades Stannis to spare his life.</p><p>Stopping for water, Jon Snow realizes that Ygritte has drawn her bow on him. He tells her that although he loves her, he needs to return to home. Ygritte shoots him repeatedly as he rides away. He arrives at Castle Black seriously injured. Sam and Pyp recognize Jon and carry him inside.</p><p>Jaime and Brienne enter King's Landing, but with his arm bandaged and without his white cloak, Jaime is indistinguishable. He finds Cersei alone in her chamber.</p><p>Daenerys Targaryen greets her audience of newly freed Yunkish slaves. Missandei introduces the khaleesi as their liberator, but Dany addresses the crowd herself; they must take back their own freedom, she says. In response, the crowd chants &quot;Mhysa,&quot; Ghiscari for &quot;mother.&quot; They lift her into their arms while Drogon circles above.</p></div>

Two Swords

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>D.B. Weiss<br></p><p>Tywin Lannister oversees the reforging of Ice, the greatsword that once belonged to Ned Stark. As the Valyrian steel is melted down to create two blades, Tywin casts Ice's wolf-head sheath into the flames. He gifts one of the new swords to Jaime, who awkwardly wields the weapon in his left hand. The inept display prompts a decree from Tywin: Jaime can no longer effectively serve on the Kingsguard and must take his place at Casterly Rock. Jaime, however, has no desire to leave King's Landing, marry or reaffirm his reputation as an oath-breaker. Outraged that Jaime will not put the family first, Tywin disowns his eldest son.</p><p>Tyrion Lannister, accompanied by Bronn and Podrick Payne, welcomes a caravan from the southern land of Dorne, in town to attend the royal wedding. The envoys are surprised to learn that Prince Doran Martell has opted to stay in Sunspear, sending his younger brother Oberyn in his stead.</p><p>Prince Oberyn and his paramour, Ellaria Sand, peruse the offerings of both sexes at Littlefinger's brothel. Their fun is interrupted when Oberyn hears a man singing &quot;The Rains of Castamere&quot; and picks a bloody fight with a pair of off-duty Lannister soldiers. Tyrion tracks down the Dornishman and interrupts the altercation before it escalates further. He learns Oberyn's true motive for his visit to the capital: vengeance for his sister Elia, Rhaegar Targaryen's wife who was raped and murdered during Robert's Rebellion. Oberyn believes Elia and her two young children were executed by Gregor &quot;The Mountain&quot; Clegane on the orders of Tywin Lannister.</p><p>Sansa Stark is haunted by the deaths of her mother and brother and Tyrion's attempts to comfort his grief-stricken wife fall flat. Defeated, he returns to his chamber to find Shae waiting for him. When he rebuffs her advances, she storms out and is spotted by one of Cersei's spies.</p><p>Qyburn, the former maester now working for Queen Cersei, affixes a golden hand onto Jaime's right arm. Alone with his twin, Jaime confesses that he plans to stay in the Kingsguard to remain close to her, but Cersei is not interested in being intimate with him. Jaime abandoned her and although he's back, Cersei tells him: &quot;You took too long.&quot;</p><p>Jaime Lannister and Ser Meryn Trant review the royal wedding security plan with King Joffrey. Distracted, Joff flips through the 'Book of Brothers,' a compilation of heroic deeds of past Kingsguards. The king relishes in the fact that Jaime's page is mostly empty. It's likely to stay that way, Joffrey snaps, now that Jaime's lost his hand.</p><p>At Castle Black, Samwell Tarly visits Jon Snow, who is still recovering from his injuries. After learning of Robb's fate, Jon shares that he always envied his brother's charmed life. &quot;I wanted to hate him,&quot; Jon confesses, and is surprised to learn that Sam feels similarly towards him.</p><p>Jon defends his infiltration of the wildlings before a tribunal of Night's Watch officers including Maester Aemon, Janos Slynt, and Alliser Thorne, who is in temporary command of the Watch. Thorne accuses Jon Snow of defecting, but Jon maintains his actions were in line with Qhorin Halfhand's commands. Jon comes clean about his relationship with Ygritte and the vow he did break, but Maester Aemon declares that offensive trivial, given what else Jon has revealed: Mance Rayder has organized over 100,000 wildlings to attack the Wall.</p><p>Tormund and Ygritte discuss the impending attack on the Wall, and Tormund questions how Jon Snow escaped with his life intact. Before Ygritte can reply, a group of Thenns, a fierce clan with ritualistic scars on their faces, arrives at the camp. Its magnar, Styr, reveals that the Thenns have an appetite for crows.</p><p>Daenerys Targaryen looks on while her three grown dragons fight over the spoils of a hunt. The khaleesi is shaken when Drogon snaps at her; the dragons are no longer tame children.</p><p>Dany surveys her convoy of Unsullied, Second Sons and freed slaves and discovers that Grey Worm and Daario Naharis have been gambling for her favor. Dany puts an end to their contest, but the rivalry between the two men persists. The group marches to Meereen, a slave city known from its Great Pyramid. Daario Naharis approaches his queen with a handful of Meereenese flowers. &quot;You have to know a land to rule it,&quot; he offers.</p><p>The lines halt abruptly and Dany, Jorah Mormont, Barristan Selmy and Missandei discover a crucified slave child serving as a road marker. The dead girl's arm points the way to Meereen. Jorah explains that the Great Masters of the city have arranged 163 child markers -- one for every mile on the road to the city -- as a message. Dany pledges to look upon the face of every slave child before her soldiers bury the victims.</p><p>Brienne of Tarth seeks out Margaery to explain what happened to Renly Baratheon: He was murdered by a shadow with the face of Stannis Baratheon. Brienne pledges to avenge his death, but Margaery reminds her that Joffrey is now their king.</p><p>Jaime Lannister bristles as yet another demand is made of him; Brienne confronts him about the vow he made to Catelyn Stark to relinquish her children. While Arya is likely dead, Brienne maintains, Sansa is not safe in King's Landing.</p><p>Sansa is alarmed to hear someone following her as she leaves the godswood. Her pursuer is Ser Dontos of House Hollard, the drunk whose life Sansa saved at Joffrey's nameday celebration. As an expression of gratitude, he presents her with a family heirloom, a necklace.</p><p>Sandor Clegane and Arya Stark ride together towards the Eyrie, where the Hound plans to ransom the girl to her aunt, Lysa Arryn. The pair surveils an inn and Arya recognizes Polliver, the Lannister guard who captured Yoren's Night's Watch recruits and rerouted them to Harrenhal. Arya tells the Hound how Polliver ended up on her death list - he stole her sword and used it to kill her friend Lommy.</p><p>Arya notices that Polliver still carries Needle, and she leaves her hiding spot to follow the blade. When the Hound pursues her, he is recognized by the Lannister soldiers who serve the Mountain. Because the Hound makes it clear he does not support the Lannister cause, a fight erupts and he polishes off several of his brother's men before Arya joins in the fight. She cuts down Polliver, then pokes his throat, killing him the same way he killed Lommy. Arya leaves the inn with Needle in hand.</p></div>

The Lion and the Rose

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>George R.R. Martin<br><b>Directed by </b>Alex Graves<br></p><p>A trembling Theon Greyjoy follows Ramsay Snow and Myranda as they savagely hunt down a young woman and leave her for the dogs. Upon returning to the Dreadfort, Ramsay greets his father, Roose Bolton, Roose's new bride, Walda, and Locke, who have just arrived. Roose is irritated with his bastard when he sees what's become of Theon Greyjoy, no longer useful as a hostage. Although Roose is now Warden of the North, the Bolton claim on the land is tenuous as long as the Ironborn hold Moat Cailin.</p><p>Eager to demonstrate that &quot;Reek&quot; is both docile and useful, Ramsay commands his prisoner to give him a shave. Reek delicately handles the blade and answers Ramsay's questions, informing Roose that Bran and Rickon Stark are alive. Tasked with finding the boys, Locke heads for Castle Black, based on Reek's guess that the Starks sought shelter with Jon Snow. Impressed with Reek's submissiveness, Roose makes a proposition: If Ramsay can use Theon Greyjoy to win Moat Cailin, Roose will reconsider his bastard's legitimacy.</p><p>After Jaime Lannister confides to Tyrion that he cannot fight with his left hand, his brother advises Jaime to train with a discreet swordsman, and recommends Bronn for the job. Jaime is initially insulted when the sellsword insists on fighting with dull sparring blades, but soon acknowledges that he is no better than a beginner.</p><p>Tyrion Lannister receives disastrous news from Varys: Cersei has learned of his relationship with Shae, and Varys will not cover for him. When Shae goes to Tyrion's chamber later that day, he is clear: She must leave. He has prepared passage for her to Pentos. Shae rejects the idea, but Tyrion cuts her short: &quot;You're a whore.&quot; He maintains that he doesn't love her and that their time together is over. She flees in tears. Later that day, Bronn assures Tyrion that Shae boarded the ship.</p><p>Melisandre oversees an &quot;offering&quot; to the Lord of Light at Dragonstone. Three traitors are burned at the stake, including Stannis Baratheon's brother-in-law. Davos Seaworth questions his king's complacency, but Stannis brushes him off. Later that night, Stannis defends his daughter to his wife, Selyse, who believes Shireen to be tainted by sin. Selyse backs down when Melisandre agrees to talk to the child. The Red priestess explains to Shireen that the gods of the Seven are false; there are only two gods - one of light and one of darkness, and they are eternally at war.</p><p>Bran Stark hunts as his direwolf Summer when he's woken by Hodor. Meera and Jojen Reed warn Bran about spending too much time in Summer's skin; after a certain point, Bran will forget his humanity entirely. The hungry travelers press on and notice Summer standing beside an ancient weirwood. Compelled by the tree's face, Bran touches the trunk and experiences a series of visions. &quot;I know where we have to go,&quot; he tells his companions.</p><p>King Joffrey receives wedding gifts at a breakfast held in his honor. Tyrion presents his nephew with a rare book, which the king promptly hacks to shreds once his grandfather presents him with a new Valyrian steel sword. The king names his new blade &quot;Widow's Wail.&quot; </p><p>Joffrey and Margaery are wed in the Faith of the Seven. Oberyn Martell and Ellaria Sand greet Tywin Lannister and dowager queen Cersei at the lavish reception. Oberyn mentions his sister's murder, silencing the Lannisters. Tywin has a pointed exchange with Olenna Tyrell, who also offers her sympathies to Sansa Stark.</p><p>Jaime Lannister greets Loras Tyrell, and exchanges barbs with the Knight of Flowers. Cersei confronts Brienne of Tarth about her relationship with Jaime but cannot get a read on the warrior woman. Fuming, Cersei dresses down Maester Pycelle and commands him to give the leftovers to the dogs, defying Queen Margaery's decree that the surplus go to the poor.</p><p>Joffrey silences the crowd and introduces a show, &quot;The War of Five Kings.&quot; The performers are five dwarves, dressed as Joffrey, Stannis Baratheon, Renly Baratheon, Balon Greyjoy and Robb Stark. Joffrey grins at Tyrion while the crude show plays out. Sansa is equally insulted by a vulgar reenactment of her brother's death.</p><p>Once the show is completed, Joffrey suggests Tyrion join the fray. When his uncle snubs the offer and retaliates with a reference to the Battle of the Blackwater, Joffrey retaliates by pouring a glass of wine on Tyrion. He demands Tyrion serve as his cupbearer and sends him scrambling under the table for a goblet. The tension is broken when Margaery draws attention to the next course, a giant pigeon pie. Joffrey cuts through the crust, releasing live birds inside. The pie is distributed to the crowd and Joffrey digs in, and washes it down with wine. He begins to cough violently, and falls to the ground.</p><p>In the ensuing chaos, Dontos ushers Sansa out of the reception, Jaime rushes to the king's side, while Olenna comforts Margaery. As he takes his final breaths, the Joffrey points to Tyrion. Cersei cradles her dead son and commands that Tyrion be arrested for Joffrey's murder.</p></div>

Breaker of Chains

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Alex Graves<br></p><p>Cersei Baratheon holds the deceased King Joffrey in her arms and commands the guards to seize her brother Tyrion. Realizing Sansa has vanished, Tywin Lannister orders the gold cloaks to bar the gates and search for her. Dontos rushes Sansa on to a rowboat and guides them to a ship concealed in fog. Sansa climbs aboard and is greeted by Littlefinger. Lord Baelish thanks Dontos for delivering Sansa safely, and under the guise of making payment, has the fool killed. Sansa is horrified, but Littlefinger explains that killing Dontos was the only way to ensure his silence. Plucking the necklace from Sansa's neck, Lord Baelish tells her Dontos was only following his orders. He smashes the Hollard family heirloom, revealing it to be made of glass.</p><p>Olenna Tyrell comforts Margaery, who is still traumatized by the gruesome death of her husband. The Queen of Thorns maintains that Joffrey's death is fortunate; Tommen Baratheon will be a better match for Margaery.</p><p>As Sandor &quot;The Hound&quot; Clegane and Arya Stark make their way to the Eyrie, the Hound admits he's given thought to becoming a sellsword in Braavos. A farmer, noticing the trespassers on his property, interrupts their conversation. Arya attributes the Hound's curt demeanor to trauma from the war. She claims &quot;her father&quot; fought for the Tullys. Loyal to Riverrun, the farmer invites the pair to share his dinner. Over the meal, the Hound accepts his host's offer for &quot;fair wages for fair work.&quot; However, the next morning, Arya awakes to find that the Hound has assaulted the farmer and stolen his money. Arya is furious they have mistreated their host, but Clegane is firm: &quot;Dead men don't need silver.&quot;</p><p>Samwell Tarly tells Gilly that he's worried about her; as the only woman at Castle Black, she's not safe among the rapers and criminals that make up the Night's Watch. Sam suggests that Gilly and her baby relocate to Molestown and arranges for their room and board at a squalid brothel. Despite Sam's best intentions, Gilly feels abandoned.</p><p>Cersei, Tywin and Tommen pay their respects to Joffrey in the Sept of Baelor. While standing over Joffrey's body, Tywin insults the dead king and counsels Tommen on his future responsibilities. As Cersei seethes in silence, Tywin leads Tommen out. When Jaime enters, Cersei pleads: &quot;Avenge our son. Kill Tyrion.&quot; Jaime tries to comfort his sister, taking her into his arms and kissing her, but she recoils at the touch of his golden hand. Incensed, Jaime pulls her down on the floor and forces himself on her. </p><p>Tywin Lannister arrives at the brothel and interrupts a moment between Oberyn Martell, Ellaria Sand and Olyvar, among others. Tywin suspects that the prince conspired with Tyrion to murder Joffrey, but Oberyn rebuffs the accusation and says they spoke only of his sister Elia. In need of Dorne's support in the days ahead, Tywin offers Oberyn a chance to confront the Mountain. The Red Viper can join the Small Council as well, Tywin proposes, in exchange for serving as a judge at Tyrion's trial alongside Tywin and Mace Tyrell.</p><p>Podrick Payne visits Tyrion Lannister's jail cell. The squire fills Tyrion in on his upcoming trial, his wife's disappearance and reveals that a conspirator attempted to bribe Pod to incriminate Tyrion. Tyrion commands Pod to leave King's Landing and asks that he send Jaime to visit.</p><p>Stannis Baratheon informs Davos Seaworth that King Joffrey is dead, attributing the event to Melisandre's blood magic. Stannis blames the Onion Knight, who set Gendry free against his wishes, for their inability to seize this opportunity. Davos assures his king that he will assemble an army, and proposes using sellswords to increase their numbers. His suggestion does little to pacify Stannis, who cautions him, &quot;You're running out of time.&quot; Later during his reading lesson with Princess Shireen, Davos realizes where to seek funding for their cause - the Iron Bank of Braavos. </p><p>The wildlings attack a village and butcher its inhabitants. One boy, Olly, is plucked out of hiding by Styr and instructed to inform Castle Black of the attack. Upon receiving the news, an angry group of brothers call for retaliation, but Maester Aemon reminds them their first responsibility is to defend the Wall. The assembly is interrupted by a horn signaling the return of Grenn and Dolorous Edd. The two explain the situation at Craster's Keep, and Jon Snow argues that the Watch must destroy the mutineers. It's a matter of security, Snow reasons, because the rebels could expose the truth about their dwindling numbers to Mance Rayder.</p><p>Daenerys Targaryen and her army arrive at Meereen. A champion emerges on horseback from the city walls, eager for a fight. Turning down offers from Grey Worm, Barristan Selmy and Jorah Mormont, Dany allows Daario Naharis to serve as her representative in combat. The entire city looks on while the sellsword easily disposes of the Meereenese fighter. Dany then addresses the rapt audience, appealing directly to the city's slaves: &quot;I am not your enemy. Your enemy is beside you.&quot; The Unsullied roll out a series of catapults loaded with barrels. At Dany's command, the barrels are fired over the city walls and smash open, revealing thousands of slave collars.</p></div>

Oathkeeper

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>Bryan Cogman<br><b>Directed by </b>Michelle MacLaren</p><p>Missandei gives Grey Worm a lesson in the Common Tongue, and they recount being taken into slavery as children. Grey Worm tells his tutor he has no desire to return to his homeland; he only wants to &quot;kill the masters.&quot; Later that evening, Grey Worm leads his army, disguised as slaves, to infiltrate Meereen through the sewers. The Unsullied rally the Meereenese slaves to take the city. As the liberated masses call out to Daenerys Targaryen, she ignores Barristan Selmy's advice to show mercy to the slavers. In retribution for the dead slave children who marked the road to the city, Dany orders 163 masters crucified.</p><p>Jaime visits Tyrion in the Black Cells after Bronn chastises him with a story: Bronn only stood for Tyrion at the Eyrie because his first choice, the Kingslayer, wouldn't have made it in time. Jaime confirms his brother's suspicions about Cersei - she wants Tyrion dead. Tyrion asserts his innocence, but Jaime can do little to help him or Sansa, whom Cersei is convinced also played a part in Joffrey's murder. When the queen regent learns of Jaime's visit to the dungeon, she summons her twin and questions his loyalties.</p><p>Aboard Littlefinger's ship, Sansa finds out it's headed to the Eyrie. Confronted by Sansa, Littlefinger confesses he had a hand in Joffrey's death. He reveals to Sansa she played a part as well - the &quot;heirloom&quot; Ser Dontos gave her contained the poison that killed the king.</p><p>In the Red Keep, Margaery is shocked to learn Olenna Tyrell orchestrated the assassination to save her granddaughter from marrying Joffrey. Olenna shares a narrow miss of her own: Originally engaged to a &quot;twitchy&quot; Targaryen, she changed her destiny by wandering into Luthor Tyrell's chambers and stole away her sister's fiancé. Now it's Margaery's turn to &quot;do what needs to be done,&quot; Olenna states. That night, Margaery pays a late night visit to Tommen, who is dazzled by his intended.</p><p>Jon Snow schools the Night's Watch recruits in swordplay. Roose Bolton's henchman Locke, posing as a recruit, impresses Jon with his fighting skills. Irked by Snow's initiative, Alliser Thorne shuts down the training session and reminds Jon that he is a steward. Janos Slynt points out to Acting Commander Thorne that the bastard is popular within the Watch and an election lies ahead. Slynt suggests Thorne approve the mission to capture Craster's Keep and &quot;let the mutineers take care of Snow.&quot;</p><p>Samwell Tarly worries for Gilly, fearful that Mole's Town will be the next village raided by wildlings. Jon Snow commiserates about their orders to remain at Castle Black; he's anxious to find Bran. Realizing his brother might seek shelter at Craster's Keep, Snow presses the issue with Thorne, who sanctions the operation. Jon asks for volunteers to join him, reminding the men that if they are indeed brothers, then the Lord Commander was their father. Locke volunteers and his vows are expedited so that he can accompany Snow.</p><p>At Craster's Keep, Karl commands Rast to feed Ghost, Jon Snow's direwolf, who is caged outside. The mutineers are distracted when Craster's wives request &quot;a gift for the gods.&quot; Karl acquiesces and orders that Craster's last son, a newborn baby, be sacrificed to the White Walkers. Rast apprehensively leaves the infant in the woods.</p><p>The baby's cries carry to the campsite of Bran, Hodor and Meera and Jojen Reed. Bran wargs into Summer to investigate, but ends up jeopardizing the group and the foursome is captured. Karl interrogates the hostages and learns Bran's true identity.</p><p>A White Walker claims the baby and rides to a city of ice. The child is presented at an altar, where a Walker greets the infant and lays a finger on its cheek. The baby's eyes turn White Walker blue.</p><p>Jaime Lannister presents Brienne Tarth with his Valyrian steel sword and a new suit of armor. Brienne must use the gifts to uphold her vow to Catelyn Stark and find Sansa. Although she's less excited to receive the service of Podrick Payne, Brienne accepts him as a squire. In the spirit of the mission, Brienne names her sword &quot;Oathkeeper.&quot;</p></div>

First of His Name

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Michelle MacLaren<br></p><p>Littlefinger and Sansa are stopped at the only entrance to the Eyrie, the Bloody Gate. The guards immediately stand down once Littlefinger announces himself and &quot;his niece, Alayne.&quot; In the High Hall of the Eyrie, Lysa Arryn acknowledges Sansa's true identity and introduces her niece to Robin. Alone with Littlefinger, Lysa demands that they wed immediately. She has already proven herself a dutiful partner, she reminds her intended, as she poisoned Jon Arryn and manipulated the Starks into believing the Lannisters did it. Littlefinger acquiesces and later that night, Sansa is horrified to overhear the noises from her aunt's wedding bed. </p><p>After she's settled in, Sansa shares a tray of lemon cakes with Lysa. A friendly conversation takes a turn when Lysa questions the nature of Sansa's relationship with Littlefinger, demanding: &quot;Are you pregnant?&quot; Lysa continues to berate the girl until she breaks down in tears. Finally, Lysa reveals her plans for her niece: Sansa will marry Robin.</p><p>Tommen Baratheon is coronated in the Sept of Baelor. Noticing her son locking eyes with Margaery, Cersei approaches Joffrey's widow and confesses she saw her firstborn's true colors. &quot;He would have been your nightmare,&quot; Cersei tells Margaery, and offers her a chance to be queen. Margaery demurs - marrying Tommen never crossed her mind - but promises to speak to her father about the honor.</p><p>Jorah Mormont informs Daenerys Targaryen and her inner circle that King Joffrey is dead. With Daario Naharis now in control of the Meereenese navy, Dany contemplates an assault on King's Landing. Barristan Selmy advocates the charge, but Jorah has other concerns; the masters of Yunkai have retaken control of the city, and a butcher named Cleon now occupies Astapor. Dismissing everyone but Jorah, Dany decides she will first prove she can rule the cities she's liberated.</p><p>Arya Stark lies down next to Sandor &quot;The Hound&quot; Clegane and prepares to sleep. Listening to her reciting the list of the people she wishes to kill, the Hound remarks that they have a name in common - his brother, the Mountain. Arya finishes her prayer with one final name: &quot;The Hound.&quot;</p><p>The next morning, the Hound finds Arya practicing her &quot;water-dancing.&quot; Clegane scoffs at the Braavosi fighting style and enrages Arya by belittling the skills of her teacher, Syrio Forel. Arya lunges at him, but her sword only scratches the surface of the Hound's armor. Effortlessly, he knocks her to the ground.</p><p>Brienne of Tarth and Podrick Payne begin their journey to Castle Black, assuming Sansa will have sought shelter there with her half-brother. Irritated with Pod's incompetence, Brienne dismisses the squire from her service. Nevertheless, Pod remains by her side. Later that day, Brienne is surprised when Podrick reveals he killed a member of the Kingsguard while protecting Tyrion at the Battle of the Blackwater. Impressed, Brienne allows Podrick to help with her armor.</p><p>Tywin Lannister and Queen Cersei discuss the upcoming weddings of Tommen to Margaery and Cersei to Loras. Their alliance with the Tyrells is essential, Tywin explains, as the Lannister mines have run dry. Cersei accepts her role and reminds her father that unlike her brothers, she has always put the family first. Tywin sees through her subtext but refuses to discuss Tyrion's trial.</p><p>Cersei invites Oberyn Martell to stroll the Red Keep. She laments that for all their power, neither could not avoid their respective family tragedies. The queen regent asks about her daughter, Myrcella, a ward of Dorne, and shows Oberyn the sailing ship she had made for her. Oberyn assures Cersei that the girl is safe and promises to deliver the gift.</p><p>At Craster's Keep, Locke spies on the mutineers and notices Bran, Hodor and the Reeds tied up in a hut. Reporting back, Locke tells Jon Snow and the others to avoid the hut by explaining there are hounds chained there.</p><p>Jojen has a vision of a great weirwood tree and tells Bran, &quot;He's waiting for you.&quot; He assures the group that they will know the end when they see it, as he foresees his hand engulfed in flame.</p><p>When Karl begins to terrorize Meera, Jojen tries to protect his sister by saying he has the sight. &quot;I saw you die tonight,&quot; the boy states. Their conversation is interrupted when the Night's Watch storms the keep. Locke rushes to Bran, and confirms his identity when the boy does not react to a slice on his leg. Realizing he's in danger, Bran wargs into Hodor and frees the giant from his chains. Using Hodor's strength, Bran breaks Locke's neck. Returning to his own consciousness, Bran commands Hodor to free the Reeds and Summer. Spotting Jon, Bran tries to call out to him but Jojen points out that Bran's brother will never allow him to find the three-eyed raven. Bran resolves to leave.</p><p>Inside the keep, Jon Snow faces off against Karl. The mutineer's dirty fighting style has Jon at a disadvantage, but when one of Craster's wife stabs Karl in the back, Jon is able to finish him off. Meanwhile in the woods, Jon's direwolf Ghost takes care of Rast. Battle won, the brothers confer with Craster's surviving wives and the women opt to remain where they are. The brothers fulfill the wives' only request: Burn Craster's Keep to the ground.</p></div>

The Laws of Gods and Men

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>Bryan Cogman<br><b>Directed by </b>Alik Sakharov<br></p><p>Stannis Baratheon and Davos Seaworth arrive in Braavos for their meeting with the Iron Bank. They petition for funding but banker Tycho Nestoris says no - the numbers don't add up. Davos removes his glove and exposes his severed fingers to remind the bankers that Stannis understands accountability. Furthermore, the Lannisters rule now, but what happens when the 67-year-old Tywin dies? The Onion Knight is resolute: &quot;There's only one reliable leader left in Westeros - Stannis.&quot; The request is granted, and Davos tracks down his former comrade Salladhor Saan in a pleasure house. Passing him a case of gold coins, Davos informs the pirate that they sail at sunrise.</p><p>Yara Greyjoy leads her band of Ironborn on a mission to rescue her brother. The group infiltrates the Dreadfort and Bolton guards lead them to the kennels, where Yara finds her brother panicked and paranoid. Theon resists Yara's pleas to leave, yelling, &quot;My name is Reek!&quot; Hearing the commotion, Ramsay Snow enters the fray and unleashes the hounds, forcing the Ironborn to retreat. Yara heads back to her ship and admits defeat, &quot;My brother is dead.&quot;</p><p>The next day, Ramsay presents Reek with a bath as a reward for his loyalty during the attack. As he settles into the hot water, Reek learns that Ramsay needs a favor of him: He must pose as Theon Greyjoy to take Moat Cailin.</p><p>Daenerys Targaryen holds audience in her Meereenese throne room. A shepherd approaches and presents a bundle of charred bones - the remains of a goat killed by Drogon. Dany apologizes and promises to compensate the shepherd three times the value of his livestock. The next supplicant, Hizdahr zo Loraq, speaks of his father, a noble, respected citizen who spoke out against the city's crucifixion of children - and was one of the 163 masters crucified by Dany. When the queen maintains that her actions were justified, Hizdahr does not argue; he only asks to give his father a proper burial. Dany concedes and dismisses the man, only to learn that 212 more people wait to meet with her.</p><p>In King's Landing, Tywin Lannister presides over a meeting of the Small Council, including the newly appointed members Mace Tyrell and Oberyn Martell. First, the group discusses the Hound, who has been spotted in the Riverlands. Tywin puts a generous ransom on Clegane's head. Next, Varys reports on Daenerys' progress in Essos - she has both Barristan Selmy and Jorah Mormont advising her, her army is strong and her dragons are growing. Cersei is skeptical, but the other council members agree that the Targaryen is a threat. Tywin resolves to take action.</p><p>Later in the throne room, Prince Oberyn meets with Varys. Oberyn inquires as to how the eunuch made his way from Lys to King's Landing. Varys defers; he only shares that story with people he trusts.</p><p>Jaime Lannister arrives in Tyrion's cell and per his father's orders, chains his brother's hands. Tyrion is escorted to the throne room where a large audience awaits for his trial. King Tommen recuses himself and introduces the judges: Tywin Lannister, Mace Tyrell and Oberyn Martell. Tywin presides over the event and calls the crown's witnesses.</p><p>Kingsguard knight Meryn Trant takes the stand first and recalls Tyrion's threats against Joffrey. Tyrion counters that the king was terrorizing Sansa Stark, but Tywin orders him to remain silent.</p><p>Grand Maester Pycelle reveals that potions were pilfered from his supplies, including &quot;The Strangler,&quot; a rare and deadly poison used to kill the king. The maester produces Sansa's necklace, recovered from Dontos Hollard's body, and explains that he found Strangler residue inside a gem setting.</p><p>Cersei recounts how Tyrion tried to put Joffrey on the front lines during the Battle of Blackwater and once threatened, &quot;Your joy will turn to ashes in your mouth, and you will know the debt is paid.&quot; When Oberyn asks about the debt in question, Cersei explains Tyrion was angry when she reminded him to keep his whores away from Red Keep.</p><p>Varys recalls Tyrion's bad behavior during a Small Council meeting, and suggests the accused became sympathetic to the northern cause after his marriage to Sansa. Tyrion is permitted to address Varys and reminds the eunuch that he saved the city. Varys assures him that he has not forgotten.</p><p>During a recess, Jaime confronts Tywin about the farce masquerading as a trial. Jaime makes a deal with his father: If Tywin will spare Tyrion's life, Jaime will continue the family name. Tywin readily accepts - Tyrion will be permitted to join the Night's Watch if Jaime gives up his Kingsguard post and takes his place at Casterly Rock. Jaime briefs Tyrion about the terms of the arrangement and begs his brother to keep his mouth shut.</p><p>The crown calls its next witness, and Tyrion is horrified to see Shae walk in. The judges question Shae, who maintains that as both Sansa's handmaiden and Tyrion's whore, she learned the truth: Tyrion and Sansa planned the murder together. Shae recites a prepared statement riddled with lies. She paints an ugly portrait of her relationship with Tyrion, revealing intimate details to the crowd's amusement.</p><p>Shattered, Tyrion cuts off Shae's testimony. He curses the people of King's Landing; he should have let Stannis kill them all. Tyrion tells the courtroom that the only thing he is guilty of is being a dwarf - and for that he's already been condemned. There's no justice for him here, Tyrion roars, and demands a trial by combat.</p></div>

Mockingbird

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Alik Sakharov<br></p><p>Jaime Lannister rages in Tyrion's jail cell: The deal that Jaime brokered with Tywin assured Tyrion's survival. Tyrion lost that guarantee when he demanded a trial by combat. Tyrion tries to defend himself - he couldn't stand to hear any more of Shae's testimony; for the second time in his life he fell in love with a whore and his father has punished him for it. Choosing a trial by combat was a way to ruin Tywin's plans, even if it meant sacrificing himself. Jaime can do little to help; with one hand, he's no longer a viable champion, especially against Cersei's choice—Gregor &quot;The Mountain&quot; Clegane.</p><p>Days later, Bronn visits Tyrion. The sellsword reports that thanks to Cersei's match-making, he's betrothed to Lollys Stokeworth and poised to receive a sizeable inheritance (once he gets rid of her older sister.) Although Bronn considers Tyrion a friend, he's not willing to risk his life fighting the Mountain. Tyrion grudgingly understands.</p><p>Sandor &quot;The Hound&quot; Clegane and Arya Stark approach a deserted village. Spotting a man leaning against the rubble bleeding to death, the Hound puts an end to his suffering by driving a sword into his heart. With Arya and the Hound distracted, Biter attacks the Hound and sinks his teeth into him. Sandor throws the man off, breaking his neck. Biter's accomplice, Rorge, informs Clegane that the Lannisters have put a bounty on his head. Arya recognizes Rorge as one of the prisoners she freed when Lannister troops attacked Yoren's northbound party. She asks his name and then stabs him in the chest.</p><p>Later that day, the Hound tends to the bite wound. He refuses to burn away the festering, despite Arya's counsel. He recalls his brother holding his face into the flame as a child. Arya's family may be gone, the Hound notes, but he's always been on his own.</p><p>Brienne of Tarth and Podrick Payne enjoy a hot meal at the Inn at the Crossroads, where they encounter Hot Pie and mention they are looking for Sansa Stark. Trusting them, Hot Pie approaches as they are leaving. Arya is alive, he reveals, and likely traveling with the Hound. Podrick hypothesizes that Arya's captives will be taking her to the Eyrie, as Lysa Arryn is the girl's last living relative.</p><p>Jon Snow and his band of brothers return to Castle Black, where Alliser Thorne demands that Ghost be locked up. Jon reports to the leadership council and advocates sealing off the tunnel, a suggestion that Thorne immediately rebuffs.</p><p>Daenerys Targaryen finds Daario Naharis waiting inside her chambers with flowers. He lives for women and war, he explains, and in Meereen he is no better than a patrolman. He requests to be reassigned so he can pursue his interests. Dany consents and Daario spends the night.</p><p>The next morning, Jorah Mormont witnesses the sellsword leaving Dany's chamber. Jorah cautions against putting faith in Daario, but Dany is one step ahead of him. She's sent Daario to execute all the masters in Yunkai. Jorah objects - slaughtering the slavers is no better than the barbaric practices she's fighting against. Swayed, Dany opts to send Hizdahr zo Loraq with Daario as her ambassador to Yunkai. He can explain what happened in Meereen and give them their choices: &quot;They can live in my new world or they can die in their old one.&quot;</p><p>Selyse Baratheon visits Melisandre. The Red priestess assures Selyse that Stannis' infidelity has nothing to do with his marriage: &quot;It's only flesh,&quot; she soothes. Accepting this, Selyse makes a plea: Her daughter Shireen should not join them on the upcoming journey. Staring into the fire, Melisandre counters: She must come, &quot;The Lord needs her.&quot;</p><p>Tyrion receives an unexpected visit from Oberyn Martell. The Red Viper details Cersei's attempts to manipulate him and, having witnessed her cruelty when Tyrion was just a newborn, recalls that Cersei wanted Tyrion dead even then. But Cersei's hatred for her brother pales compared to his own love for his sister, says Oberyn. He promises to avenge Elia's death by killing Gregor Clegane. Tyrion exhales in relief -he has a champion.</p><p>In the courtyard of the Eyrie, Sansa builds a model Winterfell out of snow. Robin Arryn interrupts her private moment and ruins the castle. Sansa scolds the boy, and he erupts into a tantrum. He's quieted when Sansa surprises both of them by slapping him. As Robin runs off, Littlefinger comforts Sansa. Discipline is good for the boy, Littlefinger assures her, but it's time Sansa forgets Winterfell and begins a new life.</p><p>Taking advantage of the moment, Sansa asks why he killed Joffrey. Littlefinger admits it was vengeance for Catelyn, and quietly recalls the woman he loved. In another life, Sansa could have been his daughter. &quot;We don't live in that world,&quot; he adds as he kisses her. Unbeknownst to the couple, Lysa looks on from above.</p><p>Later that day, Lysa confronts her niece in the Eyrie's High Hall. Hysterical, Lysa accuses Sansa of being a whore and holds her over the open Moon Door. Littlefinger enters and calms his wife until Lysa releases Sansa. Petyr takes Lysa into his arms and assures her that he has only ever loved one woman - &quot;your sister&quot; - and pushes Lysa to her death.</p></div>

The Mountain and the Viper

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Alex Graves<br></p><p>Grey Worm notices Missandei as they bathe in different sections of the same river. In telling the story to Daenerys Targaryen, Missandei reveals the Unsullied captain was clearly interested in her body. Grey Worm apologies to Missandei later that day, and they both admit that their feelings for one another run deeper than those of teacher and pupil.</p><p>The Molestown brothel is attacked by wildlings. Ygritte spares Gilly and her baby but the rest of the inhabitants are exterminated. When the Night's Watch learns of the raid, Samwell Tarly blames himself for putting Gilly in harm's way. His brothers encourage him to hold out hope, but the crows' spirits fall when they realize an attack is imminent - and Mance's army outnumbers them a 1000 to 1.</p><p>Ramsay Snow coaches Reek to play the part of Theon Greyjoy and treat with the Ironborn at Moat Cailin. Reek shakily accepts his mission and introduces himself to the ailing soldiers as the heir to the Iron Islands. &quot;Theon&quot; beseeches the men to surrender: If they bend a knee to the Boltons, they will receive safe passage to the Stony Shore. The garrison commander spits at the idea, but his troops turn on their leader and accept the offer, anxious to escape with their lives. Unfortunately, Ramsay Snow has other ideas and flays the Ironborn men.</p><p>When Roose Bolton arrives at Moat Cailin with his army, Ramsay Snow informs his father that they've taken the Ironborn stronghold. Pleased, Roose informs his bastard that from this day forward, he will be known as Ramsay Bolton.</p><p>Nobility of the Vale, including Lord Yohn Royce and Lady Anya Waynwood, question Petyr &quot;Littlefinger&quot; Baelish about Lysa Arryn's death. The highborn panel does little to hide its disdain for Lord Baelish - a foreigner who has collected titles through Machiavellian means. They are skeptical of Littlefinger's claim that Lysa committed suicide, and call in &quot;Alayne,&quot; to testify. Sansa enters and shocks her audience by revealing her true identity. The Stark girl explains that Lord Baelish saved her from the Lannisters. She also corroborates his story that Lysa threw herself through the Moon Door after she misread an innocent moment between Sansa and her &quot;uncle&quot; Petyr. Sansa's emotional account sells her audience completely. Later, Littlefinger asks Sansa why she lied for him. If he had been executed, Sansa explains, who knows what would happen to her?<br>Littlefinger debriefs with Lord Royce and Lady Anya; the group agrees that it's time for Robin to leave the nest. Petyr, Robin and Sansa - her hair dyed dark in disguise - set out to tour the Vale.</p><p>Barristan Selmy confronts Jorah Mormont about a document he received - a royal pardon from Robert Baratheon. Daenerys Targaryen summons Jorah to explain himself. He confesses that he spied on her and Viserys when they first met in Pentos. Dany realizes that the attempt on her life was a direct result of Jorah's reporting and is horrified that he put her unborn child in danger. She banishes Jorah from her service. &quot;Go back to your masters in King's Landing,&quot; she spits. Devastated, Jorah leaves Meereen.</p><p>Arya Stark and Sandor Clegane arrive at the Bloody Gate, only to learn that after all they've endured to get there, Lysa Arryn died three days ago. Arya bursts out laughing at the horrible irony.</p><p>The morning of Tyrion's trial by combat, Jaime Lannister visits his brother's cell with a full wineskin. The two reminisce about their cousin Orson, who was dropped on his head as an infant and spent his days squishing bugs. In his youth, Tyrion was obsessed with understanding why the insects were killed. Tyrion poses the question back at Jaime: &quot;What was it all about?&quot; Jaime has no answer.</p><p>Guards escort Tyrion out to the field of combat. He is disturbed to find that his champion, Oberyn Martell, has opted to don extremely light armor and is helping himself to some wine. Despite Tyrion's skepticism, Oberyn is confident.</p><p>The fight begins as a large crowd looks on, including Oberyn's paramour, Ellaria Sand. Gregor Clegane is an imposing figure in a full suit of armor and a large sword, while Oberyn is light on his feet with a spear in hand. The Red Viper repeatedly dodges blows while questioning the Mountain about his sister's murder. Oberyn lands a blow that plants Gregor flat on his back. Instead of finishing off his opponent, Oberyn stands over him, demanding to know who gave him the order to kill his sister. Gregor kicks Oberyn's legs out from under him. The Mountain admits to the crimes against Elia Martell - just before he smashes in Oberyn's skull. &quot;The gods have made their will known,&quot; Tywin Lannister decrees, and sentences his son to death.</p></div>

The Watchers on the Wall

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Neil Marshall<br></p><p>Wildlings on the south side of Castle Black await their signal from the north. The group is impatient, especially Ygritte, who sneers at Tormund's lighthearted campfire story. Her focus is on the upcoming battle, and shooting as many crows as possible. Styr questions Ygritte's commitment to killing - especially when it comes to her former lover. Ygritte assures the Thenn that she will be the one to take him out: &quot;Jon Snow is mine.&quot;</p><p>Samwell Tarly and Jon Snow stand watch atop the Wall. Sam probes Jon for details about his relationship with Ygritte, reasoning that Jon's stories may be the closest he ever comes to intimacy. Nothing happened with Gilly, Sam shares, but even if it had, there's nothing in the Night's Watch vows that specifically forbids sex. Jon reflects upon his romance, dismayed it ended in a hail of arrows. Both men lament that more violence is inevitable, as Mance's army bears down on the Wall.</p><p>Maester Aemon finds Samwell Tarly reading by candlelight in the library. Realizing that Sam has abandoned his post to research Gilly's predicament, Aemon reiterates what he once told Jon: &quot;Love is the death of duty.&quot;</p><p>En route to his quarters, Sam is shocked to see Gilly and her baby at the gate, begging for entrance. Sam orders Pyp to stand aside and swears he will never leave Gilly again. Their reunion is cut short by two horn blasts. The men begin preparing for attack; Jon climbs to an outlook and sees, as promised, the greatest fire the North has ever seen.</p><p>Sam ushers Gilly to the Castle Black larder to keep her out of the fray. She's distraught at the idea of Sam joining the battle, but he explains that he must do his duty. &quot;That's what men do,&quot; he adds, and the two share their first kiss. Before leaving, he promises Gilly he will survive. Later, as Sam tries to soothe Pyp's frayed nerves, Sam confesses that he wasn't afraid when he fought the White Walker. Things are different now, Sam realizes, because he has much more to live for.</p><p>Alliser Thorne oversees the top of the Wall as the men ready their defenses. The acting commander concedes to Jon that he should have sealed off the tunnels, but leadership means making the hard choices. Thorne informs Jon they'll work together against the enemy tonight, but when it's over, they'll go on hating each other.</p><p>Hundreds of thousands of wildings, including mammoths and giants, charge the Wall. As they approach, a horn announces the attack on the southern gate. Thorne tends to the second front, leaving Janos Slynt in charge at the Wall. Slynt freezes in panic, cowering in a corner until Grenn comes up with a story to send him below. Jon takes command, supervising the archers to send flaming arrows at the climbers on the Wall.</p><p>On the ground, giants affix a series of spikes to the gate, attaching the other ends to the harness of a mammoth. Jon sends Grenn down, commanding him to hold the gate at any cost. From atop the Wall, crows drop buckets of oil, which implode on the giants and mammoth, leaving Mag the Mighty to take on Grenn's band of men. As the giant charges them, Grenn leads his brothers in a recitation of their vows and spurs their courage.</p><p>Thorne rallies the men of the Watch and the group bravely faces off against the Thenns who have infiltrated the courtyard. Olly looks on in horror as he watches Styr, the man who promised to eat his parents, hack through men left and right. Ygritte shoots an arrow straight through Pyp's neck, and the boy dies in Sam's arms. Tormund takes on Alliser Thorne and seriously wounds him.</p><p>Sam realizes more men are needed on his front and he orders Olly to hoist the elevator and grab a weapon. At Sam's behest, Jon leaves Edd in charge and heads to the courtyard. Jon instructs Sam to release Ghost, who jumps right into the fight.</p><p>Jon faces off against Styr, and ultimately kills the Thenn with a hammer. He staggers to his feet, and sees Ygritte with an arrow pointed right at his heart. She hesitates for a moment, and is hit from behind by Olly's arrow. Jon rushes towards to her side and cradles Ygritte as she dies.</p><p>Under Edd's command, the Night's Watch uses a giant scythe to slice the remaining climbers off the Wall. The battle ends. Refusing to surrender, Tormund is taken hostage. Samwell returns to Gilly in the larder and is startled to find Slynt cowering in a corner.</p><p>The next morning, the men assess the carnage. Jon knows that although the crows won the battle, Mance will attack again that evening. With their diminished numbers, they don't stand a chance. Jon decides to treat with Mance, and kill the king beyond the Wall. &quot;It's a bad plan,&quot; Jon admits, but it's the only one they have. On the way out, Jon finds the body of Grenn, who died holding the gate. Jon hands Longclaw to Sam for safekeeping, and steps out of Castle Black.</p></div>

The Children

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Alex Graves<br></p><p>Jon Snow enters Mance Rayder's camp unarmed. Inside Mance's tent, the two speak of Jon's treachery and his feelings for Ygritte. Upon hearing of her death, the King Beyond the Wall proposes they drink to her, and the two men remember the lives lost in battle the night before. Aware that the Night's Watch has already expended everything they had, Mance refuses to turn back. Instead, he asks that the gate be opened to his people; with winter approaching, his only desire is to move them south. As he speaks, he notices Jon eyeing a nearby knife and realizes that Jon's true mission is to kill him. The two face off, but are interrupted by a horn blast.</p><p>Stannis Baratheon's army assaults the wildling camp until Mance instructs his men to stand down. Stannis and Davos Seaworth take note of Jon Snow, who identifies himself as Ned Stark's son. At this, Stannis turns his full attention to Jon and asks for his opinion about the King Beyond the Wall. Jon advises him to do what Ned would: take him prisoner and listen to what he has to say.</p><p>The men of the Watch burn the bodies from the battle as Stannis and his entourage look on. Jon goes to see a shackled Tormund Giantsbane, who asks Jon to bury Ygritte in the real north where she belongs. Heeding the advice, Jon travels with her body north of the Wall and burns it there.</p><p>Cersei meets Pycelle and Qyburn in Pycelle's laboratory to examine Gregor Clegane. Both men agree he was poisoned with manticore venom, but only Qyburn believes he can be treated. The grand maester questions Qyburn's training, but is dismissed by Cersei. She hands the lab over to Qyburn who immediately begins to drain fluids from the Mountain's body, promising her it won't weaken him in the slightest.</p><p>The queen proceeds to her father's chambers. Unwilling to let Tywin raise Tommen in her absence, she demands that her engagement to Loras Tyrell be called off. Cersei threatens to reveal the truth about her and Jaime as a means to stop her father: &quot;Your legacy is a lie.&quot; Tywin insists there is no truth to the rumors, but Cersei assures him he knows better.</p><p>Cersei finds Jaime in the Kingsguard chamber and tells him she has made her choice: She has chosen him and told Tywin the truth about their relationship. Initiating intimacy with her dumbstruck twin, she kisses his golden hand and tells him she doesn't care about anything else.</p><p>In her audience hall, Daenerys receives an elderly tutor. Unable to fend for himself in the barracks and mess halls sheltering the freed slaves, he asks permission to sell himself back to his master. Dany agrees only to let the man sign a year-long contract for his services. The next supplicant is a shell-shocked goatherd with a bundle in his arms. With Missandei translating for him, the goatherd explains that something came down from the sky. Laying the bundle down, he opens it and reveals the charred remains of his young daughter.</p><p>Dany escorts her dragons Viserion and Rhaegal to the catacombs; Drogon has not been seen in days. She attaches massive collars around their necks, chaining them to the floor. Stepping out of the catacomb, Dany weeps as her children call out to her and the door closes behind her.</p><p>In search of the Eyrie, Brienne of Tarth and Podrick happen upon Arya Stark, who marvels at the sight of Brienne in armor. Pod recognizes the Hound when he steps out from some rocks and the mood changes. Brienne mentions her promise to Catelyn Stark to bring Arya back, but the Lannister markings on Brienne's sword raise the Hound and Arya's suspicions. Regarding her as a threat to Arya's safety, the Hound exchanges fierce blows with Brienne. The two continue to grapple until Brienne gets the upper hand and sends the Hound over a ravine. Victorious, Brienne seeks out Arya, but finds only Pod. After the two leave in search of her, Arya emerges and climbs down the ravine. The Hound begs her to kill him, taunting her with memories of Micah's death, but she refuses. Arya takes the coin purse and leaves the Hound, still pleading.</p><p>As Bran's party nears its destination, skeletal hands shoot from the ground. Bran takes over Hodor's body to fight the wights, leaving his own vulnerable. A child of the forest appears, and ushers Hodor and Bran, back in his own body, to safety. Meera is unwilling to give up on Jojen until her wounded brother tells her she must. The child of the forest sends a bolt of light toward Jojen, setting him aflame. The three follow the child into a cave and meet the Three-Eyed Raven. A pale man on a nest of roots, he explains he takes on many forms. When Bran asks if he will ever walk again, the raven tells him he will fly.</p><p>Jaime startles Tyrion in his prison cell and directs him through the Red Keep's tunnels to a stairwell. Jaime gives his brother instructions to find Varys, who has a ship waiting to sail for the Free Cities, and the two say their goodbyes. Instead of taking the stairs, Tyrion detours to his Tower of the Hand. Entering Tywin's bedroom, Tyrion spots Shae in his father's bed, and infuriated, strangles her with the gold chains he once gave her. He then picks up Joffrey's crossbow and locates his father in the privy. Seemingly unperturbed, Tywin assures Tyrion he never had any intention of executing him and tries to convince his son to put down the crossbow. Tyrion tells Tywin he just killed Shae but Tywin dismisses her as a whore. When his father uses the word one time too many, Tyrion unleashes a pair of bolts into his father, killing him.</p><p>Tyrion goes to Varys' chambers and submits to being boxed into a crate along with supplies for the journey ahead. Later, Varys watches as the crate is carried onto a ship. Taking a final look at King's Landing, he boards the ship and stands alongside the crate.</p><p>Arya arrives at the harbor in Saltpans and tries to buy passage north. The captain refuses, telling her no one wants to go north; he is headed home to Braavos. At that, Arya pulls out her coin from Jaqen H'ghar, uttering, &quot;Valar morghulis.&quot; The astonished captain replies &quot;Valar dohaeris&quot; and beckons her onboard. On deck, Arya stands at the ship's prow and looks towards the east.</p></div>

The Wars To Come

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Michael Slovis<br></p><p>A young Cersei Lannister and her highborn friend trudge through the woods in search of the notorious witch Maggy the Frog. Cersei demands that Maggy foretell her future. The woman tastes the girl's blood and answers her questions: Cersei will be queen, until someone younger and more beautiful replaces her; Cersei will have three children, and furthermore, &quot;Gold will be their crowns – and gold their shrouds.&quot;<br><br>In King's Landing, Cersei arrives at the Sept of Baelor to attend her father's funeral, passing Margaery Tyrell in the receiving line. She requests a moment of privacy and joins her brother, who stands guard over Tywin's body. The twins discuss the ramifications of their father's death on the Lannister legacy. They agree that their hold on the kingdom is threatened – a predicament for which Cersei holds both her brothers responsible. &quot;Tyrion may be a monster, but at least he killed our father on purpose,&quot; she tells Jaime. &quot;You killed him by mistake.&quot;</p><p>Varys frees Tyrion Lannister from the crate he boarded to cross the Narrow Sea. The Spider explains they've arrived at the Pentoshi home of his friend Illyrio Mopatis, his co-conspirator to reinstate Targaryen rule during Robert Baratheon's ineffectual reign. As Varys reiterates the urgency of the cause, Tyrion helps himself to a jug of wine. &quot;The future is s**t, just like the past,&quot; Tyrion declares – right before he vomits.<br><br>Still drinking steadily, Tyrion asks Varys why he would gamble his life and reputation to free Tyrion. &quot;I did it for the Seven Kingdoms,&quot; Varys maintains, noting that Tyrion has a unique collection of leadership qualities. Although Tyrion will never sit on the Iron Throne, he could advise a monarch with the right family name – Daenerys Targaryen. Varys invites Tyrion to ride to Meereen with him to meet the queen.</p><p>A team of Unsullied work to pull down the golden harpy atop the Great Pyramid of Meereen. Having completed the task, a soldier named White Rat heads to a brothel where he pays a woman to simply hold him. As he relaxes, an assassin wearing a harpy mask sneaks in and slits his throat.<br><br>When she learns of White Rat's death, Queen Daenerys commands he receive a public burial and that his murderers be held accountable. The Unsullied prepare to take to the streets, and Missandei asks Grey Worm why White Rat, or any Unsullied, would visit a brothel. Grey Worm has no answer.</p><p>At Runestone, Lord Robin Arryn fails at swordplay. After receiving a mysterious scroll, Petyr Baelish and Sansa depart, leaving Robin in the care of Lord Royce. Sansa realizes they are heading west, and Littlefinger tells her they're going &quot;to a land so far from here, even Cersei Lannister can't get her hands on you.&quot;<br><br>A defeated Brienne dismisses Pod from her service. &quot;I'm not a knight, so you're not a squire,&quot; she barks. Pod reminds her that even if Arya refused her protection, Sansa remains at large.</p><p>Cersei, disgusted at the sight of Margaery comforting Tommen, is surprised by the appearance of her cousin and former lover, Lancel Lannister – now barefoot in robes with a shaved head. &quot;They call themselves Sparrows,&quot; Cersei's uncle, Kevan, explains. &quot;Bloody fanatics.&quot; Later, Lancel approaches Cersei privately. He apologizes and begs forgiveness for their affair and his role in Robert's death. When Lancel asks Cersei to turn to the Faith of the Seven, she dismisses him.<br><br>Margaery walks in on her brother Loras with his lover Olyvar. Margaery counsels discretion, but Loras maintains that everyone already knows his personal preferences – and with Tywin dead, no one can force Cersei to marry him. At that, Margaery hints that Cersei may not stay in King's Landing.</p><p>Daario Naharis and Hizdahr zo Loraq return to Meereen after completing their mission to restore order in Yunkai. Hizdahr communicates a request from the former masters there: reopen the fighting pits. Dany rejects what she calls &quot;the tradition of human cock-fighting.&quot; In bed together that night, Daario advises Dany to consider Hizdahr's request and open the pits. More than that, he argues, she should show her strength with her dragons. Emboldened by the conversation, Dany visits her children in the catacombs. Viserion and Rhaegal snap and spit flame; Dany flees.</p><p>In the courtyard at Castle Black, Sam briefs Gilly on the upcoming election. &quot;If Ser Alliser is chosen as the new Lord Commander… he hates the wildlings,&quot; he says, glancing at baby Sam.<br><br>Jon Snow trains Olly until he's interrupted by Melisandre. She escorts him to see King Stannis, inquiring about his virginity along the way. Stannis greets Jon with a reminder that the Boltons hold his childhood home. When Davos Seaworth questions Jon about his decision to take Ygritte's body north of the Wall, Snow replies, &quot;It's where she belonged.&quot; Noting his sympathies, Stannis explains his plan: he will invite the Free Folk to join his army and, after he wins the North, he'll decree the wildlings citizens of the realm and give them land on which to settle. &quot;I'll offer them their lives and their freedom,&quot; he tells Jon Snow, &quot;if Mance kneels before me.&quot;<br><br>Jon approaches the King Beyond the Wall, aware Mance must pledge allegiance to Stannis or be burned alive. &quot;I respect him,&quot; Mance admits, &quot;but I'll never serve him.&quot; Jon argues Mance's life work will have been for naught if his people die north of the Wall, but the wildling king decides he'd rather burn than betray his principles. Even though he's scared to die screaming, knowing that's how his people will see and remember him forever after.<br><br>Having refused Stannis one last time, Mance is led to a stake in the Castle Black courtyard. As the wildlings and men of the Watch look on, Melisandre ignites the pyre below him. Mance begins to writhe in agony and is about to scream when an arrow flies into his heart, fired by Jon Snow as an act of mercy.</p></div>

The House of Black and White

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Michael Slovis<br></p><p>Arya Stark sails beneath the statue of the Titan into Braavos. The ship's captain steers through the city's bustling canals to a plain building. &quot;The House of Black and White,&quot; he explains. &quot;This is where you'll find the man you seek.&quot; Arya knocks and asks for Jaqen H'ghar, but the man at the double doors dismisses her. With nowhere else to go, Arya sits outside the House of Black and White, reciting her kill list. Ultimately she gives up, tosses Jaqen's coin into the water, and wanders the streets. A gang of men threaten her, only to scamper away when the man from the House of Black and White approaches her. Arya follows him back to the temple, and he flips the same coin she tossed away into her hand. &quot;You lost this,&quot; he says, changing his face and revealing himself to be Jaqen H'ghar. Arya accuses Jaqen of lying, but he tells Arya he is &quot;no one… and that is who a girl must become.&quot; Arya follows him inside.</p><p>Brienne of Tarth and Podrick Payne dine together at an inn, not realizing that Petyr Baelish and Sansa Stark are eating under the same roof. Over their meal, Sansa asks Littlefinger about the scroll he received at Runestone. &quot;My marriage proposal has been accepted,&quot; he says.<br><br>After Podrick spots Sansa, Brienne instructs him to ready the horses. She approaches Sansa to explain herself and offer her service. Littlefinger notes that Brienne was Catelyn Stark's sworn sword and a member of Renly Baratheon's Kingsguard. &quot;Why would I want someone with your history of failure guarding Lady Sansa?&quot; he inquires. Sansa rejects Brienne's offer. As Brienne turns to leave, Littlefinger's guards block her path. She fights through, escaping with Pod on horseback. When Pod's poor equestrian skills leave him stranded, Brienne overpowers two assailants to save his life. Pod suggests that Brienne is released from her vow to Catelyn Stark, but Brienne won't give up: Sansa isn't safe with Littlefinger.</p><p>Cersei Lannister summons Jaime to show him a box she's received. Inside, a stuffed Red Viper holds Myrcella's necklace in its jaws. Cersei is both unnerved and unsurprised by the threat – Dorne blames the Lannisters for the deaths of Oberyn and Elia Martell. Acknowledging his sister's distress, Jaime makes a promise: &quot;I'm going to Dorne. And I'm bringing our daughter home.&quot;<br><br>Jaime visits Stokeworth, where he pulls Ser Bronn of the Blackwater away from his fiancé, Lollys. The Kingslayer informs Bronn that his engagement has been dissolved – but promises him a better match after he and Jaime return from &quot;as far south as south goes.&quot;</p><p>In the Water Gardens of Dorne, Ellaria Sand looks on as Myrcella Baratheon spends time with her fiancé, Trystane Martell. She demands an audience with Prince Doran Martell and calls on Doran to avenge his brother's death. When Doran is unmoved, Ellaria informs him that she has the backing of the Sand Snakes, Oberyn's bastard daughters. She begs him to turn Myrcella over to her but Doran is resolute: &quot;We do not mutilate little girls for vengeance,&quot; he tells her.</p><p>After Daario Naharis and Grey Worm uncover a Son of the Harpy, Daenerys Targaryen's council debates the man's fate. Barristan pleads for a fair trial while the freed Meereenese slave, Mossador, insists Dany put the man to death. When it comes to the former masters, Mossador asserts, &quot;All they understand is blood.&quot;<br><br>Dany dismisses her advisors, but Barristan asks for a word – and tells her about her father, the &quot;Mad King.&quot; For the first time, Dany learns the truth about the cruelty and chaos of her father's reign. Barristan explains that Aerys &quot;gave his enemies the justice he thought they deserved… until the very end.&quot; Dany decides that her only recourse is to give the Son of the Harpy a fair trial.<br><br>Mossador defies Dany's order and executes the man. Brought before the queen, he tells her he did it for her, to save her reputation and protect her people. Unwavering, Dany sentences him to death: &quot;The law is the law.&quot; A crowd gathers to witness Mossador's execution, and Dany is rushed away by the Unsullied when riots breaks out as both freedmen and masters alike express their displeasure. Crestfallen, Dany retreats to her pyramid. She steps out onto her balcony and finds Drogon. She reaches for her child, but he flies away.</p><p>Tyrion Lannister and Varys are traveling to Volantis, en route to Meereen to meet Queen Daenerys. Tyrion is anxious to step outside their covered carriage, but Varys reminds him that Cersei has put a bounty on his head. The men discuss their past positions in the capital, and Tyrion admits that he enjoyed the power he wielded as Hand of the King, which was why he rejected Shae's suggestion that they leave King's Landing. Varys tells his friend that neither of them would be satisfied without authority.<br><br>Two men bring Cersei Lannister the head of a dwarf. She's disappointed it's not her brother, but donates the head to Qyburn's lab. Cersei presides over the Small Council and doles out new titles on Tommen's behalf: Qyburn is named Master of Whisperers, and Mace Tyrell takes on the additional title of Master of Coin. When Cersei appoints her uncle Kevan as Master of War, he rejects the offer. &quot;I did not return to the capital to serve as your puppet,&quot; he says, emphasizing that Tommen should attend the meetings himself. Kevan reminds Cersei she's nothing more than Queen Mother, and he decides to return to Casterly Rock.</p><p>Princess Shireen Baratheon joins Samwell Tarly and Gilly in the Castle Black library to offer reading lessons to the wildling. Shireen reveals she learned to read at a young age – her greyscale kept her inside. Gilly's sisters also suffered from the disease: &quot;They were covered with it,&quot; she recalls, &quot;They acted like animals.&quot; Selyse Baratheon breaks up the group and warns her daughter to stay away from Gilly.<br><br>Jon Snow stands before King Stannis Baratheon to defend his act of defiance; no matter how Mance died, the wildlings will only ever follow one of their own. Stannis admits the Northerners have also proved resistant. With that in mind, Stannis makes Jon an offer: if Jon will agree to help Stannis win the North, Stannis will legitimize him as Jon Stark, Lord of Winterfell. Jon confides to Sam that the proposal is something he once dreamed of… but he will refuse it.<br><br>The Night's Watch holds its 998th election. Janos Slynt speaks for Alliser Thorne, who's running against the elderly Denys Mallister. Just as voting is about to commence, Sam surprises everyone by speaking for Jon Snow. Confidence shaken, Thorne brings up Jon's loyalty to the wildlings. Ballots are cast, and with Aemon serving as the deciding vote, Jon is named Lord Commander.</p></div>

High Sparrow

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Mark Mylod<br></p><p>Arya sweeps the atrium of the House of Black and White where worshippers kneel before the many icons. Jaqen H'ghar offers a man water from the fountain in the room's center. &quot;Valar morghulis,&quot; says the man who drinks from the cup. Having observed everything around her, Arya confronts Jaqen and demands to start her apprenticeship. &quot;Valar dohaeris,&quot; says Jaqen, reminding her she must serve – and not herself. &quot;To serve well, a girl must become No One.&quot; Acolytes carry away the body of the man, now lifeless.</p><p>The populace of King's Landing gathers to witness Tommen Baratheon's marriage to Margaery Tyrell. After the marriage is consummated, Margaery tells a breathless Tommen he is &quot;the sweetest king that ever lived.&quot; Reflecting on his situation, Tommen confides it's still strange knowing he's king because his brother died – but he doesn't feel guilty about it. Changing the subject to Cersei, Margaery refers to her as a &quot;lioness guarding her cub&quot; and Tommen as &quot;her baby boy.&quot; Walking with his mother the next day, Tommen surprises Cersei by asking if she'd be happier in Casterly Rock.<br><br>Cersei goes to see Margaery, who is entertaining her Tyrell cousins with stories about Tommen's stamina. Cersei does her best to maintain her smile through their exchange – &quot;What's the proper way to address you? Queen Mother or Dowager Queen?&quot; jabs Margaery.</p><p>Theon spots freshly flayed bodies at Winterfell, now under re-construction and flying Bolton banners. In the feast hall, Roose Bolton takes Ramsay to task for flaying resistant bannermen while collecting taxes. Ramsay argues the endeavor was a success: The new Lord Cerwyn paid up. Roose offers another lesson to his now-legitimate son: Marriage is how lasting alliances are made. &quot;I've found the perfect girl to solidify our hold on the North,&quot; he tells Ramsay.<br><br>Littlefinger surveys Moat Cailin and the North with Sansa, and tells her she's going &quot;home.&quot; Aware that the Boltons now hold Winterfell, Sansa realizes the marriage proposal Littlefinger spoke of is for her. Lord Baelish tries to calm Sansa – her marriage to Ramsay will only go through on her say so – but he advises her to recognize the opportunity. She has been a bystander to tragedy since Ned's execution, he says. &quot;You loved your family. Avenge them.&quot;<br><br>As Sansa is welcomed at Winterfell by Roose and Ramsay, Ramsay's companion Myranda watches jealously with the staff. An old woman shows Sansa to her room, addressing her as "Lady Stark" and adding, &quot;The North remembers.&quot;</p><p>Brienne and Pod continue to follow Sansa and Littlefinger from a distance – Brienne knows where they are going. Stopping for the evening, Pod tells Brienne how he came to serve Tyrion Lannister: Sentenced to hang, Pod was pardoned and assigned to Tyrion by Lord Tywin when the Lannister learned Podrick was a Payne. Touched by Pod's praise of her skills, Brienne promises she will train him to fight and ride. She then explains how she came to serve Renly Baratheon: Renly saved her from humiliation at the ball her father hosted, asking her to dance while the other guests toyed with her. Brienne admits to Pod she knew that Renly preferred the company of men, but he saved her – and she hasn't forgotten she couldn't save him. &quot;I will avenge King Renly,&quot; she tells Pod, naming Stannis as the man responsible.<br><br>Jon Snow welcomes Stannis and Davos in his new chambers but turns down Stannis' offer to become Lord of Winterfell. Stannis tells Jon that he'll march for Winterfell in a fortnight – the fate of the wildlings is up to him. The king further advises Jon to send Ser Alliser away on assignment. Davos remains behind to sway Jon and his new steward, Olly. As the &quot;shield that guards the realms of men,&quot; the Onion Knight tells them, they are not helping anyone from a &quot;castle at the frozen edge of the world.&quot;</p><p>A waif in service at the House of Black and White interrogates Arya about her identity and her intentions. She strikes Arya each time Arya lies or fails to answer. Jaqen H'ghar puts a stop to the violence but presses Arya to prove she is not Arya Stark. Chastised, Arya goes to the harbor and tosses over her clothing, the stolen bag of silver, and Jaqen's coin. Arya wavers holding Needle and decides to hide the sword in a pile of rocks instead. Now dressed like the waif, Arya is led by Jaqen through the iron doors in the atrium. She is taken to a room where she and the waif wash a corpse.</p><p>From the high table of Castle Black, Jon hands out new assignments. Jon surprises Ser Alliser by naming him First Ranger. Janos Slynt balks at his assignment: command of Greyguard. Slynt dismisses the castle as a ruin and repeatedly refuses to heed Jon's command. At that, Jon calls for Longclaw and Slynt is escorted to the chopping block. Slynt begs for mercy in his final moments, but Jon swings the sword.<br><br>Sparrows raid Littlefinger's brothel and parade the High Septon naked through the streets, denouncing him as a sinner. The High Septon turns to the Small Council for justice, telling them that the High Sparrow, leader of the criminals that assaulted him, is a threat to what they hold sacred. Cersei seeks out the High Sparrow and is impressed by his humility. &quot;The faith and the crown are the two pillars that hold up the world,&quot; she tells him. &quot;We need to do what's necessary to protect one another.&quot;<br><br>Returning to the Red Keep, Cersei interrupts Qyburn in his laboratory to send a raven to Littlefinger. As Qyburn pens the missive, a sudden movement on the table behind him sends glass crashing.</p><p>While Ramsay thanks Littlefinger, assuring him he would never do anything to hurt Sansa, Roose confronts him about his loyalties. Lord Baelish confides that without Tywin, the Lannisters have lost their luster. Still suspicious, Roose hands over the scroll from Cersei – seal broken. Littlefinger reminds him that the last time the Vale and the North joined forces, &quot;they brought down the greatest dynasty this world has ever known.&quot;<br><br>Tyrion demands to be let out of the wheelhouse over Varys' protests about his safety. The two of them walk along the Long Bridge of Volantis and watch a Red Priestess, once a slave herself, proselytize for the Dragon Queen. The two proceed to a brothel and note the popularity of a whore dressed as Daenerys. Tyrion talks up a different whore, but is surprised to find himself unable to proceed with the transaction. Excusing himself, he urinates into the river where he is bound and gagged by a stranger. &quot;I'm taking you to the queen,&quot; says Jorah Mormont.</p></div>

Sons of the Harpy

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>Dave Hill<br><b>Directed by </b>Mark Mylod<br></p><p>Jorah Mormont throws a bound Tyrion Lannister aboard a hijacked skiff. Tyrion hums incessantly until Jorah removes his gag. Getting his bearings, Tyrion realizes they're headed east, and learns he's not being taken to Queen Cersei but to Queen Daenerys Targaryen. Sizing up his captor, Tyrion is able to guess his identity – and reveals he knows Jorah spied on Dany. &quot;She found out, didn't she?&quot; he deduces, calling Jorah's plan to offer Tyrion to win back his queen's favor &quot;desperate.&quot; Jorah acknowledges Tyrion's cleverness – then hits him in the face. <br><br>Newly appointed Master of Coin Mace Tyrell explains to the Small Council that the Iron Bank is calling for repayment – which the crown cannot afford. Cersei sends Mace to Braavos to personally renegotiate the loan's terms and assigns Meryn Trant as his escort.</p><p>Ser Barristan Selmy shares a story with Daenerys about how her brother Rhaegar loved to serenade the people of King's Landing. Their moment is interrupted when Hizdahr zo Loraq requests an audience with Dany, begging her to reopen the fighting pits.<br><br>The Sons of the Harpy stage attacks all across the city. A group of Unsullied, led by Grey Worm, respond but are trapped and ambushed in a passageway. Barristan Selmy sees the panicked masses evacuating the area and runs into the fighting. The old knight kills several men but ultimately falls. Grey Worm, injured and bleeding, falls on the ground beside him.</p><p>Aboard a merchant ship with no Lannister markings, Bronn questions why &quot;one of the most recognizable faces in Westeros&quot; is sailing towards Dorne. &quot;It has to be me,&quot; Jaime says. When Bronn asks if Jaime freed Tyrion, the Kingslayer lays the blame on Varys and promises to murder his brother should he ever see him again.<br><br>The two men arrive in Dorne and row ashore. Over a snake breakfast, they discuss the ways they want to die; &quot;in the arms of the woman I love,&quot; answers Jaime. A group of Dornish riders approach and a fight breaks out. Jaime struggles to hold his own until he gets lucky, blocking a blow with his golden hand long enough for him to finish off the attacker.<br><br>Elsewhere in Dorne, Ellaria Sand greets Oberyn Martell's bastard daughters, the Sand Snakes – Tyene, Obara and Nym. As Prince Doran is resolute that they not go to war, Ellaria tells the girls, &quot;We must avenge Oberyn ourselves.&quot; Nym notes Jaime Lannister has arrived in Dorne, already aware of the danger Myrcella is in. When Ellaria asks the women to choose sides, Tyene and Nym immediately pledge their allegiance. Obara recalls meeting Oberyn as a child, and abandoning her mother to join him. &quot;I made my choice long ago,&quot; she says, burying her spear into the skull of the merchant captain who brought Jaime Lannister to Dorne.</p><p>Cersei meets with the High Sparrow and proposes that the crown re-arm the Faith Militant – an army of zealots who dispense the divine justice of the Seven. She sweetens the offer by mentioning that she knows of &quot;a great sinner in our very midst.&quot;<br><br>Empowered, the Faith Militant takes to the streets to stamp out sin. Soldiers – with Seven-Pointed Stars freshly carved on their foreheads – destroy Littlefinger's brothel, showing particular brutality towards homosexual clients. A group led by Lancel Lannister confronts and jails Loras Tyrell. When Queen Margaery furiously questions a clueless Tommen about his mother's involvement, Tommen promises his wife he will have her brother freed. He approaches Cersei, who dodges any responsibility, and then travels to the Sept of Baelor to speak with the High Sparrow himself. Unwilling to resort to violence, Tommen gives up after the Faith Militant and Sparrows block his access. When he breaks the news to Margaery, she grows cold toward him. &quot;I need to be with my family right now,&quot; she tells her husband, and sends word to Olenna.</p><p>King Stannis Baratheon watches Jon Snow train recruits in the Castle Black courtyard. Queen Selyse joins him, and laments that she couldn't give Stannis a son, only deformity. Melisandre arrives and assures the queen &quot;those scars mean nothing to the Lord of Light.&quot; Reminding Stannis of his defeat at the Blackwater, the priestess confirms she will not be left behind when he marches for Winterfell.<br><br>Lord Commander Jon Snow signs correspondence to minor houses of Westeros asking for new recruits. Jon stops when he sees a letter addressed to Roose Bolton, but at Sam's urging, Jon adds his signature.<br><br>Melisandre enters and appeals to Jon to ride to Winterfell as well. &quot;None of us know the castle as well as you do,&quot; she reasons. She undresses and climbs on top of him, but Jon rebuffs her, explaining that he still loves Ygritte. &quot;You know nothing, Jon Snow,&quot; Melisandre says as she exits.</p><p>Shireen Baratheon greets her father, assuring him she is happy at Castle Black even though she knows her mother did not want her there. &quot;Are you ashamed of me, father?&quot; she asks. Stannis recounts the story of how Shireen contracted greyscale as a child and how he refused to exile her to the ruins of Valyria to live with the Stone Men, instead hiring anyone he could to cure her. &quot;You are the princess Shireen of House Baratheon,&quot; he proclaims, &quot;and you are my daughter.&quot;<br><br>Sansa Stark lights candles in the crypts of Winterfell, discovering a southern feather in front of the statue of her Aunt Lyanna. She will never know who put it there. Finding her in the crypt Lord Baelish tells Sansa about seeing Lyanna as a boy at the tournament at Harrenhal. Rhaegar Targaryen won the tourney and rode past his wife, Elia Martell, and gave Lyanna the victor's crown of roses. &quot;How many tens of thousands had to die because Rhaegar chose your aunt?&quot; Littlefinger muses.<br><br>Littlefinger reveals that he's headed for King's Landing to meet Cersei. He assures Sansa that she won't be alone with the Boltons for long – Stannis will soon march on Winterfell. Littlefinger wagers that, with the North behind him, Stannis will most likely take Winterfell and name Sansa, &quot;Wardeness of the North.&quot; Even if Stannis doesn't prevail, Littlefinger is confident that Sansa will win over Ramsay and outmaneuver Roose. He kisses her delicately and assures her, &quot;The North will be yours.&quot;</p></div>

Kill the Boy

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>Bryan Cogman<br><b>Directed by </b>Jeremy Podeswa<br></p><p>Missandei visits a bedridden Grey Worm and delivers news of Ser Barristan Selmy's death. The Unsullied warrior is ashamed – not of his defeat, but because he was afraid he would never see Missandei again. She climbs into his bed and kisses him.</p><p>As Ser Barristan's body lies in state, Daenerys Targaryen commands that the leaders of the great Meereenese families be brought before her. She leads the group into the catacombs where her two dragons remain chained. On her order, a former master is fed to the creatures. Perhaps the dragons should determine the guilty, Dany muses, her hand on Hizdahr zo Loraq. &quot;Valar morghulis,&quot; Hizdahr replies. Dany spares him and ends the display. <br><br>Drawn into Dany's debate between mercy and revenge, Missandei advises her queen to trust the decision that she alone sees. The queen visits Hizdahr in a cell, where he begs for his life. &quot;I was wrong,&quot; Dany tells him and agrees to reopen the fighting pits. To solidify her bond with the Meereenese, Dany reveals that she will marry the head of a great family – Hizdahr.</p><p>Samwell Tarly reads news of the rebellion in Slaver's Bay to Maester Aemon who laments, &quot;A Targaryen alone in the world is a terrible thing.&quot;<br><br>Jon Snow privately consults Aemon about a decision he knows will divide the Watch. The wise man encourages the new Lord Commander to be courageous in his leadership. &quot;Kill the boy,&quot; Aemon tells Jon, &quot;and let the man be born.&quot;<br><br>Jon Snow approaches Tormund with a proposition: He will rescue the wildlings north of the Wall and allow them to settle on southern lands – in exchange for their aid fighting the White Walkers. &quot;Make peace to save your people,&quot; Jon urges as he unchains him. Tormund agrees to evacuate Hardhome, the village where the wildlings took refuge, but the Lord Commander himself will have to present the idea.<br><br>The men of the Night's Watch are not receptive to Lord Commander Snow's proposal – &quot;We can learn to live with the wildlings, or we can add them to the Army of the Dead&quot; – and only Samwell stands behind him. Jon's steward, Olly, is particularly upset, as wildlings slaughtered his parents.</p><p>Brienne of Tarth looks at Winterfell from afar, watching for Sansa. Identifying herself as a Stark loyalist, Brienne recruits an old man to help deliver a message. Later at Winterfell, the old servant woman returns to Lady Stark. Should Sansa ever need help, the woman explains, she should light a candle in Winterfell's broken tower.<br><br>Myranda, Ramsay's lover, expresses concern about his impending marriage to Sansa. &quot;Jealousy bores me,&quot; he tells her. Myranda approaches Sansa and offers something to &quot;help her remember&quot; her past. She leads Sansa to the kennels, where Sansa discovers Theon Greyjoy in his reduced state. Later, Theon confesses the encounter to Ramsay, who commands his pet to get on his knees. &quot;I forgive you,&quot; he tells a tearful Theon.<br><br>At a family dinner, Ramsay makes a show of toasting to his marriage with Sansa and parading out Theon as a wine bearer. He's a new person, Ramsay tells Sansa, introducing him as Reek. As the table squirms with discomfort, Ramsay forces Theon to apologize for murdering Bran and Rickon Stark, and then announces that Reek will give away Sansa at her wedding. Ramsay is satisfied with the show, until Roose makes an announcement: Walda is expecting.</p><p>&quot;I'm your son, until a better alternative comes along,&quot; Ramsay says to his father in private. Roose shares a story in response: Roose raped Ramsay's mother for marrying without his consent. When she brought her squalling baby to Roose, he spared Ramsay's life, recognizing instantly that he was his son. Rallied, Ramsay swears to help defend Winterfell from Stannis Baratheon.</p><p>Samwell Tarly and Gilly explore the Night's Watch library, and he admits that before joining the Watch, he dreamt of becoming a maester. They are interrupted by Stannis, who recognizes Sam: &quot;I'm told you killed a White Walker.&quot; Sam discloses that he used a dragonglass dagger. Stannis encourages him to &quot;keep reading&quot; – they must be ready when the army of the dead arrives.<br><br>Stannis tells Davos Seaworth that it's time to march for Winterfell – including Queen Selyse and Princess Shireen. The next morning, Jon bides farewell to Stannis and the army marches south.</p><p>Jorah Mormont and Tyrion Lannister sail for Meereen. Jorah navigates them through the ruins of Valyria, feared by pirates since the Doom – a mysterious cataclysm that abruptly destroyed the civilization. The sight of Drogon flying ahead awes both men.<br><br>Jorah and Tyrion are startled when their skiff is attacked by Stone Men infected with greyscale. Jorah fights back, but Tyrion is still bound and is pushed overboard. Jorah gets him to shore and decides to continue their journey on foot. Leaving Tyrion to rest, Jorah examines his wrist – and sees the first signs of greyscale.</p></div>

Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>Bryan Cogman<br><b>Directed by </b>Jeremy Podeswa<br></p><p>Impatient with her corpse-cleaning duties at the House of Black and White, Arya demands details from the Waif about what happens to the bodies. Arya asks to play the Game of Faces again, but is told she already failed. Pressing the Waif about her origins, Arya learns she too was once a highborn girl from Westeros. She came to serve the Faceless Men in exchange for the death of her stepmother, who tried to poison her. Spotting the total belief in Arya's face, the Waif tells her she has failed again.</p><p>Jaqen H'ghar wakes Arya later that night to play the game, striking her when he detects a lie. Arya describes the Hound as a man she hated, and Jaqen hits her repeatedly when she insists it's the truth.<br><br>A man arrives at the temple with his sick daughter, Ghita, and asks Arya to tend to the ailing girl. &quot;She suffers every day of her life,&quot; says the man. &quot;I just want it to end.&quot; Arya lies to the little girl, telling her that she too was once sick but drinking the waters of the fountain healed her. The girl takes a sip. Jaqen keeps watch over the exchange and later, after Arya washes Ghita's corpse, he leads her into the Hall of Faces. Arya is mesmerized by the cavernous space filled with thousands of distinct faces collected from all the corpses. Jaqen denies Arya a new face: &quot;A girl is not ready to become No One. But she is ready to become Someone Else.&quot;</p><p>Tyrion Lannister and Jorah Mormont stop along a stream, exhausted from their travels. Criticizing Jorah as a terrible traveling companion, Tyrion realizes Jorah knows nothing about what brought him to Essos. Tyrion explains he went on the run after killing Tywin and Shae, then goes on to praise Jeor Mormont – &quot;at least your father was a good man.&quot; As he mentions the passing of the Lord Commander, Tyrion belatedly realizes that Jorah didn't know about his father's death at the hand of Night's Watch mutineers. <br><br>Tyrion and Jorah continue walking and debate Daenerys' right to the Iron Throne. The argument is cut short when the duo is captured by slavers. Alarmed by their desire to kill him and sell his parts, Tyrion talks them into keeping him alive. He prompts Ser Jorah to play up his combat record so he can be sold not as a galley slave but as a warrior in the fighting pits of Meereen – getting them that much closer to Daenerys.</p><p>Identifying himself as simply &quot;Brother Lancel,&quot; Lancel Lannister greets Littlefinger upon his return to the capital. Lancel informs Littlefinger that the city is much changed: &quot;You'll find there's little tolerance for flesh peddlers in the new King's Landing.&quot; Littlefinger meets with Cersei and pledges the Knights of the Vale to her side, before breaking the news of Sansa's engagement to Ramsay Bolton. Cersei is furious, but Littlefinger advises patience: &quot;Let the enemies of the Throne slaughter each other and when they're done, seize Winterfell from whichever thief survives.&quot; Unable to muster a force any other way, Cersei agrees to use the Knights of the Vale to take Winterfell and name Littlefinger Warden of the North if they succeed.</p><p>Trystane Martell and Myrcella Baratheon discuss their impending marriage as they stroll through the Water Gardens, unaware they are being watched by Doran Martell. &quot;We must protect them,&quot; the prince tells his bodyguard Areo Hotah.<br><br>Jaime and Bronn, now dressed in uniforms stolen from the dead Dornish soldiers, approach Myrcella and Trystane. The introductions are surprising and awkward, more so when Trystane spots blood on Bronn's clothing. Bronn knocks the prince out before he can draw his sword but Myrcella resists Jaime's attempts to pull her away. The rescue is further complicated by the arrival of the Sand Snakes, who battle Jaime and Bronn for Myrcella until Areo puts an end to all the fighting. Ellaria is also taken into custody.</p><p>Olenna Tyrell, newly returned to King's Landing, consoles Margaery about Loras' arrest. She promises her granddaughter that she will take care of Cersei Lannister. In conference with the queen mother, Olenna threatens to stop subsidizing the crown but Cersei is unmoved, certain that the Tyrells don't want to slide the kingdom back into war. She assures Olenna that it will be a small hearing and once Loras is cleared, the &quot;happy alliance&quot; between the Lannisters and Tyrells will continue.<br><br>At the inquest, Loras downplays his relationship with Renly. He fought for Joffrey at the Blackwater – regardless of whose armor he wore, he reminds the High Sparrow. Loras vehemently denies the charges of fornication, buggery, and blasphemy. Margaery tries to evade questioning, but the High Sparrow is adamant: &quot;Neither kings nor queens are exempt from testimony at a holy inquest.&quot; Under oath, she too swears that Loras is innocent of the charges. With that, the High Sparrow brings in Olyvar, Loras' former squire. He testifies that he and Loras lay together many times, and that Margaery was aware of their relationship. Olyvar brings up a birthmark on Loras' thigh as proof of their intimacy, satisfying the High Sparrow who detains Loras for a formal trial. Margaery is also taken for bearing false witness. As his wife is dragged away begging for help, Tommen fails to intervene.</p><p>Ramsay's lover Myranda draws a bath for Sansa and advises her to keep Ramsay happy. As she washes Sansa's hair, she rattles off the names of the women who bored Ramsay, including Tansy, whom Ramsay and Myranda hunted and killed. Realizing that Myranda is in love with her fiancé, Sansa puts her in her place: &quot;I am Sansa Stark of Winterfell. This is my home. And you can't frighten me.&quot;<br><br>Escorted by Theon through the godswood, Sansa is married to Ramsay Bolton. Sansa retires with her new husband to his chambers where she confirms she is a virgin; Tyrion never touched her. Pleased by her honesty, Ramsay commands Sansa to undress, and for Theon to remain in the room and watch everything. Ramsay tears off Sansa's clothing and pushes his wife onto the bed. &quot;You've known Sansa since she was a girl,&quot; he tells Theon. &quot;Now watch her become a woman.&quot; Theon remains in the room, trembling and wanting to turn away. But he can't.</p></div>

The Gift

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Miguel Sapochnik<br></p><p>Lord Commander Jon Snow prepares to leave for Hardhome with Tormund. Alliser Thorne reiterates his disapproval of Jon's rescue mission. Samwell Tarly offers Jon a bag of dragonglass daggers. &quot;I hope you don't need them,&quot; he says.</p><p>Maester Aemon holds baby Sam and remembers his younger brother, Aegon &quot;Egg&quot; Targaryen. &quot;Get him south,&quot; Aemon warns Gilly, &quot;before it's too late.&quot; Later that night, Aemon passes away. Sam eulogizes the maester and, as the funeral pyre is lit, Thorne points out to Sam, &quot;You're losing all your friends.&quot;<br><br>Later Sam finds two of his Night's Watch brothers harassing Gilly. He pulls out his sword, but he is no match for the men and is brutally beaten. Ghost appears and saves him. Gilly nurses Sam's wounds and demands that next time Sam not risk getting killed on her behalf. He refuses to assent and promises to take care of both her and baby Sam no matter what. Gilly climbs on top of him and the two make love.</p><p>Theon Greyjoy brings a tray to Sansa Stark, who is locked in her bedchamber. She begs him to help her, but Theon is impassive. Sansa hands Theon the candle given to her by the old servant woman and asks him to light it in the highest tower to signal a rescue. Theon accepts the candle and agrees to light it… and then delivers it to Ramsay.<br><br>Ramsay requests that Sansa join him on the battlements. He explains that the emerging snowstorm is a lucky occurrence, as it will cripple Stannis' approaching army and secure Ramsay's future place as Warden of the North. Sansa points out that Roose's trueborn son will have a stronger claim than Ramsay. &quot;Bastards can rise high in the world,&quot; Ramsay rebuffs, mentioning that Jon is now Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. He then shows Sansa the flayed body of the old servant woman.</p><p>Davos Seaworth gives his report to Stannis Baratheon: Horses are dying and men are deserting. He urges Stannis to return to Castle Black to replenish their resources, but Stannis won't hear of retreat. With winter bearing down, they might be trapped at the Wall for years.<br><br>Melisandre encourages Stannis to trust in the Lord – she has seen the Bolton defeat in the flames. &quot;Sometimes, sacrifices are required for victory,&quot; she states, reminding him of the power of king's blood. Stannis orders Melisandre from his tent, disgusted.</p><p>Daario Naharis and Daenerys Targaryen discuss her impending marriage to Hizdahr zo Loraq. Daario insists that Dany has a choice in the matter – and should marry him instead. Dany rejects the proposal, citing her royal obligations. &quot;You are the only person in Meereen who is not free,&quot; Daario says, offering one more suggestion – that she slaughter all the city's masters.</p><p>Jorah Mormont is sold at a slave auction to a master named Yezzan. Tyrion Lannister orchestrates his purchase as well, beating a man with his chain to convince Yezzan of his worth. Tyrion advises his new master that they must fight in the Meereen fighting pits as free men. In response, Yezzan throws a single coin at Tyrion – wages for the rest of his life.<br><br>Yezzan's slaves, including Tyrion and Jorah, are led to a lesser fighting pit and confined to a holding room. Encouraged by Hizdahr, Dany takes a seat in the stands to honor the fighters with her presence. When Jorah realizes Dany is in attendance, he breaks out of the holding area. Wearing a helmet to disguise his identity, Jorah attacks the other fighters and, seeing how Dany is disgusted by bloodshed, uses non-lethal means to subdue his opponents. Dany looks on approvingly, until Jorah shows his face. &quot;I brought you a gift,&quot; Jorah pleads. &quot;He has,&quot; says Tyrion, rushing out to present himself to Dany.</p><p>Jaime Lannister speaks with Myrcella privately, and tells her that she must return to King's Landing. She refuses – she will stay in Dorne, her real home, and marry Trystane Martell.<br><br>Bronn and the Sand Snakes sit in adjacent cells. Through the bars, Tyene flirts with the sellsword, who bears a slight gash from one of her daggers. Suddenly, Bronn's vision blurs and blood drips from his nose. Tyene reveals that her dagger was coated with a deadly poison called the Long Farewell. &quot;It takes time to work,&quot; she admits, but contact with a single drop is fatal. She tosses Bronn the antidote, stored in her necklace, and he frantically swallows it.</p><p>Olenna Tyrell approaches a man scrubbing the sept, failing to recognize him as the High Sparrow. She asks for the return of her grandchildren, and offers to make the holy man the richest septon who ever lived. The High Sparrow reminds the Queen of Thorns that her grandchildren both lied under oath. &quot;The gods demand justice,&quot; he tells her. Olenna threatens to stop sending Tyrell crops to the capital, but the High Sparrow is not intimidated. &quot;You are the few,&quot; he tells her. &quot;We are the many.&quot;<br><br>Petyr &quot;Littlefinger&quot; Baelish meets with Lady Olenna in his destroyed brothel. They murdered King Joffrey together, Olenna reminds him. &quot;Our fates are joined,&quot; she says. Littlefinger admits that he came back to King's Landing because Cersei summoned him, but he has not forgotten their alliance. He offers Olenna the same &quot;gift&quot; he gave Cersei.</p><p>Cersei Lannister comforts her devastated son. She counsels Tommen to be strong, and offers to speak to the High Sparrow on his behalf. Cersei first visits a broken Margaery in her prison cell and offers her daughter-in-law a bowl of soup. &quot;I know you did this,&quot; Margaery states, cursing Cersei, and throws the dish at her spitefully.<br><br>Cersei visits the High Sparrow in an ancient chapel beneath the Sept of Baelor. He explains there will be a trial for the Tyrell siblings; high and low alike, true hearts will be laid bare. &quot;When we strip away your finery,&quot; he asks the queen mother, &quot;what will we find?&quot; With that, he ushers Lancel Lannister into the chapel and tells Cersei that the young man has fully unburdened himself about their relationship and other sins of hers. Cersei tries to leave, but is taken into custody and locked in a cell.</p></div>

Hardhome

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Miguel Sapochnik<br></p><p>Tyrion Lannister and Jorah Mormont stand before Queen Daenerys Targaryen. With his identity and intentions in question, Tyrion explains to Dany that his knowledge of Westeros and experience as Hand of the King are exactly what she needs. She tests him by asking what she should do about Jorah. Tyrion reasons that &quot;a ruler who kills those devoted to her is not a ruler who inspires devotion,&quot; but determines that she cannot have Jorah at her side. Dany agrees and spares Jorah's life, but exiles him once more. Broken and banished, Jorah checks the greyscale spreading on his arm. He returns to Yezzan, the slaver who bought him at auction, and trades his freedom to fight in front of Dany at the Great Pit.</p><p>Dany and Tyrion commiserate about being the terrible children of terrible fathers. Tyrion ponders if Dany is &quot;the right kind of terrible&quot; to rule a kingdom, and admits he is impressed by her. The two discuss Varys, and Tyrion assures her that the Spider is worth trusting as he is likely the reason that Dany is still alive. Dany decides that rather than kill Tyrion, she will make him her advisor. Furthermore, she tells Tyrion, her plan isn't merely to take the throne, but to stop the destructive cycle of Westerosi monarchs.</p><p>Cersei's jailer, Septa Unella, prods her for a confession. When Cersei refuses, Unella withholds water from her, forcing the queen mother to slurp what she can from her cell floor. Qyburn visits with updates: the High Sparrow is preparing a substantial case against her; there's been no word from Jaime; Kevan Lannister presides over the Small Council, and – most devastatingly for Cersei – Tommen has shut himself in, refusing to eat.</p><p>Roose and Ramsay Bolton discuss Stannis Baratheon's impending attack. Roose plans to wait for Stannis' troops to starve and mutiny, but Ramsay offers an alternative: striking first. &quot;I don't need an army,&quot; he tells his father, &quot;I need 20 good men.&quot;<br><br>Arya Stark plays the Game of Faces with Jaqen H'ghar at the House of Black and White. She expertly recounts her routine as an oyster vendor named Lanna. Pleased with her performance, Jaqen designates a route for &quot;Lanna&quot; with a task for the Many-Faced God. As Lanna, Arya meets the Thin Man, an insurer who is cheating his clients. Jaqen assigns Arya to keep watch over the Thin Man and presents her with a &quot;gift&quot; for him – a vial of poison. The waif maintains that the girl is not ready. &quot;It is all the same to the Many-Faced God,&quot; Jaqen replies.</p><p>Gilly tends to Samwell Tarly's wounds and Olly enters with a tray of food. In a private moment, the young steward questions Jon's decision to rescue the wildlings when they mercilessly slaughtered so many. Sam tells Olly he's seen the White Walkers assemble. &quot;When it's time,&quot; Sam says, &quot;we'll need every last man we can find.&quot;<br><br>Imprisoned in her chamber, Sansa asks Theon why he foiled her escape. &quot;He knows everything,&quot; Theon explains, recalling how Ramsay tortured him into submission when he himself tried to run. Admitting he deserves to be Reek, Theon lists his betrayals, and inadvertently reveals that he killed two farm boys – not Bran and Rickon Stark. Sansa realizes her little brothers are still alive.</p><p>Jon, Tormund and Dolorous Edd lead a group into Hardhome. Rattleshirt meets the rescue party and calls Tormund a traitor for allying himself with the crows. In response, Tormund beats Rattleshirt to death.<br><br>The wildling elders, including the giant Wun Wun and a woman named Karsi, gather to hear Jon Snow. The Lord Commander makes his case for an alliance and shows Sam's bag of dragonglass daggers. He offers to share the weapons – if the Free Folk come south of the Wall and swear to fight beside him &quot;when the real war begins.&quot; News of Mance's death deters the elders, but Tormund explains that Jon granted Mance mercy and vouches for Jon's leadership. A fraction of the council agree to Jon's plan, but a larger contingent refuses. Thousands of wildlings begin boarding the Night's Watch ships, but Jon laments to Tormund that they are leaving too many behind.<br><br>The weather abruptly changes, getting colder. The Army of the Dead has come. The wildlings frantically shut the gates, and hear the wights massacre those trapped outside the doors. On the beach, panicked wildlings surge towards Jon's ships. Wights scale the gate and a bloodbath ensues. Jon frantically tries to save the dragonglass daggers, but finds himself cornered by a White Walker. Though every other weapon shatters against the Walker's sword, the Valyrian steel of Longclaw holds strong and Jon kills the creature. From above, the Night King takes note of Jon.<br><br>A large group of wights jump off a cliff, only to rise unharmed to resume their murderous pursuits. Just as the gates fall, Jon, Tormund, Edd and Wun Wun make their escape. As their boat drifts away, the Night King raises his arms. The fallen wildlings – including Karsi – stand, their eyes now bright blue. A hundred thousand new wights. The Night King has his army now.</p></div>

The Dance of Dragons

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>David Nutter<br></p><p>Sensing something amiss, Melisandre walks out of her tent and watches as the Baratheon camp catches fire. In the morning, Davos Seaworth and Stannis Baratheon take stock of the damage wreaked by Ramsay Bolton and his 20 men. Short on food, weapons and horses, Davos tells Stannis there's no pressing forward unless there's a thaw, and not enough supplies to get them back to Castle Black. Stannis reiterates that retreat isn't an option, then joins Melisandre and Selyse. He sends for Davos soon after and instructs him to return to Castle Black to restock. Davos protests that as Hand, he shouldn't abandon his king, but Stannis insists Davos will be the most persuasive messenger. Because Stannis insists his family stays with him, Davos says goodbye to Princess Shireen. He presents his tutor with a carved stag and promises to see her again soon.</p><p>Jon Snow arrives at Castle Black with Tormund and the other surviving wildlings. After some hesitation, Ser Alliser Thorne instructs the guards to open the gates to the Lord Commander and the refugees. Samwell Tarly tries to console Jon, who is aware of the hostility being directed toward him, even from Olly. The men of the Watch warily eye the wildlings filing past them in the courtyard.</p><p>Jaime Lannister meets with Prince Doran Martell, Myrcella and Trystane to explain his presence in Dorne. He arrived in secret, he says, because of the threat against the princess. Doran watches Ellaria, and restating his commitment to peace, offers a toast to King Tommen. Ellaria refuses to join in, pouring her wine on the floor. Doran agrees to let Myrcella return to King's Landing in deference to Tommen's wishes but specifies that Trystane will go with her, keeping their engagement intact. Furthermore, Trystane will take Oberyn's place on the Small Council. Jaime readily agrees to these conditions. Ellaria is furious, but Doran warns her not to overstep. Doran defers to his son for Bronn's punishment and Trystane agrees to mercy, with one condition. When Bronn is ushered into the room, Areo Hotah cracks him across the jaw.</p><p>Arya, in the guise of Lanna, peddles shellfish by the waterfront. She prepares poisoned oysters for the Thin Man, but gets distracted when she sees a party from Westeros docking in the harbor. Spotting Meryn Trant in the group, Arya abandons her task and keeps her eye on him throughout the day. In the evening, Arya follows Trant and Lannister guards into a brothel, watching as he rejects a parade of professionals he considers "too old." Then a Lannister soldier sees Arya and brings her into the room to serve oysters, and Trant stares at her in her Lanna disguise, as if searching for recognition. The Madame returns and ushers Arya away before he does, presenting Meryn with a little servant girl. Meryn approves. He instructs the madame to procure another &quot;fresh one&quot; for the next night before escorting the girl away. Returning to the House of Black and White, Arya lies to Jaqen H'ghar, telling him the Thin Man was not hungry.</p><p>Given the choice of swearing her allegiance or dying, Ellaria tearily kneels before Doran as the Sand Snakes watch with dissatisfaction. Ellaria visits Jaime and brings up his love for Cersei, reminding him that such things would not matter in Dorne. &quot;The only thing that stays the same is that we want who we want,&quot; she says. She assures him she knows his daughter was not involved in Oberyn's death.</p><p>Stannis goes to visit Shireen and finds her absorbed by &quot;The Dance of Dragons,&quot; a history of the Targaryen civil war. The girl marvels that thousands had to die, and her father tries to explain that sometimes there are difficult choices to be made. Sensing his distress, Shireen offers to do what she can to help. &quot;I'm the Princess Shireen of House Baratheon,&quot; she says, embracing her father. Shireen is escorted through the camp, but she stops short when she sees the stake waiting her. Shireen calls out for her father, who doesn't intervene. When Melisandre ignites the flame, Selyse has a change of heart and tries to stop the proceedings but is held back. Shireen's cries fill the camp, and only Melisandre's eyes stay focused on the fire.</p><p>Hizdahr zo Loraq belatedly joins Queen Daenerys Targaryen and her entourage at the Great Pit of Daznak. With prompting from Hizdahr, Dany claps her hands to start the competition. Daario Naharis and Hizdahr argue about which fighter will triumph; Daario champions a smaller, wiry man against Hizdahr's more muscular choice. Hizdahr's man handily decapitates Daario's.<br><br>Hizdahr tries to defend the tradition of the fighting pit, but Dany and Tyrion remain skeptical that the violence is necessary. Their conversation stops short when Jorah Mormont enters the fray to fight for Dany's glory. She starts the fight and watches as Jorah battles for his survival against five other warriors, finally emerging victorious. Jorah turns to Dany in search of a reaction and, getting none, tosses his lance into the stands – striking a Son of the Harpy who was about to attack Dany with a dagger. With that, chaos spreads through the arena as the Sons of Harpy fight their way towards Dany and her entourage. Hizdahr tries to help Dany escape and is killed by the very group he was accused of leading. The remaining members of Dany's entourage make their way into the pit in search of escape, but are surrounded in the ring, clearly outnumbered. As Dany prepares to die, Drogon arrives, scorching the Sons of the Harpy and innocent bystanders. The Sons of the Harpy attack Drogon, hoping to overwhelm him with their numbers. Dany is afraid they might, and pulls some of the spears from his belly, withstanding his fury. She carefully climbs aboard the dragon and commands him to fly. Jorah, Daario and Missandei watch her take flight from below; Tyrion is awestruck by the sight.</p></div>

Mother's Mercy

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>David Nutter<br></p><p>The morning after Shireen's death, the camp has thawed and the ice is melting, and Stannis Baratheon dresses for battle. Melisandre credits the thaw to her king's sacrifice, and reiterates that the Lord of Light will ensure his victory. Stannis enters his camp and receives word that nearly half of his army has deserted. Even worse, Selyse Baratheon has hanged herself. Upon hearing the news, Melisandre flees. Stannis solemnly commands his troops to proceed for Winterfell anyway.<br><br>Taking advantage of a Bolton household distracted with battle preparations, Sansa escapes from her room using the bung auger she stole on the battlements, and follows the instructions she received from the Stark sympathizer. She climbs the tower and lights a candle, but Brienne of Tarth misses the signal. Informed by Podrick of the approaching flaming heart banners, Brienne had abandoned her post to pursue Stannis.</p><p>Before Stannis can ready his diminished forces for the siege, the Bolton army arrives on horseback. The Baratheon troops are gutted. Stannis, injured and exhausted, slumps against a tree, where he is discovered by Brienne. She informs him of the vow she swore to protect Renly. Defeated, Stannis confesses to his brother's murder. &quot;Go and do your duty,&quot; he says, and Brienne brings down Oathkeeper.<br><br>Sansa is confronted on the Winterfell battlements by Myranda and Theon. Armed with a bow and arrow, Myranda takes great pleasure in reminding Sansa of Ramsay's sadistic plans for her. As Myranda takes aim, Theon snaps and throws her into the courtyard to her death. Realizing the Bolton troops are returning, Theon and Sansa make a run for it. With no other option, they leap off the ramparts.</p><p>Meryn Trant tests potential girls at the Braavosi brothel by striking them. The kingsguard settles on the one girl who remains silent during his lashings. Alone with Meryn, the girl looks up to reveal the face of Ghita – the child who died at the House of Black and White. Then she pulls off the face and reveals herself as Arya Stark. Arya repeatedly stabs Meryn. &quot;You know who I am,&quot; she says, reminding him how he ended up on her kill list. &quot;You're no one,&quot; she tells him and slits his throat.<br><br>Arya sneaks Ghita's likeness back to the Hall of Faces, unaware Jaqen H'ghar and the Waif are waiting to confront her. &quot;A girl stole from the Many-Faced God,&quot; Jaqen reprimands. He holds up a vial of poison threateningly, as the Waif restrains Arya. Then Jaqen swallows from the vial himself and collapses. Arya falls into hysterics over Jaqen's lifeless body, when the Waif reveals her face to be Jaqen's. Confused, Arya pulls off one face after another from the body on the ground, stopping when she sees her own. &quot;What's happening?&quot; she screams as her vision blurs. She is blind.<br><br>Prince Doran Martell, Ellaria Sand and the Sand Snakes bid farewell to Jaime Lannister, Myrcella Baratheon and Trystane Martell as they depart for King's Landing. Prompted by Doran, Ellaria apologizes to Myrcella, and tenderly kisses the girl farewell.<br><br>In a private moment aboard the ship, Jaime begins to tell Myrcella the truth about her parentage. She stops him, revealing she already knows. &quot;I'm glad that you're my father,&quot; she says. The two share a hug, but blood begins to drip from Myrcella's nose. Jaime watches helplessly as his daughter collapses and dies. On the shore with the Sand Snakes, Ellaria wipes the fatal poison off her lips and swallows the antidote.</p><p>Tyrion Lannister, Daario Naharis and Jorah Mormont take stock in Dany's throne room. Grey Worm enters, questioning Jorah's presence. Daario confirms that the Andal saved Dany's life. The group formulates a plan: Daario and Jorah will set out to find their queen; Grey Worm, Missandei and Tyrion will stay and govern. Tyrion stares out across the unfamiliar city when he is joined by Varys, newly arrived. The spymaster pledges to help his old friend.<br><br>Dany works to persuade Drogon, now resting and nursing his wounds, to return to Meereen. She tries to climb on his back, but he won't budge. Dany sets out to find food when she hears the ground rumble beneath her. The queen spots a Dothraki rider and drops her ring, before finding herself surrounded by a vast horde.</p><p>Septa Unella visits Cersei, who cowers in her dark cell. Broken, Cersei confesses to the High Sparrow, admitting to her affair with Lancel, but denies the charges of incest. The High Sparrow maintains that she must still face a trial to separate truth from falsehood. Cersei begs for mercy, and the High Sparrow permits her to return to her son – after she atones for her sins.<br><br>A team of septas roughly scrub Cersei and slice off her long hair. Bleeding, she's brought naked before the crowd on the steps of the Sept of Baelor. The High Sparrow announces Cersei's sins and explains her penance – a walk of shame through the city streets. Cersei descends the stairs with Unella behind her, chanting &quot;shame&quot; and ringing a bell. The masses taunt Cersei, throwing food and feces. By the time she reaches the Red Keep, Cersei is covered in filth; her feet are raw and bloody. Grandmaester Pycelle and Kevan Lannister await her arrival, but only Qyburn moves to greet her. He covers her with a blanket and introduces the newest Kingsguard member, a monstrous man whom the maester explains has taken a vow of silence. The lumbering figure scoops Cersei in his arms and carries her safely inside the castle.</p><p>Jon Snow recounts the horrors of Hardhome to Samwell Tarly. The Lord Commander laments that he sacrificed the lives of his brothers and his reputation only to lose thousands of wildlings to the Army of the Dead. As the men reflect on the state of the Watch, Sam makes a request: that he be permitted to study at the Citadel in Oldtown. Gilly and baby Sam will die if they stay at Castle Black. Jon is sorry to see his friend go, but obliges.<br><br>Davos Seaworth attempts in vain to persuade Jon Snow to lend men to Stannis' fight. As they argue, Melisandre rides into camp. The two confront her, and their fears are confirmed: Stannis has lost, his army broken. Davos asks about Shireen, but Melisandre doesn't answer. Davos is heartbroken.<br><br>That night Olly runs into Jon's chamber with news that a wildling has seen his Uncle Benjen. Jon rushes out into the courtyard, only to find a sign reading &quot;Traitor.&quot; A group of men, including Alliser Thorne, take turns stabbing Jon. Olly delivers the final blow. Jon Snow collapses and dies.</p></div>

The Red Woman

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Jeremy Podeswa<br></p><p>Hearing the distressed howling of Ghost, Davos Seaworth steps out of his chamber at Castle Black to find a bloody Jon Snow lying under a sign that reads "Traitor." With the help of Dolorous Edd and a few loyal brothers of the Night's Watch, the former Lord Commander is carried inside and confirmed dead. Davos sends Edd to retrieve Ghost, while Melisandre is stunned to see Jon's lifeless body, claiming she saw him fighting at Winterfell in the flames, and Ser Alliser takes command of the Night's Watch.</p><p>At Winterfell, Ramsay Bolton mourns his dead lover Myranda, promising to avenge her. When Maester Wolkan asks whether to bury or burn the girl, Ramsay chastises him that this is good meat, and to feed her body to the hounds. Roose Bolton allows Ramsay no time to celebrate his victory over Stannis Baratheon, hinting that locating Sansa Stark and producing a son is imperative to Ramsay's status as his heir.<br><br>Having survived their leap from the Winterfell wall, Theon Greyjoy and Sansa flee through the woods, hoping to lose Ramsay's hunting party. Exhausted and frozen, the pair huddles together under a fallen tree. Before they can freeze to death, they hear the Bolton hounds approaching. Theon fails to lure the soldiers away from Sansa, but as the Bolton men move in to seize her, Brienne of Tarth and Podrick Payne appear on horseback. Pod is knocked on his back during the fight, but saved when Theon drives a sword through the soldier. Having defeated Ramsay's men, Brienne offers her services to Sansa once again, and the young Stark lady accepts.</p><p>Cersei Lannister is alerted that a Dornish ship is sailing into the King's Landing harbor. Eager to see Myrcella, Cersei rushes down to the waterfront. As the royal skiff approaches, Cersei's smile fades as she glimpses Jaime's face and the shrouded body behind him. Mourning the loss of her innocent daughter, a nearly broken Cersei tells Jaime that it was fate; her childhood prophecy cannot be stopped. Jaime looks his sister in the eyes, and tells her they will take back everything that has been taken from them.<br><br>Locked in her cell with Septa Unella, Margaery Tyrell requests to see her brother, Loras, to no avail. The High Sparrow enters and, after sending Unella away, shares his concern for King Tommen. Margaery maintains she has nothing to confess, but admits no one is entirely without sin.</p><p>Ellaria Sand helps Prince Doran Martell to his wheelchair in the Dornish Water Gardens. The two exchange pleasantries until a scroll arrives with news of Myrcella's death. As Doran takes in this information, Tyene Sand stabs Areo Hotah in the spine, killing him. Doran realizes he is trapped when his guards fail to intervene. Ellaria stabs the prince in the chest, proclaiming, "Weak men will never rule Dorne again."<br><br>Still docked in King's Landing, Trystane Martell paints eye stones for Myrcella when Obara and Nym Sand enter his cabin. The two sisters let their cousin decide who he will fight. Trystane chooses Nym and raises his sword to defend himself from Nym's whip, but Obara cheats and drives her spear through the back of his head, killing him immediately.</p><p>Walking through Meereen, Tyrion Lannister and Varys discuss the state of the city and Daenerys Targaryen's dipping popularity. Tyrion listens to another Red Priest urge freed slaves to fight for Daenerys, and Varys informs Tyrion his spies are at work to discover more about the Sons of the Harpy. They see a panicked crowd fleeing from the harbor and a cloud of smoke blanketing it, and discover the Meereenese fleet has been set ablaze.<br><br>Daario Naharis and Jorah Mormont search for Daenerys. In secret, Jorah checks on his progressing greyscale. The men stumble on an indentation in the grass, trampled down by a horde of horses, and in the middle of it, they find Dany's ring.<br><br>Daenerys, disheveled and bound, is brought before Khal Moro. In perfect Dothraki, Dany reveals she is the widow of Khal Drogo. Releasing her from her bonds, Moro promises not to touch her, but says he won't escort her back to Meereen. Instead, Dany must be taken to Vaes Dothrak, and live out the rest of her days with the other widowed khaleesis, the Dosh Khaleen.</p><p>A blind Arya Stark holds out a bowl for alms with other beggars in a Braavosi alleyway. The Waif approaches, tosses Arya a quarterstaff, and gives her no choice but to fight. Arya struggles to defend herself, and the Waif leaves her bloodied and bruised, promising to return the next day.</p><p>At the high table in the mess hall, Alliser Thorne defends the decision to murder Jon and wins over the Night's Watch to his command. Thorne approaches the Lord Commander's chamber, offering amnesty if Jon's loyalists leave without trouble. Unconvinced, the group discuss their options. Davos reminds them there are others who owe their life to Jon, and Edd departs to get backup. Davos mentions asking Melisandre for help, but the other loyalists are doubtful. Davos tells them they haven't seen what he's seen her do.<br><br>In her chamber, Melisandre undresses and examines herself in a mirror. When she removes her magic necklace, the Red Woman is revealed to be in reality an ancient and withered crone. Melisandre studies her reflection until she can bear it no longer, and climbs into bed.</p></div>

Home

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>Dave Hill<br><b>Directed by </b>Jeremy Podeswa<br></p><p>The Three-Eyed Raven accompanies Bran Stark into the past, to a Winterfell in the height of summer. Bran, no longer crippled, watches as 12-year-old Ned Stark and his 7-year-old brother Benjen train with wooden swords. Young and spirited Lyanna Stark rides in on horseback then gives the reins to a stable boy, Wylis, whom Bran recognizes as a young Hodor – but he can talk. The Three-Eyed Raven pulls a resistant Bran from the scene, and warns him not to allow his "great gift" to consume him.<br><br>Outside the cave, Bran cautions Meera that she isn't safe in the open, but Meera remains where she is. Leaf, a Child of the Forest, tells the girl that Bran won't be practicing his visions forever, and once he leaves he will need Meera's help.</p><p>At a tavern in King's Landing, a peasant lewdly describes his part in Cersei's walk of atonement. Staggering outside to relieve himself, the man looks up to find the Mountain, who crushes his skull.<br><br>Cersei, in mourning clothes, heads to the Sept, but is blocked by a group of Lannister guards. King Tommen has ordered that his mother remain in the Red Keep for her own safety, barring her from Myrcella's funeral. Cersei and the Mountain tensely face-off with the captain and his men, but the Queen Mother returns to her quarters.<br><br>Tommen and Jaime Lannister stand over Myrcella's body, discussing the search for Prince Trystane's killers. Tommen believes Cersei may be responsible, but has kept her from the funeral for another reason: the Faith Militant won't allow her inside the Sept. Jaime comforts the young king, and urges him to reconcile with his mother. As Tommen leaves, Jaime confronts the High Sparrow. He makes it clear he has no qualms about killing the holy man inside the Sept, but restrains himself when the Faith Militant appear.<br><br>Tommen visits his mother and apologizes for keeping her from the funeral. He admits he feels ashamed about his inability to help her and Margaery, and expresses his desire to be strong. Cersei embraces her last living child.</p><p>On the streets in Braavos, the Waif shows up to give Arya another "lesson." Beaten again, Arya hears Jaqen H'ghar ask who she is. "A girl has no name," she struggles to repeat, even when offered the return of her sight. Still blind, but having passed his test, Arya follows the Faceless Man back to the House of Black and White.</p><p>With no information about the burning of the Meereenese fleet, Tyrion drinks, and asks Varys for other news. Varys tells him that the masters of Astapor and Yunkai have retaken their cities. Inquiring after Dany's dragons, Tyrion discovers the two imprisoned beasts have stopped eating and, still tipsy, Tyrion decides to unchain them himself.<br><br>Once in the dragons' keep, Tyrion recounts his fascination with the beasts as a boy. He slowly removes the collar on Rhaegal, and is shocked as Viserion turns his head to request the same. Intimidated, Tyrion finishes the job and chastises Varys for letting him try it.</p><p>Lord Harald Karstark reports to Roose and Ramsay Bolton that the soldiers pursuing Sansa Stark have been found dead. Assuming she is headed north, Ramsay suggests they storm Castle Black, causing his father to scoff. Maester Wolkan interrupts with news of the birth of a healthy baby boy, prompting congratulations from Ramsay. Embracing his father, Ramsay then plunges a dagger into Roose's heart. Ramsay orders Wolkan to send Lady Walda and her newborn son to the courtyard, then leads them into the kennels. Walda begs to be allowed to return to the Riverlands with her son, but Ramsay, unmoved, releases his hungry hounds.<br><br>Making their way through the northern woods, Brienne shares with Sansa her run-in with Arya Stark. Theon, knowing he can "never make amends" for his betrayal of her family, tells Sansa he cannot go with her to Castle Black, and departs for "home."</p><p>Yara Greyjoy challenges her father, advocating peace for the Iron Islands. Heading out into a storm, Balon begins crossing a rope bridge to another Pyke tower, when he is stopped by a hooded figure. Revealing himself as Euron Greyjoy, the king's younger brother declares he has come for the throne. The elderly king taunts Euron for going mad while at sea, cutting out the tongues of his men: "What kind of an Ironborn loses his senses during a storm?" Balon snatches a dagger and dives at his brother, but Euron quickly tosses the king off the bridge to his death.<br><br>Yara and her uncle Aeron oversee Balon's funeral. As the body floats out to sea, Yara swears upon the Salt Throne she will avenge his murder. Aeron harshly reminds his niece that according to law, she must be voted onto the throne.</p><p>As Thorne-loyalists begin to break into the Lord Commander's chamber, a loud noise is heard from the main gate; Wun Wun, Tormund, and the other wildings rush in. Alliser attempts to rally the Night's Watch, but the giant has successfully cowed the Thorne supporters. Edd orders the mutineers be locked up. Tormund examines Jon, and leaves to gather wood for a pyre.<br><br>Ser Davos enters Melisandre's chamber to find she has been crying. When Davos asks if the priestess has the power to revive the Lord Commander, she doubts her own abilities. Urged to try, Melisandre chants and prays over Jon's bathed corpse, with Davos, Tormund and Edd watching, but eventually gives up.<br><br>Defeated, the group withdraws from the chamber. Only Ghost is present when Jon opens his eyes and breathes.</p></div>

Oathbreaker

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Dan Sackheim<br></p><p>Davos Seaworth stares as Jon Snow wakes up in the Lord Commander's chamber. Jon touches his stab wounds, and gasps, "I shouldn't be here." Astonished, Melisandre asks Jon what he saw after he died – and he responds, "nothing." Davos requests the Red Woman leave them and tries to comfort Jon, who questions why he was brought back, and laments how he failed. &quot;Go fail again," Davos advises the young man. As Jon emerges from his room, the wildings and Night's Watch gather in the courtyard, unsure what to make of the resurrected Lord Commander. Jon's discomfort wanes slightly as he is embraced by Tormund and Edd.</p><p>Gilly, elated by the adventure, sails to Oldtown with Samwell Tarly, who is wracked with seasickness. He confesses his plan for her and Little Sam: The Citadel won't allow women so he's taking her to his family in Horn Hill and will claim Gilly is his mistress and Little Sam is his bastard son. Gilly, upset at first, softens when Sam reminds her how much he cares for them. Referring to Sam as the father of her baby, she agrees to go.</p><p>Bran Stark and the Three-Eyed Raven return to the past, this time watching as young Ned Stark and his men approach a tower protected by two of the Mad King's Kingsguard. Bran immediately recognizes Ned's hero, Ser Arthur Dayne, "the best swordsman he ever saw." Dayne takes up arms instead of telling Ned where his sister is, and Bran is shocked to see his father's legendary defeat of Dayne revealed as a lie: Ser Arthur Dayne had beaten Ned when Howland Reed – Meera's father – stabbed Dayne in the back. Bran calls out to his father, prompting Ned to pause on the tower steps in confusion. When the Three-Eyed Raven pulls Bran back, the boy furiously demands answers. The Three-Eyed Raven always told him his powers couldn't affect the past, but now Bran has seen they can. His tutor assures him he won't be in the cave forever, but before he leaves, he must learn everything.</p><p>Daenerys is brought to Vaes Dothrak and the Temple of the Dosh Khaleen where her garments are stripped off and replaced with more appropriate attire. Aware of the life Daenerys had envisioned with Drogo, an elder priestess questions why Daenerys did not come to them directly after Drogo's death. Daenerys states she does not belong there, but is surprised to learn that now the khals can decide whether she becomes Dosh Khaleen – or suffers a worse fate.<br><br>Vala, the Meereenese prostitute who helped the Sons of Harpy murder members of the Unsullied and Second Sons, is brought to Varys. He offers a large bag of silver and passage to Pentos for her and her son, in exchange for information.<br><br>Attempting to socialize with Missandei and Grey Worm, Tyrion is interrupted by Varys, who has discovered the former masters of Astapor and Yunkai, with help from Volantis, are funding the Sons of the Harpy. Not ready to commit to war, Tyrion asks Varys to send a message instead.</p><p>In his laboratory, Qyburn hands out sweets to the children who served as Varys' "Little Birds," bringing him information. As the children scamper off, Cersei explains that at her trial she will request trial-by-combat, and Ser Gregor will be her unbeatable champion. The queen mother instructs Qyburn to place Little Birds throughout Westeros – she wants to hear every whisper about her family.<br><br>Escorted by the Mountain, Jaime and Cersei enter the Small Council to find that Grand Maester Pycelle, Mace and Olenna Tyrell, and Kevan Lannister, their uncle and now Hand of the King, have no interest in including them. "Seeing as you cannot make us leave," says Cersei, "we had best get on with it." Kevan agrees he cannot make them go, but makes his point by leaving himself, followed by the others.<br><br>King Tommen visits the Sept, insisting that the High Sparrow allow Cersei to see Myrcella's resting place. The High Sparrow refuses but takes the time to explain his reasons to Tommen. &quot;There is so much good in everyone,&quot; he tells the young king. &quot;The best we can do is help each other to bring it out.&quot;</p><p>Inside the House of Black and White, Arya trains with the Waif who interrogates her about her family and &quot;funny little&quot; list. Arya confesses that although she left the Hound to die, she had removed him from her list beforehand. Certain Arya has left off a name, the Waif takes a swing, and is dismayed when the blind girl blocks it. Jaqen H'ghar asks Arya to tell him her name, and she responds she has none. The Faceless Man leads her to the poisoned fountain and hands her a cup. Hesitating at first, she drinks – and finds her sight restored. Jaqen asks her again for her name, and when she answers, "No One" this time, she believes it.</p><p>Smalljon Umber meets with Ramsay Bolton and Harald Karstark. Concerned about the number of wildlings Jon Snow allowed past the Wall, Smalljon asks for help should they come farther south. Unwilling to kneel before Ramsay, Smalljon offers a "gift" instead: Osha and Rickon Stark, with Shaggydog's head as proof of their identity.</p><p>Thorne and his fellow mutineers stand on gallows in the Castle Black courtyard waiting to be hanged. As Jon asks for last words, Thorne is unrepentant, and Olly remains silent. Jon pauses, draws Longclaw and cuts the rope. He stares at his killers' dead faces. Edd says they should burn the bodies, and Jon agrees that Edd should. He hands over his Lord Commander's cloak, and gives Edd command of Castle Black: &quot;My watch is ended.&quot;</p></div>

Book of the Stranger

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Dan Sackheim<br></p><p>Jon Snow packs his possessions. Referencing Hardhome, Edd tries to convince his friend not to leave, but Jon is adamant he has fulfilled his oath. A horn sounds as Brienne, Podrick, and Sansa Stark arrive at Castle Black. Filthy and road-worn, Sansa looks around the courtyard, locking eyes with her stunned half-brother. Jon approaches her slowly, and the two embrace.<br><br>Once clean and warm, Sansa asks Jon to forgive her childhood behavior towards him. The two agree to stick together but Sansa tells Jon they must take Winterfell back from the Boltons. Jon states he is tired of fighting, but Sansa, no longer a girl, replies, "I'll do it myself, if I have to."<br><br>Asked if she plans to stay at Castle Black, Melisandre tells Davos she will "do as Jon Snow commands," but lowers her eyes when he mentions Stannis and presses her about Shireen's death. Brienne interrupts and surprises the pair when she declares, without remorse, that she was Stannis' executioner.<br><br>Silently eating with Jon, Sansa, and Edd, Tormund eyes Brienne in fascination. A Bolton letter arrives, taunting Jon with Rickon's imprisonment and threats against Sansa. &quot;Come and see,&quot; Ramsay taunts, signing it &quot;Lord of Winterfell.&quot; Realizing Roose has been murdered, Sansa entreats her brother once more to take up arms for their home.</p><p>Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish arrives in the Vale with a gift for Robin Arryn. Suspicious of Littlefinger's role in Sansa's marriage to Ramsay, Robin's guardian Lord Royce is incensed by Littlefinger's insinuation that he betrayed Sansa's travel plans. Looking to Robin for defense, Royce finds his ward is on Littlefinger's side; immediately cowed by mention of the Moon Door, Royce proclaims his faithfulness to House Arryn. Littlefinger subtly manipulates the boy to "forgive" Royce and help Sansa, whom Littlefinger assumes is headed to Castle Black.</p><p>The High Sparrow tells Margaery of his own humble origins: He was a cobbler who strove for luxury before realizing his indulgence was all for nothing. Impressed with her knowledge of The Seven-Pointed Star, he allows Margaery to visit Loras. Margaery is startled by her brother's condition, and encourages him to stay strong, but Loras begs his sister to &quot;let them win.&quot;<br><br>Finding Pycelle attempting to mentor Tommen, Cersei cuts the Grand Maester short, only to discover her son has been meeting with the High Sparrow. The young king is reluctant to share information he has received, but Cersei promises, "I am your mother. You can always trust me."<br><br>Jaime and Cersei join the Small Council, gaining Olenna Tyrell and Kevan Lannister's attention by revealing that a Walk of Atonement has been planned for Margaery. Jaime suggests the Tyrell army take Margaery back into Crown custody while the royal army stands down, in keeping with Tommen's wishes. When Cersei reminds Kevan this may be his only chance to save his son Lancel as well, he points out it could mean civil war. Olenna acknowledges it's a price worth paying.</p><p>Theon Greyjoy enters Pyke's Great Hall, unable to meet Yara's gaze. Demanding he look at her, Yara berates him for the men who died trying to save him, and accuses her brother of angling for the throne on the heels of Balon's death. Theon assures her he only just received the news and tries to assuage her suspicions: "You should rule the Iron Islands."<br><br>Inside his Winterfell chambers, Ramsay Bolton peels an apple as Osha is brought in. Her lack of fear intrigues the lord. Claiming no affection for Rickon, Osha eyes a paring knife and attempts to seduce Ramsay. Realizing too late that Theon has divulged her role in the Stark boys' escape, she grabs for the knife, but isn't fast enough. Ramsay shoves a dagger into the wilding's neck, and resumes his snack as Osha falls to the floor.</p><p>Tyrion invites three envoys to Meereen, offering a deal: The Masters will have seven years to abolish slavery, and will be compensated for their losses in return. He leaves the men with comely company to deliberate, to Missandei's disapproval. A group of Freedmen express outrage their enemies have entered the city, putting Missandei and Grey Worm in an awkward position. They defend Tyrion's tactic for making peace, but afterwards, warn their interim leader the Masters can never be trusted.<br><br>Climbing for a view of Vaes Dothrak, Daario Naharis teases the winded Jorah he would not have the stamina for the Mother of Dragons. Jorah, in deference to the rules of the city, removes his weapons. Daario begins to hand over his blades, but stops when he notices Jorah's greyscale, opting to hide his dagger himself. They sneak into the city, and though they try to avoid Dothraki revelers, they're caught in an alley. Daario snaps the neck of one Dothraki, while Jorah is knocked down by the other. Daario stabs the Screamer with his contraband dagger, but realizing the wound will look suspicious, picks up a rock and crushes his head to hide it.<br><br>Inside the temple, Daenerys is introduced to a young priestess who escorts her outside for some air. Emerging from the shadows, Daario grabs the girl, but Dany commands him not to kill her.<br><br>The following evening, Danaerys faces the khals. "You are small men," she tells them, "Under you, the Dothraki will be a small people." Moro's rage surfaces as Daenerys claims she will be the better leader. Calmly, she pushes over lit braziers, setting fire to the temple, and serenely watches the men burn. Emerging from the flames naked and &quot;unburnt&quot; Daenerys looks on defiantly as the khalasars, Dosh Khaleen, Jorah and Daario all prostrate themselves before her.</p></div>

The Door

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Jack Bender<br></p><p>Sansa meets with Littlefinger after receiving a letter bearing his sigil. Although surprised to see Brienne, he expresses relief Sansa is "unharmed." Sansa corrects her former guardian, forcing him to hear about the pain she endured with Ramsay. Dismissing his offer of aid, Sansa declares she will take back the North with her own army. In parting, Littlefinger informs her Brynden "The Blackfish" Tully has retaken Riverrun, and reminds her the army she has is not hers, but her half-brother's.<br><br>Jon Snow takes counsel as to who might join the Stark army. Davos has concerns about Jon's appeal, but Sansa is confident her trueborn status will bolster Jon's; his legitimacy is no different than Ramsay's. She divulges news of the restored Tully forces, but not her real source. Once in her chambers, Sansa orders Brienne to ride to Riverrun and enlist the Blackfish to their cause. Brienne, hesitant to leave Sansa, also questions why Sansa withheld her meeting with Littlefinger. Readying to leave Castle Black, Sansa gives Jon a handmade cloak bearing the Stark sigil. The group departs, while Edd, in his first act as Lord Commander, remains in the courtyard and orders the closing of the gate.</p><p>The Waif continues to drill Arya, mocking her high-born origins. Jaqen H'ghar explains that the Faceless Men were slaves in Valyria before establishing the Free City of Braavos and the House of Black &amp; White. Handing Arya a vial, Jaqen tells her an actress, Lady Crane, will be the next to receive the Many-Faced God's "gift."<br><br>Arya enjoys the spectacle of the actors re-enacting the War of the Five Kings, playing Baratheons and Lannisters, but her pleasure ceases when her father, and his execution, are caricatured. Arya sneaks into the dressing room to observe her target – the actress playing Cersei – who appears to be a clever, decent woman. Arya later shares with Jaqen her plan to poison Lady Crane's rum. Arya suspects that a jealous younger actress, Bianca, has commissioned the kill. Jaqen cuts her off, reminding her a servant does not question.<br><br>Thousands of years in the past, in a lush green locale, Bran and the Three-Eyed Raven find Leaf and other Children of the Forest huddled in front of a weirwood tree with a man tied to it. Leaf inserts a shard of dragonglass into the man's chest, and his eyes turn ice blue. The Children of the Forest created the White Walkers. Pulled back to the cave, Bran demands to know why. "We needed to defend ourselves," Leaf says, "From you. From men."</p><p>Yara Greyjoy is met with skepticism at the kingsmoot until Theon asserts she is the "rightful ruler." Her supporters' cheers are interrupted by Euron Greyjoy, who steps forward to lay his claim to the Salt Throne. Accused of Balon's murder, he apologizes only for not having done it sooner. Euron proposes re-building the enormous "Iron Fleet," which he will deliver to Daenerys Targaryen in exchange for her hand in marriage. Together they will destroy the lords of Westeros and rule all Seven Kingdoms, not just the Iron Islands. After his proposal, Euron is chosen as king.<br><br>In accordance with tradition, the priest Aeron Greyjoy drowns Euron. When his brother revives, Aeron places a driftwood crown on his head. Euron rallies his supporters to kill Yara and Theon, but discovers they have stolen off with his best ships. The new king tells his subjects to begin building anew.</p><p>Daenerys debates what to do with Jorah, but he tells her he must be sent away. Revealing his ever-spreading greyscale, Jorah professes, "Tyrion Lannister was right. I love you." Daenerys stops her loyal bodyguard from leaving to give one final command: Find a cure and return to her.<br><br>Temporary peace has come to Meereen, but Tyrion wants people to know that Daenerys is responsible. Looking for a voice the people will believe, Tyrion and Varys meet with Kinvara, a High Priestess of the Lord of Light. In order to prove her power to the skeptical Varys, she speaks of the night he was mutilated and heard a voice call out from the flames. The priestess asks Varys, "Should I tell you what the voice said? Should I tell you the name of the one who spoke?"</p><p>Bored, Bran grasps the weirwood and returns to the location where the first White Walker was born, only to find it now a frozen wasteland. He sees the Army of the Dead and walks amongst the wights, until the Night King, astride his horse, looks directly at him. Frozen in fear, Bran realizes the entire army has turned to face him. The Night King closes his hand around the boy's forearm. Screaming, Bran opens his eyes in the cave; the Three-Eyed Raven tells them they all must leave; by touching Bran, the Night King has broken the cave's magical protection. First, however, Bran must become him. "Am I ready?" Bran asks. "No," says his tutor.<br><br>While the Three-Eyed Raven is transferring his knowledge to Bran, Meera notices a chill in the cave. She rushes to the entrance and finds the Army of the Dead gathered outside. While the Children try to hold them off, Meera runs back into the cave. Bran is stuck in a vision watching young Ned bid farewell to his own father, Rickard, in the courtyard at Winterfell, and cannot be stirred. Meera yells for the panicking Hodor to get Bran onto the sledge. Faintly hearing Meera's pleas for help even in the past, Bran wargs into a terrified Hodor, who pulls the motionless boy through the tunnels alongside Meera, chased by wights from all sides. Bran's direwolf, Summer, is killed in the fight, and Leaf sacrifices herself so they have a chance to escape out a back door.<br><br>Inside the cave, the Night King approaches the immobile Three-Eyed Raven, blade aloft. The old man tells Bran, "leave me," and turns to ash in the courtyard as the Night King destroys his body. Bran sees Wylis staring at him, and the stable boy collapses to the ground, eyes rolled back.<br><br>Outside the door of the cave, Meera pulls the sledge into the blizzard, yelling for Hodor to "hold the door" against the relentless wights. As he does so, his past-self, Wylis – linked to him through Bran's powers – begins to repeat Meera's command. The dead grasp at Hodor, tearing at him, but he refuses to let them through, sacrificing himself to save his friends. In the past, Bran watches the convulsing young Wylis fuse "Hold the door" into one word: "Hodor." The only word he'll ever speak again.</p></div>

Blood of My Blood

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>Bryan Cogman<br><b>Directed by </b>Jack Bender<br></p><p>As Meera struggles to pull Bran's sledge through the snow, he cycles through visions of his fall, Ned's execution, Drogon, the Red Wedding, Hardhome, and the Mad King shrieking, "Burn them all." Then Bran's eyes refocus, and he returns to consciousness for the first time since the cave – though strangely changed. "They found us," he matter-of-factly tells the exhausted girl. A group of wights close in for the kill, but a rider appears, swinging a flaming chain-and-scythe. "The dead don't rest," the stranger warns. Effortlessly, he pulls the two onto his horse and takes them to safety.</p><p>Meera watches their protector with suspicion. "When I last saw you, you were a boy," the cloaked man says to Bran, and reveals he is Bran's uncle, Benjen Stark. Disfigured and frostbitten, Benjen explains he was almost turned by the White Walkers, but the Children stopped the process by plunging a shard of dragonglass into his heart. He warns Bran he must learn to control the Three-Eyed Raven's power before the Night King comes.</p><p>En route to Horn Hill, Sam prepares Gilly to meet his father, and warns her to conceal her wildling origins. Gilly is astonished by the size of the estate and the graciousness of Sam's mother. Sam's sister dresses Gilly up for dinner, stunning Sam. Randyll Tarly is dismissive of his oldest son throughout the meal and outraged when he learns – through a slip of Gilly's – that his dinner guest is a wildling. He points to Heartsbane, the Tarly family sword, and says Sam will never wield it. To please his wife, Randyll agrees Gilly may work in the kitchens and Little Sam (still believed to be Sam's child) will be raised at Horn Hill. Samwell, however, will never be allowed in the castle again.</p><p>In Gilly's chambers, Sam bids farewell to her and the baby. "You're not what he thinks you are," Gilly assures him. Reconsidering, Sam decides the maesters will "make do" and find a place for all of them at the Citadel. "We belong together," he says, and leaves with Gilly and Little Sam – though not before taking Heartsbane as his rightful inheritance.<br><br>Walder Frey's sons Lothar and ‘Black' Walder abashedly defend their loss of Riverrun to the Blackfish, Brynden Tully: Families are rising against them, and the Brotherhood Without Banners is rallying the commoners. Unsatisfied, Walder orders them to take the castle back from the Blackfish by reminding him they still have Edmure Tully.</p><p>The High Sparrow eases King Tommen's concerns about Margaery's Walk of Atonement by suggesting the Gods will "predispose the common people to gentleness" because of the queen's goodness. As the young man considers this, the High Sparrow takes him to see his wife.<br><br>Margaery shares with Tommen the truths she has found through the High Sparrow's guidance. The two agree the spiritual leader is not what they expected. She tells her husband not to worry, "The Gods have a plan for us all."<br><br>A crowd has gathered for Margaery's walk. Mace Tyrell, accompanied by Jaime Lannister, leads the Tyrell infantry to the steps of the Sept. Jaime demands the return of the Tyrell siblings but the High Sparrow confuses everyone when he says a Walk will not be necessary: "Queen Margaery has already atoned for her sins by bringing another into the true light of the Seven." Tommen emerges, followed by Kingsguard wearing breastplates signifying the union of the Crown and Seven-Pointed-Star. Olenna Tyrell and Jaime watch helplessly as the new alliance is declared.<br><br>In the Great Hall, Tommen asserts an attack on the Faith is an attack on the Crown, and strips Jaime of his command. He tells Jaime he will continue to serve as he has always done, but not in King's Landing. An enraged Jaime tells Cersei he has been assigned to deal with the situation in the Riverlands but he'd rather stay and kill the High Sparrow. Cersei calms her partner: It is time for Jaime to take his place at the head of the Lannister army. "We've always been together. We will always be together," she promises.</p><p>Arya watches the players reenact King Joffrey's death. Although most of the actors play their roles in farce, Lady Crane performs Cersei's final monologue without histrionics, doing her best with the poor writing. Arya slips into the dressing room and poisons the actress's rum, but is stopped by Lady Crane before she can exit. The thespian solicits Arya's critique, which the girl gives before hurrying out. Izembaro, the lead actor and playwright, gets angry at Lady Crane for insulting his work, but the actress merely turns to her rum. As Lady Crane is about to drink, Arya reappears to swat the glass out of her hands, and gives a pointed warning about Bianca. Unbeknownst to Arya, the Waif has witnessed this intervention, and reports back to Jaqen. The Faceless Man permits the Waif to handle the situation with one request: "Don't let her suffer."<br><br>By the Braavosi canal, Arya retrieves her sword, Needle, from its hiding place, and does not return to the House of Black and White.</p><p>Riding at the head of the Dothraki horde, Daario estimates Daenerys will need at least a thousand ships to bring her army to Westeros. He asks what is next after the Iron Throne: "You weren't made to sit on a chair in a palace." The queen rides off, but returns soon on the back of Drogon. "Every khal who ever lived chose three blood riders to fight beside him,&quot; she declares. &quot;I am not a khal… I choose you all." The enormous khalasar roars, pledging to deliver her the Seven Kingdoms. Daario is awed – and also terrified.</p></div>

The Broken Man

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>Bryan Cogman<br><b>Directed by </b>Mark Mylod<br></p><p>Brother Ray walks amongst his followers as they work together to build a new sept. A solitary figure single-handedly carries a huge log; he is the Hound.<br><br>As Sandor Clegane chops wood, the septon comments it must have taken quite a monster of a man to bring him down. "He was a woman," the Hound replies. Remembering the condition in which he found the Hound, Ray concludes: "The Gods aren't done with you yet."</p><p>The High Sparrow visits Margaery. Informed by Tommen that Margaery has been avoiding marital &quot;congress,&quot; he reminds her an heir is necessary to continue their work. He further suggests she focus on her grandmother, subtly threatening the Queen of Thorns' well-being if she can't be taught &quot;the new way.&quot;<br><br>Margaery meets with Olenna, who is irritated by the constant presence of Unella in Margaery's chambers. Margaery shares the proposal for Loras' future: he will return to Highgarden, but as a penitent, stripped of his title. She advises her grandmother she too should leave for Highgarden, but Olenna protests. Margaery secretly presses a note into her grandmother's hand, and stresses, "You must." Leaving her granddaughter, Olenna unfolds the note to find a drawing of a rose. Margaery's newfound piety may not be so pure, after all.<br><br>Cersei questions Olenna about her decision to leave the city, admitting she underestimated the High Sparrow. Although relishing Cersei's desperation, Olenna is not interested in helping her fight the fanatics, and plans to depart King's Landing while she can.</p><p>Jon and his band meet with the wildling chieftains to engage their support. One leader, Dim Dalba, contends it is not the war they pledged to fight. Jon agrees, "but I need you with me if we're going to beat them, and we need to beat them if you're going to survive." Tormund backs Jon, and Wun-Wun voices his support with a simple, "Snow." Dim Dalba, representing the others, shakes Jon's hand in assent.<br><br>Standing before 10-year-old Lyanna Mormont of Bear Island, Jon, Sansa, and Davos are caught off-guard by the young lady's no-nonsense manner. Jon references her letter to Stannis: "Bear Island knows no king but the King in the North, whose name is Stark." Lyanna counters as far as she's concerned, neither sibling is a Stark, but a Snow and a Bolton. Davos steps in and, rather than condescend to her, he sympathizes with the unexpected responsibility which the girl now has as head of her house: &quot;We have to fight. And we have to do it together." Swayed by his approach, Lyanna offers the men she can – 62 in total. Davos diplomatically says, "If they're half as ferocious as their lady, the Boltons are doomed."<br><br>The group meets with Robett Glover. Having just won his castle back from the Ironborn with help from the Boltons, Glover is resistant even before hearing that Jon and Sansa's army is mostly wildlings. Sansa attempts to remind Glover of his duty, but the former bannerman erupts in fury: "House Stark is dead." <br><br>The Northern allies gather at the site of Stannis' old camp. Despite Sansa's insistence that they continue to gather their forces, Jon says they must march on Winterfell soon – they are out of time.<br><br>Alone in her tent, Sansa writes a letter, hesitates, then seals it with the direwolf sigil.</p><p>Jaime Lannister and Bronn arrive at Riverrun with the Lannister army and find the Frey's siege in a sorry state. &quot;Black&quot; Walder and Lothar draw out their threat to kill Edmure, first by hanging, then by slitting his throat. The Blackfish, watching from the ramparts, easily calls their bluff. Jaime chastises the brothers for their incompetence and empty threats. "I'm here by the King's command to take back this castle," he calmly says, and tells Bronn to get word to the Blackfish for a parley.<br><br>On the Riverrun drawbridge, the Blackfish makes it clear he will not forfeit, and believes Edmure's fate to be sealed. Unwilling to discuss terms, the Blackfish explains he agreed to meet to get the measure of the Kingslayer, and is disappointed with the result.</p><p>The Ironborn find amusement in a Volantis brothel. Yara kisses a courtesan with pleasure, but notes Theon's discomfort. She commands her brother to drink: "I need you. The real Theon… can you find him for me?" Laying out plans to make her own pact with the Dragon Queen, Yara asks if he is with her. Theon nods; Yara kisses him on the forehead, and joins her courtesan.<br><br>Arya books passage back to Westeros. Pausing on a bridge for a last look over the city, she is approached by an old woman, who suddenly stabs her. The crone removes her face to reveal the Waif, and Arya dives into the canal for safety.<br><br>Emerging from the water and bleeding badly from her torso, Arya looks around, panicked; anyone could be a Faceless Man.</p><p>The Hound listens with the rest of the community as Ray reflects on his time as a soldier, and the violent orders he executed that continue to haunt him. When a trio from the Brotherhood Without Banners approaches, Ray greets them politely, but tension is high when the septon claims not to have any resources to give them. "The night is dark and full of terrors," Lem Lemoncloak warns before riding off.<br><br>Frustrated with the handling of the situation, the Hound chops firewood as Ray explains his rationale, "Violence is a disease. You don't cure it by spreading it to more people." The Hound replies, "You don't cure it by dying, either."<br><br>Ray heads back to the village while the Hound keeps chopping wood. Later, still working alone, the Hound hears a scream. Returning to the building site, he finds the slain bodies of the villagers and Ray hanging from the sept's unfinished rafters. Noticing a trail of hoof-prints, the Hound grabs his axe.</p></div>

No One

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Mark Mylod<br></p><p>In the Gate Theatre, Lady Crane completes a revised version of Joffrey's death scene onstage, having incorporated Arya's notes. It brings down the house. Heading to the dressing room for a celebratory drink, she finds Arya still bleeding profusely, hiding in the corner.<br><br>Lady Crane brings Arya to her personal quarters to tend to the girl's injuries, as Arya inquires after Bianca. "She'll have a hard time working as an actress, after what I did to her face," Lady Crane answers. She invites Arya to join the acting troupe, but Arya, aware she will be hunted, speaks of wanting to see what's "west of Westeros."</p><p>The Hound comes upon a small group from the Brotherhood Without Banners, including a pair who helped destroy Ray's sept. He quickly dispatches them with his axe.<br><br>Still searching for the others, the Hound is surprised to find Lem Lemoncloak and his other accomplices already in nooses, surrounded by Beric Dondarrion, Thoros of Myr, and the rest of the Brotherhood. After some negotiation, Beric allows the Hound to kill Lem, but only by hanging. Sensing a change in the Hound, Beric tries to persuade him to join the Brotherhood, but the Hound refuses. Dondarrion argues, with words not unlike Brother Ray's, "You can still help a lot more than you've harmed, Clegane. It's not too late for you." The Hound considers the offer.</p><p>Tyrion and Varys walk through a reinvigorated Meereen, noting the Red Priestess preaching support for Daenerys. Varys mollifies Tyrion's concerns about the missing queen, and the two friends part ways as Varys boards a ship.<br><br>Having convinced Missandei and Grey Worm to drink a toast to Daenerys, Tyrion asks for jokes. The light-hearted, though slightly awkward, moment is interrupted when the Masters' war armada announces its arrival.<br><br>With the city under attack, Tyrion admits he was wrong about the Masters but Grey Worm takes charge of the city's defenses. A thud is heard on the roof, and the defensive Unsullied immediately raise their spears, before dropping to their knees as Daenerys – most displeased – walks through the balcony door.</p><p>Cersei is thrown when members of the Faith Militant are granted permission into the Red Keep – and by Tommen, who's at prayer. Lancel tells her the High Sparrow requires her presence at the Great Sept. Visibly nervous, Cersei refuses to go, and demands the men leave. As members of the Faith move forward, the Mountain steps in front of her, and Cersei, with newfound confidence, doesn't budge. Several of the fanatics approach, but the Mountain makes quick work of them. "Please tell his High Holiness he's always welcome to visit," Cersei smirks.<br><br>Cersei enters the throne room, surprised she wasn't told of an imminent royal pronouncement. Kevan forbids her to stand by Tommen and Cersei is shunted to the side with the other ladies of the court. Tommen announces the date of his mother's and Loras' trials, and declares that trials-by-combat will no longer be permitted in the Seven Kingdoms. The Mountain will no longer be able to save Cersei. Tommen leaves, unable to meet his mother's eyes. Qyburn approaches the stricken Cersei, mentioning an "old rumor" his Little Birds have investigated. Cersei asks, "Is it a rumor or something more?" The ex-Maester confirms, "More. Much more."</p><p>Brienne and Podrick arrive at Riverrun, taking in the current state of the siege. When Lannister guards draw close, she calmly informs them she has come to speak with Jaime: "Tell him I have his sword."<br><br>Outside Jaime's tent, Bronn surprises Pod with a chokehold. Happy to find the squire still alive, Bronn teaches the young man his own style of fighting.<br><br>Meeting privately, Jaime is surprised and proud that Brienne fulfilled her oath to Catelyn Stark. Brienne explains Sansa's desire for aid from the Tully army, and requests Jaime's permission to enter the castle and plead her case to the Blackfish; should he agree to help his niece, Brienne asks that the Tully army be allowed to abandon the property unharmed. Jaime gives her until nightfall. Brienne removes Oathkeeper, but Jaime shakes his head, "It's yours. It will always be yours." Brienne keeps the sword, but reminds Jaime that should it come to battle, she will be obligated to fight for Sansa's kin against him.<br><br>Rejecting Brienne's idea before even looking at Sansa's letter, the Blackfish finally relents and reads it. Although he understands that Sansa wants her home back, he says he has to defend his own home foremost, and cannot offer his niece aid.<br><br>Jaime visits the captive Edmure Tully to offer a deal, and mentions his admiration for Catelyn, Edmure's sister. Edmure declares Jaime a madman, indicating his unwillingness to work with the Kingslayer. Uninterested in negotiating, Jaime speaks of the son Edmure has yet to meet, and warns there is nothing he will not do to win this battle and return to Cersei.<br><br>Standing on the drawbridge, Edmure demands entrance to the castle as Lord of Riverrun. Despite the Blackfish's orders, the bridge is lowered to the castle's rightful lord. Once inside, Edmure issues a surrender and instructions to find his uncle. The Blackfish leads Brienne and Podrick to a skiff, but does not flee with them. "You'll serve Sansa far better than I ever could," he says before drawing his sword.<br><br>The castle taken, and the Blackfish dead, Jaime looks out on the water. Seeing the skiff, he knows he could have his men seize Brienne and Podrick as enemies. Instead he raises his golden hand in farewell to the boat's passengers. Brienne, returning his gaze, does the same.</p><p>Lady Crane climbs up on a stool to reach something, when, unnoticed by the actress, a figure enters the room. Arya wakes suddenly when she hears a loud crash, and cautiously goes to investigate. Horrified, she finds the Waif standing over Lady Crane's contorted body. Arya jumps out a nearby window, clumsily running through the Braavosi streets as the Waif aggressively pursues her. Once Arya realizes she can't outrun the Waif, she leads the assassin back to the grotto where she once slept, her wound bleeding again. As the Waif steps forward for the kill, Arya raises Needle, closes her eyes, and swings the blade to slice the top off a nearby candle. The room falls dark – and only one of them ever learned to fight blind.<br><br>Jaqen H'ghar follows a trail of blood through the Hall of Faces to find the Waif's face, crudely removed and newly mounted on the wall. Seeing Arya, he tells her she has won her way into the Faceless Men. "Finally, a girl is No One." But Arya dismisses his praise, "A girl is Arya Stark of Winterfell. And I'm going home."</p></div>

Battle of the Bastards

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Miguel Sapochnik<br></p><p>In response to the attack on Meereen, Daenerys decides she will crucify the Masters and destroy their cities. Tyrion likens Dany's plan to her father, who planned to King's Landing with wildfire, and suggests "an alternate approach."<br><br>Daenerys and her council meet with the three slaver envoys, who assume they are negotiating Daenerys' surrender. The trio inform the queen the Unsullied and Missandei will be sold to the highest bidders, and the dragons slaughtered. Daenerys clarifies her position by climbing onto Drogon and leading her three dragons to lay waste to the slavers' warships, while Daario and her Dothraki horde cut down the Sons of the Harpy surrounding the city.<br><br>Missandei tells the envoys one of them will die as punishment for breaking their pact. Razdal and Belicho shove Yezzan forward, but Grey Worm slashes Belicho and Razdal's necks instead. Tyrion charges the still-startled Yezzan with telling his people what happened "when Daenerys Stormborn and her dragons came to Meereen."</p><p>In a field outside of Winterfell, Jon Snow and his supporters meet with Ramsay Bolton and his contingent. Ramsay tells Jon to kneel and all will be pardoned. Agreeing there is no need for thousands to die, Jon offers to fight one-on-one instead. Ramsay declines and reminds them he has Rickon, presenting Shaggydog's head as proof. Sansa coolly tells her husband he will die the next day. Looking at the men, Ramsay comments his dogs have not been fed in a week. "In the morning then, bastard," he says.<br><br>Jon, Davos, and Tormund lay out their battle plan while Sansa listens from the side, excluded. Clearly outnumbered, they determine it is crucial that Ramsay's men charge first. Once alone with Jon, Sansa voices frustration she wasn't consulted given her knowledge of Ramsay. When Jon asks how she suggests they get Rickon back, she says they probably never will. "As long as he lives, Ramsay's claim to Winterfell will be contested," she explains. Admitting she knows nothing about battles, she advises Jon to not do what Ramsay wants. Jon scoffs at the obviousness of her suggestion, but Sansa insists that what's most obvious is they should have waited to build a stronger force. "Battles have been won against greater odds," Jon says. Sansa makes one thing clear: should Ramsay win, she will not go back to him alive.</p><p>Disturbed by his conversation with Sansa, Jon tells Melisandre she is not to bring him back should he fall in the battle. The priestess denies his request, reminding him that she serves the Lord of Light, not him. She does admit, however, that the Lord of Light might only have brought Jon back to die in the battle anyway.<br><br>Discussing Stannis Baratheon and Mance Rayder, Davos posits to Tormund their mistake might have been believing in kings. "Jon Snow's not a king," Tormund replies, and leaves for a drink.<br><br>Walking the camp all night, Davos discovers snow-covered mounds of charred timber, the remnants from Shireen's pyre. Amongst the ruins he finds the carved stag he made for Shirren, completely scorched. Before he can process what this means, a war horns sounds in the distance. It's time for battle.</p><p>Daenerys and Tyrion receive the Greyjoy siblings, who offer their ships in exchange for Dany's support of Yara's claim to the Salt Throne. Acknowledging Euron will have his own pitch, they explain that Euron's overture will include a marriage proposal. Daenerys is intrigued by Yara, but states that, unlike their fathers, they will leave the world a better place – the days of reaving and raping are over. Hesitating momentarily, Yara agrees to give up the Ironborn way of life. The two clasp arms in agreement.</p><p>Jon's troops stand in formation across the battlefield from the much larger Bolton army. Ramsay leads Rickon by rope to the front of the lines and surprises everyone by cutting Rickon's binds. Releasing the boy, Ramsay tells him to run to his brother. Rickon sees Ramsay's bow being brought to him and speeds toward the other side. Disregarding caution, Jon leaps onto his horse and races to reach his brother before the arrows do, but fails. Rickon is struck down and Jon, overcome with rage, loses sight of his side's careful strategy and charges the Bolton army. The Stark troops follow their leader into battle while Ramsay commands his archers to loose and his cavalry to charge. Staggering to his feet after his horse is hit, Jon prepares to face oncoming death, but is saved by the arrival of his cavalry, which collides with the Boltons'.<br><br>Men and horses fall everywhere, especially where the two cavalries met. As bodies start to pile up, Davos and his archers drop their bows, draw swords, and rush forward. The Bolton forces then march forward and surround the Stark supporters with a shield wall, and lower their spears. Wun-Wun the Giant and Tormund attempt to break through, but the shielded troops move forward, skewering Jon's men and crushing them against each other. When the wildlings try to flee over the pile of bodies to their rear, they're met by Ramsay's own infantry, led by Smalljon Umber.<br><br>Tormund and Smalljon exchange blows, and it looks like Tormund has finally met his match. Jon is knocked down and might be trampled to death. Ramsay watches his imminent victory with glee from the safety of the high ground. Jon finally claws his way above the fray, looks around, and knows the battle is lost. Then a warhorn sounds -- the Knights of the Vale have arrived. From a distance, Littlefinger and Sansa observe as the Vale cavalry break the Bolton lines. Tormund gouges out Smalljon's eyes and finishes the kill. Jon spots Ramsay headed back to Winterfell, and he, Tormund, and Wun-Wun tear after the Warden of the North.<br><br>Ramsay bars the gate, confident he can wait out any siege. Wun-Wun, using what's left of his energy, breaks through the heavy doors. The giant's body shields the wildlings from the Bolton arrows, allowing them to rush into the courtyard and take it. As Jon goes to see to Wun-Wun's wounds, the last of the giants is killed by an arrow to the eye. Ramsay, standing with bow and quiver, taunts Jon, "You suggested one-on-one combat, didn't you?…I've reconsidered." As Ramsay draws and looses, Jon snatches a shield and blocks the arrows with singularly focus. Finally he reaches Ramsay and pummels him. He stops only when he sees Sansa: Ramsay is not his to kill. The Stark banner goes up and Jon instructs his men to bury Rickon in the crypt, next to Ned.</p><p>Sansa heads to the kennels where the bloodied Ramsay is chained to a chair. Her former torturer tells her, "You can't kill me. I'm part of you now." As the hounds pad forward, Ramsay is confident his beasts are loyal. "They were," Sansa says, "but now they're starving." An animal sniffs, then rips into Ramsay's face. He screams as the other dogs join in. Sansa watches for a moment then turns away, smiling at her revenge.</p></div>

The Winds of Winter

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by </b>David Benioff and D.B. Weiss<br><b>Directed by </b>Miguel Sapochnik<br></p><p>The day of Cersei's and Loras's trial has arrived, and the main players dress for the event: Cersei in a dress embellished with armor, Margaery in modest garb. The High Sparrow pulls on his simple robe, and Lancel escorts Loras from his cell. Pycelle dismisses a prostitute without paying her, and is stopped on his way to the Sept by a child. Frowning, the Grand Maester follows the small messenger. Tommen, still in his chambers, takes a moment to gather himself, but finds his path blocked by the Mountain.<br><br>A crowd gathers in the Sept. Kevan Lannister and Mace Tyrell look on as the High Sparrow addresses Loras. The Tyrell heir responds with a prepared statement: Guilty of his crimes, he renounces his lordship, and devotes his life to the Seven. Margaery holds her father back as Lancel carves a star into Loras's forehead. Unsurprised that Cersei is not yet present, the High Sparrow sends Lancel to fetch her. Cersei, still at the Red Keep, pours herself a glass of wine.<br><br>Pycelle is led to Qyburn's laboratory. The Master of Whispers tells the elderly man, "Sometimes before we can usher in the new, the old must be put to rest." Knives in hand, his Little Birds stab Pycelle to death.<br><br>Outside the Sept, Lancel spots a boy scurrying through a door at the base of the building. Suspicious, Lancel follows the child's torchlight down a passageway. In darkness, Lancel calls out, but collapses when the boy paralyzes him with a dagger to the spine. Lancel drags himself towards a faint, green glow, and discovers the cache of wildfire and a trio of candles slowly burning down to their wicks.<br><br>Margaery, sensing Cersei has outplayed them, tries to convince the High Sparrow to evacuate the Sept. She grabs her brother, but is stopped by the Faith Militant. In the tunnels, Lancel is unable to stop the wildfire from igniting. The explosion incinerates the Sept, and everyone inside. Watching from her chambers, Cersei smiles with satisfaction and toasts the destruction of her enemies.</p><p>The Sept destroyed, the Mountain leaves a stunned Tommen's room. Later a messenger informs him of his beloved wife's death. Alone, the king removes his crown, steps to the window, and drops himself off the ledge.<br><br>In the Red Keep dungeons, Cersei douses Unella's face with wine, and confesses to murdering the Sparrows, among other crimes. The septa declares herself ready to die, but Cersei has other plans; Ser Gregor steps forward, removing his helmet. Unella screams as Cersei closes the cell door.<br><br>Cersei, standing over Tommen's body, directs Qyburn to lay her son to rest with Tywin, Myrcella and Joffrey: "Burn him, and bury his ashes where the Sept once stood."</p><p>At the Twins, Frey and Lannister soldiers celebrate their success at Riverrun. Bronn is irritated when a pretty servant girl takes note of Jaime, but is consoled by two others. Walder Frey takes Bronn's seat, overly pleased with his victory. The Kingslayer knocks him back down, noting that it's the Lannisters who are feared in the Riverlands. "If we have to ride north and take them back … every time you lose them," he asks Ser Walder, "Why do we need you?"<br><br>In the days after the celebration, Walder dines alone and asks for his sons. The pretty servant girl explains the two are present, and gestures to Walder's pie where he spots a finger. Removing her face, Arya identifies herself and tells Walder it will be the last thing he sees. She slits his throat in the same way her mother's was.<br><br>Samwell, Gilly and the baby arrive at the Citadel. Despite the functionary's annoyance he was not informed of Jeor Mormont and Maester Aemon's passings, he allows Sam inside for a meeting with the Archmaester. Allowed to wait in the library, Sam is awestruck by its enormous collection of books. A dream come true.</p><p>Jon Snow and Melisandre stand in Winterfell's Great Hall when Ser Davos enters with Shireen's charred wooden stag. The Red Woman reluctantly admits to the burning. Davos requests leave to execute the priestess, but Jon exiles her instead. Melisandre argues they will need her in the fight to come, but accepts the verdict and leaves.<br><br>Jon tells Sansa he has had the lord's chambers prepared for her, crediting her with winning the battle. They agree only a fool would trust Littlefinger, but they have to at least trust each other. Sansa informs Jon a white raven has arrived from the Citadel: Winter is here.<br><br>Littlefinger approaches Sansa by the godswood tree and tells her every action he takes is motivated by the possibility of a future together ruling the Seven Kingdoms. Sansa gently rejects him and goes to leave, but not before Littlefinger reminds her she is the trueborn Stark.<br><br>In mourning garb, Olenna Tyrell sits with Ellaria and the Sand Snakes in the Water Gardens of Dorne. "Cersei stole the future from me … It's not survival that I'm after now," she says. Understanding, Ellaria offers a different solution, and Varys enters the room, promising "fire and blood."</p><p>Daenerys Targaryen tells Daario Naharis that he and the Second Sons will stay in Meereen to maintain peace. Daario urges her to reconsider, "I don't want a crown. I want you," but the decision has been made. She tells him directions will be left regarding the welfare of the newly renamed Bay of Dragons, and they bid each other farewell.<br><br>Attempting to console the stoic queen, Tyrion comments everything she has wanted is now hers for the taking. "For what it's worth," he tells her, "I believe in you." Returning the compliment, Daenerys, attaches a pin to his lapel: "Tyrion Lannister, I name you Hand of the Queen."</p><p>Benjen explains that ancient spells are carved into the Wall's foundations and he cannot pass, but will continue to fight for the living on this side of the Wall. Bran bids his uncle goodbye, and drags himself to the nearby weirwood tree. Placing his hands on its bark, his eyes roll back.<br><br>He returns to the Tower of Joy. Following Ned inside, they find Lyanna Stark, bloody and sweat-covered in bed. Ned tries to comfort his sister, who is in obvious pain.<br>Pulling him close, Lyanna whispers in his ear, telling him to "promise me." A baby is placed into Ned's arms. He looks down at the infant's familiar brown eyes.<br><br>Jon's eyes, in fact. Jon and Sansa sit at the high table in the Winterfell Great Hall while Lyanna Mormont shames the Northern lords who did not answer the Stark call. "I don't care if he's a bastard," the fierce young lady says, "He's my king, from this day until his last." Wyman Manderly declares Jon the "White Wolf" and pronounces him "King of the North." The others join in. Jon and Sansa exchange smiles, but hers fades as Jon turns away. She glances at Littlefinger.</p><p>Jaime and Bronn return to King's Landing to find the Sept in ruins. Racing to the Red Keep, Jaime enters the throne room and watches as Qyburn crowns Cersei, "Queen of the Seven Kingdoms."<br><br>Drogon, Viserion and Rhaegal fly over a massive armada made up of Tyrell, Martell, and Greyjoy ships, bearing a hundred thousand Dothraki and Unsullied inside them. On the lead ship, Daenerys and her supporters finally sail for Westeros.</p></div>

Dragonstone

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by David Benioff &amp; D.B. Weiss</b></p><p></p><p><b>Directed by Jeremy Podeswa</b></p><p></p><p> </p><p>In the feast hall of the Twins, a very-much alive Walder Frey addresses the Frey men, toasting to their bravery at the Red Wedding and to the future of their house. The celebration takes a turn, however, when one by one the Frey men collapse from the poisoned wine. Arya Stark pulls off the face of Walder Frey and instructs Walder's young widow to, &quot;Tell them winter came for House Frey&quot; before leaving the corpse-strewn room.<br>nn</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p>Arya rides through the woods and comes across a group of young Lannister soldiers tasked with keeping the peace in the Riverlands. Arya warily accepts their offer of food and listens to them chat about missing their homes and families, all the while plotting how to kill them. When they ask why she's headed to King's Landing, Arya casually mentions she's going to kill the queen. After a moment's silence, the soldiers all burst into laughter. Arya soon joins in: Nobody is going to die here today.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p>In a vision, Bran watches the Night King leading his White Walkers and the massive Army of the Dead, comprised of wildlings, Night's Watchmen, Thenns, and even giants. Bran Stark emerges from warging as he and Meera Reed arrive at the tunnel through the Wall to Castle Black. Surprised by Bran's knowledge of his own personal history, Dolorous Edd raises the gate and allows the strangers to enter.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p>Jon Snow, the King in the North, addresses his lords in the Great Hall of Winterfell. He urges the houses to train everyone, regardless of age and gender, to fight the impending war, and asks every maester to scour records for mentions of dragonglass. Tormund agrees to have the Free Folk man the abandoned Night's Watch castles along the Wall, and volunteers to go to Eastwatch-by-the-Sea. The conversation turns tense when Sansa publicly disagrees with Jon's decision to allow the Umbers and Karstarks to keep their homes, but Jon holds fast to his decision, and young Ned Umber and Alys Karstark swear their loyalty. Sansa is displeased, and Littlefinger watches everything.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p>Afterwards, Jon tells Sansa not to undermine him in front of the other lords and ladies. Sansa counters that listening to her may be a wise idea. Maester Wolkan arrives with a message from Cersei: Bend the knee or suffer the consequences. Sansa warns her brother not to underestimate the Lannister queen.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p>Brienne of Tarth trains Podrick Payne in the Winterfell courtyard as the wildlings prepare to depart for Eastwatch-by-the-Sea. Lord Baelish approaches Sansa on the walkway and tells her he only wants her to be safe and happy. In no mood for Littlefinger's repartee, Sansa cuts him off as Brienne approaches. Brienne voices her concern that Littlefinger is only sticking around because he wants something, but Sansa knows exactly what Baelish wants.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p>In the Red Keep, Jaime Lannister finds Cersei pacing a floor painted with a map of Westeros. Guessing Tyrion and Daenerys will land at Dragonstone, Jaime tries to convey the danger to House Lannister, but Cersei shrugs off his concerns.</p><p></p><p>Euron Greyjoy's ship, the Silence, sails into Blackwater Bay with the rest of the Iron Fleet. Jaime, disdainful of a Greyjoy alliance, wants to know how it benefits Euron. Cersei's answer surprises him: a queen.</p><p></p><p>Euron makes his case to Cersei as she sits on the Iron Throne, but she declines his proposal. Knowing she has little reason to trust him, the King of the Iron Islands promises to return with a priceless gift to prove his worthiness.</p><p></p><p>Beric Dondarrion, Thoros of Myr, the Hound and the rest of the Brotherhood Without Banners continue to make their way north. Seeking shelter from the wind and snow, they take refuge in an abandoned farmhouse. The Hound recognizes the home: he and Arya sheltered there before he stole his host's silver. Inside, the group finds the skeletons of the farmer and his daughter; Beric posits the pair was starving, and the father took their lives to end their suffering.</p><p></p><p>While eating, the Hound questions the Lord of Light's interest in Beric, but Dondarrion doesn't have an answer. Thoros suggests the Hound look into the flames of the hearth. The Hound objects at first, but curiosity gets the better of him. Carefully looking into the blaze, he is stunned to see a castle along the Wall, and the Army of the Dead marching past a mountain shaped like an arrowhead.</p><p></p><p>Thoros wakes up in the night to the sound of shoveling outside. He discovers the Hound burying the skeletons of the farmer and his little girl. Thoros grabs a shovel to help, and stays while the Hound stumbles through a prayer.</p><p></p><p>Wearing an acolyte's robes, Samwell Tarly trudges through his chores in the Citadel infirmary, scrub room, privy, mess hall, and library, where he eyes a gated section of restricted books. Later, while assisting Archmaester Ebrose with an autopsy, Sam requests access to the restricted section, hoping to find information to use against the White Walkers. Unlike other maesters, Ebrose believes Sam is telling the truth about what he's seen, but he denies Sam's request. With no other option, Sam steals a set of keys from a sleeping maester and slips several of the restricted books and scrolls into his bag.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p>In their shared room above an Oldtown tavern, Sam and Gilly pore through the books. Sam pauses on a page with a map of Dragonstone revealing a rich lode of dragonglass on the island. Sam immediately writes to Jon.</p><p></p><p>The following morning, Sam returns to his duties at the Citadel infirmary. A hand riddled with greyscale reaches for him from one of the cells. A voice – Ser Jorah Mormont's – asks if the Dragon Queen has come yet. Sam stutters he hasn't heard anything and scurries off.</p><p></p><p>Daenerys Targaryen, Tyrion Lannister, Missandei, Grey Worm and Varys approach her family's ancestral home of Dragonstone in a skiff. As her dragons fly overhead, Daenerys lands on Westerosi soil for the first time since she was an infant, and runs her hand through the sand of her birthplace. She enters the castle, tearing down the Baratheon banners left by Stannis, and passes through the audience chamber. Without saying a word, Tyrion follows her into the map room. The pair look over the abandoned table covered with ship and sigil pieces. Daenerys turns to her Hand and asks, "Shall we begin?"</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p></div>

Stormborn

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by Bryan Cogman</b></p><p><b>Directed by Mark Mylod</b></p><p> </p><p>While a storm lashes Dragonstone, Daenerys discusses the conquest of Westeros. Tyrion believes she can take the Iron Throne without a long and costly war, given their new alliances with House Tyrell of the Reach and Dorne. Daenerys thanks Varys for his help in this regard, but also uses the moment to question the Spider's loyalty. Varys holds his own and pledges to always be honest with the queen. She in turn promises to burn him alive if he betrays her as he did his other rulers. Dany moves on to Tyrion, seeking assurance he will fight against and defeat his own siblings. Tyrion tells her he will find a way to convince her of his loyalty. Satisfied, Dany turns her attention to other matters – receiving the Red Priestess Melisandre.<br></p><p>Melisandre introduces herself and, in High Valyrian, informs Daenerys the Long Night is coming again and only the "prince who was promised" can save them. Daenerys counters she is not a prince – but Missandei corrects her translation; the word is genderless, and could refer to either a prince or princess. Less confident than she once was, Melisandre will not say whom she believes is promised, but knows both Daenerys and Jon Snow, the King in the North, have roles to play. Tyrion is surprised by the news of Jon's rise to power, and suggests he would make a valuable ally. Daenerys tells Tyrion to invite Jon Snow to Dragonstone and bend the knee.</p><p>At Winterfell, Sansa, Jon and Davos discuss Tyrion's invitation. Both Sansa and Jon voice their belief Tyrion is a good man, but still think the invitation is too dangerous to accept. Davos agrees, but can't help mentioning fire kills wights and Daenerys has dragons.</p><p>Queen Cersei speaks to a gathering of Westerosi noblemen including Randyll Tarly. She asserts the Mad King's daughter will be no better than her father, whose reign of terror they can't have forgotten. Randyll asks how she intends to fight three dragons; Qyburn cryptically answers they are working towards a solution.</p><p>When the meeting concludes, Jaime pulls Randyll and his son Dickon aside. Knowing the influence the Tarlys hold over the other houses, Jaime seeks to enlist Randyll to their side, reminding Randyll his liege -- Olenna Tyrell -- now fights alongside foreign Dothraki and eunuchs. Jaime then offers Randyll the title of Warden of the South in exchange for his loyalty.</p><p> </p><p>Qyburn leads Cersei through a corridor beneath the Red Keep to the chamber where the skulls of the Targaryen dragons are kept. The queen lays her eyes on the largest of the skulls – that of Aegon the Conqueror's dragon, Balerion the Dread. Having heard one of Daenerys' dragons was injured by a spear in Meereen, proving they're vulnerable, Qyburn reveals an enormous scorpion, a crossbow-like device with its steel-headed bolt aimed at the imposing skull. Pulling the lever to release the bolt, Cersei smiles as it smashes through the ancient bone.</p><p>Daenerys and her supporters continue to debate strategy. Firmly, but diplomatically, Daenerys says they will not risk many innocent lives by storming King's Landing, but instead lay siege to the capital. Tyrion lays out the strategy: since using their foreign fighters – the Dothraki and Unsullied – would only hurt them in the eyes of the Westerosi lords, the Greyjoys will escort Ellaria to Dorne to collect her army and then, alongside the Tyrell forces, surround King's Landing. Meanwhile, the Unsullied will assault Casterly Rock to take away the last refuge of House Lannister and deal a symbolic blow to Cersei's cause. The group agrees to the plan, but Olenna, alone with Dany, instructs the young queen to consider listening less to the "clever men" around her, and embrace who she is: a dragon.</p><p>Missandel enters Grey Worm's chamber, wondering why the soldier was not planning to say goodbye before heading to Casterly Rock. Grey Worm confesses it was too hard because Missandei is his weakness. He kisses her, surprising both of them. Missandei drops her gown, and gently undresses the self-conscious Grey Worm. Getting onto the bed, the two find other ways to express their love.</p><p> </p><p>Inside a quarantine cell at the Citadel, Sam watches Archmaester Ebrose examine Jorah's greyscale. Ebrose gives Jorah 10 to 20 years left to live, but only six months before his mind is overtaken. Speaking out of turn, Sam mentions Stannis Baratheon's daughter Shireen was cured of the disease, but the Archmaester says Jorah's situation has progressed well beyond their skill level. Sam is surprised to discover Jorah is the son of the late Lord Commander Mormont of the Night's Watch.</p><p>Sam follows Ebrose through the library, helping collect books. He tells the Archmaester he believes he's found a way to treat greyscale in a study of rare diseases. Ebrose, familiar with the procedure, ends the conversation by stating it is far too dangerous, and forbidden.</p><p>That night, Samwell returns to Jorah's cell, explaining he was with Jeor Mormont when he died. Handing Jorah rum to drink and placing a leather bit into the knight's mouth, Sam proceeds to use a scalpel and tweezers to peel away Jorah's infected skin, and applies an ointment to the newly exposed area.</p><p>Arya eavesdrops on merchants in the Inn at the Crossroads until she's surprised by Hot Pie, who asks if Brienne ever found her. She tells her old friend she is headed to King's Landing, but is taken aback when Hot Pie reveals Jon Snow has retaken Winterfell from the Boltons. Outside, Arya weighs her options, and chooses to head north.</p><p>Arya makes camp in the woods, but is drawn to her feet by the sound of howling. A wolf pack slowly surrounds her, and its alpha steps into view. Arya locks eyes with the enormous creature and recognizes Nymeria. She asks her direwolf to return home to Winterfell with her, but understands when Nymeria steps back into the woods.</p><p>Maester Wolkan delivers a scroll to Jon, who calls a meeting of his northern allies. Jon shares the contents of this new message: Samwell Tarly has discovered Dragonstone sits on a mountain of dragonglass. He then reveals to the crowd he plans to accept Tyrion's invitation to Dragonstone. Sansa protests he is abandoning his people, but Jon states only a king can persuade a queen, and he is leaving the North in good hands: hers.</p><p>Standing before Ned's statue in the crypt, Jon is caught off guard when Littlefinger emerges from the shadows. Littlefinger swears he is not one of Jon's enemies; he loves Sansa just as he once loved her mother. Jon grabs Littlefinger by the throat and issues a warning to stay away from his sister. Leaving the crypt, Jon waves goodbye to Sansa and rides off with Davos and several Stark soldiers.</p><p>Below deck on Yara's ship, Theon watches uncomfortably as Yara and Ellaria flirt. They are interrupted by a sudden explosion, and the Greyjoy siblings rush on deck to discover their fleet under attack and their uncle Euron's warship, the Silence, heading straight for them. Euron's men storm aboard, outnumbering Yara's men. Tyene runs to protect her mother below, while Obara and Nym take on Euron. He manages to disarm both women and kill them with their own weapons. His men seize Ellaria and Tyene from their compartment and drag them away.</p><p>Yara fights Euron, but he overpowers her. Holding his ax against Yara's throat, Euron taunts Theon, who stands frozen on the deck. To Euron's delight, Theon drops his sword and jumps overboard. Floating in the water, Theon watches as Yara's fleet burns and the Silence sails off with his sister.</p></div>

The Queen's Justice

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by David Benioff &amp; D.B. Weiss</b></p><p><b>Directed by Mark Mylod</b></p><p> </p><p>Jon Snow, Ser Davos and their armed guard arrive on the shores of Dragonstone. Jon and Tyrion greet each other warmly, but the Northerners hesitate when asked to hand over their weapons. Davos, struck by Missandei, comments Dragonstone has indeed changed.</p><p>Tyrion asks after Sansa, though assures Jon that their marriage was an unconsummated sham. After Jon and his men take cover when Rhaegal flies past, Tyrion gestures to the castle ahead: "Their mother's waiting for you."</p><p>On a bluff overhead, Varys questions Melisandre about the distance she's keeping from Jon. She replies they did not part on the best terms and she plans to head to Volantis. Varys insinuates the Red Priestess may not be safe in Westeros, but Melisandre promises she will return, as she has to die in the "strange country" just like the Spider. Looking at the sea, Varys spies a single Greyjoy ship slowly sailing into harbor.</p><p>Introductions are made in the Dragonstone throne room. Although Jon's title is not as grand as Dany's, Davos reminds the Dragon Queen that Jon should still be addressed as "your grace." Daenerys and Jon debate the validity of the oath of loyalty sworn by Torrhen Stark, the last King in the North; Jon argues it was nullified when the last Targaryen burnt his grandfather and uncle alive. He is surprised when Dany asks for forgiveness on behalf of her father's crimes, and he acknowledges she is not to blame for the Mad King's mistakes just as he is not beholden to his ancestor's vows. He explains he has come to band together to fight the greater enemy -- not Cersei, but the Army of the Dead. </p><p>Although Tyrion vouches for Jon's trustworthiness and sanity, Dany remains focused on her goal: to rule the Seven Kingdoms. Impressed but unshaken, Jon tells her she'll be ruling a graveyard. Davos rationalizes the same destiny that returned Daenerys to Westeros was the one that made Jon King in the North, but Jon stops his Hand from revealing his resurrection. Tyrion presses Jon to bend the knee, and when he refuses, Dany interprets it as an act of rebellion. After Varys enters with private information, she dismisses her guest, carefully stating he is not her prisoner "yet."</p><p>Varys informs Dany the majority of the Greyjoy ships have been sunk or captured, and Ellaria, the Sand Snakes and the Greyjoys are all most likely dead or captured. </p><p>Theon, shivering and wet, is hauled onto an Ironbon ship. He claims he failed in his attempt to save Yara, but his men don't believe him and turn away, disgusted.</p><p>Euron rides through King's Landing, triumphantly dragging Yara, Ellaria and Tyene behind him. He presents Ellaria and her daughter to Cersei; Ellaria stares at the Mountain, shocked to see him alive. Euron is eager to claim Cersei's hand, but the queen agrees to give him what he wants, "when the war is won." Openly mocked by Euron, Jaime struggles to restrain himself.</p><p>Ellaria and Tyene are chained in the Red Keep dungeon as Cersei circles their cell, reminding her of Oberyn and Myrcella. Taunting Ellaria, Cersei kisses Tyene on the mouth, then wipes off her lipstick and drinks from a vial. Tyene, realizing what's happened, cries out, as her mother, gagged, looks on in horror. Cersei tells Ellaria she will remain alive to watch her daughter die and her body waste away. Mother and daughter move to one another, but their chains keep them inches apart, unable to touch.</p><p>In Cersei's bedchamber, Jaime massages the stump on his right arm. The queen enters, and, no longer bothered by Jaime's injury, kisses him passionately. Removing Jaime's pants, Cersei sinks to her knees. At dawn, Cersei's handmaiden knocks on the bedchamber door to announce a visitor from Braavos. Jaime is worried about being seen in his sister's bed but, smiling at her brother, the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms says matter-of-factly, "I'll do as I please." Cersei opens the door wide enough for the girl to see Jaime. </p><p>Tycho Nestoris of the Iron Bank sits in the Small Council chamber, looking to discuss the Lannister debt and future investments with Cersei. Cersei pointedly asks how the Iron Bank is profiting now that Daenerys has ended slavery. Inviting Tycho to stay for a fortnight, she promises her debt will soon be paid in full.</p><p>Both brooding, Jon and Tyrion look over the cliffs at Dragonstone. Jon cannot fathom why the coming threat in the North is being ignored, and although Tyrion claims to believe him, the Queen's Hand is dealing with a missing fleet and dead allies. He suggests Jon ask for something more reasonable. </p><p>In the Dragonstone map room, Tyrion convinces Daenerys that allowing Jon to mine for dragonglass might help create a much needed new alliance. Daenerys grants Jon his request while the two watch Viserion and Rhaegal fly over Dragonstone.</p><p>Evaluating Winterfell's needs for winter with Littlefinger, Lord Royce and Maester Wolkan, Sansa proves herself a smart and perceptive leader. Alone with Lady Stark, Littlefinger suggests she not focus on one battle, but consider every possibility so she is never surprised. A guard interrupts to call Sansa to the main gate. Crossing the courtyard, Sansa sees Bran Stark and Meera Reed. Sansa rushes to hug her brother, unaware of the blank expression on Bran's face. </p><p>The newly reunited siblings sit in the godswood. Bran attempts to explain he can never be Lord of Winterfell: He is the Three-Eyed Raven, and although he can see everything, he must learn to see better. Puzzled, Sansa's unease escalates when Bran looks around and comments how beautiful she looked in her white wedding dress.</p><p>Archmaester Ebrose examines Jorah, who claims he "just started feeling better" thanks to rest and the climate. Unconvinced by Jorah's excuses, but seeing the infection is no longer active, Ebrose informs Jorah he is free to go. That evening, Ebrose reprimands Sam for not doing as he was told and endangering everyone in the Citadel, then commends him for saving a man's life. Sam is disappointed to receive a new tedious task, copying disintegrating manuscripts and scrolls.</p><p>Looking over the map table in Dragonstone, Varys informs Daenerys without Ellaria Sand, Dorne will "descend into chaos." Tyrion tells his queen it will be a battle to take Casterly Rock, but the Unsullied have one advantage: He oversaw the rebuilding of the Rock's sewers, and created a secret passageway for his own personal use. </p><p>Having entered Casterly Rock, Grey Worm and his soldiers are confused to discover the castle mostly unmanned. Grey Worm realizes Euron's fleet has surrounded the Unsullied ships; he grabs a nearby Lannister guard, demanding to know where the rest of the troops are.</p><p>Accompanied by Bronn, Randyll and Dickon Tarly, Jamie leads the Lannister army through the Reach. Olenna Tyrell watches from her balcony at Highgarden. After the battle, paying no attention to the dead soldiers around him, Jaime enters the Queen of Thorns' chamber. </p><p>Aware of her fate, Olenna compliments Jaime's use of Casterly Rock as a distraction, then asks how she will die. Olenna admits she resorted to terrible deeds for the sake of her family, but Cersei went beyond even what she could imagine. Jaime conveys Cersei had far worse ideas for Olenna's death, but he convinced her it should be a painless poison. Swallowing her wine without hesitation, Olenna plays her final card. "I'd hate to die like your son," she says. "Tell Cersei. I want her to know I did it."</p></div>

The Spoils of War

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by David Benioff &amp; D.B. Weiss</b></p><p><b>Directed by Matt Shakman</b></p><p> </p><p>Jaime Lannister pensively inspects the passing carriages loaded with Highgarden gold. Bronn questions his sulky attitude and asks when he'll receive what he's owed. Jaime tosses the sellsword a bag of coins, promising he'll have his choice of castles when the war is won. Randyll Tarly, followed by his son Dickon, reports on the status of the stores and harvest also being loaded onto wagons. </p><p>In King's Landing, Tycho Nestoris is impressed Cersei will be repaying her debt so quickly. Cersei mentions she will need to expand her military to reestablish control over Westeros, and Qyburn has reached out to the Golden Company in Essos for support. Seeing potential in Cersei's future ventures, Tycho assures her the Iron Bank will also be happy to assist -- as soon as the gold arrives.</p><p>Within his Winterfell chambers, Bran sits in a new wheelchair as Littlefinger presents him with the dagger used in the attempt on Bran's life. While Littlefinger rues he couldn't save Catelyn, Bran unsentimentally examines the blade. Finally, he asks Littlefinger if he knows to whom it belonged; Baelish responds he doesn't -- the very question sparked the War of the Five Kings. Littlefinger's speech about the chaos of the world is derailed when Bran looks directly at him and quotes, "Chaos is a ladder."</p><p>Meera Reed enters Bran's chambers to tell him although she doesn't want to leave him, she feels she should be with her family. Bran agrees he no longer needs her. Heartbroken, Meera reminds him Jojen, Hodor and Summer all died to protect him, and she too put herself at risk. Meera realizes the Bran she knew died in the Three-Eyed Raven's cave.</p><p>Arriving at the Winterfell gates, Arya has trouble convincing two young guards of her identity. They escort her into the courtyard, arguing which one will tell Lady Stark about the strange girl. Arya slips away unnoticed.</p><p>Sansa, sitting in Jon's office, is unhappy her guards lost a stranger on the grounds. However, when she hears the girl asked for Ser Rodrik and Maester Luwin she realizes it is Arya, and knows exactly where to look. </p><p>Arya studies the statue of her father in the Winterfell crypt. Without turning, she acknowledges Sansa's presence: "Do I have to call you ‘Lady Stark' now?" The young women hold for a beat, before embracing. Arya downplays her new skills, and instead comments how unlike their father his statue looks. Inquiring whether Sansa murdered Joffrey, Arya reveals he was on her list of people to kill. Sansa laughs, not realizing the list is real. The sisters know they have long stories to share, and hug once again. Sansa pulls back to reveal another surprise: Bran is home, too. Arya lights up, but gathers from her sister's face something is wrong.</p><p> </p><p>Arya rushes to her little brother in the godswood and is mystified when he says he saw her at the crossroads. Sansa explains Bran has visions. Bran confirms the reality of Arya's list when he says he thought she would be pursuing Cersei in King's Landing. Arya's attention moves to the Valyrian steel blade on Bran's lap. Once Sansa puts together what the dagger is, she wonders what Littlefinger expected in return from Bran. Remarking he has no interest in it anyway, Bran gives the blade to Arya. </p><p>The three surviving Stark children pass through the Winterfell courtyard. Looking on, Podrick tells Brienne she should be proud: She kept her vow. Littlefinger watches from above.</p><p>Arya comes upon Brienne training Podrick, and asks to be trained as well. Brienne offers to find the Master-at-Arms, but Arya insists she wants the person who beat the Hound. She points out Brienne's oath applies to both of Catelyn's daughters. Sansa, overhearing from the balcony, cannot conceal her expression from Littlefinger. Arya takes up Needle, while Brienne uses Oathkeeper, and the two women go at it. Arya's skill level surprises Brienne. The fight ends in a stalemate, both visibly pleased by the interaction. "Who taught you to do that?" Brienne asks. "No One," Arya responds with a smile before staring after the departing Littlefinger.</p><p>Daenerys and Missandei make their way down to the Dragonstone beach. Missandei asks for news of the Unsullied, visibly disappointed there is still no word. Picking up something new in Missandei's tone, Daenerys looks curiously at her friend, who begins to tell her about "everything" that happened. The women put their conversation on hold so Jon can lead them into a nearby cave.</p><p> </p><p>Moving through small tunnels, Daenerys and Missandei look in awe at the walls covered in dragonglass. Jon brings Dany deeper, and they enter a smaller cave where Jon points out carvings on the wall: drawings of the Children of the Forest and First Men united against what is unmistakably the White Walkers. </p><p>Outside the cave, Tyrion and Varys hesitatingly tell their queen Casterly Rock has been taken. Dany doesn't understand why the news appears to be unhappy. Once informed about Highgarden, the Dragon Queen angrily wonders if Tyrion has what it takes to fight his own family. Daenerys again considers flying her dragons to the Red Keep, and asks Jon's advice. Initially hesitant to get involved, Jon watches the beasts flying overhead and suggests people who believe in Daenerys believe in her because she's made the impossible real again; they have faith she can build a better world. Using her dragons to "melt cities and burn castles" would make her no different from those that came before. Weighing her choices, Dany too looks to the sky.</p><p>Davos teases Jon he's noticed the King in the North staring at Dany's "good heart," but Jon waves the comments off. Missandei is confused that Jon's last name is "Snow"; in her homeland of Naath, there are no marriages, and thus, no bastards. The former slave girl is adamant her queen would allow her to leave whenever she wished. She reminds the men Daenerys is not their queen because of her name, but because she is who they chose. Jon smiles, until he notices a Greyjoy ship in the distance.</p><p>A small group of Ironborn, including Theon, alight onto the Dragonstone beach. Theon is genuinely shocked and ashamed to see Jon, and asks after Sansa. Jon makes it clear Sansa is the only reason Theon is still alive. When Theon explains he is in need of the queen's help saving Yara, Jon tells him Daenerys is not currently at Dragonstone.</p><p>The Lannister wagon train makes its way through Blackwater Rush. Dickon Tarly confesses to Jaime and Bronn the battle at Highgarden was his first -- and it wasn't what he expected. An unfamiliar sound rumbles in the distance, growing louder. Randyll and Jaime call their men into action as the Dothraki Screamers appear. Bronn urges Jaime to get himself to King's Landing, but Jaime refuses. His perspective changes as Drogon hurtles towards the battlefield. From above, Dany issues one command: "Dracarys." The Lannister line breaks in several places and the Dothraki rush in. </p><p>On Jaime's orders, Bronn makes his way to Qyburn's "scorpion," but is waylaid by a Dothraki fighter. Jaime, in his own one-on-one fight, is saved by Dickon at the last second. Bronn climbs into the covered wagon with the weapon, shooting its first spear into his Dothraki opponent. He begins to load a second bolt into the device.</p><p>Overhead, Tyrion watches as Lannister men are slaughtered. His attention is pulled away when an eight-foot bolt flies past Drogon. Muttering to himself, Tyrion tries to will Daenerys away from Bronn and the "scorpion," but the Queen of Dragons dives in at top speed. As Drogon opens his mouth, Bronn takes aim and shoots, hitting Drogon but barely escaping Drogon's flames himself. </p><p>Though hit, Drogon is not seriously injured. From their own perspectives, Tyrion and Jaime watch Drogon land near the river. Dany climbs down to remove the harpoon from his scales. Tyrion sees Jaime grab a nearby spear and charge the dismounted queen. Drogon swivels his head to attack until Bronn, riding in on his own horse, tackles Jaime. The two men fall into the river as Drogon's flames engulf both horses. Underwater, Bronn and Jaime float alongside drowning and dead men whose armor weighs them down, while flames blaze above.</p></div>

Eastwatch

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by Dave Hill</b></p><p><b>Directed by Matt Shakman</b></p><p> </p><p>Bronn heaves Jaime onto the riverbank, unsure what the Lannister was trying to accomplish by charging Daenerys and her dragon. "Ending the war," Jaime says. He realizes they have little hope of defeating the Dragon Queen, and Cersei needs to be informed at once.</p><p>Tyrion surveys the destruction on the battlefield. Making his way to Daenerys, he looks on as she offers her captives a choice: Bend the knee or die. Many drop to one knee, but Randyll and Dickon Tarly, and a few others, remain standing. Randyll flatly refuses to call Daenerys his queen, but unsuccessfully tries to convince his son to surrender. Ignoring Tyrion's suggestions the Tarlys take the Black or spend time in a cell, Daenerys sentences the two to die. Impassively, she watches as Drogon incinerates the men. The other dissenters immediately fall to their knees.</p><p>Jaime returns to the capital and informs Cersei they are outmatched by Daenerys — and tells her about Olenna Tyrell's confession. Cersei determines their only option is to fight and die, or submit and die, and her choice is clear.</p><p>Bran wargs into a flock of ravens and flies over the Wall. He "sees" the Army of the Dead slowly marching forward; the Night King at the center. The king looks up at the birds, aware he's being watched. Bran quickly returns and tells Wolkan they need to send ravens.</p><p>Watching Daenerys fly back to Dragonstone atop Drogon, Jon Snow is caught off guard when the dragon lands nearby and rushes toward him. Dany watches with interest as Jon slowly reaches towards Drogon. Instead of biting off Jon's hand, the huge creature allows Jon to gingerly stroke his snout. Dany explains they are not "beasts" to her, but her children. Jon is uncertain about Daenerys' decision to attack the Lannister troops — there will be no one left if the living continue to kill each other — but knows he cannot argue much, given his recent battle with the Boltons. Daenerys is surprised by the return of Ser Jorah Mormont, now cured of his greyscale. Embracing him, she happily accepts Jorah into her service again.</p><p>Concerned by what he saw at Blackwater Rush, Tyrion relates the situation back to Varys. The two men feel that with the right counsel, Daenerys will not become her father, but Tyrion knows he must have a lengthier discussion with the young queen. Varys holds up the sealed message he received for Jon Snow — a message containing "nothing good."</p><p>Hit with the implications of Wolkan's letter — Arya alive and Bran too, somehow seeing the oncoming Army of the Dead — Jon insists he must return home and ready his men. Daenerys maintains she cannot send her armies north as Cersei will find a way to take advantage at the first opportunity. Tyrion makes a bold suggestion: Ask for a temporary truce by proving the Army of the Dead exists. Jon thinks a few men can capture a wight and bring it to King's Landing. Jorah volunteers, and Jon is adamant he go as well. To get an audience with his sister, Tyrion takes on the task of secretly meeting with Jaime.</p><p>Davos rows Tyrion in a dinghy to a hidden cove of Blackwater Bay, and each heads off with his own agenda. Bronn leads Jaime down to the dragon skull room in the Red Keep under the pretense of training, but instead reveals Tyrion. Jaime is displeased to see his younger brother, but remains to hear out his proposal. </p><p>Davos returns to the Street of Steel to find Robert Baratheon's bastard, Gendry. More than ready to leave King's Landing, Gendry grabs his war hammer and leaves the forge. Tyrion is hesitant to bring the stranger along, but changes his mind when Gendry proves useful, killing a pair of suspicious Gold Cloaks. Ignoring Davos' advice to keep his parentage a secret when they get to Dragonstone, Gendry immediately introduces himself to Jon as Robert's bastard son, and volunteers to help with the mission north.</p><p>As Jon, Jorah, Davos and Gendry wait to embark Jon's ship, Tyrion hands Jorah the coin he was given by the slaver Yezzan as "payment," and suggests he take it for luck. Jon wishes Dany "good fortune in the wars to come" and departs.</p><p>A group of maesters discuss Wolkan's letter in Archmaester Ebrose's office. Sam arrives with his latest transcriptions, keeping silent until he realizes the men are discussing Bran Stark. Pointing out how miraculous it is a crippled boy managed to survive beyond the Wall, Sam suggests the maesters listen to what he has to say; Westeros will take the threat seriously if the Citadel backs it as truth. Ebrose decides to write back to Wolkan asking for clarification, and dismisses Sam.</p><p>In their Oldtown chambers, Sam and Gilly sift through the rotting manuscripts awaiting transcription. Adding to to Sam's frustration, Gilly excitedly reads off information from a High Septon's diary, stumbling over the word "annulment." Fed up with the busywork, Sam makes a decision. Returning to the restricted area of the stacks, he grabs scrolls and books, and gives the Citadel library one final look before readying his family for a new journey.</p><p>Sansa handles the lords of the North, who are unhappy about their absent king. Arya watches as Sansa does nothing to rebuke Lord Glover for questioning whether Sansa might be the better ruler. Sansa diplomatically tells the men Jon is doing what he thinks is best. In Sansa's chambers afterwards, Arya pointedly notes she knows what Sansa really wants, even if Sansa won't admit to it.</p><p>From the shadows, Arya watches as Littlefinger moves through Winterfell. She observes Wolkan deliver a scroll Littlefinger requested from Maester Luwin's archives. Arya secretly enters Littlefinger's chambers and searches for the scrap of parchment, finally retrieving it from Littlefinger's mattress. The scroll bears Sansa's signature. Arya exists and relocks the door, unaware Littlefinger has been watching her and wanted her to find what she did.</p><p>Jaime enters Cersei's room as Qyburn is leaving and confesses he met with Tyrion. Cersei's calm demeanor catches him off-guard, but he relays Daenerys's request. The queen reveals she already knew about the meeting, and thinks a temporary truce may be worthwhile for the sake of their House… and child. Jaime is shocked but pleased when Cersei says she doesn't care who knows it's their child. Their happiness is real, but Cersei warns her brother: "Never betray me again."</p><p>Jon, Gendry, Davos and Jorah explain the mission to Tormund. The wildling is disappointed Brienne has not joined them, and understands why Davos won't either — he's not a fighter. Down in the Eastwatch cells, Tormund shows Jon the pack of men he found also heading north, and Jon recognizes the Hound. Gendry, seeing Beric Dondarrion, immediately says these men are not to be trusted — they once sold him to a Red witch. Jorah also recognizes Thoros, who then exposes him as a Mormont, the son of the man who hunted Tormund. Despite the hostilities within the group, Jon agrees with Beric that ultimately, they are all on the same side. </p><p>The gate to the Eastwatch tunnel is raised, and the men step beyond the Wall.<br></p></div>

Beyond the Wall

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by David Benioff &amp; D.B. Weiss</b></p><p><b>Directed by Alan Taylor</b></p><p> </p><p>Jon Snow and the others trudge through the snowy landscape beyond the Wall. Jon explains to Tormund that Daenerys won't help unless he bends the knee. Tormund, remembering Mance Rayder's stubbornness, asks, "How many of his people died for his pride?"</p><p>Sensing Gendry's resentment, Thoros of Myr and Beric Dondarrion rationalize their past decision to sell the boy to Melisandre: Wars cost money. Gendry's description of his experience -- stripped naked, strapped to a bed, leeches placed on him -- wins him no sympathy. Jon connects with Jorah, relieved when the older man refuses to take back Longclaw.</p><p>While the Hound and Tormund share their different perspectives on Brienne of Tarth, Beric catches up to Jon to discuss his resurrection. Jon is frustrated he doesn't know why he was brought back, but Beric posits what matters is knowing what they're fighting for. Jon repeats his old Night's Watch vow, "I am the shield that guards the realms of men" and the two men agree, maybe that's enough. The group stops as the Hound takes in a distinctive mountaintop: the one he saw in the flames.</p><p>Daenerys studies a map of the north as Tyrion sits nearby. She tells her Hand she's glad he's not a hero, as heroes -- Drogo, Jorah, Daario, Jon Snow -- do stupid things. Tyrion points out all these men fell in love with the Mother of Dragons, but Daenerys denies Jon has any affection for her. They discuss Cersei, and Tyrion uses the moment to remind Dany that fear alone is not the right weapon; the world she wants to build will take longer than a single lifetime to construct. Daenerys refuses to discuss the line of succession until after the crown is hers.</p><p>The small band runs into a heavy blizzard. Tormund glimpses something through the snow, and the men ready themselves for what emerges: a bear with blue eyes. Beric attacks, sword ablaze, but the burning bear continues to charge, and turns on the Hound. He stands frozen in terror, until Thoros intercedes. The bear targets the Red Priest, sinking its jaws into Thoros' shoulder just before Jorah vanquishes it with a dragonglass dagger into its neck. Thoros refuses to return to Eastwatch so Beric cauterizes the wound with his fiery blade. The group soldiers on.</p><p>Tormund halts the march; the Army of the Dead moves through a canyon below. The team lights a fire near the mouth of the pass to draw the attention of a White Walker. Jon and the rest of the men spring into action; Jon takes down the Walker with Longclaw. Once the White Walker shatters, several of the wights accompanying him drop as well. The Hound grabs the last remaining wight, but not before it lets out a high-pitched scream. The sound of the massive army on the move is heard in the distance. The group rush to bind their captive wight, placing a sack over its head. Jon instructs Gendry to run back to Eastwatch and send a raven to Daenerys. Faster without his hammer, Gendry reluctantly leaves it behind and sprints south.</p><p>The remaining men head to a small island in the middle of an iced-over lake. They tread carefully when the Hound makes a slight crack on the surface. They wights close in but the weight of the army causes the crack to give way, forming a protective moat around the tiny island. Dozens of the dead fall into the water and sink. Safe for the moment, the men prepare for the cold night ahead.</p><p>Running to the point of exhaustion, Gendry collapses just outside the Eastwatch gate. Panting for breath, the young man tells Davos to send a raven immediately. Receiving the message at Dragonstone, Tyrion tries to convince Daenerys she cannot fly off on a rescue-mission. Unwilling to simply do nothing again, she sets off for the North.</p><p>Arya walks with Sansa through the courtyard at Winterfell, recalling how their father watched her target practice in secret, applauding when she finally hit a bullseye. From that, Arya understood that while against the rules, it was not wrong. "Now he's dead. Killed by the Lannisters. With your help," she says, producing the scroll she found in Littlefinger's chamber. The letter, written by Sansa to Robb, asked him to swear fealty to Joffrey after Ned's arrest. Arya cannot believe Sansa thought the note would help save their father, and reveals she saw Sansa stand with the Lannisters at Ned's execution. Growing defensive, Sansa reminds Arya it is because of her they had a home to return to. Arya, reading her sister, knows Sansa is afraid the Northern lords will abandon her when they learn of the note. She considers returning it to Sansa but walks away instead.</p><p>Sansa and Littlefinger discuss the letter. Littlefinger claims not to know where Arya found it, but plays devil's advocate: Arya would never betray Sansa. Sansa counters she might if she thought Jon were at risk. Littlefinger suggests involving Brienne. Maester Wolkan appears with a newly arrived scroll: an invitation to King's Landing.<br></p><p>Not planning to set foot in the capital while Cersei is queen, Sansa tasks Brienne to represent the North. Brienne is concerned about leaving Lady Stark alone with Littlefinger, but cannot sway Sansa from her decision.</p><p>Sansa searches Arya's chambers for the letter. Spotting a satchel under the bed, Sansa is horrified to find a collection of faces inside. Arya enters and explains that with the right face she can become anyone she wants -- even the Lady of Winterfell. Arya hands Bran's dagger to her shaken sister and leaves.</p><p>Beric attempts to wake Thoros, but realizes his friend has died in the night. Dondarrion says a prayer as they burn the body. Jorah and Jon struggle to understand why eliminating one White Walker caused other wights to drop, surmising a link between the Walker and the wights it turned. On this assumption, Jorah suggests they go for the White Walkers but Jon worries it will jeopardize their captured wight. Knowing the odds are against them, Jon utters, "Daenerys is our only chance." Beric, aware he is now on his last life, suggests another option: Kill the Night King.</p><p>The men and wights realize the ice has frozen solid. The army begins to cross towards the small island and a chaotic fight ensues, the wights relentless in their pursuit. The Hound wields Gendry's hammer but realizes a dragonglass dagger is more effective. Tormund is nearly dragged into the water but is saved by the Hound. Still, the men begin to tire, and their wight struggles in its bindings. They fall into a circle formation around it, their situation increasingly bleak.</p><p>Overhead, Drogon roars into view with Viserion and Rhaegal behind him. Daenerys quickly takes stock, and guides Drogon to land on the island. The men climb on board the massive dragon but Jon remains on the ground to fight off approaching wights.</p><p>Across the shore, a White Walker lieutenant hands a giant ice spear to the Night King. Taking aim, he hurls it skyward, striking Viserion in the throat. Daenerys and Jon both watch as the creature plummets to the earth, crashes into the lake and disappears under the ice. The Night King takes up a second spear, setting his sights on Dany and Drogon. Jon rushes towards Dany, urging her to flee when he is tackled by oncoming wights and falls into the water. Daenerys scans the ice for either Viserion or Jon, but sees neither. She has no choice but to flee.</p><p>Jon pulls himself out of the water, and slowly prepares for an unwinnable face-off against the Army of the Dead. Suddenly, a lone rider gallops in, revealing himself as Benjen Stark. He loads his nephew onto his horse, and tells him to, "Ride for the pass." Barely conscious, Jon turns back to see Benjen take on the army himself until he is overwhelmed and disappears.</p><p>Daenerys scans the North from the Wall. Knowing she is heartbroken over her loss, Jorah gently advises her it's time to leave. As Daenerys turns away, a horn blasts; a horse approaches the gate, Jon's body slumped in the saddle.</p><p>The group return by sea to Dragonstone. Daenerys watches as Davos and Tormund tend to an unconscious Jon. She is struck by the severity of the scars across his torso, but says nothing.</p><p>Jon wakes to see Dany sitting by his bedside. He apologizes for what she's lost, but Daenerys insists she's glad she went; she understands the threat now. Her eyes filled with pain, she explains the dragons are the only children she will ever have, and vows to help Jon destroy the Army of the Dead. Jon thanks her, and swears his allegiance to his new queen. The two touch hands, holding on the moment, before Dany leaves to let him rest.</p><p>Under the observance of the White Walkers, a crew of wights hoist a huge chain from the frozen lake. Viserion's lifeless body emerges onto the shore. The Night King approaches the lifeless creature, and lays his hand on it. The dragon's eye opens and turns a deep, icy blue.</p></div>

The Dragon and the Wolf

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by David Benioff &amp; D.B. Weiss</b></p><p><b>Directed by Jeremy Podeswa</b></p><p> </p><p>From the battlements at King's Landing, Jaime and Bronn survey the formation of Unsullied and Dothraki outside the city walls. Tyrion, Jon, and the rest of Dany's supporters sail to the capital on Daenerys' flagship; below deck, the Hound inspects the locked crate containing the captured wight.</p><p>Bronn arrives with Brienne and Podrick to escort Daenerys' assembly to the meeting site, the abandoned Targaryen dragonpit. Pod, Tyrion and Bronn use the walk to reconnect. Brienne falls in step with the Hound and informs him Arya is alive and safe at Winterfell. The guests collectively enter the pit, and take their sides. </p><p>Cersei enters the arena with her entourage. The Hound immediately recognizes his brother. All eyes remain on the queen as she heads to her seat, throwing Tyrion a look of complete hatred on her way. Cersei asks impatiently after Daenerys as the sound of wings grows louder. Daenerys makes her entrance astride Drogon; Rhaegal circles in the air. All parties present, Tyrion begins but is interrupted by Euron's taunting. Cersei quiets the Ironborn king, and Tyrion continues: They will never see eye to eye, but on one point they must. Jon lays out the situation, "There is only one war that matters: the Great War. And it is here." To emphasize the seriousness of the problem, the Hound unlatches the crate.</p><p>The wight springs forward, heading straight for Cersei. The queen recoils, as the Hound jerks the wight back on its chain. He slices the creature in two. Qyburn, fascinated, picks up the wight's still-moving arm. Jon demonstrates how fire and dragonglass can stop the wights. Confirming the creatures can't swim, Euron announces he plans to sail to the Iron Islands and wait out the war, and suggests Daenerys do the same: "When winter's over, we'll be the only ones left alive," he says and exits.</p><p>Denouncing Euron's cowardice, Cersei accepts the offer of a truce, on one condition: Jon Snow must promise not to choose sides. Honest to a fault, Jon shocks everyone by confessing he has already pledged himself to House Targaryen. "Then there is nothing left to discuss," remarks Cersei, leaving. Brienne stops Jaime on the way out, advising him to forget loyalty and convince his sister to change her mind.</p><p>Tyrion and Daenerys are grateful for Jon's pledge, but everyone agrees his decision not to lie caused more harm than good. With only one option left, Tyrion heads to speak to Cersei. Jaime waits outside as his little brother enters the queen's office. Cersei and Tyrion discuss all there is between them: their father's murder and how his death exposed the family; Tyrion's sorrow for Myrcella and Tommen. The queen refuses to acknowledge Tyrion's grief, and won't accept her brother isn't out to destroy the family. Exasperated, Tyrion suggests Cersei just end him there, but she does not. As she speaks of the Northern threat, Tyrion notices Cersei's subtle gestures over her stomach and realizes she's pregnant.</p><p>As they wait for Tyrion to finish with Cersei, Dany looks over the dragonpit, and discusses her family history with Jon. She tells him about the witch's prophecy that she will have no children, and he teases her about this "reliable source of information." The levity ends when Tyrion returns ... followed by Cersei and her Queensguard. The Queen of the Seven Kingdoms declares the Lannister armies will march alongside the rest and fight the Great War.</p><p>Studying the Dragonstone map, Jon, Daenerys and company determine their plans to head north. Daenerys decides to sail with Jon to send a clear message of alliance to the Northerners. The meeting over, Theon catches up with Jon in the audience chamber. Theon confesses he has always wanted to do the right thing, but felt trapped in his allegiance to both the Starks and the Greyjoys. Feeling sympathy despite his anger, Jon tells Theon he doesn't need to choose. Theon realizes he has to try to rescue the one person who once tried to rescue him: Yara. </p><p>Theon tells the remaining Ironborn they are going after his sister. Harrag -- the Ironborn who voiced his disgust at Theon's decision to flee from Euron's attack -- confronts him in a brutal fight, but Theon gets back up each time he's knocked down. Finally, Theon tackles the large man to the ground and beats him senseless. The Ironborn follow their prince to the sea.</p><p>Cersei calls Jaime away from the Lannister generals to reveal her commitment to fight in the north was a lie. Jaime is shocked, and tries to rationalize with her -- even if they wait out the Great War they cannot beat Daenerys and her dragons. Cersei points out one dragon was missing from Daenerys' display, and so the beasts must be vulnerable. Furthermore, they have the Iron Bank on their side. She reveals Euron's exit from the meeting was a ploy; he is sailing for Essos to collect the Golden Company whom she has hired as mercenaries. Incensed by her duplicity, Jaime tells his sister he plans to keep his pledge. He dares the woman he loves to order him killed as he walks away.</p><p>No longer in his Lannister armor, Jaime rides a horse northward as snow begins to fall across King's Landing.</p><p>A lone raven struggles through the blizzard and heads towards Winterfell. Inside Jon's office, Sansa discusses the new scroll with Littlefinger -- Jon has bent the knee to Daenerys Targaryen. Littlefinger points out both rulers are young and unmarried, and an alliance would make sense. "He was named King in the North. He can be unnamed," he suggests. Sansa argues Arya, now a trained assassin, would never agree. Littlefinger suggests she play a little game: assume the worse when assessing a person's motives. He slowly coaxes Sansa to conclude Arya may have set her sights on becoming Lady of Winterfell.</p><p>Sansa has Arya brought to the Great Hall. Bran sits beside his oldest sister at the high table, while Lord Royce, the Knights of the Vale, and Stark soldiers line the room. Littlefinger watches the proceedings leaning against a wall. Sansa declares the charges are of murder and treason, then turns to Lord Baelish to answer the accusations. Littlefinger, caught off guard, struggles to defend himself. Sansa rattles off his crimes -- the murder of Lysa Arryn, conspiring to murder Jon Arryn, betraying Ned Stark, and initiating the conflict between the Starks and the Lannisters. Littlefinger denies it, until Bran recalls the exact words Littlefinger said as he held a knife to Ned's neck: "I did warn you not to trust me." Sansa thanks Littlefinger for the lessons he has taught her, and Arya steps forward to slits his throat with her Valyrian dagger. </p><p>The storm having passed, Arya and Sansa stand on the Winterfell battlements, remembering their father together.</p><p>Sam and his family arrive at Winterfell. Sam approaches Bran who tells him he is now the Three-Eyed Raven and can see everything. Bran shares Jon must be told he is not a Snow, but a Sand -- the bastard child of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. Sam, realizing that isn't correct, reveals the contents of Septon Maynard's diaries: Rhaegar's marriage to Elia Martell was annulled, the septon married Lyanna and the Targaryen prince in secret. Using his sight, Bran watches the wedding, and realizes the two were in love; the rebellion was built on a lie. He returns to Jon's birth at the Tower of Joy and listens as Lyanna whispers to Ned the name of her son, "Aegon Targaryen." </p><p>As Daenerys' flagship sails north, Jon knocks and enters Dany's chambers. The pair make love. From the hallway, Tyrion sees the door close before returning to his own room.</p><p>A horn blasts three times. Emerging from the frozen forest, the Army of the Dead arrives at Eastwatch. Tormund and Beric watch in horror as the Night King, riding Viserion, uses the dragon to blast blue fire at the icy Wall. Pieces of the Wall begin to collapse, as Tormund and his wildings rush to safety. The ice dragon continues until a breach opens, wide enough for the massive army to walk through into the realms of men.</p></div>

Winterfell

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by Dave Hill</b></p><p><b>Directed by David Nutter</b></p><p>Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and the army of Unsullied and Dothraki arrive in the North. Daenerys, Missandei, and Grey Worm take in the cold reception from the people watching along the Kingsroad of Winterfell. Arya Stark observes from the crowd the procession, not drawing attention to herself, and Daenerys's two dragons inspire fear and astonishment from the crowd.</p><p>At Winterfell, Jon reunites with Bran and Sansa, and the tension between Daenerys and the Lady of Winterfell quickly becomes clear. Sansa explains to an audience in the Great Hall that she's called all Northern banners to join the fight for the living. Young Ned Umber requests more horses and carriages wagons to help get his people from Last Hearth, which she Sansa grants. The tension between Daenerys and Sansa is clear, as Sansa takes lead with the Northern lords. Lyanna Stark questions Jon's decision to give up his crown, but Jon insists he has done what is best for the survival of his people.</p><p>Tyrion and Sansa discuss their past. She thinks he is foolish to trust Cersei's promise to send the Lannister army North. In the Godswood, Arya finally greets Jon. He is surprised to hear her defend Sansa's attitude towards Daenerys, but Arya reminds him that she's Sansa is just protecting their family – and he should do the same.</p><p><b>"I had a choice. Keep my crown or protect the North. I chose the North." – Jon Snow</b></p><p>Aboard the Greyjoy's Iron Fleet, Euron taunts his captive niece, Yara, before they arrive at King's Landing. He presents Harry Strickland, the leader of the sellsword Golden Company, to Queen Cersei. Cersei is disappointed Strickland has not brought elephants from Essos, but rewards Euron's persistence by finally taking him to bed.</p><p>Qyburn finds Bronn amongst a trio of prostitutes more interested in gossiping about dragons than in their customer. The Queen's Hand communicates a message job from Cersei, to be paid for with gold in advance: kill her brothers with the crossbow that Tyrion used to murder their father. with the promise to pay up front: Her traitorous brothers are to be dealt with. Qyburn delivers Joffrey's crossbow to emphasize the task at hand.</p><p>The soldiers standing guard on <i>The Silence</i> are shot down by Theon Greyjoy and a band of ironborn 's men. He releaseskill several of Euron's men and rescue his sister Yara. Safely at sea on Theon's ships, the siblings make a plan – Yara will take back the Iron Islands in the name of the Dragon Queen, while Theon heads to Winterfell to fight for the Starks.</p><p><b>"What is dead may never die." "Kill the bastards anyway." – Theon &amp; Yara Greyjoy</b></p><p>Ser Davos shares with Tyrion and Varys what he has learned about while spending time amongst the Northmen and the Free Folk with Tyrion and Varys: "They are stubborn as goats." As the three men watch the young couple from above, Davos suggests Jon and Daenerys make their relationship official with an engagement.</p><p>Daenerys is unhappy with the reception she has received from Sansa, but her discussion with Jon is interrupted by a bigger concern: the dragons are barely eating. The couple heads goes to check on the giant creatures. Dany mounts Drogon, inviting Jon to do the same with Rhaegal. He hesitates at first, but meets her challenge and the pair takes flight. Landing aside a waterfall, Daenerys and Jon kiss. Jon opens his eyes to find Drogon staring at him.</p><p>In the Winterfell armory, Gendry works hard on a dragonglass axe for The Hound. Arya reunites with Clegane, unapologetic about how they last parted ways. She and Gendry fall back into their comfortable rhythm from years past, and she hands him a sketch of a weapon she'd like for the battle ahead.</p><p>Sansa tells Jon that House Glover will not be fighting with them. They argue over Jon's decision to forfeit his title. While Sansa admits she has faith in him, she's also smart enough to know the decision was not entirely about the North.</p><p>"<b>Did you bend the knee to save the North or because you love her?" – Sansa Stark</b></p><p>Daenerys and Jorah find Samwell Tarly at Winterfell to thank him for saving Jorah's life. As a reward for his service, Sam asks for a pardon, for stealing books from the Citadel, as well as his family's sword and for taking his family's sword. Daenerys realizes that Randyll and Dickon Tarly were Sam's father and brother, she and breaks the news that she had them executed.</p><p>Per Heeding Bran's advice, Sam heads to the Winterfell crypts to tell Jon the truth about his parents. Sam explains to Jon that he is actually the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, which makes him Aegon Targaryen, Sixth of his Name, and the true heir to the Iron Throne.</p><p><b>"You gave up your crown to save your people. Would she do the same?" – Samwell Tarly</b></p><p>Tormund Giantsbane, Beric Dondarrion, and a few other survivors from the destruction of the Wall at Eastwatch quietly walk through Last Hearth, the seat of House Umber. They run into Eddard Eddison Tollett and other Night's Watchmen. The group stumbles upon a disturbing display: dead Ned Umber surrounded by the White Walker's' familiar spiral, created from dismembered body parts. Young Ned reanimates as a wight, and Beric destroys him with his flaming sword. Knowing that the Army of the Dead is between them and Winterfell, the men have no choice but to ride quickly and hope they reach the castle first.</p><p>A hooded man arrives in the Winterfell courtyard, where he finds Bran Stark waiting for him. Jaime Lannister and the boy he pushed from Winterfell's tower stare at one another.</p></div>

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by: Bryan Cogman</b></p><p><b>Directed by: David Nutter</b></p><p>Having arrived in Winterfell, Jaime Lannister breaks the news to Daenerys that Cersei lied about joining the fight against the dead and has procured the Golden Company for her own purposes. Both Daenerys and Sansa agree Jaime should not be trusted and deserves to be punished. Jaime refuses to apologize for his past deeds – he's caught off guard when Bran quotes a familiar phrase – but promises he is committed to their cause. Brienne of Tarth vouches for Jaime's honor, convincing Sansa to allow him to stay.</p><p><b>"The things we do for love." – Bran Stark</b></p><p>Arya stops by the blacksmith to ask Gendry what to expect from the enemy. She makes it clear she is a force to be reckoned with and reminds Gendry to get started on making the weapon she requested.</p><p>Jaime apologizes to Bran for crippling him, but Bran calmly states he isn't angry, nor has he told anyone what happened – Jaime won't be able to fight if he's a dead man.</p><p>The Lannister brothers meet in the Winterfell courtyard. Jaime and Tyrion discuss Daenerys, Cersei's pregnancy, and the probability that they will die in the fight to come. Jaime is distracted when he sees Brienne amongst the preparing soldiers. He admits he is not the fighter he once was but asks if he might serve under her command. She agrees.</p><p><b>"You always knew exactly what she was. And you loved her anyway." – Tyrion Lannister</b></p><p>Displeased with Tyrion's advice to trust Cersei, Daenerys threatens to find a new Hand. Jorah voices his belief that Tyrion was the right choice for the role, and suggests she forgive his past mistakes.</p><p>Dany attempts to make nice with Sansa, who also advocates for Tyrion – assigning blame to Daenerys for believing Cersei. The Dragon Queen focuses on what the two women have in common: ruling in a man's world, and their love for Jon. They are connecting until Sansa broaches the topic of the North, and what will happen to her domain once Daenerys sits on the Iron Throne. Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Theon Greyjoy, who tells Daenerys of Yara's plans to take back the Iron Islands. He addresses only Sansa when he asks to fight for Winterfell. They embrace.</p><p><b>"I want to fight for Winterfell, Lady Sansa, if you'll have me." – Theon Greyjoy</b></p><p>Jon Snow is happy to learn that Tormund, Beric, Edd and the other Night's Watchmen and wildlings have arrived at Winterfell. They explain to Jon what happened at the Last Hearth and warn they only have until morning before the Army of the Dead arrives at their gates</p><p><b>"If we forget where we've been and what we've done. We're not men anymore…if I wanted to erase the world of men, I'd start with you." – Samwell Tarly</b></p><p>Jon and the group plan for battle. Bran volunteers to be the bait to draw the Night King into a vulnerable position. Theon volunteers to stand guard beside Bran. Daenerys and Jon plan to ride dragons, though no one, not even Bran, is sure dragonfire will kill the Night King. Tyrion is offended when Daenerys insists he remain in the crypts with Sansa, Missandei and the northern women and children, but acquiesces to his queen's command. After the meeting, Tyrion asks Bran to share his story with him. Everyone is in for a long night of sleeplessness and waiting.</p><p><b> </b></p><p>Missandei struggles to connect with the Northerners. Grey Worm promises her that once the war is over, and Daenerys is Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, he will take her back to Naath and protect her and her people.</p><p><b> </b></p><p>Edd joins Samwell and Jon on the battlements. Sam is adamant he helps, rather than hide in the crypts. They remember their fallen brothers from the Night's Watch and wait for another fight.</p><p>Jaime and Tyrion sit by the fire drinking and chuckling at how outraged their father would be to know they were dying fighting for the Starks. They are soon joined by Brienne, Podrick Payne, Davos and Tormund.</p><p>Arya begins her evening on the battlements with the Hound and Beric Dondarrion, but quickly realizes it's not how she wants to spend her potential last night alive. She leaves them on the battlements. Arya goes to find Gendry. He delivers her new weapon – a bow staff with dragonglass blades – and tells her what happened with Melisandre, and that he is Robert Baratheon's bastard son. Kissing him, Arya decides she wants to know what it's like to be with someone before she dies. They sleep together.</p><p><b>"I'm not the Red Woman. Take your own bloody pants off." – Arya Stark</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>Tormund is shocked to learn Brienne is not a knight, adding that if he were king he'd knight her immediately. Jaime explains that any knight can make another. He tells Brienne to kneel and recites the appropriate words. Ser Brienne of Tarth rises, the first female knight of the Seven Kingdoms. It is a moment of joy in a night of fear.</p><p>Sam sees Jorah and Lyanna Mormont arguing over her role in the battle. She refuses to sit in the crypts and leaves it at that. Sam offers his family sword, Heartsbane, to Jorah.</p><p>Pod sings "Jenny's Song<i>"</i> as everyone awaits the rising sun. The group stares into the fire; Sam lies with Gilly and baby Sam in their bed; Sansa and Theon sit together; Arya lies awake next to a sleeping Gendry; Missandei passionately kisses Grey Worm as he leaves to get into position; Jorah mounts his horse.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>"If it were true, it would make you the last male heir of House Targaryen." – Daenerys Targaryen</b></p><p>Surprised that Jon has been avoiding her, Dany finds Jon in the Winterfell crypts gazing at Lyanna Stark's statue. Dany voices confusion over Rhaegal's supposed brutality to Lyanna, as she had only heard wonderful things about her brother. Jon chooses this moment to tell Dany the truth – that Rhaegal and Lyanna were married, and he is their son. Dany slowly accepts this, realizing what it means for her claim to the Iron Throne. His silent response is interrupted by three horn blasts: the dead are here.</p></div>

The Long Night

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by David Benioff &amp; D.B. Weiss</b></p><p><b>Directed by Miguel Sapochnik</b></p><p>Winterfell awaits the Army of the Dead: Jon and Daenerys fly the dragons to a hill overlooking the battlefield; Sansa and Arya keep watch from the battlements; Theon and his Ironborn take Bran to the Godswood; on horseback, Jorah leads the Dothraki horde, the first line of defense. A lone rider approaches — Melisandre. Taking hold of a Dothraki arakh, she sets the horde's weapons ablaze, and continues on to the castle. Davos is conflicted by her presence, but she assures him there is no need to execute her, as she will be "dead before the dawn."</p><p>Horns blast, and the Dothraki set off. Those still waiting at Winterfell watch in terror as the blazing arakhs disappear one by one and only a few horses, Dothraki fighters, and Jorah return. The massive wight army appears behind them and tears into the defending line. Brienne and Jaime try to hold their ground; Arya and Sansa watch helplessly from the battlements. Daenerys and Jon offer a small respite by mounting their dragons and blasting the wight army with flames, but are soon blinded by an immense storm.</p><p>Arya tells her sister it's time for her to shelter in the crypts. Sansa hesitates, wanting to remain with her people, but reluctantly agrees to follow the original plan. Arya hands her a dragonglass dagger, with simple instructions: "Stick them with the pointy end."</p><p>The battle continues on the ground. Sam, out of his depths, is narrowly rescued by Edd. Turning to thanks his Night's Watch brother, Sam watches in horror as Edd is stabbed from behind. The troops are ordered to fall back. Lyanna Mormont instructs her men to open and protect the gate as Grey Worm's Unsullied guard the retreat. Shooting arrows from above, Arya protects the Hound from oncoming wights.</p><p>Davos waves two torches to signal to Daenerys and Jon to ignite the massive trench around Winterfell, but they are unable to see through the fog. Desperate, the archers shoot flaming arrows at the trench, but the wet kindling will not spark. Melisandre steps into the fray, flanked by Unsullied. Kneeling and muttering in Valyrian, she struggles but finally lights the trench, creating a growing wall of flame. The wights stop and stand their ground…waiting.</p><p><b>"It's the most heroic thing we can do now: look the truth in the face." — Sansa Stark</b></p><p>In the crypts, Tyrion is frustrated he isn't on the battlefield possibly spotting something helpful that the others wouldn't notice. Sansa forces him to admit they are of no use in battle. The two of them reflect on their marriage, and while Sansa notes Tyrion was the best of her husbands, his loyalty to the Dragon Queen would have caused issues. Irritated by this remark, Missandei moves to another place in the crypt.</p><p>In the Godswood, Theon tries to apologize to Bran for his past behavior, but Bran tells him it all brought him to where he belongs: home. Bran wargs, flying a group of ravens into the air, and sees the Night King approaching on Viserion.</p><p>The Night King commands the mindless wights to jump into the flaming trench. As the bodies pile up, Davos realizes they have started to smother sections of the fire. The wights break through the flames and start climbing the castle walls. Gendry, Jamie, Brienne, Grey Worm, Jorah, and Sam fight off the flow of wights atop the walls. Arya's training kicks into full gear as she, too, fights the dead army, but the stream is unending. She falls and hits her head, fleeing unsteadily.</p><p>The Hound, frozen by his certainty of impending death, ignores Beric Dondarrion's cries for assistance until he sees Arya needing help above. He takes off in her direction, followed by Beric.</p><p>Lyanna Mormont and her men do their best to protect the gate, but the young warrior meets her match when a giant wight comes crashing through. Knocked aside, she rallies, rushing the enormous creature. The giant picks up the small girl, slowly crushing her, but not before she stabs it in the eye to kill it as her final act.</p><p><b>"What do we say to the God of Death?"</b> <b>— Melisandre</b></p><p>Arya tries to avoid roaming wights by hiding in the stacks of Winterfell's library. She makes her way from one side to the other, thinking the worst is over, until a new group breaks through in the hallway and pins her to the ground. The Hound and Beric rush to her aid. Beric dies shielding the Hound and Arya, who narrowly escape with their lives. They discover Melisandre in the Great Hall, and the priestess reminds the girl of the prediction she voiced long ago: Arya would close many eyes, brown, green … and blue. Understanding, the young Stark rushes off.</p><p>The Night King uses Viserion's flames to blast a hole in Winterfell's wall. Rhaegal and Jon barrel into them. As the dragons fight; Rhaegal feels the blows more significantly than his dead brother. Daenerys and Drogon knock into Viserion, causing the Night King to fall from his ride. His wing injured, Rhaegal topples to the ground.</p><p>Still in the air, Daenerys faces off with the Night King. "Dracarys," she commands Drogon, who blasts the leader of the Army of the Dead with full force. She is shocked when the Night King emerges from the flames unharmed. He raises his spear, and she takes off.</p><p>Jon makes his way towards the Night King as quickly as he can on foot. Fear in his eyes, he watches as his enemy raises his arms, and the newly dead rise. Daenerys and Drogon land nearby to help, and Jon sets off toward the Godswood as Drogon is attacked by wights.</p><p>Daenerys, thrown to the ground, is unable to do anything but watch as her dragon flies off. Jorah arrives to fight for his khaleesi. Daenerys grabs a nearby dragonglass sword to help as her devoted friend defends her valiantly.</p><p>The people in the crypt wind up in the fight as the dead begin to break out of their vaults and attack. Tyrion and Sansa give each other a knowing look and take hold of their daggers. Tyrion kisses Sansa's hand, and the two join the battle. Meanwhile, those above ground find themselves fighting both foes they've already killed and former friends reanimated as wights.</p><p><b>"Theon — you're a good man. Thank you."</b> <b>— Bran Stark</b></p><p>The Ironborn fight to protect Bran. Consumed by the brawl, Theon only stops when he realizes he is the last man standing. The wights around the Godswood form a circle, parting for the Night King and his White Walkers. Bran thanks Theon for all he has done, and the redeemed Greyjoy dies in a charge at the Night King.</p><p>Time running out, Jon's path to the Godswood is blocked by Viserion. With little choice, he faces the dragon.</p><p>The Night King approaches Bran slowly and triumphantly. He reaches for his sword, but someone comes hurtling through the air: Arya. The Night King grabs the girl by her neck to block her attack, but she drops her raised Valyrian steel dagger to her other hand and stabs the blade deep into her enemy. The Night King shatters and Viserion collapses. The Army of the Dead drops. The war is over.</p><p>Jorah falls to the ground. Assured Daenerys is safe, he succumbs to his wounds. She cries over her friend, joined by a mournful Drogon.</p><p>Her role fulfilled, Melisandre walks from Winterfell towards the horizon. She removes her necklace and begins to age rapidly, finally turning to dust.</p></div>

The Last of the Starks

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by: David Benioff &amp; D.B. Weiss</b></p><p><b>Directed by: David Nutter</b></p><p>The survivors of the battle at Winterfell mourn those they've lost; the bodies of Jorah, Theon, Beric, Edd, Lyanna Mormont, and countless others rest upon pyres. As part of her tearful goodbye, Sansa places a Stark pin on Theon's chest.</p><p><b>"They were the shields that guarded the realms of men." – Jon Snow</b></p><p>A somber feast follows; the survivors eat and drink in silence. When Daenerys legitimizes Gendry by proclaiming him Lord Baratheon of Storm's End, everyone relaxes into the celebration. Daenerys notes how beloved Jon is by the people of the North. Varys notices her unhappiness.</p><p>Emboldened<b> </b>by his favorite drinking game, Tyrion guesses Brienne is a virgin. Embarrassed, she leaves the feast, and a rejected Tormund watches as Jaime follows. The wildling finds comfort with a young Northern woman instead.</p><p>Sansa approaches the Hound and the two discuss how she has changed since their time in King's Landing. When Clegane suggests things would have been easier if Sansa had left the city with him when he'd offered, Sansa gently responds she's still be a "little bird" then.</p><p>Gendry finds Arya shooting arrows. Thrilled to share his news, he proposes she marry him and become Lady of Storm's End. Arya refuses, reminding him she has never been a lady.</p><p>Still tipsy from the drinking game, Jaime stumbles into Brienne's chambers with more wine. The attraction between them undeniable, they sleep together.</p><p>Daenerys finds Jon alone in his room. She explains Jorah loved her, but she could never love him the way he wanted – the way she loves Jon. They kiss passionately, but the truth about Jon's lineage comes between them. Daenerys asks him to swear he won't tell anyone, including Arya and Sansa.</p><p><b>"You won't be able to control it or what it does to people. No matter how many times you bend the knee." – Daenerys Targaryen</b></p><p>Daenerys and Jon gather with their counselors to plan their next moves; Cersei's new alliance with the Golden Company, and the losses suffered by Dany's forces have rebalanced the two armies. Tyrion reminds Daenerys of their objective to remove Cersei without destroying King's Landing. He and Jon suggest they give the people the opportunity to reject their queen by preventing resources from reaching the city.<b></b></p><p>Sansa urges Daenerys to allow the remaining soldiers to rest before they travel south for another fight, but Daenerys sees this as an attempt to renege on their agreement. Jon silences Sansa by siding with Dany.</p><p>Plans are made: A small group, including Daenerys and Tyrion, will ride to White Harbor and sail for Dragonstone, while Jon and Davos lead the army down the Kingsroad. Jaime chooses to remain in Winterfell.</p><p><b>"We have won the Great War. Now we will win the last one." – Daenerys Targaryen</b></p><p>Jon, Bran, Sansa and Arya meet in the Godswood. Although she respects Jon's alignment with Daenerys to protect the North, Arya still believes the Dragon Queen isn't trustworthy. Jon argues they should be open to new people, but the Stark sisters are adamant their family is all they need. Jon chooses to let Bran divulge the truth about his parents – but only after Sansa and Arya promise to keep it secret.</p><p>The Lannister brothers share a drink and discuss Jaime's decision to stay behind with Brienne. Bronn arrives, ready to kill them both unless they can double Cersei's offer of Riverrun. Tyrion bargains for their lives, promising the sellsword Highgarden, should he allow them to live, and Daenerys wins the war.</p><p><b>"What if there's someone else? Someone better?" – Sansa Stark</b></p><p>The day of departure arrives. Hoping to leave on good terms, Tyrion speaks with Sansa. Still unconvinced about Daenerys, the Lady of Winterfell tells Tyrion about Jon.<br></p><p>The Hound leaves Winterfell alone on horseback but is met along the way by Arya. On the road together again, they ride for King's Landing.</p><p>Jon bids his friends farewell. Tormund plans to bring his people back beyond the Wall; Jon, sad he cannot go with them asks the wildling to bring Ghost along. Sam and a pregnant Gilly say their goodbyes to Jon as well.</p><p><b> "The fact is, people are drawn to him." – Varys</b></p><p>The Targaryen ships sail to Dragonstone as Daenerys rides with her dragons above. Below deck, Tyrion tells Varys Jon's secret. Outside, bolts shoot through the air, striking Rhaegal. The dragon falls into the sea. Euron Greyjoy's ship, <i>The Silence, </i>appears with the rest of the Iron Fleet. Daenerys flees to protect her last dragon. Her ships are destroyed, and when the survivors swim to shore, Missandei is not among them. </p><p>To shield herself, Cersei opens the Red Keep to the people of King's Landing — should Daenerys destroy the castle, she will murder thousands of innocent people in the process. Euron reports back about his success at sea, and Cersei, passing off Jaime's child as Euron's, rewards him with news of her pregnancy. Missandei is shackled in the corner.<br></p><p><b>"So much for the Breaker of Chains." – Cersei Lannister</b></p><p>Varys begs Daenerys to temper her anger over Rhaegal's death and Missandei's abduction, so as not play into Cersei's hands. Tyrion argues the same. Daenerys reluctantly agrees to a final meeting with Cersei, acknowledging it may be best the people see she "made every effort to avoid bloodshed." Worrying about the queen's state of mind, the Spider wonders if Jon might be the better fit for the throne – and better for the realm.</p><p><b>"You're a good man and you can't save her." – Brienne of Tarth</b></p><p>Those left at Winterfell hear the news of Euron's ambush on Daenerys' ships. Jaime decides to return to King's Landing, over Brienne's pleas for him to stay.</p><p>Daenerys, Grey Worm, Varys and a group of Unsullied position themselves outside King's Landing. Above, Cersei stands with her supporters, and Missandei in chains. Tyrion and Qyburn meet midway, each representing their queens. Tyrion demands Cersei's surrender and the release of Missandei, but Qyburn refuses. Tyrion addresses his sister directly, imploring her to think of her unborn child. Unmoved, Cersei advises Missandei choose her last words. The young woman looks at Grey Worm, then directly at Daenerys before saying, "Dracarys." The Mountain swings his sword, and her body falls to the ground.</p></div>

The Bells

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written by David Benioff &amp; D.B. Weiss</b></p><p><b>Directed by Miguel Sapochnik</b></p><p>Alone in his chambers, Varys writes a letter about the true heir to the Iron Throne. Soon after, he meets Jon Snow on the beaches of Dragonstone and tries to convince him that he should be the one to sit on the Iron Throne. Jon remains steadfastly loyal to his queen. After witnessing Varys and Jon's exchange from afar, Tyrion informs Daenerys about Varys's treason. Grey Worm escorts Varys from his room in chains and presents him to Daenerys. She sentences Varys to death by dragonfire after Tyrion admits his own betrayal to his friend.</p><p><b>"I don't have love here. I only have fear." – Daenerys Targaryen</b></p><p>Daenerys gives Grey Worm Missandei's collar, the only possession she carried across the sea to remember where she came from. He tosses it into the fire. Daenerys speaks with Jon and reminds him that treacheries like Varys' are exactly what she warned would happen should anyone know Jon's true identity. Looking for love and comfort, she kisses him, but he pulls away.</p><p>Tyrion protests Daenerys' plan to attack King's Landing and end thousands of innocent lives, but the Dragon Queen has made her decision and orders Grey Worm to wait for her outside the city. Tyrion begs for a caveat — that she will spare the city if it surrenders — and she hesitantly acquiesces. She finally informs Tyrion that Jaime was captured trying to cross enemy lines, and that any future mistakes will be Tyrion's last.</p><p><b>"You were the only one who didn't treat me like a monster." – Tyrion Lannister</b></p><p>Daenerys' soldiers prepare for their fight at daybreak. Tyrion finds Jaime and frees him, pleading with his brother escape with Cersei through the tunnels beneath the Keep and ring the bells to signal the city's surrender. The brothers share an emotional farewell.</p><p>The people of King's Landing flood through the gates of the Red Keep. The Hound and Arya make it inside before the doors close, but Jaime finds the gates barred and searches for another way back to Cersei.<b></b></p><p>Outside of the city walls, Harry Strickland and his Golden Company face the Unsullied, Northern soldiers, and remaining Dothraki. Tyrion, still hoping for as little bloodshed as possible, reminds Jon that if the bells ring, it means the city has surrendered.</p><p>Euron Greyjoy and his Iron Fleet await battle in Blackwater Bay. Holding nothing back, Daenerys attacks on Drogon, quickly destroying the ships. Euron leaps into the sea. Daenerys' path of destruction takes her to the battlements and city walls, breaking through the barriers and eliminating much of the Golden Company in the process. Grey Worm and his men charge, and the Unsullied leader makes an easy kill of Strickland.</p><p>Cersei watches the walls burn from the Red Keep. Qyburn reports the Iron Fleet has been overcome and the scorpions destroyed; they have no means of killing the dragon.</p><p>The city gate breached, Grey Worm, Jon, and their men enter King's Landing and come face-to-face with the Lannister soldiers. The Lannister army drop their swords in surrender. Daenerys, Tyrion, and the others wait for the bells, which finally ring to signal the Lannister defeat. Ignoring them, Daenerys takes off in the direction of the Red Keep destroying anything and everything in her path, including the innocent civilians below. Grey Worm throws a spear at an unarmed Lannister soldier, inciting the rest of the men to charge. Amidst the chaos, Jon unsuccessfully attempts to restrain his men, but the madness of the battle takes hold.</p><p><b>"If I win, I'll bring your head to Cersei so you can kiss her one last time." – Euron Greyjoy</b></p><p>Jaime reaches the beach near the Red Keep's secret entrance. Euron emerges from the water to taunt the Kingslayer into a fight. The men struggle brutally as Drogon flies overhead, blasting the castle with flames. The Red Keep begins to fall. Stabbing Jaime multiple times, Euron believes he has won, but Jaime refuses to give up. Jaime drives his sword into the Greyjoy. Pleased with himself for giving the infamous Kingslayer wounds likely to be fatal, Euron smiles up at the sky as he dies.</p><p>Having made their way to the Map Room, the Hound urges Arya to go back. He reasons Cersei is dead no matter what. "You want to be like me?" he asks, urging her to not to give her life for vengeance. Arya thanks Sandor, and leaves.</p><p>Qyburn convinces Cersei to take refuge; the crumbling castle wipes out her guards as they move to safety. The Hound appears and locks in on his brother. The Mountain ignores Cersei's commands and tosses Qyburn aside, killing him. Terrified, Cersei rushes past the Cleganes, leaving them to their fight. The Hound stabs the Mountain through the middle, but Ser Gregor is relentless. Mimicking his fatal move on Oberyn Martel, Gregor damages Sandor's eyes, leaving him bloodied and bruised on the ground. As the Red Keep collapsing around them, the Hound tackles his older brother, sending them through a wall of the tower and down to the flames below.</p><p>On the streets of King's Landing, Jon orders his men to fall back. Drogon flies overhead and the city burns. Arya finds herself in complete mayhem. Covered in ash and utterly alone, Arya fails to rescue a woman and her daughter before spotting her only chance of escape: a horse. She climbs on top of the beast and rides out of the city.</p><p><b>"Nothing else matters. Only us." – Jaime Lannister</b></p><p>Cersei and Jaime find each other in the Map Room. She's shocked he has returned, and concerned about his wounds. Jaime leads them underground, but the collapsing castle has sealed the exits. In tears, Cersei says she doesn't want to die. They clutch one another as the walls fall around them.<br></p></div>

The Iron Throne

<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Written and Directed by David Benioff &amp; D.B. Weiss</b></p><p>Tyrion surveys the destruction of King's Landing as ashes fall upon dead bodies and crumbled buildings. Jon Snow and Davos are upset to discover Grey Worm and the Unsullied executing Lannister prisoners of war on the queen's command. Davos suggests Jon speak with Daenerys. Tyrion heads to the bottom of the Red Keep, where he is broken-hearted to find his siblings, Cersei and Jaime, killed by the fallen rubble.</p><p>Daenerys addresses her army with an impassioned speech about breaking the wheel. She names Grey Worm her Master of War. Jon, Tyrion and Arya watch the Dragon Queen declare her plans to "liberate" the entire world. Afterwards, Tyrion admits to freeing Jaime, and removes his Hand of the Queen pin, tossing it to the ground. "Take him," Daenerys orders her soldiers. Arya finds a moment with Jon, warning him that he is a threat to Daenerys no matter what he may think.<br></p><p>Jon visits Tyrion in his cell. Tyrion fears Daenerys will never stop attempting to conquer the world – asking Jon what he would have done in her stead during the attack on King's Landing. Jon continues to support Daenerys but pauses when Tyrion mentions Sansa and Arya. He tells Jon he has to make a choice between doing the right thing for the people of Westeros or remaining loyal to his queen.</p><p><b>"Build the new world with me. This is our reason." – Daenerys Targaryen</b></p><p>Inside the remnants of the Great Hall, Daenerys stands before the Iron Throne. The ground is covered in ash. Jon enters and tries to convince her to forgive Tyrion; to be merciful. Daenerys maintains she has a better vision for the world and asks him to help her create it. Jon vows his allegiance to her once more and kisses her, before stabbing a knife into her heart. Daenerys falls in his arms and dies.<br></p><p>Drogon lands in the Hall. Grieving over his mother's lifeless body, the dragon releases a firey blast directly at the Iron Throne, melting the seat of power down to nothing. Grasping Daenerys in his claws, Drogon takes off over the sea.</p><p><b>"There is nothing in the world more powerful than a good story." – Tyrion Lannister</b></p><p>Weeks later, Tyrion is led in chains to the King's Landing dragonpit. There he finds Samwell Tarly, Bran, Arya and Sansa Stark, Edmure Tully, Gendry Baratheon, Yara Greyjoy, Brienne of Tarth, Davos, and other leaders of the Great Houses of Westeros. Grey Worm refuses to release Jon Snow on the grounds of treason. The House leaders explain to Tyrion there is no king or queen to rule on Jon's fate. Tyrion suggests they look to the keeper of their stories, of their history: Bran the Broken. The group agrees but for Sansa, who declares the North will remain its own kingdom. Bran accepts the title, and names Tyrion his Hand. "He's made many terrible mistakes," the new King says of the imp, "He's going to spend the rest of his life fixing them."<br></p><p>Knowing the release or death of Jon will start another war, Bran decides to send him to the Night's Watch. Jon continues to wonder whether what he did was right; a question Tyrion cannot yet answer.</p><p>Ships are readied. Grey Worm and his Unsullied set sail for the island of Naath, while Jon bids goodbye to his Stark family. Sansa regrets she was unable to gain Jon's release, but he comforts her by saying the North will be in good hands under her guidance. He tells Arya she may visit him at Castle Black; the young woman confesses she has other plans – exploring the unmapped territories of the world. Jon apologizes to Bran for not being there when he needed him, but the Three-Eyed Raven and King of the Six Kingdoms responds that Jon was exactly where he was supposed to be.<br></p><p><b>"We serve at your pleasure, King Bran the Broken." – Tyrion Lannister</b></p><p>Brienne of Tarth enters the heroic deeds of Jaime Lannister in the white Kingsguard book. As Lord Commander of the Kingsguard she joins Tyrion and the other masters – Ser Bronn, Master of Coin, Ser Davos, Master of Ships, and Grand Maester Samwell Tarly – in the Small Council chambers. Sam shares Archmaester Ebrose's newest history book, <i>A Song of Ice and Fire</i>, with Tyrion – who is surprised to learn he does not grace its pages. The group begins to plan for the restoration of the city.</p><p>Jon returns to Castle Black, where he is reunited with Tormund and Ghost. As Sansa Stark takes her seat on the throne as Queen in the North, and Arya Stark sets sail across the seas on her own ship, Jon rides once again beyond the Wall, guiding the surviving Free Folk back to their home.<br></p></div>