I'd like the dragons to frag Dany - she's boring
Have a feeling she's about to get a lot less boring....
Anyway, my thoughts....
1. Arya - Cold open was awesome though the producers trying to trick everyone into thinking this was a 'flashback' didn't work so well (and it probably wasn't supposed to) since most everyone figured Arya was acting as Frey once the pitchers of wine were passed out. I don't know that anyone has been able to completely wipe a house out in one fell swoop, but she did it nonetheless (even if it was the dumb Freys). I don't get too into the weeds of the 'logistics' of how magic works here - yes, when she wears a 'face', she essentially becomes them - height, voice, mannerisms, etc. Just go with it. Same thing for how Beric is brought back to life, how/why there are dragons, and how Dany and other Targaryens are immune to fire. The scene with the Lannister soldiers was to bring Arya back down a bit - I think everyone is on her side with her cause, but giving each soldier a story sort of keeps her from becoming a total monster. Still, I think she killed all of them.
2. Cersei/Jaime - the first of two significant maps in the episode - Cersei is backed into a corner, has no kids or other Lannisters to care for, and is basically in it to survive - or die trying. I like how Jaime is pragmatic with regard to resource management and wars and that he's not really interested in taking the fight to his enemies. I also think he's not a big fan of Euron Greyjoy (or any Greyjoy for that matter), who has a great scene and offers a good reminder that at one time, Jaime was probably the best fighter in Westeros. Any idea as to what kind of trophy he's going to bring for Cersei? Other Greyjoys, or something bigger (maybe a dragon head)? I'm certainly OK with all the Cersei hate, but this show has done a good job at making her sympathetic. At a minimum, a lot of people would do the same in her position. I never got the sense she was power hungry like Margaery - she was miserable married to Robert, had a terrible first born son, and wanted her family (Jaime/kids) to be safe. Now, she has nothing to lose.
3. Sam - Okay, the 10 minute bedpan montage notwithstanding, we get three cool pieces of information from this sequence; 1. Dragonstone is aptly named - there is a mountain of dragon glass there and we know one group in particular who would love to have that (so, this gets Jon and or Sansa to Dany in a hurry IMO), 2. Jorah isn't doing so well, and 3. Gilly is a much better reader than before! Yay!
4. Jon and Sansa - This sequence is where GoT really stands out - we get the recently reunited Sansa and Jon, both of whom have gone through horrendous events, discussing 'battle strategy' with the Lords and Ladies of the North. They should probably hash things out in advance of the meeting, but since they didn't, we get to see their very differing points of view on display in front of everyone. Jon thinks that a few bad apples doesn't ruin a house, so he's good with turning the traitorous Umber and Carstark houses over to their rightful heirs - noting a thousand years of support outweighs a small rebellion (again noting Littlejon Umber and the Carstark head are dead now). Sansa, having spent time with Joffrey, Cersei, Littlefinger, and Ramsay, has different thoughts - she says loyal houses should be rewarded, and the traitors punished. She's seen the mistakes of her father and Robb and knows that there is something to be said about being feared. She has a good point. But, Jon's way wins out, and the two meet up after to discuss. Great stuff and you could make a case for both options. I like that Sansa is on to Littlefinger and he's sort of been marginalized here - her quip at the end of their conversation was brilliant. Also, Lyanna Mormont is a BEAST.
5. The Hound - Nice little scene with a return to a dark day (one of many I suppose) in the Hound's life where he robs a farmer and his daughter of their silver because he doesn't think they'll last the winter (he's right). But, he and the rest of the Brotherhood return to the scene of the crime to see that yes, the farmer and his daughter are long since dead (and rotting in the corner) likely the result of the farmer killing his daughter and himself instead of starving to death. The Hound has grown a lot since S4 and none of this sits well. He takes Beric's advice that it's never too late to change, and buries the farmer and his daughter in a quiet but moving scene (with baldie Thoros). The big takeaway here though is more pondering Beric's role in everything. They make a point to note he's being brought back for 'some purpose' - I think we'll find out pretty soon what that is.
6. Dany - Super gorgeous shot of Dragonstone and her arrival. It's quiet and poignant. She was born there and is finally back to claim her birthright. Also, the dragons circling the castle was just so cool. She's ready to get sh*t started and closes with 'Shall we begin?' Yes Dany - by all means!!
Random thought: How awesome would it be to get Hound, Tormund, and Bronn together for a night on the town?
