Directed By: Alan Taylor / Written By: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss

Original Airdate: April 8, 2012

In the wake of the bloody purge of the late King Robert Baratheon’s bastard children in King’s Landing, Tyrion Lannister chastens his sister and Queen Regent Cersei for alienating King Joffrey Baratheon's subjects. Along the Kingsroad, heading north, Arya Stark shares a secret with a Night's Watch recruit named Gendry. With supplies  dwindling, one of Daenerys Targaryen's scouts returns with news of their position. After nine years as a Stark ward, Theon Greyjoy reunites with his father Balon and sister Yara, who want to restore the ancient Kingdom of the Iron Islands. At Dragonstone, Davos Seaworth enlists a pirate named Salladhor Saan to join forces with Stannis Baratheon and Melisandre for a naval invasion on the capital.

main cast

The riverlands

In the Riverlands, Arya Stark continues to pose as a boy while traveling north through the Kingsroad with Yoren and his latest round of Night's Watch recruits. She urinates a distance away from the group in order to conceal that she is a girl. As she walks back, Arya is drawn to the three caged prisoners who have been journeying with them since they departed from King's Landing and will be joining the Night’s Watch, as custom with some criminals. The cage contains Jaqen H'ghar, Rorge and Biter. As Arya approaches the cage, Jaqen H’ghar asks her for water as he introduces himself. He uses speech patterns native to Lorath, in which he refers to people using the third person indefinite. When Rorge then threatens Arya, Jaqen informs her that “a man does not choose his companions.” After Rorge threatens her again, Arya starts banging the cage with a stick and taunting the prisoner. As she walks away, Jaqen declares that “a boy” has more courage than sense. Suddenly a pair of Gold Cloaks approach the party as Arya hides herself away, believing that they have come looking for her. They deliver a royal warrant for Gendry, as one of Robert Baratheon's bastard children. Yoren, however, hands back the sealed letter and intimidates them at knife point into leaving empty-handed, stating that his recruits are no concern of the crown’s any longer. The Gold Cloaks then promise to return with more men.

Some time later, during their journey north, Arya is at a creek scrubbing pots alongside fellow recruits Hot Pie and Lommy Greenhands. Fearing to be caught in battle, Lommy asserts that they should yield to the Gold Cloaks if they return, explaining that Gendry is the one they are after. Hot Pie claims that he is unafraid of battle, however, Arya questions his courage. In private, Arya then asks Gendry why he is a wanted man. He admits that he does not know, still unaware of his status as a royal bastard of the late King Robert. Gendry informs her that he had been questioned by Lord Jon Arryn and Lord Eddard Stark shortly before both of their deaths, prompting Arya to repeatedly ask questions. Gendry then wonders as to why she thought that the Gold Cloaks came for her, as he was witness to her hiding away. He asks her, “did you kill someone, or is it just because you’re a girl?” In response, after trying to deny it, Arya eventually reveals her true identity to him as Arya of House Stark, then swearing him to secrecy. Gendry teases her, noting that he’s been pissing in front of her and stating that he should be calling her “milady”. A frustrated Arya then pushes him to the ground as he laughs hysterically.

king’s landing

In King’s Landing, Tyrion Lannister enters the bedchamber to find his lover Shae laughing with Lord Varys. She informs Tyrion that he made her wait and Varys was keeping her company, adding that she has told Varys about how they met. Varys pointedly asserts that Tyrion was lucky to find such a lovely creature working in his father Tywin Lannister’s kitchens, and that the story almost beggars belief. He then informs that he is glad Tyrion's “new friend” could accompany him and how unfortunate that Lord Tywin did not agree. Varys offers the reassurance that he is very good at keeping secrets for his good friends. Tyrion moves to the door to block Varys' exit and tells him that he doesn’t like being threatened and unlike Eddard Stark he understands how the game is played. Varys insists that Eddard was a man of honor while Tyrion assures that he is not and that he will have Varys thrown into the sea if he threatens him again. Afterwards, Queen Regent Cersei Lannister reads Robb Stark's peace terms aloud to the small council before tearing them up. She then asks Alton Lannister to deliver their reply and to inform her brother Jaime Lannister that he has not been forgotten. Grand Maester Pycelle reports a messenger-raven from Castle Black, as Varys then interjects that the wildlings are becoming increasingly troublesome. Cersei jokes that she now has lost track of the number of kings. Tyrion states that the message is from Lord Commander Jeor Mormont asking for more recruits, though Cersei declares they cannot spare any because they are fighting their own war. She then mocks Tyrion as having become gullible after one trip to the Wall. He reminds Cersei that the Night's Watch is the only thing that separates them from what lies beyond the Wall.

Meanwhile, at Lord Petyr Baelish’s brothel, Ros struggles to continue her work as a prostitute after having witnessed the murder of Mhaegen's infant daughter Barra, one of Robert Baratheon's bastard children. Ros is so distressed over the incident that she falls apart in front of a client. When Littlefingers returns to the brothel following the small council meeting, he approaches Ros in her room and she then confides in him. Initially he displays concern for Ros, however, Baelish then quickly compares her to a beautiful girl he purchased from a Lyseni  pleasure house for an exorbitant price. He explains that the girl was so sad, he gained no money from her and eventually sold her to a lord who wanted to "transform" her. Littlefinger informs Ros that this was a man who derived pleasure from things most men would find unthinkable. After this threatening lesson, when Baelish then asks Ros if one day off will make her smile again, Ros begrudgingly assures him that it will.

That evening, Tyrion has invited Lord Janos Slynt around for dinner in his chambers and for a brief time acts cordially with the Lord Commander of the City Watch. Tyrion eventually, however, cuts to the chase and questions Janos about the recent massacre of the royal bastards he recently led, bluntly adding that he wasn’t aware that keeping peace in the city equated to killing babies. Janos freely admits to his involvement, stating that it was “nasty business” that had to be done. Tyrion leads the conversation towards an attempt to find out if Cersei was the one to give the order, however, Janos declares that he never said the massacre was commanded by the queen. When Tyrion then questions him concerning the arrest of Eddard Stark in the throne room, a defensive Janos notes that he considered Ned a traitor that tried to buy his loyalty. Tyrion flatly tells him that Eddard mustn’t have realized that Janos’ loyalty was already paid for. When Janos irately informs Tyrion that he won’t have his honor questioned, Tyrion retorts that he is not questioning it at all, merely denying it’s existence. As matters escalate, Tyrion then has Janos arrested and informs him that he is to be exiled to the Night's Watch, subsequently installing  Bronn as the new Lord Commander of the City Watch in his place.

Later that evening, in Tyrion’s chambers, Cersei rages that he did not have the authority to replace Janos Slynt with a new Lord Commander of the City Watch. He asserts that his position as Hand gave him the right and warns her that she is losing the people and predicts that the people will turn against her in the winter and that the slaughter of Robert's children has given them a rallying cry. He is surprised at the lack of a denial and then concludes that King Joffrey Baratheon gave the order without Cersei's knowledge. She says Joffrey did what he had to and characterizes ruling as “lying on a bed of weeds, ripping them out one by one before they strangle you in your sleep.” Tyrion retorts that there is more to ruling. Cersei shouts that she doesn't care what he thinks and complains that ruling has always fallen on her because her brothers did not take it seriously. Tyrion jokes that Stannis Baratheon is claiming that Jaime has done the same repeatedly. Cersei pauses and then says that Tyrion is funny. She says that none of his jokes will ever match him killing her mother as she gave birth to him. Tyrion points out that she was his mother too. Cersei says that her mother being gone for the sake of Tyrion is the biggest joke in the world. She leaves Tyrion to consider her words.

dragonstone

Davos Seaworth and his son Matthos Seaworth meet with the Lysene pirate Salladhor Saan on the beach of Dragonstone. Davos promises that Salladhor will be paid a fortune in gold when they take King's Landing. Salladhor points out that Stannis Baratheon has the smallest army of the claimants to the Iron Throne, but Davos informs him that Renly Baratheon nor King Joffrey have never fought in battle before. Salladhor notes the irony of a smuggler vouching for the honor of a king. Davos suggests that Salladhor could continue to steal from cargo ships and live an easy life but that he is offering a harder alternative with greater rewards. Salladhor asks if Davos believes that Stannis can win as Davos asserts that Stannis is the “one true king.” The pirate then contrasts Davos' loyalty to Stannis against their history together, noting that Stannis chopped off the tips of Davos' fingers for smuggling. Salladhor relents, however, informing that he will sail with him because Davos is the most honest smuggler he’s ever met. After Salladhor leaves, Davos comments to his son Matthos about Stannis’ god. His son asserts that the Lord of Light is also Davos’ god as well, urging him to learn to read so he can experience for himself.

Afterwards, Stannis and Melisandre arrive in the war room as Davos reports his success recruiting Salladhor. Stannis asks Davos if he trusts Salladhor, who replies that while they have known each other for thirty years, he has never trusted Salladhor, however, reassures his King that the pirate will follow the scent of gold. As Davos leaves Melisandre stops Matthos and whispers in his ear, which Stannis questions in private. She reveals that she had told Matthos that “death by fire is the purest death.” When questioned of her intent she says only that it is true. Stannis then reports that his brother Renly Baratheon has 100,000 men and that he cannot take King's Landing without Renly's men and also cannot defeat Renly in the field. Melisandre, however, claims to have seen the path to victory in the flames. He reminds her that he has said her words and burnt the idols of the Faith of the Seven already as she circles behind him and undoes her robe. She then tells him that he must give all of himself. He reminds her of his marriage vow but she reminds him that his wife Selyse Baratheon is sickly, weak and disgusts him. Melisandre adds that Selyse has given no sons, only stillborns and death. She then promises him a son through her. Stannis repeats the promise, and as she kisses his ear, he returns her kiss and lifts her onto the table, scattering the models onto the floor as his lust takes over.

The red waste

Across the Narrow Sea, and deep in the barren deserts of the Red Waste, Daenerys Targaryen and her khalasar sit listlessly in the oppressive heat as they still await the return of her three bloodriders, having been sent to scout the vast lands for refuge of any kind. Ser Jorah Mormont then notices a horse approaching and rouses Daenerys from a weary slumber. The mount, however, is riderless and is also covered in bright red war paint. Jorah notices blood dripping from a saddlebag and after approaching the horse, he opens it to find the head of her lead bloodrider Rakharo, with his severed braid stuffed inside with it. Jorah warns Daenerys not to look, however, she insists, asserting that Rakharo was blood of her blood. She asks Jorah who killed Rakharo and he tells her that it must have been one of the other Dothraki khalasars, suggesting Khal Pono or Khal Jhaqo. He tells Daenerys that her rivals do not like the idea of a woman leading a khalasar. Daenerys vows that they will like it less when she is done with them. Irri approaches and kneels by the saddle bag, sobbing that they have killed Rakharo's soul. Daenerys tries to reassure her that the soul cannot be killed. Irri is distraught as she believes that the mutilation of Rakharo's body will prevent his soul from joining his ancestors in the Night Lands. Daenerys promises that they will build him a funeral pyre and that he will ride with his ancestors. Irri's wails resonate across the desolate land.

The iron islands

Elsewhere, after a long journey from Robb’s camp in the Riverlands, Theon Greyjoy has finally returned home to the Iron Islands on a merchant ship, which he hasn’t visited since he was a young boy. With the War of the Five Kings now engulfing the Seven Kingdoms, he intends to convince his father, Lord Balon Greyjoy, to join the Northern rebellion against the Lannisters. To bide his time, he engages in sex with the captain's daughter as they sail into Lordsport. Theon informs her that he is expecting a warm reception, however, he is disappointed when there is no one to meet him after disembarking in Lordsport. Attempting to get a ride to his father’s stronghold, Theon throws his weight around as the son of Lord Balon to an older man working on the docks. As the man leaves to find him a horse, a woman approached Theon and offers him a ride to his home of Pyke. Theon attempts to seduce her throughout the journey on horseback, a flirtation that she welcomes. When he criticizes her riding skills, however, she questions his competence in sailing, having been away for nearly a decade.

Upon his arrival at Pyke, Theon is further disappointed when his father Balon receives him with an unenthusiastic welcome. He immediately questions Theon’s loyalty and his memory of his roots, having spent nine years as a ward of House Stark, though Theon did not go willingly. Lord Balon also insults his son’s fine clothes given to him by the Starks, and is furious when Theon tells him that Robb thinks of him as a brother. Theon then delivers Robb Stark's letter suggesting an alliance against House Lannister, for which Robb will make Balon the King of the Iron Islands again, a title that had been stripped from Balon following the Greyjoy Rebellion. Theon’s flirtatious guide suddenly enters and after Balon greets her warmly, Theon is shocked to realize that she is actually his sister Yara Greyjoy. Yara eventually informs Theon that she hid her identity in order to evaluate the kind of man he has become over the years. Lord Balon swiftly rejects Robb’s proposal, burning it in the fire, and then compares Theon unfavorably to his sister, stating that Yara has already proven herself when commanding a fleet. Balon insists that he will follow the Ironborn tradition of “paying the iron price,” which means to take something through force. He then asserts that no one will give him his crown. When Theon warns his father that he will not defeat the Lannisters, Balon insinuates that he does not have any intention of fighting against the Lannisters.

craster’s keep

Samwell Tarly, Eddison Tollett and Grenn are peeling potatoes outside Craster's Keep when Edd provides a humorous anecdote regarding his mother's death. Samwell then notices the wildling girl Gilly passing by with two rabbits and he observes that it is greedy for Craster to have so many wives. When Sam leaves to retrieve more vegetables he walks past Gilly cowering from the direwolf Ghost, who was drawn by the rabbits she carries. Sam shoos Ghost away and then walks over to check on Gilly. She warns him not to touch her and he apologizes, however, admits that he is very brave. Sam brings Gilly to see Jon Snow and introduces her as one of Craster's daughters. They tell Jon that she is pregnant and Sam says they have to take her with them. Jon is angry at Sam for considering violating their orders to stay away from Craster's wives. Gilly interrupts their recriminations to reassure Jon that she can run, though Jon says that it is not possible. Gilly begins to say what she is afraid of but stops short of telling Jon what will happen if her child is a boy. Jon is annoyed that she wants them to risk their lives for her but will not say what she fears. When Gilly then runs off Sam asks Jon why he was cruel as Jon again criticizes Sam's lack of regard for their orders with his desire to steal Gilly. Sam says that Gilly can't be stolen as she's a person, not a goat. Jon then enquires as to what Sam was planning to do when Gilly went into labor and Sam claims to have read about the delivery process, but admits that it was only a little. Jon remains firm and apologizes, insisting that they cannot help Gilly.

Late evening, as the fire burns down and everyone has gone to bed, Jon sits alone in the dark and the eerie quiet of the surrounding forest. Suddenly, Jon hears commotion and notices Craster carrying a newborn baby into the woods at night. Jon follows him into the trees to investigate, watching Craster leave the baby on the ground and walking away. Jon hides behind a tree as Craster passes and when assumed he is safe, Jon then approaches the screaming child, drawing his sword. He hears whispering voices of the White Walkers echoing all around him as he gets closer. Hiding behind a tree, Jon witnesses his first White Walker, who picks up the baby from the ground and silences the baby's cries before the creature carries it into the forest. Before Jon can pursue, however, Craster returns and knocks Jon out with a single blow to the head.

*Episode descriptions from GOT Wiki