It's fast-paced, chaotic action that, if it lives up to expectations, will be a breath of fresh air in its genre.Jon Snow and the others trudge through the snowy landscape beyond the Wall. Tormund, remembering Mance Rayder's stubbornness, asks, 'How many of his people died for his pride?' Jon explains to Tormund that Daenerys won't help unless he bends the knee. Sensing Gendry's resentment, Thoros of Myr and Beric Dondarrion rationalize their past decision to sell the boy to Melisandre: Wars cost money. Gendry's description of his experience - stripped naked, strapped to a bed, leeches placed on him - wins him no sympathy. Jon connects with Jorah, relieved when the older man refuses to take back Longclaw. While the Hound and Tormund share their different perspectives on Brienne of Tarth, Beric catches up to Jon to discuss his resurrection. Jon is frustrated he doesn't know why he was brought back, but Beric posits what matters is knowing what they're fighting for. Jon repeats his old Night's Watch vow, 'I am the shield that guards the realms of men' and the two men agree, maybe that's enough. The group stops as the Hound takes in a distinctive mountaintop: the one he saw in the flames.ĭaenerys studies a map of the north as Tyrion sits nearby. She tells her Hand she's glad he's not a hero, as heroes - Drogo, Jorah, Daario, Jon Snow - do stupid things. Tyrion points out all these men fell in love with the Mother of Dragons, but Daenerys denies Jon has any affection for her. They discuss Cersei, and Tyrion uses the moment to remind Dany that fear alone is not the right weapon the world she wants to build will take longer than a single lifetime to construct. Daenerys refuses to discuss the line of succession until after the crown is hers. The small band runs into a heavy blizzard.

Tormund glimpses something through the snow, and the men ready themselves for what emerges: a bear with blue eyes. Beric attacks, sword ablaze, but the burning bear continues to charge, and turns on the Hound. He stands frozen in terror, until Thoros intercedes. The bear targets the Red Priest, sinking its jaws into Thoros' shoulder just before Jorah vanquishes it with a dragonglass dagger into its neck. Thoros refuses to return to Eastwatch so Beric cauterizes the wound with his fiery blade. Tormund halts the march the Army of the Dead moves through a canyon below.

Ign game of thrones beyond the wall