Game of Thrones Season 5 Episode 2 Preview: The House of Black and White

Indira Varma as Ellaria Sand and Deobia Opaeri as Areo Hotah_ photo Macall B. Polay_HBO

“I will burn their cities to the ground if they touch her.” -Cersei Lannister

From the HBO Game of Thrones Official Synopsis: “Arya arrives in Braavos. Pod and Brienne run into trouble on the road. Cersei fears for her daughter’s safety in Dorne as Ellaria Sand seeks revenge for Oberyn’s death. Stannis tempts Jon. An adviser tempts Daenerys.”

The House of Black and White is written by David Benioff & D. B. Weiss and directed by Michael Slovis, his second Thrones outing, after directing last week’s smashing premiere episode.  With unrest in Dorne, a host of new characters and a chance to finally peek round those imposing black and white doors, this weeks episode is looking very promising.

You can also check out some photos from the upcoming episode on our Facebook page!

Geoffery: Blimey, there’s a lot of tempting going on in this week’s ep, isn’t there?  I’m really looking forward to seeing Dorne on our screens at last and Arya’s arrival in Braavos, having been teased by those Black and White doors for many weeks now. In all honesty though, it’s that pic of Bronn and Lollys going for a sea-side jaunt that’s really got me excited!

83 Comments

  1. Incredible episode

    copy and paste this comment for episodes 3 and 4
    gonna watch it live in HD

  2. New guy, congrats on your first post Geoffery and welcome to WOTW! 😀
    And yes, episode 2 will probably be pretty awesome 😉

  3. i don’t know why I always imagined Lollys as a Fat Walda type or at least more homely as a character. She seems like a great catch for Bronn. Can’t anyone on this show be happy???

  4. Lollys and Bronn’s seaside jaunt most likely means his interactions with the Stokeworths will be condensed to a few lines there, explaining what has happened before they get sent to Dorne. Le sigh. I wanted Bronn’s fully realized, pointless and random adventures in depravity and upjumping. (Ending in that nice little moment of tenderness with the name of the baby.)
  5. HBO has added episode 5.09 to their schedule and has updated the runtime for 5.07 and 5.08 as well:

    5.07: 59 minutes
    5.08: 60 minutes
    5.09: 53 minutes

    This is probably gonna be the longest season yet, right?

    EDIT: Compared to the first nine episodes of S4, S5 is 17 (!) minutes longer.

  6. Hoyti Von Totiy,

    I’m going to address this now.

    I don’t want people spreading episode 2 spoilers all over the place. Save those comments for the episode chat posts on Sunday. I get that people couldn’t resist the illegal downloads so let’s just try to deal with this. Cool? Thanks.

  7. The picture of Lollys and Bronn is adorable. He looks so protective and she looks so happy.

    If you look at the fully expanded version you can see little bow and flaming arrow motifs on Bronn’s shirt and cloak lining. Nice callback to Blackwater. In the picture of Doran, I can’t discern any motifs, but it is a gorgeous brocade fabric. I give mad props to the costume department.

  8. Dutch maester,

    Not quite.

    As of now, with an average of 55.88 minutes per episode, season five is still shorter than the first (57.1) and the third (55.9). However, if the last episode is as long as it has been for the last three years (64; 64; 66, so let’s say 65 minutes), the average season five episode will be 56.8 minutes, the second longest after the enormously long first season. Which is quite good, actually. Much longer than last year.

  9. Luka Nieto,

    Surprising. I guess it’s because my main reference point is season 4, which has multiple short episodes in its second half.

  10. Joffrey’s Cunt,

    I hope the episode names come out soon. I hope that the walk of shame is episode 9 or 10 and not 8. I think the show needs time to build Cersei up before the plunge
  11. Drogon, Dorne, Braavos and the mother of madness! Everything is settling in nicely for this season.

    Felt Pelt,

    Regarding Bronn, we must wonder if he will indeed return from Dorne to “name his baby.” Moreover, given his new bonding with Jaime, I wonder what kind of “buddies on a mission” they will become?
  12. Dutch maester,

    Well, season four was the second shortest season, after season two.

    If the finale is as long as usual, season five will be the season with most +60 minute episodes. Only one episode per season has been this long, in previous seasons (1×01, 2×10, 3×10 and 4×10). Season five will have 3 episodes like this (and another one very close, at 59 minutes.) However, it has quite a few very short episodes too.

  13. HelloThere,

    Yeah I hope they come out soon aswell, as for that scene, don’t worry about it, it will certainly take place in episode 9 or 10, David Nutter was there during the filming and he’s directing both

  14. Sue the Fury:
    Hoyti Von Totiy,

    I’m going to address this now.

    I don’t want people spreading episode 2 spoilers all over the place. Save those comments for the episode chat posts on Sunday. I get that people couldn’t resist the illegal downloads so let’s just try to deal with this. Cool? Thanks.

    What intrests me is have the majority of people here seen the leaked episodes or are we who have the selfcontrol of a heroin junkie in the minority?

  15. When did “The Sons of the Harpy” become “Sons of the Harpy”? Did HBO make a stealth title edit?

  16. First post! Yay Geoffrey! This episode looks great! I can’t wait for Dorne and Braavos. Ellaria looks amazing and I’m excited to see what’s in store for Arya.

  17. Have not seen the episodes yet- I waited way too long for this season to binge watch – also, I have heard that some of the leaked episodes are not in final form. Want to savor each episode’s perfection!

  18. Hoyti Von Totiy,

    I haven’t. Normally I have no self control about consuming all things GoT/ASOIAF as soon as possible, but in this case I only have to wait one week for an entire episode. And then I have a week’s worth of podcasts, reviews, and Facebook of Thrones to keep me busy. So after the marathon waits I’m used to as a fan of this series an extra week more or less seems doable. (Besides, if I watched 4 eps at once, I’d have to wait 5 weeks for the next one–much worse, lol.)

  19. To anyone who watched episodes 2-4, legally or otherwise, would you say that episode 1 is the weak link?

  20. jentario,

    I guess in a way. I loved episode 1, but its hugely setup.
    Episodes 2-4 are brilliant. The best opening episodes from any season
  21. Luka Nieto:
    Dutch maester,

    Well, season four was the second shortest season, after season two.

    If the finale is as long as usual, season five will be the season with most +60 minute episodes. Only one episode per season has been this long, in previous seasons (1×01, 2×10, 3×10 and 4×10). Season five will have 3 episodes like this (and another one very close, at 59 minutes.) However, it has quite a few very short episodes too.

    Actually, the HBO schedule counts an extra minute for recaps. So no episode is actually 60 minutes this season. It’s 52:13 for the premiere, 55:38 for 5.02, 59:53 for 5.03, and 50:22 for 5.04. Then episode 5.05 would be 56, 5.06 would be 53, 5.07 would be 58, 5.08 would be 59 and 5.09 would be 52.

    After looking through all the blurays here is the exact running time of each season, down to the very second. It differs from the dvd sets because of the different frame rate.

    season 1 : 561 min 25 sec
    season 2: 544 min 08 sec
    season 3: 556 min 04 sec
    season 4: 545 min 57 sec

    season 5 has the potential to be longer than season 1 depending on how long its finale is. then you have to take in account the seconds, and not just count the minutes, and we don’t have all the seconds for the episodes this season.

  22. jentario,
    No episode spoiler in it, but just to be safe.

    Yup, the next two are so much better. Haven’t watched 4.
    I’m really excited to see episode 2 again.
  23. Hoyti Von Totiy,

    I haven’t seen them… yet. I may break next week, depending on episode 2.

    Good to hear the next few episodes will pick up the pace, as much as I liked the premiere I want to get to the more eventful bits. Season 4 was great in spreading the awesome all around, hopefully season 5 is similar in the pacing.

  24. Hoyti Von Totiy,

    I have NOT watched the leaked episodes either. I have been like a rabid dog at the end of its leash though…..Tempting!! But that said, I have decided to wait it out and I DO hope that people will refrain from saying any more about them….

    I think I already knew they would be great, but I don’t want any more temptation to watch them ahead of each Sunday schedule.

    Geoffrey? You a lady type? I was a tiny bit confused thinking that maybe Jack Gleeson was making this post for WotW. Welcome (I am new here as well). Long may you reign and be careful of any glasses of wine handed to you!! Look, the pie!!

  25. With Ellaria’s shortened hair and Tyene’s very short hair, I wonder if that will be a Dorne statement of grief or just a Dorne thing? In my mind, it seems kind of out of place in the GOT world. Just a thought.

  26. jentario:
    To anyone who watched episodes 2-4, legally or otherwise, would you say that episode 1 is the weak link?

    Like HelloThere said a setup episode.
    When watched with the rest three it seamed ok to me.

    Watching all 4 was GREAT, but i feel if i only seen ep1 after waiting aa year it would be kinda “slow”.

  27. Hoyti Von Totiy,

    At the end of the day, GOT is based off of a Novel, and therefore, it can’t always maintain the regular flow of an conventional TV episode. Sometimes a single episode can’t stand out on its own because its servicing a full story.

  28. OrtMeyer: After looking through all the blurays here is the exact running time of each season, down to the very second. It differs from the dvd sets because of the different frame rate.

    season 1 : 561 min 25 sec
    season 2: 544 min 08 sec
    season 3: 556 min 04 sec
    season 4: 545 min 57 sec

    season 5 has the potential to be longer than season 1 depending on how long its finale is. then you have to take in account the seconds, and not just count the minutes, and we don’t have all the seconds for the episodes this season.

    Supposedly the time shot for is ~ 540 minutes.
    Anyone found out why?
    Why not 600?
    Makes no difference to HBO time slots, they show movies that are of irregular length.

  29. Hoyti Von Totiy,

    Yeah there’s no way I will spoil myself. Each week of GoT is a world-wide event which is succeeded by great episode-specific discussion. I would be missing ALL of that if I binged.

    Also, Brotherhood without previews represent!

  30. Queenofthrones:
    Hoyti Von Totiy,

    Yeah there’s no way I will spoil myself.Each week of GoT is a world-wide event which is succeeded by great episode-specific discussion.I would be missing ALL of that if I binged.

    Also, Brotherhood without previews represent!

    Ok but all im saying all 4 watched together seem to give more satisfyance than one at a time.

    Just watch 3 minutes of ep2 hell just watch the intro … give in to your desires and your journey to the binge will be complete…

    🙂

  31. Queenofthrones

    *slams fist into chest and then straight out*

    Brotherhood without previews!!

    *ouch* 😉

  32. Hoyti Von Totiy,
    Wasn’t going to but I did & it was the best decision. It greatly reduced my participation here for the next month since I can’t comment & speculation on what happens next is pointless to read. Unfortunately, I find myself fast forwarding through most of the first 40 hours after the first viewing which I have never done. However, I watched the dragon scenes multiple times. Dany’s soundtrack is

    heartbreaking

    this season. Kudos to Ramin.

  33. Hoyti Von Totiy,

    Ok…now you’re just being a prick. Quit gloating and goading. Respect folk’s decisions to pace themselves. Please note that being a part of the torrent network is the epitome of clueless faith. Seeing stuff on a preview DvD is one thing; but receiving digital stuff from an unknown, decentralized entity is mindblowingly stupid. I’m surprised HBO didn’t embed a digital footprint in the media files to trace their dissemination (stupid of them). The “North Koreans” would be so proud.

    Oh well, I won’t judge further…but just be aware. While they can be used for positive efforts, torrents are being explored as the next mass-hacking frontier. I’m sure you’ll be an unknowing guinea pig for future national and international stress tests as you proudly wave your “free speech” flag.

    From a fan perspective though, the proud and careless spoilers disseminated by some have almost completely ruined the fun of speculation and surprise on these blogs. Besides the spoilers, the embedded “holier-than-thou” attitude is even worse.

  34. Dutch maester:
    jentario,

    2 is better than 1, 3 is better than 2, and 4 owns 3. And episode 1 was really good.

    Agree! 3 and 4 were brilliant! The only bad thing was the poor video quality. I’m really looking forward to seeing these eps in full HD quality, because there are some scenes in there that are phenomenal and weren’t done justice by the leaked copies. And that’s my final comment on any of these eps until they air, though I know I’ll have to keep biting my tongue about some major foreshadowings. Just 3 more weeks… just 3 more weeks…

  35. Welcome, Geoffrey!
    So far, I have resisted the siren call and apparently missed spoilerage here, so I am VERY excited for this episode. Stannis and Jon! Drogon! Lollys! The cool viper head message! THE HOUSE OF BLACK AND WHITE! Temptations everywhere! It can’t help but be an amazing ep! C’mon Sunday!

  36. Ashara D:
    Welcome, Geoffrey!
    So far, I have resisted the siren call and apparently missed spoilerage here, so I am VERY excited for this episode. Stannis and Jon! Drogon! Lollys! The cool viper head message! THE HOUSE OF BLACK AND WHITE! Temptations everywhere! It can’t help but be an amazing ep! C’mon Sunday!

    i wouldnt get so hyped, episode 2 isnt amazing. But 3 and 4 are.

  37. OrtMeyer

    Why piss in everyone’s else’s Post Toasties? Allow people to see an episode and judge for themselves. Geesh. These have only been seen by the sad folk who just couldn’t help themselves…yes I feel sorry for ya because there is something exciting to think that millions of people around the world are enjoying this moment in time just as much as you are or aren’t…Monday morning is the time for the couch quarterbacking. Just sayin’!! *grumpy face*

    STILL BROTHERS/SISTERS without LEAKAGE!!!

  38. OrtMeyer,

    I think that’s subjective, I thought it was awesome, on par with episode 3, if not better. Anyway, I think we should stop talking about them, let people make their own mind about the episodes.

  39. Geez people calm down, I am just saying lower your expectations. It’s not fair to get people overly hyped about episode 2. Episodes 3 and 4 are the best ones.

  40. Ashara D:
    Welcome, Geoffrey!
    So far, I have resisted the siren call and apparently missed spoilerage here, so I am VERY excited for this episode. Stannis and Jon! Drogon! Lollys! The cool viper head message! THE HOUSE OF BLACK AND WHITE! Temptations everywhere! It can’t help but be an amazing ep! C’mon Sunday!

    Ohh cmon just watch first 10 minutes of EP2 now to keep you warmed up till sunday.

    You know you want to.

  41. I did not have the strength to avoid watching the leaked episodes. All I’ll say is that they are great. Episode 2 is much better than the premier, and episodes 3 and 4 are better than 2.

  42. Not sure why people have felt the need to have to binge watch them. Does no one have any patience?
    What I wonder is how many of those people who couldn’t wait to watch it through legitimate means and at the proper pace and are now freely talking about it over the forums are the same people who constantly bitched about people talking about what happened in the books?
    You people need to slow down and enjoy the ride. Think on this; you’ve already burnt through about half of this season. Now you’ve got a near month wait for more and are closer to having the full wait for Season 6 again. It’s the journey not the destination.

  43. TheTouchOfFrost,

    Oh, I know. I really wanted to wait and I would have waited but then all my friends decided that they’re going to watch the leaked episoded. Watching GoT with friends is part of the experience for me, so I had a choice: wait and watch the episodes alone or watch it now with my friends and be able to discuss episodes with them without being afraid of spoilers.
    I’m still going to watch them again on HBO when they air though.
    I really hate myself for watching, but it was a really tough choice.

  44. Balerion The Cat,

    I feel the same. I was too weak to not watch them. But I can still enjoy the HD version and all the reviews and podcasts and bonus material, so the ride is still somewhat enjoyable. And the wait till episode four is only 2 weeks away now. After that, there’s another six episodes I can anticipate and discuss and get hyped for.

  45. I’m excited to watch them one week at a time- I get so excited that’s about all I can handle! I have not watched the leaked episodes.

    Definitely excited for Episode 2 especially to see Doran Martell! Ever since they announced it would be Alexander Siddig in the role I have been supremely hopeful the Dorne storyline is going to be amazing, nipples on breastplates aside. The scenery should be incredible as well. And yes, Darkstar, I agree about the haircuts, seems out of place.

  46. Dutch maester,

    The joy is even more for me. I will still support HBO and watch them live. But I wanted to enjoy the episodes before it gets discussed and torn apart by the purists, lol.

  47. All of Braavos we’ve seen in previews and in episodes so far have been bright and sunny. I miss the atmosphere of Braavos from the books. I hope they give us some foggy scenes in the future, but I’m doubting it.

  48. Balerion The Cat,

    My friends have all been pretty patient so I’m good. Partly because they rely on me to explain some of the things that are happening and why!
    Think I’ll watch them in all their glory. Part of the reason why I don’t download films I really want to watch either. Want to see them how they were intended to be seen.

  49. dob:
    final 3 episode titles have taken long to come out….jeez

    from the Vanity Fair’s Ramin Djawadi interview, there is a statement where he still working on Episode 8. I assume they are still doing post production on it and has not locked down a definite title yet.

  50. Maybe it’s because I’m older (pushing 40), but I do not understand why folks would want to watch leaked episodes in inferior resolution, when they can wait just a few days to watch them in 1080. To me, it’s not a siren’s call at all: I can binge-eat four McDonald’s cheeseburgers now, or have one really awesome, juicy, perfectly cooked cheeseburger each week… it’s all just meat, cheese, and bun, but very different experiences.

    Apologies to the vegetarians & vegans out there for the analogy. I am so damn excited for Sunday I can’t hardly wait – but I will 😉

  51. Salty Dornishman, I want the meat. Fuck the bread. Fuck the cheese. I still look forward to the weekly viewing in all its glory. The McEpisodes had amazing quality. More pixels doesn’t always equal a better video.

  52. Rygritte,

    Fair enough – it’s a matter of preference. I still want to see perfect product, the way the creators intended, and the wait only makes the consumption sweeter. Besides, I’ve enough to occupy my time between Sundays that the wait doesn’t feel interminable…

  53. For the first one since this community started I am annoyed and now know what it feels like to be spoiled. If you are one the folks who lack self constraint and have watched episodes 2-4, pls cover all comments related to said episodes.

    I enjoy the anticipation between episodes and think it is very selfish to spoil it for others!!!

  54. I was not the least bit tempted to watch the leaked episodes. I’m a grownup with a nice TV, I want to enjoy the show at it’s best, not some shittier unfinished version.

  55. Salty Dornishman, My appetite was already spoiled from reading recaps of the McEpisodes before viewing them. It was like eating a frozen White Castle burger & then going to McDonalds.

  56. Am I the only one who thinks these previews spoil way too much? I’ve seen the leaked episodes, so it doesn’t really affect me, but man.

    I wouldn’t wanna know beforehand that the first episode already contained the harpy falling scene (revealed in the promo for episode 1), or that the second episode has a big Drogon scene (revealed in this promo).
  57. Salty Dornishman,

    I’m several years your senior, Salty Dornishmen. Why would people watch the leaked videos, because “the spirit is willing but the flesh it is weak”. * I think it is bad form of people who have watched such episodes not to cover their spoilers though. Sincerely Thine is a vegetarian but that aside I have too much respect for my stomach to go to McDonald’s if I can possibly avoid it.

    * From the song “In My Liverpool Home” as in “I want 15 kids and a house out in Speke, the spirit is willing but the flesh it is weak” – and also possibly from the Bible.

  58. Queenofthrones,
    What is it with people not wanting to watch the leaked episodes ahead of time? I mean you can always just watch them again when they air on Sunday nights in HD. That’s what I will do. I watched episodes 2-4 already and didn’t think twice about it because I was getting to see episodes ahead of time which far outweighs anything else. And they were awesome episodes!

    If somehow, book 6 leaked online half a year ahead on the internet, would you people not read it just because it hadn’t officially released yet? I don’t think so.

  59. Ryan D.,

    I don’t think the debate is really about watching the leaked episodes or not I think it is all about NOT spoiling it for people who have not.

    (Though it does feel like the people who watched the leaked videos are cheating since its ILLEGAL.)

  60. Ryan D.,

    Because then I would have to wait 4 weeks for a brand new episode. And I wouldn’t have anyone to talk to about the episodes. And I would not want to be to be a super cunt and spoil it, like so many people are doing.

  61. Braincandy,

    See that’s part of the problem. I think everyone accepts that downloading happens but to be so brazen about it when it IS illegal is a little off. I can see why Sue et al would rather not be associated with this kind of behaviour.

  62. Ryan D.,

    No, I wouldn’t as I respect the people who put the time and effort into making the book and don’t mind being patient and then paying the small price it costs for the book because I’m not a cheap bastard.

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