Last week Cersei’s tyrannical reign came to an undignified end, John Snow set out to recruit the remaining ‘Free Folk’ to his his cause, and Dany and Tyrion met at last.
The episode begins with Jorah and Tyrion in facing Daenerys; Tyrion trying to put a case for his survival for his crime of being a Lannister, and Jorah standing silently like a lovesick teen too shy to speak with his crush. Tyrion casts himself as the ‘greatest Lannister killer that ever lived’ with his first piece of advice to the Mother of Dragons being that she once again banish his former advisor from the city.
Later Dany and Tyrion drink together like two long lost friends, discussing their unique brand of ‘daddy’ issues, Dany’s successes as a ruler, and breaking the wheel which runs Westeros. Meanwhile, Ser Jorah returns to the slave master who bought him, in order to fight in the Great Pit. He’s determined to fight for his unrequited love at the risk of turning everyone he comes into contact with into a Stone Man.
In Braavos, Arya receives her first mission for the Faceless Men; to become an oyster seller and poison a gambler whom only gains from the misfortune of others. The Hound wouldn’t be impressed by the predetermined cause of death.
Back in Westeros, Sansa learns something that gives her at least a little bit of hope: her brothers are alive, Theon burned the corpses of two farm boys. Whilst the Bolton’s prepare to either face Stannis’ army head on, or stay within Winterfell’s walls. Ramsay has another solution: leading twenty men to do what damage they can to Stannis’ forces.
In King’s Landing, Cersei’s time in the cells thus far has left her looking anything but regal. Her influence dwindling, Qyburn is her only visitor, bringing news of Tommen’s continued deteriation and lack of interest in ruling the Seven Kingdoms. No else really seems to too bothered by the former Queen’s imprisonment. Cersei’s only other companion is the septern who threw her in her cell, and they are the opposite of BFFs.
At the Wall, Sam offers advice to Olly and assures him to have faith in the new Lord Commander of the Nights Watch. It doesn’t make the boy smile or anything, he’s still sulky. Still making the mood at Castle Black even more miserable.
Further north, John Snow and his entourage of brothers of the Nights Watch and Wildlings arrive at Hardhome to no applause or ‘Welcome’ banners. Tough crowd. Instead they are met by the ever hostile Lord of Bones who makes a few unoriginal quips before being beaten to death by Tormund.
A campfire meeting follows as Nights Watch and Free Folk alike present their cases for hating one another.Though a a rousing pep talk from John, and a of jokes from Tormund win over quite a few.
As Wildlings are being evacuated from the village, dogs begin to bark and white mists begin to descend from the Mountains. The gates are shut. Screams are heard. Silence.
Not for long.
Hardhome becomes the scene of what will likely be this season’s climatic battle, as deceased White Walkers attack. The village erupts into chaos. The dead break down the gates. The shadowy figures of four horsemen observe from a clifftop.
John Snow faces a fully clothed White Walker (they’ve been shopping), finding dragon glass is not their only weakness. They can also be killed using weapons (such as his sword) made of Valyrian steel.
The forces of the Nights Watch and Wildlings are hopelessly outnumbered as the dead overrun the living , and the majority of Hardhome’s residents are massacred. A retreat is their only option.
In the episode’s closing minutes a White Walker steps forward to stare longingly at John as he leaves, raising his arms to show that the cold never bothered him anyway, and bid the fallen Wildling’s to rise.
Winter has come.
