Blood of My Blood

"Blood of My Blood" is the sixth episode of the sixth season of HBO's fantasy television series Game of Thrones, and the 56th overall. The episode was written by Bryan Cogman, and directed by Jack Bender.

Bran Stark and Meera Reed are rescued from the White Walkers by Benjen Stark. Samwell Tarly returns to his family's home in Horn Hill, accompanied by Gilly and little Sam; Jaime Lannister attempts to rescue the Queen, Margaery Tyrell; Arya Stark defies the Faceless Men; and Daenerys Targaryen rides on Drogon and emboldens her newly acquired khalasar.

"Blood of My Blood" was positively received by critics, who praised the return of several notable characters, including Benjen Stark, Walder Frey and Edmure Tully, as well as several plot points, such as Samwell's return to Horn Hill, and Arya's decision to return to being a Stark rather than a disciple of the Many-Faced God. The episode title is a reference to a famous Dothraki saying used between a Khal and his bloodriders. Filming of Bran's visions was put together precisely and also very carefully chosen. In the United States, the episode achieved a viewership of 6.71 million in its initial broadcast.

Plot

Beyond the Wall

Bran and Meera continue fleeing the wights. Bran, still in his visions, sees events past and future, including Jaime Lannister killing King Aerys Targaryen, the Night King's attack on the wildling settlement Hardhome, a dragon flying over the Red Keep, and wildfire exploding beneath King's Landing. As the wights close in, a rider appears, pulls Meera and Bran onto his horse, and they escape.