Eastwatch

"Eastwatch" is the fifth episode of the seventh season of HBO's medieval fantasy television series Game of Thrones, and the 65th overall. The episode was written for television by Dave Hill and directed by Matt Shakman, and first aired on HBO on August 13, 2017.

Daenerys forces the surviving soldiers to swear fealty to her, but the Tarlys refuse, and are executed. Meanwhile, Davos Seaworth retrieves Gendry, along with Jon Snow and Jorah Mormont, where they head beyond the Wall along with Tormund, The Hound, and the Brotherhood Without Banners. Arya Stark spies on Littlefinger and discovers a letter that Sansa wrote to her family, requesting their fealty to King Joffrey.

The title of the episode refers to the namesake place at which the final sequence takes place. "Eastwatch" received praise from critics, who listed Jon Snow's interaction with Drogon, Lena Headey's performance as Cersei Lannister, Gendry's return, and the tension between Arya and Littlefinger as highlights of the episode. In the United States, the episode achieved a viewership of 10.72 million in its initial broadcast, the highest of any episode in the first seven seasons.

This episode marks the final appearance of Tom Hopper (Dickon Tarly) and James Faulkner (Randyll Tarly).

Plot

On the Roseroad

After the battle, Bronn pulls Jaime ashore and they recognize they cannot defeat Daenerys with Dothraki and three dragons on her side. Daenerys has Randyll Tarly and his son Dickon, who both refuse to swear fealty to her, incinerated by Drogon despite Tyrion's protests. The remaining soldiers bend the knee.

At Winterfell

Bran, who can see the White Walker army approaching the Wall, requests that ravens be sent throughout the Seven Kingdoms to warn of the imposing threat.