‘Game of Thrones’ #ForTheThrone Countdown: “Stormborn” (S7E2)

Previous Episode: “Dragonstone”

 

Episode: “Stormborn” (Season 7, Episode 2)

Original Air Date: July 23, 2017

Director: Mark Mylod

 

Plot (via HBO)

Daenerys receives an unexpected visitor. Jon faces a revolt. Sam risks his career and life. Tyrion plans the conquest of Westeros.

 

Best Moment: Arya Stark reunites with Nymeria

Jon Snow giving the North to Sansa, and Melisandre arriving at Dragonstone and telling Daenerys Targaryen, Tyrion Lannister, and the others of Jon being King in the North and talking of the “prince that was promised” are among the best moments in “Stormborn”, but Arya Stark finally seeing Nymeria again takes the top moment. Arya had not seen her direwolf since all the way back in Season 1, when she attacked Prince Joffrey Baratheon, forcing the young Stark to shoo the loyal companion away so she would not be killed. When the wolf pack surrounded Arya, Nymeria stepped into view and was recognized by her. Because Arya was finally headed home to Winterfell after learning Jon took it back from the Boltons, she wanted her direwolf to come back too. However, Nymeria created a life of her own and bowed away, which Arya understood. Arya’s “that’s not you” is a direct reflection back to Season 1 when she told Ned Stark “that’s not me” when her father talked to her of becoming a prototypical lady. Her direwolf’s connection is living the same way she lives, even if it means they won’t be together.

 

Best Quote

“You’re a dragon. Be a dragon.” – Olenna Tyrell to Daenerys Targaryen

 

Trivia

Tyrion Lannister’s strategy to take Casterly Rock, the home of House Lannister, which would be a strategic and big symbolic win, was the same plan Robb Stark had right before his death at the Red Wedding.

 

Character Deaths

-Obara Sand

-Nymeria Sand

-Yara’s men

-Greyjoy men

 

MVP: Euron Greyjoy

Euron Greyjoy promised to bring Cersei Lannister a “gift” before he returned to King’s Landing, and he promptly delivered by attacking Yara Greyjoy’s ship, which had Ellaria Sand on board. The attack was brutal, and it showed that the brash Greyjoy is more than just a big mouth. After disposing of Obara and Nymeria Sand, Euron then got the better of his niece and was able to get the ax to her throat and hold her hostage. While the chances might not have been great to help his sister, Theon Greyjoy had a chance to make good for times Yara saved him; but his “Reek” instincts kicked in, and he became frozen before jumping overboard. Euron’s taunting and menacing laugh was hysterical, and it said it all about what just went down. The acting from Alfie Allen (Theon), Gemma Whelan (Yara), and Pilou Asbæk (Euron), in the final moments of the episode was outstanding.

 

#ForTheThrone Moment: Euron attacks Yara’s fleet

Both sides were strategizing the upcoming war, but Cersei Lannister’s side—thanks to Euron Greyjoy—drew first blood in the battle for the Iron Throne. Euron’s monstrous ship, the Silence, came out of nowhere, and the new King of the Iron Islands led the attack on board Yara’s ship, emerging victorious with a few “gifts” for Queen Cersei. Daenerys Targaryen’s war council was another notable #ForTheThrone moment from “Stormborn”, but as interesting as it was, Euron’s attack was more than just planning.

 

Inside The Episode