Archives Episodes

The Gift

Summary Jon prepares for conflict. Sansa tries to talk to Theon. Brienne waits for a sign. Stannis remains stubborn. Jaime attempts to reconnect with family. Our Take A busy hour that mostly works because it finally lets several storylines breathe.…

Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken

Summary Arya trains. Jorah and Tyrion run into slavers. Trystane and Myrcella make plans. Jaime and Bronn reach their destination. The Sand Snakes attack. Our Take A mostly middling hour that builds to a genuinely ugly final scene, one that…

Kill the Boy

Summary Dany makes a difficult decision in Meereen. Jon recruits the help of an unexpected ally. Brienne searches for Sansa. Theon remains under Ramsay’s control. Our Take Solid, satisfying television. The season’s engine keeps turning and the character work pays.

Sons of the Harpy

Summary The Faith Militant grow increasingly aggressive. Jaime and Bronn head south. Ellaria and the Sand Snakes vow vengeance. Our Take A slow burn of an episode that mostly sets the table, with the Faith Militant crackdown in King’s Landing…

High Sparrow

Summary Cersei meets the High Sparrow after learning of a clergyman’s embarrassing tale. Meanwhile, Davos talks to Jon about the future of Winterfell, where Ramsay Snow has just learned the identity of his future bride; Arya grows impatient doing menial…

The House of Black and White

Summary Arya arrives in Braavos; Brienne and Podrick find danger while traveling; Cersei worries about Myrcella in Dorne when Ellaria Sand seeks revenge for Oberyn’s death; Jon is tempted by Stannis. Our Take Solid, satisfying television. The season’s engine keeps…

The Wars to Come

Summary Varys discusses a conspiracy with Tyrion; Daenerys’ rule faces a new threat; Jon finds himself between two kings; and Cersei and Jaime try to move on from Tywin’s demise. Our Take Very good, not the series’ peak, but an…

The Children

Summary An unexpected arrival north of the Wall changes circumstances. Dany is forced to face harsh realities. Bran learns more of his destiny. Tyrion sees the truth of his situation. Our Take A solidly built episode with more hits than…

The Watchers on the Wall

Summary Jon Snow and the rest of the Night’s Watch face the biggest challenge to the Wall yet. Our Take A hall of fame episode. If you sample one episode of Game of Thrones, make it this one.

The Mountain and the Viper

Summary Mole’s Town receives unexpected visitors. Littlefinger’s motives are questioned. Ramsay attempts to prove himself to his father. Tyrion’s fate is decided. Our Take The last ten minutes here are some of the best television this show ever produced, with…