Game of Thrones “Home” was written by Dave Hill and directed by Jeremy Podeswa. As the title suggests, the episode features the concept of home and centers around family – and changing dynamics within families. There are some pretty dynamic power changes, and we return to the story of the Ironborn.
The episode opens with Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright) training with the Three-Eyed Raven (Max von Sydow). Bran travels back in time to a happier time at his own home – Winterfell. He sees a very young Ned (Sebastion Croft) sparring with an even younger Benjen (Matteo Elezi). They are joined by Lyanna (Cordelia Hill), who circles them on her horse and mocks them. Bran and the Raven are observing from the balcony until Lyanna appears, but then Bran is so intrigued that he moves closer to the action. Here is the sister that his father never spoke of.
Bran makes an even more startling discovery when they suggest that Benjen should spar with Willis (Sam Coleman), but Benjen doesn’t want to because he has giant’s blood. Willis is Hodor! And he can speak! Nan (Annette Tierney) puts a stop to the sparring saying that Willis is a stable boy – and is never learning to fight, despite Ned insisting that if Willis did learn, he’d be unstoppable. It’s worth noting that Hodor is one of three who have giant’s blood in this episode. We see Wun Wun (Ian Whyte), who is a pure giant, and we see the Mountain (Hasbor Julius Bjornsson) – who we don’t know has giant blood, but he’s huge. Is there some link between the three? Between the Mountain and Hodor? Does Nan know more than she’s saying? Does she know something about those with giant blood becoming warriors or is she simply trying to keep Willis safe.
The Raven insists that he and Bran must leave, even though Bran wishes to stay. It’s clear that the Raven is in charge of where they go and what they see. He cautions Bran that “It is beautiful beneath the sea but if you stay too long, you’ll drown.” Or perhaps be lost in your own mind. Bran is angry because this is the first time the Raven has shown him something he cares about.
Bran turns excitedly to Hodor (Kristian Nairn) and tells him that he saw him as Willis in the past and that he could talk! Bran than asks where Meera (Ellie Kendrick) is. Hodor answers “hodor” to everything and then carries Bran outside to where Meera is brooding and looking at the desolate winter landscape.
Bran tells her that it’s not safe outside the cave, but she’s bored and she tells him that nowhere is safe anyway. Bran tells her about Hodor/Willis. He tells her that the Raven says there’s a war coming, and Meera is not happy – “We’re going to fight it in there?” Bran goes back inside, but Leaf (Kae Alexander) tells Meera that Bran needs her. She tells her that they won’t stay there forever, and out in the world, Bran will need her. Meera is both skeptical and worried.
I love these flashbacks, and I’m betting we get more of them. What will Bran see and how will it be useful in the coming war? Will what he see shed light on who the legitimate heir to the Iron throne might be?
Back at Castle Black, it’s time for Davos (Liam Cunningham) to open the door. Alliser (Owen Teale) even tells them that he’ll let Ghost go free. I loved Davos saying he’d never been much of a fighter and drawing Jon’s sword – and then apologizing for what they were about to see – his bad fighting!
Just as Alliser’s men breach the door to Davos’ room, the gates to Castle Black are breached with Wun Wun and Tormund (Kristofer Hivju) leading the charge. Wun Wun takes an arrow to the shoulder – which is like a fly bite to him, but it annoys him enough to grab the archer off the balcony, bash him against the wall – crushing – exploding? – his head and then tossing his body aside.
At that point, the Night’s Watch all drop their swords. Alliser isn’t done yet, of course, and calls Ed (Ben Crompton) a traitor. Ed shouts right back that “the only traitors here are the ones who stuck their knives in the Lord Commander’s heart. I loved Alliser declaring that for thousands of years the Night’s Watch had held Castle Black against the Wildlings, and that it’s Tormund who points out “Until you.” After all, Alliser was in charge when the Wildlings just came through.
Ed has Alliser and the other traitors locked up, and Tormund goes to see Jon. His respect for Jon is clear. He declares “it took a lot of knives.”
The action then moves to King’s Landing. A drunk (Dylan Edwards) is boasting and making lewd comments about Cersei (Lena Headey). While he’s relieving himself, the Mountain comes upon him and in an action extremely reminiscent of Wun Wun and the archer, the Mountain slams the guy’s head into a wall, explodes his head, and simply carries on.
The Mountain arrives to escort Cersei to Myrcella’s (Nell Tiger Free) funeral, however the King’s Guard will not let them pass – on the King’s orders. It’s hilarious that the Mountain still has blood on one arm from killing the drunk and even more that the Guard are clearly terrified of him. Cersei demands to speak to the King, but Tommen (Dean-Charles Chapman) has already left the Red Keep. Cersei quietly – too quietly? – returns to her chambers. She is a prisoner in her own home.
At the Sept, Tommen and Jaime (Nickolaj Coster-Waldau) hold vigil over Myrcella’s body. Tommen remarks that his sister grew up, but Jaime qualifies it – “almost.” Tommen suspects Cersei of somehow orchestrating Trystane’s death – which is absurd, but shows how much power he credits to his mother. Jaime asks if Tommen is angry with his mother, but he tells Jaime that he isn’t. He didn’t let her come because the High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce) said she wouldn’t be allowed into the Sept. Jaime vows that Cersei will never be put in a cell again – “Not while I’m here.” Jaime wants to know why Tommen hasn’t at least gone to see his mother. Jaime points out that everything she did, she did for Tommen – but Tommen knows and that’s the problem. Tommen is racked with guilt for having done nothing to help his mother. Jaime tells Tommen to just go to Cersei and ask for her forgiveness.
The High Sparrow arrives and Tommen actually demands to see his wife. The High Sparrow says she must confess first. Jaime sends Tommen away. Jaime is not a fan of the High Sparrow. He tells him that he’s a bold man, but the High Sparrow denies it, saying he is actually quite fearful, especially of the Father, the Mother, and the Warrior. The High Sparrow asks Jaime if he knows why they place the stones on the deceased eyes – and how creepy IS that????? The High Sparrow says that it’s to represent closing our eyes in this life to open then in the next.
Jaime points out that the High Sparrow imprisoned and humiliated his sister. The High Sparrow insists that Cersei sought the gods’ mercy. Jaime then wants to know about his own sins – breaking his oath, stabbing his king in the back, killing his cousin, helping his brother to escape. Jaime pulls his blade slightly out – the threat is clear. The High Sparrow is aghast that Jaime would consider shedding blood in “this holy place.” Jaime declares “the gods won’t mind. They’ve spilled more blood than the rest of us combined.”
The High Sparrow tells him to go on, that he deserves it as they all do, but as he speaks his followers are suddenly everywhere in the Sept – and Jaime is alone. Jaime points out that they are too far away to save the High Sparrow and he acknowledges that that is true. He tells Jaime, “Every one of us is poor and powerless, yet together we could over throw an empire.” And that’s exactly what they’ve done. Jaime looks worried.
Meanwhile, Tommen finally visits Cersei and apologizes. She tells him it’s alright and that she understands in a completely flat and emotionless voice. Tommen, however, refuses her absolution. He tells her that she raised him to be strong and he wasn’t, and he asks for her help. Cersei finally has a spark of life as she tells him “Always” and hugs him. Has Cersei regained power in King’s Landing?
In Meereen, Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) is trying to get a handle on the situation. Tyrion drinks while Varys (Conleth Hill) tsks in disapproval. Tyrion has reason to drink – it’s all bad news in his new home. Grey Worm (Jacob Anderson) reports that there is no news on who burned the ships. However, all of Slaver’s Bay that Daenerys worked so hard to free has now gone back into the Slavers hands. The Masters have taken control back.
Tyrion asks about the dragons. Missandei (Nathalie Enmnanuel) tells him that they’re not eating. Tyrion insists that they can’t let them die, and informs the others that dragons don’t do well in captivity. Missandei wants to know how he knows, and he tells her – in one of the most classic lines ever – “I drink and I know things.” Insert mic drop! He goes on to tell them that the last dragons were no bigger than cats because they had been imprisoned for years.
Tyrion asks if Missandei has ever been in the dragons’ presence. She tells him many times and they’ve never hurt her. He tells them that dragons are very intelligent and have affection for their friends and fury for their enemies. Tyrion declares that he is their friend! And Varys introduces the practical – do they know that? Tyrion insists that they will.
The scene of Tyrion freeing the dragons is one of my favorite scenes in the entire series. Dinklage is simply outstanding. He is clearly both terrified and excited. I loved the shot of Tyrion and Varys framed at the top of the stairs and the long walk Tyrion must make on his own, only to be confronted by the glow from the dragons’ eyes and then the one’s throat. The scene is shot to emphasize just how small Tyrion is physically - which contrasts to how big he is in other ways - like bravery and intelligence.
Tyrion tells them that he’s friends with their mother, and that he’s there to help – “Don’t eat the help!” He slowly moves closer, much as you would with a skittish horse. He talks calmly and quietly to the one as he approaches it. For its part, the dragon really presented the collar from the get go.
Tyrion tells them, “When I was a child, my uncle asked what gift I wanted for my name day. I picked one of you. It wouldn’t even have to be a big dragon, I told him. It could be little. Like me.” It’s clear why Tyrion might have longed for a giant fire-breathing dragon to protect him against bullies – including his father. Tyrion continues, “Everyone laughed like it was the funniest thing they’d ever heard. Then my father told me the last dragon had died over a century ago. I cried myself to sleep that night.” Tyrion slowly raises his hand to touch the dragon and drops his head – is it reverence to see such a long cherished childhood wish come to fruition? Is it relief that he’s still alive?
Tyrion finishes, “But here you are.” And then he releases the collar. He turns and the other dragon is right behind him! And it’s very clear the dragon is saying “My turn!” as he presents his own collar to be released. Tyrion huffs. Here is all the evidence one could ever need to prove that dragons are intelligent. Tyrion releases the other collar and the dragons simple turn and disappear back into the dark of their current ‘home.’ Does Tyrion now have his own - and better! - version of the Mountain? Tyrion leaves – more quickly than he came in. When he gets to Varys – who is clearly astounded and impressed at what he just witnessed – Tyrion tells him, “Next time I have an idea like that, punch me in the face.”
In Bravos, Waif (Faye Marsay) once again comes to Arya (Maise Williams). She asks Arya what her name is, and Arya tells her “no one.” Waif doesn’t believe it and proceeds to beat her again. Arya loses it, however, and starts swinging her staff wildly, only to be stopped by Jaqen (Tom Wlaschiha). He asks her “Who are you?” Ayra answers no one. Jaqen then offers her a roof over her head, food, and even her sight, if she tells him her name. It’s clear when he comes to her sight that Arya is sorely tempted, but she answers “no one” each time. As Jaqen lets go of the staff after the last question, a small smile plays on his lips – he’s clearly a little proud of her. He tells her “Come.” And when Arya goes to pick up her bowl, he tells her to leave it. The girl is no longer a beggar. She’s finally being welcomed home again.
At Winterfell, Ramsey (Iwan Rheon) reports his men’s failure to capture Sansa (Sophie Turner) and Theon (Alfie Allen). Rheon gives another fantastic performance in this episode. You can’t ever take your eyes off of him as he reacts to events – and you want to particularly watch his eyes. His face may seem impassive, but his eyes almost always give away his emotions. Ramsey lamely tells Roose (Michael McElhatton) that they had help. Roose sarcastically replies, “I didn’t think Lady Sansa killed then all herself.”
Ramsey knows she is headed to Castle Black and Jon Snow. Roose dismisses Jon as no threat because he’s a bastard, not a true Stark, but Ramsey points out that he was once a bastard too. Ramsey knows – and proves – just how dangerous a bastard can be. Roose also objects that if Ramsey killed the Lord Commander of the Watch, the north would turn against them. Ramsey points out that they don’t need every house, and his new best friend Lord Karstark (Paul Rattray) tells Roose that the Stark’s lost his house the day King Rob cut off his father’s head.
Roose tells Ramsey, “If you acquire a reputation as a mad dog, you will be treated like a mad dog, taken out back and slaughtered for the pig feed.” I have adored McElhatton’s quiet, emotionless delivery. Ramsey’s face is shocked and afraid because it’s impossible to tell if Roose is threatening to do this or thinks that someone else will do it. The discussion is interrupted by Maester Wolkan (Richard Rycroft) arriving to announce that Lady Walda (Elizabeth Webster) has delivered a baby boy.
Ramsey knows that he’s now screwed. Roose no longer needs him as an heir. Lord Karstark immediately ingratiates himself by congratulating Roose. Ramsey moves to his father and hugs him, congratulating him. He tells him that he looks forward to meeting his new brother – and did anyone doubt that he also was already looking forward to murdering his new brother? Roose tell him, “You’ll always be my first born” but says nothing about remaining as his legitimate heir. The two separate but maintain eye contact. Ramsey replies, “Thank you for saying that. It means a great deal to me.” What he doesn’t say is that it means a great deal because it means that in order to remain heir, Ramsey must kill his father – and he stabs Roose without anything being given away on his face.
I am sad to lose McElhatton who always delivered a wonderful performance. Losing Roose means losing the only thing keeping the brakes on Ramsey’s crazy. Ramsey is shaking after having killed his father – is it excitement? Is it shock at himself for going so far? Regardless, he immediately moves to legitimate his place at the head of his family. He tells Wolkan to send ravens to all the northern houses, telling them that Roose is dead, poisoned by their enemies. Walkan is shocked – and being a witness to the actual murder is going to be a very dangerous thing indeed! Ramsey makes him repeat how Roose died and Lord Karstark – who has shown no emotion throughout – another socio/psychopath? – tells Walkan to show respect to his Lord.
Ramsey then sends for Walda, and no one thinks that is going anywhere good. Walkan tries to protect her, saying she’s resting, but Ramsey insists. He meets her in the courtyard, and it’s hard to dislike this poor, simple woman. She’s so proud of the baby – and extremely reluctant to let Ramsey hold him. She may be a victim of circumstances but she’s not stupid.
Ramsey leads her into the kennels when she insists that he take her to Lord Bolton. He quiets the dogs and opens their cages. It’s an interesting parallel to Tyrion’s gentling of the dragons. When Ramsey reveals that he is Lord Bolton, Walda knows immediately that he’s about to kill her and her baby. She begs him to let her go and then appeals to him that the baby is his brother. Ramsey insists that he prefers being an only child. A single whistle releases the hounds and there is no emotion on his face as we watch him watching while we only hear the dogs rip apart his step-mother and brother.
Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) and Sansa get to know each other and exchange information while Theon watches in the background and helps Podrick (Daniel Portman) with the camp chores. Brienne tells Sansa of finding Arya with the Hound and that neither seemed to want to leave the other. She tells her that she spent three days looking for Arya but she disappeared. She tells Sansa that “She looked good. She wasn’t exactly dressed like a lady.” Sansa smiles fondly, “No. She wouldn’t be.” She’s come to appreciate her sister’s differences. It’s easy to see that Arya’s journey would be so different if she’d only ended up under Brienne’s tutelage – Brienne clearly still sees that she and Arya are similar.
Brienne asks what happened at Winterfell, and Sansa still can’t bring herself to really talk about it, but she admits that she should have gone with Brienne the first time she asked. Brienne gently lets her off the hook by saying it was a difficult choice. Brienne then looks at Podrick and Theon. Is she thinking about her own choices? To leave Jaime and to take on Pod as squire? Or is she also thinking about the things that Theon had to do to stay alive? She seems to indicate forgiveness and understanding, however.
Sansa goes to speak to Theon who is freaking out. He is convinced that Ramsey won’t stop – and he’s not wrong. Sansa tells him that they just need to get to Castle Black and Jon will protect them. But Theon is convince that Jon will kill him on sight. Sansa assures him that she’ll speak for him, and when he takes the Black, all his crimes will be forgiven. But Theon is wracked with guilt. He doesn’t want to be forgiven. He feels there is no way for him to ever make amends to her family.
Alfie Allen is fantastic in this scene as he tells Sansa that he would have taken her all the way to the wall and he would have died to get her there. Once again, the show has a reunion only to tear the characters apart again! The two childhood friends hug. Brienne watches and it seems that she knew this was coming. Theon tells Sansa that he’s going home – and asks to take a horse.
The action shifts to Theon’s home in the Iron Islands. Yara (Gemma Whelan) is arguing with Balon (Patrick Malahide) over continuing their own war. They’ve lost all the castles on the mainland that they won when the occupants left for war. She points out that they can take empty castles and win any battle on sea, but they’ll never be able to win a victory on land. Balon is determined to keep fighting, and he throws her failed attempt to rescue Theon back in her face, but she has no regrets about trying to free him.
Balon storms off and we get a terrific scene between Balon and his brother Euron (Pilou Asbaek) on the rope bridge in a raging storm. Did anyone else think of Gandalf and the Balrog in
Lord of the Rings? And it would seem we have yet another crazy relative. Balon has heard stories that Euron, who is a sea Captain, went crazy during a storm. His men had to tie him to the mast to prevent him from throwing himself off the ship, and when the storm passed he had all their tongues cut out so they couldn’t tell anyone – which begs the question of how the word did get out.
Balon tells Euron to move aside, and Euron says “haven’t I always?” When Balon taunts him with the story, Euron tells Balon he cut their tongues out because he needed silence. He tells Balon that he is the Drowned God, that men fear his sails, that he is the storm – and that Balon is in his way. Balon pulls a knife and lunges at his brother who easily tips him off the bridge. A rather intense home-coming!
Cut to Balon’s burial at sea – and they had to be wearing wetsuits because that water looked freezing! Aeron Greyjoy (Michael Feast), the Priest brother, presides over the ceremony. Yara vows, “I’m going to find who did this and feed them to the sharks while they still live. I swear this by the salt throne.” Aeron points out that the throne is not hers to swear by. Apparently there is a contest to decide who will inherit the throne – it’s not a done deal – and a woman has never ruled the Ironborn…
The episode ends at Castle Black. Melisandre (Carice van Houten) is sitting despondently in front of her fire. She’s completely lost her faith. Davos comes to her – finally! – to ask her to work her magic on Jon and bring him back from the dead. She tells him she’s never performed the ritual or even seen it done – though she did meet a man who had come back from the dead. Davos convinces her to try. Tormund, Ed, Davos and Ghost are present as she works through cleaning the body and cutting Jon’s hair and beard – or at least trimming them. Honestly, this could have been a better kept secret had she shaved off all his hair and Kit Harrington appeared with his Jon locks gone!
A shout out to Kit Harington to remaining utterly still while being bathed and not breathing – visibly – for some pretty long shots! Melisandre gets to the end of the ritual and breathes “please” before lifting her hands from the body. Nothing happens.
Tormund huffs and leaves, followed by Melisandre and Ed. Davos is the last to leave, giving one last sad look at Jon’s dead face. As soon as they leave Ghost, who’s been sleeping quietly by fire wakes up and whines… and then Jon Snow gasps and sits up! Leaving us to conclude that Jon had been waiting “in” his dire wolf to return to his body. Did Melisandre help that in any way? Or was it Melisandre’s ritual alone that restored him? Regardless – Jon Snow is HOME!
What did you think of the episode? Favorite scene? Line? What brought Jon back – Melisandre or Ghost? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
About the Author - Lisa Macklem
I do interviews and write articles for the site in addition to reviewing a number of shows, including Supernatural, Arrow, Agents of Shield, Agent Carter, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, The X-Files, Defiance, Bitten, Killjoys, and a few others! I'm active on the Con scene when I have the time. When I'm not writing about television shows, I'm often writing about entertainment and media law in my capacity as a legal scholar. I also work in theatre when the opportunity arises. I'm an avid runner and rider, currently training in dressage.
