Game of Thrones Episode 704—”The Spoils of War”—Preview

It seems like only yesterday that the Game of Thrones train was starting up again, but a few short weeks later, we’re nearly halfway through the season! How terrifying…

But we’ve still got miles to go. Tomorrow, HBO will air the fourth episode of Game of Thrones season 7, “The Spoils of War.” Apparently, the events of this episode are so secret that HBO didn’t even feel we were entitled to one of their famously vague synopses — there is no official description for what you’re about to see.

Of course, even if there was an official synopsis, it would probably just say something like, “Daenerys makes a decision,” and you’d be pretty much as in the dark as you were if you’d never read it. However, there IS a trailer, and it portends some big things. Have a watch.

So we’ve got Cersei showing Tycho Nestoris around her map room, Jaime peeking in on all the gold he and the Lannister forces lifted from Highgarden, Arya looking at Winterfell, and Daenerys getting fed up with “clever plans” and riding Drogon into what we’re assuming is going to be a sweet action sequence. Who needs a synopsis?

So this is gonna be insane.

Then there are a few more cryptic shots, like Sansa sitting among piles of scrolls or someone — we think Littlefinger — pulling a knife out of a scabbard.

Eagle-eyed fans may recognize that dagger, but we’ll say no more about it here.

Here’s the factual breakdown of the episode:

• Start Time: August 6, 2017, 9 p.m. EST
• TV Info: HBO
• Episode: Season 7, Episode 4, “The Spoils of War”
• Writers: David Benioff & D. B. Weiss
• Director: Matt Shakman
• Run time: 50 minutes
• Live Stream: Stream 1 – Stream 2

This marks Matt Shakman’s first time directing an episode of Game of Thrones. He’s mostly known for his work on dramas like Fargo and Mad Men and, kind of weirdly, comedies like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, a show that has a special relationship with Game of Thrones. “The Spoils of War” looks like an action-heavy episode — will Shakman come through? (As cinematographer Robert McLachlan revealed, this episode was originally supposed to be directed by Thrones veteran David Nutter, but he had to withdraw due to complications from surgery.)

We’ll find out soon enough. Before that, check out some of the many official images HBO released from the episode.

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Helen Sloan – HBO Helen Sloan – HBO Helen Sloan – HBO Helen Sloan – HBO

Macall B. Polay – HBO

Although we have a smattering of different locations above, most of the official images are set on Dragonstone, including the one at the very top of the post. Here are the rest:

Macall B. Polay – HBO Macall B. Polay – HBO Macall B. Polay – HBO Macall B. Polay – HBO

Theon’s back. We doubt he’ll get a hero’s welcome.

Sam is absent from all of these, and Arya only shows up in the trailer. But a recent promo sheds some light on what she’ll get up to.

Next: Gemma Whelan discusses Yara Greyjoy's walk of shame

As for the other mysteries, we’ll see what the episode clears up tomorrow night! We’ll be updating the site with reactions and analysis both during and after “The Spoils of War.”

And oh, yeah: the episode has leaked. Don’t tell anyone.

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