Ep 7. The Gift

In Game of Thrones season 5, episode 7 titled The Gift, several plotlines are explored as the various kingdoms prepare for war. The episode opens with Jon Snow arriving at Hardhome with Tormund Giantsbane to persuade the wildlings to come south of the Wall and take refuge at Castle Black. However, the mission quickly becomes a dangerous one as the White Walkers and their army of wights attack the settlement, resulting in a brutal battle.

Meanwhile, in King's Landing, Cersei Lannister continues her scheming to take down the High Sparrow and his Faith Militant. She believes that she has found the perfect weapon in the form of her cousin Lancel Lannister, who was once romantically involved with her. She blackmails him into helping her by revealing that she was the one responsible for the death of King Robert Baratheon.

In Meereen, Daenerys continues to struggle with ruling a city that is divided. She receives a gift from the leader of Yunkai in the form of a fleet of ships and a marriage proposal. But Daenerys has other plans and decides to marry Hizdahr zo Loraq instead, hoping that this union will help bring peace to the city.

Elsewhere, Tyrion Lannister and Jorah Mormont are taken captive by slavers. They are brought to a fighting pit where they are forced to fight for their lives. It is only after Tyrion delivers a fantastic witty speech that their lives are spared. After their victory, they are brought before the queen of the city, who turns out to be Daenerys Targaryen.

At the Wall, Samwell Tarly prepares to leave for Oldtown to become a maester. He devises a plan to bring Gilly with him, hoping to keep her safe from the dangers that lie ahead.

Finally, in Winterfell, Sansa Stark is forced to confront her abusive husband Ramsay Bolton as she is tasked with delivering a message to a Northern lord. Their interaction leads to a shocking revelation and a potentially game-changing decision by Sansa.

Overall, The Gift is a suspenseful and action-packed episode that sets up several major plotlines for the rest of the season. It showcases the various power struggles and political machinations that are central to the Game of Thrones narrative while also delivering some thrilling battle sequences. Additionally, the episode builds on the characters' motivations and relationships, making for a well-rounded and emotionally engaging viewing experience.