The wait is over. Last night, HBO premiered season six of Game of Thrones. Episode one picked up right where last season's shocking death - I mean, finale - left off. So how awesome was this episode? We'll take a look at each of the story-lines.
Jon Snow's Corpse
The episode opens on the Wall with Jon Snow's body being discovered by Davos. After barricading themselves in a room with Snow's body, Davos and those loyal to Jon discuss what to do next. It's decided that the only way out of this is to enlist the help of the Wildlings. Meanwhile the Alliser Thorne gives a speech to the rest of the Night's Watch explaining how he orchestrated Jon's death because of loyalty.
Jon Snow's story this week was pretty low-key. Those hoping to see a resurrection right off the bat were probably disappointed, but it's clear that for a few reasons, this story-line will be taking a slow burn approach.
The Boltons
Roose and Ramsey Bolton are dealing with the aftermath of their battle with Stannis in the finale. While Stannis is dead, they've lost the one thing they needed to solidify their hold on the North: Sansa Stark. Ramsey is also mourning (kind of?) Myranda before feeding her to the dogs.
The big take away here is that Ramsey's "little games" have jeopardized his family's whole plan. I'll be very interested to see if this comes back to be his ruin. Really, I just want ANYTHING to be his ruin.
Sansa Stark and Reek
Nearby, Sansa and Reek are still on the run and pursued by the Bolton's hounds. After their hunters catch up to them, we get the most powerful and satisfying moment of the episode: Brienne and Podrick ride in to save the day.
I loved this scene so much. Brienne has been searching for Sansa for so long and Sansa has been in dire need of a loyal protector ever since her father was killed. The meeting of these two and the formal vow that is made is a very rare ray of hope. With Brienne's protection and assistance, hopefully Sansa will begin amassing an army to rival the Bolton's.
Jaime and Cersei Lannister
Next we see Jaime sailing into King's Landing and revealing to Cersei that yet another of her children has been killed. Jaime consoles a distraught Cersei by promising that they would take back everything that's been taken from them and more.
You have to give it to Lena Heady who manages to bring even more depth to Cersei with every passing episode. Her performance in this scene makes it worth it, even if it doesn't really do much to advance the plot.
Queen Marjorie
Marjorie is still imprisoned by the High Sparrow and isn't faring well. The High Sparrow himself visits her to bring a message from King Tommen that he misses her and a reminder that she has to confess her sins.
Honestly, while I really like the Marjorie character, this scene was a throwaway. It added nothing knew to the story. Of course Tommen misses her. Of course they want her to confess. This scene could have been completely removed and a more important one thrown in.
The Martells
Next we see Doran Martell strolling with Ellaria just before a messenger arrives with word that Myrcella Lannister is dead. To everyone's surprise, Ellaria and the Sand Snakes kill Doran and his son Trystane.
As someone who read half of the first book and stopped, I'm not familiar with the Martell's story-line in the novels. However the internet seems to be very upset by this major departure. I, however, feel it seemed like a natural progression after last season. Ellaria, clearly unhappy with Doran and his dealings with the Lannisters, has decided to take matters into her own hands. As Ellaria stares down at Doran's dying body, she utters the words that seem to mark a trend so far this season: "Weak men will never rule Dorne again." Men, being the key word.
Tyrion and Varys
Across the sea we find Tyrion and Varys taking a walk through Meereen discussing the problems facing the city. The city is a powder keg. Several groups within it are inciting riots encouraging violence in the absence of Queen Daenerys. This scene culminates with a huge fire engulfing Meereen's ships.
I love the idea of Tyrion having to deal with the mess that Meereen has become. He is perhaps one of the only redeemable characters on the show and to see him doing his best to contribute to something he believes in feels good. Plus, anytime you have Tyrion and Varys on screen together, it's gold.
Daenerys
As Jorah and Daario discover clues that indicate Daenerys has been take by the Dothraki, the Queen herself is in chains traveling with the horde. She is introduced to Khal Moro, the savage in charge. After learning who she is (or rather, who she was married to), Moro agrees that she won't be harmed but she's then told she must live out her days in Dosh Khaleen, a Khaleesi retirement resort of some sort.
I love Dany and her story-line last season was incredible. However ever since last season's finale, I can't help but feel that this whole Dothraki thing is a step backward. We've seen her join the Dothraki; we've seen her find her place there and win them over. Do we have to do it all over again?
Arya Stark
Arya is a blind beggar after the events of the finale. As she sits in the city streets, she is approached by Waif, her old "friend" from the House of Black and White, who proceeds to spar with her. After Arya unsuccessfully tries to defend herself, Waif advises that she would see her tomorrow.
Clearly they're going to develop Arya into the Daredevil of the Game of Thrones world. I really enjoyed her story-line last season and I'm interested to see how they continue to grow Arya into a force to be reckoned with. I just hope they don't stretch the "training" stuff out too long. Sure, it's unrealistic to just have a training montage and then she's a bad-ass, but it speeds things up.
Melisandre
The end of the episode takes us back to Castle Black as Davos and his crew stall Alliser Thorne. They start talking about just fighting their way out, and Davos mentions that they at least have "the Red Woman". We then cut to Melisandre disrobing in her chamber. She removes her necklace and is revealed to be what I can only call really effing old.
I felt that this scene was an odd one to end the episode on. Maybe it's just the shock of Melisandre's true appearance being similar to a mummy. Either way, we're left with some pretty big questions.
Overall, the episode was great; or maybe I'm just so happy that Game of Thrones is back that I'm really easy to please.
What did you think of Game of Thrones' season premiere? Comment below!
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