Recap of Season #5:
Princess Arianne Martell, eldest child of Prince Doran and heiress to Dorne, recruited the Sand Snakes to divide the Lannisters by crowning Princess Myrcella as Queen in Dorne, hoping to also woo Ser Jaime in the process. However, the Sand Snakes betrayed her trust, and killed both Prince Trystane and Myrcella. Obara Sand and Nymeria Sand escaped, but Tyene Sand, who grieves over the death of her cousin Trystane, was wounded and arrested. Publicly, Prince Doran banished Arianne for her part in the treason, but privately sent her to Meereen.
Bran, under the tutelage of the Three-Eyed Raven, had visions that revealed to him that his Aunt Lyanna may have been the mysterious Knight of the Laughing Tree, that the dagger once intended to take his life was enchantedly forged centuries previously, that Meera Reed is secretly Theon and Yara's cousin, sent to retrieve Bran and Rickon before her brother convinced her to aid them instead, and that Jaqen H'ghar was killed in Bravos, somewhat resurrected by Qyburn, and that his twin brother, a Faceless Man, may have been passing under his identity in the decades since.
Finally, Sam's maternal in-laws abandoned Stannis' cause following his execution of Lord Florent, and have been awarded Storm's End as a reward from the crown. However, as Melisandre foretold, they have all been somehow killed after taking up residence there.
Season Six
Episode 6.1: The Red Woman
Ghost's howling alerts Davos and Edd, who take Jon's body to a storeroom. Melisandre is troubled, for she had visions of Jon fighting at Winterfell. Before the men, Ser Alliser takes responsibility for the assassination, insisting Jon threatened the Night's Watch. Edd escapes to get assistance from the Wildlings against the mutineers.
Ramsay grieves over Myranda, yet gives her body to the hounds. Roose Bolton blames him for losing Sansa, implying Ramsay may be disinherited if he cannot produce a legitimate heir.
Sansa and Theon wade through a freezing creek. They are cornered by Bolton soldiers when Brienne intervenes, vanquishing several men. Podrick is nearly killed, but is saved by Theon. Brienne kneels, pledging her service to Sansa. With Theon's help, Sansa accepts.
Cersei hurries to greet Jaime's return to the capital, discovering that Myrcella is dead. Grieving, she recounts to Jaime the prophecy that her children would die before her. Jaime promises vengeance against all those who've wronged them.
In the Great Sept, the High Sparrow refuses to give an imprisoned Margaery information about Loras.
In the Dornish palace, Tyene is brought before Prince Doran for sentencing. When Ellaria kneels before Doran to beg for clemency, Obara and Nymeria reveal themselves and kill Areo Hoteh, while Ellaria stabs Doran in the heart. She tells him that his daughter must never dare return to Dorne.
In the royal chambers of the Great Pyramid, Tyrion notes that opposition to Daenerys in Meereen grows amongst former masters and slaves. Varys pledges his spies to find the leaders. In the throne room, he accuses Vala, a prostitute, of murdering both Unsullied and Second Sons. Varys offers she and her son passage to Pentos in exchange for information. Later, he reveals to Tyrion, Missandei and Grey Worm that the masters have retaken Astapor and Yunkai with covert aid from Volantis.
Daario and Jorah track Daenerys and discover her ring, strategically dropped at the focal point of thousands of hoof-prints.
Daenerys is harassed by the Dothraki. Khal Moro treats her with respect upon learning she was Drogo's wife. She requests passage to Meereen but is ordered taken to Vaes Dothrak.
Arya, now blind, begs on the streets of Bravos. The Waif forces Arya to duel with her, using a wooden staff. No one notices as she is beaten, and the Waif promises to return.
At Winterfell, Sam receives an audience with Roose Bolton, and he nervously presents a letter that grants him leave for training as a maester. Sam identifies Gilly as his maid, and Bolton learns that Sam is the son of Randyll Tarly. He asks Sam which route he takes south, and when Sam specifies via Saltspear, Bolton explains that the Ironborn left that port a ruin, and he must sail from White Harbour. When Sam asks if he may send a raven to Castle Black for additional funds, Bolton tells him of rumors that the Lord Commander was killed. However, he offers to underwrite Sam's journey in exchange for a service. He requests that Sam deliver a "gesture of good will" to King Tommen in the capital. It is Stannis' head.
Camped in the woods, Sansa plans to flee north. Theon tells her that he will return to the Iron Islands.
Outside the storeroom door, Ser Alliser offers Jon's friends amnesty. After they leave, Davos hears Melisandre give a sermon outside. Few listeners attend, for her passion is gone. She speaks of the "Prince who was Promised," who wields the ancient blade of Azor Ahai. Losing even this audience to disinterest, she promises, if only to herself, that her lord can even resurrect the dead, stirring Davos as he gazes upon Shireen's wooden doe. Alone in her guest chambers, Melisandre removes her necklace, revealing she is ancient.
Episode 6.2: Home
With the Three-Eyed Raven's guidance, Bran witnesses his father's childhood at Winterfell, learning Hodor's real name. Hodor takes Bran outside, where Victariagrows exasperated with their inaction.
As Ser Alliser's men attack the storeroom, the outer gates of the castle are breached by Wun Wun, followed by Tormund and an army of Wildlings. The mutineers surrender.
In the back alleys of King's Landing, the Mountain kills those speaking ill of Cersei, who learns that she cannot leave the Red Keep. In the Great Sept, Jaime counsels King Tommen, and threatens the High Sparrow, who responds that the Faith Militant could "overthrow an empire." In the Red Keep, Tommen begs Cersei to forgive him for his weakness in defending her.
Tyrion, Grey Worm and Missandei grant audience in the throne room to Princess Arianne, arriving with three handmaids. Missandei asks if they are servants or slaves, and the princess says that she bought them in Volantis, then hired them in Meereen. The handmaids giggle, though Missandei and Grey Worm are unamused. Arianne presents a letter, and all find it is not from Prince Doran, but to him, written years before by Daenerys' brother, Viserys, as a proposal of marriage to her. The letter cites their "close family links."
Privately, Tyrion, Grey Worm, Missandei and Varys discuss the letter. Tyrion suggests "close family links" refers to Prince Rhaegar's marriage to Arianne's aunt, Elia Martell, but Varys suspects otherwise. He states that when King's Landing fell, Elia's lady-in-waiting, Ashara Dayne, bargained her life by revealing the hiding spot of Elia and her infant son, who were then killed by the Mountain. Oberyn, Elia's brother, later mutilated Ashara's face for this betrayal. Yet, by sparing her life, he lent credence to a rumor that Ashara switched Elia's young daughter with a changeling, taking Princess Rhaenys Targaryen to safety in Dorne. Thus, it was no co-incidence that Doran introduced his first child, Princess Arianne, to the Dornish court soon afterward.
Both Grey Worm and Missandei are thrilled that their queen may have another surviving family member, yet deduce concern from Tyrion and Varys. Tyrion explains that if Arianne is indeed the daughter of Daenerys' elder brother, Rhaegar, then she has a superior claim to the Iron Throne. Grey Worm promptly asks if they should kill her, a suggestion that shocks Missandei. Tyrion notes that Arianne makes no claim to being Daenerys' niece, though she might not know her true heritage, and that it may be beneficial for Daenerys to have an heir. Grey Worm insists that she be kept under surveillance, and Tyrion instructs Varys to assign this duty to the Second Sons. Grey Worm is miffed that the assignment does not go to the Unsullied, but Tyrion insists that the Second Sons are more inconspicuous.
At Winterfell, Lord Bolton warns Lord Karstark and Ramsay against storming Castle Black to retrieve Sansa. Maester Wolkan announces the birth of a son. Ramsay kills his father, ominously sending Walda an invite to the kennels.
On Pyke, Yara tells Balon that their conquests in the North are lost. Balon vows another invasion. He encounters his brother, Euron, who pushes him off a bridge to his death.
Bran and the Three-Eyed Raven observe Ned and his friends,including young Beric Dondarrion, duel with Ser Arthur Dayne outside the Tower of Joy. Ned is saved by Beric. A woman screams. Bran asks as to who is in the tower. The Raven declines to tell him, yet he insists Bran must learn "everything."
At Castle Black, Davos asks Melisandre if she can resurrect Jon, reminding her of her previous miracles. He mentions her prophecy concerning Stannis, that the "Prince Who Was Promised" shall be the brother of a usurper without a legitimate child, may yet apply to Jon Snow. She attempts a ritual, but seemingly to no avail. After Tormund, Melisandre, Edd and Davos leave the room, Jon awakens.
Episode 6.3: Oathbreaker
Davos and Melisandre tell Jon that he has risen from the dead. Melisandre suggests that Jon may be the "Prince Who Was Promised." Jon feels rudderless, but Davos advises him to continue the struggle for what he knows is right. In the Castle Black courtyard, Jon is re-united with Tormund and Edd.
On a Bravosi street, Arya overhears Sam suggest Gilly attend a play on the War of Five Kings while he books passage to King's Landing. While he explains that Jon's family is portrayed, Arya overhears Gilly mention Sam's sorrow over his friend's murder. As Sam gives Gilly a coin for the show, they are attacked by two thieves. Arya swiftly rises up and knocks the robbers out cold. Astonished, Sam thanks her and leaves behind a donation. Jaqen appears, blocking a blow from her staff. He tempts Arya with regaining her sight if she says her name. She declines. He instructs her that she may leave behind life as a beggar.
In the Vale, Lord Royce is suspicious of how Sansa arrived at Winterfell. Little-finger implies that Royce betrayed her. Robin orders Royce and Little-finger to lead the Knights of the Vale north to protect his cousin.
Daenerys, arriving at Vaes Dothrak, joins the Dosh Khaleen in their temple. An elder Khalessi explains that the khals will determine her future. Daenerys challenges her for once prophesizing that she would give birth to the "Stallion that Mounts the World", but the elder confesses that, in truth, she only ever foresaw that the Stallion would be conceived in Daenerys' "house".
In Meereen, Daenerys' ships are set ablaze, and Tyrion, Grey Worm and Missandei realize that her army cannot now sail to Westeros. Varys is asked by Tyrion to have his "little birds" deliver a message.
Qyburn nurtures his spies, and Cersei commands him to have ears in the North, the Reach and Dorne. In a Small Council meeting, while Archmaester Pycelle, in conference with Kevan Lannister, Lady Olenna and Lord Tyrell, denounces the unnatural existence of the Mountain, Queen Cersei and Ser Jaime interrupt to discuss the Dornish coup, but Kevan orders the Small Council into recess rather than let Cersei attend.
In the small chapel, when Tommen demands access for Cersei to Myrcella's tomb, the High Sparrow insists that her sins must first be atoned, though he praises her resemblance to the "Mother" in their faith.
At the Iron Islands kings moot,Yara is shocked to see Theon, clothed as a peasant, and is more surprised when Theon supports her claim to the Ironborn's crown. Their uncle Euron stakes his own claim, confessing to Balon's murder and promising to conquer Westeros by marrying Daenerys.His visage is conspicuous, with his purple lips and teeth. It is mentioned that he barely aged during fifteen years abroad, to which he cryptically responds that he only set sail around the eastern edge of the world five years before. After his anointment as king, Euron discovers that Theon and Yara absconded with the Iron Fleet, and Euron orders new ships constructed.
In the House of Black and White, Arya trains. The Waif inquires of her kill list, "Are you sure you're not forgetting someone?" to which Arya replies, "Which name would you like a girl to speak?" "Jaqen" offers her sight back if she says her name. She answers, "A girl has no name." Given water from the temple well, her sight is restored.
At Winterfell, Smalljon Umber, meeting with Ramsay and Karstark, refuses to pledge Ramsay allegiance. Though he implies that Ramsay murdered Roose Bolton, as well as his wife and infant son, Lord Umber nonetheless offers alliance against the Wildlings. In exchange, he produces Rickon Stark and Osha, confirming their identities with Shaggy Dog's severed head.
In the courtyard of Castle Black, Jon presides over hanging Ser Alliser, Olly, and other leading mutineers, and then resigns.
Episode 6.4: Book of the Stranger
As Jon tells Edd that he fulfilled his oath to the Night's Watch, Sansa, Brienne and Podrick arrive at Castle Black. Sansa tries to convince Jon to retake Winterfell, but Jon is reluctant to fight. Brienne informs Davos and Melisandre that she executed Stannis.
Bran is shown by the Three-Eyed Raven how the Children of the Forest first created the Night King, driving a dragonglass dagger into his heart.
In Meereen, Tyrion argues to Grey Worm and Missandei the importance of diplomatic talks with Astapor, Yunkai and Volantis, with whom he proposes a seven-year transition from slavery, provided they cease support for the insurgency against Daenerys. When former slaves oppose these negotiations, Grey Worm and Missandei reluctantly give Tyrion their support, though privately warn that he is naïve.
Daario aggravates Ser Jorah as they arrive outside Vaes Dothrak. They slay two Dothraki who discover them in the city. Upon finding Daenerys outside the temple, she suggests a plan of escape.
The High Sparrow recounts to Margaery his spiritual disillusionment with wealth, and he takes her to see Loras, whose spirit broke under torture. Loras begs her to make his torments end.
Cersei talks to Tommen, finding him swayed by the High Sparrow. Lancel warns Pycelle of whores visiting the Red Keep before seeing Pycelle lured away by a child. Cersei and Jaime attend the Small Council, announcing Margaery's walk of atonement. Jaime convinces Kevan that permitting Tyrell forces to rescue the queen would not violate any of the king's commands.
At a dingy Bravosi inn, Sam is reluctant to let Gilly explore the city before their ship leaves. When he finally agrees to getting fresh air, he opens the door to find that Moqorro, an imposing, dark-skinned man wearing the robes of a red priest, awaits them. He knows who Sam is, where they came from and where they go, and that he has Stannis' head in his possession. He not only offers Sam silver if he delivers the head to Storm's End for a proper funeral ceremony, but prophesizes the North shall thereafter receive a mighty weapon.
In the Great Pyramid, Tyrion pays a call on Arianne in her luxurious chambers, finding her provocatively attired, armed with a bottle of wine. Asserting, one black sheep to another, they share a reputation for debauchery, she professes curiosity as to whether his is as authentic as her own. He plays along for a while as she coyly flirts, impressed with her wine and her wit, but grows disdainful of her obvious seduction ploy, asking her how Jaime could have fallen for this. He reveals his awareness of her part in Myrcella's death, and Arianne is angered by suggestions that she ever intended her harm. She points out that while she sought to make his niece a queen, Tyrion seeks the overthrow of his nephew, King Tommen, which will likely lead to his death. She wonders why, by comparison, he thinks she is so unworthy of forgiveness. Tyrion is stung and, as he departs, explains why he came. Word arrived that her father, Prince Doran, was murdered by her cousins. As a coup-de-grace, he asks how much forgiveness she truly possesses in her heart.
In his chambers, Osha is brought before Ramsay, who ridicules Rickon as being simple. She attempts to seduce Ramsay while reaching for a knife, but he stabs her in the neck with his own.
Bran decides to investigate the past independently of his mentor. He sees the Army of the Dead. The Night King accosts him. Bran awakens to find his wrist is marked. The Three-Eyed Raven warns this mark means the Night King can find him.
A raven scroll arrives for Jon at Castle Black, in which Ramsay demands Sansa's return, threatening to kill Rickon and gang-rape Sansa. Jon agrees to fight back while Tormund calculates his available fighting men. Sansa insists that they will easily win over the Northern houses.
Inside the temple, Daenerys accuses the khals of being unworthy to lead the Dothraki. When these khals threaten her, she tips two braziers, setting the building alight. The Dothraki witness Daenerys alone emerge from the inferno, unburnt. Jorah and Daario kneel before her.
Episode 6.5: The Door
At Castle Black, Sansa receives a scroll. She enters town to meet Little-finger, who begs her forgiveness. In bitterness, she spurns the Vale's support. Little-finger reveals that her great-uncle, the Blackfish, retook Riverrun.
At the Twins, Walder Frey chastises his sons, Lothar and Black Walder, for losing Riverrun.
In Bravos, Arya trains with the Waif, much her superior, who maintains that Arya shall never be one of them. "Jaqen" assigns Arya to kill Lady Crane, playing Cersei in "The War of Five Kings." Arya dislikes it's portrayal of Ned. After spying on the actress backstage, Arya seeks justification for her murder.
In the small chapel, Tommen is permitted by the High Sparrow to visit Margaery, who has become devout.
Tyrion welcomes High Priestess Kinvara to Daenerys' throne room, who offers to acclaim Daenerys as chosen one of the Lord of Light. Reacting to Varys' hostility, she claims to know what he once heard spoken by a "voice in the flames."
Ser Jaime and Mace Tyrell lead Tyrell soldiers to the Great Sept, as the High Sparrow preaches to the masses. Jaime demands the release of Margaery and Loras. The High Sparrow declares that Margaery shall not perform a walk of atonement, and Tommen proclaims unity between the Faith and the Crown. Lady Olenna tells Lord Tyrell that they've been outmaneuvered. In his throne room, Tommen relieves Jaime from the Kingsguard. Privately, Jaime tells Cersei that his orders are to take Riverrun. Cersei is unconcerned with her trial for, if it is a trial by combat, victory is assured if the Mountain is her champion.
Missandei calls upon Princess Arianne, but finds only her handmaids. They are enjoying Dornish wine and encourage Missandei to join them, so she feels obliged to acquiesce. When Arianne returns, Missandei, tipsy, feigns casual interest in Arianne's childhood, specifically in if she visited King's Landing in the days of Daenerys' father. Arianne, sober, sees through her, and answers that she did not before adulthood. Arianne's handmaids drunkenly ask why the Unsullied frequent prostitutes. Missandei, annoyed, answers that all need affection, intimacy and pleasure in physical comfort. Arianne considers this. The maids ask of Daenerys' love life, and Missandei, increasingly drunk, smiles discreetly to some questions. Arianne keeps the wine flowing and inquires how long Daenerys is away, as her handmaids wonder if the dragons are boys or girls. Missandei answers that dragons lack a gender. The handmaids joke about that, but Arianne wonders, with seriousness, how gender affects the bonds of dragon to dragon-rider. When Arianne expresses admiration for how Daenerys can train three dragons at once, Missandei accidentally reveals that two dragons are being held beneath the Great Pyramid of Meereen.
At Castle Black, Davos is doubtful the North will rise against Ramsay. Sansa sends Brienne south to recruit the Blackfish. Brienne questions her secrecy toward her brother. Jon says farewell to Edd as he, Sansa and Davos depart.
Victaria realizes that the Night King's army is outside their refuge. Observing Winterfell from decades ago, Bran hears Victaria calling out to him. The Three-Eyed Raven advises he listen, and Bran splits his consciousness, remaining in the past while controlling Hodor in the present. While Summer and Leaf sacrifice themselves, Bran, Victaria and Hodor flee. The Night King slays the Three-Eyed Raven. Victaria orders Hodor to "hold the door" against the wights, causing Bran to accidentally give Hodor a life-changing seizure in the past.
Episode 6.6: Blood of My Blood
As Bran and Victaria flee the wights, he has revelations of past and future, including of the Mad King screaming, "Burn them all!" A rider appears, killing the wights pursuing them. They ride off together.
The High Sparrow encourages Margaery to provide Tommen with an heir, and subtly threatens Lady Olenna. In the Red Keep, Margaery slips Olenna a piece of paper indicating her loyalty.
Jon secures the Wildlings' allegiance after Tormund reminds them of their debt to him. Jon pledges that "the Gift", land just south of the Wall, will be formally awarded to them, which Davos privately suggests may jeopardize his attempts to win over noble houses.
After watching the play, Arya sneaks backstage to poison Lady Crane, yet finds her sympathetic. Witnessed by the Waif, Arya prevents her from drinking the poison. Arya retrieves her sword. Over the table where "Jaqen" surgically removes a dead man's face, the Waif declares, "As I expected." "Jaqen" laments, "Shame, the girl had many gifts," and grants permission to slay her. Arya hides her blade in a discreet lair.
Queen Cersei entreats Lady Olenna to fight, but she responds that they already lost. Cersei asks Qyburn what is known concerning Pycelle's disappearance. Qyburn suspects Lancel knows something.
Jorah reveals his greyscale to Daenerys. Tearfully, she orders him to find a cure and return.
Yara and Theon meet with the Masters of Volantis, who seek to discreetly hire the Iron Fleet to help overthrow Daenerys, as they cannot personally intervene due to opposition from the priesthood of the Red God. They accede to Yara's price but are suspicious of her request that Unsullied who survive be given to her, along with custody of the queen. Yara pledges to bring the Unsullied to the Iron Islands, with Daenerys as a figurehead if she should surrender, and in chains if she does not. The Masters nod to one another.
Returning to the dock with a chest of gold, Theon asks if they truly back the slavers and, as a local child gifts Yara with a round trinket, she declares their allegiance will depend on if the dwarf has a better offer. Yara's officers greet her, ignoring Theon as he has the chest loaded aboard their ship. He turns as she opens the toy and sees a death's head manticore inside. Swiftly, Theon fires an arrow, knocking it from her hand before it stings. Yara stomps on it. She smiles gratefully to Theon, acknowledging him with new respect.
In the driving rain, a horse carriage arrives at the imposing edifice of Storm's End. In the courtyard, Sam is disturbed by the lack of any guards. He instructs Gilly to remain in the carriage and enters the front door, a covered jar under his arm. The castle is deserted. Though he finds the great hall set up for a feast, the room is empty save for dogs up on the table, picking at the rotting food. He turns to see Moqorro is there, who ignores Sam's questions. He sternly demands Sam produce Stannis' head. Sam uncovers the jar and hands it to the red priest. Moqorro opens it. Sam recoils from the stench.
Moqorro asks if Sam is the nephew of Lord Alekyne Florent. Nervously, Sam confirms it. Outside, the horses are wary, and Gilly sees an odd shadow forming by the drawbridge. As Moqorro asks Sam questions about his identity, Gilly sees the shadow shift into the shape of a man, not unlike Stannis. The carriage driver flees, and the frightened horses rock the carriage violently across the courtyard. Gilly clutches Little Sam. Moqorro puts his hand on Sam's shoulder, asking if, as an heir to House Florent, he might accept any share of his family inheritance. Conflicted, Sam ascents. The shadow enters the castle.
The dogs in the great hall become frightened, and Moqorro changes his demeanor. He accuses Sam of usurping House Baratheon's legacy. When the shadow enters, Sam is terrified. The dogs cower in the corner. When the shadow advances on Sam, Moqorro begins to chant in Valyrian. As he does, the shadow seizes up, and then dissolves into a shapeless form that is sucked back into the jar. Stannis' decomposing skull appears to re-animate in a grotesque display, its eyes and tongue darting back and forth. The Red Priest seals the jar. He nods politely to Sam, leaving behind a bag of silver as he departs. Sam is shattered.
Camping in the woods, Bran learns that their rescuer is Benjen Stark, who was saved from becoming a wight by the Children of the Forest.
Leading the Dothraki through barren hills, Daenerys discusses with Daario what she needs to cross the Narrow Sea. She notices something and rides off. As Daario grows concerned, Drogon lands before the khalasar. Daenerys rallies the Dothraki.
Episode 6.7: The Broken Man
In untamed grassland, The Hound carries a felled tree by himself. Asked how he came to be injured, he confesses to being defeated by a woman. A septon recounts how he found him on the verge of death, and discusses his unorthodox beliefs.
In the Great Pyramid of Meereen, Yara meets Tyrion and is irritated that he refuses to greet Theon because of his murder of the Stark boys, which Yara refutes. He queries how many ships the Iron Fleet can provide, while she demands her ships be provisioned. She inquires if Daenerys will soon return from training her dragons. Tyrion insists it shall be a few weeks. Yara is skeptical. She wants Daenerys' help to retake the Iron Islands. Tyrion asks if Euron was legitimately chosen by king's moot. Yara denies it. Tyrion is skeptical. She mentions the rumor that Daenerys is dead, stating she shall not long wait to see this proved untrue.
Jaime and Bronn lead the Lannister army to Riverrun, where Lothar and Black Walder try to coerce the Blackfish by threatening to hang Edmure. Jaime aggressively takes charge.
On Bear Island, after Jon and Sansa fail to persuade, Davos talks Lady Mormont into joining Jon by warning of the White Walkers
Riverrun's drawbridge is lowered for a parlay with Ser Jaime, where the Blackfish refuses to surrender. Confident Riverrun can outlast this siege, he taunts Jaime for lacking honor. Ser Jaime recalls that the Blackfish himself forsook his oath to the Kingsguard. The old knight retorts that he could never share Jaime's comfort with killing innocent witnesses to royal philandering. Angered, Jaime asks what he is inferring. The Blackfish ponders a moment and smiles, enquiring of Jaime if he ever wondered why he, the youngest ever kingsguard, was alone kept by the Mad King's side while the rest were sent to guard Rhaegar. Offended, Jaime demands only surrender as the price of mercy.
Jon and Sansa are unable to gain the allegiance of Lord Glover, who angrily points out how the Starks failed to protect them from the Ironborn. In camp, Jon is adamant that Winterfell be attacked soon, despite being outnumbered. Sansa disagrees, and secretly writes a raven scroll.
The Faith Militant led by Lancel, with Tommen's blessing, arrive at the Red Keep to return Cersei to the High Sparrow. Cersei refuses to go, and the Mountain brutally kills one of the sparrows.
Interrupting a village sermon, three Hill-tribesmen attempt to extort the villagers, cautioning, "The night is dark and full of terrors." The Hound warns the Septon that they will return.
In the throne room of the Red Keep, Cersei attends a proclamation from Tommen. Having consulted with the High Sparrow, he decrees the end of trials by combat. Qyburn reports to Cersei on whether a rumor he once heard is true.
In a bathhouse for women and eunuchs, Yara relishes the scene while Theon crouches uncomfortably in the pool. Recognizing his shame, she reminds Theon that valour depends not on genitalia. Arianne enters, and Yara rolls her eyes as the princess is disrobed by her handmaids, who wrap her blue-dyed hair in a towel. A handmaid points out the Greyjoys, so Arianne wades into the pool to thank them for accepting her invitation. Yara makes clear that she does not trust Tyrion, and offers the Iron Fleet, for a price, to retake Dorne, insisting that Daenerys is likely dead, and Arianne wastes her time in Meereen. Arianne states to Yara and Theon that two dragons are in Meereen and points out that, during the "Dance of the Dragons," not only Targaryens became dragon-riders. Yara scoffs at Ironborn training dragons and, casting doubt on Arianne's resolve, implies that she doesn't seem the type to "get her hair wet." Arianne smiles, removes the towel from her hair and dips beneath the water. Blue dye comes to the surface and, when she resurfaces, her hair is silver.
In Bravos, Arya buys passage home from a skeptical captain, but is stabbed in the abdomen by the Waif, disguised as an elderly woman. She miraculously escapes, jumping into a canal. Making her way, bleeding, through a crowded market, people pay Arya little heed.
The Hound finds the villagers slaughtered and the Septon hanged. He picks up an axe.
Episode 6.8: No One
Backstage, Lady Crane finds Arya hiding. In her apartment, she stitches the girl's wound, providing milk of the poppy to help her sleep.
A group of Hill-tribesmen, including the leader of those that raided the village, engage in bawdy conversation. The Hound catches up and brutally kills them. He tries on the leader's boots.
Brienne arrives at Riverrun, re-uniting Podrick and Bronn. Brienne tells Ser Jaime that she came to propose the Blackfish lead the Tully army north. Inside the castle, she implores the Blackfish to aid Sansa, but he refuses to abandon Riverrun.
Samwell, Gilly, and Little Sam arrive at Horn Hill, and he warns her not to mention that she is a Wildling. They are warmly greeted by Sam's mother Melessa and sister Talla.
Tyrion, sipping wine, watches the dragons from the steps leading beneath the pyramid. Varys reports that Arianne attended the same bathhouse visited by the Greyjoys. Grey Worm takes satisfaction as the Second Sons failed to spy on them there, as only women and eunuchs are allowed entry. Varys is uneasy with the rising sway of red priests, but Tyrion is pleased.Varys bids farewell as he departs on a mission.Tyrion despairs that the dragons are not eating, explaining that they do not do well in captivity.Grey Worm inquires how he knows this. Tyrion responds, "I drink, and I know things."
The Hound hears a rustling in the woods, and a direwolf knocks him over. Anguy, his bow aimed at the Hound, leads partisans of the Brotherhood. He quips that it takes a wolf to track a dog. Nymeria licks the Hound's face.
At dinner, Randyll Tarly repeatedly demeans Sam. Gilly defends him, vaunting how Sam slew a White Walker while trekking south to the Wall, thereby revealing her heritage. Randyll decrees that Gilly and her son may remain at Horn Hill, but Sam must never return. After retiring to their private chambers, Sam decides to bring Gilly and Little Sam with him to the Citadel, and steals his family's Valyrian steel sword from the dining hall as they depart.
In his encampment, Jaime convinces Edmure to surrender Riverrun. Absent-mindedly as he speaks, Jaime runs his hands over a flame. Despite the Blackfish's wishes, Edmure enters the castle. He orders surrender, telling the Blackfish to go while he has time. The Blackfish helps Brienne escape. Edmure tells Jaime that the Blackfish was let go, dryly explaining that he had no orders to arrest him. Infuriated, Jaime orders Edmure returned to prison, demanding the Blackfish be found. Alone on the battlements, Jaime observes Brienne rowing away with Pod, unaware that the Blackfish discreetly clings to their boat. Entering rapids, he cannot pull himself aboard without tipping them over. Recognizing that he endangers his companions, he releases his grip.
Yara's men unblock the dragon pit entrance and she, Theon and Arianne enter. They descend into the darkness. The beasts growl and Arianne panics, refusing to go further. Exasperated, Yara chides her for wasting her time, suggesting she now knows why the Dornish rejected her. Turning to leave, Yara realizes that Theon hasn't turned back. As he nears the dragons, Theon talks of being chained in the dark without love or hope and wondering if joy is ever again possible, even if liberty is restored. The dragons permit his approach, studying him as he frees them from their chains. Seeing the dragons accept him, Yara joins Theon, filled with admiration, promising him victories beyond any the Ironborn have known. Confidently, she tries to mount Rhaegal, who throws her off and incinerates her. Arianne screams. Theon grabs her and they flee. Outside, Arianne discovers that Yara's men have abandoned them. Theon explains that they went to carry out Yara's final orders. When she asks what those were, he tells her that it was for the Iron Fleet to attack the city.
Held prisoner by the Brotherhood Without Banners in the woods, the Hound is accused of killing Hill-tribesmen. He insists that they massacred his village, denouncing them to Ser Beric and Thoros as followers of their Lord of Light. Thoros confirms the massacre took place, and Beric frees the Hound. Anguy asks why they should trust him, and Beric states that they do because the wolf does. Thoros explains that they first found the direwolf dragging Lady Catelyn's corpse from a river after the Red Wedding. The Hound seeks news of Arya, and Beric recounts a re-occurring vision of a noblewoman defending a ruined tower during a snowstorm. He suspects that she is a Stark, though unsure if it is Arya or Sansa. Suddenly Nymeria runs off, and Anguy pursues her. She races into reeds at a river's edge, dragging something ashore. Beric asks Anguy what she caught. He says that it is a Blackfish.
In Daenerys' chambers, under bombardment by the Iron Fleet, Grey Worm reports on advancing armies from Astapor and Yunkai. He and Missandei are furious Tyrion trusted the masters. Tyrion asks Theon about influence he maintains with the Ironborn. He confesses to having none. Exasperated, Tyrion tells him that if he is just another eunuch with a sword, the queen will find a place for him, but if he is more, then now is the time to prove it. A commotion is heard on the roof. Daenerys enters.
As Arya sleeps in Lady Crane's apartment, the actress encounters a young man with a goatee. Arya wakes to find her murdered, and flees from the Waif. Falling through a market, blood appears on her clothing. When the Waif corners her in her windowless lair, Arya uses "Needle" to extinguish the only candle. In the Hall of Faces, Arya reveals the Waif's carved-off face, and renounces the "Faceless Men". "Jaqen" grins proudly as she leaves.
Episode 6.9: Battle of the Bastards
With Meereen under attack, Tyrion provides Daenerys an optimistic appraisal of their situation. Theon approaches the Iron Fleet's flagship to demand they recognize his authority and cease the attack. The crew shower him with jeers. Meeting outside the city, Daenerys rejects the Masters' offer to let her return to Westeros, and when Drogon arrives, their soldiers desert them while Dothraki slaughter Sons of the Harpy at the city gates. Rhaegal and Viserion escape from their dungeon and join Daenerys in the skies above Slaver's Bay. Drogon swoops down above Theon, who reluctantly gestures Daenerys toward the flagship of his own fleet, and shudders as Drogon incinerates both ship and crew. Missandei tells the Masters that one of them must die. However, Grey Worm executes two.
Outside Winterfell, Ramsay offers to pardon Jon if Sansa is returned. She tells Ramsay that he will die today.
After Jon confers with Tormund and Davos in his tent, Sansa contends that Jon does not understand Ramsay. Davos and Tormund discuss Stannis and Mance. Entering her tent, Jon commands Melisandre not to resurrect him, but she refuses. Not far away, Davos discovers the pyre where Shireen was sacrificed.
Theon visits Arianne in her chambers, announcing that Daenerys named him Master of Ships. She is primly dressed, in mourning. He is bewildered when she asks if he came to kill her. Arianne asks what the queen promised him. Theon responds that he requested only justice for his father. Arianne accuses Daenerys of favoring him for strategic reasons, offering her no such justice for her father, as she has no army. Silver hair revealed, she explains that she is the granddaughter of a Targaryen bastard. As a child, her father hid her hair from the king for fear that he would believe rumors that she was Princess Rhaenys. Arianne says she knows Daenerys also desires her dead. She weeps that she is alone, hunted by her remaining family, and Theon's heart goes out to her. Offering friendship, he takes her hand, promising to protect her. She tearfully embraces him, smiling discreetly.
The Bolton army faces the Stark army on the field. Ramsay brings forth Rickon. To get his attention, he must tap him on the shoulder. Ramsay taunts the young man, who looks back with a baffled stare. He has him run towards Jon, firing arrows as he flees. Jon rushes to intercept the boy, who is killed by an arrow. In fury, Jon charges Ramsay. His army now forced to charge prematurely, chaos results. As Ramsay indiscriminately rains down arrows, a huge mountain of corpses allows the Bolton infantry to encircle Jon's outnumbered allies. Entrapped, they seem doomed when the Knights of the Vale arrive.
Ramsay retreats to Winterfell. Wun Wun is killed breaking down the door. Jon overpowers Ramsay.
Lady Sansa visits Ramsay in the kennels, and slyly smiles as his hounds devour him alive.
Episode 6.10: The Winds of Winter
The High Sparrow, the Faith Militant and the royal court gather in the Great Sept, but Cersei remains in her chambers, while the Mountain prevents Tommen from attending. Loras confesses and joins the Faith Militant. Lancel is sent to retrieve the queen. Outside, Lancel recognizes one of her spies and remembers observing this child approaching Pycelle before his disappearance. Flashing back to Pycelle being summoned to his laboratory, Qyburn's child spies stab him to death. Lancel follows the child beneath the sept, finding barrels of wildfyre set to explode. Margaery realizes that Cersei set a trap, but the High Sparrow prevents anyone from leaving. The wildfyre ignites, destroying the Great Sept.
Cersei taunts Septa Unella, giving her to the Mountain. Tommen falls from his window.
In the banquet hall of the Twins, Walder Frey celebrates the recapture of Riverrun with Jaime Lannister and Bronn.
Cersei tells Qyburn to cremate Tommen's remains and scatter them at the Great Sept.
Arriving at Oldtown, Sam and Gilly witness the Citadel release white ravens. Sam promptly gains access to the library.
In Winterfell's great hall, Davos confronts Melisandre about Shireen's death, and requests permission from Jon to execute her. Jon exiles Melisandre from the North, on penalty of death if she ever returns. Atop the battlements, Jon assures Sansa of her pre-eminence at Winterfell, and she apologizes to Jon for not confiding in him. She relates that she helped wash Rickon's body before internment in the crypts. Reminiscing upon a half-moon birthmark on his rear end, Sansa reveals that the boy they buried has no such birthmark there. Jon is shocked.
In Dorne, Lady Olenna meets with Ellaria Sand and the Sand Snakes to form an alliance against Cersei. To Olenna's surprise, Ellaria introduces Varys, who offers Olenna alliance with Daenerys.
Tyrion, drunk, confronts Arianne in her chambers, confirming Tommen's suicide. He affirms his pledge to overthrow his family, arguing Arianne too must sublimate her family ambitions to that of her queen. Stone-faced, she listens. He avows that making the world a better place requires an iron will, and Tommen's grave marker will not be the last stone to pave Daenerys' road to power. He breaks down, bawling on the floor. Unobserved, Arianne tears up. She joins Tyrion on the floor and holds him.
Missandei observes Theon feeding Rhaegal and Viserion, newly freed on a promontory overlooking the bay. Upon reporting this to her queen, Daenerys is troubled, as they remain aloof to her, though she accepts their affinity for Theon as beneficial for now. Missandei departs as Dario enters.Daenerys informs him that he will not accompany her to Westeros, but shall keep order in Meereen. In the throne room, Tyrion tries to console Daenerys, who expresses guilt for not taking up Arianne's cause, particularly as her family tragedy so mirrors Daenerys' own. Tyrion points out that her ability to make hard choices is required of a great queen. She asks Tyrion if Princess Arianne is truly Princess Rhaenys, and Tyrion responds that, with Doran dead, they may never know. Daenerys appoints him as Hand of the Queen.
Walder Frey is told by a servant that his sons are baked into his meat pie. She proudly identifies herself as Arya Stark, and cuts his throat.
In the godswood, Little-finger reveals his dream of sitting on the Iron Throne beside Sansa, who resists his advances.
Before the Wall, Benjen takes his leave of Bran and Victaria, as the Wall's magic prevents him from passing. Bran touches a weirwood tree, re-entering his vision of the Tower of Joy. He witnesses Ned find his dying sister Lyanna, who pleads that he protect her newborn son.
Jon gathers Northern lords, Knights of the Vale and the Free Folk in the great hall of Winterfell, demanding they unite to fight the White Walkers. After Lyanna Mormont shames the Northern lords who failed to support Jon, they enthusiastically declare him King in the North. Little-finger looks to Sansa disapprovingly.
Jaime and Bronn return to King's Landing, beholding the devastation. In the throne room, Jaime skeptically witnesses Cersei's coronation. He whispers, "Burn them all."
Queen Daenerys leads her vast armada to Westeros. Varys notices Arianne affectionately lock arms with Theon.Daenerys is accompanied on deck by Missandei, Grey Worm and Tyrion.