'Game Of Thrones' Season 5 Episode 2 Full Recap: Arya Reunites With Jaqen While Jon Snow Becomes Lord Commander

The second episode of “Game of Thrones” season 5 is entitled “The House of Black and White” and follows the story of Arya Stark who has fled to Braavos after escaping her captors in Westeros. The story also continues to follow what is going on in various locations across Westeros and Essos as the war for control of the Iron Throne continues. One notable development on episode 2 is Jon Snow’s election as the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Here’s the full recap:

Arya Stark finds Jaqen H-ghar

Arya arrives in the port city of Braavos after crossing the narrow sea on a merchant ship. She is escorted to a building called the House of Black and White where she is told that she will find her friend Jaqen H’ghar. Arya bought her way across the sea through a coin given to her by Jaqen just before they went their separate ways after escaping capture. She looks for him at the door of the house but is told that he isn’t there.

Arya gets turned away from the house and is forced to fend for herself in the streets of Braavos. As she is hunting pigeons for food, she gets cornered by a group of older boys who start bullying her. She bravely prepares to fight them but the appearance of the doorman from the House of Black and White scares off the boys. Arya follows him back and he reveals himself to be Jaqen. Arya questions why he didn’t reveal himself when she first asked for him but does not appear to be entirely surprised by her friend’s ability to change faces. He eventually invites her in and the two of them walk into the building.

Brienne finally finds Sansa Stark.

Back in Westeros, Arya’s older sister Sansa is still on the road with Sansa and Petyr Baelish. As they take a rest stop in a local pub, they are spotted by Podrick and Brienne of Tarth. Brienne swears allegiance to Sansa as her mother’s sworn sword but Sansa is understandably wary of strangers. Baelish points out Brienne’s failure to protect both Renly and Catelyn Stark in the past and this convinces Sansa even more that she doesn’t want Brienne’s protection. Everything blows up into a swordfight and a mad chase through the woods which leaves several of Petyr’s guards dead. Brienne vows to continue following Sansa saying that she doesn’t feel that she is safe with Baelish.

The conflict between Dorne and King's Landing heats up

Over at King’s Landing, Jaime promises Cersei to bring Myrcella back from Dorne after receiving a threatening message containing Myrcella’s necklace. He enlists help form Bronn, the ambitious sell sword who used to work for Tyrion. Cersei is also determined to find Tyrion and have his head so she offers a lordship to anyone who can bring her brother’s head.

At Dorne, Ellaria Sand wants to avenge Oberyn Martell after he was killed on trial in King’s Landing the previous season. However, Lord Doran Martell does not want the same. Oberyn’s older brother does not feel that he should go to war after his brother was killed during combat that he had chosen to enter himself. Ellaria and Oberyn’s daughters, the sand snakes, feel differently and are determined to take the matter into their own hands.

Daenerys continues to struggle with leadership

Meanwhile, Daenerys is still facing problems while ruling Meereen. The sons of the Harpy and the slaves are still in conflict after the former masters have resorted to killing slaves and members of Daenerys’ army. When her captains Daario Naharis and Grey Worm capture one of the Sons of the Harpy, she is reminded to show mercy. Barristan Selmy reminds her of how her father’s ruthlessness led to a rebellion and his eventual death and loss of the throne.

Daenerys decides to put the man through a fair trial but one of the leaders of the slaves decides to kill the man. Daenerys feels that she is left with no choice but to execute the vigilante. When she does the execution in public, a riot ensues between the former maters and the former slaves. She is also attacked with stones and barely escapes to her pyramid for safety. She becomes even more confused than before but is offered a small victory when she spots Drogon perched on top of the pyramid. The dragon, who has been missing for some time, affectionately approaches her before flying off again into the distance.

Jon Snow becomes Lord Commander of the Night's Watch

Further up north over at Castle Black, Stannis Baratheon is angry at Jon Snow for showing mercy to Mance Rayder who had been sentenced to be burned alive at the stake. Jon shot Mance with an arrow before he could die from the flames which allowed him to die instantly and suffer less. Stannis offers Jon the Lordship of WInterfell if Jon agrees to bend the knee and to help Stannis take control of the Northern lands and gain support from the Northern Lords. Jon says that it had always been his dream to be recognised as a Stark and not as Ned Stark’s bastard but he decides to do the honourable thing and keep his vow as a sworn brother of the Night’s Watch.

Speaking of the Night’s Watch, the brothers are getting ready to elect a new Lord Commander now that things have settled down after the battle with the wildlings. Sir Denys Mallister, the commander of the East Tower and Sir Alliser Thorne are in contention for the position. Sam Tarly does some research and finds out that age and experience were not always the only criteria in choosing a Lord Commander. He decides to nominate Jon and eloquently points out how brave Jon was and how his leadership helped them get through the recent battles against the wildlings and the White walkers.

After the votes are cast, there is a tie between Jon and another candidate. The final vote is cast by Maester Aemon who chooses Jon. Jon Snow finally takes his place as the new Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch amid cheers from his peers. More deaths, intrigue and politics is still to come this season o “Game of Thrones” shown exclusively on HBO every Sunday night at 9 pm.

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