Game Of Thrones – “The House Of Black & White” – Season 5, Episode 2 (Plot Recap and Review)

Spoilers Spoilers Spoilers.

Very little left out as nothing is insignificant within the Order Of The Dork.

The first episode of Game of Thrones Season Five left us with no clues to the welfare of Arya Stark. We last saw her on the prow of a ship headed towards Braavos. We know she has safely arrived as she stands on board staring into the harbor at mammoth statue of a soldier standing guard. The captain tells her than in olden days when Braavos was threatened, the Titan would step into the sea with fire in his eyes and smash the enemies. The captain personally delivers Arya to the House of Black and White. He tells her this is where she will find the man she seeks.

Left alone, Arya knocks until the door is answered by an unknown man in a well-worn robe. She invokes the name of Jaqen H’ghar and displays her coin that has carried her there. The unknown man is not impressed and denies her entry telling her no one is there by that name. Was it a cruel joke? Is Arya left to fend for herself in this unknown world? She sits on the steps of the House of Black and White for what seems likes days. Through dark and rain she turns her coin reciting the names of those she wishes to kill. Finally, she arises and tosses her coin into the sea.

Arya walks through the city streets and expertly decapitates a pigeon. She is noticed by three brutes who have nothing better to do than attack a little girl for her castle-forged sword. As Arya readies to fight, the unknown man appears causing the three to scurry away. The unknown man silently walks away with Arya following behind. As they arrive back at the House of Black and White, she asks him who he is why her three assailants were afraid of him. The unknown man casually tosses Arya her coin. It’s a Scooby Doo moment when he removes his face revealing that it was her handsome hero all along. Arya accuses him that he told her no one there was named Jaqen H’ghar. He replies that a man is not Jaqen H’ghar, he is no one and that is what a girl must become. He opens the door for Arya and as she enters, he sports a small pleased smile.

Sansa Stark and Petyr Littlefinger Baelish are dining at a tavern in Vale. Sansa enquires about the message he had received while they had been watching young Robin’s sparring lesson. Baelish tells Sansa that his marriage proposal has been accepted. Before he can say more, the tavern girl interrupts to ask if they would like some ale.

Brienne and Podrick are at eating at the same tavern when Pod spots Sansa. Pod is concerned as Baelish has at least ten knights for protection. But, Brienne tells him to ready the horses. Pod reminds her they only have one. Unfazed, Brienne firmly commands him to find more. Baelish recognizes Brienne as she approaches. She explains to Sansa the oath she had given to Sansa’s mother. Littlefinger begins mocking Brienne stating she was accused of murdering Renly Baratheon. He belittles her more when she explains that he was killed by a shadow with the face of Stannis Baratheon. Sansa, wise in the ways of survival, refuses Brienne’s offer of servitude and protection. With a look to his guards, Baelish encourages Brienne to stay because the countryside is dangerous. Brienne knows what Littlefinger has in mind and immediately flees. Outside, she releases Littlefinger’s horses in hopes of a clean getaway. The knights pursue and Pod tries his best to stay on his horse as it takes him away from Brienne and into a river. Pod can only pitifully throw a stone at the knight who is about to give him the pointy end of a blade. Brienne shows up in the nick of time killing the knight and slicing one more who had given them chase. Despite Pod’s objections that Brienne might now be free of her vow, Brienne tells him they will be following Littlefinger and Sansa.

Cersei is in the castle of Kings Landing when she summons brother/lover Jaime to view the threat she has received, a carved ruddy colored viper holding a pendent in its fangs. No doubt, it represents slain Prince Oberyn who was known as the Red Viper of Dorne. Cersei tells Jaime there are only two like it in the world, the one she is wearing and the one she gave to their daughter, Myrcella, before she was sent to Dorne. They squabble over Jaime’s parenting/nonparenting of their children that he cannot publicly claim. Jaime decides to go to Dorne to retrieve Myrcella. He plans to take no army but will not be going alone.

Before Cersei convenes the Small Council, she receives two men hoping to claim reward for Tyrion’s head. The Queen Mother is disgusted that the head thrown on the table is not that of her brother. The two bounty hunters profusely apologize for their mistake and gruesome frankensteinish Qyburn requests the head for his experiments.

Cersei arrives at Small Council and sits herself down in the Hand’s seat. She has several proclamations manipulated from her King son, Tommen. Cersei will advise Tommen until he is of age to choose a Hand for himself. In addition to his duties as Master of Ships, the king desires that Mace Tyrell be Master of Coin. Creepy Qyburn is now the new Master of Whisperers. Her uncle, Kevan Lannister, is to be Master of War. Kevan is indignant and wants to hear this from the king’s own mouth. He came to the capital to pay respects to his dead brother and serve the king. He will not become Cersei’s puppet. He gives Cersei a verbal smacking, telling her she is nothing but the Queen Mother. He walks out on Council to await the king’s commands at Casterly Rock.

Bronn! I didn’t think we would be seeing more of him. He is on a Crownlands beach with his intended, Lollys Stokeworth, who is prattling on about their wedding. She talks about the family castle being left to her mean sister who pulls her hair when their mother isn’t looking. Yes, Bronn has plans as when he comforts her saying mean people eventually get what’s coming to them. They are surprised as they come upon Jaime sitting on a wall. Jaime and Bronn speak alone and Bronn is informed that Cersei has changed the deal she made with him. Lollys is now promised to another. Bronn is told he will receive a much better girl and a much better castle after helping Jaime retrieve Myrcella from Dorne.

In Dorne, Ellaria Sand, lover of Oberyn, is a poor sport that his life was lost in trial-by-combat with The Mountain She speaks to his brother, Prince Doran, wanting to send Cersei’s daughter to her piece by piece. He rebukes her anger telling her by law there was no murder and he will not mutilate little girls for vengeance.

Varys and Tyrion are on the way to Doreen in quite a big carriage. Surprise! Tyrion is drinking. He is still mourning Shae. He wants out of the carriage but Varys warns him that Cersei has promised a Lordship in exchange for his head.

At The Wall, Gilly, Shireen and Sam are in the castle library. Gilly is learning to read. Just as she taught Davos, Shireen is teaching Gilly. They are becoming friends and bonding over a discussion of greyscale when nasty Selyse enters ordering Sam and Gilly to leave. With no understanding of her daughter, Selyse lectures Shireen not to become involved with Gilly because she is a Wildling. Selyse worries Gilly could take revenge upon Shireen as her father just burned up the Wildling king.

Jon Snow stands before Stannis answering for his defiance in granting a merciful death to Mance instead of allowing him to burn alive. After a mention, it seems forgotten. Stannis has received notice that the House of Mormont will not swear allegiance. They will only recognize a Stark as King of the North. Stannis wants Jon to rally the North to his side. He offers to remove the bastard name of Snow from a stunned Jon and make him Lord Stark of Winterfell.

The election for the new Lord Commander is about to commence when Jon tells Sam what has been offered to him. He is saddened as he tells Sam it’s the first thing he ever wanted. He used to daydream of his father asking the king to make him a Stark. Jon is a dedicated man. He informs Sam he is going to refuse because of his vow to the Nights Watch.

Old Maester Aemon begins the election; Alliser Thorne and Denys Mallister are nominated as candidates for Lord Commander. Voting almost begins when Sam speaks up. Despite Jon shaking his head no, Sam casts Jon’s name into the mix speaking earnestly of how Jon Snow is the right man for this job. Baby killer Janos Slynt makes fun of Sam and Jon calling them Wildling lovers. Sam is undeterred. He tells of how he found Janos in a puddle of his own making hiding with Gilly and her baby during the battle with the Wildlings. The votes are cast and it’s a tie between Jon Snow and Alliser Thorne. It is up to Old Maester to cast the deciding vote and the win goes to Jon! Jon Snow is now the 998^th Lord Commander of The Night’s Watch.

It’s not going so well in Meereen. Second Rate Daario and Grey Worm are searching for the Harpy who slit the throat of the Unsullied soldier, White Rat. Daario brags about the spying abilities of the Second Sons vs. the conspicuous Unsullied. They find the house for which they are looking. Finding it empty, Grey Worm thinks they should leave. Second Rate Daario acts all superior as he takes his knife and pierces a fake wall where the man they seek has been hiding.

Daenerys is holding council to decide the captured man’s fate. Freed slave Mossadar (he’s so cute) pleads with Queen Dany to execute the murderer. Ser Barristan recommends restraint. Mossadar tries to get his queen to recognize that the Sons of Harpy only understand blood, mercy and a fair trial mean nothing to them.

Dany dismisses the council but Barristan stays to caution the queen about her father, the Mad King. Dany has believed the stories to be lies, but Barristan tells her the stories were true. When facing war, the Mad King committed such atrocities that it led to a rebellion that left only two Targaryans, Dany and her now dead creepy brother. Dany agrees to Barristan’s advice and will give fair trial to the captured man.

But, there will be no trial. Mossadar takes matters into his own hands and kills the captured Harpy in his cell. His body is left on the streets as a warning to the Sons of Harpy.

Mossadar answers to Daenarys. On his knees before his beloved queen, Mossadar explains he did it for her. When Grey Worm came to them, he was the first to take up his knife. The conflict shows on Dany’s face as she explains the life was not his to take.

The freed slaves of Mereen fill the streets as Daenerys explains why Mossadar must be executed. As he kneels, he asks for forgiveness. It is clear Dany does not wish to end the life of this man who is dedicated to his Mhysa. The citizens beg for mercy to spare his life. Mossadar begins to pray as he awaits the sword. Dany is hesitant and it seems like forever before she finally indicates to Second Rate Daario to proceed. After it is done, there is a moment of stunned silence before the crowded streets turn into a mob throwing rocks at their beloved Mhysa. Dany and her entourage retreat to safety.

It is evening when Grey Worm and Ser Barristan assure Daenerys she will be guarded throughout the night. Dany wishes privacy and dismisses them stepping out onto balcony for a moment of peace. Hearing a noise she turns to see her beloved dragon, Drogon. Daenerys’s face is full of love and relief. They have a sweet moment of mother and dragon reunion before he spreads his wings and flies off.

“Game of Thrones” airs on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

Make sure you check out Lily’s review and recap of Game Of Thrones -The Wars To Come – Season 5, Episode 1

Lily Doe has written for ImperfectWomen.com since 2009. She has never been shy about sharing her opinion and enjoys writing on a variety of topics. Her life’s focus is sharing good times with family and friends.