As this episode opens we learn who is allying themselves with Daenerys; these include those formally allied with rivals such as Melisandre and Lord Varys; those with personal reasons for fighting against Cersei such as Olenna Tyrell and Ellaria Sand as well as well as Yara Greyjoy and her brother Theon. They won't be enough though so Daenerys sends a message inviting John Snow to join her forces. He is cautioned against this by Sansa and other northern leaders but feels he must go when he learns there is dragon glass under her castle; something that will be needed if they are to defeat the threat from the north. Elsewhere Arya meets an old friend and learns that the Starks once again control Winterfell and Sam risks his position to try to save Jorah Mormont. Finally Yara's fleet is ambushed and she must face her uncle.
I enjoyed the season opener but thought this was even better. We continue to learn more about various alliances and plans for the upcoming war but more importantly we get a really exciting seaborne battle where characters fight aboard burning ships at night. As is often the case there are questions of trust; notably whether it will be safe for John to go to Daenerys given her family's history. The episode gives us some nice character progression as Arya changes plans when she hears the news of Winterfell and John leaving Sansa in charge when he prepares to visit Daenerys. The cast does a fine job throughout and the effects are impressive, especially during the battle scene. Overall a fine combination of character development, plot advancement and action.
I enjoyed the season opener but thought this was even better. We continue to learn more about various alliances and plans for the upcoming war but more importantly we get a really exciting seaborne battle where characters fight aboard burning ships at night. As is often the case there are questions of trust; notably whether it will be safe for John to go to Daenerys given her family's history. The episode gives us some nice character progression as Arya changes plans when she hears the news of Winterfell and John leaving Sansa in charge when he prepares to visit Daenerys. The cast does a fine job throughout and the effects are impressive, especially during the battle scene. Overall a fine combination of character development, plot advancement and action.