Game of Thrones Season 6 Episode 4: ‘Book of the Stranger’ Unites Starks, Ignites Daenerys’s Power, and Forges New Alliances
The May 15 episode of ‘Game of Thrones’ was a monumental turning point, arguably one of the most impactful in the show’s illustrious history. It delivered an emotional crescendo with a long-awaited Stark reunion, while simultaneously cementing Daenerys Targaryen’s undeniable power in a spectacular display. This installment proved that no one should ever underestimate the Mother of Dragons, and it skillfully laid the groundwork for the epic conflicts still to come.
Game of Thrones Season 6 was already distinguishing itself as a truly exceptional season, and this particular episode, titled “Book of the Stranger,” undoubtedly solidified that reputation. From the incredibly moving reunion between Jon Snow and a beloved family member to the chilling continuation of Ramsay Bolton’s cruel reign, and finally to Daenerys’s breathtaking assertion of dominance, the narrative momentum was unstoppable. The episode captivated audiences from its opening moments to its fiery conclusion, pushing key storylines forward with significant emotional weight and dramatic tension.
Following his dramatic resurrection and the swift execution of Olly and Ser Alliser Thorne for their mutiny, Jon Snow was ready to sever ties with the Night’s Watch. His watch had officially ended with his death, and he felt a profound sense of liberation, yet also weariness. When Eddison Tollett questioned his departure, asking where he intended to go, Jon simply replied, “South.” He appeared noticeably different, his hair now pulled into a practical, distinct man bun, symbolizing a fresh start for the Lord Commander who was no longer. Edd, however, was clearly frustrated by Jon’s decision, sensing the looming threats from the South and beyond the Wall that Jon seemed determined to ignore.
But Jon Snow’s plans for a quiet departure were about to be dramatically altered. What he didn’t know was what fate had truly planned for him next. In a moment that would send shockwaves through the hearts of viewers, the massive gates of Castle Black swung open, revealing an unimaginable sight: Sansa Stark, accompanied by Brienne of Tarth and Podrick Payne. For Jon, it was a moment suspended in disbelief, a profound shock. This was no dream, no fleeting hope. As Jon and Sansa’s eyes met across the snow-covered courtyard—the first time they had seen each other since their departure from Winterfell in Season 1—time itself seemed to halt. Words failed them; the enormity of the moment rendered speech impossible. Then, without hesitation, they rushed into each other’s arms, sharing a raw, emotional embrace that spoke volumes about their shared losses, struggles, and enduring familial bond.
After their incredibly poignant reunion, the siblings found a quiet moment to reflect on their fractured past. Sansa, with a newfound maturity and honesty shaped by her harrowing experiences, bravely admitted her past failings and her unkindness towards Jon when they were children. “I wish I could change everything,” she confessed, her voice thick with regret. Jon, ever the compassionate and forgiving soul, immediately absolved her, recognizing the weight of their respective journeys and understanding that youthful grievances paled in comparison to the horrors they had both endured.
Their conversation soon shifted to the future, a future fraught with uncertainty but also potential. Sansa inquired about Jon’s destination, prompting him to gently correct her, asking, “Where will we go?” For Sansa, hardened by her recent escape from Ramsay Bolton and a burning desire for justice, there was only one conceivable path forward: back to their ancestral home, Winterfell. She expressed a fierce determination to reclaim Winterfell from the clutches of the Boltons, believing they could enlist the help of the Wildlings, whom Jon had led. However, Jon, scarred by too many battles and feeling the crushing weight of past defeats, was understandably hesitant and cautious.
“I’m tired of fighting!” he declared, his frustration and weariness palpable. He recounted how every battle he had waged, every cause he had championed, seemed to end in loss and despair. But Sansa, driven by an unwavering conviction that they could never be truly safe as long as the North remained under Bolton rule, powerfully countered his argument. She knew that inaction meant continued suffering and injustice. With steely resolve, she declared that she would fight to reclaim their home, with or without her brother’s support, signaling her remarkable transformation from a naive lady to a formidable strategist. It was a moment that earned her immediate respect and admiration from viewers, cementing her evolution as a true leader.
Tyrion’s Proposal & Littlefinger’s Return
As many astute observers would have predicted, Lord Petyr Baelish, also known as Littlefinger, was never going to allow Sansa Stark to remain outside his manipulative orbit for long. The master schemer made a calculated return, visiting young Robin Arryn, who had now grown considerably in stature but regrettably remained as naive and easily swayed as ever. With his characteristic cunning, Littlefinger expertly manipulated Robin, fabricating a tale designed to rally the Knights of the Vale to Sansa’s aid, ostensibly to rescue her from the clutches of Ramsay Bolton. This move, however, was less about genuine concern for Sansa and more about Littlefinger consolidating his own power and influence in the North, foreshadowing a complex and potentially dangerous entanglement for the Stark sister.
Meanwhile, the somber atmosphere at Castle Black thickened with unresolved tensions. Ser Davos Seaworth, still grieving the loss of Stannis Baratheon, bravely confronted Melisandre, demanding to know the truth about the tragic fate of Princess Shireen. His deep affection for the innocent girl made his inquiry particularly heartbreaking. Before Melisandre could fully respond, Brienne of Tarth entered the scene, her piercing gaze falling upon the Red Woman with an unmistakable side-eye. Brienne harbored no illusions about Melisandre’s dark magic, recalling the shadow baby that killed Renly Baratheon, an act she knew was orchestrated by the priestess. In a candid moment, Brienne then delivered a stark revelation, confessing that it was *she* who had executed Stannis Baratheon after the Battle of Winterfell, an act of justice for Renly and the innocent lives lost.
Concurrently, across the Narrow Sea in the vibrant but troubled city of Meereen, Tyrion Lannister was desperately attempting to navigate a treacherous political landscape. His mission was to forge peace with Daenerys Targaryen’s myriad enemies, primarily the masters of the other cities in Slaver’s Bay. However, his diplomatic approach was met with fierce opposition from Daenerys’s most loyal advisors, Missandei and Grey Worm, who were steadfastly unwilling to compromise on the matter of slavery. While Daenerys was unequivocally committed to abolishing the barbaric practice across the entirety of Slaver’s Bay, the other cities remained staunchly devoted to their long-held traditions and economic interests rooted in human bondage.
In an attempt to broker a fragile ceasefire, Tyrion proposed a controversial deal: slavery would remain outlawed in Meereen itself, but the other cities of Slaver’s Bay would be granted a seven-year grace period to gradually phase out the practice. Furthermore, they had to cease their covert financial and military support of the Sons of the Harpy, the insurgency group tormenting Meereen. To sweeten the deal and appeal to the more base desires of the visiting masters, Tyrion even offered them the company of “very beautiful women.” Unsurprisingly, this pragmatic yet morally ambiguous proposition was met with strong disapproval from Missandei and Grey Worm. Grey Worm, in particular, voiced a stern warning, cautioning Tyrion vehemently against placing any trust in the duplicitous slavers, whose history of deceit and betrayal was well-known.
Jorah & Daario Take Vaes Dothrak
Having embarked on a perilous journey across the vast Dothraki Sea, Ser Jorah Mormont and Daario Naharis were tantalizingly close to their objective: finding Daenerys Targaryen. Their tireless pursuit finally brought them to Vaes Dothrak, the sacred city of the Dothraki. As they stealthily discarded their weapons, a crucial observation was made: Daario spotted the tell-tale patches of greyscale spreading further on Jorah’s arm, a stark and grim reminder of the deadly affliction slowly consuming him. Despite this grave concern, they pressed on, sneaking into the bustling city with practiced stealth. However, their intrusion into the sacred grounds of the Dothraki was not long unnoticed, and they were discovered rather quickly, forcing them into immediate action.
The moment their presence was compromised, Daario wasted no time in neutralizing a young Dothraki boy who had stumbled upon them, demonstrating his ruthless efficiency in combat. Jorah, meanwhile, engaged in a brutal hand-to-hand struggle with a much larger Dothraki warrior. The fight was fierce and desperate, with Jorah, weakened by his illness and fatigue, nearly succumbing to the powerful Dothraki. Just as the warrior was about to deliver a fatal blow, Daario, ever the resourceful mercenary, swiftly intervened, plunging a knife into the Dothraki’s back. It was a testament to their hardened companionship and mutual reliance; when faced with insurmountable odds, Daario’s lethal skills proved invaluable once again.
After successfully navigating the dangers of Vaes Dothrak, Jorah and Daario finally located Daenerys. She was taking a solitary walk outside the confines of the Dosh Khaleen temple, appearing surprisingly calm despite her dire predicament. Upon seeing her loyal companions, a surge of relief and hope undoubtedly ran through them. However, Daenerys, ever the strategic and independent leader, had no intention of simply being rescued and whisked away. She calmly informed them that she would not be leaving just yet; she had other, far grander plans in motion, plans that would irrevocably alter her destiny and the fate of the Dothraki.
Don’t Mess With The Lannisters
Over in the gilded but increasingly perilous streets of King’s Landing, Queen Margaery Tyrell was subjected to a harrowing audience with the High Sparrow. In an attempt to break her spirit, he chillingly recounted his own past sins, hoping to foster a false sense of shared humility. He then permitted Margaery to visit her brother, Loras, who was imprisoned by the Faith. What she witnessed was devastating: Loras was a broken man, reduced to a shadow of his former flamboyant self, his spirit crushed by relentless torment and deprivation. Margaery, despite her own fear and vulnerability, tried desperately to instill strength and hope in her brother, but Loras was utterly lost and consumed by despair. His only wish was for the suffering to cease, leading him to consider confession and submission. Margaery, however, maintained her defiance, unwilling to yield to the High Sparrow’s psychological warfare. It was a heartbreaking portrayal of the Faith Militant’s brutal effectiveness, leaving viewers deeply concerned for Loras’s well-being and praying for his salvation.
In a surprising moment of intimacy and vulnerability, young King Tommen Baratheon confided in his mother, Cersei, revealing that he had secretly met with the High Sparrow. Despite having sworn a sacred promise to the High Sparrow not to disclose the details of their conversation, Tommen, still very much a boy caught between powerful forces, couldn’t keep the secret from his manipulative mother. Cersei, with her unparalleled ability to extract information and exploit weaknesses, skillfully used her influence and maternal bond to pry the truth from her son, swiftly uncovering the full extent of the Faith’s plans and their hold over the young king.
Armed with this critical intelligence, Cersei and her brother-lover Jaime, the Kingslayer, were more determined than ever to reclaim their city and restore the Lannister family’s tarnished honor. They sought out Kevan Lannister and the formidable Olenna Tyrell, the Queen of Thorns, to unveil their audacious plan. Olenna, initially dismissive and rolling her eyes at the Lannisters’ perceived incompetence, snapped to attention when Cersei revealed the horrifying news: Margaery was scheduled to undertake her own Walk of Atonement, a public humiliation Olenna absolutely could not tolerate. Jaime, realizing the immense strength the Tyrell forces could bring, successfully appealed to Olenna’s fierce love for her granddaughter, proposing an alliance. Olenna, now fully invested and enraged, happily obliged, recognizing a common enemy. The stage was thus set for a powerful, albeit unlikely, alliance between the Lannisters and Tyrells, united by their shared desire to crush the zealous High Sparrow and his Faith Militant.
Meanwhile, in the harsh and unforgiving lands of the Iron Islands, Theon Greyjoy finally returned home after his long and torturous ordeal as Reek. He sought out his sister, Yara, but the weight of his past betrayals and the trauma he had endured made it impossible for him to meet her gaze directly. Yara, still seething with fury over his past failures and the abandonment of her rescue attempts, initially berated him mercilessly. Through profound tears, Theon confessed the true extent of Ramsay Bolton’s psychological and physical torture, admitting that the monster had utterly broken him, stripping him of his identity. Yara, initially suspicious that Theon’s timing was merely opportunistic, coinciding with the vacancy of the Salt Throne, soon softened. In a surprising and selfless act, Theon declared, “I don’t want to be king,” and instead, wholeheartedly urged Yara to claim her rightful place as ruler of the Iron Islands. This scene was a truly magnificent and deeply affecting performance by Alfie Allen, capturing Theon’s brokenness and nascent redemption.
Out Of The Fire
Speaking of Ramsay, the epitome of Westerosi cruelty, the wildling Osha was brought before him in his chambers, having been captured by his forces. A tense, unsettling conversation ensued, during which Osha, ever cunning and resilient, attempted to lull Ramsay into a false sense of security. She subtly shifted her position, straddling him, her eyes keenly fixed on his knife, anticipating an opportunity for a desperate strike. She was agonizingly close to seizing the weapon and exacting revenge for Rickon and countless others, but Ramsay, with his disturbingly keen sense of danger and sadistic pleasure, anticipated her move. In a horrifyingly swift and brutal act, he plunged his knife through her neck, ending her valiant life. Without a flicker of remorse, he then calmly continued peeling his apple, a chilling demonstration of his utter depravity and detachment from human suffering. Rest in peace, brave Osha.
Back at Castle Black, the brief respite of Jon and Sansa’s reunion was shattered by a grim reality: a letter arrived from Ramsay Bolton. The message was designed to inflict maximum psychological torment, boasting of Rickon Stark’s captivity and demanding Sansa’s return to Winterfell. It was a thinly veiled declaration of war, filled with chilling threats of unspeakable horrors he vowed to inflict upon the remaining Starks if his demands were not met. The letter concluded with a taunting, ominous invitation: “Come and see.”
Far from being intimidated, Ramsay’s threats only ignited a fierce resolve within Sansa. She was utterly unafraid, her spirit hardened by everything she had endured, and she was fiercely determined to fight for her home and family. Jon, recognizing the gravity of the situation, turned to Tormund Giantsbane, who was clearly nursing an amusing crush on Brienne, to inquire about the number of Wildlings who could be mustered for battle. Following a powerful and impassioned speech by Sansa, delivered with incredible conviction and leadership, Jon Snow, despite his previous reluctance, finally committed. He was ready to march south, to save his young brother Rickon, and to reclaim Winterfell from the monstrous grip of the Boltons. The wheels of war were now officially in motion for the North.
At the dramatic climax of the episode, Daenerys Targaryen faced Khal Moro and the other khals of the Dothraki. They condescendingly informed her that as a widow, she held no authority, no voice, unless she chose to join the Dosh Khaleen permanently. But Daenerys, stripped bare of all external symbols of power, was about to make a statement that would resonate through the entire Dothraki Sea. With unwavering resolve, she declared her intention not just to serve, but to rule them and, by extension, all of Vaes Dothrak. Khal Moro, dismissing her with a crude and contemptuous insult, called her a “crazy c***.” His arrogance, however, was his undoing. Daenerys Targaryen was not a woman who would accept “no” for an answer, especially when it came to her destiny.
“You’re not going to serve me,” she proclaimed, her voice ringing with prophetic power amidst the smoldering braziers. “You’re going to die.” With a swift and decisive movement, she deliberately toppled the enormous, fire-filled braziers, trapping Khal Moro and the other khals within the wooden structure. The flames rapidly engulfed the temple, consuming her captors in a spectacular inferno. As the Dothraki outside watched in stunned silence, Daenerys Targaryen emerged from the heart of the raging fire, utterly unharmed and once again completely naked – a breathtaking echo of her miraculous rebirth in Season 2 with her dragons. Witnessing this impossible feat, a testament to her divine right and power, the assembled Dothraki warriors and women immediately fell to their knees, humbled and awestruck, worshipping their true khaleesi. Jorah and Daario, her most loyal companions, also bowed down, their faces reflecting awe and renewed faith. This was not just a victory; it was a divine affirmation. All who witnessed bowed down to Dany, the Unburnt, the Mother of Dragons, now the Queen of the Dothraki.
HollywoodLifers, what did you think of tonight’s mind-blowing Game of Thrones episode? The ‘Book of the Stranger’ delivered on every front, setting up an epic second half of the season. Let me know your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!