Game of Thrones: Season 5, Episode 2 - The House of Black and White (2015)

The episode opens in Braavos, where Arya Stark arrives at the House of Black and White. She approaches the imposing structure, which is adorned with a large, ominous door. Arya knocks, but there is no immediate response. After a moment, a man opens the door, revealing himself as the Faceless Man, Jaqen H'ghar. He recognizes Arya but does not initially let her in. Instead, he tells her that she is not ready to enter and that she must learn to let go of her past.

In King's Landing, Cersei Lannister is dealing with the aftermath of her father's death. She is increasingly paranoid and feels threatened by the growing power of the Faith Militant, a religious group that has begun to enforce the laws of the Seven. Cersei meets with the High Sparrow, the leader of the Faith Militant, who is humble and unassuming. She tries to manipulate him, but he remains steadfast in his beliefs. Cersei's frustration grows as she realizes she cannot control him as easily as she thought.

Meanwhile, in Dorne, Jaime Lannister and Bronn are on a mission to rescue Myrcella Baratheon, who is being held by the Martells. They arrive in Dorne and are quickly confronted by guards. Jaime and Bronn engage in a brief fight, showcasing their combat skills. They manage to evade capture and make their way deeper into Dorne, but they are aware that they are in a dangerous territory where they are outnumbered.

Back in Braavos, Arya is still outside the House of Black and White, waiting for Jaqen to let her in. She spends her days in the streets, observing the people and their struggles. She witnesses a man being attacked and robbed, but she does not intervene. This moment highlights her internal conflict as she grapples with her desire for vengeance against those who wronged her family.

In King's Landing, Cersei continues to plot against her enemies. She meets with her brother, Tyrion Lannister, who is in exile. Cersei expresses her disdain for Tyrion and blames him for their father's death. Their conversation is tense, filled with animosity and unresolved family issues. Cersei's desire for power and control is evident as she seeks to eliminate any threats to her rule.

Back in Dorne, Jaime and Bronn find themselves in a precarious situation as they navigate the palace. They encounter a group of guards, and a fight ensues. Jaime, despite his missing hand, fights valiantly alongside Bronn. They manage to defeat the guards but realize they need to be more cautious as they search for Myrcella.

In Braavos, Arya finally gains entry to the House of Black and White. Inside, she is met with a dark and mysterious atmosphere. Jaqen instructs her to wash the dead, a task that is both physically demanding and emotionally challenging. Arya struggles with the reality of death and the weight of her past as she begins her training to become a Faceless One.

The episode concludes with Arya's determination to embrace her new life in Braavos, while Cersei's machinations in King's Landing continue to unfold. The tension between the characters and their respective journeys sets the stage for the conflicts that will arise in the season ahead.

In the ending of "The House of Black and White," Arya Stark arrives at the House of Black and White in Braavos, where she seeks to learn the ways of the Faceless Men. Meanwhile, in King's Landing, tensions rise as Cersei Lannister grapples with the consequences of her actions, and in Meereen, Daenerys Targaryen faces challenges to her rule. The episode concludes with Arya being rejected by the Faceless Men initially, but she remains determined to prove herself.

As the episode unfolds, we begin with Arya Stark, who has traveled to Braavos, a city known for its wealth and the mysterious House of Black and White. The scene opens with Arya standing before the imposing structure, its façade adorned with the faces of the dead. She clutches a coin given to her by Jaqen H'ghar, the enigmatic assassin she met in Season 2. Her expression is a mix of hope and trepidation as she knocks on the heavy door, seeking entrance.

Inside, the atmosphere is somber and filled with an air of mystery. Arya is greeted by a man who is neither welcoming nor dismissive. He informs her that the House of Black and White is a place for the worship of the Many-Faced God, and that death is a gift. Arya, undeterred, insists that she has come to become "no one," echoing the teachings she has longed to learn. However, the man informs her that she must first prove herself worthy.

The scene shifts to King's Landing, where Cersei Lannister is grappling with the fallout from her father Tywin's death. She is increasingly paranoid and feels the weight of her family's legacy pressing down on her. Cersei's interactions with her brother Jaime reveal her growing isolation and desperation. She is determined to maintain power, but her decisions are increasingly driven by fear and anger, particularly towards those who threaten her authority.

Back in Braavos, Arya wanders the streets, observing the lives of the people around her. She witnesses a man being killed, and her face reflects a mixture of horror and fascination. This moment serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life and death, reinforcing her resolve to learn the ways of the Faceless Men.

The narrative then returns to King's Landing, where Cersei's relationship with Jaime becomes strained. Jaime is frustrated by Cersei's refusal to see the bigger picture, and their conversation reveals the cracks in their once unbreakable bond. Cersei's obsession with power blinds her to the dangers that surround them, particularly the growing influence of the Faith Militant, a religious group that seeks to impose their beliefs on the realm.

As the episode progresses, we see Daenerys Targaryen in Meereen, where she is faced with the challenges of ruling a city that is rife with unrest. The former slaves she freed are now struggling to adapt to their newfound freedom, and Daenerys must navigate the complexities of leadership. Her dragons, once symbols of her power, are now a source of concern as they grow increasingly unruly.

The episode culminates with Arya returning to the House of Black and White, where she is met by the same man from earlier. He tells her that she is not ready and that she must learn to let go of her past. Arya's determination is palpable as she insists that she is ready to embrace her new identity. The man hands her a cup of water, and as she drinks, she begins to feel the weight of her past slipping away.

In the final moments, Arya is left standing alone in the dimly lit hall of the House of Black and White, her expression resolute. She is prepared to face whatever trials lie ahead in her quest to become "no one." The episode closes with a sense of foreboding, as the fates of Arya, Cersei, and Daenerys remain intertwined in a web of power struggles and personal transformations. Each character is at a crossroads, their paths shaped by their choices and the relentless march of fate.

There is no post-credit scene in the episode "The House of Black and White," which is the second episode of Season 5 of Game of Thrones. The episode concludes without any additional scenes or content after the credits roll. The focus remains on the main narrative and character developments throughout the episode, with no extra material provided in a post-credit format.

When Arya Stark arrives at the House of Black and White in Braavos, she is initially met with skepticism by the Faceless Men. She presents the coin given to her by Jaqen H'ghar, but the man at the door, who is later revealed to be a Faceless Man, tells her that she is not ready to enter. Arya is determined and insists on waiting, showcasing her resolve and desperation to learn the ways of the Faceless Men.

In this episode, Jorah Mormont is revealed to be in a precarious situation as he is captured by slavers while trying to reach Daenerys Targaryen. He is sold to a group of fighters who plan to use him in the fighting pits of Meereen. Jorah's internal conflict is palpable as he grapples with his loyalty to Daenerys and the shame of being sold as a slave.

In the House of Black and White, Arya witnesses the old man who is brought in to die. The Faceless Man, who is the caretaker, offers the man a merciful death, which Arya observes with a mix of curiosity and horror. This scene is significant as it illustrates the Faceless Men's philosophy of death and the idea that death is a gift, further deepening Arya's understanding of the world she is entering.

In this episode, Daenerys Targaryen faces the challenges of ruling Meereen as she deals with the aftermath of the crucifixions of the slave masters. She learns that her decisions have dire consequences, as she struggles to maintain control and earn the loyalty of the people. Her emotional turmoil is evident as she grapples with the complexities of justice and mercy, realizing that ruling is not as straightforward as she had hoped.

The episode delves into Arya Stark's quest for identity as she arrives at the House of Black and White, seeking to shed her past and embrace a new life as a Faceless One. Her internal struggle is highlighted as she confronts her desire for vengeance against those who wronged her family while also being drawn to the teachings of the Faceless Men, who advocate for the relinquishing of personal identity. This conflict sets the stage for her transformation throughout the season.

Game of Thrones, Season 5, Episode 2, "The House of Black and White," contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to be aware of:

1. Violence: The episode features scenes of violence, including the aftermath of battles and the presence of dead bodies, which may be disturbing.

2. Death: There are themes surrounding death and the treatment of the deceased, including discussions about mortality and the rituals associated with it.

3. Dark Themes: The episode explores themes of identity, loss, and the struggle for power, which may be heavy and complex for younger audiences.

4. Mature Language: The dialogue includes strong language and adult themes that may not be suitable for children.

5. Emotional Turmoil: Characters experience significant emotional distress, betrayal, and moral dilemmas, which could be upsetting for sensitive viewers.

These elements contribute to the overall mature nature of the series, making it less suitable for a family-friendly viewing experience.