Game of Thrones Episode 1 Review: “Winterfell”

Published April 16, 2019 · Updated March 19, 2020

Game of Thrones Episode 1 Review: "Winterfell"

Game of Thrones Episode 1 Review: “Winterfell”

If you thought “Winterfell” was a slow start to Game of Thrones Season 8, you weren’t paying attention. Between the emotional reunions and Alladin-esque dragon dates, HBO’s flagship series outlined all the alliances forming as the living make their last stand. And how each alliance might fail.

Episode 1 also gave glimpses of how the good guys can win. We’ll outline the secret weapons, powerful assets, and key strategies Jon Snow and Co. will need to survive against staggering odds.

Big D maps out his military advice for the Battle of Winterfell, and Gene Lyons explains the significance of the Night King’s Smalljon Umber wall art at Last Hearth.

Who is the “old friend” Bran is waiting for in Winterfell’s courtyard? The episode closes with the arrival of Jaime Lannister, but it could be someone else. Someone like family.

Storyline for Episode 1: “Winterfell”
Upon reaching Winterfell with their combined armies, Jon and Daenerys learn the Army of the Dead has breached the Wall and the Night King commands the undead Viserion. The Northern lords and their allies rally around Winterfell, but distrust Daenerys and doubt Cersei’s pledge. At King’s Landing, Euron returns from Essos with the Golden Company and entices Cersei to consummate their union. On Cersei’s orders, Qyburn hires Bronn to assassinate Tyrion and Jaime. Theon rescues Yara, who then sets out to retake the Iron Islands, while Theon returns to Winterfell. At Winterfell, Jon reunites with Bran and Arya, and later learns to ride Rhaegal. Sam meets Daenerys who reveals that she executed his father and brother. After Sam and Jon are reunited, Sam tells Jon his true identity is Aegon Targaryen, king and rightful heir to the Iron Throne. At House Umber’s seat of Last Hearth, Tormund and Beric encounter Edd and other Night’s Watch members. They find the castle’s occupants dead and Ned Umber’s body used as a gruesome message from the Night King. Jaime arrives at Winterfell where Bran is awaiting him.

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