Directed By: Mark Mylod / Written By: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss

Original Airdate: April 26, 2015

In King’s Landing, King Tommen Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell wed in the Great Sept of Baelor as Cersei Lannister continues to lose her grip on her son all the while dealing with the rise of a new religious movement. In Braavos, Arya Stark has trouble adapting to her new life under the training of Jaqen H’ghar and the Faceless Men. In the North, Petyr Baelish reveals his new plans for Sansa Stark with a surprise marriage arrangement. At Castle Black, Lord Commander Jon Snow hands out the assignments but one of the men pays for his disobedience. Meanwhile, Tyrion Lannister and Varys arrive in Volantis as they continue their journey towards Meereen to meet Daenerys Targaryen.

main cast

castle black

At Castle Black, King Stannis Baratheon and Davos Seaworth meet with Lord Commander Jon Snow and his newly-appointed steward Olly in Jon’s new quarters. Stannis tries unsuccessfully to convince Jon to accept his offer of legitimization. Jon declines Stannis' offer and reiterates that his place is with the Night's Watch who are neutral in the affairs of the Seven Kingdoms. Jon then asks Stannis when he plans to leave as Castle Black's stores are insufficient to continue feeding Stannis’ army. Stannis confirms that his army will leave soon enough to confront the Boltons at Winterfell before the winter snows trap them at the Wall. He leaves the fate of the wildling prisoners in Jon's hands, allowing Jon to decide whether to execute them or to see if Tormund Giantsbane is more willing to negotiate than Mance Rayder was. When Stannis suggests appointing Ser Alliser Thorne as the new commander of Eastwatch-by-the-Sea, Jon retorts that "it is better to have your enemies close by than far away". As Davos prepares to leave with his liege, he invites Jon to ponder on a stanza from the Night's Watch oath: "I am the shield that guards the realms of men". Davos also assures Jon that Stannis' leadership advice is offered because the king has taken a liking to him.

Some time later, during Jon's first general meeting of the garrison in the main hall as Lord Commander, he acknowledges Alliser Thorne as an experienced and valuable member of the Watch by naming him First Ranger. Jon then orders Janos Slynt to man and repair Greyguard, a ruined castle. An angered Janos refuses to obey Jon’s command, though he is reminded that this is a direct order. Janos then refuses him for a third time and Jon asks Janos if he's refusing to obey the order. Janos publicly insults him, telling Jon: "You can stick your order up your bastard ass". Jon orders Janos to be taken outside, and calls for Olly to fetch him Longclaw, while Janos insists Jon is mistaken if he thinks he can frighten him. Obedient to the law of the late Lord Eddard Stark - that the man who passes the sentence must swing the sword - Jon makes ready to personally behead Janos himself. While on the chopping block outside in the courtyard, Lord Janos begins to plead for mercy. After a moment of hesitation, Jon executes the cowardly former Commander of the City Watch with a single blow. From across the courtyard, Stannis witnesses Jon behead Janos for refusing his orders, and slightly nods in approval.

braavos

Meanwhile in Braavos, Arya Stark cleans the main sanctuary of the House of Black and White. The atrium is lined with statues of many gods from many different faiths, from across both  Essos  and Westeros. Specifically, they are gods that represent death and the unknown, such as the Stranger from the Faith of the Seven. The Faceless Men believe that all of these death gods are really one god who has revealed themselves to humanity in different ways: the Many-Faced God of Death. The sanctuary has a large pool in the center and Arya watches the man who looks like Jaqen H’ghar assist another man in drinking from the temple's well. When the man leaves to pray, Arya tells Jaqen that she wants to learn. He recites the phrase "Valar Dohaeris," meaning "all men must serve," and accuses Arya of only wanting to serve herself. When Arya looks back at the praying man, she sees that he has died and two men take his body away, ignoring Arya when she asks what they are doing with the body.

Some time later, Arya is joined in her room by a young woman known as the Waif, an acolyte or religious servant to the Faceless Men. The Waif quickly asks her “who are you?” and elaborates by saying “you, who walk in here with a coin you never earned and whose value you do not respect”. The Waif then asks Arya again who she is, as Arya responds in saying “no one,” assuming that would be the appropriate answer. The Waif suddenly hits here with a large fighting stick and in response, Arya calls her a cunt. The Waif then hits her with the stick several more times when Arya gives the expected response of "no one". Eventually, Jaqen arrives and demands the Waif to stop. He notices that Arya was about to attack the Waif with her sword Needle and points out that Arya cannot be no one, as she is still wearing Arya Stark's clothes and is in possession of Arya Stark’s sword and silver. Realizing his point, Arya goes outside and binds her old clothing to a rock and tosses it into a lagoon along with the stolen silver, in order to meet the order's initiation requirements. Too attached to Needle, however, she is unable to discard it and hides it among a few rocks nearby. Later, after re-entering the House, Arya is sweeping the floor when Jaqen then escorts her to an inner chamber where she is to help the Waif in stripping and washing corpses. The Waif doesn't respond when Arya asks what happens to the bodies after they are cleaned.

king’s landing

In King’s Landing, Cersei Lannister passes a large crowd on her way to the Great Sept of Baelor for the wedding between King Tommen Baratheon and Queen Margaery Tyrell. Cersei is increasingly annoyed as people cheer for Margaery all the while completely ignoring her. Inside Tommen and Margaery are wed, much to the dismay of Cersei, who remains stone-faced throughout the ceremony. That night, following the ceremony, Margaery and Tommen consummate their marriage. Once they have finished, Tommen declares his excitement, stating that all he wants to do is lay with Margaery all day. Following Margaery’s persuasion, an innocent Tommen is elated while the pair discuss their future together. He admits that the title “King Tommen” still sounds strange to him, and eventually muses over his succession, claiming that this resulted from the death of his brother, Joffrey Baratheon. Margaery assures him to not feel any guilt, however, Tommen insists that he doesn’t and finds this odd. As Margaery continues to sway the conversation, she asks Tommen if his mother Cersei is enjoying living in the capital, as he admits that he doesn’t believe so. Seeing an opportunity within that, Margaery manipulates Tommen into believing that as long as Cersei remains in the capital, she will continue to treat him like a child. Citing the trauma of recent deaths within the family, Margaery notes that Cersei will “never let you out of her sight”.

The following morning, Tommen and Cersei are walking along the battlements together when Cersei wastes no time in expressing veiled insults towards Margaery. Sensing her aggravation, Tommen suggests returning to Casterly Rock if it will make her happy. He states that since she used to talk so fondly of it, this would be more suitble for her. Cersei declines, asserting that her real home is where her family lives. Deducing that Tommen’s discussion of Casterly Rock is Margaery’s doing, Cersei then pays the new queen a visit. Upon arrival, Cersei find Margaery bragging over Tommen's libido to her handmaidens. Greeting her mother-in-law, Margaery is now more confident than ever and subtly rubs her new queenship in Cersei’s face, gloating about her “exhausting” night with her son. Cersei attempts to verbally spar with Margaery, as is customary of their relationship, but the younger queen is in her prime, and assaults Cersei with backhanded compliments and subtle barbs, including a comment on Cersei’s drinking habits. Instead of attempting to match the queen, Cersei walks away feeling defeated.

Some time later, inside Petyr Baelish’s brothel, the radical religious movement named the Sparrows attack the High Septon as he engages in the services of whores dressed as the Faith of the Seven. The High Septon is then forced to walk naked through the streets of King’s Landing, while the Sparrows whip him, proclaiming he is a sinner. Angered by the humiliation, the High Septon asks the small council to arrest the Sparrows and execute their leader, the High Sparrow. Although unsympathetic, Cersei herself decides to meet with the High Sparrow, who turns out to be a humble man serving food to the poor, barefoot. Cersei quickly expresses her cyniscm in the pious leader, but eventually softens as they continue conversing. The High Sparrow ultimately makes no effort to hide the actions of the other Sparrows. To his surprise, Cersei informs the High Sparrow that he will not be arrested or executed, and that the High Septon has been imprisoned instead. Returning to the Red Keep, Cersei has Qyburn send a message to  Littlefinger. After Cersei exits, Qyburn starts writing the message when suddenly behind him, the body of Ser Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane begins shaking under the sheet. An undisturbed Qyburn shushes Gregor calmly.

the north

At Winterfell, while being served lunch by Reek, Lord Roose Bolton scolds his son Ramsay Bolton on his recent flaying of Lord Cerwyn and his family on what was supposed to be a routine tax collection. Roose notes that he didn’t send Ramsay to Castle Cerwyn to collect bodies. Ramsay points out, however, that he eventually received the taxes required, but Roose reminds his son that terror cannot sustain their hold on the North and that they are outnumbered if the other houses rise up in rebellion. With Tywin Lannister's death, the pact between the Lannisters and the Boltons is effectively dead. Roose then declares that the best way to cement Bolton control of the North is through marriage, adding that he also has found the perfect girl to solidify their hold on the North. Meanwhile, upon her arrival with Petyr Baelish, Sansa Stark is horrified to see the fortress of Moat Cailin. There is only one reason Baelish could be taking her through the fortress - he means to return her to Winterfell, straight into the arms of the Boltons. Recalling their earlier discussion of a marriage proposal, Sansa realizes that the proposal is not for Littlefinger, but for her, and furiously declares that she would rather die than marry Roose Bolton, a “traitor” and “murderer”. Littlefinger corrects her, however, clarifying that she will be marrying his son and heir Ramsay, then calms her down by convincing her that nobody will look for her at Winterfell and asserting that her place is in the North. After noting to Sansa that she has been running all her life, a bystander to tragedy since leaving Winterfell. Baelish declares that there is no justice in the world, “not unless we make it,” suggesting that this is Sansa’s best opportunity to avenger her family. Sansa reluctantly agrees.

In the distance, Brienne of Tarth and Podrick Payne witness Petyr and Sansa approaching Moat Cailin. Realizing that following them through the castle would be futile, she decides to bypass the castle by going around. Though Podrick is worried about losing sight of them, Brienne tells him that they don't need to follow them so closely because she knows they are headed to Winterfell. After making camp, Brienne learns how Podrick became Tyrion Lannister's squire. Podrick then praises Brienne's martial prowess and is quite proud to be her squire, despite her behavior towards him. Brienne apologizes for her rudeness towards him and offers to teach Podrick how to wield a sword and ride a horse properly. Podrick then questions Brienne about her past with Renly Baratheon, stating that Tyrion said he was a good man. She solemnly agrees, revealing when she first met Renly as a young girl. Brienne recalls to Podrick that her father Lord Selwyn Tarth held a ball and invited dozens of young lords in order to find a good match for her. Brienne was captivated by all the attention she was getting, but realized they were all just toying with her. Before she could run away, Renly took Brienne into his arms and told her that those "nasty little shits aren't worth crying over" and danced with her. Brienne also acknowledges that Renly was only interested in men, but it didn't stop her from loving him. She then adds that there is nothing more hateful than failing to protect the ones you love, and intends to avenge Renly by killing Stannis Baratheon.

Meanwhile, at Winterfell, the Boltons and their households greet Sansa and Littlefinger upon their arrival. After a tense moment, Sansa graciously accepts Roose's welcome, putting on an air of politeness that protected her in King's Landing. She is then introduced to Ramsay, who also feints courtesy when greeting Sansa and kissing her hand. Standing alongside other members of the household, Ramsay's bedwarmer Myranda observes the interaction with jealousy. After introductions are made, Sansa is then shown to her old room, seemingly foreign to her after all this time. To her surprise, an old servant attending her welcomes Sansa’s return to Winterfell and assures her that "the North remembers". Sansa later explores the castle grounds and passes by Reek, who hides his face from her as she walks by, still ashamed of his actions as Theon Greyjoy, who falsely claimed the execution of Sansa’s brothers Bran and Rickon Stark, whom she still believes both to be dead. Above the courtyard, Littlefinger stands next to Ramsay along the battlements. Ramsay expresses his hope in making Sansa happy, as Baelish asserts that she has suffered enough. Ramsay then gives his word to never hurt Sansa, though Baelish remains wary and notes that he has heard very little about Ramsay, making him a “rare thing” with regards to his status as heir to Winterfell. The pair are then interrupted by Lord Bolton, who excuses Ramsay in order to speak with Baelish in private. As they walk along the battlements, Baelish confirms that Sansa remains a virgin, though Roose points out that he is need of Sansa’s name, not virtue. Roose then questions Littlefinger’s motives in betraying the Lannisters as he hands Baelish a message that has arrived from Cersei herself. Baelish points out that Lord Tywin is dead, Ser Jaime Lannister is one-handed and politically useless, and that Cersei is about to be forced into the background by Queen Margaery, who is quite fond of Sansa. Roose, nevertheless, demands to read any messages Littlefinger will need to send off back to the capital.

volantis

Meanwhile, as they continue traveling through the Free Cities en route to Meereen, Tyrion Lannister and Lord Varys arrive by carriage outside Volantis. After days of confinement in their carriage, an impatient Tyrion opts to move through Volantis on foot. Despite Varys’ insistence to continue onwards, Tyrion asserts that he will lose his mind if he doesn’t get out. Varys warns, however, that Tyrion is at risk of being spotted in the large city. Afterwards, the pair then move through the markets of Long Bridge, where Varys explains the meaning of the various tattoos Volantene slaves must sport. Varys nearly loses Tyrion, but finds him joining a crowed who are observing the sermon of a Red Priestess. Tyrion informs Varys of his curiosity, since Thoros of Myr was the only Red Priest in King's Landing, commenting on the fact that this priestess is much better looking than Thoros. The Red Priestess evangelizes in High Valyrian over the Lord of Light, proclaiming that he hears the prayers of kings and slaves alike. When she mentions that R’hllor hears the misery of the Stone Men, Tyrion notes to Varys that prayers won’t stop the spread of greyscale. The Red Priestess then preaches of a prophesied savior who was “reborn” to make for a new world, a dragon queen. The Priestess then halts during her sermon about Daenerys Targaryen and ominously stares directly into Tyrion’s eyes, spooking him into leaving. Afterwards, Tyrion leads Varys to a brothel and they catch sight of a whore who is dressed as Daenerys, as Tyrion now begins to understand the influence that the dragon queen has built over the last few years in Essos. Varys insists to Tyrion that a woman who inspires both sermons and whores is probably worth meeting. Tyrion leaves Varys’ side, insisting on socializing with anyone other than Varys. He then woos a “skeptical” dark-haired whore, who eventually agrees to service him despite his ability to pay. However, Tyrion finds that he can't bring himself to patronize her, still feeling hollow after taking the life of his former lover Shae. He then goes to urinate off the side of the bridge, with Varys losing sight of him. As Tyrion finishes, he is then suddenly abducted by Daenerys’ exiled advisor Ser Jorah Mormont, who declares to a frantic Tyrion that he is taking him to "the queen".

*Episode descriptions from GOT Wiki