Game of Thrones Episode 5 Review: “Eastwatch”

Published August 16, 2017 · Updated March 18, 2020

Game of Thrones Episode 5 Review: "Eastwatch"

Game of Thrones Episode 5 Review: “Eastwatch”

Jaime’s safe (phew!); Tarlys are roasted, and Arya Stark’s caught little Finger in a trap. Or is it the other way around?

The Game of Thrones Episode 5 Deep Dive focuses on Jon Snow’s improbable Suicide Squad, Bronn’s wavering allegiance, Cersei’s pregnancy prophecy, and the some of the most bizarre plot holes in Game of Thrones history.

We also map how Jon Snow and Gendry echo the history and friendship between Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark. If you thought “Eastwatch” moved fast, wait till you hear our light-speed recap.

Game of Thrones Episode 5 Summary: “Eastwatch” is the fifth episode of the seventh season of HBO’s fantasy television series Game of Thrones, and the 65th overall. The episode was written for television by Dave Hill, and directed by Matt Shakman.

Daenerys forces the surviving Lannister and Tarly soldiers to swear fealty to her, but Randyll and Dickon Tarly refuse, and are executed. Meanwhile, Tyrion Lannister secretly meets with Jaime Lannister to request an audience with their sister Queen Cersei to present evidence of the army of the dead. Meanwhile, Davos Seaworth retrieves Gendry, and he, along with Jon Snow and Jorah Mormont travel to Eastwatch-by-the-Sea, where they head beyond the Wall along with Tormund Giantsbane, Sandor Clegane and the Brotherhood Without Banners. In Winterfell, Arya Stark follows Petyr Baelish and discovers a letter that Sansa wrote to her family, at the coercion of Cersei, requesting their fealty to King Joffrey. At the Citadel, Samwell Tarly learns of a warning from Bran Stark about the impending arrival of the army of the dead at the Wall, and decides to abandon his training and head north.

The title of the episode refers to the namesake place at which the final sequence takes place. “Eastwatch” received praise from critics, who listed Jon Snow’s interaction with Drogon, Lena Headey’s performance as Cersei Lannister, Gendry’s return, and the tension between Arya and Littlefinger as highlights of the episode. In the United States, the episode achieved a viewership of 10.72 million in its initial broadcast.

This episode marks the final appearance of Tom Hopper and James Faulkner.

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