Game of Thrones: What Happened in Episode 2 of Season 8

The second episode of the final season of Game of Thrones was released on April 22nd. Events begin to accelerate: the northernmost House of Westeros, the Last Hearth, has already fallen to the army of the dead, Winterfell has begun preparations for a siege, and many people have gathered in it, who have too complicated relations.

Caution: This article contains spoilers! If you haven't watched the second episode of the 8th season and do not want to spoil the experience, it is better to take our test "How will you die in" Game of Thrones"

What the audience was waiting for

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The first episode was needed to "swing" - it brought all the characters together and reminded of the balance of power. There were no battles and spectacular scenes - except that several arrows whizzed during the release of Yara Greyjoy from captivity.

Apparently, Theon Greyjoy is best able to act in stealth mode - after all, he managed to almost imperceptibly infiltrate the flagship of the Iron Fleet, where an important prisoner was kept. But there is a more prosaic explanation: the creators decided to save money on the first episode, directing the budget for future big battles. It was expected from the second episode, if not the start of the battle (as it is already known, it will take up the entire third episode), then at least an increase in the dynamism of the action.

Clarifying the relationship between Targaryens

Daenerys and Jon Snow, who can now be called Aegon Targaryen, have a conflict of interest. After all, only one person can sit on the Iron Throne, and Daenerys does not look like a person who knows how to give in. In addition, in the first episode, John did not have time to react to the fact that he and the dragon queen are close relatives.

An important detail: Snow now also has the ability to influence flying lizards. The dragon Reyegal admitted that he was Targaryen even before the newly-made Aegon knew about it himself. This means that in the event of a disagreement, John and Denis can share the "children."

Jaime's trial

In the finale of the first episode, Jaime arrives in Winterfell, where no one is happy with him, except, perhaps, his brother Tyrion. Jaime is called the Kingslayer for a reason - recall that he took the life of Daenerys' father, the mad king Aegon Targaryen. And therefore, in the eyes of Daenerys, he is one of the usurpers and a clear candidate for being burned in the dragon flame.

So it was to be expected that Jaime would appear before the queen and the northern lords for trial, and someone else would make a speech in his defense. For example, Tyrion - his own trial in King's Landing became one of the brightest events of the 4th season and a benefit to Peter Dinklage. So one could hope that Jaime would still be forgiven for his past sins before the Targaryens and the Starks.

What happened in the second episode of the eighth season

Jaime was pardoned

Despite the fact that Daenerys very harshly began a conversation about the fate of Jaime, he was still handed a weapon and allowed to fight along with everyone. Tyrion's speech was not particularly bright, but Brienne of Tart stood up for Jaime.

Jaime always tried to do what he thought was right, believing that the end justifies the means. This is his main difference from Cersei, who is guided by personal interests. For example, the murder of the mad king seemed to him the right act for the good of the state, although many considered the method dishonorable, because Jaime stabbed the enemy in the back.

Now the hero will unite with former enemies and fight against the King of the Night - for the sake of winning the world of the living.

Bran decided to endanger

Even with dragon glass and Valyrian steel effective against the dead, humans are still unsure of their victory. John suggests that the King of the Night must be killed so that the dead lose their leadership. This is a classic move for stories in which the heroes cannot win in an open confrontation - someone must destroy the Ring of Omnipotence or blow up the Death Star. The council decided that Bran would be the bait for the leader of the dead.

The Night King senses where the Three-Eyed Raven is and goes to him. By the way, he aspired to the previous holders of this "title". It can be assumed that the leader of the dead is not connected with Bran Stark personally, but with the figure of the Three-Eyed Raven - there is a noticeable opposition between them. According to Bran, the King wants "endless night" to "erase this world", as the Raven is his memory. Perhaps the Night King just wants to truly die and find peace.

Before the fight everyone wants love

Against the background of looming death, many characters gave vent to feelings. Arya briefly forgot about the god of death in Gendry's arms. Gray Worm and Missandei hope to leave for Naat Island together after the end of the war - they seem to be the only ones making any plans at all.

Between Jaime and Brienne, tender feelings are becoming more noticeable. Perhaps it was the thoughts of Brienne that prompted the hero to travel to the North. At the same time, Tormund, who arrived at the castle from the Last Hearth and serves as the only source of humor for the second series in a row, also breathes unevenly towards the "big woman."

Sansa and Theon hug tenderly when they meet, and then spend time together at dinner. Could they have a future together if Theon survives the battle? As the experience of the Gray Worm and Missandei, whose love scene blew up the internet last year, proved, no amount of disability is a hindrance.

Brienne became a knight

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Brienne's old dream has come true. Knighted her Jaime, and this is perhaps one of the most dramatic moments in the series. On top of that, Tormund, who genuinely wonders why a woman among "fans" (those who live south of the Wall) should not be a knight, turned out to be the main local feminist.

Heroes prepare for battle

Only Winterfell was shown in the series - King's Landing was not included in the episode at all. So far, hostilities have not begun, but the relationship between the heroes has deepened, and the suspense is growing.

Different methods are used to pump the atmosphere. For example, quotes from The Lord of the Rings are read, where even children and the elderly are armed before the battle. In Winterfell, even girls and common people without weapons are preparing to fight, and all this accompanied by Podrick's singing is a clear homage to the battle for Gondor.

There are few funny moments, but they are. Last time, Bran also became memetic, who throughout the series looked at all the other heroes with a strange look.

This time, the meme could be the grin of a flirting Tormund or the giant wine horn that he apparently carries with him at all times.

Who can die in the next episode

A battle means many feats and many deaths. In the third episode, a truly epic battle awaits the viewer, and there is a possibility that many will not survive it. Here are some theories about who might die before reaching the finale.

Jaime Lannister

Once he told Bronn that he would like to die in the arms of his beloved woman. Perhaps he will die in the arms of Brienne. On the other hand, Bronn himself can reach him, who, presumably, moves North with a crossbow at the ready.

Dog

From a conversation with Arya, it is clear that the Dog has rethought a lot in life - for the first time he is fighting for some purpose. This means that he can heroically die defending Arya. No wonder the trailer showed how a girl runs in horror through dark corridors - the heroine will get into trouble and someone will need to save her. On the other hand, the Dog has yet to come together in a battle with his brother Mountain (or rather, the monster he has become), so until that moment the character cannot die.

Berik Dondarrion

Toros from the World, who, thanks to the magic of the Lord of Light, resurrected Berik over and over again, is no longer alive. This means that now there is no one to return Berik. In the books, thanks to the power of the "kiss of fire", he resurrected Catelyn Stark. It is possible that before dying, Berik will do this trick with one of the dying defenders of Winterfell.

Jorah Mormont

Sam Tarly gave Jorach his Valyrian steel sword, commemorating his father, the former Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, with a kind word. Now Jorah has a powerful weapon, which means that he has something heroic ahead. No matter how you have to pay for it with your life.

Theon Greyjoy

Theon Greyjoy returned to Winterfell with a band of Ironborn and volunteered to protect Bran when the King of the Night himself came. Theon has a difficult relationship with the North - he lived here with the Starks, being either a prisoner or a family member, and then took this castle as an invader. Now he is trying to atone for his guilt and, perhaps, will do it at the cost of his life.

As for the Targaryens and Tyrion, they apparently still have to live - if Winterfell falls (and this is to be expected, judging by), they will retreat south together.

Where the plot is heading, we will find out from the next episode, which will be released in a week - April 29.