'Game of Thrones' season 7 episode 5 'Eastwatch' recap and review

The journey to unite the fighting sides in Westeros against the Army of the Dead began in earnest in “Game of Thrones” season 7 episode 5. Time is running out as the Night’s King is on the march towards Eastwatch. The following article contains spoilers.

In the HBO show, Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) is becoming more ruthless with each passing episode. After defeating the Lannister army, she gives the surviving soldiers a choice: bend the knee or die. Many choose to live, but they seem to follow the Mother of Dragons out of fear rather than love and respect.

Randyll (James Faulkner) and Dickon (Tom Hopper), however, refuse to bend. Daenerys decides to have Drogon burn them alive, even though Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) pleads her to send them to the Wall instead. Both Varys (Conleth Hill) and Tyrion are concerned with the way their queen is acting.

Jon Snow (Kit Harington) shows hints of his Targaryen heritage when he touches Drogon. Even Daenerys is surprised as her children rarely get close to other human beings.

Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright) has seen the Army of the Dead heading towards Eastwatch. The King in the North learns that Arya (Maisie Willaims) and Bran are alive and about the White Walkers.

The Citadel also receives a message about the White Walker threat. However, the Maesters are skeptical. Sam (John Bradley), tired of the bureaucratic nature of things, decides to leave with his family, but not before picking up a few books and scrolls from the forbidden section.

Sensing that the threat can no longer be ignored, Jon Snow plans to leave. In order to solve the problem, Tyrion suggests meeting with his brother and arrange an armistice between Daenerys and Cersei. The King in the North is charged with bringing a soldier from the Army of the Dead as proof for this meeting.

Tyrion meets with his brother and explains the situation. Meanwhile, Davos (Liam Cunningham) meets Robert Baratheon’s (Mark Addy) son Gendry (Joe Dempsei) at Flea Bottom and brings him back.

Jon Snow and his team reach Eastwatch, where Tormund (Kristofer Hivju) is stationed with his men. The Brotherhood without Banners and The Hound (Rory McCann) are also there, but in prison. All of them band together and cross the Wall.