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

Original Airdate: April 6, 2014

In King’s Landing, Tywin Lannister gives his son Jaime a new sword and wants him to return to rule at Casterly Rock in his stead, while Cersei hasn't forgiven her brother for leaving her. Meanwhile, Prince Oberyn Martell of Dorne arrives in the capital for the royal wedding with his lover Ellaria Sand. In Essos, Daenerys Targaryen's army march towards the largest slave city Meereen when she comes to realize that her dragons can never be tamed. At Castle Black, a healing Jon Snow faces an enquiry before the commanders of the Night’s Watch while Ygritte and the wildlings increase their numbers as they prepare for battle at the Wall. In the Riverlands, Arya Stark and Sandor Clegane come across someone from her past at a time when vengeance is valued above all.

main cast

slaver’s bay

Several months later, in Slaver’s Bay, Daenerys Targaryen sits near the sea with her three dragons whom all have grown to the size of a small horse, as she takes a break from her campaign to liberate slaves from the remaining slave cities in Essos. Daenerys strokes Drogon's head, the largest dragon, while Rhaegal and Viserion fight over a dead lamb. Drogon eventually joins the fight but as Daenerys tries to calm him down, Drogon snaps at her with a hiss, roars into the sky and goes to contest the kill. This startling act, that her own children would threaten her, and that they are outgrowing her influence and ability to rein them, leaves Daenerys visibly shaken.  Jorah Mormont who has witnessed this interaction from afar then approaches and tells her that dragons can never be tamed, not even by their mother. Afterwards, Daenerys returns to her  Unsullied army to resume the march towards the largest slave city, Meereen. She notices her Unsullied commander Grey Worm and her sworn mercenary Daario Naharis are absent and sets out to find them after being told they are "gambling". When found, Daario explains they are deciding on which of them will ride up front with her in the vanguard. Frustrated, Daenerys states that the honor goes to Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan Selmy as they did not keep her waiting all morning. She orders the two men to ride at the back of the army with the livestock.

Afterwards, on the road to Meereen, Daenerys speaks with her aide Missandei, who encourages her queen in stating that Meereen would be wise to fear her approach. Daario then interrupts their conversation and meets them on the cliff side. After Missandei leaves them to speak in private, Daenerys expresses her annoyance when he gifts her with wildflowers that he has picked for her. He reveals that the flowers represent a portrait of the landscape of Essos and that knowing her surroundings is something of importance to Daenerys' strategy. The marching army suddenly halts, and a concerned Daenerys goes to the forefront, discovering a slave child that has been crucified upon a cross. The dead child’s hand is propped up and pointing towards the direction of Meereen, as Ser Jorah informs Daenerys that there is a crucified child for each mile to the last of the great slave cities: one-hundred and sixty-three in total. Ser Barristan offers to have outriders go ahead to bury them, but Daenerys refuses, ordering that each of them be buried, and their collars removed, but not before she has looked upon each and every face.

the WALL

In the North, wildlings Ygritte and Tormund Giantsbane stand outside a stone ravine that is located a short distance from the Wall. Tormund chides Ygritte for failing to kill Jon Snow when she caught up with him after his betrayal and fleeing return to the Night’s Watch at Castle Black. Their tense conversation is suddenly interrupted, however, when their scouts signal that someone is approaching. A band of Thenn trek towards the wildlings through the ravine and, out of earshot, Tormund comments about how much he hates Thenns, who are the most advanced and best equipped of the wildling tribes. Their leader named Styr informs Tormund his party raided a village south of the ravine and gathered meat. He comments further insisting that the meat tastes so much better south of the Wall, and chides Tormund for losing their warg Orell, as well as Jon Snow. He then reminds Tormund how the Night's Watch are feasting and getting fat at Castle Black. Styr suggests that Tormund taste crow meat before he dies, as a human arm roasts over a fire, revealing the Thenn’s predilection for cannibalism.

Meanwhile, at Castle Black, Jon Snow has largely recovered from his injuries inflicted by Ygritte, though he still grimaces while getting dressed. At some point, Jon has been informed of the massacre at the Red Wedding and although wanting vengeance for his family, has decided to stay with the Watch. He shares with Samwell Tarly that he had always been jealous of his brother Robb Stark for having more of their father Eddard Stark’s affection and for being better than him at most things. Still, he says he could never bring himself to hate Robb, who was a good friend and honorable person. Sam responds by saying he has felt the same way about Jon, who is better than him at everything, except for reading. Jon is then summoned to testify before a panel of five sworn brothers, including Maester Aemon and acting Lord Commander Alliser Thorne, as Jon also learned since his return of Jeor Mormont’s murder at Craster’s Keep. A new member to the Watch, Janos Slynt, who was exiled to the Wall by Tyrion Lannister in King’s Landing, joins the panel. At the hearing, Jon admits to killing Qhorin Halfhand, living amongst the wildlings, and sleeping with one. He also states that their king Mance Rayder intends to attack and gives intel on his plans. Both Slynt and Thorne are openly hostile to Jon, disbelieving much of what he says and call for his execution. Maester Aemon, however, realizes that Jon is speaking the truth, and the hearing ends with Jon being allowed to keep his head.

king’s landing

In King’s Landing, with his family victorious over House Stark, Lord Tywin Lannister has the Stark ancestral great-sword melted down and reforged into two smaller long-swords. Tywin then throws the wolf pelt scabbard of Eddard Stark's sword into the fire, watching it burn. Afterwards, Ser Jaime Lannister is offered one of the Valyrian steel swords, who comments that House Lannister has always wanted its own Valyrian blade. Lord Tywin informs his son that they now have two to their name, adding that the original great-sword was absurdly large and had plenty of steel for two. Tywin then reveals to Jaime his plan to have him removed from the Kingsguard so that he can return to Casterly Rock and rule as Lord in his stead. However, Jaime asserts to his father that he has no plans of resigning and that he will remain in the capital in order to protect King Joffrey Baratheon, as well as secretly continue his incestuous relationship with his sister, Cersei Lannister. Jaime also rejects the fact that this is about his honor as a knight, as he believes that his honor is too far gone so he may as well do what he wants rather than what is expected of him. Tywin eventually agrees to let him do as he likes, however, states matter-of-factly that he no longer considers Jaime a Lannister. Despite this, Tywin still allows Jaime to keep the Valyrian sword, declaring that a “0ne-armed man with no family needs all the help he can get”.

Meanwhile, Tyrion Lannister, Podrick Payne and Bronn patiently wait on a road outside the city for the arrival of Prince Doran Martell of Dorne, who has been invited to the royal wedding of King Joffrey and Lady Margaery Tyrell. When the Dornish ride into view holding their assorted banners, Tyrion quizzes Bronn on the sigils of the Dornish houses, none of which he knows. However, Podrick is able to answer them perfectly.  Lord Blackmont approaches the trio on horseback and quickly informs that Prince Doran is in poor health and has remained in Dorne’s capital city of Sunspear. However, Blackmont then informs Tyrion that Doran's brother, Prince Oberyn Martell, will be attending the wedding in his stead, and already arrived before dawn. With this news Tyrion assigns the reception of the Dornish Lords to the City Watch, and then insists that he and Bronn should find Prince Oberyn as soon as possible "before he kills somebody or several somebodies".

Along the Street of Silk in King’s Landing, Prince Oberyn Martell and his bastard paramour and lover Ellaria Sand are examining prostitutes in Lord Petyr Baelish’s brothel, which is currently being managed by Olyvar while Littlefinger is away in the Vale of Arryn. After observing a line of women to choose from, Oberyn and Ellaria eventually select a contortionist named Marei. Oberyn then orders Olyvar to get undressed also, further revealing a sexual fluidity that is common with the Dornish. Olyvar insists that, as the current proprietor of the brothel, he is not for sale, though the Dornish prince throws his weight around and insists on Olyvar’s presence. Their escapades are interrupted, however, when an infuriated Oberyn overhears men from the neighboring room singing the infamous Lannister victory song "The Rains of Castamere". He confronts the two Lannister soldiers, who immediately insult both Oberyn and Ellaria. Oberyn moves closer and chastises them for being "pink little men who are far too slow on the draw." One of the soldiers reaches for his sword, and Oberyn quickly stabs him through the wrist with a dagger and tells the other that his friend will only live if he immediately gets help. Amidst the confrontation, Tyrion and Bronn enter, defusing the situation. Tyrion requests a private word as with Oberyn, as they then step outside. Tyrion asks Oberyn why he came to the capital, as Oberyn lazily dodges the question by confirming his invitation to the wedding. However, Tyrion knows he's lying and asks for the honest truth. Oberyn then informs that he recalls the time his sister Elia Martell married Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, and how Rhaegar’s involvement with another woman, Lyanna Stark, was the catalyst that started Robert's Rebellion. He adds that the war ended with Lord Tywin sacking the city, while Ser Gregor Clegane brutally murdered Elia's children, then raped and murdered her. Oberyn orders Tyrion to tell his father that he has arrived, warning him that Lannisters are not the only ones who pay their debts.

Afterwards, in the gardens of the Red Keep, Shae encourages a distraught Sansa Stark to eat, but the Stark girl is still coping with the brutal murders of her brother Robb and her mother Catelyn Stark. Tyrion arrives and dismisses Shae, much to her annoyance. While tears stream down her face, Sansa informs Tyrion that she has heard about the gruesome details of the Red Wedding, including how the corpses of Robb and Catelyn were desecrated. Tyrion attempts to console his wife when declaring that he admired Catelyn, calling her a strong woman and a fierce mother. When Sansa excuses herself for the godswood, Tyrion assures her that prayer is a good idea. However, Sansa informs that she doesn’t pray anymore, but the godswood is the only place where she is left in peace.

Later on, Tyrion returns to his chambers to find Shae in his bed. He scolds her as a reminder of his father Tywin’s threats and the dangers involved with their relationship. She ignores this and attempts to seduce him. When he resists, however, she accuses him of trying to bribe her with diamonds and ship her away to the Free Cities, though he doesn't know what she's talking about as Lord Varys was acting alone when he tried organising her departure from the capital. Shae angrily leaves the room but then is spotted by a handmaiden named Bernadette, who has overheard their conversation. Meanwhile, Jaime and Qyburn are in Cersei's chambers, as she has ordered a golden prosthetic hand made for Jaime while Qyburn attaches it to his stump. As Qyburn heads out of the room, Cersei thanks him for assistance in another matter and informs that the symptoms have gone completely. Jaime has overheard their exchange and queries her mentioned symptoms. Cersei informs him they are symptoms not of his concern, but it is inferred that she was treated for a sexually-transmitted disease. Without digging any deeper Jaime changes the subject and informing that he will stay in the Kingsguard so he can stay close to her. He then tries to kiss her, but she turns away, much to Jaime's confusion. Cersei implies that she has taken other lovers, which brings relevance to her former symptoms. She coldly informs Jaime that their relationship has changed because of his lengthy absence from the capital. This statement clearly wounds Jaime but the tension is interrupted by the handmaiden Bernadette, as she suddenly enters and reports that she has important information for Cersei.

As preparations for the royal wedding continue, Margaery and her grandmother Lady Olenna Tyrell are interrupted by Brienne of Tarth. Olenna is delighted to see the truth of the rumors of Brienne’s size, who awkwardly ignores Olenna’s intrigue and requests a private word with Margaery. As they walk, Brienne informs Margaery the truth of Renly Baratheon’s death and vows to one day exact revenge on Stannis Baratheon, whom she holds responsible. They walk past a statue of King Joffrey standing over a dead direwolf, commemorating the victory over the northern rebellion. Meanwhile, in the White Sword Tower of the Kingsguard, King Joffrey discusses wedding security with Jaime and Ser Meryn Trant. Jaime is clearly irked by Joffrey's arrogance, as the young king claims responsibility for keeping the people fed and single-handedly winning the war. Jaime points out that the war is far from won, as Stannis is still alive and will likely be raising fresh armies. Dismissive of the threat posed by Stannis following the Battle of the Blackwater, Joffrey leafs through the Book of Brothers, which details the history of the Kingsguard and those who served in it. He reads Jaime's brief entry and sneers that someone must have forgotten to record all of his uncle's great deeds. He also questions Jaime's ability to serve in the Kingsguard with one hand. Jaime defensively quips that using his left hand makes for more of a challenge.

As Sansa prays alone in the godswood, she is watched by a concerned Jaime and Brienne; Brienne expects Jaime to uphold his oath to return Lady Stark's daughters in return for his freedom, but Jaime counters by pointing out the situation is complicated by her death, Sansa's marriage to Tyrion and Arya Stark’s disappearance. He adds that the safest place for Sansa now is at King’s Landing, but Brienne insists it is not. Down below, after Sansa leaves the godswood, she is approached by former knight Dontos Hollard, whom Joffrey humiliated and threatened years ago during the king’s nameday celebrations for turning up to the tournament drunk. Sansa pieces together her memories and finally recognizes the drunk Dontos who then thanks Sansa for convincing Joffrey to spare his life on Joffrey’s nameday. Dontos explains that he can never repay her for giving him his life, but then gifts to her his mother’s necklace as a token of gratitude. After Dontos insists on her taking it, Sansa tells him she will wear it with pride.

the riverlands

Meanwhile, Arya Stark and Sandor Clegane are still traveling through the Riverlands on a single horse. Arya asks when she is going to get her own horse, complaining of the Hound's stench. He scoffs at the idea, noting that horses are hard to come by and that he wouldn't give Arya her own horse as she is the only thing of value he has since he did not take anything of value when he left King's Landing. Arya assures him she has no plans to run off, saying that she would die by nightfall without him as she has no one to go to. The Hound reminds her that she still has an aunt in the Vale, Lysa Arryn, to whom he plans to ransom Arya to. The two eventually come upon a tavern. Both hungry, Arya suggests that they attack the men there, to which the Hound expresses reluctance as there are five men. Just then, two men exit to relieve themselves. Arya recognizes one of them as Polliver, the Lannister man-at-arms who had previously taken Arya's sword and killed her friend Lommy Greenhands. She also notices that Polliver still has Needle and runs off to get it back. The Hound chases after her, stopping her at the tavern's door, but they are seen and choose to go in anyways. They find a table far away from the Lannister men, but Polliver still recognizes the Hound and walks over to strike up a conversation. He does not recognize Arya, however, and implies that he and his men intend to rape and pillage on their way back to King's Landing and invites the Hound to come along. The conversation then becomes tense and turns into a standoff. They eventually draw their swords. At first, the Hound fights the five men alone while Arya stands in the corner. He easily dispatches two of them and fights off the rest, stabbing one in the groin. Arya then joins the fray, smashing a pot over the head of one of the men and stabbing him with his own long sword. She then slashes Polliver's leg from behind, causing him to fall to the ground. Arya takes Needle from Polliver and stands over his prone form. She echoes what he had said to Lommy just before he killed him, though Polliver still doesn't recognize her and has no idea what she is talking about. Arya then repeats what he had said to her when he took Needle: "Fine little blade. Maybe I'll pick my teeth with it". It is at that point when Polliver recognizes her and becomes frightened. Arya then kills Polliver in the same way he had killed Lommy by driving Needle slowly into his throat. Arya and the Hound then leave the tavern, triumphantly taking with them a second horse for Arya to ride.

*Episode descriptions from GOT Wiki