'Game of Thrones' recap: On the verge of war
Spoilers ahead!
Last week's episode of "Game of Thrones" ended with a double whammy: Jon Snow finally learned that he is Aegon Targaryen, the true heir to the Iron Throne and nephew of his current lover, Daenerys Targaryen.
We also saw the meeting between Jaime Lannister and Bran, who locked eyes for the first time since the Kingslayer pushed the now Three-Eyed Raven out of a tower way back in the pilot episode almost a decade ago. But we start this week's episode, titled "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," with Jaime meeting with Daenerys, who has a personal grudge with this particular Lannister.
Jaime earned his Kingslayer nickname after killing Daeny's father, "The Mad King" Aerys II Targaryen. However, Daeny has bigger things on her mind than just revenge. She questions Jaime about Cersei's whereabouts, and if she plans to send her armies to help fight the Night King and the White Walkers, as promised.
Jaime admits that Cersei never had any intention of sending an army to assist them. Jaime, however, declares that he's here to "fight for the living." After Tyrion and Brienne emotionally defend him, Daeny begrudgingly accepts the man to fight alongside them against the Night King.
Arya visits Gendry in the blacksmith quarters to check on the progress of the dragonglass weapon she asked him to make for her. She asks him about what it's like to fight the White Walkers, and after some vague description, Gendry declares, "They're like death." That doesn't at all frighten Arya Stark. "I know death; he's got many faces," she declares. "I look forward to seeing this one."
Daeny later meets with Sansa, and the two finally start to bond over their shared family history, being women in charge, and the insanity of the world in which they live. They really make a connection over Jon, whom they both love, albeit in different ways.
Meanwhile, the Northern crew -- which includes the Night's Watch brother, Eddison Tollet, the wildling Tormund Giantsbane and the Lord of Light-worshipping Beric Dondarrion -- finally arrive in Winterfell. They tell Jon that the Northern House Umber has been defeated by the White Walkers, and anyone who hasn't made it to Winterfell yet is now fighting for the Night King. They also declare that the Army of the Dead will arrive before the sun comes up the next day.
Everyone gathers for a meeting to strategize for the upcoming battle. Jon posits that if they take down the Night King, the rest of the White Walkers will fall. Bran says they'll be able to isolate the Night King by using himself as bait. The Night King, Bran explains, is hellbent on killing him, because he's the Three-Eyed Raven. Theon volunteers to stay and protect him, and Bran agrees.
Arya finds Gendry again, who has built her weapon: a double-sided dragonglass spear that would make Darth Maul jealous. Gendry also reveals that he's a bastard son of former king Robert Baratheon. Arya says she wants to know what it feels like to sleep with someone before she dies and the duo kiss.
Before we get to the end credits, there's still one piece of business to settle. Daeny finds Jon in front of a statue of Lyanna Stark, who, unbeknownst to her, is his real mother. And just like Sam did last episode, Jon reveals the truth: he's Aegon Targaryen, son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, and true heir to the Iron Throne. Daeny says that's impossible, but Jon insists he knows it to be true.
Before anything more can be settled, we hear the horns of battle ring out, and we see the Army of the Dead approaching.
There's only four episodes of "Game of Thrones" left and looks like next week will be one heck of a battle.
