The North
Rickon - No show in E7.
Rickon S6E8 prediction: Still act as useful hostage as bait to lure Jon or Sansa to Winterfell to attempt a rescue mission or prisoner exchange. He might warg into Bolton's hounds and get his revenge by turning them against Ramsay. There is no value in killing Rickon until all the other Starks are finally dead.
Umber / Karstark alliance - No show in E7.
Umber S68 prediction: With only 2000 Wildlings able to fight according to Jon, it doesn't appear those beyond the Wall are raiding and Umber is just using an excuse to secure Ramsay's aid. Umber can play both sides should Ramsay or Jon win. Because LittleJon did not bend the knee to Ramsay, he can truthfully say he was not fully allied with Ramsay and was ensuring that he was protecting Rickon in order to arrange a future married to one of Ramsay's future daughters and ensure that the Stark line is now merged with Bolton without needing to kill off the Stark boy.
Ramsay Bolton - No show in E7.
Ramsay S6E8 prediction: Ramsay is going to consolidate his strength in Winterfell. With the E5 trailer, Baelish has teleported to the north, missing the army of the Vale marching on Moat Cailin (avoiding White Harbor and House Manderly). Bolton has to be sending out envoys to get more support for the remaining Lords. He already has Umber and Karstark. Will he get House Manderly's allegiance (and possible turn-coat later on), or will Brienne beat him to it? Bolton has to defend the Moat and spread forces to make good on his pact with Umbers. Ramsay should have had plenty of time to call on many small houses to gauge allegiances and unite the north under as its warden, bringing more soldiers to bear with ravens and envoys. If he doesn't, he is a fool.
Bran S6E8 prediction: I throw my hands up. BenJen(obi) [did you notice the throwback hood removal a la Alec Guiness style?] will take Bran south of the Wall while being chased by the Others while he attempts to digest the elder 3ER brain core dump. Then Bran will have some more flashback greensight of the Mad King with the Kingslayer, dragons, raven, explosions of wildfire, seeing Jaime pushing him out of the tower window in Winterfell, and by E10 see Rhaegar and Lyanna with the newborn Jon.
Jon - Amazingly enough, Jon brought Sansa to the Wildlings first and Wun Wun won the day with one word for the Starks for the Wildling loyalty to lend their arms. The Umbers want the wildlings dead so it would be a matter of time when that battle would be brought to them and fought. Also, the wildlings would be a buffer when the Others come and be used before the northern houses counterattacked the dead army. This leaves the Wildlings in a bad position between two enemies, and they are delaying the inevitable fate of being decimated if they just wait it out instead of choosing a side to ally with. Sansa gave House Mormont her best words, followed by Jon and then Ser Davos Seaworth, finally fed up with the Stark's lack of diplomacy and empathy, threw in his two cents and got 62 (each worth 10 men for 620) Mormont swords according to a child lady lordling. Logistically, Deepwood is on the way to Bear Island so House Mormont should have been the last stop, but timing of events in the show are skewed. Little Lord Lyanna was not swayed by being buttered up with small talk by either Sansa or Jon. She did give into the idea of White Walkers and hushed her maester. But Bear Island is protected unless the sea freezes over and the Others can walk over the bay easily. With the idyllic setting of a waterfall, it does not appear that winter has frozen over the bay. However, the Night King might have some magic to do so, but he didn't use it at Hardhome, so this would be a major plot mistake if used in the future. Why didn't Jon show Longclaw and state he killed a White Walker with it and saved her Uncle Joer's life from the Others? As predicted, Jon gets a cold reception from House Glover and gets no support or men and Ser Davos held his golden tongue. Jon did not mention that the Others are coming and if they are not prepared and the north united, their little castle will be doomed all by its lonesome. Why didn't either of them tell Lord Glover that Rickon, the rightful heir to Winterfell, was being held prisoner by the Boltons and will be killed? The son of Lord Glover gives all the reasons not to assist Sansa because of Robb's foolishness, and Jon being a bastard and possible deserter. Having just won back Deepwood Motte from the Ironborn with the assistance of Bolton aid, Glover is in the pocket of Roose and Ramsay. The last straw was Jon befriending the Wildlings and a northern house would not dignify itself with marching along side a lawless and sworn enemy. Also, Jon could be considered a deserter from the Night's Watch and we saw how Ned Stark dealt with such crimes with beheading. Jon woefully needs diplomacy lessons and how to stir people's hearts to battle instead of leading with negative questions. Jon just falls flat as a beggar and does not rally people's hearts like Ser Davos. With a handful of men from Hornwood (200), Mormont (62), Mazin (143), Jon is pressing for the attack while Sansa is upset and preaching caution. Somehow Jon thinks another bad winter storm is coming so they must press to Winterfell. They can't hole up because Rickon's life depends on expediency. I beg to differ that it's Rickon's life, only his body as he is flayed and tortured by Ramsay as Sansa surely knows from her own experience and looking at Theon. She is even upset with Davos lending his counsel to Jon as his prior employer came to a bitter end. It makes no sense that a precocious 10 year old girl who is heir to the Mormont House is out in Jon's war camp in the middle of winter with her Maester. First off, it's bad luck for women to be in war camps. And second, it's just not believable that House Mormont's only daughter and heir to the family bloodline would allow the potential of being caught as a Stark bannerman should the siege go south and her betrayal will cause her to be flayed by the Boltons. Jorah would be next in line for ascension, but the Warden of the North has an outstanding death warrant for selling slaves and his wife Lynesse divorced him, remarried (it is assumed), thus renouncing her claim to the Mormont seat, and not given Jorah any heirs.
Jon S6E8 prediction: Jon has to come and see Ramsay in Winterfell. There's going to be a multi-pronged attack on the fortress as it should be quite large to defend and plenty of holes in it's guard. There will be a way in from the crypts which Sansa will lead a small wildling raiding party while Jon has to stand in the vanguard to draw the attention. Davos said they must be smart to attack against an enemy where they are outnumbered over 2 to 1.
Jon's prophecy: Azor Ahai; the prince that was promised
Sansa - She was at Jon's side throughout. She sent a letter a while back at Castle Black so it may help tip the balance for their cause but she wants to be absolutely certain it was received before they attack Winterfell. Why did she put a wax seal on the inside and not on the rolled up parchment? Why is she whinging at Jon over Ser Davos' integrity (did Brienne whisper against him) as his most trusted advisor? Sansa tried to sweet talk Lyanna Mormont and failed. Note that Lyanna is 10 and born the same time (290 AC) as Bran, yet showBran is claimed to be 15. Sansa was quiet and behind the scenes with the Wildlings. Sansa was scoffed at by Lord Glover after she attempted to act like a wolf and bristle like royalty. She is not the commanding figure she dreamt she was. Knowing that Jon's attack is suicidal with too small an army, she spies Mormont's ravens and drafts a letter to - who other than - Littlefinger. There is no way the Knights of the Vale or Blackfish's troops (Moat Cailin is a bottleneck, so the Blackfish will merge with the Vale in order to overrun the castle and continue north which will take days) can march north (a week or more) in time to meet them at Winterfell before Jon begins his assault (in a few days). The letter is a plea for help from the Vale and an undisclosed reward. Should Sansa be standing at the end of the battle of the bastards (confirmed EP9 title) with Bolton, she will reveal Petyr as a traitor to Jon and cut off his head. Royce, if he survives will be able to back up Sansa's story, putting the final nail in LF's coffin.
Davos - Ser Davos was at Jon's side throughout the proceedings at each gathering of war counsel parleys. As predicted, he tilted the Mormont's to the Starks' cause using the true war of the North against the White Walkers, convincing them to lend aid. He is coming in as a clutch player for the Starks' cause and Sansa is having a snit fit of jealousy that his statesmanship is much better. He casually mentions this is the war camp that Stannis used before his attempt on Winterfell.
Sansa S6E8 prediction: She is praying her letter pays off and possible Lord Baelish wins Moat Cailin and comes saving the day from the south. The letter she wrote would not be going to Blackfish as Brienne is her personal messenger. Could be sending the raven to the Manderly's but they need to get past Moat Cailin and the Vale siege. She would not send it to Lord Robin Arryn since the last they met she slapped him silly. There are a few minor houses, but this seems to be an important letter.
Sister - Brother rivalry: Jon ahead
Melisandre S6E8 prediction: More mousy scenes.
Davos S6E8 prediction: He will help Jon plan the attack on Winterfell and use every smuggler's trick in the book and force Jon to not be so honorable. Perhaps as they march south he will find the burnt sacrifice of Shireen and break down while having a talk with Lyanna Mormont as an aside. Then afterward he might swear to the old gods and the new and the Red that after all the fighting is done, Melisandre will pay for her sins with her head. He might possible find Shireen's pyre by the wayside.
Samwell & Gilly & baby Sam - No show for E7.
Samwell E6E8 prediction: Lord Tarly (or brother Dickon) will be after Sam and want to hang him for stealing the sword since it has not been legally bestowed to Sam. Gilly will not be allowed into the Citadel, but she will be able to stay hidden in Oldtown. Sam will have to get seriously trained in swordplay if he plans on using Heartbane, and seek protection from another lord from his father's deadly wrath or his father and retainers who will be chasing Sam and Gilly down. If Sam can talk the maesters to allow Gilly to stay under protection she might not be taken hostage. Perhaps Sam wants the sword so the maesters can study on why it can destroy the Others, as well as dragonglass. Possibly the Citadel will offer protection for Sam and not allow the Tarlys to arrest him. However, Gilly and the baby are easy targets and might be given up by spies. Can the maesters discover how to remake Valyrian steel? Will Sam take a wagon load of weapons north to swing the tide of battle when the Others find a way past the Wall?
The Vale
Lord Yohan Royce - No show for E7.
Riverrun
Lord Walder Frey - No show for E7.
Black Walder Rivers & Lothar Frey: Two poor excuses of soldiers, leaving their defences wide open and ineffectual mock execution of Edmure Tully. Both are put in their place by Jaime. Bronn also enjoyed having a go at their ineptitude in laying siege.
Jaime Lannister - Jaime is majestic in his Lannister armor, and buddying up with Bronn again. He quickly seized control of the siege from the Frey brothers and parleys with the Blackfish. After empty threats, the Blackfish is determined to fight to the last man to keep the castle of his childhood. If the boast having a larder that can hold out for 2 years, Jaime needs to move things along to get home, and is gridlocked against a determined opponent.
Jaime S6E8 prediction: Sent to the Riverlands to break the siege of Brynden Tully at Riverrun, Jaime is looking for a way to end the siege quickly. Jaime will attempt to broker a settlement signed by Edmune to relinquish his family's name and take up as a Frey (since Brynden will never surrender unless by death) after he gives the Trebuchet speech, scattering the Tully insurrection. Brienne arrives to find the Tullys are boxed in by the crown's forces. Brienne will also remind Jaime of his former vow to help (not kill off) Lady Stark's family and she will be on the opposing side if Jaime obey the command of the King and choses to fight. Jaime's arc of redemption is being thumped on his head with constant reminders of protecting Sansa and Arya since Catelyn spared his life and he swore an Oath which he finally might keep this time. The two of them will devise a plan for the Blackfish to escape yet again, ending the siege without bloodshed if Brynden takes the offer where he can help Sansa and allow his nephew to keep Riverrun, even though the Tully family name and bloodline will be ended. Jaime wants to be there for his sister during her trial, but is forced to do his duty with securing the castle. He swears he will kill every Tully if he has to end this war to get back to his sister. Will he get news (from Podrick accidently letting it slip?) of Cersei's betrayal with Lancel to push him over the edge against his own twin sister and refuse her summons to King's Landing? Or will he get news by raven that the High Sparrow knows about the incest that produced Tommen and is ready to arrest him so he plans to avoid the Faith Militant at all costs? Or that Cersei was the one who maneuvered the High Sparrow into his position and it backfired disastrously since Olenna threw that in Cersei's face? After the victory, Jaime will march to the Twins and dine with Walder Frey. Does a raven from Ramsay bring news to Walder that Roose and Walda are dead from poison by Sansa, or a spy of Stannis? Does he get into an argument with Walder about reinstating Edmune "Frey" as Lord of Riverrun, plus sickened at the sight of this Walder's behavior and depravity he decides to "pull a Castamere" on the Freys? That would prevent Arya (and Sandor) from revisiting the Twins and laying Walder down to his final sleep. However, since Edmune would be the last and only survivor of the Frey bloodline, he would inherit the Twins as well as Riverrun.
Bronn S6E8 prediction: As predicted, he joined up with Jaime for the Riverlands siege and is surly as ever as the unruly sidekick for Ride Along III.
Brienne / Podrick - No show for E7.
Brienne S6E8 prediction: Off to the Riverlands to get the alliance of the "Blackfish" Lord Brynden Tully in the Riverlands. On her travels, she doesn't run into a disheleved grave digger at the Quiet Isle as per the books. House Arryn has committed against Bolton, which might help Tully to toss his gauntlet in with Sansa. However, the Lannisters have besieged Riverrun to box in the Blackfish in his ancenstral castle. The Lannisters have a reputation in decimating a House to the very last man and Jaime already insinuated that he will do that to the Tullys. With two other houses backing the Blackfish to retake Riverrun for House Frey, led by Lannister forces, Brienne wants to attempt to convince the Blackfish to stand down in order to aid Sansa in the north. If the Blackfish ignores Sansa's request to surrender, Brienne will have failed in her mission. If Jaime attacks the Blackfish, she would be honor bound to assist the Tullys against the Lannisters and Freys. Perhaps she might convince Jaime to allow her to talk to the Blackfish and persuade him and some high-ranking men to sneak off in the middle of the night so the Lannisters win without bloodshed. Jaime keeps his vow intact to not harm any of Catelyn Stark's family, and he is victorious for the crown. Will Brienne's hand be forced to toss her gauntlet in with the Tullys in fighting Jaime? However, it appears Jaime will uphold his vow and allow the Blackfish and his forces to surrender and vacate the castle while running north to aid House Stark. This could be a win-win for everyone involved. Blackfish will see that time is of the essence to take the Bolton's down in order to protect his niece Sansa and nephew Rickon. Jaime can prevent bloodshed, claiming victory by retaking the castle for the Freys when Edmure bent the knee (helps that he is a Frey by marriage and the former / rightful lord of Riverrun), and convinced Blackfish to give up the castellan-ship of the castle and stand down. Jaime can take the non-violent option insisted by Brienne and claim to have exiled the Blackfish to the Wall to take the Black and fight the White Walkers / Wildlings, meanwhile he actually escaped with Brienne to aid Sansa and Jon.
Podrick S6E8 prediction: It appears that Pod is kidnapped by Bronn, but it just might be a prank in which the smarmy knight won't release the squire until he divulges his secret on why the three Littlefinger wenches gave him a free ride. Might be a cute tie in with the Meereenese Knot in the plot.
The Fingers
Sandor Clegane - He was the broken man who has found peace and solace after being put back together by a Septon of the Faith. Does this guy have mean acting chops? As well as good set of mutton chops? (See what I did there?) This timeline is way in the past of current events in this episode. The Septon, Ray (Meribald per the books, along with being a ditch-digger on Quiet Isle), found the broken man maybe at most two days from when Arya left his side. His recovery would have taken nearly three months for the major broken bone (this is no minor fracture which takes 6 to 8 weeks, since bone was exposed through the skin) to heal in his leg as Sandor shambles along. The timeline in the show is all scattered, so this is backstory in the past about a year ago. (ED: Event timelines in this show are starting to fray for entertainment purposes only by the showrunners and appears to be going down the rabbit hole like "Lost".) He still believes that might makes right and that is only reinforced when he prods the Septon to take arms against the bandits, yet the holy man refuses. Then while away from the group, the Brotherhood Without Banners kill all the people in the commune and hang the priest within the wooden frame of the Sept they were building. The audience was left to believe he was dying and on he way to heaven after Brienne beat him senseless and he fell off a cliff, begging Arya to end his suffering. Unless we see the body stop breathing, we have to assume that the character might still be alive. Will Stannis be alive next? Or will he become a White Walker since his body wasn't burned after the battle along with most of his bannermen outside Winterfell.
Sandor Clegane S6E8 prediction: Have axe, will chop (chickens!!!) looks to be Sandor's calling card. He will have an axe to grind with the BwB, tracking down Lem the Lemoncloak to serve justice (of the Seven against the Red God?), and especially Thoros of Myr after his victory against Beric, that these bandits have gone full outlaw, mass murdering innocent, unarmed, non-threatening (useless) people (and children) they swore to protect against the Freys and Cleganes from preying on. Also, originally Beric had an gripe with Gregor Clegane, so after Sandor removes the current leadership that no longer follows its original tenant of protecting the weak, Sandor will bring the BwB to heel. Lots of fans predict that Sandor will run into Lady Stoneheart as the new leader of the Brotherhood as Beric gave his life to save Catelyn's because the Septon was hanged as a calling card. Or the bandits are trying to appear to be the Brotherhood with mimicry of dropping the Lord of Light's calling cards (Night..full of terror) while doing atrocities in the name of the BwB to make the BwB look bad. The bigger prediction is that Sandor goes to King's Landing to act as the champion of the Faith Militant. Since these events are probably a just over a year ago, it is plausible that the recently deceased Septon might have told the High Sparrow about Clegane's revival. After all, he had the strength of four men, and was known to be a Lannister man and possibly a deserter from Joffrey's Kingsguard. Sandor is in the area east of Riverrun, south of the Twins and near Harrenhal. If Brienne and Podrick are taking a boat down the Trident, they might bump into him. It's doubtful that Samwell will run into Sandor and loan him Heartsbane (would be sweet to see him wielding that Claymore and cap off the Mountain) and pledge himself to go north to help Jon. Either way, Sandor will be highly sought after and very hard to keep hidden due to his height, strength and scarred face.
Iron Islands
Theon Greyjoy - In a Volantis tavern, he is forced to drink and taunted into becoming a man again by his sister or slit his own wrists and end it. It appears they took three weeks to get here from the Iron Islands. Those ships are really fast; not as fast as Littlefinger's teleporter, or Ramsay's 20 good men.
Yara Greyjoy - Yara tried to tease Theon into showing some spark, instead she realized he feels beaten so she has to try something to put fire in his belly. Only time will tell if she can awaken the young Kraken. Nothing like a little tough love or dramatically tragic psychology to brighten up her brother's day.
Euron Greyjoy - No show for E7.
Theon / Yara S6E8 prediction: They have no love for the north and plenty of weakened shore towns to attack. Perhaps they will be pirates. I do not see them teaming up with Dorne. They do not have enough ships to transport Dany and her forces so getting to Meereen first would not help since a fleet needs to be built and Euron could arrive a few days behind them, while his shipwrights build a thousand ships in a time warping bubble. Yara wants to raid the Iron Islands and take them back from Euron which would cause a major civil war. Since Euron's fleet is outnumbered, they might be able to sink Euron's dreams and stop him from building a fleet. But it appears the siblings are racing toward Meereen instead.
It's a pipedream that they convince Dany to their side and turn on Euron, who is coming with a fleet. If they all think they can betray Euron and take his ships without a huge fight between Dany's forces and Euron, they know nothing. If Euron is slain or held captive, Euron's captains would not let Dany get her hands on their ships and would still consider Theon and Yara outcasts. It would be a sappy ending if Dany re-establishes Yara as Queen of the Ironborn while uniting all of the Ironborn fleet without much bloodshed. If Tyrion is at the meeting, he will advice Dany that Theon is not to be trusted as he backstabbed the Starks after being raised by them, and killing Rickon and Bran after capturing Winterfell behind Robb Stark's back. The Ironborn have a tough sell of maintaining control of their fleet for past transgressions against their lieges as untrustworthy treacherous bastards.
Sister - Brother rivalry: Yara ahead, but only by sausage.
Euron S6E8 prediction: It would take approximately 4 years to build a fleet of 1000 ships and then a month to saild in treacherous seas to reach Meereen from the north west coast of Westeros, south around the Reach and Dorne, the Summer Sea and the Narrow Sea, etc. etc. But maybe Euron has borrowed Littelfinger's worm hole teleporter which can fit a ship at a time for each of a 1000 to slip through, or so large it can encompass the entire fleet. Also, he will have to contend with a civil war from Yara. If Yara starts a civil war, yt looks doubtful Euron is going to be able to keep the few ships he has left, much less be able to launch a new fleet. He will be land locked and unable to sail to Essos. But, Balon's brood has made haste to Meereen to outfox the fox.
King's LandingEuron S6E8 prediction: It would take approximately 4 years to build a fleet of 1000 ships and then a month to saild in treacherous seas to reach Meereen from the north west coast of Westeros, south around the Reach and Dorne, the Summer Sea and the Narrow Sea, etc. etc. But maybe Euron has borrowed Littelfinger's worm hole teleporter which can fit a ship at a time for each of a 1000 to slip through, or so large it can encompass the entire fleet. Also, he will have to contend with a civil war from Yara. If Yara starts a civil war, yt looks doubtful Euron is going to be able to keep the few ships he has left, much less be able to launch a new fleet. He will be land locked and unable to sail to Essos. But, Balon's brood has made haste to Meereen to outfox the fox.
Tommen Baratheon - No show in E7.
Kevan Lannister - No show in E7.
Cersei Baratheon/Lannister - Pretty much another no show for E7 with a minor part. She decided to feel out Olenna, The Queen of Thrones, before she leaves the capital. Cersei tries her best to convince Olenna there is still power in their friendship, but is berated as being smug when the Tyrell children were locked away by the Faith, and so stupid as to orchestrate their own family's demise and fall of power by handing it over to the High Sparrow, and completely void of any allies even within her own family. Jaime is gone to the Riverlands, Kevan is in Tommen's pocket, Tommen is in the Sparrow's pocket, as is Lancel. Cersei refuses to give up and run back to Casterly Rock, awaiting her trial with her champion Frankenmountain beside her.
Ser Robert Strong / Gregor Clegane - A shadowy show for E7 standing behind Cersei while Olenna advises her to run home to the west just like she is doing. I guess Gregor doesn't like smashing old ladies heads into walls that bad mouth his master.
Maester Pycelle - No show for E7.
High Sparrow - The Sparrow corners Margaery to see how faithful she really is and doubts she is as pious as her act. He gauges her and taunts her with those who can recite scripture and those who can't read but actually follow the intent of the words. He also needs her to produce an heir with Tommen so he can sink his hooks into the child's upbringing and brainwash a new king. When he finally realizes her bluff of being truly penitent and desire to give an heir, he mentions that her grandmother needs to be punished for her sins which would give him leverage to use against Marg. His plan on taking the wealth from the rich houses and raise the poor could be a ruse, and might corrupt his noble purpose. If Margaery gives an heir, her role is diminished and she can be discarded. Does the HS know about the plot to kill Joffrey between Baelish and Olenna and he is referring to that sin? He seems to be driving a huge wedge to break the alliance between House Lannister and Tyrell and looks like he's winning. Keeping Loras locked up also prevents Cersei's marriage to the Tyrells and strengthening that bond between houses, since Loras lost his position on the Kingsguard.
Lancel Lannister - No show for E7.
Olenna Tyrell - Looks like the Small Council is not meeting anymore? She meets with her granddaughter Margaery and is on edge with Septa Unella not giving them privacy and threatened the nun with a good bashing. In a bold move, Marg slips her a folded bit of paper to confirm she is still firmly a Tyrell and not a Faith Militant convert. She is pushed into leaving for Highgarden for her own safety without being told that the HS has his sights on her since Septa Unella is watching every move and listening to every word. She is powerless, and for Loras to be free of the HS, he will have to start over as a penitent free man renouncing his titles and his claim to Highgarden.
Mace Tyrell - No show for E7.
Queen Margaery Baratheon (Tyrell) - Marg verbally sparred with the Sparrow and tried to appear dutiful to the faith, but she is clearly being outmanuevered. Once the HS makes an overt play toward her grandmother to repent her sins, Marg pushes for Olenna to leave King's Landing as soon as possible. She knows giving Tommen an heir will reduce her position so she attempts to make poor excuses as to why she is not bedding the king. She will do everything to be "The Queen" and protect her brother Loras from further punishment and try to wrest Tommen from the Sparrow's influence. Even Cersei has admitted that Marg has Tommen wrapped around her finger. Can Marg seduce Tommen away from the Sparrow while failing to get pregnant? Or only have girl children?
Loras Tyrell - No show for E7.
Qyburn - No show for E7.
Cersei S6E8 prediction: With the trial fast approaching, she will pick Clegane as her champion and Qyburn in tow with any potions to revive his monster. Still, she has pushed down any priority in seeking revenge on Dorne for Myrcella's death. She has bigger fish to fry before she can manage that, but her frustration should be palpable. Has Cersei trained Tommen to use himself as bait to gain proximity to the HS so he could betray the HS as Cersei has been coaching? It doesn't appear Cersei is winning the contest of wills over Tommen. It appears that Cersei is attempting to leave the Red Keep or enter the Sept without permission and is being challenged by Lancel and six of his acolytes. Gregor appears to wipe the floor with the Faith Militant in the E8 trailer while Qyburn smiles with glee that Cersei wants to see violence. Afterward Ser Strong is victorious, Cersei marches to see King Tommen as Kevan and Pycelle give counsel.
If Cersei wins the trial, the High Sparrow might leak that Olenna Tyrell murdered Joffrey instead of blaming Tyrion. The HS might want to put the nail in the coffin to ensure the two families break their allegiance. Another vector of attack for the HS is finally revealing incontrovertible proof that Joffrey and Tommen are products of incest between her and Jaime, fanning the flames again of rumors and bits of facts left by Jon Arryn and Ned Stark, and possibly someone overhearing Jaime yelling in Cersei's chambers. Lancel's confession might betray Cersei and Jaime for a second attempt at a trial. If Cersei wins her first trial, and the news that the HS is arresting her again for incest, while removing Tommen from the throne, she might go Mad King and try to blow up the Red Sept with wildfire as seen in Bran's vision and burn them all. The whole "burn them all" was the victory strategy that the 3 Eyed Raven was whispering to Aerys II Targaryen to defeat white walkers and army of the dead, but that is not important now. Writing to Jaime about needing him to protect her from the incest accusations, (with Jaime finding out that Cersei cheated with Lancel and so rebukes her with silence), Cersei will eventually give up waiting for a rescue from her brother when the HS noose comes for her.
Sister - Brother rivalry: Jaime
Cersei's prophecies:
Each of her children she will watch die before her
She will be killed by Volanqar (younger sibling) -
Arya has her on the hit list, and Nymeria killed Myrcella so why not go for the mother
Sandor could be alive since we did not actually see him stop breathing, and the Faith saved him
Dany might, but she might be too late to the party to help
Tommen does not appear to be the type to be a kinslayer
Loras is in no shape
Brienne has no reason
High Sparrow S6E8 prediction: The HS has yet to play his trump card to remove Loras and Tommen once and for all. Certainly there is proof of Loras' buggery with Renly, and that Margaery was marrying the false king Renly. Also, there are tons of crumbs detailing Cersei and Jaime had Tommen in incest. I see the HS appoint Tommen, Loras and Lancel as 3 of the 7 champions for the Faith to combat Cersei's champion. This will possibly lead to Tommen's death and removing the bastard king instead of having to do all the heavy lifting by implicating incest. The HS could whisper to Tommen to toe the line or else he will reveal his illegitimacy. Lancel is keeping Kevan in check, and his conversion means loss of title, and death would mean Kevan lost his heir for good. Lancel looks like the type that wants to hit something anyway. The HS might break Loras to fight for the Faith. Holding Loras keeps House Tyrell in check and preventing his marriage to Cersei to further strengthen the bond between two strong houses. Sacrificing Loras in the trial by combat would be a way to end the succession of heirs in the most dramatic fashion after getting a convert. If Ser Strong is truly an abomination created by Qyburn by easily killing all these capable men, this might give the HS proof that he doesn't bleed and is unnatural. Also, if Gregor kills Loras, this would give cause to the Tyrells to hate the Lannisters and be the straw that broke the camels back in their unity for Mace, Olenna and Cersei. If Cersei should win the trial, he has two more cards to play. He could finally dismantle House Tyrell by implicating Olenna in the poisoning of King Joffrey, and pardon Tyrion for murder of the King, but still have a warrant for his sin of murdering his father Tywin. Then he can bring up the incest claim between Cersei and Jaime in full force, obliterating House Lannister in one last broad stroke, taking Cersei again into prison, along with Tommen's removal from the Iron Throne. This would allow the HS to usurp the throne with no heir apparent from either House Lannister or Tyrell. This bold move also removes Margaery claim to the throne since she is no longer married to a recognized King. If the Tyrells try to counter to take the throne for themselves, the death of Loras in the trial or his imprisonment makes him ineligible since the people will revolt against the Tyrells at the HS bidding. Jaime will be too busy in the Riverlands and must keep the seat of Casterly Rock so he will fall back and never want to go to King's Landing again, even to save his sister because he would be implicated and imprisoned for incest as well. Plus Jaime leaving his command might be considered treason. The HS might then turn his sights on Kevan and demand he bring Jaime to justice in order to save his own house and capture Tyrion since he should have been hanged for his crime. Cersei is as good as dead since Kevan will not rescue her and risk his own neck and ruin of his house and the HS will order the destruction of Ser Strong. Jaime will be labeled a traitor to the crown for taking part in the sin of incest, and in his deception for many years. Once Kevan is the only Lannister left, the HS will orchestrate his assassination and plant proof implicating the Sand Snakes or Tyrion, Varys and/or Daenerys from their exile in Essos.
Queen Margaery S6E8 prediction: She will continue to find a way to bend Tommen to her will in a contest with the Sparrow. Perhaps she is using her piety to deny Tommen in bed and make him beg and promise her anything to get an heir. Marg also has to protect her brother Loras from the Faith and further punishment. She will feel at peace knowing her grandmother is safe away in Highgarden. With Septa Unella in tow, her words will be carefully chosen with whomever she meets with. However, I fear that Loras will have to repent and defend the faith's honor against Cersei in order to be free. The Sparrow will overpower her ideas for the crown, watching the royal power crumble. The HS might have a few surprises she cannot combat, such as turning Loras into a champion against Cersei, or illegitimizing Tommen's birthright to the throne and removing her from power.
Lady Olenna S6E8 prediction: As predicted, she is preparing to go back to Highgarden since the Small Council appears to have been disbanded or kicked her off, and gave Cersei a good tongue lashing for her stupidity in not controlling Tommen or the High Sparrow. The Queen of Thrones will fade to the background and retreat to safety.
Kevan S6E8 prediction: Sticking by Tommen's side as the Hand, he tipped the King off what Jaime, Cersei and Olenna were planning. He did not interfere; he simple urged Tommen to weaken the crown's influence to undermine his own family. What a nice uncle. The Realm before Family I suppose. Due to this act, I forsee Cersei getting revenge on him and putting him to ground. If not, the Sparrow will use him to round up the rest of his family, arresting Cersei and Jaime for incest, and Tyrion of kinslaying.
Pycelle S6E8 prediction: Having hidden his spry nature in the guise of an elderly bent man, Cersei has no more use for Pycelle, but Tommen will not forgo having a Grand Maester as counselor.
Margaery S6E8 prediction: She is trying to outfox the Sparrow in controlling Tommen while appearing to be one with the Faith. Her next objective is to be "The Queen", so she needs to direct the Sparrow to continue to attack Cersei instead of house Tyrell. Then she needs to twist Tommen in a knot and start making the king see he is in mortal danger from the Sparrow and disarm the Faith Militant with a royal decree, reduce their numbers to a handful and have the position of High Septon appointed by the King for an annual (or maybe two year) term instead of for life, and the install the crown's ability to move septons around the kingdom at will.
Sister - Brother rivalry: Sister winning
Frankenmountain S6E8 prediction: He will possibly attack Kevan and defend Cersei against the Sparrow's 7 champions, as the rules of the trial by combat changes. In the trailer, he definitely has his way with 7 acolytes in the hall of either the Red Keep to prevent her egress or before the King's chambers. He breastplate gets dented by the time he escorts Cersei to the Throne Room, and the marks look like they were made by Lancel (with his strange looking four pronged mace). With at least one sparrow being strangled by his own chains by the Mountain, perhaps Clegane murdered all 7 of them including Lancel. In the Season Trailer, it's possible we see a silhouette of the Mountain being stabbed from behind a smaller unarmored opponent in the Red Keep. Time will tell.
Tommen S6E9 prediction: This boy appears totally whipped by Margaery's charms and the Sparrow's compelling words. I doubt he has it in him to stab the Sparrow in the back and instead will give the Sparrow everything he wants. With Margaery's support from the people, the dismantling of the nobility's special treatment will be whittled away. He can whine all he wants about not bedding Margaery, but he cannot even seduce her on his own as he has no charisma.
Mace S6E8 prediction: Take Olenna home to Highgarden.
Qyburn S6E8 prediction: Giggle inside when Frankenmountain mops the floor with Lancel and crew. Cry when Frankenmountain gets slaughtered defending Cersei's honor in the trial.
Dorne
Ellaria -
Sand Snakes -
Obara, Nymeria, etc.
Ellaria S6E8 prediction: Have a war council and move on the Stormland to prepare a land attack against King's Landing, and send word to Daenerys Targaryen for her return once the area is secured.
Sand Snakes S6E8 prediction: Kill of Kevan Lannister and Pycelle.
Essos
Dathroki Sea
Daenerys Targaryen - Who lets the queen ride off and disappear without a guard? Amazing how Drogon was just hiding behind that hill. Guess he was super stealthy and hungry so Dany fed him her white horse as a snack and allowed her to ride him without even noticing Drogon lifting off and flying BEHIND the entire 100,000 Dothraki from the FRONT of the vanguard. Now she finally has control of Drogon and we will see how well she can maintain command of Drogon. Good luck getting the Dothraki across to Westeros and then reining them in from butchering peasants and raping the weak. Jorah said the Dothraki weapons are no match for armor. Even Daario is goading her being a wannabe conqueror without any real head-on victories under her belt. Every victory has been due to deception and sneakiness.
Daenerys S6E8 prediction: Ride on Drogon to Meereen a few days ahead of her army, quickly meet with Tyrion and find out the he freed her other two dragons. From the trailer, it seems she will land on top of the capitol building. She will go fly off and look for the wandering dragon siblings on Drogon's back. Then she will continue the long waiting game with feeding thousands of idle Dothraki getting bored outside of Meereen, while waiting to get them all sea sick or lost at sea in a storm.
Dany's prophecies:
Light three fires - one for life, death, and love
Ride three mounts - one to bed, one to dread, one to love
Three treasons - once for blood, once for gold, once for love
Jorah - No show for E7.
Daario - He showed his contempt for Dany's attitude of being a paper conqueror as he goads her which she does not pick up on. Usually he is smitten with her and would do anything for his Khaleesi so she is so vapid and full of herself it doesn't even register in her brain. It may appear that he is pumping her ego, but he knows that the Dothraki are not going to stop raiding and settle down to farm when the war is supposed to be over so she can sit on a throne and rule in one fixed spot. The tribes may change their ways to ride a ship across the sea and deal with sickness, but they won't stop their ways of roaming the land, stealing horses, forcing their defeated opponents into slavery or demanding tribute. He alluded to Dany being restless and not being able to sit in a chair and rule, but as most men, they eventually tire of war and want to settle down. What future queen will Dany be in Westeros if she always rides around and pillages? Who will be left to pillage if she makes peace? Will this mean eventually the Dothraki will be most likely exterminated, exiled back to Essos once used as a convenient tool, or less likely converted to become sedentary and form permanent villages. I cannot see all of the Dothraki, the elderly and children, leaving Essos. There has to be a contingent left behind to resume living at Vaes Dothrak or lose their heritage by invaders. Moving the entire nation of Dothraki to Westeros is an absolutely insane plan. Perhaps he wants her to stay in Essos with the Dothraki and away from Westeros completely while they raid all over Essos which is 10 times larger than the Seven Kingdoms. This will spare Westeros from the Dothraki horde which will never be quelled, and would make Daario very wealthy since there are many cities in Essos to raid and eventually he can retire ruling a city of his own pledging his loyalty to Dany and live out his days in safety.
Jorah S6E8 prediction: Seek out someone in Lys or some R'hollr priestess in Volantis for a cure, or hear about how Seline was healed.
Daario S6E8 prediction: He might betray her as one of the instigators of the Sons of the Harpies. He leads the Second Sons (not the Stormcrows) on the show, so the naming might be too coincidental.
Meereen
Tyrion - No show for E7.
Tyrion S6E8 prediction: Get bored with ruling and go back to drinking. Then take a stroll in the streets of Meereen with Varys to check on the smallfolk and how the Red Priestesses are brainwashing the people into believing Daenarys is the hottest ruler since Aerys II. He appears to be staring at the ceiling in the E8 trailer contemplating his navel and realize how useless he is because three dragons just landed on the capital building. It will be probably at the end of the season where Tyrion can have a joke with the three eunuchs - Varys, Grey Worm and Theon.
Tyrion parentage theory: It is rumored that the late King Aerys II Targaryen bedded Tywin's wife Joanna Lannister after the 10th anniversary Tournament. Since all of the Queen's births were miscarraiges or stillborns, with the last being premature, it is plausible that Aerys' tainted seed could have caused Joanna's death in childbirth to a disfigured boy, even though sister-Queen Rhaella survived many birthings. Aerys taunted Joanna at the tourney, and in the past desired her to be his wife as he mocked Tywin that it is no longer the host's right to take the bride first before her husband has a chance to bed. Tywin had alluded that Tyrion might not be his child by blood, but he upheld that he was a Lannister. This would tie in with RT+LS=J, and Daenerys, and Tyrion to be the three dragon-riders and all related in the same Targaryen bloodline.
Varys - No show for E7.
Varys S6E8 prediction: Count how many days of no one getting killed. Relate his story yet again to some newcomers to Meereen how some wizard cut him root and stem and fed his parts to a fire for some dark magical spell. I cannot believe that Varys is sitting idle and has not found who burned the fleet in Meereen's docks. And how good is the Red Priestess fairing in converting the populace to Dany's charms? A Queen who appears to believe in Dothroki gods, now claiming to be a follower of the Lord of Light, yet was raised under the Seven (New) gods. I guess this is to mirror Trump's election arc.
Grey Worm - No show for E7.
Missandei - No show for E7.
Braavos
Arya - Is was quite confusing to see Arya so full of herself and acting smug and high born. She is so used to being invisible, her actions in booking passage and just standing out in the open looking completely like a foreigner does not compute. Nor does her having a split personality and the Waif is her illusionary doppledanger since the E7 trailer shows them both running through the city, and not in the magical land of the House of Black & White. Also contrary to this theory is that the Waif beat her in the streets while there were onlookers as Arya begged. And we see the Waif spying on Arya behind the stage with the mummer's troupe so she can report to Jaqen of Arya's failing the missing to poison Lady Crane. Furthermore, she was not even acting for fear of her life after breaking the contract, knowing punishment would be severe. The Arya we see is well monied, coiffed, sans Needle, and **completely healed from any facial bruises**. Upon checking in freeze-frame FHD, Arya is indeed sporting bruises and cuts on her face. Also, the attacker's hand is spotted and wrinkled during the stabbing, but one the camera cuts to the abdomen area, the attacker's hands are young skin. Also, Arya would have noted the familiarity of the old woman's face from studying and tracing the same skinned face within an alcove in the House of Black and White. The victim is
Arya S6E8 prediction: In the E8 trailer, Arya is in a bluish-green shirt instead of a brown shirt and dark brown tunic, boots and pants now dry, completely dry hair and no longer in a topknot and running and leaping. This is impossible for someone trying to hold their guts in from two abdominal stab wounds. The Waif is also in a change of clothes. If it was a day later before the boat trip, her strenuous activity would rip open her wounds. It doesn't look like Arya got jumped in her bunker, and yet it appears the Waif is chasing her through the streets of Braavos at full tilt without Needle strapped to her side. Let's say it was the real Arya getting stabbed. First off, she is completely without caution while known killers are hunting her. It's highly unlikely she is using pig's intestines and blood in a bladder to fake the wound. The mummer's do not use that kind of make-up and effects, merely streamers. Also, that would assume that the assassin would not slice her throat, or stab her in the back or chest; which are very poor assumptions. After leaving the canals sopping wet, the fake blood bladder would have been washed out and / or empty. Then she is staggering down a street bleeding out so anyone looking for a wounded person can follow her blood trail. In the Season's #2 trailer we see a small hand smearing blood on the wall around a corner wearing the same blue-green shirt as in the EP8 trailer. The only friend she might possibly have in Braavos is Lady Crane in the mummer's troupe. Did Arya lose her two bags of coins when she dropped into the canal? Where did she get that much money from? I can't believe that she got that much from begging for a few weeks. She had no where to stash it during training or sleeping in an alleyway while she was blind (amazingly lucky that no one robbed or raped her). The split-personality theory makes no sense either as we have scenes where the Waif is beating her up on the streets with onlookers passing by. Also, we see the Waif sneaking about the mummer troupe's backstage to check if Arya does the deed in poisoning Lady Crane. In the worst case scenerio, let's say Arya is actually mortally wounded and gets to Lady Crane; does she get magically cured overnight and in a safe-house while being hunted by the best assassins in the world? Perhaps she tries to get to the docks the next morning and the Waif is shocked to see Arya walking as if nothing was wrong with her and gave chase. Perhaps the Waif is surprised because she believes Arya is dead but Arya disguised someone else to take her place as the victim. Arya leads the Waif to the bunker where she stashed Needle and in the darkness, blind fights the Waif and wins by showing her the pointy end. Hopefully both the Waif and Arya are not wearing the same outfit so we are left guessing who really won. Since both the Waif and Arya know about the mummer's troupe, whoever is victorious can persuade Lady Crane to take her along, replace play Sansa, and take a ship to Westeros since the crowds and patrons in Braavos were horrible.
King Robert Baratheon succumbed to belly wounds from tusks after a week or two. Areo died almost instantly to one stab in the back by the Sand Snakes. That must have been a poisoned blade with insta-death to drop a trained warrior without being able to counter attack. Roose Bolton died with one stab from a dirk from Ramsay. Maybe Ramsay used poison on the blade as he said that his father died of poison. Also, Ramsay's older and pure-blooded brother suspected death was from being poisoned. The plot armor is strong with this one when you get stabbed two times with a twist. I suspect the real Arya was not stabbed so she won't be able to compare scars with Jon when she gets home. Do we foresee a reunion with Arya and Sandor, and then they run into Sansa? And will Sansa fall for Sandor and chop Petyr from breast to navel to put him to ground for good? Maybe Gendry will row up and offer Arya a ride to Westeros? And then they all will run into Melisandre as she predicted?
As an aside, Arya can scratch Joffrey off her list due to the mummer's play portraying that Tryion poisoned the King.
Armies of Westeros
House Targaryen
Daenerys
Unsullied
Elite - 8,000
Regular -
Support -
Dothraki
Elite - 15,000 (horselords)
Regular - 15,000
Support -
Stormcrows/Second Sons (Daario)
Regular - 500
Support - 100
Navy - 0
Westerlands
House Lannister (Lannisport) ***
Tywin (murdered by Tyrion)
Devan Lannister - Lord of the West & Casterly Rock (capitol)
Kevan Lannister
Regular - 30,000 / 50,000
Navy - 50 / 60 ships
King's Landing (Crownlands)
Elite - 200 (Royal Kingsguard)
Regular - 2,000 / 15,000 (5000 at Riverrun)
Navy - 50 ships
House Banefort (Banefort)
House Brax (Hornvale)
House Broom
House Clegane (Clegane's Keep)
House Crakehall (Crakehall)
House Farman (Faircastle)
House Lefford (Golden Tooth)
House Lydden (Deep Den)
House Kenning (Kayce)
House Marbrand (Ashemark)
House Payne (e.g. Ilyn, Podrick)
House Piper (Pinkmaiden)
House Prester (Feastfires)
House Reyne (destroyed)
House Sarsfield (Sarsfield)
House Serrett (Silverhill)
House Swyft (Cornfield)
House Tarbeck (Tarbeck Hall)
House Westerling
The Reach
House Tyrell (Highgarden) ***
Lord Mace Tyrell - Lord Paramount of the Reach / Mander & the South
Army - 20,000 / 80,000 - 100,000
Navy -
House Ashford
House Caswell
House Crane
House Florent (Brightwater Keep)
House Fossoway
House Gardener
House Hightower (Hightower)
House Merryweather (Oldtown)
House Mullendore
House Oakheart
House Redwyne (Arbor)
House Rowan
House Tarly (Horn Hill)
House Vyrwel
Iron Islands
House Greyjoy (ex-Ironborn)
Yara /Theon
Army - 90
Navy - 30 ships
House Greyjoy (Pyke) ***
Balon (murdered)
Euron - Lord of the Iron Islands
Army - 5,000 / 20,000
Navy - 66 / 500 ships
The North
House Bolton (Dreadfort) ***
Roose (murdered by Ramsay)
Ramsay Bolton - Warden of the North
Army - 3,500 / 33,000 (45K w/ Winterfell @ prime)
Navy -
House Stark (ex-Winterfell / ex-Castle Black)
Eddard (executed by Joffrey)
Robb (murdered by Roose)
Sansa / Jon
Regular - 2,000 (Wildlings)
Support -
Navy - 0
House Karstark (Karhold)
Harrion Karstark (deceased / war)
Rickard Karstark (executed by Robb)
Harald Karstark
Regular - 2,000
Support -
House Umber (Last Hearth)
Jon "Greatjon" Umber (deceased / war)
Jon "Smalljon" Umber
Regular - 3,000
Support -
House Manderly (White Harbor)
Lord Wyman Manderly
Regular - 3,000
Support -
House Mormont (Bear Island)
Jeor Mormont (murdered by Rast)
Maege Mormont
Regular - 1,000 (62 pledged)
Navy -
House Hornwood (Hornwood)
Regular - 2,000 (200 pledged)
House Ashford (inside joke)
House Cerwyn (Cerwyn) - Jonelle Cerwyn
House Cassel - Lady Beth Cassel
Jory Cassel (dec. @ RW)
House Caulfield (inside joke)
House Dustin (Barrowton) - Lady Barbrey Dustin
House Flint (Breakstone Hill) - Bloodline Abandoned
House Glover (Deepwood Motte) - sacked twice in a year, hardly any troops
House Mazin (inside joke - 143 pledged)
House Mollen
House Poole
House Reed (Greywater Watch)
House Ryswell
House Smallwood (inside joke)
House Tallhart
House Wibberley (inside joke)
The Vale
House Arryn (Eyrie) ***
Jon Arryn (murdered by Lysa and Petyr)
Robin Arryn - Warden of the East
Regular - 20,000 / 45,000 (standing / draft)
Navy -
House Baelish (The Fingers) (Harrenhal - abandoned)
Petyr Baelish - Lord Paramount of the Trident (Vale & Riverlands)
House Belmore
House Coldwater (Coldwater Burn)
House Corbray
House Egen
House Grafton
House Hersy
House Hunter
House Melcolm
House Redfort
House Royce (Runestone) - Lord Yohn Royce
House Templeton
House Waynwood
Riverlands
House Tully (Riverrun) ***
Brynden Tully
Hoster Tully (deceased by illness)
Edmune Tully (heir)
Regular - 20,000 / 45,000
Navy -
House Frey (The Twins) - Lord Walder Frey
House Blackwood (allied with Tully)
House Bracken
House Darry
House Lothston
House Mallister (allied with Tully)
House Mooton
House Mudd
House Piper
House Ryger
House Strong
House Vance
House Whent (deposed) - Lady Shella Whent
Stormlands
House BaratheonRenly (murdered by Melisandre)
Regular - 0 (backed by House Tyrell)
Storm's End (aka Dragonstone) *** - Abandoned
Stannis (defeated by Ramsay / murdered by Brienne)
Elite - 450
Regular - 3,000 (lost at Winterfell)
- 27,000 (lost at King's Landing)
Braavos - 20,000 (lost at Winterfell)
Navy - 160 (lost at Blackwater Bay)
House Buckler (Bronzegate)
House Caron
House Connington (Griffin's Roost) - Ronnet (Jon Connington exiled)
House Dondarrion (Blackhaven)
House Errol (Haystack Hall)
House Estermont
House Fell (Felwood)
House Penrose
House Selmy (Barristen Selmy - deceased)
House Staedmon
House Swann
House Tarth (Evenfall Hall) - Endrew Tarth - Brienne - Sapphire Island
House Wylde
Dorne
House Martell - Bloodline Ended
Doran (murdered by Ellaria)
Sand Snakes - Ellaria Sand
Regular - 20,000 / 40,000
Navy -
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