[Updated] New photos from Game of Thrones Season 6, Episode 6 “Blood of My Blood”

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HBO has released this week’s group of photos from next Sunday’s new episode of Game of Thrones. The season’s sixth episode, “Blood of My Blood,” will feature the introduction of Samwell Tarly’s estranged family, the Lannisters and Tyrells facing off against the High Sparrow, and more time with Arya’s new assignment in Braavos.

Official episode synopsis: An old foe comes back into the picture. Gilly meets Sam’s family. Arya faces a difficult choice. Jaime faces off against the High Sparrow.

Update 5/27: We’ve added several more photos!

Photos below the cut!

The High Sparrow, Septa Unella and Margaery Tyrell on the steps of the sept of Baelor:

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Jaime Lannister, from the same scene or nearabouts- he’s mounted up and ready to take on the Faith Militant:

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Daenerys and Daario, from the moment we spotted in the episode 6 trailer, when she declares that she takes what is hers (presumably with fire and blood):

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King Tommen pays the High Sparrow another visit, and I’m guessing he is still way over his head when it comes to the tricky clergyman:

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Essie Davis returns as Arya’s target, the actress Lady Crane:
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Not the most exciting or surprising batch of photos, I’ll grant, but then last week’s photos weren’t either, and what an episode that was!

Update 5/27: MissMalini.com has several more photos, particularly of the sept confrontation. Thanks to Diana for the heads up!

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High Sparrow

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We can get closer looks at Brother Lancel (formerly Lannister) and Queen Margaery in these new photos.

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Good ol’ Septa Unella, bringing the fun with the Shame Bell!

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The play Arya is watching this time? Looks like Joffrey’s poisoning- no wonder Arya is smiling!

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The full-length version of the same Tommen shot from above:

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Sue the Fury
Susan Miller, Editor in Chief of WatchersOnTheWall.com

883 Comments

  1. Connor,

    No sign of Meereen either, which, if true, would mean that nobody will appear in all ten episodes this season.

  2. Connor,

    Maybe, but you really can’t judge much by which six pics we get on Wednesdays. They show a pretty narrow amount of what we’re going to see in each episode. For instance, they gave us no photos of Sam’s storyline.

  3. Connor,

    Nor Meereen. Which is fine, since King’s Landing & Sam’s story really need some development by now.

    BTW, Arya in 6 out of 7 episodes lol. So Maisie was just lying about being in “fewer episodes this year”.

  4. I’m sorry HBO but what do you want me to do with these pictures?Give me something to work with lol

  5. I’m kinda worried that Arya is the only one smiling and seeming to be enjoying herself in the first photo. Everyone else looks pissed or morose. (or asleep)

  6. Jenny:
    I’m sorry HBO but what do you want me to do with these pictures?Give me something to work with lol

    This.

  7. Connor,

    Out of 5 episodes only 1 episode had Jon’s photos so their absence means nothing. They have 2 or 3 families to visit before episode 8 so this might be just Brienne saying goodbye to Sansa. This episode we have to the best of my knowledge: Arya, Bran, King’s Landing (basically everyone – Cersei, Jaime, Margaery, Tommen, the High Sparrow), Dany, Sam and Gilly.

  8. Actually Really looking forward to King’s Landing this episode.

    Can’t think where the double-cross is going to come from only that I can’t truly believe that the Lannisters & Tyrells will honestly work together against the Faith Militant.
    I think the High-Sparrow knows what they’re up to and I have a bad feeling for either Lady Olenna or Margaery 🙁

    Had a recap thru the main trailers for Season 6, we’ve had 90% of the scene’s, but there is one image that still puzzles me and that’s the ‘Shadow-shot’ of someone been stabbed in the throne room… It looks like Jamie doing the Stabbing but is it Olenna, HIgh-Sparrow or ….. or…. King Aerys??? 🙂

  9. Inquisitor1961,

    Certainly seems like a strong possibility! Since we know eventually the wights will escape and keep looking, it would make sense for whomever is on the horse to be using a fiery weapon.

  10. Inquisitor1961,

    I’m thinking this is Meera (with Bran) running, and being rescued by someone who seems, at first, to be a danger to them, riding after them in the dark. I think it’s either

    Coldhands or Benjen

    .
    The bag is the one Meera packed last episode, I guess. Or did she not take that with her?

  11. I’m calling it. This episode will be a snoozefest, apart from the scenes with Bran and Meera.

  12. My guess is Arya is smiling watching a scene from the play where they depict Joff’s poisoning.

  13. Any scene with the High Sparrow – seems boring to me. Hopefully he’ll die in 10, but can he please be in less episodes till then? I am interested to find out about Loras, though.

  14. Emilia and Natalie are so beautiful ..nicolaj as well .

    I would like to have meereen and Jon take a episode break .but I doubt it

    I long ago decided not to trust Maisie and what she says in interviews.she seems to like to play with the fans

  15. Underwhelmed, but not surprised as they have a tendency to release the stills from the sneak peeks. Hope we get to see Arya tell the Waif she is Arya Stark not “no one.”…lol. Looking forward to how things transpire with the HS in King’s Landing and poor Tommen looks so befuddled in the pictures.

  16. If we get the rest of the play, Walder Frey, ToJ, Benjen and Jamie finding out about Lancel all in one ep this could be the best episode of the season!

  17. Oh another new dress for dany .

    And I guess there is still one more to come which we see Emilia wear in the behind the scenes videos..

  18. Kay,

    Hehe, I can understand this…

    But I really love Pryce and I really loved all the scenes he had so far.

  19. Inquisitor1961,

    I noticed that a while ago. Before the season started they released a photo of Meera from that scene and then after watching a trailer it was easy to spot.

    It was something so obvious that wasn’t ever talked much about….

  20. Connor,

    No North (excluding Bran/Meera) equals snoozefest. Honestly, every other location has been inferior since the second half of season 4.

  21. I wonder who will die in this one. Can we have a riot in King’s Landing?

  22. dragonbringer:
    Emilia and Natalie are so beautiful ..nicolaj as well .

    I would like to have meereen and Jon take a episode break .but I doubt it

    I long ago decided not to trust Maisie and what she says in interviews.she seems to like to play with the fans

    why these storylines are very important as well

  23. Inquisitor1961:
    http://imgur.com/a/OBwhD Please tell me what you think about this

    I’m sure Meera’s trying to protect Bran lying on his sled, because the wights are closing in and she can’t pull him any longer. When suddenly someone appears and rescues them I guess? (Benjen? Coldhands? We’ll see!)

  24. Inquisitor1961:
    http://imgur.com/a/OBwhD Please tell me what you think about this

    Is that even a bag? It might be Bran, getting covered up and protected by Meera.

    And that’s obviously Benhands, or Coldjen, saving them. Or just plain old Benjen, establishing himself as the greatest First Ranger in history after surviving 6 seasons in the Land of Always Winter without getting killed by the Walkers.

  25. Joey,

    I would love a scene like that.

    Sam’s mother and sister take her away, to dress her up, and then we have a funny scene where Sam is speechless, when he sees her!!

  26. Aldebaran:
    Arya is enjoying the play again. Tyrion must be hitting Joffrey during the riot.

    Yep, from that photo is obvious we’re seeing more of the play.

  27. I thought HBO would release something a bit more revealing than this. We’ve seen those photos on the preview already. Really disappointed!

  28. They probably don’t have a lot of non-spoilery shots for this episode. Can’t show much Bran and Meera without revealing who’s rescuing them. Can’t show much of Horn Hill without revealing Gilly’s makeover as a Southern lady, and you can’t show any scenes of whatever this old foe is going to be without revealing who the old foe is.

    I’m weirdly excited to see we’re getting another scene of the play though. I loved that.

  29. Mihnea,

    Now that you mention it, I see it too. Meera is holding Bran’s head in the second pic. I wonder why she is running away from it then. She wouldn’t leave Bran, she would fight for him. Maybe it’s not Meera that’s running?

  30. Nadia,

    Don’t expect any character development for Jon. They only dump the action stuff on him now. They glossed over his death, resurrection and whatever changes he should have undergone in favour of Sansa showing up and taking charge. He is her lap dog now. Shame what they’re doing to one of the three biggest characters.

  31. HereBeDragons,

    Any thoughts on a Tyrell double cross on the Lannisters? Olenna seemed to agree with Cersei’s plan all too easily… Maybe Margaery was able to broker a deal with HS through Tommen, who may unwittingly cause problems for his mother & uncle (father).

    And I think we are going to see Walder Frey again this week

  32. So Margerys hair isnt cut. Im going to guess

    that shes not there for a walk of shame… shes there to announce her conversion.
  33. Christine:
    Why didn’t they have Margaery’s hair chopped off like the did to Cersei?

    Because I think the

    High Sparrow actually never had any intention of making Margaery do the Walk of Shame? I think the Ace up the High Sparrow’s sleeve is that she’ll possibly announce her conversion into the Faith publicly there in the steps…
  34. Mihnea,

    She really isn’t though ..I will Like to wait till the end of this season but I will say this it seems dany is the only major character whois getting less screentime ..

    taim,

    Yes they are important hence why they have been getting nearly 10 to 15 mins screentime at north and 5 to 6 mins screentime with tyrion every episode..
    We know there is going to be a whole episode focused on Jon and north ..

    So let’s give a chance to other storylines shall we.

  35. People bitching and moaning about these pictures REALLYYYYYYYY need to reevaluate their lives. Seriously.

  36. Sansa and Jon may sit out this episode, and I’m not judging that solely from the lack of pictures. They weren’t in the episode synopsis or the promo either.

  37. Joey,

    I don’t think it will be ToJ, but we are supposed to get some flashback including young Ned. Also, there was an article about the wolf playing Ghost – as far as I remember it said that the wolf was going to have a big moment in ep 6. Of cause, I could have misunderstood something and the wolf was simply playing Summer in “The Door” but if not Ghost will probably be going next episode.

  38. Banditalamode,

    “Blood of My Blood” means there will be Dothraki, not that there will be Meereen. We can see Dany riding with Daario and the khalasar in the promo, after all.

    snooze,

    Now that’s quite a stretch.

  39. George: Because I think the

    Not a bad little twist. But it could also just be that Marg is only charged with lying (to protect Loras) where as Cersei was charged with murder, treason, adultery, lying, kingslaying ect

    OR it could just be a plot hole….. a small one but D&D has never shy away from something like that…..

  40. George,

    Yeah, because Margaery is still on her game (and not really guilty, save for perjury about her brother) she is trying to play the game any way she can.

    I thought she might join the faith to further her cause from the inside.

    Loras appears to be weak and broken. Cersei was actually guilty so she broke down and did anything she could to get out. Margaery has a chip on her shoulder still.

    I also think the HS hasn’t given her the super rough treatment yet, due partly to the nature of her sins, and because he wants to use Tommen and hurting her might hinder that.

  41. Icekhione:
    I’m calling it. This episode will be a snoozefest, apart from the scenes with Bran and Meera.

    To be honest, the scenes with Bran where the most interesting in last episode so if he is in the new one, i am ok.
    Tyrell army, Lannisters and HS > Sansa knitting clothes for Jon. I love him but like Tyrion,Dany,Jaime,Cersei and everyone else…they should get screen time when they actually do something, and since he will be in most of the episode 9 and nobody else will be in it it’s ok to take an episode of. I prefer to get Sam and meet new people tham Jon- Sansa talking and Brienne-Tormund making eyes…we already saw two episode of this. Next time we will have to meet him in some Northern Lord’s house.

  42. I’d love it if Tommen was actually pretending to be won over by High Sparrow. He went to his mom for guidance not two episodes ago. You’d think she’d teach him how to start playing her game. I’d be super bummed if he dies because nobody had bothered to actually do their job and teach the young king how to outmaneuver his foes. I know he’ll probably die anyway (probably from a mistake Cersei makes) but still, lets see him do something effective before that happens.

  43. Essie Davis reminds me of Michelle (catelyn stark)

    On the subject of warging can we now stop having theories about bran warging dragons after what we saw in last episode.

    If he is to get a dragon so be it but please let it be a bonding with dragon a mutual one ..dragon and its bond with rider is more pure than warging

    Similar to wands ” dragons chooses its rider ” and ” dragon is not a slave “

  44. rhymeswithweak:
    Yeah, because Margaery is still on her game (and not really guilty, save for perjury about her brother)

    That’s the only thing she’s charged with.

  45. dragonbringer,

    If you note what she was wearing in ep. 5, you’ll see she’s wearing leather riding pants, like the Dothraki men wear. She’ll likely be back in dresses once she’s back at Meereen. I hope she and her riders raid a city or two before then.

  46. ARYA IS SMILING, GUYS!!!!!!

    No Jon and Sansa? ZzzzzzzZzzzzz. I refuse to accept this lol. Jon needs some political/leadership thing to do too.

    Not surprised they are keeping everything under wraps with Bran this time. I wouldn’t be surprised if we start the episode beyond the Wall.

    Essie Davis is so beautiful and talented. Hope we get more from her. I’d like to see a scene with her interact with Arya.

    When is Lancel and his shitty tattoo going to appear?

  47. First of all, sorry for being greedy, but booooring!
    Although, I am looking very much forward to seeing more of that theatre troupe. I mean how amazing is the casting for these actors? I wanna know everything about them and their parents 😀

    Maybe they’ll gonna have a play about the RW and that’s our tie-in to Walder Frey?

    Young Dragon,
    Based on filming spoilers

    we know that Jack Bender was filming at the Tower of Joy. So I think, Bran will have another vision of the ToJ and hence I do think that Jon will be in this episode as well.

    Dolorous Yaga (the 999th Lady Commander),
    How about Septa Unella as amuse-bouche?

  48. dragonbringer,

    Rather spend 10 to 15 minuts or even more in the North or in Meereen than Dorne, Iron Born or High Sparrow any of that. Vaes Dothrak, Meereen and the North is where all the fun is right now at least for me.

    I would like to know what is Daeny going to do in the remaining episodes besides possibly rescuing Tyrion and Meereen with Dothraki. In the promo for te new season were bunch of Dothraki charging in what appears to be sand ( infront of Meereen gates?). Maybe just maybe going to Volantis? She needs to get to Westeros ASAP.

  49. Flayed Potatoes,

    You can see Lancel over Unella’s left shoulder.

    keeping everything under wraps with Bran this time

    It looks like they gave a lot about Bran with the whole rider in black with a fire lantern. Not that I am complaining.

    Geralt of Rivia,

    I hate to be that guy but Daenery’s best ally was Barristan. Her story has been stagnant (imo) since she lost him.

  50. Sue the Fury,

    YAS Sue!

    Bran’s/Meera’s scene is going to be so thrilling, I can’t wait. As for the hooded figure please be who I think you’ll be!

  51. I like how Arya is smiling and everyone else is frowning… like when (spoiler) Ken finally kills the old lady in A Fish Called Wanda.

  52. Christine:
    Why didn’t they have Margaery’s hair chopped off like the did to Cersei?

    EXACTLY. Because there is not, nor ever was, a walk of atonement. This is the announcement that Margeary has confessed, repented and converted. High Sparrow set the is up so that Cersei would betray Tommen, in a way that Tommen will see for himself, and turn on her. Tommen told her not to tell. He told her and everyone NOT to move militarily on HS. she betrays all his wishes. He will turn on her. Cersei will freak the F out! And I am pretty sure Olenna and HS conspiring together. Olenna is now in small counsel. With Cersei out of the way, Margeray, Olenna and HS can control Tommen. Cersei will burn them all down!!!

  53. Flayed Potatoes,

    Lancel doesn’t have a tattoo, it was cut onto his forehead last season, remember? And I hope we see him just to see Zombie Mountain kill him in a brutal way. Also I think

    Septa Unella will get killed by Zombie Mountain this episode as well
  54. I think that Margery is manipulating the High Sparrow to save herself and Loras (especially). Tommen is getting brainwashed by the High Sparrow which would change the tide for Cersi in a very bad way. Hence her eagerness to join forces with the Tyrells. do you think?

  55. It’s written by Cogman right? That usually means fleshing out of characters, locations and so on. I hope Aeron gets fleshed out a little, since he is one of cogmans favorite characters. Honestly, im surprised he didnt write the kingsmoot. Michael Feast is doing Well in the role, great intensity and especially his delivery of the speach during eurons drowning. And his look is really awsome.

  56. Connor,

    Yeah I call it that way to make fun of him 😛

    Also, I agree with the rest. Frankenmountain needs to do things!!

  57. Arya looks giddy because she just cut one in the middle of a crowd, they are not pleased

    HS asking “Are you retty to fookin rock n roll?”

    Jaime thinks, “Where the hell is Bronn when you need him?”

    Dany giving Darrio the bedroom eyes and he’s thinking, “its already been thrice today!”

    Tommen being told Ser Pounce was run over by a carriage

    Lady Crane receiving unpleasant news, probably about genital warts

  58. Considering the episode is called Blood of My Blood and the Dany previews (both the pic here and the trailer) have been ultra generic, I think something big might happen with that storyline (and they are trying hard not to give it away).
    Drogon’s flyby from the pre-season trailers could be coming up here I guess, but unlike the Vaes Dothrak scenes, which were partly spoiled through set reports, this is truly the first time ever we don’t know what will happen with Daenerys.

  59. Geralt of Rivia,

    Well the only way to improve those areas is by giving them more time and material..

    I really wish they spend more time on dany than the 3 mins she seems to be getting ..

    Iam wondering about whats going to happen with dany and meereen..

    I mean its obvious the masters going to attack and sons of harpy is going to kill only to be put down by dany ..i thought it will be episode 10.
    But now iam starting to wonder whether this may happen in 8 th episode and 10 th episode is where dany and tyrion meet yara and theon

    Because if dany is on the move this episode it means we will be seeing something with drogon next episode or in the 7th episode ..and don’t believe she will be taking another episode break ..

    So I expect dany to kill the sons of harpies in episode 8 .

  60. George: Is that even a bag? It might be Bran, getting covered up and protected by Meera.

    And that’s obviously Benhands, or Coldjen, saving them. Or just plain old Benjen, establishing himself as the greatest First Ranger in history after surviving 6 seasons in the Land of Always Winter without getting killed by the Walkers.

    Or just plain surviving six seasons of GOT without having your character killed off by Martin and the showrunners.

    Watching through Season 1 now, it’s remarkable how many future corpses you see walking around – to say nothing of those who lost body parts.

  61. Meereen will be in E6, because Jack Bender has been seen in Peniscola, where they were filming scenes from Meereen.

  62. I thought they will be having some faces to the dothraki but after all they faded into background as just an army..

    Which makes me even more intrigued why this is named as blood of my blood .

    I was sure drogon will be in the preview whatever episode he comes in ..maybe they are saving it for a surprise and drogon may actually appear in this episode ..

    Afterall he is dany’s blood

    So i was thinking will benjen coming and saving at the right time is also because of bran and same time he affected young benjen as well while he was warging young hodor.

  63. Izatty: EXACTLY. Because there is not, nor ever was, a walk of atonement. This is the announcement that Margeary has confessed, repented and converted. High Sparrow set the is up so that Cersei would betray Tommen, in a way that Tommen will see for himself, and turn on her. Tommen told her not to tell. He told her and everyone NOT to move militarily on HS. she betrays all his wishes. He will turn on her. Cersei will freak the F out! And I am pretty sure Olenna and HS conspiring together. Olenna is now in small counsel. With Cersei out of the way, Margeray, Olenna and HS can control Tommen. Cersei will burn them all down!!!

    It is also possible that Margaery will come out as a saint who sacrificed herself for the people of the city – sparrows and soldiers alike – by obeying the Faith’s orders (whatever those are) and avoiding conflict.

  64. Essie Davis is such a great actress! She was amazing in The Babadook, which was a scary psychological horror film.

  65. I’m wondering about Dany, and that odd little smile she’s giving Daario in the preview. Does she suspect he’s a Harpy? Will she accuse him, or declare him an enemy openly? I didn’t buy the “Daario is with the Sons of the Harpy” plotline before. But with Jorah gone, I’ve thought about it more, and I see how it could be true. I look forward to how that scene plays out. I can’t imagine it’s just casual flirting between them; not with everything that’s just happened to her.

  66. So, I’m about to ask a stupid question. No one else has commented, so I’m assuming the answer must be no, and yet I ask. Is that an incognito Waif with Arya in the top photo?

  67. Could we get Drogon this episode? Looks like the same area where we see Drogons shadow and the shot of him flying above the Dothraki.

  68. mau,

    Yes if the battle happens in 8 the episode I guess it should appear in the next episode ..and I don’t think peter will sit out for two episodes in a season .

    But jon and sansa can take a leave so that everyone will be present in 9 episode

  69. aabe: It is also possible that Margaery will come out as a saint who sacrificed herself for the people of the city – sparrows and soldiers alike – by obeying the Faith’s orders (whatever those are) and avoiding conflict.

    could be. either margeary or olenna or both are playing cersei using hs.

  70. HereBeDragons:
    Actually Really looking forward to King’s Landing this episode.

    Can’t think where the double-cross is going to come from only that I can’t truly believe that the Lannisters & Tyrells will honestly work together against the Faith Militant.

    I’m looking forward to the action in KL as well. So many possibilities for this story line and most of them mean that lots will die. Tommen is out of his league with the High Sparrow. Poor guy!

    I may be in the minority but I am also looking forward to Sam back home with Mom and Dad. I loathe Randyll Tarly and hope that Sam has some sort of moral victory. Unlikely perhaps but there is always hope.

    I continue to believe that the “mystery horseman” is Benjen
  71. As many have said, you can’t read much into the photos – we’ve seen Jon omitted enough times as it is.

    And it is hard to think we will not see the Jon/North storyline get at least one scene this week. We know there is going to be a big battle in Episode 9; that leaves only three episodes for Jon and Sansa to get whatever houses they can find signed up for their campaign, and get the army down to Winterfell. I think that requires scenes from that plotline in each one of these episodes. And they’ve invested way too much into Jon and Sansa’s arcs so far this season not to get the payoff.

  72. Connor:
    Essie Davis is such a great actress! She was amazing in The Babadook, which was a scary psychological horror film.

    watch Ms Fisher’s mysteries on netflix! she is awesome.

  73. George,

    And I’m so excited! Maybe they will show Tyrion killing Tywin? The play is highly pro-Lannister, so they may not, but it will make a funny scene if they dare. Also the Joffrey character in the play seems to be a wimp, always clinging to Cersei’s skirts. Even so, the crowd was cheering for the handsome young prince. This might explain their shocked expressions and Arya’s delighted look.

    Athelstane,
    Agree. It seems they have completely omitted Jon storyline while making the synopses, as a precaution against leaks. This means the Sansa arc will also be missing, because she is with Jon most of the time.

  74. AerynsunX,

    I think its a normal conversation between them .
    I think a lot of people will be disappointed at the end of this season where it will be shown that darrio is just who he says he is a guy who likes to fight and fuck .

    I guess you mean dany emerging from fire as a god .,when you say by what happenes to dany but that is what dany is she cares for some one to talk to laugh at their jokes and care for her ..she will not just change that because its what she wants most ..you can see how much she hurt when she knew about jorah and a good job of writers to put that scene after the rebirth .to show us dany is still same person

  75. I do wonder if the show has given you somewhat of a book 6 spoiler. And that is the loss of Jon as a POV in the books. He’s quite secondary in his scenes since Sansa arrived at the Wall. She has the most lines, she is taking control. He’s a supporting character to her in almost every way. And based on some of the things we know this not only is going to continue but even enhance in the episodes to come. I don’t think Jon is any less important than he was, but I do wonder where it’s all headed for him.

  76. I think I speak for everyone when I say GIMME JON AND SANSA AND THE NORTH.

    I’m a little tired of both Arya and Dany’s stories, and the show has already sped them up so considerably from the books!

  77. Those hills behind Dany & Daario look exactly like the ones from the trailer where the Dothraki look up to see Drogon’s shadow fly over them. I’d say it’s a good bet we’ll get our first glimpse of him this episode. He’s gonna be huge.

    It’s funny that Arya is smiling at whatever is happening in the play while everyone else looks disgusted/unhappy. It reminds me of her laughing when she learned Lysa was dead.

    I can not wait to see what happens with Bran and Meera, and to finally learn who that hooded rider is.

    Please be Benjen.

    It is looking very likely that Jon and Co will sit out this episode which disappoints me because I am loving that story the most this season. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is their ‘travel’ episode and the next time we see them they’re already at Bear Island for the big parlay.

    Question:

    Which young Ned is it that’s supposed to make an appearance in this episode? Robert Aramayo or Sebastian Croft. I’m hoping for the former because that means we might get a glimpse of Lyanna and/or the ToJ but I honestly can’t remember what was reported. And if we do see either young Ned, then that must mean Bran has a vision, right? Unless it’s via Benjen recounting something about his brother. I just wanna see Ned again, LOL.

    King’s Landing: pfft, don’t care.

  78. I think, we may get the following 7 storylines:

    -Meereen: Maybe meeting Melanie Liburd’s character? And haven’t whores gone to Meereen, at least one we can think of? *wink wink*

    -Dothraki Sea: Drogon appearance?

    -King’s Landing: Marg release etc.

    -Braavos: more theatre

    -Beyond the Wall: Bran gets rescued by rider and IMO has another vision of ToJ

    -North: Jansa or at least Jon have/has one scene

    -Reach: Sam and Gilly’s awkward dinner with the parents

  79. mariamb,

    I definately looking foward to meeting the Traly’s.

    Some of my favourite non-book scenes have been discussions around a table…
    –Cersei & Robert’s (Our Marriage)
    –Tywin & Arya (Do you know many Stone-Masons)
    –Sansa & The Boltons (That was getting very Tense)

    And you can’t tell me we’re finally meeting Randall without him been relevent later…? (probably to do with whatever goes down this episode ;o)

    Banking it’s Benjen ;o)

  80. Well no pics of Meera and Bran and we know they’re in this week, so yeah, they’re keeping their powder dry.

  81. jjp,

    I am sure we will have Dorne in this episode. If it was Cogman who persuaded D&D about the necessity of including the Dorne storyline in the big picture then maybe he is also the one who took on the assignment to develop it as he did with the (in)famous S5E6 last year. I hope that we will see at least Obara and Nymeria in this episode.

  82. Nice to see a smile on poor old Arya’s face.

    Looking forward to the Kings Landing scenes, and seeing more of Essie Davis.

  83. Elizabeth,

    My thought of how this will play out is that the waif will be told to kill Arya, will chase her through the city featuring all the Parkour looking shots we’ve seen. She thinks she has caught and cornered Arya, but Arya was just leading her to the Needle hiding place. Then Arya gives her the pointy end and GTFO’s from Bravos.

  84. BunBunStark,

    Did that guy playing a dothraki who gave an interview about not burning died with khal Moro or is he yet to make an appearance ..

    I feel sorry for KL to think it was the place where 4 seasons centered around to become like this

  85. Izatty,

    I had this exchange a while ago. Still thinking about it!

    SaveTheWolves:

    My thoughts on a good Jaime / Cersei conclusion.
    The show is fond of parallels. So-Cercei chooses trial by combat. Not much point to CLEGANEBOWL if Sandor doesn’t win. Cersei is bound over for execution and finally breaks from reality. Jaime returns to jailbreak another sibling. Cersei reveals her madness and plots to burn KL to the ground. Burn them all!
    Do we know who was born first-Jaime or Cersei? Jaime could be little brother. He sees that she’s mad and he hears the Mad King’s words from her mouth. With love and despair, he kills her.

    Someone else take it from there!

    VegoDread commented:
    I like this a lot – that might also be where the glimpse from the trailer of Jamie stabbing the Mad King in the back comes in

  86. Connor,

    Agreed, but the last face Septa sees before she dies is Cersei – so I bet she does a round after Clegane slaughters them all. That’s guaranteed to happen when she goes

  87. BunBunStark: if this is their ‘travel’ episode and the next time we see them they’re already at Bear Island for the big parlay

    I thought so too at first, but they really did not set up a parlay, did they? Wouldn’t they have alluded to inviting everyone to Bear Island? Somehow I don’t think there will be a parlay in Mormont Hall, but only cute little Lady Lyanna and then later another meeting someplace else in Ep 7 or 8…

  88. Connor,

    Yes it has to be the first scene… And so curious to see how will Meera and Bran will manage to escape. I mean if we want to be honest it is rather strange that the NK who came in first in the cave devoted his energies in just killing (?) BR. Unless of course he is satisfied with it and lets on purpose Bran and Meera to escape since now Bran is marked and so the NK can navigate his moves through Bran…

  89. Seems like we’ll finally get Drogon in this episode. The area they are is very similar to the one the dothraki saw his shadow in the trailers. But if he does show up, I just hope he has some interaction with Dany, now that she appear to have chosen “fire and blood”.

  90. dragonbringer,

    Yes. I think Tyrion will be in every episode this season. Just like in S5 and S2.

    In E6 I think that Varys will leave him, and then in E7 we will have some build up to the battle, he needs to realize that his plan has failed and that there will be battle after all. In E8 we will see a battle, and E9 and E10 Dany and Tyrion will deal with Greyjoys, Missandei and GW will be left to rule in Meeren. and Dany will sail for Westeros.
  91. Not hating at all, but I get the feeling that this episode is going to be viewed as a bit of a letdown given that it will be more setup than payoff. I realize the story needs time to catch its breath, but count me as one who can’t wait to get to the good stuff (

    BastardBowl! ToJ! Khaleesi returning to Westeros! Kings Landing carnage!

    ). Yeah, I know; I’m spoiled….

  92. Two observations:

    1. Margerys hair is still long – is she not getting the SHAME-treatment? Does this mean Oleanna doubble-crossed Cersei?

    2. The woman at Aryas right hand is the waif, isn´t she?

  93. Jon was a corpse for 2 episodes, so it seems fitting that he does not skip this episode. I hope he doesn’t. Maybe I’ll get that Jon/Mel conversation I want about his resurrection while they’re travelling to wherever they’re supposed to go. Or maybe they’ll all visit another place before heading to Bear Island like Deepwood Motte or wherever the Hornwoods live.

  94. aabe,

    If they’re dramatizing that, I’ll be deeply disappointed if they don’t use the rumoured version of events that Arya and the Hound hear in ASOS’s version of the inn scene.

  95. And I like how eventhough they killed ” Silver ” way back in season 2 at red waste ..dany still gets to ride one similar to silver in dracarys and breaker of chains episodes and this episode as well

  96. We are definitely getting DROGON this episode! He will come and say Hi and then escort Mom and Dothraki to wherever they are going. I wish we could get a scene with Daenerys giving all the Khaleesis in VD a choice of whether to stay or take off.

    dragonbringer: Oh another new dress for dany .

    Yes, the seamstresses among the Dothraki have been superbusy.

    Mihnea: But I really love Pryce and I really loved all the scenes he had so far.

    I love Pryce too. But…. I really am completely bored by HS now – so terribly boring, but very necessary to the story to demonstrate how religious types wield power. The only thing he’s ever wanted.

  97. HereBeDragons,

    Agree about Randyll. With all of the comments about “the wars to come,” its likely that his skills as a battle commander may be important.

  98. http://www.makinggameofthrones.com/production-diary/isaac-hempstead-wrights-bran-stark-makes-waves-north-of-the-wall

    HBO: If you were king, which character would you choose for your Hand?
    Isaac Hempstead Wright: I’d have Sansa. To be honest, I think she’d make a better queen, but she’d be a pretty mean Hand. She’s certainly had to grow a thick skin, having been bandied about by all these horrible characters, from Joffrey to Littlefinger to Ramsay. She’s also been exposed to that very cunning side of politics and seen how power corrupts. So I think she would have a very good grasp on how to rule. Plus she’s a Stark.

  99. Christine,

    Exactly! If she was really going to do a walk of shame her hair would’ve been cut. I think Jaime and Cersei got tricked?

  100. Wylie,

    Yeah, based on 605 I don’t think there’s going to be a big gathering (or at least, not on Bear Island).

  101. Flayed Potatoes,

    I think it is possible to have Jon in this episode, but I don’t think they will visit any other place other than Bear Island.

    I think that the show will need to exlain where they are going and why all the Northern lords will be at BI, before we see them there. Or they will save that for E7.

  102. mau,

    Yeah that’s exactly how I see things happening at the meereen and with dany as well ..
    But I doubt we will be seeing them in episode 9 ..I hope they are present though and that episode is like hardhome and not like blackwater or watchers in the wall in terms of structure .

    I guess we won’t get any naval battle so greyjoys will come after the battle is ended ..

  103. Jenny,

    It won’t be. We have confirmation that Meereen will be in that episode as well, and the Riverlands.

    E9 will be like Hardhome. It won’t be just one place, like S2E0 or S4E9.

  104. dragonbringer,

    We will see them, because we saw pictures of Meereen from E9. Don’t ask me to find that photo, you will need to trust me, because I really can’t search for that now.

  105. Sue the Fury:
    Connor,

    Maybe, but you really can’t judge much by which six pics we get on Wednesdays. They show a pretty narrow amount of what we’re going to see in each episode. For instance, they gave us no photos of Sam’s storyline.

    I would assume that more photos pop up, which may include Sam’s family, when updates are given later in the week. Isn’t that usually Friday?

  106. Re: Dany taking what she wants. Sounds like the Ironborn philosophy, doesn’t it? as in paying the Iron price by taking what they want.

    Maybe she and Yara will get along famously, two women with conqueror souls meeting up. Dany should be back in Meereen right around the time Yara and Theon sail in. Obviously, that’s where I think Yara and Theon are going. Uncle Euron gave them a great idea, particularly since Yara stated in her Kingsmoot speech that she wanted to show the rest of Westeros that the Ironborn are a force to be reckoned with. Each woman has what the other needs: Dany needs the ships, Yara needs the method.

    Tyrion met Theon when the Lannisters went to Winterfell in the first episodes. I wonder if Tyrion will make more eunuch jokes, or keep his mouth shut about it?

  107. Nadia: I think I speak for everyone when I say GIMME JON AND SANSA AND THE NORTH.

    Not everyone. 😉 Most certainly not for me. Jon’s story for me, has been a let-down so far, after all the hype of in-between seasons. Hoping it picks up in drama by Ep. 9 or so. Sansa has become very interesting to me after the last episode – I want to see which road she takes, but I can take a break. I certainly NEED a break from the Wall, though. I am extremely eager for Sam/Gilly, Bran’s escape, Daenerys and most of all, DROGON! 🙂

  108. Nortman:
    Thronetender,

    Theon, Grey Worm and Varys in the same room. Tyrion will not keep his mouth shut.

    Oh dear! 🙂 I hope Varys counters with a dwarf joke then! Or Grey Worm does, and in Valyrian.

  109. mau,

    Well I trust you …and its a happy news for me that they will appear in that episode.

    Maybe having battle of fire and ice in same episode.

  110. Nadia,

    You certainly don’t speak for everyone! Arya’s storyline is great this year and Dany’s too.

  111. Thronetender: Tyrion met Theon when the Lannisters went to Winterfell in the first episodes. I wonder if Tyrion will make more eunuch jokes, or keep his mouth shut about it?

    If Theon meets Tyrion, he can tell Tyrion a thing or two about his wife’s wedding night. That should shut him up.

  112. Nadia:
    I think I speak for everyone when I say GIMME JON AND SANSA AND THE NORTH.

    I’m a little tired of both Arya and Dany’s stories, and the show has already sped them up so considerably from the books!

    Yeah the combined total of 8 minutes of Arya story so far this year really needs to be lessened. MOAR JON!!!111

    I actually feel excited by the pictures being so boring. I feel like that means exciting things are afoot. 🙂

  113. Can somebody remind me because I don’t remember, but does Arya know that Joffrey is dead and if so how? Does she know Sansa was accused of having something to do with it?

    Arya could be smiling in the photo because it shows Sansa killing Joffrey and Arya would be amused and pleased with her. Never knew you had it in ya, sis.

  114. Fienix,

    Maybe it’s Joffrey being poisoned … Arya would enjoy that. She could be very proud of Sansa if she believes Sansa helped …

  115. Kamali,

    Remember the scene between hound and arya at the gates of eyrie ..
    She knows joffery was poisoned and killed but I don’t think she knows sansa is suspected of it..

  116. mau:
    dragonbringer,

    We will see them, because we saw pictures of Marian form E9. Don’t ask me to find that photo, you will need to trust, because I really can’t search for that now.

    dragonbringer,
    Here is the photo that Mau is referring to, which clearly shows 609HD
    http://puu.sh/ogTIO/09f528dded.png
    That picture comes from the Journey to Spain video
    https://youtu.be/GiptuC0_Qbo?t=32s

    And to my eye it seems to match this bit of filming news (I believe it was later confirmed that Emilia Clarke was there)
    https://watchersonthewall.com/new-spoiler-report-on-the-north-and-the-riverlands/
  117. Kamali:
    Can somebody remind me because I don’t remember, but does Arya know that Joffrey is dead and if so how? Does she know Sansa was accused of having something to do with it?

    Arya could be smiling in the photo because it shows Sansa killing Joffrey and Arya would be amused and pleased with her. Never knew you had it in ya, sis.

    She def knows. She told the Hound she would have liked to kill him and he said “I’d pay good money to see that.”

    I was wondering if she knew Sansa was married to Tyrion? I don’t think that ever came up.

  118. SaveTheWolves:
    Izatty,

    I had this exchange a while ago. Still thinking about it!

    SaveTheWolves:

    My thoughts on a good Jaime / Cersei conclusion.
    The show is fond of parallels. So-Cercei chooses trial by combat. Not much point to CLEGANEBOWL if Sandor doesn’t win. Cersei is bound over for execution and finally breaks from reality. Jaime returns to jailbreak another sibling. Cersei reveals her madness and plots to burn KL to the ground. Burn them all!
    Do we know who was born first-Jaime or Cersei? Jaime could be little brother. He sees that she’s mad and he hears the Mad King’s words from her mouth. With love and despair, he kills her.

    Someone else take it from there!

    VegoDread commented:
    I like this a lot – that might also be where the glimpse from the trailer of Jamie stabbing the Mad King in the back comes in

    yes! But more than JUST burn them all, Cersei will be responsible for Tommen dying in this scenario. SHE will have (self) fulfilled Maggy the Frog’s prophesy. Many people think the prophesy says Cersei outlives her kids, but in the show she does not say that. She also does not say anything about Valonqar. I think D&D did that to 1) leave themselves room and 2) TOO much foreshadowing of “little brother.”

    But, Cersei is ULTIMATELY responsible for her children’s deaths because of her machinations. She has made this a self fulfilled prophecy. And, self fulfilled prophecies are very similar to the closed loop time travel Bran is doing. We are all responsible for our own fate.

  119. I want to know whatever became of Craster’s daughters. Last I saw them, they were “going our own way” north of the wall, after Jon and company burned the Keep. They are, potentially, the only folks left north of the wall.

    I’m sorry Osha died without revealing her secrets. She clearly knew things about the Walkers and the Three-eyed-raven etc, but wouldn’t tell Bran.

    Craster’s daughters also know about the Walkers. Gilly knows. It’s so strange that no one(Jon or Sam) ever thought to ask her about it. Sam is far too obsessed with Gilly’s honey pot to think of anything else.

    Looking forward to finding out what happened inside the tower of Joy. Ned started up the stairs carrying Dawn. It bugs me that he killed Arthur with his own sword and took it up those stairs. I don’t think he had any right to touch that sword. Anyway, what girl wants her nosy brother butting into her business and barging in on her while she’s giving birth….carrying a sword?!

    I wonder if Bran is powerful enough to alter the future by affecting the past. It seems he might be!

    I’m eager to find out how Deny convinces the Dothraki to part ways with tradition and end slave-holding. She’s the Khaleesi, so I guess they’ll do what she says; but, it’s much better to sway them to her onw thinking. Anyway, most of the Dothraki are slaves themselves.

    Only 4 more episodes to go!

  120. …and one more thing. When Deny gets back to Mereen, I want her to hang Tyrion by his ankles and beat him like a pinata.

  121. Kit said there’s an episode that’s all about Jon and his story. Given that they’re not focusing on any character development for him, it’s most likely the battle he’s talking about. E9 will be all about Bastardbowl.

  122. mau,
    Good point. They could set up a meeting next episode and have them arrive at Bear Island in Episode 7…

  123. Christine,

    …Yeah. And don’t you have to confess before you walk atonement? I didn’t see Margery confess to anything. Unless she confessed after she met with Loras and saw his bad state.

  124. matt,

    And to mirror Jon scene with the Orell the warg in season 3, says ” You were right the whole time”.

  125. Nadia,

    Why so people can keep complaining Jon is sidelined and not developed at the same time getting most of the screentime in every episodes..

    If they who get most of the screentime hasnt been developed that much means then how can people like dany and arya who keeps getting 3 mins can be developed.

    Jay Targ,

    Thank you for those link… I remember reading them but thought it must be from episode 10.

  126. Thanks mau and Laura

    I wonder since we never saw Bran wake up if he’ll be stuck in the past, encountering scene after scene for the rest of the season, only waking up after he has learned “everything.”

    I’m trying to remember if we saw any other promotional pics of him outside of a vision that wasn’t in episodes 1-5.

  127. Icekhione,

    What an overreaction. Worthy of an eye roll or two. Jon is by far my favorite character and while I’m on alert about Sansa’s misplaced trust issues or self-serving machinations (if you fall into the alarmist camp) and the repercussions they may create for not only Jon but for those who will follow Jon into battle, I have always understood that this show will try its best to give every character its due time. Jon died and saw nothing on the other side, he came back sad and disillusioned but he came back as the same decent, well-intentioned human being he’s always been. I’m glad he didn’t devolve into a vengeance seeking, merciless, stone-hard type of man to join the many vengeance seeking, fire and blood characters that already exist in Westeros. Good/decent people like Jon stand out and are needed if humanity is to survive. I understand that you wanted to see more of him questioning his second chance at life but the dude hasn’t had any time to do that, what with his long lost sister showing up and requesting his support, he’s had the perfect excuse to ignore dealing with his trauma. Most human beings do this, they tend to put off what is painful and what is difficult. Who is to say that Jon won’t have to deal with it later on? Didn’t Kit indicate that there will be a Jon centric episode this season? Can’t you be patient and see what they actually do to his season 6 arc before declaring that the show is somehow ruining a character? There are five episodes left in the season, are they not?

  128. An old foe comes back into the picture. This has to be Walder Frey. I just don’t see how he fits into this episode. Maybe Frey learns about Walda’s death? The casting call sounds like Walda’s father.

    Gilly meets Sam’s family. My favorite. D&D going off book to a place Martin only mentions. Hopefully, they don’t forget to include the Citadel and its cast of mysterious characters

    Arya faces a difficult choice. This has to be about more than a role in the theatre troupe. Arya *faces*…but why do they need Lady Crane’s face?

    Jaime faces off against the High Sparrow. War in the streets or just a pissing contest?

  129. Well we know Sam will have dinner with Tarlys
    We know Ned actor from ToJ appears briefly
    We know from trailer Bran and Meera are about to meet up with a rider…a brother beyond the wall *Benjen joy*
    And I’m positive we’ll see Jon and the gang.
    Oh yeah–and old foe? I’d be surprised if that wasn’t Walder Frey.

    So along with Arya, KL and Dany visits…another jam packed episode.

  130. Im so hyped for this episode!!!!!!

    The Lannister, Tyrell, Sparrow clusterfuck has been brewing for so long, and I just wanna see shit start to go down!!!!

    I hope we get huge developments there, because KL hasn’t been in the focus enough IMO 🙂

  131. Btw, does anyone know the current tally of which characters have had the most screentime this season?
    It will be interesting . Generally, its Tyrion and Cersei who get the bulk of the share, but I don’t think so this season.

  132. Is there a reason to believe the 2nd half of the TOJ will not be in episode 6?

    Am I wrong, wasn’t Jack Bender seen on the TOJ set during filming?

  133. Something from episode 1 got me thinking that it wasn’t the Sons of the Harpy that burned Danys ships, why would they burn her entire fleet if they want her to leave?? My bet is that Euron did it, just before he got to the Iron islands, he did say in the last episode that he wants to marry Dany and give her his ships to conquer Westoros….so that’s my bet, Euron burned the ships.

  134. Tycho Nestoris:
    An old foe comes back into the picture. This has to be Walder Frey. I just don’t see how he fits into this episode. Maybe Frey learns about Walda’s death?

    Maybe. But I think he will react to Blackfish taking Riverrun.

  135. HelloThere,

    I think we are getting the rest of the Tower of Joy in the season finale, sadly. The actor playing young Ned said that he will be in this upcoming episode briefly and then again in episode 10.

  136. matt: Then Arya gives her the pointy end and GTFO’s from Bravos.

    I think Arya will kill the Waif, put on the Waif’s face and head to Westeros. So “Arya” will be in Westeros, but not Maisie Williams. So Maisie’s filming time could be less, but not Arya’s screentime.

  137. Connor,

    That makes me happy tbh.

    There are other pressing matters in the narrative that need attention right now, and Jon Snow’s parentage aren’t one of them. For me, that just feels like a reveal that needs to happen later.

    Im more focused on conflicts at hand.

  138. Sansa and Jon’s storyline combined is the most important story arc of the season BY FAR, anything outside of north pales a great deal in comparison so i honestly hope that they don’t put them aside this episode, specially after last episode’s dynamics between the two.

  139. aabe: If Theon meets Tyrion, he can tell Tyrion a thing or two about his wife’s wedding night. That should shut him up.

    oooh, I forgot about that scene, with Theon watching. Hmmm, Tyrion was very fond of Sansa, wasn’t he? Will this anger him enough to be way more enthusiastic about getting into the battle and doing something to or against Ramsay to pay Ramsay back for Ramsay’s abuse of Sansa? I don’t think Tyrion will be jealous, or angry at all at Sansa. After all, he did say to Cersei he wondered which of the two, Sansa or Loras, was getting the worst deal. But I do think he’d be upset that anyone abused her. He admired her spirit: Lady Sansa, I do believe you will outlive us all (or something to that effect) This gets more and more interesting.

    especially since there were scenes filmed of him and Shae. Maybe he will start to feel even more guilty about Shae and want to do something to help Sansa to set his Karma straight?
  140. VegoDread:
    Is there a reason to believe the 2nd half of the TOJ will not be in episode 6?

    Am I wrong, wasn’t Jack Bender seen on the TOJ set during filming?

    There was a report in some local paper in Robert Aramayo’s (Young Ned) hometown saying the actor would be seen briefly in ep 6 and more substantially in ep. 10 so now everyone thinks they’re saving the TOJ for ep. 10 and I tend to agree.

  141. I guess I don’t understand what people are talking about when they suggest Margaery may be “converting.” She, Cersei and pretty much most of King’s Landing, not to mention most of Westeros are followers of the Faith of the Seven. The Great Sept of Baelor is the center of the Faith, where the crown has had all the weddings, funerals, Ned beheadings. The High Sparrow and the Faith Militant aren’t wanting to convert them, they want to make them confess their sins/crimes and punish them.

  142. mau,

    Good point. That would align more with Merret’s role in aSoS. I still think the Freys find out about Walda and more importantly Roose Jr. Insults to Freys don’t tend to be forgotten.

  143. Clob,

    The only thing I can think of is Margaery becoming a Septa?… i dunno… or maybe she will pretend to be a sparrow
    Clearly Margaery isn’t doing the Walk of Atonement since her hair is not cut

  144. Thronetender: Tyrion was very fond of Sansa, wasn’t he?

    Tyrion: “Sansa’s not a killer,…… yet.”

    Clob: I guess I don’t understand what people are talking about when they suggest Margaery may be “converting.”

    Perhaps “converting” to the Sparrow’s way of thinking? She’ll be a humble queen, a people’s queen. Wear simple, modest clothes, spend her days doing good?

  145. We might get more of the vision Bran was in when the episode ended, in the promo it shows us that Bran is in his vision state still. Maybe more young Lyanna? Doubt it though.

  146. Maybe they’ll gonna have a play about the RW and that’s our tie-in to Walder Frey?

    I’d guess they would have the actors playing the same roles, which would be the PW.

  147. Kamali: Can somebody remind me because I don’t remember, but does Arya know that Joffrey is dead and if so how? Does she know Sansa was accused of having something to do with it?

    Yes, she knew Joff was dead, but I don’t think she knew if Sansa was accused as accomplice. But she DIDN’T know that Sansa had to marry Tyrion – seeing it on stage was the first she learned of it, as far as I can remember. I don’t think it was ever mentioned around her that Sansa and Tyrion were married.

    Also, even though it was a clumsy reenactment, she saw Ned’s head roll for the first time on stage, too. Remember, Jory hid her face from the actual beheading, then there was a scene of flying birds. Arya didn’t see Ned’s head come off. Seeing any of this has to take a huge toll on her psyche. Arya isn’t one to channel her angst in a ladylike manner, either. She’s going to blow, and I think the Waif is going to get knocked around at least a little.

  148. Connor:
    Inquisitor1961,

    Benjen will save Meera and Bran from the wights. No doubt about that. My bets are in the very first scene?

    No chance that it could be

    Howland Reed, who began his trek north when Jojen died, himself being a green seer, perhaps???? 🙂

    He could tie in nicely with the TOJ flashback to confirm to Bran (and Jon?) who the baby is!!

  149. Kay: She’ll be a humble queen, a people’s queen. Wear simple, modest clothes, spend her days doing good?

    She was already doing good. The people loved her. They didn’t seem to mind a little cleavage or side boob. Speaking of side boob, they certainly loved her more than they loved Joffrey. Maybe HS knows this and that’s one reason he let her see Loras.

  150. I believe this is the episode where we will see Davos visiting Shereen’s burn site and Benjen/Cold Hands.

  151. Do you guys think it crazy that the part I’m most looking forward to on Sun i a likely very short scene with James Faulkner? I think he is the perfect casting. I have seen him as Marcellus in the two part series Ben Hur and as Lord Sinderby in Downton Abbey. As Marcellus he played a similar role to that of Randyll Tarly. As Sinderby he played a jewish Lord whose son wanted to marry a christian woman. Let’s say he was not amused about that.
    Can’t wait!

  152. HereBeDragons,

    Thank you for that. I completely agree with you. It is the throne room in King’s Landing. I was only looking at the archway behind and didn’t consider the full picture.

  153. Anon: …and one more thing. When Deny gets back to Mereen, I want her to hang Tyrion by his ankles and beat him like a pinata

    Why? at least there’s still a city, and at peace. Varys mentioned there being no killings in a fortnight – two weeks. Actually, that’s one of the few times I can remember the show mentioning a specific passage of current time. But Tyrion held the fort – not the ships, though, but Grey Worm should have had them guarded better.

  154. I’d be very very surprised if there was no Tower of Joy in this episode. Not only because it is known that Aramayo is in it, but also because, apart from the phrase being meaningful to the Dothraki, I can think of no relation that would be a more literal embodiment of “blood of my blood” than “child of my sibling”.

  155. ArrySnow: Do you guys think it crazy that the part I’m most looking forward to on Sun i a likely very short scene with James Faulkner?

    Not crazy at all, I’m looking forward to seeing this “legendary” soldier and vicious father, too. Maybe Sam will be lucky, and not have to endure Randyll too long, because Randyll will be getting a call to march to Kings Landing soon.

  156. Direwolf Lvr: No chance that it could be

    I don’t think so, but given that Meera’s father was pointed out by name in the TOJ flashback, I think it’s possible Meera might take Bran to meet him after they go south of the Wall (or maybe Bran asks Meera to take him there after he sees the rest of the TOJ flashback?)

  157. Laura,

    My point exactly, even though his part was filmed inside studio, the only reason for him to be on the exterior set would be for continudity.

    Meaning, we should expect part 2 of TOJ in episode 6.

  158. Kay: I think Arya will kill the Waif, put on the Waif’s face and head to Westeros. So “Arya” will be in Westeros, but not Maisie Williams. So Maisie’s filming time could be less, but not Arya’s screentime.

    Hmmm…
    They might very well do that, actually.

  159. Thronetender,

    But what’s he doing eating dinner with his family? He should be chopping fingers in Maidenpool. Seriously, I am happy we get met Sam’s family with Gilly (and Sam) there. I predict a group hug after dinner.

  160. Esmail,

    And perhaps announce a secret that HS told Tommen, which I suspect Margery told HS. I think it has to do with who killed Jofreyas

  161. Clob:
    I guess I don’t understand what people are talking about when they suggest Margaery may be “converting.”She, Cersei and pretty much most of King’s Landing, not to mention most of Westeros are followers of the Faith of the Seven.The Great Sept of Baelor is the center of the Faith, where the crown has had all the weddings, funerals, Ned beheadings.The High Sparrow and the Faith Militant aren’t wanting to convert them, they want to make them confess their sins/crimes and punish them.

    They mean the Sparrows sect; not everyone that believes in the Faith of the Seven is a Sparrow.

  162. What I don’t get is why everyone expects Margaery to even need to do a walk of atonement. She needs to confess and seek penance, but do the faith just dole out the exact same punishment to everyone? She is accused of lying to keep her brother out of prison. Cersei was accused of incest, adultery, treason, and conspiring to murder the king. Surely those are more serious crimes deserving of a more serious punishment?

  163. dragonbringer,

    That’s how I saw Daario initially; just a guy who wants to get paid (and laid). Personally, I don’t think he’s with the Sons of the Harpy. But these alternate theories just got me thinking about it. Maybe too much.

  164. Anon:
    …and one more thing. When Deny gets back to Mereen, I want her to hang Tyrion by his ankles and beat him like a pinata.

    Why? He’s just doing what effective Hands of the King/Queen do.

  165. Tycho Nestoris:
    An old foe comes back into the picture. This has to be Walder Frey. I just don’t see how he fits into this episode. Maybe Frey learns about Walda’s death?

    My guess is Walder Frey will have a scene with Edmure Tully (in the dungeons, or in his hall) talking about sending him to a “hangout” outside Riverrun.

    Which means Tobias Menzies in this episode!!

  166. Thronetender,

    Sorry to be the “well, actually” person but, it was Yoren who shielded Arya from Ned’s execution. Jory was already dead by then. ? /wellactually

  167. Adam:
    What I don’t get is why everyone expects Margaery to even need to do a walk of atonement. She needs to confess and seek penance, but do the faith just dole out the exact same punishment to everyone? She is accused of lying to keep her brother out of prison. Cersei was accused of incest, adultery, treason, and conspiring to murder the king. Surely those are more serious crimes deserving of a more serious punishment?

    Because Cersei said that Tommen supposedly told her that the High Sparrow told him that Margaery is doing a Walk of Atonement?

    Which really doesn’t make any sense, since the High Sparrow already said last season that the Mother’s Mercy (atonement) is different depending on the sin/crime, so you would expect that atonement for lying while defending your brother would be different from marital infidelity…

    So either the Sparrow is manipulating Tommen through Margaery or Cersei is straight up lying about what Tommen told her.

  168. orange,

    The wall is so different in the books at this point in terms of characters

    (no edd, no thorne, no sansa, no davos, no Brienne, I don’t even think Tormund is there).

    Even if Jon ghosts around for a bit, I would expect that to be a PoV.

  169. Connor:
    Essie Davis is such a great actress! She was amazing in The Babadook, which was a scary psychological horror film.

    I saw The Babadook, but I love her even more as Phryne Fisher in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries:

  170. Kamali:
    Thanks mau and Laura

    I wonder since we never saw Bran wake up if he’ll be stuck in the past, encountering scene after scene for the rest of the season, only waking up after he has learned “everything.”

    I’m trying to remember if we saw any other promotional pics of him outside of a vision that wasn’t in episodes 1-5.

    I think that’s possible.
    We might even see the Three Eyed Raven again in a vision of the past?

    Remember we heard Max Von Sydow in the very first promo for season 6 say

    “We watch, we listen, and we remember”
    That hasn’t happened yet…(unless they cut that scene, but I doubt it?)

  171. Icekhione,

    So you can’t have a slower episode without it being a snoozefest ? Why are you even watching this show,go watch Marvel movies or whatever crap where you need action every 10 minutes otherwise the ADHD kiddies might be upset .

  172. orange,

    You do know a lot of POV characters scenes in the books are actually not conversations, but a lot of inner thoughts, dreams and visions. Which we the reader can experience, hard to show that on screen. Conversations doesn’t mean you’re a secondary character. Robb Stark was not a POV character and he had a lot to say, just as much as Catelyn.

  173. Kay: Not everyone. Most certainly not for me. Jon’s story for me, has been a let-down so far, after all the hype of in-between seasons. Hoping it picks up in drama by Ep. 9 or so. Sansa has become very interesting to me after the last episode – I want to see which road she takes, but I can take a break. I certainly NEED a break from the Wall, though. I am extremely eager for Sam/Gilly, Bran’s escape, Daenerys and most of all, DROGON!

    well they have already left the wall:P
    And the Northern storyline has been the most interesting of this season by far.

  174. Tycho Nestoris:
    orange,

    The wall is so different in the books at this point in terms of characters

    Even if Jon ghosts around for a bit, I would expect that to be a PoV.

    I hope Jon will return as a PoV, but the chances it will happen in the first chapters of Winds is less. Because Melisandre was introduced as a Wall PoV. It looks like she will be our eyes in Castle Black for a while. If she was a one-off PoV, Martin could have used some descriptive title for her chapter, like ‘The Red Priestess’ or ‘the Red Woman’, like he did with the initial chapters of minor PoVs (Asha, Arianne, Arys, Barristan all had some descriptive PoV titles, whereas Theon, Davos, Jaime, Brienne and Cersei did not).

  175. Adam,

    yea thats one thing about the overly pious and specifically the High Sparrow. His own crusade veers into unjust treatment of royalty on the grounds of peoples envy, which in itself seems to me like a transgression on its own.

  176. lord of blogfell:
    Danny,

    its sad but i disagree i didn’t see myself saying that jon is by far my favorite you can consider me fanboy of him, but in all seasons jon’s arc(i am not even sure he have one this year) this year is dissapointing all the hype i have for him in episode 2 get lost he should have been one of the character who should have a character devellopement after what happening we are at the half of the season and jon still didn’t have “the talk” with mel…i never saw him so silent in all the season combine he was interesting when he was a dead body at the begining of the season…he had one fanservice moment in ep 3 and than nothing…..sansa pretty own his pink letter scenne from the books,have more lines than him, steal the show in like every north scene when he is just a mute and give 3 or 4 lie by episode i REALLY hope his special episode is not just a battle i want to see the good diplomat ,strategist, and natural leader who get the respect of tough men like mance rayder,tormund and stannis, jon have brain before having muscles….and like some people said he is just some supportive character now … i really hope he will have a big moment the “north is remembered” from the synopsis of episode 7..i really don’t like how they handle jon when they were doing a exellent job in the previous season…

  177. George,

    You and Throntender want to make a bet with me that Deny won’t be happy with Tyrion when she returns? Serious.

  178. aabe,

    I take your point (Theon, Arya have descriptive titles though). I wouldn’t mind Mel’s PoV. I do think Jon’s warging will be prominent and a ghost PoV is plausible.

    Edit: sorry read right over “initially”

  179. Kay: I think Arya will kill the Waif, put on the Waif’s face and head to Westeros. So “Arya” will be in Westeros, but not Maisie Williams. So Maisie’s filming time could be less, but not Arya’s screentime.

    That would be interesting since we have a hint that the Waif knows Lord Frey. Does Walder know the Waif?

  180. We usuall

    George: My pick would be Felicity Jones…but of course it won’t be her! LOL

    ahahah, no, she will probably be played by a lesser known actress.

  181. I’m in agreement with those who are saying that the photos aren’t whetting their appetites, however, going from the trailer and what we know is going to happen, I’m still looking forward to the episode. Even if Jon and Sansa are not in the episode (fingers crossed for a surprise cameo), I’m looking forward to it for the Bran and Meera scenes (with a possible appearance from Benjen. I’ve been looking forward to his return since the previously on segment of 5×10 was leaked before the episode aired), more of Arya and the play (I’m finally beginning to enjoy her storyline again. Get yourself over to Westeros, girl!) and the scene of Sam and his famiy (we’ve had precious little of him this season and I’m eager for more). Kings Landing really does not interest me anymore, and unfortunately for me, we seem to be getting quite a lot of it this episode (hey, I hope everyone who likes KL enjoys it for me!) and I’m not expecting to be interested in Dany’s storyline much either, but to my surprise I did enjoy one of her scenes earlier in the season, so maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised again.

    *crosses fingers and toes for a TeamJansa scene*

  182. Thronetender: Why? at least there’s still a city, and at peace. Varys mentioned there being no killings in a fortnight – two weeks. Actually, that’s one of the few times I can remember the show mentioning a specific passage of current time. But Tyrion held the fort – not the ships, though, but Grey Worm should have had them guarded better.

    IIRC, Anon hates every single noble person in the series, especially Ned and Tyrion. I’m not sure what would be worth watching, in that case, but perhaps (s)he enjoys watching the many heads roll.

  183. Ginevra: That would be interesting since we have a hint that the Waif knows Lord Frey. Does Walder know the Waif?

    We do? I have forgotten about this. I think Arya would know that if she went back to the RL with her own face, she might be recognized. But not with the Waif’s face. I also wonder: if she did go back with the Waif’s face, would she meet Mel?

  184. George: Is that even a bag? It might be Bran, getting covered up and protected by Meera.

    And that’s obviously Benhands, or Coldjen, saving them. Or just plain old Benjen, establishing himself as the greatest First Ranger in history after surviving 6 seasons in the Land of Always Winter without getting killed by the Walkers.

    But isn’t this a trap? Like a faceless walker, if something like this exists? Basically the Night’s King sacrifices some wights, sends a false savior for Bran, who brings them to the wall. Because the Night’s King tagged Bran this is how they breach the wall.

  185. Essie’s having Babadook flashbacks…

    HOW are we at the halfway point of the season already?! Too fast! Too fast!

    ?

  186. Thronetender,

    If he finds out about Sansa’s marriage, Tyrion will be sad for her, but I doubt Ramsay will be alive to face any consequences by the time Tyrion and/or Dany returns to Westeros. In the books, I fiercely hope for Tyrion-Sansa reunion to happen in the Vale. Tyrion had promised the Mountain Clans that ‘I will give you the Vale of Arryn’, and he would have, if other things had not got in the way. The Alayne chapter from Winds has introduced us to more characters from the Vale. It looks like a set-up for something eventful to happen to Sansa, but it could also be a set-up for a Targaryen resurgence in the Vale. In the show, they keep feeding us Robin Arryn’s obsession about throwing people down the Moondoor – would be cool if Tyrion came flying on a dragon to meet him.

  187. George: I think that’s possible.
    We might even see the Three Eyed Raven again in a vision of the past?

    Remember we heard Max Von Sydow in the very first promo for season 6 say

    “We watch, we listen, and we remember”
    That hasn’t happened yet…(unless they cut that scene, but I doubt it?)

    I love where you’re going with this.

  188. Have to say, on the “Next Week” we get a very quick glance of Randyll Tarly merely staring at Sam across the Table

    Just that mere shot of staring with the vibe he gives off….seems like he’s been excellently cast but will have to see how he interacts and plays the part

    GoT seems to have an issue in making Bannermen castles ridiculously large though…

  189. dragonbringer: Which makes me even more intrigued why this is named as blood of my blood .

    I saw this on imgur – Someone highlighted a passage from Hedge Knight, where they speak of Maekar and his sons using the words “They are blood of his blood.” It is used in a father-son relation context. I admit that uncle-son relation is more apt for ‘blood of my blood’, because Ned calls Jon ‘his blood’, but I think we will have some father/child theme in this episode, for example:
    (i) Tommen finding the truth about his parentage (see his shocked look in the photo – but then he always look a bit gormless, poor lad).
    (ii) Tower of Joy and the North – Ned/Jon (Sansa will say bastard or not, Jon is blood of Ned’s blood. )
    (iii) Randyll/Sam – this we are sure about. Also Randyll/Sam/Little Sam, maybe?
    (iv) Walder Frey/numerous others (especially Walda)

    Or it could be all about uncles – Brynden/Edmure/Sansa, Jaime/Tommen, Benjen/Bran, Kevan/Cersei/Jaime, Ned/Jon, etc.

  190. Randyll Tarly is my most hated character in all of asoiaf just from his one interaction with Brienne in AFFC… Just made my blood boil.

  191. I am hoping Kl gets a good bit of time/progression at least this episode cos it kinda feels it has taken a hit, to let other storylines to the forefront.

    Quite happy for the Jon/Sansa story to take a break cos it’s had a lot of focus this season. Would like Meereen to have one off too but that seems to be a long shot!

    Can imagine the Sam scenes will be quite amusing and end up quite sweet.

    Looking forward to Arya’s scenes, I enjoyed the play last week.

    Bran’s getting really interesting so will be good to see them again in the aftermath of last week.

    I don’t think you miss your favourite storylines so much when you binge watch it (I did that seasons 1-4) but when you watch week to week it’s harder!

  192. HelloThere:
    Randyll Tarly is my most hated character in all of asoiaf just from his one interaction with Brienne in AFFC… Just made my blood boil.

    He is probably jealous that Brienne is an excellent fighter but his own son, Sam, is a craven. He might even blame the gods for giving the fighting skills to a woman like Brienne but none to his son. I felt angry at his treatment of Brienne, but I also felt a tinge of pity for him.

    Ghosts Lunch,
    In the preview, Randyll Tarly face looked like he was thinking ‘if not for guest’s right I would have strangled them already’

  193. blood of my blood really is a fantastic episode title to encompass scenes with:

    Bran and Benjen
    Sam and the Tarlys
    Dany and Drogon
    Arya and her “family”
    Margery and Loras
    Cersei and Jaime
    Jons link to Dany

    My predictions this Sunday:

    I think Loras is toast this week.. Maergery will surely only be released when she repents for her sin after Loras confesses (which he’s pretty close to doing).

    It’s revealed that either the contract on Lady C is from Cersei or the FM want Lady C’s face to infiltrate the troupe when they go to Westeros.

  194. Kay,

    I think the Waif reacted to Arya getting up not Walder Frey being on the list. The parallel editing makes it appear as if the Waif reacted to the Frey name. Plus, other than the BwoB or maybe Jaim, no one in the RL can I.D. Arya.

    alienarea,

    Benjen really is a wild card at this point. There’s actually more info about CH. Both (as well as Meera and Bran themselves) should know that passing the wall would compromise the ward though.

    Whoever that rider is though will help Bran. I know that the wights at the cave tried to hurt Bran. Still, I can’t shake the feeling that the NK doesn’t want to harm Bran as much as use him (join the dark side, luke?). I feel like Bran’s story is going to be the WTF moment grrm told D&D.

  195. First off, this is going to be a relatively short episode, with just over 50 minutes.. Considering how KL has a huge set-piece here, I’m willing to believe they’ll at least take 10 minutes during the overall episode. Then you have the Tarly’s, which I also think will take some time to introduce, especially if we’re already getting a full table-scene. Then that just leaves just a bit over half an hour for the rest of the scenes: Arya, Bran, Dany. We may get a bit of the North-storyline, because it really fits well with the theme.

    Okay, I’m going to try and match the episode theme, to the storylines (blood of my blood = family/loyalty).

    Dany: Drogon returns, he’s blood of Dany’s blood. Mother and prodical son.
    Arya: Since the play is very “anti-North”, I’ll just assume that Sansa poison Joff in the play, and that’s why Arya smiles. She’s reminded of her family in a positive way.
    KL: “He’s torn our family apart” – Jaime. Tommen is probably going to be caught in the middle of the HS’s set-up (You still doubt me? Tell your mother a secret and see what happens) and Cersei’s subsequent scheming. It’s going to backfire so hard that Tommen will again accuse Cersei of abusing his trust (which will make him believe the HS’ word even moreso and orders and sends Jaime away I’d reckon, hence why he has to leave KL so abruptly as we see him in Lannister-red at Riverrun. Maybe even banished from the King’s Guard! #Loyalty.
    Bran: It’s Benjen, in some form. There’s nobody else out there that would be that heroic at this point. As for flashback, we’re probably going to see Lyanna again, so we know that ties into Blood of my blood quite, quite substantially.
    Walder Frey: I’m expecting him to be the old foe coming back into the picture. As “Bran learns a great deal” was a massive understatement, I do wonder what we get to see here. It fits the family/loyalty-theme if the Blackfish makes his reappearance here.

    Possible:
    – JonSa: Begging Northern houses for their loyalty fits with the theme.

    Unlikely:
    – Meereen: I don’t think we’ll get Tyrion here.. Unless he has the vision of someone here, which would touch upon his former loyalties, but it’s a stretch. GW and Missandei are fiercely loyal to Dany, so they might oppose a Dwarf-plan more openly after begrudgingly agreeing the last time?
    – Ironborn: They can breath a bit for now. Thinking about it, the Kingsmoot (9 minutes) would’ve been more suited for this episode if you think about the theme. Considering the short length of this episode, it would’ve fit timewise and thematically. They can have scenes in the next episode, because they’re essentially in exile, so they are “broken men”.

  196. Tycho Nestoris: I think the Waif reacted to Arya getting up not Walder Frey being on the list. The parallel editing makes it appear as if the Waif reacted to the Frey name.

    Huh! I’ve watched that scene more than once (since I’ve watched all the episodes more than once) and it never even occurred to me that the Waif reacted to anything BUT Arya getting up. Nothing to do with W. Frey! The Waif was simply taken aback at Arya’s tenacity.

    Ser Oromis Locke: Unlikely:
    – Meereen: I don’t think we’ll get Tyrion here.

    You don’t think Varys will set sail in this episode?

  197. Thronetender,

    Even though I don’t think dany will be mad with tyrion..

    Am disappointed that dany was not the one who achieved peace by compromising..
    Tyrion is basically having her storyline in ADWD .

  198. U know what’s the most amusing complaint to me about this show. People crying about characters and arcs that’s been going on for 6 years not getting any development. Lol. Like people crying about Jon. Seriously, he doesn’t want to fight anymore, that’s his development. If not for Sansa showing up he’d be in the summer Isles by now.

    I’m seriously interested in seeing house bad pussy again. Like wtf D&D gonna do with them?! They should have never changed that plot line at all. They could have become so important at this moment in their original plot, similar to the Ironborn.

  199. Off topic, but how often do you see an extra, in the same clothes, yet in two unrelated places and scenes? The girl next to Arya in the picture at top is also standing on the far balcony in the picture where Arya is leaping between buildings when being chased. Not sure why she stood out to me but she did.

  200. Apollo:
    blood of my blood really is a fantastic episode title to encompass scenes with:

    Bran and Benjen
    Sam and the Tarlys
    Dany and Drogon
    Arya and her “family”
    Margery and Loras
    Cersei and Jaime
    Jons link to Dany

    Great guesses about those literally of the same blood. Hopefully we’ll also get Jon’s link to Lyanna, and I think we may also get the metaphorical “blood of my blood” when the remaining khals pledge fealty to Dany, and perhaps even become bloodriders.

  201. aabe: If he finds out about Sansa’s marriage, Tyrion will be sad for her, but I doubt Ramsay will be alive to face any consequences by the time Tyrion and/or Dany returns to Westeros.

    LOL I hope you are right – I can’t wait for him to be dead. Iwan, you have done a great job of making us hate Ramsay, so great that he’s gotta go – now.

    But I was thinking last week, watching the way LF manipulates Robin that wouldn’t it be great if Robin somehow awakened to what’s going on and pushed LF out the moon door? I doubt that will happen, but gee it made me happy to think it.

  202. Ginevra,

    There is no khal who remains alive. .she has killed all of them.

    dragonbringer,

    And the reason that iam disappointed is because it actually shows that dany was not a terrible ruler but it was the city that never can’t be ruled ..

    Thank god we have tyrion as a proof now .

  203. Ginevra: Great guesses about those literally of the same blood.Hopefully we’ll also get Jon’s link to Lyanna, and I think we may also get the metaphorical “blood of my blood” when the remaining khals pledge fealty to Dany, and perhaps even become bloodriders.

    Likely so… Should be a great episode all round! 🙂

  204. Icekhione,

    This is the silliest comment ever
    Just because there is no white walker attack or something doesn’t make it a snooze fest

  205. This episode is way too short to feature the North, I really hope the only storylines are King’s Landing, Daenerys, Arya, Bran, Tarlys. Could be a great episode for every characters.

    The old foe is probably Benjen not Walder Frey
  206. AerynsunX: Sorry to be the “well, actually” person but, it was Yoren who shielded Arya from Ned’s execution. Jory was already dead by then. /wellactually

    yeah, my bad, I usually go and do the research but was pressed for time – I had Yoren’s face in mind, but wrong name, knew it had an “or” in it, thanks. No disrespect to either character – didn’t poor Jory take a stab to the eye in the courtyard at KL? and Yoren was the one who went back and forth between the Wall and KL on recruitment missions. He’s the one who told Arya about repeating the name of the ones who have done you wrong so you never forget. Loved his gravelly sounding voice.

  207. Wimsey,

    Ginevra,

    Yeah I thought he is not yet appeared ..
    But he maybe named as khal by in this episode …

    Or will he be the one khal who missed the meeting and now resisting dany and she needs to show her once more but this time showing her control over drogon

    It was D&D who said she killed all the khals and there was supposed to be 21 people inside the tent who dany has killed ..

  208. I’m convinced Benjen was marked during the fight with the others/white walkers/whatevers in season 1/book 1 and that’s why there’s no trace of him & he hasn’t returned.

  209. Beer Island: Like wtf D&D gonna do with them?! They should have never changed that plot line at all.

    A better case could be made for not including that plotline at all. However, they had to do something with Jaime last year, and his Crows material was simultaneously uncinematic and storyless. However, their brief inclusion this year seems to be one of those “let’s cut out the loose ends from last season” scenes that have become so common in first episodes of these sorts of series.

    My bet is that, like the Iron Born, they will wind up in Daeny’s camp. However, unlike the Iron Born, we won’t see much of it: there are no main characters among the Dornish.

  210. HereBeDragons,

    I think it’s a setup to make the Tyrells look like dangerous armed forces in a city that still remembers being sacked during the Rebellion.

    The Lannisters get what they want (Faith Militant broken) and the bonus round of Tyrell forces thinned out/family discredited.

  211. Elizabeth:
    Hope we get to see Arya tell the Waif she is Arya Stark not “no one.”…

    Only if it is accompanied by the Waif getting skewered by Needle.

  212. Icekhione,

    Unless we get “I choose violence” … I have a feeling the High Sparrow will let Margaery go for something else … He will forced Tommen to sign something, maybe to deny Cersei a trial by combat or to kill the mountain or to punish Qyburn …

  213. didi,

    That would line up with the vision Bran was having when the walkers attacked. I believe it was Ned saying goodbye to young Benjen.

  214. Geralt,
    Why would Benjen be an “old foe”?

    I hope we see the play version of the Red Wedding and then cut right to Walder Frey.

    Also, in the books at least, when Edd comes back to Winterfell after Robert’s Rebellion with a baby Jon, Catelyn asks about him and he only says “He is my blood”. The name of this episode could point to the ToJ.

  215. Anon: You and Throntender want to make a bet with me that Deny won’t be happy with Tyrion when she returns? Serious.

    Hmmm, I’m thinking … trying to decide how upset she would be about him visiting the dragons. Do we know for sure if they were set free or just left unchained in the basement? I know she won’t be happy about the 7 years of continued slavery, unless he has one HELL of an explanation for that. Maybe he had something nefarious in mind, I can’t believe he’d be so unfeeling and stupid as to really think it could go on for seven more years and then they’d just drop it. That gives the masters all kinds of time to find their own armies. Yeah, I know I said the city was still standing and no war is currently brewing. but seven additional years of slavery. Hmmmmmm, I’d say she comes into the city, hears the story, is fuming furious AT FIRST, but he talks his way out of it.

  216. Wimsey,

    Whaaa??? Jaime rocked it! First, he stood vigil over his pops for like 2 chapters. THEN he went all blushing negotiator on Blackfish. He learned about old family feuds and got a teats history lesson from Hos the hostage. He even kept a mute sidekick to not speak with. That’s Lannister gold right there.

    And people say the Ironborn are boring. Still, somehow, even with all the standing and history lessons, Jaime in Feast>Jaime in Dorne

  217. AerynsunX,

    In regards to a Daario betrayal I feel that there has been a build up to something with him, he seems out of place as just Dany’s lover.

    I think he may have originally planned to just scare Dany away and that is why he has protected her, he also enjoys being her lover of course, but after the events in Vaes Dothrak he realizes that despite his feelings for Dany he believes she will destroy life as he knows it in Essos in her journey as a “mad conqueror”

    On a sidenote I think back to my days playing Mafia on epicmafia, someone who immediately takes over in a trying time and directs everyone was considered a “scumtell” they seem to be in charge and thus immune from suspicion. Of course I could just be reading too much into it but I just can’t shake a bad feeling about the seemingly purposeless conversation they had between Dany and Daario in the episode six preview.

  218. Rygritte,

    I’m convinced now.starks are the main white walkers,the generals. Those next are crastors babies,the one’s that we have seen shattered. Then the fallen,ones or pawns.doubt we would ever see martins true vision, ice spiders and ice creatures ,HBO done a lot better than I expected.

  219. Inquisitor1961,

    If that’s not Benjen to The Rescue, HUGE letdown.

    Reason to hold out hope that it is: Benjen’s been mentioned a lot since s5e10, and even shown twice as a little kid this season.

    Reason not to get hopes up: It’s still Game of Thrones: Hope for little, never be disappointed.

  220. Wimsey,

    They could have limit his appearance or cut him out like Bran. A better freaking plot than sending him to Dorne was bring LS like the actual story. That would have made last season way more interesting. Instead of suffering us with bad accents and bad story telling.

  221. Criterion,

    Ugh!!? Man some of us are on a phone.and have jobs. does everyone believe they are teacher’s?if there’s something I can’t read then I move on.I’m new here but god damn spelling errors .come fuckin on.

  222. Beer Island: They could have limit his appearance or cut him out like Bran. A better freaking plot than sending him to Dorne was bring LS like the actual story.

    The issue is not plot, but story. They wanted a way to include Jaime’s attempt to become Tywin II but instead becoming a Lannister with a Soul. If done right (and I think that it came out well enough, although Jaime’s storyline was the weakest of the main characters’), then it contributes a lot to the Kill the Child, Let the Adult be Born story. What GRRM did in the Riverlands barely worked on paper, and it could not have translated to the screen.

    As for LS, she was irrelevant to last year’s story. So, why include her?

    At any rate, the Dornish served their purpose: they got Jaime to become a person willing to compromise and willing to tell his daughter that love was important. That is as far from Tywin II as you can get, despite that being Jaime’s stated goal at the outset of the season. (And then she died….)

  223. Direwolf Lvr,

    That’s great you noticed that! When I saw the picture, I only noticed a Christopher Reeve looking guy on the left and a Joey from Friends looking guy on the right…and Arya being the only one smiling.

  224. I joined the watch for the show and had heard good things of wotw.but sure are a lot of cry baby’s over smallest things.after today I believe there are more phycologists here than fans.after reading a few of my text, I’ve been diagnosed by some of the best. Not sure this is the right place for me or not.I love asoiaf,my favorite show and book series I’ve ever seen or read.

    .

  225. Some times its good to compromise, but shit fire y’all ,let’s grow up alittle and try to respect each other. Making a judgment about people before they know the person at all.

  226. Does anyone doubt this is where we’re heading on Sunday?: It’s about time.

    Spoiler

    Mod note: I’m editing out this link because there’s no way to cover that spoiler-filled URL with spoiler code, should it turn out to be correct- and this is a post for everyone. – Sue the Fury

  227. VegoDread,

    Although there’s a solid chance of that figure in the preview

    being Benjen

    , please do not use IMDB to back that up. In fact, it’s embarrassing that Time is even doing so because they should know better. IMDB is fan-edited, meaning any of us can add in that credit. A GoT fan added in that credit to IMDB after the episode 6 preview aired last Sunday. It’s not a credit provided by HBO or the actor.

    That doesn’t mean it is or is not happening. I’m saying, forget about IMDb as a rule.

  228. Sue the Fury,

    I’m sorry Sue. I wasn’t paying attention to the IMDB reference, I was more paying attention to the

    fact that Benjen was returning.

    Lesson learned.

  229. VegoDread,

    Dee,

    Thanks a lot some times our thoughts don’t come out perfectly clear.and I do try to pronunciate for older people that maybe harder to see or understand our slang. But being called a woman hater that cant raise my daughter.when its really the exact opposite. Was awfully close to pushing a very bad button. Plus they called me Donald freaking Trump. That was the worst of all.but if I stay this is the only site I go and will always be there for the little guy or gal.

  230. Pigeon:

    HOW are we at the halfway point of the season already?! Too fast! Too fast!

    I know, right? I realized this morning we only have 5 episodes left and then another 10 months of nothing. I’m sad.

  231. Dee,

    If I was there with Arya watching the play of Joffrey’s death, I would be laughing my ass off.

  232. BunBunStark: I know, right? I realized this morning we only have 5 episodes left and then another 10 months of nothing. I’m sad.

    I would not say nothing. Thanks to this site we get filming news.

  233. Newbietothegame: I would not say nothing.Thanks to this site we get filming news.

    While I greatly appreciate the filming news provided by this site, for me, news is not the same as new episodes. My comment was not a knock on this site.

  234. Connor,

    Hahaha same here! I really think that’s what she’s watching – that or the walk of shame
    Or maybe tywins death….
    The only things I can think of that would make her smile.

    But most people didn’t like Joffrey or cersei so not so sure why the other people aren’t smiling at their events .

    I am Very intrigued

  235. Some people are spoiler tagging Benjen..is that needed? Book readers have no idea what happens to him just like the show watchers. He went ranging and never came back.

    I think many of us hope he’s still around and could help Bran and Meera. It would be cool if Bran could tell more about Benjen’s past. Why did he go to the wall?

  236. Sue I’m knew I do not do social Media. This is the only site I’ve joined.In 2000 I started this series and was sure it would be an epic master piece. 2011 after dance grrm became our generations Tolkien. And its not over
    If I’m in anyway wrong or not following the rules please give me my lashes. I am kind of ignorant of the media .and Internet maybe weary is a better word.but give me a chance and you’ll have a loyal one til the end.

  237. Any bets on whether we’ll get a veiled intro to Grave Digger this episode or will we need to wait for “The Broken Man?”

  238. Wimsey,

    That is D&D writing a new story,in the book in the Riverlands Cercei sends a letter to Jaime while under duress from the High Sparrow and he destroys it. There was no twin cest seige mentality. His story intertwined with Catelyn and was going to cross with another version of her. It was pointless sending him to Dorne. And people thinking one character is more important than the other is just non sense IMO. Because when u think about it, while they are bickering down south you have WW about to tear everyone apart. So is Jaime more important than Sam for example, who may be integral in fighting the WW?

  239. rhymeswithweak,

    I think all the youngest brothers of a generation are expected to , and maybe the kings of winter are hiding a game changing secret. I always. Thought. It odd they bent the knee,only did it to hide something more important. And I am not talking R+J either, Something bigger than stark pride.

  240. I seriously doubt that the Tyrells would ally with the HS while he’s still holding Loras prisoner.

    It does seem likely that HS is setting it up so that the Tyrells look like idiots for sending an army to the sept when Margaery was never in danger, and the city watch and Lannisters share the humiliation because they stood idly by and allowed the Tyrells to march through the city. Driving home the message: the noble families and the king are violent and selfish and enemies of the common people and the Faith. (To be fair, few Game of Thrones watchers could quibble with that assertion.) More importantly, that the High Sparrow is the ultimate power in Kings Landing. If that’s how it plays out, I’m beginning to think the HS is really just Littlefinger wearing a glamour.

    As another commenter mentioned, this has the bonus effect of driving a wedge between Cersei and Tommen.

    The only part I don’t understand is why Margaery would continue to play along once she sees what’s happening.

  241. So stoked to see Arya smiling, even for a bit. And Dany is smiling, too! BTW, I hope Dany’s storyline will move faster now. I’d like to see her arriving in Westeros by season’s end. But, it’s episode 6 already and she’s still riding oh so slowly towards Meereen so I’m a little worried my dream season ending won’t happen.

  242. Benjen get hype!!!!!

    I wonder if on the show somehow he’ll give the confirmation for R+L or at least know some secret about it. No introduction for Howland Reed thus far and TOJ happening this season. Seems significant that Benjen finds Bran at this point

  243. I wonder if Margaery is about to take her walk of shame here. Her head was not shaven, so maybe not? Unless, it’s not really a requirement for the walk.

  244. Beer Island: That is D&D writing a new story,i

    Book Story: Jaime sets out to become Tywin II, winds up becoming Man with a Soul.
    Show Story: Jaime sets out to become Tywin II, winds up becoming Man with a Soul.

    The difference was where Jaime did it: but that is plot, not story.

    Beer Island: So is Jaime more important than Sam for example, who may be integral in fighting the WW?

    Jaime is much more important to the story than is Sam, although Sam might make more important contributions to the plot. But the way Jaime has evolved much more, and much more in keeping with the general stories presented so far.

  245. Wimsey: Book Story: Jaime sets out to become Tywin II, winds up becoming Man with a Soul.
    Show Story: Jaime sets out to become Tywin II, winds up becoming Man with a Soul.

    The difference was where Jaime did it: but that is plot, not story.

    Still can’t forgive him though for that push he gave Bran. I’d rather he stays “bad” so his death will be satisfying.

  246. Nadia:
    Benjen get hype!!!!!

    I wonder if on the show somehow he’ll give the confirmation for R+L or at least know some secret about it. No introduction for Howland Reed thus far and TOJ happening this season. Seems significant that Benjen finds Bran at this point

    What I wonder about is where did he go? Why didn’t he come back to CB? Was he marked also? (But, why would he be marked?). You know, if Benjen is indeed in ep6, we’ll be in for another great reveal that show/book fans have been waiting for. I’m so loving this season!

  247. crimethink: It does seem likely that HS is setting it up so that the Tyrells look like idiots for sending an army to the sept when Margaery was never in danger, and the city watch and Lannisters share the humiliation because they stood idly by and allowed the Tyrells to march through the city.

    How about a different scenario, because the sort-of-alliance we saw in The Door between Cersei and QoT will have to be broken soon.
    HS told Tommen that he was ready to pardon Margaery as soon as she confessed to lying. Tommen told Cersei, who wanted to twist the situation to defeat the Tyrells. So she spun a story to Jaime and Olenna, and everything fell into place so that the Lannisters wouldn’t do anything, but the Tyrells would come charging in. This way, the Tyrells would be damaged beyond repair and Olenna would have to flee the capital and the Small Council. Perhaps Jaime has to flee to the RL too. So, Cersei scores her first victory, that over the disgraced Tyrells, and she’ll get her second victory, over the Sparrows, in the season finale.

  248. I think the HS is playing Cersei. What’s gonna happen is Margaery and Tommen will both declare for the Faith and the HS is gonna stand their smiling like now I have the King and Queen on my side with the largest army left in Westeros… Check. Your move Cersei.

  249. Wimsey: Book Story: Jaime sets out to become Tywin II, winds up becoming Man with a Soul.
    Show Story: Jaime sets out to become Tywin II, winds up becoming Man with a Soul.
    The difference was where Jaime did it: but that is plot, not story.

    Are we watching the same show? It seems clear to me that to the extent Jaime had a soul, he already had it in S4, and if anything he seems to have lost it in S6. He’s behaving a lot more like the early-season Jaime.

  250. Kay,

    They missed another very potent snippet …

    Who’s bloody hand is seen, with an arm in dirt gray robes,, grasping an outside wall in what appears to be a seriously wounded or dying movement?

    ps… their eyesight’s a bit shit if they confused Bears for Lions 😉

  251. http://time.com/4341960/game-of-thrones-sophie-turner-maisie-williams-spoilers-truth-telling-game/

    In this article Maisie and Sophie were to make two true statements and one false regarding season 6. Here is what they said:
    Turner:
    1. “Ramsay dies.”
    2. “Lady Stoneheart returns.”
    3. “Arya checks three people off her list.”

    So Arya checks three off or we get LS this season (if you trust Sophie). Who is even left on her list and which three could bite it? She would sure have to act fast to get three by the end of this season. Or is it more believable that LS will appear?

    Maisie’s responses are below FYI.
    Williams:
    1. “Arya goes to Westeros, back over the sea.”
    2. “Arya is in the trailer more times than people have realized, because they don’t realize it’s her.”
    3. “Arya doesn’t cross any more names off her list.”

  252. BunBunStark: I know, right? I realized this morning we only have 5 episodes left and then another 10 months of nothing. I’m sad.

    I know! It always catches me off guard. All the waiting and speculating and discussion, and I want to pump the brakes and make the season last longer. That feeling when Episode 10 is done each year….argh! 😛

  253. Sam,

    I’m trying really hard, although I’m not too sure I’m succeeding, to temper my expectations of seeing Benjen.

  254. Chad Brick: Are we watching the same show? It seems clear to me that to the extent Jaime had a soul, he already had it in S4, and if anything he seems to have lost it in S6. He’s behaving a lot more like the early-season Jaime.

    I get what you mean. The detour they made last season with Jaime’s character didn’t pan out. That whole ‘Jaime in Dorne’ story was such a mess. I was incredulous (still am) when the SS murdered Myrcella and Trystane but let go of Jaime. If you want revenge, you kill the head of your enemy’s family if you have the chance. Some here said it’s to make him “suffer” the death of his daughter. But, why let him go? Why not hold him and make him your captive?

    Of course, the writers have to “let him go” because Jaime has to be in RR (where he was in the book). Oh well. This is the only low-point of the season for me so far. I’m enjoying all the rest, thank goodness. 🙂

  255. Pigeon,

    I’m kinda heart broken about the show only having 20,episodes left. If they would give me 35 I’d be more than happy. Grrm is given his life to this song, HBO could easily gone a decade. Most be more about the $ than love for his work. I do give them credit though.best show on TV ever!

  256. HereBeDragons:
    Kay,

    They missed another very potent snippet …

    Who’s bloody hand is seen, with an arm in dirt gray robes,, grasping an outside wall in what appears to be a seriously wounded or dying movement?

    My guess is it’s Arya’s.

  257. HelloThere,

    Really? People hate him for his treatment of Brienne? I hated him ever since Sam told Jon why he had joined the Watch. Tarly threatened his own son with death simply because he didn’t fit his ideal of what a Tarly heir should be. Not even Tywin was as cold- hearted as Randyll.

  258. Dylanstargaryian,

    If it was more about the money, though, wouldn’t they make their cash cow go on for a longer, as opposed to shorter period of time? I certainly don’t want the show to end, but I’ll take quality over quantity. I’d far rather have fewer episodes that are well done, than more episodes filled with…whatever…just to make it last longer.

  259. Chad Brick,

    That’s because he doesn’t know about Moonboy, duh! Wait till he finds out. In all seriousness though, what most people see as Jaime growing a soul/conscience I see as simply growing a brain. Jaime is the equivalent of a dumb jock who got by his looks and physical prowes. Since part of that was taken away, he had to learn to actually use his brains and become aware of his surroundings. In the process he got a bit humble but he’s in no way as redeemed as people think he is, Jaime still lacks remorse. He never truly repented for what he did to Bran, he was sorry for the additional troubled it created for him and the Lannisters but not his victim. When you have Theon to compare him to, Jaime falls utterly short.

  260. The HS only wants to bring down the Lannisters, Margery and Loras are just pawns. I’m really worried about Sam and Gilly because his dad is horrible and this will not go well.

  261. Flayed Potatoes:
    Jon was a corpse for 2 episodes, so it seems fitting that he does not skip this episode. I hope he doesn’t. Maybe I’ll get that Jon/Mel conversation I want about his resurrection while they’re travelling to wherever they’re supposed to go. Or maybe they’ll all visit another place before heading to Bear Island like Deepwood Motte or wherever the Hornwoods live.

    I agree.
    I clearly remember reading a report in December last year tgat said they had filmed a scene where Jon convinces the Wildlings to fight for him. (L7R was the source, if I am not mistaken. We had even seen pics of Tormund at that time) yet based on the episodes we have seen, it seems the Wildling support has already been take for granted, with Tormund speaking for them. So either L7R were wrong about this or else this scene has been cut?
    Besides, I wonder, there were not many Wildlings at CB when they marched out. Are Jon and Co going to collect the Wildling army and take them along when they go to the Northern houses or will the Wildling army just appear directly on the battlefield?

  262. Sam,

    I don’t get where people are seeing that Jaime is the same as he is during S1 and 2. He’s necessarily opposing a very formidable evil (in the Sparrows). There is currently nothing that is unjustifiable about his actions in trying to counter them. His weakness is Cersei, certainly, but the writers have set it up so that they seem justified in trying to set things right (which is the kind of damned if you do, damned if you don’t thing they like to set up). They’ve also left ambiguous as to how much he has learned since his return that basically what has happened was her fault, and I think that will likely come back into the fold somehow.

  263. This might be the wrong place to ask this but doesn’t the Jon/Sansa plan seem kinda confused?

    Are they raising an army for JON? Or is Jon backing Sansa’s claim to Winterfell? Because at times it goes back and forth, and I wonder if that’s going to be an issue, i.e. they think they’re going for Jon’s claim but when they meet the Northern houses they support Sansa to retake Winterfell because she’s a Stark?

    The whole actual politics of this is somewhat confused.

  264. Nadia,

    Love sansa but she doesn’t deserve winter fell. She she may get the river lands and the vale though. I’m praying she’s finally gonna do it right with lilfinger going through the moon door. Eventually….

  265. Nadia:
    This might be the wrong place to ask this but doesn’t the Jon/Sansa plan seem kinda confused?

    Are they raising an army for JON? Or is Jon backing Sansa’s claim to Winterfell? Because at times it goes back and forth, and I wonder if that’s going to be an issue, i.e. they think they’re going for Jon’s claim but when they meet the Northern houses they support Sansa to retake Winterfell because she’s a Stark?

    The whole actual politics of this is somewhat confused.

    In 6×04, Sansa told him the northern houses would fight for him if he asked them to (being the son of the last true warden of the north). My assumption is that they will tell people Jon will lead the fight against the Bolton so they can restore the true Lord of WF, which is Rickon. I’m assuming there’s no confusion about that yet. However, LF may stir things up soon because, well, that’s what he does.

  266. Dylanstargaryian,

    You may be right, I don’t know how that sort of thing works with subscription tv. That said, I don’t think if the show-runners told HBO they needed two full seasons to finish the story, HBO would say no, especially since HBO executives have gone on record saying they’ll keep the show going as long as the show-runners feel they need.

    I do wish they would say they need a bit longer, but I just have to trust the judgement of the show-runners.

    On a different note, I’m so excited for a Cogman episode!!!
    Do we have any wagers going on who’ll be taking a bath? 😉

  267. ghost of winterfell,

    There’s a shot of Tormund in the second trailer with wildlings, mostly likely their camp, and there was a behind the scenes video and it showed Wun Wun sitting on a tree stub and then standing up, most likely from that scene. I think we might get it this episode, hopefully. That way Sansa, Brienne and Podrick will see a giant for the first time!!!

  268. Icekhione,

    But he said he filmed more this season then ever before. Thats turning out to not be so true anf kit would never lie. Oh wait. Well, theres no reason to lie about this though….

  269. Nadia,

    They definitely haven’t spelled it out, but I’d think both Sansa and Jon are aware of and accept the fact Rickon is the heir to Winterfell. Now, as to which of them would maybe be appointed to rule until Rickon comes of age, that’s a different matter. Of course, Rickon could die. The thing is, though, Sansa is a Stark, and as far as anyone knows, Jon is a bastard.

  270. Connor: That way Sansa, Brienne and Podrick will see a giant for the first time!!!

    I think the implication is that everyone split up: Brienne/Pod to recruit the Blackfish; Sansa, Jon, Davos, Mel to rally the North; and Tormund back to rally the Wildlings. I doubt Sansa, Brienne and Pod will see Wun Wun anytime soon.

  271. Nymeria Warrior Queen:
    Nadia,

    They definitely haven’t spelled it out, but I’d think both Sansa and Jon are aware of and accept the fact Rickon is the heir to Winterfell.Now, as to which of them would maybe be appointed to rule until Rickon comes of age, that’s a different matter.Of course, Rickon could die.The thing is, though, Sansa is a Stark, and as far as anyone knows, Jon is a bastard.

    If Rickon dies (oh God, no), then Sansa will be the heir unless they find Bran. I don’t think Jon will object to that. It will be out of character for him if he does.

  272. Sam,

    Yeah Jon has never cared to rule. He only wants to do things right – and that is the fight against the whitewalkers

    The only reason he is fighting for WINTERFELL is because Sansa asked him to, and now especially because Ramsay threatened his sister AND Brother AND the wildlings

    He doesn’t care to rule nor will he ever. After this battle the focus will be on the WW again if , of course , Jon wins and Ramsay is gone.

  273. Anyone remember which hand Jaime used when pushing bran out of the tower? I’d like it if bran while learning more of.his powers saw an opportunity to take it .

  274. Dylanstargaryian,

    Are you talking about how Sansa “still feels what Ramsay did inside of [her]”?

    That simply refers to how he raped and abused her for all those months. Remember, this is the same twatwaffle who puts playing his sadistic games with people above the future of his house.

  275. Dee,

    She really should be though lol seeing as how Ramsay must have used her many times and she being young and fertile.

  276. It’s been over 2 weeks since the episode titles for episodes 6 and 7 were revealed, did we ever get a 608 or even 609 title? I suppose they might be released more slowly as we start to approach the end of the season…

  277. Subject matter early today. I stated what would be so bad about her just being a mother .she’s learned a lot about the world and I think it would something she would be great at.my meaning was lost like that’s all she could or was good for.

  278. I’m super excited for “Meet the Parents” at the Tarly crib! I absolutely love Sam and Gilly, and I’m sure the dinner conversation will be cringeworthy.

    I agree with everyone predicting that Marjory is going to become a sparrow instead of going Walkabout.

    Tying in with the Blood of my Blood theme: I wonder if Dany will choose her blood riders. I’m really interested to see if she allows the Dosh Kaleen to leave Vaes Dothrak. Will they want to leave their sacred city? And will Dany free the Dothraki slaves and ask them to join her as free men and women? I wonder if this will be happily accepted by all, or if they will accuse her of ruining the Dothraki tradition and way of life. I’m sure many of the male Dothraki are not going to like the new classroom rule of “no sexual harassment allowed.”

    Hyped for the Drogon fly by. Would be fun if they could play “Danger Zone” when the Dothraki see him for the first time. I hope he doesn’t snack on any horses.

    I’m REALLY hoping Stick Bitch meets Needle. Arya = “Say hello to my little friend”

    I have so many hopes…most of which will be crushed of course.

    Sunday won’t be here fast enough.

  279. Dylanstargaryian,

    She said she “could still feel what he did to me.” That’s an entirely different feeling from being pregnant. You must be a guy, because you clearly don’t know how women’s bodies work, or how they feel. The aftereffects of being raped and abused is a far, far cry from feeling pregnant.

  280. White Walter,

    They’ll probably leak soonish.

    By the by, is anyone else EXTREMELY excited for the potential Bran-Sansa-Jon and hopefully a living Rickon reunion at the end of the season? Because at the pace Bran’s storyline has been going, I’m feeling it. I’m seriously fucking feeling it!

  281. Dylanstargaryian:
    Rygritte,

    I’m convinced now.starks are the main white walkers,the generals. Those next are crastors babies,the one’s that we have seen shattered. Then the fallen,ones or pawns.doubt we would ever see martins true vision, ice spiders and ice creatures ,HBO done a lot better than I expected.

    The Stark link seems to be something but I honestly think that ice spiders are just the wights, and Sunday’s episode (with them crawling on the ceiling) convinced me even more. From a distance, that’s exactly what they’d resemble (and I doubt anyone would’ve survived if they’d seen them up close way back). Remember it’s been 8000 years since the last WW war, a lot of information has been lost, or changed over the centuries.

  282. Green Chili,

    I also want to know who Littlefinger is meeting in the woods. Is it a member of the rogue Brotherhood of Banners? Or someone much more surprising?

  283. Bluestreaking:
    AerynsunX,

    In regards to a Daario betrayal I feel that there has been a build up to something with him, he seems out of place as just Dany’s lover.

    I think he may have originally planned to just scare Dany away and that is why he has protected her, he also enjoys being her lover of course, but after the events in Vaes Dothrak he realizes that despite his feelings for Dany he believes she will destroy life as he knows it in Essos in her journey as a “mad conqueror”

    On a sidenote I think back to my days playing Mafia on epicmafia, someone who immediately takes over in a trying time and directs everyone was considered a “scumtell” they seem to be in charge and thus immune from suspicion. Of course I could just be reading too much into it but I just can’t shake a bad feeling about the seemingly purposeless conversation they had between Dany and Daario in the episode six preview.

    This was what I was trying to explain. Something is a little off in that scene. I can’t shake this “I have a bad feeling about Daario” sensation. He’s done absolutely nothing suspicious–which makes him very suspicious! LOL But of course, he could just be exactly what he presents himself to be; a guy who wants to get paid, and laid.

  284. George,

    Surely there still are wildling populations north….Tormund 5, 000 ish in total…Mance had a 100, 000 coming didnt he?
    Hardhome didnt have all of them…twas just a tiny port
    Must be hundreds of settlements still around that Benjen mustve settled into.

    I am thinking he couldve been captive n then escaped or maybe found something like the Forrester bastard colony in tge Tell-tale game!!

  285. Kay: How about a different scenario, because the sort-of-alliance we saw in The Door between Cersei and QoT will have to be broken soon.
    HS told Tommen that he was ready to pardon Margaery as soon as she confessed to lying. Tommen told Cersei, who wanted to twist the situation to defeat the Tyrells. So she spun a story to Jaime and Olenna, and everything fell into place so that the Lannisters wouldn’t do anything, but the Tyrells would come charging in. This way, the Tyrells would be damaged beyond repair and Olenna would have to flee the capital and the Small Council. Perhaps Jaime has to flee to the RL too. So, Cersei scores her first victory, that over the disgraced Tyrells, and she’ll get her second victory, over the Sparrows, in the season finale.

    I’d figured it was something similar… Cersei persuaded the Tyrell’s to bring in their forces (with the Lannisters standing down) so that they would wipe out the FM, and the small folk would then turn on the Tyrell’s. Perhaps Marg and Loras would die in the battle.

    Then the Lannisters would wipe out whatever remains of the Tyrell’s within the walls of KL.

    Obviously this will go wrong in some way, as Marg will be released this week so Cersei’s plan fails and she had to resort to plan B, in the finale.

    I think either way the whole thing though is an elaborate plot by the HS to bring down both houses.

    And Loras is definitely toast.

  286. 1) King’s Landing look amazing. No clue what will happen, but since Jaime is leaving for the Riverlands soon, I assume the HS’s ace in the pocket will be Tommen. Doubt the HS will die before episode 10. Also believe that ‘I choose violence’ will be in a later episode.

    2)What is with the Daario conspiracies both in the books and the series? In both media the guy is presented as a straightforward jackass and professional warrior/sellsword. There is nothing suspicious about him. He might betray Daenerys only if he believes she’ll lose and take Plumm’s place in the books, but I can not fathom him being part of a greater conspiracy. It seems in the books he’ll die unceremoniously by being flung from a fricking catapult (I do hope it happens in the series as well, simply for the visuals).

    3) Benjen’s return is very likely, seeing as how much he has been name dropped and shown recently.

    4) Walder Frey will return to make his upcoming demise more of a satisfying revenge for season 3. If he’s just in one episode in done it will come over rather silly.

  287. Bluestreaking,

    He couldve simply been, like Jorah, an informant for some slavers or Euron – but still quite loyal protective and an admirer.

    but his face when Daeny walked outta the fire shows he was totally won over – just like Jorah repented when he saw the first fire

  288. koempel,

    Walder Frey is season 7 fodder. Methinks capping him will be Arya’s first arc of the season, and then she’ll have to choose whether to head home to the rest of the Starks or continue her path of revenge and head for Cersei in King’s Landing.

  289. Jon is doing now exactly what he refused to for Stannis. Only Stannis would have made Jon Lord of Winterfell and warden of the north with a stroke of the pen first. Also he advised sending Alliser to Eastwatch. So had Jon listened to Stannis: The main plotter to his murder wouldn’t be there to do it. Jon would already have the title he needs and if they went on to win the war against Ramsay with Stannis’ army, sellswords and Wildlings Rickon and Osha would not been captured and thus still alive.

  290. jentario,

    Could be and I would definitely like that, since it allows a lengthy set-up. But the inclusion of the Brotherhood without Banners this season makes me believe we will see whatever the book events were leading up to.

  291. matt:
    Elizabeth,

    My thought of how this will play out is that the waif will be told to kill Arya, will chase her through the city featuring all the Parkour looking shots we’ve seen. She thinks she has caught and cornered Arya, but Arya was just leading her to the Needle hiding place.Then Arya gives her the pointy end and GTFO’s from Bravos.

    Matt, I LOVE the way you think. I am so ready for Arya to kick some Waif butt!!! I am so enjoying the play, much more than I thought. I just know this has to be a turning point for Arya and the Waif getting stabbed “with the pointy end” would be perfect to me:)

  292. Arya killing Waif?

    Or — wild speculation — Waif killing Arya and taking her face. Possibly held ambiguous to confuse the viewers. We see Maisie but do not know who she is – until Nymeria kills Waif-fArya².

    /wildspeculation

  293. Mihnea:
    Apollo,

    This never came to me!!

    But holy crap, does it make sense!!!!

    Yeah, really never been a fan of ice spiders (even though I get its a fantasy story). There’s so much in fact about the various lore and mythology of the WWs and the various prophecies that are probably greatly distorted (or just plain wrong) especially after 8000 years.

    Sunday’s episode I think has been really pivotal in opening up a whole range of theories/possibilities though.

  294. ygritte,

    Yeah but that’s not who Jon is,only death could make him leave the watch nothing else.Also all those people he saved at hardhome would have died.

  295. I think the High Sparrow survives this season for the following reason

    Once Tommen dies (which I think he does this season) you can kiss that “legitimate succession, the proper progression” goodbye. His heir would’ve been Stannis, dead; whose heir was Shireen, dead; whose heir was Renly, dead. We have no more Baratheons. Conceivably powerful forces such as the Tyrell’s could rally behind a royal bastard but Joffrey could all but Gendry who was last seen rowing to the ends of the earth. I mean they could bring back Gendry as a plot device in such a situation but if done wrong comes across as very deus ex machina.

    Anyway after the last heir to the throne dies I imagine the High Sparrow would declare rule of the church until “a proper heir claims the throne” which could mean seven gods knows what. This fulfills his boast about overthrowing an empire and gives an interesting plot development for Cersei who I think will then flee King’s Landing.

    Then King’s Landing will stay like this until Dany arrives next season (landing at King’s Landing like a true Dragon as opposed to a Mummer’s one).

  296. HereBeDragons:
    Kay,
    ps… their eyesight’s a bit shitif they confused Bears for Lions ?

    Ah, the “Lannister-flag adorned hall.” Well, it is a bear rampant, which is unusual and does look a bit like a lion rampant, but they really should read fan sites first.

  297. Icekhione,

    Looks like it. Mereen and the House of Black and White have grown into my least favorites. At least we’ll get to see Margery again but no Jon & Sansa, sigh.

  298. Nymeria Warrior Queen:
    Sam,

    I’m trying really hard, although I’m not too sure I’m succeeding, to temper my expectations of seeing Benjen.

    I’m not. T’is the motherfucking season of Stark reunions. Get hype!

  299. ghost of winterfell:
    Besides, I wonder, there were not many Wildlings at CB when they marched out. Are Jon and Co going to collect the Wildling army and take them along when they go to the Northern houses or will the Wildling army just appear directly on the battlefield?

    Showing up with a Wildling army might not be the best way to foster goodwill and a positive outcome with the Northern houses, so I think it makes sense to leave them wherever they are for now and retrieve them after they’ve gathered as many houses as possible. However, I would like to see the Wildlings actually offer or be asked to fight at some point.

  300. Nadia:
    This might be the wrong place to ask this but doesn’t the Jon/Sansa plan seem kinda confused?

    Are they raising an army for JON? Or is Jon backing Sansa’s claim to Winterfell? Because at times it goes back and forth, and I wonder if that’s going to be an issue, i.e. they think they’re going for Jon’s claim but when they meet the Northern houses they support Sansa to retake Winterfell because she’s a Stark?

    The whole actual politics of this is somewhat confused.

    Ostensibly, the Starks are collectively reclaiming Winterfell to both have a home and to save their brother Rickon. They’ve not yet discussed who will be lord/lady and Warden of the North, but I think it is obvious that it won’t be Jon since no mention of legitimizing has come up. Rickon would be first in line, anyway, assuming they save him.

  301. Ginevra,

    By using logic alone they should know there is no way any of the Starks/ loyalists would be caught in the westerlands much less in a lannister castle. For they surely would be a prisoner. Just dumb

  302. matt:
    Elizabeth,

    My thought of how this will play out is that the waif will be told to kill Arya, will chase her through the city featuring all the Parkour looking shots we’ve seen. She thinks she has caught and cornered Arya, but Arya was just leading her to the Needle hiding place.Then Arya gives her the pointy end and GTFO’s from Bravos.

    I thought about this too, as it is a bit obvious but also seems a bit too “Hollywood”.

  303. ygritte:
    Dee,

    She really should be though lol seeing as how Ramsay must have used her many times and she being young and fertile.

    Finnian (I feel like I’m misspelling her name) theorized that Sansa’s speech implied she had been sodomized by Ramsay. Really forceful, raping anal sex would leave damage for quite a long time, I imagine, so that’s a solid theory and would explain why Sansa might not have been impregnated immediately.

  304. Ser Not Appearing in this Series: I thought about this too, as it is a bit obvious but also seems a bit too “Hollywood”.

    Possibly, but remember that we’ve seen the photos of Maisie filming in the water/harbourside in Northern Ireland, so there’s a real chance something along these lines could actually happen.

  305. AerynsunX,

    You are correct I couldn’t ever understand the way a woman would feel, I won’t try.but I thought I’d her her say she could still feel what he’d done inside.If I’m wrong I stand corrected. Always looking at the foreshadowing, is tough,but grrm is the best at it.and I apologize to all women and eunuchs if i sound offensive. Not my intention to !

  306. Ginevra: Finnian (I feel like I’m misspelling her name) theorized that Sansa’s speech implied she had been sodomized by Ramsay. Really forceful, raping anal sex would leave damage for quite a long time, I imagine, so that’s a solid theory and would explain why Sansa might not have been impregnated immediately.

    Jeez… TMI LOL. Possibly though. I had wondered if Sansa’s words were foreshadowing of something to come regarding possible pregnancy (as much as I hope to hell its not).

    I guess we don’t know exactly how long she’d been kept prisoner for, but perhaps it’s too early for her to feel any sickness for example (or is it? I’m clueless with these things).

  307. Apollo,

    My take is more to what she said. He cut her and probably carved his name into her….that takes time to heal.

    Too many ugly thoughts to start the day! #ramseymustdie

  308. Fienix,

    I wonder if that is because the actress she is meant to kill has amused Arya, and she (Arya) begins to like the actress despite having been ordered to kill her

  309. Touchy I know so…,Arya kills the waif,? Is there a connection to the Frey’s there it would be awesome,if arya fixed Walter Frey right up and feed him to his children some dinner guest

  310. Newbietothegame,

    Yes the theory’s and history, and prophecy, is what hooked me.and I’m a book man and oh are all u that don’t,missing one of the best.16 yes invested in characters for me where show only followers are not getting the same story.

  311. Dylanstargaryian,
    HE has Sansa become a bastard in the Vale which makes her become more empathic towards Jon’s situation. In the show, they skipped that part, yet included a conversation in which Sansa sincerely apologized for her behaviour as A CHILD.

    Now can we please stop this pregnancy nonsense once and for all? There are no hints whatsoever and she would already be showing.

    And btw, GRRM is not the Catholic church, so no, she won’t be punished for being a snobbish child. Now it’s time to gtf over it!

  312. ygritte,

    I think Stannis would have still lost the battle and Jon would have died there. Stannis’ army wasn’t equipped to handle the weather conditions. There wasn’t really any guarantee that Stannis would win. And even if you imagine a scenario where Stannis wins in the North, he’ll probably get crushed by the Tyrell-Lannister forces if he tries to take KL again. It’s too risky.

    Not to mention the Northeners might not look favorably on Jon for accepting a Southern “king”. I think it might be better if they see and deal with him directly, especially with how the show is building him up as Ned Stark 2.0. Jon could impress them.

    Nadia,

    I think this will be established as they start rallying houses. I’m sure Sansa and Jon aren’t under the illusion that Rickon will escape unharmed from Ramsay. Looking at the Kingsmoot (and how succession laws seem to be less and less important this season), it wouldn’t surprise me if some houses preferred Jon, especially if he’s the one actually leading the army and doing the fighting. The Warden of the North is named by the Crown and I’m pretty sure neither Jon nor Sansa want to deal with Cersei and friends for now.

  313. Kai,

    Shame that you think that, I think its interesting. I’m curious on to see what’s next for her. Hopefully she will leave the Faceless Men and get her ass back to Westoros and run into Nymeria and her wolf pack.

  314. Sorry I just always expect the worst. So I can’t be let down.we all want good things for the good but that’s not how things go.This isn’t a Disney story.Just the opposite, giving us the hard truths that we pretend isn’t there.

  315. Anyone ever had a problem with the spam filter blocking posts? It keeps blocking any moderate length post I write, despite containing nothing that would rationally trigger it.

  316. Inquisitor1961,

    I think it is two possible options. First and least likely is it is Howland Reed. I still think he is down at Greywater Watch though. Second and most likely is BenJen Stark. however, I have a theory. it will be BenJen/Coldhands combination. It makes the return of BenJen bitter sweet because A we get benJen back but B he is undead! I mainly think that because in his IMDB account it states Brother Beyond the Wall – that explains Coldhands more than BenJen. Also, make for a great tidbit knowing that the Undead can be good too!

  317. From a political perspective, it’d be a good thing if she were pregnant with Ramsay’s child. Once Ramsay’s defeated and killed, his issue would inherit Dreadfort. It would be heir to House Bolton. Starks would then have Winterfell and Dreadfort. Sansa is not a politician or a military tactician or a warrior. So how can she contribute? By being a figurehead and a brood mare.

  318. bad things happen to good people. Its what asoiaf is .terrible and wonderful at the same time .aren’t we all as humans both good and bad ?I’ll not lie to myself y’all just sweep it under the rug ,but nothing surprises me anymore.

  319. Chad Brick:
    Anyone ever had a problem with the spam filter blocking posts? It keeps blocking any moderate length post I write, despite containing nothing that would rationally trigger it.

    yes, this morning and nothing shocking to trigger it.

  320. Dutch Maester:
    Connor,

    Nor Meereen. Which is fine, since King’s Landing & Sam’s story really need some development by now.

    BTW, Arya in 6 out of 7 episodes lol. So Maisie was just lying about being in “fewer episodes this year”.

    I was trying to find the original quote directly from Maisie because I have a feeling that she never literally said “fewer episodes” but only implied that. However, the original source no longer says anything even related to Maisie or Arya’s screentime! Here is the original WotW article and the original-original article that WotW references. Nate of WotW says:

    Williams also confirmed that we’ll be seeing less of her character in season 6, with her appearing in fewer episodes than in previous years. According to Express, the actress says that many of her scenes were “split up”, and that she feels her story still “totally flows.”

    As you can see, though, Express no longer says “split up” or “totally flows” or anything about screentime or the number of episodes. That all seems to have been removed, so we have no idea what Maisie originally said.

    Assuming Maisie’s IMDb page is correct for previous seasons, the least number of episodes she’s had is six (Seasons 4 and 5), right? We know she’s in Blood of my Blood because of her official picture here, so that makes five episodes. On IMDb, they say she’ll be in Broken Man, but do we have confirmation? And how do we know Maisie will be in future episodes? Filming intell?

    What if Arya is in future episodes but not Maisie? “WTF,” you say, “how could that be?” Arya takes a face. Of course, if we know Maisie filmed in the Riverlands, that may still mean she has at least as many episodes as previous seasons if not more. Maybe she’s not as good at counting, or maybe they split her scenes across more episodes than originally outlined in the scripts. But this quote-that-no-longer-exists and the quote about Arya being in the trailer more than we realize makes me wonder if Arya is taking a face for much of the rest of the season.

  321. I have a couple of questions for anyone?

    First, I can’t remember if Joffrey was dead and Arya knew it, and that Sansa was suspected of killing him, before she left for Braavos?

    Second, at first, I sort of looked at Ja’qen H’gar as Arya’s rescuer. It seemed as if he like Arya, even though he was tough on her training. But gradually I am seeing him as a “bad guy,” someone sinister, and if he decided that Arya has to die how in the world can she get away from him? He is everywhere.

    She is given the task of killing the actress. She can’t cheat the many faced god. So will the Faceless Man, Ja’qen, be satisfied if, instead of killing the actress she kills The Waif? I guess someone would still have to kill the actress if she was paid for.

    Also, I have to wonder if Arya will head for The Wall, next. She really has no where else to go. I think I have to go back & rewatch earlier seasons, because I have trouble with the sequence of events and what Arya knows?

  322. redxgod:
    Apollo,

    My take is more to what she said. He cut her and probably carved his name into her….

    Remember the white fawn branded her hostages before returning them to their ransomers.

  323. What’s the basis for all the Waif hate? Arya wanted to join this elite group and this is the initiation. The FM have given Arya opportunities to leave and she chose to stay. The Waif isn’t some Ramsay or Joffrey type villain. I even think in this medium she’s a FM cause of the scene at the end of Season 5. Although, it is strange that the Waif gets prickly when she senses “Jaqen” favoring Arya. That doesn’t seem like no one.

  324. HereBeDragons,

    If you check out this weeks trailer they do a camera shot on Tyrell soldiers from the steps. You can see all the people behind the soldiers. Couple things I noticed. That is a lot of potential faith supporters behind the Tyrell soldiers. I MEAN ALOT!! Second, the Tyrell’s didn’t bring enough men, NO WHERE NEAR ENOUGH. Not sure on the double cross but that is just something I noticed.

    That shadow shot I think is a man of the Faith stabbing Ser Gregor in the back, only to find out that that won’t even phase Ser Gregor. everyone thinks it is a vision of Jamie stabbing the Mad King. I don’t think the shadows match up. The guy being stabbed is huge – Mad King was not huge by description. And the person stabbing the large shadow appears to be wearing a robe with potentially bald head. I guess it could be Jamie in his white cape. still the shadow sizes is what throws me off. If it is Jamie and the Mad King then the Mad King was much bigger than Jamie, and Jamie is pretty tall.

  325. Roz’s Ghost,

    I believe the hound only told her “he’d like to see that ” …..sarcasm…..after she said something about killing him.your other question about how she gets away I’m,kinda lost ,maybe she catches a ride with Sam and Gilly.

  326. Apollo,

    Old Nan said “Riding their packs of pale spiders, big as hounds”. To me that means Litteral spiders. Anyway the World of Ice and Fire book makes it quite clear that they are litteral spiders, both through the artwork and the text. There is a very creepy piece of artwork depicting 5 or 6 Others riding white spiders.

  327. Markus Stark,

    Yes, but GRRM writes these books like real history books, and history is full of unreliable narrators and stories that change ridiculously over time.
    We aren’t meant to take these tales literally.
    The World of Ice and Fire is written as such, its all an unreliable narration of history that has been passed down and altered through the years.

  328. Tycho Nestoris,

    Considering the Waif is also supposed to be No One, she seems strangely obsessed with Arya.

    Roz’s Ghost,

    Arya doesn’t know what exactly happened at Joffrey’s wedding. If I remember correctly, when Brienne finds her and The Hound, she says she’s tasked with protecting Arya in the name of King Tommen or something. So based on that she figured out he died and removed him from the list.

    When she reached that ship she wanted to go to the Wall, but the captain was heading to Braavos. So she pulled out the FM coin as a last resort. Based on where she is now and how much information she has, imo she’d still want to go the Wall (where Jon is). She doesn’t know what situation Sansa, Bran, and Rickon are in currently.

  329. Lucy,

    Bear Island isn’t far and I assume they will go there. The only have 3 episodes til episodes 9 so they have to move quickly!

    Love the Arya stuff – I hope she doesn’t kill the actress, kills the Waif instead, runs back to Westeros. Remember jaquen said a girl has been given a second chance, she won’t be given a third.

  330. Lord Farstark,

    Who else could be there???? It has to be Benjen … And probably the 3ER or Bran told him to look for the White Walkers … so he has been following them all this time and looking for Bran.

  331. Flayed Potatoes,

    Yes, that is strange. Maybe she’s not a FM and is jealous Arya is training to be one and getting second chances? The scene at the end of season 5 confirmed to me that she is FM though, so I am confuse’ed.

  332. Joey,

    Where did Walder Frey come from? I don’t think we will be getting that until Jamie heads the Riverlands. if you are right though, that would be awesome! I hate that guy, but enjoy the majority of the scenes he is in.

  333. Flayed Potatoes,

    The Waif is technically No One.
    I believe the twist at the end of episode 5×10 is meant to show that it isn’t necessarily the same person Arya is training with every time. The Jaqen and Waif persona have certain characteristics that different faceless men play when they wear those faces. The fact that they are no one, allows them to be different personas.

  334. Tycho Nestoris,

    I think she’s completed her training too (she’s definitely a better fighter than Arya), but she isn’t being sent on assignments and stuff. She’s probably just stuck training the recruits or something and she’s bitter. Arya gets to go on missions, so it must sting.

  335. Roz’s Ghost,

    I believe she knew Joffrey died but not that Sansa was accused of killing him (I think the pic above shows her watching PlaySansa kill PlayJoffrey and enjoying it)

    to me Ja’qen H’gar is two characters..the one in Westeros and then the leader of Faceless Men. Thats the way I have made sense of him. Ja’qen 1.0 died somehow and Ja’qen 2.0 is using the same face for Ayra (for good or bad reason, take your pick)

    I dont know if killing The Waif will satisfy or not..the consensus is The Waif comes after Arya because she doesnt kill Lady Crane (Actress) and Ayra kills/eludes her and escapes back to Westeros. There will of course have to be some type of closure and my guess is Faceless Men eventually catch up to her and she thats how she dies.

    Show wise I think they have to Ayra heading north because they have to start condensing story lines,but “north” for a while will be going through Riverlands so she can say “whats up” to the Freys. I see Ayra/Jansa reunion towards end of next season

  336. KG: Only if it is accompanied by the Waif getting skewered by Needle.

    Oh yeah, I’m ready for it!!

  337. Christine,

    Cause she probably isn’t doing a walk of atonement like Cersei. All Marg did was lie about her brothers sexuality. I don’t believe that deserves a walk of atonement – even the high sparrow knows that. He is playing a game to create more dissent between the Lannisters and Tyrells. Just speculating tho…can’t wait to find out!

  338. King Crow Lord Snow,

    It’s pretty clear the WWs wiped them out,enough with these imaginary wildlings that somehow still managed to escape all the wights and white walkers,it makes no sense whatsoever .

  339. I’m extra excited for the Riverlands plot if somehow we see Arya make her way there and Nymeria’s pack comes into play!!

    I do wonder though, who does everyone think Arya is tasked to kill that she would think twice about? The people she cares most about in the world are in the North. Gendry if he reappears? Doubt it. The Hound? Or maybe Blackfish himself who is trying to get revenge on the Lannisters and Freys, and that’s how she ends up in the Riverlands, but she can’t bring herself to do it because her desire for revenge is too great.

  340. Mihnea,

    I know, I’m simply saying the myths refer to actual spiders, not to the wights. I never said the spiders really existed. You don’t need to always be so argumentative buddy.

  341. My take on Arya: She will go through with the poisoning but get caught doing it and need to flee. Jaqan would not give her the use of another face so he will then send her back to Westeros. You cannot become faceless if your face is on a wanted poster!

  342. HelloThere,

    No we aren’t, but people in the world of Westeros who tell these stories expect people to believe them. In other words, as I said to Mihnea, the myths refer to actual spiders, they do not refer to the wights. I never said the spiders really existed.

  343. Nadia,

    Faceless Men aren’t allowed to kill people they know (they are supposed to be No One). These assassins are also very expensive to hire. I don’t know who would want those characters dead and be willing to spend a ton of money.

  344. Stargaryen:
    HereBeDragons,

    If you check out this weeks trailer they do a camera shot on Tyrell soldiers from the steps. You can see all the people behind the soldiers. Couple things I noticed. That is a lot of potential faith supporters behind the Tyrell soldiers. I MEAN ALOT!! Second, the Tyrell’s didn’t bring enough men, NO WHERE NEAR ENOUGH. Not sure on the double cross but that is just something I noticed.

    I see what you mean:

    https://youtu.be/jzj1Q18q0zU?t=17s

    But I think that these are just commoners, not sparrows, who’ve come to watch the show.

    As for the shadow scene in the trailer for the season, most of the posters I pay attention to seem to think it’s Ser Gregor murdering someone, possibly Pycelle.

  345. Criterion,

    dan,

    That is not your call to make. Apparently you two are the only ones having an issue. He is new here. I recall being eager and exuberant about posting when I first joined.
    You need to remove the stick of of whatever you want to call it from your rear.

  346. redxgod,

    I think it goes like this:

    Arya doesn’t want to kill the actress, then Jaqen sends the Waif to kill Arya, Arya will kill the Waif and escape Braavos and go back to Westoros to the Riverlands.
  347. Newbietothegame,

    Do you seriously believe in his shtick by making you feel sorry for him ? I’m pretty sure he’s the same guy i called out for spelling atrociously and now he made another account because of his embarrassment

  348. Cock Merchant,

    My theory regarding The Stoned Sparrow is that he’s driven by envy. The story he told margerey revealed that he had always tried to reach a higher position with whatever he had. In the end it disgusted him, but he’s still doing it only now he claims to being doing gods’ will. He’s a hypocryt and his envy is making him antagonize the nobility now. He even admitted to Tommen that envy is a sin of his. The Stoned Sparrow is a very well-drawn villain, not as flashy and in-your-face evil as joffrey and ramsay, but more complex.

  349. Thronetender: Also, even though it was a clumsy reenactment, she saw Ned’s head roll for the first time on stage, too. Remember, Jory hid her face from the actual beheading, then there was a scene of flying birds. Arya didn’t see Ned’s head come off. Seeing any of this has to take a huge toll on her psyche. Arya isn’t one to channel her angst in a ladylike manner, either. She’s going to blow, and I think the Waif is going to get knocked around at least a little.

    The whole “play” situation is a huge test for Arya on two levels.

    1) Is Arya truly willing to kill whoever the FM tells her to, even if that person is an “innocent”? So far Arya has only killed people she perceives to be “bad.”

    2) Is Arya truly “no one”? Seeing a play that basically mocks her personal tragedy is a test in itself. If Arya truly is no one, she wouldn’t care about the play at all. But if there’s a glimmer of Arya hidden inside of her, seeing her life story played out as a farce is going to royally piss her off.

    Arya is going to fail both tests. She cannot give up the “Stark” in her.

  350. didi,

    It’s not. I think it’s a Wight. Can see it’s wearing wildling style clothing. Sure meera is too but it’s not the same outfit she’s wearing. To me it looks as though she’s still laying in that pic with brans sled and that bump you’re seeing is actually her head. Seems as though she saw that Wight and the rider and just covered bran not realizing the rider is on their side.

  351. Young Dragon,

    I don’t believe Sansa and Jon are in this episode either. Kit Harington’s IMDB account shows he was in Ep 5 The Door and in Ep 7 The Broken Man

    The Broken Man sounds like the episode we will get Ian McShane doing the Broken Man Speech!
  352. Stargaryen,

    Here we go again with the IMDB thing,Sue just said on this page that IMDB is not trustworthy because they can be edited by anyone .

  353. redxgod:
    My take on Arya: She will go through with the poisoning but get caught doing it and need to flee. Jaqan would not give her the use of another face so he will then send her back to Westeros. You cannot become faceless if your face is on a wanted poster!

    Ooo, I have another crackpot theory on Arya. Jaqen talked in the last episode about sharing the secret to shedding faces:

    The Many-Faced God taught him how to shed his face and how to give the gift. The man taught others in exchange for their service. Many served, many more gifts were given.

    We know from trailers that we’ll see face-shedding this season: what if it is this episode? And what if Arya sees?! And then, after she refuses to kill Lady Crane, Arya takes an unknown face and flees to Westeros to avoid detection from the Faceless Men who are after her.

    She takes another face in the Riverlands that will get her close to Lord Frey, and she kills him. (Total Fanwanking Fiction: She takes the face of Lord Frey, and she sends his armies to the north to fight for Winterfell.) As Lord Frey, she kills Jaime and takes his face. As Jaime and the valonqar, she kills Cersei and takes her face. As Cersei, she kills The Mountain! The End. Everyone all lives happily ever after.

  354. Stargaryen,

    IMDB is not reliable in that regard, because it is operated by fans, not people in the know.

    Also there were filming spoilers

    Jack Bender was sighted at the ToJ, so I think Bran might go back there, and if he does, I’m certain we’ll have Jon too in this episode.
  355. What do you guys think this episode’s flashback will reveal? Since we know

    that it’s brief and Aramayo is in it, my guess is Ned returning to Winterfell with baby Jon.
  356. HereBeDragons,

    It also kind of looks like a shot of that room where The High Sparrow has spoken to Marg and Tommen this season. Shot from low on the ground.

  357. Dylanstargaryian,

    You could start by stopping replying to your own posts… also try to fit more content/questions/answers in a SINGLE post instead of the 300 you have in this topic… Just annoying

  358. Rhaenys Stark,

    Ned in the tower and seeing Lyanna..it will be quick and prolly will be cut short by scene we see from trailor with weight and (hopefully)Benjen..we will see “full” scene (ie exactly what GRRM has published this far) in ep 10

  359. selena,

    Yeah, I am always greedy for new stuff 🙂

    Rhaenys Stark,

    We will know Jon’s parentage only in the finale, I believe. Next episode probably Ned enters Lyanna’s room and we get a small scene with adult Lyanna? I wonder if Wylla will be present as well? Maybe just to confuse people before the reveal?

    some filming reports had suggested there were two women involved in ToJ shoot. No idea if that is accurate though
  360. Ginevra,

    I tend to believe yes, we will get ToJ, but NOT the reveal… they want to mess with us, and Bran’s state of mind isn’t exactly going to help him carry through an entire vision I don’t believe…

  361. Could the waif somehow sabotage Arya’s mission to make sure that she fails? I’d like to know why she dislikes Arya so intensely.

  362. I’m a stark all the way,but sansa sewing and aryas needle and the lying theme, its a weird parallel. But there all the same. And a few times I’d like to seen her stick her with the pointy end.

  363. Markus Stark:
    Apollo,

    Old Nan said “Riding their packs of pale spiders, big as hounds”. To me that means Litteral spiders. Anyway the World of Ice and Fire book makes it quite clear that they are litteral spiders, both through the artwork and the text. There is a very creepy piece of artwork depicting 5 or 6 Others riding white spiders.

    And Old Nan also mentioned the reason for the sky being blue.

    Ancient history in TWOIAF book cannot be taken as fact at all. Especially given the time that had passed, and the interpretation of the Maesters who wrote the book (both Maesters even have different standpoints on some issues in the books which illustrates just how much these “facts” get interpreted and distorted).

    There were no written records way back in the time of the first men, all that the Maesters of the citadel have been able to rely on when recording ancient history are various runes left on rocks (Sam I, AFFC), so much has been misinterpreted and even more is downright incorrect.

  364. Old Nan sounds like a crack addict.

    She didn’t even remember that Hodor used to be able to talk properly – or neglected to tell anyone of the current generation 😉

  365. Dutch Maester,

    How would she know? Scenes from episodes have been known to get cut and put in other epiaodes even though each scene may be a different director. She won’t know until the final product lol. Maybe

  366. I’m really trying to get an answer to my question.

    Am I the only one who 1,000 percent expects to get another piece of the puzzle to the TOJ on Sunday?

    I’m confused, before they aired the 1st part earlier than the Fandom expected – we thought it would be in episode 5 or 6 because of the Director.

    SERIOUSLY…HELP ME.
    Have I missed something?

  367. Dee: But most people didn’t like Joffrey or cersei so not so sure why the other people aren’t smiling at their events .

    Most people in Westeros, maybe. (And even then, we only really see the perspective of commoners in King’s Landing, not in other places.)

    In Essos, though … it’s a whole different story. Most people there would have some vague knowledge of Joffrey and Cersei. They’d know about them about as well as the typical American knows about, say, the political situation in Europe or Asia. Less, actually, since the internet and 24-hours news channels don’t even exist.

    All the people in Essos would have to go on would be what they’re seeing in the play. And in the play, Joffrey is being portrayed as a good-hearted (albeit somewhat naive) king. Remember fake-Joffrey was going to pardon fake-Ned, but fake-Tyrion paid off fake-Payne to chop off fake-Ned’s head. Tyrion is being portrayed as the bad guy in this play.

    My guess is the play will probably show Fake-Tyrion poisoning Fake-Joffrey, and playing it as a sad and horrible thing (remember, most people in Westeros view Tyrion as a monster and do believe Tyrion deliberately poisoned Joffrey, hence the trail which “proved” his guilt). Arya, however, knows otherwise and would be delighting in Joffrey’s death while everybody around her is reacting in shock and aghast.

  368. Jon already sat out two episodes (when he was dead), being MIA in another one would make little sense if it’s supposed to be his biggest season yet. He was also barely in episode 5 (there was more Sansa and Brienne). In episode 4 he met up with Sansa and they shared a couple talks, that’s it. It’s only episode 3 where he did something. Yeah I’m not seeing any big Jon season.

  369. Flayed Potatoes,

    Josh L,

    Josh L,

    A third thing to consider (and in reference to who has money/ reason to out a contact on Lady C), is that it’s possibly Cersei, as she’s got the money (well the crown had created that illusion) and also she wants anyone ridiculing her to be taken care of.

    Jaqen has refused to give Arya any info on this “contract” but in S5 he was willing to share information on the insurance guy she was to kill. There has to be a reason for this.

  370. Ginevra,

    The Sparrow is actually out to insight the commoners. I did notice that when the soldiers halted and pointed the spears. They are boxed in. But I don’t think anything will take place because Marg will not be naked or doing any walk. She will speak and calm will return. Enraging Cercei…..IMO.

  371. Ser Not Appearing in this Series,

    She’s kind of old. When you get older your memory suffers. Usually the recent memories go before the older ones. That’s why some people with Alzheimer’s are able to remember childhood events and not what they ate for breakfast.

    I like her stories (even if she does exaggerate). It’s not like anyone else is giving irrefutable details about the past. Bran and Daenerys’ visions may be accurate but they can be vague too.

    Josh L,

    The Iron Bank likely doesn’t view Cersei or Joffrey highly and they have a lot of power in Bravos.

  372. Atish Vaze:
    VegoDread,

    Yeah i think we will get another piece of puzzle but not the actual TOJ

    So do I. Unfortunately we will have to wait until episode 10 for the full story.. As long as it is not a cliffhanger I am okay with it.

  373. Tycho Nestoris,

    Maybe it’s a left hemi / right hemi brain issue. People can still be very creative even if they are losing the rest of their faculties.

  374. Tycho Nestoris,
    Wimsey,

    The highlight to me was

    Jamie’s reaction to Cersei’s letter first and foremost as that to me adds to the ID of the V plus the settlement of RR and the BF’s escape ever wonder if BF will be the one to end LSH? I think Arya is a more popular choice

    … that alone was worth the price of admission

  375. Apollo,

    They’re testing Arya to see if she is No One. That’s why The Waif even asked her about the list.

    The Lannister mines are no longer productive (as Tywin said on the show) and the Crown is in debt. Cersei is too preoccupied with the Sparrows at the moment, to care about an actress in Braavos (and it’s not like the actress’ portrayal of Cersei was unflattering). The Crown wouldn’t even hire a FM to kill Dany (who is much more dangerous), so they won’t waste money imo on a nobody.

  376. ygritte,
    This is a reply to your latest message to me on another thread – I frequently manage to read the comments after a day or two after their beginning and I’m not sure people go back, to older threads, so they may not notice that I have replied to them.
    It really makes me happy if you feel better. As far as I know, following one’s passions and hobbies, sports or even walks in fresh air help a lot in case of depression. And try not to lose hope!
    Yes, I don’t like Jaime’s role in this season. Not mainly because I’d like to see more of him (luckily I have see Brienne quite often), but because I don’t want him to be Cersei’s puppet. I’m still waiting for him to finally find out about her and Lancel and leave her.

    About the Riverrun encounter between Jaime and Brienne, my heart is torn because I don’t have good expectations, judging from the books. I’d hate to see Brienne betraying Jaime or Pod being hanged. Not to mention Brienne or Jaime dying!
  377. HereBeDragons:
    Actually Really looking forward to King’s Landing this episode.

    Can’t think where the double-cross is going to come from only that I can’t truly believe that the Lannisters & Tyrells will honestly work together against the Faith Militant.
    I think the High-Sparrow knows what they’re up to and I have a bad feeling for either Lady Olenna or Margaery

    Had a recap thru the main trailers for Season 6, we’ve had 90% of the scene’s, but there is one image that still puzzles me and that’s the ‘Shadow-shot’ of someone been stabbed in the throne room… It looks like Jamie doing the Stabbing but is it Olenna, HIgh-Sparrow or ….. or…. King Aerys???

    I think the Shadow-shot of someone being stabbed from the Season 6 preview is a picture of Eddard Stark stabbing Gerold Hightower at the Tower of Joy
  378. Wimsey,

    Yes, but at least based on what we know (and it could change in TWOW) currently Jamie is to use others’ phrases somewhat of a sidekick for Cersei in the show through the first 5 episodes at least but appears to be anything but in the books. I understand that some think that will change in the next episode or two or three. So he appears to a Lannister with a heart (that has ignored Cersei’s plea for help) or a Lannister with a heart (that follows her every word) in one versus the other.

  379. VegoDread,

    I have a feeling they won’t do anything about the ToJ in episode 6. I think it will be about Bran & Meera getting safe, then the Tyrell Army vs the High Sparrow to rescue Margaery & Loras, other Kings Landing related intrigue, then Tyrion & the gang in Mereen, and Dany and Daario heading back. All that plus Arya and The Waif will just about do it. So I don’t think we’ll see ToJ warging, Sansa & Jon, or Brienne & Pod in the 6th episode. Probably nothing about Theon and Yara either. That’s just my speculation. The other thing I’m wondering: Game of Thrones usually skips a Sunday and this may be the Sunday they don’t air episode six. We may have to wait another week. Not sure about that.

  380. I have a question that pertains to the show only and I’m not quite sure if this is the proper place to ask but here we go: Remember way back in season 2 when Sam, Grenn and Edd found the Night’s Watch cloak buried in the Fist of the First Men. I believe it contained some dragon glass spears and a horn. Did they ever resolve what the horn was and do we know who is currently in possession of it? I know a lot (if not all of) the dragonglass spears were lost at Hardhome but what ever happened to the horn?

    I just can’t recall if the horn was ever brought up again or if it was just a one off situation. Any help is appreciated 🙂

  381. jentario,

    Theres is more point in including now than there ever was, because this is when her story becomes important. Her meeting with brienne is only her second apearance in the books, and the first was just the the reveal of her existance. It makes a lot of sense. They wanted Jon to be the first main character to be revealed as being brought back to life, so they switched it around. Her story will be no less important now, she Will still have been doing what she did. It is only your dissapointment year after year that has reversed your expectations. For unsullied, it Will be a crazy reveal, and seing it through Briennes eyes could give it even more impact. If it happens, of course

  382. Ashley,

    Nothing to suggest that it was of any significance whatsoever, it was never brouht up again. Just called “old warhorn”.

    In the books Sam took it with him to Oldtown. Naturally some books readers have a theory that it is of major significance!

  383. Mmm Jaime on horse… <3

    So guys what if Cersei has wildfire planted underneath the sept of Baelor? She could blow up the Tyrell army and the sparrows all at once. YUS. And she'll accidentally blow up Tommen too. This might be evil enough to get Jaime to kill her himself.

  384. Sean C.,

    On the show anyway, wouldn’t there likely be distant cousins who could inherit?.

    It’s not like Stannis was the last Baratheon. His grandparents or great-grandparents likely had children who had children, etc. and the title would pass to the nearest living relative (with the crown’s concurrence) or maybe not … I do know the rules for inheritance in Westeros so there could be other rules.

    They’ve chosen to play the Tyrells with only Loras but he has two brothers and one is married any may have kids in the books so there are other Tyrells.

    Remember Harry the heir, he was a distant relative to Jon Arryn but he was to inherit the Vale. That’s why LF wanted Alayne to woo him.

  385. Ser Not Appearing in this Series:
    Old Nan sounds like a crack addict.

    She didn’t even remember that Hodor used to be able to talk properly – or neglected to tell anyone of the current generation ?

    Exactly! And allowed everyone to call her poor, afflicted son by the name of the word he first uttered when having a seizure. Why not remain Wylis, but just with an impediment?! Seems cruel to make fun of his affliction??

  386. Shy Lady Dragon,

    I don’t think Jaime will break with Cersei before leaving for the Riverlands. It’s more likely that she sends him there after hearing that the Bfish has retaken Riverrun.

  387. Ser Not Appearing in this Series,

    Perfect. Thank you so much for the quick response. I remember what happened in the books but sometimes my memories from the show and the books get jumbled and I couldn’t think of when/if it was ever brought up in the show again.

  388. dan,

    May I ask why?
    Newbietothegame,

    Had to look up troll think I found a couple! my mistakes aren’t no ones fault but mine .been reading series 16yrs .After Sunday I figured I’d give the wall a Chance maybe have a new idea or theory to think over .I am learning. But I will not be bullied and if I see it done to others I’ll be there for them too.

  389. Tycho Nestoris,

    Kind of old? 🙂

    I believe that she was old when Ned was a kid and was hired as a nurse to Ned’s father or maybe his uncle or grandfather or somone like that. Of course Ned was younger in the books and his kid’s were younger. So she could have been 90 and still fit the bill. And wasn’t she Hodor/Walder’s grandmother in the books? I know there are rumors about her and the Knight … if that’s so and I cannot remember the timeline, but that was when Aegon (Egg) was young and he was grandfather to the Mad King I believe in the books.

  390. So the High Sparrow charged Cersei with incest, but he didn’t charge Jaime?

    His agenda is transparent as hell.

  391. Shy Lady Dragon,

    Given your disappointment with Jaime so far (which I share), what do you think about my wildfire theory above?

    I would love to see Cersei make big things happen in KL but in the most evil way possible and therefore lead to a permanent Jaime / Cersei break which isn’t just to do with who she decided to sleep with… but rather that he realizes she’s a horrible, awful person.

  392. Direwolf Lvr,

    Maybe people were not so sensitive to kid’s feelings in Westeros in 280 AC (after the conquest) as we are in our world today? After all it was not so long ago in our world where children did not have the same revered status as they do in our time and place. Or maybe she knew people were going to call him that anyway so why try to fight the inevitable?

  393. Mihnea,

    Yeah, but he’s having a trial for Cersei’s incest and not Jaime’s? Isn’t Jaime getting charges?

  394. Flayed Potatoes,

    Did he charge her on that count as well as the others? I remember (but don’t recall if it was on the show or books) that he seemed happy with her explanation that that was a lie of Stannis the Heretic, Worshiper of the False God. Anyway, don’t really remember. In the books it is less apparent as Jamie is not in KL and she is charged with regicide and deicide as well so that may have been the lesser charge.

  395. Darkrobin,

    There might be some distant relation, but with the Boltons having committed high treason against the Starks there’d be no particular reason to honour such a claim. The Dreadfort will be forfeit.

  396. VegoDread,

    I think that they will make everyone wait as long as possible, since it is the BIGGEST of all big reveals in the series. Hopefully, it will be this season. I’ve been wrong about lots of things. I hope I’m wrong about here, because I’d like to know.

    My biggest fear is who Ramsay will have burning on the crosses. We are getting low on potential characters.

  397. Flayed Potatoes,

    The High Sparrow has the confession from Lancel. He’s got no proof of Jaime/Cercei, just Lancel/Cercei. Lancel got a brand on his forehead – it’s no walk of shame, but…

    Actually, damn, that’d have been a fine walk of shame, he’s so buff now…

  398. Newbietothegame: e. Apparently you two are the only ones having an issue. He is new here. I recall being eager and exuberant about posting when I first joined.

    Actually they are right. The guy is either a kid , or just a troll. Someone posted a thread in this forum and the guy was first to reply by discussing about something totally different.

    here if you want to take a look: https://watchersonthewall.com/topic/a-problem-that-i-dont-understand/

    Also he keeps posting stupid shit probably to start a flame war…. and he is posting sometimes even 3 messages in a row. Also his english is a disaster and almost everything he is saying is stupid or nonsensical.

    He seems to like talking to himself too much. Nobody is replying or quoting his posts but he keeps quoting/replying people posts. Hell, in a lot of his posts he replies to his owns posts.

    The point is people keep ignoring him, but he doesn’t give up and keep spamming stupid shit.

  399. VegoDread:
    I’m really trying to get an answer to my question.

    Am I the only one who 1,000 percent expects to get another piece of the puzzle to the TOJon Sunday?

    I’m confused, before they aired the 1st part earlier than the Fandom expected – we thought it would be in episode 5 or 6 because of the Director.

    SERIOUSLY…HELP ME.
    Have I missed something?

    There are lots of folks who’ve discussed ToJ, so you may have missed some of them. Try searching on ToJ in this thread: CTRL+F and then ToJ.

    The theories about ToJ being this episode were strong until the guy playing Ned at the ToJ said his scene for Episode 6 was short but he had a rather long scene in Episode 10. That’s when theories shifted to Episode 10. However, I do think we have at least a decent chance of ToJ in Episode 6 with 10 being more about establishing the romance and legitimacy.

  400. Darkrobin,

    Haha yeah I was tongue in cheek there. Thought she was his grandmother too but apparently she’s his great grandmother.

    Theon says she’s most likely dead but you never know.

    Ginevra,

    So hear me out. The ToJ scene doesn’t need to be that long. Just Ned, Lyanna, Howland convo. The

    Harrenhal tourney would be a longer scene and could establish the R+L more dramatically than Lyanna saying who the father is. Jon’s parentage is not really my thing though so I defer to other’s expertise.
  401. There are a few things which struck me in the episode, aside from Hodor’s end (sob)

    Benjen
    I can’t see how Meera and Bran’s rescuer could be anyone else unless it’s someone who the show hasn’t introduced before. Coldhands is possible but until now the show has left him out.

    The big question to me is this: If it’s Benjen, then why, having survived a WW attack which left his fellow rangers dead and cost him his horse, did he not return to Castle Black? It must be a few years since he disappeared. I’m speculating that he must have discovered something which made him decide he needed to stay out beyond the wall alone. But what? Anyone have any ideas?

    Ayra
    It’s obvious she is going to fail this test somehow. Jaqen told her she’s on her last chance. She’s questioning why she should kill someone without knowing what it is they’ve done wrong, and clearly still feels people need to deserve it or she isn’t comfortable with killing them.

    She never chose to go to the house of black and white because her goal was to be an assassin. She wanted to get back up north and ended up going to Braavos because it was the only option really left open to her.

    Whatever happens with her assignment, I think she then runs from the faceless men and makes her way back to Westeros….with the odd useful face in her pocket, and Needle.

    Sadly I think that come the series end, Ayra is likely to die at the hands of a faceless man because they aren’t going to leave her defection unpunished.

  402. Apollo:
    Flayed Potatoes,
    A third thing to consider (and in reference to who has money/ reason to out a contact on Lady C), is that it’s possibly Cersei, as she’s got the money (well the crown had created that illusion) and also she wants anyone ridiculing her to be taken care of.

    Ridiculing? I thought Cersei should be paying Lady Crane for all of the positive propaganda being propagated.

    Beer Island:
    Ginevra,
    The Sparrow is actually out to insight the commoners. I did notice that when the soldiers halted and pointed the spears. They are boxed in. But I don’t think anything will take place because Marg will not be naked or doing any walk. She will speak and calm will return. Enraging Cercei…..IMO.

    Ah! Yes, the High Sparrow could be intentionally inciting the crowds. Riling up the masses sounds like the sort of helter-skelter plan that could backfire, but I suppose HS doesn’t shy away from fire of any kind.

  403. Atish Vaze: horn

    They did find the horn – here is a video link

    But I don’t remember if ever heard of the horn after that. I believe it was the true horn of Winter – it was mentioned too often to be insignificant. In the books, we know bout four horns-

    1. Euron’s ‘dragonhorn’ – We will see if it can really control dragons
    2. Lord Celtigar’s Kraken horn – Salladhor Saan mentions this to Davos, but it could be just a rumour. Nevertheless, we have had dragons and direwolves in the series – why not krakens too?
    3. Sam’s broken horn with unknown purpose
    4. Mance’s ‘horn of Winter’

    [/spoiler]

  404. Halfman,
    Re Arya
    OOOO, maybe she grabs

    her mother’s face!!!!

    If it is him, maybe he’s been marked too? I think a

    CH/Benjen combo

    could work too. Honestly, I don’t even care because I sure this rider in black will be an awesome character.

    aabe

    I think Sam’s horn in the book is the same horn from the vid. Just in the book it’s broken. Maybe someone at the Citadel can repair it?

    Lulus Mum,

    There he is! That other guy does look him though. Then again my eyesight is not great.

  405. Apollo,

    Not

    Tormund: we saw him fighting during the battle, so he cannot be captured before that. I am leaning towards Davos and… Melisandre + several extras. My theory is the following. Ramsay will threaten to kill Rickon. Mel will glamour hersef as Sansa and go to WF for exchange together with Davos and other people. This will be her redemption for Shireen. But Ramsay will find out the truth somehow and the entire resque mission ends up on the crosses. However I still hope that Rickon will survive.
  406. Lulus Mum:
    Ginevra,
    Hi honey *waves* ? It is a proper newspaper rather than a tabloid, although I can’t guarantee how clued up they are on the show.

    Thanks, Lu! Are you stoked about the flock of feathers about to descend on the Sept steps?

  407. Apollo,

    That would be heart-wrenching. I was afraid for Brienne/Pod since I don’t know what happens after they finish in the Riverlands.

    Kit Hairyton,

    That’s horrible, too. So, you think Ramsay doesn’t wait around while Jon/Sansa gather support and just heads to the wall? Interesting!

  408. Dylanstargaryian:
    dan,

    May I ask why?
    Newbietothegame,

    Had to look up troll think I found a couple!mymistakes aren’t no ones fault but mine .been reading series 16yrs .After Sunday I figured I’d give the wall a Chance maybe have a new idea or theory to think over .I am learning. But I will not be bullied and if I see it done to others I’ll be there for them too.

    ☺ don’t get discouraged. I had to endure some not so nice replies myself. From the same person. Someone called that person out but was somewhat, let’s say blunt, and I am afraid he might have gotten banned for that.

  409. Ginevra,
    I am VERY, VERY excited indeed! We have a public holiday here on monday so I can stay up to 2am to watch it live in all it’s glory. If it’s as awesome as I hope I might just give up watching the show after this episode because it will be THE highlight and all downhill afterwards in comparison 😀

  410. Inga,

    Not sure about Mel, she always seems to know when she’s in danger, but you never know.. Davos is pretty certain I think.

  411. Sullied by Knight:
    Apollo,

    That would be heart-wrenching. I was afraid for Brienne/Pod since I don’t know what happens after they finish in the Riverlands.

    I suspect they’ll be hung for “conspiring” with Lannisters once they leave RR…

  412. Apollo:
    Inga,

    Not sure about Mel, she always seems to know when she’s in danger, but you never know.. Davos is pretty certain I think.

    I thought we saw Davos on a horse looking at the crosses in one of the trailers. Maybe I am wrong.

  413. Newbietothegame: I thought we saw Davos on a horse looking at the crosses in one of the trailers. Maybe I am wrong.

    Not that I recall. He finds

    Shireens pyre which is close to WF so I’m wondering if he gets captured there.
  414. Mihnea,

    VegoDread,

    Where did he get the horse? Is he the hooded rider or the ground guy? It may have been one of the guys he went out with but his horse came back. Would be the moment of the episode for me though.

  415. Flayed Potatoes:
    So the High Sparrow charged Cersei with incest, but he didn’t charge Jaime?

    His agenda is transparent as hell.

    From HBO viewers guide :

    Cersei’s plan to empower the Faith Militant backfired when she herself was imprisoned and accused both of murdering Robert and of incest-though not with Jaime but with her cousin Lancel. Cersei finally confessed to this one crime only, and was forced to atone by walking naked and in shame to the Red Keep.

    http://viewers-guide.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/season-6/episode-4/people/23/cersei-lannister

  416. Newbietothegame: I thought we saw Davos on a horse looking at the crosses in one of the trailers. Maybe I am wrong.

    You’re talking about the scene at the 0:52 mark of this Season 6 trailer:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EI0ib1NErqg

    It shows Davos sitting on a horse, in a snowy field, with a Stark banner behind him. The next scene is the field of burning crosses. It’s certainly implied that Davos is viewing the field, but it could be two different scenes spliced together to create that impression.

  417. Tycho Nestoris,

    I never considered the possibility of the horn getting repaired at the Citadel, but it will be good if it does. Other than the minor physical damages, the horn is called ‘broken’ because no sound comes out of it, even after cleaning the dirt stuck inside it. There is a possibility that the horn is not broken, but its sound is not audible to humans. Like a dog-whistle. Some horn-theories say that the Others attacked the Fist because Sam/Jon blew the horn.

    It will be really cool and ironic, if it was actually the kraken horn, and Sam blows the horn to raise krakens from the sea to defend the Reach against Ironborn
  418. Newbietothegame,

    Thanks for warning me I’m kinda blunt myself. Don’t do twitter or face book. And damn sure don’t won’t people to feel sorry for me.I knew half the world is full.of bully’s and assholes again thanks you a fan .and that is what its about.

  419. Sean C.,

    Agreed. The lord or crown could refuse to recognize the heir and to substitute one of their own choosing. But there could be potential heirs. The show has greatly simplified family trees (for obvious and good reasons).

  420. Newbietothegame,

    I Remember Davos looking at a site where something (Shireen?) was burned. I think the expectation is that he will find that stag that he carved for her and realize that Shireen was burned and connect that with Mel.

    But there could have been another scene as well.

  421. Apollo,

    I was also wondering when he could get so close to WF without the Boltons, Karstarks, and Umbers having patrols out to intercept intruders, at least before the battle.

  422. You know, the Blackfish was the commander of Lysa’s forces in the Vale. I don’t imagine that there’s much left of the Tully forces (much less how they would get out of Riverrun en mass past the Lannister/Frey encampment) but..what if BF decides to head to Moat Calin and take over command of his former troops & bring them in to battle for Sansa? He was held in very high regard by his soldiers, and if Robin “somehow” winds up dead I can see the Vale troops following BF to Winterfell/bastardbowl much more readily than LF. Idle speculation of mine…

  423. Ginevra: As you can see, though, Express no longer says “split up” or “totally flows” or anything about screentime or the number of episodes. That all seems to have been removed, so we have no idea what Maisie originally said.

    It’s just the wrong link to another Express article.

    The right one where you can find Maisie’s quotes can be found here: EXPRESS .

  424. Before reading any of the comments, just seeing the first pic (Arya among the Braavosi)…

    Last year I was invited to “Halloween costume party”. My friends’ preteen children sort of ordered their boring parents to give a “dress up party”, and were the most excited, and amazed when mum’s and dad’s boring friends turned up in amazing costumes. Halloween costume parties aren’t really a thing in my country, but I and those kids’ parents and all their friends were students of Engish language and literature (and culture) in the 1990s. We had our “dress up” Halloween parties long before the oldest kid was born.

    My fancy dress? Cheesecloth shirt, bolero, wide, over-pleated ankle-lenght skirt, a scarf with knotted fringes about the hips. My long hair parted in the middle and plaited forwards, upwards, and made into two buns over my forhead. It was fun seeing who got it and not. The non-GoT-watchers were just baffled, GoT watchers shrieked: “Braavosi!” Somebody even went “Arya!”, at which I had to point out that I’m about 30 yr older than Arya and I wasn’t trying to be her, just a general Braavosi woman.

    What I found interesting was that maybe half had no idea what my costume was but about half screamed in delight and loved it. Those are the ones who subscribe to HBO Nordic to see GoT almost real time, are “invested” in the show and the story. The preteen kids didn’t get it because their parents (good parents that they are) won’t let them watch it. My brother won’t let his kids (15 and 13) watch the show but he lets them read the books, if they want. Maybe watch the more “graphic” show in a year or two. He already let his daughters watch Shogun uncencored, but that’s a family tradition.

    Our parents let us watch Shogun uncencorend. I was around 13, my little bro around 5. Omi-san took off that head on the beach… and our dad was travelling to Japan on business! We were all Japan-fans. Even to this day, we remember gathering at the TV every Sunday. Shogun was a family bonding event. Twin Peaks was next. My older bro and I had both been exchange students almost where Twin Peaks takes place, so it really had personal resonance.

    Game of Thrones is different because my family are scattered now, no shared TV experience. My parents don’t watch GoT but, thankfully, my brothers and their better halves do, so we have something to discuss over inevitable family dinners, besides weather, cars, gardens… (Aargh, we’re sooo middle class it’s funny!)

  425. Dylanstargaryian,

    I am all for it. So far, these are the assumed info on horns:
    Celtigar – Kraken horn (Water)
    Euron – Dragon horn (Fire)
    Mance – Giant horn (Earth)
    Sam – ??? (Air)

    AFAIK, the only ‘mythical’ creature of the same league as Dragons, Krakens and Giants, and related to Air element is the Harpy. If you are right about everyone having the wrong horns, we will have some interesting scenarios where these horns are blown to anticlimactic effects in the Winds of Winter. Also, the cover picture of Winds is supposed to be a horn.
    Wild speculation:
    Sam – Kraken horn – Fights Ironborn using Krakens
    Mance – Dragon horn – If by some luck Melisandre did not burn the horn (like she did not burn Mance), Jon maybe able to use it.
    Euron – Harpy horn – What better way to answer the Sons of the Harpy than actual Harpies rising from the vaults of pyramids or some secret place? (Or any other flying creature – they might also cause injury to dragons, for all we know)
    Celtigar – Giant horn – No giants south of the Wall, but someone could use it to confuse Aegon’s elephants, maybe.

  426. Green Chili: It’s just the wrong link to another Express article.

    The right one where you can find Maisie’s quotes can be found here: EXPRESS .

    Ah, thank you! I couldn’t find it anywhere, and the WotW article had only linked to the other Express article. So this original-original article also didn’t have a more direct quote from Maisie, but it looks like she did say the equivalent of “fewer episodes” for Maisie this season. Very curious.

  427. Ginevra,

    I think they commoners too, some of them. I think there are more faith militant then we believe, even kevan said that if it wasn’t successful they don’t know who they can trust in the city. They don’t know who all is of the Faith Militant. STILL, def. not enough men. There is enough Faith Militant on the inside of the Sept that can take care of the soldiers Tyrell brought. Obviously just a trailer and more soldiers can be there than appears.

  428. Ser Not Appearing in this Series:
    Green Chili,

    I wouldn’t trust ANYTHING in the Daily Express, not even interviews. It’s a joke of a newspaper.

    I was wondering about that! I noticed that the commas and periods weren’t inside the quotation marks, as these punctuation marks should be in the US. I think UK grammar rules are different on that point. I also noticed the “less” versus “fewer,” but that again is a fairly obscure rule I am not overly fond of. Even so, I’m just sure that this sentence is a run-on where there should be a semicolon before “however” and a comma after. And “season six” should be “Season Six,” right?

    The Falling star revealed that in season six she would be in less episodes than in past seasons and that many of her scenes were “split up”, however she felt that her story arc still “totally flows”.

    Knowing that they suck explains everything.

  429. Halfman: I’m speculating that he must have discovered something which made him decide he needed to stay out beyond the wall alone. But what? Anyone have any ideas?

    I have only a very drunk idea, after thinking too much about the last episode…

    What if Bran is the cause for Benjen disappearing and staying underground, just until the exact day when he would be needed to save Bran’s life? Like Hodor’s complete after-Wylis-life was a preparation for that single moment when he had to hold the door?

    Just talking to myself 😉

  430. Criterion,

    And Sue is the knower of all things? No offense Sue, just teasing. I know about the whole IMDB thing so calm down. But I may not be wrong. I know you can treat IMDB like Wiki that doesn’t mean all the information on Wiki is wrong. All I was doing was pointing out that IMDB was stating the actor is mentioned to be in this episode. A lot of people believe he will be in this episode. And the coincidence is there. No one mentioned that BenJen could be a combination of BenJen/Coldhands and I was just providing and interesting twist. Whether IMDB was being false or not I could care less. My whole point was to bring up the possibility of benjen/Coldhands combination. A good undead. I hope it is!

  431. Dylanstargaryian,

    Yeah he never really has anything positive to say other than picking other people apart about a fictional series. Nor really has anything of substance to add to the conversation. I may disagree with people here and there but I like to provide reasoning why and still have fun with it.

  432. Dylanstargaryian,

    A troll? Not sure about that, what i’m sure about is that you are NOT “a stark all the way” if you want one of them kill another. I also refuse to believe that you’re a grown up person if you still hate or resent Sansa for her personality from season ONE (in which she was only a naive girl, nothing more and 13 for god’s sake).

    You also mentioned – if i’m not mistaken – that she’s the least of the Starks and man what a load of crap this statement is, well in case you’re watching a different version of this show i must inform you that in the version that we’re watching here she’s Co-leading a movement to liberate the north and her home from the people who wronged and betrayed her family (and looking goddamn awesome while doing it) and that is AS STARK AS IT GETS buddy.

  433. Criterion,

    I mean, if troll a poster be, the old adage applies: Don’t feed the troll. If troll that poster not be, you still don’t have to respond. (That seemed weirdly grammatical, although I confess to not knowing for sure. Grammar police, help me!)

    And yes- IMDB is about as trustworthy as a leaked script. So plausible… so totally what you want to be true…

  434. aabe,

    I was going to make a Captain Planet joke but got sidetracked looking up horn theories. I am all for someone waking the krakens now!

    Green Chili,

    Now I am in the rabbit hole. If Bran goes all 3ER in the future (permanently connected to WW), couldn’t he go anywhere|time and warg/reanimate dead people or animals? Did Hodor only work because Hodor was physically with Bran or can Bran warg via WeirNet? If so, book wise

    Bran could be Coldhands in the sense that future|Bran is the one controlling him? Would present|Bran be aware what future|Bran was doing?

    I need a nap.

  435. Green Chili,

    I’d put nothing past GOT lol. There must be a reason but knowing the show we probably won’t get to find out what it is for ages!

  436. I wish we could have a discussion about the possibility of Benjen being in the episode without IMDb coming up at all. Because IMDb is just not a factor. At all. People saw last week’s trailer and literally went and added Mawle onto Imdb for next week. There is no verification process at all for the site- I could add Michelle Fairley and Sean Bean for next week’s episode and it would be accepted by IMDB. Wikipedia actually has a much tighter editing process than IMDB. For example, they lock frequently vandalized entries, and edits can be quickly undone, whereas IMDb is an overnight process.

    I hope that is Benjen saving Bran and Meera, I really do because I heart Joseph Mawle. So this is not me “confirming” it isn’t him or any junk like that. I’m hopeful that it’s him.

  437. Sullied by Knight:
    VegoDread,

    My biggest fear is who Ramsay will have burning on the crosses.We are getting low on potential characters.

    I actually fear it’s Edd. Like you said, we’re getting low on characters that fit the bill. I get the feeling that Ramsay will go (or send his soldiers) to CB to root out Jon and Sansa, and finding them gone will kill the remaining NW brothers since Roose is no longer around to stop him from fucking with the NW. Jon and Edd’s goodbye last episode seemed sadly final. Since I don’t think the Wall is coming down this season, I think Edd will die at the hands of Ramsay. I hope I’m wrong, though.

  438. Stargaryen:
    Dylanstargaryian,

    Yeah he never really has anything positive to say other than picking other people apart about a fictional series.Nor really has anything of substance to add to the conversation.I may disagree with people here and there but I like to provide reasoning why and still have fun with it.

    Perfectly said

  439. Daughter of Winter,

    I don’t hate sansa at all its just she let me down for 16yrs bookwise.show watchers only 6 .and I do hope she finds happiness but, I don’t think grrm is fond of it.I also see more Tully than stark.
    Daughter of Winter,

    Sorry still learning .but are u so sure? I’d love to believe but I can’t. She’s to me the princess of a fairy tale .grrm is pretty. Rough on the good people.

  440. Dylanstargaryian,

    You have no idea what you’re talking about do you? Princess of a fairly tale??? WTF? Man i don’t even know where to begin cause you’re wayyyyy off my friend, and i won’t. Good day ser.

  441. Kit Hairyton: Men of the Night’s Watch, including Edd. I mean, didn’t

    Did Iwan really say that? Where?

    I mean, this is a striking and absoutely horrifying idea. It never occurred to me, but it sounds absolutely plausible. Ramsay gathers 20 good men and… no, just joking about that detail 😉

    BUT this would be the perfect explanation for the short scene in the HBO yearender video from December 2015:

    http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/degrassi/images/9/9d/Ramsay-S6-HBO.gif

    Ramsay and Karstark with other riders and Bolton banners, but seemingly not in the Battle of the Bastards context (because of different weather conditions and clothing).

    I fear for you, my sweet Lord Commander Edd!

  442. dan,

    Criterion,

    Dylanstargaryian,

    Dylan, don’t leave. And dan and Criterion, you may need to examine your own posts. I don’t think censoring others’ ideas is in the spirit of this board.

    Dylan, I may not agree with you about Sansa, but others here do, as you can tell by other threads. I myself have been challenged on my beliefs – usually in a thoughtful and constructive manner. I haven’t replied yet but someone pointed out on another thread that Jon is capable of deception (as he showed with Mance and the wildlings). I’d totally forgotten about that! I maintain that he’s essentially uncomplicated and honourable, and would never, ever hurt his friends or family, and Sansa will learn to trust him again. I forgive her actions because of her terrible experiences over the last 5 years. Yes, Jon’s had it tough, but in S1 at least he was safe and surrounded by his brothers and protected by Mormont. Sansa has been at the mercy of other players since she left Winterfell.

    Anyway, with respect to the next Ep, as much as I love Jon and co., I’m ok with them sitting it out. It’s probable they’re just in travel mode. Having said that, a few minutes of quiet conversation between him and Sansa about their traumatic experiences would be welcomed. In a 50 min episode, I’m not sure there will be time.

  443. Connor,

    HBO doesn’t release the extra photos. Those are posted by farfaraway which is decidedly not HBO and not entirely on the up and up. We don’t care where they come from, but obviously they’re not bound by any deadlines.

  444. Dylanstargaryian,

    You’re watching a total different show than everyone else. She lied to the people in the Vale, she just lied to Jon. I think you’re the one with the fairy tale mind who think telling the truth always works out best. Only Dany’s arc I can say always seem like a classic Hollywood fairy tale. Getting raped and abuse, I don’t know when that has become a fairy tale. She started out as a naive girl who believed in chivalry and all that good sh!t. That’s not who she is now. She had to convince Jon to fight or his ass would have been in Dorne by now getting beach clothes. Sansa is one of the most, if not th most developed character on the show, like a 180 from what she started out. Most of the other have remained constantly who they are. You are hanging on to some season 1 bias or something if u can’t see that

  445. iridium,

    Thanks good sir ! I’ve not had sue or any of the staff lecture me “yet’ I try to treat others as done onto me.Sansa she’s an enigma to me .and as such I try. To puzzle it out.and as far as leaving I’m not gonna be bullied and if I see it I will speak mind. Thank u all I like it here, there’s a few that could use some manners but it worth it.

  446. Darkrobin:
    Apollo,

    I was also wondering when he could get so close to WF without the Boltons, Karstarks, and Umbers having patrols out to intercept intruders, at least before the battle.

    It could very well be after the battle, but I just can’t see who else will be on that cross that the audience would care about. I really can’t see what else Davos can bring to the story and let’s face it, Liam has done a LOT of promo work this season- always a dead giveaway.

    I just hope we don’t see him get flayed. But, I suspect we will- just to ramp up the shock factor, to cap last years shock death and to punch us all in the nuts again.

  447. Dylanstargaryian,

    It’s “my lady,” not sir ;-). But otherwise, you’re welcome.

    Beer Island:
    Dylanstargaryian,

    She had to convince Jon to fight or his ass would have been in Dorne by now getting beach clothes.

    As much as I love Sansa, I don’t think she knows what she’s asking of him. He’s the one who’ll be riding in the vanguard of the battle. He’s the one who’ll be wielding his sword, steeped in blood and body parts, dealing death to men and boys alike and watching his friends die. Again. For someone who seems to have some justifiable PTSD akin to that seen in WWI-II and Vietnam survivors, it’s probably his worst nightmare. It’s exactly as Thorne foretold: he’ll never get to rest. He’ll be “fighting their battles forever.” I’ve seen comments criticising him for being weak, but man, look at what he’s facing. I do feel sorry for him in that regard.

  448. iridium: what she’s asking of him

    Well at this point, to me, fighting the Boltons and their allies seems more like an inevitability and Sansa’s just vocalizing the obvious. I don’t really like this Lady Macbeth-vibe of the evil seductress. Although, of course, I do feel sorry for Jon as well, and it will be hard for him.

  449. Sue the Fury:
    Connor,

    HBO doesn’t release the extra photos. Those are posted by farfaraway which is decidedly not HBO and not entirely on the up and up. We don’t care where they come from, but obviously they’re not bound by any deadlines.

    This is interesting – so you get the photos from FFA and not from HBO?

    Because FFA is always publishing “cleaned” photos (regarding filenames and IPTC information), while other sites do not…

  450. Wylie: Well at this point, to me,fighting the Boltons and their allies seems more like an inevitability and Sansa’s just vocalizing the obvious. I don’t really like this Lady Macbeth-vibe of the evil seductress. Although, of course, I do feel sorry for Jon as well, and it will be hard for him.

    Where do you get that vibe? Not from my post I hope! I’ve said on many threads I don’t think her actions are nefarious. I love that she’s forging her own path. I just think that on this particular issue, she’s naive. She’s been through terrible, terrible things. But she’s never been in battle, or even seen one (she was inside during Blackwater). I agree it’s inevitable at this point. But I do see a foreshadowing of “Broken Man” here. Davos tried to gently explain to her what a loss to the Boltons would mean to the men she’s asking to fight for the Starks. War is ugly. I think she will see that in time.

  451. Tycho Nestoris,

    More important than R + L = J is: what prophecy did R think he was fulfilling when he started romancing L at Harrenhal?

    Knowing that prophecy would give us more info about underlying reasons for some activity and ideas about the future.

  452. Daughter of Winter,

    It seems to me that GRRM shows what can go wrong with a girl like Sansa who lives her early years in a fantasy world about chivalry and what Knights do and what life high born girls can expect.

    By contrast, a non-conforming and gender non-conforming girl such as Arya who is realistic, friendly with small folk and does what the situation requires to survive lives with more options that she herself can chose.

  453. Marlana,

    Yes that is a good point but what is important is that after Baelor that personality shattered within Sansa and her development in character started as soon as that pivotal point (something that so many people sadly can’t or don’t want to see).

  454. Marlana:
    Tycho Nestoris,

    More important than R + L = J is: what prophecy did R think he was fulfilling when he started romancing L at Harrenhal?

    Knowing that prophecy would give us more info about underlying reasons for some activity and ideas about the future.

    The dragon has three heads. Rhaegar thought all three heads would be his offspring. Ellia couldn’t have more than the two children she had already, so he needed a third. Thus, he married Lyanna and had Jon.

  455. iridium:
    Dylanstargaryian,

    It’s “my lady,” not sir ;-). But otherwise, you’re welcome.

    As much as I love Sansa, I don’t think she knows what she’s asking of him. He’s the one who’ll be riding in the vanguard of the battle. He’s the one who’ll be wielding his sword, steeped in blood and body parts, dealing death to men and boys alike and watching his friends die. Again. For someone who seems to have some justifiable PTSD akin to that seen in WWI-II and Vietnam survivors, it’s probably his worst nightmare. It’s exactly as Thorne foretold: he’ll never get to rest. He’ll be “fighting their battles forever.” I’ve seen comments criticising him for being weak, but man, look at what he’s facing. I do feel sorry for him in that regard.

    That is a really good description of the whole scenario – he has seen it all from the inside, there is nothing glorious to anticipate about it.

  456. Ginevra,

    I always thought that blood raven was behind it for him to have.more fake targs, so that the princess that was promised to Nk , could be swapped with half ones .blood raven foiled the pact that was made.he tricked the children. Of the trees. Because he was a loyal targ.also believe he was one In mad kings head telling him to burn them all.the.raven was there. When bran was pushed out the tower. Laughing tree, tricks.lyanna. stark into.joining tourney where she won. Think her and rheagal run off
    All not proven.but something there.anyone have. Anyone ideas r welcome.

  457. Ginevra: Rhaegar thought all three heads would be his offspring. Ellia couldn’t have more than the two children she had already, so he needed a third. Thus, he married Lyanna and had Jon.

    Or just had Jon: if marriage is necessary, then a lot of us wasted a lot of money on birth control in the past! 😀

    BunBunStark: I actually fear it’s Edd. Like you said, we’re getting low on characters that fit the bill.

    Ramsay basically has threatened to hit Castle Black multiple times on the show and once in the books. Castle Black is largely defenseless from the South, and could easily be ambushed by soldiers claiming that they are the desperately sought reinforcements for which Jon was begging last year.

    People keep looking at magical ways to get the Walkers through the Wall. I would look at very human ways: and Ramsay (or 20 of his good men) sacking CB in an attempt to find Sansa or simply to punish the Crows for harboring her would be very much in keeping with the spirit of this story.

  458. Sue the Fury: We don’t care where they come from, but obviously they’re not bound by any deadlines.

    Not even by a sense of honor? Oh, wait, that’s sort of silly….

  459. Dylanstargaryian,

    I don’t think Bloodraven was perfect, but he’s also not an evil mastermind – at least not in his role as the Three-Eyed Raven and mentor to Bran. Bloodraven’s goal seemed to be to save the world, and now that he’s dead I still see no truly hidden agenda. Yes, he wasn’t perfect. Leaf and the other Children weren’t perfect. But they are all trying to save Westeros from the Others. They were all, in our timeframe, completely devoted to sparing mankind.

  460. Wimsey,

    You’ve been wrong on your predictions for this show so many times, as we all have been; why can’t you consider alternatives to what you surmise to be the obvious way? Why do you proclaim the same assumption so incessantly with such seeming authority? I get the poetics of Ramsay’s attack doing it, but what is your mechanism there? How does an attack on a small outpost at the edge of the Wall mean the whole thing falls? Or are you suggesting that the gate will simply be left open?

  461. Pigeon,

    Yep. I feel a little sad this aspect has been overlooked by some fans who’ve been disappointed he hasn’t become an avenging angel. He’s gone above and beyond again and again. I wish people (in the show and fans irl) would give him a chance to breathe. But such is the nature of Westeros, and of fandom. The wars never end!

  462. I have a question, IMDB lists Eva Butterfly as theatre troupe Sansa, but Eline Powell played the character Bianca who portrays Sansa, so where is Eva Butterfly in the play?

  463. I’m just popping in here because I don’t like spoilers, but I wanted to ask, have people already figured out who the “old foe” is? (I don’t want to know it is, just is it obvious? (I haven’t watched the previews)). ::runs away::

  464. Dylanstargaryian,

    Young Dragon,

    Wow I’m shocked if you guys haven’t figured it out yet through set reports or casting or spoilers or what not. I can’t figure it out either. I’ll be happy to be surprised on Sunday.

  465. I have mentioned this in the past and maybe it’s a moot point but why is it nobody questions Briennes sword?
    It has an obvious lions head on it, as does her sword belt. Of course, it’s not like she can find a blacksmith to replace it but the only person who ever called her out on it is The Hound. Even then, he only mentioned “Lannister gold”.
    We all know her oath to Sansa is true, her allegiance isn’t in question (yet), but is nobody curious why someone sworn to a Stark is carrying what is obviously a Lannister sword?
    Also, does Brienne know that Jaime pushed Bran out the window? Was she there back in season 3 when Catelyn confronted him about that? I would think that would be something, because of her oath, she would owe it to Sansa to tell her. Will be interesting if any of these things come into play if Jaime and Brienne run into each other at Riverrun.
    As honorable as I like to believe Brienne is, I can’t help but think her ultimate conflict will come down to her oath to Sansa/House Stark and her “oath” to Jaime.

  466. On my cogeco TiVo guide, the description for episode 7 is slightly different

    “The High Sparrow considers another target; Jaime confronts a hero; Arya makes a plan; memories are awakened in the North”

    My bets are that the Bear Island scene is in episode 7, and I think that “The North is reminded” and the one i posted above mean that the rest of the Northern houses will side with the Starks to help them retake Winterfell.

  467. Green Chili: What if Bran is the cause for Benjen disappearing and staying underground, just until the exact day when he would be needed to save Bran’s life? Like Hodor’s complete after-Wylis-life was a preparation for that single moment when he had to hold the door?

    I had this exact same thought! 🙂 Benjen Stark simply disappeared under mysterious circumstances. If he suddenly reappears in the EXACT moment Bran needs help, that’s a red flag, especially given Hodor’s story. What if long ago, in Season 1, Benjen was patrolling that area of the North, Bran goes back in the present and his vision self wargs Benjen forward…….. someone to hold the door, someone to rescue them from WWs, all drawn from the past……. 🙂 this could get fun!

  468. Marlana:
    Tycho Nestoris,

    More important than R + L = J is: what prophecy did R think he was fulfilling when he started romancing L at Harrenhal?

    Knowing that prophecy would give us more info about underlying reasons for some activity and ideas about the future.

    Yes, there has to be a compelling reason why Rhaegar and Lyanna hid themselves away from the world, as the entire country descended into war for their sake. It can’t be just love. Rhaegar thinking his child would fulfill the tptwp prophecy seems to be the most logical answer. When we get inside the ToJ I am more interested in seeing what Lyanna has to say to Ned, r+l=j is known, this is not.

  469. Can people honestly see a struggling junior actress being able to afford the legendary high price of a Faceless Man hit? I could imagine a certain royal who doesn’t like being unflatteringly portrayed in a mummers farce being not only able to pay the price, but also highly motivated to do so. That being the case, Arya might have just picked up a contract paid for by Cersei, which would be a delicious twist and make her actions rather pivotal, don’t you think?

  470. Greg du Pille,

    This theory is going around, and I kinda like it, but the play shows Cersei in a fairly decent light. Tyrion is the one who comes off badly.

  471. Kay,

    I think they have to be real careful with how they use Bran and this time travel/warg thing. I think they got away with it this time because the Hodor scene was so emotionally powerful, but if it becomes too central to the story to the point where it is the story, then I think people are going to get turned off (and will turn off) the story. Martin has talked in the past how he’s afraid of pulling a “Lost” and not sticking the landing. If he goes all in on Bran being responsible for so many things, I think that’ll be the road he’s on.

  472. I think the hit is a faceless man test. Cersei is on her list and the play is a reminder of who she is. And the actress sort of resembles her mother as a brunette. Final test maybe? Or its on the up and up as assassinations get.

  473. Ravyn,

    Well, it does so far, but we’ve only seen the first part of the play … I doubt Cersei would look upon things quite so favourably if the latter part of the play includes a “walk of shame” segment. But we shall see…

  474. Tycho Nestoris:
    What’s the basis for all the Waif hate? Arya wanted to join this elite group and this is the initiation. The FM have given Arya opportunities to leave and she chose to stay. The Waif isn’t some Ramsay or Joffrey type villain. I even think in this medium she’s a FM cause of the scene at the end of Season 5. Although, it is strange that the Waif gets prickly when she senses “Jaqen” favoring Arya. That doesn’t seem like no one.

    You are 100% correct. The waif, AKA Stick Bitch, is training Arya to be badass. It’s like Navy Seals Hell Week at the House of Black and White. I think many of us are just sick of Arya getting wacked up side the head with that damn stick.

  475. Ginevra,

    Maybe we are simply overlooking that she is “No-one” for much of this series even though we still see her as Arya, and Maisie was just toying with us on that.

  476. Greg du Pille:
    Ravyn,

    Well, it does so far, but we’ve only seen the first part of the play… I doubt Cersei would look upon things quite so favourably if the latter part of the play includes a “walk of shame” segment.But we shall see…

    I’ve been saying this myself, but someone mentioned that Cersei doesn’t have the funds to pay a FM (although not sure the cost is a thing on the show). So now I’m not so sure. It is interesting that she’s tasked with killing “Cersei” (who’s on her “list”) though, and I’m wondering what’s gonna come from that.

  477. kells:
    I have mentioned this in the past and maybe it’s a moot point but why is it nobody questions Briennes sword?
    It has an obvious lions head on it, as does her sword belt. Of course, it’s not like she can find a blacksmith to replace it but the only person who ever called her out on it is The Hound. Even then, he only mentioned “Lannister gold”.
    We all know her oath to Sansa is true, her allegiance isn’t in question (yet), but is nobody curious why someone sworn to a Stark is carrying what is obviously a Lannister sword?
    Also, does Brienne know that Jaime pushed Bran out the window? Was she there back in season 3 when Catelyn confronted him about that? I would think that would be something, because of her oath, she would owe it to Sansa to tell her. Will be interesting if any of these things come into play if Jaime and Brienne run into each other at Riverrun.
    As honorable as I like to believe Brienne is, I can’t help but think her ultimate conflict will come down to her oath to Sansa/House Stark and her “oath” to Jaime.

    Just wondering if you’ve read the books? I don’t mean that in a rude way, it just impacts how best to respond 😉

    So, in a non- spoilery way (as this is only my theory): I think this will be her downfall by the end of the season. I suspect she’ll flee back north when she finds out (from Jaime) what LF is up to and also that the Tullys can’t help. But she’ll perhaps be ambushed on the road and hung for collaborating with the Lannisters- in which the sword will serve as proof.

  478. Apollo,

    Brienne gets herself unhung with her last word, which George has practically confirmed was “sword.” Recall that LSH gave Brienne a choice: rope or sword. The rope to hang Brienne and Pod. The sword to kill Jaime Lannister. At the last minute, Brienne changes her mind and chooses the sword. Perhaps she does this to save Pod. When it comes down to it, I don’t think Brienne will be able to kill Jaime, but she’ll be breaking her vow in doing so. She may even take down LSH, the lady she had sworn herself to.
  479. Ginevra:
    Apollo,

    Now that’s on the assumption that LSH will be on the show, although we know at least TBWB are back 😉

    I’m not sure if there’s time for the Jaime/Brienne book arc in the show though (although I hope there is), and if they don’t include this, I’m not sure what Brienne can bring to the story.

    In any case, they could just show the hanging as her end of season finale, whilst not necessarily killing her off.

  480. Shy Lady Dragon,

    Good morning! I’m glad I saw this reply here cause I have a hard time locating some of my previous posts when I’m not able to get back on till 20 hours later or whatever, so I can’t always search the previous threads for replies if they are long, I have many times wished for a self search feature, for that purpose to keep conversation going.

    As for Jamie, quite a lot of people are dissatisfied with how they his growth took a reverse turn this season. I wasn’t following those spoilers too closely but I thought I read he was going to be at odds with her after getting fed up with her crap. I guess there’s still time for that but the trailer and episode preview is showing something different. I really thought he was more of a main character in the book, right? They’re arn’t sowing that anore

  481. Shy Lady Dragon,

    Oopsie on that last jumbled sentence lol. I tried to add a line but knew the timer running out and went too fast. I would be a little happier if I knew Jon was going to be included in this coming episode but from the looks of it maybe not at all 🙁 If I’m feeling down seeing his face always cheers me up. The gods have decided I’m not worthy lol. Seriously, ya know how we all have a bad day here and there? Well this has been a weird ass week. At work mostly, and not just for myself but co-workers too. Also the moon’s been looking kinda spooky I noticed lol…not exactly full moon but has a different sort of orange glow and looks shaded by dense fog.

  482. Apollo: Just wondering if you’ve read the books? I don’t mean that in a rude way, it just impacts how best to respond

    So, in a non- spoilery way (as this is only my theory): I think this will be her downfall by the end of the season.I suspect she’ll flee back north when she finds out (from Jaime) what LF is up to and also that the Tullys can’t help. But she’ll perhaps be ambushed on the road and hung for collaborating with the Lannisters- in which the sword will serve as proof.

    They have diverged so much from the book(s) (no LSH, at least at this point) but I can see how your theory could make it comes full circle. Since in the books, she isn’t with Sansa or Arya, I am talking more about how the show has brought Brienne into Sansas fold with a sword that clearly “belongs” to the Lannisters. Or represents the Lannisters. Correct me if I’m wrong, but Brienne doesn’t know the sword was forged from Ice. So, to Sansa and company, they wouldn’t view it as anything more than a weapon with all the Lannister markings.
    That is what I meant by it in show-verse. How it wouldn’t set off alarms or make people question. I was kind of expecting LF to say something because there was one particular moment where the camera was on LF from an angle and you could see Brienne’s hand on it.

  483. Ginevra:
    Apollo,

    It’s hard to predict what will come of the LSH/Brienne/Jaime showdown, but whatever it is, it will be defining for the storylines of the latter two. Which is why I find it odd that some people claim that LSH is not important to the “story”. It is as if they can’t think about the next step in that plot, and how will almost certainly be a story-defining moment for at least one if not both of two major characters (a love story? a tragedy? etc). Whatever happens there, I think LSH endures. Her destiny involves her daughters, one way or the other.

    I’d almost given up hope on TV-LSH, but man, things are really lining up for it. At this point, I’d almost say why not? All the pieces are in place.

  484. I couldn’t be an assassin, because if I’m Arya I wouldn’t be able to not confront the actors and tell them how inaccurately they are depicting the events. How much of a cowardly psycho Joff was and how corrupt and crazy Cersei is. I just wouldn’t be able to shut my mouth.

    Basically, i would bore them to death before poisoning them.

  485. Greg du Pille:
    Can people honestly see a struggling junior actress being able to afford the legendary high price of a Faceless Man hit?I could imagine a certain royal who doesn’t like being unflatteringly portrayed in a mummers farce being not only able to pay the price, but also highly motivated to do so.That being the case, Arya might have just picked up a contract paid for by Cersei, which would be a delicious twist and make her actions rather pivotal, don’t you think?

    I think the faceless men gave the task to Arya to test her because Arya Stark wouldn’t kill a nice lady for money, but “noone” would. The test would be even more effective if they gave her a task bought and paid for by somebody on Arya Stark’s hate list.

    That said, I thought the payment required depended on your personal circumstances. I think Arya’s first task was to kill an insurance salesman who refused to pay a guy who lost everything he had on a ship that sank and was dead broke.

  486. Im pretty convinced Arya is going to kill the other actress and not Lady Crane. In her conversation with Jacquen it sounded to me like she identified who hired the FM and why – she’s jealous because Lady Crane is better than she is. Arya will kill the other actress, spare the decent and thus anger the FM resulting in her running away. 😀

    Go Arya!!

  487. kells,

    Brienne does know it’s from Ice. Jaime told her it was forged from Ned’s greatsword when he gave Oathkeeper to her.

    Although he didn’t know about Ice, the Hound did notice Oathkeeper’s Lannister lion head hilt before they fought.

    Sansa saw Widow’s Wail, but doesn’t know Oathkeeper is Ice’s other half.

  488. Wimsey:
    I would look at very human ways: and Ramsay (or 20 of his good men) sacking CB in an attempt to find Sansa or simply to punish the Crows for harboring her would be very much in keeping with the spirit of this story.

    You’ve never explained how Ramsay sacking Castle Black would lead to the White Walkers getting through the Wall. The Wall itself would not be affected, and its ability to halt the White Walkers is not in any sense dependent on a handful of men being atop it. They don’t have the means to fight them.

    Dylanstargaryian:
    but the sword should go back to house Stark.

    It is with House Stark. It’s being wielded by one member of said house’s sworn sword (Sansa obviously not having much use for it herself).

    Flora Linden:
    Sansa saw Widow’s Wail, but doesn’t know Oathkeeper is Ice’s other half.

    I think we can assume she was filled in on that, as there’s no reason for her not to have been. It’s not like there’s any action she would have taken, knowing that, that she hasn’t in the show.

  489. Greg du Pille:
    Can people honestly see a struggling junior actress being able to afford the legendary high price of a Faceless Man hit?I could imagine a certain royal who doesn’t like being unflatteringly portrayed in a mummers farce being not only able to pay the price, but also highly motivated to do so.That being the case, Arya might have just picked up a contract paid for by Cersei, which would be a delicious twist and make her actions rather pivotal, don’t you think?

    The price of a FM hit is dependent on the person being whacked. Want to take out a lord or king? Big coin. A no-name actress, not so much. I can’t imagine why Cersei would even know of, let alone care about, such a tiny thing across the sea.

  490. Ugh. They really do not want to show us any other location this week, do they?

    At least we get to see Joffrey die one more time. I wonder if we’ll see Sansa in a bat costume hopping out of some nearby window 😀

  491. If Septa Unella has a shame bell, then why is Margaery’s hair cut?

    hmm….

    I can’t wait for this confrontation!

  492. Love, the updated photo’s….we were right about what Arya was seeing!! Time to use the “pointy end” of Needle on the Waif, girl. I love the look on Jamie’s face, he is not going to mess around. I’d love to see Lancel be the first to go…can’t wait to see what transpires in KL!! I have some serious thoughts about what Septa Unella could do with her bell. Great pics, can’t wait until Sunday and for me it’s like a Saturday night so I can watch it when it airs…so excited about that!!

  493. Sean C.:

    I think we can assume she was filled in on that, as there’s no reason for her not to have been. It’s not like there’s any action she would have taken, knowing that, that she hasn’t in the show.

    Why would anyone bother doing that? Frankly, nobody in King’s Landing cared about updating Sansa on the fate of Ice. She was a valuable hostage who shouldn’t be reminded about anything of her birth family. When she saw Widow’s Wail she probably made the connection with Ice, but I doubt Tywin or anybody would have told her how many swords were made from Ice and what happened to them.

    Con Jonnington,

    If Arya does this, I hope it doesn’t turn out to be a mistaken assumption on her part. It might be revealed later that Lady Crane is bad after all, and the person Arya thought was responsible for the hit actually had nothing to do with it, and she kills someone innocent.

  494. So nothing from the North? Dany, HS, Marge, Tommen and more Dany (looking smug and satisfied how unusual.) I find myself not being interested in any of the other stuff at the moment. All I want to catch up on is Jon/Sansa/Davos/Bran/Mel right now. Can’t wait for Sunday to coome then only a let down. Perhaps they’re just keeping it mystery but hey it’s only 50 min.

    #snarkallowedit’smytom.

  495. Gotta say, it’s a pretty crummy batch of photos. Luckily, there has been zero correlation between the previews, photos, episode descriptions, etc… and how exciting the episodes have actually been. They obviously want to keep the exciting parts of the episode under wraps. That said, I am slightly amused that they gave us three pics of Dany on her horse, two of which are almost identical pics of Daario and Dany looking at each other, which we also saw in the preview, and is really not in any way an interesting shot.

    Also, the new batch gave us the reveal that we were all waiting for with bated breath : what does Tommen’s lower body look like in the first photo we got of him standing there ?

  496. Flora Linden: Why would anyone bother doing that? Frankly, nobody in King’s Landing cared about updating Sansa on the fate of Ice. She was a valuable hostage who shouldn’t be reminded about anything of her birth family. When she saw Widow’s Wail she probably made the connection with Ice, but I doubt Tywin or anybody would have told her how many swords were made from Ice and what happened to them.

    Nobody in KL would care, but Brienne knows, so she would.

  497. In the first trailer you can see the Mountains armor has a dent just the shape like Lancel’s weapon. Cu Lancel I’d say.
  498. The guy who played young Ned said he would be in episode 6. From UK’s Independent:

    Actor Robert Aramayo is confirmed to appear in episode 6 ‘Blood of my Blood’ on IMDb, while a recent hometown hero story on him in the Hull Daily Mail confirmed: ‘He will appear again briefly in episode six before another significant showing in episode ten.’

    The title of the episode is suggestive as well. So, I bet we get a bit in the ToJ, but probably not the full reveal.

  499. Ramsay is the only Bolton left and he took a huge gamble by killing his father.

    They need to explain who gets what after the war…inheritance…who gets the dreadfort or Karhold or Last hearth or Storms End…. Tommen is going to die and so will H B of KL….it would be nice if all these were explained… And now that House Martell is extinct who inherits Sunspear once the vagina militia is eliminated?

  500. i knew it was joffs death that arya was smiling at hahaha

    cant wait this episode looks amazing.

  501. i dont comprehend people who complain that the previews or photos are boring. would you like them to give the episode away before it airs? geez

  502. Stark Loyalist- King Rickon I,

    I guess we’re meant to believe the “vagina militia” now control Dorne forever. Since every single individual in Dorne hated Doran, I guess they have no problem following Oberyn’s demented lover and kinslaying illegitimate daughters.
    Good to know that murdering a family member is no big deal in Dorne, or in the Iron Islands.

  503. Does anyone feel like the Northern Storyline feels like a window into the writers room…

    I feel like the whole thing so far is just about building up “Team Ramsay” and “Team Snow” for one big confrontation, and then just finding an excuse to throw Rickon into the mix to “raise the stakes”.

    I still love it because of the character interactions though.
    The scenes in castle black are just superb

  504. Wow they really don’t want to spoil anything… Hopefully we’ll get some Jon scenes in this one. Can’t wait for Bran too. I guess his scene will be the first of the episode.

  505. Sean C.: Nobody in KL would care, but Brienne knows, so she would.

    I sort of remember Tywin saying that Widows Wail was forged from ice when he made it a wedding gift for Geoffrey. So Sansa knows because Geoffrey sliced through the book that Tyrion gave him.

  506. kells,

    Brienne does know that oathkeeper has been forged from Ice on the show… I assume Sansa was told off camera during their journey. Not so sure LF would as he’d left KL when it was reforged.

    That said, maybe the sword proves to be her salvation as well, if she mentions how it was made.

    Either way, without some other proof that she’s on team Sansa, she could find herself in a pickle.

  507. Dee,

    Or decide that a plot isn’t in the episode because of promo photos.

    Jon/Sansa may not be in the episode, but that either way has no bearings on promo pictures.

  508. Dee:
    i knew it was joffs death that arya was smiling at hahaha

    cant wait this episode looks amazing.

    Oh yeah. No wonder she’s smiling. She looks genuinely pleased in that photo. I’d be smiling too if I were there. 🙂 So stoked to see more of Dany and Arya this episode!

  509. Dee,

    Last week’s photos were a lot more diverse without giving anything away. I think many people want to see the Jansavos crew, or just Jon a horse would be fine really 😀

  510. Wimsey,

    How on earth would Ramsay take down the Wall when Mance couldn’t?

    Furthermore, I think there’s little chance that the Wall actually comes down this season. For a myriad of reasons, we aren’t going to have 13 episodes of a WWs crawling Westeros. At the very least I think they’ll reserve some beats for Dany’s arrival/conquest, which looks like it isn’t happening just yet, and if she lands with the Wall already down, who GAF?

  511. Sean C.:
    Chad Brick,

    Moreover, the play’s version of Cersei is a sympathetic character, so I’m not sure why she’d care.

    But we’ve yet to see the second act… Jaime is in the show, and we may yet get the walk of shame.

  512. Markus Stark:
    Also, the new batch gave us the reveal that we were all waiting for with bated breath : what does Tommen’s lower body look like in the first photo we got of him standing there ?

    LOL! 😀

  513. Sean C.:

    Nobody in KL would care, but Brienne knows, so she would.

    Brienne and Sansa never interacted in KL.

    Brienne never saw Widow’s Wail. Sansa never saw Oathkeeper at that point.

    Sansa was long gone from KL when Jaime sent Brienne on her original mission.

    The Hound called out Brienne on her fancy Lannister sword, immediately making her untrustworthy in Arya’s eyes, leading to the fight.

    When Brienne tried to pledge her services to Sansa the first time at the inn, Littlefinger immediately insinuated Brienne had a questionable patron and therefore, she was untrustworthy.

    Brienne will be reluctant to reveal her Jaime Lannister connection to Sansa, given the trouble and suspicion this has caused. Sansa may have noticed Oathkeeper and she could have asked Brienne about that off-screen, but I don’t think this happened yet. And now Brienne is off to the Riverlands.

    I think Littlefinger will be the one to reveal that connection to Sansa. He still has little birds in KL, and will use that information, like his jab about Jon, to plant doubt in Sansa’s mind about Brienne’s loyalty to bring her back to depending on him.

  514. ghost of winterfell:
    Still no pics of Bran or Sam. And no North

    I’m holding out hope that Team Stark will still be featured this episode. I also have a feeling WF will be shown (since it’s not in the last episode) although I dread that because we might see Ramsay torturing or taunting Rickon. Ugh.

  515. Apollo:
    kells,

    Brienne does know that oathkeeper has been forged from Ice on the show… I assume Sansa was told off camera during their journey. Not so sure LF would as he’d left KL when it was reforged.

    That said, maybe the sword proves to be her salvation as well, if she mentions how it was made.

    Either way, without some other proof that she’s on team Sansa, she could find herself in a pickle.

    Thank you for explaining! I wasn’t sure if Brienne knew the origins of Oathkeeper, wasn’t clear if Jaime had told her.
    I would guess LF doesn’t know but I guess my issue, if you want to call it that, is the pommel and not the origins. It is the Lannister calling card (the Lion). I would think that would raise some eyebrows. As would the sword being “gifted” to her from a Lannister. Still, it’s a small thing that bugged me since the scene between Arya/Sandor/Brienne.

  516. Flora Linden,

    Oathkeeper has a very obvious lion on the pommel. How would Sansa not have noticed that? And she’s traveling with Podrick, who was Tyrion’s squire. For that matter, Littlefinger already previously accused Brienne of being a Lannister stooge, a matter that was decisively resolved when Brienne kept going and saved Sansa. If she had been in Lannister employ she would have just tied Sansa up and dragged her south to KL, which she could easily have done. I don’t see how, at this point, the idea that Brienne has a Lannister connections as a wedge would fit into the narrative.

    There’s just no reason to think Sansa doesn’t know about Oathkeeper. It was simply not narratively significant enough to show (indeed, they’ve leaped over far, far bigger matters, like Sansa learning about the White Walkers).

  517. It’s been so long since we last saw the dragons. I miss them. Where are they?

    Where are my dragons?!

  518. Mihnea,

    Actually, for a lot of us. I am sure there will be at least one scene from the north. Jon/Sansa have to start building support with other northern families. But I think this will be a big Kings Landing episode. Some time to our two big players Dany and Jon but most of the time will be KL. when I saw the title I thought it would be a heavy Dany episode but I am not so sure anymore.

  519. There won’t be any Jon/Sansa scenes this week guys, it’s obvious.

    My ideal screentime for this episode looks like this :

    King’s Landing : the last 20 minutes
    Bran : 9 minutes
    Sam : 8 minutes
    Arya : 7 minutes
    Daenerys : 6 minutes

  520. Well, it looks like shit is going to happen in Kings Landing finally. Again, I hope to see Ser Robert Strong killing some sparrows in the most brutal way possible!!!

  521. I hope this is the episode where we see Drogon flying over the Dothraki. Can’t wait to see how big he got!

  522. Wylie,

    I know but there is no need to jump the gun and say that a plot isn’t in the episode because of pics or that pics are boring because the episodes have been far from boring.

    I love Jon and I’m down for him to be in every episode hahah

  523. This can’t be the best pics they can provide… They are hiding some GREAT stuff, I can tell by the pics they did release, hope I’m right 😉

  524. Pounce,
    Hehe. Here’s mine, because I just need the Jansavos, and no one tells me otherwise 😈

    Bran+vision: 8
    KL: 13
    Sam: 8
    Arya: 7
    Daeny: 5
    Jansavos: 6
    (Meereen: 4)

  525. Pounce,

    Yes Kings Landing needs a good 20 minutes or so…

    Also, can’t wait to see more of the Braavos play. It was so cleverly written
    Proper Progression
    Line of Succession
    Lawful Ascension

  526. Wylie,
    Jansavos! Love that. I’m with you so I won’t tell you otherwise. 🙂

    13 minutes for KL seems about right. I think that was as long as the Vaes Dothrak scenes in episode 4 and that was a major plot line for that episode.

  527. Dee,

    Yeah, there will most probably be other plots of course. But I think, episodes can be brilliant and the promo pics belonging to that brilliant episode can still be boring. I, for one, find most of these pics above very boring, because we know some shots from trailers already and the others are not really teasing anythin new. BUT I’m convinced that the episode will be far from boring! 🙂

  528. Sean C.,

    At this point, Sansa is solely focused on getting back Winterfell. White Walkers are the least important things for her to worry about.

    I do think Brienne’s Lannister connection will be important again later on. Especially when her plan fails and the Blackfish never shows up for her rescue. She’ll have to get back into Littlefinger’s good graces again, who’ll helpfully remind her that this is what happens when she tries to depend on questionable people. Like Brienne of Tarth, who was last seen in the Riverlands meeting with Jaime Lannister, before the two, along with the Blackfish, disappear.

    We’ll find out soon enough. Thanks for the convo! 🙂

  529. Pigeon,

    I think Jon is in need of a pep talk about his battle skills and military leadership, and I think Tormund will be the one to give it to him. Remember he has that line from the Season 6 trailer, “I thought he was the man to lead us through the long night. I was wrong.” They cut the trailer to make it seem like Tormund was talking about a dead Jon, but I don’t think we’ve heard him say it yet, have we? What if the “he” in this scenario is Mance, as in Tormund saying to Jon, “I thought [Mance] was the one to lead us through the long night. But I was wrong. You are.”

  530. Every week I raid these posts to grab a fone wallpaper to hype me up till Sunday. Been waiting for this update but there’s still nowt of worth lol.

    Intrigued by the ep but they defo keeping the cards close to their chest. Cant wait for the King’s Landing Kickoff!! They be some brutal looking weapons them noobs have cobbled together. The Warrior would be proud. (not)

  531. Sam,

    Jansavos or riot! 😀

    Yeah, more than 15 min. of KL seems a bit much to me. Although, of course I could be totally wrong. It’s just speculation (and the need for the Jansavos that tries to rationalize the lesser KL screentime :D)

  532. Chad Brick,

    My original point was that, even in the books, we do not know Brienne’s final destiny.

    LSH is as likely to appear on GoT as Alan Rickman. Yes, no one can say LSH isn’t important when we don’t know her end. What we can say, however, is that she has not yet proven to be critical in the books and that the showrunners, who know the endgame for all major characters, did not deem her arc important enough to include in the show – as they have stated explicitly and as they have shown for the past two years by not having her in the show.

  533. To all the people who are convinced that E6 is going to be boring with a smug Danny and KL politics. Point is taken, leave us in peace. You got your fix with E5. Do us a favour and see you again during the week before E9. If Ian Mac Shane is before this episode we will let you know and if by the old gods and the new there is a chance of Dorne appearance in the episode when Ian Mac Shane will make his infamous dragons and tits speech we will let you know the exact timing so that you can enjoy watching it undeterred.

  534. dothrakian raven,

    LOL! All these locations are part of the same story. One can have a preference or dislike, but the whole story needs to be told. I believe the coming episode will be just as good as any other, regardless which region is having it’s time in the spotlight.

  535. Chad Brick,

    All the pieces are in place.

    They definitively are. And the final piece will be LF meeting the undead love of his life in the Godswood of Winterfell, exactly where we saw Ned and Catelyn in S01E01…

  536. Arya’s grinning cause she saw play joff die, but it’ll soon turn to a sad face as she realizes play joff is really dead because they used lady crane’s rum in a play as a means to poison joff, ultimately meaning she failed which will result in her running from the FM.

    That’s my theory.

  537. NYTimes just released an interview where she says, regarding the next episode:

    “The next episodes might be a real turning point as she is about to make a real move toward the Targaryen in her blood”.

    Drogon finally comes? Hypeeee!

  538. Kargaryen,

    GRRM definitely did say in an interview that Dany would be embrasing her Targ side in TWOW… and if she is to be a conqueror, it needs to happen
    Hype 🙂

  539. Cersei knows from Tommen that the sparrows want to let Margaery go because she and Loras will join the Seven. That was Margaery’s idea to escape from there with his brother. That was the High Sparrows’s secret, but of course Cersei lied to Olenna that ”Margaery will do the walk” because Cersei wants the Tyrells and the sparrows to fight against each other.

  540. Eddie,

    Anyone thinking that the Waif is also at this play observing Arya? Perhaps the girl that is standing next to her in the photo? You know, the one who can’t crack a smile.

  541. Kargaryen,

    Hmm she says episodes. Not necessarily ep 6. Still it’s about time that Drogon appeared. I assume she will mount him in front of the Dothraki.

  542. Lmao I got so hyped that I forgot to mention Emilia’s name.

    Ginevra,

    That one!

    HelloThere:
    Kargaryen,

    GRRM definitely did say in an interview that Dany would be embrasing her Targ side in TWOW… and if she is to be a conqueror, it needs to happen
    Hype ?

    About time!

  543. ghost of winterfell:
    Kargaryen,

    Hmm she says episodes. Not necessarily ep 6. Still it’s about time that Drogon appeared. I assume she will mount him in front of the Dothraki.

    You are right. When I reread the interview I saw the “s” in “episodes”. I think it could totally be in the next episode though. From the stills, it looks like they are near that area Drogon’s shadow shows up. I’m just hoping he and Dany have some kind of interaction. A display of his power would be good too, as long as she can dominate him.

  544. Wylie,

    Let’s imagine the worst and say they’re not in this episode (no no NOOOOOOO) if that’s the case then i want AT LEAST 20 minutes for them in Ep7, their combined storyline is by far the most important story arc of the season (to the point that other storylines – specially Essosi ones except for Arya – seems almost irrelevant. For me of course).

    I can’t believe we didn’t get a proper conversation with Jansa talking about some of the major events of the past like Ned and red wedding, it happened off screen all of it or a much needed conversation between Jon and Mel.

    Some people said that they want Jon and Sansa sit this one out because it gives time to other storylines to shine, and boy this bugs me as hell. The reason that Jon and Sansa’s storyline are shining isn’t because they’re getting a lot of screen time – their screen time is pretty normal, also Jon was dead in first two eps and Sansa absent from the third one – they’re shining because there is nothing more goddamn exciting than two Starks reunite and then work with each other in order to liberate the north. So if other storylines wants to shine they need to be interesting in the first place (is dedicating an entire episode to Mereen suppose to change the fact that how irrelevant and boring it is? god if only it wasn’t for Peter).

    But to be fair it doesn’t matter what other storylines offer in terms of plot development or anything, they are still going to pale a huge deal in compare to Jansa for me because those two are simply my everything in this story haha.

  545. Green Chili: I have only a very drunk idea, after thinking too much about the last episode…

    What if Bran is the cause for Benjen disappearing and staying underground, just until the exact day when he would be needed to save Bran’s life? Like Hodor’s complete after-Wylis-life was a preparation for that single moment when he had to hold the door?

    Just talking to myself

    This is a rather sane idea. We may find some truth to it.

  546. Regarding the wall, maybe it doesn’t have to “fall” for the WW to get through. Part of the reason it is effective is its magic. The 3ER’s tree was also protected by magic. Bran being marked by NK nullified the magic. Assuming Bran is helped to the wall and eventually travels through the wall, and assuming the NK’s mark is a lasting mark, any chance that the magic of the wall is nullified and WWs can just fight/walk through? Obviously we don’t know about whether the mark lasts or whether its specific to just one location, but I have feeling it will come into play again.

    I don’t get to read everything here so didn’t know if it had come up before.

  547. SerCountryFriedSteak:
    I like how Arya is smiling and everyone else is frowning… like when (spoiler) Ken finally kills the old lady in A Fish Called Wanda.

    Good simile! Thanks for the laugh.

    There are moments when I think GoT could benefit from an injection of Pythonesque zaniness. It’s hard for me to look at the Faith Militant without being reminded of the penitent friars in ‘Holy Grail’ chanting and whacking themselves in the face.

  548. Hmm just rewatched the “shadow play” in the trailer. some things do not add up correctly.
    it can’t be TOJ. The inside of the tower would be to confined and rustic for masonry we see.
    also: the stabbed chara seems to be sitting and only jumps up when being stabbed. Or hit. because the stabber carries something that might be a shield. but then as it flies in direction of the victim it loses all contact to the owner save for a string that seems to be attached to it. you then see what could be the head of the victim fly off. in front of the victim is a shadow that could very well be the iron throne.
    maybe it is jaime (moves like nicolaj) beheading Rosshart before moving on to Aerys (which will actually be shown)
    but what is this shield like flying thing???

    i watched it over and over again. on yt 2nd trailer on speed of 0.25.
    what do you guys think?

  549. Beer Island,

    While I agree with you, that Sansa has developed a lot and is a great character, I would argue that Dany has also been abused and raped, only she was abused from childhood by Viserys and raped later by Drogo.
    When people have problems with sansas character, and a lot of people do, it’s because they compare her to women like Arya and Dany. You have to think about who Sansa was, because enduring all that. She was very much a Tully, behaved and formal, living in a sort of fantasy, wanting to be her mother the southern noble lady, and not the gruff, nothern type like Ned.
    That’s her story, the slow and steady crackling of that fantasy. It’s extremely well written and one of the more subtly fascinating character arcs. And I’m glad they changed took her to Winterfell. Of course, I dont know whats gonna happen in the books, I’m sure it’s awsome, but having her be ‘seduced’ by Littlefinger thinking she is coming in to her own only to be screwed over by him and learn her final lesson; Dont fucking trust anybody!
    Her character is thrilling to watch now, because of that. Little tid-bits, like when she chooses to lie to Jon. And by the way, if she hadn’t gone to Winterfell, we wouldn’t have that jumping from the castle scene, which really fit well with sansas arc at that time. She litterally jumps, finally.
    Also, The whole sheanigans in The Vale seemed pushed in in the books. That whole scene, where Littlefinger gives this loooong speach on just why Harry The Heir is the heir felt very deu-ex-machina. Martin tends to use that a lot in the last two books (maybe he planned it all along, but they dont feel like it), and the show wisely avoids them for the most part.

  550. steffan:
    Arya’s grinning cause she saw play joff die, but it’ll soon turn to a sad face as she realizes play joff is really dead because they used lady crane’s rum in a play as a means to poison joff, ultimately meaning she failed which will result in her running from the FM.

    That’s my theory.

    That’s an amazing theory. I mean, it’d be somewhat dubious as a conclusion to the learning-to-be-an-assassin arc if she assassinates the wrong person. Makes it look like she learned nothing. But as a twist, wow.

  551. Regarding how the wall comes down,(I’m assuming it has to in order for there to be any real threat) ever since last episode I’ve been assuming it happens when bran goes on the other side of it. It must have the same protection as the tree cave did. I could see the Night King doing whatever that crazy ice-earthquake Magic he pulled off at the cave but only on a much grander scale at the wall.

    But surely Bran knows not to do that after what just happened. Maybe someone takes him on the other side against his will?

    Or given what people are guessing about Ramsay in this thread, maybe he does show up, kill Edd and all the rest and just leaves. As several have pointed out, what would that really do? But maybe the magic of the wall only works as long as the men of the watch defend it? As soon as it is abandoned, whatever magic was put into it no longer applies and so the white walkers can just destroy it?

    Just some thoughts, can’t wait for the next episode or the rest of this season. Every episode has been excellent so far this year!

  552. Wylie,

    But how can a picture not be boring without giving anything away?

    I actually find all these photos very intriguing.

  553. Dee,

    If you found them intriguing they you know how they can not be boring without giving anything away.

    You just answered your own question.
    The pics are meant to spike our interest by intriguing us. Otherwise there is absolutely no point in releasing them.

  554. Thronetender:
    Re: Dany taking what she wants. Sounds like the Ironborn philosophy, doesn’t it? as in paying the Iron price by taking what they want?

    Yeah, it’s a ‘philosophy’ very familiar to any parent whose child has gone through the Terrible Twos phase. I came away from the Kingsmoot scene feeling like Euron and Dany deserve each other.

  555. Dee,

    Well, take last weeks’s photo of the Children for instance. It was intriguing to me, because we haven’t seen the Children in a while and yet it did not give anything major away about the plot. It made me excited, because it was new and gave me lots to think about.

    Half of the pics above are from a scene from which we’ve seen the first visuals last year and then again in trailer. So I had a lot of time to think about it. The actual photo thusly does not excite me anymore, yet I am still looking forward to the episode. Not thanks to the photo, though.

  556. Icekhione,

    I think Sansa is going to fail. Jon is going to take over. She made a big mistake by lying to Jon. That will be her downfall. I think we will be saying “You know nothing Sansa Stark”. Even D&D brought up her lie. So I definitely think it will come back to hurt her.

  557. lomilaw,

    lomilaw,

    I think that would be fairly poor writing. If all the Night’s King had to do was mark someone to get through the wall, why didn’t he mark someone from the Night’s Watch during their battle seasons earlier? I’d much rather the ability to get past the wall have to delve more into the story of the Night’s King. His past as a Watcher and possible Lord Commander and his ability to use the gate at the Nightfort. I’d find any of this more interesting than getting by the wall just because he marked Bran.

  558. I wonder if we ever gonna see the Cheeseboy again!!! And no picture of Mace with the feather!

  559. r-hard,

    No because we know that Varys and Olenna are going there. So it can be just the last episode. Besides the Sand Snakes have split now and I hope to see Nymeria and Obara in KL doing things rather than going back to Dorne after killing Trystane…

  560. Markus Stark,

    I was asking Wylie what he would find not boring without giving anything away.

    I know what I need to see to find intriguing I was just curious what he would want to see

  561. steffan,

    That scenario is interesting as theories go, and it might actually happen in D&D’s story, but it will be a massive injustice to Arya’s character from the books. In the books, she kills two men very efficiently(see spoilers). We do not know the aftermath of her third kill, maybe it will cause mayhem and make her leave Braavos, but in the show, she will have failed both missions which will make her look useless as a killer.

    By two men she killed, I meant Dareon and the insurance salesman. Dareon was not a job, but she did it without attracting much attention. The third kill is Raff, which was clearly Arya’s kill not No One’s, but there are theories which say that the FM might have wanted her to kill one of the guards to cause trouble for the Sealord and the Westerosi envoy.
  562. Caleb Howell,

    The comment I quoted was suggesting that the actor playing Joffrey would die by drinking rum poisoned by Arya, while playing a character who also dies due to a poisoned drink.

  563. ArrySnow:
    it can’t be TOJ. The inside of the tower would be to confined and rustic for masonry we see. […] but what is this shield like flying thing???

    No, it’s 100% the Throne Room: http://i.imgur.com/KzhAREI.jpg

    And I made exactly the same observation – looks as the attacker throws sth, if not a shield, maybe a cloth or net to catch / blind / confuse the person he attacks?

  564. Dee,

    No worries 🙂 That’s the price for getting myself spoiled on some things early… They just aren’t as exciting as they should be. But it’s almost saturday, so everything’s fine 😀

  565. What if Bran can’t get out of the vision mode … and keeps jumping from one vision to another vision. He can’t control it. He tries to wake up and instead moves to another vision. That could be pretty cool if we see briefly the mad king’s death and other things …

  566. Ginevra,

    I don’t think its just they don’t deem her important enough. I feel she was not cast yet because they sent Jaime to Dorne. The BWB will return and I have the strongest of feeling she enters the show now with Jaime and Brienne back in RR. I don’t see how that story line gets more interesting than that

  567. Markus Stark,

    Vagina Militia – LOL. I would not complain if the show has Dorne getting flooded and turn into sea after a natural calamity like the one that broke the Arm of Dorne during Dawn Age. Iron island deviations are acceptable – the show never established them as averse to kinslaying, (no Victarion – so that significance is lost a bit), the show never said (although Pyke alone is pretty stony) there are not enough trees in Iron Islands to build 1000 ships anew (they will have to plunder the mainland for that). Not as impressive or intense as the book version, but the show version if Iron Islands story is not as illogical as the Dorne one (avenge a Martell by killing all other Martells – yay!).

  568. kells: Thank you for explaining! I wasn’t sure if Brienne knew the origins of Oathkeeper, wasn’t clear if Jaime had told her.
    I would guess LF doesn’t know but I guess my issue, if you want to call it that, is the pommel and not the origins. It is the Lannister calling card (the Lion). I would think that would raise some eyebrows. As would the sword being “gifted” to her from a Lannister. Still, it’s a small thing that bugged me since the scene between Arya/Sandor/Brienne.

    If say it definitely would raise questions in the North/Riverands. Especially when you add the fact the Brienne is a wanted woman in both areas due to her part in freeing Jaime in the first place. Perhaps it’s something the show will gloss over (or simply doesn’t have the time to explore).

    But I do think Brienne is on borrowed time in one way or another and can easily see her being captured by TBWB or at the very least having to explain her position to the Blackfish (if they even meet), so the sword could yet come into play.

  569. onthe4thdaysnowroseagain,

    I agree, that would be interesting. But not sure that marking Bran in greenseer vision is the same thing as marking some random night’s watchmen in the present. There could be info coming on how NK saw Bran and what type of magic he developed, and from where it came, that allowed him to mark Bran in this particular way. And definitely would want backstory on NK and the situation regardless of whatever storyline ends up being the way forward.

  570. Jeff,

    Maybe the White Walkers only needed to kill the 3ER and the Cotf to be able to break down the Wall because they didn’t follow Bran to kill him. The Night’s King killed the 3ER and left, maybe that was enough and actually Bran needs to run and tell Jon the army of the death is coming.

  571. Flayed Potatoes,

    I may be wrong, they can be expensive but I seem to recall it is based more on ability to pay. Yes, for Robert to hire one to kill Dany would be extremely expensive. But for the widow to hire them to kill the “insurance broker” was probably significantly less.

  572. Flayed Potatoes,

    Yes, but I would guess that episode 7 and 8 will give them tons of screentime.
    Enough for them to give speeches and gather the other northern lords to their cause.

  573. Wylie,

    Almost saturday YES! But after this sunday only 4 episodes remains (damn it i’ll try not to think about it).

    Ps : you also missed my reply to you i guess (or you totally ignored it haha either way it’s totally ok there are lots of comments).

  574. SaveTheWolves,

    I’ll add a wrinkle to this theory: Bran has something to do with “burn them all” Someone will be shouting this phrase in the north while Bran is again in the past, it will cause a chain of events that spiral into the plot beautifully. I think the shadow isn’t a flashback of the mad king, but rather what we see as Tommen is killed.

  575. Ok… why do people think Jaime Lannister had reverted to his old pre-season 3 self…
    Because hes teamed up with Cersei? Maybe they are building to that moment.
    Look @ the context of the show.

    Cersei hasn’t done half the shit she does in the books (fucking half the kingsguard, not just lancel)…
    and also… wouldn’t Jaime be a monster to abandon Cersei after he brought home their daughter’s bones! Wouldn’t the guilt get to Jaime?
    U think book Jaime would abandon Cersei if this was part of his storyline?

    If Jaime’s arc is to separate from Cersei, it will happen. Maybe not in the same timeline, but it will happen.

    I think they are holding it off until he finally has enough and kills her

    aabe,

    According to show-Dorne logic, Shae could’ve killed Joffrey and become Queen

    why didn’t she :'(

    Iron Islands is not even close to being that bad. Its kinda “meh”, but I still think Euron is pretty cool.

  576. Wimsey,

    Do you think Bran being marked has anything to do with the walkers getting through the walls? It just seems very convenient. The cave has protective spells from CoTF. The Wall if the CoTF participated in would likely have spells (and does in the books). Bran’s being marked renders the spells useless for the cave. Bran going through the Wall does so for the Wall. D&D have laid the groundwork. Of course, if he realizes it he might not go through but I don’t know if show!Bran understands that. Book!Bran would given the Coldhands interaction.

  577. Flayed Potatoes,

    Exactly, i hope we get to see Sansa talk to Jon about LF and last week in ep6 but i’m beginning to lose my hope for seeing them in this episode, damn it!

  578. Sean C.,

    And Jon’s resurrection for that matter. We just got Brienne’s elliptical comment regarding how she could understand his brooding “after that” or something like that

  579. Darkrobin,

    Has the show gone in depth on this? I could be wrong but I feel the price has not been discussed at all. There’s the line that “only death can pay for life” but nothing about monetary price, right?

  580. Josh L,

    This. Totally how I see this; hoping this is where she leaves and comes back to Westeros, maybe run into Brienne at Riverrun?

    Ron Snow,

    couldn’t be an assassin, because if I’m Arya I wouldn’t be able to not confront the actors and tell them how inaccurately they are depicting the events. How much of a cowardly psycho Joff was and how corrupt and crazy Cersei is. I just wouldn’t be able to shut my mouth.

    Actually the actors are not depicting the events inaccurately; the writer is. Whoever has the funding power for this troupe probably has the writer on her payroll. Like Shakespear did to Richard III, a ruler often will twist history into her favor (and yes I said her for a reason 🙂

    Basically, i would bore them to death before poisoning them.

    Hahahahah!

  581. Amanhasnoname,

    Tbh I think Brienne is more Dunk based (dunk and egg) 🙂 If this were an RPG I’d definitely want to keep her in my party. She’s a berkserker tank who gets stronger every time you knock her down. Plus I just love her and I don’t care who knows it.

    Green Chili,

    Yeah to me first thing I thought of was vision of Mad King’s death in throne room as part of Bran’s “upload”. Since Jaime has already referenced it so many times I think the shadow play is perfect reminder.

  582. Flayed Potatoes,

    …no there isn’t. Literally all they have to do is raise the forces of some minor houses, and maybe Davos finding out about Shireen. That doesn’t need that much screentime.

  583. Leila,

    Remember he has that line from the Season 6 trailer, “I thought he was the man to lead us through the long night. I was wrong.” They cut the trailer to make it seem like Tormund was talking about a dead Jon, but I don’t think we’ve heard him say it yet, have we? What if the “he” in this scenario is Mance, as in Tormund saying to Jon, “I thought [Mance] was the one to lead us through the long night. But I was wrong. You are.”

    No we haven’t heard it and I was expecting it on the first episode. mmmmm

  584. Daughter of Winter:
    Wylie,

    I can’t believe we didn’t get a proper conversation with Jansa talking about some of the major events of the past like Ned and red wedding, it happened off screen

    How about: Because it’s completely unnecessary, and both of the characters know full well what happened?

  585. ash,

    When we didn’t hear it early, I assumed we would be hearing it when he is rallying the wildlings to fight with Jon’s army.

  586. MiaMoon,

    I thought so too. And it makes sense. He’s got a lot to do this season and we’re halfway through. Also I think he needs more dialogue. The man died and he’s instantly back in the thick of things, and since he ended his watch no one has asked him how he’s doing or referenced the Wildlings thinking he’s a god again or anything like that. He barely spoke in the last episode.
    Hoping for a Tormund and/or Davos chat. Also hoping to see Ghost healthy and trotting along beside them. 🙂

  587. Connor,

    I think Jon will be in every episode this year. They’ve said this is his “biggest season” to date and he didn’t even act (except gasping for breathe) in the first two episodes.

  588. I think the consensus is that last week’s episode was worthy and in

    many ways a game-changer, but we would never have guessed that by

    last week’s pictures. This is a list of what was released last week:

    Brienne and Sansa sitting side-by-side at a table.
    Close up of Jon leaning over a table.
    Close up of Kinvara and her chest.
    Bran turning his head to see the Night King behind him.
    Dany and Dario looking into the distance.
    Sansa and LF looking in opposite directions.
    Arya and Jaqen walking in front of the faces.
    Leaf and other Children of the Forest in the grassy stone circle.
    Close up of LF’s face looking sad.
    Aeron Greyjoy standing in front of the water.
    Arya Stark, cleaned up.
    Jaqen H’ghar, preparing a body
    Close up of Brienne. (Lady Stark asked you a question!)
    Bran and TER standing in Winterfell courtyard.
    Close up of Dario.
    Jorah unrolling his sleeve.
    Jorah looking sad.
    LF still looking sad.
    Close up of Sansa then another view of Sansa and LF.
    Missandei in the pyramid
    TER and Bran walking through the stone circle
    Varys and Tyrion standing on stone steps.(this wasn’t even in the episode.)

    There were no pictures of Hodor, young or old (sob), no pictures of

    Euron, Yara or Theon, no pictures of Summer. No hint of the play, and

    certainly no pictures of the first man being turned into the first White

    Walker. We didn’t see any hint that Varys would be shocked by a

    revelation, or that Jorah was actually revealing his grayscale to Dany.

    And certainly no hint that Dany and Jorah would move a notch beyond

    the friend zone. There was no hint that Sansa would find a liking for war

    strategy or finally tell LF to hit the road, or that LF would drop the tidbit

    about Uncle Blackfish in Riverrun. These were all generic pics, and

    seeing them, I was afraid the episode would be a bit dreary. It wasn’t, it

    was epic.

    This week, they are actually showing weapons being drawn, hinting at all

    sorts of action. They have Septa and her damned bell. There are lots of

    pics of Dany looking at Dario like she wants a lollypop, and tons of pics

    of Kings Landing. None of Sam, Gilly or his mother and sister, yet we

    know from the preview vid that they are going to shown. They have us so

    focused on Kings Landing, I’m thinking they are going to drop another

    game-changing bomb on us that we never see coming. Even if they

    don’t, I won’t complain. I’ve been very pleased with all these episodes so

    far – we are all spoiled now, a slow episode is going to make us crazy. I can’t wait.

    sigh, again that formatting problem trying to copy from one program to another. apologies

  589. Iniga,

    Well i certainly don’t see it as unnecessary, I would love to see them talk and share feelings about those pivotal events that destroyed their family, but i’m not losing hope for a scene between Jon and Mel. For god’s sake she thinks of him as PTWP after bringing him back to life.

    But ultimately i agree that i’m acting greedy here because these two are my favorites and now they’re together so i can’t have enough of them haha.

  590. Icekhione,

    It seems to me, Icekhione, that Jon’s action is internal – in the last episode. He hasn’t been saying much, but have you seen the looks he’s been giving Sansa?! That kid has been acting the hell out of those looks!

    Jon seems to be wrestling with something, internally. He is gripping his fists while the camera defocuses from Sansa and focuses on him(after she says that he is as much Nedd’s son as Ramsay was Roose’s). He then drops his hands and has a faraway look in his eye.

    …and then, when he asks her “How’d you know about that?”, referring to the Blackfish info, there was deep distrust in his voice, perhaps suspicion.

    A few people have said it’s odd how Sansa and Brienne were able to leave Castle black unseen. I don’t think they were unseen. At Castle Black, every time someone approaches the gates, a lookout announces the arrival. It’s a big, noisy production to open and close those gates. Additionally, there are lookouts posted atop the wall who can see for miles, perhaps as far as Molestown. It’s almost a certainty that someone reported their trip to the Lord Commander(‘s), Jon and Edd. They may not know who she met with, but they definitely know she met someone. The fact she hasn’t mentioned anything is suspicious. Jon may have been waiting for her to do just that – say something!

    So, I do think Jon is aware – and troubled – by much more than he is saying. By the way, Edd also gave Sansa a strange look when she made the remark about she having the Stark name and that Jon was every bit Nedd’s son as Ramsay was Roose’s.

  591. Darkrobin,

    I do like the idea of the mark on Bran being the thing that compromises the Wall. There is another possibility. When the Night’s King touched the ground in front of the cave, a shock went along the ground and caused the cave to crumble. It seemed He was testing out some new power, or perhaps an old power that was now effective. If Bran’s mark compromises the magic of the Wall, and the Night’s King uses that move, theoretically, he could bring down the Wall that way.

    speculation.

  592. Icekhione,

    …there’s one more thing I just thought of:

    The type of letter Littlefinger sent is not delivered by raven, but by a rider. So, surely the Lord Commanders are aware of the flow of mail into the castle. I even imagine that everything goes through their hands. Jon would recognize the seal on the letter, or be told of the letter’s arrival.

  593. Anon,

    All of those issues (how did the mail get delivered without Jon knowing, how did Sansa leave the castle without him knowing when opening the gate is a big production) are things the writers don’t want you to wonder about.

  594. Hubo:
    It’s been so long since we last saw the dragons. I miss them. Where are they?

    Where are my dragons?!

    It’s only been 3 weeks

  595. HelloThere: Ok… why do people think Jaime Lannister had reverted to his old pre-season 3 self…

    Probably because he said that they are now going to take everything for themselves, “everything there is.” Which leaves me a little uneasy about Sansa’s safety. If “everything there is” includes the North, he’s not going to be so happy with strong Sansa and strong Jon. Nor will he be so delighted that Brienne actually found Sansa and is, theoretically, guarding her. It may not be so wonderful for Brienne to meet up with Jaime anymore, especially since he’s had time to get a taste of Cersei back into his blood.

    Everybody waiting for him to be all distraught with Cersei over Lancel. Grow up. He’s not killing Cersei over Lancel. He brought back home a dead daughter, after he swore he was going to save her. I think he’ll give Cersei a little leeway on a few hook-ups. He’s more likely to kill Lancel, just for the sport of it. (and annoyance at that stupid thing Lancel had cut into his forehead. What Lannister does shit like that?)

  596. Sean C.,

    We’ll see, in the end, if indeed he knows something. It’s inconceivable that he doesn’t. I wonder too, how much Jon knows about Sansa’s relationship with LF. How on earth did she explain how she came to be Ramsay’s wife?! And, how could she admit to him that it was through a failed revenge scheme?

  597. Con Jonnington:
    Im pretty convinced Arya is going to kill the other actress and not Lady Crane. In her conversation with Jacquen it sounded to me like she identified who hired the FM and why – she’s jealous because Lady Crane is better than she is. Arya will kill the other actress, spare the decent and thus anger the FM resulting in her running away.

    Go Arya!!

    This would also foreshadow her killing Sansa and not Cersei.

  598. Conan: This would also foreshadow her killing Sansa and not Cersei.

    Huh? I didn’t know that was even a thing…

  599. Josh L: My guess is the play will probably show Fake-Tyrion poisoning Fake-Joffrey, and playing it as a sad and horrible thing (remember, most people in Westeros view Tyrion as a monster and do believe Tyrion deliberately poisoned Joffrey, hence the trail which “proved” his guilt). Arya, however, knows otherwise and would be delighting in Joffrey’s death while everybody around her is reacting in shock and aghast.

    If that is the general Essosi perception of Tyrion, Harpies/Freedmen will have an easy time conspiring against him in Meereen. Wonder what Arya’s view of Tyrion will be. Will she add him to her list for forcefully marrying and raping Sansa? In the books, the only people Arya wants to kill are those whose guilt she has witnessed firsthand. So she may not believe Tyrion’s treachery of Ned (she saw Joffrey ordering Ned dead in real, instead of Tyrion bribing the guards in the play), but Tyrion’s marriage with Sansa is a fact she can check with by talking to sailors or something.

  600. I wonder if Jaime and the Tyrell army are going to try to take Lancel, along with Margaery? I’m sure Cersei and daddy Kevan would love to give Lancel a thorough deprogramming session. Courtesy of (not really a) Maester Qyburn, no doubt.

  601. Esmail,

    I think its going to be more than her conversion…. think about it….what did the High Sparrow tell Tommen? What did Tommen tell his mother?? Why would the Lannisters really care if Margery did a walk of shame? The entire Tyrell army is going to be there – with the Lannister army “standing down”behind them – only to move on the kings command. If Loris told the HS what a certain Tyrell did to his brother (former king) – things could go very bad for the Tyrell’s – they are surrounded – Lannister army behind – faith army in front – trapped in the middle.

  602. ash: Actually the actors are not depicting the events inaccurately; the writer is. Whoever has the funding power for this troupe probably has the writer on her payroll. Like Shakespear did to Richard III, a ruler often will twist history into her favor (and yes I said her for a reason

    In the “Mercy” chapter in Winds of Winter, the playwright’s last name is

    Forel

    . Maybe that’s just a common Braavosi surname. Or maybe there is some significance to it!

  603. People keep using the term “conversion” in reference to Margaery’s mummer show with the High Sparrow. But the Tyrells are already followers of the Faith of the Seven, like most Southrons by tradition. So she wouldn’t be converting.

    She might, however, announce her intent to become a postulant (or whatever the Westerosi equivalent might be) and train to become a septa. Not sure how that works with women who are already married, though. There might be some role comparable to a deaconess that is open to devout married women, I suppose.

  604. Firannion,

    I beleive GWWM has stated that the Faith is roughly equivalent to the medieval Catholic Church. I would doubt that unless Margeary is a widow or the marriage is annulled that she could become a nun but whether that is the same for septa I don’ t know.

  605. Could we get Jamie trying to tell Lancel that his father misses him and he needs to come back to his family? And Lancel will hit him with the info that Cersei slept with him many times. This could be what drives Jamie away from Cersei and to the Riverlands.

  606. Tycho Nestoris,

    You are correct. It has not been discussed. I vaguely recall some discussion in AFFC but didn’t really pay that close attention to it. I just guessed that the widow could not afford to pay that much even with her insurance so it might be dependent upon how much the person had. I sort of recall Arya serving in a meeting of people at the HOBW and them agreeing who to kill and for how much but I could be wrong

  607. Con Jonnington:
    Im pretty convinced Arya is going to kill the other actress and not Lady Crane. In her conversation with Jacquen it sounded to me like she identified who hired the FM and why – she’s jealous because Lady Crane is better than she is. Arya will kill the other actress, spare the decent and thus anger the FM resulting in her running away. ?

    Go Arya!!

    I like your thinking! This would be a great scenario.

    Jaqen has been one of my favorite characters in both the books and the show. He was appreciative that Arya saved his life. I was sure he had taken an avuncular liking to her and he wanted to help a girl.

    Spoiler below in case my spoiler code doesn’t work:

    I think it was the end of season 4 when Jaqen offered to bring her with him to Braavos. He said something like “a girl has many names on her list. Joffrey, Cersie etc names to offer to the many faced God”… Something to that effect. It sounded liked he was offering to train her how to become a faceless man so she could exact her revenge. But upon arriving to the house of black and white they pretty much told her she couldn’t kill for personal reasons. So this really confused me.

    So…does Jaqen know Arya will leave, and is basically helping her learn some mad skills so she can mark some names off her kill list? Or will Jaqen ultimately turn on Arya after she defects…that would suck if Arya had the faceless men after her. I don’t think her chances would be very good.

  608. Nadia,

    One, the hole in the Wall will be figurative: no more Crows.

    Two, even if Daeny gets to Westeros before the Walkers do, then what does it matter? Nobody in Westeros thinks that Walkers exist: eNortherners think that they are lomg extinct, and Southerners think that they never existed.

  609. Sean C.,

    Why would anyone wonder? There are dozens of simple answers. You might as wrll worry about where the women go to defecate.

    Worry about the story and the plots, not trivial narrative details.

  610. i hope Ramzy is caught and tortured 10x the way he did to each and everyone that suffered his wickedness

  611. Please forgive us ignorant folk who think it is possible that because there are no promo pics or teases for a certain plot line it could mean said plot line doesn’t feature very much if at all in the episode. I suppose it’s not at all natural to be a little disappointed at no hype being thrown our way. /s

  612. Wimsey:
    Sean C.

    Worry about the story and the plots, not trivial narrative details.

    Whoa, whoa. Back off, Wimsey. I know you have strong convictions about what matters in the transmission of a narrative, but where do you get off telling other people what to worry about? You’d best get used to the idea that a whole lot of fantasy fans really get off on worldbuilding and detailed description. Just because our tastes and priorities don’t conform to your formula of what ‘most people’ or ‘most experts’ consider most important in a book/film/TV show doesn’t mean that it’s OK for you to try to invalidate them.

    You are obviously a very bright and well-informed guy, and you argue your points very cogently. But when you get into control-freak mode, you’re not so much fun to hang out with, I’m sorry to say.

  613. ygritte,

    If only some people would minimize the complaints of other poster’s opinions or wishes. And if you want to comment or question how they feel, instead of off-handed remarks to others, say it directly. It’s a bit of passive aggressive stuff going on here sometimes to be honest.

  614. Thronetender,

    Hadn’t thought about all that. Thanks for pointing it out. I guess the pics they decide to release don’t mean all that much. This time around makes it seem as if there’d have to be a lot of time taken up at KL, with Arya, and whatever is name of place Dany’s at but yeah they could still get 5 minutes in with Bran and maybe 5 with the Jon posse. That leaves 15 for KL, 10 for Dany, 10 for Arya, 5 min. for Sam and Gilly?….

  615. It’s late, I’m a bit tipsy, so apologies if this has been said already…

    Anyone else think Brienne going to Riverrun will end in her meeting lady stone heart? Feel like they would be considered epic smart for saving it for this late in the game. Plus whats the point of the Frey’s this season if they haven’t been introduced back into the fold yet? Wishfully thinking always…

  616. If LSH does appear in the show, this is the last season during which it can happen. After that, it will be way too late. Additionally, I believe Walder will die this season, so if LSH has anything to do with his death, she has to appear soon.

    For this episode, though, I am expecting the closing scene to be King’s Landing-related. Either an important character dies or some twist happens.

    The following episode’s ending scene will most likely be

    The Hound reveal

    In the final three episodes, I can already guess two endings:

    Reverse!Red Wedding and Dany and co sailing toward Westeros

    🙂

  617. Icekhione,

    There has to be a scene with fire engulfing Jon, that reveals Jon snows targerian bloodline also…. maybe not this season but it has to be something cool, like the dragons trying to roast him but instead just burning his clothes and leaving him naked….three swords in hand! 🙂

  618. Two things that I think are significant have not been discussed:

    1) During the Range Beyond the Wall, a WW looked straight at Sam and passed him by. This reminds me of the fat guy in Lost (sorry, I forgot his name) who ended up being so important.

    2) Little Lady Mormont’s name is Lyanna, and her house serves only Starks.

    Thoughts?

  619. Wimsey: Why would anyone wonder? There are dozens of simple answers.

    I agree with Anon…Sansa receiving secret mail at CB is a detail (one of many) that festers within my being if I dwell on it too much. 🙂 During the scene when Sansa receives the letter, I was actually thinking “Why is Sansa asking where ‘Moles Town’ is? She just went through it to get to CB!”. But of course, Brienne must have known where it was since there probably wouldn’t be an exit sign off the Kingsroad directing one to it.

    Oh well, the story still links together, warts and all.

  620. ghost of winterfell:
    Shy Lady Dragon,

    I don’t think Jaime will break with Cersei before leaving for the Riverlands. It’s more likely that she sends him there after hearing that the Bfish has retaken Riverrun.

    I’m afraid not… I’ve got the feeling that he’s there to protect Lannister interests.

  621. QueenofThrones,

    Truly sorry I returned here so late, hope I’m not alone on the thread now! I do like your wildfire theory! Insane people seem to manage to be as destructive as they want, so she could find a way… and then poetic justice follows. I’d like the events to happen as you have predicted.

  622. dragonbringer,

    Dany’s storyline is the most inconsistent for me. She has one big moment with the flames but other than that, it’s been a snoozefest so far. I can’t wait for her to get back to Meeren and start interacting with Tyrion again.

    Arya’s story has been consistently boring until the last episode. I’m interested in KL but seriously, no more HS speech. Jonathan Pryce is an awesome actor but those speeches are yawn.

  623. Zalos,

    That’s fun.
    I agree on this episode ending with KL.
    Episode 7 ends with the gravedigger.
    Episode 8 ends with a battle at Meereen.
    Episode 9 is Jon and Sansa in Winterfell.
    Episode 10 is potentially the Wall collapsing but hopefully that’s season 7’s finale. Another option would be Bran arriving in Winterfell.

  624. Ginevra,

    Thank you for your unexpected positive ending! I mean how you solve the conflict you have explained above, in spoiler code – I’m trying hard not to write spoilers. I have feared the resolution since I read the book: there are worse things than death. Now it’s the first time when I read an ending I like in this arc, even if it’s bittersweet.

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