Directed By: Jeremy Podeswa / Written By: Dave Hill

Original Airdate: May 1, 2016

Far beyond the Wall, Bran Stark continues his training with the Three-Eyed Raven and has visions of his father Eddard Stark's childhood. At Castle Black, Davos Seaworth and his men are threatened by the Night's Watch but the wildlings arrive in time to curb the threat. In King’s Landing, Cersei Lannister is not allowed to attend her daughter Myrcella's funeral as Jaime challenges the High Sparrow, finding out how powerful he is. In Braavos, a blinded Arya Stark, now living on the streets, continues to be tested by Jaqen H’ghar. At Winterfell, Ramsay Bolton learns that his father Roose has a baby son and he takes drastic actions to save his claim on the North. In the Iron Islands, House Greyjoy is shaken with the murder of Balon Greyjoy and the arrival of his brother Euron.

main cast

beyond the wall

Several months after discovering the Three-Eyed Raven’s cave underneath a heart tree beyond the Wall, Bran Stark continues his greensight training. In his latest vision the Raven shows Bran a memory from Winterfell’s past, watching his father Eddard Stark and uncle Benjen Stark training in the yard as young boys by a younger Ser Rodrik Cassel. Bran also witnesses his late aunt Lyanna Stark as a young girl, who rides into the courtyard on horseback. In addition, his visions show him a stableboy that he realizes is a young Hodor - and is surprised that in his youth he was not a lackwit but was intellectually normal and could talk. Hodor’s real name, which he has been unable to articulate for the majority of his life, is actually "Wylis", who is carefully protected from harm by a middle-aged Old Nan. Though Bran wants to stay in the vision, he is dragged out of it by the Three-Eyed Raven, who warns him that he may become too enamored with the past to want to return to reality. This was something the deceased Jojen Reed had told him as he began spending too much time warging into his direwolf Summer, insisting that Bran may lose his humanity as result. Outside the tree, Bran then finds Meera Reed, who still appears to be grieving over her brother Jojen's death after the attack of the skeletal wights when they first found the cave. Though Meera questions the point of her presence during Bran's training, Leaf, a child of the forest, insists that Bran will not stay forever and Meera will be needed again when he eventually leaves.

braavos

Still a sightless beggar on the streets of Braavos, Arya Stark is again approached by the Waif, who asks her name. A startled Arya immediately rises with the training stick the Waif had left her previously and readies into a defensive stance as the Waif then hits Arya with her own stick. When the Waif then asks for her name again, Arya says she is "no one". The Waif retorts that she doesn't believe that and neither does Arya herself. After taking a few more hits the increasingly frustrated Arya tries her best to fight back, largely hitting air, but the Waif then vanishes and is suddenly replaced with Jaqen H'ghar. Jaqen as well asks for her name as Arya continues to respond with “no one”. He promises that if she says her name, Arya will sleep under a roof that night. Jaqen adds that she will also eat and he will restore her eyes. Though hesitant to answer, each time he asks her name, however, Arya persistently continues that she has no name. Satisfied, Jaqen tells Arya to follow him back to the House of Black and White, and that she is a beggar no more.

meereen

Meanwhile, late at night in the Great Pyramid of Meereen, Tyrion Lannister pours another glass of wine while jesting in the presence of Lord Varys and Grey Worm that he would drink all the time if he “lost his cock”. After being met with an awkward silence in the room, Tyrion highlights to Grey Worm that if Varys can wisecrack Tyrion about being a dwarf, so can he when it comes to eunuchs. Varys, however, insists that he doesn’t make dwarf jokes, though Tyrion declares that he thinks them. Grey Worm then reports to Tyrion and Varys that the Unsullied have yet to find the persons responsible for burning the Meereenese fleet. Lord Varys also reports that Astapor and Yunkai have fallen back into the slave trade. Tyrion then explores the possibility of using Queen Daenerys Targaryen’s imprisoned dragons, Rhaegal and Viserion. However, Missandei informs him that they have not been eating ever since Daenerys’ disappearance from the city. Tyrion explains that dragons do not do well in captivity and they will probably start eating again if they are unchained. When Missandei asks how he knows this, Tyrion replies, "That's what I do. I drink and I know things". When asked, Missandei admits that the dragons have never harmed her. This prompts a confident Tyrion to declare that it is time for their supper.

Afterwards, down below inside the catacombs of the Great Pyramid, Tyrion descends the stairs and starts advancing into the darkness alone where he encounters Viserion and Rhaegal for the first time. Despite their initial hostility towards him, Tyrion remains calm, assuring them he is a friend of their mother and only wants to help. He manages to slowly earn their trust as he inches further towards Viserion’s shackle, all the while telling the pair a story from his childhood. Tyrion informs them that when asked by his uncle what he would like as a gift for his nameday, he told his family that he wanted a dragon. This was met with uproarious laughter from his family, as well as the truth from his late father, Lord Tywin Lannister, that dragons had been extinct for a century. At this point, Tyrion is finally close enough to release the locking pin on Viserion’s collar. Rhaegal then closely approaches Tyrion, gingerly turning his head to the side so he can be freed himself. The dragons then retreat back into the shadows while Tyrion hastily returns to Varys at the tops of the steps. Tyrion then instructs Varys to punch him in the face if he ever suggests doing anything like that again.

king’s landing

In an outdoor tavern on the streets of King’s Landing, a man drunkenly boasts of having taunted Cersei Lannister during her walk of atonement to the great amusement of the other patrons. After he finishes his story, he leaves the tavern to piss against a wall outside. As he is urinating, he is confronted by Ser Gregor Clegane, who kills him by smashing his head against the wall. Ser Gregor then returns to Cersei's side, as the funeral for the deceased Princess Myrcella Baratheon is held at the Great Sept of Baelor. When Cersei attempts to leave for Myrcella's funeral with Clegane, a squad of Lannister guards block her path. Their leader informs Cersei that by order of her son, King Tommen Baratheon, she is prohibited from leaving the Red Keep. As Tommen is concerned that the Faith Militant will arrest her again, it is in the interest of her own protection. Cersei demands that they move, however, the guards do not budge, even when Ser Gregor places a hand on his sword. Eventually, Cersei acquiesces and retreats to her chambers.

Inside the Sept, Ser Jaime Lannister and Tommen discuss Myrcella, as well as the also-murdered Prince Trystane Martell. The young king incorrectly believes that Cersei is to blame for Trystane's death but insists to Jaime that he isn't upset with her. When Jaime asks Tommen why he hasn’t gone to visit his mother, a distraught Tommen stresses over his ineptitude as an effective king. They are then interrupted by the High Sparrow and after Tommen departs, Jaime asks him why Cersei is being punished for her sins, yes he isn't, considering he murdered King Aerys Targaryen, whom he vowed to protect. As Jaime is about to kill the High Sparrow, the High Sparrow appears at peace with the prospect of death, which confuses Jaime. The High Sparrow explains that if Jaime chooses to kill him then many of the Sparrows will die fighting him, but it wouldn't really matter since they have no names or individual power. He notes that the Sparrows mean nothing individually, but together they can overthrow an empire. Later on, King Tommen visits Cersei in the Red Keep and apologizes for not being more assertive during her imprisonment. He regrets letting the High Sparrow lock her away and says that he should have torn the Sept down with the High Sparrow inside of it. Tommen tells her that he needs her help in being a strong ruler. Cersei remains uncharacteristically silent throughout the exchange, but when Tommen is done speaking, she embraces him.

the north

At Winterfell, Lord Roose Bolton and his son Ramsay Bolton discuss with Harald Karstark what to do about Sansa Stark and Jon Snow, unaware of his recent demise. After Ramsay suggests storming Castle Black, assuming that is where Sansa has headed, Roose warns Ramsay that attacking the Night's Watch would turn the entire North against House Bolton, adding that if he does not act more sensibly he will be discarded. Maester Wolkan then enters with the surprise announcement that Roose's wife Walda Bolton has given birth to a baby boy. Judging the look on Ramsay’s face, Roose insists that Ramsay will always be remembered and treated as his firstborn child. However, despite the reassurance, Ramsay believes that the newborn son is a threat to his inheritance. Though Ramsay thanks Roose for his words, he then stabs his father in the heart in front of Wolkan. In his position as the new Lord Bolton, Ramsay then orders the maester to announce that Roose had been poisoned by their enemies. Afterwards, outside in the courtyard, Ramsay then approaches Walda and his new half-brother. He then lures Walda and the baby into the dog kennels, shrouding his menace to a degree with a polite demeanor. However, he then releases his ferocious hounds to feed on Walda and the newborn.

Meanwhile, on the way to Castle Black, Brienne of Tarth reveals to Sansa Stark how she briefly met her sister Arya in the Vale of Arryn not too long ago. Sansa is delighted to hear that her sister is still alive and well, as this is the first she’s heard of Arya since her disappearance in King’s Landing years ago. When they then prepare to continue their journey, Theon Greyjoy decides to part with the group and head home to the Iron Islands instead. Sansa implores Theon to come with them, as Jon will protect them from Ramsay. Theon refuses, however, fearing Jon will have him executed knowing that he betrayed Robb Stark, beheaded Rodrik Cassel and killed the two local farm boys. Sansa promises Theon that she will inform Jon of the truth regarding Bran and Rickon Stark and notes that joining the Night's Watch would pardon him for his crimes. Theon reveals that he does not want to be forgiven and won’t be able to make amends for what he has done. He then solemnly tells Sansa that Brienne and Podrick Payne will take better care of her than he ever could. When Sansa realizes that Theon cannot be swayed, she bids him farewell and the two share a tender hug before parting ways.

the iron islands

On a dark and stormy night at Pyke, Yara Greyjoy reads a letter to King Balon Greyjoy about how the Glovers retook Deepwood Motte and killed all of the Ironborn who held the castle. Yara notes that their invasion is now a definite failure since Motte was the last stronghold that they held in the North and then argues that invading the North is pointless since they are unable to hold the strongholds they conquer against the mainland armies. Balon says that one of the reasons that the invasion wasn't successful was because Yara wasted men when she attempted to rescue her brother Theon at the Dreadfort, which she says she will not apologize for. Yara continues to try to convince Balon to end the rebellion, saying the only reason they were able to take strongholds in the North in the first place was because the Northerners were in the south fighting a war, and now that war is over. She reminds Balon that the last time they provoked the mainlanders too far it resulted in the Greyjoy Rebellion where her two oldest brothers were killed. Balon tells her that when she rules she can be content with their current standing, but for now she needs to obey his commands or he will make another heir who will.

Afterwards, King Balon starts carefully walking across the swinging rope bridge that separates two of the towers of Pyke. Through the storm, he sees a man standing on the bridge who is blocking his way, who reveals himself to be Balon's younger brother, Euron Greyjoy. Balon informs his seafaring brother that he's surprised to see him alive, then inquires about a rumor that Euron lost his senses during a storm and his crew had to tie him to the mast of his ship to prevent him from jumping overboard. Euron doesn't deny the rumor, and explains to Balon that he cut the tongues out of all of his crew members because he wanted silence. Euron then insists that Balon is too old to rule and it's someone else's turn. Balon then tries to stab Euron, but Euron dodges the move and throws Balon off the rope bridge, who then plummets to his death. Some time later, at Balon's funeral, Yara tells the priest, Aeron Greyjoy, that she will find the person who did this and feed them to sharks while they're still alive. She swears to do this upon the Salt Throne and Aeron explains to her that she isn't the ruler yet, because the law says that the Kingsmoot chooses the next ruler. Yara argues that her father wanted her to rule, but Aeron says that he doesn't make the law.

castle black

At Castle Black, nightfall has arrived and the small band of Black Brothers loyal to the fallen Jon Snow have not yet surrendered inside the room with Jon’s body. Outside the door, the acting Lord Commander Ser Alliser Thorne announces his final offer of amnesty, adding that Jon’s direwolf Ghost will also be freed into the wild, “where it belongs”. Thorne insists that no one needs to die tonight, however, Ser Davos Seaworth ultimately refuses a final ultimatum and prepares to fight when unsheathing Jon’s sword, Longclaw. The loyal brothers of the Watch follow Davos by unsheathing their own swords and bracing for battle. Thorne then orders the door to be battered down with a sledgehammer. Before the mutineers can break in, however, Eddison Tollett returns with Tormund Giantsbane and an army of wildling supporters. The giant Wun Wun bursts through the castle gate and the wildling party race into the courtyard. Though Thorne demands for the Watch to attack, calling them “cowards,” only one of them is stupid enough to try it and is almost immediately cut down by an enraged Tormund, enabling an almost bloodless takeover. One archer foolishly looses a crossbow bolt into Wun Wun's back, which only results in the angry giant dashing him against a stone wall before throwing the mangled body at Thorne's feet. After witnessing this, he men of the Watch quickly throw down their arms and surrender. As Eddison and Tormund approach, Thorne calls Edd a “fucking traitor,” though Eddison asserts that “the only traitors here are the ones who shoved their knives into the Lord Commander’s heart”. After Tormund insults Thorne, he then tries to attack, while an enraged Olly also rushes Tormund with a sword, as vengeance for killing his parents during the raid on his village. Thorne is quickly seized and Tormund easily disarms Olly, pushing him into waiting arms. The mutineers are then led away to the ice cells of Castle Black, as Eddison brings Tormund into the room to visit Jon's corpse. Noting the many wounds, a shattered Tormund quietly informs that he'll have his men start gathering wood for the funeral pyre.

Some time later, Ser Davos visits the crestfallen Melisandre, who is donning her youthful glamor as usual but is still gripped by the crisis of her faith. Davos excuses himself for interrupting, though Melisandre drearily admits that he interrupts “nothing,” as she stares numbingly into the fire. When Davos asks the Red Priestess if she knows of any magic that could resurrect Jon, Melisandre insists that if Davos wishes to help Jon, he should leave him be. Davos presses the matter, asking her if it can be done, as Melisandre then admits to having seen it done before by “some who possess this power”. She insists, however, that she herself cannot do it, having lost faith in the Lord of Light due to the failure of her predictions regarding Stannis Baratheon to come true. After Davos implores her to simply try, she reluctantly agrees. Joining Davos, Eddison and Tormund in the room where Jon’s body lies, Melisandre washes his wounds clean. Then after cutting and burning his hair, she attempts to revive him using murmured High Valyrian incantations. The ritual continues for minutes, but ultimately seems to have no effect. After a few moments following Melisandre’s defeat, Tormund frustratedly exits the room. Melisandre offers a final plea in the common tongue, but eventually leaves the room despondent. Eddison and finally Davos follow her a moment later, with all hope dashed. Once the room is empty, however, Ghost, who had been sleeping underneath the table upon which Jon is lying, perks up from the floor to absolute silence. A few seconds later, Jon suddenly awakens on the table in sheer panic, gasping for air.

*Episode descriptions from GOT Wiki