“Valar Morghulis.” “All Men Must Die.” This has become one of the most notable phrases from HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” and the premiere of the fifth season indicates that its meaning will continue.
As the map of Westeros comes to life in the intro credits, some small changes are present. At Winterfell, the castle is no longer surrounded by smoke and destruction; it now seems to be rebuilt with the house sigil of Roose Bolton’s flayed man instead of the Stark direwolf. Another location that takes presence in the opening is Pentos, which hasn’t been seen since early in the first season.
The episode opens with the series’ first flashback. A teenaged Cersei visits a witch somewhere near Casterly Rock. As the witch answers the three questions Cersei asks about her future, viewers should understand her misleading fortunes. Of these, the most interesting is in regard to how another woman, who is younger and more beautiful than Cersei, will become the new queen. Although the most obvious character to fulfill this prophesy seems to be Margery Tyrell, there is a chance that this new queen could be Daenerys Targaryen.
Since the other fortunes have come true, fans will eventually get to enjoy the downfall of Cersei Lannister. This new season heralds the return of a newly religious Lancel Lannister, who helped Cersei kill King Robert in season one. Perhaps he will play a role in this fortune coming to fruition.
One of the more interesting plot lines comes from The Wall, where the paths of Jon Snow and Stannis Baratheon have crossed. These new character interactions have made the fear of the White Walkers as well as the war become much more present in the north.
Across the Narrow Sea, Tyrion and Varys find themselves in Pentos after escaping Kings Landing. While Tyrion wallows in self-pity, Varys calls his attention to Daenerys and how he could give her valid council as she aims to conquer Westeros. While Varys’ intentions seem to be noble, it will be interesting to see if he has ulterior motives down the line. It also seems that Tyrion’s journey to find Daenerys will be far different than his journey in the books.
The last major plot line in this episode follows Daenerys in Meereen. Her new problem comes from the shadow group “Sons of the Harpy” who want the return of slavery in the city. This seems to be another setback that will keep her from crossing the Narrow Sea and conquering Westeros. Since she took up residence in Meereen midway through the last season, hopefully she will soon continue her journey to sit on the Iron Throne. First, however, she must find a way to control her dragons.
And it wouldn’t be a Game of Thrones episode without death, and they do not disappoint with the season premiere. Whether it was the Unsullied soldier being murdered, the funeral of Tywin Lannister, or Mance Rayder being burned alive, one thing is certain: Volar Morghulis.