Capt. Harry Strickland and the Golden Company are back in Episode 5. Photo courtesy of HBO.
And just like that, we’re on the cusp of the second-to-last episode ever of Game of Thrones. Emilia Clarke has promised that Episode 5 of Season 8 will be “even bigger” than the Battle of Winterfell in Episode 3, and given the way last week’s Episode 4, “The Last of the Starks,” ended, we’re inclined to believe her. But a picture is worth a thousand words, so what do the official Episode 5 photos say?
Photo courtesy of Helen Sloan/HBO.
Grey Worm (Jacob Anderson) is in the throne room at Dragonstone, and if a man has ever looked more ready to exact some revenge on enemy troops, I’ve never seen it. Is he listening to Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) give her orders for battle?
Photo courtesy of Helen Sloan/HBO.
Both Davos (Liam Cunningham) and Jon Snow (Kit Harington) — er, Aegon Targaryen? Whatever he’s calling himself these days — look grim on the field of battle, which we’re assuming is outside of King’s Landing. It appears as those they’re looking at something unwelcome, which would be par for the course at this point.
Photo courtesy of Helen Sloan/HBO.
Cersei (Liena Heady) looks decidedly less concerned than Davos and Jon as she gazes out one of the windows of the Red Keep — is she looking at the human shields subjects that she’s welcomed into the safety of the castle?
Photo courtesy of HBO.
We might have our answer as to what has Davos, Jon and Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) looking so dismayed: 20,000 (give or take a few cheaters) well-rested Golden Company soldiers, lined up and ready to defend King’s Landing.
Photo courtesy of HBO.
It’s not often that we see Euron Greyjoy (Pilou Asbaek) himself looking concerned — usually he’s cocky, angry or creepy. And maybe it’s wishful thinking, but does he look a bit more worried than usual as he gazes at the sky?
Photo courtesy of HBO.
Daenerys, for her part, looks positively despondent at Dragonstone — hair unbraided and uncombed, eyes closed, leaning against a pillar for support. She looks to be lost in both grief over losing her best friend and desperation at the odds facing her in battle.
Photo courtesy of HBO.
We see Jon and Varys (Conleth Hill) arriving by boat, but the location lacks the signature flysch rock formations of Dragonstone. It could be a different part of the island, but why would they arrive there? Is it King’s Landing instead? Or a different location altogether?
Photo courtesy of HBO.
Possibly the same scene as Grey Worm, Tyrion looks to be in the throne room at Dragonstone, and rather than looking ready for a fight, he looks downright shocked. What has Dany said that could evoke this kind of reaction?
So what do these photos say to you? Is Emilia right — should we hold onto our seats for Episode 5? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
