HBO officially releases first three episode titles and synopsis for Game of Thrones Season 5

HBO has just released, in an official presser, the titles and synopsis for the first three episodes of Game of Thrones Season 5. Although we already knew the titles, it’s nice to have confirmation.

As mentioned, there are no surprises where the titles are concerned. Episode #41 is titled “The Wars to Come“, Episode #42 titled “The House of Black and White”, and Episode #43 “High Sparrow”.

See the official HBO synopsis for each episode, after the jump.

From HBO, on the scope of the first three episodes:

 “Jon Snow is struggling to balance the demands of the Night’s Watch with those of the newly arrived Stannis Baratheon, who styles himself the rightful king of Westeros. Meanwhile, Cersei scrambles to hold on to power in King’s Landing amidst the Tyrells and the rise of a religious group led by the enigmatic High Sparrow, while Jaime embarks on a secret mission. Across the Narrow Sea, Arya seeks an old friend and a fugitive Tyrion finds a new cause.  And as danger mounts in Meereen, Daenerys finds that her tenuous hold on the city requires hard sacrifices.”

Episode #41 synopsis: “The Wars to Come”

“Cersei (Lena Headey) and Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) adjust to a world without Tywin. Varys (Conleth Hill) reveals a conspiracy to Tyrion (Peter Dinklage). Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) faces a new threat to her rule. Jon (Kit Harington) is caught between two kings. Written by David Benioff & D. B. Weiss; directed by Michael Slovis.”

Episode #42 synopsis: “The House of Black and White”

“Arya (Maisie Williams) arrives in Braavos. Pod (Daniel Portman) and Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) run into trouble on the road. Cersei fears for her daughter’s safety in Dorne as Ellaria Sand (Indira Varma) seeks revenge for Oberyn’s death. Stannis (Stephen Dillane) tempts Jon. An advisor tempts Daenerys. Written by David Benioff & D. B. Weiss; directed by Michael Slovis.”

Episode #43 synopsis: “High Sparrow”

“In King’s Landing, Queen Margaery (Natalie Dormer) enjoys her new husband. Tyrion and Varys walk the Long Bridge of Volantis. Written by David Benioff & D. B. Weiss; directed by Mark Mylod.”

HBO has also confirmed the returning core cast:

• Peter Dinklage(Tyrion Lannister)
• Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister)
• Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister)
• Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen)
• Aidan Gillen (Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish)
• Kit Harington (Jon Snow)
• Diana Rigg (Lady Olenna Tyrell)
• Natalie Dormer (Margaery Tyrell)
• Maisie Williams(Arya Stark)
• Sophie Turner(Sansa Stark)
• Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy)
• John Bradley (Samwell Tarly)
• Dean-Charles Chapman (Tommen)
• Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth)
• Liam Cunningham (Davos Seaworth)
• Stephen Dillane (Stannis Baratheon)
• Nathalie Emmanuel (Missandei)
• Jerome Flynn (Bronn)
• Iain Glen (Jorah Mormont)
• Conleth Hill (Varys)
• Kristofer Hivju (Tormund Giantsbane)
• Michiel Huisman (Daario Naharis)
• Michael McElhatton (Roose Bolton)
• Iwan Rheon (Ramsay Snow)
• Carice van Houten (Melisandre)
• Indira Varma (Ellaria Sand)

There is also a list of new cast members:

• Jonathan Pryce (the High Sparrow)
• Alexander Siddig (Doran Martell)
• DeObia Oparei (Areo Hotah)
• Keisha Castle-Hughes (Obara Sand)
• Rosabell Laurenti Sellers (Tyene Sand)
• Jessica Henwick (Nym Sand)
• Nell Tiger Free (Myrcella Baratheon)
• Toby Sebastian (Trystane Martell)

I think it’s interesting to note here that Ian McElhinney is NOT listed in the cast of returning characters, which is puzzling because we know he will be in Season 5…but for how long? Also, HBO lists Iwan Rheon as Ramsay Snow and not Ramsay Bolton. The thought was that he was legitimized toward the end of Season 4 by his father Roose, but maybe that won’t be official until he takes Winterfell in Season 5.

• Published on 03/23/2015 at 2:00 PM CDT
• Last updated on 10/21/2016 at 1:06 PM CDT