Valar morghulis my friends. My name is Jessica and I’ll be recapping your episodes of Game of Thrones from now on, as our previous writer has been swooped away by a dragon. Just to give you a short background on myself: I’m a huge Game of Thrones fanatic, to the point that I founded my university’s own Game of Thrones Club. I’ve also read the A Song of Fire and Ice series from cover to cover, and am not so patiently awaiting the ending book(s).
The episode I shall be recapping is episode 4 of season 6 — “Book of the Stranger.” Rather than going character by character, I’ll be going place by place.
The Wall
Jon decides that he wants to head South, which Edd dislikes after what previously happened at Hardhome. Jon and Edd are interrupted as Sansa, Podrick, and Brienne enter Castle Black. Jon and Sansa share a heart-warming hug , and then recount their journeys since the day they both left Winterfell. Sansa wants Jon to help her take back Winterfell, their only true home, but after all the fighting at The Wall Jon says he can’t. Sansa declares that if he won’t help her, she will do it herself, as there will always be Houses in the north loyal to House Stark. Concurrently, Brienne finds Ser Davos and Melisandre and tells them that after Stannis admitted to using dark magic to assassinate his brother Renly, Brienne killed Stannis. Later on in the day the group enjoys a hot meal, while Tormund and Brienne share some #Torienne eye ogling moments. A letter arrives from Ramsay Bolton, now Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. The letter boasts about how Ramsay has Rickon Stark in a dungeon and Shaggydog’s skin on the floor. He demands that Sansa be returned or else he and the Bolton army shall ride North to slaughter all the wildlings. He also threatens some other gruesome things towards Jon, Sansa and Rickon in classic Ramsay Bolton fashion. Jon finally agrees with Sansa, they must take back Winterfell, hooray! Hopefully, through a combination of wildlings and Northern Houses they will take Ramsay Bolton down and save Rickon.
Runestone
Robin Arryn has grown since the last time we saw him in Season 5, unfortunately his archery skills have not. As we watch him practice, Littlefinger (a.k.a. Petyr Baelish) arrives with a pet falcon for Robin. The Lord of Runestone, Yohn Royce, begins asking Littlefinger how Sansa ended up married to Ramsay Bolton instead of getting to the Fingers for protection. Littlefinger replies that Bolton soldiers attacked them on their journey and kidnapped Sansa. He also implies that Yohn is guilty because he was the only other person to know where they were heading. Petyr manipulates Robin, who plays with the falcon, into considering executing Yohn unless Yohn swears his absolute loyalty —which he does. Littlefinger then tells Robin that Sansa escaped and is currently under protection at Castle Black, but she won’t be safe there unless she has help. Robin tells Yohn to command the knights of the Vale to protect his cousin. Anyone else feel a war brewing? Hopefully Ramsay Bolton is about to get sandwiched between an attack from the south and the north.
Meereen
Tyrion Lannister is quickly finding himself in hot water. He arranges a meeting with the slave masters of Astapor, Volantis and Yunkai, against Missandei and Grey Worm’s wishes, to discuss a deal. Tyrion proposes that all the cities, excluding Meereen, will have seven years to end slavery allowing them an easier transition opposed to abolishing it in a day. They will be compensated for losses, and the masters must stop their support of the Sons of the Harpy. Tyrion then leaves the masters with time to deliberate his offer, however he is met by former slaves of Meereen who disprove on any negotiation with the masters. The former slaves ask Grey Worm and Missandei their opinion, and they reluctantly side with Tyrion on the matter. They continue to ask when their Queen will return, but Tyrion can only assure them “soon.” While Tyrion sees the issue from a Westerosi-scholarly perspective, Grey Worm and Missandei see the issue from their first-hand experience with the masters; thus in private they warn him that the masters will try to use him and the situation to their benefit.
King’s Landing
Margaery finally makes some progress with the High Sparrow and gets to see her brother, Loras. Margaery sees an immobile Loras on the prison floor (I actually thought he was dead), and tells him to be strong. Meanwhile Cersei is told by Tommen that Margaery’s walk of atonement will happen soon. Cersei meets with Kevan Lannister and Olenna Tyrell at the small council chamber to plot how they will overthrow the High Sparrow before Margaery’s walk.
Iron Islands
Theon arrives at the Iron Islands to hear the news that his father Balon Greyjoy has died. Upon being reunited with his sister Yara he explains that he will support Yara’s claim at the Kingsmoot.
Winterfell
Osha, who was Rickon’s protector after fleeing Winterfell, is brought before Ramsay. While she attempts to seduce him in order to reach a knife, Ramsay tells her that Theon mentioned her using the same tactic to escape Theon. Osha quickly tries to stab him, but Ramsay stabs her in the neck.
Vaes Dothrak
Daario discovers that Jorah has greyscale upon arriving at Vaes Dothrak. The duo infiltrate the city, and wait for an opportunity. Meanwhile Daenerys becomes friends with a young Dosh Khaleen. When they go outside they encounter Jorah and Daario. Rather than sneaking out of the city, Daenerys comes up with a different plan. That night, Daenerys awaits judgement before all the great khals inside the temple. She accuses the khals of not being the leaders the Dothraki need, telling them that she instead will lead them. She begins tipping braziers and the whole temple is consumed in flames, the khals cannot escape because the door was barred by the young Dosh Khaleen. Daenerys emerges from the fiery temple, unburnt and naked. The thousands of Dothraki outside bow down before her. (Total bad-assery as usual, “Fire cannot kill a dragon.”)
Well that’s a wrap! What are your thoughts on this episode? Anything you liked/disliked? Like, share, comment below or tweet me @sohodoll. And as always, “Winter is coming.”
Great job, Jessie! I too, am an avid fan, waiting for the next books… and so far I like where the writers are taking it. I did briefly think about taking this one on, but felt pretty intimidated just by the mere thought of reviewing a show with such scope and breadth and epic awesomeness!
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