The second episode of season two is hours away. Talk about what you are looking forward to seeing here, and we’ll be back later with our two recaps. Episode details after the break.
Writers: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss
Director: Alan Taylor
Runtime: 54 min
Synopsis: In the wake of a bloody purge in the capital, Tyrion chastens Cersei for alienating the king’s subjects. On the road north, Arya shares a secret with Gendry, a Night’s Watch recruit. With supplies dwindling, one of Dany’s scouts returns with news of their position. After nine years as a Stark ward, Theon Greyjoy reunites with his father Balon, who wants to restore the ancient Kingdom of the Iron Islands. Davos enlists Salladhor Saan, a pirate, to join forces with Stannis and Melisandre for a naval invasion of King’s Landing.
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95 Comments
1
oh my god I can’t believe this!finally I’m first!wow!
negarQuote Reply
got my tissues ready, heard I would need them for this episode
DavidQuote Reply
I look forward to this episode more than the first. Still exciting! I can’t wait to see Asha/Yara and the Iron Islands and of course to reunite with Arya & Gendry!
Lady StoneheartQuote Reply
The interaction between Theon and his father is one of my favorite parts of Clash, so I can’t wait to see how it plays out on screen.
Did you pay the Iron Price?
Varamyr FourskinsQuote Reply
Can’t wait to see the Arya and Iron Islands sequences! However I think perhaps they will combine a couple of the Arya scenes and have Yoren die tonight just to get Arya to Harrenhall all the faster.
LisaQuote Reply
Ironborn at last! Balon and Yara Greyjoy!
However, the scene i’m eagerly anticipating for, is the interaction between Arya and mysterious Jaqen H’ghar!
Maria BatsiouQuote Reply
Seriously can’t wait!
I’d forgotten how long the wait between Sundays could feel! I’ve already watched the premiere episode 3 times (it was hard to resist watching it more than that!). Tonight, a friend who missed the premiere is coming over to watch both episodes, so I have an excuse to watch Ep. 11 for my 4th time! :D
Looking forward to the episode, but aside from posting my immediate impressions, I think I’ll try to stay out of this thread. The inevitable nitpicking is always a downer.
LexQuote Reply
Ironborn at last! Balon and Yara Greyjoy!
However, the scene i’m eagerly anticipating for, is the interaction between Arya and mysterious Jaqen H’ghar!
Maria BatsiouQuote Reply
Someone dies who did not die in the books. Minor but well liked character. As one who has read the books, I was a bit shocked.
Teaser for you :)
spacepopeQuote Reply
spacepope,
Batman?!
Harry The HeirQuote Reply
all about davos and balon
Tytos BlackwoodQuote Reply
I personally can’t wait to see how Yara totally mindf*cks Theon. When I read the book, that was one of my favorite chapters. It was so epic how Yarajust played him. I had to set the book down and just laugh and think to myself;
“Wow, Theon you got totally beat the f*ck down”
That woman just owned Theon for life! Hah!
ArthurQuote Reply
Wishing that I hadn’t watched the second episode when it leaked! It has made the wait for next Sunday unbearable. I’ll watch the second episode again tonight for more looks at the Greyjoys + Jaqen H’ghar.
Will be nice to watch it in HD though.
The Sun’s SonQuote Reply
I’m looking forward to the Arya scenes tonight. I don’t think that Yoren will die tonight, I think they’ll develop Arya’s story a bit more first. Maybe that’ll be in week 3/4.
I am looking forward to seeing the Iron Islands though the Greyjoy’s aren’t my favorite characters. (“Tastes like the sea!”) The Asha aka Yara introduction was deeper into the book than I remembered (reading it now) so maybe she won’t make an appearance tonight?
In the near future I’m looking forward to everything (well almost) Renly. Maybe I’ll enjoy a peach as I watch episode 4.
Hoping Stannis sets sail in this episode. And maybe episode 3 Renly finds out Storm’s End is besieged and rides to meet Stannis. I can’t freaking wait for episode 4.
IcebirdQuote Reply
I tried my freakin’ best all week to somehow be able to view #12, just wasn’t able to find it anywhere, grrrrr. Now, I’m glad I didn’t–only 4+ hours to go–can’t wait!
iheartseverusQuote Reply
I watched this a few days ago
dmiller23562Quote Reply
As a card-carrying member and co-founder of the BwP, I didn’t watch any previews. Also, I didn’t pay attention to the casting of Balon. Yet, when I saw that pic at the top of this post I immediately thought, Balon Greyjoy! Maybe I just was anticipating what will happen tonight and, through process of elimination (e.g., I know he’s not Craster), he’s the only one who fits that pic.
Nonetheless, to me, this thing is more than five books. It’s more than a TV series. I was in a crowded room last year when someone yelled out someone else’s name and the last name was “Stannis.” I instinctively snapped my head up. My neighbor’s dog (as I posted recently) is an all-white husky. People are naming their kids Arya.
But, when The Simpsons. opens with the GoT theme I can reach only one conclusion. It has reached the popular culture.
GoT got Cult!
Mike ChairQuote Reply
no doubt will be like season 1, each episode better than the last, i’m more interested in episode 3 anyway… one more week…
gswelcomeQuote Reply
I anticipate that no one will be let down by The actor playing Balon and his interaction with Theon.
The DarkStarQuote Reply
Awesome! We get to see Pyke and Craster’s Hut. I spoiled myself as I have no self-control, you guys will love it!
Damryn of DorneQuote Reply
I’m looking forward to hopefully hearing an Arya/Jaqen convo.
LordDavos12Quote Reply
Watched this last week, the Iron Islands scenes are the highlight of the episode. Balon is fabulous and Yara extremely interesting. I’m going to really enjoy the Greyjoys this season.
The brothel scenes are gratuitous as usual, but LF’s scene with Roz adds insight into his character. Aidan Gillen does a tremendous job despite Roz’s acting class level performance.
The scenes North of the wall I found rickety, the Kings Landing sequences engaging, and Arya’s scenes on the Kings Road cute and lighthearted, while still maintaining a sense that her arc will get darker sooner rather than later.
As a whole the episode is far better paced than the premiere, more cohesive in feel, and a lot more entertaining. A good episode that I’m sure everyone will enjoy – the book purists might have a bone or two to pick, though.
DeeQuote Reply
Anyone who downloaded ep 2 (or was in the applicable countries where it aired) might want to use spoiler code when discussing the new episode as people are still posting speculation in this thread and they aren’t expecting to be spoiled until later in the evening- the show doesn’t air for three and a half more hours officially.
Ours is the FuryQuote Reply
I’m going to be verrrrrrry displeased if they don’t do justice to Theon’s reunion with his sister. That’s been near the top of my most anticipated moments ever since I read it.
ZackQuote Reply
Ours is the Fury,
Oops, sorry.
DeeQuote Reply
Based on the title of the Episode: “Nightlands” i think someone will die in the Red Waste.
And im really looking forward to Jaqen, he is one of my favorite side-charaters
Jacob SilverstoneQuote Reply
Yep I’m looking forward to Renly plots as well. Unfortunately there are so many characters so we’re really not getting enough time with each plots in each episode. Can’t imagine how things are going to be in season 3/4. O_O
JessQuote Reply
Dee,
No worries, just erring on the side of caution since this week is unusual, to say the least. :)
Ours is the FuryQuote Reply
I am looking forward to, major, major, major episode 2 spoiler: Ros crying
HelloMotoQuote Reply
Ours is the Fury,
What was so wrong with my post saying this episode was much better than the first one (which I also really enjoyed)? I was even replying to someone.
Anyway, sorry if I broke any rules.
Hi-FiQuote Reply
I’m so excited to see Arya again – I’ve missed Maisie’s adorable little face! I also can’t wait to see Asha, obviously from the name, I’m a huge fan of hers. I hope I love Yara as much. And Balon! Squee!
You guys that have seen the premiere have me so worried about tonight!
I’m more than content to wait until tonight to find out who the unlucky one will be, but my money is on Rakharo – didn’t he have to go do a film? We shall see in 2 1/2 hours!
QueensmootQuote Reply
Already watched it, the best part is Arya and Gendry! They’re just amazing together. Love how she says “He was never a traitor! Joffrey is a liar.”
And Jaqen is hot. Jaqen isn’t meant to be hot in my mind. Mindfuck.
Wrote a longer post but the spoiler tags weren’t working for some reason so I’ll keep my mouth shut for a bit.
LalaQuote Reply
Asha is my favorite female character from ASOIAF and I was super satisfied with the way Gemma portrays her. The Iron Islands scenes are the best part of this episode!
Hi-FiQuote Reply
The development of the Tyrion-Cersei dynamic should be interesting. If neither of them succeeds in reining in Joffrey, will they set aside their deep-seated differences before the burghers of KL and the refugee peasants revolt against his misrule?
Nagga’s KinQuote Reply
I’m really looking forward to seeing Arya and Gendry; I love their story -line. Gah, I’m so excited!!!!!!!!
ChrissyQuote Reply
Hot Pie is epic in this episode
StanQuote Reply
I’ve already seen it, and i can honestly say i HATE this episodes… the way it ends is so terribly done… bah
Dave BrownellQuote Reply
Can’t wait for this one!!!! Friend of mine saw it already from the “early” release that’s been floating around and told me the scene with Ghost looks even better than Greywind did in the first episode. I think I got over half of my co-workers into this series now. Soooo difficult not spoiling anything for them since they never read the books, lolzzz
KlavonivsQuote Reply
I wonder if there will be an episode this season where I don;t look forward to some Tyrion scene assumed ot be in or previewed…. I doubt it!
Aside from the demi-god of drama that is Dinklage…
Also looking forward to the Iron Islands and Greyjoys Theon was never a favorite of mine (until Reek), but I always like his relatives a lot! I expect the page to screen transition will just amplify my love of Balon and YarAsha and those that come later!
Most of all I’m looking forward to seeing it in pure HD without and HBO GO logo in the corner. XD
darquemodeQuote Reply
David,
lol steady crying, all day, everyday
Sword-O-Da-Mornin’Quote Reply
First Sexposition in season 2, about history of Iron island and how Iron Borns handle womens.
KnihtiQuote Reply
I’m looking forward to Jaqen tonight, north of the Wall with Lord Snow AND–though I don’t think she’ll be appearing tonight (but I hope)–Brienne. Can’t wait to see the interplay between Kingslayer and Wench!
Woman_On_The_WallQuote Reply
How perfect was Jaqen? Right off the page. I agree at the epicness of Hot Pie, however I am a little disturbed to realise as of now he has had more lines than The Hound!
Bring it on Yara haters, I will defend my girl till the Kraken awakes! Whilst she was not exactly as I imagined in my reading, although, yes she is not Hollywood Barbie hot, her haughtiness/sexyness burned through the screen!
Little dissapointed about how casually Jaqen was introduced but really confused about the Pod introduction, why not half a second shot of his face? Will he be the neighbour in Home Improvment of GOT?
Loved it otherwise. Be interested in the debate re hankygate.
Ser Lemon CakesQuote Reply
why did hbo leak this episode so early
mikhailQuote Reply
Hot Pie should have every line, to be honest.
the goatQuote Reply
mikhail,
I wouldn’t worry too much about the “early release”. Friend who saw it told me there’s a part where Daenerys is speaking Dothraki, but there’s no subtitles to go with the release online. I told him “Ha ha, you have to watch it sunday anyways”. So if people saw it already they need to tune in tonight to see what she says unless these people speak Dothraki ;P
KlavonivsQuote Reply
Klavonivs,
It was released with Swedish subtitles for that scene a few days ago though, so it wasn’t a problem for us northmen. ;)
Erik MQuote Reply
Dee,
Gave in and watched it last night, and I concur with just about everything you said, nice job. Very much looking forward to the reaction for this one, which I anticipate will be very positive with a smattering of extremely negative.
Steven SwansonQuote Reply
Erik M,
Are you North of the Wall??? If not you’re a Southener just like me ;P
KlavonivsQuote Reply
Can’t wait for Episode 3 tbh, I’ll be flat out trying to spot myself as one of the Rainbow Guard. Everything Greyjoy & Stannis related is fantastic in this episode.
Rainbow GuardQuote Reply
Dave Brownell,
A sure sign of popularity… Trolls.
DaseinQuote Reply
Just because he doesn’t like it doesn’t necessarily make him a troll. And the last scene is likely to be very polarizing among fans.
Steven SwansonQuote Reply
Steven Swanson,
That kind of post on this board BEFORE the episode airs is either trolling or trolling,
DaseinQuote Reply
Already saw it and here is the best part ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Episode is strong. Not a dud
moiQuote Reply
Dasein,
Many people have seen it because it was released on HBO GO in some Eastern European countries last monday.
MagnusQuote Reply
Magnus,
I understand that. My question was why post?
DaseinQuote Reply
This episode was just complete and utter eye candy. Everything looked so good. Man, I swear, this season the world of Westeros has really come to life.
God, that was awesome.
HollyoakQuote Reply
Good episode, however the last scene was actually new, which is going to be a shock for most readers.
Wonder if they managed to get it right.
DarkenmalQuote Reply
Ros made me cry… da fuck?!
The InstrumentalistQuote Reply
Ghost looked epic! Phenomenal job with the CGI!
Fantastic episode, I love the pacing and the dialogue is at the same level or even above the last few episodes of season 1. I imagined Asha (Yara) to be more loud and boisterous, but theres a certain charm to the way shes been portrayed on screen. Balon was a BAMF. Dinklage shines as usual in every scene, the pain in his face when Cersei was talking about his birth and their mothers death = pure genius! Jaqen was as mysterious as imagined him to be. There is also great chemistry between Gendry and Arya.
Another great episode, next Sunday can’t come soon enough!
DanofhouseStarkQuote Reply
To date, it’s been pretty easy to grasp the gist of the scenes with Dothraki dialogue just from the action and the emotions being portrayed. That’s not true of the details, of course. Fortunately, Dothraki culture is direct and anything but subtle.
By contrast, scenes in which veiled language is used to communicate threats and other subtext, e.g. pretty much any of Littlefinger’s or Varys’ lines, requires dubbing or subtitles for target markets where English is a foreign language to the majority of viewers. Unfortunately, subtitling equipment usually superimposes the translated text in white over the original video. If that already contains subtitles in English, it will make the local-language subtitles that much harder to read in the time available – unless the operator uses white text in a black box for those scenes.
Ergo, it would make sense if HBO were to omit the English-language subtitles for all the lines in Dothraki from the master copies destined for e.g. the Dutch/Flemish market.
Nagga’s KinQuote Reply
What is the Seven Hells was going on in that last scene?
my theories:
1)Somehow that was a flashback to Ben Starks death
2) Jon was/is having a wolf dream
3) Jon was having a prophetic dream of his (maybe) death in ADWD
4) Jon was having a prophetic dream of the Half-hand’s death
5) Jon was having a prophetic dream of the Old Bear’s death
6) HBO is trolling us and it means absolutely nothing
wargsareawesomeQuote Reply
“And what do you feel about that?” (love Balon´s question).
Feeling happy here, thank you Balon (love your fireplace btw).
Episode 2 was cute, thrilling, funny and awkward. Editing and directing are better also.
I laugh at myself because I wonder if ”happy” is a proper word for someone who watch this series. Well, in my defense I´ll say this is not a bloody episode (except for Rakharo´s head) but boy! there´s cretins all around: Theon with that poor Captain´s daughter, Craster again, Slynt, Bronn the Lord Commander .
And… Stannis sex… awkward O.o
Is Littlefinger a peep? Is he Peepingfinger or Peeperfinger? “That was poorly handled”. What a jerk. I feel sorry for Ross. I was expecting something of this calibre from him but he was even worst.
“I´m not questioning your honor Lord Slynt, I´m denying its existance”. Good journey to the wall creep!
I think I´ll enjoy Varys and Tyrion relationship. Conleth Hill is a genius.
I don´t like Greyjoys but I enjoyed them. Pyke miniature in the intro looks good. And I like GW very much. If not for Asha, I think this is not a good episode for the future of feminism.
Oh, Ghost looks lovely (I´m using strange words).
I re-watched today looking for some complaint but I have none of importance.
Well, “I keep on paddling” can be one. Augh. At least is Conleth Hill who says that. Littlefinger and Varys are more bold with their tongues this season.
Scenes with Lommey, Hot Pie, Gendry and Arya are lovely and funny.
I edited what I wrote the first time I saw this episode. Too lazy to write again.
andreaQuote Reply
Or D&D are being much more explicit than the books about what happens to Craster’s sons; the Others take them.
What for, is only a conjecture.
wargsareawesome,
molemanQuote Reply
wargsareawesome,
No prophecy, no warging. Jon just saw a White walker taking Craster´s baby.
andreaQuote Reply
Okaaaaay, so he was attacked by a White Walker, yet it didn’t kill him, nor did it turn him into a wight, nor did he kill it…. what the heck! That makes no sense!
wargsareawesomeQuote Reply
Wow, loved tonight’s episode and am a little surprised at some of the changes made from the book. I’ve just finished reading all the books a 2nd time through and am pretty sure they added some new stuff in that episode that didn’t happen in the book. I know they have to make some changes for the TV series in the interest of pacing and such, and are trying to explain some things that weren’t explained in the book as well. I was really surprised at a few of the things that happened tonight and I won’t mention them specifically since not everybody’s seen it yet, but I think they weren’t drastic enough to change major plot points. It was a great episode, nice to see some major characters for the first time and see some development in the Stannis’ war plot line. Balon Greyjoy is just as expected, maybe even gnarlier.
purrmonstaQuote Reply
That wasn’t a White Walker hitting Jon. It was Craster.
LangkardQuote Reply
Well, no. Jon was attacked by Craster, don´t panic.
andreaQuote Reply
Langkard,
OK…. NOW it makes sense….
wargsareawesomeQuote Reply
wargsareawesome,
I think that was Craster that hit Jon, not a white walker.
purrmonstaQuote Reply
john,
I had a bit of glare on my TV screen, so all I saw was a person-shape whacking Jon. I knew the White Walkers were there, so I assumed it was them.
wargsareawesomeQuote Reply
It did fly by in a quick flash, so easy to understand the confusion. I was ready for it, since I was half expecting Craster to come up behind Jon while Jon was hiding behind the tree justy prior to that.
LangkardQuote Reply
First impressions: I loved the episode.
Pyke was a visual wonder. Great effects to set the stage, and although I wasn’t sold on Balon’s casting at first, I think as time went on it was perfect.
Ghost was FUCKING AWESOME in this episode. I’m thrilled they kept him silent, unlike last season. The idea of this pure white (huge wolf) just looking at you and maybe snarling, but not making a sound, has always been a plus for me. I severely disliked the growling at the end of last season.
Stannis scenes were awesome, but I still wish he was bald. It’s part of the character, that he doesn’t go for half-measures; as soon as he started losing his hair, he shaved himself. It’s a small point though, and I believe I’ll get over it. However, does Shireen exist in this world? The relationship between Stannis and Selyse seems radically changed from the books. “She has only given you death” may be played to include a daughter with grayscale, but not to the common viewer. And Selyse was R’hlor’s biggest supporter with Stannis, not shut away in a tower somewhere. I’ll be interested to see how the show takes this plotline.
Arya, Gendry, and Yoren were all awesome. That is all.
Littlefinger is an amoral asshole in this episode. I don’t think that’s a contradiction to the books, but damn, they went out of their way to vilify him. Paraphrasing, “the last whore who cried on my watched suffered unbelievable torments, so don’t cry anymore”. Damn. I get the guy is all about jockeying for power, but that was hard core assholery.
Dany’s in a bad place, and no good news arrived in this episode. That surprised me; I thought she’d meet a certain threesome here. I guess that will happen next episode.
Tyrion. This was his episode, and he made it work. His scenes with Cersei were incredible; Dinklage deserves another Emmy nod for his reaction to her comments about their mother dying. His repartee with Varys was brilliant, as was his handling of Janos Slynt.
The Watch scenes were good, but I thought a little slow. I’m surprised they haven’t left Craster’s Keep yet, with all that’s left to happen. I’m still trying to figure out how to process the end scenes.
All in all, I enjoyed the episode a great deal. I thought it was a step up from last week, and await next week fervently.
Moleman
molemanQuote Reply
Why do dogs pee on trees? “I’m here, smell me!!!”
Steven SwansonQuote Reply
To me they are seemingly making Littlefinger a total sociopath who can only understand other people’s emotions in an abstract sense. That kind of person doesn’t seem to me capable of the deft manipulation of others that we know is in character for the Littlefinger of the books.
spacechampionQuote Reply
a just good episode tonight
pros:
- all things Tyrion, as always
- Arya/Gendry scenes (Lommy Greenhands actually has green hands!)
- the Iron Islands look exactly as they should & the scenes between all the Greyjoys were great
- Varys (Conleth Hill) is fantastic… might be my #3 fave in the show behind DInklage & Maisie
- not needlessly showing Catelyn & Robb
- GHOST
cons:
- they killed Rakharo! i’m glad there was still something to surprise me about the episode after watching the pirated version
- the Littlefinger/Ros scene was just unnecessary. we don’t need to know Littlefinger is ruthless, we already know that after seeing him turn on Ned in Season 1 & the way he spoke to Cersei in the S2 premiere. this scene was 4 minutes that could have been used elsewhere… like with more Dany scenes perhaps
mixed:
- the Stannis/Mel scene was definitely interesting. while never explicitly shown in the books, their relationship was implied. personaly would’ve wished that they kept it more discreet but at the same time i understand why they did so b/c i’m sure they are worried about confusing some viewers without showing the root cause of the Stannis’ shadow baby being birthed by Mel.
NickSQuote Reply
I will give you a son…
Melisndre is beeaaauutiful.
StannisQuote Reply
moleman,
I thought Tywin Lannister was the one who shaved his head when he started going bald, not Stannis.
alansmommy3607Quote Reply
Great episode. I don’t understand why people gripe so much about characters not looking like how they imagined. The actress playing Asha/Yara nailed her delivery and swagger.
Tyrion PimpslapQuote Reply
alansmommy3607,
Its supposed to be Tywin, but Stannis is also balding in the books
And it appears they’ve cut Shireen for good, considering Melisandre’s comments that Selyse hasn’t given him an heir, just stillborns
Ren SnowQuote Reply
Actually, a sociopath is quite adept at manipulation precisely because they can’t empathize with others
Ren SnowQuote Reply
well if we trust what Sansa and Septa Mordane were saying last year girls can’t inherit the throne. Haven’t read the other talkback yet so I don’t know if it’s been discussed more deeply there.
And good to see you happy andrea!
KnurkQuote Reply
Not very impressed with episode 2.
Epic fail on the Asha casting. Not even close. I am supposed to believe that woman is a feared knife wielding leader of the iron born?
I am all for nudity, when did the show become soft core porn? The littlefinger scene? Why?
A few bright spots but overall a very weak episode.
RobQuote Reply
In the first episode of season 1? Remember Tyrion with the prostitutes?
VirtusQuote Reply
Man, Stannis’ sounded exactly like Robert’s during his talk with Melisandre.
victarionQuote Reply
Knurk,
I´ll keep on paddling too :)
andreaQuote Reply
andrea,
ha, I thought the paddling thing was quite strange. I just rewatched the first Varys-Petyr banter of season 1 on bluray and it’s still good (despite you influencing me)! So far, Varys and Tyrion have some catching up to do.
KnurkQuote Reply
Knurk, isn’t that line directly from the books?
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
ough, so headstrong, just give up.
Paddling thing was a bad line and quite strange (and crass) for Varys, yes. Better than “gash” though ;)
andreaQuote Reply
andrea,
I thought the paddling line was actually quite funny, but it might be something that is very peculiar to English. It has a self-deprecating quality that both lightens his threat, while making it seem more confident and ominous at the same time.
That said, I liked the “gash” line too. Varys might be my favorite character in the show.
Maxwell JamesQuote Reply
you are right:
KnurkQuote Reply
Knurk,
Well, I don´t care if it´s in the book. I don´t like it but…
Thanks, good explanation. It might be a language thing. I didn´t think about that.
I like Varys very much too and love Conleth Hill. He is a genius and an exquisite acquisition for tv.
The “gash” is not a language thing, though. I´ll stand strong with this one.
andreaQuote Reply
alansmommy3607,
You are right and I was wrong. D’oh! Thanks, as now I can scratch that annoyance off my list and forget about it (except of course that Tywin is not bald in the series; screw it – I’ll accept “close cropped” and move on).
Moleman
molemanQuote Reply
weight lifting,
WiCnet is the ultimate site for Game of Thrones HBO viewers — so glad that new folks continue to join the discussion! The WiCnet folks have been working on this for years and are awesome.
Patchy FaceQuote Reply