Episode 2 of Game of Thrones 8 is aptly titled 'Quiet in the Realm'. It was one of the safest episodes of the entire show, where we didn't get to see anyone getting killed, although the pall of death certainly loomed over. It is also that rare episode where all the characters we saw were heroic in one way or the other. In 'Quiet in the Realm', there was no place for mean people like Cersei Lannister, Euron Greyjoy and even Melisandre. Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 3 Promo: Jon Snow and Arya Stark Are Bloodied and Scared in the New GoT Footage – Watch Video.
if the first episode of the final season was about reunions, this episode was about reminiscings. With the heroes stuck in Winterfell knowing that The Night King's army is arriving before the dawn of the next day, they use this time to bond with each other, tell their darkest secrets, and in one instance even have sex. In this feature, we look at 15 moments in Episode 2 of Game of Thrones Season 8 that stood out.
Brienne Stands For Jaime Lannister
Jaimes stands before Sansa, Daenerys and Jon Snow for his past crimes. Though Bran doesn't reveal what Jaime did to him and Tyrion does his best to defend his brother, the trio is unmoved about acquitting Jaime. That is when Brienne, who was just a standby in the first episode, comes in defence of Jaime, and vouches for his good behaviour. That works for Sansa and Jon, though Dany (whose father, The Mad King, was killed by Jaime) is still displeased.
Arya Puts Gendry in his Place
Arya had given Gendry a design to make a special weapon for her in the last episode. When she asks for the progress, Gendry says he is busy with other weapons and asks her to hide in the crypt because the White Walkers are dangerous. Arya proves him wrong by throwing three dragonglass daggers on the wall, each hitting on the same point. Needless to say, Gendry is stumped, and going by what happens later, a little turned on.
Daenerys and Sansa Share a Laugh Over Jon Snow
On the insistence of Jorah, Dany forces herself to socialise with Sansa and tries to find something common with her. They relate with each other on how their families are complicated. When the topic comes to Jon Snow, Dany tells Sansa that Jon is the second man she cared so much. When Sansa asks who is the first, Dany says he was taller than Jon! Well, Khal Drogo (actor Jason Momoa at 6 ft 4 in) was definitely taller than Jon Snow (Kit Harington at 5 ft 8 in)!
Sansa and Theon's Reunion
Dany and Sansa's meeting is interrupted by the arrival of Theon Greyjoy. After bowing before Dany, Theon asks permission from Sansa to fight the battle. In reply, a tearful Sansa rushes to embrace Theon, leaving Dany surprised. Sansa had steeled herself so hard after her sufferings at the hands of Ramsay Bolton, so this is the first time we saw her give in to her emotions. Also, it was a really lovely scene!
'Shireen Baratheon' Reminder
When Ser Davos Seaworth is serving food to the refugees at Winterfell, a brave little girl comes asking for soldiers' food from him. She has a scar on her right cheek. Though we really don't need any flashback scene, we know that this girl reminded Davos of little Shireen Baratheon who was burnt on the stake by her own parents in season 5.
Tormund Blocks Edd and Jon Snow's Hug
When Edd, Tormund and Beric arrive in Winterfell, a relieved Jon rushes to hug his old comrade and fellow brother of Night's Watch, Edd. However, Tormund Giantsbane blocks him in hugs Jon first. Later, he also enquires if the big woman (Brienne) is around. Dear Tormund, please don't die!
Theon Swears to Protect Bran
When Bran reveals during the battle council that The Night King is out to take him, Jon and co. determines that he is to be protected, It is Theon who volunteers to take that responsibility, determined to wrong his errors of the past. After all, he was the reason behind the falling of Winterfell to the Boltons and killing two innocent kids in place of Bran and Rickon.
Edd, Samwell and Jon's Friendship Coming to Full Circle
They met for the first time when they were Brothers of the Night's Watch. Now in this episode, as they stood on top of a tower, waiting for the undead to arrive, they realise their friendship has come to a full circle. This also gave them a moment to remember their old friends like Grenn and Pyp, who were killed during the battle against the wildlings in season four. Also did anyone notice Ghost, Jon's direwolf, in the scene? Welcome back, old friend!
Tormund's 'Giantsbane' OriginStory
Tormund has definitely stolen the episode for us (in the absence of the other scene-stealer, Bronn). When Jaime, Tyrion, Podrick, Davos and Brienne are having a tete-a-tete near the fireplace, Tormund comes in and gives flirtatious glances to a bemused Brienne. He later tries to size Jaime up by telling him a very weird story about how he got the name Giantsbane and became so tall. All you need to know is that it involves him at the age of 10 drinking milk from a giantess' teats for three months! The expressions on Jaime and Brienne's faces were priceless.
Samwell Gives Heartsbane to Jorah
While Jorah has asked Jon to keep his family sword with him in season 7, he himself gets the sword of another family in return. Samwell who is not exactly in a physical shape to fight an army of the undead (though he has killed a white walker in the past), gives his sword Heartsbane to Jorah. Jorah swears that he will honour the House Tarly name in the battle.
Jaime Knights Brienne
In the episode's biggest chest-thumping scene, Jaime decides to rectify a wrong done to Brienne by all her employers. Being a knight himself, he asks her to kneel down in front of him and anoints her as a knight. This is a great moment for women empowerment on the show and we joined along with Tormund's enthusiastic clapping to cheer for Brienne.
Arya has Sex With Gendry
Now, who saw this coming? We knew that Arya had some sort of infatuation towards Gendry. But did anyone expect it to end in a lovemaking scene? Now Arya may have told Gendry that she wants to know what the feeling of sexual intimacy is like. But the move was driven by the revelation (to Arya) that Gendry is a half-Baratheon. Since when was Arya interested in Baratheons?
Podrick's Song
A sloshed Tyrion asks his company of Jaime, Brienne, Tormund, and Davos if anyone knows a song. Surprisingly, it is Podrick who picks a tune (the boy has a lot of hidden talents. Can he be the real successor to the throne?). And he beautifully sings "Jenny of Oldstones", originally performed by Florence + the Machine, as we see visuals of other characters sharing some private intimate moments.
You can listen to the original song below:
Dany's Not Happy With Jon's Secret
Dany realises that Jon has been avoiding her. When she corners him in the crypt, he reveals his lineage and that he is Targaryen. As expected, Dany doesn't take it kindly and even questions the authenticity of the information. Thankfully, or actually not, a horn reverberates in the air and the below happens.
The Night King's Army Arrives
As the night is about the end, The Night King and his army step into the outskirts of Winterfell. We don't see the King himself, but his generals. At this point, the episode ends and we are promised an action-packed, doom-filled third episode next week.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 22, 2019 09:26 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).