'Game of Thrones' season 8 episode 2 sees White Walkers arrive at Winterfell as our heroes get ready for the Great War
This article contains spoilers for Season 8 episode 2
'Game of Thrones' season 8 episode 2 was unexpectedly warm and funny. Sure, there was tension about the upcoming war. People were getting fitted with armors, finding weapons, strategizing how they will approach the Night King's army, but there were also moments that were uncharacteristically heartwarming, considering how the series has dealt with previous wars. When Tyrion, Jaime, Brienne of Tarth, Podrick and Tormund sit down for a drink, the conversation shows that these men and woman acknowledge the fact that the day could mark their final living moments. When Jaime knights Brienne of Tarth, I even began to wonder, 'Is she going to die in the war? Is that why she got this moment right before the war began?' This nod to Brienne's capabilities is one of the few heartwarming moments in the episode.
Take, for example, Arya and the Hound sitting down for a quick chat where he reminds her of how he fought for her or wondered why she had become a lot quieter than before, it takes us back to the time when the two were on the run together. It was a long time ago, but to be reminded of this before the war? It is as if the episode wants to tie all the loose ends when it comes to reunions just so that fans can have their closure. The only one that felt necessary was the one between Sansa and Theon Greyjoy when he comes back to fight for Winterfell. As each character caught up with each other and spoke about the 'good old days', we realize how far they have all come and how much has changed in them.
The episode was also quite hilarious in parts. It was probably to remind us that there can be laughter even in the face of war. Especially enjoyable was the conversation between Brienne and Jaime, right before he pledges to serve under her and she bursts out asking, "What are you doing? We have never had a conversation this long without you insulting me." The frustration can be sensed, sure, but it is just too funny when you consider Jaime's reaction. He asks, "So, you want me to insult you?" This is after Brienne vouched for him in front of Sansa, Jon, and Daenerys. Especially considering how unhappy Daenerys was after learning that Cersei is not sending her army.
Coming to the most important parts of the episode - firstly, we have Bran Stark's conclusion that the Night King will come for him and will know exactly where he is as he has left a mark on him. He has tried before with many three-eyed ravens before and Bran is sure that he will try yet again because to erase Bran would mean to erase the memories of humankind. The Night King will wreak havoc in the upcoming war, but if he gets his hands on Bran, then that marks the end of mankind in the Seven Kingdoms.
Secondly, the conversation between Daenerys and Sansa Stark, as Dany tries to remove the misunderstanding between herself and the Lady of Winterfell was fascinating. They start by awkwardly speaking about how the two have come a long way, and then Sansa puts words to her worries when she says "Men are stupid when it comes to the women they love and can be easily manipulated." She worries for her brother, while Dany explains how she left her fight against Cersei to join Jon's war because she was in love with him. Things escalate quickly when Sansa clearly asks what happens after the war? What happens to the North? This followed by Dany's conversation with Jon about his real identity brings a different perspective to the upcoming war. Jon Snow aka Aegon Targaryen is the last male heir of house Targaryen and he now has a claim to the Iron Throne. Just when Dany is focussing on how this could change everything, the Whitewalkers arrive at the doorstep and the war is about to begin. Who will live and who will die? 'Game of Thrones' season 8 episode 3 is the longest episode and we see the outcomes next Sunday.