'Game of Thrones' Mini Recap: Meet the Terrifying Stone Men!
Warning: This recap contains storyline and character spoilers from this week’s episode of Game of Thrones.
When characters began discussing the skin affliction known as greyscale with more frequency this season, we had reason to expect it would play a larger part in the coming episodes. But I don’t think any of us expected what a NIGHTMARE the Stone Men would be.
Fully afflicted and beyond recovery, the Stone Men we met in “Kill the Boy” lurk in the shadows of the ruins of Valyria, just waiting to attack unfortunate interlopers. At least, that’s what happened when Tyrion and Ser Jorah sailed their rickety boat through the city, only to find themselves overcome by reptilian, hissing Stone Men.
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But even more horrifying than their appearance was their side effect: One touch, and you’d contract an incurable case of greyscale yourself. So despite surviving their attack, Ser Jorah’s problems have just begun: a small creeping patch of greyscale just below his wrist.
The Stone Men attack was a jarring and tense ending to an otherwise subdued episode — well, subdued, except for the scene in which two dragons tore a man apart:
That happened when Daenerys decided she had HAD it with the Meereen uprising and decided to exact some of her patented Dragon Justice. Later, she realized it’d probably be better if she regained control of the city via more diplomatic means, but this meant she is now engaged to be married to that one sniveling Meereen consultant, who, as far as potential husbands go, would be a major downgrade after Khal Drogo.
Fortunately, not all was awful in Meereen: Grey Worm is still very much alive and shared an intensely romantic moment with Missandei at his bedside. If you didn’t feel anything during that scene, then you are possibly a Stone Man.
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Most of the rest of “Kill the Boy” involved Jon Snow’s attempts to unite the Wildlings against the impending threat of the White Walkers, which led to his decision to lead a mission north of the Wall in order to rally them. Meanwhile, Sansa was having a tough time at Winterfell, which included some awkward interactions with Theon, whom she still believed had murdered her younger brothers. And Brienne discovered there’s a pocket of elderly Stark sympathizers eager to help Sansa however they can. Brienne of Tarth, Super Spy is a plotline we definitely need more of.
Those were merely the highlights, but we’ll have a more thorough photo recap of the various goings-on of “Kill the Boy” in the coming hours, so check back soon! And most of all, try not to have nightmares about the Stone Men tonight.
Game of Thrones airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO.