Directed By: Alex Graves / Written By: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss

Original Airdate: April 20, 2014

In the aftermath of King Joffrey Baratheon’s murder at the Purple Wedding, the players in King's Landing reassess their situation as Tyrion Lannister sits in a cell awaiting trial while his sister Cersei mourns for her son. The capital is in further chaos as Sansa Stark has fled the city at the time of death. Meanwhile, after hearing word of a wildling attack close to the Wall, the Night's Watch plan for war as Samwell Tarly moves Gilly away from Castle Black for her protection. In the Riverlands, Arya Stark and Sandor Clegane continue their journey to the Vale of Arryn so the Hound can collect ransom from Arya’s aunt Lysa Arryn. Over in Essos, Daenerys Targaryen shows the slaves of Meereen her intentions of their liberation, much to the distress of the slave masters.

main cast

king’s landing

At the wedding feast, Cersei Lannister is still in hysterics in front of the royal court as she holds the dead body of her son, King Joffrey Baratheon. The grieving mother accuses her brother Tyrion Lannister and commands that he is seized for the poisoning, as he is then escorted to the cells. Amidst the chaos, Ser Dontos Hollard assists Sansa Stark in fleeing from the capital, who is still shocked by the events. Cersei soon realizes Sansa’s disappearance and orders for her arrest as well, while Lord Tywin Lannister orders the guards to bar the gates of the city and seize every ship in the harbour. Despite this, Dontos and Sansa are able to race their way through abandoned alleys and eventually come upon a small row boat, which Dontos rows out to a large ship. As Sansa is taken aboard, she is greeted by Lord Petyr Baelish. He remembers that he still owes Dontos his fee, but Baelish instead has two men kill Dontos with crossbows. Littlefinger explains to Sansa that Ser Dontos was a drunken fool and an unreliable ally who only helped Sansa for money and would also turn her in for money. To prove his point, he shows that the necklace Ser Dontos gave her, and passed off as a family heirloom, was actually made weeks ago on Baelish's orders. Sansa is confused and horrified, but Littlefinger promises to keep her safe as they sail away from King’s Landing.

Some time after the horrific events at the wedding feast, Queen Margaery Tyrell sits in the gardens of the Red Keep with her grandmother Olenna Tyrell, questioning the validity of her title as “Queen” due to King Joffrey’s murder. Lady Olenna explains that she is more of a queen now than she was with Renly Baratheon, but as Margaery didn’t consummate her marriage with Joffrey the title remains up in the air. However, Olenna urges Margaery not to press the issue at this sensitive time. Margaery assumes she must be cursed as both of her kings have now been murdered, to which Olenna responds, however, by saying her circumstances have improved remarkably. She asserts that while Margarey might not have enjoyed watching Joffrey die it is far less than the suffering she would experienced in her marriage to the sadistic young Lannister. She also insists their alliance with House Lannister remains necessary to House Tyrell. Olenna then compliments Margaery’s work on Joffrey, calmly adding that the next marriage should be easier.

Meanwhile, a grieving Cersei and her youngest son, Tommen Baratheon, privately pay their respects to Joffrey in the Great Sept of Baelor. Tywin Lannister, also present, wastes no time and begins instructing the young prince on the qualities of a good king, commenting on his belief that Joffrey was neither a wise nor good king. Tywin adds that if he had been either perhaps he would still be alive. As Tywin and Tommen leave, Jaime Lannister enters to see his sister Cersei calling for the death of their accused brother Tyrion and his missing wife Sansa. Jaime sends the septon and septas away so he can be alone with Cersei. He tries to comfort her through his affections as she reciprocates, initially, then pulls back from him. An also grieving Jaime tells her she is a hateful woman and rhetorically asks “why have the gods made me love a hateful woman?” whilst grabbing her forcefully. He becomes more aggressive with his advances, trying to latch onto some form of comfort with Cersei. She is drawn to his advances to a degree, however, as they are in the Sept during a private viewing of their son's corpse it is a highly inappropriate place for sex. Her body reacts with such respect and then asks Jaime to stop by repeating "it isn't right”. As he handles her with an increased aggression, however, Jaime refuses to stop, and tells her "I don't care". They then proceed to have sex next to Joffrey’s dead body.

Later on, Lord Tywin interrupts Prince Oberyn Martell with Ellaria Sand, Olyvar and two prostitutes to discuss Tyrion's upcoming trial for the murder of King Joffrey. Once in private, Tywin brings up Oberyn's knowledge of poisons and the link between that and Joffrey's death, wondering whether Oberyn had helped Tyrion. The topic quickly changes to the murder of Oberyn's sister Elia Martell by Tywin's "pet", Ser Gregor Clegane, during the Sack of King's Landing. Tywin denies ordering her death, but promises to arrange a meeting between Oberyn and the Mountain so he can have his justice. He also offers Oberyn a position on the small council, if he agrees to be the third judge at Tyrion's trial. Tywin explains that he is eager to bring Dorne back into the fold, wanting to unite the kingdoms against more obvious threats; the Greyjoys are in open rebellion, a wildling army is advancing on the Wall, and Daenerys Targaryen is in Essos with three dragons and building a powerful army. Tywin observes that only the Dornish successfully resisted Aegon Targaryen's dragons during his invasion of Westeros three centuries ago; Oberyn dryly notes it must be hard for Tywin to admit he needs the Dornish for help. Tywin admits that they need each other, who adds that he will help serve justice for Elia’s murder.

Meanwhile, Tyrion sits in the Black Cells underneath the Red Keep when he is visited by his squire, Podrick Payne, who has smuggled in some food, parchment and a few other items. Podrick then informs Tyrion that he has been asked to compile a list of Tyrion's witnesses. Tyrion names his wife Sansa Stark, but Podrick informs him that she disappeared from the capital moments after Joffrey's death. Podrick adds that he cannot speak to Bronn either because, as he is a close associate of Tyrion, he is also under investigation. Podrick then confirms that there has been no word of Shae since she was forced out of King’s Landing, which Tyrion takes as good news, though still very much devastated with how things ended. Tyrion then asks to speak with his brother Ser Jaime and also warns Podrick to be aware of his surroundings and watch out for "they", referring to spies working for Tywin, Cersei, Lord Varys, or more or less anyone else. Tyrion opines that many people had a motive for killing his nephew, yet Cersei is the only person he rules out entirely. He urges Podrick to get out of the capital as he would be in much danger due to his ties with Tyrion, especially after refusing to testify against him, despite the offer of a knighthood. As Podrick is about to leave, Tyrion calls him back and sentimentally informs him that: "there has never lived a more loyal squire".

the riverlands

While crossing through the Riverlands, Arya Stark and Sandor Clegane, continue en route towards the Vale of Arryn where Arya can be ransomed to her "rich" aunt, Lady Lysa Arryn. Arya, however, questions the Hound if he knows where he is going in lieu of a map. Sandor assures her that they are going the correct way as he wants his gold and wouldn’t be bringing her anywhere else. She then asks the Hound where he will go after receiving payment, to which he questions why she cares. After he softens, Sandor admits that he might cross the Narrow Sea and thinks fighting as a sellsword with the Second Sons mercenaries might be a good fit for him. In mentioning the Narrow Sea, Arya declares that she would like to go to Braavos one day. She adds that she has friends there, implying Jaqen H’ghar, who provided her with a coin of good use and high value if she ever wanted to travel to the Free City. During their conversation, they are spotted by a farmer and his young daughter named Sally. When the farmer asks of their presence on his lands, Arya quickly fabricates a story that the Hound and she are father and daughter, with Clegane acting as a knight in service of House Tully. The farmer eventually believes the pair and allows them to stay the night in his home and share a meal together.

Later that evening, inside the farmer’s home, a famished Arya and Sandor patiently wait to eat as the farmer prays aloud prior to dinner. The pair scarf the food down hastily, while the farmer and his daughter witness in curiosity. When the farmer asks if Sandor fought alongside House Tully during the Red Wedding, Clegane plays his part by comparing a fight against Frey soldiers to “slaughtering livestock”. The farmer condemns Walder Frey, stating that the lord committed sacrilege that day when he offered House Stark ‘guest right,’ a Westerosi custom that is invoked when breaking bread together, banning both the host and the guest from inflicting harm on one another during the guest’s stay. Sandor, however, asserts that ‘guest right’ doesn’t mean much anymore. The farmer disagrees, stating that it still means something to him and that the gods will have vengeance on Walder Frey for his violation. The following morning, Arya wakes up to hear the farmer's daughter screaming, as Sandor has assaulted the farmer and taken his silver. Horrified, Arya demands to know why Clegane did that. He simply states: "a dead man doesn't need his silver," claiming the farmer is weak and he and his daughter won’t survive the coming winter.

dragonstone

Meanwhile, on the island of Dragonstone, Stannis Baratheon learns of King Joffrey's death and reports to Ser Davos Seaworth stating that their time to lay claim to the Iron Throne dwindles if no army can be secured to wage war again. Ser Davos insists that Westeros is not the entire world and he advises to look east in Essos for an army as 10,000 skilled soldiers fight for the Golden Company. Stannis, however, shows his disgust with this plan and disdain for hired sellswords. Davos retaliates by trying to rationalize Stannis’ inflexibility towards sellswords yet he is willing to use blood magic to take the throne. Stannis insists that he doesn’t press his claim now it will be forgotten and asserts his refusal to become a page in someone else’s history book. He then threatens that as he is running out of time, so is Ser Davos. Shortly after, Davos begins his reading lessons with Princess Shireen Baratheon, who berates him for his late arrival. She has him being reading about the life and adventures of Elyo Grivas, the first sword of Braavos. Davos is pleased with himself upon reading the title correctly. He and Shireen then discuss the difference between smugglers and pirates, and with this Davos realizes a possible ally across the Narrow Sea, the Iron Bank of Braavos, the most powerful financial institution in either continent. He instructs Princess Shireen to assist him in writing a forged message to the offices of the Iron Bank speaking as Stannis.

the north

At Castle Black, Samwell Tarly passes through the courtyard when overhearing the arrival of new recruits of the Night’s Watch, who include rapers, as usual. Samwell then passes Alliser Thorne and Janos Slynt on his way to meet Gilly. Thorne snarkily greets Sam when naming him as “Samwell the Slayer,” alluding to his disbelief of Sam’s admission in killing a White Walker. Janos Slynt then comments on Sam’s relationship with Gilly, calling her a “wildling whore”. Samwell then joins Gilly inside the hall and complains to her that no one believes that he’s killed a White Walker and although Gilly is the sole witness, most of his brothers assume that because she is a wildling, this also leads to mistrust. Gilly then informs Sam that she has received looks and comments from some of the men, but assures him that no one has touched her. Samwell admits to his growing concern over Gilly and Little Sam’s safety. When Gilly asks him why he is worried, Sam insists that men always think about sex and as the only woman amongst one hundred men, this poses a problem. She thanks him for worrying about her, however, Sam ultimately decides to bring Gilly and her son to Mole’s Town, a small village located on the outskirts of the Wall. Although she is initially concerned that Samwell may be bored of her, he asserts to Gilly that he simply wants to protect her.

When they later arrive to Mole’s Town, Samwell attempts to bring some comfort to Gilly when mentioning how Little Sam has “seen some adventures”. However, Gilly is confronted with the fact that her new accommodation is essentially a brothel. Inside, Gilly is confronted by one of the local whores, who begins to interrogate her as a wildling. When Samwell then naively insists to the proprietor that Gilly will only clean, cook and look after the other children in return for accommodation, the woman immediately tries convincing Gilly that there is paid work she can partake in. The woman notes that he can make a profit from it. An appalled Samwell remains firm that Gilly will not be involved in any other “work”. Before departing back to Castle Black, Samwell she is tries consoling a distraught Gilly, who feels like she is being abandoned. He insists that this is for the best and for her to trust him. Before turning away from Samwell, Gilly retorts by saying that this is what is best for him.

Meanwhile, a small village in The Gift is attacked by raiding wildlings and the cannibalistic group of Thenns under the leadership of Tormund Gianstbane and Ygritte. The village is entirely decimated within minutes, as the villagers are brutally slaughtered one by one amidst the chaos. A young boy named Olly hides under a cart while witnessing the barbarous slaying of his parents directly in front of him. The boy is then caught by the cannibalistic Thenn leader Styr, who holds him at knife-point while threatening to eat his dead parents. Olly is ultimately released by Styr to act as a messenger to Castle Black and relay an account of the massacre, in an attempt to draw the Night’s Watch out into the open. Upon the boy’s frenzied arrival at Castle Black, Alliser Thorne declares that they do not have the manpower to afford venturing away from the Wall. They are then interrupted by the long-awaited return of two rangers, Eddison Tollett and Grenn, who reveal their survival after escaping the mutiny at Craster's Keep some time ago. Jon Snow then reveals that he had lied to Mance Rayder, informing him that a thousand men armed Castle Black, and therefore points out that when Mance reaches Craster's Keep, the traitorous mutineers Rast and Karl Tanner will not hesitate in revealing the truth, which would jeopardize them. Jon then insists the Night's Watch send a party to Craster's Keep in order to kill their traitorous brothers before Mance Rayder gets to them first.

meereen

Across the Narrow Sea, in Slaver’s Bay, Daenerys Targaryen and her sizeable Unsullied army eventually arrive at the gates of the largest slave city Meereen, as she begins her next siege and liberation of the slaves who inhabit the city. Upon their arrival, Meereen has chosen a fighting champion who barrels out of the gates on horseback. After dismounting, the champion insults the new arrivals by literally pissing on his territory, as well as hurling derogatory comments at Daenerys directly while Missandei uncomfortably translates for her. Daenerys is then informed that she faced with a champions' duel where the riding knight of Meereen challenges her to choose a champion that will fight for her. Grey Worm wastes no time when proudly stepping forward in her honor, however, as the leader of the Unsullied, Daenerys denies his enthusiastic request, stating that she cannot afford to lose him. Similarly, both Ser Jorah Mormont and Ser Barristan Selmy also volunteer to stand as her champion. However, she refuses them as well, as they also are too valuable to her. Daario Naharis, commander of the Second Sons, then steps forward and proclaims himself as the newest and most expendable member of Daenerys' entourage. He volunteers to be her champion in their place, to which she agrees to. Daario quickly, and almost lazily, dispatches the Meereen champion by simply throwing his knife into the eye of the charging horse. The Great Masters of Meereen witness the incident with disrespect, though Daario further insults them by taking a piss in the same way their champion did moments prior. A triumphant Daenerys then begins her siege of the city by speaking to the gathered slaves, bravely informing them of her intentions. She informs them that she has liberated the slaves of Astapor and Yunkai, who now follow her as free men. Daenerys then asserts to the Meereenese slaves that she has arrived to their city in order to liberate them from their masters as well, whom she addresses as thieves and murderers. Upon Daenerys’ command, the Unsullied then begin catapulting large barrels over the city walls containing broken chains of those she has freed along her journey to Meereen, demonstrating her previous successes. As the slaves examine the broken chains with curiosity and excitement, the Great Masters of Meereen look on in fear.

*Episode descriptions from GOT Wiki