Dragonstone (Game of Thrones episode)

"Dragonstone" is the first episode of the seventh season of HBO's medieval fantasy television series Game of Thrones, and the 61st overall. The seventh season premiere, the episode was written by series creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, and directed by Jeremy Podeswa. It first aired on July 16, 2017.

The episode's main plot focuses on Daenerys Targaryen's homecoming to Westeros at Dragonstone with her vast forces, and Cersei and Jaime Lannister's meeting with Euron Greyjoy for an alliance after the demise of House Frey. Other plotlines include Bran Stark and Meera Reed arriving at the Wall, Jon Snow making preparations to fight the Army of the Dead, and Samwell Tarly searching for information about the White Walkers at Oldtown. The episode achieved a viewership of 10.11 million during its initial broadcast in the United States, setting a new viewership record for the series.

"Dragonstone" received positive reviews from critics, who considered Arya Stark's revenge on House Frey, Sandor Clegane's atonement for his old life, and Daenerys's arrival at Dragonstone to be highlights of the episode; however, a cameo appearance by musician Ed Sheeran received criticism. At the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards, the episode won the award for Outstanding Production Design for a Fantasy Program.

The episode marks the final appearance of David Bradley (Walder Frey).

Plot

In the Riverlands

Disguised as Walder Frey, Arya Stark kills all the men of House Frey with poisoned wine, avenging the Red Wedding. Arya proceeds south to assassinate Queen Cersei Lannister and makes camp with friendly Lannister soldiers.