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{{Infobox television episode
{{Infobox television episode
|title = The House of Black and White
|image_size =
|image_size =
|image =
|image =
Line 9: Line 8:
|director = [[Michael Slovis]]
|director = [[Michael Slovis]]
|writer = [[David Benioff]]<br>[[D. B. Weiss]]
|writer = [[David Benioff]]<br>[[D. B. Weiss]]
|producer =
|music = [[Ramin Djawadi]]
|music = [[Ramin Djawadi]]
|photographer = David Franco
|photographer = David Franco
|editor = Katie Weiland
|editor = Katie Weiland
|production =
|airdate = {{Start date|2015|4|19}}
|airdate = {{Start date|2015|4|19}}
|length = 55 minutes
|length = 55 minutes
Line 44: Line 41:
* [[J. J. Murphy (actor)|J. J. Murphy]] as Denys Mallister
* [[J. J. Murphy (actor)|J. J. Murphy]] as Denys Mallister
* [[Michael Condron]] as Bowen Marsh
* [[Michael Condron]] as Bowen Marsh
* [[Derek Lord]] as Mallister supporter
* Tom Fava as Street tough 1
* Derek Lord as Mallister supporter
|season_list =
* Paul Kennedy as Eyrie guard
* Winston Davis as Street tough 2
* Irene Kelleher as Inn waitress
* Curtis-Lee Ashqar as Son of the Harpy
* Jonathan Gunning as Dwarf hunter 1
* Alan McKee as Dwarf hunter 2
|prev = [[The Wars to Come]]
|prev = [[The Wars to Come]]
|next = [[High Sparrow (Game of Thrones)|High Sparrow]]
|next = [[High Sparrow (Game of Thrones episode)|High Sparrow]]
|season_article = Game of Thrones (season 5)
|season_article = Game of Thrones season 5
|episode_list = List of Game of Thrones episodes
|episode_list = List of Game of Thrones episodes
}}
}}
"'''The House of Black and White'''" is the second episode of the [[Game of Thrones (season 5)|fifth season]] of [[HBO]]'s [[fantasy]] television series ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', and the 42nd overall. The episode was written by series co-creators [[David Benioff]] and [[D. B. Weiss]], and directed by [[Michael Slovis]].<ref name="s5 directors">{{cite web |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/07/15/game-of-thrones-season-5-directors/ |title='Game of Thrones' season 5 directors chosen |work=Entertainment Weekly |first=James |last=Hibberd |date=July 15, 2014 |accessdate=July 15, 2014}}</ref> It aired on April 19, 2015.<ref name="futon">{{cite web |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/showatch/game-of-thrones/listings/ |title=Shows A-Z - game of thrones on HBO |publisher=The Futon Critic |accessdate=March 23, 2015}}</ref> Prior to airing, this episode along with the other first four episodes of the season were leaked online.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://money.cnn.com/2015/04/12/technology/game-of-thrones-leaked-episodes/|title='Game of Thrones': First four episodes leaked before premiere|last=Goldman|first=David|publisher=CNN|date=April 12, 2015|accessdate=April 13, 2015}}</ref>
"'''The House of Black and White'''" is the second episode of the [[Game of Thrones season 5|fifth season]] of [[HBO]]'s [[Historical fantasy|medieval]] [[fantasy]] television series ''[[Game of Thrones]].'' The 42nd episode overall, it was written by series co-creators [[David Benioff]] and [[D. B. Weiss]], and directed by [[Michael Slovis]].<ref name="s5 directors">{{cite web |last=Hibberd |first=James |date=July 15, 2014 |title='Game of Thrones' season 5 directors chosen |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/07/15/game-of-thrones-season-5-directors/ |access-date=July 15, 2014 |publisher=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> It first aired on HBO on April 19, 2015.<ref name="futon">{{cite web |title=Shows A-Z - game of thrones on HBO |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/showatch/game-of-thrones/listings/ |access-date=March 23, 2015 |website=The Futon Critic |publisher=}}</ref>

In the episode, [[Arya Stark]] arrives in Braavos at the House of Black and White, but is denied entry. [[Stannis Baratheon]] offers to legitimize [[Jon Snow (character)|Jon Snow]] as a Stark and make him the Lord of Winterfell. The Night's Watch elects a new Lord Commander. [[Cersei Lannister]] receives a threatening message from Dorne, concerning her for Myrcella's safety. Ellaria Sand tries to convince Doran Martell to go to war. [[Brienne of Tarth]] and [[Podrick Payne]] encounter [[Petyr Baelish]] and [[Sansa Stark]] at an inn. Across the Narrow Sea, [[Tyrion Lannister]] and Varys travel to Volantis, and [[Daenerys Targaryen]] continues to fight against the Sons of the Harpy in Meereen.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The House of Black and White |url=https://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/season-05/2-the-house-of-black-and-white/synopsis |access-date=May 23, 2022 |website=[[HBO]] |publisher=Home Box Office, Inc.}}</ref>

Prior to airing, this episode, along with the other first four episodes of the season, were leaked online.<ref>{{cite web |last=Goldman |first=David |date=April 12, 2015 |title='Game of Thrones': First four episodes leaked before premiere |url=https://money.cnn.com/2015/04/12/technology/game-of-thrones-leaked-episodes/ |access-date=April 13, 2015 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> According to HBO, the leak likely originated from a group of early access screeners that HBO authorized to receive the episode, so that they could prepare reviews ahead of their airdates.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=April 12, 2015 |title=First four episodes of Game of Thrones season 5 leak online |work=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/4/12/8392559/game-of-thrones-season-5-leaked-episodes |access-date=June 4, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=April 12, 2015 |title='Game of Thrones' Season 5 Episodes Leak Online, HBO Assesses Breach – Update |work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]] |url=https://deadline.com/2015/04/game-of-thrones-season-5-leak-online-1201408570/ |access-date=June 4, 2022}}</ref> According to ''[[TorrentFreak]]'', the leaked episodes were downloaded more than 100,000 times within three hours of being uploaded, and over a million times by the following day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Van der Sar |first=Ernesto |date=April 12, 2015 |title=First Episodes of Game of Thrones Season 5 Leak Online |url=https://torrentfreak.com/first-episodes-of-game-of-thrones-season-5-leak-online-150412/ |access-date=June 4, 2022 |website=[[TorrentFreak]]}}</ref>

The episode received positive reviews from critics, who mainly praised the episode's character moments.


==Plot==
==Plot==

{{long plot|date=May 2019}}<!--"Too long" means over 400 words per MOS:TVPLOT. Therefore do NOT remove tag until episode is under 400 words.-->
===In King's Landing===
===In Braavos===
Terys takes Arya to the House of Black and White, the headquarters of the Faceless Men, but the doorkeeper denies her entry. After wandering the streets of Braavos, Arya encounters the doorkeeper again, who brings her back to the temple and changes his face to that of Jaqen H'ghar's. He grants Arya entry, but tells her that she must become "no one".
Cersei and Jaime receive Myrcella’s necklace from Dorne. Jaime tells Cersei that he will travel to Dorne and bring Myrcella back. He meets Bronn at Castle Stokeworth and shows him a letter telling him that he will not marry Lollys. Jaime tells him that if he helps him rescue Myrcella, he will be wed to a woman with a larger castle. At a Small Council meeting, Cersei tells that she will stand in temporarily until Tommen chooses a new Hand. She makes Mace the Master of Coin and Qyburn the Master of Whisperers. When she makes Kevan the Master of War, he declines and states that he will return to Casterly Rock until he hears direct word from Tommen.


===At the Wall===
===At the Wall===
Stannis shows Jon a letter from Bear Island, stating that Jeor Mormont's relatives will only recognize a Stark as their king. Stannis says that he will legimitize Jon as a Stark and give him Winterfell if Jon pledges his life to him. Alliser, Denys Mallister, commander of the Shadow Tower and Jon are nominated as candidates to be new Lord Commander. Jon wins and becomes new Lord Commander.
Stannis, unable to rally House Stark's former allies to his cause, offers to legitimize Jon as a Stark and make him Lord of Winterfell if Jon pledges his service to him. Jon plans to decline, but before he can tell Stannis, he is nominated by Sam to be the new Lord Commander. Jon defeats Ser Alliser after Maester Aemon casts a tiebreaker vote.


===In the Vale===
===In the Vale===
Brienne and Podrick stop at an inn, where they meet Petyr and Sansa. Brienne asks Sansa to exit with her, but Sansa refuses. Petyr tries to capture Brienne, but she escapes with Podrick.
Brienne and Podrick stop at an inn, where they encounter Petyr and Sansa. Brienne asks Sansa to leave with her, but Sansa refuses. Petyr tries to capture Brienne, but she escapes with Podrick. Podrick suggests that since both Stark girls have refused her protection, Brienne is released from her vow to [[Catelyn Stark]], but Brienne distrusts Petyr and decides to follow them.


===In Braavos===
===In King's Landing===
In King's Landing, Cersei and Jaime receive a message from Dorne: Myrcella's necklace in the jaws of a viper. Recognizing the threat, Jaime tells Cersei that he will infiltrate Dorne and retrieve Myrcella. He meets Bronn with his betrothed Lollys Stokeworth at Castle Stokeworth and tells him that if he helps him rescue Myrcella, he will be wed to a woman with a larger castle.
Terys takes Arya to the House of Black and White, the headquarters of the Faceless Men. The door-keeper tells Arya that she must become no one to join the Faceless Men.

At a Small Council meeting, Cersei announces that she will sit in until Tommen chooses a new Hand. She makes Mace Tyrell Master of Coin and Qyburn Master of Whisperers, but her Uncle Kevan declines the office of Master of War and states that he will return to Casterly Rock until he hears directly from Tommen.


===In Dorne===
===In Dorne===
Ellaria watches the loving couple Trystane Martell and Myrcella and asks Doran to take action for the murder of Oberyn, but he refuses.
Ellaria Sand returns to Dorne following Oberyn's death. She attempts to persuade Prince Doran to kill Myrcella and go to war with House Lannister in a pursuit for vengeance. Doran refuses.


===In the Flatlands===
===In the Flatlands===
Tyrion and Varys travel through the Flatlands on their way to Volantis.
As Tyrion and Varys travel through the Flatlands on their way to Volantis, Varys attempts to motivate Tyrion by reminding him of his skill in ruling.


===In Meereen===
===In Meereen===
Daario and Grey Worm capture a member of the Sons of the Harpy. Mossador, a freedman sitting on Daenerys' council kills the captive before the trial. Daenerys executes him publicly.
Daario and Grey Worm capture a member of the Sons of the Harpy. Mossador, a freedman sitting on Daenerys' council, kills the captive before the trial. Daenerys executes Mossador publicly, inciting a riot between freedmen and masters. At night, Drogon visits Daenerys at the Great Pyramid but flies away.


==Production==
==Production==
Line 80: Line 91:
===Writing===
===Writing===
[[File:D. B. Weiss and David Benioff.jpg|right|thumb|The episode was written by series co-creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss.]]
[[File:D. B. Weiss and David Benioff.jpg|right|thumb|The episode was written by series co-creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss.]]
This episode was written by executive producers David Benioff and D. B. Weiss and contains content from three of [[George R. R. Martin]]'s novels, ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' Jon XI and Jon XII, ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'', Arya I, the Captain of the Guards, Cersei IV and partial Cersei II and ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'', chapter Tyrion II and partial Jon I.<ref name=Westeros.org>{{cite web|url=http://www.westeros.org/GoT/Episodes/Entry/The_House_of_Black_and_White/Book_Spoilers/#Analysis|title=EP502: The House of Black and White|last=Garcia|first=Elio|last2=Antonsson|first2=Linda|work=Westeros.org|date=April 20, 2015|accessdate=April 20, 2015}}</ref>
This episode was written by executive producers David Benioff and D. B. Weiss and contains content from three of [[George R. R. Martin]]'s novels, ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' Jon XI and Jon XII, ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'', Arya I, the Captain of Guards, Cersei IV and partial Cersei II and ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'', chapter Tyrion II and partial Jon I.<ref name=Westeros.org>{{cite web|url=http://www.westeros.org/GoT/Episodes/Entry/The_House_of_Black_and_White/Book_Spoilers/#Analysis|title=EP502: The House of Black and White|last1=Garcia|first1=Elio|last2=Antonsson|first2=Linda|work=Westeros.org|date=April 20, 2015|access-date=April 20, 2015}}</ref>


As in the previous episode, several scenes were written specifically for "The House of Black and White" and do not appear in the books. For example, Myles McNutt of ''The A.V. Club'' commented on the scene in which Brienne meets Sansa, who rejects her offer of help and protection, saying that it creates crisis regarding the character's purpose.<ref name="A.V. Club Experts">{{cite web|url=http://www.avclub.com/tvclub/game-thrones-experts-house-black-and-white-218204|title=Game Of Thrones (experts): "House of Black and White"|last=McNutt|first=Myles|work=[[The A.V. Club]]|date=April 19, 2014|accessdate=April 22, 2015}}</ref>
As in the previous episode, several scenes were written specifically for "The House of Black and White" and do not appear in the books. For example, Myles McNutt of ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' commented on the scene in which Brienne meets Sansa, who rejects her offer of help and protection, saying that it creates crisis regarding the character's purpose.<ref name="A.V. Club Experts">{{cite web|url=http://www.avclub.com/tvclub/game-thrones-experts-house-black-and-white-218204|title=Game Of Thrones (experts): "House of Black and White"|last=McNutt|first=Myles|work=[[The A.V. Club]]|date=April 19, 2014|access-date=April 22, 2015}}</ref>


===Casting===
===Casting===
With this episode, [[Tom Wlaschiha]] (Jaqen H'ghar) and [[Indira Varma]] (Ellaria Sand) are promoted to series regulars. Wlaschiha returns after last appearing in the second season.<ref>{{cite web|last=Robinson|first=Joanna|title=A Season 2 Game of Thrones Favorite Will Make a Surprise Return This Year|url=http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/03/game-of-thrones-season-2-favorite-returning|website=Vanity Fair|date=March 8, 2015|accessdate=March 9, 2015}}</ref> The episode has the introduction of new recurring cast members [[Alexander Siddig]], who plays the Prince of Dorne: Doran Martell, [[DeObia Oparei]], who plays his bodyguard Areo Hotah, and Toby Sebastian, who plays Doran's son Trystane Martell, while Nell Tiger Free replaces Aimee Richardson as the recurring character Myrcella Baratheon.
With this episode, [[Tom Wlaschiha]] (Jaqen H'ghar) and [[Indira Varma]] (Ellaria Sand) are promoted to series regulars. Wlaschiha returns after last appearing in the second season.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Robinson|first=Joanna|title=A Season 2 Game of Thrones Favorite Will Make a Surprise Return This Year|url=http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/03/game-of-thrones-season-2-favorite-returning|magazine=Vanity Fair|date=March 8, 2015|access-date=March 9, 2015}}</ref> The episode has the introduction of new recurring cast members [[Alexander Siddig]], who plays the Prince of Dorne: Doran Martell, [[DeObia Oparei]], who plays his bodyguard Areo Hotah, and Toby Sebastian, who plays Doran's son Trystane Martell, while [[Nell Tiger Free]] replaces Aimee Richardson as the recurring character Myrcella Baratheon.


==Reception==
==Reception==


===Ratings===
===Ratings===
"The House of Black and White" was watched by an estimated 6.81 million American viewers during its first airing, and received a 3.6 rating among adults 18-49.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/04/21/sunday-cable-ratings-game-of-thrones-tops-night-nba-playoffs-real-housewives-of-atlanta-naked-and-afraid-more/392154/ |work=TV by the Numbers |title=Sunday Cable Ratings: 'Game of Thrones' Tops Night + NBA Playoffs, 'Real Housewives of Atlanta', 'Naked and Afraid' & More |last=Kondolojy |first=Amanda |date=April 21, 2015 |accessdate=April 21, 2015}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, the episode was viewed by 2.164 million viewers, making it the highest-rated broadcast that week. It also received 0.145 million timeshift viewers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.barb.co.uk/whats-new/weekly-top-10?|title=Top 10 Ratings (20-26 April 2015)|work=[[Broadcasters' Audience Research Board|BARB]]|accessdate=April 7, 2016}}</ref>
The episode was viewed by an estimated 6.81 million viewers during its initial airing in the United States, and received a 3.6 rating among adults 18-49.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/04/21/sunday-cable-ratings-game-of-thrones-tops-night-nba-playoffs-real-housewives-of-atlanta-naked-and-afraid-more/392154/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424225536/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/04/21/sunday-cable-ratings-game-of-thrones-tops-night-nba-playoffs-real-housewives-of-atlanta-naked-and-afraid-more/392154/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 24, 2015 |work=TV by the Numbers |title=Sunday Cable Ratings: 'Game of Thrones' Tops Night + NBA Playoffs, 'Real Housewives of Atlanta', 'Naked and Afraid' & More |last=Kondolojy |first=Amanda |date=April 21, 2015 |access-date=April 21, 2015}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, the episode was viewed by 2.164 million viewers, making it the highest-rated broadcast that week. It also received 0.145 million timeshift viewers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.barb.co.uk/whats-new/weekly-top-10?|title=Top 10 Ratings (20-26 April 2015)|work=[[Broadcasters' Audience Research Board|BARB]]|access-date=April 7, 2016}}</ref>


===Critical reviews===
===Critical reception===
Reception to the episode was generally positive. Matt Fowler from [[IGN]] gave the episode a rating of 8.8/10 stating "The House of Black and White" was a notably bigger, better episode than the Season 5 premiere. It not only brought Arya and Bronn back into the mix and introduced Dorne... it contained huge moments for Brienne, Dany, and Jon."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/04/20/game-of-thrones-the-house-of-black-and-white-review|title=Game of Thrones: "The House of Black and White" Review|last=Fowler|first=Matt|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=April 19, 2015|accessdate=April 20, 2015}}</ref> The episode received a 96% score on [[Rotten Tomatoes]] from 27 reviews with an average rating of 8.3 out of 10 and the consensus reading: "Building upon the season opener, 'The House of Black and White' increases the intensity by calling upon some major characters to make some tough decisions."<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |accessdate=April 21, 2015 |title=The House of Black and White - Game of Thrones: Season 5, Episode 2 |url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/game-of-thrones/s05/e02/}}</ref>
The episode received positive reviews from critics and audiences. {{Rotten Tomatoes prose|96|8.3|51|Building upon the season opener, 'The House of Black and White' increases the intensity by calling upon some major characters to make some tough decisions.|ref=yes|access-date=November 14, 2022}} Matt Fowler from ''[[IGN]]'' gave the episode a rating of 8.8/10, stating: "'The House of Black and White' was a notably bigger, better episode than the Season 5 premiere. It not only brought Arya and Bronn back into the mix and introduced Dorne... it contained huge moments for Brienne, Dany, and Jon."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/04/20/game-of-thrones-the-house-of-black-and-white-review|title=Game of Thrones: "The House of Black and White" Review|last=Fowler|first=Matt|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=April 19, 2015|access-date=April 20, 2015}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 99: Line 110:


==External links==
==External links==
{{wikiquotepar|Game_of_Thrones/Season_5#The_House_of_Black_and_White_.5B5.02.5D|The House of Black and White}}
{{wikiquote|Game_of_Thrones/Season_5#The_House_of_Black_and_White_.5B5.02.5D|The House of Black and White}}
* {{URL|1=http://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/episodes/5/42-the-house-of-black-and-white/index.html|2="The House of Black and White"}} at [[HBO.com]]
* {{URL|1=https://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/season-5/2-the-house-of-black-and-white|2="The House of Black and White"}} at [[HBO.com]]
* {{IMDb episode|3846626|The House of Black and White}}
* {{IMDb episode|3846626|The House of Black and White}}
* {{tv.com episode|game-of-thrones/the-house-of-black-and-white-3073320/|The House of Black and White}}


{{Game of Thrones episodes|5}}
{{Game of Thrones episodes|5}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:House of Black and White, The}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:House of Black and White, The}}
[[Category:2015 American television episodes]]
[[Category:2015 American television episodes]]
[[Category:Game of Thrones (season 5) episodes]]
[[Category:Game of Thrones season 5 episodes]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss]]
[[Category:Television episodes written by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss]]

Latest revision as of 06:09, 3 August 2024

"The House of Black and White"
Game of Thrones episode
Episode no.Season 5
Episode 2
Directed byMichael Slovis
Written byDavid Benioff
D. B. Weiss
Featured musicRamin Djawadi
Cinematography byDavid Franco
Editing byKatie Weiland
Original air dateApril 19, 2015 (2015-04-19)
Running time55 minutes
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
← Previous
"The Wars to Come" 		Next →
"High Sparrow"
Game of Thrones season 5
List of episodes

"The House of Black and White" is the second episode of the fifth season of HBO's medieval fantasy television series Game of Thrones. The 42nd episode overall, it was written by series co-creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, and directed by Michael Slovis.[1] It first aired on HBO on April 19, 2015.[2]

In the episode, Arya Stark arrives in Braavos at the House of Black and White, but is denied entry. Stannis Baratheon offers to legitimize Jon Snow as a Stark and make him the Lord of Winterfell. The Night's Watch elects a new Lord Commander. Cersei Lannister receives a threatening message from Dorne, concerning her for Myrcella's safety. Ellaria Sand tries to convince Doran Martell to go to war. Brienne of Tarth and Podrick Payne encounter Petyr Baelish and Sansa Stark at an inn. Across the Narrow Sea, Tyrion Lannister and Varys travel to Volantis, and Daenerys Targaryen continues to fight against the Sons of the Harpy in Meereen.[3]

Prior to airing, this episode, along with the other first four episodes of the season, were leaked online.[4] According to HBO, the leak likely originated from a group of early access screeners that HBO authorized to receive the episode, so that they could prepare reviews ahead of their airdates.[5][6] According to TorrentFreak, the leaked episodes were downloaded more than 100,000 times within three hours of being uploaded, and over a million times by the following day.[7]

The episode received positive reviews from critics, who mainly praised the episode's character moments.

Plot

[edit]

In Braavos

[edit]

Terys takes Arya to the House of Black and White, the headquarters of the Faceless Men, but the doorkeeper denies her entry. After wandering the streets of Braavos, Arya encounters the doorkeeper again, who brings her back to the temple and changes his face to that of Jaqen H'ghar's. He grants Arya entry, but tells her that she must become "no one".

At the Wall

[edit]

Stannis, unable to rally House Stark's former allies to his cause, offers to legitimize Jon as a Stark and make him Lord of Winterfell if Jon pledges his service to him. Jon plans to decline, but before he can tell Stannis, he is nominated by Sam to be the new Lord Commander. Jon defeats Ser Alliser after Maester Aemon casts a tiebreaker vote.

In the Vale

[edit]

Brienne and Podrick stop at an inn, where they encounter Petyr and Sansa. Brienne asks Sansa to leave with her, but Sansa refuses. Petyr tries to capture Brienne, but she escapes with Podrick. Podrick suggests that since both Stark girls have refused her protection, Brienne is released from her vow to Catelyn Stark, but Brienne distrusts Petyr and decides to follow them.

In King's Landing

[edit]

In King's Landing, Cersei and Jaime receive a message from Dorne: Myrcella's necklace in the jaws of a viper. Recognizing the threat, Jaime tells Cersei that he will infiltrate Dorne and retrieve Myrcella. He meets Bronn with his betrothed Lollys Stokeworth at Castle Stokeworth and tells him that if he helps him rescue Myrcella, he will be wed to a woman with a larger castle.

At a Small Council meeting, Cersei announces that she will sit in until Tommen chooses a new Hand. She makes Mace Tyrell Master of Coin and Qyburn Master of Whisperers, but her Uncle Kevan declines the office of Master of War and states that he will return to Casterly Rock until he hears directly from Tommen.

In Dorne

[edit]

Ellaria Sand returns to Dorne following Oberyn's death. She attempts to persuade Prince Doran to kill Myrcella and go to war with House Lannister in a pursuit for vengeance. Doran refuses.

In the Flatlands

[edit]

As Tyrion and Varys travel through the Flatlands on their way to Volantis, Varys attempts to motivate Tyrion by reminding him of his skill in ruling.

In Meereen

[edit]

Daario and Grey Worm capture a member of the Sons of the Harpy. Mossador, a freedman sitting on Daenerys' council, kills the captive before the trial. Daenerys executes Mossador publicly, inciting a riot between freedmen and masters. At night, Drogon visits Daenerys at the Great Pyramid but flies away.

Production

[edit]

Writing

[edit]
The episode was written by series co-creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss.

This episode was written by executive producers David Benioff and D. B. Weiss and contains content from three of George R. R. Martin's novels, A Storm of Swords Jon XI and Jon XII, A Feast for Crows, Arya I, the Captain of Guards, Cersei IV and partial Cersei II and A Dance with Dragons, chapter Tyrion II and partial Jon I.[8]

As in the previous episode, several scenes were written specifically for "The House of Black and White" and do not appear in the books. For example, Myles McNutt of The A.V. Club commented on the scene in which Brienne meets Sansa, who rejects her offer of help and protection, saying that it creates crisis regarding the character's purpose.[9]

Casting

[edit]

With this episode, Tom Wlaschiha (Jaqen H'ghar) and Indira Varma (Ellaria Sand) are promoted to series regulars. Wlaschiha returns after last appearing in the second season.[10] The episode has the introduction of new recurring cast members Alexander Siddig, who plays the Prince of Dorne: Doran Martell, DeObia Oparei, who plays his bodyguard Areo Hotah, and Toby Sebastian, who plays Doran's son Trystane Martell, while Nell Tiger Free replaces Aimee Richardson as the recurring character Myrcella Baratheon.

Reception

[edit]

Ratings

[edit]

The episode was viewed by an estimated 6.81 million viewers during its initial airing in the United States, and received a 3.6 rating among adults 18-49.[11] In the United Kingdom, the episode was viewed by 2.164 million viewers, making it the highest-rated broadcast that week. It also received 0.145 million timeshift viewers.[12]

Critical reception

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The episode received positive reviews from critics and audiences. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 96% of 51 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8.3/10. The website's consensus reads: "Building upon the season opener, 'The House of Black and White' increases the intensity by calling upon some major characters to make some tough decisions."[13] Matt Fowler from IGN gave the episode a rating of 8.8/10, stating: "'The House of Black and White' was a notably bigger, better episode than the Season 5 premiere. It not only brought Arya and Bronn back into the mix and introduced Dorne... it contained huge moments for Brienne, Dany, and Jon."[14]

References

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  1. ^ Hibberd, James (July 15, 2014). "'Game of Thrones' season 5 directors chosen". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  2. ^ "Shows A-Z - game of thrones on HBO". The Futon Critic. Retrieved March 23, 2015.
  3. ^ "The House of Black and White". HBO. Home Box Office, Inc. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  4. ^ Goldman, David (April 12, 2015). "'Game of Thrones': First four episodes leaked before premiere". CNN. Retrieved April 13, 2015.
  5. ^ Warren, Tom (April 12, 2015). "First four episodes of Game of Thrones season 5 leak online". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  6. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (April 12, 2015). "'Game of Thrones' Season 5 Episodes Leak Online, HBO Assesses Breach – Update". Deadline. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  7. ^ Van der Sar, Ernesto (April 12, 2015). "First Episodes of Game of Thrones Season 5 Leak Online". TorrentFreak. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  8. ^ Garcia, Elio; Antonsson, Linda (April 20, 2015). "EP502: The House of Black and White". Westeros.org. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  9. ^ McNutt, Myles (April 19, 2014). "Game Of Thrones (experts): "House of Black and White"". The A.V. Club. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  10. ^ Robinson, Joanna (March 8, 2015). "A Season 2 Game of Thrones Favorite Will Make a Surprise Return This Year". Vanity Fair. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  11. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (April 21, 2015). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'Game of Thrones' Tops Night + NBA Playoffs, 'Real Housewives of Atlanta', 'Naked and Afraid' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 24, 2015. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  12. ^ "Top 10 Ratings (20-26 April 2015)". BARB. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  13. ^ "The House of Black and White". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
  14. ^ Fowler, Matt (April 19, 2015). "Game of Thrones: "The House of Black and White" Review". IGN. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
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