Game of Thrones: 6 massive issues we need urgently answering in episode two

How does the rightful King react? Who’s going to die next? Will Cersei be having another child? 
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Alexander Larman15 April 2019

Wow. So, at last, the world of Westeros is back, and we’re not losing any time getting into what promises to be a truly epic final series.

This curtain-raiser might have been relatively low on violence (a few shootings and a burning notwithstanding), but the scene has been set for betrayal, honour, sacrifice and courage throughout the Seven Kingdoms – and we can’t wait to see how it’s all going to pan out.

Here are a few questions that we need to see answered next week, and possibly beyond. Obviously, spoilers abound.

1. Who’s going to die next?

Impending doom: Who will survive the final battle?
HBO

The one-liners in this opening episode are as sharp and witty as ever – how could they not be, with Tyrion to the fore? – but there’s an abiding sense throughout of melancholy and doom. As Varys muses “nothing lasts”, as he describes how he, Tyrion and Ser Davos have become “lonely old men”, he might as well be talking about the fate of most of the cast. We’ll see who makes it – and who doesn’t – as the weeks go on.

2. Are the dragons going to get hungry?

Troubles: Sansa notes there isn't enough food to feed the dragons
HBO

Even as Viserion flies about destroying walls, the surviving pair of Drogon and Rhaegal are flying about Winterfell, not eating nearly enough food to keep them in peak condition. As Sansa notes, there isn’t enough to munch on for “the largest army ever assembled”, let alone a pair of increasingly ravenous dragons, and it doesn’t look good if Daenerys’ babies are restless. Which brings us to…

3. Are things going to work out for Jon and Daenerys?

Kiss me, quick: Jon and Dany shared a tender moment
HBO

In an episode inevitably concerned with scene-setting and putting the pieces in place for the epic final confrontation, there were still countless great moments, not least Jon riding a dragon for the first time. Played for laughs as much as grandeur – “you’ve completely ruined horses for me” – the two lovers share a tender moment towards the end, much to Drogon’s apparent distaste. This, however, might have been a bad idea, because…

4. How is Jon going to deal with his destiny?

Problems: Jon is discovering some family truths
HBO

There’s a lot of emphasis on how, now that Jon has bent the knee, he’s no longer King in the North, but simply a lord – although, as the excellent Lyanna Mormont points out, is he even that any more? However, it falls to the ever-loyal Samwell to tell him that, rather than being Ned Stark’s bastard son, he is in fact Aegon Targaryen, son of Rhaegar Targaryen, and lawful heir to the Seven Kingdoms. Which, although it isn’t stressed yet, makes him and Daenerys quite the close family. Hmmm.

5. How is Daenerys going to deal with everyone she’s upset?

Working hard: Dany needs to win over alot of people
HBO

There are a lot of people at Winterfell who aren’t especially delighted to see the Mother of Dragons. Whether it’s Sansa giving her fairly pronounced shade, or Samwell realising that she cold-bloodedly executed his father and brother, she is going to have to work doubly hard to earn people’s trust, which she seems in no especial mood to do. When she says of Sansa, “she doesn’t need to be my friend, but I am her queen”, there’s an unspoken threat there. We’ll see how that particular dynamic works itself out next week.

6. Is Cersei pregnant?

Speculation: Will there be the pitter patter of tiny feet for Cersei Lannister
HBO

Everyone’s favourite wine-drinking schemer Cersei Lannister was knocking back the glasses with relish this week, but she’s still completely in control, even as she’s bedded Euron Greyjoy, accurately described as “the most arrogant man I’ve ever met”. He states his wish “to put a prince in your belly”, but Euron’s days might well be numbered, as she notes that “I’ve executed men for less” when he’s giving her the full-on innuendo. If he had any knowledge of Cersei’s previous lovers, he might have been more cautious, but it remains to be seen whether she is going to be giving birth to another child – or if, like every other member of the remaining cast, fate will catch up with her first. We don’t give Euron much chance of lasting until the end of the show, regardless. The arrogant usually don’t.

Game of Thrones is on Sky Atlantic, tonight at 9pm. It will also be available to watch on NOW TV

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