Game of Thrones Recap: What Happens on the Wall

By Reuben Levine | May 9, 2016

Game of Thrones offered a few surprises in the latest episode, but do they amount to much?

Game of Thrones is a show that excels in delayed gratification. Victories come hard and revenge comes much later, if it comes at all. The latest episode of season six, “Oathbreaker,” brought two storylines to a head — one that may have been long forgotten.

Jon Snow is alive but unsure what his new purpose is. The Wildings believe he may be a God, which may actually come in handy at some point. Jon’s revival goes against Melisandre’s expectations, and her shock is one of the highlights of the episode. Melisandre was once a character that believed to know all, but lately she’s been lost. She’s a character that needs something to believe in, and you could see the faith return to her eyes upon seeing Jon.

“Oathbreaker” is about characters finding their way, for better or worse. After training for an unknown amount of time, Arya is eventually given her sight back and a new purpose. We’re now a big step forward toward the perfect killing machine we know Arya will be, and that’s some sweet progress. Things move very slowly in Game of Thrones, after all.

More from HBO

Tyrion and Varys are trying to rule Mereen without Deanerys, and that’s not going well. Tyrion, however, is starting to become more comfortable with his new role, and tries — in vain — lighten the mood with the same drinking game he played with Shay back in the first season. Meanwhile, Varys is adapting his role as The Spider to his new surroundings. It’s not often that we get see Varys throw his weight around.

Dany, for her part, arrives at the Dothraki city that we saw back in season one. It’s one of several throwbacks this episode, but since Dany’ story is currently on the back burner it doesn’t go very far. Yet.

The big shock comes from Ramsay, the new Lord of Winterfell. In a meeting with the Umber’s, who aren’t having any of Ramsay’s usual shenanigans, we see a captured Rickon and Osha. Oh, and Shaggy Dog is dead. So, uh, surprise? This is either a major shock to the system or a ridiculous ploy. We haven’t seen Rickon in years, and frankly, that was for the better.

The real surprise is Bran’s storyline, which is actually exciting for once.

His return also moves Ramsay more towards the cartoon villain type as he tries to stamp out every Stark he can get his evil little hands on. It’s a surprise to see Rickon, but it feels contrived.

The real surprise is Bran’s storyline, which is actually exciting for once. Bran’s story has been one of constant travel with very little payoff for years, but these flashbacks/visions he has are constant episode highlights. Getting to see a young Eddard Stark duke it out with the Sword of the Morning is truly excellent. More, please.

Another moment that should have been more satisfying is the death of Allister Thorne. Blood has to be spilt for the murder of Jon, and Thorne has to go. Allister was Jon’s nemesis on The Wall, and this moment was a long time coming. So why doesn’t it work?

The hanging of Olly has more weight than the death of Allister. Allister was a worthy opponent, but there is something anticlimactic about seeing him go down. Maybe that’s how it was planned, as his speech makes it clear that he feels he fought well and just happened to have lost. This mass hanging also leads to the actual oath-breaking — Jon gives his cloak to Dolorous Edd and basically quits The Night’s Watch.

Next: The Leftovers is down a cast member.

Technically The Night’s Watch is until death, and he died. Did he actually break an oath? It’s the final scene of the episode, and could prove to be a huge and exciting shakeup. Season six has been solid so far outside of a few missteps, but a shakeup like this is very welcome.