Each week, we give every episode at least 24 hours to breathe and for you to get caught up. After that, you’re clicking at your own risk. Spoilers ahead.
I’ll be honest, I wanted more blood from this episode. While the Stark children are making big waves around the Seven Kingdoms, the Lannister siblings seemed poised to finally get some revenge on the High Sparrow. Even Margaery seemed happy to see Jaime about to charge the temple with Tyrell soldiers, and then Tommen threw one of the biggest of c-blocks you could imagine. While the people of King’s Landing were cheering, nobody at home was.
Meanwhile…
Bran got a big save, Arya said “F that noise”, Samwell had a horrible homecoming, a few old faces made themselves relevant again, and Daenerys looks more empowered than ever.
There were more additions than subtractions to the already 60+ Power Rankings, so try to keep up!
1. Daenerys (Previously 1st)
Hard to dethrone Khaleesi when she’s only getting stronger and more empowered. She’s now determined to get her ships to move toward Westeros (which Euron can provide). As I suspected last week, she was also reunited with her strongest dragon. Add Drogon to her arsenal that includes 2 other dragons, her Khalasar, Unsullied, Second Sons, and more freemen.
Daario makes a great point too. Unlike the Baratheons and her own ancestors, Daenerys wasn’t made to sit on a throne. She’s a conquerer. The episode ends with another heart pumping speech to serve as further proof of that.
2. Night’s King (Previously 2nd)
Even after Hodor held the door, Meera and Bran didn’t seem to get too far. With a mark on Bran, the Night’s King can always track him. He also has a nearly invincible and ever-growing undead army…I say “nearly” because we know several different ways that White Walkers and Wights can be defeated, including dragon glass, Valerian Steel and fire.
So anyone with dragons and Valerian swords have serious upgrades in value when Winter finally comes.
3. Bran Stark (Previously 4th)
I chose this still because, come on…Bran’s drinking rabbit blood and not flinching over it.
Bran is down Hodor, Children, and his direwolf but has gained his Uncle Benjen and assumed the role of Three-Eyed Raven. After what appears to be some intense Binge Watching of “Game of Thrones” (history), Bran now knows almost everything he needs to and needs to work on controlling his powers. If Benjen is right, Bran is going to be the most important line of defense against the Night’s King.
4. Sansa Stark (Previously 3rd)
Sansa is now in full army building mode and has some excellent recruiters out making the calls for her. With Brienne going to see the Blackfish, Littlefinger (and the Vail) clearly infatuated with her, plus Davos, Jon and Melisandre recruiting the rest of the North, Sansa’s name and story are the clear rallying point for everyone to unite against Ramsay Bolton.
5. Jon Snow (Previously 5th)
#BroodingJon has the allegiance of Castle Black, the Wildlings and Sansa. He is also being supported by Stannis’s top 2 advisors, Davos and Melisandre. The whole “half-brother” thing still makes his relationship with Sansa feel a little less like a partnership, but it still should be.
6. High Sparrow (Previously 12th)
Biggest power move of the episode was Tommen’s alignment with the High Sparrow. Given Tommen’s naivety and total lack of assertiveness, the High Sparrow has taken the reigns pulling the strings of the king and also has the obvious approval of the people. I’m still not sure what the people love about the Sparrows, but that situation does serve as an example for how powerful religious propaganda can be in this world…especially for Tyrion in Meereen.
7. Tyrion Lannister (Previously 7th)
For now, Tyrion has made all the right moves to keep Meereen standing in Daenerys’s absence. There are still detractors, and some suspicious within his own council (Missandei and Grey Worm) but enlisting Kinvara to smooth over the tension with the Meereen freemen should help. The sooner Daenerys gets home, the better.
8. Queen Margaery (Previously 30th)
I think we know that Tommen doesn’t make the alliance with the High Sparrow if Margaery doesn’t tell him to. The move doesn’t go over well for her father, grandmother or mother-in-law, but it certainly helps her avoid atonement and reasserts her power with Tommen and the people of King’s Landing. Based on what she told Tommen, I don’t think the situation bodes well for Loras at all.
9. Cersei Lannister (Previously 6th)
Cersei has this unreal ability to look in control when things crumble around her. She calms down Jaime, although I would’ve loved to see him go all Tombstone Wyatt Earp on the Sparrows, and seems to be very confident in her Trial by Combat odds. The “Us against the World” mantra she has with Jaime certainly suggests she doesn’t care what happens if Tommen gets in her way either.
10. Brynden Tully (Previously NR)
All of a sudden, “The Blackfish” has become the hottest name in 3 different houses. The Starks, Lannisters and Freys are all concerned with his allegiance and his influence in the North. Walder Frey wants the Riverlands, which Brynden has control of. Sansa and Jon are family and need him when raising their army against Ramsay. Then there’s Jaime, who is being sent on an errand to make sure he does what the Freys say.
11. Benjen Stark (Previously NR)
Game of Thrones has been very good this season about starting episodes off with something big. This time, Benjen saved the day with some impressive firepower and skills to clear out a Wight attack on Bran. As he tells it, Benjen is a product of the Children trying to right their wrong of creating White Walkers. He was saved the same way they were made, and seems to have developed some of the same fireball throwing skills as the Children. There’s a lot he can teach Bran and Meera too, while also protecting them.
12. Brienne (Previously 15th)
Also heading to the Riverlands, besides Jaime and the Freys, is Brienne and the Starks’ chances of winning this war ride on her convincing Tully to help them out. Brienne has Jaime’s respect and his sword, Oathkeeper.
13. Ser Davos (Previously 8th)
As we’ve seen in the past with his pirate friends, Davos is an expert recruiter. Brienne and maybe Sansa may have their doubts about him, but there’s nothing we’ve seen to suggest Davos would turn on the Starks. Davos also seems to have a clear understanding of the real threat to humanity (the White Walkers) and that’s strong enough motivation for him to help unite the North.
14. Kevan Lannister (Previously 31st)
Well, at least one Lannister is getting his way…Kevan seems to have drawn a clear line between he and his niece and nephew. He also likely had a good feeling his son, Lancel, wasn’t going to come out of Tyrell-Sparrow battle alive. As of now, The Sparrow is in Tommen’s head and Kevan is carrying out their orders.
15. Petyr Baelish (Previously 19th)
As #TeamStark and #TeamRamsay compete in the arms race for the North, Littlefinger is still the wild card with the Vail’s army. I still have a hard time seeing him go against Sansa though.
16. Varys (Previously 20th)
Varys sassiness forever. Like Tyrion, he can’t wait for Daenerys to get home. When she returns to Meereen, we’ll have a better idea of what his role in her leadership will be. If Varys is as trusted as he hopes he is, he could reassert himself as winning the “central intelligence” battle with Baelish.
17. Euron Greyjoy (Previously 18th)
Daenerys wants boats? Euron’s got boats.
18. Ramsay Bolton (Previously 17th)
Another Ramsay-less episode! Woo!
19. Jaime Lannister (Previously 8th)
Jaime takes a tumble for losing his standing with Tommen and title as Lord Commander. That doesn’t seem to deter him from wanting to lead the Lannister army, and ironically his interests may align with those he was originally at war with…Ramsay cut ties with the Lannisters by taking Sansa as his wife to make a move on the North. Why should he care if the Blackfish takes sides against the Freys and Boltons then?
His concern is making Dorne and the High Sparrow pay, so readying the soldiers he has wearing his family’s emblem to take them down seem to be the best course now. I also see Brienne playing a role with what goes down at the Riverlands as well.
20. Drogon (Previously 40th)
He’s baaaaaaaack…Don’t you love the attention to detail Game of Thrones pays to dragon anatomy too?
21. Zombie Mountain (Previously 11th)
#UnleashTheMountain already!
Sidenote: How crazy would it be if the High Sparrow had The Hound all rehabilitated and ready to use in the Trial by Combat?
22. Tormund (Previously 16th)
In the arms race for taking the North, Tormund has to convince his own people to follow Jon into battle and I think it’s clear he will.
23. Melisandre (Previously 14th)
Melisandre’s been quiet since bringing Jon back to life, but she is dedicated to helping him take Winterfell back. When recruiting goes down with the other Northern houses, you could imagine her sorcery and talents for persuasion will help in the effort.
24. Kinvara (Previously 21st)
We still don’t know the extent of Kinvara’s powers but we know they are very significant to what happens next. Until we see her and her priestesses in action, she’s going to tentatively hangout behind Melisandre in the rankings. If the Sparrow can get the people of King’s Landing and the King of Westeros to follow him based on religion, what will Kinvara be able to accomplish in Meereen with Daenerys?
25. Ser Jorah (Previously 9th)
I still feel very strong about Jorah going to the Citadel to get cured and a possible team-up with Samwell. That’s all speculation, but at least we know how motivated he is to get better now.
26. Tommen Baratheon (Previously 26th)
Dance, Puppet King. Dance.
27. Daario Naharis (Previously 24th)
Mine suspicions that Daario helped the Sons of the Harpy organize against Daenerys (for the right price) remain, but he seems to get why she is so powerful. He’s also her second in command, at least until she reaches Meereen. If he’s smart, he stays on the winning side here. I think he’s incredibly smart, so that shouldn’t be a problem.
28. Arya Stark (Previously 34th)
I’m just so happy Arya is done fighting with sticks…and that she has Needle back. Being at odds with Jaqen and Waif may not be ideal, but at least she made a decision for the kind of person she wants to be. She saw no good reason to kill Lady Crane, so she prevented it from happening. She may be on her own again, but she’s more dangerous now after her training.
29. Lord Commander Edd (Previously 25th)
If Bran has to face the Night’s King at the wall, Lord Commander Edd will likely be there to help.
30. Rhaegal & Viserion (Previously 27th)
Daenerys seems to share a strong bond with Drogon than she does her other two dragons, and she isn’t as in control of Rhaegal and Viserion after chaining them. Good thing Tyrion found a connection with them…
31. Wun Wun (Previously 23rd)
As it stands, Wun Wun is the biggest weapon in the Stark army.
32. Ghost (Previously 28th)
Wun Wun may be the biggest, but Ghost could very well be the deadliest. He also has some siblings to get some revenge for.
33. Bronn (Previously 54th)
WE FOUND BRONN! At least we did in the teaser for next week’s episode…Bronn has proven to be the most useful weapon for both Lannister brother and that should remain true after Jaime gives him “the biggest bag of gold” ever. Jaime seems intent on putting a dangerous group of assassins around him and Cersei to get their revenge, and apparently Bronn knows some.
34. Samwell Tarly (Previously 52nd)
This was a huge episode for Sam. He went home, hoping Gilly and baby Samwell would be safe. He took a verbal beating from his father, was practically disowned, and then figured out that neither would probably be as safe as promised. The best thing he could do was bring the ones he loved with him and keep them safe by taking Heartsbane with them. Again, anyone with Valerian swords or dragons are better off than those without them.
35. Meera (Previously 29th)
Meera joins an elite group of White Walker killers that includes Jon Snow…and Samwell Tarly. I’m still very confident that some Reed history will repeat itself and she will help Bran like her father helped Ned.
36. Jaqen H’gar (Previously 22nd)
Jaqen’s mysteriousness is wearing thin. Sending Waif after Arya either seems lazy or like another test for his once-blind pupil.
37. Gilly (Previously 51st)
Hey Gilly, hey….!!!
Her outburst on Sam’s father was awesome and probably the catalyst for him to rebel against him. You have to love her honesty and also her love for Sam.
38. Missandei (Previously 32nd)
Missandei’s gotta love how big Daenerys’s leadership circle is getting…not.
39. Grey Worm (Previously 33rd)
Where Missandei goes, so does Grey Worm.
40. Podrick (Previously 38th)
Something big is about to go down at the Riverlands and Pod has a front row seat. Hopefully he does something else awesome to surprise us.
41. Yara Greyjoy (Previously 35th)
#TeamGreyjoy is in recovery mode. You would think they will be running into another one of our favorite characters while they do.
42. Theon Greyjoy (Previously 36th)
Theon seems to know his way around Westeros and the other houses better than Yara, but for now he serves her. Still extremely useful for their comeback though.
43. Ellaria Sand (Previously 41st)
Call me when Dorne is relevant again.
44. Tyene Sand (Previously 42nd)
Like…
45. Nymeria Sand (Previously 43rd)
…I…
46. Obara Sand (Previously 44th)
…said.
47. Qyburn (Previously 37th)
Qyburn’s focus is usually where Cersei’s is. Right now, that’s preparing The Mountain for her Trial by Combat coming soon.
48. Olenna Tyrell (Previously 10th)
Big fall for the Queen of Thorns. Her army was basically rendered useless at the steps of the High Sparrow Temple. Her own granddaughter helped make that happen. Now all she can do is sit and shame Cersei (from what we see in the preview for next episode). I don’t think she’s totally done yet though, but I don’t know what she can do until Cersei’s trial.
49. Melessa Tarly (Newbie)
Melessa was really sweet when welcoming Sam and Gilly to the Tarly home. She also seems to have some major influence over Randyll, as she went into his decision to keep Gilly and baby Samwell there. I’m not so sure if she’ll be as understanding of Samwell taking them all, and the sword, with him though.
50. Randyll Tarly (Newbie)
Well, he seems pleasant…
Randyll was definitely as awful as Samwell had advertised. He also has some Yul Brynner (The King and I) to him. With Heartsbane missing, his backwards-ass ways don’t stand a chance against White Walkers and he will also likely be looking to get it back from his now disowned son.
51. Walder Frey (Previousy NR)
Walder’s creepy old and murderous ass is still kicking, apparently. Like he said, House Frey is the laughing stock among all of Westeros. Frey also can’t be held in favor with anyone who pledged their allegiance to Rob Stark either. He has one ace in the hole, Edmure Tully, but will that be enough to sway The Blackfish?
52. Robin Arryn (Previously 45th)
Just waiting for his Uncle Petyr’s next request…
53. Yohn Royce (Previously 46th)
…just thankful not to be thrown through a moon roof.
54. Aeron Greyjoy (Previously 47th)
Someone get this guy a paddle boat.
55. Smalljon Umber (Previously 48th)
Dead to the Starks.
56. Harald Karstark (Previously 49th)
Dead to everyone else in the North if the rest of his house goes Stark.
57. Rickon Stark (Previously 50th)
Hang in there, little buddy.
58. Waif (Previously 39th)
Raise your hand if you think she meets Needle soon.
59. Talla Tarly (Newbie)
The sweetest…but what was that thing about the guy Samwell’s father wants her to marry? That seemed like some possible foreshadowing.
60. Dickon Tarly (Newbie)
Samwell’s bro seems like a total Westeros Bro. Not necessarily a bad one, just a product of his environment. You wonder if he’ll be tasked to hunt for Sam (they talked a lot about hunting). If he does go after Sam, will pull the bow on his own brother?
61. Zanrush (Previously 53rd)
Let’s see what this guy and Kinvara’s priestesses can do upcoming episodes.
62. Septa Unella (Previously 56th)
You live to see another day, Septa…Jaime is coming soon though.
63. Lancel Lannister (Previously 57th)
…that goes for you too.
64. Lady Crane (Previously 58th)
I don’t know how much Lady Crane we’re ever going to see again, but she was important enough to make Arya go against the House of Black and White.
65. Walder Rivers (Previously NR)
The Blackfish owes this guy some payback…
66. Lothar Frey (Previously NR)
…him too.
67. Lhazareen (Previously 55th)
We’ll see how highly Lhazareen is regarded when Daenerys returns to Meereen.
68. Izembaro (Newbie)
Might be the last we see of his Acting Troupe, but he is the one in charge of it.
69. Bianca (Newbie)
What happens to Bianca now that Lady Crane knows she put a hit out on her? And does she get her money back for the job not getting done?
70. Edmure Tully ( NR)
I can’t even imagine what the Freys have been doing to this poor guy. He didn’t even want to get married!
71. Ser Loras (Previously 59th)
So Margaery sold him out…although I think he technically asked for that?
72. Mace Tyrell (Previously 60th)
MACE HAD HIS CHANCE TO DO SOMETHING OF SIGNIFICANCE AND HE LOOKED STUPID TRYING. I mean c’mon, someone had to lead his horse for him.
73. Maester Pycelle (Previously 61st)
*Louder Fart Noise*
michaelpiff 
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