After Season 6 Episode 1's criticism for being uneventful, we get the exact opposite for Episode 2. The action, witty lines, emotional scenes, and revelations that we all love about Game of Thrones come together in one masterpiece of an episode.
Three Eyed Raven: Bran's storyline is the most interesting of this episode and gave us the show's first major flashback. We see a glimpse of young Stark children, all of which are assumed to be dead. Little Ned is training and even smaller Benjen, while we get our first look at Lyanna Stark as she taunts her brother with horse riding skills. Lyanna is one of the biggest and most important characters (along with Rhaegar and Aerys) that died before the story takes place. Bran also sees a young Hodor, who's name is actually Willis, with capable speech and etiquette. Could his change be related to Lyanna's death, who he seemingly had a good relationship with?
King's Landing: Myrcella's funeral takes place, which Cersei is banned from by Tommen due to fear of her being arrested again. Jaime, before engaging in a confrontation with the High Sparrow, persuades Tommen to talk to his mother. They then share an emotional scene in which Tommen asks Cersei to help him become stronger, and she replies "Always". Could foreshadow Tommen adapting his mother's personality.
Iron Isles: Balon Greyjoy becomes infuriated at Yara and blames her for their recent defeats. They have a heated conversation before Balon is secretly killed by Euron Greyjoy, his brother, by throwing him off a rickety bridge into stormy waters.
The North: Sansa engages in conversation with Brienne about Arya, who informs her of Arya's time with Sandor Clegane. Theon apologizes to Sansa in a brief display of his old self, and acknowledges that he betrayed Robb and the rest of the Stark family. After deciding to march to the wall and seek Jon Snow's help, Theon contemplates going back home to the Iron Isles. Meanwhile, Roose and Ramsay Bolton are considering storming the Wall to kill Jon Snow and recapture Sansa, as the maester of Winterfell announces that Walda Frey has gave birth to a boy. Ramsay congratulates his father, then proceeding to stab his father in the stomach after the false display of affection, killing him and declaring himself "Lord Bolton". Ramsay feeds Walda and his newborn half-brother to his hounds.
Braavos: Arya fails another training lesson. After she is visited by Jaqen H'ghar, and tells her that if she says her name she will be given her vision back. Arya says "no one" multiple times, seemingly passing the test.
Mereen: Tyrion, Varys, Grey Worm and Missandei discuss the recent terror attacks within Meereen. Tyrion provides the episode with its bit of humor when he makes "no cock" jokes to poke fun at Varys. He decides to let Rhaegal and Viserion out of their binds, despite the concerns of Daenerys' other advisers. Tyrion reveals that he was fascinated with dragons at a young age.
The Wall: This is where the episode's action takes place. Ser Davos and Jon's other supporters prepare for a battle after refusing to hand his body over. Before Alliser Thorne breaks down the door a part of the Wilding army, led by Tormund and a giant, barge in the front gate and make the Night's Watch surrender. After showing TOrmund the dead body of his friend, Davos asks Melisandre if there is a possibility of resurrecting Jon. He tells her that all the gods "can go f themselves", and reinstates her faith within herself, if not her religion. After a ritual involving Jon's hair, Melisandre, Davos, Ed and Tormund leave the room in disappointment, believing that it failed. Once the door is shut, Ghost stirs, and Jon awakes wide-eyed and gasping for air.
This was an amazing episode. It showed us the death of two powerful rulers belonging to two powerful houses, a glimpse at Lyanna Stark and the resurrection of a beloved character (my personal favourite), Jon Snow. This had to be one of the 10 greatest episodes that have been released so far, as it embodies everything we love about Game of Thrones: Emotional and dramatic conversations, plot twists, violence, comedy, major deaths and triumphs of a loved character. Although sex may cause boosts in ratings and makes many scenes greater, this episode is evidence that Game of Thrones is much more than "Tits and Dragons".
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