Hello again to all ye great and unwavering readers of the Ice and Rock, and thank you for once again joining us at the pixelated version of the mighty Wall.
A man’s name is Oz, and off-season Looking Forward continues on as a man attempts to curb your rabid fanatical appetite while we await even less revealing teasers for the upcoming 6th Season.
Let’s do this proper:
Asshekh kisha jeriki ma som silikes Mirini, ma khaleesies ma tawaka ma n’avvirsaya ishish ma vo khalasaroon, ma vishaferakes akkimiya zhavvorsi, ma, ki Dothraki, Khaleesi Vosi.
Translation to follow, along with a special “thank you” to a certain well-known Game of Thrones linguist.
Unhitch the dragon saddles kiddos… Dany isn’t going anywhere.
First off, thank you David J. Peterson for surprisingly agreeing to translate my opening banter to Dothraki. You are truly a professional and I am very grateful that you would take the time to humor an unworthy human such as myself.
Take a few minutes and make sure to check out David’s new book and his website here. He also runs a Tumblr, and be sure to follow him in the twittersphere as well.
Thank you again, David!
Now, time for the translation:
Today we tackle the absent caretaker of Meereen, the disputable unburnable, the Khaleesi with no Khalasar, the attempted tamer of dragons, and according to the Dothraki… the Queen of Nothing.
Disclaimer for all of you “Wallabies” (term voted on by your fellow readers referring to anyone new to the this lovely site): You have entered the realm of the Unsullied; where show fact and written fiction are separated by a man with only a television and a pricey, yet worthy, subscription to Home Box Office. My oath states that no books may be read until the conclusion of the show, and a man is nothing if he is not an oathkeeper.
As Unsullied, we must dine on what is served by buffet curators David and Dan only.
Disclaimer #2: Sue of the House Fury and the powers that be do NOT allow a man to read any spoilery content produced, written and reported on WotW. This includes filming news and casting leaks. Such a measure sucks a hierarchal big one, yet remains justified.
In essence, a man could be likened to Arya… in the dark and screaming blind, but older, considerably less attractive, and male.
In this chapter of the non-peer reviewed Looking Forward series, we’re talking Dany T. and the Disciples. We could easily delve into the unknown and attempt to speculate on exactly what will transpire with her captors, but as most of you are aware (and as I have been spoilerishly informed), the Dothraki will likely play a major role in the upcoming 10 episodes. The teaser backs this up…
“Queen of nothing.” #GoTSeason6 premieres 4.24.16 #GameofThroneshttps://t.co/TeSFwowwTy
— Game Of Thrones (@GameOfThrones) January 22, 2016
As does this pic…
This of course means that in all likelihood, our bleach blonde bomber is hanging in Essos for at least one more season while trying to escape the clutches of the neighborhood Khals (‘cause they don’t give two shits about who your ex-husband was).
But it begs the question… will this continuing Essos story arc translate into compelling television?
Last year, a man pissed off a few (or more) people when I suggested that by the end, many of the Unsullied, non-book readers may end up hating Dany. And I stand by that potential conclusion. The truth is, none of us know what kind of demeanor she will possess and what other favorable characters she may tick off when she presumably reaches the other side.
Will it be your favorite?
Disclaimer #3: I’m not a Dany hater.
I’m just throwing this out there: the assumption of her Westerosi arrival itself is where the question of compelling TV enters the equation in the meantime.
The show (and I assume the books) have always painted the picture that Dany will indeed cross the narrow sea at some point and at least attempt to reclaim what is supposedly hers.
But if the vast majority of viewers assume that Dany will eventually cross and stake her claim, how do you initiate meaningful depictions in the meantime? When an outcome is assumed, by human nature alone, the interim can appear inconsequential. And Dany’s story seems to sometimes suffer from it. Well, that and the resulting predictability factor.
Seriously… a virtual show of hands… who honestly believes that Dany T. won’t ever make it across the great salt sea?
Loading ...Predictability Factor
Sample 1
Throughout the arc of the Dany T., the story at times has been painfully foreseeable as far back as the overtaking of the first slave city (and arguably predating it).
The taking of Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen never gave the impression that the feat would not be attained. Honestly, there was never reason for concern (at least in my distorted mind).
Yes, there would be resistance. And that resistance resulted in some memorable confrontations…
But was there ever really any doubt that Dany would ultimately succeed?
Sample 2
The Great Dragon Escape (S5E9)
It should have been one of the more memorable scenes in the entire series when the liberated dragon returned to help momma, combined with the inaugural mount and ride.
The issue again was the predictability of the situation, only this time it was even more calculable thanks to this pre-episode pic along with the glimpse of the scene in the S5 trailer…
The options here were pretty clear: either the Unsullied were going to magically appear at the exit ramps, or Jorah would shoot grayscale from his eyeballs encompassing the Harpy in stone, or Varys would fly in on one of his little birds, or Daario would relieve himself creating a mud slick in the middle of the arena, or Drogon would come swooping in to save the day. Luckily, and predictably, the latter served as the conclusion.
To add to the possibility of that foregone conclusion, we were looking for the inevitable big ending of the traditional climactic episode… the continuation of the “Epic 9’s.”
But once again, it suffered. Regardless of the situation, I never held any fear that Dany was in clear and present danger, even in the circle of doom that surrounded her. My mind kept telling me… “Oh, she’ll get out. She has to get out. She’s going to Westeros.”
It’s also a fair point to include the fact that this event happened on the heels of “Hardhome”, which most certainly took away from the “wow” factor.
This is where I think Dany’s story has trouble overcoming the knowledge of her eventual final destination. Her arrival in Westeros is only a matter of time to the vast majority of viewers. In Vegas, it would be considered a lock. In numbers, it would be considered a mathematical certainty.
So if we all stand on that assumption, the most compelling uncertainty becomes who will survive the current quandary (because you know, somebody gonna die).
Which brings us to another installment of…
Unsullied Death Odds: The Season 6 Dany Disciple Version
All conflict comes with a price. And at least one of the following will not live to see Season 7. Feel free to disagree… you always do.
Sometimes I prefer Vegas style odds (2:1, 5:2, etc.), but today I’m in a weathercentric mood. So let’s go with percentages (likelihood of death percentages, that is).
Tyrion
Death Percentage: 20%
Unsullied Logic: The Westerosi Gringo is just getting settled in to his new dibs (and fresh 
career path) in Meereen while the cowboys go out to save the homecoming queen from the rival school bandits (Dany could only escape on her own with the help of a dragon or if she was actually Rapunzel, and she ain’t in this show). While the death of Tyrion would add immense shock value to S6, this year should not be his demise. Tyrion seems destined to one day arrive back in Westeros, much to the surprise of the commoners (and whatever is left of his family).
Jorah
Death Percentage: 40%
Unsullied Logic: Ol’ Blue Eyes seems to have finally worked himself out of Momma Dragon’s dog house. Yet, Jorah still finds himself between a rock and a hard place with the greyscale setting in and the fact that he has kept it a secret from his fellow dragoneers. The death odds could be more on Mormont given his ailment, but the truth is that no one (that I know of) knows exactly how fast the pebble pox spreads. Plus, we know that there is a cure. Jorah has been through a hell of a lot to climb his way, brick by brick, back into the good graces of her Grace. I think he survives season 6, even if he is half-statue.
Grey Worm
Death Percentage: 80%
Unsullied Logic: Somebody gonna die, and time may be running out for the wormless Worm. If S6 picks up right where S5 left off, it means that Grey still isn’t back to full strength. And as far as I know, the Harpy still loom. Add that to the ongoing romance of Worm and Missandei, and the future doesn’t look bright for Grey. What… you thought there would be a happy ending to this baffling budding courtship? No. This relationship was born in order to tug at the heart strings when one of them dies. My money is on Worm.
Missandei
Death Percentage: 30%
Unsullied Logic: See “Grey Worm”.
Daario
Death Percentage: 60%
Unsullied Logic: The dashing Daario v.2 has shown his ass and pissed his way into the hearts of many, including Dany T. Thus far, there has really been no reason to suggest Daario won’t continue on in his role as lover/fighter of the jedi. But Dany hasn’t had much luck in the area of finding and keeping a love interest/partner (see Drogo and Hizdahr). The death of another person this close to Dany could put her over the edge and potentially encourage her to move forward in her quest for the throne, regardless of the state of the Slave Cities.
Varys
Death Percentage: 10%
Unsullied Logic: Not likely. Varys just arrived in town, immediately following and conveniently avoiding the conflict at Harpy Stadium. The Bird Whisperer has a way of staying out of harms way and will likely continue the trend. A wise man indeed. And I still expect there to be a at least one more face to face meeting between he and Littlefinger, which means Varys will eventually get his ticket on the all-inclusive Essos Cruise Line to Westeros.
One of the Dragons
Death Percentage: 50% (on one of the three)
Unsullied Logic: Don’t ask me how it happens, as this is merely a hunch. Maybe Drogon gets the business from the thousands of Dothraki that hold Dany. Or even more likely, maybe Tyrion unleashes the other two because of trouble in Meereen and Dany returns to find one of them deceased. A dragon death seems probable this season if for no other reason than the show-runners needing to exhibit that dragons are certainly not an indestructible force. We’ve already seen Drogon suffer injury. And if it can bleed, it can die.
Conclusion: There is opportunity here to create a compelling story arc even with the knowledge of Dany’s crossing virtually in lock. The question is, will it be? Many “casual” viewers that talk to me about the show ask, “is Dany ever going to get to Westeros?” The fact is that we don’t know for certain. But the foregone conclusion remains, and a lot of folks seem to have “meandering Dany” fatigue. We could use a Warlock return.
My guess is that the last scene in Season 6 will be our blonde bomber on the beach, boarding the cruise ship, and setting sail into the sunset (devoid a sidekick or two).
This is also the primary reason I believe we got an 8th season. One season in Westeros wasn’t going to be enough for Dany.
Or us.
That’s it for the Oz today, Ladies and Sers. A man appreciates your capacity for a bumbling Unsullied and hopes you enjoyed this edition of Looking Forward to Game of Thrones, Season 6.
Dany T. and the Disciples and Dany and the Dragoneers are trademarked but are available for purchase should you resolve to start a band. Send me a raven.
Comment away, and may there always be peace in your realm.
-Oz
“Unbowed. Unbent. Unsullied.”
**SPOILER NOTE: The Management of this fine site would like to remind you that spoilers (book or leaks) are not allowed in Unsullied posts. This includes spoilers covered by code or otherwise. No spoilers at all! Personally, I appreciate feedback from Sullied and Unsullied alike, so long as they do not include any type of hinting or conversation related to the written verse or filming leaks. However, spoiler coded comments do tend to lead to further Sullied conversation and for that reason, we ask that you please refrain from posting any SPOILERY content whatsoever in Unsullied posts. Thank you for the co-op. -Oz
Am I the first to comment? That means, ye gods, a Hodor is necessary. Fuck it, then HODOR a first for me
Supporting the bottom AND tradition as designated
OZ! Were you so excited by a mention of Lysa/Kate appearing in something that you couldn’t stay off the site? Whatever, always a pleasure to see you.
Not sure how to proceed here. You’ve listed some speculations, which makes me assume that commenting on your speculations would not be considered spoilery. You alluded to things that might make Dany go over the edge in either anger or grief, thus propelling her towards Westeros.
For grief factor, wouldn’t she be more broken-hearted over losing Missandei than anyone? She already got used to the fact of Jorah being banished and gone, and I don’t get the vibe that she’s crazy in love with Dario, she’s mostly physically enjoying his Dario-ness. She’s be upset to lose him or Grey Worm.
But Missandei has been translator, trusted advisor, good friend, gal pal and calming agent. She’d go nuts if she lost Missandei. I never once thought of one of the dragons being killed, even when Harpies were using Drogon as pincushion. But if she lost Missandei AND one of the dragons, that would be the tipping factor for both her mental state and her travel plans. IMHO. A crazed Dany would be on a ship for King’s Landing with vengeance in her heart.
If any of this is spoiler, take it down with my apologies.
Some great points Oz. I have no idea were Danys arc will go this season so your guess is as good as mine.
I feel like the Dothraki storyline might be like Astapor in s.3 – opposition opposition YAY DANY WINS AND GETS AN ARMY…. maybe… and hopefully it is a 4 episode kinda thing like Astapor
With Meereen… well I have ideas on what’s going to happen there… but I’m really not sure…
Basically I don’t know, and that’s fun… maybe I don’t want a trailer
Eh, he almost-died in Season 5. I think that gives him some immunity.
Also.. on who will die in Dany’s entourage… I don’t really want any of them to die… but Daario is the only person I’d be okay with dying. Grey Worm could die too but they need at least one person for Dany to give military orders to in Westeros right?
Oz, it was a pleasure to read your witty article, as always!
Who do I thing might die? A not general, but often applied rule showed that we lose what we love best. Following this sad idea, Brienne and Jaime will never stay or even be together. OK, it’s not about Brienne and Jaime, I get it! But you and the others get what I mean.
If this harsh rule applies, it means Tyrion will die. But another unwritten rule states that he’s protected by his own Tyrionness (no, I don’t mean his not dwarf-size cock!) Then the first rule applies to the other characters I love: Jorah and Missandei. Not Grey Worm, to let him weep and avoid a Romeo + Juliet situation. Following this rule, I’ll say Daario is safe, I like him the least.
And no, I won’t accept any dragon dying, not even the one named after that stupid golden-crowned brother of Dany!
Loved this article, Oh Great Oz!!!!! U are too funny and that’s why I love reading your wonderful articles!! Hope that Dany’s arc is a lot better this season, seems like it will be from what little we know from spoilers! I believe she will be heading to Westeros at the end of season 6. Think the odds of Daario biting it this season is higher tho! And noooooo…not any dragon!!!? But you are probably right! Looking forward to your next “looking forward”!!!! HaHa!!
I certainly hope Tyrion lives to the end of the series. He and Bronn’s irreverent humor offer much needed comic relief on a show so full of dark moments.
I don’t think that anyone will die this year, but I think that Dany will leave Missandei and Grey Worm (and the Unsullied) behind to rule Meereen. I mean, someone has to, right? And who better than the people who are actually sort-of invested in this place?
This would solve the ‘abandoning a work in progress’ issue, get Dany down two friends AND provide a happy ending to the romance. Which is why I want it to happen.
Also, the Unsullied kind of aren’t dressed for what’s coming in Westeros, anyway.
e: Not to mention, Queen Missandei. Make it happen.
You are in great form, yet again Oz man. Very good observations. I am on the “she will be on the cruise ship last episode 6” band wagon. In order for her to have time to do whatever it is that happens in Westeros, it will take more than just season 7. And to NOT have her make it there sort of defeats six seasons of build up for her claiming what she thinks is her rightful role as Queen.
For the Dothraki….their fate is not stable at this point. I see a similar situation as happened with the Harpy rebellion, Daeny is in trouble and swoosh comes down her savior and I think that things will be prime for s’mores when he is done. But also, I believe that this time with the Dothraki will bring her back to a center point and she will re-focus her goals and that is what will spearhead the big water crossing.
For who bites the big one? I actually think that Jorah and Daario both are at high risk. I would like to think that, even though he hasn’t been there very long, Tyrion will be sailing with Daenerys on that Disney cruise vacation. I think Varys will come back to Westeros before then, he left too many things hanging when he left there. For Missy and her unitless? I would like to think that they run off in the sunset and we never hear from them again. There are very few ….. if any ….. romances that have a good ending, they would be a good choice for a good ending. We aren’t that invested in them.
Now I must roll up my newspaper and swat you on the nose, because you definitely pee’d on the kitchen floor. NO dragons will die before their time and that will be in the final end game, regardless of who is in control of the dragons. I can’t see that Westeros stands a chance without them, at the least for the beginning. (now aren’t you glad I didn’t rub your nose in it?)
Finally, I have other thoughts on more, but we are discussing Daeny and her fate.
Cheers! Can’t wait for your Unsullied weekly reports for season 6. Always a pleasure.
Same old song:
do not discuss book content in any way in these posts! The show has not covered all the book material, by a long shot. Thanks.
Enjoyed the read! Thanks much. May no harm come to the three dragons (or their riders)!
Thronetender,
Congrats Thronie (sorry, hope you don’t mine the slang use of your great name) on snagging that Hodor slot. And congrats to the rest of the community for NOT repeating it over and over again. I love your “always support the bottom” comment too.
Your observations are not the same as mine, it will be interesting to see who is closest to correct…because I don’t think ANYONE can ever get it totally right – D & D are too unpredictable for that, anyone can go at anytime and WILL. 🙂
*thumbs up* Well done!
I notice that I forgot to mention the Khaleesi. Not of lack of interest, although she’s not on my rather long list of favourite characters. In my sometimes twisted mind it was so obvious that Daenerys would deal with the Dothraki and embark to Westeros in season 6, that I didn’t even bother to mention.
I’ve made my own little conclusion for Dany just based on where she is now and how her story has gone so far
Bear with me
So far as Oz has said, Dany has been quite predictable… so why have her go to Westeros?
I think that our gal is going to drag an army out into the deserts and with many casualties and desertions she’ll start to lose her mind a little.
I believe that out in the vast desert Dany will wander into what she believes to be Westeros from memory ( or whatever) and it will be in ruins ( like we saw the red keep in ruins and snowy in her vision). She may even begin to see dead relatives etc. and in the meantime we’ll see the actual Westeros in a different state. Perhaps she doesn’t go mad maybe the Warlocks will evetually get their revenge? We know that they’re travelling the world so perhaps they find out that she’s marching for Westeros and start conjuring illusions for her. I mean, why did they continue to be a part of the series in season 3?
I just don’t believe in these love stories and magical endings anymore…
I don’t believe that Jon will defeat the white walkers. I think that it will be bittersweet like George says and that we might get a Stark reunion before the Walkers come to kill them and they fight to their last breaths with their individual fighting capabilities.
I don’t know just some alternate theories….
Hehe, wormless worm 🙂
Great read as always.
I also think that Dany sets off to Westeros at the end of the season and that the WW will probably invade as well.
Frosteffen,
That’s exactly the kind of spoiler you’re NOT supposed to mention in the Unsullied threads.
Ooh, that reminds me. I hope that she gets some funky visions this year. Like, if the reason she finally decides to go West is because she gets a vision of the White Walkers.
I think Daario will be the one to go. His only real purpose was side-action for Dany, and she is already growing tired of him.
Jorah still has to play out his grey-scale plot, Tyrion and Varys still have too much to do. I agree Missandrei would be a huge lose to Dany, but I think even more powerful would be Missy deciding not to follow Dany any more, and return home. It would show a lack of faith in Dany that I think would hurt her more than a death, which is out of her control
Language is so fun… I still have my signed copy of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer lexicon “Slayer Slang”…
Go David… looking up his language book right now…
I’m, sullied, but I don’t think I’d feel any different if I wasn’t about Dany and Westeros. I don’t care if she does get there or not, dies or not. I think about how her dragons are going to get to Westeros all the time.
Oz, so happy to have you back. The neglect has gone on too long
Such a good article today, funny, yet seriously discusses some important plot points.
I believe that she will set sail to Westeros at the end of season 6. If not, then i dont think she ever will. That might be the real great twist. Maybe she hears about the WW heading south and decides… ‘eff this! Im staying here” type thing lol.
I think that a dragon may die this season, though that does make me sad. I hope its not drogon. I like him.
And lastly, I also think that either Jorah or Daario will die, at the hand of the other. Jealousy is ugly. lol
I am super psyched for season 6 for her story line and to see how she handles the Dothraki when she has literally NOTHING except herself to do so. (Queen of Nothing!) No advisers, no army, no dragons.
Hodor?
When Oz mentioned a dragon casualty, I was upset as well. As I put it in my comment, it never crossed my mind that a dragon might actually die. I was just, um, extrapolating on what Oz put in place. Do I want any of them to die? No, especially not Missandei. I love the little bit of time they allow her and GW to explore romance. In the midst of so much tragedy and murder, their story is a sweet respite. (I feel the same about Sam and Gilly, and will hiss right back at any of you who moan about either pair. Besides, Sam’s gonna play a big part in saving the world, I just know it.)
But thank you for your words of encouragement. Always a good thing.
I misread this as “Unsullied cheeky reports” the first time. Like you I do enjoy Oz’s posts though.
Nice aricle!
I think Jorah will die. Maybe Daario kills him after he finds out about Jorahs greyscale.
As a Deanerys fan I hope season 6 is not like 5. I hope Drogon kills the khals around episode 4. I hope and I also think that in episode 10 she will be on a ship to Westeros with her Dothraki, Unsullied, Tyrion, Varys and her dragons. Flying to Westeros would be awesome! I also hope to see her going to Asshai. I think a red priest joins her and Tyrion to.
For Mereen I hope Tyrion stays there and releases the dragons, finding out he is a half Targaryen and a dragonrider.
Loved your post, and you are correct. Not having read the books Dany’s arc got boring after a couple of seasons. I don’t hate her, I hate the going in circles.
I hope there will be more excitement this season and maybe a departure for Westeros at the end.
Looking forward to find out who the leader if the Harpy is, someone fairly close to her?
Who will die? I would be least upset if Daario would bite the dust. Anything else would make me teary-eyed. And Absofreakinglutly no dragons.
Whoa! that’s not bittersweet, that’s downright tragic. 🙂 I put the smiley, because it’s not a criticism of your thought, it’s me adjusting the straps.
Although I have always had a fear of GRRM ending the story with a barren, frozen wind-blown plain, with only a few sorry souls wandering. He kept mentioning that scoured Shire scene in LOTR. Can you imagine the feelings of all the faithful who followed the story for more than 20 years? There would be world-wide wailing. People would feel hopeless and devastated to have the GOT world left like that. I can’t imagine his story going to that extreme. Bittersweet means happiness diluted with some sadness, not total devastation. Shudder.
I don’t think Jorah will last the season. Getting rid of the protagonist’s wise protector figures is a classic fantasy move, and with Barristan gone Jorah’s up next on that chopping block. And then Daario will bump up to the “main protector” spot, infuriating book and show fans everywhere. 😛
(But don’t worry, that probably means he’ll meet his own demise next season.)
I imagine the Daario/Jorah road show will include a lot of bro posturing, with plenty of “I love her more no I love her more” stuff, and conclude with Jorah deciding Daario is a sincere and worthy guy after all before he (Jorah) dies in a rescue attempt. Daario will have to break the news to Dany. TBH this also seems like the death that would be most likely to motivate Dany to GTFO. And I agree she’ll at least begin to do so by the end of this season.
I think my girl Missandei has miles to go before she get the big sleep. She seems like a character who’s arc has yet to peak.
Grey Worm seems to be That Guy You Always Think Is Going to Die but Doesn’t. Although I could see him being shanghaied in to helping Tyrion release the dragons and getting BBQ’d. Or possibly he does it on his own, seeing it as a desperate last option of some sort, and gets BBQ’d. For some reason that’s the only way I seem him dying this season. I guess b/c the Harpy threat to GW just seems kind of played out, and as an Unsullied he doesn’t have a lot of other vulnerabilities.
Tyrion, I think, is safe as houses until S8.
A dragon death seems highly likely, IMO, though not Drogon. One of the Red Shirt dragons.
jharder,
Sorry, delete it. Read a book people…
Thronetender,
I agree with you or I should say I HOPE you are right!! It would be devastation and not a bitter sweet ending if that happens! Would George be so, dare I say…… mean?!! Because that would be mean!! He knows how many fans love GoT and need somewhat happy ending!!!
I agree on all points Oz. We book readers have literally nothing on you here, as season 5 ended exactly where the books did for Dany (Meereen is different in general though).
I’m all in on Dany setting off towards Westeros in the season 6 finale (and maybe Winter finally arriving too, that would be major plot point #2 the show has been dodging thus far).
As far as who lives and who dies, I actually don’t think Grey Worm and Missandei will die. I think they will be the answer to Dany’s four season long Slaver’s Bay arc: how can she leave Meereen behind, knowing how fast the other two cities deteriorated in her absence?
I think season 6 will build Grey Worm and Missandei as rulers (Missi being the brains and Worms the bronn) with lessons from both Tyrion and Varys. How come they’ll be Dany’s solution? A. They are familiar with the culture. B. They look right (we all saw the “white power” image in the season 3 finale lol. And finally C. Tyrion will be ruljng through them this season (or at least that was implied in the season 5 finale, since Meereen won’t accept a Westerosi dwarf for a ruler). All the pieces are in place for this.
Now we all agree both Tyrion and Varys are safe till Dany lands on Westeros and probably quite a bit after that too. Which leaves Jorah and Daario. In my opinion, they’re both gonners. That would be the true Thrones’ way to solve this love triangle. Jorah might lose it to the grayscale and survive another season, though for some reason I doubt he’ll ever set foot on Westeros again 🙁
And here’s a random (probably unlikely) theory: could Varys be behind the Harpys? It’s in his interest to get Dany moving towards Westeros ASAP, and we know he has “little birds” all over Essos and even inside Meereen as per season 4. Kind of a stretch, but it’s possible the whole thing spun out of his control.
Blind Beth,
Missandei has been the only woman in Dany’s whole entourage since Season 3, which I’ve always thought is a bit of trump card for her in terms of survival.
I think giving Tyrion a 20% likelihood of death is a little bit exaggerated. Especially when you’ve given Varys a 10%.
I hope Jorah’s greyscale makes him go full “Breaking Bad” on Daario.
Yaga,
This guy gets it
What many people seem to forget when they say: “Why the hell hasn’t Dany gone to Westeros yet?” is that the only thing that kept the Targaryens on the throne for 300 years was the fact that they had dragons – BIG M*ther Frakking dragons, that THEY COULD CONTROL! Dany has no alliances, no friends in Westeros – yes she has an army, but those Dragons are going to be her trump card, both to win the Iron Throne (if there is still one left when she gets there), and in the ultimate battle with the White Walkers. The dragons in the show are not ready yet for an invasion – too small, too unruly … not tamed yet.
Now granted, apparently they will be MUCH bigger this season, twice the size, apparently, so we are getting there. I, as much as any body else, can’t wait to see Dany &Co. arrive in Westeros, but it will happen in due course. The entire arc of the Song of Ice and Fire is a complex tapestry, and, once it is all over, we will see more clearly how each piece of the chess board was moved into place in order to arrive at the ultimate climax.
The way George and the show have set it up seems Dany’s arrival in Westeros will not be to conquer it but to save it!
Another great post, Oz. Thanks for including the photo of Mero…one of my favorite minor characters.
Well said. I am impatient with Dany’s story line in Meereen. Still, I believe that something of significance will happen there.
As far as the death predictions, I think that Jorah will survive S6. I think that he has to arrive back in Westeros as the exiled knight returning with the “rightful” queen. I don’t think that he survives long beyond that – after all, greyscale – but I think that he does come home.
My guess is that Daario does not survive S6. I’m not sure what the character contributes to the story going forward. And I say this with much regret because I would like Michiel Huisman to hang around for as long as possible.
I’ve thought a major reversal of Dany not getting to Westeros could be in order, but it does seem pretty unlikely.
(1) One thing that catches me up is that I can’t see Dothraki on boats. (2) Also, Dany’s become such an important figure to Essos that, well, wouldn’t it be irresponsible to leave? One thing I have considered is her actually leaving the Dothraki behind to police Essos and, if she turns them all into her bitches, secure the abolition of slavery. That would address and validate both (1) and (2) with nevertheless getting Dany across the sea. Maybe she can use other armies (her Unsullied plus Westeros allies of Dorne)? It’s just getting awfully late in the game.
What if WW are quite successful, and the people of Westeros actually come to Dany as refugees? Then there would be characters coming together without Dany crossing.
If she isn’t on a boat (or riding a dragon over the sea) at the end of this season, I will switch to actually thinking she’ll never cross, instead of just playing around with the idea. I mean, it still seems highly likely she will cross.
I would be shocked if all 3 dragons weren’t dead by the final frame.
My odds for Daario dying are about 90%. 1) there’s already been scenes setting up conflict between Daario/Jorah – Daario talking about his pit-fighting days and Jorah looking ominously at him as they left 2) it makes sense from a story arc point of view because there needs to be some space between Daario and any new man for Dany in Westeros.
Red Viper of Dorne,
Hey! That is awesome. Where did you get this information? I know between season 1 and 2 they barely grew and in season 3 they got as big as small dogs.
Please tell me you read from a confirmed to be true source about Drogon growing twice as big.
I know the director of episode 1 stated we start right where we left off, with Jon Snow bleeding out, so because of that I thought the dragons wouldn’t get much bigger, at least during the first half of the season.
I always look for information from D&D or trusted sources about what is going to change about the dragons… Like as they get more mature are they going to get more spikey, maybe more muscular, will their demeanor change? IDK just saying as they reach adulthood, like any living creature, they can develop much different adult traits, both physical and personality wise.
Please let a man know your source about the dragons doubling in size!
In terms of Drogon dying at some stage – not this year – the show used that ‘we have a special bond’ moment between Dany and Drogon twice in S5. I think it will eventually be used in a final goodbye between them and there won’t be a dry eye in the house.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbkD4ULPYyU
To this day, whenever I watch this scene of Dany watching her babies I get all goosebumpy. The CGI, the music, Dany’s face, the scene is just such an amazing visual. And this is how we get reintroduced to Dany’s storyline in season 3, couldn’t have been done better.
Whoever imagined that scene and put it in the show, we need more of that guy, somehow he connected the visuals and realty of how some birds prey on fish and CGIed it into a freaking dragon, and flawlessly gave us a view on what that be like seeing.
I love this scene soooo much!
Arthur,
Ah man sorry … I read everything I can find on Game of Thrones on a daily basis, so I do not recall the exact source but I have a memory like a steel trap so I do definitely remember hearing or reading that at some point! We just have 2 more months to find out!!
I can’t wait to see who the other 2 riders will be!!!!
That’s another part. To some extent, I’m coming over to the idea that neither the Unsullied (REALLY not dressed for winter) NOR the Dothraki will go with Dany over the sea – that it will be just Dany and the boysband, inciting small slave/peasant rebellions on the way. Pretty crazy, but… the dragons will be the important part, anyway.
It says in bold on top, no spoilers.
at this point, i feel that Dany will land in Westeros at the same exact moment the WW enter Westeros. It would be a nice symmetry between the theme of Ice and Fire. It also goes along with the vision she saw in the HOTU where the first time she entered the Red Keep, it was in ruins which indicate that a major fight will take place and winter will have already come.
Red Viper of Dorne,
Oh man… You got me all excited that they were going to be twice as big!
Don’t believe anything people say unless its confirmed by a reliable source via this site basically, if news like that came out Sue would give it its own thread.
I am just going to not expect them to get much bigger so I don’t get disappointed.
But you are right, we will know soon enough, D&D usually inform the fans on the dragons growth and what to expect. I hope they do get a lot bigger but remember bigger dragons means more expensive CGI and this isn’t a 200million dollar, two hour Disney movie.
So fingers crossed by mid to late season 6 they do grow bigger but I am not holding my breath.
Unless you or anyone else can confirm a reliable source that it has been stated they are getting bigger of course, until then, not believing it so I can not rise my expectations to high and be disappointed if they aren’t bigger.
Newbietothegame,
Newbietothegame,
The fact that the Dragons are getting bigger is hardly a spoiler, and the rider stuff is just pure speculation that has been mentioned a million times on this site and others.
I can imagine a dragon dying. By many means, say … another dragon. For instance I’ll consider the two poor dragons (that pay for Drogon’s faults) rightfully angry at their black brother. And a potential ensuing fight will end with one of the smaller dragons dead.
Which is a perfect way to make Daenerys doubt even more her decisions and send her down the path of madness. And I am convinced Daenerys will prove in time she is a relative of the Mad King.
Anyway thanks for your latest post, Oz.
Arthur,
Here you go friend!!
http://www.cinemablend.com/television/Game-Thrones-Dragons-Double-Size-Season-6-72444.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-dragons-will-double-in-size-again-in-the-next-series-10317794.html
http://www.ibtimes.com/game-thrones-season-6-spoilers-dragons-will-be-different-big-way-after-season-5-1965744
Well, the original post said ‘you read it’, about the dragons. So, referring again to Oz’s request. No spoilers, nothing you read, all comments are purely based on the show. Oz does not read any of the other posts on here.
#cannotfollowinstructions.
As always, it’s a great pleasure to read your writing, Oz, and, wow, thanks to David J. Peterson for providing that Dothraki translation!!! 🙂
Just a few thoughts: I think Sullied and Unsullied alike are impatient with Dany’s story line. I know I am, and I am far from a Dany hater.
As for who I think will die from her story line this season, my money is on Daario. I wish Jorah would die, instead (ah, yes, I hear the screams of protest, and I’m sorry to bum out the Jorah lovers, but I’m not one of them, and I want him g-o-n-e gone), but I don’t think they would have given him greyscale just to kill him off. I think something has to come of him having Greyscale.
Finally, regarding a dragon death: No, no, no, no, no…
and did I mention…
no?
I don’t want any of the dragons to die. You can’t always get what you want, but I will be so upset if a dragon dies, whether in season 6, or future seasons. It’s probably inevitable, but until it happens, I’m just going to pretend the dragons will all survive and live happily ever after, roasting small mammals (with apologies to the small mammals), fertilizing the fields with dragon droppings, and eating bad-guys.
Thronetender,
I don’t see any dragons dying this season or any of the next either… That kinda defeats the THREE HEADED Dragon prophecy…
Off-Topic Otto,
Well she already convinced a few Dothraki to get on a boat… if she can convince a few she can convince a whole army…
At this point it’s Jorah that is not adding anything to the story. Remember that Daario commands the sellswords, who are still needed by Dany if she is going to Westeros. However I do think that Daario somehow dies this season so Dany will need a new army or strategy. Dothaki don’t cross the sea and I’d bet the unsullied are not enough.
Interesting that you spend a lot of time talking about how predictable Dany’s arc is, yet Tyrion’s seems just as predictable. We all expect he will live to the end.
Red Viper of Dorne,
Holy cow!!!
Thank you! We are going to possible see some Smaug type shit heh.
P.S. Dragons growing isn’t spoilers, if something like the discussing of Dragons growing spoils GoT for you then maybe you should put blinders on, ear muffs and crawl into a dark hole until April 24th, 2016.
#wannabewhiteknightspoilprotector
Don’t worry Oz, plenty of book readers don’t care for the mad queen either.
Always good to read you, Oz!
Exactly what OZ is trying to do, but you two are obviously too dense to get that or just don’t wanna honor his wishes….quoting again…
we ask that you please refrain from posting any SPOILERY content whatsoever in Unsullied posts. Thank you for the co-op. -Oz
And so you found it appropriate to post the links to the articles too.
#ughhIrestmycase
Arthur,
Dude I just spit out my coffee reading that hashtag
Emilia Clark is great to look at. Beautiful woman, no doubt and I never really hear anybody debating that. BUT Dany T’s Disciples can all get killed off and I would care much. I find the disgraced knight-Jorah and educated former slave-Missandei kind of interesting. Grey Worm and Dario mehhh not so much
I seem to remember that we’ve already had Dothraki on boats in an early season, after the dragons were born. Part of her original group, before they got massacred at Quarth. I think she chided Jorah not to make fun of them puking all over the deck because at least they were brave enough to get on the boat in the first place. Don’t remember the circumstance or where they were headed, but there were Dothraki on boats. Maybe someone remembers the situation?
EDIT Ice Spider already said this, so that’s two of us who remember the scene. I’m trying to remember where they were going. But I agree, if she can get a few, she can get them all to go. And won’t the Unsullied go no matter what?
He’s kind of a symbol of the fading old guard. His father died first, Lord Commander Joer Mormont , he won’t be far behind (sorry Pigeon) and technically he was a lord, wasn’t he? The Lord that banished Jorah, Ned Stark, is gone and the War of the Five Kings has thinned the ranks even more. Kind of prepares the playing field for the oncoming of new order. I’m just talking out of my armpit now, but I like Jorah, and would be sad to see him go.
Without Jorah, Dany would have had a really terrible time adjusting. He was her cheering section and buffer between her and her crazy brother.
Newbietothegame,
Arya may have grown a bit older too and her appearance might change a little.
Baby Sam may have become a toddler as well.
There is a good chance Tommen might have grown a few inches as well and maybe his appearance changed a little.
I know I know, I should be using spoiler covers my bad!!!
#lackofcommonsenseisastonishing
Edit: I think the many major twists and turns in character development and plot points is what the vast majority of people not wanting to be spoiled try to keep away from. Not comments about how big the dragons will possible get. But technically it can be a spoiler and if any of my excited comments about dragons growing spoiled anyone I apologize.
Hey, you guys, I don’t WANT any dragon to die, just projecting further from Oz’s idea. Oz, save me here, everybody thinks I want a dragon to bite it.
Have they mentioned the Three headed Dragon in the show? Arya discussed the dragon riders from ancient times in one of her scenes with Tywin, but has the theory of three headed dragons been brought forth? You are right, that theory would be shot if they were a dragon short, and I would hate for any dragon to die. Then again, as long as you guys are on my ass anyway, they would only have to find two riders then. Ha.
Thronetender,
No…the dye is cast. You will forever have to wear a scarlet “A” on your chest and we will all point at you and snicker behind your back…”there goes the one who wants to see a dragon die”. Oz can’t save you now.
😉 😛 🙂 You do know that I jest, right? Right?
Hush now, I am trying to bear my shame bravely: that scarlett letter will be worn on an even bigger chest above a fatter ass, as I am drowning my sorrow in a quart of semi-soft Häagen-Dazs chocolate I remembered in the freezer. Ha again
Thronetender,
Oh yeah, I get that Jorah is connected but what is he really doing in the story? He’s basically protecting and advising Dany, same as Great Worm and Daario. I will be sad to see any of them die this season, just when Dany finally got a great squad! I’d like to see what she could do with that.
Dany,
I suppose you want also Jon to be a secret Targaryen(which he prob
ably is) and dragonrider too. I’ve seen people mentioning it in another discussions and then all of them rulling 7Kingdoms. All of them riding to the battle with their dragons is just so cheesy. For me it would ruin a bit Tyrion’s and Tywin’s dynamic. Last thing we need is that there will be like bunch of a secret Targaryens running around, but it’s not impossible in this world.
Once again, I find myself in that place where, I am excited about the new season. But this year it’s different. Most of my anticipation usually centers around what will make it in from the books and what will be left out or changed. Not this year. Now, it’s wide open. Nevertheless, I am still excited. 🙂
The North Remembers!
Good post.
I’m personally more in the camp of Missandei and Grey Worm choosing each other over Dany at some point, ala Romeo and Juliet, or Missandei dieing a horrible death. Nathalie Immanuel has already joined the cast of the Fast and Furious movie franchise, iirc, so she’s still has something to do for the coming years.
I would think that Jorah or Daario will be the next to die in season 6. Missandei is more likely to live atleast until season 7 or 8. Given the fact that she is Dany’s advisor makes her more important than either of them. Greyworm on the other hand may not be so lucky.
I’d say Jorah’s on for the chop this coming season, and higher on the list than your %age predicts. Of course, he’s got greyscale. That’s going to be one factor. He’s got to win Dany back, so he thinks. That’s got to land him in deep trouble. His mouth will be faster than his sword.
Grey Worm? I wouldn’t be so sure it’s a high as you say. He’ll want to redeem himself and live up to standards set by Barristan. I think he’ll become a better replacement for Barristan than anyone imagines. Tough act to follow but, it’d be good for Grey Worm, and for Dany.
I don’t see Dany setting off for Westeros by the end of this season. So far, she’s done nothing to prove she’s worthy. All we hear are soundbites, and that’s all they are. Dany never comes up to match her words. She has much to learn, even with Tyrion’s help.
Varys also has his work cut out to make her more of a ruler. And where is she? Off the map a far as anyone in Meereen knows.
My main concern is why she believes she must return to somewhere she doesn’t know from personal experience. Everything is from others. Here, I can match my own experiences to Dany’s. I don’t live where I was born. I’ve travelled, yet I feel no pull to return to my place of birth. I’ll say now, it is an exotic location. Dany is simply going from what she’s been told. I’d not be surprised if the twist with Dany is that she is from the line of the other Dragon-faction – Blackfyres!
I agree with your reasoning Arthur. When people (or dragons!) are born they are small, but as time passes, nature has decreed that they continue to grow until they reach adulthood… In the case of dragons to monumental proportions 😮
To publish links where this has been mentioned is hardly a spoiler as right from when the dragons first appeared with Dany in the ashes, it would be pretty normal for them to grow bigger as the seasons progressed and this is what has happened and is expected?
I can’t see a show viewer being ‘spoiled’ by that, overwhelmed perhaps yes… Like “Holy shit dude! Just look at the fucking size those dragons are now!” 😮
A spoiler would be knowing before Season 6 is aired who will be brave enough to go down into the catacombs and release them … and we’re all in the dark on that one. i.e. unless this ‘long awaited’ trailer shows that scene or we see them all flying around and roasting people !! Hope they don’t singe my wings! caw caw 😀
You assume there will be an iron throne to reclaim. Based on the continued threat of the white walkers, I think it’s plausible to think that Kings Landing get sacked by the others and it won’t matter where you are..you must fight.
OZ!!! Always so glad to read your very entertaining posts, but more so this year because of the dearth of any other information. Thanks for saving our sanity!
Best to Ozette and the Ozlings!
When Jon will be revealed to be a legitimate Targaryen, Dany will lose any claim to the Iron Throne and any chance of winning it, as well, because look: by the end of S6 Jon will have the North and the Wale (with Littlefinger or without him). The Riverrun would follow immediately afterwards (maybe, also by the end of S6, if the Freys are liquidated). The Tyrells who will be disappointed by their alliance with the Lanisters by then will also follow the suite planning to marry the widowed Margeary to Jon, and Dorn will also have no objections, despite of all the master-plans they used to have. Meanwhile, King’s Landing or whatever will be left of it will be sick and tired of both the Lannisters and the Sparrows and welcome a new king coming with a positive idea of uniting everyone against a common enemy. So, if Dany is not in Westeros by that moment, she will get mad and broken and decide o stay in Essos for good and all (until Jon will invite her to join the fight against the White Walkers). On the other hand, if by the moment Jon’s parentage is revealed, Dany is already in Westeros, there will be a serious confrontation between them in the beginning but it will end all the same and Tyrion will play a major role in bringing them together. I think, this could be the major plot for season 7, though it depends on how much time will be given to the war with the White Walkers itself (I mean you can have one battle, or you can have several depending on the budget etc.). Anyway, I expect that Dany and Jon will join forces by the end of season 7 and season 8 will be left for the aftermath.
Awesome post, Oz!
Needless to say, this is my favorite topic of GOT conversation. I, too, am Unsullied to anything here on is purely speculation based off the show.
I more or less agree with the death percentages with one exception. I think Daario is at the highest percentage (by the hands of Jorah) and I also think he’s behind the Harpies. I originally thought it would be Hizdahr but since they killed him at Daznaks…I suppose not. He was also the one consorting with Dany throughout Season 5 and therefore knew all of her moves that the Harpies coincidently kept aligning with.
I love love love the idea of Missandei and Grey Worm ruling Slaver’s Bay together in Dany’s name and it would be the closest thing they have to a happily every after. It also comforts Dany in leaving (so she can go to Westeros!) and after Tyrion plays his political games with Varys, it should be in better shape. Plus, they stay alive and I’m all for that. With Grey Worm almost dying last season, I think it’s unlikely (and would be exhaustingly repetitive) if they killed him this season.
As for a dragon dying, I would hate to see it but I don’t think it’s out of the question. If I had to put my money on it, I would say Viserion mostly because of who he’s named after.
The Dothraki I think Dany will win the allegiance over (in the same way she inspired all when she flew on Drogon) and once the Dothraki see the enormous beast her Khal was named after, I think they too will follow her. (And we can have an ep title “Khaleesi”!)
I’d keep going with theories of dragon riders, ice dragons, and long lost Targaryens but at this point it’s purely speculation 😉
Love how this discussion is flowing. Keep it up, Unsullied!
It would have a lot more impact for Jorah to die than Daario. He’s got lesser odds, but it would also add the perfect amount of shitty irony to his character. He has just gotten back to where he want to be, only to die. But if he would have to die next season, i’d prefer it to be in sacrifice. That would affect Dany even more, who obviously still loves Jorah. Just not quite the same way as he loves her…
Jorah is totally gonna give somebody grey scale. Why else would he have it if not for that? They could have just killed him off but instead they basically make him a time bomb.