Game of Thrones Recap Season 5 Episode 2: The House of Black and White
Braavos
Arya arrives in Braavos on board the ship she commissioned with Jaaqen’s coin in the Season 4 finale. The Titan of Braavos looms large overhead, and I definitely wonder how much detail they put into the statue below his battle skirt.
Don't look up, Arya. You're too young!
Arya is rowed to an isolated structure: The House of Black and White. She is refused entry, and after what seems to be a couple of days, she throws her coin in the ocean and walks off.
Later, she is challenged by some thieves, but before fighting can break out our friend from the House of Black and White arrives. The thieves flee, and back at the House of Black and White, the man reveals the face of Jaaqen H’gaar before inviting Arya in to presumably start her training.
The Vale
In a nondescript tavern, Pod recognizes Littlefinger and Sansa. Brienne approaches the pair, explains her oath to Catelyn, and asks Sansa to accept her protection. Littlefinger embarrasses her and Sansa refuses her offer. After leaving quickly, Brienne rescues Pod from a pair of soldiers and they decide to follow Sansa and Littlefinger wherever they are headed.
King’s Landing
Cersei receives a gift from Dorne: A Red Viper statue draped with Myrcella’s necklace. Jaime tries to help, but Cersei is more intent on shaming and criticizing him. Jaime declares his intent to travel to Dorne and bring Myrcella back to King’s Landing.
At the small council meeting, Cersei asks Kevan Lannister (her uncle) to act as the Master of War. Kevan wants nothing to do with Cersei’s rule, and intends to bail on the whole situation and return to Casterly Rock instead.
Stokeworth
Bronn walks with his betrothed, Lollys, along the beach. They are interrupted by Jaime, who promises Bronn a better wife and better castle in exchange for his assistance.
Dorne
Ellaria Sand (Oberyn’s lover) demands retaliation from Prince Doran Martell for Oberyn’s death. She wants to kill Myrcella, but Doran refuses; maybe we have a new “good” character!
Somewhere in Essos
Varys and Tyrion ride to Meereen by way of Volantis. Varys attempts to inspire a depressed Tyrion, telling him they can play an important role in a new, peaceful kingdom.
The Wall
Stannis scolds Jon Snow for killing Mance Rayder rather than letting him burn to death before informing him that he’s struggling to gain followers in The North. Stannis offers Jon a chance to rule Winterfell as Jon Stark (a King can legitimize bastards). Jon tells Sam he will refuse the offer and remain with the Night’s Watch. Sam then nominates Jon for Lord Commander. After some harsh words from Aliser, votes are cast. Maester Aemon breaks a tie with his own vote, making Jon Snow the 998th Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch.
Meereen
Daario and Grey Worm walk the streets in search of Sons of the Harpy. Daario finds one of the men they’re after, and his fate is discussed among Dany’s advisors. Barristan tells Dany the truth about her father, King Aerys: he truly was mad, and his actions nearly destroyed House Targaryen. Dany promises not to execute the man without a trial.
Mossador, the former slave on Dany’s small council, kills the man awaiting judgment and leaves his body in the streets as a message. Dany has him executed in public for his actions. A riot breaks out as Dany and her group are escorted away. While Dany looks out on Meereen, Drogon appears and nuzzles her hand before flying into the night.
What changed?
Arya is now training to become a Faceless Man, which is pretty awesome if Jaaqen’s actions to-date are any indication. Cersei has driven two more Lannisters away; Jaime is headed to Dorne with Bronn and Kevan is returning to Casterly Rock. Jon Snow is Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Dany’s freed slaves are unhappy with her, but none of it will matter if she eventually USES HER FUCKING DRAGONS who are getting much larger, based on Drogon.
Who’s Missing?
Bran Stark, Rickon Stark, Jorah Mormont, Theon/Reek Greyjoy, Yara Greyjoy, Balon Greyjoy, Roose Bolton, Ramsay Bolton.
House Power Rankings:
- House Tyrell – Mace is named Master of Coin, but no real change
- House Lannister – growing weaker, but our next House is still dependent on their support
- House Bolton – Stannis’s difficulty in rallying the North bodes well for the Boltons
- House Greyjoy – no change
- House Targaryen – Dany is still struggling with governance, but Drogon is a formidable size and the other dragons won’t be far behind
- House Baratheon – unable to add the Wildlings OR the Stark loyalists in the North, the Boltons are now a much greater challenge to Stannis
- House Stark – no change. Jon now commands the Night’s Watch, but they’ve all sworn not to get involved in matters of the Seven Kingdoms.
Dragonflame Burn of the Week:
"He was my brother long before he was anything to you."
"Let me have her. Let me send her to Cersei one finger at a time."
"We do not mutilate little girls for vengeance. Not here. Not while I rule."
"And how long will that be?"
