S07E01... So, don't proceed if you haven't watched.
What a GREAT cold open. To think it wasn't even planned to be the first scene... but so marvelously done. I did not expect to see old Frey again, but this was amazing. And what a great cameo of Ed Sheeran. His singing really was wonderful. If you're going to do stunt casting, this is how you do it. It was a perfect fit. That entire sequence was a surprise. You could see the shock in Arya to see them be so kind.
The conflict between Sansa and Jon is so fascinating, juicy. There's clearly love there, but also a lot of complicated family feelings, and they're BOTH right and wrong. You can see both their POV. This is going to be great, but I do hope they don't end up too far apart.
Boy, they really did try me with 2 minutes of Sam cleaning shιt and almost puking, but it paid off, as it showed his intimate knowledge of the citadel and therefore ability to gain access to the restricted section (echoes of Harry Potter! ha!). It's clear convincing everyone to help him will require work. Glad he discovered the location of the dragonglass, although with Dany there, Jon might have trouble gaining access. And what a shock -- Jorah is there! I did not see that coming.
The Hound's journey of guilt was also very fascinating. Such an unexpected turn for him.
The writing is very deep & complicated for Cersei, especially when she bitterly asked Jaime if she was supposed to mourn her lost children. If she allows herself to do that, she'll probably never recover. And Euron is just fun. His proposal scene was equally dangerous and funny.
Tormund & Brienne forever, of course.
What a great pay off to see Dany finally reach her home. That wonderfully produced sequence, stunning in its magnitude. I love how silent it all was, until the very end.
It's back!