Today, HBO officially confirmed the titles for the fourth and fifth episodes of Game of Thrones season six, and provided episode synopses along with them. As previously revealed somewhat less officially by an overseas network, the titles of the episodes are:
Season 6, Episode 4: “Book of the Stranger”
Season 6, Episode 5: “The Door”
Synopses and other info below the cut!
Season 6, episode 4: “Book of the Stranger” will premiere on Sunday, May 15th.
Synopsis: Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) strikes a deal. Jorah (Iain Glen) and Daario (Michiel Huisman) undertake a difficult task. Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and Cersei (Lena Headey) try to improve their situation.
The episode is written by David Benioff & D. B. Weiss and directed by Dan Sackheim.
This will be Sackheim’s second episode for Game of Thrones, his first being this coming Sunday’s episode, “Oathbreaker.”
Season 6, episode 5: “The Door” will premiere on Sunday, May 22nd.
Synopsis: Tyrion seeks a strange ally. Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright) learns a great deal. Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) goes on a mission. Arya (Maisie Williams) is given a chance to prove herself.
This episode is written by David Benioff & D. B. Weiss and directed by Jack Bender. The episode will be Bender’s debut with GoT.
Euron
Tristifer Botley.
“Bran learns a great deal”. Yup ToJ is split across 2 episodes.
Walda
Lol they still won’t put Jon in the descriptions even though he’s back now.
Jack Bauer 24,
Could be rabbit, could be. I’d wager money its split as well.
I bet this confirms my theory that “Hodor” comes from “Hold the door!” being the last thing he heard before… whatever happened to him made him the way he is… and that Benjen is to blame!
Okay, so it’s an amalgamation theory of several theories. 🙂
Strange Ally? Perhaps a Red Priest/ess who isn’t Morroqo?
“Brienne goes on a mission.”
Separated from Sansa again?
No Jon
Maybe the wall is not in these two episodes.
Adam,
Goes to seek Jaime to save Pod’s life. Sansa will also play the role of LSH.
Just a thought
Jack Bauer 24,
You know, I had been thinking about that! Maybe all we know of the ToJ from aGoT is this Sunday, and then the big reveal that everybody is waiting for that episode!
Highly doubt that. Just think they are still being secretive with him.
Jeez, they’re still not mentioning Jon in any of the descriptions. Booo!
“Brienne goes on a mission” may be when
I can’t wait!
“Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright) learns a great deal.”
LMAO
HBO still isn’t giving me a single mention of Jon and Sansa…. and no preview photos of Jon. I need to change my desktop background, dammit! lol
Save Pod from what?
P.S.
I also called the “Brienne will link up with Sansa and then get sent on the Lady Stoneheart mission from the books, with a twist,” way back in season 4.
Sure… 1,000 other people did as well… but I only think about myself.
No mention of Ramsay either but I’m sure they are both in there. They just want to keep their stuff, especially Jon’s, quiet since everyone is in the dark.
Sansa arrives at the wall in 4, Jon sends Brienne for Arya in 5?
Bran’s “big revelation” could also be the White Walker vision we saw in the trailers. I’m hoping ToJ will be resolved this week.
Jack Bender. What an awesome name…
Monday morning:
“…what did you do last weekend?”
“oh man, i am burnt out it was a total Jack Bender”
Why would Brienne give a fuck what Jon wants? She is Sansa’s sworn sword. She takes her orders.
Pod also goes to Riverlands, we see him there in the trailer
I agree! The young Hodor actor has hinted on twitter that there is more to come.
Jack Bauer 24,
From whores at CB 😛
No mention of Dany for Ep04 but I’m still hoping it’s her big episode of the season, along with probably 09/10.
So I’m guessing Sansa will reach the wall by episode 4, and then will send Brienne on her mission in episode 5. I really hope she reaches the Wall this week though.
Yeah maybe its just about being secretive and not that on isn’t in the episodes
Nicola,
It would be Sansa sending Brienne, not Jon.
Tyrion courting a strange ally will be them sending for the Red Priests, one assumes.
Kind of vague….
The Jorah/Daario description ties in with her.
“The Door”? What could that mean, lol.
Sean C.,
Tyrion courting a strange ally – one of dragons.
Agreed
GeekFurious,
Even a clock is right twice a day…
I really don’t want ToJ split into two episodes, so maybe the great deal he learns is about the Night King and Bloodraven? And that he shouldn’t go tree hopping without his teacher? *hoping*
Brienne is going to the Riverlands-but not until episode 5. They really need more episodes not less for this show. SO MUCH needs to happen in the Riverlands.
I’m starting to feel like Jaime won’t remember his redemption arc until episode 8. I miss Jienne…Braime? *G*
BunBunStark,
Dont forget Red Wedding 2.0 and the Riverlands outlaws. Maybe the BwB will side with Sansa and help her avenge her family? Blackfish is returning as well. Maybe Sansa sends Brienne to (i) Help Blackfish with the siege in Riverrun (ii) search for Arya. Sansa could also ask the Vale men to help her retake Riverrun.
No one thinks that Sansa is going to catch wind that her brother is dead before reaching Castle Black and then set course south?
That’s driving me nuts! Why not mention him now? Is a few words in a description really going to give the game away as to what’s in store? They can just be cryptic surely.
Maybe they’ll release a pic of him once he’s been seen on screen, back on his feet with some clothes on lol.
NK vision will be later in the season when the WW are close to the cave. That will be their big set piece for this season.
Nope. The fight outside the Tower of Joy is this week. “The Door” will be the Door to Lyanna’s chambers when Ned is inside that Tower. And we all know what that means.
We have waited 20 years for this scene. Another week won’t kill us.
Promise me.
GeekFurious,
Also, Brienne told Sansa that she searched for Arya three days and didn’t find her, Jon cares enough to tell her to look again. After all Baelish told Sansa he saw Arya in Harrenhal and Sansa didn’t even ask him once to go back for her. We also know from the trailer Pod is
Finally, it surely must be Jon because we haven’t seen anything of his bond with Arya since Season 1 Episode 2 and its all over the books, in particular ADWD. This will give him the opportunity to express that to a 3rd party character and also the viewer.
“Hold! The! Door!”
Hodor.
Purpleweddingcake,
that thought crossed my mind 🙁
When do you think the trailer shot of Arya jumping from that balcony is? Has to be before the acting troupe.
No, seeing as there’s no indication anybody outside Castle Black even knew about Jon’s death and he came back to life within about 36 hours of dying. And seeing as Brienne is being sent on a mission in 605, that means Sansa has to be a secure location by that point, which would be where else but Castle Black?
Since you’ve seen that scene, you presumably noticed Sansa’s happiness at hearing about Arya? Moreover, I’m sure Jon misses Arya (even though the show hasn’t had him mention her since Season 1), but that misses the rather key point that Jon has no power to send Brienne anywhere. She’s Sansa’s sworn sword; only Sansa can give her a mission.
Completely agree.
I’m still not convinced Sansa will make it to Castle Black. Or if so, I’m picturing a Bran/Jon style near miss.
But she is not Jon’s sworn sword. She doesn’t take orders from him. If someone gives her an order, it will be Sansa. Otherwise, Brienne would go with Sansa. And while I think the Arya thing will factor into it, the order will come from Sansa and it will be somehow related to the Jaime story from the books. They are just combining them all.
lazydoolittle,
A Jack Bender is what I went on after the Fappening pics leaked.
I think Jorah and Dario will find Dany by episode 4, but Dany will tell them she isn’t fleeing with them. She wants to unite the Dothraki by a show of strength, and the difficult task will be to let her stay.
Or maybe I’m totally wrong and the difficult task will be infiltrating the city and that’s it. I hope not.
Purpleweddingcake,
No
Pigeon,
Then how else will she end up with Davos? I mean, it looks like both her and Davos are in the same place in the trailer.
No. She’s seen in the trailers with Davos, so she gets up to CB before Brienne leaves her again. Who would find her to get her back up there if she set course south?
Steel_Wind,
It might kill me lol
Okay, it won’t…I’ll just have to focus on other things.
Promise me, Ned
This will be a LONG few weeks.
Connor,
The Door to the Tower of Joy?
Halfman,
He can keep the clothes off if he wants. 😛
Man, I´m so pumped for the Riverlands in this season! Brotherhood without Banners, Thoros, the Freys (and some Stark revenge hopefully), Riverrun and Tully time!..
Season 3 back again, HYPE!
Oh I think she’ll likely end up with Davos earlier, and probably at some point Jon. But I don’t think it’ll be as straightforward.
Splitting up the TOJ is a bit of an odd choice, in my view, both dramatically and from a narrative perspective. So Bloodraven takes Bran to see the cool swordfight, then two episodes later they go back for the actual relevant information?
So, episode 4: Jorah and Daario try to rescue Dany, and Jaime is sent to Riverlands. Episode 5: Tyrion seeks an ally – red priestess, a dragon? Bran learns. Why do you think his “learning” means he sees Tower of Joy or the White Walkers? He’s on a training too. It’s not just watching the past and the future what he’s doing right now but also INFLUENCING it. Brienne goes on a mission… to Riverlands? But why? Does Sansa send her to try to get some allies in the wars to come (if yes, that means the decision to fight Ramsay is already made)? Arya is on a mission again. Maybe the same man, maybe another. If she fails, we can get to see her Assassin’s Creed roof jumping.
Jack Bauer 24,
Later in the season.
Flayed Potatoes,
No arguments from me on that one!! 🙂 Yum!
I know, right? A great deal, indeed!!!!
BunBunStark
+1, I think this is Brienne’s mission as well.
I think Bran will go back by himself to see the Lyanna part.
That would make even less sense. Why would Bloodraven even bother showing him just the fight? It’s cool, but ultimately meaningless.
What the fuck is a Lommy?,
Exquisite revenge for me would be to have a Blackfish-Arya tag team (both were present at the site of the Red Wedding as well as being a Tully and a Stark) take out Walder Frey.
ToJ ending in Episode 5 almost confirmed…
So what will be the ending for this week ? Sansa might meet Jon earlier than I expected after all…I could see this as a episode ender.
If George can get Winds out in the next 2 weeks then the show won’t spoil R+L=J
Not sure, but the show has established Bran cannot be in a vision for too long or he’ll “drown”. The fight sequence will be long enough.
Are Jorah and Daario in the next episode (episode 3)? They aren’t in the synopsis or preview but I was expecting them to show up since Dany is also in this episode (after being missing from the last). But, that synopsis for episode 4 mentions them ‘undertaking a difficult task’ which is probably them trying to get to Dany, so if they are in episode 3, what will they be doing?
Rickon
Jack Bauer 24,
Sounds like it’s about him learning more about the White Walkers and what’s to come aka the Long Night. We know it’s happening. Given that David and Dan dislike flashbacks, they’re not going to have more than it’s necessary. Don’t expect more than 3. ToJ would lose its momentum if split.
Adam,
Still no news about Lyanna cast? My dream cast for the role was Jenna Coleman, but a totally new face would be better, I think.
About Lyanna – In the books she was younger than Ned, but is she older than him in the show? The girl looked taller than Young Ned in the Winterfell scene.
No mention of Oldtown/Tarly family?
Jack Bauer 24,
lmao
GeekFurious,
Ooo, and R + L = J. That was you, right?
It’s split. WW stuff will be later. I expect Bran’s finale scene to be fleeing the cave when the NK gets to the cave and the WW attack.
Plus the episode title “The Door” and the description fit the ToJ. Again…they established Bran cannot be in a vision for too long for a reason.
Jack Bauer 24,
Sam has a big scene in Episode 5, if I’m not mistaken. Oldtown is end of the season material. (8,10)
TOJ is not the only thing left for Bran to witness. People forget about his visions of White Walkers and we have been told he might get insight into the future. It’d been stressed again and again how we’re going to learn more about the WWs during the promo campaign.
Sounds pretty boring.
Hopefully, I might be wrong.
Icekhione,
Probably in Episode 7 or 8.
AKladybird,
I think Brienne will be sent on a mission by Sansa: To get Arya or to get the Vale’s Army. Pod is Brienne’s squire so of course he goes to. Now while Brienne and Pod are in the Riverlands it appears someone grabs Pod from behind. Could be the brotherhood OR it could be Bronn messing with Pod. They did hang out for a few seasons. Anyways. I guess there could be a Stoneheart, but I don’t believe it will be Sansa. Sansa isn’t leaving the North until she either has avenged her family or has died. Arya fits that role much better mainly because she knows the Brotherhood.
Totally, would love to see that… Arya, Nymeria and the wolf pack, Blackfish, Brienne, Pod, Brotherhood without Banners, House Tully, (not House Stark and allies cuz.. you know.. SNOWBOWL GET HYPE! lol.) Manderly, Glover, Dustin, Cassel, etc… and just destroying them all and burning the Twins.
Ser Axel Hildemar,
Episode 2 synopsis :
Bran trains with the Three-Eyed Raven. In King’s Landing, Jaime advises Tommen. Tyrion demands good news, but has to make his own. At Castle Black, the Night’s Watch stands behind Thorne. Ramsay Bolton proposes a plan, and Balon Greyjoy entertains other proposals.
Was it boring ?
“The Door” might be the episode where Mel brings back Jim Morrison. In “Book of the Stranger,” they’ll find the book, open it up, and it will read:
Jorah has to take the ring to Mordor at some point.
GeekFurious, Hope I’ve hidden the first part of my reply to prevent spoilers.
. Also, Hodor not being able to speak fits with my theory that Mr Martin hides info from the reader by ensuring that anyone that knows anything about the past is either not a PoV character, is a PoV character but is killed off in the books before he/she can reveal too much to the reader, is a PoV character but is too young or of too inferior status to know anything. Now we have a character that knows something that can’t speak. Nice one, Mr Martin. By the way, I’ve always had the feeling that Stannis knows a lot but not being a PoV character there’s no danger that he will reveal anything, and now he’s dead in the show.
Most clocks are right 1440 times a day, especially those that sync with cell towers, but perhaps you meant a broken clock.
I would not be surprised to see Sansa at the wall this week probably last part of the episode (just based off how fast they are moving) Then sending her to RR to get Tully aid.
Tyrion is telegraphed in it seems with the trailer of the Red Priestess who will be his Deal (If they do this I just have to shake my head like Sister like Brother). There seems to be a lot put on the Red God. The Allie Could be a Dragon but seems very early for that so I am more betting on a Greyjoy.
Bran see’s TOJ this week and reveals the R+L= Answer in E5 ( Pure hope to follow)” LSH will be in this episode with HR and HR confirms R+L to Brienne and LS. This would be very cool and interesting has her Oath was first to Cat and this could be when she is sent by Cat to find Arya. Along the way she finds the Hound and together they go to find Arya” (Again pure hope) but it would be a cool way to bring the Starks back together as part of me just cannot get past the working title of the final book which hints at where the story is going.
Apart from WWs, the Lands of Always Winter, the Long Night, possible vision of the future, there’s still a mystery about Hodor that needs to be revealed. The Winterfell flashback has set it up. It’s veering on being an overkill already. And Bran’s not going to have that much screentime. TOJ is not gonna take up most of it. Two episodes is too much for one flashback.
Hahaha….. Episode 4 actually has no mention of Daenerys? 😀 This IS her big episode in the first half of the season and we get a mention of Jorah and Daario? HBO are the biggest trolls ever. 😉
Maybe Bran gets really curious after his vision is interrupted and decides to come back to the strange place without BR’s consent, so we will probably have a cliffhanger in ToJ. Besides that, Jack Bender, was seen directing the scenes envolving the Tower of Joy, wasn’t he? I’m pretty sure the door relates to the interior of the tower, and Bran will go back there by himself.
Jorah and Daario will skip this episode, then “Book of The Stranger” will be heavily focused on Vaes Dothrak. Huge sequence incoming, that’s why Episode 4 is so long, it’s for Dany’s epic moment.
Can’t wait!
Purpleweddingcake,
How would anyone know? There’s no Twitter in Westeros, only actual Ravens. And the guy in charge of Ravens just died (Aemon). Think Thorne sent any out between Jons stabbing and return? I’m going with no.
The TOJ reveal should be tied closely to Jon’s comeback. People have been saying that ever since we learned there would be TOJ. Two episodes later is not closely. What’s the point of only showing the fight now? What would be the reason for splitting it? They could have just had it all in ep 5 then.
Bran’s vision about the White Walkers and the Night’s King, Kinvara, Brienne and Pod goes to the Riverlands.
I can’t wait until we get Arya’s storyline with the theatre troupe!
It’s one of my most anticipated moments from this season.
Agro,
Jack Bender’s sighting was unconfirmed. It doesn’t matter either way because the interior scenes of TOJ were NOT filmed in Spain. They had been filmed in Belfast, on a soundstage, before they went to Spain to film the fight outside.
“The Lord’s fire now lives within me, I don’t feel the cold.” Perhaps Jon ‘Stark’ was a costuming description? A girl can dream…
Guys I’m getting an awful feeling that Margaery is going to confess to lying about Loras’ sexuality, basically condemning him and then she’ll be freed but he’ll be executed :(((
Jack Bauer 24,
Woo Hoo!! Get me to the mf RL!!
Wow, season finale is 69 minutes long!! Didn’t know that
Tyrion’s ally should be the new red priest.
And Kit has confirmed in an interview last week (someone posted link to that interview here- maybe someone who remembers the thread can repost?) that he is in more scenes this year then any previous. So Im guessing we see a LOT Of him ..which I do NOT mind at all. Eye CANDY for us girls …. YEEEEEEEEESSSSSSS …. lol
Icekhione,
Ah thanks, that’s right then, but anyway I have a feeling something like that will happen
Pigeon,
The outrage over this would be epic (myself included).
yes People put too much stock into those brief, vague descriptions.
Icekhione,
They are indeed very trollish descriptions. The main information they tell us are the characters that are going to be in particular episodes (and even then, not all of them).
Not impressed by Meereen getting 5 consecutives episodes. If Tyrion wasn’t played by Dinklage…
Why does people think Hodor is somehow involved in the ToJ incident? Did I miss something here?
Bran must have many visions, he must reveal Hodor’s hodorism, ToJ, the death of the Mad King, the night King, maybe something else each episode. I think it will be about Hodor or some addition to R+L=J, maybe secret marriage of R & L that makes someone a king ?
Well, I am definately not interested in the Jorah/Daario plot. Even though Daario looks a lot like my hubby. Or maybe because of that. ?
On the other hand, I find myself rooting for Jaime (well, that’s not odd) and yes, Cersei. I so hope those fanatics will get what they deserve.
Jack Bauer 24,
No. We know that young Hodor will be in e5. It makes no sense to have vision about him with R+L=J.
Interesting thought… do you think she will marry a Dothraki to form an alliance once again with them? That would seal her fate for going to Westeros for good!!
Hey yes, I remember you calling that one. ?
Bran’s vision about himself seeing a vision … and GoT intro
We know Jaime won’t be in the Riverlands until at least episode 6 because he’ll be with the Tyrell army outside Baelor’s sept for Margaery and Loras.
Don’t you think the “Door” title will be a little bit more encompassing than just the ToJ scenes? I mean D&D do like to use a theme for several characters arc’s. I just wonder if it has a broader meaning? What say you?
I thought Bryan Cogman worked with Dan Sackeim, am I missing something ?
http://twitter.com/b_cogman/status/633722937267367936
Mustangride,
I don’t think Sansa is in this weeks episode. She isn’t in the synopsis or preview so will probably miss episode 3 and then arrive at the wall in episode 4
He could publish the ToJ chapter online.
WalterHarrow,
So what’s the ending for Episode 3 then ?
Oh baby, you’ve just lit my fire.
mau,
That’s right. Sam Coleman is going to be in Jack Bender-helmed episode.
http://www.spotlight.com/6696-1279-9713
Putting two and two together, it’s likely episode 5 and it’s what Bran learns. There’s no way they give Bran two flashbacks in one episode, let alone that they give him more than few of those.
Ginevra,
Funny!! I was thinking it’s Arya’s favorite song, by Sir Willem Johel.
Well, we all have a face
That we hide away forever
And we take them out
And show ourselves when everyone has gone
Some are satin, some are steel
Some are silk and some are leather
They’re the faces of a stranger
But we’d love to try them on
Jack Bauer 24,
maybe. But maybe not. The first trailers during March show Bran STANDING with the Night King and the Night King is holding/gabbing Bran’s arm. So, TOJ maybe complete Sunday and what Bran continues to learn is an even greater mystery- who are the Others/Knight King and what do they want.
So Brienne would be able to get to the Riverlands in 3 episodes?
‘The Door’, Sam Coleman in Bender’s ep, Ho-DOOR. It all adds up lol.
I don’t see how they could avoid Jon for two entire episodes, Kit said this was his biggest season yet.
No, they are just avoiding it because of ‘spoilers’, I think.
Pounce,
TOJ. I don’t get why people think it will be split across two episodes. Bran is obviously having another flashback in episode 5 that doesn’t have anything to do with the tower of joy. There is no way they will have the big fight with Ned and Arthur Dayne etc and then just no show what happens next for another two weeks. That would be ridiculous. Also, revealing Jon’s true parents right after he comes back to life is the obvious thing to do
Ginevra, Jack Bauer,
Hasn’t this already been “spoiled” by the internet? Maybe WotW could do a poll of unsullied who know what
Jon’s arc (as important as it is) is not something I actively investigate and I am aware of this theory in detail (although not I am not unsullied).
But yeah, keep writing George! I, and hopefully some others, still have faith in ya…
Nah. TER and Bran check out the cool sword fight. But TER forces Bran to leave before he sees what’s inside.
Later Bran sneaks out on his own to see what’s inside.
Icekhione,
Agreed! His friends call him “The ‘Dor”, as in “The ‘Dor knows how to party!”
I love the dothraki history, and can’t wait until they get to Vaes Dothraki and Dany, hopefully, unites all khalasars with Drogon.
I don’t think that will be needed. She will prove herself strong, and that’s all that matters for the dothraki.
Icekhione,
Well you either accept it now and be dissapointed or be dissapointed later because that’s exactly what’s going to happen,it’s going to be split,you whining about it won’t make it change .
We think why he can only say “Hodor” will be revealed this season since that gun has been hung. Folks figure that since we are getting “The Door” and ToJ during “The Door” episode that perhaps something horrid happened to Hodor at the door to the ToJ where he was told to “hold the door,” which he may have repeated over and over and over until it became “Hodor.”
It’s a nice theory, but I disagree for two reasons. We don’t see anyone big enough to be Hodor in the pics and trailer images for the ToJ with Ned et al. And from the books, only Ned and Howland Reed survived the ToJ.
Icekhione,
They 2nd part will be bran learning about the NK and what is coming not the ToJ
Here’s hoping Arya’s way of proving herself is to murder Brienne, who is told to seek Arya out.
Ginevra,
Are we not doing spoilers anymore? *in Archer voice
Purpleweddingcake,
that is interesting and a real possibility, but man would that be frustrating! we literally NEED some small stark reunion to keep hope alive
Pounce,
Cogman’s also a producer on the show. It’s possible that he was just overseeing one of Sackheim’s episodes, even if he didn’t write the script for it. Considering that the show ran three production units for most of principal photography, Benioff and Weiss couldn’t be everywhere at once. Cogman probably shouldered some of that additional load.
I will be curious to see which two episodes Cogman wrote. Assuming that Benioff and Weiss probably wrote both Episode 9 and Episode 10 (as they’ve done every year), then 6, 7, and 8 are the only options left.
Episodes always contain more locations than revealed in the short descriptions. No need to put it all in there, because of spoilers and what not. No way to assume what is gonna be in the actual episode. We know for a fact Jon will be in Oathbreaker and there’s no mention of him in the description. Episode 4 is gonna be Dany’s big moment and she’s is not mentioned. Why there are still people making assumptions regaring the presense or absence of particular arcs based on those summaries baffles me.
Ginevra,
yes, but these guys change crap all the time. They did NOT want to do flashbacks, so I think Hodor was chosen as a way into the story for the writers and the audience. The “causal” viewer -whoever the hell that is- will think that the three eyed raven is showing Bran Hodor’s story when in fact it is Jon’s.
GeekFurious,
I like your theory
Jared,
Ok that make sense. Thank you for enlightening me 🙂
It may very well. Some of their titles do and some don’t. I can see titles like “Home” and “Oathbreaker” having multiple applications, but I don’t see so many for “The Door.” Perhaps that’s because of the article in front, or perhaps it is because I was wrong about “The Red Woman” referring to more than one red woman. This ToJ scene will hopefully overshadow every other moment in the episode in such a way that the title makes sense.
So now people are linking Hodor to TOJ, because Coleman is in ep 5 and they think TOJ is too….I’ve heard it all.
Dee,
Kit is listed in IMDB’s top credited cast for Oathkeeper. *exhales
Icekhione,
L+H+=J
Not sure why splitting it makes sense narratively. Why show a fight scene but split off its real importance? Obviously I would withhold judgment until seeing it, but I am hoping it is all at once. Makes too much sense to do now with Jon coming back.
Matthew The Dragon knight,
lol Lyanna and Wylis did look friendly in that Winterfell flashback. But then they’d have some older actor, not Coleman. On a serious note, we’re getting a Hodor reveal in episode 5. Two flashback reveals in a single ep would be an overkill.
All of this news is making my head spin about where the story might be going. The stories are definitely contracting.
The casting call for “Young Stunner” (aka adult Lyanna) mentions two scenes, with the final one being a twist.
I’m going to guess Bran will have these visions:
E3: Tower of Joy (same information that was revealed in Ned’s fever dream from aGoT). Maybe we get “Promise me, Ned” before TER forces Bran out of the vision.
E4 or E5: A vision of the “kidnapping” of Lyanna. My guess is she ran off with Rhaegar willingly. Asks Wylis to “hold the door.” Benjen smashes through the door, giving Wylis a brain injury that changes him into Hodor.
E5: Bran sneaks off on his own. We get official confirmation that R+L=J.
E6: Bran becomes cocky and tries to peek into the future / past of the Night’s King to collect intel. Massive blunder as NK sees Bran in the vision. This alerts NK to location of TER and Bran.
E8: NK and his army burns down TER’s wierwood. Bran, Hodor, and Meera escapes and is rescued by Benjen. TER dies.
E10: Bran and his group flees to what he believes to be a safe spot — Castle Black. But when TER’s wierwood was burnt down, the magic protecting the Wall weakened. Bran witnesses the Wall fall down. And the Long Night 2.0 begins. Winter is here.
JaimenotJamie,
Bran can’t stay that long, as explained by the three eyed raven.
I guess before we get to the juicy bit, he is forced to leave. we will find out this Sunday, or later today. ignore that last bit, its nothing.
Book of the Stranger
Tyrion strikes a deal.
This will be something to do with whatever Varys finds out in “Oathbreaker”
Jorah and Daario undertake a difficult task.
They arrive at Vaes Dothraki to “rescue” Dany..
Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and Cersei (Lena Headey) try to improve their situation.
the pieces are put into place in “Oathbreaker” and this ep they ..err..make room..for 2 new council members
will also see:
The Wall/Winterfell-I figure Sansa arrives at CB and Ramsay gets his “gift” in “Oathbreaker so we will see show version of pink letter
Iron Islands- Theon gets to Pyke in “Oathbreaker” and we see Kingsmoot in this one
I dont think we are gonna see Ayra or Sam so we see Dorne this episode
Tyrion seeks a strange ally Red Preistess
Bran learns a great deal “Promise Me”
Brienne goes on a mission Sansa sens her to look for Ayra in Riverlands
Arya is given a chance to prove herself start of the theater trope arc
will also see
Horn Hill (introducing the Tarlys!!)
Kings landing will be the big set piece in front of Great Sept
Dany marching with HER khalasar
quick scene in winterfell
Matthew The Dragon knight,
Hahaha, I see what you did there… the night is dark and full of “terrors” 😉
What town?
House Adder,
Indeed they are 🙂
(C)oldtown … 😀
GeekFurious,
I agree. Seeing how they mentioned how big he was and what a good fighter he could be, someone had to have asked him to “hold the door” to protect someone or something…..
And now on to the whole Jon Snow / Sansa / Brienne story.
E3: Jon Snow is the titular “Oathbreaker.” After realizing that there’s “nothing” when you die, Jon decides he will live life to the fullest and will not be beholden to any more oaths. He decides to leave NW.
Ramsay’s gift is Rickon. Ramsay decides he won’t attack Castle Black and will just send a letter instead.
E4: The Pink Letter arrives, as does Sansa & Brienne. Jon realizes that Ramsay is serious and does have Rickon. He needs to gather allies against the Boltons. He remembers that there was a house loyal to the Starks (last season’s letter from Lady Mormont). Jon, Sansa, Davos, Brienne, & Pod head to Bear Island.
E5: Once at Bear Island, Sansa uses her new political skills to build allies, and send out ravens to other lesser North houses. At the same time she sends Brienne & Pod away to find Arya. Jon focuses on training an army.
E6: Brienne’s Riverlands adventures begin, and we enter her AFFC material. Except now she’s searching for a “lady that looks like a boy, aged ten-and-five” (or however old Arya is.)
E7-10. At some point Brienne runs into Ian McShane’s character, and meets a certain Gravedigger. Then the corrupted BwB attacks and kills McShane’s character and captures Brienne & Pod. During interrogations they realize that Brienne is searching for Arya, who was briefly with them, and that Brienne knows Jaime.
Meanwhile, Jamie has officially split with Cersei and is now leading the siege of Riverrun.
The BwB sends Brienne to Jamie, and an argument erupts between them. Jamie won’t help Brienne.
The BwB then sets to work preparing Red Wedding 2.0. Practically the entire Frey family is slaughtered. Brienne manages to rescue Jamie from Red Wedding 2.0.
Over in the North, preparations for Bastard Bowl is being done. At some point Sansa hears from Littlefinger and goes to meet him. Sansa manages to convince Littlefinger and the Vale army to act as the cavalry, promising him something (maybe that she’ll marry him if the Vale army kills Ramsay?).
Bastard Bowl commences. Rickon is killed by the Bolton army at the outset. At first it’s a slaughter, as the Bolton faction are simply too well-trained for the wildings and lesser houses. But then the Manderlys turn, and the Vale army comes in to sweep up the battlefield. The Boltons have lost.
Ramsay, however, is alive. Jon, Sansa, Littlefinger, and Ramsay discuss the surrender. Sansa isn’t having any of it, and Jon outright murders a defenseless Ramsay. Sansa goes back on her word to marry Littlefinger, and kills him instead.
The North is finally united … Unfortunately, the Wall just fell down, and a battered and weary North now has to deal with White Walkers.
That doesn’t make any sense. Why would the TER bother showing him the TOJ but then leave before the actual significant information is conveyed?
To search for Arya, specifically. It’s a harmless and show-logical way to get her back to her book story (which involves Jaime, obviously)
Sean C.,
ha, exactly. of course they could film it in a way that bran’s vision is interrupted by TER and is given a warning that info he will see will/could affect EVERYTHING. We end with Brain going back for more…and then fade out (until episode 5). UGH really wanted Mothers day to be special! Spreading out TOJ ruins it for me.
Sean C.,
http://www.thewrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/three-eyed-raven-max-von-sydow-game-of-thrones.jpg
Eddie Erye liked my tweet about the ToJ fight the other day, but has mysteriously unliked it since 😛
http://imgur.com/cKFvEGH
Proof I’m not a liyah /Baelish
Why would Sansa kill LF randomly like that?
Tycho Nestoris,
Eek! If some moderator fairies could cover that, I would appreciate it.
I don’t see a problem with that at all. We don’t know BR’s ultimate agenda yet. How does BR, the mentor, want these visions staggered and revealed, and when will Bran assert himself, rebel and…linger?
Pounce,
Bryan is a producer on the show so he worked with them in some capacity, even if they didn’t direct the episodes he wrote
They’ve showed that picture numerous times now and for a reason.
What was the significance of the vision we got in E2, from TER’s perspective?
It’s to train Bran in his greenseering powers. And Bran would be attracted to moments in his father’s history.
TER cut Bran off in the E2 vision too.
Yes, they do change many things, and I could easily be wrong. But I wouldn’t expect this deep background into the etymology of Hodor to be invented only for the show and not match the series.
Chad Brick,
I suspect that returned character is in this season for only one scene. That particular HYPE will have to wait until S7.
As for LF being killed … I just don’t see what role he could have in the Long Night 2.0. Maybe I’m wrong about Sansa killing him, but I suspect he’s a goner before this season ends.
Direwolf Lvr,
I got to see Billy live once! And I’d forgotten about that relevant Stranger.
Alternate theory to the origin of Hodor: Wyllis was moving some coal for Nan and just as he was asking her “Should I use the hod or… ” something traumatic happened.
Now, if you’d please hold the door, I’ll see myself out.
Ok.. metaphorically “doors” could be opening or closing for that matter for many of the characters.. just curious to your thoughts on it.
LMAO.. Im with you.. who the hell are all these “casual” viewers? I would think by now most folks watching are die hard fans.. IJS
And curiosity makes me ask why would he (Hodor) even be there to begin with? It was a war and there was never any mention of him being there before? Or did I miss something?
Fewer.
Can I ask why people are insisting that
It makes very little narrative sense, not to mention it’s something that will turn the audience very sour. We all invested so much in the Starks at the start of the series, already lost Ned, Robb and Catelyn… the rest of the family needs salvation.
OOh, good one! quite possible – I certainly wouldn’t mind seeing more of the “little” dragons; last week’s meeting of Tyrion and Rhaegal and Viserion was a charming contrast to Ramsay’s antics. But could this also be the episode where he meets that new Red Priestess we’ve seen pictures of?
Pretty sure the full TOJ scene will play out this week. D&D aren’t messing around- they realize how much story is left and the short amount of time they have given themselves to tell the story.
It makes no sense at all to have the scene broken into two parts. Just like it made no sense that they would make the audience wait between episodes 3 and 5 to bring Jon back. Jon’s story was the biggest of the series, they weren’t a to waste precious time just to draw it out.
The same with the TOJ scene. People have been waiting decades for this – D&D have said this season is huge – they are going to give us what we want. We will also get lots of surprises as well.
As for The Stranger – I’m thinking it could have something to do with Arya’s training and maybe the magic involved with the faces.
Yes, count me in as protesting loudly to that idea. The thought of another Stark dying, or being harmed in anyway is distasteful enough. To have sweet Rickon be at the mercy of Ramsay and possibly getting killed is sickening. Iwan and the writers are just too good at making Ramsay super evil.
Only now, I have fears that will up the ante a few notches, and attempt to make Euron even worse. I know nothing of how evil Euron is supposed to be, other than what I’ve read on here from the Book readers, and that comment by Balon just before he sailed to his death about Euron cutting tongues. That’s pretty gross stuff. Is Euron supposed to be super-evil as well? We will see, I guess.
I dont see any reason why would she marry LF unless hes the lord of the vale but hes not. And sansa never kills people. She could slap someone but kill? Thats ooc.
Cameryn,
If Sansa is to ultimately be the ruler of Winterfell and the North, which I suspect she is, then Rickon needs to die before the series’ end. Despite being younger, he is ahead of her in the line of succession.
I think that’s a presumption about the show’s narrative that is completely flexible based upon circumstance (plus Bran is older than Rickon).
Where there’s a will (i.e. for the production to make Sansa the Warden of the North, which is the position I’m sure she’ll have at the end of the show), there’s always a way. The other Starks don’t need to die for it to happen.
Anyway. I do think that the production team knows its audience, and I cannot see them harming Jon, Sansa, Arya, Bran and Rickon any more than they have already. At a certain point you alienate your audience, and no matter how much time has passed, no matter who’s gone where or which continent they’re on… the Stark family is our first love here.
(I should add that, yes, I know they’ve all been through the ringer. 🙂 But it’s season 6. We’ve waited six years for payback to start, and I think the remaining Starks are all owed that as part of the narrative.)
Considering what D & D have already done to iconic lines like ‘Only Cat’ and ‘Edd, fetch me a block,’ I just hope that ‘Promise me, Ned’ doesn’t end up as something like ‘Don’t let me down, brother’ or ‘You must swear to it, Ned’ or ‘Cross your heart and hope to die?’
It could possibly refer to a person going through a “mental” door from one attitude or point of view to another, and could apply to Jon both mentally and physically leaving the NW. “There’s the door, Jon Snow. Leave now and go to your Wildings.” It could apply to any of the characters and something they change their minds about and go to a different level or mode of thinking.
It could possibly refer to someone at a door. In what episode are we supposed to see Jaime ride his horse up the stairs to the Sept and demand Margaery be returned? Or something similar. Weren’t some of you guys talking at one time about a Red door that Dany dreamt of or had at one time in her life.
OK, I’m done. Two more days. Funny how this time of year is segmented into everything else that I must do or accomplish during the week taking a back seat to GoT.
Markus Stark,
Bran is ahead of both of them in the line of succession, and it was hinted last week that he won’t stay in the cave forever. So Rickon shouldn’t have to die for Sansa to inherit, because Bran might return to inherit everything anyway.
Or maybe she’s just tall. Sophie is taller than Kit, but she’s not older.
Aren’t they using an aged-up Ned, young but not so young? Would it make sense for Coleman to be in that same scene and not aged up? And do we know it is Episode 5 and not 6, which Bender also directs?
It’s still utterly hilarious to me when people call those two iconic.
They’re functional at best. Outside of their context they are not special. What replaced them was the exact same in terms of meaning.
Oh, that would be awesome. Blackfish should adopt Arya! They will wreak havoc in Riverlands.
Yes.. exactly what I was thinking too… some of the characters moving through a metaphorical door in their arcs.. seems like this will be a season of characters going to new higher levels or lower levels… thanks for the input.. your ideas.
Probably one of Stannis’ most epic comments.
I am not sure why everyone keeps saying only Ned and Howland are the ones left alive from TOJ.
If you read the books there is a key word to pay attention to: [ spoiler ]in Neds POV about the TOJ there is a key word many speculators have left out. The word “THEY”. “They had found him still holding her body, silent with grief. The little crannogman, Howland Reed, had taken her hand from his”.
We know Howland Reed was there, we know Ned was there “They” is Plural. Who else was at the TOJ?[ / spoiler]
Any guesses to who that might be who appears to be snatching Podrick in the previews?
I’m guessing it’s Brienne taking him on another grand adventure involving lots and lots of horse riding. (I worked at a dude ranch for two summers during high school and frankly it gets tiring after a while. I don’t know how they spent all day on those beasts in the past.)
There are many reasons to think that this scene is split over these two episodes, 3 and 5. Certainly this was a huge rumor *before* we got this confirmation and description of “The Door.” I think the rumors started even before we got Sunday’s confirmation of the ToJ fight scene in Episode 3.
Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and Cersei (Lena Headey) try to improve their situation.
Could “their situation” be the murder of the small council? I could see that causing them quite a predicament. I at the very least believe Qyburn may meet his end by the same children we see surrounding him in the promo image, because in a shot from the season trailer we see children stabbing someone, and the setting is absolutely Qyburn’s laboratory.
Check out this image from season 5 of the interior of Qyburn’s laboratory. Specifically, look at the bookshelf near the middle of the image. I lightened the image to make it easier to see. http://imgur.com/wSMiJ82
Now check out this image from the season 6 trailer, showing a girl stabbing something. Specifically look at the bookshelf on the far right. It’s a match! I also lightened this image to make it easier to see. http://imgur.com/5MsyU6K
Not to mention the walls, archways, and lighting seem to match what we’ve seen of Qyburn’s lab, as well. http://imgur.com/9KkE1Op
So, something is going down in Qyburn’s lab. It is possible Qyburn calls certain high-ranking individuals to his chambers, only to have those individuals ambushed by the children.
What does everyone make of this?
sj4iy,
Cordelia Hill is in fact younger than Sebastian Croft, by a year I think.
I’m a Stark lover, but I never thought of Rickon as particularly sweet. I always thought he was a bit mad, but that could be the way George writes the very young.
Bwahaa, almost choked on my soda…..
You guys realize that technically – technically – George RR Martin hasn’t given us the “end” of the Tower of Joy scene either, right? I mean, he’s also omitting a key piece of information to be shown at a later time.
I don’t think splitting the scene is a problem (if that’s in fact what they are doing).
CatspawAssassin,
It’s Bronn.
Sansa already said it to Theon last season, to no effect… 🙁 …(too soon, too soon, I yelled!)…so maybe a rephrasing is in order.
My, what informative and definitive synopses!
Ginevra,
The rumour was only based on the unconfirmed Jack Bender sighting in Spain around the time TOJ was filming. But even if Bender filmed the thing, it would still not guarantee the episode it’d appear in, as some sequences have been moved back and forth in post-production according to David and Dan.
Daniel Sackheim was also sighted around TOJ set and now we have confirmation the fight happens in his episode. The interior scene with Lyanna and Ned had been filmed in Belfast, in total secrecy, prior to the filming in Spain, so we have nothing to base the assumption on with regard to who filmed it and when it will apear..
They aren’t siblings in real life, and both are fully grown. It could be possible, but I’ve never known a younger sister to be taller than an older, non-twin full brother if both are still growing. I’m sure it does happen with dwarves and other small people, but I doubt it often happens outside of these exceptions. That said, I’m completely fine that Lyanna is older in the show and younger in the books.
Ginevra,
Lyanna’s actress is actually a year or two years younger than Ned’s actor. Girls hit puberty faster than boys.
I’m with those speculating the door leads to Lyanna’s chamber.
Though if they really are splitting up the ToJ scenes between two or more episodes, I hope they don’t drop too many hints in the first one.
I second that.
I can’t remember if I saw it online somewhere, or as part of the HBO offering from my cable package, but I watched a segment where they filmed the scene of Mel trying to bring back JS. They said it was an arduous day of filming, as in taking all day long with applying and reapplying the blood and having Mel do the ritual over and over. And all my somewhat dirty old mind could think of was Carice/Mel, now known to be like 400 years old or something, having the “terrible” job of putting her bare hands all day on Kit’s bare chest. Um, could I have that job for a day?
Welp. that’s it then. D and D confirmed to be trolls. Have to wait longer.
GeekFurious,
Lmfao
Who else? A baby. Or possibly a nurse. But not a fighter.
and lets not forget the return of THE HOUND. Cleganebowl, Quiet Isle Septon (Al friggin Swearingen aka Ian McShane). And of course when Gendry shows up FINALLY with Hot Pie.
lol I take my previous comment back.
It doesn’t have to be ToJ. It could be when
Maybe it isn’t hold the door, but now that they have said that’s the name of an episode, …
BTW, re episode titles and the little game we played a few months ago trying to guess the titles, did anyone guess ANY of the titles correctly? Because I don’t remember anybody guessing the titles that have been announced.
Geralt,
Looks like episode 10 will be the longest episode yet. HBO Now has it listed for 69 minutes.
http://www.hbo.com/search?type=schedule&seriesIds=PMRS1663&q=GAME%2BOF%2BTHRONES
Dee,
Didn’t you see the promo Jonis in the episode
Dee,
Kit Harrington said this is the season where he has the most filming of anyone, so I doubt that. He’s just been kept out of all press releases in case they leaked early, I’m sure.
That was a promo for Episode 3, these are Episodes 4 and 5. But I’m still sure he’s in them; he wasn’t mentioned in the press release for 3, either.
Flayed Potatoes,
My reasoning is of course purely speculative, but I don’t expect Bran to ever return to Winterfell. He won’t stay in the cave forever, but that doesn’t mean he’ll end up having a political role. He already briefly ruled as Lord of Winterfell during the ACoK time periode. I don’t see a return to that position in his future. Sansa on the other hand has been groomed for this for the entire series. I’m not saying Rickon’s death is an absolute must, I’m just saying I could easily see D&D killing him off for that reason. Bran being absent and ultimately dying or having some other role should be enough for Sansa to assume her place as the Lady of Winterfell.
Meco,
Great. I expected that.
Ginevra,
Three Potential people. I have thought about this a long time as have many and bet there is many theories out there but here is my top 3.
I know saying Arthur Dayne may sound like major tin-foil but think about it he(Ned) took Lyanna’s Body back to Winterfell and we know he took Dawn back to Starfall, but not Arthurs body seems more than a little strange.
So let’s look at these three first Arthur Dayne.
Think about it you killed a member of the family then took the sword to the family but they did not kill you for killing him, and you did not bring his body back which is a major deal in Westeros, which does not sound right does it?
Next Ashara
With her comes the B+A=J theory: We know Sir Barristan said a “STARK” Had their way with her at Harrenhall. It is possible she was a friend to Lyanna and being Sir Arthurs sister could also serve as a Wet Nurse for Dany or at very least help deliver the child. It is probably more farfetched a theory than Sir Arthur even.
Finally Wylla: She was a long serving servant for How Dayne at Starfall, as Targaryean supporters it is logical that Sir Arthur (Rhaegars best friend) would have a trusted servant help at the TOJ Wylla likely was the wet nurse. And she would also be there for that reason. (Most Plausable and believable to me)
Unless Arthur Dayne did not die, for it to work Sir Arthur would have had to go in to hiding and exile but all description of him character is he might be the only man more honorable than Ned. So where could he be to fulfill his kings vows and protect the rightful ruler Dany? Now in this theory I would put him on the Quiet Isle.
Well, they aren’t actually siblings, either, but I am curious as to your source for Cordelia Hill’s birthdate. I couldn’t find an age or birthdate in my searches.
With fanatics, you of course meant Cersei and Jaime… 😉
Icekhione,
well, at least you debunked our mistaken arguments, I was sure Bender was there filming.
I think this is where either Razdal mo Eraz, the Yunkish slaver from Season 3, or Yezzan zo Qaggaz, the slaver that bought Tyrion and Jorah, might return…
Could also be one of the two mentioned, or… are there kraken ships at the horizon?
Two possibilities: a conventional one (Sansa sends her to find Arya), an unconventional one (HYPE!)…
there should be 2 spoiler tags: one for known spoilers, another for next episode spoilers!
I thought I’d guessed “Oathbreaker,” but I didn’t. Certainly, I would have guessed it as much later because I assumed it would be Brienne. RastafarianTargaryen, Rat Kook, AndreaswGw all did guess “Oathbreaker,” though, http://watchersonthewall.com/guess-the-game-of-thrones-season-6-episode-titles/.
Lord Snow guessed “Homeward Bound,” and Vegodread guessed “Home.” No one guessed “The Red Woman” or “The Door” or anything to do with Stranger.
Yay! We are getting some makeup time from the first half of the season, hopefully!
Mustangride,
Love! I had actually thought about your 2nd listed choice when I said “nurse,” but your 3rd choice is even more fitting considering what Ned told Robert. Your 1st listed choice is, I believe, ruled out by what Ned’s quote implies, assuming that it wasn’t a deliberately misleading quote. But there do seem to be mysteries there.
Well, it is not as if people do not say “promise me” frequently! It is a standard phrase, after all.
Well, look at it this way: by the time he gets the book out, nobody will remember the show.
Pounce,
I hope so! I’m crazy about Bronn. That sound you hear is me clapping like a circus seal. 😉
AKladybird,
I really hope so. I want to see Lady Sansa reeking vengeance upon the Ramsay, his assorted murderous compadres and especially the Freys. Badly.
There was almost no point in trying to guess. Many of the titles have played on phrases in the books. Chances are pretty good when we finally do read Winter (assuming that we ever do!), then these titles will follow that.
I’m not sure anyone really has anything invested in Rickon…
Icekhione,
At least that was my take on it while watching it, I could be wrong. We’ll find out Sunday
How do you do spoiler text?
Not in this tale. It is a loaded phrase that usually ends up meaning nothing, in Westeros and our lives. Ned’s upholding of “the promise” was a rarity indeed.
I agree w Wimsey on this. It’s too common a phrase and in the mouth of Sansa, not Theon.
Ginevra,
My first one actually comes from
It has high relations to the Grave-digger theory when The Elder Brother says to Brienne
That could bring up a very interesting story arch if true, unlikely the show would do it but Martin may do it.
B,
*spoiler+ whatever your spoiler is */spoiler+
Just replace the “*” with “[” and replace the “+” with “]”
It should look like this except with no spaces within the brackets.
[ spoiler ] your spoiler comments [ / spoiler]
AKladybird,
Save Pod’s life? How? It’ll be Bronn surprising Pod, with that stranglehold. Nothing more sinister than a re-union of Tyrion-mates.
Because of
.
King in the North Carolina,
Ha!
When was the broken tower at winterfell hit by lightning ?…and was hodor there when it happened? This could explain him freaking out in that tower during the storm and explain why he doesnt talk too.
I know everyone is excited to see Blackfish again, but no love for Edmure?
Also, it was known that TOJ was a Jack Bender directed scene since last summer and it was always expected to be in either episode 5 or 6. The fact that we’re getting some of it in episode 3 is a bonus, a nice little teaser.
They won’t start mentioning Jon in descriptions until after this week. But yeah, we’re in for Mad Men level cryptic descriptions from here on out so buckle up.
The line will carry just as much meaning even though it has been used before. For one thing, it is such a commonplace line that nobody will remember it for the exact words: if you ask someone if a TV series of more than 3 seasons has ever used this line, then their answer would be “umm… I don’t remember it, but probably.” So, it has not lost some “potency.”
What will make it stand out is the context. What we need to have hammered home to us is that Ned is going to make a promise that requires him to break lots of other promises. And what we also need hammered home here is what this means for one of the key characters. The audience will not remember the exact phrase – after all, look at how many “unforgettable” lines are routinely misstated by people – but they will (hopefully!) remember the meaning and implications. After all, this scene could (and should) be one that is very important to what one of the main characters does at crunch time.
heh, I was thinking that it was one step away from being Madmen level cryptic! Seriously, didn’t those plot synopses seem like old REM lyrics or something?
That makes sense. You may be on to something. Of course it could be something completely different. But that would fit.
Connor,
Who let the dragons out?!
Jack Bauer 24,
After
previews from the end of last week’s show, show Jon rising from the table. so, yeah, the wall will be in the next coming episode.
Jaynee D.,
was talking about these two that are the subject of the article
Agro,
I agree. This is the only ASOIAF/GOT site I visit during the latter half of the week because of the translator spoilers that have popped up. It’d be nice if people specified that a spoiler was from a leaked episode and not just a filming spoiler.
Any chance Sansa’s gang runs into wildlings on the way to the Wall?
Sure, I agree. I guess its gravitas has affected me over the years. Hence, my spirited retort. Regardless, I must admit that I think it will be an intriguing (possibly cheap) cross-season juxtaposition as uttered by two different generations of Starks in extremely vulnerable moments. In that light, I hope they keep the words intact.
[Note that the words fell flat when the phrase was heard, in a non-canon moment, by a non-Stark]
Hodors Bastard,
Catelyn used the same words to Bran in season 1 and again in one of his dreams in season 3. It’s probably happened elsewhere too, and I’m sure the words have been uttered in the books too, outside of Ned’s POV.
I didn’t think that the words fell flat: if I recall, Sansa sounded quite convincing then. Of course, Sophie Turner’s acting skills have really stepped up these last couple of seasons. That’s not too surprising given how young and inexperienced she is, but it did help with that scene.
Or do you mean they fell flat because Theon didn’t promise her anything?
What I am most curious to see is what Ned’s initial reaction is going to be like. Will he remain in denial about some things for some time Will he be angry at Lyanna? At himself? The topic has been discussed so much for nearly 20 years that it’s easy to forget how little we actually know about what GRRM imagines having happened there.
That one. It was so loaded in that instance, we knew it would fail, didn’t we? There is only one instance we should remember.
Tyrion Pimpslap,
Yes, I won’t dispute that. Metrics will not support my assertion at all. A quick kindle research effort shows:
AGoT: Ned’s PoV has 5 instances of “Promise me”, all reminiscing the ToJ scene
ACoK: 1 instance when Brienne states it to Cat (regarding a threat to Stannis)
ASoS: 0 instances
AFfC: 1 instance when Cersei speaks to Tommen about jousts
ADwD: 1 instance when Dany states it to Daario
I guess it is an emotional, not a factual, thing for me. But like I mentioned previously, the occurrences of it in the show should provide some interesting juxtaposition.
Thronetender,
I was gonna say the same thing abt Dany’s red door and a door opening for Marjorie’s release also the door under nightfort where sam got bran to the other side of the wall…. I mean home related to more that 1 character
Is adding Hodor to the TOJ situation a sever change from the books? Or just a minor addition to move the plot along?
It would be a change, but I do not know that it would be severe. In the books, I do not think that Hodor is supposed to be much older than the Stark children. So, he would not have been there. (His name “really” is… gasp… Walder, too!!! However, I’m sure that they changed that for obvious reasons.)
I have not been following closely: are people here buying into the conjecture that Hodor is a warg who spent too much time in the mind of a horse named Hodor (i.e., Lyanna’s white horse) and he basically lost himself in the animal as Jojen warned Bran might happen?
Sean C.,
Maybe he wants to give Bran something to talk to Meera about 😛
GoT watcher ASOIF newbie,
I am wondering if Ramsay or his men are going to do something to Castle Black that basically becomes the door for the Walkers.
There should be no leaked episode spoilers posted in comments here. Those posts will be deleted, and doing so repeatedly will lead to banning.
Haven’t heard that one before. But that would put a whole new twist on him hauling Bran around on his back for so long.
Perhaps he saw
just before the lightning hit as well, and was yelling to the guards to “hold the door” to
thereby exacerbating the whole misunderstanding that caused the war.
You heard it here first, folks! 😉
Sue the Fury,
There was more? Geez !
You’re awesome!
——
I also wonder what happened to Hodor. It’s such a mystery at this point!
I had no idea there was until just now.
The first time I read that, I thought it said “burning” instead of “banning”…after which I thought “Cool!”
Hodors Bastard,
I think that Chicago Cubs fans must be burning a few people these dats!
Dolorous Methuselah,
It seems to be spreading about quite a bit: the Huffington Post even picked it up.
As game announcers, B&W would have shouted “Holy Bovine!” instead of “Holy Cow!”
Wimsey,
Did you just make that up? Surely, you just made that up.
Wondering why people are thinking that Hodor was at the ToJ. Where was Lyanna supposedly ‘abducted’ from? Harrenhal? After the tourney? Winterfell? Would she have traveled with the Winterfell stable boy? Would Rhaegar have abducted Walder/Wylis/Hodor along with Lyanna and taken the whole gang to the ToJ? So many questions that need answers. I’m anxious to see how it all plays out.
Yeah guys, we were all expecting Tower of Joy in episodes 5-6 anyways (because they were directed by Jack Bender who was seen on set). The whole Tower of Joy concept is a huge part of the entire series, both book and TV show, and it is simply too broad to all fit into one episode.
They are going to split it up into multiple episodes. And by multiple, I would guess more than two, maybe three or four episodes.
Best bet on the R+L=J theory reveal would be episode 5, the one where “Bran learns a great deal”.
Ginevra,
Glad, someone else thought of the Doors. Given their name came from Aldous Huxley’s doors of perception i could clearly see a connection to Bran here. As we know the titles always contain various meanings – some more literal some less.
Perhaps an alternate interpretation of that vague bit is that, in addition to ToJ’s promise, Bran learns about the great treaty between the First Men, WWs, CotF, giants and AA at the end of the Long Night?
ToJ may or may not be split into two parts, but I am certain we find out how Wylis became Hodor in “The Door”. I saw someone mention “hold the door” earlier, and while I was supposed to be working, my mind ran wild with that idea. I am convinced it’s happening. ToJ may all happen this week, it may be split between this week and ep 5, it may be split between this week and an even later episode. I would think if they were going to show Lyanna leaving voluntarily with Rhaegar, it would logically take place before the rest of the ToJ scene played out, unless they want the consent to be a dramatic reveal as well. Jon’s parentage could be revealed first, but who cares? He’s still a bastard conceived in a rape… but wait, there’s more: they loved eachother!
I’ve read that in ASOIAF Forums around 5 years ago.
PS: From memory, it was actually a hilarious joke.
lol. i’ve heard that one, but not so much here. I can’t get with that one. but if so, then oh well.
In the show Wyllis is Ned, Lyanna’s, Benjen’s age. We already know that. So this change from book must be purposeful or with some reason, right?
As others have said, I think Bran could return to the ToJ alone after being pulled out by BR. Isaac said his character becomes more “arrogant” so defying his master in this way would be the first sign of real trouble.
The pulling him out part is confusing, though. In ep 2, straight after Bran said “my father never talked about her” BR was about to say something in reply. He looked knowing and sad about Lyanna, but also worried. If he thinks delving into family stuff is a distraction from Bran’s true mission then why “show him” Winterfell or the ToJ at all? He still seems to be in control of what Bran sees. And if he wants Bran to know about Jon then why hold him back from it?
Hodors Bastard,
Firannion,
Remember Bran’s scary dream/vision from Season 3 with Cat shouting, “promise me, promise me” over and over? I think they know the significance of the words and will keep them in.
THAT is hilarious. Almost as good as “Sam na Gilly meet an older gentleman” 😀
I hope Sansa is in this episode. I like her storyline and seeing her onscreen since Soph is a major hottie.
Yall know im not a Arya fan but episode after episode of her getting slapped around is pointless. Hell turning Theon into Reek took like what 3 episodes
At this pace Arya will take 3 seasons to become “noone” and then what…?
Altough it would be a weird twist if Jaquen has her kill a certain high ranking nights watch deserter and a bastard in Westeros.
Izatty:
Mustafa,
I read the darn spoiler for episode 2 thinking it would not be totally accurate but when I was watching and saw everything they said would happen was indeed happening I knew the ending. It did ruin Jon’s resurrection for me. My fault I guess. But never having been part of a fandom and knowing how tightly they had things buttoned down, I wasn’t expecting it would be a spot on.
Coleman is the guy who played young Hodor in ep 2 right? If so how can he be at ToJ, wouldn’t they need a more grown up Hodor? And if ToJ and young Hodor are both in ep 5, does that mean there will be 2 flashbacks? Or else either one of these 2 flashbacks is not happening in ep5?
OT but I saw this tweet: https://twitter.com/theseantcollins/status/728715828225560576
Expect it to get worse, Sean. All you have to do is pick your pet issue for the day and figure out how to tie it to Game of Thrones. All for the clicks.
Maybe ToJ is completely wrapped up this Sunday, and Bran learns about the extent of the whitewalkers siege in episode 5…
ygritte,
Yeah, me too. i have followed all the spoilers and casting news during the off-season, but finding out the big surprises in an episode two days before, through some leaked pics or text, just spoils the viewing experience for me. I clicked on the Mel pic when it leaked a couple of days before ep 1 aired, watching the episode after that felt so anti-climatic! So I have stayed away from seeing these spoilers for ep 2 and 3.
BTW, is there no legal way to stop this guy from posting these videos?
It would be foolish of D&D not to take advantage of the ToJ and spread it out over 2 preferably 3 episodes, stringing out casual viewers so they crave more of that story.
We won’t have it all in one anyway, remember the BR mentioned they cannot stay long in the past or else.
I am almost anticipating the return of Dany’s Brothraki as much as ToJ, that new Khalesar is more enjoyable than Drogo’s, with the exception of Drogo himself.
Finally, can’t wait to see all the reactions in Castle Black to his return, especially how it affects Mel; the Writer’s, Director’s and of course Carice have done well, I’m actually sympathizing with the character.
I wouldn’t be surprised if we get two visions in episode 5: a short one at the beginning where young Hodor appears, and the one inside the tower around the end of the episode.
Does anyone know if a young Robert has ever been cast? I don’t remember all the casting notices.
I enjoy your anticipation of toj but am I the only one who doesn’t care a bit about it?
Flayed Potatoes,
AFAIK, there was no casting call for Robert. There was one for a boy who looked too big for his age, which some were guessing could be Robert, but that turned out to be for young Hodor, I think.
Mustangride,
Wylla the wet nurse
Well, I was taller than both my brothers up to the age of almost 13 (14 and 15,5 for them). Now the first one is 20cm taller, the second even more. I don’t know how much older is Ned supposed to be, but if they are close in age, it does happen that boys get taller later in their puberty.
Ginevra,
Well, if you compare those two book excerpts, it certainly seems there is a continuance problem. “They” can certainly not unclude the baby.
Could “The Door” be in part literal?
A man would stop watching series if Jorah dies
joffreysbleedingeyes,
I don’t care about the fight as much as I care about what happens inside.
ghost of winterfell,
Thank you!
Wild guess: In “Book of the Stranger” Arya will be playing the role of a book-holding Stranger in the troupe.
ghost of winterfell,
That’s a good question. I heard the same thing happened last season with the first 4 episodes leaking and I do wonder if it was the same person. I’m guessing TPTB would have been able to ferret out the culprit already were that the case. But aside from getting fired and having a mark against you in the industry I don’t know if they’d bother taking anything to court. Does everyone including low-level employees sign binding legal contracts? I’m just kind of mad at myself for being naïve, impatient and ruining the shock and enjoyment of letting it unfold on screen after waiting so many months lol.
Sean C.,
If you think carefully it had to be split. In order to make a good Toj it is needed time. I we take into account BR introducing the scene to bran, the talk before the fight, the fight, the suepense of ned entering the ToJ and whatever happens in the ToJ would at least be a 10 min scene. It doesn t make sense to spend that much time with a scene in a normal ep.
However to me they could have done 1 entire flashback ep about the rebellion and show us a lot more things.
Truth be told, yeah, it’s not the scene I’m awaiting the most from the episode…
But then, the scene is probably going to be intense so I’ll be delightely surprised !
But for now, my three main anticipations of the episode are Castle Black, King’s Landing and Meereen.
I think we more or less know all that will happen in other storylines (I havent read any spoilers, it’s just spec / deduction) :
– We’ll meet lord Umber at WF and see Rickon.
– Arya will keep getting beaten by the waif and wash some bodies.
– Sam will be seasick.
– Dany will meet the Dosh Kaleen.
– And no Jorah / Daario, no Sansa and co, no Iron Islands, no Dorne.
So, in the end, the three “mysterious” locations for me this episode are CB, KL and Meereen (though I dont expect an intense scene in Meereen, but I’m curious as to what Tyrion will discuss with Grey Worm and Missandei).
cosca,
Completely agree.
I have no love for these ”iconic” lines. To me they mean nothing.
”Only Cat” or ”Only your sister” for me fulfill the same purpose and have the same impact. Same with ”Olly fetch me my sword” and hell sometimes I like the lines in the show much more, like ”the Lannisters send their regards”.
I find it incredible ridiculous when I see people complaining about this.
EDIT: I think Wimsey said it best. Purists know every word and every line but they fail to understand what’s behind those words.
Well, this scene is so huge that some fans are already upset about the color of a sword and the style and color of armor being off-canon. So I would put a maybe on adding a major character who wasn’t there. But I was talking more about placing the origin of Hodor’s name in this scene and making up all of how that happened. If we get a Hodor stopped speaking and became Hodor scene, I’d expect it to match the books.
Kyle,
Isnt it in the books
When Ned leaves for the Eyrie, what if Lyanna steps in to spar with Benjen since Nan won’t let Hodor? That could be excellent training for the
OK so this is super random I just have no other forum to discuss my thoughts, please strap on your tin foil helmet and all other protective gear… Jon snow while dead warged into Danny’s dragon right when he was about to light up Tyrion…but Jon recognized him and halted the BBQ…
2 Jon will be able to warg into ghost and dragon….Stark and Targ. And during battle scenes will switch between them when he is not in combat himself….boom drop mic, remove foil helmets and get back to work fellow geek community
Because the ToJ scene is central to the story being told, central to winning the War of the White Walkers, central to ending the Long Night. Because Jon is Azor Ahai Reborn, the Prince That Was Promised, the Stallion That Mounts My World.
Err, “the” world, dammit. The world.
And saving the world through intell is Bran’s mission.
Hell, I could barely keep simple things straight like “Jon is Ned’s bastard son” or “Jaime and Cercei are twins” on my first read of the books. Five years and 100+ other books of separation will do that to you. That being said, unnecessary infidelity is annoying to me…and to what end does it exist? Why not use book lines, props, or sets if possible and no more time consuming in the end version?
Either way, plot holes annoy me far more, and this season has not been promising on that front.
Thanks, Sou. So it could have happened here.
Seriously wish that he would get some huge ass fine.. cba to get very episode ruined after waiting for like a year..
Ho-door?
I just realized something. Sansa & Brienne are heading for The Wall…Melisandre & Davos are at The Wall…Brienne killed Stannis…Hmmm
STOP TALKING ABOUT LEAKED EPISODE SPOILERS.
I don’t know how to make it any clearer. By making hints and telling people where to go find the spoilers, you are affecting people here’s enjoyment of the episode. Stop now, or you’ll be banned. Clear enough?
Chad Brick,
I really don’t know why you replied to me Chad…. I truly see no point in it.
Ginevra,
You’ve misunderstood. My point was about BR pulling him out of the visions. Wanting Bran to know about Stark history, about the ToJ, about Jon; this makes sense. Pulling him out or holding back, in that context, doesn’t. They’re setting up conflict between the two, which works well dramatically but could wind up being illogical. There shouldn’t be any tension if it’s something the latter wants him to see and know.
This is why the use of capitalization and punctuation are important. It’s the difference between:
I helped my uncle Jack off his horse.
and
I helped my uncle jack off a horse.
Oh god, did you have to bring this to my attention?
If they even so much as hint at regret on Brienne’s part following Davosandre’s account of the great and just man Stannis was, I swear …
Mihnea,
*Your comment will be deleted, it’s breaking the holy law of this site* You dont’t talk about the ***** club. You don’t give any hints about the ***** club. You don’t mention a member of the ***** club.
Since Hodor supposedly has giant’s blood, maybe “Hodor” is giant-speak for “Oh my!” and that’s all he can say after having sex with Lyanna. 🙂
I don’t think Bran will see the death of the Mad King, i.e., I disagree with that interpretation of the shadow scene in the trailer.
CC,
Bloody hell, I hadn’t even thought about Brienne meeting Davos and Mel after killing Stannis. Too busy getting excited about Sansa and Jon seeing each other again, I guess.
What happens when she realises it was Mel’s blood magic that killed Renly? Ooooooohh…
Geralt,
I was just curious how he keeps getting all this information….
Sorry.
msd,
Oh Crap! I forgot about Renly. And She knows Mel did it…Doesn’t she?
Regardless of who said it first, that’s quite a presumptive and dismissive thing to say about people you don’t know!
We are all wired differently. Some people – Wimsey being a good example – take the attitude that in literature, story and characterization are all that matter. For others, the joy of literature is equally about the deft and evocative use of language.
I get it that you are not a native speaker, who has no particular investment in an author’s facility with English. I get it the show using these book quotes verbatim means nothing to you. Fine. Can you get it that, for people who have been in love with the English language all their lives, precise use of certain beloved phrases from a beloved book does matter a great deal? And that caring about such things does not transform us into fair game for your contempt?
I know that I am not speaking only for myself when I say that your tendency to default to scorn and ‘attack mode’ for those who don’t agree with you detracts from the enjoyment of this site for a number of people, who have as much right to read and contribute to this site as you do. I have asked you before, and I’ll ask you again: Please try to play nicely with the other kids in the sandbox. There is room for many points of view and priorities here. We don’t have to agree, but I think that we do need to be respectful of one another.
Sue’s the boss, but I’m not sure I get why this is an issue as long as the links are kept offsite. No one is forcing the spoiler-averse to go look for them.
This should be good! Two characters we really like and care about in conflict over something very important to each one’s sense of honor and duty! Personally, I don’t care if Brienne clobbers Mel, but I hope that she and Davos manage to find some common ground. Looks like uneasy alliances may become a big theme this season.
Sue the Fury,
My apologies. I didn’t think it through. Yeah, it would spoil the thing for others just by asking and it won’t happen again My intention was just to avoid that place.
I’d forgotten that scene – thanks for the reminder! That makes me feel a bit better.
Ah, okay. So perhaps the potential for Bran drowning is not as dire as BR says? I recall that Jojen used to caution Bran about warging too long, as well. I wonder if the two are related.
Firannion,
The problem is people can’t be counted on to not spread the spoiled information on this site. We have seen this time and time again, every single week with the episode leaks. Best to keep it entirely out of our comments’ section.
Can’t wait to see the ToJ reveal. This episode has the potential to be even better than episode 2. 🙂
LMAO!
Ginevra,
They probably are. Being a Tree God seems to be some sort of warging-on-steroids. It seems as if weir wood trees provide some level of “backup” or something like that. And maybe it is like wargingin that experienced/trained wargs can do much more than Bran could, and it might be that a rookie tree God is in more danger of getting lost in the past than are experienced ones just as rookie wargs are in more danger of getting lost in animals than are experienced ones.
Max,
A small part of me wishes that I could find the old Usenet discussion group and gloat.
Of course, the three remaining Dayneites probably see no reason why it would be bad storytelling to spring their How I Met Your Mother candidate in us now.
Why hilarious? Just because you don’t get what makes them iconic to some doesn’t mean that such a point of view is automatically invalid or contemptible. Functionality is not the sole appeal of well-wrought language. Arbitrarily replacing beloved phrases with others that ‘mean the same’ but don’t have the same emotional resonance is a practice that some viewers find perfectly acceptable and others do not.
Did you know that the reason why some people absolutely loathe Brussels sprouts while others enjoy them a great deal is genetic? They contain an alkaloid that some people can taste and some cannot. Doesn’t mean that people who hate them are intolerant or closed-minded, or that people who do like them lack sensitivity and refinement.
As I said to Mihnea, we are all wired differently. I am primarily a verbal person, easily transported and enraptured by language. I can sit happily through a poetry reading that might bore others (while sitting through a sports match without a book would be torture for me). Many other people are ‘visual learners’ for whom one picture is truly worth a thousand words. I have trouble with three-dimensional, spatial concepts, can’t dance to save my life and am lousy at math, but could still (40+ years after college) probably explain Chomsky’s concept of Transformational/Generative Grammar pretty accurately. Does that make me better or worse than Person X? No.
I think we need to work on making it a much longer step in fandom between ‘I don’t get it why Person X thinks such-and-such a detail is important’ and ‘Person X is an idiot.’
Firannion,
For clarification, I take the stand that story is what matters above all else: but as this the sort of story driven by the evolution of a few key characters, that almost comes to the same thing. The “almost” is that it really does not matter if “foil” characters like Ellaria are the same: what matters is that some foil character do something. But the characterization of Jon, Daeny, Tyrion, etc. is critical.
Firannion,
And they have BOTH saved a Stark this season…
Sue the Fury,
As you say, Khaleesi.
Firannion,
Thank you.
I’m pretty certain we’ll see Rickon tomorrow night. Do you think we’ll see Osha and Shaggydog?
69 minutes,
nice
Ginevra,
I think the warnings of Jojen and BR are real but they’re also something that they can (and probably will) play up for dramatic effect to create teacher/student conflict, if that makes sense.
Firannion,
Catelyn was the only cat in a family of dogs.
The Lord of Prose, the Great Bard himself, said it best when he said that “brevity is the soul of wit.” Even though these lines might not be recognizable to the non-devout, they are iconic to us because these few words are so condensed with the weight and context that surrounds them.
Patrick Rothfuss, one of my favorite authors, says that three things matter to a great novel: story, characters, and prose. I tend to subscribe to that philosophy, though my favorite novels shine in all three areas.
Can I just say I’m glad Sue is being tough about spoilers. I made the mistake of clicking on info about the first episode which showed Mel in her old age makeup and Doran being stabbed. It was entirely my own fault (curse my lack of self control!) but afterwards I wished I hadn’t. I’d rather not have the temptation. Also, even if it’s only a link, once the spoiler gate is open people start dropping none too subtle hints into their comments, which is almost the same thing as reading the spoiler. Better to nip it in the bud.
I don’t think the door from ‘hold the door’ is on tower of joy. It is more likely a door in the crypts of Winterfell, because Hodor is afraid of crypts for unknown reasons. Lyanna is buried in the crypts. I also think that Sam Coleman will return as a slightly older Hodor (with beard or something) for the burial scene. Hopefully we will also find some definitive proof that Jon is a Targaryen getting buried with Lyanna.
I take your lack of a substantive response as a concession of my point. Frivolous changes might not annoy you, but they certainly annoy some very serious fans. Why do it? In some cases it seems to be a result of D&D thinking their audience is really stupid and therefore dumbing things down. Some little changes just seem random.
In the last episode, we saw a big door at the entrance to Bloodraven’s cave. Might that be one of the meanings of “the door”? It’s the door that separates the safety of the cave from the outside world.
I agree with the previous commenter skeptical of a Mad King/Jaime scene based on that scene in the trailer. It doesn’t seem like there’d be any reason Bran would care about seeing it nor would it tell us anything we don’t know. My thought on the shadows in the trailer was that it looked like someone stabbing Robert Strong from behind.
My first response to “Bran learns a great deal” was “Oh shit, they are splitting ToJ up, aren’t they?”
So I certainly see that logic and admit splitting the flashback up is probable, but I’d still be surprised. I assume Jon came back in the second episode because they’ve really gotta get economical with their storytelling (but wouldn’t risk the resurrection leaking from the premiere). Doran, Roose, and Euron don’t dissuade that idea. Throw in that this is going to be Jon’s rebirth episode, and getting all of ToJ makes thematic sense as well.
All this talk of leaks is frustrating. I haven’t seen any, and am definitely NOT asking for hints or links (it’s just a slippery slope), but it really hurts my desire to speculate when the truth is otherwise searchable. Even just knowing there are answers out there takes a bit of the fun out of what we’re all doing here.
Kargaryen,
The only important Door in Game of Thrones is Dany´s red door, I think we are going to be revealed secrets about Dany we had no idea.
Kargaryen,
What could that possibly be?
I think that people might be over-reaching on the issue of Jon’s parents. It is entirely possible that who they are will matter to nobody but Jon. Just having Jon understand what Ned did to protect him (Jon) will have a profound effect on Jon. It is the sort of thing that could strongly influence how Jon responds to some key moments at the end of the tale. And whether anyone other than Jon knows and accepts this truth will be completely irrelevant.
The only important door in any of the stories that you (or I) have read might be Daeny’s red door. (Personally, I am not sure that it really is all that important.) However, this season is based on a book that none of us have read.
Buried with Lyanna?
Hundreds of comments and not a single one about Dorne. Am I the only one intrigued by Dorne? And Sand Snakes in King’s Landing!?
As for ToJ, its so obvious they would split it, that scene needs to be spread out as there’s easily atleast 20 minutes of material in it. Plus we need scenes and context for
. I also expect some twists too, and angry fans who spent a good 20 years speculating over a pretty cryptic scene. One thing doesnt go with their ‘vision’ and they will start rioting.
Intrigued to see what happens at the Wall aswell. What do the remaining NW do? I expect most of them to bend the knee immediately. But will Thorne? Will Jon execute him? Maybe we will actually get “Edd, fetch me a block” to shut up the whiners. And Olly? Redemption arc for him(i expect this to happen)? Or execution? How will Jon be changed? Will he remember Sansa?
Interesting stuff to come indeed.
I love Dorne. Can’t wait to see Obara and Nymeria in KL.
I’m with you. I think people are seeing what they want to. I haven’t thought it’s a necessary thing to burn a vision on (show time) for starters. In the trailer it’s immediately followed by Frankenmountain turning on a man close behind him. I think it’s just as likely the same scene.
I was going to say, “yes, you’re the only one,” but I guess there are a few. 😛 I’m one of those that cared little for nearly everything Dorne in the books. Like in the shows, the addition of all those new characters so late in the story wasn’t welcome. Especially when it slowed the advancement of the other characters. I’m not sure I could have been more happy when Quentyn got roasted. 🙂 In my opinion they couldn’t make any of it interesting when including in the show without major changes. They’ve made some big changes but it’s still meh.
Sean C.,
Other than to draw out the suspense of the reveal, I don’t know.
*slow clap*
As a book reader I think I’d be okay with splitting ToJ into multiple scenes. I don’t know that it would make a very riveting first scene for the casual viewer though. I mean, we’ve all seen plenty of sword fights before. They’re not usually all that exciting when drawn out. A scene with little context and without attachment to unfamiliar faces on screen doesn’t seem too exciting without something important as an immediate result. I’d expect a lot of “what the hell was that scene for” and “who were those people” questions from unsullied next week.
Clob,
The Unsullied and casual viewers are the show’s main base, something which i believe hardcore fans dont seem to get. They want the entire ToJ in one episode but that’s simply not possible. There has to be a lot of setup and dialogue about it, aswell as setting the context. We found out the first part of ToJ in 1996 and 20 years later still havent found out the 2nd part. I’m sure the show can split ToJ without causing any ‘disruption in momentum’ of the scene.
Upon greater consideration…. I really, *really* can’t wait for Book of the Stranger!
TOJ & R+L=J will happen tomorrow ,the oath of Edd will be broken,also its close to Mothers Day. 😉
This! And my guess it’s Jaime who’s doing the stabbing… probably doesn’t like undead monsters in his Kingsguard 😉
If not Robert Strong, this might be Maester Pycelle; but definitely not the Mad King.
It’s Jaime and the Mad King.
The denial is amusing.
So I was brainstorming and I thought how they made such a point to discuss pre-Hodor Wyllis. I think this episode Bran might get curious and head back to see what happened to Hodor. This is where I take things to a bit of a stretch
What if D&D decide to have Rhaegar take Lyanna from Winterfell? We don’t know exactly how it happened in the books, just that (correct me if I’m wrong) she was taken while en route to Robert. Anyway Hodor is training with Benjen when something happens and Hodor needs to go done into the crypts. While there he accidentaly sees Lyanna leaving with Rhaegar and starts fleeing in a panic. Something happens causing him to hit his head while someone is shouting “hold the door!” (Possibly R or L). So poor Hodor is tortured with knowing the truth but not being able to say anything (they could make that very heartbreaking if they wanted)
Bran is deeply confused by this because he thought Lyanna had been kidnapped. Suddenly Three-Eyed Crow appears and chides him for going somewhere on his own. Bran demands answers over what he just saw and 3EC takes him to ToJ.
Most likely doesn’t happen this way but it popped into my head so I thought I’d share
If Sansa and Brienne reaches the Wall, I presume Jon will inform them about the real danger: the White Walkers and the Long Night. While Jon will take care of Ramsay and the North, somebody else has to inform the Riverlands and King’s Landing. The North itself can’t block the White Walkers. They need help from all the houses of Westeros, at least.
Now, Brienne is on good terms with Jaime, right? Well, I think she’s the right person to be sent on a mission to persuade the people in King’s Landing to stop their intrigues for a moment and concentrate on the real problem: the f. White Walkers! She knows Jaime, he trusts her, maybe Jaime is the key to persuade the king, the reign and all the houses to stop their little fights and join the North in the real fight! Or at least try to persuade them. Who else could do it?
Chad Brick,
Nah. I really just don’t want to enter a conversation with you, ever again.
And ”serious fans” don’t bring money. The legions of casual viewers is where the money is at.
Ayman,
Agreed.
Tyrion seeks assistance from the Green Grace
Possible? Yes. Plausible? Not to me.
Martin has dedicated an enormous amount of time and plot to showing us this lord commander who can rule and rule well, even at a young age. He’s also chosen the crowned prince to be this commander’s secret father in a world being torn apart by the fight for the iron throne while our hero has always had his eyes set on the real threat, the real war to come. He laid out prophecies for a prince that was promised, not realizing that the fandom would spread the R + L = J theory so far and wide, assuming that very few would ever correctly guess this secret prince. I cannot imagine that all of this would be for naught. Martin himself has heavily implied that he doesn’t want to leave us with an ending that said the king ruled wisely without first proving that he would rule wisely.
What proof of regal legitimacy could there be for Jon? Perhaps a wedding and birth document signed by all who witnessed, signed by Ser Arthur Dayne, Ser Gerald Hightower, Ser Oswell Whent, Lady (Princess) Lyanna, and possibly others. Perhaps a treasured Targaryen heirloom, like a book that holds the secrets to waking the stone dragons at Dragonstone. I’m certain that George, in his infinite wisdom, will come up with something.
If Jon’s decision during “the moment” is influenced by the compromises that Ned had to make to protect Jon, then it will not be for naught even if Jon is the only oen who knows it. After all, GRRM also has laid out a lot of time developing a young man who wants to do the “right” thing but who also learns that “right” and “wrong” often are not clear-cut options: and that sometimes it is about doing more “right” than “wrong” rather than one or the other.
Ned had to do more “right” than “wrong” to save Jon: but Ned clearly felt that he did a lot “wrong” in doing this (assuming that we are not all barking up the wrong tree on this). Jon is going to know that he, himself, owes his life to this. I cannot help but to think that Davos’ line about how sometimes one boy’s life is more important than a Kingdom is going to foreshadow how Jon processes all of this.
Green Chili,
My guess is the theatre troupe. The background looks like the walls behind their stage. I think they are acting out the killing of the mad king.
I actually think it looks like Obara stabbing the Mountain from the back.
Pigeon,
if you watched the trailer and you watched the preview for next weeks episode, you’d know sansa goes to castle black (ep 4) and that davos will be helping her recruit northern houses to take back winterfell. she definitely goes to castle black and it will be next week.
Yes, but it doesn’t mean Jon will be there. “My watch has ended.”
I just think it’s something that they’d do, the near miss thing.
Adam,
My Guess
Brienne goes to the Tullys to call for aid in the fight of Jon Snow/Wildlings against the the Boltons while Daavos seeks aid from the Mormonts
see trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EI0ib1NErqg
Brienne at 1.31 mark see Tullys Sigil – A fish
Daavos at 1.17 mark see Mormonts Sigil – A bear