Directed By: Miguel Sapochnik / Written By: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss

Original Airdate: June 26, 2016

Church bells are ringing throughout Kings Landing as everyone, from the High Sparrow to King Tommen Baratheon, prepare for the trials of Cersei Lannister and Loras Tyrell. At the Twins, Jaime Lannister and Bronn celebrate with House Frey over their victory in seizing Riverrun, while later on Lord Walder receives a surprise guest. In Dorne, Olenna Tyrell meets with Ellaria Sand and the Sand Snakes to form a new alliance. After House Bolton is defeated at Winterfell, Davos Seaworth confronts Melisandre over past indiscretions. Beyond the Wall, Bran Stark continues his quest for knowledge as winter finally arrives. Meanwhile, after winning the battle in Meereen, the Targaryen/Greyjoy forces make preparations to sail to Westeros.

main cast

the twins

Ser Jaime Lannister marches to the Twins with House Frey as they celebrate their retaking of Riverrun from House Tully. During the festivities, Jaime notices a serving girl who smiles at him curiously. Ser Bronn then complains that all the women desire Jaime, “a rich slab of beef and all the birds come pecking.” Jaime tries to be modest, insisting that they aren't his type, as Bronn then asks "Not blonde enough?," taking Jaime by surprise and indicating that he knows about his relationship with Cersei. Jaime then notices two other girls staring in their direction, calls them over and introduces them to Bronn, who momentarily denies interest only to leave with them seconds later. Jaime then speaks to Lord Walder Frey, who gloats about their united victory. When an arrogant Walder attempts to equate himself with Ser Jaime, calling them both “Kingslayers,” Jaime is visibly irritated. He coldly reminds Walder that House Frey is held in contempt by the rest of the Riverlands and needs the Lannisters to enforce their rule. Jaime then warns that if the Freys continue to prove themselves incompetent of holding their territory, the Lannisters will refuse to bail them out the next time they need help. When a speechless Walder does not respond, Ser Jaime then brusquely leaves the festivities.

Some time later, Walder Frey is alone and eating dinner in his hall. The servant girl who was eyeing Jaime during the celebration serves Walder pie. He informs her that he does not recognize her and immediately questions who she is, slapping her on the behind as he sarcastically wonders if she's one of his progeny. He goes on to gripe about the tardiness of his sons, Black Walder and Lothar Frey, to which the servant earnestly insists that they are already present. Eventually, the confused Walder opens the pie and reacts in horror: he has been served the flesh of his own sons and a fingertip with a nail still attached is visible in the stuffing. The servant girl suddenly peels back her face to reveal her identity as Arya Stark, who has come to remind Walder of his crimes and avenge her family. Arya tells him that the last thing he is ever going to see is a Stark smiling down at him as he dies. Lord Walder is shocked and tries to escape, but Arya holds him down and then slits his throat. As he clutches at his bleeding neck, she smiles and watches the dying man who murdered her mother and brother, Lady Catelyn and King Robb Stark. Arya’s expression of vindication increases as she watches the last living mastermind of the Red Wedding bleed to death in front of her.

king’s landing

In King's Landing, everyone is getting ready for the trial of Cersei Lannister and Ser Loras Tyrell. The crowd amasses insisde the Great Sept of Baelor, along with Queen Margaery Tyrell, Lord Mace Tyrell and Ser Kevan Lannister. As Grand Maester Pycelle heads to the Sept, a small child stops him and whispers something into his ear that changes his course. The Sparrows of the Faith Militant bring Ser Loras in first, as the High Sparrow awaits. Instead of having a trial, Ser Loras confesses to his crimes and declares to the High Sparrow that he wishes to devote his life to the Faith of the Seven. The High Sparrow informs Loras that this would mean that he renounces his family name and his future lordship of Highgarden, as Loras tearfully agrees. The Sparrows then grab him, hold him down and carve a seven-pointed star into his forehead. His father Mace actually tries to fight his way through the crowd to stop them but Margaery, her voice trembling, holds him back. Afterwards, Margaery angrily protests to the High Sparrow for mutilating her brother. The High Sparrow then informs that he promises to allow Loras to leave after Cersei faces her trial as well. Meanwhile, King Tommen Baratheon prepares to depart the Red Keep for his mother’s trial but Ser Gregor Clegane prevents him from leaving his room. In the Sept, Lancel Lannister tells the High Sparrow that Cersei has yet to leave the Red Keep, so the High Sparrow asks him to go retrieve her. As Lancel is walking out, one of Qyburn's "little birds" lures him away to the catacombs beneath the Great Sept. Meanwhile, Grand Maester Pycelle follows the whispering child, another little bird, into a room where Qyburn awaits him. Qyburn apologizes to Pycelle for the inconvenience, then multiple children surround the Grand Maester and begin stabbing him repeatedly to death. Beneath the Sept, Ser Lancel continues to follow the boy, who drops the torch that he was carrying. When Lancel goes to pick up the torch, the child stabs him in the spine and runs off. Paralyzed from the waist down, Lancel looks around where he is laying and discovers that there is a cache of wildfire, one of those the “Mad King” Aerys Targaryen secreted beneath King's Landing as part of his plan to deny the city to his enemies when facing certain defeat at the end of Robert's Rebellion. As he crawls closer to the main source of the illuminated green liquid, Lancel sees that the wildfire is about to be set off with three candles at the end of the hall that are almost burnt out. He desperately crawls toward it in an attempt to put the candles out. Meanwhile, an impatient and increasingly worried Queen Margaery realizes that something is very wrong as they continue to wait for Cersei and King Tommen’s arrival. She immediately confronts the High Sparrow and insists to him that this is a trap, frustratedly informing him that “Cersei understands the consequences of her absence and she is absent anyway, which means she does not intend to suffer those consequences. We all need to leave!” However, the High Sparrow does not listen to Margaery’s astute assessment of the situation. The queen then stresses to everyone inside the Great Sept that they all need to leave immediately, however, the Faith Militant block the doors instead, preventing anyone from exiting the building. Underneath the Sept, Ser Lancel crawls to reaching distance from the candles but does not make it in time before the wildfire ignites, flooding the tunnels with green flames and claiming him as the first casualty. From above, Queen Margaery and the High Sparrow share a look of terror as the gathered nobles hear the muffled explosions. Suddenly, the fire punches through the floor and burns everyone inside the building to such intensity that the Great Sept then shatters and crumbles to rubble, flinging debris far and wide, leveling the city for a mile around. Cersei, looking out one of the windows in her room, smiles as she witnesses the explosion, even as the screams of the dying population ring through the air. Meanwhile, from his own chambers, King Tommen stares at the explosion in shock and disbelief.

Following the massacre and still feeling victorious, Cersei then pays a visit to Septa Unella, who has been strapped to a table in one of the Black Cells. Cersei awakens her by pouring a pitcher of wine on her face as she struggles. She prompts Septa Unella to confess that she enjoyed tormenting her during her own imprisonment, not for the sake of the gods, but because it felt good. Continuing her mockery, Cersei smugly goes down a list, finally confessing her crimes. She mentions her incestuous relationship with her brother Jaime, as well as the part she had to play that resulted in King Robert Baratheon’s hunting “accident”. Lastly, she excuses the massacre of Queen Margaery, the High Sparrow, her uncle Kevan and the others in the Sept by declaring, similar to the rest of her crimes, that it was all simply because it felt good. Finally, Cersei reminds her of the promise that she made to Unella upon her arrest, that Cersei’s face would be the last thing Unella would see before her death, to which the septa stiffly declares that she is not afraid to die. Cersei gleefully assures Unella that she will not die right away and that her torture will last several days. Ser Gregor Clegane then enters the cell, who removes his helmet and begins his work on Unella. Walking away and closing the door, Cersei echoes the word "shame" three times, just as Unella did during Cersei's walk of atonement. The septa screams in horror at her fate by Ser Gregor's hands.

After being informed of the explosion and its many casualties, including his beloved wife Queen Margaery, one of King Tommen’s servants continues to offer his condolences to the young monarch. However, Tommen stares out the window, still in a state of catatonic shock. After the servant exits his chambers, Tommen then removes the crown off of his head and places it down on a nearby table, walking away from the gruesome view of the smoky Sept in the distance. He then returns to the horrific scene through the window and with conviction, King Tommen calmly steps up to the window frame. Without hesitation, he then falls out of the window to his death. Some time after Tommen's body is found on the ground of the Red Keep, his mother’s triumph is greatly diminished at the devastating loss of her last remaining child. Standing by his covered remains in a dark room with Qyburn, Cersei insists on seeing Tommen’s face one last time. Qyburn then asks Cersei what she wants to do about funeral arrangements, since the Great Sept of Baelor is obviously no longer an option. Cersei informs him to burn her son’s body and bury the ashes where the Sept once stood, so that Tommen may rest with his brother Joffrey, his sister Myrcella and his grandfather Tywin Lannister.

Later that afternoon, returning from The Twins, Ser Jaime, Bronn and the Lannister army arrive on the outskirts of King's Landing. Jaime’s face that had been full of triumph following Riverrun, instantly turns to one of shock when he witnesses smoke still pouring from where the Great Sept and its surrounding districts once stood. Once returning to the Red Keep, Jaime enters the throne room that is in full attendance of the royal court, just in time to witness Cersei and her Kingsguard enter and walk the path towards the Iron Throne, flanked by Lannister guards. Cersei ascends the steps and stands before the throne. Qyburn, who is now her Hand, proclaims Cersei Lannister as the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms and all the associated titles. He places a crown on her head and she sits down on the Iron Throne. The crowd of nobles who have assembled to witness the coronation glare at her with undisguised hatred, aware of what she has done in order to gain power, seemingly professing their loyalty only out of fear of Cersei's wrath. Cersei ignores the nobles as she has eyes only for her brother Jaime, who stares back at her with a stony expression. With a steely gaze she looks out towards the room again as the new Queen, taking in her ultimate ambition that has come to life: the ruler of Westeros- or at least, what little of it she can still control.

oldtown

Meanwhile, in the Reach, Samwell Tarly, Gilly, and Little Sam finally arrive at Oldtown, the oldest city of Westeros. After exiting their carriage, Sam and Gilly look out towards the view of the city and spot the Hightower, with dozens of white ravens being released, signalling the arrival of winter. Afterwards, the trio arrive at a bureaucrat's desk within the Citadel, as Samwell informs a maester that he has been sent by the Night's Watch's Lord Commander, Jon Snow, to be trained under the Order of Maesters. The bureaucrat, maintaining a deadpan expression, is hesitant because Jeor Mormont and Aemon Targaryen are recorded as Lord Commander and Maester of Castle Black. Samwell awkwardly informs him that the two died before ravens could be sent out. The maester then arranges for Samwell to meet with one of the Archmaesters, and allows Sam access to the Citadel's library, but sharply bars Gilly and her son from following. As Samwell explores the library by himself and is in awe of the vast collection of books and scrolls, excited for his training to commence.

dorne

With word of Cersei Lannister’s treachery traveling fast, Ellaria Sand and the Sand Snakes meet with Olenna Tyrell in Dorne, who is now in mourning after the deaths of her son and two grandchildren. The Queen of Thorns quickly shuts down the Sand Snakes' attempts to speak, insisting that the “grown women” are to converse. Ellaria suggests that they must work together for survival, as Cersei has declared war on both of their factions. Olenna expresses her distrust of Ellaria for orchestrating the deaths of Prince Doran Martell and his son Trystane, the brother and nephew of Oberyn Martrell, the very same man whom Ellaria sought to avenge. Despite this distrust, Olenna then clarifies that the future of House Tyrell has been taken from her, adding that survival is not what she is after now. Ellaria then promises that an alliance will give Olenna her new heart's desire. When Olenna sardonically asks what that is, Ellaria states that it is "justice and vengeance." At that moment, Lord Varys reveals himself, and rephrases by saying "fire and blood,” the motto of House Targaryen.

the north

Meanwhile, Jon Snow and Melisandre are in Winterfell's main hall when Ser Davos Seaworth angrily strides in and tosses Princess Shireen Baratheon's burned wooden stag to the Priestess. At first, she is silent, but as Davos loses his composure, she admits that she convinced King Stannis Baratheon to sacrifice his own daughter to the Lord of Light. She defends herself by saying that it needed to be done because Stannis' forces were stranded by the snows; and that Shireen's parents made the decision as well. Davos quickly dismisses this defense and goes on to exclaim that her god is evil and tearfully admits that he loved Shireen as his own daughter. Fighting back tears, Melisandre concedes that she made a mistake. Davos states that because of her mistake, not only did an innocent child die for a lost cause, so did many soldiers. He then demands Jon to execute Melisandre for her actions. She insists that she only followed the Lord of Light, who she implies is also responsible for bringing Jon back to life and insists she can still be of use in the battles to come against the Night King. Still greatly displeased, Jon tells Melisandre to ride south, or he will hang her as a murderer; Davos adds that he will personally execute her if she ever shows up in the North again. Afterwards, as Jon and Sansa Stark look on as Melisandre exits the grounds of Winterfell on horseback, Jon tells Sansa that he has had Catelyn and Eddard Stark’s master bedroom prepared for her, though she insists that he should have it. Jon remarks that Sansa is the Lady of Winterfell and because of her they have taken their home back. Sansa apologizes for not telling him about Littlefinger's knights of the Vale. He asks Sansa if she trusts Littlefinger, which she firmly denies. With that, Jon tells her that they have to trust each other because the Starks have many enemies, and then gently kisses her on the forehead. Sansa informs Jon that a white raven arrived earlier; winter has finally arrived, just as their father has always promised.

Later, in the godswood, Petyr Baelish approaches Sansa. She asks him what it is that he wants from her. He admits that he wants the Iron Throne, with her at his side. He moves in to kiss her but she stops him and walks away. Petyr states he has openly declared for House Stark as Sansa then reminds him that he has declared for other houses in the past, which never stopped him from serving himself. He contests that was the past, but he is looking towards the future, adding that she is the future of House Stark. Ever insidious, he asks her who the North should rally behind: a trueborn daughter of Eddard and Catelyn Stark, or a motherless bastard born in the south. Sansa considers his words but keeps walking without turning to look at him.

Meanwhile, Benjen Stark drops Meera Reed and his nephew Bran Stark off at a grove with a weirwood heart tree in sight of the Wall, as he can go no further, informing that the magic of the Wall prevents the dead, such as himself, from crossing. He plans to do what he can to prepare for the coming war, as he still fights for the living. After thanking his uncle, who rides off on his horse, Bran turns his attention to the weirwood tree as Meera expresses doubts over his readiness, but Bran insists that he must be the Raven and places his hand on the face carved into the tree. He has another vision of the events at the Tower of Joy in Dorne, right where he had left off before the old Three-Eyed Raven interrupted. Having learned his lesson, Bran does not call after his young father Eddard, who rushes into the Tower. Inside, Ned - followed along by Bran - discovers his sister Lyanna Stark lying in bed with blood-stained sheets, being tended to by a few handmaidens. One of the handmaidens hands a newborn baby to Ned, who takes the child in his arms. A weakened Lyanna whispers to Ned of the baby's identity and the baby is revealed as her son. She begs Ned to promise he'll keep her child safe, as King Robert Baratheon would kill him should his identity be discovered. As Ned looks at his infant nephew, the child's eyes open up to reveal the dark-colored eyes of Jon Snow. Bran realizes Jon is Lyanna's son and not Eddard’s at all.

Some time later, back at Winterfell, the surviving heads of all the Northern vassal houses convene in the great hall as they debate what to do next. Young Lyanna Mormont rises and shames those who did not join Jon and Sansa to help defeat Ramsay Bolton. She reiterates that the North knows no king but the King in the North, whose name is Stark. Lyanna continues by saying that Jon may be a bastard but she doesn't care and he is a Stark to her. She hails Jon as the new King in the North.  Wyman Manderly, rises to apologize, saying he didn't send aid before because he didn't want to send his men to die for nothing but goes on to call Jon "the White Wolf" and he too proclaims him King. Robett Glover then apologizes profusely, saying that he dishonored himself by not aiding him before and he only didn't help Jon because he thought he had no hope of winning. Lord Cley Cerwyn also swears his allegiance. Following this then all of the gathered Lords of the North and the Vale of Arryn draw and raise their swords, hailing Jon as the new King in the North, echoing how the late King Robb Stark's bannermen previously proclaimed him king. Surprised, Jon shares a look with Sansa, who returns Jon's smile as he stands. However, Sansa's smile fades as Littlefinger looks at her in a sinister fashion.

meereen

In Meereen, Daario Naharis reports to Queen Daenerys Targaryen that the fleet is nearly ready and states that he is eager to see how the Dothraki do on the open sea. Daenerys then informs Daario that he won't be joining them, which Daario interprets to mean that he will go on to seize Casterly Rock, cutting off the Lannister retreat. Daenerys, however, clarifies that she is commanding Daario to stay in Meereen with the Second Sons in order to keep the peace until the city can safely choose its own ruler. Furthermore, she explains that she cannot bring her lover to Westeros, as marriage is still her most valuable bargaining chip when considering new alliances. Daario begs her to take him, pointing out that kings have mistresses, and queens should be no different. However, Daenerys stands firm. Daario then realizes that Tyrion Lannister convinced her to leave him, and while hurt he is able to admit that it is a strong political move. Daario muses that no woman can take her place, although Daenerys is sure he will have many more lovers. Daenerys assures him that she'll leave specific instructions for him to follow in governing Slaver’s Bay, which has now been renamed the “Bay of Dragons”. Afterwards, Daenerys visits Tyrion in the throne room, who tries his best to console her. Daenerys thanks him, but admits that she's not upset about leaving Daario. She explains that she was frightened with her ability to easily dismiss someone who loves her unconditionally. Tyrion says that Daario wasn't the first man to love Daenerys, and won't be the last. Daenerys then turns the topic to Tyrion's rule of Meereen in her absence. He responds that he gave up on believing in himself or in anyone, but now believes in her. Touched, Daenerys gives finds it a suitable time to give Tyrion a pin she had made for him: the brooch of the Hand of the Queen. Tyrion, struck with emotion, kneels in front of her and accepts the official honor.

Some time later, Queen Daenerys leads her armada to Westeros. With the liberation of Slaver's Bay complete, Daenerys sails the Summer Sea with her three dragons: Drogon, Rhaegal and Viserion as they fly over her assembled armada, comprised of her growing support from Essos and Westeros alike. Sailing with Daenerys is the army of Unsullied, the horde of Dothraki, the Ironborn fleet led by Yara and Theon Greyjoy, as well as new allies in the Dornishmen and  Reachmen. Now clad in Targaryen black, Daenerys stands on the deck of the flagship with Tyrion, Missandei and Lord Varys as they stare ahead towards the open water. Daenerys and Tyrion glance at each other respectfully as they embark into the unknown, knowing they could be met with the gift of a new allies, or several enemies vying for the Iron Throne.

*Episode descriptions from GOT Wiki