Another solid episode. The plot is really moving along now and I can tell the show creators are eager to move on from the Iron Throne dilemma and go to the crux of the story... living vs dead.
Start with the sea battle first:
I thought the battle was a bit rushed and I didn't quite understand where the fireballs were coming from. But once Euron crashed (literally) on the deck of Yara's ship, things turned up a notch. Just great action.
I thought it was really cool that Euron killed each of the Sand Snakes with their own weapons. It was 'poetic' to see 1 sand snake hanging from the whip of the other while the spear was the anchor for both of their corpses.
I wonder how devastating of a blow that was to Dany/Tyrion's assault plans? Yara's fleet was crucial to escorting Dorne's army. Does Olenna have enough firepower to siege King's Landing by herself? Or will Dany be forced to use Dothraki/Unsullied?
Jon/Sansa:
Still not overly hyped about the way Sansa is being portrayed. She continues to openly defy her brother. And I wasn't comfortable with their exchange.
Sansa: "You can't go to Dragonstone, it's a trap!"
Jon: "You'll be in charge while I'm gone."
Sansa: "Ok, have a good trip!"
LF obviously sees an opportunity here. I'm assuming his angle is to plant seeds of doubt in Sansa and feed into her discord with Jon? We'll see if Sansa is more than just a whiny pawn. I was hoping she had evolved past that.
Also, as an older brother to my own sister, I would be quick to choke any guy who had the hots for my mom and then proclaimed the same love for my sister. Especially when that person is twice my sister's age and intruded in my ancestral crypt and chose that time to tell me of their lustful ambitions.
Arya:
**** YEA! GO HOME GIRL!
I'm so hyped to see a Stark family reunion, I don't care how implausible it was to see that Arya didn't know who the ruler of Winterfell was. Although, I did groan in exasperation when Jon announced he was leaving for Dragonstone...undoubtedly stalling a Jon and Arya get together.
Nymeria was a good call back. Not sure if that was the show officially saying goodbye to the Direwolf or setting up a more impactful plot point in the future. You know, as like a reminder to the audience "yea, this mofo is still out here and it is huge. Just keep that in mind."
Btw, anyone else notice her hairstyle? She wears it exactly like Ned used to. Arya is definitely finding her roots.
Sam/Jorah:
I know some people dislike Sam, Jorah, and the story in Oldtown...but I'm not one of them. I love Samwell Tarly and he continues to show there are many forms of bravery and honor. Violating the rules of his 'school' in order to save the son of his former commander is awesome. In a show full of 'grey' characters, Sam is clearly one of the few pure good guys.
Also, the greyscale surgery scene cutting (literally) into a soldier eating a cheese pie was brilliant and disgusting. I still hate the Arch Maester. He's condescending and arrogant. Hope Sam schools him somehow before his time in Oldtown is up.
Going forward, I'm pumped to see Jon meet Dany and reunite with Tyrion. I wonder how the "bend the knee" expectation plays out. I know it was meant to hint at a power play or feud, but I've discussed this in the past. I don't believe Jon would have a problem with submitting to another ruler, providing they are just and committed to protecting the realm (which appears to be Dany's MO). So in my mind, Jon would acquiesce to Dany and work with her. But I do wonder if the show will show any hints of romanticism between them? I know they're technically related (Aunt/Nephew) but we've seen stranger relationships. On paper, they are a perfect match.