Game of Thrones season 8 premiere reactions and surprises

Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy – Photo: Helen Sloan/HBO

Things you missed

1. Similarities to season 1, episode 1
Listen closely to the music playing as Jon and Daenerys, and their two armies process into Winterfell. It’s the same exact music you hear when King Robert, Cersei, and their children ride into Winterfell in the first episode of the series. Even the young boy running around Winterfell, climbing trees and weaving in and out of people to get a better look echoes Bran and Arya in that first episode.

2. Cersei is probably not pregnant
Before when she talked about her pregnancy to Jaime or Tyrion, Cersei didn’t drink any wine. But tonight, after her little romp with Euron Greyjoy, she sips her wine.

Photo Credit: HBO

3. The fate of Ed Sheeran
If you ever wondered what happened to the fate of the character played by Ed Sheeran in season 7, you got your answer… if you listened closely. His name was Eddie, and he had a beautiful voice (duh)! When Bronn was about to get it on with the three whores at the brothel, the ladies talked about the spoils of war.

"Girl 1: “That boy Eddie.” Girl 2: “The ginger?” Girl 1: “That’s him. Came back with his face burned right off. He’s got no eyelids now.” Girl 2: “How do you sleep with no eyelids?”"

So, there’s your answer. He survives but got his eyelids burned off. Yikes! Thanks to Barstool Sports for that insight.

4. Bronn’s new weapon
Qyburn asks Bronn to kill the queen’s brothers for treason (notice he said brothers – plural), and he gives him the crossbow weapon. It’s the same crossbow that was Joffrey’s present from Tywin Lannister, and the same crossbow Tyrion used to kill Tywin on his chamber pot.

5. Bran’s “old friend”
Bran tells Sam he can’t tell Jon about him being a Targaryen and all because he’s waiting for an “old friend.” Well, that “old friend” is Jaime Lannister, who arrives at Winterfell at the end of the episode. While there were a ton of memes out there for this moment (and many moments), this one has got to be my favorite.

BONUS: Did you spot the cameos?
If you blinked, you might have missed it. But It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Rob McElhenney and Silicone Valley star Martin Starr both played Euron Greyjoy’s sailors during the Yara rescue scene! Both actors met untimely deaths. Fun fact, McElhenney also made a cameo on another cult favorite, Lost, during season 3.

What did you think of episode 1? What do you think will happen next week?

Game of Thrones’ second episode of the season airs this Sunday on HBO at 9 p.m.