Game of Thrones Episode 15: Ghosts of Harrenhal

Episode 15 of HBO’s Game of Thrones both begins and ends with death. Dark days are descending on all of Westeros. Check out the preview and read the recap of the very aptly titled, “Ghosts of Harrenhal.”

Game of Thrones Episode 15: Ghosts of Harrenhal Video

Just as Catelyn is gaining favor with Renly, the black shadow spirit bore by Melisandre enters the tent and stabs Renly in the back, as Brienne of Tarth watches in horror. The powerful female knight has to take down two of Renly’s guards that come in before they kill her and then, Catelyn persuades her to flee: “You can’t avenge him if you’re dead.” Margaery, now a widow, utters a very similar truth to her brother, Loras, as the two of them stand over Renly’s body and listen to Littlefinger’s suggestions to leave the camp before Stannis lands on shore. They run as well. Once in the wilderness, Brienne pledges herself to Catelyn.

Upon hearing the news of the death of Robert’s youngest brother, Cersei is thrilled, but the ever practical Tyrion quickly realizes that Stannis’ force is getting larger by the minute as Renly’s men sign on with his older brother. The Queen Regent does not seem concerned about the mismatched numbers, though, and the Imp corners Lancel to tell him what King Joffrey has planned. The Lannister cousin reveals that Joffrey has a pyromancer making wildfire to fling at Stannis and his troops. Later, Tyrion visits the alchemist and discovers thousands of jars of the wildfire. Again, he sees the danger (with Bronn’s help) and demands that the destructive substance be made only on his orders.

Daenerys’ little dragon is learning to spit fire himself and roasts a piece of meat before consuming it. Overjoyed, the white-haired girl attends Xaro’s gathering in the courtyard and receives an invitation to the House of the Undying, while Jorah is warned to fiercely protect the Mother of Dragons. As if he would ever do less. Some time after, Xaro proposes to Dany, promising her riches enough to buy ships and horses and take the Iron Throne. Faithful Jorah attempts to sway her from this plan.

Meanwhile, Stannis will hear none of Davos’ talk about what happened in the cave when the ex-smuggler accompanied Melisandre. However, Davos convinces him to the leave the priestess behind when he attacks King’s Landing because some of the men seem to believe that Stannis blindly follows her commands. “You won those banner men from Renly. Don’t lose them to her,” Davos advises.

Theon Greyjoy, in need of an adviser himself, attempts to make himself look dignified enough to lead his one ship crew to raid some small villages. His first mate tells him he’ll have to prove himself if he wants to gain the sailors’ respect, so Theon changes tactics and heads north. When Bran hears that a neighboring town is under attack, he sends out men to help, despite his dream about Winterfell’s ruin.

Farther north, Jon Snow prepares to join some of the other Night’s Watchmen to raid a wildling camp. And in gloomy Harrenhal, Tywin chats with his counsel about strategies while Arya serves the men. She is sent to fetch water and runs into Jaqen H’ghar who tells the girl that she only has to name three people she wants dead and it will be done, as payment for her saving his and two others’ lives before they burned to death. Arya names the Tickler first. So it is done.

Trina’s Take: Thank goodness Catelyn has a new ally in Brienne; if she ever makes it back to Winterfell, she’s going to need some strong and powerful friends. Theon continues to irk me while Tyrion continues to amuse me. How menacing and tricky he is; his poor cousin is completely at the Imp’s mercy. Gotta love it. Also, with the dismissal of some of the characters (goodbye handsome Renly) you know there’s going to be some new ones to get attached to soon!

Game of Thrones Inside the Episode 15: Ghosts of Harrenhal Video