Game of Thrones season 7, episode 2 airs Sunday night, but we got a sneak peek at images from this week’s show and now we have so many questions. Warning: if you’re not caught up, spoilers ahead.
Game of Thrones returned to our screens in a blaze of glory (or a blaze of Lord of Light fire) this past weekend, and while we’re still analyzing Jon Snow’s mansplaining and Euron’s eyeliner, it’s time to start looking ahead to this coming Sunday’s episode. HBO helped us out there Wednesday by offering up a sneak peek at 7 photos from the next chapter in the Thrones saga. Of course, we’re not given context along with the images so it’s up to us to study the shots and see what clues we can spot. Challenge: accepted.
Analyze with us, won’t you?
New photo #1
John Bradley as Samwell Tarly and Jim Broadbent as Archmaester Ebrose – Photo: Helen Sloan/HBO
Looks like Sam hasn’t really gotten the hint that his snooping around the library at the Citadel is frowned upon. Here he looks hopeful, so maybe Professor Slughorn, er, the archmaester has softened his stance on the library’s restricted area. Or maybe Sam was able to swipe a few more volumes when no one was looking. Our guess is Sam’s looking for answers here related to what he found out last episode about Dragonstone and its potential treasure trove of dragonglass.
If Sam shared what he found with Ebrose, and Ebrose didn’t rat on him, this shot could be of the two of them working together to find out more about how they might be able to take down the hoarde of White Walkers. Or if Sam didn’t tell Ebrose, we could be seeing Sam getting tricky with the archmaester and trying to charm his way into finding out more information (sounds familiar, eh, Harry Potter fans?).
New photo #2
Kit Harington as Jon Snow and Aidan Gillen as Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish – Photo: Helen Sloan/HBO
It looks like Jon and Littlefinger are having a nice little chat in the crypts here. Perhaps in the presence of the statue of Lyanna, a.k.a. Jon’s “aunt”? Everybody knows that Littlefinger can’t be trusted and Jon’s trying to claim victory for his people here, so what could they be discussing?
Since Littlefinger seems pretty dead-set on making Sansa his partner-in-crime, could he be sharing his romantic plans with her “brother”? We know from the preview of the episode that somebody chokes Littlefinger out at some point in the episode. Again, Littlefinger is super sketchy so his attacker could really be anyone. But looking at this photo we’re wondering if something Littlefinger said rubbed the King in the North the wrong way.
New photo #4
(LEFT TO RIGHT) Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen, Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister, Gemma Whelan as Yara Greyjoy, and Indira Varma as Ellaria Sand – Photo: Helen Sloan/HBO
The episode is called “Stormborn,” so we know Daenerys’ storyline will be central to the action. This photo is especially intriguing given what we know about the episode because it shows the alliances we’ve seen building separately will finally be realized in one place. Dany’s quest for world domination now seems to definitely include the support of Asha and Ellaria, signifying some serious house unity.
Tyrion doesn’t look super excited in this shot, not that he usually is, but could there be another participant on the other side of the strategy table he’s not happy with? What’s their first move here? We’re also eager to see how Asha and Ellaria go from this scene to the one we got a look at in the preview view of them making out.
New photo #5
Liam Cunningham as Davos Seaworth and Kit Harington as Jon Snow – Photo: Helen Sloan/HBO
What could possibly be pulling Jon and Davos from Winterfell? It would need to be something important. Perhaps they’re headed to check in on Tormund and the Wildlings at The Wall. Wherever they’re going, they seem to be dressed for cold, though, that likely doesn’t mean much.
New photo #6
Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark – Photo: Helen Sloan/HBO
We’re seriously feeling Sansa’s no-nonsense expression here. It’s such a representation of her overall vibe of strength and determination at this point. Judging by the snow and what we can see of the scenery, it looks like this shot might be during the same scene as Jon and Davos hitting the road on horseback. If she’s watching them depart, she doesn’t seem thrilled about it (or maybe she’s completely thrilled and that’s just a super intense smeyes).
If they’re departing from the courtyard below her, it may also mean she’s the one in charge at Winterfell for a while. Between her sneaky move at the Battle of the Bastards and her speaking out against Jon last episode, Sansa seems to be getting a handle on this whole ruling thing. Maybe she’ll put a few of the things she’s learned from Cersei (who she may have admitted she admires last episode) to use. Maybe *she’s* the one choking Littlefinger out in the preview.
New photo #7
Maisie Williams as Arya Stark – Photo: Helen Sloan/HBO
As Ed Sheeran is nowhere in sight in this shot, it appears Arya has moved along from chillaxing with her new singing soldier friends in the woods. Judging by the building behind her, it looks like she’s reached a town. Which town is another question. If we believe her comment to the Riverlands crew about heading to King’s Landing to off Cersei, has she made it there? Her gazing over her shoulder might just mean she’s been recognized or followed. She seems to be traveling fairly light, and is that the handle of Needle we see sticking out from under her arm? Whose face will she borrow for her assassination efforts? Was the snarling wolf from the preview hers? Will they reunite while she’s in town?
Next: Game of Thrones season 7: 5 predictions for episode 2, Stormborn
Here’s hoping Sunday night’s episode answers all our quandaries. What clues did we miss from the pictures? Tell us in the comments.